The following content is adapted from travelogue shared by group member Yi Chen Lai:
For this Bali trip, the person I’m most grateful for is definitely our private driver Jimmi Liu - a Taiwanese local living in Bali. Not only is he super responsible and nice, but more importantly, he’s extremely thoughtful. I highly recommend him to first-time visitors to Bali!
When we arrived at the airport that day, ready to apply for our visa on arrival, we accidentally queued in the wrong line. We were supposed to pay at the counter at the very back (about USD$32), get a QR Code, and then quickly pass through immigration. But we got confused with the process and wasted a lot of time going in circles.
What actually took the longest was waiting for our luggage. During this chaotic and slow process, Jimmi waited patiently outside without any rush. We were a bit worried that he might leave after waiting too long, but our concerns were unnecessary. Jimmi gave us the impression of being extremely reliable and patient. For first-time visitors to Bali like us, this first impression was truly a big plus!
🤍 Day 1: Beach Sunset, Ubud Mountains, Here We Come!
The highlight of our first day was enjoying a seafood feast at 【Jimbaran Bay】 during sunset! This is one of Bali’s must-see sunset spots, and Jimmi thoughtfully arranged for us to have the best seats - right by the water’s edge. We enjoyed grilled lobster while feeling the sea breeze and watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon - it was so beautiful we didn’t want to leave!🌅🦞
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
Further Reading: 9 Jimbaran Seafood Restaurants: Recommendations to Avoid Disappointment
In the evening, we headed straight to Ubud to stay at 【The Ambengan Villas Ubud by Pramana Villas】. I give this Villa a five-star recommendation!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Featured in 20 Stunning Bali Villas in Ubud
Spacious rooms, tranquil surroundings, and a design that blends Bali’s natural essence with modern minimalism, especially the private pool area, which is simply dreamy. Choosing this as our base for the next few days in Ubud was absolutely the right decision.
The Ambengan Villas Ubud by Pramana Villas Room Rates & Availability Trip Booking
If you’re also looking for a reliable Chinese-speaking driver and want to stay in a reasonably priced, high-quality villa, you must save this travelogue!
🤍 Day 2: A Day of Thrilling Challenges! Rafting, Off-Roading, and a Healing Massage 💦🛶🧖♀️
Day two was definitely the most exciting day of the entire trip! We arranged two super popular outdoor activities in the Ubud area—rafting and ATV off-roading—perfect for adventure lovers who want to experience the charm of nature!
🔹 Rafting Experience | Approximately 2 Hours of Bali Adventure River 🚣♀️
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
The entire rafting activity lasts about 2 hours, passing through tropical jungles, cliffs, and waterfalls—the scenery is absolutely spectacular! However, here are a few important reminders:
- You will definitely get completely soaked (not ‘maybe,’ but ‘definitely’ 😂)
- Remember to bring a change of clothes; the shop provides towels, but it’s always best to bring your own
- It’s recommended to wear water shoes or sandals with good support because you have to descend a 15-minute staircase from the meeting point to reach the river, and climb back up afterward—those stairs are no joke!
But the moment you jump into the cool river water after sweating is incredibly refreshing—it feels like a natural baptism～✨
Further Reading: Bali Rafting Guide (FAQ)
🔹ATV Adventure｜Thrilling Mud Trail Ride 🛻💨
Next, we took on an hour-long ATV ride, speeding through muddy forest trails - the splashing mud was incredibly therapeutic! While it was a bit wet and messy, don’t worry if you’re the photo-taking type - the staff are great at capturing angles, leaving you with plenty of awesome shots!
Photo by Yi Chen Lai
Photo by Yi Chen Lai
Further Reading: Bali ATV Adventure Guide: Experience the Thrill and Freedom of Tropical Paradise (Tips + FAQ + Operator Recommendations)
🔹Perfect Ending｜Relaxing One-Hour Massage 🧖♀️💆♂️
After a sweaty day, how could we not indulge in a relaxing massage? We booked a local SPA session to properly rejuvenate our tired bodies.
Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Bali’s Best SPAs and In-Home Massages (Organized by Area for Easy Reference)
Throughout the day’s activities, we had no worries at all because Jimmi not only handled transportation but also watched our bags, assisted with communication, and even helped take photos, allowing us to play safely and comfortably～👏
If you want to avoid the hassle of comparing prices and itineraries, you can also ask Jimmi to book activities for you. He has local price channels and sometimes it’s cheaper than booking through official websites!
🤍 Day 3: Chase the Sunrise, Admire Rice Terraces, and Swing Away! Classic Ubud Highlands Day Trip 🌄🌾🛖
On the third day, we arranged a quintessential ‘Bali-style’ itinerary. We set off early in the morning to Mount Batur to watch the sunrise, then headed to a famous volcano-view café, the Instagram-famous Tegallalang Rice Terrace Swing, and enjoyed a delicious Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck) feast! The day was packed and fulfilling, leaving us completely satisfied ❤️
🔹 Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour 🌋🚙
This tour requires an early morning departure, leaving before dawn to reach the base of the mountain, then switching to a jeep for the ascent. Although the cold weather made us shiver, standing at the summit and watching the sun slowly rise between the volcano and the lake made it all worth it!
Provided by Yi Chen Lai
Provided by Yi Chen Lai, the person on the far left is Jimmi
Tips:
- Be sure to wear a thick jacket or windbreaker—it’s windy and cold up there, completely unlike the tropical climate!
- The road is rough and bumpy, but the jeep drivers are very skilled, so trust them.
The afterglow of the sunrise reflecting on Lake Batur was as beautiful as a painting, one of the most moving moments of the trip.
Further Reading: Bali Adventure: Complete Guide to the Batur Volcano Jeep Sunrise Tour
🔹 Montana Del Cafe: Volcanic View Café ☕️⛰️
After watching the sunrise, we headed to the highly popular 【Montana Del Cafe】. This café boasts stunning views of Mount Batur, offering a vast panorama. Sipping a hot latte while admiring the majestic volcanic scenery is a triple treat for the mind, body, and soul!
Image courtesy of Yi Chen Lai
The café features a minimalist white design, and the outdoor seating is perfect for photos. However, it’s quite popular, so we recommend arriving early to secure a good spot.
Further Reading: Top 12 Volcano View Cafés & Restaurants in Kintamani, Bali 🌄☕
🔹 Tegalalang Rice Terrace & Instagram Swing 🌾💃
After filling up on food and drinks, we returned to the Ubud area to visit the iconic 【Tegalalang Rice Terrace】. The layered rice fields create a picturesque scene, and one of the most popular activities here is trying out the ‘Bali Instagram Swing’!
Photo by Yi Chen Lai
We rented flowing long skirts for the occasion, costing 370,000 IDR (approximately USD$23). While a bit pricey, the photos turned out absolutely stunning—especially when the swing reaches its peak, with the entire rice terrace in the background, making you feel like a cover model for a travel magazine 😍
Further Reading: Swinging in Ubud: Bali’s 8 Most Beautiful Swing Photo Spots | Ubud Swing/Dress Rental Guide
Further Reading: What to Do for Outdoor Activities in Bali? 50 Most Popular Outdoor Experiences
🔹 Bebek Tebasari Resto Dirty Duck Rice 🍗✨
At the end of our itinerary, we headed to 【Bebek Tebasari Resto】 to enjoy Bali’s most famous local dish—Dirty Duck Rice. Nestled amidst rice fields, this restaurant offers an elegant dining environment with exquisite and delicious meals. The crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fried duck we ordered, paired with spiced rice and side dishes, was absolutely finger-licking good! Highly recommended 👍👍
This day was packed yet unhurried, offering everything from magnificent natural landscapes to local cuisine. It’s definitely a must-do one-day itinerary in Ubud!
🤍 Day 4: Market Shopping, Water Palace Stroll, Sunset Beach Club—A Day Full of Satisfaction 🛍️🏯🌅
On our fourth day in Ubud, we planned a more relaxed stroll itinerary. From shopping at the market, visiting the Water Palace, all the way down south to the wildly popular Finns Beach Club, we transitioned from tradition to fashion—a super fun day!
🔹 Ubud Market: A Bargain Hunter’s Paradise 🧣👛
We started our morning by exploring the Ubud Market, a must-visit classic spot in Ubud filled with various handicrafts, wood carvings, rattan bags, sarongs, accessories, and more. When shopping here, vendors typically quote tourist prices, so remember that bargaining is an essential skill!
I’ve heard you can haggle down to half the asking price, but personally, my bargaining success rate is only about 30% off 🤣. Still, even if you don’t get the lowest price, buying something you love is what matters most!
Further reading: Recommended Guide to Ubud’s Top Five Art Markets: Souvenirs, Gifts, and Exploring Bali’s Cultural Treasures
🔹Taman Saraswati Temple: A Romantic Secret Garden Next to the Market 🌺
Right next to the Ubud Market lies the stunning Taman Saraswati Temple, one of the few temples in Bali built over a lotus pond. While it used to be free to enter, now you need to purchase a ticket for IDR 60,000 (about USD$4) per person and wear traditional attire before entering, so keep that in mind!
Photo provided by Yi Chen Lai
Though the temple itself isn’t large, the atmosphere is incredibly elegant, especially when the lotus flowers are in full bloom, creating a dreamy setting perfect for photography. I recommend visiting in the evening when the sunlight is softer.
More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
Accommodation Themes in Ubud
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: A Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreat Accommodation: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Spiritual Relaxation
- 18 Bali Resorts with Kids Clubs for Families: Best Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud for a Family Vacation
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
🔹Finns Beach Club: Bali’s Top Beach Party Spot 🏖️🍹
In the afternoon, we headed to Finns Beach Club in Seminyak, one of Bali’s most famous beach party bars. It’s perfect for those looking to relax, watch the sunset, and snap some Instagram-worthy photos!
- Entry is based on seating areas with minimum spend, which varies depending on the seat
- The venue only accepts card payments, no cash, so remember to bring your credit card
- If visiting during peak hours (like before sunset), it’s recommended to make a reservation in advance!
Further reading: Finns Beach Club Guide
The journey from Ubud southward took about 2 hours, and it was super congested. However, Jimmi was very thoughtful—he didn’t wait for us at a fixed spot but instead parked nearby to rest. When we finished exploring, we called him, and he quickly came to pick us up. It was super efficient and reassuring ❤️
🤍 Day 5: A Day of Luxury! Staying at the Dreamy Ayana & Leisurely Exploring Rock Bar 🌴🏨🍸
As our trip neared its end, we arranged to stay at one of Bali’s most renowned five-star resorts, Ayana Resort & Spa. This place is truly a paradise in the world of vacations—just the hotel facilities alone could keep you entertained endlessly!
🏠 Ayana Resort & Spa: Play to Your Heart’s Content at 14 Pools💦
Ayana covers a vast area, with 14 swimming pools scattered throughout the resort, each with its own unique style. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly pools, kid-friendly play areas, or infinity pools perfect for couples to relax and take photos, they have it all. Simply walking around the resort feels like exploring a mini city!
We didn’t step foot outside the hotel all day, completely immersing ourselves in the hotel facilities and truly experiencing what it means to ‘vacation.’
Further reading: Ayana Bali Accommodation Guide
🔹 Rock Bar: Bali’s Most Iconic Sunset Bar 🌇🍹
One of the biggest perks of staying at Ayana is the ‘smooth entry’ to Rock Bar—meaning no queues and priority booking for the golden sunset seats!
Perched on the edge of a cliff, Rock Bar is accessed via a special elevator that feels like entering a secret base from a movie. Sipping a cocktail while watching the waves crash against the rocks and the sun slowly set is a scene that will stay etched in your memory forever—one of Bali’s most unforgettable experiences!
Further reading: How to Reserve Rock Bar in Jimbaran, Bali? Complete Experience Guide!
🤍 Day 6: Soaring Above Uluwatu, Paragliding + Massage + Food + Shopping Guide 🪂💆♀️🍖🛍️
On day six, we went straight for high-altitude thrills! Starting with paragliding in Uluwatu, followed by a relaxing massage, feasting on pork ribs, and wrapping up with some shopping—perfectly blending excitement and relaxation, this was the dream vacation rhythm!
🔹 RIUG Paragliding Uluwatu 🪂🌊
This time, I experienced RIUG Paragliding located in Uluwatu. Taking off from the cliff edge, gliding under the blue sky and sea, with a stunning coastline and luxurious villas beneath my feet, the entire 15-minute flight was truly a must-try experience in a lifetime!
- The cost is 1,000,000 IDR (approximately USD$65), which includes a coach accompanying you during the flight, GoPro recording, and immediate file transfer.
- Friends weighing over 100 kg may not be able to participate, so be sure to confirm before departure!
Further reading: [Bali Paragliding Experience] Soaring in Uluwatu! Stunning Ocean Views + Tips Shared (/blog/uluwatu-paragliding-ocean-view/)
Jimmi will assist you throughout the check-in process, handling all communication with the coach, allowing you to fully focus on enjoying the flight. Moreover, he will take photos and videos on the side, capturing the entire thrilling and awe-inspiring moment📸
🔹ZEN Family Spa (Nusa Dua): Deep Relaxation Massage 💆♀️🕯️
After the exhilarating paragliding, we immediately arranged a relaxation massage at ZEN Family Spa. This family-style massage center located in the Nusa Dua area offers a clean and comfortable environment with professional service, making it a well-regarded spot even among locals.
The entire massage process was incredibly relaxing, not compromised by the affordable price, with just the right amount of pressure, leaving me feeling refreshed as if rebooted!
- ZEN Family Spa: A mid-priced family SPA, creating a comfortable and tranquil atmosphere, specially designed to provide a pleasant experience for families.
Other Highly Rated Mid-Priced SPAs in Nusa Dua:
- Royal Orchid Spa Bali: One of the best choices in Bali, combining rich Balinese massage techniques with a comfortable environment.
- Nusa Bali Spa: 2023 Travelers’ Choice, a gem in the mid-price range offering a variety of healing options to immerse you in Balinese culture.
- Rumah Spa Spa House: A private retreat in the mid-price range, offering a luxurious spa experience in a simple yet elegant style.
- Sekar Jepun Spa: A floral healing experience in the mid-price range, focusing on natural elements to bring relaxation and tranquility.
- Zahra Spa: A garden-like spa in the mid-price range offering high-quality treatments that immerse you in botanical aromas.
- M Spa is also a popular spot among travelers, with high ratings on TripAdvisor.
🔹Wahaha Pork Ribs & Pork Knuckle: Super Popular Local Cuisine 🍖✨
For dinner, we visited the famous 【Wahaha】 among tourists, specializing in pork ribs and fried pork knuckle. Every dish is incredibly flavorful and tender! The pork knuckle is crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, not greasy at all, and pairs perfectly with beer—you just can’t stop eating!
If you’re a meat lover, this place is a must-visit in Bali, offering great value and a relaxed atmosphere.
🔹Shopping Time in Bali 🛍️
As the trip winds down, we scheduled some shopping for souvenirs, gifts, and local skincare products. This is where Jimmi truly shines again! He assisted us throughout with communication, payment, and confirming details, so we didn’t have to worry about language barriers. He even helped with storing items and finding restrooms!
Having him around made everything feel safe and efficient.
🤍 Day 7: Nusa Penida Snorkeling Adventure! Turtles, Fish, and Hilarious Shower Scenes 🐢🌊🚿
On the seventh day of our journey, we couldn’t miss the increasingly popular island trip—we booked a Nusa Penida Snorkeling Day Tour through Klook, which included transfers, boat tickets, and equipment rental, making it a relatively hassle-free and convenient option.
Yi Chen Lai
Klook offers various options, including tours to famous spots on Nusa Penida and same-day return trips to Bali. You can choose your preferred package through the link below:
Nusa Penida Deals
- Nusa Penida Fast Boat Ticket
- Nusa Penida Instagram Spots & Snorkeling Tour
- Nusa Penida Multi-Day Tour
- Nusa Penida Private Car Charter
- Discovery Tour - Departing from Bali (Meet at Sanur Port)
- Nusa Penida Snorkeling Experience
- Lembongan Island & Manta Bay Snorkeling Experience
- Nusa Penida & Lembongan Private Boat Charter
🔹 Nusa Penida Snorkeling Tour 🐠🐚
The day starts early with a shuttle pickup from your hotel. After taking a boat to Nusa Penida, you’ll embark on a hop-on-hop-off snorkeling adventure at three different spots. The visibility is incredible, the water is crystal clear, and if you’re lucky, you might even encounter sea turtles and schools of fish!
Tips:
- We recommend “taking photos first, then diving in!” After snorkeling, you’ll be wet + messy-haired + snorkel mask marks on your face, which might not make for the best photos 🤣
- The island’s shower facilities are basic open spaces without proper partitions or hot water. It feels more like “pretending to shower without actually letting you shower properly” 🤣, so we suggest bringing extra towels and wet wipes, and mentally preparing yourself!
This Nusa Penida trip, though sunny and a bit tiring, offers incredibly soothing ocean views and is a must-visit snorkeling paradise in Bali!
Nusa Penida Travel Guide
- 🏝️ [Nusa Penida Attractions Guide
- 🍽️ [Nusa Penida Dining with a View Guide
- 🤿 [Nusa Penida Snorkeling Spots Guide
- 🏨 [Nusa Penida Accommodation Guide
🏁 Perfect Ending: The Right Driver Makes All the Difference! 💯
One of the most crucial elements of this Bali trip was undoubtedly our private driver, Jimmi Liu!
At the very beginning, it was Jimmi Yi Chen Lai
From airport pickups, itinerary planning, assistance with check-ins, currency exchange, activity bookings, luggage handling, to helping with photos and solving unexpected situations, he was truly attentive throughout. Without exaggeration, it was six-star level professional service!
👉 Language skills: Fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, English, and Indonesian
👉 Local expertise: Knows every attraction, restaurant, and transportation route, including peak times
👉 Super reliable: When our eSIM almost lost connection in Bali, he immediately helped us get back online and continue navigating our journey (laughs)
👉 Currency exchange assistant: We exchanged USD in Taiwan beforehand, and he took us to safe, fair-rate exchange offices locally, keeping an eye on the situation the whole time—super reassuring!
Jimmi doesn’t take deposits, operating on a mutual trust system. Because of this, his schedule fills up fast! If you want to book him, make sure to reserve early and don’t cancel last minute~
To contact Jimmi, scan the QR code to add him on Line
Although we didn’t get to visit all the spots on this trip—Bali is just too big, and traffic often caused delays, forcing us to balance time, energy, and travel quality—we cherished the kindness and beauty we encountered along the way ❤️
Thank you to everyone who helped us, thank you to this land for its gentleness, and thank you to ourselves for making the choices that made this trip so rewarding.
Bali, we’ll see you next time! 🌴🌞 Wishing everyone smooth and joyful journeys ahead 🥳🥳🥳
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