How to spend 8 days in Bali, Indonesia
Bali, the island of Gods, is a surprisingly vast island. Here’s how you can explore its highlights over 8 days.
Due to Bali’s long distances and immense -at some points- traffic along with the lack of public transportation, a private driver (which is converted into also your personal guide and photographer) is absolutely necessary if you wish to go around the island. (Please contact us if you need a reliable driver. We have the best choice for you).
The ideal way to take advantage of your days in Bali is to stay for the first 5 days in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali and enjoy the traditional Balinese style while you can spend the rest of the days to its South part (Seminyak/Canggu) to explore its long sandy surf beaches. Staying at Ubud, apart from the fact that it is a heavenly made city that offers a lot of activities which I will describe shortly, you have the opportunity to do daily excursions with your private driver and discover the central and North Bali side.
Suggestions for Daily Excursions from Ubud
1. Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple
Tirta Gangga
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Penataran Agung Lempuyang Temple located at the east side of the island is maybe one of the most popular Balinese temples, due to the magnificent pictures of its gate with your reflection at the pond in front of it. (Guess what! there is no water in front of the gate, and it is only a photographic trick made with a mirror). Nevertheless, the temple is still beautiful and the picture also worths the long drive (about 3 hours from Ubud) and the big queue for the photo- you get a number at the entrance and there is staff that calls your number to go to the gate while taking your incredible mirror effect photos from your mobile). At this point I would like to mention that in Bali, the art of photography has reached a professional level. There are endless spots all around the island made for your perfect photos and qualified staff at them to help you (sometimes with a little fee) to take the marvelous photos. (Indeed, during my trip in Bali, I have the most professional photos from all my trips). After your visit to the temple, your next stop is Tirta Gangga, a stunning water palace with a royal garden which will impress you. The ponds are full of koi fish that you can feed and take amazing photos with. Your last stop for the day is the Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Black Rocks creates a beautiful waterfall with its cascades which you can climb up or soak in its water.
2. Handara Golf & Resort Bali,
Wanagiri Hidden Hill Bali
Banyumala Twin Waterfalls
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Handara Golf & Resort is another cute instagrammable Gate in the North part of Bali that deserves a short stop to you way to the Wanagiri Hidden Hill. The view of the lake and the whole landscape from the Hill is breathtaking. You will feel very famous as its staff will take some professional pictures of you by even using photographic reflectors to highlight your face. There are many photographic spots with the lake as background (like nests, swings, boats etc). At short distance from the Hill are located the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls. You will need to go down a few stairs, but the Twin Waterfalls will compensate you for your effort. You can swim under the cascade or/and walk around the area admiring the nature’s miracles. Following your visit to the Waterfalls, one of the most stunning Rice fields Jatiluwih Rice Terraces comes next. You may walk along the narrow paths among them or enjoy a drink at The Rustic Bali while admiring the endless view of the rice terraces. Such a nice and relaxing view! Your last stop for the day is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a remarkable Hindu water temple. Stroll around the temple and enjoy the view of the temples beautiful architecture reflecting at the lake’s surface next to it.
3. Balinese House
Pura Puseh Desa Batuan
Taman Sari Waterfall & Natural pool
Pura Tirta Empul
Ceking Rice Terrace and Swing
The traditional Balinese houses have a special architectural logic that you cannot miss during your stay in Bali. They are composed of different buildings that are next to each other in a specific way as per feng shui rules. There is another area for the kitchen, another for the bedrooms, another for the ceremonies, even another building for the rice. Every Balinese house has its own temple and next to the temple is located the bedroom of the elderly people as they are considered closer to death and consequently to God as per Balinese people beliefs. Another beautiful Hindu temple that deserves your attention is Pura Puseh Desa Batuan where you can stroll around before visiting another lovely waterfall Taman Sari Waterfall & Natural pool. The latter might not be as impressive as Banyumala Twin Waterfalls or Kanto Lampo Waterfall, but you can enjoy a luxury bath at its natural pool. Avoid going after rain though, since the water of the pool is getting muddy. The popular Pura Tirta Empul is a must when being at the island of Gods. The magnificent Hindu temple is related with purification characteristics due to the holy water that comes from its springs. You can take part to the Hindu ritual by renting a sarong and entering the pools from which the holy water comes from different fountains. Each fountain represents another scope (ex. Health, happiness, sleep problems etc). Therefore, you need to pray under each fountain (except for one which is holy water used in funerals) and pure water to your face three times before putting your head under the fountain. The whole experience is unique and totally refreshing! If you have watched Eat, Pray, Love you will remember the healer that Julia Roberts visited during her stay. There are many healers on the island, and it is said that it is ideal to visit a healer before taking part in the purification ritual in order to achieve better results. Your last stop for today is Ceking Rice Terrace where you can not only admire and walk around at another stunning Rice Field but also to combine it with the popular Balinese swing. Whether you rent a long dress or not, the experience is unforgettable and totally liberating. Don’t miss it!
Things to do in Ubud
Ubud combines a busy life with nature and endless culinary choices that will amaze you. Its downtown is full of different types of cafes, bars, restaurants, little stores and markets where you can buy your souvenirs (with a little bargain of course). Visit Ubud Palace which almost every night hosts different performances of traditional Balinese dances and stroll around the beautiful city.
At walking distance from the busy Ubud center you can find the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a paradise path through marvelous rice fields. At the end of the fields don’t miss the chance to have a coffee or grab something to eat at Bamboo Kitchen and enjoy the calm surroundings.
Another interesting and amusing spot in Ubud is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, an impressive forest full of playful and naughty monkeys. Don’t feed the monkeys and follow the instructions of the forest, to take advantage of your whole experience. With a little fee you can also take a selfie looking photo with the monkeys. So funny!
Without doubt Bali will transfer to you its relaxing and calm vibe. In that case a yoga session is ideal to complete your spiritual holidays. If you are interested in yoga The Yoga Barn is the ideal place for you. There is no need to stay inside the retreat nor to participate in all courses as you can choose the one that suits you better. Just arrive a little earlier and you will be able to attend your desired class. The whole place is a relaxing heaven!
Speaking of relaxation, the Balinese massage is the best gift you can give to yourself. My personal favorite in Ubud is NUSA THERAPY - Traditional Massage Center (https://nusatherapy.com/). You need to book in advance to find an appointment but it totally worths it.
South Part of Bali, how to spend your time
After having explored the heart of Bali, Ubud and its north part, depending on your needs and preferences you can spend the rest of your days on the island at Seminyak, Canggu or Nusa Dua which are also closer to the airport. Seminyak and Canggu are districts full of sandy surfing beaches and modern chill out cafes, bars and restaurants while Nusa Dua is a controlled area full of 5-star hotels with no particularly Balinese character in my opinion.
I chose to stay at Seminyak and to do daily excursions to explore the south part of the island. Seminyak’s long sandy beach is ideal for endless all-day walks. Either you opt for surfing classes or just playing with the waves, you cannot miss the unique and breathtaking sunset. The whole beach’s vibe is special too during that time of the day; The cafes place on the sand colorful poufs where you can sit and enjoy the sunset while all the beach is getting crowded but in a pleasant way.
If you love Balinese cuisine, you can also take cooking classes at Warung Nia Balinese Food & Pork Ribs or just taste their delicious Balinese plates. Next to Warand Nia you can do some last souvenir shopping at the Flea Market.
About 30 minutes by car (depending on the traffic) from Seminyak, stands the one of the islands more popular landmarks Tanah Lot Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple built on rocks next to the coast, whose base is crashed by waves creating a marvelous spectacular.
Daily Excursion from Seminyak
Tanah Lot Temple
Pandawa Beach
Padang Padang Beach
Uluwatu Temple
A lovely excursion proposal from Seminyak with your private driver is to explore the south part of the island and its marvelous and swimming friendly beaches. It can also be combined with Tanah Lot Temple (see above), if the traffic is not immense. Pandawa Beach, a long golden sandy beach where you can dive and enjoy its blue-green water, should be your first stop before arriving at the most beautiful beach, in my opinion, Padang Padang Beach. If you have watched Eat,Pray,Love you will definitely recognize this stunning beach with its calm turquoise water and the lovely atmosphere. Avoid sitting on the monkey’s side of the beach as the naughty little animals tend to steal your personal belongings while you are diving in the water. Your last stop of the day is the breathtaking Uluwatu Temple. The view of the temple is gorgeous, especially during sunset time. Once more be careful of the naughty monkeys as in this area are more aggressive and try to steal whatever you hold in your hands to exchange it for food. Yes, they are aware that you will give them everything to obtain back your mobile for instance. Apart from the monkey issue, the temple does not lose its importance and beauty, and it should be definitely included in your travel plans.
For more information or to help you plan your ideal trip within your budget, please contact us.