Bali travel guide
Bali in Six Days: An Ubud Base for Rice Terraces, Temples, and Good Food
Bali was the second stop on our honeymoon, and we spent all six nights in Ubud instead of moving around the island. That gave us a relaxed base for rice terraces, temples, monkey experiences, waterfalls, and a lot of food, while still leaving time to enjoy a private villa and its pool when the afternoon rain rolled in.
Where we ate.
Our private Ubud villa
Ubud, BaliPrivate villa with pool
Get: Breakfast delivered every morning
The villa was the reason staying in one place worked so well for us. We had our own pool, two floors, breakfast delivered every morning, and enough space to plan the day without feeling like we were on someone else's schedule. In our late-2018 video, we said it cost about $30 a night using points, which felt like an unbelievable amount of comfort for the price.
A private driver around Bali
Across BaliFull-day island transportation
Get: A driver for eight to ten hours a day
Our driver was always on time, gave us great recommendations, and made it possible to see a lot without constantly changing hotels. We paid roughly $30 to $35 a day with a tip in late 2018. Ubud is a peaceful base, but it sits in the middle of the island, so having someone drive made the longer day trips much easier.
Kopi luwak and the rice terraces
Ubud areaCoffee, rice fields, and scenic swings
Get: Kopi luwak, Balinese tea, and a ride on the big jungle swing
The coffee stop explained how kopi luwak is processed, let us try it, and sold bags for around $30. The coffee was smooth, and the rice terraces and swings were exactly as photogenic as the internet promised. The swing is undeniably touristy, but we were on vacation and wanted the memorable photos, so we thought it was worth doing.
Tanah Lot and Bali's temple gates
West Bali and temple routesTemples and cultural sites
Get: Tanah Lot and several other temple stops
Tanah Lot was a longer drive and very humid, but the temple by the water gave us some of our favorite photos. Across Bali, the gates and temple details were beautiful enough that we kept stopping for pictures. Bring something that covers your shoulders and knees, because temple visits require it and entry fees are common.
A roadside monkey feeding stop
On the road near UbudCasual wildlife encounter
Get: Bananas and rambutan for the monkeys
Our driver pulled over at a small roadside fruit stand, and suddenly we were feeding monkeys. They caught the fruit, peeled it with impressive speed, and one sat on Peter's lap while it ate. It was only a ten- or fifteen-minute stop, but it became one of the funniest memories of the trip. Do not stare at them, pet them, or try to force an interaction.
Ubud Monkey Forest
UbudForest sanctuary
Get: A walk through the monkey habitat
The Monkey Forest was close enough to walk to from our villa. We tried once in heavy rain, came back a few days later, and enjoyed it much more when the weather cooperated. The roadside stop was more playful, while the forest was better for seeing the monkeys in their environment.
Professional photos through Airbnb Experiences
BaliLocal photography experience
Get: A session with a Bali-based photographer
We booked a local photographer through Airbnb Experiences, and it ended up being more than a photo session. He helped us choose the light, waited for a break in the clouds, and talked with us about everyday life in Bali. The photos gave us memories we could not have made by holding our own camera the whole time.
Balinese food around Ubud
Ubud and nearby villagesTraditional and casual food
Get: Suckling pig, skewers, nasi goreng, and a soup we remember as Asem Garam
Our driver regularly recommended local restaurants, and those meals were some of the best on the trip. We had succulent pig, skewers, nasi goreng, and a soup that was so good we ate at least three bowls each. Ubud also had plenty of fusion food, including lobster rolls, coffee shops, and an Italian pizza place for the moment homesickness hit.
Balinese fruit and street snacks
Ubud markets and streetsFresh fruit and street food
Get: Dragon fruit, fruit from street vendors, and local skewers
The dragon fruit was dramatically sweeter than the fruit we were used to back home, and buying a piece from a street vendor was exactly the kind of small local experience we wanted. The next morning, Peter got sick and lost most of a day. We never proved what caused it, so consider this a reminder to be thoughtful with food and keep a recovery plan in place.
A Bali waterfall
Day trip from UbudWaterfall and swimming area
Get: A hike down for photos and a look at the falls
The waterfall involved a long climb down and back up, and swimming was closed that day because conditions were unsafe. Even without getting in the water, it was worth the walk for the views. Bring water, take the stairs slowly, and check the conditions before planning to swim.
A traditional Balinese village
Central BaliVillage walk
Get: A slow walk through the village and its everyday details
One of our quieter stops was a traditional village where we could see how people lived, browse local foods, and take in the small architectural details. It was a useful change of pace after the bigger attractions and a good reminder that Bali is more than its most photographed locations.
Good to know before you go
- We visited in late November 2018, during a quieter and rainier season. Most rain arrived in the later afternoon, so our early starts helped us get sightseeing done before the weather changed.
- The prices here are historical snapshots from our 2018 trip, not current quotes.
- Ubud worked for us because we wanted an easy, relaxed base and did not mind being farther from the beaches and nightlife in the south.
- Temple visits require covered shoulders and knees, and many sites charge an entry fee. Bring a cover-up and a little cash.