I went to Bali, Indonesia from 31st October to 4th November 2023. I have decided to stay in Ubud during my trip. It is the cultural hub for Bali with very relaxing vibe . October and November is off season in Bali , so we were able to get good deals. I was excited about this trip due to all the photos i have seen on social medias and online , but was little skeptical about the many unknowns, specially the optimal way to use my 4 days to cover some of the key highlights in Bali.
I am hoping this blog will help people to get some of their questions answered and plan ahead for their Bali trip.
Visa and Custom declarations:
Citizens for most of the countries can get Short term Visa on Arrival for 30 days. Before heading to Immigration booth in the Bali Airport , you can go the Visa on Arrival counter to get the Visa very easily. They charge USD 32 (500K IDR) per person for Visa.
You also need to fill the Custom declaration form online couple of days before flying and have the QR code ready to be scanned while exiting Bali Airport. Here is the link to fill electronic custom declaration form – https://www.indonesiaecd.com/home
Accommodation:
I looked at Airbnb first, there you will find lots of options from low to high range accommodations. But when one of the friend suggested me to look at booking.com , i found even more options there . Hence , i recommend to look at booking.com to book for accommodation in Bali. We stayed in two places.
- Bali Sila Bisma – https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/bali-sila-bisma.en-gb.html?
Price & Amenities – USD 60 (1000K IDR) per night for the Sky suite , which can sleep 4 people. Breakfast was included in the price. They had free water refill as well , you need lots of water in hot and humid Bali weather.
They have moderate size swimming pool . But the best part is the balcony overseeing the rice field and we had the best sunset view from the Balcony.
They even packed us breakfast for our early morning day trip.
Overall: 4.5 rating
2. Kiskenda Cottages – https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/kiskenda-ubud.en-gb.html?
Price & Amenities – USD 60 (1000K IDR) per night for the Family suite ,it has 2 separate rooms , each room sleep 2 people. Breakfast was included in the price. They do not had free water refill but they provide two small water bottles per room everyday. They have a small separate pantry with the family suite. But the amenities need some improvements.
They has good size swimming pool.
Overall: 3.5 rating
Transportation:
We checked various options to take us from Airport to our Hotel in Ubud (90 mins ride from the airport). But found the Taxi option in booking.com the most reasonable. The Taxi driver whatsapp message me a day before to give all the info related to pick up and also waited for us with my name on the board outside the Bali airport arrival.
Transport from Airport to Hotel in Ubud: $15 (233k IDR) in a mid size SUV
If you are a solo traveler or couple , better to rent scooter for the day trips.
Also, Install Grab or Gojek app in your smartphone to order cab or scooter. It’s like Uber / Lyft.
Day 1 – Art Villages , Sunset and Saraswati temple Chandra Wati Orchestra & Dance Troupe
On the way from Airport to Ubud , our Taxi driver suggested to look at the Art villages on the way and i am so glad we have stopped at these 3 workshops to get a glimpse of local artists. Many international brands collaborate with these local artists for their products.
The driver also suggested us to stop at the coffee plantation on the way. But were tired after the red eye flight and decided to check some of the workshops in the Art villages , had lunch and head to our hotel . He did not charge extra for these additional stops. He is a native Balinese. I have learned during this trip that Balinese people are very honest, polite , helpful and proud of showing the tourists what Bali have to offer.
Art Villages
Batubulan Village – Handmade Balinese Batik. We went to Bali Bidadari Batik workshop , but there are other workshops there as well where you can see how artists are making batik prints and the final products which you can shop.
Celuk Village – Gold and Silver smith. We went to Bali Artika Silver workshop
Batuan Village – Balinese style painting. We went to Muji Art Family Gallery
If you are interested in looking into wood carvings made out of recycle woods, checkout Mas Village.
All these villages are on the way from Airport to Ubud.
After the Art villages we went to have lunch at Semar Kuning Resto. The view was gorgeous and our first Balinese meal was sumptuous.
We had Nasi Goreng with Chicken (Chicken fried rice), Fish wrapped in Banana leaf , Chicken Yellow curry and Coconut water. We paid USD 27 (420K IDR).
Sunset over the rice field
After reaching our Hotel – Bali Sila Bisma in Ubud, we freshened up and took a nap 🙂 Around 6 pm we had tea and were able to see the sunset over the rice field from our balcony.
Saraswati temple Chandra Wati Orchestra and Dance Troupe
This show was at Saraswati Temple at 730 pm. You can walk in and get the tickets from the gate. It’s USD 6.50 (100K IDR) per person.
The ambience is mesmerizing . You will enter the temple through the Lotus pond with water fountains. The performance happened just in front of the temple with the gorgeous backdrop of the temple.
In this performance the music is produced by the local all women orchestra group, they played various traditional instruments, and the Balinese dancers expressed the story of dance-drama through the whole bodily gestures. I totally recommend this show. This will definitely transport you to the magical world of dance and music.
Day 2 – Tirtha Empul & North West Bali
We started the next Day with a swim in the swimming pool of our hotel and a hearty breakfast.
We booked the same driver for the day trip , who picked us up from the Airport. We covered Tirtha Empul temple and three other locations in North West Bali in approx. 10 hours. He charged us USD 45 (700K) for the full day. This is very reasonable price , as we covered lots of distance today.
Pura Tirtha Empul
Tirta Empul temple is a Hindu Balinese water temple located near the town of Tampaksiring, Bali, Indonesia. The temple compound consists of a bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water dip, where people go for purification ritual.
Entrance: USD 3 (50K IDR) per person
Renting Sarong to dip in the holy spring: USD 1(15k IDR) per person
Renting locker : USD 0.5 (10K IDR)
Pura Ulun Danu Batun
Pura Ulun Danu was built in adoration of the Goddess Danu in 1633. Danu, in Balinese means lake, while the goddess Danu is queen of water, lakes and rivers. The 11-storey temple structure in the complex is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvathi.
The temple area is surrounded by water and mountains. Also, the temperature is less hot and humid due to the breeze from the lake.
The first photo is the bamboo structure called penjor represents good luck and can be found when entering temples in Bali.
Entrance : USD 2.5 (35K IDR) per person
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih rice terraces are the largest rice terraces in Bali. The name Jatiluwih is said to mean ‘really good’ or ‘really beautiful’ in the Balinese language. It is composed of approximately 600 hectares of rice fields that mimic the impressive undulating inclines and topography of the Batukaru mountain range.
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace had been listed into one of world cultural heritage sites by UNESCO since 2012.
There is a walking trail you can take to explore the rice terrace at your own pace.
Entrance : USD 3 (40K IDR) per person
Tanah Lot Temple
This was out last stop for the day to see the sunset.
Tanah Lot Temple is one of Bali’s most important landmarks, which is famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. An ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves; Tanah Lot Temple is simply among Bali’s not-to-be-missed icons. The history of Tanah Lot temple was believed to date back to the 16th century.
The sunset is really beautiful from here. Do not miss eating the sticky rice balls from street vendor , they are very delicious
Day 3 – East Nusa Penida & Uluwatu temple Kecek Dance
The same driver connect us with someone he knows who arranged the Nusa Penida Island trip. We had the options to select East or West side. I have selected East side, as it was suppose to be the less touristy. You have the options to select snorkeling or deep sea diving options as well. But due to time constraints we just selected exploring East side of Nusa Penida. I would recommend if you are planning on going to Nusa Penida, stay in the island for a day , so that you can explore both the East and West side of the island and try snorkeling or diving in the crystal clear water.
The driver came to pick us up from our Hotel at 6.45 am to reach the speed boat terminal by 730 am. The speed boat departed from the ferry terminal in Bali at 8 am and reached Nusa Penida Island at 9 am. Here we went to three places – 1. Diamond Beach , 2. Atuh Beach (Swim) , 3. Goa Giri Putri temple (Cave Temple). We skipped Tea house hike and Twin Lake view point.
Diamond Beach
It’s a 90 min drive from the speed boat terminal to this beach. The view of the cliff and the beach is gorgeous , but we heard hiking down is bit steep , hence decided to not go down.
Atuh Beach
It’s a little walk ahead of Diamond beach. There are steps to get down from the cliff to the beach. This was not a steep hike and finally was able to got the beach and swim in the crystal clear water of Atuh beach.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
The temple at Goa Giri Putri is among the most popular destinations when you visit East part of the Nusa Penida island. It is nestled inside a large cave. After climbing 100+ stairs, through a very narrow opening you will enter the cave. Once you enter the cave it become much cooler and ambience changes completely.
The spring water flowing through the temple is believed to be imbued with natural healing properties, making it a popular destination for those seeking its curative powers.
We took the 4 pm ferry back from Nusa Penida back to Bali. The last ferry was at 5 pm. We reached Bali at 4:45 pm and went to Uluwatu temple to catch the sunset and the Kecak Dance performance at the temple
Price of the Nusa Penida Island trip: USD 70 (1100K IDR) per person , includes hotel transfers to and from ferry terminal, Speed boat tickets to and from Bali, Local guide and car rental in the Nusa Penida island and Lunch.
Uluwatu Temple – Kecak Dance
We reached the temple very close to the sunset due to the traffic, but able to watch the Kecak Dance performance. Kecak dance is set against the backdrop of the majestic Uluwatu Temple, this ancient sacred dance brings to life the famous epic Hindu story, Ramayana. As the sun begins to set, the rhythmic chanting of the performers, known as “kecak” fills the air, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The Balinese dancers, dressed in vibrant costumes, skillfully depict the characters of the Ramayana story. This is the performance not be missed.
Day 4 – Ubud Center
On the 4th Day we just walk around Ubud and explored the below places.
Saraswati Temple – Pura Taman Sraswati
Pura Taman Saraswati, officially Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati, also known as the Ubud Water Palace, is a Balinese Hindu temple in Ubud. The pura is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, and is notable for its lotus pond. It’s very Indiana jones type foresty temple setting which made for amazing pictures.
Ubud Palace – Puri Saren Agung
The Ubud Palace is an old building complex with some fantastic carvings and courtyards,featuring well-preserved Balinese architecture and a charming garden setting. The palace was built during the lordship of Tjokorda Putu Kandel (1800–1823). The front section of the palace is open to the public, where there are walkways for viewing and photos during the day.
Art Market / Shopping Center
It was a good walk looking at the craft sold by the local vendors and artists, specially the craft made with Ata grass was very impressive. But if you are planning on buying thin from here , you need to be proficient in bargaining.
Monkey Forest
The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a nature reserve and temple complex. The Sanctuary is home to over 1260 long-tailed macaques, who are considered sacred by the local Balinese people. Monkeys are just doing their stuff and you can walk around them and take photos without any danger. If you go earlier in the day you can pay extra for the Monkey selfie (Selfie taken by Monkey).
Entrance : USD 5 (80K IDR) Weekdays / USD 6.5 (100K) Weekends
Campuhan Ridge Walk
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is an hiking trail leading you on a paved trail above the Ubud ricefields that are located west of the city. It’s a short walk from the Ubud Center. On either side of the ridge you will find a deep gorge with a river rushing through. The ridge itself is about 1.5 kilometers long and a very popular place for a walk or workout. From the ridge you have amazing views into the valleys below. At the end of the ridge walk you will arrive into the town of Bangkian Sidem.
We went there around 530 pm and missed the sunset(around 6.15 pm). if you want to have a good sunset view reach there atleast by 430 pm. Other option is to do this hike during sunrise , as mornings are less hot and humid.
Food Recommendations:
Here are the 3 restaurants where the food is reasonably priced and flavorful , ambience was great and walking distance from the Ubud Center.
Warung Boga Sari
We had lunch here and got the below drinks and dishes.
Mango shake , Avocado shake and Coconut water
Delicious Seafood stew and Tuna
Chocolate Ice cream
Ratatouille
We had dinner here. Got baked snapper, Chicken fried rice and Salad. Ambience and food is really good and food portions are bigger as well.
Warung Gauri
Nice ambience with a view of the rice field and food is reasonable and flavorful.
We had Fried rice with Chicken satay
Other Things to do if you have more time:
- Leke Leke waterfalls – Can be added as part of Day 2 North west Bali tour.
- Mt. Batur Sunrise Hike
- Nusa Penida West and Snorkeling with Manta rays. To cover Nusa Penida East , West and Snorkeling, better to stay a night in Nusa Penisda.
Tips:
- Carry Cash in IDR currency. Most of the hotels and restaurants do not charge you a 3% surcharge if you pay by cash.
- For buying local stuff for you and gifts for friends and family , if you are not comfortable with bargaining with the local vendors, you can shop at Krishna Shopping complex. It’s 5 mins from airport , so you can stop by on your way to the airport.
ExploringEyes 
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