Six-Day Bali Travel Guide: Playing Like a True Bali
Part 1. Introduction
Let's go! Many friends saw my recent posts on WeChat and said they might have visited a fake Bali before... Before going, many people told me Bali is not as good as Hainan, with labels like first-class hotels, second-class attractions, and third-class beaches. If you join a group tour to Bali, you really can't appreciate its charm. You must choose your own favorite routes and hotels. During this week, I visited the young and commercial Kuta and Seminyak, as well as Ubud with its deeply "Bali" historical heritage, and of course the super popular Jimbaran and Uluwatu. I want to tell everyone that Bali is perfect for experiencing with your heart—it's incredibly fun, really, really fun! The place that left the deepest impression on me and made me most want to revisit is Ubud: the morning light at dawn, the quiet chirping of insects, the traditional and intricate architectural style, the pure and rich Bali atmosphere... I'll gradually share more details. Let's start the travelogue as usual with pictures first!
Sky Gate
Beji Ubud Resort
Beji Ubud Resort
Beji Ubud Resort
Beji Ubud Resort
Forest Waterfall View
Ubud Swing
Ubud Palace
Seminyak
Ayana Resort Bali
Ayana Resort Bali
Pandawa Beach
RockBar AYANA Resort
Part 2. Travel Overview: Costs and Other Details
1. Travel dates: October 1 - October 6
2. Number of people: 2
3. Total cost: approximately 8,700 RMB/person
(1) Accommodation: Five nights across four hotels, total 3,830 RMB
10.1 Seminyak - Desamuda Villige Bali, private villa: 420 RMB
10.2 Seminyak - Aleva Villa Bali, private pool villa: 960 RMB + floating breakfast 40 RMB
10.3-10.4 Ubud - Beji Ubud Resort Bali, private villa: 990 RMB
10.5 Jimbaran - Rimba Jimbaran Bali by Ayana, mountain view room: 1,420 RMB
(2) Meals: approximately 1,440 RMB / 2 people
(3) Transportation: approximately 4,153 RMB/person
a. Flights: Round-trip via AirAsia with transit in Kuala Lumpur (tips for KL transit accommodation, etc., see another travelogue): 3,268 RMB/person
Baggage allowance: bought on Taobao for 350 RMB
b. Private car: Booked a three-day private car via Dream Travel. English-speaking driver was very nice. Total: 1,110 RMB
c. Taxi: Two taxi rides in Seminyak: 30 RMB
d. Shuttle car to Sky Gate: 20 RMB/person
e. Airport transfer: 240 RMB
(4) Tickets and outdoor activities: approximately 1,158 RMB/person
a. Bali Swing: Ticket (including lunch): about 360 RMB/person
b. Nusa Penida day trip: Booked via Taobao seller "Blue Poison". Includes hotel transfer, ferry tickets, island car rental, and lunch: 399 RMB/person
c. Paragliding: Booked via Taobao seller "Blue Poison". Nusa Dua paragliding for 15 minutes, includes SD card video but no transfer: 349 RMB/person
d. Sky Gate, Tirta Gangga, waterfall: Not very clear, all very cheap, total about 50 RMB/person
(5) SIM card: Bought on Taobao: 7 days, 4G data 2.5GB: 60 RMB/person
(6) Tips: approximately 255 RMB. Private car driver: 50 RMB/day * 3 days; Nusa Penida transfer driver: 25 RMB; airport pickup driver: 5 RMB; Ayana singer: 25 RMB; waiters: about 50 RMB.
(7) SPA: about 100 RMB/person
(8) Travel insurance: 190 RMB/person
(9) Others: snacks, souvenirs, etc.: about 500 RMB
4. Currency exchange: Exchanged 2,000 RMB for 4.16 million Indonesian Rupiah locally in Bali.
6. Tips: Ladies, bring more swimsuits, backless tops, dresses, straw hats, bags, small accessories. With the right props, photos will be beautiful. For girls on their period, try tampons—they work great!
7. Photos: All taken with iPhone 8 Plus. What can I say? I left my camera at home, haha!
Daily itinerary and some tips will be explained one by one below.
Part 3. Day 1: Arrival
15:35-18:40 Kuala Lumpur - Bali
18:40-19:40 Bali airport arrival/immigration
19:40-20:20 Airport - Desamuda Hotel, Seminyak
21:00-21:40 Dinner
Arrived at the airport without encountering any customs or immigration officers causing trouble or asking for tips. Everything was handled quickly. After exiting, I used the pickup service booked on Ctrip. The driver arrived early and was waiting at the arrival gate with a sign. The driver was very warm—greeted us with "Welcome to Bali" and a handshake, which felt very nice. For various reasons, we hadn't exchanged money before departure. The airport money exchange and ATMs were extremely crowded. The driver patiently took us to a BCA ATM and a money exchange shop along the way. For some reason, the ATM didn't dispense money, but the money exchange shop finally gave us cash to buy water. The exchange rate that day was about 1:2100; here it was 1:2080. Exchanged 2,000 RMB for 4.16 million IDR... suddenly became millionaires! Small tip: Prices here are usually quoted in thousands. The vendor says "20K" meaning 20,000 IDR. For a rough conversion to RMB, remove three zeros and divide by two. For example, 20K is about 10 RMB.
Bali Denpasar Airport
First night: Desamuda Villige Bali in Seminyak. Since we arrived late and had to leave early the next day for Nusa Penida, I randomly booked a transition villa. Before coming, I worried it might be bad and told Mr. Luo that this hotel would be the worst of the trip—prepare mentally. But upon arrival, I realized how wrong I was! Bali really has first-class hotels... even a random hotel is very well done. Sorry for underestimating it at first.
Upon arrival, each guest received a welcome juice. The front desk lady and gentleman were very, very warm.
Desamuda Village Hotel
We reached our villa—a two-story private house. On the coffee table were a welcome card and a complimentary fruit platter. When in Bali, remember to eat plenty of fruit... there is very little vegetables. Later we craved veggies but restaurants only had salads.
Desamuda Village Hotel
The furniture was all wooden, with strong local characteristics, and the soft furnishings were well done.
Desamuda Village Hotel
Upstairs was the bedroom. When booking, I had requested honeymoon decoration. Although it wasn't our honeymoon, we were pleasantly surprised to see it!
Desamuda Village Hotel
Desamuda Village Hotel
After settling in, we went out to find dinner. Nearby there was a pork rib restaurant called Wahaha, about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The infrastructure here is relatively backward—few streetlights, narrow roads (usually two-way single lane), lots of motorcycles, and sidewalks barely wide enough for two overweight people to walk side by side. There were few shops along the way, making us doubt if we were going the right direction. Eventually we found it, and there were people queuing at the door even at this hour. Wahaha: Jl. Sunset Road Barat No. 1689, Seminyak, Kuta, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung.
Wahaha Pork Ribs
The little pigs look so happy before being eaten!
Wahaha Pork Ribs
We ordered the famous grilled pork ribs, pork fried rice, grilled pork rice, and two juices. Dining prices here are similar to ordinary cities in China, not too expensive. This meal cost about 170 RMB. These three dishes are highly recommended and won't disappoint. We ate to our heart's content! The food tends to be sweet, but sweets make people happy. A small flag on the table read: "The best pork ribs in Bali."
Wahaha Pork Ribs
Wahaha Pork Ribs
After a hearty meal, since most shops in Seminyak were already closed, we returned to the hotel. Good night?
Part.4 Day 2: Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida day trip:
7:40-8:20 Seminyak Desamuda Hotel - Pier
8:40-9:20 Ferry to Nusa Penida Pier
9:20-14:00 Explore Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, Kelingking Beach
14:00-15:00 Lunch
15:00-15:40 Restaurant - Crystal Bay & explore
15:40-16:20 Crystal Bay - Nusa Penida Pier
16:30-17:10 Ferry from Nusa Penida to Bali Pier
17:30-18:10 Pier - Aleva Hotel, Seminyak
18:10-20:00 Hotel relaxation
20:00-22:00 Dinner
22:00-23:00 Stroll around the streets
23:00 Hotel swimming, bath, rest
Opening the window in the morning, beautiful sunshine! We arrived too late last night to see how beautiful the hotel was. The small courtyard door was so pleasant—sunshine, birds, and flowers.
Desamuda Village Hotel
Desamuda Village Hotel
The gardens were well-maintained with small paths. Since we had to leave at 7:40, we didn't have time to explore the hotel grounds.
Desamuda Village Hotel
Outside our room, there was a yoga/meditation/sunbathing/daydreaming platform facing the pool.
Desamuda Village Hotel
Desamuda Village Hotel
Desamuda Village Hotel
Breakfast area at the hotel: they could cook eggs and hot dishes. But we were in a hurry as the driver had already arrived early. We grabbed a quick bite and left.
Desamuda Village Hotel
The Nusa Penida day trip was booked on Ctrip, including Bali-Hotel transfers, ferry tickets, island car rental, and lunch. A staff member contacted us via WeChat the day before—service was great. Recommended. Car, ferry, small boat, then car again on the island. There are no proper roads on the island, very bumpy. Fortunately, we had a handsome driver who played popular music in the car, making the journey less tough. Finally we arrived. Seeing the beautiful scenery, all the bumps and fatigue disappeared! The view was so stunning! Without a camera, I couldn't capture its beauty.
These photos were taken by the driver standing on a tree. Such kind drivers here!
The rocks on the island are mostly volcanic, easy to get hurt. My flip-flops broke here. Luckily, there were slippers for sale on the island. The driver kindly asked if we wanted his shoes—he could go barefoot. We declined. He then helped repair my flip-flops so they could be worn until we bought new ones. Expecting to be ripped off, we bought a pair for only 25K IDR (about 10 RMB). Incredible! This is truly a conscientious seller in the tourism industry! The driver must have found us difficult—driving, taking photos, and even repairing shoes! People here are really warm-hearted.
This is a natural pool. Many foreigners jumped in to swim.
Above are three attractions, each about 20-30 minutes drive apart. By 2 p.m., we reached the lunch spot. Lunch was included in the day trip. It was delicious, but slow—waited almost an hour.
The long wait made me lose interest in photographing the food—I just ate it up!
The chicken legs here are very long...
In the afternoon, we went to Crystal Bay, the last spot. It's a beach with many foreigners sunbathing. We found a shady spot and just daydreamed—extremely relaxing.
Beside a small shop, there was a pond where local boys were jumping and playing, carefree.
The return ferry left at 4:30. Next to us sat an 8-month-old baby, bare-chested, sunbathing and enjoying the sea breeze. Tough kid!
From the pier back to the hotel was around 6:30 p.m. We saw a sunset on the way—looked forward to the sunset at Rockbar on the last day.
Today's hotel was Aleva Villa Bali in Seminyak, not far from yesterday's hotel, closer to Seminyak center. It's a villa with a private pool. This hotel is quite popular online, and I especially liked the floating breakfast.
A small path led to our room, offering good privacy.
Aleva Villa
Aleva Villa
Aleva Villa
Aleva Villa
Aleva Villa
Aleva Villa
Aleva Villa
Aleva Villa
The bedroom and bathroom had curtains that opened directly to the pool outside—very nice.
Hehe, dressed up and ready to find food!
The front desk called a taxi for us. After about 10 minutes, we arrived at the hotel... Actually, it was only a 20-minute walk, but we were too lazy. We went to the famous Motel Mexicola. The taxi ride was about 2 km and cost 30K IDR (15 RMB).
It was very crowded. Without a reservation, we were told to wait about 40 minutes. We were too hungry to wait.
Although Seminyak center has many restaurants and trendy shops, the areas not popular were noticeably quiet.
After leaving Mexicola, we saw a place we wanted to eat on the way back. This time we might have taken a fake Bluebird taxi. The meter showed 7,000 IDR, but when we arrived, the driver immediately pressed the meter down. I gave him 10,000 IDR, and he said "more" while pointing at a sticker on the glass. I thought it might be something like a fuel surcharge, so I gave another 10,000 IDR. He kept saying "more." Confused, I asked angrily, "Why?" At that moment, a traffic policeman came and the driver couldn't park. He said "ok ok" and let us go. I suspected he was a dishonest driver. Although he only cheated us out of about 5 RMB, it was still annoying. Most locals we met were great, and he was the exception. Tip: When taking a taxi, take a photo of the meter. No need to tip the driver—just pay the meter amount.
Finally, we found a Western restaurant with live music called Natys Restaurant, which has multiple branches in Bali. The steak was perfect. This meal cost 460,000 IDR, about 230 RMB. Natys Restaurant Seminyak: Indonesia, Seminyak, Jl. Kayu Aya, 80361.
After dinner, we strolled around Seminyak streets. Many handicraft shops were still lit up even after closing. Most shops have glass walls, giving a nice vibe at night.
Seminyak
Seminyak
Returned to the hotel, went swimming and bathed.
A row of small green plants by the bed. Good night?
Aleva Villa
Part.5 Day 3: Sky Gate & Tirta Gangga
East Karangasem day trip: Sky Gate, Tirta Gangga Park
8:00-10:00 Aleva Hotel floating breakfast, play
10:10-14:00 Seminyak Aleva Hotel - Sky Gate
14:00-16:00 Visit Sky Gate
16:10-17:00 Lunch/Dinner
17:00-17:20 Visit Tirta Gangga Park
17:30-19:30 Tirta Gangga Park - Ubud Beji Ubud Hotel
21:00 Late-night snack
Opened the window in the morning, breakfast looked beautiful! We had ordered the floating breakfast yesterday for only 40 RMB, scheduled to arrive at 8:00. It looked delicious, but we spent 20 minutes posing for photos before starting to eat.
After breakfast, we played around the hotel for a while, waiting for the driver. Since yesterday's trip to Nusa Penida was exhausting, and today we had our own private car with flexible time, we departed at 10:00.
Goodbye, Aleva courtyard! Next time I'll stay here again.
Today we headed to East Bali, Karangasem region. It takes over 3 hours from Seminyak. For the Sky Gate, I'm willing to take this road!
The car could only go to the foot of the mountain. From there, we took a shuttle car (a small open-air pickup-like vehicle) for 10 RMB/person one way. About 5 minutes later, we arrived at the temple entrance. We needed to rent a sarong; our driver had prepared one for us. We also had to make a donation at the entrance—any amount. Many locals here speak some Chinese; it's a spot surrounded by Chinese tourists.
After queuing for an hour, we got the divine photo at the Sky Gate.
Let me explain how the photo was taken: the temple staff take photos for you. They shout, "Next! Change pose! Last pose! 1,2,3 jump! OK, nice!" They placed a polarizing filter under the camera lens, so you get a stunning shot instantly.
Sky Gate
Sky Gate
Coming down from the Sky Gate was almost 4 p.m. The journey to find beautiful scenery is always long. Next stop: Tirta Gangga, which was nearby. Our driver took us to a restaurant with rice terrace views for lunch—breathtaking.
A simple meal.
After lunch, we visited Tirta Gangga Park, which was crowded.
The park is small, takes about 15 minutes to walk through. It was getting late; our hotel was in Ubud, about 2 hours away. Time to head back.
Tonight's hotel was Beji Ubud in Ubud. We arrived late, around 8 p.m., and I was too sleepy to take photos. We had dinner around 5 p.m., so by 9 p.m. we were a bit hungry. We bought four cups of local instant noodles called "Pop Me"—super delicious! Recommended!
Today's accommodation was still a private villa, but with an outdoor bathroom and soaking tub—quite unique.
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
A tiring day. Good night!
Part.6 Day 4: Ubud
Ubud day trip: Bali Swing, Tegenungan Waterfall, Ubud Palace, Spa
8:30-9:00 Ubud Beji Ubud Hotel - Bali Swing
9:00-11:30 Play at popular swings (2-3), bird nests, big rocks, etc.
11:30-12:00 Lunch
12:30-13:00 Bali Swing - Tegenungan Waterfall
13:00-14:00 Explore Tegenungan Waterfall
14:00-14:30 Coffee plantation, souvenir shop
14:30-15:30 Coffee plantation - Ubud Palace
15:30-16:00 Ubud Palace, Ubud Market
16:00-16:20 Ubud Palace - Ubud Beji Ubud Hotel
16:20-19:00 Play at hotel
19:10-19:50 Dinner
20:00-21:00 Spa
Opened the window in the morning, still beautiful sunshine! Ubud is in central Bali, a very historic area. It is said that Ubud is the soul of Bali... I strongly agree. This was also my favorite place.
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
This is our villa. The thatched roof looks nice, but there are little geckos and ants. All hotels in Ubud are like this—beware if you're sensitive.
Ready to head to Bali Swing.
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
About 20 minutes to Bali Swing! Admission includes lunch. Additional professional photography costs $10 USD. There are many attractions inside; you can play as much as you want. The longest queue was for the medium-height swing. Everyone was dressed beautifully, mostly Chinese girls. I hate queuing after yesterday's Sky Gate, so I decided not to queue today. The medium swing doesn't require a large safety harness, so photos look great. I went for the highest swing (no queue) instead—it was thrilling! Super fun! After that, we visited the bird's nest, rocks, and small swings—hardly any queues, just took photos and moved on.
However, the lunch at Bali Swing was terrible—very unappetizing.
After leaving Bali Swing, we headed to the waterfall, about 20 minutes away. Many foreigners were swimming there—they really love outdoor activities!
From a distance, the waterfall seemed weak compared to Huangguoshu in China... but it has its own charm, unique in its own way.
Forest Waterfall View
After the waterfall, we stopped at a coffee plantation with various coffees, including civet coffee.
The plantation also had this strange plant. Later, the driver told us it was poisonous and inedible—used only for decoration or as a soccer ball.
On the way to Ubud Palace and Market.
Along the roads, we often saw religious statues and elements. The driver said Bali has thousands of religions, and people have different beliefs—they don't do evil, are kind and peaceful. I truly experienced the friendliness and sincerity of Balinese people these days.
Two-way single lane roads everywhere with motorcycles.
Ubud Market
Ubud Market
Unfortunately, Ubud Palace was under renovation—only a small part was open, finished in 5 minutes.
On the way, the driver asked about our faith. I said I have none—I don't believe in Buddhism; maybe I only believe in my big Party... Haha.
Ubud Palace
Ubud Palace
Ok, today's outdoor visit ended! Time to return to the hotel for a swim.
I've enjoyed infinity pools many times, but this was my first time swimming in a forest. Surrounded by forest, listening to cicadas and traditional Ubud music, all distractions vanished—I just wanted to quietly enjoy the moment.
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Maybe everyone else was out exploring, so the pool was just my husband and me in the afternoon. Later, two foreigners came, also taking photos. When helping them with a group photo, I noticed they used Huawei phones.
Swam until about 7:10, then went to find dinner. Noticed a barbecue place nearby that looked great. It was crowded—opposite us sat foreigners, to the left a Korean couple, to the right a Japanese couple.
We originally wanted to have a spa at the hotel, but without a reservation, there was no availability. We found a well-rated spa outside. However, all spas here close at 9 p.m. So starting at 8 p.m., we could only have an hour-long treatment—had to enjoy less. We chose a hot stone spa.
The therapists' techniques were excellent, but the time was too short. I wanted to continue all night!
Another day passed. Good night?
Part.7 Day 5: Uluwatu & Jimbaran
Uluwatu & Jimbaran day trip: Nusa Dua paragliding, Nyang Nyang Beach, Suluban Beach, Ayana
8:00-9:00 Hotel fun and breakfast
9:00-11:30 Ubud Beji Ubud Hotel - Nusa Dua paragliding base
11:30-13:00 Queue and paragliding
13:00-14:00 Paragliding base - Nyang Nyang Beach
14:00-15:00 Lunch
15:00-15:40 Restaurant - Jimbaran Ayana Hotel
16:50-18:30 Rockbar sunset
18:30-20:00 Hotel fun
20:00-21:00 Dinner
Opened the window in the morning, as always beautiful sunshine!
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Breakfast restaurant filled with sunshine—loved it!
Beji Ubud Resort Holiday
Last night I thought about paragliding, so this morning I quickly ordered an urgent slot from the Taobao seller "Blue Poison" to go paragliding. From Ubud to Uluwatu took about 1.5 hours. This time we took the highway and finally saw a two-lane road—but still encountered traffic.
After more than two hours of bumpy ride, we arrived at Nusa Dua. I was a bit irritated from the bumps, but upon seeing the cliff and the beautiful scenery, all irritation disappeared.
Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach
This paragliding base was also surrounded by Chinese tourists. We waited about an hour for our turn.
After flying, I felt my skin got tanned 360 degrees. Then we drove to Nyang Nyang Beach.
On the way, we passed through a yard that looked like a hotel. It was very ecological—chickens were kept in such cages. In Bali, do chickens also live in villas?
Took a quick look at the goat beach and hurried to the Ayana hotel I was looking forward to!
Nyang-nyang Beach
We were very hungry on the road, so we stopped for a quick meal. After days of eating meat, we were happy to see some vegetables.
Finally arrived at Ayana around 4 p.m. I had reserved a spot at Rockbar at 5 p.m. for sunset. During check-in, they gave us flower wreaths and juice. I felt like I was back in China—many compatriots around. Maybe since Nicky Wu and Liu Shishi got married at this hotel, it has brought a lot of business. The front desk guy was very patient. When swiping the deposit, he said "one million" and swiped a million.
Ayana Resort and Spa Bali
Coincidentally, while waiting for the shuttle bus from Rimba to Ayana, the person in front of me in line was my college classmate! Small world!
We got a decent spot at Rockbar and waited quietly for sunset.
As the sun set, clouds covered it completely... I tried my best to capture the sun, but this was the expression on my face?
As night fell, Rockbar gradually became lively. It was a pity not to see the sunset.
Without the sunset, even my neck disappeared.
Finally, while waiting for the elevator car up, I managed to capture a beautiful sky.
Disappointment doesn't feel good. Went back to rest in the room.
Rimba's room was very ordinary—much inferior to the previous hotels. But what could I do? I didn't have enough money to stay in Ayana villa.
Maybe because I missed the sunset, I felt quite down. The highly anticipated Ayana was losing its shine.
We found Sami Sami restaurant in Ayana for a late-night meal. It had many Japanese and Chinese guests. Service was first-class as always.
While eating, two self-playing and self-singing guys came over. They asked what songs I liked. We said, "Just sing a song as you like." Then they sang a Japanese version of "Later" (Hou Lai)—which is one of my absolute favorite songs. Their voices were very touching. Hearing this song, all my gloom from today disappeared. Thank you, guys, for saving my day.
Part.8 Day 6: Departure
8:00-10:00 Hotel play
10:20-11:00 Hotel - Airport
11:00-12:00 Check-in, customs, security
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:55 Boarding, flying home
Got up early and headed straight for the H2O pool. Needed to take a shuttle to the Ayana villa area. I left at 8:00, but many girls were already queuing. Waited about an hour... even the pool had a long queue.
Rimba lobby
Ayana Resort Bali
The best photo angle was recently prohibited because someone fell and died while taking photos... So now we can't shoot from that perfect angle. Everyone was disappointed.
Ayana Resort Bali
Maybe after this trip, I won't be so fond of pool hotels anymore.
Ayana Resort Bali
After taking some photos, there was no time to explore further—needed to go to the airport for lunch and check-in. My classmate said there were many people. Left in a hurry.
Bali Denpasar Airport
Part.9 Final Words
I don't like departure airports. What I'll miss is the Bali in Karangasem and Ubud. Jimbaran feels more like a tourist hub, losing Bali's original essence with luxury hotels one after another—better suited for those who just want to stay at hotels. In just six days, perhaps it was an escape from city life to enjoy the slow pace. People do their own things unhurriedly, restaurants and shops close early, spas close at 9 p.m. They won't disrupt their own schedule just to earn more money. Here, everyone has their own faith. Our driver had his own gods and tucked a small flower behind his ear every day before leaving home. Many families build their own "good-evil gates" (Candi Bentar), choosing not to do evil and live a fulfilling life. Some might think such a life can't make big money, but how many meanings of life are there anyway...
