Overview
Bali rewards splitting time between the cultural, green interior around Ubud and the beach and surf towns on the south coast - trying to do both in under a week usually means too much driving.
Best time to visit
April-October is the dry season and the most reliable for beach days and the Nusa islands; the wet season (November-March) still has plenty of sun but with shorter, heavier afternoon downpours.
Suggested day-by-day
- Days 1-3: Ubud - rice terraces at Tegalalang, a waterfall or two, a cooking class, the monkey forest.
- Day 4: Transfer south (around 1.5-2 hours by car) to Seminyak or Canggu.
- Days 4-6: South coast - surf lesson, beach clubs, Uluwatu temple at sunset.
- Days 7-8: Day trip or overnight to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan for snorkelling and the cliff viewpoints.
Practical tips
Hire a private driver for inter-region transfers rather than relying on ride-hailing apps outside the main towns - it's affordable and far less stressful on Bali's narrow roads. Nusa Penida is a fast boat from Sanur, not a bridge crossing - book the boat in advance in high season. Confirm your accommodation has reliable wifi and backup power if you're combining travel with remote work, as outages are common in the wet season.