Best of Bali: Tanah Lot, Munduk, Ubud & Sanur - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Denpasar, Transfer to Tanah Lot

Welcome to Bali! Upon arrival at the Denpasar airport, you'll get your first taste of Balinese hospitality as you're greeted by your driver and transferred west to Tanah Lot, the site of one of Indonesia's most famous sea temples. The drive can take over an hour depending on traffic, but it's a beautiful one, passing through small villages, green rice paddies, and tropical forests.

After checking in at your hotel, you're free to spend the rest of the afternoon as you please. Relax and enjoy the legendary Balinese hospitality, order a massage or a cocktail, or wander around the coastal village of Beraban, where you can observe traditional Balinese life and dine at one of the roadside stalls called warungs for authentic Indonesian cuisine. End your evening on the black sands of Kedungu Beach, the perfect spot to catch your first Balinese sunset.

Day 2: Afternoon Village Walk & Tanah Lot Sunset Experience

This morning is free for you to sleep in, go for a relaxed bike ride, or laze around by the pool. If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of other activities on offer, like surf lessons, kite surfing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding. Later on, join your guide and set out on a walk through a local village, passing through lush rice paddies to reach the sea temple of Tanah Lot.

The magnificent Balinese landmark is even more impressive at high tide when the waves crash around the rocky outcropping on which the temple rests. Built during the 16th century, this is one of Bali's "directional temples," whose strategic locations along the coast were said to protect the island from evil spirits. Many important Hindu ceremonies are still held here, and locals consider it a sacred place rich with energy. Your guide will time the outing perfectly so you can catch a spectacular sunset over the temple and the sea before returning to your hotel.

Day 3: Transfer to Munduk via Taman Ayun & Tirta Taman Mumbul

Today you'll trade Bali's western coast for the inland jungles, rice terraces, and waterfalls of Munduk. Your driver will pick you up for the two-hour transfer north, and you'll break up the drive with some scenic stops. Begin with a detour to the UNESCO-listed Pura Taman Ayun temple complex, built in 1634 by the Mengwi Kingdom's first ruler. Cross over the large moat and walk across the landscaped grounds as you discover lotus ponds, intricate carvings, and multitiered buildings. 

Continue to the nearby Tirta Taman Mumbul, a serene water temple, where you can admire ornate stone carvings and statues depicting Hindu deities and stroll around the large central pool. Then, get back on the road and take in scenic views along the Pupuan Road as you continue north. When you reach Munduk, get settled at your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon however you like—you might want to relax and refresh after the drive, or take a walk into the village, passing coffee and clove plantations on your way to dinner.

Day 4: Hike to the Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

Grab your hiking boots and bathing suit today and meet your guide for a 30-minute drive outside Munduk. When you arrive at the trailhead, set off on a 20-minute hike through picturesque rice terraces and banana plantations to reach Banyu Wana Amertha, a series of small waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle. Lesser visited than many of the area's more famous cascades, you're more likely to pass locals than tourists on the trail, and you'll often spot handmade offerings left at the base of each sacred pool. 

Hike a gentle circuit to all four of the waterfalls, following a series of trails, bridges, and stairways. If the season and weather are right, you can use the rustic changing rooms and cool off with a refreshing swim. You'll have plenty of time to soak up your peaceful surroundings before setting off on a return hike and transferring back to your hotel, where the remainder of your afternoon is free.

Day 5: Transfer to Ubud via Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Ulun Danu Beratan

It's another change of scene today as you pack up and meet your driver for the two-hour drive south to Ubud, stopping along the way to include some of the region's most important cultural sites. Begin with a visit to Ulun Danu Beratan—a complex of distinctive multitiered shrines, located on the shores of Lake Beratan and set against a backdrop of misty mountains. Wander through the beautiful botanical gardens or among the five temples dedicated to Hindu deities, then continue the winding drive to reach the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.

Take a walk through the lush landscape of terraced fields that hug the hills and valley. As you follow the trails to the most picture-worthy spots, you'll also learn about the subak irrigation system (a centuries-old technique the locals use to sustain the terraces) and witness how it works in practice. You'll have time to pause for plenty of photo ops before strolling back to the car and continuing to Ubud. Surrounded by rice terraces and tropical forests dotted with ancient Hindu temples, this highland town is considered the spiritual center of Bali, and serves as your base for the next three nights.

Day 7: Afternoon Balinese Cooking Class 

Spend this morning exploring more of Ubud at your own pace. You might want to start at Ubud Palace (or Puri Saren Palace), a historic landmark and cultural hub. Built in the 19th century, this was once the home of the royal family of Ubud, and it's renowned for its architecture, gardens, and various cultural displays. You'll also find several of Ubud's most famous street markets nearby, including the Ubud Art Market, a bustling open-air hub with traditional Balinese textiles, woodcarvings, jewelry, and paintings. 

In the afternoon, join a two-hour cooking class in Ubud to learn how to make several typical Balinese dishes. Follow your guide to the local market for fresh ingredients, then head to a coconut plantation to tap the trees for their sap, which is used in making arak, a distinct Balinese liquor. Learn various techniques from your chef as they demonstrate how to create authentic Balinese dishes, such as lawar (finely minced spiced meat) and bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck in banana leaves). At the end of the lesson, sample different types of arak and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a delicious early dinner.

Day 8: Transfer to Sanur via Sukawati Market

The final destination of your trip is Sanur, a relaxed seaside town on Bali's southeastern coast. The journey from Ubud takes about an hour, but your driver will pause mid-route so you can explore the colorful Sukawati Market and its vibrant offerings of spices, fruits, textiles, art, and more. It's an ideal spot to grab some one-of-a-kind souvenirs before tomorrow's flight.

Once you arrive in Sanur and drop your bags at your hotel, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the town and enjoy its perfect beaches. Follow the 4-mile (6 km) waterfront promenade, passing painters, sculptors, cafés, and restaurants, and cool off with a dip in the shallow lagoons (Sanur's calm waters are protected by a natural reef). When you get hungry, stroll over to the Sanur Night Market to sample an array of Indonesian street food favorites like satay (grilled meat skewers).

Day 9: Transfer to Denpasar, Depart

Spend your last day in Bali enjoying the sun on Sanur's golden sands. The water is gentle and shallow at the town's main beach, and you can walk along the promenade and pop into one of the many cafés or restaurants for a snack before your flight. When it's time, head back to the hotel to grab your bags and start the 30-minute transfer back to the Denpasar airport. Sampai jumpa lagi—see you again!

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