5 days, slow pace
Five days: Ubud, then Nusa Penida
Two days easing into Bali's cultural heart, then three on the island — unhurried, with time at each stop.
In short
Five days split between Ubud and Nusa Penida: two days for Bali's art, food and water temples, then the crossing, the western cliffs, the eastern beaches and a final morning at a local market.
- Airport to Ubud is about 90 minutes over 37 kilometres.
- Ubud to Sanur harbour takes about an hour.
- The crossing itself is 30 to 45 minutes across the Badung Strait.
01 — Day by day
How the five days run
Designed around unhurried immersion rather than covering ground.
Day 1
Day 1
Arrive and settle into Ubud
A private transfer from Ngurah Rai (DPS) takes about 90 minutes over 37 kilometres. The afternoon is a Balinese spa ritual — floral foot bath, lulur body scrub, aromatherapy massage — then a village walk.
Day 1 · evening
Day 1 · evening
First Balinese dinner
Nasi Campur at a restaurant using local, organic ingredients, perhaps overlooking the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Day 2 · morning
Day 2 · morning
Ubud's artistic heritage
The Agung Rai Museum of Art, established 1996, or the Neka Art Museum. Allow at least two hours for the galleries and gardens.
Day 2 · midday
Day 2 · midday
Balinese cooking class
About three hours, usually starting at a local market: galangal, turmeric, lemongrass, then Sate Lilit, Lawar and curries.
Day 2 · afternoon
Day 2 · afternoon
Tirta Empul water temple
A purification ritual site established around 962 AD and part of a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, recognised for the subak irrigation system and the Tri Hita Karana philosophy.
Day 3 · morning
Day 3 · morning
Cross to Nusa Penida
About an hour from Ubud to Sanur Harbour, then a 30 to 45 minute fast boat across the Badung Strait to Toya Pakeh or Banjar Nyuh. Operators on this route include Maruti Express and Angel's Billabong Fast Cruise.
Day 3 · afternoon
Day 3 · afternoon
The western cliffs
Kelingking from the viewpoint — the drop is over 150 metres, and the descent is not recommended on a slow-paced itinerary. Then Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong, 15 to 20 minutes apart by car.
Day 3 · evening
Day 3 · evening
Sunset near Crystal Bay
Cliffside viewpoints here look straight out over the horizon. Dinner is fresh seafood, grilled simply with Balinese spices.
Day 4
Day 4
The eastern beaches
Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, often viewed from the same cliffside vantage point. The drive from the northern hub can take up to an hour, covering 25 to 30 kilometres.
Day 5 · morning
Day 5 · morning
A local market
Sampalan or Ped, where vendors sell mangoes, papayas and durian alongside the morning catch. Lunch at a warung — Gado-Gado or Mie Goreng.
Day 5 · afternoon
Day 5 · afternoon
Return to Bali
Private transfer to the harbour, then the fast boat back to Sanur.
02 — Budget
What the five days cost
Figures as published in this itinerary.
Staying over
Luxury villa in Ubud
Per night; Sayan or Penestanan, with private pool and butler service
From USD 400
Bungalow or boutique resort on Nusa Penida
Per night; northern coast, ocean views and plunge pools
From USD 250
Getting across
Fast boat ticket
Per way, approximately USD 13–20
IDR 200,000 – 300,000
Experiences
Art museum entrance
Approximately USD 6.50
IDR 100,000
Balinese cooking class
Per person, about three hours, often including the market visit and transfers
USD 50 – 80
Dining
Gourmet Balinese dinner for two
Excluding drinks
USD 70 – 100
Local meal at a warung
Approximately USD 2–3.50
IDR 30,000 – 50,000
Want these five days arranged?
Send us your dates and we will handle the transfers, the boat and the nights on both islands.