From Ubud’s Green Hills to Kuta’s Coast: Abhijeet’s First Bali Trip with Thrillophilia
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PNR: BKDP3T5OA8P
Rating: ★★★★★
Traveller: Abhijeet Shinde
Trip Duration: 6 Days
Travel Date: 03 May 2024 to 08 May 2024
Destination: Bali
Region: Bali Tours
Sales Owner: Sarthak Mishra
“It was our first one to Bali; we enjoyed every bit of it.”
Six days in Bali can cover a surprising amount of ground. From the rice terraces and tropical landscapes around Ubud to the volcanic highlands of Kintamani and the dramatic coastline of Nusa Penida, Abhijeet Shinde’s first Bali trip brought together some of the island’s most popular experiences.
The itinerary moved between Tegenungan Waterfall, Handara Gate, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Tanah Lot, Nusa Penida and Uluwatu, with each destination offering a different view of Bali. There were also coffee plantations, Bali Swings, water sports and a traditional Balinese massage along the way.
With so many places on his list, Abhijeet wanted to make every day count. The result was a six-day journey that covered the Bali experiences he had been hoping to see, particularly around Ubud and Kuta.
Here’s how his first Bali adventure unfolded.
Ubud and Kintamani
The first full day began with a full-day sightseeing tour through Ubud and Kintamani, two destinations that showcase Bali’s greener and more mountainous side.
The route towards Kintamani opened up views of Bali’s volcanic landscape, with Mount Batur and the surrounding highlands forming the backdrop. A stop at a local coffee plantation offered a closer look at Bali’s coffee-growing traditions before the journey continued towards the Bali Swing.
The swing experience brought Abhijeet above the lush countryside, with greenery spreading across the landscape below. The day then continued to Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the best-known waterfalls near Ubud. Surrounded by tropical vegetation, the waterfall drops into a rocky pool and offers a refreshing change from the highland scenery of Kintamani.
By the end of the day, Abhijeet had already seen Bali from several angles, from volcanic hills and coffee plantations to tropical forests and waterfalls.
Handara to Tanah Lot
The next day took Abhijeet towards northern Bali, beginning at Handara Gate.
The ornate Balinese gateway stands against the green landscape of the Bedugul highlands and has become one of Bali’s most recognisable photo spots. From there, the route continued to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, one of Bali’s most distinctive water temples.
Located on the shores of Lake Beratan in Bedugul, Ulun Danu Beratan is surrounded by mountains and misty highland scenery. Its multi-tiered shrines create a striking reflection across the lake, making the temple one of the defining sights of northern Bali.
As evening approached, the journey shifted towards the western coast for Tanah Lot. Built on a rocky formation surrounded by the sea, Tanah Lot is among Bali’s most famous temple landmarks. The sunset added another layer to the scene as the temple silhouette stood against the changing colours of the evening sky.
Four Stops in Nusa Penida
Day four took Abhijeet away from mainland Bali and onto Nusa Penida for a full-day western island tour.
The itinerary covered four beaches and coastal landmarks, beginning with Kelingking Beach. Its famous T-Rex-shaped cliff formation rises above the turquoise waters, creating one of the most recognisable views associated with Nusa Penida.
The journey continued to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Bay, where rugged limestone cliffs meet the bright blue waters surrounding the island. Bubu Beach added another coastal stop to the day, giving Abhijeet more time to explore Nusa Penida’s distinctive shoreline.
After the sightseeing, the day ended with a Balinese massage. This made for a full Nusa Penida experience, moving from dramatic viewpoints and beaches to a slower, more relaxing evening.
Water Sports and Uluwatu
The following day brought Abhijeet back to Bali’s southern coastline for a session of water sports.
The day began on the water before moving towards Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most famous clifftop landmarks. Perched high above the Indian Ocean on the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu Temple offers sweeping views across the coastline.
The temple’s location makes the surrounding cliffs particularly striking, with the ocean stretching far beyond the edge of the peninsula. After the energy of the water sports, the Uluwatu visit offered a quieter way to take in Bali’s southern coast.
It was another example of the variety packed into Abhijeet’s itinerary, with adventure and culture sharing the same day.
Six Days Across Bali
From Ubud and Kintamani to Nusa Penida and Uluwatu, Abhijeet’s six-day journey covered several distinct corners of Bali.
He explored the volcanic landscapes around Mount Batur, visited a coffee plantation, experienced the Bali Swing and Tegenungan Waterfall, photographed Handara Gate, spent time at Ulun Danu Beratan and watched the sunset at Tanah Lot.
Nusa Penida brought Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Bay and Bubu Beach, while the southern coast added water sports and Uluwatu Temple. The itinerary brought together Bali’s mountains, forests, temples, waterfalls and coastline while giving Abhijeet the chance to experience the places he had specifically wanted to visit around Ubud and Kuta.
Why Abhijeet Recommends Thrillophilia
For a first trip to Bali, covering multiple regions within six days requires careful planning. Abhijeet wanted to experience Ubud and Kuta while also including Nusa Penida, Kintamani, Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan and Uluwatu in the same holiday.
Gourav Dixit played a key role from the beginning of the planning process through to the end of the trip. He helped Abhijeet put together an itinerary around the places he wanted to visit and coordinated the sightseeing experiences across Bali.
Abhijeet’s review reflects how well the plan came together: “The trip was planned really very well.” For his first visit to Bali, the itinerary gave him a chance to experience a wide range of the island’s landscapes and attractions, from the green hills of Ubud to the beaches of Nusa Penida and the cliffs of Uluwatu.