How to plan a Bali itinerary: Ubud, Amed, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida?

Nusa Penida is doable as a one-day trip from Sanur, where the ferry port is located. You can buy a tour for the next day on the spot in the evening if you decide last minute.

Uluwatu and Melasti beach are best visited in the afternoon, combined with the sunset and Kecak dance at Uluwatu. The beach there has strong waves and is not ideal for swimming.

The Bird Park, reptile park, and zoo are best combined in one day together rather than mixed with the Safari Park — it's more logistically convenient.

Tirta Empul temple is an easy half-day trip from Ubud, best visited in the morning or at midday. It's close and doesn't take long.

Sidemen is only worth visiting if you stay overnight — it's about atmosphere, not sightseeing, and you won't feel it passing through. It's also not on the way to any major attraction.

The Ubud–Amed route has a drawback: from Amed it's too far to explore the south of Bali, so plan accordingly if you want to see both areas.

Popular attractions in Bali are best visited in the morning — crowds get very heavy in the afternoon. This applies to most tourist sites on the island.