Ubud Deep Dive and Volcano Sunrise
Stay in Ubud throughout, walk ridge trails and visit ancient temples, climb Mount Batur at night, and spend a day in eastern Bali at Besakih Mother Temple and Sidemen.
Ubud is your only base, with no hotel changes. The first two days are spent strolling around Ubud: the ridge trail, Elephant Cave, Tirta Empul and the royal temples. On day four, climb Mount Batur before dawn to see the sunrise. Another day is spent heading east to Klungkung, Besakih and the Sidemen rice terraces. The pace is moderate, suited to people who love temple culture and light hiking. The southern beaches are skipped.
Mount Batur sunrise has a higher success rate in the dry season; in the rainy season the summit is often covered by clouds.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and Ubud's Old Streets
South & Central Bali（Ubud Palace & Ubud Art Market、Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary）
Hired car from the airport to Ubud, about 1.5 hours. In the afternoon, walk around the Ubud Palace, the market and the Sacred Monkey Forest.
In the evening, you can catch a traditional dance performance at the palace.
Stay: Ubud
Day 2 · Ridge Trail and Elephant Cave
South & Central Bali（Campuhan Ridge Walk、Goa Gajah、Tegenungan Waterfall）
Walk from Ubud up Campuhan Ridge in the early morning, about 1 hour. Then take a taxi to Elephant Cave and Tegenungan Waterfall, 15–25 minutes each.
The ridge trail has no shade, so start before 7am. The waterfall has lots of steps.
Stay: Ubud
Day 3 · Royal Tombs, Holy Spring and Rice Terraces on the Northern Route
South & Central Bali（Gunung Kawi、Tirta Empul Temple、Tegallalang Rice Terraces）
Depart at 7am; about 40 minutes to Gunung Kawi. Tirta Empul is about 1 km away. Return via Tegallalang and get back to Ubud in the afternoon.
Gunung Kawi has hundreds of steps going downhill, and the return trip is hotter, so visit it first.
Stay: Ubud
Day 4 · Mount Batur Sunrise
South & Central Bali（Mount Batur、Pura Ulun Danu Batur、Tukad Cepung Waterfall）
Pick-up at 2am; about 1.5 hours to the trailhead, then about 2 hours to the summit. After descending, visit Ulun Danu Batur Temple and Cepung Waterfall, then return to Ubud at noon.
A licensed guide is required. The summit is 10–15°C, so bring a jacket and headlamp.
Stay: Ubud
Day 5 · Eastbound: Mother Temple and Sidemen
South & Central Bali（Klungkung Palace (Kertha Gosa)、Pura Besakih） → East Bali（Sidemen Valley）
Head to Klungkung in the morning, about 50 minutes; then about 40 minutes to Besakih and 45 minutes to Sidemen. Direct transfer to the airport in the evening, about 2 hours.
Besakih tickets are sold only at the official counter. If you choose a late flight, allow enough time for the return trip.