An Ubud day, time on the south coast, and an optional Nusa Penida trip: a practical starting plan for your first visit to Bali.
The first decision I would make for a Bali trip is where to stay. The activity list comes second. A rafting booking near Ubud and a beach afternoon in the south can both look tempting, but putting them on the same day means spending part of that afternoon in the car.
For a first visit, I suggest choosing a few days you really want, then arranging the accommodation and transport around them. Here is where I would start.
Give Ubud its own day
If you want countryside, a temple visit and time to look around town, use the Ubud destination guide to choose stops in that area. A planned Ubud day tour is useful when you want the route arranged for you.
If you prefer an active day, make rafting on the Ayung River the main booking. Keep lunch and the afternoon nearby. The time shown for rafting covers the activity; your day also includes getting there, the briefing, changing clothes and coming back from the river.
An ATV session in Ubud is another option. I would choose between the two first rather than automatically book both. You can compare the ATV rides available in Bali if a muddy ride is higher on your list than a river trip.
For temples, dress appropriately and follow the signs and staff instructions. A ceremony may change which areas visitors can enter. Bali's tourism office explains this in its visitor guidance.
Pick a part of the coast, then stay there for a while
A beach day does not need four beaches. Choose an area near your accommodation, leave time for lunch, and decide whether you want an activity or an afternoon with no booking at all.
If your group wants short water activities, look at the Tanjung Benoa watersports trio. Read the individual rides before booking: someone who wants a jet ski ride may not want parasailing too. Participation rules differ between rides, so send the operator the ages of everyone joining.
I would avoid tying a sea activity to another reservation immediately afterwards. Weather and operating conditions can alter the timing.
Decide whether Nusa Penida belongs in this trip
The Nusa Penida west coast tour is a separate island day, with a boat crossing and transport on the island. It is worth considering if the coastal viewpoints are one of the reasons you are coming to Bali. It is less useful as a last-minute extra squeezed between two busy days.
Before choosing it, decide whether you want viewpoints, snorkeling, or a transfer to stay on the island. Those are different bookings. A boat ticket alone does not arrange a sightseeing driver when you arrive.
Choose the booking that matches the day
A tour package follows a planned experience with its listed inclusions. A car charter gives you a vehicle, driver, fuel and parking; attraction tickets and activities are separate unless explicitly listed. With a charter, discuss the route as well as the hours you want.
Send your hotel location, travel date and group size with your inquiry. That is enough to start checking a realistic route and quote. Once those are agreed, leave the rest of the day some space. You may want a longer lunch more than another stop.