One Week in Bali: Daily Itinerary Guide

Planning a week in Bali can feel overwhelming, especially with so many sights to see and experiences to enjoy. But don’t worry! With the right itinerary, you can make the most of your time on this stunning island. Drawing on my experience living in Bali for over six months, I’m here to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the ultimate 7-day itinerary that captures the essence of Bali, ensuring you won’t miss out on its most beautiful attractions.

How to plan your itinerary for Bali

Let's be honest: Bali is a vast island with so much to offer, and trying to see everything in just a week can be a tall order. The distances between attractions can be deceivingly long, and what looks close on Google Maps may take much longer to travel. While the ideal trip would span at least two weeks, I understand that many of us have limited vacation time. Therefore, I’ve curated a list of must-see places that include everything from stunning beaches to sacred temples, lush rice terraces, and breathtaking waterfalls. In short, everything you shouldn’t miss!

So, don’t worry! Even with just a week, you’ll have an incredible time exploring the wonders of Bali. 😉

How to get around during your trip

First off, it’s essential to know that public transportation in Bali is minimal, and traffic, especially in tourist-heavy areas, can be chaotic. You’ll likely spend a fair amount of time in traffic jams, so patience is key!

The best way to explore Bali is by renting a scooter. It allows you to navigate the island more easily, avoid traffic, and provides the freedom to adjust your plans on the go.

If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, consider using Grab, which is similar to Uber in Asia. This app lets you order a car for long distances (like from the airport to your hotel) or a motorcycle taxi for shorter trips. To use it, you'll need to get a SIM card or eSIM in Indonesia.

Another option is to hire a private driver, which can be more convenient for daily tours and transfers. You can ask for recommendations from drivers you meet (whether through Grab or taxis) and negotiate rates for longer trips. Alternatively, you can reserve a driver online in advance to simplify your arrangements.

Finally, combining scooter rides with private excursions can also work well, giving you the liberty to explore at your own pace without the exhaustion of long rides every day.

Where to stay during your trip to Bali

Choosing the right accommodation can be challenging, especially for a week-long itinerary. Here are three of the most appealing options:

Stay all 7 nights in Ubud

One option is to base yourself in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, where many attractions are located. You can take day trips to various areas from there.

Pros: You’ll have a central base with minimal hotel changes, saving time on packing and unpacking.

Cons: You’ll end up traveling long distances, spending significant time on your scooter or in taxis.

Stay in each destination

Another approach is to book accommodations in different areas, allowing you to be closer to various attractions. You could rent a scooter in Ubud and use it for the entire week or hire taxis between destinations, but this can get complicated.

Pros: You’ll save time traveling back to a central location and enjoy nightlife in different areas.

Cons: You’ll spend time searching for new accommodations, and the pace of your trip will be more frantic as you’ll need to pack and unpack frequently.

What’s the best option?

Considering the pros and cons of both options, I recommend a combination of the two. For example, you could spend four nights in Ubud to explore the central region of Bali and then three nights in Seminyak for beach time. This way, you still have a base to operate from, albeit in two different areas, which minimizes travel time and maximizes enjoyment!

Now that you’re equipped with essential tips for organizing your Bali itinerary, let’s dive into a detailed day-by-day plan for your week-long journey. This itinerary is designed for a base in Ubud and Seminyak, but feel free to adjust it based on your preferences!

Day 1: Arrival and exploring Ubud

Your first day will kick off at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar. Once you arrive, don’t waste time—buy a SIM card and grab a ride to Ubud (it takes about an hour and fifteen minutes). If you have your hotel booked, you can inquire about their shuttle service in advance.

After settling into your hotel, take a stroll through the heart of Ubud to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, food, and traditions. Be sure to check out the Pura Taman Saraswati temple, known for its lotus ponds, the historic Ubud Palace, and the bustling Pasar Traditional Ubud market. To round off your day, visit the Monkey Forest, a fun sanctuary filled with monkeys right in the center of Ubud. You can also join a guided tour that covers these interesting attractions.

Day 2: Exploring the surroundings of Ubud

On your second day, you’ll truly begin your Bali adventure. Check your scooter, snap some photos of any existing damages, and let’s hit the road! Today is all about exploring the beautiful surroundings of Ubud. Start your day at Tukad Cepung Waterfall—arrive early to avoid the crowds and capture stunning photos with natural light. Next, head to Penglipuran Village, a traditional Balinese village where you can experience local culture first-hand.

Afterward, visit Suwat Waterfall for a refreshing dip. If time allows, consider stopping by Tibumana Waterfall or the breathtaking Kanto Lampo Waterfall.

Continue your day with a visit to Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, a sacred Hindu temple with striking stone carvings. As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along Campuhan Ridge Walk, surrounded by lush rice fields.

Day 3: Sunrise at Mount Batur, rice terraces, and temples

Prepare for an early start, as today you’ll witness the mesmerizing sunrise at Mount Batur. Since it’s illegal to hike to the summit alone, you’ll need to book a guided tour.

Expect to be picked up around 2 AM, with the hike taking roughly an hour and a half, depending on your fitness level. It can be challenging, especially on an empty stomach, so pack some snacks like bananas or nuts to keep your energy up.

If hiking at dawn isn’t your thing, consider booking a 4x4 sunrise tour instead, allowing you to enjoy the view without the exertion.

Once back, recharge with breakfast, then head to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. A good plan is to stop by the Kretya restaurant, featuring an infinity pool with stunning views of the terraces.

Next, visit Pura Tirta Empul, where locals perform purification rituals in the sacred springs. If you’re interested, ask a local to guide you through the process for a small tip.

After a refreshing bath, head to Gunung Kawi, a unique temple carved into rock dating back to the 11th century, accessible by descending 315 steps through beautiful scenery.

Day 4: Bedugul and the three lakes

On your fourth day, you’ll explore Bedugul, renowned for its stunning lakes and rice fields, just over an hour north of Ubud. Enjoy a scenic route passing lakes, volcanoes, and breathtaking landscapes—this will be a long but incredibly rewarding day.

If you haven’t had enough of waterfalls, start your day at Leke Leke Waterfall, reachable via a 15-minute trail perfect for photos. Next, visit the iconic Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple situated by the lake of the same name, one of Bali’s most photographed landmarks.

Continue your journey around Mount Bratan to discover two more impressive waterfalls: Banyumala and Banyu Wana Amertha. Don’t forget to stop at the Instagram-famous Bali Handara Gate, a picturesque entrance to a resort.

On your way back, detour to Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most stunning rice paddies you’ll ever see. If time permits, venture into the tropical rainforest to find the sacred Luhur Batukaru temple, with its moss-covered walls and statues.

Take advantage of the natural hot springs in the area for a relaxing soak before the day ends. Look for “Air Panas” to unwind.

Day 5: Seminyak, Canggu, and Tanah Lot temple

After four days of adventure around Ubud, it’s time to head south to explore Bali's best beaches. Once you’re settled into your new hotel, rent a scooter and start discovering the area.

Your first stop should be Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most famous and iconic temples, making it a must-visit on your 7-day itinerary. If you prefer quieter beaches, head north to Pasut Beach, a beautiful black sand beach that’s relatively untouched, or Pigstone Beach, closer to Tanah Lot and equally serene.

For a livelier atmosphere, make your way to Canggu, a surfer’s paradise along with Uluwatu. Popular beaches here include Batu Bolong and Berawa Beach—perfect spots to catch the sunset. While you're there, explore Munggu to enjoy its picturesque rice field views.

If you’re not in the mood for the beach and don’t mind a longer ride, consider visiting Taman Ayun Temple, known for its serene gardens and tiered pagodas, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling tourist spots.

As night falls, explore the lively Canggu Love Anchor Store, a market featuring local crafts and a unique atmosphere, open until 10 PM.

Day 6: Beaches of the Bukit Peninsula and Uluwatu

Today is all about beaches! You’ll explore the stunning Bukit Peninsula, located at the southernmost tip of the island. Start your day at Melasti Beach and gradually make your way up the western coast. While there are many beautiful beaches and coves, be sure to include Nyang Nyang Beach (watch out for the steep slopes if you're on a scooter), Suluban Beach, and Padang Padang Beach in your itinerary.

Near Nyang Nyang, you’ll find a famous airplane overlooking the cliffs, which went viral on Instagram. Although it’s being converted into a hotel and you can’t enter, it’s still worth a visit to snap a photo.

After a day of sun and surf, head to the iconic Uluwatu Temple, where you can catch a traditional Balinese dance performance at sunset (from 6 PM to 7 PM). Be sure to buy your tickets inside the temple grounds, as they sell out quickly. Arriving early (around 4 PM) is advisable to secure a good spot.

Tip: You can also purchase tickets online here to skip the line and avoid waiting in the sun.

With one of the best sunset views in Bali, plan to end your day on the cliffs of Uluwatu, soaking in the stunning scenery.

Day 7: Explore your favorite area

On your final day in Bali, you’ll have the flexibility to choose how to spend your time. Here are some suggestions:

• Ubud and central Bali: If you’re drawn to Balinese culture, its temples, and inland landscapes, extend your stay in Ubud for one more day to explore any missed spots or enjoy more leisurely visits.
• Canggu: Visit Eccho Beach, Nyanyi Beach, or get lost in the surrounding areas. If you’ve fallen in love with Canggu, consider checking out more activities here.
• Uluwatu: Explore Nunggalan Beach, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, Nusa Dua, Balangan Beach, and catch the sunset at Tebing Pantai Balangan.
• Route around Seminyak: Visit the main beach, explore Petiteng Beach, or go shopping on Jalan Raya Basangkasa and The Flea Market.

Alternative itinerary in Bali

If you plan to stay in a single location for your trip to Bali, consider following the first four days of the suggested itinerary. For the last three days, you can:

• Day 5: Visit the same attractions as suggested but return to Ubud afterward.
• Day 6: Rather than ride your scooter to Uluwatu, book an excursion to Uluwatu. While the journey is long, having a driver makes it less exhausting.
• Day 7: Instead of exploring the southern region, head east to visit Pura Besakih (the Mother Temple). As this area is quite far, consider booking a tour to the Mother Temple Pura Besakih.

Other places to add to your Bali itinerary

If a week isn’t enough and you can extend your trip, here are some must-see locations you should include:

Amed and the east coast of Bali

This area is more laid-back, away from the crowded and noisy vibe of Canggu, perfect for those seeking diving experiences. Here, you can explore temples like Pura Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga with its royal pools, the stunning viewpoint at Lahangan Sweet, serene beaches like Lipah Beach for excellent snorkeling, or dive to explore a Japanese shipwreck from World War II. Don’t forget to stop at Sibetan Rice Terrace along the way.

A jump to the Gili Islands

The Gili Islands consist of three islands: Trawangan, Meno, and Air, with Trawangan being the most vibrant. Here, you can snorkel, swim with turtles, and relax for a few days. Consider cycling around the island, visiting the night market, enjoying the sunset at Sunset Point, and catching an outdoor film at Aston Sunset Beach Resort.

⭐ For more details on visiting the Gili Islands, check our guide.

Nusa Penida

This island is becoming an ideal alternative for wild landscapes and paradise-like beaches just a short trip from Bali. Don’t miss Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach, Angel Billabong, and Crystal Bay, as well as waterfalls, cliffs, and natural pools. If you only have a day, you can explore Nusa Penida on a tour like this one.

⭐ For more information on visiting Nusa Penida, check our guide.

Last-minute tips for planning the perfect Bali itinerary

Before you head off, here are some final recommendations to ensure your Bali itinerary is complete and free from surprises:

› For the Mount Batur hike, bring warm clothing. I went with a hoodie, a rain jacket, and leggings and was freezing! The guides do offer hot chocolate and blankets at the summit to warm up.

› The best months to visit Bali are between May and September. For more information, check out our guide on the best time to travel to Bali.

› When planning your daily routes, set Google Maps to “how to get there by scooter” instead of driving. This will help you find shortcuts that cars can’t take, saving you time and avoiding traffic.

› Nighttime activities are limited, so it’s best to go to bed early and wake up early to make the most of the cooler hours before the sun gets too hot. An early start will also let you enjoy waterfalls with fewer people.

› Bali has numerous beautiful villas, so if you love this type of accommodation, consider booking a stay in one. Prices are higher than regular hotels but still reasonable, making it a nice treat you might not afford in other places. Most villas are located around Ubud and Seminyak, and a few can be found in Uluwatu.

› If you plan to book a Grab motorcycle taxi, make sure everyone in your group has the app downloaded on their phones. Only one Grab can be requested at a time, so you’ll have to wait for each person to arrive at their destination before ordering another.

› Watch out for the monkeys! While they may seem cute, they aren’t at all. They have no respect for personal belongings, and even if you just want to pet them, they’ll likely try to steal from you. So, when visiting the Monkey Forest and Uluwatu Temple, avoid carrying anything that could be snatched, even a hat or sunglasses. I witnessed a monkey snatch a pair of glasses from a lady in a wheelchair, and they broke them in no time!

Map of the 7-day route in Bali

Now that you’re familiar with a fantastic itinerary for a week in Bali and the must-visit attractions for each day, here’s a map to help you keep track of your destinations.

Enjoy your journey through the beautiful island of Bali! If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below. Have a fantastic time on your vacation in Bali!

* Some images are sourced from Shutterstock

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