The Ideal 7-Day Bali Itinerary: 7 Days In Paradise From Beach Clubs To The Sacred Monkey Forest

So, you’re planning to spend a week in Bali and you’re wondering how to make the best use of your time?

Well, we’ve got a great suggested 7-day Bali itinerary for you. It lets you get the best out of Bali without missing out on anything major.

Our 7-day Bali itinerary combines culture, drama, beach clubs, fire dancing and much more to deliver a thrilling week in Southeast Asia’s most exciting and romantic location.

Once you’ve spent time on this gorgeous Indonesian island, you will want to keep coming back again and again. Visiting Bali is habit-forming because it’s just so much fun.

The Bali Basics: What You Need To Know

Young woman traveler paddling on a wooden boat at Pura Ulun Danu

The Indonesian archipelago is made up of nearly 20,000 islands and the most famous island of them all is Bali.

While Indonesia is a majority Muslim nation, the Indonesian island of Bali has a Hindu majority. This makes the culture of Bali quite different from much of the rest of the country.

It’s that easy-going, relaxed culture that provides a wonderful backdrop for exploring Bali and having your own unique adventure.

If you’re only going to spend 7 days in Bali, we strongly recommend that you plan out an itinerary in advance. Otherwise, it’s all too easy to feel the time slipping by without really seeing anything.

And there’s so much to see such as:

Ulun Danu. Bali
Picture Source: envato.com
  • Bedugul – an off-the-beaten-track location that has Bali’s best waterfalls, lakes and some incredible views.

  • Volcanoes – Mount Batur and Mount Agung are active volcanoes that you can climb and see for yourself!

  • Temples – Bali is a sacred land and there are so many awesome temples to see that you could easily spend a week temple-hopping if you wanted to. Besakih Great Temple (Mother Temple), Pura Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga are among the standouts.

  • Ubud & Central Bali – If you want cooler weather, lush rainforest and a cultural element to your time in Bali, you’ll find it here. You’ll also find the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and much more.

  • BeachesCanggu Beach, Uluwatu Beach, Melasti Beach, Broken Beach, Dreamland Beach, Thomas Beach, Diamond Beach, Bingin Beach, Echo Beach, Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay Beach and so many more. Bali is an amazing destination for beautiful beaches and the white sand beaches are justly famous throughout the world. And let’s not forget the clear, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean that serve as a backdrop to it all.

And that’s barely scratching the surface of what this amazing place has to offer.

Our one-week Bali itinerary will ensure that you have such an epic experience of Bali that you won’t want to leave and will ensure that you want to come back and see even more of this wondrous place.

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When’s The Best Time For This 7-Day Bali Itinerary?
 
the Tanah Lot temple, in Bali island.

There’s never a bad time to visit Bali. Sure, there’s a rainy season but it won’t rain all day long, every day, most days only see a couple of hours of rain and then the rest of the time is warm and sunny as always.

It’s usually cheaper to come to Bali in the rainy season (apart from the Christmas and New Year period which is the busiest part of the year) and less crowded. That means your money goes further and fewer queues at popular places. This season runs from November to March.

However, it’s also hotter and more humid during that time of year. The dry season, on the other hand, is more popular and has cooler, drier weather and while it’s not 100% rain-free, it does rain less at that time of year. This season runs from April to October.

The Best Things To Do In Bali In 7 Days: The Ideal 7-Day Bali Itinerary

No 7-day Bali itinerary could possibly let you see all that the island has to offer. It wouldn’t be possible even if you just sat in a bus and stared out of the window at things as the bus sped on endlessly.

So, what we’ve tried to do is ensure that your Bali experience is as varied and exciting as possible, to give you a flavour of all the amazing things that island life has to offer.

One day, you’ll be exploring the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, the next you’ll be watching the fire dances at the Uluwatu temple, and then you’ll be lounging on a white sand beach with a drink in hand at one of the world’s finest beach clubs, FINNS.

We think it will make you want to visit Bali again and again in the future because, just like us, you’ll fall in love with this amazing island.

Day One: Touch Down In Ubud

Brunette european woman walking in rice fields with traditional

We think it’s a good idea to start a trip to Bali with a day or two in Ubud. The central area of the island is a good place to acclimatize as it’s not quite as hot as the rest of the country and there’s a lot of culture and heritage to explore and, of course, the famous monkey forest.

Make things easy on yourself and ensure that you have a transfer to Ubud booked with your hotel (we’ve got some hotel suggestions below and here) and that means no hassles at the Ngurah Rai International Airport – just straight out of the door into a vehicle and rolling towards your destination.

Once you’re there, we’d recommend the first day of your trip to Bali consists of:

Puri Saren Agung (the Royal Palace)

The royal family is still in residence at the royal palace which means you can only gain admission to part of the complex but it’s worth seeing.

Ubud Art Market

Young woman traveler at ubud market in bali

This is right in front of the palace and it’s a great place to buy some awesome and authentic Balinese souvenirs.

Don’t be afraid to haggle for what you want at this Ubud Market on your trip to Bali.

Pura Taman Saraswati & Pura Dalem Ubud Temples

Pura Taman Saraswati

It’s time for a little temple-hopping, these two temples are a short walk from the market and are both worth seeing.

At Pura Taman Saraswati, you can expect the natural beauty of lotus ponds and at Pura Dalem Ubud, if you’re lucky, you might see some traditional dance routines.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Portrait of two monkeys sitting at Sangeh Monkey Forest, Bali, Indonesia

If you come to Ubud without seeing the sacred monkey forest, you’re really missing out on one of the most unique experiences in Southeast Asia.

This forest is home to over 600 monkeys and you can get photos with the monkeys and see another beautiful temple here.

Be warned though, not every monkey is friendly and you should take advice from the staff before you approach any given animal.

Where To Stay On Day One to Day Five Of Our 7 Day Bali Itinerary

bambu indah resort ubud bali

As much as possible, we’ve designed this 7-day Bali itinerary with day trips in mind.

So, instead of moving from hotel to hotel constantly, for the first 5 days, we’ve opted to keep you based in Ubud and then travel out to enjoy some of the awesome things that the surrounding areas have to offer.

This also makes budgeting for your 7-day Bali itinerary much easier as you will get a single price for the 5 nights, rather than 5 different prices at different places.

Of course, if you like switching up hotels, you could always book 5 different places in Ubud but we think that’s a lot of extra hassle given the pace of this Bali itinerary. We’d stick to the same hotel for all 5 days.

Luxury Hotels
  • Padma Resort – this incredible resort has a gorgeous infinity pool, is surrounded by bamboo forests and some amazing restaurants. You can’t go wrong with a stay at the Padma Resort.

  • Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve – if we ever win the lottery, we might want to live at Mandapa. This is the best luxury hotel in Ubud but the price tag definitely reflects that. If you want refined opulence and some of the best dining experiences on Earth, however, Mandapa will be happy to deliver them.

  • Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – once voted the best hotel on Earth, the Four Seasons is a serious luxury. It sits between a pair of tranquil rivers and the entranceway alone is worth the price of admission. This hotel is very popular with celebrities.

Mid-Range Hotels
  • Bambu Indah – this eco-friendly resort is one of our favourite places in Bali. The bamboo design is genuinely kind to the planet and the views over Sayan Ridge are out of this world. One thing you should know though is that this resort has no television sets. We think that’s a blessing, mind you.

  • 11 on Kajeng – this hidden gem is just a stone’s throw from all the best destinations in Ubud. But you’d never know from the calm, quiet grounds. We recommend a private villa here with a wonderfully comfy four-poster bed!

  • Uma Kalai – this lovely boutique resort has a genuinely Balinese appeal to it and lounging in the daybeds by the pool here is a real pleasure. Try their local purification ceremony for something different to do in Ubud.

Budget Options
  • Bisma Cottages – these surprisingly affordable cottages don’t cut any corners when it comes to comfort and fun. As these properties have two bedrooms, they’re best for families or groups of friends seeking a bargain.

  • Artotel Haniman – solo travellers ought to hut up the Artotel. It’s within walking distance of everything on day one itinerary and it’s very chilled out and pleasant to stay in.

  • Tegal Sari – if you’d prefer to stay out in the rice paddies and experience Balinese jungle life, this is the way to go. There’s no noise at all apart from the chirping of local bird life and they have amazing coffee that they serve with the included breakfast!

Day Two: Tegalalang Rice Terraces & Exploring Ubud

You will need to arrange transport for each day trip of this 7-day Bali itinerary.

That’s quite easy to do, either talk to the folks at Bali Res Centre when you book your holiday (see the FAQ section for details) or arrange this in your hotel.

Then our itinerary for day two is as follows:

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Young female tourist in red dress enjoying the Bali swing at tegalalang rice terrace in Bali, Indonesia

These beautiful rice terraces are of the deepest shades of green and they’re not just a fascinating insight into Balinese culture but they also look great on Instagram.

You can take long walks through the rice paddies and enjoy being out in the Ubud’s lush jungles.

Tirta Empul Temple

Holy Spring Water Tirta Empul Hindu Temple in Bali, Indonesia

This temple is one of the most sacred in all of Bali. Balinese people come to Tirta Empul Temple to carry out a purification of their souls and they bathe in the sacred waters which spew forth from a dozen pipes at this temple.

Pura Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi Temple

This smaller temple near to Tirta Empul Temple is rather pleasant.

It has a nice waterfall close by and they bury the souls of Balinese royalty here (symbolically, of course, there are no physical souls involved).

The Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah)

Pretty girl at Goa Gajah, Bali

This cave is one of the most ornately decorated places in Bali and it’s awesome.

You enter The Elephant Cave through the mouth of an evil demon to find an image of Ganesh (the elephant-headed God) waiting for you inside.

Day Three: Hiking Mount Batur

 
people at the top of mount batur in bali indonesia

You’re going to need to leave Ubud in the very early morning hours (think 2.30 a.m.) for this day trip but what would a trip to Bali be without a visit to an active volcano?

While you could hike Bali’s biggest volcano, Mount Agung, that’s a big undertaking, it requires a high level of physical fitness and would probably leave you too tired to enjoy the rest of your Bali itinerary.

So, we’ve opted for the awesome Mount Batur which is easier to climb and will end with breakfast at the summit munching on eggs that have been cooked in volcanic steam!

The walk up the volcano doesn’t take that long (it’s only about an hour and a half) and as long as you’re reasonably physically fit, it’s not a big deal.

After the volcano, you could do some or all of the following:

Swimming In Hot Springs

Very near the slopes of the volcano, you can find some springs which re heated by the volcanic underground lava flows. This is a very pleasant activity after a hike and relaxes your muscles.

See Some Local Waterfalls 

sekumpul waterfall bali island indonesia

There will be other chances to see waterfalls on this Bali trip but if you really love waterfalls, there’s time to see a few of the closest ones.

White Water Rafting

Bali is a great place to go white water rafting and the rivers are rated for beginner to intermediate rafters. This can be a thrilling experience and it’s a great way to see the surrounding jungle of Ubud.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

Aerial view of Campuhan Ridge Walk , Scenic Green Hill in Ubud B

If you’ve got the energy, however, we recommend you do the Campuhan Ridge Walk out of Ubud.

This Campuhan Ridge Walk takes you through the local rice fields and shows off the best of the area’s scenery and when sunset begins, the world looks truly magical.

Day Four: Temple Hopping In East Bali

Today is the day to get in touch with the spiritual side of Balinese life and see some of the most amazing temples the nation has to offer and these include:

The Pura Besakih Complex

Roofs in Pura Besakih Temple in Bali Island, Indonesia

This is the greatest temple of them all in Bali and you could easily spend a whole day trip at this site alone. There are actually 22 temples here and they join together to form the whole “Pura Besakih“.

If you want to explore more than just this place, Gunung Agung is probably the place to visit here as it’s a stunning (and Instagram-worthy) 7-level temple where each level is meant to represent part of the universe.

Please note, that you can only climb the stairs that link these levels together if you are a Hindu.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Woman with a yellow dress standing in a pond, colorful fish at Tirta Gangga Water Palace in Bali

This gorgeous water palace is a fantastic place to take some shots for your Instagram and it’s on the way to the next temple too.

We love the carp pond in the centre of this complex and the clever use of small platforms that let you and your friends or family, quite literally, walk on water!

Take a stroll in the tropical gardens before you leave.

Pura Lempuyang Temple

If there’s a place in Bali that everyone wants to see in their Instagram feed then it’s the “Gates of Heaven” at this temple.

Now, be warned, if you want to experience them, you are going to have to hike up some pretty steep stairs but it’s very much worth it.

Get there just before sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic photographs because the light is amazing but the view of Mount Agung from here is always fantastic at any time of the day.

Pura Goa Lawah

Detail from the Balinese Hindu temple Pura Goa Lawah in Indonesi

This temple “the Bat Cave Temple” is one of the six holiest places in Bali and it gets its name from the bats that live in the cave here.

Don’t worry, they’re not vampire bats, you won’t need to carry a cross and garlic, they’re fruit bats and nectar bats which are big but harmless to people.

The shrines at this temple are really interesting and we love the Naga Basuki shrine, it’s a dragon that is said to maintain the spiritual balance of the cosmos!

Day Five: Ulun Danu Beratan & Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Today, we’re going to recommend that you go right off the beaten path and head to Northern Bali to Bedugul.

Many people have never visited this area even after spending months in Bali and it’s a real shame because it’s gorgeous.

And there’s so much to see including:

Lakes Tamblingan, Buyan & Bratan

These lakes are all formed in the ancient caldera of an extinct volcano and the waters are pristine and blue.

Each lake is surrounded by rainforest. That makes the area feel truly spiritual.

Tambnlingan is home to the 10th-century ruins of the Tamblingan civilization.

Banyumala Twin, Git Git & Sekumpul Waterfalls

waterfall twin banyumala in the mountains bali (2)

These three spectacular waterfalls may only be an hour’s drive North (or so) from the main parts of Bali but it’s just far enough to keep the majority of the crowds at bay.

You’ll be able to shoot your Instagram snaps nearly undisturbed at any of these locations near the lakes and you’ll be glad that you came.

Spend a few hours in these places and you’ll feel totally spiritually refreshed.

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple at sunrise in Bali, Indonesia

Speaking of your spiritual well-being the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is also in this area. This Hindu temple is on the shores of Lake Bratan and it’s absolutely stunning in the dawn or dusk light.

If you come during the wet season, the lake rises and it appears that this temple is literally floating on the water here.

Festivals are also a good time to put in an appearance as this is a living temple and the locals really celebrate here.

Handara Gate

Couple at Handara Gate, Bali

The Handara Gate is a wonderful photo opportunity but it’s not of any particular significance culturally (it actually marks the entrance to a golf course).

However, because of the spectacular view, there are often queues to get near it and you have to pay 30,000 IDR to park nearby.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Famous Bali landmark Jatiluwih rice terraces. Beautiful sunrise

This UNESCO World Heritage site is the highlight of any trip to the Bedugul region and the rice terraces here are absolutely stunning.

When your friends see your Instagram images of this area, they’re going to be supremely jealous.

Please Note: Even if you have hired a motorbike or scooter for some of the other days of this tour – we strongly recommend hiring a driver or joining an organized formal tour to see this part of Bali. The roads are in poor condition and driving here is dangerous for visitors.

Day Six: Taman Ayun Temple, Tanah Lot & FINNS Beach Club, Canggu

It’s time to move on from Ubud and we’re going to spend the night in the beach town of Canggu. Canggu is our favourite place in Bali for chilling out and having a good time.

It’s less busy than Legian & Kuta, it’s less expensive than Nusa Dua or Seminyak and it still has everything you need to enjoy yourself.

But we’re also going to visit a few places along the way.

Taman Ayun Temple

taman ayun temple bali

This temple site is one of the highlights of any trip to Bali and shouldn’t be missed. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and its garden has been featured on many global TV shows because of it’s beauty and Balinese character.

It’s a water temple and the photos you take here will really wow your friends. The best news is that because it’s a bit off the beaten track, it’s never overwhelmed with crowds and can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

Alas Kedaton

This forest temple is a real joy to walk around and we love the local monkey population who aren’t quite as imposing as the monkeys at the monkey forest in Ubud.

Tanah Lot

Temple in the sea( Pura tanah lot) Bali

This incredible island temple, known as Tanah Lot, is best viewed from the shore at sunset, where you can capture spectacular images of the place in the golden colours of the setting sun.

However, Tanah Lot is great to visit at any time of the day and watching the waves crash on the rocks below it is dramatic and fun.

FINNS Beach Club

FINNS Beach Club aerial drone incl surroundings

A trip to Bali is simply not complete without a visit to one of the island’s beach clubs and the best beach club in the world is FINNS.

You can enjoy 10 bars, 3 restaurants, comfortable seating, dramatic sunsets, amazing cocktails and so much more!

If you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with one of the international artists that frequently play at the FINNS Day Out Festivals here but there’s always talent manning the decks on other days.

An afternoon and evening at FINNS will refresh your soul and you can dance the night away as the Indian Ocean gently crashes against the beach before you.

Where To Stay On Day Six Of Our 7-Day Bali Itinerary

Luxury Hotels
astera resort canggu bali
  • The Slow – if you want somewhere that typifies the laid-back appeal of living in Bali, you can’t go wrong with The Slow. There are only 12 suites here and each is kitted out in a unique style. Some of them even have their own private plunge pools!
  • Astera Resort Canggu by iNi Vie – this luxurious villa complex is the kind of place frequented by the up-and-coming influencers of the day and it’s gorgeous.
  • Ametis Villa – this is about as upscale as you can get in Canggu and the price tag for a night is pretty hefty but when you’re soaking in your hot tub after enjoying your private access to the local beach, you won’t regret spending time here.
citadines berawa beach hotel canggu bali
Picture Source: instagram/@citadines.berawabeachbali
  • Hotel Sages – this hotel only allows adult guests, so families will need to look elsewhere. However, if you want a nice boutique feel and the kind of attention to detail you normally only see in high-end villa complexes, Hotel Sages is a great deal.
  • Chesa Canggu – it’s only a short walk from this hotel to the nightlife areas in Canggu but it’s still quiet and pleasant while you’re in bed. They have a pair of decent-sized swimming pools which ensure you can always have a dip to escape the heat of the day.
  • Citadines Berawa Beach Bali – if you prefer a serviced residence to a Canggu hotel, this is a great option. It’s got a fantastic rooftop lounge area and a fitness centre included in the rent too.
frii eacho beach hotel canggu bali
  • Umpadhi Canggu – this very reasonably priced four-star hotel has a lovely outdoor pool and a decent bar and restaurant in-house too. It’s a great pick for a family seeking a good deal on a bed for the night.

  • Eastin Ashta Resort Canggu – you get the best deals at this hotel if you book a package in advance. It’s got some spectacular sunset views at the pool despite the budget price tag.

  • Frii Bali Echo Beach – choose a room with direct pool access or a private balcony and be amazed at the amazing value this hotel represents in Canggu.

Day Seven: Uluwatu Temple & Jimbaran

The final day of your time in Bali is here and while today follows a gentle pace so that you won’t feel exhausted by the time you fly out, you;ll still see some amazing sights before you leave.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park

Mesmerizing shot of the Patung Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue in Bali

The GWK cultural park is home to Indonesia’s largest statue, a Garuda and it’s worth seeing just for that. But you can also enjoy some local food at the street food stands there as well as watch some cultural dance performances if you have time.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu Temple

The Uluwatu Temple is high on the cliff above Uluwatu Beach and you can watch the surfers deal with some of Indonesia’s best wave breaks below you.

The temple itself is one of the most important in Bali and it’s a great place to spend an hour or two before the fire dancing begins.

Kecak Fire Dance

UBUD, INDONESIA DECEMBER 29, 2017: Balinese traditional dancin

As the sunsets, the fire dancing begins, Uluwatu Temple is the only place on the island to see Kecak Dancing as it’s meant to be performed.

Just make sure to get there early to get a seat.

Seafood BBQ In Jimbaran Bay

Your final stop on a tour of Bali has to be at a BBQ on the beach at the island’s best-known seafood destination. Jimbaran Bay is home to some amazing resorts too, so you can get a great night’s sleep before you fly out of Bali the next day.

Where To Stay On Day Seven Of Our 7-Day Bali Itinerary

ayana luxury villas bali
Luxury RESORTS
  • AYANA Villas Bali – 78 private pool villas with local artwork, marble bathrooms and much, much more. AYANA is one of the best resorts in Bali.

  • Four Seasons Resort Bali @ Jimbaran Bay – They’ve gone with an authentic Balinese touch at this amazing resort. It contains seven living villages including temples, shrines and water gardens! It’s wow.

  • Temple Hill Residence Villa – This ultra-luxury villa has everything you need to have a great time with family and friends in absolute privacy.

Mid-Range Hotels
  • Best Western Kamala Hotel Jimbaran – This four-star hotel is not in the best location but it’s great value for money. The rooms are well-appointed and we’d happily spend time here again.

  • Kubu Kak Dudung Villas – If you want a classic Balinese-style villa without paying a fortune, you need to check out this awesome villa complex.

  • Bali Paragon Resort Hotel – this charming four-star provides contemporary rooms with all the mod cons and it has a lovely swimming pool for doing laps in.

Budget Options
  • Bali Breezz Hotel – It might be budget-friendly but it’s only a two-minute walk from the seafront! You can’t ask for more than that.

  • Poedja Villa Jimbaran – This is as budget-friendly as villas get and it’s a very attractive complex. There’s a lovely outdoor pool and they’re particularly welcoming to families with young children.

  • Zuri Express Jimbaran – There are no frills at this pleasant three-star hotel but the price is very low, indeed. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll love this place and its tasty free breakfasts.

A Couple Of Alternative Days For Our 7-Day Bali Itinerary

It’s pretty easy to modify our Bali Itinerary if you want to try something else, just drop a couple of days from the program and replace them with any of the following three options.

The Nusa Islands

broken beach nusa penida island 2023 11 27 05 13 51 utc

You probably won’t see all the Nusa Islands but a trip out to Nusa Penida Island can be a great way to spend a couple of days in Bali.

These tiny islands are awesome for golden sand, scuba diving, manta rays and more. Nusa Penida is home to the famous Broken Beach and nearly everyone loves to visit Kelingking Beach there too.

That’s because the rock formations at Kelingking Beach are among the most Instagrammable things in Bali.

However, you should be aware that there’s no airport in Nusa Penida and you will need to take a boat from Sanur out to the islands, which can take a big chunk out of the early morning and make it a fairly tiring experience.

Having said that, many people only experience Nusa Penida as part of a short day trip and they have a good time of it.

The Nusa Islands are becoming ever more popular and it’s a good idea to visit them before they start to attract much larger volumes of tourists.

Our Itinerary For Nusa Penida would include:

Kelingking Beach (The T-Rex)

Manta Bay or Kelingking Beach with huge waves on beach on Nusa Penida Island, Bali, Indonesia

It takes about 30-40 minutes to hike up the cliff above Kelingking Beach but it’s worth the effort. When you look down on the bay below, you will see that the rocks of the island make an interesting shape that looks quite a lot like a T-Rex!

This is your best Instagram moment on a trip to Nusa Penida.

Atuh Beach

kelingking beach nusa penida bali indonesia 2023 11 27 05 23 22 utc

Atuh Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Nusa Penida and it’s a great place to chill out in big comfy beanbags and watch the sun rise over the ocean.

It’s also one of the best places for swimming on the island.

Tembeling Natural Pool

If you want a natural infinity pool then you need to head to Tembeling Natural Pool. Here the rocks have formed to create a sort of infinity pool that gives you spectacular views of rainforest, beach and the ocean!

Tembeling Forest & Beach

Just around the corner is the only beach in Nusa Penida that is secluded from the world by a forest! It’s rare to see jungle and beach life in such close proximity in Bali and this shouldn’t be missed.

Nusa Penida Treehouse

The Nusa Penida treehouse offers an amazing view over the local countryside and you can even rent the treehouse if you want to stay there for a night.

Peguyanan Waterfall

You’d need to climb a lot of stairs (blue ones, in fact) but this magnificent waterfall is very much worth exerting yourself for.

Broken Beach

Broken Beach is named after the rock formation around the local cove that has a single break in it to allow the water from the ocean to enter and leave.

Sadly, you can’t swim here as there’s no way to get into the bay but you will get some awesome photos of this Nusa Penida bay.

The Gili Islands

Gili Meno

The Gili Islands are another group of small islands that aren’t too far from the Balinese mainland.

Again, you will need to catch a boat out to the Gili Islands and while there are several Gili islands that you could opt to spend time on, for our itinerary we’ve picked Gili Air one of the better-known Gili Islands.

Our Gili Air itinerary would include:

Visit Warung Alam Damai For A Free Cooking Class

waroeng alam damai gili islands indonesia

We love cooking classes and Bali has some of the best Indonesian cooking classes in the world. But who can resist a free cooking class?

If you visit Warung Alam Dami the owner will be only too pleased to invite you into his daily free cooking class, where you can learn to make some local food and then eat it.

Snorkel Past The Underwater Sculptures

Underwater scenery with sunk old sculptures covered in moss and people scuba diving in Bali

Just offshore of Gili Air is an underwater sculpture park and it’s great to hire a boat or join a tour out that way and jump in and see them for yourself.

However, if you want to take photographs of this location, you will need a waterproof camera.

Cycle Around The Island

It’s a small island and the best way to see it all is to rent a bicycle and then cycle the circuit that runs around the perimeter. It’ll only take half a day at the most and it’s a lovely experience.

Snorkel With Turtles

One of the most exciting forms of marine life in Bali is the sea turtle. And at the right time of year, you can visit a hatchery and release baby turtles into the wild.

But you can also venture out to Gili Air and then go swimming with the turtles at any time of year. It’s a magical experience and we’d love to do it over and over again.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is the most luxurious part of Bali and you don’t really need an itinerary here just a booking for a world-class resort.

There isn’t much for people on a tight budget here though, it’s all 5-star living.

Then you can lounge around on the beach, drink cocktails and enjoy the food.

And we’ve got some great resort options in Nusa Dua for you:

kempinski bali hotel
  • The Apurva Kempinski Bali – this wonderfully over-the-top hotel is aiming for a full “6-star” experience and we think they mainly succeed in that too. You’ve got beachfront access, glorious restaurants and bars and plenty of pools and other facilities.

  • The St. Regis Resort Bali – The St. Regis name is synonymous with luxury and you can’t go wrong with this exceptional resort. This is where the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, spent his Balinese holiday! Try the Strand Residence if you really want to push the boat out and live in the kind of place fit for a king or queen.

  • The Ritz-Carlton Bali – The Sky Villa is our favourite with the most spectacular view of the ocean from its private pool but you really can’t go wrong with this luxurious property from one of the world’s best hotel brands.

  • Melia Bali – this Spanish-inspired hotel chain has made a huge push into Southeast Asia recently and the Balinese resort is pure opulence at its finest. Enjoy a sunken tub or an outdoor shower after a day of pampering in a private villa. It’s pure bliss.

  • The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa – This resort covers a large land area and is built around a series of seven lagoons that deliver a natural pool environment for guests. It’s also got direct access to the beachfront for when you want some sand and surf. The Lagoon Spa is absolutely awesome too.

This Sounds Like A Lot Of Travel On A 7-Day Bali Itinerary, Would I Be Better Off Spending Longer In Bali?

aerial view of rice terraces landscape with drone ubud bali

Yes! The more time you can spend in Bali, the better in our book. However, we fully appreciate that our busy world often doesn’t allow people to get away for more than a week at a time.

And that’s fine. 7 days in Bali will ensure that you see most of what the island has to offer, you’ll have time to swim in an infinity pool, visit Uluwatu temple, walk through glorious rice fields, take a day trip to a volcano, sleep in a pleasant boutique hotel, see Tanah Lot and so much more!

Once you clear Denpasar International Airport and your trip to Bali begins in earnest, you will have so much fun that you’ll want to come back over and over again.

It is always better to have visited Bali than not to have visited.

FAQs

Is 7 Days Long Enough For Bali?

If you can put more than a week into your Bali itinerary, you probably should. There are so many awesome things to see and do in Bali that you can only scratch the surface in 7 days.

However, if all you have is 7 days, you won’t be disappointed in our Bali itinerary. You’ll see everything from rice paddies to the famous Uluwatu Temple and enjoy drinks at the world’s best beach club.

That’s more than enough to have an incredible time that you will remember for a lifetime.

How To Explore Bali In 7 Days?

We’d recommend that you use our Bali itinerary above to explore Bali for 7 days. That will allow you to fit in as much of the island as possible without leaving you exhausted.

You’ll see everything from rich rice fields to Ubud monkey forest, to Tanah Lot, to Uluwatu Beach. That’s an amazing amount of things to do in such a short time.

How Much Does It Cost For 7 Days In Bali?

It really depends on how you like to travel. You can have a good time in Bali for as little as $500 a week but you can easily spend ten times that and have an amazing time too.

Attractions like the Ubud Monkey Forest or Tanah Lot aren’t very expensive, but hotel accommodations can vary hugely. Staying in Mandapa by the Ritz Carlton is very different to staying in a local homestay project.

So, a lot depends on your personal Bali itinerary and where you intend to stay and where you intend to eat. Again, fine dining with exotic wines will set you back a lot more than a few Bintangs and a nasi goreng at a local warung.

Is It Worth Going To Bali For 1 Week?

Yes! As you can see from our Bali itinerary, you can have a great time in a week in Bali.

In fact, we’d suggest that even if you only have 2 or 3 days to spend on the island there’s a Bali itinerary that will bring you joy.

This is such an awesome place that it would be a shame to miss out on even a few days here.

How Do I Book A Holiday In Bali For This 7-Day Bali Itinerary?

If you’ve decided on a Bali Trip then we can recommend that you book it through the Bali Res Center.

They’re the ultimate local travel agents and they know all the latest developments on the island so that they can ensure your Bali trip is all plain sailing and doesn’t run into any hiccups.

They can also get great prices for you and they’ll be able to find a boutique hotel or resort that works for you in your budget range.

Final Thoughts On The Bali Itinerary: 7 Days

You can have an amazing time in Bali with just 7 days to explore the island. As you can see from our itinerary you can enjoy beaches, markets, temples, and so much more!

We guarantee that after you’ve been once, you’ll want to come back time and time again. Bali is a true tropical paradise.

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