Itinerary

7 Days in Bali: A Complete Day-by-Day Itinerary

A week in Bali lets you do it right. Not the Instagram version where you hit every waterfall in 48 hours, but the real version — a few days in Ubud with the rice terraces and temples, a few days on the southern coast with the cliffs and surf, and enough downtime to actually enjoy the pools, the food, and the sunsets. Bali is big enough that you need to move around, but small enough that nothing is more than a couple of hours away.

Best time to go: April–October (dry season). June–August is peak tourist season and prices jump. The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are the sweet spot.

Quick Overview

Day 1: Arrive & Settle into Ubud

Getting There

Fly into Ngurah Rai (DPS). Pre-book a private driver to Ubud (90 minutes, ~$25–35 via Klook or your hotel). Grab is the local ride-hail app if you didn’t arrange a pickup — cheaper than airport taxis, which are fixed-rate and overpriced.

Afternoon — Ubud Center

Check in and walk through Ubud center. The Ubud Royal Palace is right on the main street (free to see from outside). Walk through the Ubud Art Market across the street — good for souvenirs, but bargain hard (start at 30–40% of the asking price).

Walk 10 minutes south to the Campuhan Ridge Walk — a paved path along a narrow ridge between two valleys. Best in the late afternoon light. The walk takes 30–40 minutes and you’ll understand immediately why people come to Ubud.

Where to eat: Locavore To Go for casual but excellent Indonesian-fusion dishes. The nasi campur is great. 50,000–100,000 IDR ($3–6). Or splurge at Locavore (their fine dining restaurant) later in the trip — book ahead.

Evening — First Night Dinner

Where to eat: Warung Biah Biah on Jalan Raya Ubud — cheap, local, and packed with Balinese families. Nasi goreng, satay, and a Bintang beer. 40,000–80,000 IDR ($2.50–5). This is what good Balinese food costs outside the tourist markup.

Pro tip: Money changers in Ubud often run scams (miscounting bills, rigged calculators). Use an ATM instead. BCA and Mandiri ATMs are the most reliable. Withdraw 2–3 million IDR at a time.

Day 2: Rice Terraces & Temples

Morning — Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Drive 20 minutes north to Tegallalang (arrange a driver for the day — 400,000–600,000 IDR / $25–40). The tiered rice paddies, part of Bali’s ancient subak irrigation system (UNESCO World Heritage since 2012, dating back to the 9th century), are the iconic Bali shot. Come before 10 AM to beat the crowds and the heat. You can walk down into the terraces — there’s a small donation expected (10,000–20,000 IDR) at various access points.

The swing photos you’ve seen on Instagram are here too ($35 for the commercial swings). Skip the giant ones — they’re crowded and overpriced. Some smaller warungs on the edges of the terraces have their own swings for free or a small fee.

Where to eat: Tis Café overlooking the terraces — the view is the reason to come. The nasi goreng is solid, and a meal with a drink runs 60,000–100,000 IDR ($4–6).

Afternoon — Tirta Empul Water Temple

Continue 15 minutes to Tirta Empul (50,000 IDR entry). Founded in 926 AD around a natural spring that Balinese Hindus consider sacred, this is a holy water temple where worshippers come for purification rituals. You can participate — rent a sarong (included with entry), wade into the pools, and move through the fountains one by one. It’s a genuine spiritual experience, not a tourist performance. Be respectful: follow the direction of the queue, don’t take selfies in the water, and go with the intention of actually being present.

Drive back to Ubud via Gunung Kawi if you have time — a valley with 11th-century rock-cut shrines reached by 300+ steps. Impressive but tiring.

Where to eat: Warung Pondok Madu for dinner — hidden down a side road in Ubud, garden seating, and some of the best duck in the area. Bebek goreng (fried duck) for 65,000 IDR ($4).

Pro tip: Hire a driver for the day, not a tour. Drivers double as flexible guides, wait while you explore, and cost a fraction of organized tours. Your hotel can arrange one, or ask other travelers for recommendations.

Day 3: Monkey Forest, Art & Cooking Class

Morning — Sacred Monkey Forest

Ubud Monkey Forest (80,000 IDR) covers 12.5 hectares of natural forest with over 1,260 trees and is home to roughly 1,300 long-tailed macaques across 7 groups. The trees, the moss-covered statues, and the ravine bridge make it feel like a set from Indiana Jones. The monkeys are bold — secure your sunglasses, water bottles, and anything dangling. They will take things. Don’t make eye contact with them, don’t smile (they interpret it as aggression), and don’t bring food.

Budget an hour. Go early when the monkeys are calmer.

Where to eat: Milk & Madu on Jalan Monkey Forest for brunch. Australian-owned cafe with great smoothie bowls and eggs. 70,000–120,000 IDR ($4.50–8).

Afternoon — Cooking Class

Book a Balinese cooking class — this is one of the best things to do in Ubud. Most classes start with a market visit, then teach you to make 8–10 dishes: satay, lawar, sambal, nasi goreng, black rice pudding. Paon Bali and Casa Luna are both well-regarded. Budget 350,000–500,000 IDR ($22–32) for a half-day class including food.

You’ll eat everything you cook, so skip lunch.

Evening — Kecak Fire Dance

If it’s available, catch a Kecak fire dance at the Ubud Royal Palace (7:30 PM, 100,000 IDR). A circle of 50+ men chanting “cak-cak-cak” while dancers perform the Ramayana story, with a fire dance finale. It’s theatrical, hypnotic, and unlike anything you’ll see anywhere else. Arrive 20 minutes early for a good seat.

Where to eat: Light dinner after the cooking class. Warung Sopa for healthy vegetarian Balinese food if you’re feeling full. 40,000–70,000 IDR ($2.50–4.50).

Pro tip: Ubud has incredible yoga studios if that’s your thing. The Yoga Barn and Radiantly Alive offer drop-in classes for 130,000–180,000 IDR ($8–11). Early morning sessions are the best — the jungle sounds at 7 AM are a natural soundtrack.

Day 4: Transfer to Uluwatu / South Bali

Morning — Drive South

Check out of Ubud and drive to the Bukit Peninsula / Uluwatu area (2 hours). This is a different Bali — dramatic limestone cliffs, world-class surf breaks, and a drier, more rugged landscape. If you’re staying in Seminyak instead, the drive is about 90 minutes from Ubud.

Stop at Tegenungan Waterfall on the way (20,000 IDR) — it’s a 15-minute detour and the most accessible waterfall near Ubud. Go in the morning before tour buses arrive.

Afternoon — Beach Club or Beach

Settle into your hotel and hit the pool, or head to one of the Uluwatu beaches. Padang Padang Beach is small, beautiful, and the entry stairs carved through a rock cliff are dramatic. Thomas Beach is quieter and better for swimming. Suluban Beach (also called Blue Point) is where the surfers go.

If you want the beach club experience, Sundays Beach Club is at the base of a cliff (cable car down, ¥150,000 IDR minimum spend). The Edge has an infinity pool that looks like it drops into the ocean.

Where to eat: Single Fin in Uluwatu — a cliff-top bar overlooking one of Bali’s best surf breaks. The food is decent (burgers, bowls, 80,000–150,000 IDR), but you’re here for the sunset view with a cold Bintang. Come by 4 PM to get a good spot.

Evening — Uluwatu Kecak Dance

The Uluwatu Temple Kecak dance (7 PM, 150,000 IDR) is better than Ubud’s version — it’s performed on a cliff edge with the sunset and ocean as a backdrop. The temple itself (50,000 IDR) is also worth visiting before the show. Watch your belongings — the monkeys here are more aggressive than Ubud’s.

Where to eat: Jimbaran Bay seafood — drive 20 minutes to Jimbaran Beach, where a row of seafood restaurants set up tables on the sand. Pick your fish from the display, they grill it, you eat it with your feet in the sand while the sun sets. Budget 200,000–400,000 IDR ($13–25) per person.

Pro tip: Uluwatu doesn’t have Uber/Lyft and Grab coverage is spotty. Rent a scooter (70,000–100,000 IDR/day) if you’re comfortable driving one, or arrange a driver. The roads are quiet compared to Ubud and Seminyak.

Day 5: Nusa Penida Day Trip

Getting There

Book a fast boat from Sanur Harbor to Nusa Penida (30 minutes each way, 200,000–350,000 IDR round trip). Book through your hotel or a reputable company like Maruti Express. First boats leave at 7–8 AM. Arrange a driver on Nusa Penida in advance — the island roads are rough.

Morning — Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach is the shot — a T-Rex-shaped cliff plunging into turquoise water. The viewpoint is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. The climb down to the beach takes 30–45 minutes on a steep, sketchy path. It’s worth it if you’re fit and wearing good shoes, but the view from the top is spectacular on its own.

Afternoon — Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach

Drive 15 minutes to Angel’s Billabong — a natural infinity pool carved into the rock at the edge of the ocean. You can swim in it when the tide is calm, but check conditions first. Right next door is Broken Beach — a natural rock arch over a cove of blue water. Both are free.

If time allows, continue to Crystal Bay for a swim before catching the afternoon boat back (last boats around 4–5 PM).

Where to eat: Pack snacks or eat at one of the warungs near Kelingking — options are limited on Nusa Penida and quality varies. Keep expectations low and enjoy the scenery.

Evening — Back in Uluwatu/Seminyak

You’ll be tired. Keep it simple.

Where to eat: Naughty Nuri’s in Seminyak (or the Ubud original if you didn’t go) — famous for BBQ ribs and dirty martinis. It’s a Bali institution. 150,000–250,000 IDR ($10–16).

Pro tip: The sea crossing to Nusa Penida can be rough, especially in the afternoon. Take motion sickness tablets if you’re prone. Sit at the back of the boat for less bouncing.

Day 6: Seminyak & Canggu

Morning — Canggu

Drive or scooter to Canggu (30 minutes from Seminyak, 45 from Uluwatu). This is digital nomad Bali — surf breaks, smoothie bowls, and laptops in every cafe. Even if you’re not working remotely, the vibe is fun.

Take a surf lesson at Batu Bolong Beach (300,000–500,000 IDR / $20–32 for a 2-hour group lesson). The waves are gentle and the instructors are patient. Or just rent a board (50,000 IDR/hour) if you know what you’re doing.

Where to eat: Crate Cafe for brunch — one of the originals in Canggu, still good. Smoothie bowls, eggs, and coffee. 60,000–100,000 IDR ($4–6).

Afternoon — Tanah Lot Temple

Drive 30 minutes to Tanah Lot (60,000 IDR) — a 16th-century sea temple built on a rock formation that’s cut off from the shore at high tide, one of 7 sea temples forming a chain along Bali’s southwestern coast. Come in the late afternoon; the sunset behind the temple silhouette is Bali’s most photographed view. The grounds around it are a bit commercialized (souvenir shops, food stalls), but the temple itself is beautiful.

Where to eat: Head back to Seminyak for dinner. Mama San for upscale Asian food in a converted warehouse — the crispy duck curry is excellent. 150,000–300,000 IDR ($10–20).

Evening — Seminyak Sunset & Nightlife

Potato Head Beach Club for sunset drinks — the building is made from recycled shutters and it’s become one of Bali’s most iconic spots. Minimum spend varies. Or keep it low-key at La Plancha — colored beanbags on the beach, cold beers, no pretense.

Pro tip: Bali belly is real. Stick to bottled water (never tap), avoid ice in drinks at small warungs (bigger restaurants use filtered ice, which is fine), and eat at busy places where food turnover is high.

Day 7: Spa Day & Departure

Morning — Spa or Temple Visit

You’ve earned a spa morning. Balinese massage (60 minutes) runs 150,000–300,000 IDR ($10–20) at most spas. Spring Spa in Seminyak and Karsa Spa in Ubud are both excellent.

If you’d rather see one more temple, drive to Ulun Danu Beratan (2 hours from Seminyak, 50,000 IDR) — a photogenic lake temple in the central highlands. The cooler mountain air is a welcome change from the coast. Only worth it if your flight is late enough.

Afternoon — Last Beach Time

Spend your final hours at the pool or beach. Pack up and head to the airport — budget 90 minutes from Seminyak to DPS (longer during rush hour, which is roughly 4–7 PM).

Where to eat: Sisterfields in Seminyak for a final brunch. Melbourne-style cafe with excellent food. 80,000–150,000 IDR ($5–10). Or Revolver down a hidden alley for what many consider the best coffee in Bali.

Pro tip: Ngurah Rai airport has a decent lounge scene if you arrive early. The international terminal food court is surprisingly good — grab one last nasi goreng before you fly.

Practical Info

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