Your ultimate seven-day Bali itinerary

There's something special about Indonesia's "Island of the Gods" that you feel as soon as you arrive. Whether it's the beautiful coast, the lush jungle, the welcoming people, or even the world-class dining, Bali is a wonderful place to visit.

To make the most of your trip, you'll want to get a taste of all these different parts of the island. This Bali itinerary has seven days that take you from the trendy Seminyak neighborhood on the coast, up to the more tranquil and spiritual town of Ubud. You'll even do a day trip to the small but dramatic island of Nusa Penida.

Morning

After arriving at the airport in Denpasar, transfer to your accommodation in the upscale coastal neighborhood of Seminyak for the start of this seven-day Bali itinerary. Although other nearby areas like Kuta or Canggu are also good areas to stay, Seminyak puts you in the heart of the action with lots of things to do for a range of interests.

To get the day started, grab a coffee at one of the trendy cafés, where the quality rivals the best you'll find in Rome or Melbourne.

Afternoon

Head down to Seminyak Beach for the afternoon to soak up the coastal vibes. The waves are never too big, so it's a good place for a beginner's surf lesson. Just off the sand is the small local Petitenget Temple. Then grab a sunbed or a beanbag under an umbrella for an afternoon drink. 

Evening

After a more casual afternoon drink, move to one of Seminyak's beach clubs in time for the sunset. One of the most iconic is Potato Head, which has grown into an architecturally-impressive complex, while the area's first big beach venue, Ku De Ta, is still one of the most popular.

Morning

For a slight change of scenery, head up the coast to the more casual beach suburb of Canggu, which has long been popular with surfers but has become busier in recent years. There's a vibrant brunch scene here, so it might be worth skipping breakfast!

As well as the beach and the charming township, a highlight here is Tanah Lot Temple—one of the island's most revered sea temples—which sits on rocks offshore, surrounded by crashing waves.

Afternoon

Back in Seminyak, spend the afternoon exploring the streets, starting with souvenirs at the Seminyak Flea Market before heading down the main road for boutique stores and larger shopping centers. There are also homeware stores, jewelry stores, and a number of art galleries.

If shopping isn't quite your thing, head to a spa or massage parlor for a bit of pampering.

Evening

Seminyak has some of Bali's best restaurants and much of the dining here is considered world-class (but at a lower price than you'll find in other countries). Why not treat yourself to a nice meal this evening – perhaps Indonesian cuisine at Merah Putih, Latin American at Barbacoa, or Italian at Mauri Restaurant.

Morning

After a leisurely breakfast by the beach, take a transfer up into Bali's hinterland to the cultural town of Ubud and settle into your accommodation for the next few nights. Surrounded by lush jungle, Ubud feels more spiritual and laidback than Seminyak and you might like to take a walk to get your bearings.

Afternoon

Take a few hours to explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a large nature reserve with temples and more than a thousand wild macaques – that are notoriously cheeky. Trails lead away from the central temples to the outer fringes, if you want some quieter areas. 

Evening

For dinner, you could find a traditional warung restaurant in town to try some local Balinese cuisine. Some of the most popular regional dishes include roast suckling pig with herbs and spices called babi guling and chicken slow-cooked in banana leaves called ayam betutu.

Morning

To explore the sights around Ubud today, you may want to rent a car or take a private tour with a driver. Head first to the Pura Tirta Empul temple, a beautiful jungle complex that's famous for its holy spring water that worshippers bathe in. Visitors are welcome to join the ritual if they're respectful.

Afternoon

Although the Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a popular stop, it's worth the extra drive to the terraces at Jatiluwih, which are quieter and more scenic. This sweeping agricultural landscape isn't just picturesque, it's also a UNESCO World Heritage site because it shows how the community has managed the land for centuries.

Evening

After an early dinner, make your way to the Ubud Royal Palace where traditional Legong dance performances are held every evening. Developed in the 19th century as entertainment for the royal court, it has intricate costumes and traditional gamelan music.

Morning

For a bit of exercise, it's time to hit a walking trail this morning. If you're particularly active, arrange a pre-dawn hike to the top of the volcanic Mount Batur in time for sunrise at the summit. An easier alternative is the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is a paved trail near town offering views over green river valleys.

Afternoon

Dedicate the afternoon to a bit more walking – but around town this time. Ubud is known for its art scene, so start at the main Ubud Art Market and work your way to the Agung Rai Museum of Art, with several smaller galleries and studios along the way. You'll also find lots of boutique stores and heritage buildings.

Evening

There's no main night market in central Ubud, but two good nearby options are the Peliatan or Sayan Night Markets. Aimed at locals rather than tourists, this is a good opportunity to pull up a plastic stool and try some authentic dishes at a very reasonable price.

Morning

Check out of your accommodation and take an early transfer to Sanur Port for a day trip across to Nusa Penida island, leaving your luggage in storage at the port. Note: Many group tours include a pick-up from Ubud.

Nusa Penida is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine beaches, so start at the famous Kelingking Beach to take in the view from above and consider the trek down the stairs to the sand. Nearby, Broken Beach has a circular cove with a natural stone bridge. 

Afternoon

As you explore more of the island, you may have time to head to the white-sand beaches on the east coast like Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, with a stop at the Rumah Pohon Treehouse. Or going further inland, there's the beautiful Peguyangan Waterfall and a temple inside the Goa Giri Putri Cave.

Evening

Catch the ferry back to Sanur Port on the mainland. To minimize travel—especially if you have an earlier flight tomorrow—you may want to stay the night in the family-friendly neighborhood of Sanur. If you have extra time and want to see some more sights, transfer to accommodation in Uluwatu.

Morning

If you've chosen to stay in Sanur for the end of this Bali itinerary, spend the rest of the day relaxing in the reef-protected waters, along the paved beachfront cycling path, or maybe in a resort spa.

In Uluwatu, you'll find beautiful views from the clifftops down to the beaches. Spend the morning swimming at Padang Padang Beach or exploring surf coves like Bingin or Dreamland.

Afternoon

For a bit more culture, head to Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park to see the monumental statue of Vishnu, one of the tallest in the world. Beyond the statue, there are 60 hectares dedicated to Indonesian heritage, so you can stroll the gardens and watch dance performances in the amphitheaters.

Evening

Before sunset, make your way to Uluwatu Temple, set on a cliff above the ocean. Take in the views as you approach and then explore the complex from the inside. If you have time before departure, stay for the early evening Kecak fire dance performance with traditional chanting.

Although visiting Bali is very easy, there are a few Bali travel tips that are useful to know.

• The best weather for visiting Bali is between April and October, but the months of July and August are the peak tourist season. To avoid the crowds, the shoulder seasons of April–June and September–October are best.
• Visitors need to apply for a Visa on Arrival (VOA), fill in an arrivals card and pay a Bali Tourist Levy. Doing all these things online in advance will save you from those queues when you land at Denpasar airport.
• Traffic has become quite congested in many parts of Bali, so factor that into your plans when you're moving between different parts of the island.
• Look out for the small offerings called canang sari that are left outside homes and businesses so you don't accidentally step on the baskets of palm leaves filled with flowers.

Although a seven-day Bali itinerary is a good length of time to get a sense of the island, there are lots of other options if you're staying for a short or longer period.

• For five days in Bali: Spend a couple of days by the coast and a few days in Ubud, giving yourself some time to relax as well as explore a few of the main sights.
• If you have eight days in Bali: Extend this suggested itinerary to have an extra day by the coast to laze by a pool or hang out at one of the beachside venues.
• Ten days in Bali: Gives you a few more options to explore beyond the main tourist areas, so you might consider the quiet black-sand district of Amed, the waterfalls of the Munduk highlands or even the Gili Islands.

Although Bali is full of activities, one of the main reasons people come to the island is to relax. There's a reason the beach clubs and the cafés are so popular along the coast – because visitors enjoy just hanging out in the fun and casual atmosphere. The same goes for Ubud, where part of the pleasure is spending time on walks or in a yoga class.

It's easy to fill a Bali itinerary with lots of fun experiences, but make sure to leave yourself some time to also do nothing. Being able to do that—and enjoy it so much—is one of the reasons this island is so special.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and don't necessarily reflect the official policy or position of our company.