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Allocating a 7-day trip to Bali may seem challenging, but I can assure you that with proper planning, a week is sufficient time to experience Bali and its primary attractions.
On my first 20-day trip to Southeast Asia, I decided to plan a 7-day Bali itinerary. However, even though it’s enough time, I wasn’t able to get the most out of those 7 days due to poor preparation.
To help you avoid similar mistakes we made, we’ve organized the best 7-day Bali itinerary, alternate plans if you also want to visit the Gili Islands or the Nusa Islands, and tips for crafting the ideal Bali vacations.
Do not miss out on any activities to engage in during a 7 day trip to Bali.
Table of Contents
The best Bali 7-day itinerary
If you hold 7 full days to explore the island, this is the finest one-week Bali schedule:
- Day 1: Arrival in Ubud marks the start of a 7-day trip to Bali.
- Day 2:Tegalalang rice terraces and Ubud surroundings.
- Day 3: Sunset hike at Mt. Batur. The peak experience of my one-week Bali excursion.
- Day 4:Eastern Temples of Bali – Besakih, Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga.
- Day 5:Crucial temple to see in Bali in 7 days.
- Day 6: Taman Ayun Temple, Tanah Lot and Canggu.
- Day 7:Jimbaran and Uluwatu. End of your one-week trip to Bali
The itinerary includes visits to prominent temples in Bali on the specified day:
Adhering to this itinerary, you’ll be able to accomplish most of the noteworthy things to do in Baliin the briefest period. Also, if you’re going to lease a scooter in Bali, we’ll inform you of additional attractions you can explore daily.
Should you lack your own means of transport and prefer scheduling highly-rated Bali trips to visit each location with a driver, you’ll likewise find the optimum options for you. Additionally, we’ll offer you hints on where to lodge in Bali to maximize your route to the fullest.
Before detailing our itinerary through Bali over 7 days, I’ll emphasize the importance of purchasing travel protection for Bali. I had to use it due to an incident during my first day on the island .
DAY 1: UBUD CENTER: ROYAL PALACE, ART MARKET, AND MONKEY FOREST
I propose scheduling transportation to Ubud. This means that upon arrival in Bali, a driver will pick you up and transport you to the center of the island.
During the first day of your one-week Bali getaway, visit the major attractions in Ubud. Begin at Jl. Raya Ubud, the primary street, and go from east to west. Visit the Puri Saren Agung, better known as the Royal Palace of Ubud. The royal family still lives in this palace, so you can only tour part of it.
Directly ahead lies the Ubud Traditional Art Market, a place where you can lose yourself among handicrafts like carry bags, sculptures, paintings, and earrings, and where you can obtain the finest souvenirs of your Bali 7-day trip.
Following Raya Ubud Street, you’ll find the Pura Taman Saraswati, a must-see in Ubud. This temple dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and wisdom stands out for its two ponds full of lotus flowers.
If you continue down the path, you’ll see the Pura Dalem Ubud temple, where some nights traditional dance performances are held.
Upon returning to Raya Ubud Street, at the junction with the Art Market, the Jl. Monkey Forest road guides one to a fundamental destination in Bali, the Sacred Monkey Woodland.
Within this forest lives a macaque population very accustomed to interacting with tourists. The monkeys will readily approach, play, request food, take things, or even bite if not treated respectfully.
They can become rather aggressive, as I experienced myself; I allowed some monkeys to climb on me and one of them bit me. Thankfully, everything was fine since I had purchased the top travel insurance for Indonesia.
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RECOMMENDED TOURS
You require only to book transport from the airfield to Ubud, which takes approximately 45 minutes. The rest of the attractions we advise for the initial day are accessible on foot.
However, if you prefer to take a guided tour led by someone with experience in the area, this one will include visits to the same places as recommended stops on the 7-day itinerary for Bali.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
There are many lodging options in Ubud, including some of the premier private villas in Bali. These are the accommodations we advise considering for the first days of your trip, arranged according to cost:
DAY 2: UBUD SURROUNDINGS AND TEGALALANG. TOP THINGS TO DO IN BALI IN 7 DAYS.
During the second day of your one-week excursion around Bali, I recommend exploring the places surrounding Ubud.
Visit the famous rice fields of Tegalalang in the early hours of the day. This gorgeous scenery transforms the area into an intense vibrant green if your 7-day trip to Bali coincides with the prime season. Wander through the terraced paddies and take in marvelous views while swinging gently or photographing major island landmarks.
You may also stop at Tirta Empul, one of the most significant temples in Bali, where the Balinese purify themselves using sacred water from twelve pipes. Nearby, you could visit Pura Gunung Kawi, a temple symbolically burying royal souls and home to a small waterfall.
In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the Elephant Cave, Goa Gajah, a must-see attraction in Bali in 7 days. There, visitors can enter a grotto through the jaws of an evil creature, and inside, there is a statue of Ganesh (son of Shiva with an elephant`s head). Outside the cave, some ponds supplying purified water through stone statues can be seen.
RECOMMENDED TOURS
If transportation is not available, reserve this private tour, and instruct the driver to skip the Monkey Forest and replace it with Pura Gunung Kawi.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
I advise that you reside at the identical lodging as the night time past, because if you observe our 7-day Bali itinerary, the third day, you’ll need to get up quite early .
DAY 3: BATUR VOLCANO. THE BEST OF MY TRIP TO BALI IN A WEEK.
For the third day of your trip, I propose climbing the Batur volcano and seeing the sunrise from its peak. This was undoubtedly the best experience of my 7 day journey to Bali. Your guide will pick you up very early (around 2:30 a.m.) but having eggs cooked using the volcano`s steam is priceless.
From the summit of Mt. Batur, you’ll see the sun arise behind Mt. Agung, one of the most crucial things to accomplish in Bali within seven days.
While the volcano hike posed no difficulty for me personally, one girl in our group found the climb too taxing and was unable to reach the summit. The entire excursion up the mountain and back down takes around an hour and a half total. At the peak, your guide will prepare banana pancakes and boiled eggs as a snack.
Depending on the tour selected, once the hike is complete, you can go for a swim in a hot spring, visit a waterfall, or even go rafting.
The Mt. Batur tour will occupy you practically the whole day, but if you arrive back in Ubud early and you aren’t tired, I recommend you visit Campuhan Ridge Walk. There, you’ll find beautiful rice fields dotted with huge palm trees and idyllic scenery; it’s a magical place at sunset.
RECOMMENDED TOURS
A guide is necessary to scale Mount Batur, but various tours are available. We chose this one, but if you have more time available, I would recommend selecting one of the following options:
If you’re planning a Bali 10-day schedule, you may also be interested in a camping tour in Mt. Batur.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
You have the option to return to the same lodging as the previous couple nights or you can reward yourself with the Hanging Garden of Bali, one of the finest hotels situated in the core of the jungle. If it exceeds your budget, I advise the affordable choice of Pertiwi Bisma 1, which is nearby the Monkey Forest and is among the most popular hotels on Instagram for its endless pool located in the core of the jungle .
DAY 4: BESAKIH, LEMPUYANG AND TIRTA GANGGA. WONDERS TO SEE IN BALI IN 7 DAYS.
On the fourth day, I recommend visiting the eastern temples: Pura Besakih, Tirta Gangga, and Lempuyang.
It is advised to begin your day early to travel to Pura Besakih, also referred to as the Mother Temple due to being the largest place of worship located in Bali. You would need to dedicate the full day to touring it entirely as it is comprised of 22 independent temples. The most renowned area and the one recommended to explore is Gunung Agung, where is situated a 7-leveled temple symbolizing the universe. Each of the 7 elevations are connected by stairways that are permitted to be climbed solely by Hindus.
On the way to the temple of Lempuyang, you can visit the Tirta Gangga. This royal residence stands out for its tropical gardens, fountains, and ponds. Its most notable feature is a pond brimming with carp where you can walk on water thanks to some small platforms.
Proceed to the Pura Lempuyang temple, where the renowned Gates of Heaven are situated. To access this temple, one will need to be physically fit as climbing numerous stairs is required. The temple is located in a mountainous region, and from the Gates of Heaven, one can observe one of the best perspectives of the Agung volcano. This was one of the spots I most wished to visit during our approximately week-long Bali excursion.
On the way back to Ubud, if you have time, you can stop at Pura Goa Lawah, the least recommended temple.
RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
If you don’t have any transportation means, I recommend reserving this tour to visit the three major temples we suggest for this day.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
- Inconveniences: the cost is quite elevated. It does not cover boat excursions, so you won’t have the chance to observe cetaceans.
DAY 5: ULUN DANU BERATAN. ESSENTIAL IN YOUR BALI 7-DAY ITINERARY
While Bedugul is located farther from major destinations, dedicating a day there during a one-week trip to Bali is worthwhile.
In the mountainous north, a trio of scenic lakes—Tamblingan, Buyan and Bratan—offer contrast to earlier landscape perspectives.
I recommend you visit one of its waterfalls (Banyumala Twin, Git Git, or Sekumpul), the temple of Ulun Danu Beratan, located on the waters of Lake Bratan, and the Handara gate.
On the route back to Ubud, you can visit the most striking rice fields in Bali, which are deemed a World Heritage location by UNESCO for their singularity: the rice fields of Jatiluwih.
Many travelers don’t explore this area of Bali since it is a bit remote. However, if there is one must-see during a 7-day Bali itinerary, it is a visit to the splendid temple of Ulun Danu Beratan. Without question, this was the most amazing temple we experienced during our trip.
RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
Traveling by motorcycle through these mountain roads can be somewhat uncomfortable, so I recommend taking this tour to visit the Bedugul area.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
This final night in Ubud provides an opportunity to sample some of the remarkable villas found in the area .
DAY 6: TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE, TANAH LOT AND CANGGU
For the second to last day of your upcoming weeklong trip to Bali, I recommend exploring the most visited region of the island. While it isn`t my personal favorite area, you cannot leave Bali without seeing Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu, where surfers from around the world, Australian travellers seeking excitement, and the premier beachside clubs on the island converge.
These three coastal destinations in the southwest part of Bali have beaches along the sea, and on the drive there from Ubud one can pause at Taman Ayun Temple and the Alas Kedaton site (the second stop is entirely optional).
Depending on the type of traveler you are, I suggest one of these three locations to spend the day:
- Canggu: Ideal if wanting to surf and find plant-based fare in every eatery.
- Kuta and Legian: If you prefer a beach with many young travelers and the top nightlife spots in Bali.
- Seminyak: If you prefer beach clubs where you can eat well and have good beverages.
You can also visit a less crowded beach, such as Pasut Beach, renowned for its slanted palm tree, which can be located on our tourist map of Bali.
Toward the end of the day, I suggest you head to Tanah Lot. This temple, placed on an island only accessible when the tide is low, is undoubtedly the best place to watch the sunset in Bali. If you have not done so already, I encourage you to purchase a roasted corn coated in hot sauce from one of the many stalls you’ll find and savor it while taking in the sight of the sun setting over the sea.
RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
You don’t need to book any tours for this day. If you don’t have transportation, you can request the necessary transfers here. A car with a driver will take you from place to place for 10 hours, enough time to complete the whole itinerary.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
If you decide that Canggu best suits your needs, I recommend considering one of these four options.
If you prefer staying in Kuta or Legian, here are some good alternatives.
If you want to stay in Seminyak, these are the four hotels that I advise considering.
DAY 7: JIMBARAN AND ULUWATU
To finish your week-long tour around Bali, I recommend visiting the Bukit Badung peninsula, the region of land that juts out to the south of the island.
This locale stands excluding for its spectacular white sand beaches, its cliffs and its unbelievable luxury retreats.
Some of the most famous beaches include Padang Padang (where the movie “Eat Pray Love” was filmed), Tebing Pantai Balangan, with its wonderful cliff views, and Pantai Tegal Wangi, which conceals a cave.
If time allows, it may also prove interesting to tour Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a park intended to honor the Hindu god Vishnu that incorporates impressive sculptures reaching up to 120 meters tall.
In the afternoon, before sunset arrives, visit the Uluwatu temple, situated on a cliff face; you can observe one of the finest sunsets on the island from here.
At this temple, there are also Kecak Fire and Trance dancing shows, where a group of males singing harmoniously supply the music for hypnotically moving Balinese performers. If it’s your initial time in Bali, you should undoubtedly attend a presentation. I went to one at Pura Dalem Ubud, even though the most well known temple for Kecak shows is the Uluwatu temple.
After the performance, nothing tops a fresh seafood dinner in Jimbaran Bay to finish your weeklong trip to Bali.
RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS
If renting a scooter was omitted, this guided experience essentially follows the same route prescribed for exploring Bali within a week.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
Many lodging options in Jimbaran have beautiful ocean views. Depending on your budget, I recommend the following:
Another choice is to stay in Nusa Dua, east of the Bukit Badung peninsula, where you can find luxury resorts.
Other Week-long Bali itineraries
A few weeks before my initial trip to Southeast Asia I was informed about the Nusa Islands and the Gili Islands, some astonishing islands really close to Bali. They stand out for their dream-like sunsets, seabeds brimming with life, and white sandy beaches.
If you’re planning for your journey, utilize this guide to assist you in finding the prime destinations in Limón. I’ll explain how to visit some of Costa Rica’s most iconic national parks in the region, share my recommendations on where to lodge, and provide you with some helpful tips for an unforgettable visit.
After carefully examining our 7-day Bali itinerary multiple times, we decided to use two days to go to the Gili Islands, since it was the most cost-effective choice. Here you can see how much our trip to Southeast Asia cost.
If, in your situation, you only have 7 days to tour Bali and the Gili Islands or you want to take a week-long trip to Bali and the Nusa Islands, here are two other itineraries that may be helpful for you.
ONE WEEK TRIP TO BALI AND GILI ISLANDS
From the previous 7-day Bali itinerary, remove the two days you like the least to visit the Gili Islands. In my case, I altered the 4rd day (Eastern temples) and 7th day (Jimabaran and Uluwatu).
If given the opportunity to remake that choice, I would surely opt for an alternative approach. I think the least engaging day is the 6th (Seminyak – though I may try visiting Tanah Lot, as it’s among the essential places to go in Bali). I could compress Mt. Batur and Tegalalang into a single day and bypass touring other areas around Ubud. Exploring the eastern temples seems as though a major thing to do in Bali within a week.
The island I chose to visit was Gili Trawangan, and truthfully I enjoyed it greatly. However, depending on the type of trip, I would suggest Gili Air instead. In our travel guide to the Gili Islands, I outline all about the differences.
To get to the Gili Islands, I recommend this ferry, which includes transfer from your hotel. If you follow my itinerary recommendation, after visiting the eastern temples, instead of going back to Ubud, head to Sanur to take the ferry the next day.
These are the lodging options I recommend considering in Sanur:
OPCIÓN PREMIUM
TANDJUNG SARI HOTEL
This small hotel is a family-run business that stands out for its exteriors. Their gardens contain antiques. In Tandjung Sari Hoteltraditional dance performances by local groups are held. Additionally, their restaurant offers rustic and traditional Indonesian style dishes.
OPCIÓN TOP
MAYA SANUR RESORT & SPA
Maya Sanur Resort & Spais an eco-friendly five-star boutique resort that leaves no one indifferent. Its modern design blends elements of Balinese tradition, where vegetation also serves as a key element of the hotel. It offers daily yoga sessions, wellness services and an infinity pool.
OPCIÓN ESTÁNDAR
SUDAMALA SUITES & VILLAS
Art, crafts, and conventional values of Bali take center stage in the design of this hotel. Sudamala Suites & Villas aims to provide an authentic traveler experience of conventional Bali through cultural connections, culinary explorations and relaxation in a distinctive haven.
OPCIÓN ECONÓMICA
SANTHI & TRESNA BOUTIQUE ECO-HOUSE
Santhi & Tresna Boutique Eco-House is a spacious villa accommodating six individuals and minimalist decoration situated merely 150 meters from Mertasari Beach and under 4 kilometers from Turtle Island.
In my case, I planned my excursion to the Gili Islands on my own, booking only the ferry, but if you prefer to purchase a package that includes not just the ferry, but also lodging and visits to the different islands for two and a half days (two nights), I would recommend this tour.
7-DAY TRIP TO BALI AND NUSA ISLANDS
Some of the best areas to explore in Bali can be found on the Nusa Islands, such as discussed here. To experience Bali and the Nusa Islands over one week, substitute two days from the previous itinerary for a trip to the offshore islands.
You can accomplish it on your own, staying in Sanur to catch the ferry to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida the following morning, or you can take that snorkeling expedition.
IS IT A 7 DAY BALI ITINERARY ENOUGH OR DO I NEED MORE TIME?
If you just want to visit the main island, a week in Bali is perfect for seeing the most important things. However, if you also want to visit the Gili or the Nusa Islands, I would recommend you spend 8 days in Bali.
In any case, do not worry; if you have even fewer days available, in this article about some of the top attractions in Bali, I have listed four tours that will permit you to see the most vital things if you can only be in Bali for 4 or 5 days.
If you have even more time available, here is a list of the best Bali itineraries.
Whatever itinerary you choose, remember that monkeys can be dangerous, so procure the top insurance for traveling abroad.
Before embarking, here are the essentials for your trip to Bali:
Essentials to save on your trip to Bali
Examine the finest credit cards without foreign transaction fees.
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Obtain a 5% reduction on your travel protection for Bali.
Examine the prime excursions in Bali to make the most effective use of your time HERE and HERE.
INExpensive FERRIES from Bali (hotel pick-up not included).
