Bali is bigger and slower to cross than it looks, so the best itinerary uses two bases and day trips. This plan uses 2026 prices and leaves time for sunsets and long breakfasts — the island is best enjoyed slowly.
7-day Bali itinerary at a glance
| Day | Base | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ubud | Arrive, Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, dinner |
| 2 | Ubud | Tegallalang at sunrise, Tirta Empul, Tukad Cepung waterfall |
| 3 | Ubud | Mount Batur sunrise trek, hot springs, afternoon spa |
| 4 | Ubud → south | Nusa Penida day trip from Sanur, then move to the coast |
| 5 | Uluwatu / Seminyak | Beaches, Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance at sunset |
| 6 | Uluwatu / Seminyak | Surf lesson or beach club; Tanah Lot at sunset |
| 7 | — | Relax, massage, airport |
Before you go
- e-VOA (IDR 500,000) and the free arrival card — how to apply.
- Tourist levy (IDR 150,000) — how to pay.
- Airport transfer to Ubud (about US$40, 1.5–3 h) — options.
Days 1–3: Ubud
Day 1: after the transfer, walk through the Sacred Monkey Forest (IDR 130,000) and the centre of Ubud; watch a Legong dance at Ubud Palace. Day 2: hire a driver: Tegallalang rice terraces before 8:00, the water temple Tirta Empul (IDR 75,000) and the Tukad Cepung waterfall. Day 3: the Mount Batur sunrise trek (pickup about 2:00) — see our Batur guide — then hot springs and a well-earned massage.
Day 4: Nusa Penida
Take an early fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida for Kelingking Beach and manta ray snorkelling; a guided day tour with driver is easiest on the island’s rough roads. Then move your base to the south coast. Compare Nusa Penida day trips.
Days 5–7: The south coast
Stay in Uluwatu for cliffs and surf, or Seminyak for restaurants and beach clubs. Visit hidden beaches like Padang Padang and Bingin, watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple (IDR 60,000 + 150,000), and drive to Tanah Lot for a sunset. Keep the last day easy before your flight.
If you have 10–14 days
- Nusa Lembongan — 2 nights of snorkelling and slow island life.
- Central highlands — Ulun Danu Beratan, Jatiluwih rice terraces and waterfalls around Munduk.
- East Bali — Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga and snorkelling in Amed.
- Gili Islands or Lombok — by fast boat for car-free islands.
Where to stay for this itinerary
3 nights in Ubud and 4 nights in Uluwatu or Seminyak. See where to stay in Bali or compare villas and hotels in Bali.
Budget for 7 days (per person, excluding hotel)
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| e-VOA + tourist levy | IDR 650,000 |
| Airport transfers (shared between 2) | About US$40 per person |
| Driver for 2 days (shared) | Varies; often about US$40–60 per car per day |
| Mount Batur shared tour | About IDR 500,000 |
| Entrance fees (Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, Uluwatu + Kecak, Tanah Lot) | About IDR 490,000 |
| Nusa Penida day trip | Varies by tour |
Tips
- Don’t move hotels every night; traffic makes transfers slow.
- Start sightseeing early to beat heat and crowds.
- Check the best time to visit Bali and the Nyepi date.
- Only ride scooters if licensed and insured.
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
More Bali guides
- Best things to do in Bali
- Where to stay in Bali
- Best time to visit Bali
- Bali tourist levy
- Bali visa on arrival (e-VOA)
- Bali airport transfers
- Mount Batur sunrise trek
- Bali travel guide
FAQ: Bali itinerary
Is 7 days enough for Bali?
Yes for Ubud, one day trip and the south coast; 10–14 days lets you slow down and add islands.
Should I stay in Ubud or near the beach first?
Many travellers start in Ubud and finish at the beach to relax before flying home.
Can you do Nusa Penida as a day trip?
Yes, by fast boat from Sanur, ideally with a guided tour.
How do you get around Bali?
With a private driver for day trips and Grab/Gojek for short rides.
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