The PERFECT 7 Day Bali Itinerary for First Timers

Are you planning a one week trip to Bali and overwhelmed trying to craft the perfect itinerary?

I’ve been there! Bali was on my bucket list for so long thanks to the movie Eat Pray Love. After finally getting to visit, I can confirm it deserves a place on yours too! But between its lush greenery, unique temples, delicious cuisine, and killer beaches, there is so much to do in Bali, and it can feel daunting trying to fit it all in.

With 5 days off work plus two weekends, you’ll be able to see a decent amount of this incredible country. We’ll call this the highlight tour!! I actually spent 10 days in Bali, but I know not everyone has that luxury, so I wanted to write a 7 day itinerary.

Along the way, I’ll not only share exactly what we did but also what I’d change if I could do it over. Some stops were totally worth the hype, while others felt like Instagram traps. I’ll point out what to skip, what to prioritize, and a few hidden gems we either found or wish we’d made time for!

During your trip, you’ll be splitting your time between North and South Bali, staying in Ubud and Uluwatu. Yoga, surfing, temples, and hiking are some of the top things you get to experience, but you’ll also squeeze in a few day trips to swim under waterfalls and see incredible remote beaches.

So, keep reading to plan your perfect one week trip to the island of Bali, while prioritizing authentic experiences over packed photo ops and long travel days.

Day 0: Arriving in Bali

This itinerary assumes you arrive in Bali late at night, so we will call it day 0. The real fun begins on day 1!

The main international airport on the island of Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), located in Southern Bali. There are currently no direct flights between the USA and Bali, so expect to have at least one connection in Asia or Australia and prepare for over 20 hours of travel time (I promise it’s worth it!).

When we traveled to Bali from Florida, we flew Florida to California (5 hours), California to Australia (13 hours), and then Australia to Bali (7 hours). Luckily, we had a nice 12-hour layover in Australia to stretch our legs and go see the Sydney Opera House before boarding our final flight!

Once you arrive in Bali, you’ll head directly to the town of Ubud, about 1-1.5 hours north of the airport, depending on the traffic. We arrived at DPS around 7pm and were at our hotel in Ubud by 9pm. That includes the time it took to get our bags, clear customs, and exchange currency at the airport. Not too shabby!

I recommend booking transportation through your hotel in advance, so you don’t have to worry about finding a taxi when you get there. If your hotel doesn’t offer transportation, you can use Viator.com for private shuttles! This is what we did, and it worked out perfectly!

Note: When leaving the Bali airport, men might approach you to help with your bags. They act like they are part of your shuttle service. After they put your bags in your car, they’ll ask for money. They wanted $40 USD from us.. Ignore them!!!

Day 1: Explore Ubud & Hit the Spa

Morning: Ubud Art Market and Saraswati Temple

Welcome to your first full day in Bali! Now, you might be a little jet-lagged, but I recommend trying to wake up by 9am to get accustomed to the new time zone.

Spend your first morning in Ubud exploring and getting a feel for the area around your hotel and Ubud itself. The town of Ubud is actually quite small and fairly easy to navigate.

To start your day, head towards the Ubud Art Market to get an idea of the overall layout of the town and then wander as you see fit.

We spent our first morning wandering through Ubud and shopping for souvenirs at the market, which has a ton of different vendors selling a range of items.

Next, head over to the Saraswati Temple (also known as Pura Taman Saraswati), which is located right in the center of Ubud. This beautiful Balinese Hindu temple honors the goddess Saraswati and is known its tranquil lotus pond and intricate carvings. Entry into the temple is free; however, donations are always accepted and appreciated!

Once you’re done at the temple, head over to Melting Wok Warung, just down the road. We had our first tastes of delicious Balinese food here and were not disappointed!

Afternoon: Relax at the Spa

After lunch, it’s time to grab a quick coffee and then hit the spa. After the long day (or days) of flying, there’s no better way to spend your first afternoon in Bali! You can grab a coffee from the nearby Tucky or F.R.E.A.K Coffee, both of which are close to Melting Wok.

Then, head over to Taksu Spa, nestled right in the middle of Ubud in its own lush paradise, just a quick 3-minute walk away from lunch.

You’ll find massages are very common in Bali and are significantly less expensive than in the US, and this spa has a ton of different options to choose from.

For around $100 USD, you can get an 1.5 hour massage, plus a body scrub, facial, 2-course lunch, and a mani-pedi. Don’t forget the famous Bali flower bath to end the day!

We did a similar package to this, but skipped lunch and the facial, and we were shocked at how low the cost was!

Day 2: Northern Temples and Waterfalls

Your second day in Bali will be full of picturesque temples and insane waterfalls in the lush jungles of northern Bali!

Fair warning: this is a long-day, so prepare accordingly!

While you can absolutely go on an organized tour, I actually recommend just hiring a private driver for the day. This should cost no more than 600,000 IDR (about $40 USD).

Private drivers/guides are very common in Bali and are the best way to get around! This is what we did for our day adventuring north of Ubud, and we loved having that VIP experience for an extremely low cost.

Depending on which you book, your guide might have some suggested itinerary options, or you can create your own!

Below are the places we visited during our all-day adventure that I’ll be breaking down further with my honest thoughts below! There’s also a second option I recommend checking out.

1. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
2. Handara Gate
3. Wanagiri Hidden Hills
4. Sambangan Waterfalls

Note: Stops #2 and #3 are actually just photo-ops, not true cultural landmarks or exciting adventures. Truth be told, Bali was the first trip I remember feeling that some places were literally just popular because of Instagram, which is exactly what these two stops were!

Stop #1: Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

We kicked off our day at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, and I’m so glad we did. Our guide recommended arriving early to beat the crowds and sure enough, by the time we left, the parking lot was packed with tour buses. 

Visiting early in the morning gave us the chance to explore the peaceful gardens and take in the serene beauty of the temple without the hustle and bustle.

Located about 1.5 hours northwest of Ubud in the highland town of Bedugul, this temple sits at 1,200m above sea level on the shores of Lake Beratan. It’s often called Bali’s “floating temple” because, during high tide, it appears to hover over the water. 

The temple complex, built in 1633, is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers, and plays a vital role in Bali’s irrigation system. The architecture is stunning, with multi-tiered shrines and a peaceful lakeside setting that makes for incredible photos!

Visitor Info:

• Entrance Fee: IDR 75,000 for adults, IDR 50,000 for children
• Opening Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM daily
• Dress Code: Modest attire; sarongs are not required but respectful clothing is encouraged

I highly recommend making this your first stop of the day to enjoy the tranquility before the crowds arrive.

Stop #2: Handara Gate

After leaving Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, we made a quick stop at Handara Gate, which is just a 10-minute drive away.

This towering split gate, known as a candi bentar, is often featured in Bali travel photos for its dramatic framing against the misty highland backdrop. But it’s actually the entrance to the Handara Golf Resort, not a temple or sacred site.

Because of its popularity on social media, the resort now charges an “entrance” fee of IDR 50,000 (about $3.50 USD) per person for photo access. Each group gets about 2–3 minutes, so any line moves fairly quickly, but it’s definitely a staged experience.

While we got some fun shots, I honestly wouldn’t go out of my way to visit again and recommend skipping this stop.

Stop #3: Wanagiri Hidden Hills

Our next stop was Wanagiri Hidden Hills, about a 15-minute drive from Handara Gate. This spot is perched above Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan and is known for its Instagram-famous photo setups. Think giant swings, bird nests, and bamboo platforms. 

The entrance fee was IDR 100,000 per person (about $7 USD), which included access to the installations and assistance from staff who help you pose… While the views of the lakes are lovely, the experience felt more like a photo studio than an authentic travel moment.

Again, this is not a cultural site or natural viewpoint, but just a curated photo park designed purely for social media shots.. I’d probably skip this one too.

Stop #4: Sambangan Waterfalls

Our favorite stop of the day was the Sambangan Waterfalls at the northern tip of Bali. About a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Ubud, this area is often referred to as Bali’s “Secret Garden” and offers a more authentic and less crowded experience compared to other spots closer to Ubud.

Upon arrival, our guide introduced us to a local Sambangan guide. After paying the entrance fee of ~$8, he led us on a short hike through lush jungle trails to the waterfall area. The hike was quick and easy, and the local guides were incredibly friendly and helpful, showing us where to safely store our belongings and even offering to take photos for us.

Our first activity was sliding down Kroya Waterfall, a natural rock slide. I was a little hesitant at first, but after watching other people do it and with the assurance of our guides, we decided to go for it!! It was AWESOME!

We felt perfectly safe but were happy to have the life jackets on that they gave us, since the water is pretty powerful at the bottom.

Next, we visited Aling-Aling Waterfall, a majestic 35-meter-high cascade. While swimming or jumping is not permitted here due to its sacred status, there is a staircase that allows you to get close for stunning photos!

We then proceeded to Kembar (Twin) and Pucuk Waterfalls, where you have the option to hike past or jump off them! Kembar is a 10-meter jump, while Pucuk is around 15 meters high. Again, we were a little hesitant, but ultimately decided “when in Rome”!

Stop #5: Hidden Garden Agriculture

On the way back to Ubud from the waterfalls, our guide stopped at the Hidden Garden Coffee Plantation, which was a nice little treat!

Here, we got to sample a tray of Balinese coffee and tea, which included everything from coconut and ginseng coffee to turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass tea.

We even got to try the famous Luwak coffee, which if you don’t know, is the world’s most exclusive (and most expensive) coffee. It’s made from coffee beans that have been eaten and digested by a civet (a small nocturnal animal). Sounds gross, but the beans are cleaned and roasted, resulting in one of the most expensive and unique coffees in the world!!

After the coffee plantation, we made our way back to Ubud, which took around 1 hour!

Alternative Option: Private Waterfall Tour

While we had an incredible day exploring the north of Bali on our tour, if I were to go back again, I think I’d book this waterfall tour instead.

Truth be told, when I visited Bali, I was younger and cared much more about visiting those perfect photo stops. Now, however, I’m much more focused on getting off the beaten path and having incredible adventures!

As I mentioned, the stops at Handara Gate and Wanagiri Hills felt like a waste of money. And to be honest, I didn’t know there were so many amazing waterfalls SO close to Ubud!

So, consider booking this waterfall tour, which takes you to 3 different waterfalls that are all within 30 minutes of Ubud. They’re all right next to each other, which means you get to spend less time in the car and more time exploring!

This private tour is only $40 per person, so you really can’t beat it!

Day 3: Rice Terrace, Water Temple, Monkey Forest & A Cooking Class

Morning: Explore Tegallalang Rice Terrace & Pura Tirta Empul

No trip to Bali is complete without visiting the famous rice terraces! If you’ve seen Bali in travel magazines, chances are you saw pictures of Tegallalang Rice Terrace.

Luckily, this famous rice terrace is only 30 minutes outside of Ubud and is absolutely breathtaking!

To get here, you can hire a private driver, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a scooter in Ubud and drive yourself there!

We heard horror stories about renting scooters in Bali, so opted for the private driver option again!

Whatever transportation method you choose, make sure to arrive at the rice terraces as early as possible. Sunrise is best, but you are on vacation, so don’t be too hard on yourself!

We arrived at Tegallalang just after 7:00am, and it felt like we had the whole place to ourself! Not to mention, the lighting was absolutely sublime as it peaked through the trees and then turned the whole terrace a beautiful shade of golden green!

Entry fees to the rice terrace depend on your entrance point and which areas specifically you visit; however, plan for at least IDR 25,000 per person (~$1.50), and make sure to bring small coins!

As the sun comes up, the rice terrace will start to get both hot and crowded! In the late morning, head over to Pura Tirta Empul, located about 15 minutes north of the rice terrace.

Located in the lush village of Tampaksiring about 40 minutes north of Ubud, this sacred water temple dates back to 962 AD and is renowned for its holy spring water. Balinese Hindus believe the water has purifying properties, making this temple a significant site for the Melukat purification ritual.

The temple complex is divided into three main sections:

• Jaba Pura (Outer Courtyard): The entrance area where visitors can admire the temple’s architecture and prepare for the ritual.
• Jaba Tengah (Central Courtyard): Home to the purification pools fed by 30 fountains, each believed to cleanse different aspects of one’s being.
• Jeroan (Inner Courtyard): The innermost sanctum reserved for prayer and meditation.

When you arrive at the temple, you’ll need to rent a special sarong and locker for approximately IDR 25,000 (~$1.50) if you want to participate in the ritual.

While we navigated the ritual on our own, I highly recommend engaging a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of each step’s significance. A guide can provide context and ensure you perform the ritual respectfully and meaningfully.

Afternoon: Sacred Monkey Forest

Once you’re done at the temple, it’s time to make your way back to Ubud! Grab lunch at Blado Restaurant, and then make your way to the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest across the street!

One of the most popular things to do in Ubud, the Monkey Forest is open every day from 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM and costs about $5 USD to enter. Inside, you will find over 700 free-roaming monkeys, as well as tons of lush greenery and temple areas.

There are no cages or fences, so all of the monkeys are here by choice! When we visited the Monkey Forest, you were actually able to feed the monkeys. However, this has been stopped to prevent monkeys from jumping on tourists for food (which was happening quite a lot – see photos below for proof!).

Note: If you don’t want to DIY your day, you can also book all of these activities through another guided tour! For example, this tour is only $33 and includes a visit to the rice terraces, another waterfall, the Tirta Empul Water Temple, the Monkey Forest, and a famous swing!

Evening: Balinese Cooking Class

After the Monkey Forest, it’s time to try out a Balinese cooking class! I always recommend a cooking class when visiting other countries, especially in Asia!

We did our cooking class through our hotel (Ubud Village Hotel). However there are many to choose from in Ubud!

After doing some research, I found this cooking class that takes places on an organic farm outside of Ubud – so cool! For just $35, you’ll get to pick fresh ingredients from the farm, taste local fruits, and cook 6 different Balinese meals.

And of course, the best part, eat everything you cook!! They’ll also send you home with a recipe book so you can bring your cooking skills back!

Also, if you book this tour in the morning, you’ll also get to visit a market to pick out food. However, this will require re-arranging the itinerary a bit, so plan accordingly!

Day 4: Yoga, Hiking & Transfer to Uluwatu

Morning: Yoga Session and Campuhan Ridge Walk

Today is your last day in Ubud! In the morning, I recommend doing a quick yoga session in the morning.

Yoga is very popular in Bali, so there are tons of yoga studios to choose from around Ubud. Our hotel actually offered a free 7am yoga class a few days per week, so that’s what we did!

After yoga and a big breakfast, it’s time to head to the Campuhan Ridge walk for a relaxing hike before you leave Ubud!

The entire hike is paved so it is relatively easy to navigate. I’d recommend going first thing in the morning (before 10am) to beat the crowds and the heat. We started the hike around 9:30am and it wasn’t too busy yet!

The entrance to the path is located in central Ubud behind the Warwick Ibah Villas.  From there, it’s about 20 minutes of walking & hiking until you reach some local warungs (small, family-owned restaurants).

We stopped at NAMO Warung for some water and fresh juice drinks, which was the perfect break from the heat! I am obsessed with passionfruit, so I couldn’t resist!

When you’re ready, start the trek back to town and grab an early lunch in Ubud before check out!

Afternoon: Transfer to Uluwatu

After lunch, it’s time to check out of your hotel and start the second leg of your Bali itinerary. You’ll be heading down to the surf town of Uluwatu today.

Again, a private car is your best choice for this journey! The drive should take about 2 hours from Ubud (depending on traffic).

🚙 Check out this private transfer option for only $20!!! 🚙

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Uluwatu is located on the southwestern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, is known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning sunsets, and world-class surf breaks. The area has a laid-back vibe, attracting surfers, yogis, and travelers seeking a more peaceful experience compared to Bali’s busier regions like Seminyak or Kuta.

With breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu is also famous for the iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliffside, and the nightly Kecak fire dance performance.

The area offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious cliffside resorts. Here are some options for each!

• Uluwatu Lumbung Cottages (Budget)
• Dreamsea Surf Camp (Budget)
• Cross Bali Breakers (Mid-Range)
• Ocean Nymphs Village (Mid-Range/Luxury)
• Aila Villas Uluwatu (Luxury)
• The Edge Bali (Luxury)

Note: If laid back isn’t your style and you want to be in the thick of the party scene, consider staying in Seminyak or Canggu instead. While Uluwatu does have some nightlife, Seminyak and Canggu are known for their beach bars and nightlife. However, it’s also become very busy and chaotic at night, so please do your research before choosing your location for the second leg of this itinerary!

Day 5: Uluwatu Beaches, Surfing Lessons & Uluwatu Temple

Morning: Explore the Charming Beaches of Uluwatu

On your first full day in South Bali, spend your day exploring the rugged, rocky coastline of Uluwatu! This part of Bali is known is better known for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waves, and hidden beaches.

I recommend starting your morning at Thomas Beach. It’s one of the more accessible beaches in Uluwatu, with a long stretch of soft sand that’s perfect for swimming or lounging under a rented umbrella. The walk down involves a few stairs, but it’s worth it!

After soaking in the peaceful vibes there, head to Padang Padang Beach, made famous by Eat, Pray, Love. While it’s not exactly a secret anymore, it still holds its charm with its unique entrance through a narrow rock crevice and clear blue water!

Next up is Bingin Beach! Getting there involves walking down a steep path, but once you reach the bottom, you’re greeted by a secluded cove surrounded by bungalows and local warungs. If the tide is low, you can walk all the way around the coast to Dreamland Beach.

Bingin Beach is also very popular with surfers, as there’s a world-class surf break right offshore! If you’re interested in surfing in Bali, Uluwatu is the perfect place to try it out.

Some spots like Bingin Beach are best suited for intermediate surfers, so if you are a true beginner, consider heading to Balangan Wave Surf School on Balangan Beach!

Day 6: Nusa Penida Island

Option 1: Day Trip to Nusa Penida by Ferry

Today you’ll head to the picturesque island of Nusa Penida! If you’ve ever googled pictures of Bali, chances are you’ve seen its jagged cliffs, turquoise water, and wild beaches.

To get to Nusa Penida, you’ll first need to take a 30-45 minute ferry from the Port of Sanur on the southeast end of Bali!

However, instead of booking and arranging everything yourself, the most common way to visit Nusa Penida from Bali is by booking a full day tour that includes all of the transfers and local guides.

For example, we booked a private tour that included pick up from our hotel, transfer to the ferry port, the ferry ride itself, and then a private driver once we arrived on Nusa Penida to show us around the island.

Note: See Option 2 below for how I recommend seeing Nusa Penida instead!

Most of these day tours from Bali include visiting the three most popular stops on the island: Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Kelingking Beach.

While all of these stops are extremely beautiful, they are where every single tour group is going. Plus, you only get about 45 minutes at each spot, so it does feel a little rushed.

Angel’s Billabong is a natural rock pool at the edge of the ocean, and while it looks peaceful in photos, it’s packed with people all trying to float in the same shallow area. Broken Beach is cool to see with the arch and cliff views, but you can’t actually go down to the beach — it’s just a photo stop from above.

Kelingking Beach is the most dramatic and the view you’ve probably seen a million times — the green cliffs shaped like a T-Rex with the waves crashing below.

However, due to time constraints and mobility issues, most people aren’t able to hike all the way down to the bottom of the beach. The path is along the edge of the cliff with bamboo handrails and rocky outcrops instead of real steps. It takes most people at least an hour to get down and 1.5 hours to get back up!

We didn’t hike all the way down to the beach, but just went down a few stairs to get a better photo. Even that short hike was intense and a little scary, so I can’t imagine going all the way down!

Besides visiting these spots, the rest of the day is mostly spent getting to, from, and around the island. The ferry ride is about 30-45 minutes each way, and driving around Nusa Penida takes a while because the roads are rough — lots of bumps, tight turns, and potholes. If you get motion sickness, it’s not the most comfortable ride.

While we had a great time on our day tour around Bali, below is what I would recommend instead!

Option 2: Nusa Penida Private Snorkeling Tour

If I were to go back to Bali, I’d definitely consider a different option for seeing Nusa Penida. If you have time, staying overnight will allow you to see more of the island at a relaxed pace! Plus, you’ll be able to visit some more off-the-beaten-path locations that other people miss.

However, if you only have time for a day trip and love to snorkel like me, I think I found the perfect option! This private Nusa Penida snorkeling tour is $100 per person but seems like a much better way to experience the island!

First, you’ll leave from the Port of Sanur on private speedboat (not a public ferry) and cruise over to Nusa Penida in a smaller group.

Your first top when you arrive on the island is swimming with manta rays! I am so sad that we missed this during our trip to Bali, even though we were there during peak season (May to October).

After swimming with the manta rays, you’ll pass by Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach from the water (which is enough in my opinion) and then get to snorkel at two other “secret” spots.

From there, you’ll dock in Nusa Penida, have lunch at a local restaurant, and then drive to Kelingking Beach for a photo op. Then, you’ll drive to one more snorkeling spot before boarding the boat back to Bali.

Personally, exploring Nusa Penida by boat sounds much more enjoyable, especially after experiencing the bumpy roads myself!

Consider booking this private snorkeling tour for Nusa Penida instead!

Day 7: Seminyak Shopping & Beach Clubs

Morning: Seminyak Beaches & Shopping

On your last day in Bali, you have two options! If you love Uluwatu and feel like you haven’t seen enough of it yet, feel free to spend today exploring any areas you missed or just want to return to.

However, if you want to see another beach town in Bali before you go, head to Seminyak – a popular area with some trendy restaurants and shopping. It’s a quick 30 minute drive away from Uluwatu.

Start your morning with some coffee and breakfast at Revolver Espresso. The entrance is tucked away down an alley (some serious Speakeasy vibes) – once inside, the fun decor and delicious lattes will make you want to stay awhile!

After breakfast, start making your way towards the beach. There are a few different beaches to choose from depending on what you’re feeling. You’ll quickly notice the beaches here are very different from the ones in Uluwatu!

Head to Seminyak beach for people watching, day drinking, and beach bars. If you’re looking to just chill out and swim without a ton of people around, head to Batu Belig or Double Six beach. 

Once you’ve had your fill of beach time, head back into town and spend time exploring the streets of Seminyak. There is tons of shopping, yummy restaurants, and cool bars in this area.

Afternoon: Watch the Sunset at a Beach Club

In the late afternoon, make your way to one of the famous beach clubs to get some happy hour drinks and watch the sunset. We visited KU DE TA, where we spent a few hours and loved! It is a little pricey – but totally worth it. Another option is the famous Potato Head Beach Club, which is even more popular!

Or, you can always find another beach club that’s a bit more low key. Whichever you choose, I recommend arriving an hour or two before the sun sets to make sure you can grab a seat or hop in the pool.

With live music, yummy tapas, and tropical cocktails, you won’t want to leave after the sun sets! (We had to drag ourselves out).

Final Thoughts

That wraps up my Ultimate 7 Day Bali Itinerary. I hope I’ve convinced you that Bali absolutely needs to be on your bucket list! From rice paddies to temples to yoga to surfing, Bali is packed full of adventure activities.

7 full days is just enough time to see the highlights of Bali, including Ubud in the North and Uluwatu in the south.

If you have MORE than 7 days in Bali, even better! Here are some areas that I recommend checking out which weren’t featured in this itineary:

1. Gili Islands (Gili T, Gili Air, or Gili Meno) for untouched beauty and incredible snorkeling
2. North Bali (Lovina) for swimming with dolphins
3. Nusa Lembongan for off-the-beaten path adventures

Don’t forget to pin this post for future planning!