lifeisworthtravelSeven days is short for Bali – but it is enough to see jungle, temples, rice terraces, waterfalls and the southern cliffs if you plan your route well. This Bali itinerary keeps driving times reasonable and uses two bases: Ubud and Uluwatu.
Before you start this Bali itinerary
- Entry rules and visa: requirements and fees for Indonesia change from time to time. Check the official Indonesian immigration website for your nationality shortly before you travel, and make sure your passport is valid long enough.
- Best season: the dry season (roughly April to October) is the most popular. The wet season brings short, heavy showers, greener landscapes and fewer visitors.
- Transport: for day trips, hiring a driver for the day is relaxed and often good value. Scooters are common, but only ride if you are experienced and properly licensed, and always wear a helmet.
- Insurance: take travel insurance with medical cover. We use SafetyWing for longer trips.
Day 1 – Arrive and settle in Ubud
From the airport, the drive to Ubud usually takes between one and two hours, depending on traffic. Check in, take a walk through the centre and have dinner at one of the many warungs. Go to bed early – day 2 starts early.
Day 2 – Monkeys, palace and market
- Morning: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary right after opening, when it is quiet and the monkeys are calm. Put away sunglasses, hats and anything loose – read our monkey guide first.
- Midday: Ubud Palace and the art market.
- Afternoon: Campuhan Ridge Walk – an easy walk along a green ridge, best in the late afternoon.
- Evening: a traditional Balinese dance performance in town.
Day 3 – Rice terraces and water temples
The greenest day of this Bali itinerary starts early.
- Early morning: Tegallalang rice terraces before the crowds and the heat.
- Late morning: Tirta Empul, the holy spring temple. A sarong is required; if you want to join the purification ritual, follow the guidance on site respectfully.
- Afternoon: Gunung Kawi, ancient shrines carved into the rock in a river valley – expect many steps.
Tip for day 3: fees, best time and swing prices for the most famous rice valley are in our Tegallalang Rice Terraces guide.
Day 4 – Waterfalls
Choose two or three waterfalls around Ubud, for example Tegenungan, Tibumana or Kanto Lampo. Bring shoes with grip and a dry bag for your phone. In the wet season, check conditions locally – currents can be strong after heavy rain.
Prefer not to organise it yourself? Guided waterfall and temple tours can be booked on GetYourGuide.
Day 5 – Move south to Uluwatu
Leave Ubud in the morning. On the way, you can stop at a coffee plantation or the beaches of Sanur. Check in at Uluwatu and spend the afternoon at the beach – Melasti, Padang Padang or Bingin are popular choices.
Day 6 – Cliffs, beaches and sunset at the temple
- Morning: beach time or a surf lesson for beginners.
- Afternoon: a beach club or a quiet beach at the foot of the cliffs.
- Sunset: Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak fire dance. Arrive early, and secure everything – the monkeys here are famous thieves.
Day 7 – Last swim and departure
Enjoy a last swim or breakfast with a view. From the Bukit, the airport is relatively close, but always allow plenty of buffer for traffic.
Where to stay on this Bali itinerary
- Ubud (4 nights): stays slightly outside the centre with a view over rice fields are quieter.
- Uluwatu (3 nights): villas with a pool or sea view; check the distance to the beaches.
We search on Airbnb for villas and compare hotels on Booking.com. Not sure which area suits you? Read our comparison of Bali’s areas.
Budget tips
- Eat at local warungs – excellent food for a fraction of restaurant prices.
- Share a driver for full days instead of booking single transfers.
- Pay in rupiah and decline conversion into your home currency. A Wise card shows the rate and fee before you pay – more in our guide to travel money mistakes.
Packing list for this Bali itinerary
- Sarong and a shirt covering your shoulders for temples
- Shoes with grip for waterfalls and steps
- Dry bag, phone strap, small backpack with zips
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, a refillable water bottle
- Rain jacket in the wet season
Planning a day in East Bali? Read our guide to Lempuyang Temple and the Gates of Heaven.
Another early-morning Bali highlight: the Mount Batur sunrise trek – costs, difficulty and tips.
This page contains referral links. If you book through them, we may receive a small commission – the price stays the same for you.
Nearby and just as famous: the holy spring temple Tirta Empul and its purification ritual.
FAQ: Bali itinerary for 7 days
CostsWhat does a private driver cost per day?
A guide value is about IDR 600,000–900,000 for 8–10 hours including car and fuel; entrance tickets, parking and lunch are extra. Agree the route and hours on WhatsApp the evening before.
TipCan I fit Nusa Penida into this week?
Only if you drop another day. The fast boat from Sanur takes 30–45 minutes, but the island roads are slow: a Kelingking day trip takes 10–12 hours door to door.
TimingWhen do the rice terraces look best?
Before 09:00 – soft light, fewer people and less heat. Rice is planted several times a year, so fields can be green, golden or freshly flooded depending on the month.
As of 01.11.2026. Prices, rules and opening hours change – please check the official sources before you travel.
