Bali is many travelers’ first love in Southeast Asia: a sun-kissed island of jungle-green hills, swaying palms, dramatic surf breaks, and fragrant, spice-rich cuisine. Between lively traveler hubs, colorful ceremonies, and centuries-old temples, it’s easy to feel spoiled for choice.
So where do you begin? This seven-day plan pulls together Bali’s greatest hits: clifftop sunsets in Uluwatu, café culture in Canggu, a quick hop to the Nusa islands, and Ubud’s rice terraces and waterfalls, so you see a lot without rushing.
Ready? Let’s start building your route together.
8 Bali Key Information
- 🚘 From the airport: Affordable private transfer (fastest, easiest)
- 🛵 Getting around: Scooter, Grab/Gojek, Bluebird taxi, or private driver
- 🎫 Best guided tour: “Instagram Highlights” full-day (great for first-timers)
- 📱 eSIM: Airalo works smoothly across the island
- 💳 Daily budget: From ~$75 per person (excluding accommodation)
- 🇮🇩 Language: Bahasa Indonesia & Balinese; English widely understood
- 💸 Currency: Indonesian rupiah (IDR)
- 📄 Visa: Many travelers use Visa on Arrival or e-VOA—check current rules before you go
![14 BEST Waterfalls in Bali: Swimming Spots, Hike Difficulty & Tips [+Tickets]](https://bali-tourist-information.com/wp-content/uploads/14-BEST-Waterfalls-in-Bali_-Swimming-Spots-Hike-Difficulty-Tips-Tickets.jpg "14 BEST Waterfalls in Bali_ Swimming Spots, Hike Difficulty & Tips [+Tickets]")
Who Is a 7 Day Bali Itinerary Best For?
Perfect for:
- First-timers who want Bali’s highlights without rushing: Ubud (3), Canggu (2), Uluwatu (1) + Nusa Penida day trip.
- Couples/Honeymooners mixing jungle villas, spas, and clifftop sunsets.
- Friends groups chasing surf, cafés, beach clubs, and one big island photo day.
- Solo travelers who like walkable hubs, yoga, and easy join-in tours.
- Families with school-age kids/teens—short transfers, pool time, flexible days.
- Wellness seekers weaving yoga, meditation, and spa into sightseeing.
- Photographers/creatives targeting golden hours at Tegallalang, Tanah Lot, and Kelingking.
Consider more than 7 days if:
You’re slow-traveling, visiting with toddlers, diving/snorkeling seriously, or want North/East Bali (Munduk, Sidemen, Amed). Aim for 10–14 days or add an overnight on Nusa Lembongan.
Only 4–5 days?
Do Ubud + Canggu (or Uluwatu + Nusa Penida) and save the rest for next time.
How to get from the airport (DPS)
- Private transfer: Easiest after a long flight; door-to-door with fixed pricing.
- Bluebird taxi: Official, metered taxis at the terminal; confirm the meter is on.
- Grab/Gojek: App rides are affordable; pickup points are designated—follow in-app directions.
- Hotel shuttle: Some hotels offer prearranged pickups—confirm in advance.
Tip: Traffic can be heavy at peak times. Build in buffer if you’re heading straight to Uluwatu or Canggu.
![10 Must-Visit Temples in Bali: Famous, Unesco-Listed & More [+Tickets]](https://bali-tourist-information.com/wp-content/uploads/10-Must-Visit-Temples-in-Bali_-Famous-Unesco-Listed-More-Tickets.jpg "10 Must-Visit Temples in Bali_ Famous, Unesco-Listed & More [+Tickets]")
7-day Plan at a Glance
# Days 1–3: Ubud - Rice terraces, waterfalls, temples, craft villages, wellness.
# Days 4–5: Canggu - Surf, cafés, boutiques; quick dip into Seminyak/Legian.
# Day 6: Uluwatu - Clifftop temple, hidden beaches, golden-hour sunsets.
# Day 7: Nusa Penida (day trip) - Kelingking, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong; return to Bali.
✨ While exploring Bali’s rich temple culture, DON'T FORGET to dive into the island’s other experiences: from 10 Must-Visit Temples in Bali, to 14 BEST Waterfalls in Bali, and countless other unforgettable 14 things to do in Bali. ✨
![Things to Do in Ubud: Best Activities & Places to Visit [+Tickets] 2025](https://bali-tourist-information.com/wp-content/uploads/Things-to-Do-in-Ubud_-Best-Activities-Places-to-Visit-Tickets-2025.jpg "Things to Do in Ubud: Best Activities & Places to Visit [+Tickets] 2025")
UBUD (Days 1–3)
Base yourself in Bali’s cultural heart: rice terraces, sacred temples, serene spas, and slow mornings with jungle views. Use Ubud to reset your rhythm before you hit the coast.
Day 1: Settle into Ubud
- Morning: Arrive and check in. Shake off the flight with a gentle Campuhan Ridge Walk or coffee overlooking the paddies.
🎫 Campuhan Ridge Walk Ticket - Afternoon: Stroll Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple; browse the Art Market for textiles and crafts. Optional spa (90-minute Balinese massage).
🎟️ Ubud Palace Tickets & Tours - Evening: Watch a traditional dance performance at the palace, then dinner with rice-field views on Jalan Raya Ubud.
🎫 Bali: Ubud Palace Legong Dance Show Ticket
Day 2 — Temples & Terraces (sunrise focus)
- Morning: Option A: Mount Batur sunrise hike (very early start; epic caldera views).
🎟️ Bali: Sunrise Mount Batur Hike with Breakfast
Option B (easier): Tegallalang Rice Terrace at sunrise, then a quick stop at a coffee plantation or jungle swing.
🎟️ Ubud: Tegalalang Rice Terrace Photos Tour with Swing Ticket - Afternoon: Visit Tirta Empul for the purification pools (bring a change of clothes), and nearby Gunung Kawi royal tombs.
🎟️ Tirta Empul: Temple Tour with Optional Spiritual Cleansing - Evening: Slow dinner in Penestanan; consider a restorative yoga class.
Day 3 — Waterfalls & Craft Villages
- Morning: Chase close-by waterfalls: Tibumana or Tegenungan (arrive early for soft light and fewer crowds).
🎟️ Ubud: Waterfalls, Water Temple & Rice Terraces Private Tour - Afternoon: Culture hop: Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), then artisan villages—Celuk (silver), Mas (woodcarving).
🎟️ Full-Day Bali Instagram Tour: Lempuyang Temple, Goa Rajah Waterfall & More - Evening: Join a Balinese cooking class or treat yourself to a long spa ritual; early night for tomorrow’s coastal switch.
4 Ubud Tips
- 🛕 Temples require modest dress; sarongs are often provided or rentable.
- 🐒 At Monkey Forest, keep sunglasses, hats, and snacks secured.
- 🚗 Hire a driver for multi-stop days; traffic can be slow—pad your schedule.
- 💵 Small cash helps for parking and entry fees; ATMs are plentiful in town.
CANGGU (Days 4–5)
Trade jungle calm for coast energy. Canggu blends surf breaks, third-wave coffee, sunset temples, and a lively dining scene.
- Transfer from Ubud: 60–90 minutes by car (traffic dependent). Book a driver; it’s the least stressful.
Day 4 — Settle & Surf
- Morning: Check in near Batu Bolong or Berawa. Brunch at a café, then wander the main strip to get your bearings.
📍 Crate Cafe: Instagram
📍 Shady Shack: Instagram
📍 Motion Cafe: Instagram
📍 Milk & Madu: Instagram
📍 The Avocado Cafe: Instagram - Afternoon: Beach time at Echo Beach or Berawa. Beginners can book a learn-to-surf session.
🎫 Legian Beach, Bali: Beginner or Intermediate Surf Lessons - Evening: Sunset on the sand or a relaxed beach club; fresh seafood or Indonesian classics for dinner.
- La Brisa Bali 👉 Reserve Early
- The Lawn 👉 Reserve Early
- Finns Beach Club 👉 Reserve Early
- Atlas Beach Fast 👉 Reserve Early
🎫 Recommended: Book a beginner surf lesson with board + rash guard included.
Day 5 — Seminyak Side Trip & Sunset Temple
- Morning: Café hop (smoothies, espresso, gluten-free bakes). Optional yoga or ice bath + sauna session.
- Afternoon: Head to Seminyak/Legian for shopping and a late beach stroll; quick stop at Petitenget Temple.
- Evening: Golden-hour at Tanah Lot (arrive early to beat crowds), then back to Canggu for dinner and live music.
🎫 Optional: Tanah Lot sunset tour with hotel pickup to skip parking hassles.
4 Canggu Tips
- Scooters are convenient but only ride if experienced; otherwise use Grab/Gojek or a driver.
- Rips can be strong, swim between flags and watch the sets.
- Dress modestly for temples; bring a light sarong.
- Card is widely accepted; carry small cash for parking and coconuts.
ULUWATU (Day 6)
Clifftops, hidden coves, and legendary sunsets. Uluwatu is your dramatic coast day.
- Morning: Check in (or arrive from Canggu). Head to Melasti or Thomas Beach for a gentle swim and soft sand. Brunch with an ocean view.
- Afternoon: Explore Suluban (Uluwatu) Beach caves or Padang Padang. Aim for Uluwatu Temple late afternoon for cooler temps and views.
- Evening: Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset, then seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach or a clifftop restaurant.
🎫 Bali: Uluwatu Kecak and Fire Dance Show Entry Ticket
Optional: Beach club daybed at Melasti for pool access + towels.
4 Uluwatu Tips
- Secure sunglasses/phones—monkeys are curious near the temple.
- Modest dress for temple visits; sarong often provided.
- Many beaches have stairs—wear sturdy sandals.
- Sunset traffic is heavy; leave earlier than you think.
NUSA PENIDA (Day 7 — Day Trip)
Early start, big payoff. Boats to Penida depart Sanur in the morning; the fast boat takes ~45 minutes.
Choose your route (don’t try both):
- West Highlights: Kelingking ➝ Angel’s Billabong ➝ Broken Beach ➝ Crystal Bay (swim/snorkel).
- East Highlights: Diamond Beach ➝ Atuh Beach ➝ Thousand Islands Viewpoint (steep stairs, epic photos).
- Morning: Check in for the fast boat, arrive at Penida, meet your driver. Hit the first viewpoint before crowds.
- Afternoon: Lunch at a local warung, continue your chosen route, and wrap with a relaxed beach stop.
- Evening: Return boat to Sanur; transfer to your hotel or airport. Massage + light dinner to finish strong.
Most Popular Ticket Options for Nusa Penida:
🎟️ Bali/Nusa Penida: East & West Highlights Full-Day Tour
🎫 Nusa Penida: Snorkeling 3 Spots with GoPro & West Land Tour
🎫 From Bali: Snorkeling 3 Spots with GoPro & West Penida Tour
🎫 Bali: Nusa Penida All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour with Transfers
4 Penida Tips
- Roads can be bumpy; wear trainers, not flip-flops.
- Bring cash, reef-safe sunscreen, water, and a hat.
- Tides/conditions change quickly: follow local safety advice, especially at Angel’s Billabong.
- Motion-sickness tablets help on windy days.
What to Pack for Your 7 Day Bali Itinerary
Bali is humid, sunny, and temple-rich: pack light, quick-dry pieces and a few modest items for sacred sites. For a 7 day bali itinerary, think beach days, scooter rides, waterfall hikes, and one choppy boat ride to Nusa Penida.
Essentials:
- Passport (6+ months validity), travel insurance, driver’s license + International Driving Permit (for scooters)
- Credit/debit cards and small IDR cash for parking, temples, and warungs
- Unlocked phone, eSIM, portable power bank, universal adapter (Type C/F), charging cables
Clothing:
- 3–4 breathable tops, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 lightweight pants/skirt, sleepwear
- Light sweater or shawl (cooler Ubud evenings), compact rain jacket (Nov–Mar)
- Temple wear: sarong and light scarf; shoulders and knees should be covered
Beach & water:
- 2 swimsuits, rash guard, packable quick-dry towel
- Dry bag, waterproof phone case, reef-safe sunscreen, after-sun aloe
- Water shoes for rocky coves and tide pools
Footwear:
- Comfortable walking sneakers
- Sandals with good grip; flip-flops for the pool or hotel
Health & safety:
- Insect repellent (DEET or picaridin), basic first-aid (bandages, antiseptic)
- Motion-sickness tablets (fast boat to Nusa Penida), electrolytes, personal meds
- Reusable water bottle; stick to bottled/filtered water for drinking
Day-trip kit:
- Small daypack, sun hat, sunglasses
- Compact camera/GoPro if you shoot in waterfalls or surf
- Lightweight tote for beach clubs and markets
Seasonal tweaks:
- Dry season (May–Sep): add a thin layer for early mornings in Ubud
- Wet season (Nov–Mar): pack a poncho/umbrella and an extra quick-dry outfit
Good to know:
- Laundry services are cheap and fast, packing lean is easy.
- Many tours provide snorkel gear; bring your own only if you’re particular.
This list keeps your 7-day Bali itinerary flexible without overpacking.
Why Plan a 7 Day Bali Itinerary?
Seven days give you the sweet spot: enough time to sample Ubud’s culture and nature, the Canggu coast scene, a clifftop sunset in Uluwatu, and a Nusa Penida day trip—without nonstop hotel hopping.
Balanced pace: 3 bases, 2 transfers, minimal packing/unpacking.
Right time-of-day: Early rice terraces/waterfalls, golden-hour temples, unhurried dinners.
Realistic logistics: Ubud ↔ Canggu ~60–90 min; Canggu ↔ Uluwatu ~60–90 min; Sanur ↔ Penida fast boat ~45 min.
Have less time? Skip Uluwatu or fold it into Canggu as a sunset trip.
Have more? Add Sidemen or Munduk (north Bali), or overnight on Nusa Lembongan.
🧘 Yoga & Meditation in Bali
Bali is a global wellness hub—think sunrise flows, jungle shalas, ocean-view yin, sound healing, and breathwork. Even on a fast 7-day Bali itinerary, you can weave in short sessions to recharge without losing sightseeing time.
Where to practice (by base)
- Ubud (Days 1–3): Daily vinyasa, yin, restorative, meditation circles, sound healing, and occasional ecstatic dance. Studios are walkable and set among rice fields—perfect for slow mornings or post-waterfall unwinding.
- Canggu (Days 4–5): Beach-adjacent flows, surf-mobility classes, ice bath & sauna combos, and evening yin to ease sore muscles.
- Uluwatu (Day 6): Smaller studios with ocean views; try a gentle AM flow or sunset meditation after the temple.
Easy ways to slot it into your 7 days
- Day 1 Ubud (evening): 60–90 min restorative/yin to beat jet lag.
- Day 2 Ubud (sunrise): Short flow before Tegallalang or Batur.
- Day 3 Ubud (evening): Sound healing or a guided meditation.
- Day 4 Canggu (morning): Surf-stretch class before beach time.
- Day 5 Canggu (evening): Yin after the Seminyak/Legian side trip.
- Day 6 Uluwatu (sunset): Gentle flow, then Kecak show.
- Day 7 Penida (morning): Simple breath practice before the fast boat.
6 Practical tips
- Booking: Most studios allow same-day drop-ins; reserve ahead in peak season.
- Gear: Mats are usually provided; bring a light towel and water.
- Etiquette: Arrive 10–15 minutes early, silence phones, dress modestly.
- Heat: Hydrate and avoid the midday sun for intense classes.
- Beginners welcome: Classes are multi-level; private sessions can be arranged.
- Temple respect: Meditate quietly if permitted, but avoid asana in sacred areas unless guided.
Pro move: Add one short practice every other day—you’ll feel the benefits without sacrificing beach time.
Where to Stay for a 7 Day Bali Itinerary
Where to Stay in Ubud: Best Areas + Hotel Styles by Budget
Best areas (quick picks)
Ubud Center: Walk to Palace, Saraswati Temple, cafés, markets. Great without a scooter.
- Penestanan: Artsy village vibe, rice-field paths, boutique stays, yoga shalas.
- Nyuh Kuning: Quiet, leafy streets near Monkey Forest; family-friendly.
- Sayan/Ayung River: Jungle ravines, luxe wellness resorts, spa retreats.
- Tegallalang: Rice-terrace views, peaceful bases; 15–25 mins north.
By budget & style
- Budget: Homestays/guesthouses with breakfast, pools are common; central or Penestanan.
- Mid-range: Jungle-view boutiques, small pools, on-site spas; Penestanan/Nyuh Kuning.
- Luxury: Riverfront wellness resorts, private villas with plunge pools; Sayan/Ayung.
Good to know: Central is walkable but busy; for serenity, sleep just outside and grab a short ride in.
Where to Stay in Canggu: Batu Bolong, Berawa, Pererenan Explained
Batu Bolong (center & social):
Heart of Canggu—surf, cafés, shops, nightlife. Walkable strip to the beach. Expect buzz and some noise.
Berawa (beach clubs & families):
Close to beach clubs, gyms, and kids’ facilities. Villas and condo-style resorts; slightly calmer than Batu Bolong.
Pererenan (quiet & upscale):
Refined, arty, and less crowded. Great dining, sunset beach walks, boutique villas; quick hop to Batu Bolong.
By budget & style
- Budget: Surf hostels and simple guesthouses near Batu Bolong.
- Mid-range: Design-forward boutiques and pool villas in Berawa/Pererenan.
- Luxury: Private villas with staff, chic resort suites; Pererenan/quiet Berawa lanes.
Tip: Beginners should choose Batu Bolong/Old Man’s for softer waves; use Grab/Gojek or a driver if you’re not scooter-confident.
Where to Stay Near Sanur (Boat Hub): Handy for Nusa Penida Day Trips
Why Sanur: Earliest fast boats to Nusa Penida depart from here. Calm water, long promenade, sunrise beach.
Micro-areas
- Sindhu Beach: Near night market and boat counters; walkable and convenient.
- Central Sanur: Promenade-front resorts, cafés, bike rentals.
- Mertasari (south): Quieter stretch, laid-back vibe; easy taxi to harbor.
By budget & style
- Budget: Simple beachside hotels and family-run inns near Sindhu.
- Mid-range: Classic resort-style stays with pools and gardens along the promenade.
- Luxury: Suite resorts and spacious villas in south Sanur/Mertasari.
Logistics: DPS ➝ Sanur is ~30–45 minutes by car (longer at rush hour). For a Penida day trip, stay the night before in Sanur to catch the first boat stress-free.
7 days in Bali gives you the perfect rhythm: slow, soulful mornings in Ubud, breezy café-and-surf days in Canggu, a cliffside sunset in Uluwatu, and a wow-moment hop to Nusa Penida. With our packing list, area guides, and wellness add-ins, you’ll move light, avoid backtracking, and still leave room to wander.
Ready to lock in your plan?
Book key tickets 🎫 (Kecak, Tanah Lot, Mount Batur, Nusa Penida fast boat), arrange an airport transfer, and set up your eSIM so day one runs smooth. Save this guide, pick your stays, and let’s start building your route together: Bali is waiting.