Are you ready to start an unforgettable island adventure? Bali, the Island of the Gods, is more than a tropical paradise—it is a sensory explosion of exotic beaches, ancient temples, wild jungles, and volcanic hikes, plus some seriously fun cultural experiences. If you’ve got a week’s holiday, this 7-day itinerary for Bali is the best way to enjoy everything Bali has to offer, from its sun-kissed beaches to its spiritual uplands.
Let’s jump into this exhilarating adventure through what is easily one of Southeast Asia’s most magical destinations. If you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or a culture lover (or all three), this Bali itinerary is guaranteed to ignite a wanderlust in you like never before!
Day 1: Arrival in Ubud—The Beating Heart of Bali
You’ll arrive at Denpasar airport and then get to Ubud, which is the heart of Bali. Ubud is surrounded by beautiful green rice terraces and sacred forests and immerses you in that wonderful exotic energy.
Highlights:
- Check-in to a jungle villa or eco-resort for full vibes
- Explore the Ubud Art Market where you can some amazing handmade goods
- Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and encounter wild macaques
- Eat lunch with a rice paddy view in a traditional Balinese warung
Why it’s awesome: Ubud stimulates all your senses – it starts with smelling incense wafting up the stairs of the temple to the sound of a gamelan resonating off the stone temple walls at night. This is one of those places that should be on any itinerary for Bali.
Day 2: Tirta Empul Temple—A Sacred Cleansing Ritual
Rise up early and take a trip to Tirta Empul Temple, one of Bali’s holiest water temples, located in Tampaksiring, near Ubud.
Highlights:
- Experience a traditional purification ritual in the temple’s spring-fed pools.
- Marvel at all the intricate carvings and old stone pathways.
- Engage with us on Balinese Hindu rituals and the mythic history of this sacred place.
Why It Excites: Standing beneath a pouring holy fountain, wrapped in a sarong, you’ll feel suspended and tethered to something much bigger than the physical world. This one-of-a-kind spiritual experience elevates your itinerary for Bali to be more than just a holiday; it becomes a transformation.
Day 3: Mount Batur—Sunrise Above the Clouds
Prepare yourself for conquering Bali’s famous volcano! An early morning pickup kicks off Day 3, an unforgettable sunrise hike to Mount Batur.
Highlights:
- Hike under the stars with a local guide to the summit before daw
- Witness the sky’s colors explode as the sun rises above the caldera and Lake Batur.
- Have breakfast cooked by the volcanic steam at the top.
Why you will love it: Sure, the climb may push your limits, but the payoff is a sunrise that feels like it is just for you. Adrenaline seekers and nature lovers, this is a must-do for any itinerary for Bali.
Day 4: Seminyak Beach—Surf, Sunsets & Nightlife
After your mountain trek, you can take it easy in the beautiful beachfront town of Seminyak. But don’t think of it as slowing down; this beach town is just as exciting as it is luxurious.
Highlights:
- Take a surfing lesson, or find some serenity with a beachfront massage.
- Grab a smoothie bowl and fresh seafood lunch at Sea Circus or Cafe Organic.
- Enjoy a blazing sunset at Potato Head Beach Club or La Plancha.
Why it excites: Seminyak is the place where beach party vibes mesh with luxurious shopping and stellar nightlife. It’s where you shift gears in your Bali itinerary from tranquil bliss to more of a sizzling experience.
Day 5: Tanah Lot Temple—The Temple of the Sea
Set off on a scenic drive along the southwestern coast to visit one of the most photographed icons of Bali, Tanah Lot Temple. This temple, built on a rock formation surrounded by the sea, is the definition of sacred and dramatic.
Highlights:
- Get to the temple before sunset for the best golden hour shots.
- Take in the view as the ocean rises with high tide, and the temple appears to float.
- Hike the coastal cliff for views of the ocean and the temple.
Why it excites: Tanah Lot provides momentum to your Bali itinerary with its rich mystical energy while feeling the prayers of the temple float in the ocean breeze and the crashing waves beneath your feet.
Day 6: Nusa Penida—The Island of Dramatic Beauty
Leave your hotel early and take a quick boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida – a rugged island full of stunning cliff-top views and beautiful, blue waters that looks like it’s popped out of a postcard.
Highlights:
- Hike to Kelingking Beach to see the famous T-Rex-shaped cliff.
- Go snorkeling with manta rays (be sure to check on manta migration) at Manta Point or explore Crystal Bay.
- Stop by Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach and marvel at where nature makes her presence felt.
Why you will love it: Nusa Penida is wild, raw, and stunning. It adds a bit of an adventure to your overall trip to Bali with the cliffs, marine life, and breathtaking views. Pro Tip: The roads/paths are quite rough, so be sure to wear good shoes and have plenty of water with you. The adventure is real, and so are the rewards!
Day 7: Bajra Sandhi Monument & Cultural Farewell
Wrap up your trip to Denpasar with a dose of Balinese history and culture by visiting the amazing Bajra Sandhi Monument.
Highlights:
- Climb the spiral staircase and get an aerial view of Denpasar.
- Investigate the many dioramas highlighting Bali’s history and struggles for independence.
- Stroll through the lush surrounding park for one last peaceful revisit of Bali.
Why it thrills: This final stop rounds out your itinerary for Bali with a sense of culture. While you will leave Bali with a tan and beautiful images, you will also leave with an awareness of Bali’s heart and a glimpse of its history.
Bonus Tips to Enhance Your Itinerary for Bali:
- Scooter Rentals: For maximum freedom and thrill, rent a scooter (with caution) to explore hidden corners of Ubud and coastal roads in Seminyak.
- Balinese Massage: Don’t leave Bali without indulging in a traditional massage. It’s healing, relaxing, and surprisingly affordable.
- Local Cuisine: Try Babi Guling (suckling pig), Nasi Campur, and Satay Lilit—they’ll ignite your taste buds.
- Dress Modestly at Temples: Always carry a sarong and respect temple etiquette—it enhances your spiritual journey.
- Stay Hydrated: Bali’s tropical heat can sneak up on you. Keep hydrated, especially during hikes and beach days.
Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or on a group quest, Bali has the power to awaken, excite, and transform. And with this thrilling itinerary for Bali, you won’t just visit the island—you’ll feel it, breathe it, and live it.
So pack light, bring your curiosity, and let Bali take you on the wildest, most spiritual ride of your life.
For more travel inspiration, check out our Travel Guide for 2025, and for travel bookings, check out Booking.com for exciting offers on your travel!
