Seven days is enough to see a lot of Bali without spending the whole trip in traffic, as long as you keep moving in one direction. This route starts inland in Ubud and finishes on the clifftops of the Bukit Peninsula in the south, closer to the airport for your flight home. It's the same shape as our hosted Bali trip.
Bali in 7 days at a glance
- Day 1: arrive and head up to Ubud
- Day 2: rice terraces, a waterfall and Ubud town
- Day 3: Kintamani and Mount Batur
- Day 4: down to the coast in Canggu
- Day 5: a boat day to Nusa Penida
- Day 6: Uluwatu's beaches, temple and kecak dance
- Day 7: fly home
Day 1: Arrive in Ubud
From the airport near Denpasar, the drive up to Ubud usually takes one to two hours depending on traffic. Base yourself in or around Ubud for the first few nights: it's central, green and a little cooler than the coast. Keep the first evening easy, with a walk through town and an early dinner.
Day 2: Rice terraces, a waterfall and Ubud town
Get to the Tegallalang rice terraces early, before the tour buses arrive and the heat builds. Afterwards, pick a waterfall for a swim: Tibumana and Tukad Cepung are both an easy drive from Ubud. Spend the afternoon in town at the Ubud Art Market and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and let lunch run long.
Day 3: Kintamani and Mount Batur
Head north to Kintamani for views across Mount Batur, an active volcano, and Lake Batur in the caldera below it. If you're keen, the sunrise trek up Mount Batur is one of Bali's best-known early starts, with pickups in the very early hours. If not, a late breakfast with the view is a good alternative.
Day 4: Down to the coast in Canggu
Move south to Canggu for the surf-town side of Bali. Batu Bolong is a popular spot for beginner lessons, and this stretch of coast is known for its sunsets. The sand is darker here and the surf can be strong, so swim between the flags where lifeguards are on duty.
Day 5: A boat day to Nusa Penida
Fast boats to Nusa Penida leave from Sanur, and the crossing usually takes under an hour, depending on the sea. Kelingking Beach, with its T-Rex shaped headland, is the view everyone knows. The path down to the sand is steep, so skip it if you're not steady on your feet. Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong sit close together on the west coast, and Crystal Bay is good for a swim and snorkel when the water is calm. Roads on the island are rough in places, so a driver makes the day much easier.
For more on Bali's coast, see our guide to the best beaches in Bali.
Day 6: Uluwatu's beaches, temple and kecak dance
Spend the day on the Bukit Peninsula's beaches, such as Padang Padang, Bingin or Melasti, then head to Uluwatu Temple on the clifftops for sunset. The kecak fire dance is performed at the temple around sunset, so arrive early for a good seat. Keep a firm hold of sunglasses and phones: the temple's monkeys are known for snatching them.
Day 7: Fly home
The south of the island is closer to the airport than Ubud, which makes for an easier last morning. Leave plenty of time for traffic all the same.
When to go
The dry season, roughly April to October, is the most popular time to visit. The wet season brings heavier rain, often in short bursts, and greener landscapes.
Tips before you book
- Getting around: hiring a driver for day trips is the easiest way to cover this route.
- Temples: cover your shoulders and knees. A sarong and sash are expected at most temples and are often available at the entrance.
- Entry requirements: check the latest visa rules and Bali's tourist levy on Smartraveller before you fly.
- Pace: it's tempting to add more stops. Fewer bases and more free time usually make for a better week.
Rather someone else planned it?
This route is the shape of our hosted Bali trip: a small group, with a host who travels the whole way with you. Dates and prices are coming soon, and club members hear first. Travelling with family or friends? We also plan personalised holidays.
