7-Day Bali Travel Itinerary

Your perfect week in paradise!

Bali is a tropical paradise packed with dreamy beaches, endless rice fields and temples straight out of a fairytale. This 7-day Bali travel itinerary will guide you through the best the island has to offer, from serene Ubud to sun-soaked Uluwatu and beyond.

Discover how to make the most of your week in Bali and start planning your trip on Ferryhopper with ease!

View of Tegalalang Rice Terrace with layered rice paddies and palm trees in Ubud, Bali

The iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace near Ubud

What to do for 7 days in Bali

Our 7-day Bali travel itinerary takes you from the cultural heart of Ubud, through iconic temples, stunning beaches, and hidden waterfalls, to the relaxed vibe of Canggu. With plenty of scenic landscapes, vibrant local markets and tranquil spots along the way, it's perfect for travelers wanting to experience Bali at their own pace.

Day 1: welcome to Ubud

Kick off your journey gently in Ubud, Bali’s spiritual and cultural pulse. Begin by wandering through the enchanting Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a beautiful place with ancient trees to also walk through! Afterwards, let yourself get lost among the vibrant stalls of the Ubud Art Market. Bargain your heart out for handmade crafts, colorful textiles and quirky souvenirs.

Top off your day with a soothing Balinese massage, before experiencing a traditional Balinese dance at Ubud Palace during sunset. Wrap things up by savoring delicious local dishes at a cozy, friendly warung (local restaurant).

Tip: for more art, check out the Museum Puri Lukisan and Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA).

Day 2: discover Bali’s iconic temples

On day 2, dive deep into Bali’s spiritual heart. Start bright and early with a visit to Uluwatu Temple, dramatically perched on a cliff 70 m above the sea. Besides its spectacular views, Uluwatu Temple is famous for its mesmerizing Kecak and fire dance performance, showcasing Balinese culture at its finest. Continue your spiritual journey at Tirta Empul Temple, known for its sacred spring waters and traditional purification rituals.

End the day in style at the iconic Tanah Lot Temple, a scenic landmark standing atop rocky cliffs. Don’t miss walking out to the temple during low tide and stay until sunset to witness the magical colors painting the sky.

Visitors watching the traditional Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple, Bali, Indonesia

Experiencing the magic of Bali’s Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple

Day 3: hit the beach

Beach lovers, this one's for you! Head to Uluwatu, known for having some of the best beaches in Bali. Padang Padang beach is a dreamy spot loved by surfers and sun worshippers alike. It’s rocky, so bring water sandals to avoid hurting your feet.

Afterwards, make your way to Melasti beach, characterized by clean, crystal-clear waters and soft sand. Finally, chill out at Suluban beach, with its jaw-dropping cliffs. Both beaches are more peaceful compared to Padang Padang, so they are perfect if you’re looking for a quieter escape. Don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen!

Useful info: discover more of Bali’s top beaches on Ferryhopper.

Day 4: explore Nusa Penida

On the 4th day, arrange a day trip to Nusa Penida, a small island located off the southeast coast of Bali. It is known for its rugged, natural beauty and secluded beaches.

Visit mind-blowing spots such as Kelingking beach (yep, the T-Rex shaped cliff!), Angel’s Billabong, a natural rock pool, and Broken beach, a natural rock arch. Bring your snorkeling gear - crystal-clear waters and colorful marine life await. Additionally, there are no facilities or vendors at the beach, so come prepared with plenty of your own water and food. 

You can reach Nusa Penida by ferry from the ports of Sanur, Padang Bai, Serangan, and Kusamba. The Bali - Nusa Penida ferry route lasts 20 minutes to 1.5 hours.

Useful info: discover more island hopping opportunities from Bali on Ferryhopper.

Aerial view of Kelingking beach with turquoise waters on Nusa Penida Island, Bali, Indonesia

Kelingking beach on Nusa Penida, famous for its dramatic cliff

Day 5: chase waterfalls in Bali

Time to chase those waterfalls! Start at Tegenungan Waterfall, one of the easiest waterfalls to access near Ubud (a 15-minute scooter ride). It has a large pool at the base so it’s perfect for a refreshing swim.

If you're feeling more adventurous, head to Tibumana Waterfall, about 1 hour from Ubud. It’s nestled in a peaceful jungle area and can be reached through a short and easy hike. Finally, make your way to Tukad Cepung Waterfall, known for being a bit off the beaten path but oh-so-worth the trek! Make sure to wear water shoes or sturdy sandals, and bring a dry bag for your belongings.

Sunlight filtering through a cave at Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Bali, Indonesia

The enchantingly hidden Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Day 6: experience Canggu’s chill vibe

Feel the laid-back vibes in boho-chic Canggu, on Bali’s west coast. Kick-start your day with a healthy and refreshing breakfast at one of Canggu’s cool organic cafés. Afterwards, head for a yoga or surfing lesson at the lovely, black-sand-covered Echo beach. This is also one of the best spots to watch the famous Bali sunsets.

As the sun dips, head to one of the local restaurants to sample typical local cuisine. Some of the staple street foods in Canggu are bakso (noodle broth served with chicken or beef meatballs) and nasi campur (rice mixed with traditional flavors). Once fed, we recommend heading to one of Canggu’s trendy beach clubs, where the drinks flow and the music never stops.

Tip: if you get to visit Canggu on a Sunday, make sure to visit its bustling markets, such as Old Man’s Market and Love Anchor Market, to purchase unique souvenirs and other locally-made items.

Silhouettes of people and surfers on Echo beach, Bali, Indonesia

Golden hour at Echo beach

Day 7: last call for serenity

Savour your last moments in paradise with a peaceful sunrise at Sanur beach. Spend the morning strolling leisurely through the iconic rice terraces in Tegallalang and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. Afterward, consider visiting a nearby local cafe for brunch.

Spend your afternoon picking up souvenirs from local markets, or perhaps indulging in one final spa treatment to end your trip in ultimate relaxation. Lastly, grab dinner at a seaside restaurant, soaking in the last beautiful sunset and enjoy your final moments in Bali before you reluctantly wave goodbye.

Useful tips for your Bali adventure

Here are some travel tips to help you plan a seamless 7-day vacation in Bali:

  • The best month to visit Bali is during the dry season (April to September). Keep in mind that July and August are the driest months, with the best weather for exploring and good surfing conditions. However, they are also the busiest, so prices soar. For a calmer experience, visit in May, June or September.
  • The majority of visitors arrive at Bali's international airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai, which is located roughly 13 km outside of Denpasar, Bali’s capital. However, some visitors arrive by ferry from Java and Lombok.
  • To get around Bali, rent a car / scooter or hire a private driver - it's the easiest way to explore the island freely. Local minibuses or bemos are cheap but not always available.
  • Regarding packing, go for light, breezy clothes. Bring a thin raincoat in case of rain. Also, don’t forget to pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent!
  • Dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees when visiting temples and religious sites.

Aerial view of Sanur beach in Bali, Indonesia, with traditional boats along the coastline

The peaceful and scenic Sanur beach

Book your Bali ferry trip on Ferryhopper

The perfect 7-day itinerary for Bali, in Indonesia, is ready to go, meaning you're only a few clicks away from your adventure! Just check out our Map of Ferries for all routes, prices, and schedules, and book your tickets on Ferryhopper with no hidden fees.