Bali Itinerary – How to Spend 7 Days in Bali

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There is something about Bali that is so good for the soul and a lifetime is probably not enough to take in all of its beauty and charm. However, if you’re like me and don’t have a lot of vacation time, this 7 day Bali itinerary will at least help you take in a sample of what Bali has to offer.

I tried to cover as much as I could in a week in Bali. From rice fields to waterfalls, sacred temples to cliff side beach views, this Bali itinerary will take you through some of the famous and not to famous sites around the Island.

Bali Itinerary Day 1 – East Bali

Base – Ubud

Longest day on this Bali itinerary

We landed the night before and woke up well rested for a full day’s worth of site seeing. Distance wise, this day was probably one of the longer ones on this Bali itinerary. Therefore, switch it out if you don’t have a full day.

Lempuyang Temple

This Balinese Hindu temple is located at the slope of Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem and is considered to be one of the most sacred temples on the island.

Today, tourists line up in numbers for the famous instagram shot in front “heaven’s gate”. So what’s special about this picture? It’s taken using a mirror or a screen of another phone to create an illusion that there is a lake right in front of the gate. The active volcano Mount Agung directly lining up as the backdrop of this gate and the “reflection” of the gate and the volcano on this “lake”, forms a breathtaking picture. See here.

Here’s what you need to know about taking this famous picture

You have to park and walk up an incline to get to the gate. At the start of the walk is a booth where you will be given a colorful sarong to wear before you enter the temple. As you start walking up, you will pass a few shops. Look to your right as you turn the corner. There’s a staircase with an amazing view of Mount Agung when you go up.

Continue up to the temple. You will see a little desk handing out ticket numbers. This is your ticket to take the famous picture! My ticket number was 383 and the number being called at that time was 240. I knew there was no way I was going to spend 3-4 hours sitting doing nothing to take a picture! So I walked around and looked around the temple instead. After about 15-20 minutes, they were calling out number 249. That’s when I knew it was time to leave.

How to take the picture

There are 2 covered halls for people to sit around until their number is called. Once your number is called, you hand over your phone to the official photographer there. You have the opportunity to pose in 5 different ways. If you go as a couple, you get 15 shots (5 as a couple and 5 each individually). You have to be quick about it though so decide on how you are going to pose beforehand.

If you don’t want to pose in front of the gate but still want to take a picture of the gate, you can do this in between people taking their pictures.

Entrance fee – A donation of around 20K IDR is acceptable (includes a free sarong)

Tip – Go early if you want to take the famous shot. Maybe bring a mirror and try to take the reflection picture yourself.

There are some amazing views on your way to Lempuyang that is worth stopping for.

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is a water garden that used to be a part of the Royal Palace. The complex is a lush garden full of ponds and fountains with beautiful stone carvings and statues. A eleven tiered fountain stands tall and proud as the centrepiece of the palace. The central attraction however, is the pond in front of this tiered fountain. The pond’s residents; massive koi fish are always looking for their next treat from visitors.

Tip – Get here early if you don’t like other people in your pictures

Entrance Fee – 40K IDR + 5 IDR if you want to buy food to feed the fish

Lunch Next to a Rice Field

We stopped to have lunch at a restaurant that was situated right in the middle of a rice field. Although the food was average, the location more than made up for it.

Taman Ujung Water Palace

This is a former palace built in 1909 by a Dutch and Chinese architect. This place is very underrated and is not as crowded and touristy as the other places in Bali. Definitely worth a stop!

Entrance Fee – 35K IDR

Virgin Beach

Virgin beach is a secluded beach on the east side of Bali. We spent some time here walking on the beach and it was a perfect way to almost wrap up day 1 in Bali.

Entrance Fee – 15K IDR

Pantai Yeh Malet Black Sand Beach

We made a quick stop at this black sand beach on the way back to Ubud just in time for sunset. The black sand comes from volcanic eruptions from Mount Agung.

Bali Itinerary Day 2 – North Bali

Base – Ubud

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

This temple is located on the shores of Lake Beratan up in the mountains near the north of Bali. Due to the surrounding mountains, the weather in this area is extremely unpredictable. Although we had planned to visit this temple on our way back to Ubud, we stopped here first thing in the morning because it was sunny and the skies were clear.

Entrance Fee – 50K IDR

Wanagiri Hidden Hills

A.k.a an instagrammers paradise! Situated on a hill overlooking Lake Buyan, this area has so many photo opportunities for that perfect instagram shot.

There are several companies that have these photo spots but I went to the original (Wanagiri Hidden Hills) because I also wanted to visit several of the waterfalls in this area. You need to hire a tour guide to hike down to these waterfalls and you have to hire them through this company. They have several tour packages that combine the photo spots and waterfalls together,

Entrance Fee – Depends on if you want to add the waterfall option

Waterfalls

Pucak Manik

Pucak Manik consists of 3 waterfalls and I went here purely by accident. My plan was to visit Banyumala and Banyu Wana Ameretha but somehow this all got lost in translation!

You need a tour guide to get here and they will drive you from the photo place and hike down to the waterfalls with you. My guide was actually a farmer in this area and really helped me understand what life was like here. There is nothing I love more in my travels than to have conversations with local people and I really enjoyed learning about this part of Bali. We passed several coffee, pepper and hydrangea farms along the way which my driver said were common crops in this area.

Despite the mix-up it was such a great experience!

Banyu Wana Ameretha

A short drive from Wanagiri Hidden Hills, this place has not one but four waterfall! You first have to trek through an easy path that cuts through coffee, hydrangea and other tropical plants. After a very short walk, you will come to a sign that will display the direction of each waterfall and the time it takes to get there. Prepare for a bit of a hike! Especially on the way back when it’s all uphill.

Tip – Carry lots of water. It’s best to wear sneakers.

Entrance Fee – 20K IDR

Other waterfalls in the area that I didn’t go to but could be a part of this day’s activities are Banyumala which is a 20 minutes drive one way and Sekumpul which is a 45 minute drive.

After all this hiking, we stopped by Lake Beratan for lunch.

Handara Gate

A traditional hindu gate symbolizes the entrance from the outside world into a temple. However, in the case of the Handara gate, it symbolizes the entrance to luxury! Handara gate is the entrance to the luxurious Handara resort and golf course and you can pay to take a picture in front of it.

Entrance Fee – 30K IDR

Jatiluwih Rice Terrace

Surrounded by beautiful mountains, this area consists of over 600 hectares of rice fields. The air here is cool and fresh and the views are breathtaking. We didn’t run into crowds since we visited during late evening, making it a lovely and peaceful experience.

Entrance Fee – 40K IDR

Bali Itinerary Day 3 – Central & West Bali

Base – Ubud

Spa Time

I started day 3 with a trip to the spa and inguldeged in a 2.5 hour treatment for just under $30 USD. I came out feeling so relaxed and my skin had never felt/looked better! Highly recommend this experience!

After doing some research, I went to Ubud Wellness Spa because they had some really great reviews online. There are 2 locations in Ubud and I went to the one in the city center.

Tip – They charge extra for credit cards to take cash with you.

Udub Market

Ubud is known for its traditional arts and crafts and Ubud Market is a great place to explore some of this. From rattan purses to colorful wraps and home decorations, there is something for everyone here. Put your bargaining skills to the test and don’t take the prices at face value. It’s amazing how much the price comes down when you start to walk away.

Entrance Fee – free

Ubud Palace

Ubud Palace used to be the official residence of the royal family in Ubud. Today, certain sections of the complex is open to the public. The palace boasts of some of the most ornate balinese gates in the area. It also holds traditional dance performances in the evenings. See here for the schedule.

Entrance Fee – free

Lunch with a View

We had lunch at Sweet Orange Warung. This warung is situated in the middle of a rice field and we had to walk along a ridge to get to it. With the hustle and bustle of Ubud, it’s hard to imagine that a place like this exists only a few minutes away. Sweet Orange is not only unique for its location but the food was amazing as well! Try the lumpia a.k.a spring rolls.

(Post with more food recommendations coming up soon!)

Saraswathi Temple

Dedicated to the Goddess Saraswathi, this temple is also known as the Ubud Water Palace and is famous for its beautiful lotus ponds on either side of the temple. Like Udud Palace, Saraswathi temple also holds dance performances at night.

After getting gelato from Gaya gelato, we were ready to head west towards the coast.

All the places listed so far for day 3 are almost next door to each other and can be walked. You would need a vehicle for the next section.

Entrance Fee – free

Taman Ayun Temple

The royal Balinese temple of Taman Ayun is a huge complex with a moat and water garden. This temple is not as crowded as some of the other temples in Bali which helps you really take in the serenity of the place.

Entrance Fee – 15K IDR

Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong Temple

These two sacred Hindu sites are within walking distance of each other and were perhaps two of the most crowded and touristy temples we visited. Tanah Lot temple sits on top of a rock out in the ocean and literally means “land in the sea” . The temple has a kecak or fire dance that starts at 6pm but is more famously known for its breathtaking sunsets.

If you are like me and don’t like other random people in your photographs, walk to the left side of the temple when facing the ocean. People don’t venture out too far from the main entrance and you can get some beautiful shots of the temple during sunset.

Batu Bolong is a small shrine on top of a rock that protrudes out into the ocean and is also an iconic spot for sunset photography.

Entrance Fee – 60K IDR for both temples

Bali Itinerary Day 4 -Central Bali

Base – Ubud

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Perhaps one of the most famous rice fields in Bali. Get here early to avoid the sun as it gets very hot during the day. While you’re here, breathe in the clean fresh air. In addition to the entry fee, you may be asked for donations by the owners of the fields.

Entrance Fee – 10K IDR

Pura Tirta Empul

This temple is known for its holy water spring and bathing structures. Devotees have gathered here for over a thousand years for ritual purification, healing and spiritual cleansing.

Anyone can bathe in the waters and the temple has a locker facility if you want to store your things.

Entrance Fee – 50K IDR

Pura Gunung Kawi

You will need to go down lots of stairs to get to this 11th century temple. As you walk down, you will pass through some beautiful terraced rice fields, gushing rivers and lush jungle vegetation.

This temple has 10 funeral monuments cut into 2 massive rocks giving it an Indiana Jones vibe.

Entrance Fee – 40K IDR

Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana is unique because the water drops in a straight line, almost like a bridal veil. To get here, you will need to walk down some stairs and through a rainforest, full of ferns and flowers. It’s a relatively easy hike and you can bathe in the waterfall if like.

Entrance Fee – 15K IDR

Tegenungan Waterfall

One of the most famous waterfalls in Bali due to its proximity to Ubud. There are 2 different entrances depending on where you park. We went to the entrance near the Dtukad River Club and had lunch at the restaurant next door to it. This entrance gets you to the top of the waterfall.

There’s also another entrance facing the waterfall and this is the more popular one. There are lots of stairs from this side but you do pass a bird’s nest prop for pictures that is perfectly located so that you can see the waterfall through the nest.

Regardless of how you get there, Tegenungan is amazing and is well worth the stairs. What I loved most about the waterfall is the rainbow that came with it! You can swim here as well but there is a roped area that you shouldn’t cross due to strong currents.

Entrance Fee – 20K IDR per side

Goa Gajah

This 9th century temple is also called elephant cave temple after the hindu God Ganesh and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The temple is famous for the rock carvings at the entrance to a sacred cave. You will have to park in a parking lot and walk down several stairs to get to the temple itself.

Entrance Fee – 40K IDR

Barong Dance Show

I really wanted to see a traditional dance performance and saw a barong dance show at Pura Dalem Ubud. The entrance to this temple was one of my absolute favorite gates in Bali and is fully worth seeing, especially at night. (even if you don’t see a show)

See here for a highlevel schedule of all dance performances in Ubud. There are a few traditional dance categories like barong, kecak, ramayana ballet, legong to name a few and this list covers all of these and more. This list can change so please check with the location before you go.

Bali Itinerary Day 5 – Nusa Penida

We packed up our things this day and left Ubud for a day trip to Nusa Penida.

Check out my detailed post about Nusa Penida HERE.

Here are some of the highlights from the trip to Nusa Penida.

After coming back to Bali, we headed towards Seminyak to our next villa which was our base for the next few nights.

Bali Itinerary Day 6 – South Bali

Base – Seminyak

Today, we woke up late and had breakfast at Nalu Bowls which was right next to our villa.

After this we just relaxed by the pool for a few hours. I was so in love with our villa that I honestly didn’t want to leave but since doing nothing all day is not really my thing, we left the villa past noon towards south Bali.

The south of Bali is world famous for beautiful beaches and great surf spots. This also means that there is a lot of traffic in the area so plan ahead if you need to be somewhere at a certain time

Dreamland Beach

If a golden beach and bright blue water sounds like your kind of thing, then definitely head towards dreamland beach. You need to park your vehicle and go to the beach in a shuttle. Once you get there, you can hire a lounge chair or grab a drink from some of the bars down by the beach.

Uluwatu Temple

This temple is perched on top of cliffs that extend out to the majestic ocean. There was something so mesmerizing about the way the waves broke up against the cliff rock below. The temple is also famous for the kecak or fire dance that happens daily during sunset.

Entrance Fee – 30K IDR

Single Fin

We stopped here for some cocktails and great views.

Jimbaran Bay

Jimbaran Bay is famous for its seafood restaurants lined up along the beach. This is one of the best places to watch the sunset and enjoy some really good seafood.

Night Out in Seminyak

The party scene in Bali is amazing! Highly recommend going to one or a few bars and enjoying the music and atmosphere. The good news about Seminyak is that most of these bars are within walking distance of each other.

Bali Itinerary Day 7 – Seminyak

Base – Seminyak

We once again wanted to relax in the morning of our last day in our Bali itinerary and just layed by the pool but of course that didn’t last for too long.

Bruch

Bali, especially Seminyak has some amazing restaurants. It’s always best to call ahead for brunch and dinner.

Shopping

We walked around Seminyak Square, checking out the souvenirs and clothing shops. Batik (tie and dye) is a well known art form in Bali and makes for some great summer dress options.

Pool Time

We spent another couple of hours in the water.

One Last Massage

Massages in Bali are so cheap and you can get a massage therapist to come to you. Like I mentioned before, highly recommend getting at least one massage/spa treatment in Bali.

La Plancha

I couldn’t have left Bali without seeing another sunset and went to one of the most colorful places to see it. Check out La Plancha if sipping cocktails while seated on bean bags on the beach, watching the sun go down sound like your kind of thing.

And just like that our Bali trip came to an end. To be honest, I really didn’t want to leave and will definitely go back before too long!

Did you find this Bali itinerary useful? Please let me know by liking/commenting below or sharing this post on social media! Thank you!!

Check out my Bali 101 post where I cover all the things you need to know about Bali like when to visit, where to stay, how to get around, money, and most importantly, what to eat!

I also have a post on Nusa Penida that you can check out HERE

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