Abhi and I spent the most epic 7 days in Bali and in this post I'm detailing my itinerary (day by day) so that you and your partner can make the most of your time together in this little slice of paradise.
Bali needs no introduction but for those of you who have yet to visit this magical place, Bali is in the Indonesian archipelago. It's famously called the "Island of the Gods," known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the kind of hospitality that is almost humbling. From lush rainforests and terraced rice paddies to pristine beaches and volcanic mountains, Bali has it all; it's truly a kaleidoscope of adventures waiting to be explored.
Why Visit Bali
- Budget-friendly Destination: Though you need to account for flights, Bali actually can be a relatively affordable vacation. Two people can enjoy a very generous and elaborate meal for under $15, making it an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. On the more conservative side, you can budget a 7-day trip to Bali for 2-3 people at $1,500-2,500 (including accommodation at mid-range hotels, meals and activities).
- Beach + Jungle Vibe: Bali has something for everyone; for the beach lovers and surfers, nothing beats the surfs of the coastal towns; for the nature lovers, inland Ubud is a true haven with its stunning jungle backdrop and traditional villages that are dotted with unassuming temples.
- Arts and Craftsmanship: Explore Ubud's bustling art market, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted goods, from intricate wood carvings and vibrant paintings to traditional textiles and jewelry. The market has become commercial but that comes with the territory of being a popular tourist destination.
- Culinary Delights: Indulge in the flavors of Bali's vibrant food scene, with its aromatic array of traditional Balinese dishes, global cuisine, and organic farm-to-table concepts, served in charming bohemian cafes, roadside stalls, and upscale restaurants. Truly, Bali will fit anyone's bill.
Where to Stay in Bali
Bali is divided into several regions, each offering its own unique charms and attractions. The island's coastal areas, including Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu (dotted on the map to the left), are renowned for their vibrant beach culture, lively nightlife, and world-class surf spots. Inland, you will find the jungles of Ubud decorated with ancient temples, stretches of brilliant rice paddies and stunning waterfalls.
Why You Should Start with Coastal Towns and Then Explore Inland Ubud
To truly experience the essence of Bali, I recommend starting your trip in the island's coastal towns before you head off inland to Ubud. Beginning your trip along the coast will ease you into Bali's beach culture, plus you can soak up the sun and enjoy the luxury of beachfront accommodations. From there, transitioning to inland Ubud will allow you to immerse into Bali's rich cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, and absolutely stunning natural landscapes. My itinerary will give you the best of both worlds, from the vibrant energy of the coast to the humbling tranquility of the jungle.
The Best Beach Town to Stay In:
The three main coastal towns of Bali include Kuta, Seminyak and Caangu (in order of closest to farthest from the airport). Each of these towns have a completely different vibe with Kuta being more rough around the edges with a pulsating raw energy (that I can only compare to Rio de Janeiro). As you go up north to Seminyak, the atmosphere becomes a bit more upscale with a level of hospitability that leaves you truly humbled. A little up north still you will find yourself in the sleepy village of Caangu, which in recent years has gained popularity among digital nomads, surfers and backpackers forcing new businesses to open up shop to satiate the influx of tourism. You will find yourself surrounded by cute bohemian cafes and lots of new construction! To be at the heart of the coast, we decided to stay in Seminyak which is right in the middle of Kuta and Caangu-a short 20 min scooter ride both ways AND is only 30 mins from the airport.
My Perfect 7-Day Itinerary to Bali
My itinerary is for adventure seekers who like the thrill of the outdoors but also want to pace their vacation without overcrowding their days. Seriously, Bali is the place to SLOW down. Rushing through the trip just so you can check off every item on your bucket list will leave you drained.
Day 1: Arrive in Seminyak, Bali
Overview: Today will be all about logistics and easing yourself into your new surroundings and really taking the time to familiarize yourself with Seminyak.
- Hotel check-in and Explore: Arrive in Seminyak and soak in the relaxing beach vibes as you settle into your hotel/lodging. Even if you arrive late into the night like us, you'll reach this town within 30 mins.
- Hotel Recommendation: We stayed at the W. It's a luxury beachfront resort that's truly best in class. For a more budget friendly option, you can check out the Viva Dash hotel where we stayed the night we arrived.
- Activities: Today is all about settling into your accommodations and getting the vibe of the place (on foot). Grab some Nasi Goreng (Indonesian fried rice) at The Junction House and enjoy the day around the Seminyak Flea Market. We spent the later part of the afternoon at our beachfront day club Woobar to soak in the stunning ocean views and a mini sunset (we had too much cloud cover for a proper Bali sunset!). Potato Head Day Club is another popular option IF you don't have a beachfront accommodation.
- Dinner at La Favela: For dinner, head out to the impressive La Favela for some Latin fusion cuisine. We absolutely loved this spot. The restaurant, which is the brainchild of LYD group owned by a husband and wife duo, sits in an old home that's been transformed into a vintage oasis drawing inspiration from the lush jungles of Bali, the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, and the underground bar and club scene of London and New York in the early 1990s. Yep, I did some research there.
Day 2: Water Sports in Nusa Dua
Overview: Today, we're hitting the beach to live out all our water adventures. From jet skiing, to parasailing to, sea-walking, Nusa Dua, which is a short 45-mins ride from Seminyak, is the place for it all. The name "Nusa Dua" translates to "Two Islands" in Indonesian, referring to the two small islands nearby just off the coast of the peninsula. It's renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and upscale hotels and resorts.
- Ride to Nusa Dua: Rent a scooter and ride down to Nusa Dua. You can optionally order Gojek to get to the enclave within 45 mins.
- Brunch at Balicious: Before hitting the waters, refuel with a delicious brunch at Balicious, a local eatery that in my opinion has the absolute best Chicken Sate in Bali. The key to the best satay is not just the marinade but how moist and juicy the chicken is. This place truly outshone all other Sates we tried in Bali.
- Water Sports: Spend the afternoon indulging in your favorite water sports. While you can book tours ahead of time, it really isn't necessary. You will find that many local vendors have set up shop right on the shore and will offer you better rates. My husband and I were able to bargain two jet skis for 45 mins (no instructor) for 1.6MM Indonesian Rupiah (roughly $96). This was after ALOT of haggling! For context, online tours will be more expensive and likely get you less time on the jetski. But if you like to be fully prepared and don't mind the upsell, it is worth booking an online tour.
- Dinner at Poppies and Sunset at Kuta Beach: You typically want to give yourself 3-4 hours at Nusa Dua. For dinner, start heading back and grab dinner on the way at Poppies, a charming restaurant nestled in bustling Kuta Beach (we'll come back for our last night here!). We arrived quite spent from jet skiing and changed in the restaurant bathroom (it was JUST what we needed to feel refreshed!). We absolutely loved this spot and the food was excellent. I ordered Pepes Ikan, which is Balinese fish steamed in banana leaves. Dessert was a sumptuous crème brulee and caramel pudding. This restaurant is not on the beach, so if you want to catch the sunset, head off to the boardwalk.
Day 3: Balinese Massage and Temple Tour
Overview: Day 3 will start with a relaxing massage followed by a tour of the most iconic temple of Bali, Tanah Lot dedicated to the God of the Sea. It is located on the southwest coast of the island. Perched atop a large offshore rock formation, the temple is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, offering breathtaking views and stunning sunsets.
- Balinese Massage: After yesterday's activities, your body will demand a massage. so we are treating ourselves to a traditional Balinese massage. I went to Sharon Spa right outside the W, but there are a plethora of massage parlors to choose from. I almost shed a tear during the session, it felt so good!
- Brunch at Penny Lane: Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Penny Lane in Canggu, the bohemian beach town 15 mins north of Seminyak. It's known for its vibrant arts scene and laid-back vibe. The food here was not the best except for the truffle fries but the spot is super cute and SO instagrammable.
- Explore Tanah Lot Temple: After brunch, continue riding your scooter up the shore to Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali's most iconic landmarks, set dramatically against the coast. Explore the temple grounds, and capture unforgettable memories against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean. It's truly majestic.
- Surfing at Canggu Beach: Finish your day at Canggu Beach, known for its world-class waves and laid-back atmosphere. My husband and I took a mini surf lesson and boy did we struggle! Whether you're a seasoned surfer or a novice, Canggu Beach offers something for everyone, so don't feel shy. We grabbed chairs at The Loloan and enjoyed a slow, barely there sunset. Seriously the cloud cover was keeping the best sunset for last. We will get there!
- Dinner at Ling-Ling's and Night Out at Mexicola: For dinner, we are going to Ling-Ling's in Seminyak, a cool restaurant offering a fusion of Japanese and Korean flavors with a modern twist. Everything was delicious. From there, head over to Mexicola to enjoy Bali nightlife (food, music and dancing).
Day 4: Cooking Class and Head to Ubud
Overview: Today, we will immerse ourselves into Balinese cooking and start the day early with a crash course on local Balinese dishes. The timing is perfect because we'll be checking out of our hotel and heading inland to Ubud.
- Morning Cooking Class at Nia's Cooking: My travels would be incomplete without taking a cooking class. I had a great time at Nia's Cooking, located in Seminyak Square. I learned to prepare 7+ traditional Balinese dishes like Ayam Bebek (steamed chicken roast), Satay, Lawar (chicken and green papaya salad) and Gado-Gado (green bean vegetable salad). The class did feel like a crash course in cooking Balinese food and my only gripe is the pacing. I would have much rather enjoyed a smaller class size that focused on maybe 2-3 dishes.
- Lunch at The Nook: Enjoy a delicious brunch overlooking the rice fields at The Nook. It was another lovely spot to grab a coffee and some light brunch.
- Journey to Ubud: Time to bid farewell to Seminyak and head on inland to the jungles of Ubud. Take a Gojek straight to your villa. We stayed at LeRosa Valley Resort and I can't recommend them enough. We had a cute 2-person villa with an infinity pool in the middle of the jungle. It was everything I had wanted out of my Bali trip. The villa is 10-15 mins from the center so if you rent a scooter like us, it would be nothing short of an adventure! The ride is breathtaking all around Ubud. Note: The villa offers a shuttle to the center as well.
Day 5: Exploring Ubud's Monkey Forest and Art Market
Overview: Welcome to Ubud! Today is a fresh day in our new surroundings. This day will be spent at the Monkey Forest. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a sanctuary located in the heart of Ubud and is officially known as the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It is home to over 700 long-tailed macaque monkeys and you better believe they will be frolicking around. After all, we are in their playground!
- Breakfast at Villa: We started our day at the villa with a light breakfast.
- Monkey Forest: Head to the center to explore the Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you'll encounter some ancient temples, lush jungle foliage and ALOT of monkeys frolicking around. Seriously ALOT! Don't try to sit too close to them because they're gonna want to get inside your backpack!
- Ubud Art Market: Take a stroll at Ubud's Art Market where local artisans showcase their handcrafted goods, from wood carvings and colorful paintings to traditional textiles (linen galore!) and jewelry. Browse the stalls, haggle with vendors (seriously they want you to!), and find unique souvenirs to commemorate your journey. Again, the art market has gone through some major changes to keep up with tourism and I hear it has lost its original charm.
- Ubud Palace: Right across the art market is the Ubud Palace-- the former residence of the royal family of Ubud. Explore the palace's ornate architecture and learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of Bali's royal dynasty.
- Dinner at Cafe Wayan: Conclude your day with a Balinese dinner at Cafe Wayan. Sit cross-legged on the carpeted floor and indulge in local favorites like Bebek Bengil (fried duck) and chicken sate.
Day 6: Rice Terrace and Spiritual Cleanse at Tirta Temple
Overview: The trip to Ubud will not be complete without marveling over the rice terraces of Tegallalang. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are a stunning agricultural landscape located in the village of Tegallalang, just north of Ubud (about 20 minutes on scooter from LeRosa Valley resort). These terraces are renowned for their intricate irrigation system, which dates back over 2,000 years, and their marvelous panoramic views of lush green rice paddies cascading down the hillsides. Following our self-guided tour of the rice terrace, we will experience spiritual cleansing at Tirta Temple followed by a soak in Ulu Petanu waterfall.
- Rice Terrace Trekking: Ubud is dotted with rice paddies but one iconic rice terrace that you must stroll through are in Tegallalang. Here you'll discover the timeless beauty of Bali's rural landscapes.
- Breakfast at Tis Cafe: The best view of the rice terrace is at Tis Cafe. The cafe is perched on the edge of the rice terraces, and offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Grab some coffee and breakfast literally in the middle of this idyllic setting. After breakfast, you can enter the rice terrace and take a stroll through the paddies. On the other side, you're likely going to find a local vendor selling fresh coconut. Sip on your coco and just soak in the beauty of the rice fields.
- Tirta Empul Temple: Experience a Balinese spiritual cleansing at Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred Hindu site renowned for its holy spring water. Here you can rent a traditional sarong and participate in a purification ceremony to cleanse your mind, body, and soul. No matter your religion, this experience is humbling.
- Ulu Petanu Waterfall: About 10 mins from the temple, you will discover Ulu Petanu Waterfall, a secluded oasis nestled amidst lush jungle foliage. The close proximity of the waterfall to the temple makes it a must visit but distance is not its biggest virtue. Standing at 10-15 meters, this waterfall is absolutely stunning and the pool is clean and so refreshing for a quick soak. Parking is available on site and the walk to the waterfall is just 10 mins. Keep in mind that rain can make the water muddy. There is also a short trek you can take to explore another small waterfall.
- Dinner at Donnas: Get back to your villa and change into your best, because we are going to Ubud's hottest restaurant, Donna. They serve a 5-course meal. Don't forget to try their Brazilian croquettes and spring chicken with aji verde. Donna hosts dance nights on Fridays on the floor upstairs so if you're into that, definitely check it out.
Day 7: Sunset at La Plancha and Farewell to Ubud
Overview: Today is the last day you get to spend in beautiful Bali. Make this day count. Get that last massage in and soak in the most beautiful sunset at the beachfront bar and restaurant La Plancha that sits right on Seminyak beach.
- Breakfast and Villa Checkout: Enjoy a floating breakfast at your villa's infinity pool, surrounded by the jungles of Ubud. Pack your bags and bid farewell to your villa as you prepare to head back to the coast for your last day/night.
- Shopping and Spa Day in Kuta: Spend your last day in Bali in Kuta and explore its vibrant bustling streets. Kuta is the shortest distance to the airport, so we decided to spend our last night here. Get that last-minute shopping done and definitely definitely indulge in another Balinese massage before your journey home.
- Lunch at Crumb and Coaster, Kuta: This spot is gorgeous and tucked inside one of Kuta's many alleyways. The latte was exceptional and for one last time, I ordered Nasi Goreng!
- Sunset at La Plancha: Conclude your Bali adventure with a magical sunset experience at La Plancha, a Latin inspired beachfront bar and restaurant known for its colorful bean bags, parasols, and laid-back atmosphere. Do you remember La Favela? La Plancha is owned by the same company! Sip your mocktails, enjoy shisha, and grub on some calamari and croquettes as you finally finally watch the most stunning sunset. We finally got to bid a proper farewell to the island of Bali and left with some core memories.
Until next time!
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