One Week in Bali: The Ultimate Travel Plan

Bali is more than just a tropical escape it’s a captivating blend of culture, nature, spirituality, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, spending one week in Bali offers the perfect amount of time to experience its many layers. From jungle-covered temples and rice terraces to stunning beaches and wellness retreats, this Bali itinerary for 7 days will help you discover the best of the island.

Here’s the ultimate Bali travel plan for a week, combining the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Day 1: Arrival + Seminyak or Canggu – Beachside Ease

Your one week in Bali begins with a relaxed introduction to the island. After landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), head to Seminyak or Canggu for a chilled start.

What to do:

• Check into your hotel or villa

• Explore boutique shops and vibrant cafés

• Catch sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples

• Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant in Seminyak or try a trendy vegan spot in Canggu

Travel tip: Depending on your arrival time, opt for a relaxing massage or quick swim to shake off jet lag.

Day 2: Ubud – Culture, Rice Terraces & Temples

Begin your cultural immersion by heading inland to Ubud, the spiritual and artistic heart of Bali. It’s a must on any Bali itinerary for 7 days.

What to do:

• Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

• Explore Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple

• Wander through Tegallalang Rice Terraces for postcard-perfect views

• Visit local art markets for handmade crafts and textiles

• Enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance in the evening

Where to eat: Try Warung Biah Biah for authentic Balinese dishes in a cozy setting.

Day 3: Ubud – Spirituality and Wellness

No ultimate Bali travel plan is complete without tapping into the island’s wellness side. Ubud offers a peaceful environment to relax, reflect, and recharge.

What to do:

• Start your day with sunrise yoga at The Yoga Barn or Radiantly Alive

• Visit Tirta Empul Temple for a holy water purification ritual

• Enjoy a Balinese massage or healing session at a jungle spa

• Stroll through Campuhan Ridge Walk during golden hour

Optional: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng or satay.

Day 4: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike + Waterfalls

Wake up early for one of Bali’s most unforgettable experiences: hiking Mount Batur for sunrise. This is ideal for travelers looking for adventure in their one week in Bali.

What to do:

• Begin the trek around 2 AM (with a guide)

• Reach the summit before sunrise and enjoy panoramic views

• Have breakfast overlooking Lake Batur

• Afterward, stop at Tukad Cepung Waterfall or Tibumana Waterfall on your way back

Tip: Pack a light jacket it gets chilly at the summit.

Day 5: East Bali – Temples & Tranquility

Head east for a day steeped in spirituality and scenic beauty, away from the usual tourist crowds. This is a hidden gem in any ultimate Bali travel plan.

What to do:

• Explore Lempuyang Temple and take in views of Mount Agung through the “Gates of Heaven”

• Visit Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a former royal retreat surrounded by fish ponds and fountains

• Stop by Virgin Beach for a quiet afternoon by the sea

Pro tip: Start early to beat the crowds at Lempuyang.

Day 6: Nusa Penida Day Trip OR Uluwatu Beach Hopping

You have two great options depending on your mood explore the rugged island of Nusa Penida or soak in Bali’s best beaches in Uluwatu.

Option 1: Nusa Penida

• Take a fast boat from Sanur

• Visit Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach

• Enjoy lunch with ocean views

• Return by evening

Option 2: Uluwatu

• Lounge at Padang Padang or Bingin Beach

• Grab lunch at a cliffside café

• Watch surfers at Uluwatu Beach

• End with a sunset cocktail at Single Fin

Both are excellent Bali day trip ideas that add diversity to your week.

Day 7: Uluwatu Cliffs + Kecak Fire Dance

For the final day of your one week in Bali, soak in the dramatic beauty of the southern cliffs and embrace Balinese performance art.

What to do:

• Explore Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff edge

• Walk the paths along the cliffs and spot monkeys

• Attend the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset with the ocean as your backdrop

• Enjoy a seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay to cap off your trip

Tip: Book tickets to the Kecak dance in advance, especially during peak season.

Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own

This 7-day Bali travel guide is a balanced itinerary for first-time visitors or returning travelers who want a deeper look into what makes the island special. From sacred temples and vibrant markets to beach sunsets and jungle adventures, Bali is a destination that captivates all your senses.

Feel free to adjust this Bali itinerary 7 days based on your interests and pace skip a hike for a spa day or add more surf time in Canggu if that’s your vibe. No matter how you spend your time, the magic of Bali will stay with you long after you leave.