Explore Bali in a week with this comprehensive travel plan
Unleashed: A Week-long Journey Through the Heart of Bali
For many travelers, Bali provides a tantalizing first taste of Southeast Asia's enchanting tropical islands. Nestled amidst verdant landscapes, you'll find dazzling surf beaches, lipsmacking cuisine, pulsating traveler hubs, captivating festivals, and timeless temples. Here's your blueprint for exploring Bali's highlights in just a week!
When to Arrive
Bali's peak season, from July to December, brims with energy, but the prices soar. The dry months of July and August offer optimal weather for exploring and surfing, while December tends to be damp and crowded, yet still warm and bustling with holiday-goers escaping the cold elsewhere. If you're after a more low-key experience, aim for the shoulder season months of May, June, and September, with reduced prices, minimal rainfall, and smaller crowds.
Getting There and Around
Once you touch down at Bali's international airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai, you'll find yourself around 13km (8 miles) outside Denpasar. Ferry travelers arrive from Java and Lombok. Pre-booked taxis, rideshares, and buses can usher you to Denpasar in roughly half an hour, or straight to coastal hotspots.
Navigating the island is smoothest with a rental car or hired driver, but local minibuses, tourist shuttle buses, taxis, rideshares, or scooter rentals are also viable options.
What to Pack
Pack light, cotton clothing that covers your arms and legs for visits to temples and religious sites. Don't forget swimwear, a sarong (available locally), a raincoat or umbrella, warm layers for air-conditioning, and bug repellent.
Day 1: Jet-set to Canggu
Kick off your shoes and head straight for the sand or pool upon arrival in Canggu, a lively coastal strip known for its surf beaches. Explore Batubelig Beach and Echo Beach, then mingle with fellow tourists at the beach walk that connects them.
Indulge in a traditional Indonesian meal at Varuna Warung and immerse yourself in a Canggu party scene at Finns Beach Club, where DJs spin tunes, and revellers dance the night away.
Day 2: Yoga, Surf, and Spice
Begin your day with a morning yoga session, then hit the waves with surfing lessons or board rentals from a local shack. As the afternoon unfolds, sample mouthwatering babi guling (spit-roasted suckling pig) at a nearby warung.
Day 3: Cultural Tapestry of Ubud
Set out early to the artistic hub of Ubud, a place where rich traditions permeate daily life. Visit Puri Saren Agung royal palace, the picturesque Pura Taman Saraswati, and the jaw-dropping Pura Gunung Lebah hidden in a lush gorge.
In the evening, delve into the intricate world of Balinese dance, with a sunset performance at Ubud Palace.
Day 4: Ubud's Culture, Yoga, and Scenery
Explore Ubud's museums, such as the Museum Puri Lukisan and Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA). Relax at a local spa or yoga studio, take a walk along the Campuhan Ridge, cycle to nearby villages, or uncover the Ceking rice terraces you might have missed earlier.
Day 5 & 6: Climbing the Peaks of Mount Agung
Take a challenging journey to the summit of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and most sacred peak, if the volcano is not currently erupting. Hike at night to be greeted by a breathtaking sunrise at the summit. Discover the impressive Pura Besakih temple complex and its 23 Hindu temples.
Day 7: Wrecks and Reefs of Tulamben
Head to Tulamben for the chance to dive or snorkel near the USAT Liberty, a WWII cargo shipwreck that's become a haven for marine life. Don't miss out on some beach time or a dolphin-watching trip before continuing your adventure!
This 7-day itinerary is inspired by our website's forthcoming Indonesia guidebook, expected to be published in July 2024.
[1] Culture Trip, "The 7 Best Things to Do in Bali, Indonesia," [https://theculturetrip.com/asia/indonesia/articles/the-7-best-things-to-do-in-bali-indonesia/], accessed April 30, 2023.
[2] Indospace, "15 Responsible Things to Do While Traveling in Bali, Indonesia," [https://www.indospace.com/blog/15-responsible-things-to-do-while-traveling-in-bali-indonesia/], accessed April 30, 2023.
[3] Lonely Planet, "Bali's Northern Beaches: Where to go & what to pack," [https://www.lonelyplanet.com/indonesia/bali/northwest-bali/beaches/a/poi-sig/1176720/37965d84251d4d908286301f3ea84154/14], accessed April 30, 2023.
[4] Travel + Leisure, "What to do in Bali for 1 week: The ultimate Bali itinerary," [https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-ideas/itineraries/what-to-do-in-bali-7-day-itinerary], accessed April 30, 2023.
[5] Nomadic Matt, "Bali 7-Day Itinerary: A Guide to Exploring Bali," [https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-guides/bali/bali-7-day-itinerary/], accessed April 30, 2023.
[1] In December, the boisterous lifestyle of Bali can be experienced during the peak season, although prices may be higher.
[2] A guidebook on Indonesia, including detailed information about Bali, is expected to be published in July 2024.
[3] If you're planning to stay in Canggu during your trip to Bali, be sure to pack a sarong along with your other essentials.
