Perfect 7 Days Bali Itinerary for the First Time Traveler

Bali is no doubt one of the top 5 holiday destination in the world and currently the craze is growing rapidly. It’s both the land of beautiful beaches with deep blue seas and of tradition and culture. In spite of being only an island, Bali has a lot to offer if you have the desire to receive. And when you receive what it offers it will remain close to your heart. While you can enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and surf in the current, you can also enjoy the spectacular sunset from here. You can see the traditional Hindu customs here and also the modern day beach club lifestyle on the other side. From a trek to Mount Batur to living the life of Balinese people, everything is just perfect for one to fall in love with Bali.

Whenever we plan for a trip to somewhere the biggest problem we face is about the itinerary. In case of Bali, the problem is more difficult because the island is vast with multiple places to visit. There are so many attractions to see or so many things to do here, we get sometimes confused what to include in our best itinerary and what to not. And as I have lived in Bali for more than two years, I can give you the best itinerary for your travel, be it a 5 days Bali itinerary or 7 days Bali itinerary or the ultimate 10 days Bali itinerary.

So without any further delay let’s explain everything about the itinerary:

1. Best Time to Visit Bali:

Bali is located in the equatorial region and thus observes summer throughout the year. It has manly 2 seasons- one dry summer and the other the wet summer. Before head into the 7 days Bali itinerary, we must have a clear idea about the weather of Bali:

* Dry Season (April to September)

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Bali. In this time the weather remains fine with sunny days, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. This period is perfect for enjoying Bali’s beaches, water sports, visiting temples and all outdoor adventures like hiking Mount Batur or exploring the rice terraces of Ubud. The sea remains calm and clear, making it ideal for diving and snorkeling. June, July and August are the peak tourist months, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. For a more peaceful experience with great weather and fewer tourists, May and September are considered the best months to travel.

* Wet Season (October to March)

The wet season in Bali is also attractive which brings high humidity and frequent tropical showers, often in the form of heavy downpours. The rain usually occurs in the afternoon or evening. While outdoor activities can be limited due to rain, the island becomes visually stunning with lush and green everywhere, creating a beautiful, serene atmosphere. This season is ideal for travelers looking to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower accommodation and tour prices. It’s also a good time to enjoy Bali’s indoor attractions, cultural experiences, and spa retreats.

2. How to Reach Bali:

Bali is a medium sized island in the Greater Sunda Islands region and a province of Indonesia located in towards the east of Indian Ocean. There is only one international airport in Bali which is I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, or popularly known as Densapar Airport or DPS in short. The easiest way to reach Bali is via flight. There are multiple direct flights available from cities like Jakarta (Indonesia’s Capital City), New Delhi, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Sidney, Tokyo, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Labuan Bajo, Bengaluru and Yogyakarta. And if you travel from any of these cities, just board on your flight and reach Bali, but if you are boarding from different cities, first come to any of these airports and then catch connecting flights from there to Bali.

So what now? How to spend the days? Where to stay and what to do? That’s why the perfect 7 days itinerary is needed for a pleasant vacation here which is now written below:-

Related : The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide for the First Time Traveler

3. Bali Visa & Entry Requirements (2025)

So as you have finalized your time when to come, now you must know about the latest visa requirements. As of 2025, entering Bali is easier than ever but still important to know your visa options.

Visa Options:

There are three types of visa available mainly for tourists. They are:

A. Visa on Arrival (VOA):

You will get visa after you land in Bali Airport. First make the payment by cash only at the counter either in IDR or Dollar. Then proceed to the immigration counter with the money receipt. You will get the sticker visa from there. But check if your country is in this category list or not. Details below:

• Visa Cost:  IDR 500,000 ($32 USD)

• Visa Duration: 30 days, can be extendable once

• Eligible Countries: 90+ countries including US, UK, EU, Australia, India

B. Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA):

You will get this kind of visa online after you apply properly and make the payment online. You get this visa by e-mail. When you pass through the immigration counter, the officer will stick a sticker visa on your passport. Details below:

• Apply online at evisa.imigrasi.go.id

• Online Visa Cost:  IDR 500,000 ($32 USD)

• Helps to avoid airport queues—recommended if arriving during peak hours

C. Social or Cultural Visa (for long stays):

Eligible countrymen can get this visa

• Can be obtained for 60 days but extendable

• Good for remote workers, spiritual seekers, long-term travelers

There are some countries from where the tourist can enter Bali without a visa.

D. Visa-Free Entry:

• Some Asian countries (Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand) can enter without visa for up to 30 days (no extensions)

• Documents You’ll Need to get the Visa in the Immigration Counter:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months)

• Your return ticket or Proof of onward travel

• Address of first accommodation

• Bali tourism Tax

• Custom Declaration ( Needed only if there is anything valuable with you)

• Travel insurance covering health and accidents (highly recommended)

4. Perfect 7 Days Bali Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Bali + Chill in Seminyak

After you arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in the morning, book a cab via Grab or Gojet or hire a taxi and head staright to Seminyak, a coastal town just 30–40 minutes away. Seminyak is the new time, upscale, trendy side of Bali—perfect for beach lovers and foodies alike. If you arrive early at your hotel you have to wait till 3:00p.m. for check in which is the ususal check in time here. You can ask at the reception unit if the room is available for an early check in. In most cases, if the room is vacant, they allows an early check in. Otherwise keep your luggage at the luggage room and come to the beach to take some fresh air and rest your eyes.

Where to Stay in Seminyak:

          •The Legian Bali – beachfront luxury

          •The Ulin Villas – private pool villas with spa service

          •Budget: Dash Hotel – funky, modern, and centrally located

Afternoon:

You can simply enjoy your stay in the hotel or spend some time in the swimming pool. If you have checked in early, you can have a walk on the beach. Have a drink and just watch the waves. If you plan to go around by scooter, rent one. Exchange some dollars at any authorized money exchange counter. The day’s rates are shown outside.

Evening:

Walk around. Hop into any beachfront cafes. Some of the cafés have live music performance. Indulge in. Or you can head towards Finns Beach Club for the ultimate fun and excitement. Plan a dinner in the way. Book a beginners lesson in surfing for tomorrow from roadside tour counter.

Day 2: Explore Seminyak + Sunset at Tanah Lot

Today, dive deeper into Seminyak’s vibrant scene- beach activities and then at Bali’s most iconic sea temple.

Morning:

After breakfast go surfing in the waves. Or you can simply enjoy the sea in the Double Six Beach. Have a fresh juice drink and relax after surfing. Seminyak is a perfect locattion for surfing. If you are first timer, take a beginners lesson and then dive into the seas.

Midday:

Visit Seminyak Village, Magali Pascal or Biasa for shopping Indonesian designer apparel. Visit Café Organic, an insta-friendly decorated café. You can have lunch here. Take some rest in the hotel.

Afternoon:

Get started for Tanah Lot temple, an iconic temple of Bali which is famous for one of the most beautiful sunset in the world. So, don’t miss the opportunity. Take your scooter and reach there by an hour. First visit the main temple which is located in the sea. If there is a low tide, you can walk to the temple. Come back to the sunset view spot. Enjoy the twilight.

Evening:

Straight from Tanah Lot come to Kuta Market, another happening place to hop around. Spend some time and have dinner of your favorite cuisine.

Day 3: Ferry to Nusa Penida + Island Tour

Whenever you search Bali on internet, you see a picture of a cliff stretched into the sea in the shape of a dinosaur or a diamond shaped island with a beach beneath. All of these are in Nusa Penida. Today you’ll travel to Nusa Penida, a rugged island southeast of Bali known for its jaw-dropping cliffs and untouched beaches.

Getting There:

You can reach Nusa Penida via speedboat only. You have to take a speedboat from Sanur Port in Bali. After coming to Sanur Harbour you can book a ferry ticket from any of the multiple agencies operating ferry services like Maruti, Varuna, Angels, Axe etc. I recommend to book it online before coming here to get good some discount. Come here atleast 30 minutes before for step by step boarding process. The speedboats usually takes around 30 minutes to reach Nusa Penida port. Plan for an early arrival here to spend the day from the beginning, most positively within 10:00 a.m.

Upon Arrival:

Upon arrival, hire a car or rent a scooter for 2 days. First reach to your hotel and keep the luggage in the luggage storage room as the check in time is 3:00 p.m. Start off your journey for the eastern side of the island today.

Must-Visit Spots:

a. Rumah Pohon & The Thousand Islands:

Rumah Pohon is the tree house which is artificially made attraction. Its very famous for making outstanding photos and reels. At the same place you can see the thousand islands.

b. Diamond Beach:

Reach diamond beach and spend some time there. Click pictures and make short videos. If you are physically fit, you can climb down to the beach also which takes about 1 hour to reach and 2 hours to climb up.

Then proceed to Atuh Beach which is just on the left side of Diamond Beach. It is also meters down, but worth visiting. You can have some drinks and relax on the beach for hours. The sea is pleasant and you can swim here. Plan for pure Indonesian lunch on your way back to hotel. After coming back to hotel, check in first. Fesh up and sit on the beach in front of your hotel. And be sure to have dinner before 9:00pm as most of the eateries close within 8:30pm to 9:00pm.

Where to Stay:

          • Autentik Penida Glamping – nature lovers’ dream

          • Adiwana Warnakali – oceanfront suites with diving options

          •  Budget: Daphila Cottage

Dinner:

          •        Amok Sunset – A spectacular hilltop restaurant with ocean views and Indonesian-European fusion cuisine

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Day 4: Nusa Penida Island Tour

Get up early today and watch a beautiful sunrise over the sea. Book a breakfast at the hotel previously and have that within 9:00 a.m. Set out for the western part of Nusa Penida and visit some of the most beautiful places in Bali:

Today you will visit-

1. Kelingking Beach – The famous “T-Rex” cliff and viewpoint famous for the unmatched beauty. Spend some time there to feel the vibe. Sometimes you have to wait in a queue to take some good photographs at the most lovable points. Be prepared for that. The place gets crowded after 11:00a.m as the day tourists come flooding in.

2. Broken Beach – Next head towards Broken Beach which is A natural bridge over turquoise sea water. It is a eye-soothing spot and an insta friendly location.

3. Angel’s Billabong –Next to Broken Beach is located Angel’s Billabong which is a Natural infinity pool. The torquoise blue in the sea water is so charming here.

4. Crystal Bay – After lunch spend the afternoon at tge Crystal Bay beach. Carry your swimsuit if you love to spend some time in water. Enjoy the magnificent sunset here. After sunset head towards your hotel. Have dinner early.

Day 5: Boat to Ubud – Rice Terraces, Coffee Garden & Relax

Check out from Nusa Penida hotel within 8:00a.m and take a fastboat at 9:00a.m from Nusa Penida port to Sanur Port. At Sanur book a cab and go straight to Ubud hotel.

Ubud is the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali, Surrounded by jungles and rice paddies. It offers peaceful nature walks, local art, and deep traditions. After coming to your hotel keep the luggage safe in the hotel lobby or luggage storage room, book a cab or rent a scooter and head towards Tengalallang Rice Terrace. Feel the real Bali vibe here. Or you may go to Alas Harum where you can have multiple activities and photo shoots. Alas Harum is a popular tourist destination where you can ride the iconic extreme Bali Swing, Bed Swing, get a Luwak Coffe tour, and there are so many attractive photo shoot places, rice terraces and many more. The entry fee is 50,000 IDR per person. There are many restaurants inside where you can have lunch. Next you can go to Cretya Ubud which is inside Alas Harum, but you have to pay extra 100,000 IDR entry fees for this. In Cretya Ubud you will see the multi storeyed swimming pool famous in internet today. Enjoy the afternoon in pool with a drink in hand and live DJ music.

Evening:

Head towards Ubud Palace. Its the happening spot in Ubud. You may enter inside the palace with an entry fee 100,000 IDR to enjoy a cultural show. After that roam around the Ubud Local Market. You may buy  your favourite souvenirs from the shops. Have dinner of your choice of cuisine.

 Day 6: Wellness & Balinese Traditions

Morning:

Start your day in a calm way. After breakfast head straight to Tirta Empul Temple. Rent a Sharon and take part in the prayer in the central courtyard. After that take a bath in the holy spring and calm your body, mind ans soul. Visit the different parts of the temple.

Next head towards Sangeh Monkey Forest. Its an old temple with green forests where plenty of monkeys live. Spend some time here.

Midday:

Lunch at Clear Café – Known for its relaxing ambiance and healthy menu

Afternoon :

Visit Ubud Water Palace. Its a small but very pleasant place. Upon entering, you will feel amazed to observe the preservation of Balinese culture here. It looks stunning in the evening in the lights. The lotus plants in both the pool on the two sides are so beautiful. Take some good pictures.

Next you can hop into Ubud Art Market to buy gifts for your near and dear ones.

In the evening take a Balinese Massage from any of the massage center or in your hotel room. My recommendation will be to take it in the hotel room. You can simply ask the receptionist to book one. Its relaxing and healing. Plan for an early dinner today.

Day 7: Campuhan Ridge Walk + Farewell Brunch

Enjoy your last morning in Bali soaking up Ubud’s calm and beauty.

Morning:

Enjoy Sunrise at Campuhan Ridge Walk.

Really it will be a memorable experience for you and will stay in your mind forever. Get up early and head towards Campuhan Ridge Walk which is about 1.2 km from Ubud City Centre. Its a scenic and peaceful trail with views of rolling hills and rice fields. In the first golden rays of the sun the place looks out if the world. Just walk through the ridge and feel the nature. Its healing.

Breakfast at Alchemy Café – Raw, vegan, and nourishing.

Mid-morning:

You can book an ATV Ride today. There are plenty in Ubud. Just book with a time, say 9:00a.m and reach there by the time. Rent a locker and keep your belongings in and the guide will guide you the rest. Believe me its an awesome experience. The roads are dangerous and perfect for ATVs. You will ride through many pools waterfalls and steep uneven paths. Its a 1 hour trail which will be guided by a trained guide. Dont forget to book the activity including a buffet lunch.

Afternoon:

Check-out and head to Denpasar Airport (allow 2–2.5 hours)

Say goodbye to the Island of the Gods.

5. Essential Travel Tips for Bali

* Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

* SIM Card: Buy a Telkomsel SIM at the airport or in Seminyak

* Tap water is not drinkable—buy bottled or use filters

* Transport: Rent a scooter is best. Book cab via Grab/Gojek or hire a private driver for day trips

* What to Pack Must:

          •Swimwear and sandals

          •Light clothes + a shawl for temples

          •Sunscreen and mosquito repellent

          •A reusable water bottle

 FAQs: 7 Days in Bali

❓ Is 7 days in Bali enough?

Yes! With smart planning, you can experience beaches, temples, waterfalls, and culture in just one week.

❓ Is Nusa Penida worth the trip?

Absolutely! It’s raw, beautiful, and offers a totally different vibe from mainland Bali. Just plan ahead for transport and roads.

❓ Should I rent a scooter?

Only if you’re confident. Roads in Nusa Penida and Ubud can be steep and bumpy. A private driver is safer and more comfortable.

 Final Thoughts: Your Perfect 7 Days in Bali

This 7-day Bali itinerary covers the best of all worlds—sunsets in Seminyak, adventure in Nusa Penida, and peace in Ubud. It’s ideal for first-time travelers and return visitors who want a well-rounded island experience.

Whether you’re sipping a fresh coconut on the beach, hiking through a rice terrace, or meditating at a jungle spa, Bali promises moments of wonder, beauty, and connection.

Now it’s your turn. Pack your bags, embrace the island energy, and let Bali work its magic on you.