Bali Travel Itinerary: 7 and 10 Days (Ubud, the Coast and Nusa Penida)

Bali is small on the map but slow to cross, so the best itineraries use two bases and a driver. Here is a Bali travel itinerary for one week and for ten days.

How to plan a Bali itinerary

Distances in Bali are short, but traffic is heavy, especially around Canggu, Seminyak and the airport. A 30-kilometer drive can easily take more than an hour. The best Bali itineraries limit the number of hotel changes. Pair the cultural center, Ubud, with one coastal base, and add a quiet rural area or an island only if you have ten days or more. Plan the drive between bases as part of a day, with a stop at a temple or rice terrace on the way.

7 days in Bali

• Days 1 to 3, Ubud: rice terraces, temples, a cooking class or a sunrise trek.
• Days 4 to 7, the coast: Seminyak for restaurants and beach clubs, or Uluwatu for cliffs and sunsets.

A day-by-day week

• Day 1: land at Denpasar and transfer straight to Ubud (often 1.5 hours or more). Evening walk through the town center.
• Day 2: early start at the Tegallalang rice terraces, then the water temple of Tirta Empul, where Balinese come for ritual purification. Afternoon at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, or a spa.
• Day 3: sunrise trek on Mount Batur (starting in the small hours) or, for a gentler morning, the Campuhan Ridge Walk. In the afternoon, take a Balinese cooking class or visit Goa Gajah, the Elephant Cave.
• Day 4: transfer to the coast. In Uluwatu, plan the clifftop temple of Pura Luhur Uluwatu at sunset, with the Kecak fire dance performed nearby.
• Days 5 and 6: beach days, surf lessons for beginners, or a seafood dinner on Jimbaran Bay.
• Day 7: a lazy morning before your flight. Allow plenty of time for airport traffic.

10 days in Bali

• Days 1 to 4, Ubud.
• Days 5 to 6, Sidemen or Munduk: a quiet rural stay, or a drive north for lakes and waterfalls.
• Days 7 to 10, the coast: beach time, with a Nusa Penida day trip.

What the extra days add

Sidemen, in the east, is a valley of rice fields and weaving villages with views of Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcano. It is ideal for walking, cycling and doing very little. Munduk, in the central highlands, is cooler and greener, with waterfalls and coffee plantations. It is close to the lakeside temple of Ulun Danu Beratan and the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces, whose subak irrigation system dates back centuries. Choose one of the two; each adds two nights without too much driving.

On the coast, finish in Sanur if you plan to visit Nusa Penida, because the fast boats leave from its beach. The crossing usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Where to base yourself

See where to stay in Bali for first-timers to choose between Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Sanur and Sidemen.

Add-ons

• Nusa Penida: a long day trip by boat; allow for sea conditions.
• The Gili Islands: two or more nights by fast boat. See how to get to the Gili Islands from Bali.

Nusa Penida: what to expect

The famous viewpoints, such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, are spread across the island on narrow, steep roads. A day trip feels rushed for most travelers. If the island is a priority, spend one night there and see the west coast one day and the east coast the next. Snorkelers can join a boat trip to see manta rays, depending on conditions.

Practical tips

• The drive between Ubud and the south coast takes about 90 minutes to two hours: use a driver for the change of base.
• Check the season: see the best time to visit Bali.
• Honeymooners: see Bali honeymoon packages.
• More ideas: things to do in Bali and private Bali tours.

Sample 10-day plan with timings

Days	Base	Highlights
1–4	Ubud	Rice terraces, Tirta Empul, Mount Batur or Campuhan Ridge, cooking class
5–6	Sidemen or Munduk	Valley walks, Mount Agung views, waterfalls, Ulun Danu Beratan, Jatiluwih
7–10	Uluwatu, Seminyak or Sanur	Uluwatu temple and Kecak, beaches, Nusa Penida by fast boat

Adapting the itinerary

For honeymooners

Choose a villa with a private pool in the Ayung River valley outside Ubud, then finish on the cliffs of Uluwatu or Nusa Dua for sunsets and quieter beaches. Add a spa afternoon and a private dinner rather than another sightseeing stop. Our Bali honeymoon packages guide has more ideas.

For families

Keep drives under two hours and choose the calm water of Sanur or Nusa Dua over the surf beaches of the west coast. In Ubud, children usually love the monkey forest (keep bags and snacks out of reach), the rice terraces and a batik or woodcarving workshop. Skip the Mount Batur trek with young children.

In the rainy season

From about November to March, showers usually come in the afternoon, so plan outdoor sightseeing in the morning. Sea conditions for Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands are less reliable, so leave flexible days around any crossings.

Can I do Bali in five days?

Yes, with one base: Ubud for culture and nature, or the coast for beaches, with day trips from there.

Before you go

• International visitors pay Bali’s tourist levy (150,000 rupiah per person at the time of writing), which can be paid online in advance.
• US travelers can get an Indonesian e-visa on arrival online before departure; check the current fee and the arrival declaration requirements on the official immigration site.
• Dress modestly at temples. A sarong and sash are required and are usually available to borrow or rent at the entrance.
• Keep a free half-day in your plan in case a ceremony closes a temple or the sea is too rough for a boat crossing.

Bali itinerary: FAQ

How many days do you need in Bali?

Seven to ten days for two bases.

What is the best way to split a week?

Three nights in Ubud and four on the coast.

Is Nusa Penida worth a day trip?

Yes for dramatic cliffs, but it is a long, sea-dependent day.

Do I need a driver?

It is the easiest way to move between areas.

What is the best month?

May, June or September are often the best balance.

Is Ubud or the coast better for the first night?

We prefer Ubud first, then the coast: you do the cultural sights while you are fresh and finish with beach days before the flight home.

Should I stay overnight on Nusa Penida?

Yes, if the island is a priority. One night lets you see both coasts without spending most of a single day on boats and rough roads.