7-Day Bali Itinerary + Best Things to Do

Morning

Start your Ubud adventure among the emerald terraces that have fed Balinese families for centuries. Tegallalang Rice Terrace unfolds before you like nature's amphitheater, where every step reveals a new perspective of this ancient agricultural masterpiece. The morning light catches the water-filled paddies just right, creating mirror-like reflections that will make your Instagram followers weep with envy.

• Tegallalang Rice Terrace — arrive by 8am for best light; entrance fee required; famous Bali swings and zipline available

Afternoon

After lunch, venture into Ubud's most mischievous neighborhood where 700+ long-tailed macaques rule the roost. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary isn't just about the cheeky primates—though they'll certainly steal the show (and possibly your sunglasses). This ancient temple complex hidden within the forest creates an almost mystical atmosphere where nature and spirituality intertwine.

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — open 9am-6pm; rangers stationed throughout for safety; keep belongings secure from curious monkeys

Morning

Escape the tourist crowds with an early morning pilgrimage to one of Bali's most accessible waterfalls. Tegenungan Waterfall thunders down 50 feet into a natural swimming pool that's perfect for a refreshing dip before the heat of the day sets in. The jungle setting feels primordial, with massive ferns and tropical vines creating a natural cathedral around the cascading water.

• Tegenungan Waterfall — bring swimwear; short 10-minute walk from parking; entrance fee applies

Afternoon

Prepare for something truly magical at Tukad Cepung Waterfall, where nature has carved out a hidden amphitheater in the rock. When the sun hits just right, ethereal beams of light stream through the canyon opening, illuminating the mist in a display that photographers dream about. The trek down requires some scrambling over rocks, but the reward is a secret grotto that feels like stepping into a fairy tale.

• Tukad Cepung Waterfall — open 8am-6pm; wear sturdy shoes for rocky descent; best light between 10am-2pm

Morning

Rise before dawn for one of Bali's most Instagram-famous experiences at Pura Lempuyang Luhur, where the "Gates of Heaven" frame Mount Agung in perfect symmetry. Yes, you'll wait in line for that iconic shot, but the temple complex's spiritual energy and misty mountain setting make it worth every minute. The 1,700 steps to reach the highest temple are daunting, but even the lower temples deliver those coveted mirror-effect photos.

• Pura Lempuyang Luhur — arrive by 6am to beat crowds; modest dress required; professional photographers available for hire

Afternoon

Descend from the spiritual heights to the earthly paradise of Tirta Gangga, a royal water palace that feels like stepping into a Balinese fairy tale. Built by the last raja of Karangasem, this aquatic wonderland features ornate fountains, koi-filled pools, and those famous stepping stones that test your balance and provide endless photo opportunities. The IDR 90,000 entrance fee stings a bit, but the meticulously maintained gardens and Instagram-worthy water features deliver serious bang for your rupiah.

• Tirta Gangga — open 6am-7pm; entrance IDR 90,000; stepping stone pools perfect for photos; bring extra clothes if planning to get wet

Morning

Dive into one of the world's most accessible shipwreck adventures at USAT Liberty Shipwreck, where a World War II cargo vessel lies just 30 meters from Tulamben's black sand beach. Whether you're snorkeling from the surface or diving deep, this underwater museum teams with vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish that have claimed the Liberty as their home. The contrast between the ship's military history and its current role as an artificial reef creates an almost poetic diving experience.

• USAT Liberty Shipwreck — accessible 24 hours; snorkeling gear rental available on beach; dive shops offer guided tours

Afternoon

Trade the deep waters for the shallows at Pantai Jemeluk, where some of Bali's best snorkeling happens just steps from the volcanic sand. The coral garden here is particularly spectacular, with visibility so clear you'll feel like you're swimming in an aquarium. Beach-front warungs serve cold Bintangs with views of the reef, making this the perfect spot to decompress after your shipwreck adventure.

• Pantai Jemeluk — open 6am-6pm (5:30am Sunday); beachfront hotels available; excellent snorkeling gear rental; calm waters perfect for beginners

Morning

Conquer Mount Batur in the pre-dawn darkness for one of Indonesia's most rewarding sunrise experiences. The 2-hour trek up this active volcano tests your endurance, but watching the sun paint the volcanic landscape in shades of gold and crimson from the rim makes every huffing step worthwhile. Your local guide will cook breakfast using volcanic steam vents—eggs prepared by nature's own geothermal kitchen taste surprisingly good at 5,700 feet.

• Mount Batur — 2am pickup common for sunrise treks; mandatory local guide; bring warm layers and sturdy shoes

Afternoon

After descending from your volcanic conquest, explore the serene shores of Danau Batur, the crescent-shaped lake that fills Mount Batur's ancient caldera. While you can't access the water directly due to private property, the viewpoints offer stunning perspectives of this mountain lake ecosystem. The contrast between the morning's physical challenge and the afternoon's peaceful lake views creates the perfect adventure-relaxation balance.

• Danau Batur — multiple viewpoints accessible by car/scooter; local warungs serve fresh lake fish; great photography opportunities

Morning

Prepare for Bali's most physically demanding waterfall adventure at Sekumpul Waterfall, where seven towering cascades plunge through the jungle in a display of raw natural power. The trek down is genuinely challenging—muddy paths, steep descents, and river crossings that will test your hiking boots' grip. But standing at the base of these thundering falls, mist cooling your sweat-soaked skin, you'll understand why this is considered Bali's most spectacular waterfall.

• Sekumpul Waterfall — hire local guide essential; wear proper hiking shoes; bring change of clothes; motorcycle taxi available partway

Afternoon

Recover from your waterfall expedition in the serene mountain setting of Buyan Lake Nature Park - Lake Tamblingan, where mist often shrouds the twin lakes in ethereal beauty. This high-altitude nature preserve offers encounters with friendly wildlife handlers who'll let you hold bats, snakes, and iguanas—definitely not your average petting zoo experience. The early morning reviews rave about having the place to yourself, so the afternoon timing gives you that same peaceful mountain solitude.

• Buyan Lake Nature Park - Lake Tamblingan — open 8am-4pm; wildlife interaction experiences available; stunning lake views; cooler mountain temperatures

Morning

Begin your final day at Tanah Lot, Bali's most photographed temple, where ancient Balinese architecture rises dramatically from a rocky outcrop surrounded by crashing waves. The morning light reveals every detail of this 16th-century sea temple, built to honor the ocean spirits that Balinese believe protect the island. While you can't enter the temple itself as a tourist, the coastal walk and tide pool exploration provide plenty of photo opportunities and spiritual contemplation.

• Tanah Lot — open 6am-7pm; entrance fee required; best accessed at low tide; parking can fill up quickly

Evening

Conclude your Bali adventure with the dramatic clifftop setting of Uluwatu Temple, perched 230 feet above the Indian Ocean on the Bukit Peninsula's edge. As the sun sets, the temple's silhouette against the orange sky creates one of Bali's most iconic views. Time your visit for the traditional Kecak fire dance performance—watching dozens of men chant in concentric circles while a dancer leaps through flames provides the perfect cultural crescendo to your week-long island journey.

• Uluwatu Temple — open 7am-7pm; sarong rental available; Kecak fire dance shows at sunset; watch for mischievous monkeys