Balinese Bliss: The Perfect One-Week Itinerary for First Timers

Nestled in the heart of Indonesia, Bali is a dreamy destination for honeymooners seeking privacy amidst its lush landscapes and serene beaches. While Bali’s allure is undeniable for couples embarking on their journey of love, it also holds a special place in the hearts of nature enthusiasts drawn to its breathtaking beauty and diverse ecosystems. From breathtaking sunsets over pristine shorelines to mystical rice terraces and cascading waterfalls hidden in jungles, Bali promises an unforgettable mix of experiences for couples and nature lovers alike.

While exploring Bali’s depths leisurely typically takes 2-3 weeks, this itinerary is tailor-made for fast-paced travelers eager to uncover Bali’s best wonders in just one week. I’ll be sharing my seven-day itinerary, crafted to allow you to immerse yourself in Balinese culture without missing a beat. I traveled to Bali with my lovely husband. Feel free to follow along or adopt it as your own while traveling there.

Day 1-Arrival in Bali and explore Kuta

We flew from Bangalore, India to Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar Airport (DPS) in Bali. Travelers can book direct-flight and can also book connecting flights through major hubs such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Jakarta. We had a connecting flight, and thus had a 4-hour layover in Singapore. Changi International Airport in Singapore is an excellent stopover destination as it offers numerous comfy lounges along with beautiful attractions to explore like the Butterfly Garden, Cactus Garden, etc. offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the airport. We got a sunrise view while landing in Singapore and it was simply breath-taking.

Upon landing in Bali, it took us some time to check out from Denpasar airport because of the long queues for the Visa stamping process. Thereafter, we promptly booked a Grab and made our way to our hotel in Kuta. Bali has multiple scenic sites located throughout the country, but this time we focussed on exploring the Southern region. I would advise that to cover the best spots in this region you must choose any one base out of Seminyak, Kuta, or Ubud.

As it was our first day and we checked into our hotel around 3 PM, we decided to take it easy. After enjoying a leisurely lunch, we opted for a relaxed day, knowing that the upcoming days would be busier. In Bali, cabs are readily available and affordable. We hopped into one to visit Seminyak Beach, took a stroll along Jimbaran Beach, explored the nearby local market, and enjoyed dinner at a beach-facing shack.

Day 2- Explore Tanah Lot, Uluwatu temple and Coffee Plantations

Our day in Bali kicked off with a scrumptious breakfast before we embarked on our journey to the renowned Tanah Lot temple, perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea. Opting for an 8-hour car rental from Gojek, priced at around USD 70, proved to be the most convenient mode of transport for us. Bali offers various options for car rentals, making it easy to explore the island at your own pace.
The drive from our hotel to Tanah Lot took about an hour, and upon arrival, we paid a modest entrance fee of USD 4 for adults to gain access. The temple has a sacred Holy water cave that is believed to possess spiritual cleansing properties. Don’t miss the chance to explore its mystical beauty! While the temple’s visiting hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM, we arrived around 10-10:30 AM, I recommend going earlier to catch the breathtaking sunrise if possible.

Following our visit to Tanah Lot, we proceeded to another marvel Taman Ayun temple, which was surrounded by serene gardens and lotus ponds. This place has very peaceful vibes and being an offbeat temple is not frequented by tourists much.

After a quick lunch break, we set off for a nearby coffee plantation to learn about the intricate process of coffee production, from bean to cup, and indulge in various locally grown coffee flavors, including the renowned Kopi Luwak, the coffee made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet. It’s quite a unique and expensive coffee. You should definitely at least try it once before deciding whether to buy it or not. It was not our palette though.

Before heading back to our hotel, we couldn’t resist exploring the nearby boutique shop, where we picked up some Ginger tea premix powder and other delightful souvenirs. Our day concluded with a visit to Uluwatu temple, perched majestically on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Here, we were treated to a mesmerizing Kecak dance performance against the backdrop of the setting sun, an unforgettable experience in Bali. With hearts full of memories, we returned to our hotel, cherishing the day’s adventures.

Day 3-Trip to Nusa Penida

Our adventure-packed day began bright and early as we embarked on a day trip to Nusa Penida. Since we had limited time, we opted for a day tour. However, I would recommend you stay there at least for a day to soak in its beauty. We got picked up from the hotel, but for those seeking independence, hopping on a cab or driving to Sanur Beach Harbor for the ferry ride to Nusa Penida is equally feasible. Ferry rates are standard and affordable, typically around USD 7-USD 8 for a one-way journey.

Our first stop with the tour operator was Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach, two natural wonders that showcase the raw beauty of the island. Angel’s Billabong boasts a mesmerizing natural infinity pool, carved by the relentless waves, surrounded by rugged cliffs that frame the turquoise waters. It’s a captivating spot perfect for a refreshing swim and soaking in the coastal vistas. Adjacent to Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach presents a dramatic sight with its majestic rock archway stretching over the crystalline waters below. Both locations offer a surreal experience, inviting visitors to witness the nature firsthand.

Following our exploration, we journeyed to Kelingking Beach, famously known as T-Rex Bay for its striking cliff formation resembling a T-Rex dinosaur. The panoramic views of the turquoise sea and jagged coastline are nothing short of breathtaking. While we admired the scenery and hiked around, the scorching sun reminded us to plan such activities in the cooler morning hours for a more enjoyable experience.

After capturing countless memories and soaking in the beauty of Nusa Penida, we concluded our day with a hearty meal before returning to Kuta. Be sure to plan your return journey to avoid missing the last ferry.

Day 4-Transfer to Ubud, visiting Tibumana Waterfalls & Paddy field excursion

As the sun rose over Bali’s vibrant landscapes, we bid farewell to our hotel in anticipation of our journey to Ubud. Opting for a convenient cab ride, we embarked on a scenic hour-long drive through Bali’s picturesque countryside, passing by charming villages and rice terraces along the way. For travelers seeking a more budget-friendly option, local vans and buses provide economical transportation alternatives.

Our first destination in Ubud was the Tibumana Waterfalls, nestled in the serene village of Bangli. With an entrance fee of just 20,000 IDR (less than USD 2), we ventured through a lush forest trail to reach the base of the waterfall. Surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery, the sight was truly mesmerizing, offering a secluded oasis for relaxation. After our refreshing dip, we returned to our hotel to check-in.

In the afternoon, we rented a local bike from a nearby supermarket. With daily bike rentals starting from just USD 5, we set off to explore the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces in the afternoon. As we wandered along the terraced fields, we marveled at the intricate Subak irrigation system that has sustained generations of Balinese farmers, enabling the cultivation of rice on the steep slopes of the terraces. While entrance to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces is free, we encountered several paid attractions geared towards adventurous travelers seeking Instagram-worthy experiences. From the famous Bali swing to ziplining adventures and aerial biking experiences, there were plenty of options to add a thrill to our visit. After a stroll through the terraced landscapes, we paused for a delightful hot chocolate break at a quaint café before returning to our hotel. With an early morning hike up Mt. Batur on the agenda for the next day, we opted for an early night, reflecting on the enriching experiences of the day and eagerly anticipating the adventures that lay ahead.

Day 5- The most memorable trek to Mt. Batur

If you’re an adventure seeker, this day will knock your socks off. This day started almost after midnight. For this trek as well, we booked it through GetYourGuide and were supposed to reach the meeting point, which is Mt. Batur Lounge at 3:30 AM. From here, we headed to the Kintamani region to hike our way up Mount Batur. Mount Batur is located in the Bali Volcanic Belt, which is a series of active and dormant volcanoes that stretch across the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok. This trek is moderate and took us around 5-6 hours to reach the summit. The views were truly worth the kind of effort. Since it was quite cold in those hours, we were wearing jackets, but shortly after we started hiking, we had to ditch those. They also provided us with the headlamps. It was kind of a morning workout and by the time we reached the summit, the sky started showing some pretty hues. Since this was an organized trip, we also were served breakfast and coffee.

We started our descent to Toya Bungkah after a few hours. We retired to the hotel after this and took a rest in the first half as we were tired.
Post-lunch, we thought of exploring the very popular Monkey Forest in Ubud. It’s a National reserve. It’s home to approximately 700 monkeys. This place also has important spiritual significance for the local people. The entrance fee is around USD 6 for adults. The forest canopy was a savior in the hot weather. The forest also has a few temples. The place very much looks like a set from the “Jungle Book”.

After our fun excursion, we went back to our hotel. For dinner, we visited a local place to have the very famous Nasi Goreng and Mei Goreng.

Day 6- Day out in Tirrtha Ganga & Lempuyang Temple

On this day, we decided to pay a visit to Pura Lempuyang Temple, Bali, one of the most iconic – and photographed – places in Indonesia. This is under a 2-hour drive distance from Bali. It’s recommended to visit the temple early morning to avoid the rush hours. The temple opens at 7 AM. Thus, we booked ourselves a rental taxi and started from our place at 6 AM and reached there between 8 AM to 8:30 AM. The entrance fee to this place was around $5 and the shuttle will take $2-$3 to get you to the entrance. I think it’s a good decision on my part
Since this is a religious site, dressing had to be appropriate. Please ensure that your shoulders and knees are completely covered. To reach the temple, we had to do a hike of around 1700-2000 steps. The temple compound was not very crowded and it just took 20-30 min for us to get the photographs at the Gateway to Heaven. The famous ‘Heaven Gate’ photo is done with a mirror as the reflection, rather than there being an actual pool of water here. It was an experience of a lifetime.

From here, we headed towards Tirtha Ganga temple. This water temple is located just a 20-minute drive from Pura Lempuyang Temple. This place has incredible sculptures, and beautiful ponds full of large orange and white koi fish, this is a gorgeous palace that is a must in Bali, This is a place to get fantastic photographs, which is a task here because of the crowd-hogging the best spots.

Then we returned to our hotel in Ubud and called it a day because we had to get up early to catch our flight back to India the next day.

Day 7- Departure

This was our last day in Bali. We kept it pretty chilled. Since our flight was at 1 PM, we started from our hotel early morning to reach the airport in time.

My 2-cents:

• Make sure you carry cash while buying from local shops or restaurants
• Very few people speak proper English, so have the Google translator app handy

• Make sure to always carry SPF 50+ sunscreen, a big hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
• Ensure that you pre-plan your trip and check for the timings while commuting everywhere to avoid getting stuck
• Indulge in local cuisine and local day tours
• Install Gojek and Grab before reaching Bali

PS: This itinerary allows you to experience the highlights of Bali, from the beaches of Seminyak to the cultural wonders of Ubud and the natural beauty of Nusa Penida. Adjust the activities based on your time, interests, and preferences for a memorable trip. I’ll create additional blogs to detail the expense breakdown, visa process & documentation, places to stay, and much more. So stay tuned familia!!!

What was your favorite spot in Bali?