Putting together a 7-day itinerary to Bali has been quite a herculean task. Honestly, this Indonesian Hindu island has got so much to experience and explore that a couple of weeks could easily be dedicated to just lazing around the beaches and indulging in the water sports activities. While another couple of weeks visiting at least a handful of volcanoes and temples that this island is peppered with!
No doubt that Bali is a backpackers’ paradise, an exotic honeymoon destination and a digital nomad’s dream. However, as a family traveller, I found the tropical paradise of Bali – a perfect family destination too. Well, if you are rolling your eyes wondering, ‘ Why the heck will I take my family to a place like Bali which is a solo traveller’s dream?’…Ahem, Ahem…Maybe your spouse is also reading this write-up.
So, here is a comprehensive guide and a 7-day itinerary to explore in and around Bali. I’ve tried to include as much as insider’s information as possible. This itinerary is suggested keeping the Kuta neighbourhood as a base, due to its proximity to the airport.
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A 7-day Bali itinerary to explore in and around the Hindu island
Before I dwell into what to see and where to stay details, let me give a brief idea as to where Bali is.
A little about Bali
Bali is one of the 17,500 islands that make up Indonesia and the largest archipelago in the world. Out of these, just a mere 6000 islands are said to be inhabited. And, many islands might be getting created slowly as you are reading this, due to constant volcanic activities around the region. And, no, Bali isn’t the capital, but a province in Indonesia!
Day 1 of Bali itinerary
The first day in Bali may just go in shaking off your jet lag depending on the region and country from where you’ve travelled. It’s quite a long flight from India with a stop-over at Singapore or Kuala Lampur or Bangkok depending on the airlines and the flight route. On our trip to Bali was by Singapore Airlines with a super-impressive service. I suggest extending the layover time at Singapore, to avail of the free city-tour offered by Singapore’s Changi airport as well as to explore Jewel Changi Airport. It’s a world in itself!
Upon reaching the airport in Denpasar, we stayed at a property in Kuta, a pleasant buzzing neighbourhood with a beach. It’s just a 15min drive from the airport and is quite accessible at any time of the day and night. A short walk around the neighbourhood, a relaxing family time along the beach or indulge in water-sports activities could be a perfect way to end Day1.
Alternately, if you aren’t jet-lagged and want to kickstart your Bali trip right away, then hop into that car of yours and drive towards Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park to spend quality hours exploring this architectural marvel. Catch the setting sun at the picturesque Tanah Lot temple or one of the beaches in the Uluwatu area.
One can also opt to explore Nusa Dua, an upscale area with a lot of 5-star accommodations, relaxing Spas and fun water-sports adventures.
Recommendation: A great stay option could be the Ramayana Hotel which is centrally located to the market, money exchangers, ATMs, shopping markets, restaurants and pubs.While the Kuta beach is just a stone’s throw away!
Another property that I found very functional, uber chic and a great value for money is Sol, Bali.
Day 2 and 3: Explore in and around Ubud
Drive towards Ubud in the early hours of the day to escape the famed Bali traffic. Ubud has got a lot to offer in terms of shopping, sightseeing and serenity. The famed terrace rice-fields flood this area and so do the coffee outlets of Luwak coffee. You could spend hours in the Monkey sanctuary or just walk through the narrow lanes of Ubud with rice fields and temples for constant company. While here, do experience the famed swing of Bali.
Here is a mini-list of places to visit in and around Ubud.
Pay obeisance to Saraswati, Goddess of Wisdom and knowledge, at Pura Taman Saraswati and also explore the Goa Gajah temple, an 11th-century cave complex with Hindu and Buddhist influences and figurines.
Take a brave walk inside the 12.5 hectares of lush greenery dotted with ancient temples in Ubud Money sanctuary
Heal naturally at the sacred springs of Tirta Empul temple
Visit the beautiful Ubud Palace, that’s just beside the market area.
Go shopping at the Ubud market
Spend an afternoon at Alas Harum Agrotourism centre, Ji Lunga Tegallang in Central Ubud
Watch an exhilarating performance of Kecak fire dance
Have an afternoon meal with a volcano view at Kintamani Highlands
Visit the floating temple of Ulun Danu Beratan
Tip: Ubud market is flooded with souvenirs, silver jewellery and other paraphernalia at throwaway prices. Do not forget to slash the quoted price to 75%. And, yes, bargaining is encouraged in Bali.
Are you a vegetarian/ vegan like me and are looking out for some great places to eat in Ubud? Then check out these adorable Vegan restaurants in Ubud, Bali
Day 4 and 5: Island hopping, natural wonders and water adventures
Now that you have spent exploring the land of Gods- Bali, it’s time to embark on sea adventures. The most gorgeous natural wonders and non-touristy white beaches are to be found around the Nusa islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The nearest harbour to catch a ferry to these islands is at Sanur. It usually takes a good 30-45 mins to reach Nusa Penida from Sanur by boat.
Nusa Penida is the largest of the three islands. Spend a day exploring the island by staying overnight. Angels’ Billabong, Broken Beach, Kelingking Beach and crystal bay are worth your time.
Recommendation: We stayed overnight at the beautiful Star Semabu resort in Nusa Penida, that offers mesmerizing views of Mount Agung and the Indian ocean.
Nusa Lembongan has got pristine white beaches, mangroves and water-sports activities to indulge in. Dream beach is the most popular white stretch while the nearby’s Devil’s tear shouldn’t be missed. A mangrove tour and an overnight stay at Mahagiri resorts are highly recommended. Do not miss to catch the sunrise and sunset while here. The island offers beautiful views of Mount Agung (the highest volcano in Bali).
The best place to indulge in world-class snorkelling and scuba-diving is here.
Day 6 and 7: Shopping, Batik and silver jewellery
Spend time exploring Celuk, a village of silversmiths and shop for exquisite Bali silver jewellery. En route, stop at one of the many Batik centres to have a first-hand account of the intricacies of making this handloom.
Shopping for souvenirs is best done at the Krisna Oleh Oleh shopping mart. They have a wide range of options from clothes to wooden artefacts to handwoven mobile covers and of course, everyone’s favourite- fridge magnets and keychains!
Hope this itinerary guides you in planning your upcoming trip to Bali. Feel free to send me your queries, suggestions and feedback by using the contact form.
Alternate Bali itineraries.
Bali Itinerary- 2
Day 1, 2 and 3 – In and around Ubud
Day 4, 5 – Nusa islands
Day 6 – Nusa Dua, Tanah Lot and Wisnu Garuda cultural park
Bali Itinerary- 3
Day 1 – Kuta, Nusa Dua, Tanah Lot and Wisnu Gardua cultural park
Day 2 and 3 – Nusa Islands
Day 4, 5, 6 – In and around Ubud
This post is just the first part of the series on Indonesia travels. Thanks for reading and do keep a watch on my blog for such informative posts. Ciao!
Disclaimer: This Bali trip was in collaboration with Indonesia Tourism office New Delhi, Om Tourism and Singapore airlines. However, as with my other posts based on media trips, the views expressed in this write-up too are my own and are not influenced by the sponsors.
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Oh my God, Meenakshi! Bali is on top of my travel bucket list for years. We plan but something or the other always comes up. As you mentioned, why to wait for the spouse, I now think! Beautiful pictures and I’m bookmarking this for the future.