The Ultimate One-Week Bali Itinerary (A First-Timers Guide)
Planning to spend one week in Bali and need tips? One of my favorite trips to date was a one week trip to Bali, Indonesia. Having enjoyed the food and weather in Thailand on a previous trip, we knew Bali would offer just as much charm, adventure, and affordability. With the help of Ashley’s Travel Adventures, we curated the perfect Bali itinerary for our group of seven.
I’ve gotten so many questions via Instagram so today I’m sharing our week Bali itinerary. Whether you’re planning your first trip to Bali or looking to revisit with a mix of relaxation and adventure, this guide offers the best places to stay, activities to enjoy, and practical tips to ensure your visit is unforgettable.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Bali
Visa Requirements
Great news for travelers! Bali offers a free visa for citizens of over 140 countries, including the U.S., for stays up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of arrival. For longer stays or specific travel purposes, check visa requirements in advance.
Bali Currency and Travel Budget
Bali’s affordability is a significant draw for visitors. Since most tours an activities were already paid for, I budgeted for $500 for food and transportation and brought a travel credit card for cushion and returned home with some cash to spare.
Using a travel credit card for larger expenses is a great idea, but always have some cash handy for local markets and smaller businesses. As a general guide here are exchange rates at the time of posting:
- $1 USD = 16220.99 Indonesian Rupiah
- £1 GBP = 20117.32 Indonesian Rupiah
- €1 EUR = 16701.00 Indonesian Rupiah
- $1 AUS = 10085.50 Indonesian Rupiah
- $1 CAD = 11255.97 Indonesian Rupiah
Need an idea of how much money to bring for a one week trip to Bali? The amount of money you should budget per day for a trip to Bali depends on your travel style. Here’s a breakdown of daily expenses for a week-long trip, ranging from budget to luxury:
Budget Travel (Approx. $40–$60/day)
- Accommodation: $10–$20 (hostels or budget guesthouses)
- Meals: $5–$10 (local warungs or street food)
- Transport: $5–$10 (scooter rental or public transport)
- Activities: $10–$20 (temple visits, inexpensive tours)
- Extras: $5–$10 (souvenirs, snacks)
Weekly Total: $280–$420
Mid-Range Travel (Approx. $100–$150/day)
- Accommodation: $40–$80 (mid-range hotels, villas, or boutique stays)
- Meals: $15–$25 (local restaurants or casual dining)
- Transport: $10–$20 (private drivers or scooter rental)
- Activities: $20–$30 (yoga classes, snorkeling, guided tours)
- Extras: $15–$25 (shopping, spa treatments, drinks)
Weekly Total: $700–$1,050
Luxury Travel (Approx. $200–$500+/day)
- Accommodation: $100–$300+ (luxury resorts or private pool villas)
- Meals: $50–$100 (fine dining or upscale restaurants)
- Transport: $30–$50 (private drivers or luxury car rentals)
- Activities: $50–$100+ (private tours, water sports, premium experiences)
- Extras: $50–$100+ (high-end shopping, spa packages)
Weekly Total: $1,400–$3,500+
Additional Notes:
- Tipping: While not mandatory, tipping a small amount for excellent service is appreciated (e.g., 5–10% at restaurants).
- Souvenirs: Costs vary widely; budget an extra $50–$100 for unique Balinese crafts.
- Alcohol: Imported alcohol can be expensive. A cocktail at a luxury bar might cost $10–$20.
Traveling to Bali from NYC
Flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar is the best way to reach Bali. From New York, flights can be pricey, so keep an eye out for flight deals or consider a layover in Southeast Asia. Singapore Airlines, for example, offers convenient stopovers in Singapore.
Plan Your Trip to Bali
Bali Safety
One of the most popular questions I received on Instagram was about safety in Bali. I only stayed in Bali for one week, but I honestly felt safe. Our Airbnb hosts were very helpful in getting us taxis when needed and I rarely felt “scammed”.
Getting Around Bali
Hiring a private driver is the best option for exploring Bali, especially for first-time visitors. Taxis are cheap, but for convenience and flexibility, a local guide or private driver ensures you make the most of your trip. Apps like Grab are also helpful for shorter distances.
When entering a metered taxi, make sure it is running or negotiate a fixed price that is reasonable for your budget. If you plan on being on the go, I highly recommend downloading an offline version of Google maps to familiarize yourself with whereabouts.
Where to stay in Bali
An important part of planning a trip to Bali is where to stay.
Bali offers accommodations for every budget, from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly Airbnb rentals.
- Seminyak: Great place for vibrant nightlife and upscale dining.
- Ubud: The heart of Bali’s lush greenery and Balinese culture.
- Nusa Dua: Perfect place for relaxation with beautiful beaches and water sports.
We split our stay between an Airbnb villa in Seminyak and in Ubud.
The villa rentals worked out well since our lodging costs for the week ended up being around the same nightly price for the hotels. Below are links to the original hotels in Seminyak and Ubud, the Airbnb rentals we stayed in for our week in Bali, an an interactive map of where to stay in Bali based on your budget.
- The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa
- Luxurious Villa in Seminyak
- Eco Villa in Ubud
- Wapa di Ume Resort & Spa
Places to stay in Seminyak
Places to stay in Ubud
You can also check reviews of other great places to stay in Seminyak and Ubud based on your budget and needs via Tripadvisor.
One Week Bali Itinerary
Bali Itinerary Day 1 – Airbnb Check-in + Exploring the Area
After landing in Ngurah Rai International Airport our week in Bali started by being by our drivers and split into two groups to drive to our villa in Seminyak. The airport pickup can get very crowded especially with porters offering to carry your luggage to your taxi.
Unless you want them to carry your bags, politely decline. If you do use their services, make sure to agree with a price beforehand.
Once we arrived at our first Airbnb in Seminyak, we showered and changed before heading out to explore the area and beach and eating food.
The villa is walking distance to great spots for shopping and dining near Seminyak Square and the beach. Although the main road was crowded most of the time, it was easy to catch a taxi when needed.
Bali Itinerary Day 2 – Brunch, Shopping, + Dinner with a View
The second day was relaxed. After brunch at the popular Sea Circus, we explored Seminyak Square for souvenirs. For dinner, we headed to La Laguna, a beautiful spot offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Watching the sunset here was magical.
Bali Itinerary Day 3 – Water Tour + Bali Nightlife
Tanjung Benoa about an hour from Seminyak, is a popular destination for water sports. From jet skiing to sea walking, the activities were thrilling. However, ensure safety precautions are in place.
Later, we experienced Bali’s nightlife at La Favela in Seminyak. The lively atmosphere, complete with live music, made it a great time for all.
Bali Itinerary Day 4 – Villa in Ubud + Spa Day
Our second villa in Ubud was about an hour away from Seminyak and included breakfast every morning. We also decided to have them cook dinner every night for about $8 a person.
Having a cook in this portion of our trip was very convenient because it cut helped our budget and she made traditional Balinese food. The hosts also have tour options for guests not knowing what activities they want to do on their stay in Bali.
After checking into our second villa, we went to Ubud Traditional Spa for massages. The spa offers free pickup and drop-off from anywhere in Ubud and gives top class service from check-in to check out.
Bali Itinerary Day 5 – Floating Breakfast + Bali Swing
Day 5 of our Bali itinerary started with a Floating Breakfast at Kamandalu Resort. The property of this resort is absolutely beautiful, the food was amazing and worth every penny.
We left full and headed back to the villa to get ready for the Bali Swing. You can read information about the Bali Swing and taking pictures in my post.
Bali Itinerary Day 6 – Monkeys, Rice Fields, Waterfalls + More
Our sixth day was more traditional as we spent a full day touring the countryside of Ubud and visiting popular sites. I also got to buy a bag and jumpsuit for myself in the market.
The guided tour included a driver visiting the following landmarks, not including lunch and entrance fees:
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Ubud Palace
- Ubud Market
- Countryside of Ubud
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Boni Bali (Lunch)
- Bali Pulina Coffee Plantations
- Tirtha Empul – Holy Springs Temple
- Tegenungan Waterfall
Bali Itinerary Day 7 – Ubud ATV Tour
The last full day of our girls trip to Bali was spent riding through the rice terraces and bamboo forest on an ATV Tour. The tour included showers, lunch, refreshments, and round-trip transportation for about $50.
Check out highlights from the Ubud ATV tour in my video below:
Tips for a Memorable Bali Trip
- Best Time to Visit: The dry season (April to October) is ideal, though the wet season can still be enjoyable with fewer crowds.
- Travel Insurance: A must for peace of mind.
- SIM Cards: Easily available at the airport and local shops for staying connected.
- Hydration: Carry refillable water bottles to stay hydrated.
- Respect Local Customs: When visiting temple complexes, dress modestly and follow local etiquette.
Additional Experiences
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: A great way to enjoy Bali’s scenic landscapes.
- Tanah Lot Temple: One of the most beautiful temples in Bali.
- Gili Islands: Consider extending your trip to visit these popular spots for diving and relaxation.
- Finns Beach Club: A vibrant venue for live music and water sports.
- Ubud Art Market: Perfect for shopping local crafts and souvenirs.
We only spent a week in Bali, but we had the perfect itinerary to do adventurous and relaxing activities in such a short time. Since it was very affordable, I definitely plan to return for more cultural and eco activities.
This one week Bali itinerary offers the perfect amount of time to explore the island’s highlights. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on Kuta Beach, marveling at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, or enjoying a group trip with friends, Bali has something for every travel style.
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Looks like an amazing trip! Bali is on my list for sure.
It was a really fun trip.
My husband spent a few weeks in Bali way before we met. He never stops talking about this country. It looks like you had a lot of fun. It looks beautiful.
That’s really cool. Hopefully you get to visit with him next time.
Oooooo…Bali’s seriously on my list of places to go. I love your pictures and the fun itinerary. Will have to to bookmark this page for future reference.
Thanks so much! We had a really good time. I can’t wait for the next trip.
Bali is my dream trip for the last 5 years. It seems like in 2018 so many have newly discovered this place as a travel spot but its been high on mine. I pinned your post for future reference.
Yes, a lot of influencers and digital nomads live there. The weather is great and it is super affordable.
You gals did it right! The pictures are beautiful and bold in color. I like the adventure and I’m glad you touched on the safety portion. I totally feel like I need someone to plan my first international trip for me.
Thanks! The scenery was amazing. I was relaxed the entire trip.
Looks like an amazing trip. I have never been to Bali but it is most definitely on the list.
I hope you get to visit. It is beautiful
I’ve seen a lot of people travel to Bali this summer. Looks so beautiful. I would love to go to experience the food and the culture.
The food was so good! Definitely going back.
Love this itinerary! You ladies did so much in a week. I have never been to Bali but from your photos,I would love to go!
It was a really great trip.
I would never think to do a trip to Bali, but it sounds amazing. I need to step out of my Jamaica comfort zone anyway!
Nothing wrong with Jamaica! I’m heading there for my birthday weekend.
Aw, you girls really look like you had an awesome time! These pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I need a vacay like this!
Thanks so much! We had a great time.
That looks like an amazing trip! Southeast Asia has never been huge on my radar, but I’m definitely rethinking things!
It is really affordable and a lot to do.