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Embark on on an epic adventure with this action-packed, 7 day Bali itinerary for 2026. If you think one week isn’t enough to explore the best of Bali, think again. This carefully designed journey covers all the main attractions, from the majestic temples of Ubud to the hidden waterfalls of the north.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll reveal where to go, how to get there, where to stay, prices, and more. We have tried to go in depth so you don’t need to look anywhere else for information – everything you need to know is right here in this article.
Having traveled Bali both as a couple and as a family with kids, we’re thrilled to share our experience and top tips with you. When we first visited Bali, we were genuinely mesmerized by the island’s diverse landscape and vibrant culture. Our unforgettable adventures inspired us to create this comprehensive guide, ensuring you don’t miss a thing.
This 7 day Bali itinerary includes not only the main highlights but also some hidden gems that will leave you speechless and inspired. Prepare to experience culture, nature, relaxation, and intrepid adventures. Whether you’re seeking adventure or serenity, Bali truly has something for everyone.
Summary of this 7 day Bali itinerary
Day 1 Kuta beach, Water Bom Bali & markets
Day 2 Tegenungan waterfall, Butterfly Park & Monkey Forest
Day 3 Goa Gajah, Waterfalls, Ubud Palace, Saraswati temple & art market
Day 4 Tegalalang rice terrace, Tirta Empul, Coffee Plantations & Mount Batur
Day 5 Dolphin watching & explore Lovina
Day 6 Banjar hot spring, Golden valley waterfall & Ulun Danu Temple
Day 7 Seminyak beach and Kuta Beach Walk Shopping Centre
7 day Bali itinerary map
We have recommended an anticlockwise loop: Kuta – Ubud – Batur – Lovina – Bedugul – Kuta
Why follow this itinerary?
This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of 7 days in Bali. By following this itinerary you can make sure you see ALL of the BEST bits, find some amazing hidden gems in Bali and maximize your time. We will also help you budget and make the most of your money. Most Bali holidays through a travel agent start at £1,200 and can cost as much as £6,000. In contrast, you can follow this itinerary for as little as £200 for 7 days. These costs don’t include flights or visas.
We have designed this itinerary to save you time planning. We have tried to include EVERYTHING you need to know here – no need to look elsewhere. We have included prices, top tips, transport info, places to stay, recommended trips and more.
Our 7 day Bali itinerary is action packed and high paced. If you’re just looking for a chilled beach holiday you could book a luxury hotel and just chill on your resort. Or why not head over to the Gili islands and relax there? However, if you’re looking for plenty of unique experiences and adventure – then keep reading…
Why visit Bali?
Bali is a beautiful island paradise located in Indonesia, known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture and warm hospitality.
One of the biggest draws of Bali is its stunning natural beauty – tropical forests, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world, from the lush green rice paddies of Ubud to the towering volcanoes of Mount Batur and Mount Agung. The island’s coastline is equally breathtaking, with miles of pristine beaches, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs that offer some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll ever see.
Balinese people are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming spirit, making visitors feel right at home from the moment they arrive. Bali is also home to a rich and vibrant culture that is deeply rooted in tradition and religion. You can witness colorful ceremonies, visit ancient temples, and witness traditional dances and music performances that showcase the island’s unique cultural heritage.
In addition to its natural beauty and cultural richness, Bali also offers a wealth of exciting activities and experiences. Whether you’re looking to surf, snorkel, hike, or simply relax in a luxurious spa, Bali has something for everyone. Oh yeah – and the food in Bali is absolutely amazing.
How do you get around in Bali?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on how to get around in Bali
The challenges of getting around in Bali
Getting around in Bali can actually be quite challenging. And this 7 day Bali itinerary covers a route that is over 200km in length. Bali is actually quite a large island and it can take several hours to travel between towns. Some areas can get quite congested (especially in the south). Also Bali doesn’t have a good public transport system so you do need to plan your transport options in Bali.
Furthermore, if you rent a car or bike in Bali be aware that some areas have awkward one way systems – especially in Kuta, Denpasar and Ubud. Roadside parking is generally fine – but in some areas parking space is limited (e.g. Ubud). Many attractions do have car parks as well.
Here are the BEST ways to get around in Bali:
1 Rent a motorbike – cheap and fun
Motorbike rental in Bali is the one of the most popular and affordable options. Motorbike rentals cost around 100,000IDR – 200,000 IDR (around £5 – £10 or $6 – $12) per day. You can negotiate cheaper deals if you rent for longer. You can find motorbike rental shops all around Bali. Guest houses and travel agents normally offer bike rental. When you rent a bike, always check the contract carefully, take pictures of any damage on the bike and check the petrol level. Make sure you exchange details with your rental dealer and that you understand your liabilities (e.g. you are normally responsible for flat tyres or damage incurred by use). Always wear a helmet and ride carefully.
2 Use shared minibus transfers
Another way to get around in Bali is to use shared minibus transfers. Minibus transfers around Bali typically cost in the range of 100,000IDR – 250,000IDR per person (roughly £5 – £14 or $6 – $16). There are several companies that offer shared minibus transfers around Bali. For example, check out Perama Tour.
TOP TIPS: Shared buses are reasonably cheap – but always check against the cost of a taxi – especially if you’re traveling with others. In some cases a long distance taxi may be cheaper than a shared mini-bus.
3 Take a taxi – convenient
The most convenient and cheapest way to arrange a taxi in Bali is to use the Grab taxi app. The Grab taxi app is a free app that you can download on your mobile phone. Make sure you have a SIM card with local data and you can order taxis anywhere any time. Just download the Grab app from your app store, set up an account using your phone number. Once you’re up and running you can use the map to find destinations and check the price before you request a taxi. Drivers are generally pretty quick to respond in Bali. For a short journey expect to pay around 20,000IDR (roughly £1 or $1.20). For a longer journey between towns expect to pay 200,000IDR – 500,000IDR (roughly £10 – £30 or $12 – $40). The price is set by the app. This creates accountability and safety using taxis in Bali.
Don’t miss our full guide to the Grab taxi app
4 Use car rental – fun, flexible & great for families
Another great way to get around Bali is car rental. You can get great car rental deals in Denpasar, Kuta and Ubud. Make a deal with a local company. Always check the contract carefully. Car rental companies may ask you to leave a deposit. A car rental in Bali should cost around 200,000 – 400,000IDR per day for a good deal (around £10 – £20 or $12 – $24). We recommend using an international license and check the insurance policy on your rental.
5 Join a guided tour – fun and stress free
A fun and convenient way to get around in Bali is book trips and tours in advance. Most tours in Bali include hotel pick up and drop off. You can find some awesome tours on Klook. We have been very impressed by the prices and range of tours on Klook. Booking is very easy and convenient and Klook gives you a great picture of what you’re booking.
Cost of this 7 day Bali itinerary
Activities: If you follow this itinerary expect to pay around £50 for activities
Accommodation: Ranges in price from £10 – £200 per night
Food and drink: Ranges between £1 – £5 per meal
Transportation: Expect to pay around £50 – £140 on transportation depending how you travel
When you add these expenses up for the week this 7 day Bali itinerary it is likely to cost £200 – £1,700.
On the low budget end you will need to stay in cheap guest houses and homestays. We recommend eating local street food such as Nasi Jinggo and Nasi Champur. For transportation we recommend using bike rental and cheap shared minibus journeys and taxis for short journeys. On the expensive end of this budget, you can afford private luxury 5 star villas with private pools. Rent a car to get around. You can eat freely and well including international food for around £15 per day. So, if you’re really splashing out in Bali for 7 days, expect to pay around £1,700 for this itinerary including accommodation. If you’re traveling on a budget – expect to pay around £200 for this one week itinerary.
What day trips can you pre-book in Bali?
Here are some of our TOP PICK day trips in Bali:
| Trip | Description | Price |
| Bali Ubud Tegenungan Waterfall, Butterfly Park, Monkey Forest, & Petulu Village | Awesome Private Day Tour to some of the BEST attractions in the Ubud area. Includes guide, admission, transport, pick up and drop off. | £25 – £30 |
| Purification Ritual In Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple and Ubud Tour | Fun and action packed trip: Includes a visit to Tirta Empul, the Tegalalang rice terraces, Monkey Forest and Tegenungan waterfall. Includes pick up, drop off, admission, transportation & guide. | £35 – £40 |
| Lovina Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Bali | Amazing value for money. Include boat, guide, equipment rental. May also include snorkeling. You need to get yourself to the meeting point on Lovina beach. | £3 – £5 |
| Bali Hidden Waterfalls Trip | Amazing day trip to some of Bali’s intrepid hidden waterfalls such as Tibumana, Aling Aling waterfall and Sekumpul. Includes pick up, drop off, transportation and guide. | £20 – £25 |
| Lempuyang Gate of Heaven Tour Through Bali Most Famous Destinations | Lempuyang Temple and the Gate of Heaven. Can choose east Bali or Ubud option. The East Bali tour includes: Tirta Gangga Water Palace, Rice Terraces, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall. The Ubud Tour includes: Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest, Rice Terraces, Jungle Swing, and Tegenungan Waterfall. Includes transport, guide and admission fees. | £10 – £15 |
What hotels do you need to pre-book for this 7 day Bali itinerary?
Day 1 and Day 6: Stay in Kuta
Check out our FULL GUIDE on Kuta hotels
Kupu Kupu 39 – Great budget option
Magani Hotel and Spa – Great mid range hotel in Kuta
Bandha Hotel & Suites – Awesome luxury hotel in Kuta
Abia Villas – Amazing luxury villas in Kuta
Day 2 and 3: Stay in Ubud
Don’t miss these amazing luxury hotels in Ubud
Poshtel Ubud – Great budget hostel with dorms
Yoga’s house – Affordable guest house with private rooms
Blu Mango – Great mid-range guest house
Tanah Gajah – Stunning 5 star hotel loads of character
Viceroy Ubud – Amazing luxury resort with villas and private pools
Day 4 and 5: Stay in Lovina
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best hotels in Lovina
Murni’s Guest house – Awesome budget guest house in Lovina
Binaria Museum – beautiful & excellent location – mid range hotel
Munduk Moding – located in the hills near Lovina – stunning resort and coffee plantation
Day 1 Kuta beach, Water Bom Bali & markets
The first day of our 7 day Bali itinerary starts in Kuta (the airport is in Kuta so this is a great base to start and finish your trip). This could just be a relaxing beach day where you rest from your travels. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something fun and active – consider a visit to Water Bom Bali. This is a large and fun water park.
Water Bom has a range of slides and attractions suitable for all ages. Don’t miss The Climax waterslide, which is a exhilarating 19m water slide with a vertical drop section. Feel your heart in your mouth as you reach terrifying speeds of 70 kilometers per hour. Also don’t miss Smashdown 2.0 with its 26m vertical drop. The Superbowl is a slide that takes you through a swirling bowl before dropping you into a pool below. Water Bom also has a lazy river, wave pool, kids’ area with miniature slides and fountains, and a range of food outlets and souvenir shops. Water Bom is open daily 9am – 6pm. They have a park credit system to pay for lockers and purchase food and drinks. You can book your Water Bom tickets on Klook for around £25 – £30 or $30 – $35
In the evening take a stroll around Kuta and explore the night markets near the beach. We also highly recommend a bit to eat at the Crumb & Coaster cafe. This boutique cafe serves fresh tasty food throughout the day and into the evening.
Day 2 Tegenungan waterfall, Butterfly Park & Monkey Forest
On the second day of this 7 day Bali itinerary, travel north to Ubud via the impressive Tegenungan waterfall and the Kemenuh Butterfly park. This day of the itinerary is best if you have your own transport – bike rental or car rental. However, you could also use a taxi for the journeys on this day.
Visit Tegenungan waterfall
The impressive Tegenungan waterfall is a powerful cascade into a large river. To get to the waterfall you need to take a short walk down a steep path and steps. Take care near the waterfall – the water is deep in sections and it is not safe to swim in this area due to strong currents. The best spot for photos is on a small island in the river at the base of the waterfall. You need to buy an entrance ticket for Tegenungan waterfall on arrival. There is a small ticket booth and a free car park at the entrance. It costs 20,000IDR for adults (around £1 or $1.20) and 10,000IDR for kids (around £0.50 or $0.60). You can visit the Tegenungan waterfall between 6.30am – 6.30pm.
Check out Kemenuh Butterfly park
After the waterfall you may be interested in visiting The Kemenuh Butterfly park nearby. This butterfly park has a range of colorful tropical butterflies and insects. It costs 100,000IDR for adults and 50,000IDR for children and is open daily from 9am – 6pm. After this continue your journey north to Ubud town.
Explore the Ubud Monkey Forest
In Ubud we recommend a visit to the Ubud Monkey Forest. This is one of the most popular attractions in Ubud. This lovely forest reserve has temples, statues and hundreds of cheeky long tailed Macaque monkeys living in the area. They are very familiar with people. Watch out – the monkeys often snatch bags and belongings from visitors.
We recommend leaving bags and belongings in the lockers at the entrance. You can buy tickets at the office on arrival. The price depends on the day. On weekdays it costs 80,000IDR for adults (around £4) and 60,000IDR for children (around £3). On weekends it costs 100,000IDR for adults (around £5) and 80,000IDR for children (around £4) Children 3 – 12 years old. Children under 3 years old FREE. Opening hours 9am – 5pm
Day 3 Goa Gajah, Waterfalls, Ubud Palace, Saraswati temple & art market
The third day of this 7 day Bali itinerary allows you to explore Ubud. This is a beautiful historical town and is generally regarded as the cultural center of Bali. There are a few attractions just outside Ubud that we have also included. This day of the itinerary can be done by bike rental, car rental or taxi.
Visit the Goa Gajah temple
Start your day at Goa Gajah temple. This small beautiful temple has some very impressive carvings. The main feature of Goa Gajah is a small cave surrounded by an impressive entrance. You can enter the cave but it is not very big. We recommend allowing around 30 – 45 minutes to explore the Goa Gajah cave area. You do need to wear a Sarong here – these are available to borrow for FREE at the temple entrance. There is a ticket office at the entrance to the temple. It costs 50,000IDR (around £3 or $3.50) for adults and 25,000IDR (around £1.50 or $1.75) for kids. You can borrow a Sarong for free at the temple entrance.
Check out the waterfalls
After exploring Goa Gajah temple there are a couple of very beautiful waterfalls nearby: Tibumana Waterfall (the entrance fee is 15,000IDR, which is around $1 or £0.80) and Taman Sari Waterfall is a lovely waterfall and a popular spot for swimming. There are toilets and lockers available here too. This waterfall also costs 15,000IDR ($1 or £0.80).
Explore Ubud
After visiting the waterfalls, return to Ubud. There are plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants in Ubud. Watch out for great lunch deals. We highly recommend Mama Mia in Ubud – they have amazing stone baked pizzas and fresh Italian food for great prices.
Have a chilled afternoon in Ubud. Check out Ubud Palace, Saraswati temple at the Ubud Art Market (they are all very close together – around 5 minutes walk away from each other). The afternoon is also a good time to enjoy some of the boutique coffee shops in Ubud such as Pison. Alternatively check out the beautiful spas and relax with a Balinese Massage or flower bath.
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on things to do in Ubud for more inspiration
Day 4 Tegalalang rice terrace, Tirta Empul, Coffee Plantations & Mount Batur
This day of the itinerary you travel from Ubud to Lovina via some amazing attractions in central Bali. This is a pretty long day and could potentially be tiring. This day of the itinerary is best if you have your own car or bike rental. However, you can also use taxis to travel between the attractions and go to Lovina. There isn’t any way to do these journeys by shared minibus.
Visit the Tegalalang rice terrace
Start by heading to the Tegalalang Rice Terrace nice and early. This area is pretty quiet and tranquil if you arrive around 6am. The Tegalalang rice terrace is a very beautiful UNESCO world heritage site. The deep lush green valley is one of the most beautiful and popular attractions in the area. There are several laybys on the road for parking and convenient access to the rice terraces. The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a great place for trekking – but be aware the trails can be steep and muddy. This is also an amazing place for photography or just relaxing with a drink at one of the many cafes here.
One of the most iconic and famous images of the rice terraces are the massive swings. They are also a lot of fun and there are several swings located around the rice terraces. For example, there are some nests and a giant swing located at Uma Ceking Resto & Swings. Expect to pay around 150,000IDR – 300,000IDR to use a giant swing in Bali (this is roughly £8 – £16 or $10 – $20). They may offer packages that include photography or access to over photo points (such as nests, love heart frames and more).
Check out Tirta Empul water temple
Next head north to Tirta Empul temple. This is one of the most prestigious temples in Bali. Tirta Empul has a large ceremonial bathing pool that is open to the public. You can rent a bathing Sarong. This temple has beautiful artistic Balinese gates, statues, courtyard area, gardens and a beautiful fish pond. We recommend allowing around an hour to explore Tirta Empul.
There are changing rooms, toilets and lockers at Tirta Empul. There is also a carpark at the entrance. Entrance costs 50,000IDR for adults and 25,000IDR (children 5 – 11 years old). There is a ticket office at the entrance. Tirta Empul is open daily from 8am – 6pm. You can borrow Sarongs for FREE at the temple entrance. You can also rent bathing Sarongs.
Visit the coffee plantations
Bali has plenty of amazing coffee plantations to visit. For example the Segara Windhu Coffee plantation is located a few kilometers north of Tirta Empul and is on the road leading to Mount Batur and north Bali. You can explore the plantations, learn more about coffee growth and production and sample local teas and coffee. This is also a great chance to try Kopi Luwak for 50,000IDR (around £2 – £3 or $2.50 – $3.50)
More on Bali coffee plantations
Mount Batur
Head north towards Mount Batur up Jalan Tampaksiring and then Jalan Raya Kayuambua. When you reach Mount Batur, turn left on Penelokan Main Road. Watch out for Mahen Cafe on the right. This is a lovely cafe serving hot drinks, cold drinks and a range of food including western and Asian dishes. This cafe also has a breathtaking view of Mount Batur and Batur Lake.
This is a great place to break up the journey and see another prominent landmark in Bali. After this keep heading north to Lovina. Check in to your accommodation and relax. If you plan to do the sunrise dolphin watching we recommend picking up some breakfast as there is an early start on day 5 of this itinerary.
Day 5 Dolphin watching & explore Lovina
Swimming with wild dolphins is definitely one of the highlights of this 7 day Bali itinerary. Dolphins tours in Lovina tend to start quite early in the morning, normally around 6am – 7am. Breakfast may or may not be included in your trip. Check with your guide. We recommend having some breakfast prepared, whether you pop to a shop the day before your dolphin tour or whether you speak to your guest house about an early breakfast.
Dolphin Tour in Bali
The dolphin tour is a lot of fun and very exhilarating. You normally spend the first hour or so following dolphin pods around the bay. There are likely to be many boats out so don’t expect to have this experience to yourself. As the boats leave through the morning you may get a chance to swim with dolphins. The way this works is that you hold onto a bar hanging on the side of the boat while the driver follows pods of dolphins. It is incredible seeing these wild creatures swimming underwater.
After swimming with dolphins, many tours take you to a beautiful section of coral reef a few kilometers off the coast of Lovina. Ask your guide to show you the Lovina Sea sculpture park, a collection of underwater statues in the area. The currents in the area can be strong so we recommend fins. Also wear a lifejacket in the water of you’re not a strong swimmer. Most tour boats have snorkels, masks, fins and life jackets.
How do you organise a dolphin tour in Bali?
Dolphin tours generally cost around 75,000IDR – 300,000IDR per person (this is roughly $5 – $20 or £3.50 – £16). You can also take a private boat trip for around 700,000IDR (around £40 or $45) with a maximum capacity of 6 – 8 people on the boat. It may be cheapest to book your dolphin watching tour online in advance.
Dolphin tours normally return to Lovina by midday. We recommend planning a relaxing low key afternoon. Also it is worth being aware that Dolphin tours can be canceled at short notice in bad weather.
Day 6 Banjar hot spring, Golden valley waterfall & Ulun Danu Temple
Day 6 of this itinerary is a long journey across Bali and back to Seminyak. Be aware that there can be a lot of traffic when you hit Denpasar. We have included several attractions to visit on the return route. We recommend a good breakfast and an early start.
Check out Banjar Hot Spring
The day starts with a visit to the Banjar Hot Spring, a hidden gem on the north coast. This secluded jungle hot spring is surrounded by lush jungle and has ornate Balinese carvings. There are changing rooms, lockers and toilets at Banjar hot spring. Entrance costs 20,000IDR (around £1 or $1.20) and a small fee for lockers and toilets. This hot spring is open daily 8.30am – 5.30pm. You may also be interested in visiting the Brahmavihara-Arama temple nearby. This is a Buddhist temple with lots of Hindu influences.
Visit the Golden Valley Waterfall
After visiting the Banjar Hot Spring, take a visit to the Golden Valley waterfall. This intrepid waterfall is located in a secluded jungle valley in the hills, around 25km South of the Banjar Hot Spring. Golden Valley Waterfall has a large and impressive cascade. To get to this waterfall, park at the road and walk down the path for around 10 minutes. There are some good parking places on the road and there is a sign at the start of the Golden Valley waterfall trail. This path is not accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Be careful because the path is steep and can be slippery in places. It is FREE to visit the Golden Valley waterfall.
Visit Ulun Danu Temple
After visiting the Golden Valley waterfall, travel south to Bedugul. Don’t miss the iconic Handara Bali gate. Shortly after you may be interested in visiting The famous Ulun Danu lake pagoda. This is a very iconic and picturesque temple in Bali. Entrance to this temple costs 75,000 IDR (around £4 or $5). Additionally, parking fees for cars and motorbikes are typically separate and may cost around 5,000 IDR (approximately 0.35 USD) for motorbikes and 10,000 IDR (approximately 0.70 USD) for cars. Sarongs are not required at Ulun Danu Lake Temple.
Day 7 Seminyak beach and Kuta Beach Walk Shopping Centre
The final day of this 7 day Bali itinerary is a chilled day in Seminyak or Kuta. If there are any things that you want to see in Kuta before you go, this is a good chance. For example, you could take a surf lesson at 27 Surf school. Lessons cost around 150,000IDR for 1.5 hours (around £8 or $10) and include equipment, rash guard, instruction and photography. You can rent a surfboard for 50,000IDR for an hour (around £3 or $3.50). Whatsapp +62 812-3980-2650 and Email: surfinginkuta@gmail.com. Opening hours: 8am – 6pm. Alternatively, why not check out the Beach Walk Shopping Centre in Kuta.
Alternatively this could be a good chance to explore Seminyak. This beach is north of Kuta. Seminyak is well known for bars, restaurants and nightlife.
Budget tips for travel in Bali
Bali is a pretty cheap country to travel whether you’re on a budget or splashing out. Prices have increased a little in recent years – but you will still find Bali relatively cheap compared to Europe and the USA. Here are some TOP TIPS to help you travel Bali on a budget:
- Find cheap accommodation: Consider staying in guest houses, home stays and hostels. Watch out for dorms and use price filters to help you find the cheapest places. You can find rooms in Bali for as little as £5 – £10 per night (or $6 – $12)
- Use local transportation: Consider taking shared minibuses to get around. In some cases taxis may be cheaper than minibuses – especially if you’rr sharing the cost across your group.
- Rent a motorbike (if possible): Renting a motorbike is a cheap and fun way to explore Bali. Barter for the best deal and aim to get the price down to around 80,000IDR (which is roughly £4 or $5)
- Eat local food: Bali has plenty of local food options that are both delicious and budget-friendly. We absolutely loved Nasi Jinggo (small rice packages that cost around 5,000IDR or £0.30 or $0.40). These small banana leaf rice packages contain rice, noodles, veggies, egg and meat.
- Avoid tourist hotspots: Staying on the east and north coast is the cheapest area of Bali.
- Try bartering: Bartering is fine in Bali and is a great way to save money.
- Plan activities: Research activities and attractions ahead of time to find deals and discounts. You can do many things in Bali independently.
- Avoid peak season: Bali can be more expensive during peak season (July and August, and December through January). Consider traveling during the off-season to save money on flights, accommodation, and activities.
What is the best time of year to visit Bali?
Bali experiences two main seasons throughout the year: the dry season (April to September) and the wet season (October to March). However, the island’s tropical climate means that it’s generally warm and humid throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 26°C and 29°C (79°F and 84°F).
Dry Season (April to September)
The dry season is widely considered the best time to visit Bali. In the dry season you can enjoy plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and low humidity. This season is perfect for outdoor activities such as sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and exploring the island’s beautiful landscapes. Additionally, the dry season coincides with several cultural events and festivals, such as the Bali Arts Festival and the Kite Festival, which offer unique opportunities to immerse yourself in Balinese culture.
However, there are a few disadvantages of visiting Bali in the dry season. As it’s the peak tourist season, expect larger crowds at popular attractions and higher prices for accommodation. Also it is worth knowing that it can rain any time of the year in Bali.
TOP TIP: To avoid the busiest months, consider planning your trip during April, May, or September, when the weather is still pleasant, and tourist numbers are lower.
Wet Season (October to March)
The wet season in Bali has frequent rainfall and higher humidity levels. Despite the rain, there are several advantages to visiting Bali during this time of year. The wet season is low season for tourism, which means fewer crowds and more affordable prices for accommodation. The island’s lush landscapes are also more vibrant during this period. The waterfalls are also more impressive in the dry season. December is often the most stormy month in Bali.
On the other hand, the wet season’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden downpours and occasional thunderstorms. This may impact outdoor activities, such as beach days, dolphin watching and hiking trips. The rain in Bali typically falls in short bursts.
The best time of year to visit Bali depends on your personal preferences and priorities. The dry season offers more predictable weather and numerous cultural events but can be crowded and expensive. On the other hand, the wet season provides a more chilled atmosphere, affordable prices, and lush landscapes but comes with the possibility of unpredictable rainfall.
Other things to do in Bali if you have longer
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on things to do in Bali
If you have longer in Bali, here are some other AMAZING things that you can do in Bali and the surrounding area:
- Check out Nusa Penida Island: Take a day trip to this beautiful island located off the southeast coast of Bali.
- Explore Pura Luhur Uluwatu: This Hindu temple is located on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean in the southern part of Bali. It is one of the six most important temples in Bali and offers stunning sunset views.
- Check out Sekumpul Waterfall: This is one of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls located in the northern part of Bali. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery and offers an unforgettable natural experience.
- Visit the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: These rice terraces are located in the central part of Bali and offer breathtaking views of the rice fields and surrounding mountains. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are well worth a visit.
- Visit Tanah Lot Temple: This is one of Bali’s most famous temples and is located on a rock formation in the middle of the ocean.
- Trek up Mount Agung: If you’re up for a challenging hike, consider climbing Bali’s highest mountain, Mount Agung. This one really is challenging – so you need to be fit and determined for this trek! A guide is required – we wouldn’t recommend going solo here.
- Take a trip to the Gili islands: Don’t miss the small beautiful Gili islands located to the east of Bali (near Lombok). This is a great place to swim with turtles, visit the Bask nest sea sculptures & relax on a beautiful island.
Suggested Packing list – 7 day Bali itinerary
Here is a super helpful packing list to help you prepare for your trip to Bali:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, etc.)
- Swimwear and a travel towel
- Comfortable walking shoes (especially if you’re planning to trek)
- Flip flops
- Sunscreen and a hat or umbrella
- Mosquito repellent
- A lightweight rain jacket
- A small backpack or daypack for carrying essentials while out and about
- Dry sack to keep valuables safe and dry
- Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Travel adapter for charging electronic devices
Keep in mind that Bali is a warm and tropical destination, so you won’t need to pack heavy or bulky items. Light layers and comfortable clothing are key for staying cool and comfortable.
