bali jail tour

Bali: Imprisoned in Paradise

Behind the razor wire of Bali’s notorious Kerobokan prison, we find out how inmates serving life sentences survive.

Sun, surf and sand is the Bali many people know. But the Indonesian holiday island is no tropical paradise for inmates of the notorious Kerobokan prison.

In this rare exclusive, 101 East goes behind the prison walls and barbed wire to meet some of the 1,300 inmates crammed into overcrowded, humid cells.

There’s no hot water and few comforts for the prisoners, some of whom are serving life sentences. Some turn to religion or art to relieve the boredom; others rely on drugs.

101 East discovers the conditions have spawned unique friendships behind bars between the jailed and their jailers.

Join the conversation  @AJ101East 

Bags are Packed. Ready for Prison.

Heather Mack is a 29-year-old American heiress found guilty in 2015, together with her boyfriend Tommy Schaeffer, for the 06 August 2014 murder of her socialite mother, Sheila von Wiese, in a luxury hotel room in South Bali. 

Sentenced to ten years in prison, Heather Mack was released in 2021 and deported back to the USA together with her 8-year-old daughter Estelle “Stella’ Schaeffer, born while Heather was in prison in Bali. Stella is the daughter of Tommy Schaeffer (30), who remains in Bali’s Kerobokan prison, serving an 18-year sentence. Schaeffer may qualify for early release and deportation back to the USA as early as 2026. 

Many in Bali voiced the opinion that Mack’s and Schaeffer’s prison sentences were far too lenient and did not reflect the premeditated and heinous details of the murder. Some of those who felt a sterner penalty should have been imposed on the couple cite the damage done to the tourism reputation of Bali by the crime and that the couple initially lied, claiming terrorists murdered the woman.

Sheila von Wiese in her hotel room. If that allegation had gained traction, the impact on Bali’s tourism industry could have been devastating. 

US Federal authorities arrested Heather Mack on 03 November 2023 upon her return to Chicago, where she was immediately charged with conspiring and obstruction of justice in the death of a US national (her mother) in Indonesia. Those charges carry a maximum penalty of 28 years in prison. After waiting two years in a Chicago jail cell awaiting trial, last week Mack was sentenced to a lesser 26 years behind bars. After credit for time served while awaiting trial, Mack’s remaining prison term is 23 years. The new sentence is in addition to the seven years already served by Mack in a Bali prison for the same homicide. 

The woman will receive no credit for the time served in a Bali prison.

The US Court also ordered Mack to pay $362,708 in restitution to her mother’s estate and a $50,000 fine. Heather Mack must complete 85% of her prison sentence before becoming eligible to apply for parole/ when she is 49 in 2044.

Under US law, Heather Mack is barred from receiving any “ill-gotten” gains from the substantial inheritance of her murdered mother.

The custody of Stella has been granted to the family of Heather’s murdered mother. A relative, quoted in the US press and now guardian of the child, said Stella has learned the “difficult truth” about her parents. Shocked, Stella reportedly no longer wants to speak to or be raised by her mother.

Related Link

Baggage Declared, Heather Mack Leaves Bali

Bali Murderess Now Packing for US Prison

Heather Mack Set for Bali Prison Release

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Inside Bali's Infamous Kerobokan Prison Where British Grandmother Awaits Execution By Firing Squad

She was convicted of drug-smuggling offences and sentenced to death in 2013.

Jake Massey

Pictures offer us a glimpse at what it is like inside the Bali prison where a British grandmother is on death row .

Lindsay Sandiford, from Cheltenham, was found with cocaine worth an estimated £1.6 million when she arrived in Bali from Thailand in May 2012.

The former legal secretary was sentenced to death by a court in Indonesia in 2013, and the 65-year-old has now been on death row for almost a decade.

She is being held in Kerobokan prison, on the island of Bali, where she is likely to face death by firing squad.

The prison was built in 1979 to hold around 320 prisoners, but as of 2017 almost 1,300 inmates were being packed into the penitentiary.

As of 2018, Sandiford was being held in a newly built facility in Kerobokan – but the issue of overcrowding remains.

According to the Jakarta Post , warden Setyo Pratiwi said during the launch of the new building: "The new building has a capacity for only 120 prisoners. However, we currently have a total of 198 prisoners."

Heru Saputra, an inmate who was serving an 18-month sentence after being caught using methamphetamine, spoke to ABC News in 2017, when he was being held in a block that was at double its capacity.

He said: "We just have to accept what we have here. This place is overloaded but we have to just live with it.

"There is no other place. Where else can we go?"

Sandiford claimed she was pressured into carrying the drugs by a gang who had made threats against her children, and her lawyers also argued she was suffering from mental health problems.

In a statement to the court, she expressed regret over her involvement.

She said: "I would like to begin by apologising to the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian people for my involvement.

"I would never have become involved in something like this but the lives of my children were in danger and I felt I had to protect them."

Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws, and around 75 percent of prisoners at Kerobokan have been convicted on drug charges.

The country is among the minority to retain the death penalty in law, though executions are carried out infrequently and prisoners can be held on death row for a long time.

A police officer who has been part of an Indonesian firing squad told The Guardian in 2015 that pulling the trigger isn't the hardest part of the job.

"The mental burden is heavier for the officers that are responsible for handling the prisoners rather than shooting them," he said. "Because those officers are involved in picking them up, and tying their hands together, until they are gone."

Research published last year indicated that 69 percent of the Indonesian public support the retention of the death penalty, though only 2 percent felt they were very well informed about capital punishment.

Topics:  Crime , UK News , World News

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@ jakesmassey

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The Best Bali 7-Day Itinerary

Home | Travel | Asia | Indonesia | Bali | The Best Bali 7-Day Itinerary

Taking a 7-day trip to Bali  might seem stressful, but I assure you that with good planning,  a week is enough to visit Bali  and its main attractions.

Rice paddies west of Ubud

On my first 20-day trip to Southeast Asia , I decided to plan a  7-day Bali itinerary . However, even though it’s enough time, I wasn’t able to get the most out of those 7 days due to poor planning.

To help you avoid the same mistakes we made, we’ve compiled  the best Bali 7-day itinerary,  alternative itineraries if you also want to  visit the Gili Islands or the Nusa Islands, and tips for planning the perfect Bali vacations.

Sunset in Gili Trawangan

Do not miss anything to do in Bali in 7 days.

The best Bali 7-day itinerary

If you have 7 full days to tour the island, this is the best one-week Bali itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrive in Ubud . Beginning of your 7-day Bali trip.
• Day 2: Tegalalang rice terraces and Ubud surroundings.
• Day 3: Sunset hike at Mt. Batur . The highlight of my one-week Bali tour.
• Day 4: Eastern Temples of Bali – Besakih, Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga.
• Day 5: Ulun Danu Beratan. Essential temple to visit in Bali in 7 days.
• Day 6: Taman Ayun Temple, Tanah Lot and Canggu.
• Day 7: Jimbaran and Uluwatu . End of your one-week trip to Bali.

Our 7-day trip to Bali

Following this itinerary, you’ll be able to do most of the important things to do in Bali in the shortest time. Also, if you’re going to rent a scooter in Bali , we’ll tell you which other attractions you can visit every day.

If you don’t have your own means of transport and prefer to book top-rated Bali tours to visit each of the points of interest with a driver, you’ll also find the best options for you. Additionally, we’ll give you tips on where to stay in Bali to optimize your route to the fullest.

Pura Batu Bolong

Before telling you about our route through Bali in 7 days , I’ll remind you of the importance of buying travel insurance to Bali . I had to use it due to an incident during my first day on the island .

DAY 1: UBUD CENTER: ROYAL PALACE, ART MARKET, AND MONKEY FOREST

I recommend booking transfer to Ubud. This means that as soon as you arrive in Bali, a driver will pick you up and take you to the center of the island.

During the first day of your one-week Bali trip, visit the principal attractions in Ubud. Start at Jl. Raya Ubud, the main street, and go from east to west. Visit the  Puri Saren Agung,  better known as the Royal Palace of Ubud. The royal family still lives in this palace, so you can only visit part of it.

Day 1: Trip to Bali – Ubud: Puri Saren Angung

Right in front of it, you’ll find the  Ubud Traditional Art Market , a place where you can lose yourself among handicrafts such as handbags, sculptures, paintings, and earrings, and where you can buy the best souvenirs of your Bali 7-day trip.

Following Raya Ubud Street, you’ll find the  Pura Taman Saraswati,  a must-see in Ubud. This temple dedicated to the goddess of knowledge and wisdom stands out for its two ponds full of lotus flowers.

If you keep going, you’ll see the  Pura Dalem Ubud temple,  where some nights there are traditional dance performances.

Returning to Raya Ubud Street, at the corner of the Art Market, the Jl. Monkey Forest street leads to one of the essential places to visit in Bali , the Sacred Monkey Forest.

Sacred Monkey Forest

This forest is popular for being home to macaques who are very used to interacting with tourists. The monkeys will not hesitate to approach, play, ask for food, steal things, or even bite you.

They can become very aggressive, as I experienced myself; I let some monkeys climb on me and one of them bit me. Luckily, everything was fine because I had purchased the best travel insurance for Indonesia.

5% OFF your travel insurance

RECOMMENDED TOURS

You only need to book transfer to Ubud from the airport , which takes approximately 45 minutes. The rest of the attractions we recommend for the first day are accessible by foot.

However, if you prefer to take a guided tour, this one will visit the same places as the ones we recommended in this 7-day Bali itinerary.

RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS

There are many accommodations in Ubud, including some of the best private villas in Bali. These are the accommodations we recommend for the first days of your trip, sorted according to budget:

PREMIUM OPTION

Ulun ubud resort.

Ulun Ubud Resort , located in Sanggingan, 3 miles from the Ubud temple, is the perfect hotel for even the most demanding guests. The rooms have a modern Balinese style and your  pool in the middle of the Bali jungle  will make you never want to return from your vacation.

Ulun Ubud Resort

ADIWANA MONKEY FOREST

Adiwana Monkey Forest is located 1 mile from the Ubud market. This hotel has 21 suites, which mix the charm of the Monkey Forest with the indigenous culture of the area.  Wondering where to stay in Bali ? If you want greater immersion in Balinese culture, this is one of the best hotels thanks to its healthy and traditional gastronomic offerings.

Adiwana Monkey Forest

STANDARD OPTION

B saya villas.

B Saya Villas is a complex that has simple, traditional-style villas with wooden furniture. Since it’s located among rice fields, you’ll have fantastic sunset views from your terrace. In addition, every morning, they organize yoga sessions. For me, it’s one of the  best accommodations in Bali , with prices starting at $40 per night.

B Saya Villas

LOW COST OPTION

Teja home stay.

Teja Home Stay is located near the Ubud art market. This family business is one of the  most popular hotels in Bali . It stands out for its garden surrounded by fountains, where you can see exotic birds. It offers rooms from $20 per night with continental breakfast included.

Teja Home Stay

DAY 2: UBUD SURROUNDINGS AND TEGALALANG. TOP THINGS TO DO IN BALI IN 7 DAYS.

During the second day of your  one-week Bali tour,  I recommend visiting the surroundings of Ubud.

Go to  Tegalalang,  the most popular rice fields on the island, in the morning. If you’re lucky enough to time your 7-day Bali trip with the best time to visit Bali, the rice terraces will have an intense green color. In addition to strolling through the rice paddies, you can enjoy their swings with spectacular views and photograph some of the main sites of the island.

Day 2: Trip to Bali – Tegalalang

You can also stop at Tirta Empul , one of the most important temples in Bali, since the Balinese go there to purify their souls using the sacred water that flows from 12 pipes. Nearby, you can also visit the  Pura Gunung Kawi,  a temple in which the souls of royalty are symbolically buried and where you can visit a small waterfall.

In the afternoon, we recommend you go to the Elephant Cave,  Goa Gajah , a must-do in  Bali in 7 days.  There, you can enter a grotto through the jaws of an evil monster, and inside, you’ll find a statue of Ganesh (son of Shiva with an elephant’s head). Outside the cave, you can see some ponds that are supplied with purified water through stone statues.

Goa Gajah Entrance

If you have no transport, book this private tour, and tell the driver to skip the Monkey Forest and replace it with Pura Gunung Kawi.

I recommend that you stay at the same hotel as the night before, because if you follow our 7-day Bali itinerary, the third day, you’ll have to get up very early .

DAY 3: BATUR VOLCANO. THE BEST OF MY TRIP TO BALI IN A WEEK.

For the third day of your trip, I recommend  climbing the Batur volcano  and seeing the sunrise from its summit. This was, without a doubt, the  best experience of my trip to Bali in 7 days.  Your guide will pick you up very early (around 2:30 a.m.) but having eggs for breakfast that have been cooked with the volcano’s steam is priceless.

Day 3: Trip to Bali – Mt. Batur Sunrise

From the top of Mt. Batur, you’ll see the sun rise behind Mt. Agung, one of the most important  things to do in Bali in 7 days.

The hike wasn’t difficult for me, but in our group, there was a girl who couldn’t climb the volcano because she found it too exhausting. In total, it takes an hour and a half to go up. Once you’re at the top, your guide will prepare banana pancakes and boiled eggs for you.

Batur Volcano Views

Depending on the tour you choose, after the hike, you can go for a swim in a hot spring, visit a waterfall, or even go rafting.

The Mt. Batur tour will take you practically the whole day, but if you arrive back in Ubud early and you aren’t tired, I recommend you visit  Campuhan Ridge Walk.  There, you’ll find beautiful rice fields dotted with huge palm trees and idyllic scenery; it’s a magical place at sunset.

You need to book a guide to climb Mount Batur, but there are a wide variety of tours. We took this one, but if you have more time, I would recommend one of the following:

• Batur + Hot Springs
• Batur + Waterfall
• Batur + Rafting

If you’re planning a Bali 10-day itinerary, you may also be interested in a camping tour in Mt. Batur.

You can return to the same hotel as the previous two nights or you can treat yourself to Hanging Garden of Bali , one of the best hotels in the middle of the jungle. If it’s out of your budget, I recommend the affordable option of Pertiwi Bisma 1 , which is next to the Monkey Forest and is one of the most popular hotels on Instagram for its infinity pool in the middle of the jungle .

DAY 4: BESAKIH, LEMPUYANG AND TIRTA GANGGA. WONDERS TO SEE IN BALI IN 7 DAYS.

On the fourth day, I recommend visiting the eastern temples: Pura Besakih, Tirta Gangga, and Lempuyang.

Get up early to head to  Pura Besakih,  also known as Mother Temple for being the largest temple in Bali. You would need all day to see it in its entirety, since it’s composed of 22 independent temples. The most popular area and the one I recommend you to visit is  Gunung Agung , where there is a 7-level temple that represents the universe. Each of the 7 levels is connected by a stairway that only Hindus are allowed to climb.

Day 4: Trip to Bali – Pura Besakih Temple

On the way to the temple of Lempuyang, you can visit the  Tirta Gangga.  This royal palace stands out for its tropical gardens, fountains, and ponds. Its most notable feature is a pond full of carp where you can walk on water thanks to some small platforms.

Continue to the  Pura Lempuyang temple , where the well-known Gates of Heaven are. To get to this temple, you’ll need to be in good shape since you need to climb many stairs. The temple is in a mountainous area, and from the Gates of Heaven, you get one of the best views of the Agung volcano. This was one of the places I most wanted to see during our  week-long Bali tour.

Pura Lempuyang

On the way back to Ubud, if you have time, you can stop at  Pura Goa Lawah , the least recommended temple.

RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS

If you don’t have any transportation, I recommend booking this tour to visit the three main temples we recommend for this day.

For the fourth day of your trip to Bali in a week, I recommend you stay in Ubud, in any of the accommodations mentioned .

DAY 5: ULUN DANU BERATAN. ESSENTIAL IN YOUR BALI 7-DAY ITINERARY

Although  Bedugul  is somewhat remote, it’s worth spending a day here during your  one-week trip to Bali.

In this mountainous area to the north of the island, there’s a trio of beautiful lakes (Tamblingan, Buyan and Bratan) that are completely different from the landscape you will have seen so far.

I recommend you visit one of its waterfalls ( Banyumala Twin, Git Git,  or  Sekumpul ), the temple of  Ulun Danu Beratan  , located on the waters of Lake Bratan, and the  Handara gate.

Day 5: Trip to Bali – Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

On the way back to Ubud, you can visit the most impressive rice fields in Bali, which are considered a World Heritage site by UNESCO for their uniqueness: the rice fields of  Jatiluwih.

Many visitors don’t visit this part of Bali, as it is somewhat remote. However, if there’s only one thing that I don’t recommend missing during your  7-day Bali itinerary , it’s a visit to the temple of  Ulun Danu Beratan.  This was, without a doubt, the most amazing temple we visited during our trip.

Driving a motorcycle through these mountain roads can be somewhat uncomfortable, so I recommend you take this tour to visit the Bedugul area.

This is the last night I recommend spending in Ubud, so I advise you to try some of the incredible villas you’ll find here .

DAY 6: TAMAN AYUN TEMPLE, TANAH LOT AND CANGGU

For the penultimate day of your trip to Bali in a week I recommend you visit the most touristy area of ​​the island. It isn’t my favorite area, but you can’t leave Bali without seeing Kuta, Seminyakl and Canggu, where surfers, Australians looking to party, and the best “beach clubs” on the island come together.

These three cities are on the seashore in the southwest of Bali, and on your way there from Ubud, you can stop at  Taman Ayun Temple  and  Alas Kedaton  (this second one is totally optional).

Depending on the type of traveler you are, I recommend one of these three locations to spend the day:

• Canggu: If you want to surf and find “veggie” options in every restaurant.
• Kuta and Legian: If you prefer a beach full of young people and the best nightclubs in Bali.
• Seminyak: If you prefer beach clubs where you can eat well and have good drinks.

Day 6: Trip to Bali – Seminyak

You can also visit a less crowded beach, such as Pasut Beach , famous for its slanted palm tree, which can be found on our tourist map of Bali.

At the end of the day, I recommend you go to  Tanah Lot.  This temple, located on an island that’s only accessible when the tide is low, is undoubtedly the best place to see the sunset in Bali. If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to buy a roasted cob with hot sauce in one of the many stalls you’ll find and enjoy it while watching the sun set over the sea.

You don’t need to book any tours for this day. If you don’t have transportation, you can request the necessary transfers here . A car with a driver will take you from one place to another for 10 hours, enough time to do the whole itinerary.

If you decide that Canggu is the best option for you, I recommend one of these four options.

Theanna Eco Villa and Spa, Canggu

Designed with a mix of Balinese, Japanese, and Scandinavian styles, Theanna Eco Villa is located near the beach. Here, you can not only enjoy the advantages of a villa with butler service and private pool, but you can also benefit from the resort’s services, such as a spa and infinity pool.

Theanna Eco Villa

KALAPA BOUTIQUE RESORT & YOGA, CANGGU

Kelapa is a small boutique hotel offering spacious villas with open spaces in a traditional Javanese rustic style. It’s ideal for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle but be close to the beach since it’s only 9 minutes away. In addition to having a Balinese massage area, it offers free daily yoga sessions.

Kelapa Villa

ASTON CANGGU BEACH RESORT

Aston Canggu Beach Resort is a four-star hotel located on the beachfront, with spectacular panoramic views of the sea. The rooms have balconies from which you can listen to the singing of birds in the morning, and from the rooftop pool, you can enjoy incredible sunsets. You can sleep in one of  Bali’s finest accommodations  from $70 a night.

Aston Canggu Beach Resort

EASTIN ASHTA RESORT CANGGU

Eastin Ashta Resort is located a six-minute walk from Echo Beach. This three-star resort stands out for its colorful personality. The reception and colorful stairs will grab your attention immediately. In addition, it serves an excellent breakfast and its rooms are surprisingly spacious.

Eastin Ashta Resort

In case you prefer to stay in Kuta or Legian , these are the best alternatives for you.

THE SANDI PHALA BEACH RESORT AND MA JOLY RESTAURANT, KUTA

This boutique hotel mixes tradition with luxury and nature. From the tropical garden of The Sandi Phala you can enjoy incredible sunsets overlooking the white sand beach located at the foot of the hotel. Since it’s only 15 minutes by car from the airport, this hotel is ideal for those who want to say goodbye to Bali in style.

The Sandi Phala

THE STONES – LEGIAN BALI, MARRIOTT’S AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION HOTEL, KUTA

This resort has a spectacular pool from which you can admire its vertical garden. The Stones has a spa specializing in therapies from Southeast Asia and an Indonesian restaurant. It’s undoubtedly one of the best luxury hotels in Bali, with prices from $100 per night.

SUN ISLAND HOTEL & SPA LEGIAN

Located just a few feet from the beach, Sun Island Hotel & Spa Legian is  an oasis of tranquility on one of the most vibrant streets of Legian. It has two restaurants, which serve Oriental dishes in a contemporary style. In addition to having several swimming pools, they offer spa services and a weekly calendar with several activities, such as craft classes, towel doubling, cooking, or music sessions.

Sun Island Hotel & Spa Legian

CARA CARA INN, KUTA

This simple but colorful hostel where you won’t stop taking photos is 700 feet from the central square of Kuta. Cara Cara Inn , offers beds in both shared rooms and private rooms, so it’s one of the  best accommodation options in Bali  for solo travelers or groups of friends.

Cara Cara Inn

If you want to stay in Seminyak , these are the four hotels that I recommend.

IZE SEMINYAK

IZE Seminyak is a modern design hotel that creates a cool urban refuge. This hotel stands out for the roof terrace with pool and bar, and its spa and wellness services. Just 15 minutes from the beach, it has restaurants with Oriental and European fusion food.

IZE Seminyak

LLOYD’S INN BALI

Lloyd’s Inn is one of  my favorite places to stay in Bali.  This modern hotel has something of interest for everyone. Its contemporary style combines monochromatic decoration with pieces of wood. The showers are an open concept design, so you can enjoy the outdoors from the privacy of your room. In addition, it is less than a 10-minute walk from the beach and close to the best restaurants and shops in the area.

Lloyd’s Inn

DASH HOTEL SEMINYAK

Dash Hotel Seminyak is, without a doubt, one of the hotels with the most personality and the most Seminyak atmosphere. In this hotel, the custom-made iron furniture is fused with paintings and accented by colorful sculptures and retro, industrial-style lighting. It has a spa, gym, and an amazing roof terrace. If you’re looking for  accommodation in Bali that ’ s  different from everything else, you should check this place out.

Dash Hotel Seminyak

SUMMERHOME SEMINYAK

Summerhome Seminyak is an eleven-room boutique hotel in a colonial beach style and decorated with white and light colors to create a sense of tranquility. If you want to rest during your trip, this is a very  good accommodation option in Bali.

Summerhome Seminyak

DAY 7: JIMBARAN AND ULUWATU

To finish your week-long tour around Bali, I recommend you visit the Bukit Badung peninsula, the piece of land that juts out to the south of the island.

This area stands out for its amazing white sand beaches, its cliffs and its incredible luxury resorts.

Some of the most famous beaches are  Padang Padang  (where the movie “Eat Pray Love” was filmed),  Tebing Pantai Balangan , with its wonderful cliff views, and  Pantai Tegal Wangi,  which hides a cave.

Day 7: Trip to Bali – Jimbaran Seashore

If you have time, it may also be interesting to visit  Garuda Wisnu Kencana , a park designed in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu that features impressive statues that are up to 120 meters tall.

In the afternoon, before the sun sets, visit the  Uluwatu temple , located on a cliff; you can see one of the best sunsets on the island from here.

Pura Uluwatu Temple

At this temple, there are also Kecak Fire and Trance  dance performances, where a group of men singing in unison provide the music for hypnotically moving Balinese dancers. If it’s your first time in Bali, you should definitely go to a show. I went to one in Pura Dalem Ubud, although the most popular temple for Kecak shows is the Uluwatu temple.

After the performance, there’s nothing like a fresh seafood dinner in Jimbaran Bay to end your trip to Bali in a week.

If you haven’t rented a scooter, this tour takes practically the same route that we’re recommending for this trip to Bali in 7 days.

There are many accommodations in Jimbaran with beautiful sea views. Depending on your budget, I recommend any of the following:

RIMBA JIMBARAN BALI BY AYANA

RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA is a spectacular five-star hotel that has a huge garden, twelve swimming pools, two spas, three restaurants, and private beach access. Furthermore, at its facilities, you can find all kinds of activities for the whole family, from Balinese painting, yoga, or cooking classes to bicycle tours or beach picnics.

RIMBA Jimbaran BALI by AYANA

JIMBARAN BAY VILLAS

Just 1,200 feet from the beach, Jimbaran Bay Villas offers villas with a simple style and a pool with a waterfall. Jimbaran Bay Villas is located in the best area of ​​Jimbaran, close to many restaurants where you can eat grilled fish or seafood.

Jimbaran Bay Villas

KERATON JIMBARAN RESORT

Keraton Jimbaran Resort is located on the seafront and next to Jimbaran’s famous seafood market. This traditional Balinese hotel is surrounded by tropical gardens. It has a spa, two restaurants, two bars, and direct access to the beach.

Keraton Jimbaran Resort

FOX HARRIS JIMBARAN BEACH

Just five minutes from the beach, FOX HARRIS is defined by elements of art, culture, and contemporary style. In addition, it offers exclusive spa and wellness treatments.

Another option is to stay in Nusa Dua , east of the Bukit Badung peninsula, where you can find luxury resorts.

THE LAGUNA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA, NUSA DUA, BALI

The Laguna is one of the most popular accommodations in Bali because at the foot of it, you’ll find a gorgeous white sand beach. In addition to incredible views of the Indian Ocean, beautiful tropical gardens, and butler service, this resort & spa offers activities such as diving or local craft classes for greater immersion in Balinese culture.

SADARA BOUTIQUE BEACH RESORT

All rooms at this 5-star Bali resort have ocean views and balconies overlooking a tropical garden. The design of Sadara Boutique Beach Resort is based on Balinese heritage, but it exceeds the expectations of its clients with its contemporary urban touch and a sustainable approach to tourism.

Sadara Boutique Beach Resort

THE GRAND BALI NUSA DUA

This establishment is a four-star hotel that has a quiet private beach and a beach club located 5 minutes by car from the hotel. Its lush vegetation is a key element in the decoration of The Grand Bali Nusa Dua.

The Grand Bali Nusa Dua

ALINDRA VILLA

Alidra Villa offers rooms with open spaces in a traditional Balinese style and with hot tubs. Guests receive a small welcome tropical fruit basket.

Alidra Villa

Other Week-long Bali itineraries

A few weeks before my first trip to Southeast Asia I was told about the  Nusa Islands  and the  Gili Islands , some amazing islands very close to Bali. They stand out for their dreamy sunsets, seabeds full of life, and white sand beaches.

One-week trip to Bali + Islands

I knew I had to go to one of these two archipelagos of tiny islands, but I had already bought all my flights. I’d arrive in Bali from Yogyakarta and after 7 days, I’d head for Kuala Lumpur.

After reviewing our 7-day Bali itinerary many times, we decided to use two days to visit the Gili Islands, since it was the cheapest option. Here you can see how much was our trip to Southeast Asia.

If, in your case, you only have  7 days to visit Bali and the Gili Islands  or you want to take a  week-long trip to Bali and the Nusa Islands , here are other two itineraries that might be useful for you.

ONE WEEK TRIP TO BALI AND GILI ISLANDS

From the previous  7-day Bali itinerary,  take out the two days you like the least to visit the Gili Islands. In my case, I changed the 4 rd day (Eastern temples) and 7 th day (Jimabaran and Uluwatu).

If I could make that decision again, I would definitely do it differently. I think the least interesting day is the 6 th  (Seminyak – although I would try to visit Tanah Lot, as it’s one of the essential places to visit in Bali ). I would compress Mt. Batur and Tegalalang into a day and give up visiting other places around Ubud. Visiting the eastern temples seems like something important to do in Bali in a week.

The island that I decided to visit was Gili Trawangan , and the truth is that I liked it a lot. However, depending on the type of trip you’re doing, I would recommend  Gili Air instead. In our travel guide to the Gili Islands, I tell you all about the differences.

Gili Trawangan

To get to the Gili Islands, I recommend this ferry, which includes transfer from your hotel. If you follow my itinerary recommendation, after visiting the eastern temples, instead of going back to Ubud, head to Sanur to take the ferry the next day.

These are the accommodations that I recommend in Sanur:

OPCIÓN PREMIUM

Tandjung sari hotel.

Este pequeño hotel es un negocio familiar que destaca por sus exteriores. Sus jardines contienen antigüedades. En Tandjung Sari Hotel se realizan eventos donde grupos locales realizan danzas tradicionales. Además, su restaurante ofrece platos de estilo rústico y tradicional indonesio.

Tandjung Sari Hotel

MAYA SANUR RESORT & SPA

Maya Sanur Resort & Spa es un resort boutique ecológico de cinco estrellas que no deja indiferente a nadie. Su diseño moderno se mezcla con elementos de la tradición balinesa, donde además la vegetación cuenta como un elemento clave del hotel. Ofrece sesiones de yoga todas las mañanas, servicios de wellness y piscina infinity.

Maya Sanur Resort & Spa

OPCIÓN ESTÁNDAR

Sudamala suites & villas.

El arte, la artesanía y los valores tradicionales de Bali son los protagonistas en el diseño de este hotel. Sudamala Suites & Villas busca un auténtico encuentro del viajero con el Bali tradicional mediante conexiones culturales, exploraciones culinarias y el descanso en un enclave único.

Sudamala Suites & Villas

OPCIÓN ECONÓMICA

Santhi & tresna boutique eco-house.

Santhi & Tresna Boutique Eco-House es una amplia villa con capacidad para seis personas y una decoración minimalista que se encuentra a tan solo 150 metros de la playa de Mertasari y a menos de 4 kilómetros de la isla de las tortugas.

Santhi & Tresna Boutique Eco-House

In my case, I organized my excursion to the Gili Islands on my own, booking only the ferry, but if you prefer to buy a package that includes not only the ferry, but also the accommodation and the visit to the different islands for two and a half days (two nights), I recommend this tour.

7-DAY TRIP TO BALI AND NUSA ISLANDS

The Nusa Islands have some of the best places to visit in Bali. To see Bali and the Nusa Islands in a week, as with the Gili Islands, replace two days of the previous itinerary for a trip to the Nusa Islands.

Nusa Islands

You can do it on your own, staying in Sanur to catch the ferry to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida the next morning, or you can take this snorkeling tour .

IS IT A 7 DAY BALI ITINERARY ENOUGH OR DO I NEED MORE TIME?

If you just want to visit the main island,  a week in Bali  is perfect for seeing the most important things. However, if you also want to visit the Gili or the Nusa Islands, I would recommend you spend 8 days in Bali.

Anyway, don’t worry; if you have even fewer days, in this article about the best excursions in Bali , I have listed four tours that will allow you to see the most important things if you can only be in Bali for 4 or 5 days.

If you have even more time, here is a list of the best Bali itineraries.

Whatever itinerary you choose, remember that monkeys can be dangerous, so buy  the best insurance to travel abroad.

Before you go, here are the essentials for your trip to Bali:

Essentials to save on your trip to Bali

Check the best no-foreign transaction fee credit cards .

Find the BEST DEALS for the top accommodation options in Bali .

Get a 5% discount on your travel insurance for Bali .

Check the best tours in Bali to make the most of your time HERE and HERE .

CHEAP FERRIES from Bali (hotel pick-up not included).

Ascen Aynat

30 replies on “ The Best Bali 7-Day Itinerary ”

“This blog post on the best Bali 7-day itinerary is fantastic! It provides a detailed plan for exploring Bali’s top attractions. A great resource for anyone visiting Bali!”

Thank you. I’m so glad you found it helpful!

I truly enjoyed reading your article and your suggestions. We are from California and I personally would love to see Bali we’ve been there 30 years ago and I’m sure there’s so many changes. Would you recommend what are the best months to visit particularly using your 7-8 day vacation itinerary.

Hi Sue, I definitely recommend going during the dry season so you can fully enjoy Bali. Late spring through early fall is a good time to go, and June is a particularly beautiful time to go.

Hey, Thanks for sharing this great information! Your writing style is engaging and your content is really interesting. I think your readers might be interested in Holiday eSIM. It is designed to save people from the hassle of physical sim cards, and has received great reviews from customers. I would be happy to provide more information if you’re interested.

Thanks for the info! We’ve been using the Holafly eSIM for years now, and we love it!

Hi is renting a scooter to explore most places in Ubud for the entire 7 trip advisable? Except for the places where we must go hiking on a mountain. How much does a scooter approximately cost per day? Thanks! Your blog is very helpful!

You can rent a scooter in Ubud for $2.50-$3.00/day, so it’s a viable option!

Planning a trip to Bali in mid November. Time is locked in because we are four people meeting there from different parts of the world and that’s what works. How rainy is the rainy season? We will be there for 10 days and using your itineraries as a guide with a side trip to Nusa Penida. Because it’s the rainy season would you recommend less time inland in the mountains and jungle? Or just bring some good rain gear and go with it? Thank you!

You can find more information about the weather in Bali here.

Said that, I wouldn’t change the plan just because you’re traveling in Nov. Just bring good rain gear and you should be fine.

Have a great time in Bali!

I am planning to visit Bali in first week of September we are a couple and will be staying for 6Nights. Just had few queries if I start with Ubud ( 2 Nights) then, nusa penida island ( 1night ) and finally Seminyak ( 3 nights).

Does this sound good or do I need few changes in it. Please recommend your views on it.

Thank you Yash

I like your itinerary. I would maybe give one more day to Ubud and surroundings and one day less to Seminyak, but that is my personal opinion.

Hi Ascen Can’t thank you enough for your itinerary. I used it as the primary base for planning and executing my Bali trip. You’re a girl after my own heart with all the emphasis on temples and nature. I’ve had an incredible experience, with all your guidance. I have to choose between Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temple. Which one would you recommend ?

Thanks much Bharathi

Hi Bharathi,

Thank so much for your words 🙂

I would choose Tanah Lot even if it’s a little crowded always. Still, the experience of seeing the sunset there is just magical.

Have fun! Ascen

Hello, Thanks for the great explanation, extremely happy to have bumped into your blog. We are a group of 5 friends who are planning a Bali trip in the month of August. Could you please give me an idea about the total cost (all inclusive) per person if we plan to have a very budget friendly trip? We are not very keen on the stays, just want to cover as many places as possible and make great memories 🙂 Thanks in advance!

In our Bali Trip Planner , you can check the estimate cost of this trip. There is a “on a budget” option too. I would say, plan around $30 per person per day.

Let me know if you have any questions, Ascen

Hello we are planning to Go Bali in June’22 for 6 night and 7 days So pls share itinerary with total cost for 2 people (19th June- 26th June)

Please check the article with a 7-day and 6-night itinerary for Bali.

Hope you enjoy your trip!

Very detailed n nice explanation. it helped a lot to plan my Bali trip.

So happy to hear!

Hope you had a blast!

Fantastic explanation. I am planning a trip to Bali in April. Around 9 days. So, I should be able to cover the itinerary suggested by you for 7 days + the Gili islands. Do you recommend Gili islands or Nusa islands ?

You can find a 10-day Bali itinerary here. If you are traveling with friends, I would go to Gili Island, for couples, I’d go to Nusa Penida. Both are great options!

Let me know if you have any questions.

at which areas did you stay? only in ubud?

Hi Cisem, We´ve taken 2 different trips to Bali and stayed across most of the island apart from Ubud 😉

sir we are planing to Go bali in Feb. So pls suggest cost with Us.

Thanks for your comment. How many days are you planning to be traveling?

how did you make that cute little map?

We have a friend who is a fantastic artist and draw that Bali map for us 😉

We want to go bali in end December. So please tell m6the details.

We’ve been to Bali in November and June, but never in December since it’s the beginning of the rain season, so we can’t give extra advice beyond the tips mentioned in our Bali guides and articles.

Hope you have a nice Tour in Bali!

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Vacations in Bali

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Most popular bali flight and hotel deals, all inclusive vacation packages to bali, search by stars, search by review score, search by board, search by price, search by freebies, when to book a vacation in bali, tips for finding bali package deals.

• There are loads of types of vacations in Bali and the cost will depend on what type of trip you’re taking and for how long you’d like to stay. Here are the latest prices for a 3 night trip for 2 travelers: Top vacation $515; Family vacation $475; Romantic vacation $577; Luxury vacation $615; Budget vacation $378.

Why should you book a vacation package to Bali?

When should you book a vacation package to bali.

There are two seasons in Bali, a rainy season from October to April and a dry season between May and September. Bali travel packages will help you find the best deals even during the tourist high season from May to July, and from December till early January. If you're a surfer, the best waves typically come between May and October. Bali flight and hotel rates are typically cheapest from April to May, and in September.

Where should you stay in Bali during your vacation?

For any vacation type in bali:.

The Stones Hotel - Legian Bali, Autograph Collection lets you stay in five-star luxury in a resort style hotel complex with a large pool and upscale amenities. Located in Legian on the west coast of Bali, the hotel operates its own shuttle service to Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, just over 3 miles away. Private beach access and a garden setting with multiple pool and restaurant options make Meliá Bali the ultimate Bali experience. Located in Nusa Dua just over 7 miles from Ngurah Rai Airport, the resort can arrange airport pick-up and shuttle service.

For family vacations in Bali:

At the Padma Resort Legian, families can stay in interconnected rooms and enjoy extensive facilities, including a lagoon pool and infinity pool, family game room, and a location close to the beach. A taxi is an inexpensive option from the Ngurah Rai Airport, under 4 miles away. At the Hard Rock Hotel Bali in Kuta, the little ones will stay happy and busy at the exclusive kids' club while parents can swim up to the pool bar or lounge on the beach. There are plenty of taxis available for the brief 2 1/2 mile drive to Ngurah Rai Airport.

For romantic vacations in Bali:

Traditional Balinese elements meet modern design at the Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, offering you a romantic beachfront holiday just steps from the bustling city and all the shopping, dining, and night life it has to offer. The resort can arrange airport transfers from Ngurah Rai Airport, about 7 miles away. The Kuta Seaview Boutique Resort & Spa is small and offers you a secluded and lush garden setting near the beach. The resort will arrange airport transfers from nearby Ngurah Rai Airport.

For luxury vacations in Bali:

The Legian Bali is a hideaway from the tourist crowds, offering all-suites accommodations on a prime stretch of Seminyak Beach, yet close to upscale shopping and dining in the city. The hotel offers its own shuttle service for the 6 mile trip to Ngurah Rai Airport. Stay in the lush Bali highlands amid the rice fields at The Chedi Club, located just outside Ubud, a center for traditional arts and culture. A car rental is recommended for the 24 mile trip from Ngurah Rai Airport in Kuta.

For budget vacations in Bali:

Bali trips become affordable at Alam Puri Art Museum Villa and Spa, an oasis of authentic Javanese and Balinese culture a half hour's drive from Ubud on Bali Island. A car rental or private airport shuttle is available for the 30 minute drive to Ngurah Rai International Airport. The Haven Bali Seminyak Hotel offers affordable elegance, with a pool and dining options just steps from Seminyak Beach. The hotel concierge can arrange your transfers to and from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Where to stay in Bali

Bali vacation information, other popular package vacation destinations.

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Bali Travel Guide: The Ultimate 3-Week Itinerary

A spiritual haven and a traveler’s dream, Bali offers an unforgettable experience to the many visitors who flock to its beautiful beaches , vibrant green rice terraces, and sacred volcanoes. Three weeks is the perfect amount of time to explore all the hidden corners of this beautiful island, whether it’s creative Ubud with its colorful markets, the undiscovered coastal villages of Amed , or the paradise islands where turtles and manta rays float in the turquoise water. Use this Bali travel guide to plan your perfect route, and don’t miss a thing!

Bali Travel Guide (3 weeks)

This complete Bali travel guide includes a mix of the best the island has to offer. That way you can visit many cultural and spiritual sites, see stunning natural scenery, and meet wonderful local people. The Balinese people are very friendly, and although many people speak English here, learning a few words in Bahasa Indonesia goes a long way.

Here are all your hotel options in Bali.

The island is also a foodie haven, with thousands of international restaurants, trendy cafes, and local warungs. Discover all the best spots using this Bali 3-week itinerary!

Day 1-2: Canggu or Seminyak

Welcome to Bali! The beach towns of Canggu and Seminyak are less than an hour’s drive from the airport. Because of this, it’s a great place to kick off your Bali 3-week itinerary. 

Also read: The complete Bali 7-day itinerary

Canggu is now one of the island’s most popular (and most expensive) destinations, famed for its hipster cafes, trendy beach clubs, digital nomad hub, and world-class surf scene.

See availability for a surf lesson in Canggu

Both towns also have fantastic shopping, so spend some time browsing vintage shops and trendy concept stores. Canggu is particularly great for shopping. Plus, if you’re here at the weekend, you should check out the lively La Brisa Sunday Market.

If you’re looking for prettier beaches and a more sophisticated resort-style location, Seminyak is a better option. This side of the island also boasts some of the best sunsets; we recommend heading to the clifftop temple Pura Tanah Lot for some spectacular golden views.

Alternatively, simply grab a beanbag at one of the beach bars to watch the show; it’s a must-do while following this Bali travel guide!

Once the sun has gone down, hit the clubs in Seminyak, which has one of the best nightlife scenes on the island.

Tip: It is a 20-minute drive or a 40-minute walk between the two towns, so you can easily base yourself in one place and split your time between the two.

How to get to Canggu and Seminyak

Canggu and Seminyak are very close and easily accessible from Ngurah Rai International Airport.

It will take 35-45 minutes to drive to Seminyak and 45 minutes to an hour to reach Canggu. This is all dependent on traffic, particularly during the high season, when queues can be expected. A taxi from the airport costs approximately 300,000 IDR (~ 20 USD). Unfortunately, you can’t order a Grab taxi from the airport. 

Where to Stay in Canggu and Seminyak

The most central places in Canggu are Batu Bolong and Berewa. Here, you’ll find plenty of great cafes, restaurants, beach clubs, and surf spots. 

Hotels in Canggu 😴

In Seminyak, stay around Jalan Kayu Aya Street, also known as ‘Eat Street’, for its wide variety of restaurants. The beach is just a 10-minute walk away.

Hotels in Seminyak 😴

Day 3: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces or a Local Homestay

Nestled in the center of Bali is Jatiluwih, an area of stunning rice terraces over 600 acres in size. For the third day of your Bali travel guide, explore this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot. Alternatively, hire a bicycle, and take in the natural beauty of vibrant yellow and green rice fields, palm trees, and mountain views. It is not that touristy, so you can peacefully enjoy this incredible natural landscape away from the crowds. 

If you want to give your legs a break, you can also stop off at the cafes scattered around the area. Sip on hot coffee and homemade rice cookies before heading out again.

Tip: Please remember that the rice terraces are working land, so be a respectful and sustainable traveler by staying on the designated paths as much as possible and taking trash with you.

Bali Homestay

Alternatively (or additionally!), allocate some time on your Bali 3-week itinerary to get to know Balinese locals at a homestay. Staying with a local family is a fantastic way to meet new people and make lifelong friends! It will also give you a taste of day-to-day life in Bali, and you’ll learn something new about the culture and traditions. We stayed at a homestay in Gadungan, an hour’s drive from Jatiluwih.

Find out how to experience a homestay in Bali

How to get from Canggu / Seminyak to Jatiluwih

From Canggu and Seminyak, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive. Please note that the traffic in Canggu can be particularly bad, so be extra careful if you are on a motorbike. Alternatively, hire a private driver if you don’t feel that confident.

Where to Stay near Jatiluwih

Stay with a local family on your Bali 3-week itinerary by contacting our friend Adi and his family on WhatsApp .

If you’d rather choose other accommodation, there are plenty of guesthouses and hotels around the rice terraces. Most of these have incredible views where you’ll wake up to stunning natural scenery. 

Hotels in Jatiluwih 😴

Day 4-5: Munduk

The next stop on our Bali travel guide is Munduk. This stunning mountain region in the north of Bali is home to towering waterfalls, shimmering lakes, and some of the best coffee on the island! The higher altitude means cooler weather, so it’s a great place to escape the coastal heat and relax in peaceful surroundings. 

Spend a few days discovering the area’s many beautiful waterfalls and hiking along jungle trails in the mountains.

Read: The best waterfalls in Bali!

Activities in Munduk

Don’t miss a visit to Ulun Danu Bratan while you’re here; the floating water temple in Tamblingan Lake is easily one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds, as it is a popular spot. Alternatively, book a tour exploring Ulun Bratan, the Twin Lakes, and waterfalls.

Before you leave Munduk, head up to the Wanagiri Swing viewpoint for sunrise, where you will be met by panoramic views of the beautiful Twin Lakes. 

Tip: If you have time on your Bali itinerary, you can also take a tour of a local coffee plantation. However, we recommend avoiding the infamous Luwak coffee; many producers use unethical and cruel practices, and 80% of the time, it is not even ‘real’ Luwak coffee!

How to get from Jatiluwih to Munduk

It is 1.5 hour’s drive from Jatiluwih to Munduk. On your way into Munduk, stop at Handara Gate – a stunning spot for photos with an incredible mountain backdrop and beautiful greenery. Contact our dear friend Yande if you need transport or a tour!

Where to Stay in Munduk (Bali Travel Guide)

The area has many guesthouses and homestays. However, we’d recommend Munduk Moding Plantation for its peaceful nature, spectacular panoramic views, and infinity pool!

Hotels in Munduk 😴

Day 6-9: Ubud

There is so much to see and do in this vibrant village, which is the spiritual and cultural heart of the island. There is a reason it is one of the more popular destinations and a must-see on any Bali itinerary; historic temples with traditional ceremonies, a dynamic art culture, and stunning natural surroundings mean you’ll never want to leave. Fill your days with traditional cooking classes , visits to beautiful temples, and afternoon tubing trips down the river!

Activities in Ubud

On days 6 and 7, explore Ubud on foot. This is the best way to discover its hidden corners, cozy cafes, art markets with handcrafted souvenirs, and peaceful rice fields. For an evening stroll, we recommend the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is popular among dog walkers and local families.

Read: Best Things To Do in Ubud

During your time in Ubud, you should also spend a morning at the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces . We recommend arriving before 10 AM before everyone else gets there. Later, head to the sacred Monkey Forest to wander among ancient trees and temples bathed in a beautiful golden light; it’s one of the most popular sites in this Bali travel guide!

Here are all your hotel options in Ubud.

Day Trip to Mount Batur

Allocate one of your days in Ubud to join a day trip to the incredible Mount Batur ! It’s only an hour and a half away and is one of Bali’s most sacred volcanoes. Hike up in the dark to catch the sunrise at the summit. It’s well worth it, as it’s a relatively easy trek that pays you back tenfold with panoramic views over the whole island. This is easily one of the best things to do in our Bali travel guide!

You can book a tour with Yande that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. A guide will keep you safe and teach you about the volcano’s sacred significance. Most tours also include a visit to the nearby Batur hot springs , where you can soothe your sore muscles in warm volcanic water while gazing over beautiful Lake Batur. 

How to get from Munduk to Ubud

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Munduk to Ubud through beautiful mountain scenery. Rent a scooter so you can stop for photos!

Where to Stay in Ubud

There are many accommodation options in and around Ubud, whatever your budget, including hostels, hotels, and guesthouses.

Hotels in Ubud 😴

Stay in the center of the village to be close to the action. Alternatively, head a little out of town if you want to be among the beautiful rice fields.

Day 10-12 of your Bali Travel Guide: Amed

A beautiful and untouched area of Bali, this long stretch of coastline dotted with traditional fishing villages is far from the tourist crowds. It’s also one of the cheapest destinations in our Bali travel guide! Expect black sand beaches, stunning turquoise water, jungle-covered mountains, and local life. 

This is the best place in Bali for snorkeling and diving, as it’s home to beautiful reefs and crystal-clear water. Discover colorful marine life, vibrant coral, and long-forgotten shipwrecks, or simply relax on a quiet beach with a book. 

Read: 13 Top things to do in Amed, Bali

Amed is also one of the better places to explore on a motorbike, as the roads aren’t busy. Because of this, you can enjoy peaceful journeys, heading up into the mountains for some incredible viewpoints like Lahangan Sweet. The treetop platform boasts panoramic views over green forests, lush rice paddies, and the tallest volcano in Bali (most stunning at sunrise). 

Tip: Don’t miss out on a visit to the serene Tirta Gangga water palace, where you can wander around colorful gardens before cooling off in sacred pools of healing water.

How to get from Ubud to Amed

It is a 2.5-hour drive from Ubud to Amed. However, there are some incredible views along the way as you wind through stunning countryside and over lush green mountains. Amed is far from most of Bali’s main towns and attractions, but this is why it’s so uncrowded and peaceful.

Where to Stay in Amed

This area has fewer resorts and trendy hotels as it is less touristy than other parts of Bali. However, there are still some lovely guesthouses and homestays along this stretch of the coast.

Hotels in Amed 😴

Day 13-15: Gili Islands

On day 13, leave from Amed to the magical Gili Islands! A ferry from Amed will take you to the next destination on your Bali 3-week itinerary: Gili Air .

Read: 1o Best things to do on Gili Air

Gili Air is just one of several breathtakingly beautiful Gili islands off the coast of Lombok. We recommend basing yourself here on your Bali 3-week itinerary. It’s a lovely, laid-back island with white sand beaches and stunning sunsets.

The island is small, and there are no cars, so rent a bicycle to explore at your own pace. Swim with turtles in turquoise blue water, lounge on beach swings, and find your new favorite cafe for chilled-out brunches.

Tip: One of our favorite things on this Bali itinerary was to book a snorkeling boat trip off the coast of Gili Meno (a smaller island close to Gili Air). Here you’ll find some unique underwater sculptures and fantastic sea life!

How to get from Amed to the Gili Islands

Take the fast boat from Amed Beach, which takes about 1.5 hours. Return tickets cost 40-65 USD, depending on the boat and the season.

See ferry tickets and availability here

Where to Stay on the Gili Islands

Gili Air is very small, so wherever you stay, you won’t be too far from anything. What’s more, there are a variety of beautiful hostels, villas, and hotels to choose from.

Hotels in Gili Air 😴

The best beaches are on the island’s east side, while the best sunset spots are on the west side.

Day 16-18: Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is another tiny island paradise off the south coast of Bali. It is all about the beautiful beaches here; sunbathe on soft white sand, snorkel in crystal clear water, or grab a board and catch some waves. 

There are also some fantastic beach clubs on the island. One of our favorites is Ginger & Jamu , which has gorgeous sunset views and great food.

If you need some adventure to break up all the relaxation time, try a paddleboarding tour through the peaceful mangrove forests, or dive with manta rays at Manta Point. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of our favorite things to do in this Bali travel guide!

Book a snorkel trip in advance

Tip: Nusa Lembongan is connected to the nearest island, Nusa Ceningan, by a yellow suspension bridge, so you can easily travel between the two!

Day Trip to Nusa Penida

One of the best things to do on this Bali 3-week itinerary is a day trip to Nusa Penida , a stunning island just 15 minutes by boat from Lembongan. Take in the breathtaking ocean views from the top of enormous limestone cliffs before hiking down to blinding white beaches for a relaxing day of swimming, snorkeling, and all-around island paradise vibes! 

How to get from the Gili Islands to Nusa Lembongan

There are daily ferries between the Gili Islands and the Nusa Islands. From Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan, it takes around 3 hours and costs 20-30 USD. 

See all ferry times and tickets here in advance

Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan

The island is small (you can walk from one side to the other in around an hour). However, there are many hostels, hotels, and resorts to choose from for any budget.

Hotels in Bali 😴

Day 19-21: Uluwatu or Canggu

We’re finishing the Bali travel guide with a bang! For the last stop on your Bali 3-week itinerary, choose from hipster Canggu or the surf haven of Uluwatu.

Canggu has bohemian vibes aplenty, big beach clubs, and great shopping. Alternatively, for a more chilled atmosphere, head to laidback Uluwatu for stunning beaches, epic clifftops, and incredible surf spots.

Read: 17 Things to do in Uluwatu, Bali

Uluwatu – Our Bali travel guide favorite

Uluwatu is a little more off-the-beaten-track than Canggu and slightly more upmarket, so it is a good choice if you’re looking for a bit of luxury to end your Bali itinerary. Spend a few peaceful days exploring the beautiful beaches, discovering lovely cafes, and motorbiking along clifftops with the wind in your hair. 

While you’re here, you can’t miss out on one of the best cultural experiences in Bali, the Kecak Fire Dance. Ancient stories are told through music and movement in a clifftop amphitheater as the sun sets over the island – an amazing sight!

Book your tickets in advance for the Kecak Fire Dance

On the last day of your Bali 3-week itinerary, hit the beach for one final dip in the ocean before setting off for the airport, which is just under an hour away.

How to get from Nusa Lembongan to Uluwatu / Canggu

From Nusa Lembongan, take the ferry to Sanur port, and from there, it is a 1-hour drive to Canggu or 1.5 hours to Uluwatu. Many taxis are available from Sanur, or you can rent a motorbike. 

Where to Stay in Uluwatu / Canggu

In Canggu, stay around the Batu Bolong and Berewa areas which are by the beach and close to everything. 

In Uluwatu, pick somewhere along the clifftop in the Pecatu area, which is central and offers stunning views!

Hotels in Uluwatu 😴

How to Visit Bali in 3 Weeks

Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport is where you will fly into when visiting Bali. It is located on the southern tip of the island, close to Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.

If you are already traveling around Indonesia , you also have the option to take the ferry from Jakarta, Lombok, or the Gili Islands, among other places.

Traveling around Bali

Although Bali is relatively small, and driving distances can look very short on the map, be aware that heavy traffic can increase traveling times significantly, especially during the high season in July and August.

By Motorbike

One of the easiest and most flexible ways to travel around Bali is by motorcycle. This is the best way to explore the island at your own pace, and you can make stops whenever you feel like it. You also have unimpeded views of the beautiful countryside! Additionally, renting a scooter is very affordable, with daily rates starting from as little as ~4 USD per day and cheap fuel.

The downside is that some roads aren’t in that good condition (although this is continually improving) and the streets can get very busy, especially during the high season. If you are not that confident on a scooter, you might prefer an alternative form of transport to complete your Bali itinerary. 

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Bali trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

By Private Driver

Renting a car is a slightly safer option than a motorcycle. However, traffic is an issue in Bali, and it can take a long time to get from A to B. For that reason, we recommend hiring a private driver , which is very cost-effective, especially for a small group with lots of luggage.

For day trips or multi-day itineraries, the driver will wait for you at each place, and the price is set for the day, so there are no surprising hidden costs. 

Hiring a driver in Bali costs around 35 USD per day, which is around the same price as a car rental without the hassle of navigating, parking, and getting fuel! 

Public buses are popular among the locals and an extremely cheap way to get from A to B, with an hour’s journey costing around 2 USD. However, if you are short on time, this isn’t the best option, as the schedules are a little unreliable. It will also take much longer than a scooter or taxi, and you may have to change several times to get to where you want to go.

Taxis are a very affordable and convenient way to travel short distances. However, always check that the meter is on or agree to a price beforehand! An even cheaper option is ride-sharing apps like Grab or Go-Jek. However, these aren’t allowed in some areas, like the airport, for instance.

For longer trips and for traveling between popular tourist attractions, it is better and cheaper to rent a private car and driver for the day. 

Booking Tours

In this travel guide, you’ll find options for tours to join throughout your itinerary. Joining a tour is a good option for specific trips like the sunrise trek to Mount Batur or the day trip to Nusa Penida. Everything is included, including hotel pick-up and drop-off, and occasionally even a local guide who can provide fascinating local insight into the area and culture that you wouldn’t get otherwise.

Our Favorite Bali Accommodations

There are some fantastic accommodation options in Bali, whatever your budget. Discover bamboo villas, lively hostels, and five-star resorts all over the island. Here are our favorite places to stay in every destination in our Bali travel guide:

• Canggu : Amar Boutique , Cali Villas , Guru Canggu
• Seminyak : The Legian , Elysian Boutique , Villa Air
• Jatiluwih : Ti Amo , Saridevi Ecolodge , Dwan Tea Mountain Side
• Munduk : Munduk Menir Villas , Munduk Cabins , Ekommunity
• Ubud : Kayon Jungle Resort , Ubud Valley Boutique , Sapodilla Ubud
• Amed : Aquaterrace Amed , Blue Earth Village , Kubu Kangin Resort
• Gili Air : PinkCoco , The Koho Air Hotel , Anahata – Tropical Private Villas
• Nusa Lembongan : Nusa Veranda , The Jingga Villas , Bukit Taman Cottages
• Uluwatu : Padang Padang Inn , Bukal Sari , The Elementum

How Much Do 3 Weeks in Bali Cost?

The cost of your trip will depend on what time of year you visit, which part of the island you’re in, and what you like to spend your money on. Bali is generally a very affordable travel destination, however, and if you go outside of the high season months of July and August, you can also find cheap accommodation in most places.

Costs of Traveling in Bali

Travel on a budget in Bali, from $200 − $500 USD weekly per person, mid-range $530 − $1180 USD, and high-end from $1160 − $1810 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $25 − $150 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $10 − $40 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $40 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $25 − $60 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $5 − $20 USD
• Activities: $5 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Tip: Be aware that Canggu is one of the most expensive areas on the island. However, you can still find budget hostels and cheap local restaurants.

Best Time to Visit Bali for 3 Weeks

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season between April and October, when the weather is best for sightseeing, beach days, surfing, snorkeling, and diving. We recommend avoiding the high season of July and August. It gets crowded with local and international tourists, and prices go up to reflect this.

The wet season is much quieter, accommodation is cheaper, and the countryside is lush and beautiful. However, be prepared for at least a few hours of rain a day!

Tip: April, May, September, and October are the best months to follow this Bali travel guide. This is when the rice paddies are at their greenest and most vibrant, right before harvest.

Do I Need a Visa for My Bali 3-Week Itinerary?

Most people will need a visa for Bali unless their country has a Visa Exemption Agreement. You can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when you land at the airport, which is valid for 30 days and costs 500,000 IDR (~ 33 USD). To avoid long queues at the airport, apply electronically at least 48 hours before you arrive.

Get your visa for Bali in advance

Is Bali Safe?

Bali is generally a very safe place to travel and is one of the safest destinations in Indonesia. There is a small level of petty crime, such as phone theft or pickpocketing, particularly in the more touristy areas, so exercise caution and always watch your belongings.

Read: Top travel safety tips!

Traffic is the main issue on the island, especially during the high season in July and August, and there are very few pavements. This is something to consider if it’s your first time riding a motorcycle, and be careful while walking around the busier areas. 

Tip: Although a volcanic eruption on Bali is unlikely, check the local news or government website for warnings before attempting the hike up Mount Batur.

Travel Insurance Bali

Travel insurance is an essential purchase for any trip away. It gives you peace of mind and may also save you money in the long run if anything unexpected happens while you are away. You can buy single-trip insurance very cheaply, and there are plenty of options if you are traveling long-term. 

What to Pack for a Bali 3-Week Itinerary

What you pack for your 3 weeks in Bali may change depending on what time of year you visit. If you are here during the wet season, waterproofs and suitable footwear are a must-have, while the hot weather of the dry season will require more sunscreen! Try to pack as light as possible, especially if you are moving around a lot.

Bali Travel Guide: Packing List

• Layers – Useful for when you are up in the mountains where temperatures are much cooler (particularly at night) and for motorcycle trips.
• Universal travel plug – A great addition to any trip, so your electronics can be charged wherever you are. ( Get one here )
• Raincoat – In the rainy season, this is an essential item in Bali! It may come in handy during the dry season when there are occasional showers or to keep the wind off while motorbiking. 
• Hat – Essential for keeping the sun off your face while sightseeing, hiking, or simply sunbathing on the beach.
• Good footwear – Good hiking boots, sneakers, or sturdy sandals are a must for your Bali 3-week itinerary. You will need good shoes for hiking in the mountains or the rice paddies.

• Sarong – Most sacred temples require everyone to cover up their legs out of respect. There is often an option to rent these, but it’s good to have one packed just in case, even if it’s just to cover up from the sun.
• Microfibre towel – A small, lightweight towel is great for beach days and waterfall trips, as they fit easily into a small bag and dry very quickly.  
• Camera – You need something to capture all the incredible sights on your Bali itinerary! Consider a waterproof camera or a GoPro for snorkeling and diving or for that perfect waterfall shot.
• Power bank – Helpful for day trips, mountain hikes, and power outages, a power bank is a great backup to have on hand.  Get one here .
• Small backpack – A small day bag or backpack is convenient for day trips, so you can just bring the essentials.

Packing Sustainable Items

• Stainless steel straw – Carrying a small stainless steel straw around with you will save on plastic and can be used for your sunset cocktail or a beachside coconut! Lots of restaurants offer refills!
• Non-toxic insect repellent – Choose an insect repellent that isn’t made with harmful chemicals like DEET.
• Non-toxic sunscreen – Opt for a reef-safe sunscreen , which helps to protect marine life.
• Reusable bags – Say no to plastic bags at local markets by keeping a few reusable bags on hand.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Rentalcars.com
• Find Flights to Bali via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

17 Things To Do in Uluwatu, Bali

The 6 best waterfalls in bali (a 2-day route), best hotels and hostels in bali.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Hello, thank you for all the information, it help me so much to plan my trip to Bali in may! I will be visiting the island for 17 days, I would really appreciate if you provide any feedback on the itinerary D1 : Uluwatu D2-5 : Ubud and the area D6: Mount Batur D7-8: Munduk D9: Amed D10-11: Sidemen D12-14 Gili or Nusa penida? D15-17 Canggu/Seminyak (2 nights) Would you recommend Nusa Penida or Gili Air (as we don’t have a driving license)?

Thanks a lot !

Hi Colyne, looks like you are planning on seeing some of Bali’s best! Depending on where you’re flying from, you might want to have a few days to unwind from the journey. Amed is worth exploring for a few days, hopping around the different fishing villages and beaches (+ the journey from Munduk to Amed is not short). From Amed, it’s also really easy to get to the Gili Islands by fast boat! Gili Air is really small and doesn’t have any cars, so this is a great option to explore cycling around. From there, you can return to Amed and explore Sidemen after on your way to Canggu/Seminyak. Hope that helps a bit!

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7 Day Bali Itinerary: How To Spend A Week In Bali

By Kate Comer. This guide to one week itinerary for Bali contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Looking for a done-for-you 7 day Bali itinerary ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Bali is called the “Island of Gods,” which reflects the destination’s deep-rooted spirituality, unique cultural traditions, and awe-inspiring natural beauty — all of which combine to create a spiritual haven that captivates visitors from around the world.

In terms of natural beauty, Bali is renowned for its stunning landscapes, like lush rice paddies, volcanic mountains, pristine beaches, and ancient forests — all of which can be explored in a one week Bali itinerary.

In all honesty, there are so many amazing things to do in Bali that you could easily spend more than that; however, if you’re stretched for time and only have enough time for a one week trip to Bali, you can still have an incredible time.

How? Keep reading for the perfect Bali itinerary for 7 days!

Quick tip: The best way to get around Bali is by hiring a private driver. You can click here and click here for some of the top-rated options for this. Additionally, you can click here for a full list of Bali drivers .

Table of Contents

Free Resources For Your Bali Travel Itinerary

But first, before we go over a suggested Bali trip itinerary for 7 days , I invite you to grab Jessie’s free  Ultimate Travel Planning Kit  — which includes 40+ travel resources — from printables to quizzes to itineraries — all meant to help you explore the world beyond the guidebook!

Some highlights of the kit include:

• Free “Where Should You Travel Next?” personality quiz
• Pre-plotted Google Maps for 45+ destinations
• Printable travel journal with writing prompts
• Packing lists for different types of trips

Once you’ve grabbed your copy , keep reading to learn how to spend 7 days in Bali.

Where Is Bali?

Bali is located in the country of Indonesia in Asia . Actually, Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia.

Situated 1 mile east of Java, Bali is one of Indonesia’s many islands. The largest of these islands are New Guinea, Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Java, though the most visited by tourists is Bali.

This gorgeous Indonesian island has so much to do and see, and you’ll have no problem filling up 7 days in Bali with fun and memorable experiences.

Getting To Bali

The most common way to get to Bali is by flying to Ngurah Rai International Airport — also known as Denpasar International Airport (DPS) — located in the south of Bali in Kuta. It’s a modern airport serving both international and domestic flights.

Bali is also accessible by boat from neighboring islands including Lombok and the Gili Islands.

Getting Around Bali

Bali by motorbike.

One of the best ways to get around Bali is on a motorbike, which can also help you more easily navigate heavy traffic.

To ride legally in Bali you need a full motorbike license in your home country and you should also have travel insurance to ensure you are fully covered.

It is also important to wear a motorbike helmet and to be completely sober when you are in control of a motorbike.

Bali by private car

A much safer option is to hire a driver . There are many great local drivers in Bali that will do day trips or transfers to help you experience Bali, and they are often a wealth of local knowledge and can even act as tour guides to explain Bali culture.

Grab and Gojek are also handy apps to load onto your phone. You can then hire either a car or motorbike with a fully licensed driver to get you from Point A to Point B while you enjoy the scenery during your 7 days Bali itinerary.

Best Time To Visit Bali

Bali’s weather is divided into dry and wet seasons. The dry season usually goes from April to October and is a popular time to enjoy outdoor activities, explore the island’s stunning landscapes, or even book one of the many surf and yoga retreats in Bali .

On the other hand, Bali’s rainy season is from November to March.

It is generally humid and hot in Bali due to its closeness to the equator. Rain can happen at any time of year but usually passes very quickly.

Christmas and New Year are very popular times to visit Bali; however, it tends to be rainy and expensive. In my opinion, this is the worst time to visit Bali .

My pick for the best time to visit Bali is either May and June or September and October. During these times, the weather is fantastic and it’s shoulder season — meaning you can score great deals and avoid the crowds.

Now if you’re looking to explore local culture, the best time to visit Bali is for Nyepi Day , which takes place in March annually. Each year it falls in March; however, the date changes depending on when Bali’s New Year occurs.

Nyepi Day is the Balinese Day of Silence, and an amazing Ogoh Ogoh Parade is held on Nyepi Eve. During this time, the streets come alive with demonic statues created by the locals to frighten away the evil spirits.

Just note that the whole island shuts down for this event. The airport closes for 24 hours and everyone must remain in their accommodation — which offers the perfect time to relax. Often hotels will have Nyepi packages that include food from a set menu.

Is Bali Safe?

According to Travel Safe – Abroad , your chances of being a victim of a violent crime during your Bali trip are low; however, petty crime and theft are issues to be aware of.

Bag snatchings can occur in busy tourist areas, and it is always recommended to keep your valuables out of sight. Travel safety gear items like pickpocket-proof garments and hidden pocket scarves can help with this.

Also, riding a motorbike in the busy areas of Bali can be dangerous — especially if you are an inexperienced rider. On the quieter roads away from tourist areas of the southern area of Bali, riding a motorbike can be safer, but always wear a helmet.

Natural disasters can occur in Bali due to active volcanoes on the island. For instance, Mount Agung erupted again back in 2017 creating travel issues. As Mt Agung is in the east, there were no real disruptions to the tourist south of the island; however, flights had to be canceled on certain days depending on the ash cloud direction.

One Week In Bali Travel Map

To help give you a lay of the land, here is a map for visiting Bali. It includes most of the main points and activities mentioned in this 7 day Bali itinerary:

Click here for an interactive version of this Bali travel map .

7-Day Bali Itinerary: Quick Overview

Here is a quick look at our 7 day itinerary for Bali:

Day #1: Ubud

• Campuhan Ridge Walk
• Cafe Wayan & Bakery
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Hujan Locale

Day #2: Ubud

• Balinese cooking class
• Tegalang Rice Terraces
• Locavore Restaurant

Day #3: Sidemen

• Milk and Madu
• Kanto Lampo Waterfall (one of the most popular waterfalls near Ubud and Sidemen)
• Tegenungan Waterfall
• Omma Dayclub
• Gembleng Waterfall
• Air Terjun Kuning
• Wapa di Ume Sidemen
• Asri Dining by Samanvaya

Day #4: Sidemen

• Sunrise hike up Mount Batur
• Mount Batur Geopark (which includes Lake Batur and Mount Batur)
• Penelokan Main Road
• Lake Batur Loop Trail
• Besakih Temple

Day #5: Nusa Islands

• Kelingking Beach
• Broken Beach
• Yellow Bridge
• Devil’s Tears
• Panorama Point

Day #6: Munduk

• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
• Lake Bratan
• Munduk Waterfalls Trail
• Hidden Strawberry Garden
• Rice Terrace Munduk Loop
• Bali Handara Gate
• Bali Twin Lakes Viewpoint
• Clouds Kitchen
• Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa

Day #7: Canggu

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
• Finns Beach Club

7-Day Bali Itinerary: Breakdown

To help you decide on the best things to do in Bali in one week, the following recommended itinerary introduces you to some of the island’s top experiences. Note that if you’d like to extend your trip, you can also check out this 2 week Bali itinerary .

Day 1: Explore Ubud on foot

We’ll kick off this 7 day itinerary in Bali in Ubud. Typically, it’s recommended to create at least a 2 or 3 day itinerary for Ubud .

Start your day with an early morning hike along the Campuhan Ridge Walk , a scenic trail that takes you through the picturesque landscapes of central Bali.

Along the way, you’ll take in stunning views of lush green hills, rice fields, and the Campuhan River Valley. As you stroll along the ridge, you’ll pass by charming Balinese villages, traditional houses, and small art galleries.

The best entry point to the walk is the entrance sign to the Ibah Villa & Suites on Jl Raya Campuhan. Follow the driveway down to the left and you will enter the trail once you pass the temple.

The Camuphan Ridge Walk is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) in length and can take up to 1 hour for a return trip at a leisurely pace. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, and it is best to start early before the midday sun makes it too hot.

A 15-minute walk from the Campuhan Ridge Walk entrance is the Monkey Forest Road , which showcases many restaurants and shops.

For a traditional Balinese lunch, stop at Cafe Wayan & Bakery . Established in 1986, their lush backyard gardens are the perfect setting to enjoy delicious food and drinks. Make sure to order the Indonesian Sampler Plate to try a variety of local dishes.

After lunch, your next stop is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary — which is sure to be a highlight of your Bali one week itinerary.

The new and improved visitor’s center explains why the sanctuary holds such great cultural and spiritual importance to the Balinese people. Not only is it home to several ancient temples and statues but it’s also inhabited by a large population of long-tailed macaques — which are considered sacred in Balinese culture.

By visiting the sanctuary, you can gain insight into Balinese Hinduism and witness the blend of nature and religion.

A small entrance fee allows you to wander around the forest and photograph the monkeys, majestic temples, and natural beauty of the place.

Tip: it is best to keep your loose items secured as the monkeys can be very cheeky and steal your things.

After a long day of walking and sightseeing in Bali, book a table to have dinner at Hujan Locale — one of celebrity Chef Will Meyrick’s restaurants. The family-style grazing menu showcases Indonesian and Southeast Asian street food-style dishes served in a contemporary style. And the cocktails are exceptional too!

Ubud Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Ubud . Ubud Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Ubud .

Day 2: Balinese cooking class & rice terrace visit

On the 5th day of your 7 day Bali itinerary, you can enjoy the experience of learning to cook local Balinese dishes at an Ubud cooking school .

There are a huge range of cooking schools in Bali and many will begin the day at a local market to buy fresh ingredients — which is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local Balinese culture.

Once the market shopping is completed, the class returns to a local family compound to commence the preparation of Balinese dishes.

The host will share many tips and tricks to cook up the most delicious recipes that will become lunch to share with your new friends in the group. You might also walk away with a recipe book to take home.

After lunch, visit Bali’s famous Tegalang Rice Terraces (Sawah Terasering Tegalalang). Located in the village of Tegalalang in central Bali, the rice terraces are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and cultural significance.

The steepness of the rice terraces is amazing and you feel like you are in a natural amphitheater.

Along with getting to take incredible photos, other highlights of visiting the Tegalang Rice Terraces include the chance to meet local farmers, learn about the rice-growing process, and try your hand at farming.

Additionally, there are several cafes and restaurants overlooking the terraces, providing a serene setting to enjoy a meal while admiring the scenic landscapes.

Note that it can often get quite busy in the morning at the rice paddies. Luckily, taking a leisurely stroll through the terraces before sunset is a beautiful way to end the day and can help you beat the crowds.

A stay in Ubud is not complete without visiting Locavore Restaurant located in central Ubud on Jalan Dewisita. Established in 2013 by chefs Eelke Plasmeijer and Ray Adriansyah, Locavore celebrates local and sustainably grown food. The tasting menu changes every four months, making it perfect to visit again and again.

In terms of accommodation, there are many great hotels in Ubud, though a few personal favorites include Alaya Resort (CHSE Certified) and Wapa di Ume .

Day 3: Chase waterfalls in Bali

No one week in Bali itinerary would be complete without exploring Bali’s waterfalls, which is what you’ll focus on today. Milk and Madu in Ubud near the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung) is the perfect cafe to fuel your body for this beautiful yet busy day.

After breakfast, your first stop is Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Gianyar Regency, near Ubud. An easy walk down from the parking lot, Kanto Lampo Waterfall is perfect for all ages.

The waterfall is truly stunning, with a unique cascade that flows down a series of stepped rocks. Below, the waterfall creates several natural rock pools at different levels — offering the opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

You will get wet to get an incredible photo opportunity underneath the waterfall, so be sure to wear your swimsuit. Changing facilities are also available.

The next stop is Tegenungan Waterfall — known for its powerful surge of water flowing down from 25 meters (82 feet). Surrounded by lush tropical forests and featuring a natural swimming pool, it’s one of the top places to visit in Bali in 7 days.

Once you’re done, consider taking an elevator down to the adjacent Omma Dayclub . Here you can enjoy lunch, a swim in the pool, and amazing views of Tegenungan Waterfall.

Next up on your Bali 7-day itinerary is Gembleng Waterfall , located in the hills of Sidemen. Easy to access and explore, the clifftop waterfall pools are a fantastic place to swim and enjoy spectacular views.

Air Terjun Kuning is the last waterfall on our list — and this one includes a 15-minute descent down concrete steps. Along the way, you’ll take in beautiful jungle views. And because it’s lesser known, there is a good chance you’ll have it all to yourself!

Be careful while swimming in the waterfall’s rock pools; the current can get quite strong as the water rushes through the canyon.

For your accommodations, it’s recommended to stay at the beautiful Wapa di Ume Sidemen . Set amongst the gorgeous hills of Sidemen, it is a perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.

The village of Sidemen has a well-preserved cultural heritage, and you’ll be able to experience traditional Balinese culture and a more authentic way of life than many other Bali destinations.

Additionally, it’s surrounded by lush rice terraces, scenic valleys, and towering mountains for a look at the island’s gorgeous countryside.

When you get hungry, head to Asri Dining by Samanvaya for dinner, which focuses on Indonesian dishes made with fresh and local ingredients.

Sidemen Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Sidemen . Sidemen Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Sidemen .

Day 4: Adventures around Mount Batur

For today’s Bali itinerary, hire a driver and leave Sidemen around 5am to head to Kintamani . Here, you’ll visit the UNSECO World Heritage-listed Mount Batur Geopark — which includes Lake Batur and Mount Batur .

Many people enjoy doing a sunrise hike up Mount Batur , though note this will involve arriving into the area the night before. For the hike, you’ll get picked up from your hotel around 1:30am-2:30am in order to reach the summit for sunrise around 5:30am.

It’s a hard 5.8-mile (9.3-kilometer) hike, though if you’re up for the early start and the challenge, it can be worth it for the unique experience of watching an epic sunrise over Lake Batur from atop a volcano. Undoubtedly, it will be a highlight of your Bali 7 day tour.

Alternatively, you can enjoy a coffee at one of the many roadside cafes on Penelokan Main Road — like AKASA Kintamani Coffee or Montana Del Cafe — while the sunrises over Mount Batur.

On a clear day, you may also get a view of Mount Agung — an active volcano that is the highest point in Bali and the island’s most sacred mountain. Many visitors also enjoy hiking Mount Agung , though note it’s very challenging.

After sunrise, hire a local guide to hike around Lake Batur. The moderate 15.7-mile (25.3-kilometer) Lake Batur Loop Trail takes you around a lake inside the caldera of Mount Batur Volcano, which is quite a stunning sight. Feel free to do as much or as little of the trek as you wish.

After your hike, rent a canoe through C.Bali Canoeing & Cycling and enjoy paddling on beautiful Lake Batur alongside local fishermen.

For lunch, choose from one of the many local warungs (small local Balinese eateries), like Nasi Goreng or Nasi Campur , which are my personal favorites.

Finish your day of outdoor adventure by visiting the Mount Batur Geopark Museum , which explains in detail all the wonders of Lake and Mount Batur.

On the drive back to your accommodation in Sidemen, visit Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih). Sitting on the west slope of Mount Agung, it’s known as the largest and holiest temple of Balinese Hinduism.

The temple complex is made up of 23 separate temples, with Pura Penataran Agung being the largest and most important. The temples are amazing to explore and you could easily spend hours wandering this spiritual place in Bali.

Day 5: Day trip to the Nusa Islands

A trip to Bali should always include time at the Nusa Islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida . Most of the tours and fast boats to the Nusa Islands depart from Sanur Beach in northern Sanur.

The main reason to visit the Nusa Islands is for the laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches with palm trees, and amazing snorkeling. Moreover, it is quieter than Bali and the sunsets are spectacular.

They are both beautiful places to stay, but with only a 7 day trip to Bali, you will need to join a guided tour — like these top-rated options .

The boat ride over is a lot of fun and you can then take in beautiful views of Kelingking Beach and the fascinating Broken Beach on Nusa Penida Island.

Broken Beach is actually a phenomenon where a natural archway has formed, creating a circular hole in the cliffs that surround a turquoise-colored lagoon. The archway looks like a broken bridge.

If the weather permits, jump in the water for some swimming and snorkeling.

Once you’ve finished exploring Nusa Penida, tours typically take you by boat to Nusa Lembongan. Here you can check out the famous Yellow Bridge that links Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The bridge can only be crossed on foot or by bike.

A short drive from the Yellow Bridge on Nusa Lembongan is Devil’s Tears — an interesting rock formation that puts on a spectacular show at high tide when the water blows 2-3 meters in the air. Just note that getting too close can be dangerous, so it’s best to watch from a safe distance.

At the end of the guided tour, enjoy fantastic views of Bali and Mount Agung from Panorama Point on Nusa Lembongan.

Included in the day trip to the Nusa Islands is the return fast boat trip to Sanur. With only 7 days to visit Bali, it is recommended to stay in Sanur after the guided tour.

One recommendation is to stay at the Segara Village Hotel in Sanur. The hotel is on the beach and is only a 20-minute leisurely walk along the water from the Sanur Port (Pelabuhan Sanur) boat arrival point.

Sanur Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Sanur . Sanur Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Sanur .

Day 6: Explore Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

After a delicious breakfast at the picturesque in-house restaurant Byrd House Bali at the Segara Village Hotel, today you’ll head to North Bali to the mountainous region of Bedugul .

Hire a driver or book a tour to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Pura Ulun Danu Bratan), a Hindu temple that sits on the shores of Lake Bratan — a location that reflects the deep connection between the Balinese people and their natural environment.

Exploring the temple complex allows you to take in its striking architecture, gardens, several Merus (pagoda-like structures), shrines, and iconic tiered roofs. In fact, you can see these roofs reflected on Lake Bratan (Danau Beratan) — which is a great photo op!

Additionally, you can hire a boat to cruise around the lake. Seeing the temple from the water with the mist-covered mountains and lush greenery in the background is an awe-inspiring sight.

Next up on your Bali 7 day itinerary is Munduk — a village located in the highlands of Bali known for its scenic landscapes, lush rice terraces, waterfalls, and coffee plantations.

You can spend time exploring local nature through activities like hiking the Munduk Waterfalls Trail or the Rice Terrace Munduk Loop , or strawberry picking at one of the many local u-pick farms, like Hidden Strawberry Garden .

Close by to the strawberry farms is the stunning Bali Handara Gate . The gate is the entrance to the Handara Golf & Resort and is most famous as one of Bali’s top Instagram spots .

A short drive away is the Bali Twin Lakes Viewpoint  offering a view over the Twin Lakes : Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan. It’s a beautiful setting to enjoy a drink at one of the roadside stalls.

By now, you’re probably hungry. For a delicious Indonesian meal, head to Clouds Kitchen within the gorgeous Elevate by Hanging Gardens resort. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Bali — and it features sweeping views too!

Since it’s a long drive to Munduk, it’s recommended to stay overnight. One of my personal favorite Bali accommodations in this area is the Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa , which offers the ultimate sunset views over northern Bali and East Java.

They have a working coffee plantation and so many activities to enjoy — from trekking to cycling to enjoying a Bali flower bath in their spa. The food served in their restaurants is also delicious.

Just be sure to pack something warm, as it can get chilly in the Munduk Hills.

Munduk Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Munduk . Munduk Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Munduk .

Day 7: Relax in Canggu

Wake up at Munduk Moding Plantation to the sound of silence and enjoy breakfast with views over the infinity pools.

Don’t forget to take a photo of yourself walking along the infinity pool edge, which creates an illusion that you are walking in the sky!

After checking out, make the drive down to Canggu , with a stop at the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces along the way.

Located in the coastal regency of Tabanan , the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces span over 600 hectares (1,483 acres). It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature and the usage of traditional Balinese agricultural practices.

It’s easy to explore the rice terraces on foot to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery and take photos.

Once you reach Canggu, treat yourself. After a busy week traveling Bali, relax at the VIP area of Finns Beach Club in Canggu — a lovely spot to chill out and enjoy an afternoon by the pool sipping cocktails. It’s also a great place to get a Balinese massage.

Remember to have your camera charged, as the sunsets here are spectacular.

Canggu Hotels: Click here for a full list of hotels in Canggu . Canggu Tours: Click here for a full list of fun tours in Canggu .

Best Tours In Bali

Short on time but want to make the most of your visit to Bali? Add the following top-rated experiences to your Bali 7-day itinerary.

These excursions are also great for those traveling solo in Bali , as they offer a fun way to make new friends:

• ️Nusa Penida by Private Boat: Snorkeling 4 Spots, Swim with Mantas & Land Tour (from Kota Denpasar)
• Best of Ubud: Monkey Forest, Temple, Waterfall, Rice Terrace & Art Villages (from Ubud)
• Bali ATV Ride & White Water Rafting (from Badung Regency)
• Gate of Heaven: East Bali Private Full Day Tour – All Inclusive (from Ubud)
• Best of Bali Waterfalls: Tibumana, Tukad Cepung & Tegenungan (from Denpasar)
• Bali Full-Day Water Temples and UNESCO Rice Terraces Tour (from Denpasar)

Click here for a full list of Bali tours .

Cost Of A 7-day Trip To Bali

Now that we’ve gone over what to do in Bali for a week, let’s discuss costs. The amount you spend in Bali for one week will depend on your budget and style of traveling. You can eat and stay in local places or you can splurge and stay at high-end 5-star Bali resorts.

Value for money is exceptional in Bali. You can live like a celebrity for a fraction of the price that it would cost in other parts of the world.

That being said, here is an estimate of what a Bali 7 days itinerary might cost. Note that prices are in USD:

Cost of accommodation in Bali

Homestays: A great way to explore Bali on a budget is to stay at local homestays. Prices vary between $70-$200 per week.

Budget hotels/villas: For access to a pool and clean rooms, you can expect to pay $250-$400 per week.

Mid-range hotels/villas: Great value options with resort-style facilities can be found for $550-$1500 per week. This can include many well-known hotel brands like IHG and Marriott International.

Luxury hotels/villas: Bali does 5-star luxury amazingly well! $2000-$7000 per week will provide you with the ultimate Bali stay.

This map   can help you compare your options for the best hotels in Bali. It’s set to show hotels and rentals in Ubud, but you can easily change this based on where you’re staying:

Cost of food in Bali

Eating in local Balinese warungs will set you back $2 for a nasi goreng (an Indonesian fried rice dish). Add a Bintang beer for $1.

Balinese cafes typically offer great service and are reasonably priced. For example, a burger is between $6-$10.

Higher-end restaurants will cost between $15-$35 for dishes that taste amazing.

Cost of transportation in Bali

Bali driver: Day trips cost about $60.

Grab or Gojek: A motorbike ride can cost between $0.50 to $5 depending on the distances covered.

Cost of activities in Bali

One of the best things to do in Bali is completely free: seeing a spectacular local sunrise or sunset ! The best sunrises are in Sanur and Nusa Dua. For the best sunsets, Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, Jimbaran, and Uluwatu are the places to be.

Shopping in the local markets you will find Bali souvenirs and clothes for $1-$10. Remember to barter.

Waterpark entry prices can range from $10-$40 per person, and fun tour activities like ATV riding cost between $60-$80.

Tips For Having An Amazing Week In Bali

Exploring Bali in one week will give you a small taste of this beautiful island. To help you make the most of your Bali 7-day itinerary, here are some tips:

Be polite. It is important to ask questions of the Balinese in a polite way and to always respect their culture. Always carry a sarong and keep shoulders covered at temples. Also, read the rules before entering temples as some customs can vary widely from Western society.

Know how to get around. Getting around Bali can take time due to traffic and in more rural areas, due to the road conditions. It is important to factor this in when planning your 7 days in Bali itinerary. Always choose places closer together so you spend less time traveling in the car each day.

Understand tipping guidelines. Tipping is not expected, as a service charge of 21% is often added; however, if you receive amazing service, tips are always welcome.

Barter at markets. Shopping at markets can be fun in Bali. Just be sure to barter and not walk out of the shop paying too much.

Travel Insurance For 7 Days In Bali

When visiting Bali — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the  best travel medical insurance for travelers  is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Bali In 7 Days: Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed this one week itinerary for Bali!

Bali offers a diverse and captivating experience that leaves visitors enchanted with its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.

Using the above 7-day Bali itinerary, you’ll be able to enjoy the best that this island paradise has to offer. Your heart and mind will be forever grateful.

What would you add to this 7 day Bali itinerary?

Enjoyed this itinerary for Bali in 7 days ? Pin it for later!

About The Author

Kate Comer is the creator of the travel blog Rolling Along With Kids , which aims to inspire families to travel to Bali, which she has visited over 13 times. Along with reading her Bali guides, you can connect with Kate via her Facebook group , Facebook page , and Instagram .

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Hello JESSIE,

Given information is very useful. We also visited Bali in July, just want to ask, have you also faced problems while converting money from local shops? People tried to cheat on us.

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Victims Describe Their Pain and Prisoners Apologize in Bali Bombing Trial

A Guantánamo military court heard anguishing testimony at the sentencing hearing for two Malaysian prisoners who pleaded guilty after 20 years of detention.

By Carol Rosenberg

Reporting from Guantánamo Bay, Cuba

Relatives of tourists killed in the 2002 terrorist bombing in Bali, Indonesia, spoke of endless, devastating grief, and two prisoners who conspired in the attack renounced violence in the name of Islam on Thursday for a U.S. military jury assembled at Guantánamo Bay to deliberate their sentence.

The prisoners, Mohammed Farik Bin Amin and Mohammed Nazir Bin Lep, both Malaysians, pleaded guilty last week to war crimes charges for conspiring with an affiliate of Al Qaeda that carried out the attack. The bombings killed 202 people from 22 nations.

“No God of any religion rewards such acts of horror,” said Solomon Lamagni-Miller, 18, of London. He was born after his uncle, Nathaniel Dan Miller, 31, was killed in the bombing and read a statement written by the victim’s mother, his grandmother.

Christopher Snodgrass of Glendale, Ariz., said the loss of his daughter, Deborah, 33, in the bombing and other “terrorist activities worldwide” left him despising “over 20 percent of the world population, Muslims. I’m a religious person, and the hate-filled person I have become is certainly not what I wanted.”

Echoing the sentiment of several family members, he appealed to the jury to “deal with these murderers in such a manner that they can’t do to others as they’ve done to us.”

For hours this week, fathers, mothers, a brother and three sisters of the victims offered anguished descriptions of searches for missing relatives, of life-altering burns and of the vacuum left by the deaths of young people who had gone on vacation in Bali and never came home.

Two of Mr. Bin Amin’s elder brothers tearfully asked the jury for leniency. Then both defendants renounced their terrorist pasts, apologized to the families and said they were tortured while in the C.I.A.’s secret overseas prison network from 2003 to 2006.

The men were captured in Thailand in June 2003. A U.S. military jury is hearing the case to decide a sentence in the 20- to 25-year range, and cannot grant credit for time served. There is, however, a secondary, secret agreement in which the men could return to Malaysia later this year.

Mr. Bin Amin’s brothers flew in from Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, and sat in the public portion of the spectators’ gallery, where a blue curtain separated relatives of the dead from the United States, Britain and Germany.

The oldest brother, Fadil, 62, an architect who was educated in Birmingham, England, sorrowfully told the court that his mother taught all 10 of her children a peaceful form of Islam. “He somehow got sidetracked” and made bad choices, he said.

In the gallery sat Matthew Arnold, who traveled to Guantánamo from his home in Birmingham and testified that his brother Timothy, 43, was in Bali for a rugby tournament when he was killed “by this atrocity.”

“My family’s lives have been changed completely by the actions of the perpetrators of this crime,” he said. “And I would like the court and Mr. Bin Amin, and Mr. Bin Lep, to be aware of the devastating effects of their actions on so many innocent and decent people.”

Mr. Bin Amin, who hung his head at the defense table throughout the hours of testimony, apologized to the victims, his family and “all Muslims. This is not what I was taught as a child,” he said.

In his two decades of U.S. detention, he said, “I have changed. I am not an angry young man anymore. I am a reformed man. My faith has evolved.”

As part of their plea deal, both men offered secret testimony earlier this week for the future war crimes trial of Encep Nurjaman, a prisoner known as Hambali whom prosecutors portray as a mastermind of terrorist attacks in Indonesia in 2002 and 2003. But both men said in their confessions that they had no firsthand knowledge of Mr. Hambali’s role in the attack.

On Thursday, Mr. Bin Amin went further.

“I didn’t know anything about the Bali bombing until after it happened,” he said, describing his role in the plot as helping some of the perpetrators after the bombing and assisting in money transfers that could be used for other attacks.

He showed drawings he made of himself being tortured, which were recently declassified to show the jury.

Col. George C. Kraehe, the case prosecutor, did not object to the artwork that showed Mr. Bin Amin nude, hooded, shackled in painful positions and at one point held spread-eagle on a plastic tarp by masked guards, with one pouring water into his nose and mouth.

Christine A. Funk, Mr. Bin Amin’s lawyer, said the artwork display was to help the jury “in weighing appropriate punishment.”

Mr. Bin Lep said he did not want the legacy of torture “to define who I am.”

Also, he said, “I forgive the people who tortured me.”

He admitted to his crimes. “I am guilty of my role in the Bali bombing,” he said.

He described himself as “young, immature and stubborn” when he was drawn to Afghanistan in 2000 and 2001 to train with Al Qaeda.

“All I wish for now is peace,” he said. “I wish that peace for everyone here, but especially the victims and their families.”

Carol Rosenberg reports on the wartime prison and court at Guantánamo Bay. She has been covering the topic since the first detainees were brought to the U.S. base in 2002. More about Carol Rosenberg

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Home » Southeast Asia » Indonesia » Bali

Backpacking Bali Travel Guide 2024

Let me whisk you away for a moment. Are you ready?

Picture wind in your hair as you speed down a road that is surrounded by rice fields, glistening the most intense green you’ve ever seen.

Picture sand between your toes and water droplets dripping on your hands from an ice-cold coconut as you watch the skies go pink and purple and baby-blue above the ocean.

Picture stretching out to a downward dog as you hear the waves crash somewhere in the distance.

These are completely normal, everyday experiences in Bali. They’re not even up top in what this little island has to offer.

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world which is why I was really unsure I would EVER visit Bali. Hadn’t I already seen the whole place on Instagram?

I promise you that you have not.

When you’re planning to backpack Bali on a budget, it’s important to know what to do. Where to go? What to do? Where do all the cool people hang?

This budget travel guide to Bali covers everything and more that you need to know for your trip. Soon you’ll be more than prepared for this amazing island.

Why Go Backpacking in Bali?

Bali has a lot more to do than most islands of its size. Here you can eat, drink, lounge, surf, explore, relax, hike, dive, and much, much more all within the course of a week or two.

You could start your morning with a surf in the salty waves; spend the day driving from waterfall to waterfall; then end the night in a spectacular sunset with a cold beer (or a fresh coconut for ya health nuts). That is, before you hit the nightlife. Live music in a speakeasy? Stand-up comedy? Open-mic poetry? Getting absolutely shitface-wasted and dancing on the beach?

That’s just one day of Bali travel. This place is a paradise both inside and out.

People who come to Bali swear that there’s some special magic in the air. It’s the kind of sparkles that get travellers to come here “for a week” – next thing you know, you’ve applied for a two-year visa.

It helps that the lifestyle is fucking good. As a backpacker, I’m sure you can appreciate a sliver of hardcore rest&relaxation among your busy itinerary. Soak in a flower bath, get massaged for hours, or hit the gym – and all this for ultra-cheaply.

There is so much to do and see in Bali that trying to take part in everything may seem overwhelming at first. Luckily, this budget travel guide to Bali is here to help you sort through everything.

Prepare to rock out amigos. I’ll show you my favourite places to chill, party, eat and explore in Bali 🙂

Best Itineraries for Backpacking Bali

With so much to do, where do you start a Bali budget trip?

Lucky for you, I’ve created a few itineraries that show you a few of Bali’s best sides. Hopefully you’ll stick around and stay for a few weeks at least to check out all the best things to see in Bali!

Distances here are not insurmountable; the points in these itineraries are just 1-2 hours apart. If you’re brave enough to take a scooter to the infamous Bali roads, you’ll be backpacking Bali in no time at all.

5 Days Travel Itinerary for Bali: A Party Trip to Bali

Only have a few days to travel in Bali? No problem! With this 5-day itinerary for Bali, you’ll still get a taster of the Island of Gods.

A lot of backpackers end up in Kuta , but, frankly, I fucking hate Kuta. It’s tacky, busy and basically just a drinking area for young backpackers.

Of course if that’s what you’re after… then Kuta is an excellent spot to hang out at for a night or two.

After this, move on to Canggu to rest your hungover head on the beaches and instagrammable cafés for a bit. (Although you can also easily base yourself in Canggu for the whole thing and just go to Kuta to party.) If you need to get out, visit Tanah Lot to the north of Canggu.

Then head to the Bukit Peninsula, AKA Uluwatu. It’s possible to visit as a day trip but the cliffs offer some of the best sunset views on the island, so I recommend spending at least a night there! Plus, it’s closer to the airport than Canggu. Visit Uluwatu Temple and the famously beautiful beaches.

1 Week Travel Itinerary for Bali: The Highlands and the North

Many travellers argue that backpacking Ubud and the lush mountains of northern Bali require their own separate itinerary and for good reason – there’s so much to do here! Go rambling in the rice terraces; visit the many volcanoes in Indonesia ; have a spa day in one of the many jungle retreats… there are a lot of options.

For this 7-day itinerary for Bali, Ubud will be your primary base of operation. The town itself has stuff to see and explore for at least a day, and you can easily find tons of good day trips around there – just take your pick.

From Ubud, travel to north Bali to Lake Batur where you can climb Mount Batur at sunrise. It’s easily one of the top things to do in Bali! Lastly, travel down through the island to Canggu for a least day or two. Because if you went to Bali and didn’t even see one beach, did you even go to Bali?

1 Month Travel Itinerary for Bali: The Grand Tour

Got a whole month to spare for backpacking Bali? Good. This itinerary will take you all over: you’ll see the jungles, volcanoes, temples, beaches, dive bars, everything you can imagine!

Once you land, head to Uluwatu . Surf, enjoy sunsets, chill on hidden beaches, and visit some of Bali’s best temples.

From there, head to Sanur . You can spend a couple of days there but mainly it’s important as the port to the Nusa Islands. Base yourself on Nusa Lembongan from where it’s super easy to also check out Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.

Return to the mainland and make your way to Kuta or Seminyak – if you want to party. If not, you can easily skip it and head right down to Canggu .

From Canggu, it’s an easy way up to Ubud and all of its surrounding waterfalls and jungle treks. Next, you’ll make your way to northern Bali; but make a quick stop in Bedugul . Here you’ll get to see the awesome Pura Ulun Danu Beratan temple and the nearby mountain lakes.

Spend a couple of days Munduk which IMHO is the best place for hiking in Bali. 

Next up: Lovina . There’s not much to see so one or two nights is enough but it IS worth a stop to see the dolphins. From Lovina, travel to the mountainous Kintamani area to climb Mount Batur. 

All righty. Had enough of mountains? Pop by in Sideman to hang out in some more nature before ending up in Amed on the coast. If you still have time, make a stop in Candidasa or Padang Bai, but eventually this itinerary is closing in Denpasar from where you can easily get to the airport.

Best Places to Visit in Bali

Now it’s time to cover the best places to visit in Bali more in-depth, so you know exactly where to go during your trip. From the most popular destinations to some hidden gems , this is where to go backpacking in Bali.

Note that the towns on the south coast of Bali are pretty much blended together with no visible city borders. Each area has a bit of a different vibe to others, though. My best advice is to base yourself in Canggu and commute from there to wherever you want to go!

Psssst…. Searching for your Tribe?

Tribal Hostel – Bali’s first purpose-built co-working hostel and perhaps the greatest hostel in the world!

An ideal hub for Digital Nomads and backpackers, this very special hostel is now finally open…

Come on down and enjoy amazing coffee, high-speed wifi and a game of pool 😉

Backpacking Canggu

Visiting Canggu is my FAVOURITE thing in Bali! It feels worlds away from the chaotic, congested streets of Kuta and Legian. It’s still not quiet, though. This is where lots of expats and digital nomads in Bali have hung their hats so there’s always something going on.

Between yoga studios, vegan restaurants, a great surf beach, awesome nightlife, famous gyms… I fucking love it here. There’s just so much to do in Canggu ! Canggu is a village with a big city heart.

(Note: When people say “Canggu”, they usually mean all the other areas surrounding it, too. It’s a little bit confusing but if you hear people talk about Berawa, Pererenan or Umalas, you can just assume it’s Canggu-adjacent.)

Canggu has many beaches that have become popular for their surf as well as sunsets. Granted, they’re not super pretty – but they’re great for grabbing a sunset coconut. Echo Beach is the most famous of these, but Batu Bolong and Berawa Beach are good as well.

Some of the best bars in Canggu are Black Sand Brewery (great craft beers!), La Brisa (best shisha), and The Lawn (awesome place for sunset cocktails!) All these spots are pricey for Bali standards though so if you’re backpacking Bali on a budget, join the crowds at seedy dive bars, in front of mini-marts, or the bar at your awesome Canggu hostel .

If you’re a Digital Nomad visiting Bali, make sure to head down to Tribal Hostel for some networking, slamming the keyboard, chilling in the pool or sipping on a cold coconut from the bar. It recently opened its dorm and private rooms as well, so you can even make this your base for adventures on the island.

One of the top things to do in Canggu is to just hang out in cafés and restaurants. Canggu has an incredibly diverse and delicious food scene and the best coffee in Bali!

Don’t miss out on driving through “The Shortcut”, an infamous rice paddy road connecting central Canggu and Berawa. It used to topple careless foreigners and car drivers over all the time, but as of January 2022, Canggu’s once most-dangerous road has been re-paved and it’s sexier than ever.

When visiting Canggu, take a day trip to Tanah Lot . This temple is located on a rocky outcropping on the coast and it is one of the best things to do in Bali.

Backpacking Ubud

Ubud is the primary base for backpackers to explore the highlands of Bali. The “green heart of Bali” is a very lush and beautiful place, close to some of Bali’s best rice terraces, temples, waterfalls, and mountains.

Ubud itself is a collection of a dozen or so villages and all of them come together to form a decent-sized community. If you’re wondering where to stay in Ubud , keeping it central is a good idea.

Ubud is absolutely jam-packed with temples that come in all shapes and sizes. Nowhere else in Bali can you find so many religious sites and in such great propensity.

You have the epic Goa Gajah, Pura Kehen, the humble Yeh Pulu, and the Tirta Emplus, which has been the setting for many an Instagram snap. My real favourite is Gunung Kawi, mostly for its expansiveness but also for its ambience.

Ubud’s Monkey Forest is very popular to visit for very obvious reasons – here, monkeys run freely among the wooded grounds and play with visitors. Be careful though: monkeys are fuckers and they will steal your snacks, iPhone, and probably soul, too.

Be sure to visit the Neka Art Gallery, Setiadarma House, Ubud Palace, and the Agung Rai Museum for some prime culture. Many of the best hostels in Ubud are within walking distance from its top attractions.

Ubud is all about the nature. You probably already know the Tegallalang rice terraces and the Campuhan Ridge Walk from Instagram but in real life , they’re also gorgeous. Just get up early to avoid crowds!

This town is also known for its hippies. Spiritual backpackers will feel right at home here, and it offers some of the best yoga in Bali.

Backpacking Kuta

Located west of Denpasar is one the longest and most developed areas on the entire island. Consisting of Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, these buzzing neighborhoods offer not only lots to do but some of the best places to stay in Bali on a budget if you’re young and wanna drink a lot. Here you’ll find the bulk of shops and restaurants on the island as well as some of the most popular beaches.

Kuta definitely has a reputation for being pretty debaucherous and grimy. All of Kuta’s neighbourhoods are lined with countless dive bars, and by night wasted drinkers stumble around, trying their hardest not to fall off their motorbike taxis.

If you’re looking for the best parties in Bali, you’ll definitely find many of them here in Kuta. If this is your jam, book into a party hostel in Kuta and have yourself an absolute blast.

It’s hard to say which bars are the best bars in Kuta. The beach bars are numerous and somewhat generic, though Sam’s Bar and the Capil Beach Bar do stand out. In the interior of the neighbourhood, you have classic establishments like Paddy’s Pub, Deejay Club, VH Bali, and the Hard Rock that are generally the go-to spots.

As mentioned before, nearly all of Kuta’s bars will have a certain seediness to them whether you like that kind of thing or not – there are a lot of working girls around, try not to be a dick and if you’re going to interact, treat these ladies of the night kindly.

Kuta also has a number of spas and yoga studios in addition to an impressive beach. Visiting any one of these makes for a good way to weather the massive hangovers. The beach itself is long and actually very nice although crowded. Kuta Beach still remains one of the best places to surf in Bali so long as you don’t mind sharing the beach.

Backpacking Seminyak and Legian

Seminyak is the most upscale area on the western beach stretch that includes Kuta and Legian.

This neighborhood is by far the most orderly of the three and has the most luxurious accommodations and restaurants. Prices here are consequently the highest of the three as well. But don’t worry – you’ll still find some cheaper backpacker hostels in Seminyak .

The beach here is still top quality but not so good for surfing.

Seminyak’s bars are well known for being very chique places where people like to go and be seen. Among the most famous establishments are Ku De Ta, Potato Head, Woo Bar, and La Favela, though there are many, many more worth mentioning (if we had more time!)

Be sure to dress nicely as it’s a bit fancier here than Kuta – I was turned away from one place on account of a tank top.

If you’re finding staying in Seminyak a bit to bougie for your tastes, head a little south to the neighbourhood of Legian . Legian is great because it has a little bit of everything: some shopping here, some bars there, and plenty of beach in between. The vibes are not too extreme and the energy here feels much more stable.

The beaches of Legian are well kept and somewhat laidback. They are definitely more like Kuta than Seminyak though, with lots of shacks and happy hour offerings.

The shopping in Legian is diverse and you can find just about anything here. There are plenty of boutiques that sell more than just the usual Bintang shirts and phallic souvenirs though you can still find plenty of those latter items in Legian. Overall, prices in Legian are only slightly higher than those Kuta but less than Seminyak.

Bar-wise, Legian almost blends seemingly into Kuta as they’re very close to one another. Zanzibar Beach Front, Bounty Discotheque, Engine Room, and Sky Garden all worth visiting.

Backpacking Uluwatu & the Bukit Peninsula

Uluwatu is a surfer mecca! Located on the southern tip of the island, Uluwatu has legendary surf, gorgeous temples, and some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Uluwatu is, for lack of better terms, simply stunning and just really fucking cool.

Note: Again, the backpackers of Bali tend to simplify names. The whole area is known as Bukit Peninsula and Uluwatu is just a small part of it but pretty much everyone just refers to the whole deal as Uluwatu, so you should too 🙂

The landscape is distinctly more rugged and arid than the rest of Bali. Here you will find epic coastal cliffs and hidden coves that are just waiting to be explored. Some of the best beaches in Uluwatu include Nyang Nyang Beach, Balangan Beach, Bingin, Padang-Padang, and Suluban Beach , among others.

The waves in Uluwatu should be irresistible to big wave surfers. If you’re a beginner, stay out of the water! These waves are for experienced surfers – if you’re just learning, head down to Batu Bolong in Canggu.

One of the best things to see in Uluwatu  is definitely on the western edge of the peninsula – an area that is referred to locally as “ Blue Point .” Built among the cliffs overlooking the sea, the hotels here are a pretty awesome sight. Grabbing a drink and watching the surfers catch waves as the sun sets is one of the best things to do in Bali as night approaches.

Also, you can’t miss Pura Uluwatu. This complex, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, is one of the most impressive temples in Bali. Try to catch a kecak dance ceremony here.

On the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula is the ultra-exclusive Nusa Dua area. It’s a gated community and pretty much a bore if you’re travelling Bali on a shoestring budget. If you’ve got some dough to spend, though, the fancy resorts can treat you like royalty.

Renting a villa in Uluwatu is quite heavy on the budget but luckily there are plenty of cheaper backpacker hostels in Uluwatu for those on a Bali budget trip.

Backpacking Sanur

Sanur is one of the oldest resort areas in Bali and maintains a pretty relaxed atmosphere. As such, Sanur is more popular with the middle-aged crowd and/or those with families who are just trying to avoid dealing with the madness of the western beaches.

Like any beachside resort worth two shits, Sanur has some great beaches to chill on. These beaches are notably devoid of the bars that litter the western shores, and are instead replaced by a well-maintained promenade.

This paved path is great for early morning jogs as well as bike rides with the family. Watersports – in particular, kitesurfing – are very popular activities in Sanur. Note that because it faces the east, sunrises are better than sunsets in Sanur.

Thanks to its central location in east Bali, Sanur is a great place to organize dive trips. The diving around Sanur specifically isn’t all that great but many of the island’s top dive instructors are in this area, so it still makes sense to organize dives here.

There are a couple of non-beach related activities around Sanur worth checking out. The La Mayeur Museum is a lovely gallery (and former residence) that exhibits the works of Belgian impressionist Adrien Jean La Mayeur. There is a beautiful Orchid Garden in Sanur as well as the Pura Blanjong , which is home to the extremely important Prasati Blanjong stone pillar.

One of my favourite secret-not-so-secret things to do in Bali is located right outside of Sanur – the Taman Festival park . This abandoned theme park is awesome for a couple of hours of urban exploring!

Sanur is also the gateway to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, both of which are among the best places to visit in Bali!

Backpacking Amed

Once one of the sleepiest, most impoverished fishing villages in Bali, Amed is now becoming one of the most popular diving destinations on the island! Set against the inspiring Mt. Agung, Amed has some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in Bali, in addition to some stunning scenery.

Amed’s main attractions are mostly ocean-oriented. Between Amed and the local community of Tulambed , there are a plethora of dive sites to visit. There are several dive operators within either town that can organize trips out to the sites easily and affordably.

The USS Liberty wreck is one of the most awesome dive sites in the area as it has become a menagerie for aquatic life. There’s another popular wreck in Lipah Bay (known as the Japanese wreck which is also very accessible to snorkelers) and a contemporary “underwater gallery” in Jemeluk Bay .

The scenery around Amed is some of the best in Bali. Views of Mt. Agung are plentiful especially around Jemeluk Bay. There’s a place in Jemeluk that is particularly exposed to the mountain and it’s become popular with locals for its great sunset views. Its name is (not surprisingly) Sunset Point . You can see the sunset from a stand-up paddleboard in the bay or sip on a Bintang at the local bar (seats fill up quick!).

If you’re feeling invigorated by Mt. Agung , why not considered visiting or even climbing it?! Mt. Agung is only within an hour’s drive of Amed. The holiest temple on the island, Pura Besakih , is also located at the base of the mighty mountain.

Amed is also the best place to stay if you want to visit the famous Lempuyang temple. But don’t stick to the boring Insta-photos at the first gates – climb the hill to see a dozen other temples!

Backpacking Lovina

Located in northern Bali, Lovina is perhaps the most laidback of all the beach destinations on the island. Once a singular resort, named Lovina by a king, the term Lovina has come to refer to a greater collection of villages that have all become popular with travellers.

The black-sand beaches around Lovina are very calm, both in terms of crowds and tides, when compared to the more southern beaches. Because of the calm sea, diving and snorkelling are also popular activities.

Dolphin sightings are frequent in these waters as well, so much so that these animals have become a mascot of sorts in town. The famous Dolphin Statue crowns the central village of Lovina, which is officially called Kalibukbuk . Take an early-morning dolphin cruise, you won’t regret it!

What really sets Lovina apart from the rest of Bali are the nearby waterfalls. These cascades are the best on the island and exploring them is one of the most fun things to do in Bali. Popular falls include Gitgit, Aling-Aling, Singsing, Sekumpul, and Blahmantung .

Some other attractions around Lovina are the Air Panas Banjar hot springs and Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist temple.

Backpacking Denpasar

Denpasar is Bali’s fast-paced and densely inhabited capital. Most who are backpacking around Bali just pass through here on their way to somewhere else and don’t see much of the city.

And to be honest – that’s the best thing to do. Denpasar doesn’t have a beach, it’s chaotic and heavily trafficked, and just not what you probably came to Bali for.

Still, it’s not all tragic. Denpasar has many temples, museums, and cultural centres to visit. It also has the best movie theatres in Bali in case you were craving a little normalcy during your backpacking trip. My best advice would be to base yourself along the coast – Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu – and drive up to Denpasar for the day.

Lapangan Puputan Margarana is probably the most prominent and important landmark in the area. At the centre is a large monument that commemorates Balinese independence through the celebration of the puputans – the original Balinese fighters who committed suicide to combat the Dutch.

Near the Puputan is the Bali Museum , which has a great collection of Balinese artefacts. Though the Bali Museum is perhaps the largest, there are several others that you can visit in Denpasar, including the Sidik Jari Museum , the Wedhi Budaya Cultural Centre , and the Interactive Art Museum .

Also worth seeing is the Taman Budaya Art Center – this building has a large amphitheatre that hosts many performances including dancing and music. This site is also the centre of the Bali Arts Festival.

Finally, there are a few noteworthy temples around Denpasar. Pura Sakenan, Pura Agung Jagatnata, and Pura Maospahit are all charming little shrines. The old Palace of Satria , once a royal residence, now serves as a holy place as well.

Backpacking Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida

For those looking to get away from the madness of mainland Bali, to find an island escape from a bigger island escape if you will, the Nusa Islands make for an awesome respite. Let the island hopping begin!

The Nusa Archipelago is composed of three islands: Lembongan, Penida, and Ceningan . Each one has different sorts of attractions and varying levels of development – Lembongan has the most infrastructure while Penida has the least; Ceningan is connected to Lembongan by a famous yellow bridge and is practically an extension of the island.

You can catch a boat between Lembongan and Penida easily; it takes only ten minutes. Lembongan has the best accommodation and restaurant options so that’s why I’d recommend staying in Nusa Lembongan .

Each of the islands has a similar ultra-rugged topography; think Uluwatu but more rough and epic. Rising prominently from the sea, these islands are protected by sheer, sometimes crazy coastal cliffs that are awe-inspiring to see. What few beaches there are usually hidden away from sight and are totally pristine. Finally, the water surrounding the islands is probably the deepest cerulean that I’ve ever seen.

There are a couple of settlements spread throughout the islands that are like more down-tempo versions of Bali’s touristy areas. In these, you’ll find the usual joints like beach bars, organic cafes, and yoga studios. Lembongan has a tiny but active expat community as well, mostly centred around surfing and scuba diving.

You can start exploring the islands and visiting popular locations like the Devil’s Tear on Nusa Lembongan or the Blue Lagoon on Ceningan but be sure to blaze your own trail sometimes.

Being a much larger island, Nusa Penida has way more to see than its neighbours. The beaches of Atuh, Suwehan, Panadan, and Kelingking Beach are all worth seeing. My personal favourite was Diamond Beach.  Nusa Penida is also the best place to see and swim with manta rays – and it’s absolutely magical.

Getting to the Nusas only takes about half an hour on a boat from Sanur or Padang Bai so I highly recommend checking them out if you have 2-3 days to spare in your Bali itinerary.

Off the Beaten Path in Bali

Between all of the traffic, resorts, and developments, there are definitely moments where Bali can feel less chilled than you expected. Thankfully, there are still parts of the island that are relatively untouched by mass tourism; places where you can really unwind and let your feet roam wherever they want.

Bedugul : Okay, this mountain village is not exactly offbeat – it’s home to Pura Ulun Danu Beratan , a water temple that is literally one of the most famous sights in Bali. Most people just stop by for the temple (and the Insta-famous giant gate that is, in fact, just a gate to a golf resort). However, it’s worth sticking around for at least one night. You can visit the Botanical Gardens, hike Mount Catur, drive up to the nearby twin lakes Tamblingan and Buyan, and explore the multitude of nearby waterfalls.

Munduk : Munduk is one of the best mountain getaways in Bali, and probably among the best places for hiking in Bali. This little mountain village is surrounded by green jungles and gorgeous waterfalls. Plus, since it’s up in the mountains, the crisp air offers some much-needed relief from the stifling Bali heat.

Sideman : Gorgeous and quiet, this area in east Bali is known for endless rice fields and epic views of Mount Agung. Check out some temples or hunt down waterfalls! My favourites in the area are Tukad Cepung and Gembleng waterfall.

West Bali national park: Still off the beaten path, maybe because it’s pretty damn far from everything else: 1.5 hours from Lovina and 5 hours from Canggu. This area of Bali is gorgeous, though. West Bali has some of the most unique nature in Bali, including flora and fauna that are not found anywhere else, and incredible snorkelling spots. If you’re planning to take a ferry to Java next, the park is basically on your route anyway, so it’s definitely worth a visit.

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Top Things to Do in Bali

Bali has oodles of awesome stuff to see and do, so where do you even start? Here is my shortlist of the ten coolest things to do in Bali for tourists, backpackers, and adventurous travellers alike. Don’t worry – all of these things are possible to try out, even if you’re travelling Bali on a budget!

1. Spoil the Hell out of Yourself

Whether you find your inner zen at a beach bar or in a yoga studio, Bali has no shortage of ways to relax. The best way to really pamper yourself is a spa day. Get a Balinese massage; they’re like 6 bucks an hour, making luxury very attainable even for backpackers on Bali on a budget. Go to a breathwork session or take a dip in an ice bath. Or try out a flower bath – it might sound ridiculous but it’s incredibly relaxing.

2. Go Surfing – or Watch the Pros

Bali has some of the best surf in the entire world and so attracts some of the greatest talents. Take a shot at riding some truly tubular waves or, if you’re not feeling up to it, just kick back and watch the pros while you sip your cocktail.

3. Visit One of the Many Temples

Bali is home to dozens of temples and each one has something unique to offer. Be sure to visit at least a few while staying on the island. Many travellers have even taken it upon themselves to see them all (on a pilgrimage of sorts) while backpacking in Bali.

4. Get Fit!

Without a doubt, Bali is one of the best places in the world to get fit. With plenty of tasty, healthy eating options, yoga centres, world-class gyms and the best Crossfit Box in Asia – Crossfit Wanderlust – it’s truly my favourite place in the world to settle down and get fit.

Or, if you’re just passing through, almost any gyms will also allow drop-ins for a class 🙂

5. Do Go Chasing Waterfalls

Resist the urge to burst into the TLC song as you make your way from waterfall to waterfall. Bali has HEAPS.

Bali’s most famous waterfalls are also unfortunately super crowded. Come with patience; if you want your picture taken, you sometimes have to wait for an hour. Or even better: get up ultra-early to beat the crowds. The sun in Bali rises at 6am, no excuses 😉

6. Swim with Manta Rays

Bali is an absolute wonderland for underwater life. Wanna see squid? Check. Whale sharks? Check. Rare, funky-looking fish? Check, check.

One of my favourite experiences has been swimming with manta rays in Nusa Penida’s Manta Point. These gentle giants are breathtaking, and you can easily spot them even with a snorkel – no diving needed!

7. Hike Mount Batur at Sunrise

A sunrise hike to Mount Batur is by far one of the most fun things you can do in Bali. You do have to get up at 4 a.m. but once you reach the top and can spot the shape of Mount Rinjani in the distance – that’s why life is worth living, babey.

8. Grab a Sunset Beach Coconut in Canggu or Uluwatu

The western beaches of Bali are renowned for offering some of the best sunset views in Southeast Asia. Whatever you may be doing, be it lounging at a beach bar or hanging out on a surfboard, be sure to stop what you’re doing and tune into the setting sun. And make sure to order an ice-cold kelapa to go with it.

9. Walk through the Hills and Rice Paddies

There’s something enchanting about the highlands of Ubud. The way the morning light reflects in the rice paddies, the occasional mist that settles in the trees, the ethereal sounds that the jungle emits; few places in the world can imitate these aspects of Bali. Just go for a walk around and feel the magic.

10. Immerse yourself in Balinese culture!

As a Hindu island in the middle of Muslim-dominated Indonesia, Bali is a bit of a cultural microcosm. Its religion, stories and history are truly some of the most fascinating in the world.

Take part in a Bali festival – there always seems to be one going on – or just start conversing with locals to get to grips with this unique island.

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Backpacker Accommodation in Bali

I know all you budget backpackers are wondering, is Bali cheap? Sure, it is a little pricier than some other places in Southeast Asia but still very budget-friendly compared to Europe or the USA.

Private villas are the best places to stay in Bali if you’re craving a bit of luxury – a backpacker probably can’t afford a villa in most other places in the world. They are usually very well maintained, comfortable and well serviced. However, they are still the pricier option, especially in the Canggu-Seminyak-Kuta axel.

You can also book a bungalow in the middle of the jungle that has next to nothing except for good views and vibes, or a fancy Bali treehouse overlooking ocean views! Either way, whilst these are not exactly cheap accommodation options, they ARE super good value and a very unique experience to have.

If you’re not going to stay in a hostel, your best option is to stay at one of the epic Airbnbs in Bali .

Hostels in Bali can be a very, very good time depending on what you want. The ones around Kuta will obviously be more party-centric while those in Ubud will be more laid-back, with plenty of epic surf hostels thrown in the mix. There are a couple of hostels located off the beaten track that will be very low-key and finding these are half the fun!

Hostels are the best option for backpackers on a budget in Bali. A dorm bed usually costs around $10 USD per night but you can definitely dig deep and find something even cheaper than that.

Staying in a hostel doesn’t mean living without any luxuries. There are plenty of amazing places that offer you some real bang for your buck. Take Tribal Bali for example – a hostel specifically built for Digital Nomads and backpackers that value quality and comfort, located just minutes from the beach and amazing cafes.

Another great option for staying in a backpacking Bali budget are cheap guesthouses. You can easily find a very decent private room for as low as ten bucks a night, and guesthouses often also come with an attached pool. All the luxury for a fraction of the price!

You can also find cheap villas in areas outside the main tourist spots. Villas in Kerobokan , for example, are more affordable than the center of Seminyak.

The Best Places to Stay in Bali

Bali has many a town to lay down your backpack for a bit. Here are the best places to stay in Bali on a budget, featuring the best backpacker hostels in Bali and a few epic Airbnbs!

Backpacking Bali Costs

Bali is one of the most affordable luxury destinations in the world where even the most frugal of backpackers can find awesome lodges for a decent price.

How much does it cost to travel in Bali ? For the average backpacker, a comfortable daily budget for backpacking Bali would be around $30-$50 per day . This will get you a dorm bed, food, transport, and leave plenty for beer and attractions. A 1 month in Bali budget could be as low as 1,000 USD.

Personally, though, my Bali travel costs ended up being significantly more because I was eating in awesome healthy restaurants and well… partying.

Broke backpackers can also thrive in Bali, though. If you use a scooter to get around, stay in cheap hostels in Bali, eat mostly local food and don’t want to splurge for expensive activities like surfing or diving, your daily budget could be even around $20 USD.

Aside from Couchsurfing or camping , backpacker hostels or cheap guesthouses are the best budget accommodation options in Bali. For less than $10/day, you can stay at a good hostel in Bali; paying anything more than this could land you in some pretty spectacular digs.

Local food is inexpensive in Bali. A meal at a warung – a local restaurant – costs about $2-4 USD.

If you eat in Western restaurants, expect to pay a whole lot more. It’s easy to spend $20-30 USD on food only if you don’t watch it! Hunt around for deals – lots of places do breakfast + coffee combos for just a few dollars.

I highly recommend eating out while backpacking in Bali. Going out to a nice restaurant is still comparatively cheaper than in the West, and Bali – especially Canggu – has INCREDIBLE food.

If you insist on getting drivers around the island, your transportation budget will definitely be big. Public transportation isn’t really a thing in Bali, other than around the capital Denpasar.

The absolute best and cheapest way to get around is to rent a scooter. A daily rent for the smallest bikes could be as low as $5. It’s best to rent for a whole week or a month, then you can easily find a bike for $40-50 for a month. This is your trustiest steed for all the adventures around the island 🙂

If you’re not super comfortable on a bike, you also have the option for motorbike taxis. A 10-minute ride on one costs about a dollar.

This is where it’s very easy to blow up your budget!

A small local beer, Bintang, costs about $2.

Beer prices in Bali in nicer places can be double that, though, so if you’re backpacking Bali on a budget, avoid the fancy schmanzy spots.

Cocktails are expensive – importing booze to Bali is pricey so fancy drinks come with a price as well. If someplace is offering drinks too cheaply, you should actually be cautious since “fake alcohol” has sometimes been a problem and caused some cases of alcohol poisoning.

Another point that can make or break your budget…

There are heaps of free or ultra-cheap things to do in Bali. For example, waterfalls are either free to enter or cost about a dollar. No problem there.

Gym classes can be kinda pricey on a shoestring budget, about $10 a pop. Of course, you could just go to a weightlifting gym for way cheaper than that.

If you want to try surfing, diving, paragliding or any other fun special activities, prepare to throw some more money in.

Bali Daily Budget

Whether you’re a broke backpacker backpacking Bali on a shoestring budget or a bougie babe trying to get the best value for your money, you can definitely travel Bali. Here are some example budgets of expenses in Bali.

Money in Bali

The official currency of Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). In February 2022, the exchange rate of the Rupiah is roughly 1 USD=15,000 Rupiah. Yes, for just a hundred USD, you could be an Indonesian millionaire!

Due to huge economic inflation in the past, the Indonesia Rupiah has lost value over the years and as such is now printed in the thousands. Most Indonesians completely disregard the last 3 zeroes anyway; often you’ll just end up bartering as if those last 3 zeros didn’t exist.

For example, if you offer someone 10, they’ll understand that you mean 10,000.

Money changers are ubiquitous in the urban areas and offer different rates. Walk around and find the best rates for your particular currency. Be mindful of shady dealers who don’t post their rates. Also, note that older USD bills are no longer accepted.

ATMs are widely available in Bali, especially in busier areas. If you think you’re going somewhere pretty remote, it’s definitely best to take out cash in the city beforehand.

Many people have reported fraudulent charges though after using a random ATM. When withdrawing cash, it’s usually best to use the ATMs inside banks. Many unfortunate travellers have also got their cards swallowed up by greedy ATMs so make sure you’ve got a couple of cards with you!

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Travel Tips – Bali on a Budget

Bali is cheap – but there’s no reason you shouldn’t get even cheaper. There are tricks to make your pennies go EVEN further!

Try out these budget tips, tested and tried by years of  budget backpacking :

• Camp: With plenty of gorgeous places, Bali can be a great place to camp in rural areas. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Cook your own food: If you are on a tight budget, you can save money by cooking your own food. I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove.
• Find deals: TONS of places do promos and specials. Ask around, and you might find breakfast and coffee for just a few dollars!
• Book your transportation early: Both plane and bus tickets are much cheaper if you purchase them in advance.
• Couchsurf:  Balinese are awesome, and I am so grateful I was able to explore its cities with local friends. Check out couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see this country from the perspective of locals.
• Pack a travel water bottle  and save money every day! Tap water in Bali is not drinkable but every guest house and villa will have a water cooler where you can fill up.

Why You Should Travel to Bali with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Tl;dr – STOP USING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC! If you’d like some more tips on how to save the world , be sure to watch the video below.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

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Best Time to Travel to Bali

The island really has one of the best climates on the planet and, for this reason: you can visit Bali any time of the year .

Bali only has two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the windy season.

The rainy season runs officially from December to March. In the past few years, though, the rain’s got a little funny, and the season might even run from October to April.

Look, it’s not that bad. Travelling Bali during the rainy season can still be a super great experience. Sometimes it rains an entire day straight with no relief, but often the doom&gloom only happen in the evening, leaving mornings for exploring.

When it rains, it RAINS. Streets flood, sometimes villas flood, and the thunderstorms are fucking intense.

IMHO, the windy season (AKA the dry season) is the absolute best time to visit Bali. It runs from about April to November, and it’s considerably drier than the rainy season. Sometimes it doesn’t rain at all for days or even weeks. It’s a breezier time to be in Bali as the wind takes away the worst of the tropical heat and humidity.

Plus, the wind means kites – and the Balinese kites are a really remarkable thing. You’ll see them in swarms in the sky day and night (night kites have LED lights), and there’s even a kite festival in Sanur.

Temperatures barely fluctuate throughout the year but they can feel higher when it’s more humid.

Bali’s meteorological consistency is very apparent on a macro level e.g. the whole island is subject to the same lovely weather. On a micro level though there are some unique weather conditions in Bali.

The highlands of Bali (i.e. the regions around Ubud and Bedugul) can receive rain at any time of the year. The mountains, in general, are less hot and humid than the lowlands, and in the evenings you should arm yourself with a sweater or a jacket.

Note on Nyepi:

Nyepi, or the Balinese Day of Silence, is a truly unique day in the Balinese calendar. It is a day when the entire island stops and quiets for 24 hours – literally.

No electronic lights are allowed on, no loud speaking or music either, and you are absolutely forbidden to go out to the streets. (This means no food delivery either – get ready for a home-cooked meal!) Even the airport stops.

Nyepi can be a super magical and unique thing to experience in Bali and a good moment to be quiet and reflect during your backpacking trip, but if you’re on a tight schedule, you should absolutely avoid Nyepi since you won’t be able to leave your accommodation at all.

Nyepi usually takes place some time in March.

What to Pack for Bali

When it comes to crafting the perfect Bali packing list , you might be interested in a few tips. On every adventure, there are six things I never go travelling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

Staying Safe in Bali

Bali is one of the most popular places in the world to travel to, and as such suffers from many of the blessings and sins that come from rampant tourism. Now don’t get stressed – Bali is safe to travel . However, you should never go off to the world without taking some precautions.

Scams and theft are the most common form of crime in Bali. Both of these are avoidable with common sense. Be sure to keep your personal items close at hand and be alert in dangerous places e.g. dark alleyways and shady businesses. You could also consider getting a money belt !

Lots of phones get stolen in Bali. This is not Brazil; you’re not gonna get mugged for your valuables, and it’s totally OK to have your phone out on the street to check for directions or whatever. Just take note of motorbikes driving by as they are sometimes known to snatch phones off people’s hands. And if you’re driving yourself, for hell’s sake, don’t keep your phone in the glovebox. At night especially it’s best to keep your bag under the seat.

The biggest hazard to your safety is the traffic. It’s INSANE in Bali. It looks scary but it’s actually pretty much more dangerous being a pedestrian than driving yourself. Serious accidents are rare but little bumps and scratches do happen a lot. Wear your helmet!!!

In terms of natural hazards, there are some. Small earthquakes happen a lot and are pretty much harmless. Part of Bali is in the tsunami zone but that kind of an event would be extremely unlikely. Mount Agung, the biggest mountain in Bali, is an active volcano. It last erupted a few years ago but you know, it’s a possibility.

The seas around Bali are very strong and can carry you away very quickly – exercise greater caution and look out for warning signs when entering the water around Bali.

Watch out for monkeys. They’re generally chill except for the ones at Ubud’s monkey temple, which are total bastards. They may steal your sunglasses, and they may bite. If you get bitten by a monkey (or any other animals in Bali for that matter), go get treated for rabies!

In general though, Bali is safe – just take normal backpacker’s safety precautions .

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Bali

Let’s be frank: Bali is kind of a shitshow at times. Though what do you expect when you throw a bunch of backpackers, Australian holidayers, and overly-welcoming locals on the same island?!

Before you start to think that Bali is Hamsterdam and there are no rules, some things need to be said.

Indonesia, on a federal level, is very, very anti-drug. Do NOT get caught with drugs in Indonesia. 

Many have probably already heard this, but there are cases where tourists are incarcerated or even sentenced to death for drug possession. People have been locked up just for having a joint on them, and unlike other Southeast Asian countries, the police in Indonesia are not so easy to bribe.

Taking drugs on the road is fun but in Bali it’s too much of a hassle and not worth the risk. If you want to smoke – take a boat to the Gili Islands or track down a reggae bar. Always party responsibly.

So, on to alcohol. Indonesia is a mostly-Muslim country with Bali being a little hedonistic oasis in the middle of it all. Drinking is fine in Bali, and both foreigners and Indonesian do it rampantly (too much, some might say). Domestic beer and imported spirits are readily available and safe to drink. Drinking is however pretty expensive in Bali.

Special caution should be noted around local moonshine. As the government doesn’t make alcohol production easy on an industrial scale, many local businesses have turned to making their own. These brews aren’t made with the safest standards and may cause serious alcohol poisoning. Take caution if someone hands you something mysterious or if your mixed drink tastes funny.

Just a note on dating: for those looking for some love or sex on the road , Bali might be an island paradise for you. The dating scene here is as much of a shitshow as the party scene in general but hey, you were gonna have to experience your first threesome some time anyway.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting Bali

Just ’cause you’re lounging in an island paradise, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepped for a rainier day. Did you sprain your toe surfing? Get into a scooter crash? Medical care in Bali is expensive without insurance. Don’t become another GoFundMe going around local Facebook groups – take care of yourself beforehand.

A savvy backpacker should always consider getting a comprehensive  travel insurance policy  before leaving home.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

How to Get into Bali

Arriving in Bali is very easy.

Those arriving internationally will have to arrive by plane, passing through customs in either Ngurah Rai International Airport or another Indonesian airport. Those arriving by sea will have slightly more options and flexibility.

Most people backpacking Bali will arrive directly at Ngurah Rai Airport in Denpasar via an international destination. When you arrive, travellers will have to pass through customs and get an Indonesian visa if they haven’t already done so.

If you’re coming in from elsewhere in Indonesia, you can fly in. Often you also have the option to arrive on a ferry. Boats ply the waters between Java, Lombok, and Bali frequently via individual ports. Note that punctuality and to some extent safety are questionable standards on these boats.

Entry Requirements for Bali

Since 2016, Bali is now among one of the Indonesian ports of entry that dispenses free visas on arrival for tourists. These visas are available to more than 100 nationalities and have certain requirements – the most important being that the traveller must only be visiting for tourism purposes and cannot stay longer than 30 days. Extensions are not possible with free VOAs.

Those who wish to go backpacking longer in Bali and Indonesia must apply for a standard visa in advance which can then be extended. For more information on official visa regulations in Bali, please refer to this website here .

I found that I was able to convert my 2 month tourist visa to a social visa once in the country through a visa agent (cost about $30 for each month) and thus stay for up to six months.

Note that you DO NOT want to overstay your visa even a little bit. The day you arrive and the day you leave are included in the duration of the visa. Each day of overstaying is fined 1,000,000 IDR – about $60 USD.

How to Get Around Bali

Bali can seem like an overly chaotic mess of scooters, taxis, and minibuses at times. The south coast and its towns are a special hellscape for traffic.

There is a certain method to this madness, though. You won’t notice it until you’re driving in Bali yourself but there is a rhythm to the chase of the road, and you soon learn to go with its flow.

Travelling by Scooter in Bali

As part of a Southeastern Asian nation, the scooter is king when it comes to getting around in Bali. Driving one is super simple so anyone can pick it up, and it’s the option that offers you the most freedom and fun.

Most hotels will have a personal fleet of scooters available to rent; otherwise, there are several shops around. You can normally get a scooter for around 70,000 Rupiah a day. This can be even cheaper if you rent it for a week or a month.

I highly recommend getting a scooter in Canggu, for example, driving it all over the island on your adventures, then returning it to Canggu at the end of your holiday.

Just note that you’re required to have an international driver’s licence in Bali. Literally no rental place will care if you don’t have one but I HIGHLY recommend having one anyway: if you get stopped by the police without a valid licence, you’ll either get fined or have to bribe your way out, and if you get into a crash, your insurance won’t cover your costs if you were driving without a valid licence.

Other Forms of Transportation in Bali

Taxi – Bali does have its regular taxis and motorbike taxis. They also have a legit taxi mafia that likes to overcharge tourists. Download a rideshare app instead. In Bali, the ones used are called Grab and Gojek (Gojek is a brilliant name – “ojek” in Indonesian means “motorbike taxi”.)

Motorbike taxis are the best way to get around city clusters but if you’re headed further, say, Kintamani, you could consider hiring a driver if you’re not comfortable driving yourself. You can also get a one-way car ride through Grab and Gojek to nearer destinations.

Car – Yes, people do rent their own cars here, but I do not recommend this if you can just stay upright on a scooter. The roads in Bali are narrow and congested, and taking a car anywhere takes 3x longer than a scooter.

Walking – Don’t even dream it. There are some sporadic sidewalk areas, otherwise you’re always in danger of getting mowed down by erratic drivers!

Hitchhiking in Bali

Hitchhiking in Bali and Indonesia uses a different method for hailing a car. No one uses their thumb in Indonesia but instead waves or maybe points their thumb to the ground.

Never use your left hand as, since this is a Muslim nation, it is considered the “unclean” one. Try to learn a bit of Bahasa Indonesia or Balinese as well; doing so will make your life much easier.

These cultural differences aside, hitchhiking is as straightforward in Bali as anywhere else.

To be fair – I’ve never heard of anyone hitchhiking in Bali. It’s not much of a thing here. You could always try it but be prepared that finding a lift might be tough. Not because drivers aren’t friendly – they’re SUPER friendly – but because most vehicles on the road are motorcycles, tourists in hired cars and small trucks with no space for an extra passenger.

Onwards Travel from Bali

Bali is actually an excellent starting point if you’re looking to explore more of Indonesia. Which you should – it’s an awesome place.

Note that when you get your visa for Bali, it’s valid for all of Indonesia! Just don’t overstay 😉

The Gili Islands – A group of 3 islands off the coast of Lombok that could easily rival Bali in terms of beauty and good times. Direct ferries are available from Padang Bai, Bali, and there are great hostels on all Gili Islands . The main island is Gili Trawangan , known as the party island; as such, it’s the most popular among backpackers. Gili Meno is the laid-back island more popular with families and couples. Gili Air is a chill island where you can snorkel and trip on shrooms.

Lombok – Backpacking Lombok is great for grand adventures. You can take a 3-hour ferry or fly cheaply from Denpasar to get to this island that’s more arid and underdeveloped than Bali. The main draw is Mount Rinjani , a gorgeous volcano trek. Kuta (not to be confused with Kuta, Bali) is an awesome little surfer village in the south with amazing beaches.

Flores – Beyond Lombok is Flores, which is even wilder and more sparsely populated than Lombok. It contains some of the most beautiful places in Indonesia including Komodo Island, Kelimutu, and Bajawa . Flores can be reached by plane or long-distance ferry. Taking a cruise around the Komodo Islands is one of the best things to do in Indonesia!

Internationally , Bali is also an excellent launchpad for other adventures around Southeast Asia and Oceania. Bali’s international airport operates cheap flights to all other nearby destinations. Bali is just the start of the adventure!

Java – The most populated island in Indonesia is Java, easily accessed from Bali. Jakarta is its most famous city but don’t skip visiting Yogyakarta either. Backpackers can catch a direct bus at Ubung terminal in Denpasar, which includes the ferry across the narrow strait and arrives in Surabaya. Travellers can also stop short in Probolinggo for Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park for some grade-A hiking.

• Backpacking Singapore
• Backpacking Malaysia
• Backpacking the Philippines
• Backpacking Australia
• Backpacking New Zealand

Working in Bali

Listen, let’s be honest – actually, legally working in Bali is kinda tough. To get a real work visa, you need to be employed by an Indonesian employer. This can be tough to find since Westerners are usually more expensive to hire than Indonesians.

It’s not impossible, though, and there are possibilities to work for example in teaching English or as a trainer at a gym. For these kinds of jobs, you don’t really even need to know Indonesian (although it’s good form that you do).

Most foreigners that come to Bali and want to stay long-term legally while also working end up starting their own companies. Note that this is different from being a digital nomad – to be able to start a business in Indonesia, you also need a suitable visa. Bureaucratically it’s a little tricky navigating the whole start-up process in Bali but tons of foreigners have done it before so it’s not impossible at all.

The Digital Nomad Scene in Bali

Bali is arguably THE hottest hub for digital nomads in the world right now (according to recent digital nomad trends ).

And who could blame the nomads? The weather is tropical all year-round, the community is maybe the biggest and most stable in the world, and there are heaps of great places to work from. Being a digital nomad in Bali is a blast – if you’re a nomad, your road is bound to lead here eventually.

The internet coverage in Bali is also great. I still recommend getting a SIM card, too;  Indosat  and  Telkomsel  are two of the most common ones. You can find SIM cards and packages in many convenience stores or franchises around Bali.

If you’re looking for a place to try out the remote work lifestyle, Canggu and Ubud are some of your best bets. There are several co-working spaces in both towns and more cafes than you can count, giving you tons of options for places to be productive.

And if you’re looking for the perfect place to live, work, play and stay in beautiful Bali… Boy, do I have the spot for you. Introducing Tribal Bali – Bali’s first custom-designed, purpose-built co-working hostel. This is the place where backpacker babes, aspiring entrepreneurs, adventurous explorers and vagabond hustlers alike come together to work, eat, play and fall in love… well, at least with the absolutely fantastic coffee and beautiful views!

Mingle, share inspiration and find your tribe whilst working in the TREMENDOUSLY FUCKING HUGE co-working space and shooting a game of pool on Tribal’s electric pink billiards table. There’s a gigantic pool as well so it’s always time for a refreshing dip to break up the day’s hustle, brainstorming, work, and games… 

With epic food, legendary coffee, awesome cocktails (Tribal Tonics are the best signature cocktails you’ve ever had in a hostel – I guarantee you that!) and a dedicated co-working space , this is the place where digital nomads want to be when visiting Bali. If you love the site and want to support Will, swing on by next time you’re in Bali 😉

Volunteer in Bali

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Bali that you can join ranging from teaching, animal care and agriculture to pretty much anything!

Volunteers are always appreciated in Bali. Cultural exchanges and language teaching are the main areas where volunteers can make a difference to local communities. Other opportunities include helping on eco-farms, as well as assisting in guesthouses and hospitality. Most nationalities won’t need a visa to volunteer in Bali for less than 30 days, but you’ll need a KITAS permit and a temporary stay visa to volunteer long-term.

If you just wanna do something good on your holiday without much of a commitment, join a beach clean up for an afternoon. There are also lots of charity events like brunches, runs and comedy nights that help you put a little bit of money in the neediest pockets.

My favourite platform for finding volunteer opportunities is Worldpackers. They’re not only a great company that cares about their people, they’re also actively creating a community of volunteers just like you!

Volunteer programs that are run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Balinese Culture

Balinese culture is a very distinct demographic within Indonesia that places great emphasis on religion, community, and tradition.

Due in part to their sense of the collective whole and to the doctrines of their religion, Balinese people are extremely friendly and modest people. Those backpacking through Bali will find locals to be gentle and very helpful. I made some good Balinese friends during my time there.

There is a very strong sense of community in Bali. In the early days of the island, Balinese communities ended up forming subaks – kind of like co-ops – in order to coordinate and regulate rice paddy yields, which in turn raised the quality of life for the local population. These days, this sense of cooperation manifests itself in other more contemporary ways.

Balinese people are very serious about their culture and go through great pains to make sure it’s preserved. Festivals in Bali are regularly organized to excite locals and tourists alike. The arts are highly valued in Balinese society as well, mostly because of their historical significance but also because creativity is actually seen as pious in the eyes of the gods.

No other aspect of this unique culture is more valued than religion. The gods are still all-powerful in Bali and the people pray to them very frequently. You’ll see little offerings absolutely everywhere: left at intersections, on doorsteps, and in altars that almost every house in Bali has in their yard.

Don’t feel bad if you accidentally trample over an offering on the road. The Balinese believe that when an offering is left out, whatever happens to it is what the gods meant to happen. So, as wild as it sounds, driving your scooter over an offering is not actually disrespectful.

Balinese Travel Phrases

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language of Indonesia and is universally understood throughout the country, including Bali. Note that “bahasa” is just the Indonesian word for “language”. However, most people use the word “bahasa” alone to just refer to Indonesian .

But did you know that Bali also has its own traditional language called Balinese? This fascinating language is very distinct from Bahasa Indonesia and the two are actually unintelligible to each other. Traditional Balinese isn’t used as much these days as the standardized Bahasa Indonesia is the dominant language. In fact, the script is becoming so uncommon in day-to-day life that most people can only speak Balinese, not read it.

English is widely understood in the tourist centres in Bali thanks in part to the hyper-developed tourism infrastructure and the inflated presence of Westerners. However, not nearly everyone speaks it even in the cities.

I’ve listed some travel phrases in Balinese below. If you really want to impress some people in the villages, throw in a phrase or two. You should know though that especially in the cities – Denpasar, Uluwatu, Canggu – there are HEAPS of Indonesians that are NOT Balinese. So, these here phrases are more for funzies; it’s usually better to use Bahasa Indonesia.

• Inggih  – Yes
• Ten  – No
• Rahajeng Semeng  – Good Morning
• Rahajeng Wengi  – Good Evening
• Suksma  – Thank you
• Punapi gatra?  – How are you?
• Tiang becik-becik  – I am fine
• Tidak ada kantong plastik  – No plastic bag
• Tidak ada jerami silahkan  – No straw please
• Tolong, jangan gunakan sendok garpu plastik  – No plastic cutlery please
• Tiang uling…  – I am from…
• Aji kuda niki?  – How much?
• Angayu bagia kacunduk sareng ragane  – Pleasure to meet you

What to Eat in Bali

With a liberal use of spices and ingredients, Balinese food is hugely varied and somewhat unique. The cuisine is similar to that found in the rest of Indonesia and, in some ways, Hindi cooking albeit with a few caveats.

In Bali, you’ll see pork on the menu quite often, which is unheard of in the rest of Indonesia. Likewise, you’ll see that Balinese cuisine is very meat-centric, which is somewhat converse to many Hindi culinary traditions.

Like its culture, Balinese cooking is a synthesis of many styles that forms its own culinary gestalt.

(Don’t worry, vegans – there are heaps of places that cater to you too. These are not just Western restaurants but Balinese local food also has stuff to offer.)

Most restaurants in Bali will have a diverse selection of dishes to choose from. When backpacking in Bali, we wholeheartedly suggest staying away from the touristy restaurants and eating at the local spots, which are referred to as warungs . The food will be more authentic and less expensive. (Restaurant prices in Bali can really drive up your budget.)

Rice ( nasi ) is the most ubiquitous ingredient in Balinese cooking and most dishes will include it.

Food carts base most of their dishes around rice and will serve them in paper cones. You’ll easily recognize the food carts trolling around the beaches and streets by their appearance. Referred to as kaki lima , or “five legs,” the food carts will have 3 legs/wheels in addition to the owner’s own 2 legs.

Must-Try Dishes in Bali

These dishes are both delicious and friendly to people backpacking Bali on a budget.

• Babi Guling  – slow-roasted pig
• Satay  – grilled meat skewers
• Betutu  – stuffed duck or chicken
• Nasi Goreng – fried rice
• Lawar  – minced meat and veggies w/ coconut
• Urab  – mixed vegetables
• Tum  – mixed ingredients prepared in banana leaves
• Mie Goreng  – fried noodles
• Ayam bubur –  Chicken porridge

A Brief History of Bali

The first mentions of the island of “Bali” date back to around the end of the first millennium AD when the name Bali Dwipa appeared in various inscriptions including the Blanjong pillar.

Archaeological evidence places its origins at much early dates; all the way back to the Neolithic era when the various Austronesian peoples of the Pacific began to migrate in great numbers. Many nomads from now modern Taiwan, the Philippines, and South China settled in Bali at this time.

Following the Bronze Age, Bali developed into a respectable kingdom near the turn of the first millennia. It was during this time that it was introduced to the Buddhist and Hindu religions. The latter in particular was the aftereffect of Bali’s relationship with the much larger Majapahit Empire, which, at the time, controlled Java and would establish a Hindu colony on Bali.

It was also during this time that many of the prevailing Balinese traditions that we know of today were established. Subaks were formed and Hinduism became the dominant religion.

When the Majapahit Empire collapsed at the end of the 15th century, much of the Javanese Hindu community fled to Bali, thus solidifying the religion.

During the mid-19th century, following the race to colonize the East Indies, the Dutch set their eyes on Bali. Using false pretences, the Dutch harassed the Balinese and eventually laid siege to the island at the turn of century.

Facing their inevitable doom at the hands of the powerful Europeans, the Balinese royalty committed mass suicide in an act known as the puputan . To this day, the puputan is one of Bali’s proudest moments.

In the following years, Bali’s history echoed much of that of Indonesia. It came under occupation by the Japanese during WWII, thus ending Dutch colonialism, and following the war fought for its independence again.

Some Unique Experiences in Bali

Bali has no shortage of cool things to do and keep you entertained for days. Many backpackers come to Bali specifically to experience these things! Here are a few of them, and the best places to try them out.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Practicing Yoga in Bali

It’s no secret that Bali is one of the most famous and romanticized places on the planet to study yoga.

Whilst there are yoga studios everywhere in Bali, there are places where they’re more concentrated than average. Ubud is often considered ground-zero for everything yoga in Bali and there are sessions being held in every corner of the city, from high-end resorts to parks and cafes. This is the place to explore stranger forms of yoga from acro yoga to laughter yoga.

If this sounds like a bit much, it is – Ubud is the spiritual centre for hippies and energy healers in Bali, which is fantastic for others in the same tribe. For the more spiritually challenged of us, Ubudian antics can be kinda WTF. Still, it’s a fun time.

All of the other backpacker-favoured spots in Bali also have plenty of yoga studios where you can attend classes. In the Canggu area, the more popular yoga studios include Samadi and Serenity. My favourite is Udara in Munggu – a 15-minute drive from Canggu, it’s located right by the sea and on top of “normal” yoga, also does aerial yoga classes (as well as sound healing and ecstatic dancing).

In Uluwatu, I recommend checking out the daily morning yoga classes at Mana!

If you’d like to get a yoga teacher’s license in Bali, inquire with Santosha Institute – they organize regular teacher courses on Nusa Lembongan.

Surfing in Bali

Bali is a mecca for surfers. The seas offer some of the longest, largest, and most consistent waves in the world. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, surfing is one of the most fun things to do in Bali.

There are plenty of surf shacks offering informal lessons but from experience, these teachers are more concerned with getting you to stand on the board than actually teaching you.

If you want to learn how to surf, I recommend finding a teacher that comes recommended.

Best Surf Spots in Bali :

• Kuta – The original “surfer’s paradise” on Bali. Relatively gentle waves. Busy as fuck.
• Canggu – Offers waves for all skill levels. Barrels can be intense.
• Padang Padang – Located between Bingin and Uluwatu. Famous for its long, consistent barrels. More for experienced surfers but there are some gentle breaks.
• Uluwatu – Not only some of the greatest waves in Bali but some of the best scenery as well!
• Dreamland – Long stretches of sand that are great for surfers and bathers.
• Medewi – Some of the longest waves in Bali and a great spot for beginners.

Diving and Snorkelling in Bali

Bali, in addition to much of Indonesia, is a part of the greater Coral Triangle of the East Indies, which is one of the most ecologically diverse places on the entire planet. For this reason, scuba diving in Bali is world-class and will stun even the most seasoned of divemasters.

For divers, the waters around Bali are popular for their warmth and plethora of marine biology. Common sightings while diving in Bali include parrotfish, several varieties of shark, turtle, stingrays, moray eels, and the elusive mola-mola.

Many of the island’s most popular dive sites are on the eastern part of the island around Amed. Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Menjangan Island also offer great diving opportunities.

The sea currents around Bali can be very strong. If you’re thinking about going diving in Bali, be sure to check ocean conditions.

Snorkelling is also an option around Bali; the waters are plenty clear for you to spot some awesome marine life even closer to the surface. Or, combine the two – Bali is an epic place to learn how to freedive .

Best Dive Spots in Bali :

• Amed – Ground Zero for Bali’s diving culture. Offers a wide range of marine biology, conditions, and topography. Appropriate for all skill levels.
• Tulamben – Famous for the many shipwrecks that have now become marine menageries. Lots of coral. Good for snorkellers as well.
• Nusa Penida – A layover for several species of migrating marine life. Schools of manta rays and mola-mola are seen here. Careful: there are strong currents here.
• Menjangan Island – Renown for crystal clear water and ease of access. Lots of beautiful reefs and marine life.
• Padang Bai – Calm dive site with good visibility and marine diversity. Great snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon.

FAQs About Backpacking Bali

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some commonly asked questions about backpacking in Bali on a budget.

Is Bali good for backpacking?

Hell yes! Come on by and mix with all the other dirtbags, penniless backpackers, party animals, yogis, world saviours and jungle trekkers. There’s surely a friend for you too ?

How much money do you need for 3 weeks in Bali?

Your budget varies a lot depending where you swing on the broke-bougie scale. For a three-week holiday, I recommend a budget of $700-1,000 USD.

Can I live in Bali permanently?

Actually, yep, but it’s a bit tricky. You’re not alone, though. It’s a classic Bali syndrome. You come here for three weeks and end up staying for two years. To stay long-term, check out other possible visas: for example, investor visa, residency visa and retirement visa.

Are the influencers in Bali THAT bad?

The influencers and Instagrammers of Bali do get a bad rep, mostly because there’s a LOT of them, and some of them can be a little ridiculous… But no, in general, no. You’ll deffo see a lot of people posing for photos but let them hustle. If it gets too tough, just try some offbeat travel in Bali!

Final Advice Before Visiting Bali

Bali is an awesome fucking place to be. It is also a place where all kinds of hustlers, partybodies, influencers and backpackers congregate and cause chaos. Bules (westerners) already have a bit of reputation so remember to be respectful while backpacking in Bali so that you won’t make us look even worse.

Wear modest clothing when visiting religious sites. Most temples will rent out sarongs to visitors at the entrance, and even men are expected to wear them. Actually, pay attention to your clothing anyway: especially in Canggu, even skimpy clothing is totally acceptable (although a bikini on a motorbike is slightly cringe) but in villages, it’s respectful to cover up more.

If you plan on partying in Bali, please remember to be somewhat in control and respectful of the locals and other travellers, for that matter. Do not drink and drive; grab a Gojek home instead. There are also many working girls in Bali. Don’t be a wanker, respect all humans.

Stay calm and respectful in all situations. I know things here get a little hectic, and not everything works like clockwork, but that’s just Asia. The Balinese don’t respect anger, ever.

And lastly, which might be the most important piece of advice you’ll get about your upcoming Bali trip: WEAR YOUR FUCKING HELMET. The traffic here doesn’t care about the wind flowing through your goldilocks. Protect your precious noggin.

No matter where your backpacking route through Bali goes, it’ll be an epic journey. With this travel guide for Bali in hand, you’ll have everything that you could possibly need to craft the perfect trip. Study it well and have a great time, amigos!

• Travel Insurance for Bali
• Backpacking Indonesia
• Backpacking Thailand
• 21 MUST-SEE Beautiful Places in Indonesia

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Will Hatton

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This is one of the best and most helpful blogs I have read. Normally I have to read several to answer all of my questions and to gain all of the information but you covered literally, everything! We have visited Bali once before and now we are planning our trip back. This was so helpful, so thankyou.

You’re welcome! We’re releasing a bunch of new Bali-related content soon so stay tuned!

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Bali is also home to some of Asia’s best resorts, where service is consistently at an outstanding level and the spas are world-class. This makes the island appealing to not only those who simply want to unwind and decompress, but also to active types who will be well aware that Bali is also one of the world’s surfing capitals. Within an hour of landing, you can be taking the drop on some of the incredible waves that hit the southern coast.

Love to party? Well, it’s no great secret that Bali’s southern towns are full of lively bars, and we can give you the low-down on the most stylish, exclusive haunts.

Stay inland in the island’s vibrant cultural centre  Ubud , a town surrounded by lush rice terraces

Experience the serenity of this beguiling island on the quiet, black sand beaches of the north

Scramble up to Mount Batur’s stunning caldera lake

Cycle through emerald plantations to isolated golden temples

Learn to how to cook Bali’s delicate national dishes with private culinary classes.

Rachel O’Leary

Travel Designer

Bali is an island that I keep revisiting as there is always so much more to see. The scenery is spectacular and there is a lot of opportunity for being active whether you dive, raft, zip-line, cycle or even hike to the summit of an active volcano. The traditional Balinese gentle culture is prevalent on the island and especially in the east, which remains fairly untouched by tourism. For nice restaurants, bars and boutiques it’s wonderful to spend a couple of days in Seminyak. And I haven’t even started on the beaches…

Rachel O'Leary

Luxury accommodation in bali.

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Whatever you want from your Bali tour, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Where to go

Bright fabrics flutter gently in the breeze while inviting waves lap the soft grey sands of Seminyak’s beaches. This resort area on the island’s west coast just north of Kuta, is Bali’s most stylish beach locale.

With lush greenery and steep rice terraces that flank the soaring banks of the Ayung River, Ubud is one of Bali‘s most scenic and relaxed destinations. It is also peppered with the island’s most important holy sites, temples and artisan workshops.

Spectacularly located between the striking Mount Agung and the serene Lombok Strait, Manggis offers a slower, more traditional stride on Bali’s eastern shores.

On the western side of the Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran blends its working fishing village atmosphere with a collection of exclusive and tasteful hotels. Almost like a more chilled version of Seminyak, it boasts some of Bali’s most beautiful sandy beaches and calm, clear waters for swimming.

Set on Bali’s south-eastern coast, 40 minutes from Denpasar airport, Nusa Dua is a private enclave where you find some of Bali’s best hotels that line white sandy beaches.

Nestled between Tanah Lot and Seminyak on Bali‘s southern coast, Canggu is all about the laidback vibes. Its black sand beaches are popular with surfers but even if you’re not looking to ride the waves, the epic sunsets are reason enough the visit.

Pemuteran & West Bali National Park

Sitting on the far north western coast near Java, Pemuteran is a quiet bay of black sand beaches, a small village and a wild backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery.

On the northern coast just west of the city of Singaraja, Lovina is a 12-kilometre stretch of low-key black sandy beaches and calm waters for swimming.

Home to a dreamy white sandy coastline and the spectacular Uluwatu Temple, this quiet southern part of Bali offers something for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Located just inland from Bali’s eastern coastline, to the south of the dramatic and imposing Mount Agung, Sidemen is truly one of Bali’s hidden treasures. Blessed by a peaceful and picturesque character, defined by the likes of rolling rice fields dotted with attractive temples, Sidemen is a far cry from the more vibrant and developed Balinese coastline, providing something of a rejuvenating escape after days by the beach.

Meet your Asia team

When to visit

Bali is particularly popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to go hiking, trekking through jungles to ancient temples, or just simply soak up the rays on a beach, then Bali is for you.

The best time to go is between May and October to avoid the rainy season.

Beach Break

July - September

April - October

When is the Best Time to Visit Bali?

Bali travel guides.

Indonesia Travel Guide: How to Make the Most Out of Indonesia's Islands

A Spiritual Trail Through Southeast Asia

Plan your trip to bali.

Whatever you want from your adventure in Bali, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Why book with Jacada?

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

Responsible travel

Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Dale and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary in Bali and it was the most extraordinary trip of our lives! Jacada not only took care of everything and exceeded every expectation, they matched our desires for adventure and privacy. Each experience was unique and unforgettable. We are planning our next adventure with them now!

Our trip to Southeast Asia was a trip of a lifetime and an experience we will never forget, thanks to Kate and Cathy’s help and expert guidance. They worked with us to create a magical itinerary and remained engaged during our trip, especially when we had a last-minute request which they made happen. They are simply the best! We experienced…

This was our first time using a travel agent and it was a great experience! Our local guide in Bali, Nyoman, was fantastic! He provided so much historical knowledge and was very funny. The drive was also incredible (which was a huge plus because my husband is prone to motion sickness. We had a great time exploring Bali. Our two…

Ellie was absolutely fabulous. She did an exceptional job planning our honeymoon. She spent the time to get to know us and made sure to incorporate what spoke to us in our trip. The little touches (wine, chocolates, notes, fruit trays and lil gifts) were a lovely touch. Because of Ellie, we were able to have our dream honeymoon. We…

Best trip ever!! We loved our experience with Jacada! Ellie made us discover Bali the best way possible. She proposed so many activities we never would have found without her! We will definitely book another trip with Jacada in the future!

Plan with peace of mind

When you book a trip in today’s world there’s a lot to think about. But with the right advice and expert planning, you can do it with confidence.

If you book to travel with us but your plans are impacted by circumstances you can’t control, we’ll change your reservation or cancel your booking for a full credit towards future travel.

Police continue search for four men, including an Australian, who escaped from Bali’s Kerobokan jail

BALI police say four jail-breakers including Aussie Shaun Davidson risk being shot if they do not surrender, while their tiny escape tunnel has been put to the test.

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POLICE in Bali have called on four Kerobokan prison escapees, including an Australian man, to surrender or face being shot if they resist arrest.

The stern warning comes as a fellow prisoner today crawled all the way through the tunnel, which authorities believe was the escape route for the four foreigners, quelling earlier fears the men were stuck inside or drowned.

Badung Police chief Yudith Hananta told News Corp that police would not rule out shooting the escapees if they fight police and resist arrest.

“If they fight against police we will take firm action based on the police law, including shooting them,” Mr Hananta said.

“We urge them to surrender. Don’t let the police do firm action. Please come to the nearest police station to surrender. We will give them an escort,” he said. Among the four are Perth man, Shaun Edward Davidson, who was just two months and 15 days short of finishing his sentence.

The stern police warning comes as a prisoner, whose name is Burhan, emerged outside the jail, covered in mud except for his head and face after crawling through the tunnel from inside the jail.

Jail authorities sent Burhan, who is a prison block leader, known as a Tamping, a trusted prisoner, to crawl through the 15 metre tunnel in a bid to check that the escapees were not stuck inside and to see if they left anything behind.

Burhan told News Corporation as he emerged from the tunnel today that it was about 60cm in diameter inside.

A second prisoner is understood to have also gone down the tunnel and remained inside, pulling Burhan out when he returned.

The prisoners were sent down the tunnel at the behest of jailers who sent them down after draining it of water. After Burhan initially entered the tunnel he told authorities there was too much water so it was drained.

It is not clear why earlier plans to send down police were aborted and instead a prisoner was sent down. There are now plans to dig up the tunnel.

There has been no trace of the four escapees since they disappeared from the jail on Monday morning.

It comes as a team of investigators from the Law and Human Rights Ministry in Jakarta arrived in Bali today to conduct an internal inquiry into whether any prison staff was involved in helping the four men flee the jail.

A head torch, which was still turned on, had been found earlier inside the tunnel.

The Corrections chief of the Bali Law and Human Rights Ministry, Surung Pasaribu, said early this morning the focus remained on checking the tunnel, although there was also a plan today to check if the men had fled through any jail gates or with a garbage truck.

“There is no sign of them. Only God knows. Hopefully they are fine,” Mr Pasaribu said.

He said clothes, sandals and a head torch had been found in the tunnel.

“It’s a flashlight that is used on the head, it is inside the tunnel, in the water, still turned on,” Mr Pasaribu said.

The brazen escape has shocked authorities, especially as several days have now passed with no trace of the men whatsoever.

There is also confusion about the whereabouts of the passports of the four.

Mr Pasaribu said the ministry did not have the passports of the four men and neither did Immigration.

Prosecutors also claim they do not have the men’s passports, which should have been given to the prison at the time of sentencing.

He said authorities would today co-ordinate with the consulates of the four escapees about the passport but he was sure the men do not have the passports with them.

Mr Pasaribu said the garbage truck entered the prison at 4am on Monday to collect garbage and the driver would be interrogated today in a bid to rule out that the men left with the garbage.

Kerobokan Jail Governor, Tonny Nainggolan, said Perth man Davidson was often seen boxing and sparring at the jail.

He said he had not heard that Davidson wanted to stay longer at Kerobokan and did not want to return to Australia because he had outstanding drugs charges at home.

The tunnel, believed to be an old waste tunnel or water drain, exited the prison just under a guard tower.

But the tower was not manned at the time of the escape due to chronic staff shortages at the prison, which has long been overcrowded and understaffed.

There are now 1378 prisoners in a jail built for just 323. And on the night of the escape there were just 10 guards on duty.

Davidson, from Subiaco, had just two months and 15 days left to serve of his one year sentence for immigration offences, which involved using the lost passport of another Australian man.

His three escapee partners were Indian drug smuggler, Sayed Muhammad Said, serving 14 years, Bulgarian ATM scammer Dimitir Nikolon Ilev, serving seven years and Malaysian Tee Kok Ming, serving seven years on drugs charges.

All men were located in Bedugal Block of the prison.

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Foreign inmates evacuated from Bali prison as tensions simmer

• By Helene Hofman

Prisoners occupying Kerobokan prison in Bali, Indonesia watch preparations for the evacuation of women and foreigners

The Indonesian military has evacuted foreign and female prisoners from Kerobokan prison on the resort island of Bali, which is currently under the control of rioting inmates, Sky News is reporting .

The unrest began on Tuesday night, when a group of inmates weilding sticks and bricks chased guards from the jail.  They set parts of the building on fire and hurled rocks and flaming missiles into the courtyard. 

Riot police moved in at dawn to restore order, but by Wednesday night the inmates had regained control of the facility. 

More from GlobalPost: Bali prison riots continue as inmates hold on for a second night

On Thursday, AFP reported that prison authorities were planning to evacuate the 60 foreign inmates, as well as the 125 female detainees.

"We will evacuate the foreign and female prisoners," provincial military command spokesman Wing Handoko is quoted as saying.

He added that the army was planning to storm the facility, but would not do so until after the evacuation "as we fear that their lives will be put at risk."

T he Australian newspaper said that buses would take prisoners from Keroboken to a detention facility at Klungkung, about two hours away.

The Brisbane Times quotes other sources as suggesting that most of the prison's 1,015 inmates will be moved by military aircraft to another location in Indonesia, mostly likely Surabaya on the island of Java.  

The newspaper says that a barbed wire fence had been taken down and that the power supply had been cut, meaning the prison could not longer be secured. 

More from GlobalPost: Australian "Bali Nine" heroin smuggler loses appeal

 "Prison staff are afraid to enter because we are worried that a bigger riot will erupt," one prison worker calling himself Aryawan told AFP.   "This is a mass protest, the biggest over the last five years I've worked here."

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