The Ultimate 7-Day Indonesia Travel Guide: Bali & Beyond

The Ultimate 7-Day Indonesia Travel Guide

Indonesia is a tropical paradise of volcanic landscapes, emerald rice terraces, and some of the world's best beaches. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary focuses on Bali with an optional extension to Java, perfect for first-time visitors wanting both relaxation and adventure.

Indonesia at a Glance:

• Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
• Language: Bahasa Indonesia (English common in tourist areas)
• Best Time to Visit: April-October (dry season)
• Average Daily Budget: $50-150 (mid-range traveler)
• Getting Around: Private drivers and ferries between islands

Pro Tip: Most nationalities get 30-day visa-free entry. Check requirements for your passport.

Detailed 7-Day Indonesia Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bali - Ubud Cultural Heart

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
Morning	Arrival at Denpasar Airport	Take airport taxi or pre-arranged transfer to Ubud (1.5 hours) Check into hotel in central Ubud	$20-30
Afternoon	Ubud Monkey Forest	Sacred sanctuary with 700+ long-tailed macaques Ancient temples within the forest Watch your belongings - monkeys are sneaky!	$5
Evening	Traditional Dance Performance	Kecak fire dance at Ubud Palace Dinner at Locavore (modern Indonesian cuisine)	$25-50

Cultural Insight: When visiting temples, wear a sarong (provided at most sites) to cover your legs as a sign of respect.

Day 2: Ubud - Rice Terraces & Water Temples

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
8:00 AM	Tegallalang Rice Terraces	Iconic emerald-green rice paddies Try the jungle swing for epic photos Early morning avoids crowds and heat	$2 (swing $10-15)
11:00 AM	Tirta Empul Temple	Sacred water temple for purification rituals Option to participate in blessing ceremony	$3
2:00 PM	Lunch at Bali Pulina	Luwak coffee tasting with rice terrace views Try the famous (and expensive) kopi luwak	$10-20
4:00 PM	Campuhan Ridge Walk	Easy 2km hike through beautiful valleys Best in late afternoon for golden light	Free
7:00 PM	Dinner at Mozaic	Fine dining with Indonesian-French fusion Romantic garden setting	$50-80

Photography Tip: The rice terraces look most vibrant in the morning light. Bring a zoom lens for best shots of the layered fields.

Day 3: Mount Batur Sunrise & Ubud Relaxation

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
2:00 AM	Mount Batur Sunrise Trek	Early departure for 2-hour hike up active volcano Rewarding sunrise views over Lake Batur Breakfast cooked by volcanic steam	$35-50
10:00 AM	Return to Ubud	Nap or relax at your hotel pool	-
2:00 PM	Spa Treatment	Traditional Balinese massage at Karsa Spa Try the flower bath experience	$25-50
5:00 PM	Yoga Class	World-famous Yoga Barn for all levels Open-air studio in jungle setting	$12-20
7:00 PM	Dinner at Clear Café	Healthy organic cuisine Try their famous "Earth Bowl"	$15-25

Alternative: If you're not up for the hike, consider a sunrise jeep tour to Mount Batur viewpoints instead.

Day 4: Nusa Penida Island Day Trip

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
6:00 AM	Fast Boat to Nusa Penida	45-minute speedboat from Sanur harbor	$30-50
8:00 AM	Kelingking Beach	Iconic T-Rex shaped cliff viewpoint Steep hike down to pristine beach (challenging)	Free
11:00 AM	Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach	Natural infinity pool (check tides for safety) Spectacular ocean arch formation	Free
1:00 PM	Lunch at Penida Colada	Beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood	$10-20
3:00 PM	Crystal Bay	Snorkeling with chance to see manta rays Relax on beautiful sandy beach	$10 (snorkel gear)
5:00 PM	Return to Bali	Evening at leisure in Ubud	$30-50

Safety Note: Nusa Penida's roads are rough - choose a reputable tour operator with experienced drivers.

Day 5: Uluwatu & Southern Beaches

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
8:00 AM	Transfer to Uluwatu	1.5 hour drive through rural Bali	$25-40
10:00 AM	Uluwatu Temple	Cliff-top sea temple with stunning views Watch out for mischievous monkeys	$3
12:00 PM	Lunch at Single Fin	Cliffside restaurant with ocean views	$15-30
2:00 PM	Padang Padang Beach	Beautiful cove featured in "Eat Pray Love" Great for swimming and sunbathing	$2
4:00 PM	GWK Cultural Park	Massive Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue Cultural performances	$10
6:30 PM	Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu	Sunset performance with ocean backdrop	$10
8:00 PM	Dinner at Jimbaran Seafood	Beachfront grilled seafood on the sand	$20-40

Surfing Option: Advanced surfers can catch waves at Uluwatu's famous breaks. Beginners should try nearby Dreamland Beach.

Day 6: Gili Islands or Lombok Option

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
Option 1: Gili Trawangan	Fast boat to car-free island (2 hours) Snorkeling trip to see sea turtles Beachfront bungalow stay Sunset drinks at exotic beach bars			$100-200
Option 2: Lombok Waterfalls	Flight to Lombok (30 minutes) Visit Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep waterfalls Explore traditional Sasak villages Return to Bali in evening			$150-250

Extension Idea: Add 2-3 extra days to properly explore the Gili Islands or climb Mount Rinjani in Lombok.

Day 7: Seminyak & Departure

Time	Activity	Details	Cost
Morning	Seminyak Beach	Relax at trendy beach clubs Try surfing or stand-up paddleboarding	$10-30
12:00 PM	Lunch at Sea Circus	Colorful café with healthy options	$15-25
2:00 PM	Shopping in Seminyak	Boutiques along Jalan Kayu Aya Bali souvenirs at The Flea Market	-
5:00 PM	Airport Transfer	30-minute drive to Denpasar Airport	$10-20

Souvenir Tip: Look for authentic Balinese handicrafts like wood carvings from Mas village or silver jewelry from Celuk.

Essential Indonesia Travel Information

Where to Stay in Bali

Area	Budget ($30-80)	Mid-Range ($100-200)	Luxury ($250+)
Ubud	Puri Garden Hostel	Alaya Resort	Four Seasons Sayan
Seminyak	The Haven Hostel	The Legian Bali	W Bali
Uluwatu	PinkCoco Bali	Radisson Blu	Bulgari Resort

Must-Try Indonesian Foods

Balinese Specialties:

• Babi Guling - Suckling pig with crispy skin
• Bebek Betutu - Slow-cooked duck in banana leaves
• Lawar - Traditional mixed vegetables with meat

Indonesian Classics:

• Nasi Goreng - Famous Indonesian fried rice
• Satay - Grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce
• Gado-Gado - Vegetable salad with peanut dressing

Drinks & Snacks:

• Kopi Luwak - World's most expensive coffee
• Bintang Beer - Local lager perfect in the heat
• Martabak - Sweet or savory stuffed pancake

Estimated Trip Costs (Per Person)

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$250 (guesthouses)	$700 (boutique hotels)	$1500+ (5-star resorts)
Food	$150 (warungs & street food)	$350 (mix of local & nice restaurants)	$700+ (fine dining)
Activities	$200 (self-guided + few tours)	$400 (guided experiences)	$800+ (private tours)
Transport	$100 (shared transfers)	$250 (private drivers + fast boats)	$500+ (private speedboats)
Total	$700	$1700	$3500+

Practical Travel Tips for Indonesia

Before You Go:

• Visa: Check if you qualify for visa-free entry (30 days for many nationalities)
• Vaccinations: Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, routine vaccines
• Packing: Light clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent

During Your Trip:

• Money: Carry small bills (IDR). $1 ≈ 15,000 IDR
• Haggling: Expected at markets (start at 30% of asking price)
• Water: Only drink bottled water (check seal is intact)
• Temples: Wear sarong and sash (often provided)

Cultural Notes:

• Greetings: Smile and slight bow is appreciated
• Modesty: Cover shoulders/knees outside beach areas
• Head Touching: Never touch someone's head (considered sacred)
• Tipping: Not expected but appreciated (round up taxis, 5-10% at restaurants)

Final Thoughts

Indonesia offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from Bali's cultural richness to the pristine beaches of Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands. This 7-day itinerary balances must-see attractions with opportunities to experience authentic Balinese culture.

While one week gives you a wonderful introduction, Indonesia's 17,000 islands could keep you exploring for years. Many visitors find themselves returning again and again to discover new corners of this archipelago paradise.

Have you visited Indonesia? Share your favorite spots and travel tips in the comments below!