Bali Escape: A 7-Day Itinerary

  • Day 1: Experience Serenity
    Approximately 1 hour (20 miles) from Ngurah Rai Airport

    Bali is known for its unique combination of natural beauty and culture. Start the day with a visit to the serene and mesmerising Tirta Empul Temple. Here, you can experience the spiritual Balinese tradition of purification through holy water. Follow your spiritual journey with a visit to Ubud Monkey Forest and indulge in nature. End the day at the lush and green Tegalalang Rice Terrace, where you can relax and unwind amidst the beautiful scenery.

  • Day 2: Bali's Cultural Vibe
    Approximately 20 minutes (6.2 miles) from Tegalalang Rice Terrace

    Start your day with a journey to Kehen Temple, one of Bali's most beautiful ancient Hindu temples. Make your second stop at Besakih Temple, often referred to as the "Mother Temple of Bali". It's a stunning and colourful temple complex that sits on top of a slope, with picturesque views of the surrounding area. Later, experience the passion and vibrancy of Balinese dance at the Barong and Kris Dance Performance.

  • Day 3: Beach Hopping
    Approximately 30 minutes (10.2 miles) from Kuta Beach

    Begin your day with an early surf lesson at Kuta Beach. Afterward, transfer to Balangan Beach, a hidden gem with perfect waves for intermediate surfers. In the late afternoon, visit the famous Jimbaran Beach for stunning sunset views and try the seafood bazaar for a unique dining experience with plenty of fresh seafood options.

  • Day 4: Island Paradise
    Approximately 35 minutes (15.8 miles) from Jimbaran Beach

    Get ready for a day of island adventure. Take a fast boat to Nusa Penida and explore the amazing T-Rex-shaped cliff and stunning beaches like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong. It's a perfect escape from Bali's mainland hustle where nature meets adventure.

  • Day 5: Chill Day
    Approximately 1.5 hours (36.4 miles) from Nusa Penida

    Enjoy a day of relaxation and rejuvenation. Visit Uluwatu Temple and watch the sunset over the waves of the Indian Ocean. Later, indulge in a traditional Balinese massage at Karsa Spa to release your tension and stress. End your day with a romantic dinner at Metis Bali, a fine dining restaurant with delicious French-Mediterranean cuisine.

  • Day 6: Water Adventures
    Approximately 30 minutes (11.1 miles) from Metis Bali

    Jump into the day's excitement with a visit to Waterbom Bali, Asia's number one waterpark or to Bali Wake Park for wakeboarding fun. Next up, the famous Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali's most iconic landmarks, surrounded by the sea waves. End your day by enjoying the sunset scenery at Canggu Beach, a new favourite beach destination in Bali.

  • Day 7: Wild Adventure
    Approximately 1 hour (27.5 miles) from Canggu Beach

    Spend the day on an elephant ride at the Bali Elephant Camp while enjoying the beautiful Bali panoramic view. Then, take a break for a light hike to Gitgit Waterfall, one of Bali's most beautiful waterfalls. Lastly, visit the North Bali Dolphin Watching Tour at Lovina Beach to end your trip with an unforgettable experience.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Tirta Empul Temple (1-2 hours, 15,000 IDR)
  • Ubud Monkey Forest (1-2 hours, 80,000 IDR)
  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace (1-2 hours, 10,000 IDR)
  • Kehen Temple (1-2 hours, 15,000 IDR)
  • Besakih Temple (1-2 hours, 75,000 IDR)
  • Barong and Kris Dance Performance (1 hour, 100,000 IDR)
  • Kuta Beach Surf Lesson (2 hours, 250,000 IDR)
  • Balangan Beach Surfing (2 hours, 200,000 IDR)
  • Jimbaran Beach Seafood Bazaar (2 hours, 200,000 IDR)
  • Nusa Penida Island Tour (8 hours, 950,000 IDR)
  • Uluwatu Temple (1 hour, 30,000 IDR)
  • Karsa Spa (1-2 hours, 500,000 IDR)
  • Metis Bali Dinner (2 hours, 800,000 IDR)
  • Waterbom Bali (4 hours, 635,000 IDR)
  • Bali Wake Park (4 hours, 390,000 IDR)
  • Tanah Lot Temple (1-2 hours, 60,000 IDR)
  • Canggu Beach Sunset (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Bali Elephant Camp (2 hours, 750,000 IDR)
  • Gitgit Waterfall (1-2 hours, 20,000 IDR)
  • North Bali Dolphin Watching Tour (2-3 hours, 100,000 IDR)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 4,210,000 IDR

Transportation

Transportation around Bali can be tricky, but the most common way is to rent a scooter, which costs approximately 50,000-80,000 IDR per day. If you're not comfortable renting a scooter, consider hiring a private driver, which can range from 500,000 IDR to 1,000,000 IDR per day depending on your itinerary. For island transfers, book a fast boat ride for approximately 150,000-300,000 IDR per person. Always negotiate a price with taxi drivers before getting in.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands to your itinerary, which are day-trip accessible from Bali. Alternatively, subtract a day from the beach destinations and consider visiting the serene Sidemen Valley. Remember to dress modestly when visiting temples, and always carry cash for small purchases or entry fees.

Airports

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is Bali's main airport, located approximately 13 km south of Denpasar city, and is approximately 25 km away from Kuta. With direct flights from most major cities, expect to pay between £450 and £600 round trip from London, and transfer times to your accommodation will vary depending on traffic.

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