7 Days in Bali on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Explore Seminyak and Kuta Beach
    20 minutes (6.3 miles) from Ngurah Rai International Airport

    Start your day by visiting Seminyak Beach, a chilled out beach with a nice surf break. Head to the nearby Pura Petitenget temple, a Balinese Hindu temple located along the coast with an ocean view. In the evening, hit up the lively Kuta Beach and party at the clubs and bars that line the coast.

  • Day 2: Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Ubud
    1 hour 10 minutes (20.5 miles) from Kuta Beach

    Head north in the morning to see the stunning Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a beautiful view of the rice paddy fields. Afterward, explore the cultural hub of Ubud, visit the Ubud Monkey Forest and Pura Taman Saraswati temple for a glimpse of the local life and culture.

  • Day 3: Experience Waterfalls and Beaches
    1 hour 50 minutes (44.5 miles) from Ubud town center

    Start the adventure with a hike to the stunning Tibumana Waterfall. Afterward, visit Tegal Wangi Beach, a hidden gem with clear water for swimming and snorkeling. End the day at Jimbaran Beach, where you can have a seafood dinner while watching the sunset.

  • Day 4: Sunrise Hike in Mount Batur and Visit Tirta Empul Temple
    1 hour 45 minutes (32.8 miles) from Jimbaran Beach

    Get an early start to hike Mount Batur, Bali’s most active volcano, to see the breathtaking sunrise. Afterward, take a dip in the nearby hot springs of Toyabungkah Village. On the way back, visit Tirta Empul Temple, a beautiful holy water temple where locals come to purify themselves.

  • Day 5: Bali Swing and Seminyak Nightlife
    1 hour 10 minutes (5.5 miles) from Tirta Empul Temple

    Start the day by posing for Instagram-worthy photos at the Bali Swing, a giant jungle swing that provides a panoramic view of the forest. In the evening, return to Seminyak to discover more of its famous nightlife and popular bars such as La Favela and Potato Head Beach Club.

  • Day 6: Water Sports and Uluwatu Temple
    1 hour 5 minutes (18 miles) from Seminyak town center

    Head to Sanur Beach for some action-packed water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. In the evening, watch a traditional Kecak Fire Dance at the ancient cliffside Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali's most scenic temples.

  • Day 7: Nusa Penida and Island Tour
    2 hours boat ride from Sanur Beach

    Take a day trip to the Nusa Penida Island, a hidden gem with beautiful beaches, iconic natural sights, and crystal clear water. Visit photogenic places such as the Angel's Billabong and Kelingking Beach:

Time & Costs Estimates

  • Seminyak Beach (1-2 hours, free)
  • Pura Petitenget temple (1 hour, free)
  • Kuta Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Tegallalang Rice Terraces (2 hours, IDR 20,000 or $1.50)
  • Ubud Monkey Forest (1-2 hours, IDR 80,000 or $5.65)
  • Pura Taman Saraswati temple (1 hour, free)
  • Tibumana Waterfall (2 hours, IDR 15,000 or $1)
  • Tegal Wangi Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Jimbaran Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Mount Batur (4 hours, IDR 600,000 or $40)
  • Toyabungkah Hot Springs (2 hours, IDR 350,000 or $23.50)
  • Tirta Empul Temple (1 hour, IDR 50,000 or $3.50)
  • Bali Swing (2 hours, IDR 500,000 or $34)
  • La Favela (2-3 hours, free entrance)
  • Potato Head Beach Club (2-3 hours, minimum spending IDR 500,000 or $34)
  • Sanur Beach Water Sports (2-3 hours, depends on activities)
  • Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance (3-4 hours, IDR 100,000 or $7)
  • Nusa Penida Island Tour (1 day, IDR 500,000 or $34 including a boat ride)
  • Total Estimated Costs: IDR 2,315,000 or $155

Transportation

Transportation in Bali can be inexpensive, with many options such as motorbike rentals, taxis, or ride-hailing apps. The average cost of a motorbike rental is between $5-$10 per day with a full tank of petrol. Hiring a driver can cost around $40 for an 8-hour day. The cost of a taxi or a ride-hailing app will depend on the distance and traffic.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other famous attractions in Bali such as the Gitgit Waterfalls, the Tanah Lot Temple, or the Bali Safari and Marine Park. Be prepared for hot and humid weather, and pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing. Be careful when renting and driving a motorbike, and make sure you have a proper license and insurance.

Airports

Bali's only major airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), located near the southern coast of Bali, 13.7 km or 8.5 miles south of Denpasar. It serves international and domestic flights and is the third-busiest airport in Indonesia.

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