A Bali Trip Planner – Planning an Amazing Week in Bali

We have all seen the dreamy pictures – the brilliant blue skies, the turquoise seas, the lush green forest and rice paddies.  Bali is an explosion of natural colors, with intricately carved temples sprinkled across the island. It is no wonder that it is often referred to as the Island of the Gods, and also no wonder that it is a dream destination for many people.  If you have been longing to see this magical island, isn’t it time to start planning a week in Bali? All you need is our Bali Trip Planner with suggestions for where to stay in Bali, where to go in Bali, unique things to do in Bali, and some logistic information, to start laying out your first Bali one week itinerary now.

If you don’t have a month to spend, its near impossible to take in the all extraordinary, exotic and sensory experiences that await you. Whether you’re a couple seeking the most romantic getaway imaginable, a family wanting unforgettable memories for all ages, or an adventurous solo traveler, get set for a journey of a lifetime. Given just a week in Bali, our Bali Trip Planner will help you focus on a particular area from which you can explore Hindu temples on volcanic hillsides, swim with manta rays, swing over the jungle canopy…and leave plenty of time to bask in the sun at your beachfront resort.  You will see enough of Bali in a week to leave you ready to come back for more!

Please allow us to introduce ourselves: we are Ed and Carla Little, founders of Go Here, There and Everywhere. Carla is a certified Travel Agent and Trip Planner by trade ([email protected]), and Ed is a Creative Director, published Travel Writer and Photographer. We’ve traveled the world for both work and pleasure and are excited to share our adventures with you. We’ve made several recent trips to Southeast Asia to visit our daughter, who lives and works there. Our visits to see her have included Phuket and Chiang Mai, Thailand, Bali and Singapore. Traveling with her gives us the added benefit of her inside tips, as she frequently explores destinations throughout the region. 

Our one week Bali itinerary has a home base in the resort area of Nusa Dua, set on the shore of the sparkling Indian Ocean. It is located at the southern tip of the island, just a 30-minute ride from Denpasar airport, Bali’s major hub. We think you’d agree that after however long your flight may be (ours was 22 hours from New Jersey), being poolside within a few hours of landing is a fantastic way to begin your week in Bali. From this vantage point you can venture into the island’s interior, amid lush verdant mountains carved into terraces by rice paddies or take a speedboat to Eden-like islands surrounded by turquoise waters.

Our Bali Trip Planner includes:

• Where to stay in Bali
• Where to Go in Bali –
  • The Temples of Bali
  • Natural Wonders
• Unique Things to Do in Bali
  • Adventures on the water
  • One-of-a-kind excursions
• What to Eat in Bali
• Getting to Bali
• Getting around
• Other Things You Need to Know
  • The Weather and How to Pack
  • Currency in Bali
  • Language

Planning A One Week Bali Itinerary

Where to Stay in Bali

There are unparalleled resorts located throughout Bali ranging from secluded jungle treehouses to tranquil riverside spas and gorgeous beach resorts. Choosing the right major resort area will enable you to plan excursions that sample the landscape, architecture, natural wonders, food and culture of this island paradise. 

One of the most popular resort areas is Ubud, located on Bali’s North side, where familiar hotel chains such as Westin and Four Seasons, plus unique accommodations such as the Hanging Gardens of Bali and their iconic pools, can be found. A second major resort area is Nusa Dua, on the Eastern Coast of the Southern side of Bali, which is where we will focus. There you’ll also recognize names like St. Regis, Sofitel, Marriott and even Holiday Inn. But finding an affordable, yet completely unique getaway is achievable within a reasonable budget, and that is just what we found.

Rated by Conde Nast Traveler as the #1 beach resort in the world, the Mulia Bali is a dream come true, and we are pleased to recommend such an amazing resort in our Bali Trip Planner. Carved into a hillside over the picturesque Indian Ocean are seven levels of pure delight from sea to sky, complete with infinity pools and swim-up bars. Nine restaurants feature the best of Indonesian dishes plus other Asian cuisines, including Teppanyaki, Thai and Chinese. And the included breakfast buffet is nearly legendary (in our minds, at least) serving up everything from a traditional American breakfast to sushi, dumplings and Balinese favorites. 

The extraordinary statues known as the ‘Ladies’ tower over the 4 pool areas, heads bowed in reverence to the beauty of the immaculate, lush landscaping and visual feast of colorful flowers. Long, relaxing days spent at the resort should absolutely be part of your one week Bali itinerary, soaking up the sun and recharging between excursions.

You can reserve your room at the Mulia Bali, one of the top beach resorts in the world, right now.

Where to go in Bali

After you have selected a place to stay in Bali, it is time to start laying out how you will spend your week in Bali. While this can be a fun experience of anticipation before your trip, there are so many magical places and unique things to do in Bali. The choices for planning a trip to Bali can be a bit overwhelming. We have plenty of recommendations so you can narrow the options, and line up your own perfect one week Bali itinerary.

The Temples of Bali

There are over 20,000 Temples scattered throughout Bali, offering iconic, centuries old architecture with intricate stone carvings, and many are located in some of the most dramatic settings. The temples in Bali are so central to both the culture and the landscape, that a worthy Bali trip planner must suggest some of the best in the immediate area. The temples are places of worship, and out of reverence most will require sarongs to be worn by both men and women. 

Within reasonable driving distance of Nusa Dua, it was extremely difficult to choose those we would explore with only one week in Bali, as each offer such unique experiences. The best bet for getting there is to sign up for a tour with a private driver (see below for a recommendation) who will be able to navigate the winding roads and heavily trafficked areas. Here are the ones we chose to visit:

Lempuyang Temple

Named for the towering mountain on which it is built, it is one of the most dramatic, mystical (and Instagramed) places in all of Bali. The main temple is adorned with huge stone dragons, their immense tails snaking to the top, reputed to protect the island’s land and water. If you’re in good shape and up for the adventure, climb the 1,700 steps and be rewarded with a panoramic view of East Bali’s verdant landscape. 

Waiting your turn for a picture in the ‘Gates of Heaven’ is a must. The temple photographer will actually use your camera and guide you through a series of poses. At 1,175m above sea level on a clear day, Mount Agung, an active volcano and the highest peak in Bali, is perfectly centered between the gates creating a magnificent vision. Unfortunately, on our day there, clouds shrouded the volcano, but the effect was nevertheless unforgettable.

Tirta Gangga

Known as the ‘Water Palace’, this is a completely different experience from all other Temples in Bali. Passing the souvenir and food stalls lining the entry way, you’ll leave the touristy trappings behind and enter a most reverent sanctuary. Step into a maze of pools and fountains which were once the royal baths. Here the waters come from a hidden spring and are considered sacred, and named after the sacred waters from the River Ganges, making this a holy site for the Balinese locals.

Take the walk across hexagonal steppingstones that lead across an immense pond, where you can feed the Koi, and swim in the dark waters of natural pools. For many visitors the swim is the most important part of a visit to Tirta Gangga, as it is considered a sacred cleansing. At the heart of the grounds is an 11-tiered fountain, surrounded by stone carvings spouting ever-flowing water. This is a truly unique excursion.

You can set up a full day trip that includes Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall, all in one exciting day.

Pura Geger

One of the benefits of staying at the Mulia is its proximity to the Temple Pura Geger, perched on a nearby cliff just a short walk and steep climb from the resort. Within sight from the ocean and resort pool, it is a constant reminder that you are truly someplace special. The Temple is only open for prayer, but even from the outside-looking it is worth the trek. You’ll also be rewarded by a panoramic ocean view from the cliff, the only disappointment being the washed- up plastic refuse that is sadly prevalent throughout Southeast Asia beaches.

Other Major Temples near Nusa Dua to be considered on your itinerary include:

• Puja Mandala
• Pura Jagatnatha
• Uluwatu Temple
• Tanah Lot 
  

Temples are such an important part of the landscape and culture in Indonesia. Any Bali one week itinerary should include at least one or two, and we are sure that any one of these temples will be a very memorable experience.

Natural Wonders for Your Week in Bali

Bali is an island of natural wonders, including tropical rain forest, coastal cliffs, steaming volcano peaks, and a multitude of waterfalls. While you can’t see them all, you can get a taste of them during your week in Bali.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Your adventure begins as you descend into the jungle, traversing several levels of slippery, uneven steps. It is at the bottom where you discover a deep ravine, climbing over and around massive boulders. Then you enter a cave where the ceiling opens wide to a spectacular waterfall from above and the light streaming in creates a mesmerizing effect.

Just watching the sparkling downpour may not be enough, if you wish to enjoy the full experience, place yourself directly underneath and let the water wash over you. Standing under the pounding water is absolutely exhilarating. (Do know that there are no changing facilities, so your ride back will be a wet one).

You can set up a full day trip that includes Lempuyang Temple, Tirta Gangga Water Palace, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall, all in one exciting day.

The Rice Paddies

As one of the most photographed features of the area, a Bali trip planner would be negligent if it did not share how to visit the rice paddies. While obviously not a ‘natural’ attraction, the beauty of the carved terraces shapes the landscape, nonetheless. Venture from the coast into the central foothills and you’ll witness the signature rice paddies that cascade across the island.

This system of farming and irrigation was developed more than a millennium ago in the 9th century. Walk through the fields and see the tropical sun illuminate your way with every shade of green imaginable as palm trees, bamboo and brush provide the backdrop.

A photographer’s playground, you’ll capture images that provide a glimpse into the local way of life in Bali. While the paddies can be seen throughout the island, you should make a day trip to the village of Tegalalang, where the road travels high into the hills. This more in depth experience will really enrich your one week Bali itinerary.

Though there is really no entry fee, locals will ask for ‘donations’ which are minimal (just bring small bills) and recommended, be mindful that you are walking in the fields where they work. The village itself is part of the exploration, offering numerous restaurants with stunning views. Shop the craft stores where local artisans sell wood carvings, paintings and more.

You can reserve a day trip to the Tegalalang rice paddies and a coffee plantation right now.

Unique Things to Do in Bali

Where to go in Bali is very important, but so is what to do. There are some amazing experiences to have, that are not necessarily related to a single location, and we must include them in our Bali trip planner.

Adventures on the Water

A Day Trip to the Smaller Islands

Planning a trip to Bali must include some kind of adventure on the water, one week in Bali might include more than one. As difficult as it may be to leave your resort, another great advantage of staying in Nusa Dua is the opportunity to take a day trip to the three-island archipelago of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lombokken and Nusa Ceningen.

A world away from the villages, cities and resorts of Bali, you’ll be immersed in natural beauty, both above and below the water’s surface. Here we recommend a guided tour, whether you intend to explore the islands themselves or have a snorkel or diving adventure.

High speed boats leave from the chaotic port of Sanur and arrive at the islands in 30 minutes. The boats can be crowded with passengers embarking on a stay to the islands and you’ll have to be patient as their luggage is loaded onto the vessels.

There are several boats all leaving at different times, so be careful as you navigate the purchase of tickets and the select the right line to wait in. It may seem a bit overwhelming on your first trip to Bali. Also note there is no dock, so you’ll wade through the waves to be pulled aboard by deckhands ready to assist. You’re going to get wet!

Once you arrive, the crystal-clear waters that surround the islands have some of the most beautiful, healthy and colorful coral reefs to be found anywhere in the world. Teeming with tropical fish, your boat captain will guide you to several spots where the reefs can be explored.

A highlight of our tour was Manta Bay, in the deep blue waters off Nusa Penida. With hopes of spotting one of the magnificent creatures, we weren’t disappointed. We came nearly face-to-face with a Manta Ray – just a few feet below, almost touching us! We marveled at its jet-black massive wingspan and mouth wide open to feed.

Our tour made camp at the delightful Mesari Beach Club and Restaurant, where we enjoyed a fantastic local lunch and lounged in the bamboo huts. We were also treated to a kayak tour through the mangroves making this a full day adventure, but it was a great day of our Bali one week itinerary.

You can reserve a similar day trip to the Nusa islands that includes snorkeling with the manta rays, buffet lunch, and kayaking through the mangroves, right now!

A Tour of Nusa Penida

You can also choose to tour Nusa Penida, the biggest of the three islands, which has so much more than you can see and do in one day. Again, we recommend a guide to ensure you experience the highlights. Be sure your tour includes at least a few of the following: Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave, Atuh Beach, Angel’s Billabong (crystal clear tide pools) the seaweed farms and the Instagram jewel of the island, the stunning Kelingking Cliff Lookout – providing a gorgeous view of Secret Point Beach and the turquoise waters that crash upon its shores and surrounding rock formations. 

One-of-a-kind excursions

Kumulilir Coffee Plantation

This tranquil setting is a peaceful stop to learn about and savor some of the most delicious teas and coffee we’ve ever tasted…coconut, ginger, lemongrass, turmeric and more. A beautiful trail descends the hillside covered with exotic plants, many are marked with small signs detailing their species, meant to be taken in by sight and smell. 

It was there we learned about Bali’s famous ‘poop’ coffee, also known as Luwak Coffee (Kopi Luwak). Believe it or not, small animals called civets (a small nocturnal mammal native to the region) roam the fields where they eat the coffee berries and poop out the coffee beans (this is for real…). The beans are washed (thankfully) and roasted. The result has a smooth, rich taste that you’ll have to judge for yourself!

You can reserve a day trip to the coffee plantation and the Tegalalang rice paddies right now.

Jungle Swing

You have probably seen pictures of the jungle swings in Bali- in fact that may be what inspired you to start planning a trip to Bali! There are several of them located in Bali, and this one at the coffee plantation was a real thrill ride. As you step up onto the wooden platform, you’ll be securely strapped in for a fairly scary push high over the jungle canopy. I’ll never forget the shriek Carla let out once she was airborne! While I would not go out of my way to include a jungle swing into my Bali one week itinerary, if it is right there, might as well go for a ride.

The Edge Hotel and One-Eighty Restaurant

Well worth the ride from Nusa Dua, the resort is perched on the towering cliffs at Uluwatu, high above the rocky shoreline. The signature experience is the gravity defying infinity pool, which extends over the cliffs to provide a bird’s-eye view above the crashing waves far below. The pool’s glass bottom gives a surreal perspective to this architectural marvel. It is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Bali, perhaps around the world. You can lounge on the daybeds while enjoying drinks, pizza and small plates after your ‘swim with a view’.

Beach dinner on Jimbaran Bay

Stroll along the beach at night for a truly unforgettable dinner. There are numerous restaurants to choose from, though they all basically have the same menus and prices. A seafood feast awaits as strolling musicians will play requests at your table. Enjoy a bottle of wine and raise a glass to the memories you are making! It is a perfect end to a one week Bali itinerary.

What to Eat in Bali

The foods of Bali offer a unique variation to the vast variety of Southeast Asian cuisines. While many Bali trip planners skip these aspects, but we think the sumptuous cuisine is an essential part of your Bali trip. Here are some of the signature dishes that will tantalize your taste buds with exotic flavors and spices.

Nasi Goreng

Fried rice that is usually served with a fried egg and dried shallots, mixed with veggies, and can be accompanied by a few sticks of either chicken or beef satay. As rice is grown year-round throughout Bali this is the staple of Balinese cuisine and can be served at any time of day. Mie Goreng is a similar dish but served with noodles instead of rice.

Gado-Gado 

A vegetarian delight that is basically a salad tossed with peanut sauce. ‘Mix-mix’ ingredients can include boiled long beans, spinach, potato, corn, egg and bean sprouts paired with cucumber, tofu and tempeh.

Satay

A familiar dish with a Balinese twist. The barbecued skewers of marinated chicken, beef or pork, have a sweet, spicy taste that can be enjoyed with or without dipping sauce. The variation here in Bali is Sate Lilit where meat or fish is minced and mixed with coconut, vegetables and spices, then molded and wrapped around bamboo or lemongrass before barbecued.

Babi Guling

Arguably Bali’s most notable dish, this is a must-try during any Bali one week itinerary. The translation is ‘suckling pig’ that has been spice-rubbed and slow-roasted for hours until delectably tender. The cuts of meat are traditionally served with rice and a vegetable salad.

Jimbaran seafood

When served beachside, the fresh bounty from the sea becomes a unique culinary experience due to the variety of sambal – an Indonesian chili sauce that contains ingredients such as garlic, ginger, scallion, palm sugar, lime juice and a shrimp paste. The seafood is grilled and will feature a variety of fish and shellfish, including shrimp, clams, calamari, crab, and lobster.

Pisang Goreng

Quite simply they are fried bananas, and with the variety that grow in Bali they can range from small and sweet to large and savory. This unpretentious yet divine dessert can be served plain or with honey, coconut flakes or vanilla ice cream.

Bali Trip Planner Logistics – Getting to Bali

Sitting in the midst of the Indian Ocean near the southern point of Asia, Bali is a long journey for most western travelers. When coming from the US or Canada, the international date line comes into play, so you will arrive a day later than you depart, even on a direct flight. There are occasional direct flights from major US and European cities, but in most cases a layover will be required, often in Honk Kong.

Because of this, one week in Bali will actually require about 9 days of vacation time, to allow time to get to and from the island. It is a lot of travel time, but believe me, every one of those 7 days in Bali will remind you that it was worth it!

Getting around in Bali

Take Guided Tours

With distances to travel, heavy traffic areas, winding roads, three million motorcycles (an actual number) plus trucks and tour buses to compete with, we highly recommend leaving the driving during your week in Bali to a local pro. Your hotel can help arrange for private drivers, or you can book excursions to all the places we’ve mentioned by Get Your Guide, who we have toured with in both Europe and Asia and the guides have always been informative and friendly. Simply download the mobile app and you can book directly from your phone if you wish. Do so in advance of your trip as tours do sell out.

Speedboats to the Islands

If staying in Nusa Dua, boats leave from Sanur, and as mentioned above, there are no docks, so you will wade at least knee deep into the water. If the seas are choppy, this can become a challenge, especially if you have mobility issues. If that is the case, you will have to be carried onboard. Tickets can be purchased in advance but do consider what you plan to do once you arrive at the islands. If you are going snorkeling, we recommend booking a tour that will arrange transportation, lunch and ensure that professionals will take you safely to the reefs. If you are going to explore Nusa Penida you can also book a tour or hire a driver. If you wish to do it yourself, scooters can be rented on the island, but beware of very bumpy roads!

Airport Transfers 

The Mulia is located in the resort area of South Bali, about 30 minutes from Denpasar Airport, but the traffic around Bali can be horrendous, so be sure to allow extra time. Taxis can be found at the airport at arrival and are easily called by your resort when departing, but we always feel more comfortable arranging transfers in advance with a travel agent or tour company. You want to get your one week Bali itinerary off on the right foot, so avoiding airport and taxi mix-ups is important.

Other Things You Need to Know

Bali trip planner essentials to round out your plan, and prepare you for your exciting trip!

The Weather (and How to Pack)

Bali enjoys near perfect weather year-round. Best months to visit are May – July, with temperatures in the mid 80‘s. The rainy season is considered to be between October and April, but don’t worry about a complete washout, just be prepared with rain gear. You can plan a much more affordable Bali one week itinerary during the rainy season.

When visiting Temples, it is highly recommended, if not mandatory that shoulders and knees are covered, so wearing pants and a t-shirt will suffice. The major requirement will be a sarong which you’ll be able to borrow or rent for a small fee.

Base your wardrobe on what you intend to do while in Bali. If hiking is on your itinerary, you’ll want sturdy shoes and some lightweight hiking pants that will work on jungle trails or through a village. The best investment I made were a pair of waterproof hiking sandals, (Keen ‘Clearwater’ to be exact) that double as water shoes. The same would go for shorts – quick drying materials that will work for any of the excursions we mentioned as they may take you to a water temple or waterfall. Basically, versatile travel gear is a good idea.

Currency in Bali

The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency of Bali. Bills range in denomination from Rp 1000 to 100,000, coins from Rp 25 to 500. Currency exchanges are readily available throughout Bali, though rates vary in pretty much every location, from airports to hotels to banks so you’ll want to shop around. In general, banks will offer the best rates, and it is advisable to exchange your cash before you leave the U.S. ATMs are available as well, but stick to ones in either a bank or a booth, and do expect limits and additional charges. The rate at the time of this writing is 1Rp to .000072 US – or $1 USD to 1,395,405.89 Rp, so it will definitely feel strange paying a couple of million Rupiah for a dinner!

• It is advisable to have a range of bills and coins as you’ll need cash for most transactions and exact change is expected.
• Credit cards are accepted for larger purchases in shops, hotels and restaurants, but expect a surcharge. As always when traveling abroad, notify your credit card company of your destination and avoid having the card frozen due to suspicious activity.

Language

The language spoken in Bali is simply known as Balinese or even Bali, which is different from Indonesian. However, being a major tourist destination for countries around the world, English is the most popular foreign language, and is spoken fluently in hotels, restaurants (including menus), taxis and at every destination we visited. You may want to acquaint yourself with a few simple phrases, but quite honestly, you’ll rarely need to translate, if at all.

Are You Already Planning a Trip to Bali?

We hope our Bali trip planner has shown you that Bali is a land of wonders, unlike anyplace else in the world. There may be similarities to other Southeast Asia destinations, such as Krabi, Thailand, or South India, but there is something both magical and mystical that sets Bali apart.

You can experience history, culture, cuisine, romance, fun and adventure in a single destination that has it all. We think the major sights are not to be missed, after all, there’s good reason for places to become popular in the first place. With perfect weather and beautiful resorts, you can pace yourself, alternating days by the pool and beach and excursion days to hike and explore, for the ideal one week Bali itinerary. We wish your first trip to Bali to be the trip of a lifetime, visiting the ’Island of the Gods’.

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