This plan splits the week between the south coast and Ubud. You spend three nights around Kuta and Seminyak, then three in Ubud. Day trips from each base keep the packing simple.
Bali Itinerary Overview
Weather matters for timing. January, February, March, November and December are the wettest months in Kuta and Seminyak. August is the driest there, with 58 mm of rain. Ubud shows the same wet months and daytime highs near 26.5°C in July.
Day 1: Arrive and Settle in Kuta or Seminyak
Start at Ngurah Rai Airport. Pre-arranging the ride helps, because the airport can be chaotic.
Keep the rest of the day free. Walk to Legian Beach and rest after the flight.
Day 2: Garuda Wisnu Kencana and Uluwatu Temple
Hire a driver or use an app for the day. First stop is Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Ungasan. It is open daily from 08:00 to 22:00. Plaza Garuda and the View Point Garuda Statue are close by.
Next, head to Uluwatu Temple. Return to your base for dinner.
Day 3: Tanah Lot and Seminyak
Spend the morning in Seminyak’s boutiques and art galleries. In the afternoon, drive to Tanah Lot, which is 1 hour away from Seminyak. Stay for sunset, then eat back in Seminyak.
Day 4: Move to Ubud
Travel from Seminyak to Ubud. The drive takes about 1 hour.
After checking in, visit Ubud Palace. Entry is free.
Day 5: Monkey Forest and Ubud Art
Begin at the Ubud Monkey Forest.
End the day with the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Day 6: Temples and Rice Terraces Around Ubud
Start early at Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring. It opens at 07:00 and closes at 17:00. Tirta Empul is listed nearby.
Then visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
If you want fewer crowds, swap in the Jatiluwih rice terraces. They are further away but less crowded than Tegallalang.
Day 7: Fly Out
Allow 1.5 hours from Ubud to the airport. The public bus is cheaper at Rp 8800. It takes at least 2½ hours and needs a bus change.
Getting Around Bali: Tips
Your options are a scooter, a car with driver, or the Gojek and Grab apps. Distances mislead: 3 km can take 30 minutes in traffic.
What are the do’s and don’ts in Bali?
Indonesian law requires it, and checkpoints are common. Do drive on the left. Don’t wait for Uber, which does not operate in Bali.
How many days should you spend in Bali?
Seven days covers both the south coast and Ubud, as the plan above shows. It also leaves room for a day trip to the Ulan Danu temple in Bedugul.
Making the plan work
One week works well with two bases and short day trips. Match your dates to the dry months if you can. Book airport rides ahead and check each site’s hours before you go.
Opening hours, prices and visiting details: Bali Museum, Neka Art Museum.