Our Actual 8-Day Travel Guide in Bali, Indonesia

If you are planning a trip to Bali, here is our actual 8-day travel guide that I personally curated and experienced during my visit.

This guide is for you if you want more than beach clubs. However, we’re doing one of those too, because balance. Here are eight days of waterfalls, volcanoes, temples, and one very life-changing island called Nusa Penida. I hope this guide will help you plan your Bali adventure.

P.S. I literally had a fever after this trip because it is so jam-packed, so this is a little warning. 😅

Is 8 days in Bali enough?

I honestly think that if you are just visiting and have limited time to stay, 8 days will be enough as long as you plan the things you want to do and want to see in Bali. The key is to prioritize what you really want.

However, if you work remotely, you can stay longer! Bali is a digital nomad paradise. I personally want to try staying for a month or two. 😄

Pre-travel guide

Best Time to Visit

The dry season (April–October) is ideal.
Peak months are July–August. I visited Bali during August, Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17th.
Shoulder season (April–June, September–October) offers fewer crowds with good weather.
The wet season (November–March) brings afternoon rain but lush green landscapes and lower prices.

Visa:

• ASEAN citizens do NOT need a Visa. This list of ASEAN countries that are qualified for the Visa Exemption.
• Citizens of 90+ Countries need a Tourist Visit Visa (also known as a visa on arrival or VoA / eVoA). They can also get it online or purchase it at the airport in the arrival hall upon arrival.
• Citizens of the remaining countries need to apply for a 211A Visa (60 days) BEFORE arrival.

You can read more about Bali Visa Regulations here.

Travel Insurance:

• Safety Wing
• If you are a Filipino, you can buy using GCASH, which is a much cheaper option

Where to Stay

Personally, I use Booking.com to book accommodation, but sometimes I can find good accommodation in Agoda too.

How to stay connected?

During this trip, I bought a SIM card at the airport. However, I think it is best to get a portable wifi instead, so your phone battery will not drain easily. Also, data esims are available to purchase if you prefer that.

Language:

Balinese, Indonesian, and English. Everyone we encountered spoke English in Bali.

☀️ TIP: I highly suggest saying thank you in Balinese, which is “suksma” or “matur suksma” for thank you very much.

Indonesian Common Phrases:

• Terima kasih — Thank you
• Permisi — Excuse me
• Berapa harganya? — How much?
• Tidak, terima kasih — No, thank you

Balinese Common Phrases:

• Om Swastiastu — Hello / traditional Balinese greeting
• Suksma — Thank you
• Matur Suksma — Thank you very much
• Kenken kabare? — How are you?
• Tiang saking Filipina — I’m from the Philippines

Money

Indonesian Rupiah.

Currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Most tourist spots will accept cards, but local food stands, market stalls, etc., will probably require cash.

Withdraw IDR at airport ATMs or licensed money changers. Avoid unauthorized changers that offer “no commission.

How to get around Bali, Indonesia

• Scooter: If you know how to drive a scooter, you can rent one anywhere in Bali. Most of the hostels and hotels will guide you on where you can rent one. You can also book a scooter or motorbike online, which is more convenient since you can pick up or get your bike delivered.
• Use App: You can use Grab or Gojek (a local app).
• Hire a driver: This is what we used mostly since our tour locations are far. We hired a woman driver named Tari. She also acted as a guide when we were visiting the spots. What I love about hiring a driver is that you can choose the destination you want.

Safety

Bali is generally very safe. We were two girls traveling in Bali, and we felt safe.
But of course, watch out for petty theft in crowded markets.
Traffic is chaotic; if you’re renting a scooter, drive defensively.

Things to do in Bali for 8 days

➡️ Day 1 – Exploring Ubud

Ubud is the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress you. It just does. I arrived half-jet-lagged with expectations borrowed from a hundred Instagram posts, and somehow the real thing was still better. Start here, slowly.

Local Tip: Hire a local driver for Day 1 rather than navigating yourself. Most guesthouses arrange one for IDR 500,000–700,000 for the full day. They’ll know the best timing for each spot and help you avoid the crowds. Worth every rupiah.

We had a lady driver named Tari, and we paid IDR 700,000. She was the best!

Goa Gajah

One of Bali’s oldest archaeological sites, dating back to the 9th century. The cave entrance is framed by carved demon faces and jungle foliage, genuinely eerie in the best way. A sarong is required (available to rent at the entrance).

Location: Bedulu, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission fee: 50,000 IDR

Pura Gunung Kawi Sebatu

A hidden water temple fed by natural spring water flowing crystal-clear into bathing pools. Far less visited than most Ubud temples, which means you often have it almost to yourself. The walk down through the jungle is part of the experience.

Location: Sebatu, Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80511, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission fee: 30,000 IDR

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Yes, you’ve seen the photos. Yes, it’s still worth it. The terraces cascade down a river gorge in impossible shades of green. Go in the late morning before the heat peaks.

Location: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission fee: 20,000 IDR

Lunch at D’Alas Warung Restaurant

We had lunch at D’Alas Warung Restaurant. They had good food, and the place was the perfect spot to chill and have a break. I highly recommend trying it when you visit Bali.

Location: Jl. Raya Pujung Kaja, Sebatu, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Ubud Monkey Forest

A sacred nature reserve home to over 700 long-tailed Balinese macaques. They are bold, curious, and absolutely will steal your sunglasses if given the chance. Don’t bring food, keep your bag zipped, and enjoy the chaos. Ancient temple ruins inside add an unexpected layer of beauty.

In my experience, the monkeys are well behave than what I see online. You can also have a selfie with the monkeys if you are brave enough. I was honestly a bit scared, so I skipped the selfie.

Location: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission fee: 80,000 IDR

Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung)

The royal palace sits at the heart of Ubud. Still partly used by the royal family, it opens to visitors during the day. In the evenings, traditional Kecak or Legong dance performances are held in the courtyard. Check the schedule and book a seat if you can.

Location: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission fee: Free

Pura Taman Saraswati

Dedicated to the Hindu goddess of knowledge and arts, this lotus pond temple is one of the most photographed in Ubud. The lotus blossoms are usually in bloom in the morning. It’s right on the main street, easy to walk to at the end of the afternoon.

We also ordered drinks at Starbucks beside the temple, then just walked inside.

Location: Jalan Kajeng, central Ubud
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission Fee: Free entry (donations appreciated; evening Balinese dance performances ticketed separately)

Ubud Market

Ubud Market, also known as Pasar Seni Ubud, is situated in the heart of Ubud, Bali, Indonesia. It is a bustling market known for its wide array of traditional Balinese handicrafts, textiles, artwork, and souvenirs.

Bargaining is common practice at Ubud Market, and visitors are encouraged to negotiate prices to get the best deals. Ubud Market is easily accessible on foot from various parts of Ubud town center and is a popular destination for tourists looking to shop for souvenirs and gifts. I bought a cute top here. Hehe.

Location: Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission fee: Free

➡️ Day 2: Waterfalls and the Mother Temple

A day of contrasts, cool canyon water and the largest, most sacred temple complex in Bali. Both require a little effort to reach. Both are completely worth it. Don’t skip Tukad Cepung just because it sounds out of the way.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Hidden inside a canyon, this waterfall can only be reached by wading through a shallow river and squeezing through a narrow cave. It’s famous for rays of sunlight that shine straight through the top of the falls, creating natural beams across the canyon-like rock formations.

Morning is a good time to visit. Go between 9–11am for the best light. Bring a dry bag for your phone.

Please know that you cannot swim in the area as the water is only a few inches deep. Steps going down/up are about 15 minutes. Also, there are shops and cafes along the way if you need a break.

There is also a small waterfall on the other side.

Location: Central parkir waterfall tukad cepung, Jl. Tembuku, Tembuku, Kec. Tembuku, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80671, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Admission fee: 15,000 IDR

Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih)

Known as Bali’s “Mother Temple,” Besakih sits on the slopes of Mount Agung at an elevation of 1,000 meters. The complex holds 23 separate temples and is the spiritual centre of Balinese Hinduism. The views of the volcano on a clear afternoon are extraordinary. Sarong and sash required.

Please know that a lot of guides will offer their services, but you can explore the area without them. So it only depends on your preference.

Location: Besakih Village, Karangasem Regency, on the slopes of Mount Agung, East Bali
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Admission Fee: IDR 150,000 per person for international visitors

Lunch at The Amora Bali

A beautiful restaurant near the Besakih area with both Indonesian and Western options.

The Restaurant has a beautiful view of Mount Batur (the same volcano we will trek the next day).

Location: Near Besakih / Gianyar area
Operating Hours: Generally 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

A tiered waterfall cascading over volcanic rock formations in a lush green gorge. Relatively easy to reach. You can stand behind part of the falls, the mist feels incredible after a day of heat. A short and easy walk makes this accessible for most fitness levels.

P.S. There will be guides here who are willing to take your photo. They even tell you how to pose, so that was fun.

Location: Jalan Kaliasem, Beng Village, Gianyar Regency (about 30 minutes from Ubud)
Operating Hours: Daily 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Admission Fee: IDR 25,000 per person

➡️ Day 3: Sunrise Hike Mount Batur

Mount Batur is a tall volcano in Bali, Indonesia. It’s around 1,717 meters high, which is like 5,633 feet. People love to hike it early in the morning to see the beautiful sunrise. You can see amazing views of the land around, Lake Batur, and sometimes even Mount Agung.

The Balinese think Mount Batur is very special and holy. There are some temples near the bottom, like Pura Ulun Danu Batur.

I will be completely honest: the 3 am alarm is brutal. I lay in bed questioning all my life choices for about four minutes. Then I got up. And then I watched the sun rise from a volcano crater above the clouds with a cup of coffee brewed over geothermal steam, and I completely forgot I’d ever been tired.

We booked our tour via Klook:

Rest the whole afternoon afterwards, you’ve earned it completely.

Read about my MOUNT BATUR Sunrise Trekking Experience + Things you need to know

➡️ Day 4: North Bali Waterfalls

The north of Bali is a different world from Ubud. Quieter roads, fewer tourists, and waterfalls that honestly made me question why I had ever been impressed by anything before. Start with coffee, you’ll need the energy.

Agro Santi Coffee Plantation

A working coffee and spice plantation where you can see how Bali’s famous Kopi Luwak and single-origin arabica are processed. Free tastings of 10+ local teas and coffees. Beautiful garden setting in the northern hills. The guided tour is short but genuinely interesting, especially watching the whole bean-to-cup process.

You can also buy coffee as souvenir here.

Sekumpul Waterfall

Often called the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, and that might be underselling it. It’s actually a collection of seven separate falls cascading through dense jungle into a misty valley. The trek involves 30–45 minutes through rice fields and steep jungle paths. Worth every step. A local guide is recommended and helps support the community.

Personally, this is one of my favorite spots I’ve been to in Bali, so I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.

Bali Twin Lakes

Two crater lakes side by side, separated by a narrow strip of ancient forest. The lakeside roads offer some of the most serene driving in Bali. There are also a few exotic animals like monitor lizards, snakes, and bats, and they will let you take a photo for a fee.

Banyumala Twin Waterfalls

Two waterfalls tumbling side by side into a deep natural swimming pool with cold, crystal-clear water. The hike down takes about 20 minutes through jungle and is steep in places. Not nearly as crowded as the waterfalls closer to Ubud. A genuinely perfect end to a full day in the north.

➡️ Day 5: Exploring North Bali

A slightly gentler day before the intensity of Nusa Penida. Temples, an ancient banyan tree, a hidden waterfall, and one of the most photographed temples in all of Bali, the kind that looks like it floats on the surface of a lake.

Taman Ayun Temple

The royal temple of the Mengwi Empire was built in 1634 and surrounded by a wide moat. Multi-tiered pagodas (meru) rise above the courtyard walls in beautiful symmetry. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and significantly less crowded than most Balinese temples. The gardens surrounding the moat are especially peaceful in the early morning.

Location: Jalan Ayodya No. 10, Mengwi, Badung Regency (about 30 minutes from Ubud, 18 km northwest of Denpasar)
Operating Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Admission Fee: IDR 50,000 per person (includes sarong)

Bayan Ancient Tree / Kayu Putih

One of Bali’s oldest and largest banyan trees, it has aerial roots that form a forest within a forest. A small sacred shrine sits at its base, and locals leave offerings in the hollow sections. Stop, look up, and take a breath. The kind of tree that makes you feel small in the best way.

Location: Kayu Putih Village, near Tabanan
Operating Hours: Open at all times
Admission Fee: Free (small donation appreciated)

Lunch at Warung Billy’s D’Desa

A beloved local warung with an honest menu of Balinese rice dishes, sate, and freshly cooked vegetables. Large portions, wonderfully low prices, and exceptional sambal. This is real Balinese cooking without any tourist markup.

Location: Tabanan/Bedugul area
Operating Hours: Generally 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (confirm locally)

Leke Leke Waterfall

Hidden in the Bedugul highlands inside a bamboo forest. The path winds through rice paddies and dense greenery. The waterfall is surrounded by dramatic bamboo stalks that create a cathedral-like canopy overhead. One of those places that feels genuinely undiscovered.

Location: Tabanan Regency, Central Bali (about 1.5 hours from Ubud/Canggu)
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission Fee: IDR 50,000 per person

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

Built on a small island in Lake Beratan, this is the iconic image of Bali, and pagodas rising from morning mist over the lake. Arrive just after sunrise for the photograph. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of water, and the surrounding botanical gardens are worth an hour of slow wandering.

Location: Lake Beratan, Bedugul, Tabanan Regency
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Admission Fee: IDR 75,000 per person for international visitors

Handara Gate

Our last stop was the Instagram-famous Handara Gate. Fortunately, there weren’t many people when we visited, so we had plenty of time to take photos without waiting in a long line.

Originally built as the entrance to Handara Golf & Resort, this traditional Balinese split gate is surrounded by lush mountains and misty forests, making it one of Bali’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks.

Location: Pancasari, Sukasada, Buleleng Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Operating Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Admission Fee: IDR 50,000 per person (photo entrance fee; subject to change)

Packing Note:
Tonight, pack your bags for Nusa Penida. You’ll take a fast boat from Sanur Beach tomorrow morning: transfers usually leave 7–9am. Book your fast boat today to secure your spot.

➡️ Day 6-7: Nusa Penida

I was warned. Multiple people told me Nusa Penida was their favourite part of Bali. Then I arrived and finally understood what they were actually saying, which is that after Nusa Penida, other places feel slightly ordinary. The roads are rough, some walks are genuinely steep, and the whole island feels like it was designed to constantly remind you how small you are. I loved it completely.

Here are the places we explored:

• Broken Beach
• Angel’s Billabong
• Kelingking Beach
• Bintang Penida Resort & Spa
• Crystal Bay Beach
• Snorkeling with manta rays
• Diamond Beach
• Tree House Molenting
• Teletubbies Hill

➡️ Day 8: Exploring Seminyak

The last day always has a specific feeling that mix of wanting to squeeze every hour and also needing to let yourself arrive at the airport without running. Seminyak is the perfect place for it: stylish, easy, and designed for exactly this mood.

Seminyak

Bali’s most sophisticated neighbourhood, with boutique shops, excellent cafés, and some of the best independent restaurants on the island. Take the morning to wander Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Petitenget. Browse for last-minute gifts, pick up a proper Balinese coffee, and let yourself breathe before the flight home.

Potato Head Beach Club

They say go to at least one Seminyak beach club, so we are here since this is where people mostly recommend. It is worth it even if beach clubs aren’t normally your thing. The architecture is striking (a curved wall made from upcycled window shutters), the pool overlooks the Indian Ocean, and the sunset is spectacular. Arrive by 4 pm, order a cocktail, watch the sun go down, have dinner, and take a moment to think about everything this island just gave you.

Getting to the Airport:
Ngurah Rai International Airport is about 20–30 minutes from Seminyak (longer in peak evening traffic). Grab is reliable. Allow at least 2.5 hours before your flight. And yes, you will start planning your return trip somewhere over the ocean on the way home.

Bali isn’t just a destination. It’s one of those places that stays with you, in the way mornings smell like incense and frangipani, in the sound of gamelan drifting from a ceremony you weren’t supposed to find. I came back a little more certain that the world is bigger and more generous than I sometimes remember. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post do contain affiliate links through which I earn a small commission for, but they come at NO extra cost to you! Any purchases you make through my links help keep the site running (and help me feed to survive). Still and the same, as I’ve mentioned above, I only recommend brands that I personally use or believe in. Thanks in advance for your support!