I’ve put together an ideal 8-day Bali itinerary that I wholeheartedly recommend. My sister actually organized most of it, and we had an amazing time following her plan. Below is a refined, practical version of our trip—clear, concise, and ready to be used as your travel blueprint. For more photos and a day-by-day travel diary, check the original source linked in the article.
DAY 1: AIRPORT → CANGGU
– Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport and arrange a driver to pick you up. Pre-booking is recommended.
– Hotel: The Slow (about 1 hour from the airport), centrally located in Canggu. Typical rate $150–180 per night. Villas and Airbnbs are also good options.
– Spend your first evening watching the sunset at The Lawn or at the beach, then dine along Batu Bolong Street.
Notes: Having a driver for most days makes transfers, luggage moves, and sight-seeing much easier. We hired a daily driver through TripAdvisor for about $40 per day and found it extremely convenient.
Day 2: CANGGU
– Hotel: The Slow.
– Breakfast at Motion Café: try the sweet potato waffle, chia pudding and a fresh juice. For better coffee afterward, walk across to The Loft for lattes or matcha.
– Head into Seminyak to spend a few hours at Potato Head Beach Club. Arrive early to secure a daybed (many daybeds require a food and beverage minimum).
– Shop along Jl. Batu Mejan and nearby streets, then return to Canggu for dinner—Mason is a close, excellent option with very reasonable prices.
Day 3: CANGGU
– Hotel: The Slow.
– Early breakfast at Kynd Cafe in Seminyak to grab the famous photo spot and plant-based menu. Finish with a visit to the adjacent vegan ice cream shop for fun treats and souvenirs.
– Walk through Seminyak Square for more shopping, then return to Canggu for lunch at Shady Shack—a great spot for fresh salads and juices.
– Treat yourself to a one-hour foot massage at a local spa (very affordable). Later, relax and watch another sunset at The Lawn before dining on Batu Bolong Street.
Day 4: CANGGU → UBUD
– Hotel: The Udaya Resort and Spa. Expect $250–375 per night; floating breakfast is an optional add-on and worth considering.
– Depart early for Ubud. Stop for breakfast en route, then visit the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. Arriving early helps you avoid crowds; exploring the terraces and the swings makes for great photos. There is no official entry fee, but small donations at certain bridges are appreciated.
– After the terraces, visit a nearby coffee and tea plantation for a tasting. On the way into central Ubud, stop at Alchemy for raw, vegan options before checking in to The Udaya. The resort offers shuttle service into town on the hour, which is handy for evenings spent browsing shops and dining in Ubud.
Day 5: UBUD
– Hotel: The Udaya.
– Morning workout or complimentary yoga classes available on select days. Enjoy a floating breakfast in your private pool if you pre-order it the day before.
– Take the hotel shuttle into Ubud to visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (small admission fee). Be cautious around the monkeys and follow the posted guidelines.
– Walk Jl. Hanoman and try Atman Café for light vegan options and great drinks. Clear Cafe is another often-recommended local spot.
– Return to the hotel for a spa treatment at Kaveri Spa—book ahead as slots fill up fast. Consider a deep tissue or Balinese massage and the flower bath experience.
– Opt for room service for dinner and an early night after a busy day of sightseeing and relaxation.
Day 6: UBUD → JIMBARAN
– Hotel: Rimba Jimbaran (rates around $250–350 per night).
– Leave Ubud early and head toward Uluwatu. Stop for breakfast at a café along the way, then spend a few hours at Sundays Beach Club. The beach access is via an inclinator, and a small fee covers towels and seating—excellent for a relaxed beach morning.
– Check into Rimba Jimbaran and unwind. The resort gym and pool are great for downtime.
– Use the frequent trolley to reach Ayana and make plans to watch the sunset at Rock Bar—reservations are recommended for both the bar and dinner at Kisik. Staying on property usually secures better sunset seating.
Day 7: JIMBARAN
– Hotel: Rimba Jimbaran.
– Take a morning workout, then enjoy pool time and the hotel amenities.
– Venture to Uluwatu for lunch—The Loft is a solid option—and visit Single Fin to watch surfers and enjoy sunset views. Stay through sunset for one of the most memorable vistas in the area.
– Return to Jimbaran for dinner, perhaps revisiting Drifter or trying another local favorite.
Day 8: JIMBARAN → AIRPORT
– Hotel: Rimba Jimbaran.
– Grab a final breakfast at Drifter or a preferred café—don’t miss the fluffy gluten-free pancakes and fresh bowls if available.
– Spend a final couple of hours by the pool before packing. Arrange for your driver to take you to the airport with plenty of time for your flight.
– Say goodbye to Bali and head home with great memories.
Recommended Daytime Pools & Beaches:
The Lawn (Canggu), Sundays Beach Club (Uluwatu), Potato Head (Seminyak), Ulu Cliffhouse (Uluwatu)
Best Sunset Spots:
The Lawn (Canggu), La Brisa (Canggu), Single Fin (Uluwatu), Rock Bar (Jimbaran)
Hotel Budget Summary (approx.):
The Slow – $548 (3 nights)
Udaya – $505 (2 nights)
Rimba – $577 (2 nights)