🗺️ Bali in 7 days on your own: route, visa and levy 2026

Seven days in Bali can be put together on your own, without a tour operator.

The island is big. Between the beaches of the south coast and the volcanoes of the north, you'll spend more than one hour on the road. A travel agency takes some of the hassle off your hands, but charges a commission for it. An independent trip works out cheaper, and the itinerary stays the same.

Bali tourist levy is 150,000 IDR per person (as of 09/2026, Love Bali). Pay it online before departure, otherwise you'll stand in line at the terminal. Below is a one-week route: six areas for a base, seven days with excursions, and entrance prices we checked in September 2026.

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How to get a visa

💡 In short:

Visa on arrival (VOA) for citizens of the EU, UK, Ukraine, and many other countries: 500,000 IDR, paid at the counter in the airport (as of 09/2026, Indonesian immigration service).
Bali tourist levy: 150,000 IDR per person, pay in advance through the official levy portal (as of 09/2026, Love Bali).
Your passport must be valid for another 6 months, and you need one blank page.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official Love Bali website.

Citizens of the EU, UK, Ukraine, and many other countries don't need a visa in advance (check the list for your nationality on the official website). You get a visa on arrival (VOA) right in the arrivals hall. The counter is open 24/7, payment by card or cash. The price is 500,000 IDR (as of 09/2026, official e-VOA portal). It's more convenient to get an e-VOA online: you fill out the form at home and go through a separate counter. Passports are checked strictly, and the validity must be at least six months remaining.

Levy. Since February 14, 2024, every foreign visitor pays a provincial levy of 150,000 IDR once per trip (as of 09/2026, Bali levy page). On the official portal, you pay by card and immediately receive a QR code. Show it at the counter in the arrivals hall. The levy also applies to children, so count it for the whole family.

Declaration. Before departure, fill out the electronic customs declaration (e-CD). The airline usually sends the link. The QR code is scanned at the terminal exit, so save it on your phone.

How to get from the airport

Bali has one airport: Ngurah Rai (DPS) in Denpasar. You can get to Kuta in 15-20 minutes, to Nusa Dua in half an hour, and to Ubud in about an hour and a half (as of 09/2026, transfer guide). The official taxi at the exit charges a fixed price; the meter doesn't work here. Grab and Gojek are cheaper, but you catch a car outside the arrivals area, not right at the doors.

If you're heading to Ubud or Amed, plan the mountain road separately. Traffic in Denpasar adds another half hour even outside peak season. For a late-night arrival, it's better to book a transfer in advance, so someone meets you in the arrivals hall.

Tours and tickets in Bali

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Which resort to choose

Choose your base by the number of trips you'll make, not by how nice the hotel looks. Driving across the island takes hours, and you won't want to cross all of Bali every day. Below are six areas where it makes sense to stay. Compare accommodation prices across all areas at once on Trip.com.

Kuta

Kuta is an area for surfing, clubs, and markets. The beach runs along Jalan Pantai Kuta. The waves are gentle, so beginners take lessons right here. In the evening, the streets fill with bars and night markets.

Who it's for: surfing, nightlife, first night after a flight.
Location: 15-20 minutes from the airport (on the map).
The catch: the water isn't the cleanest, and it's noisy in the evening.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is the most expensive area on the island. Hotels line a calm bay, each with its own park and pools. The waves are weaker than in Kuta, so swimming with kids is easier here.

Who it's for: families, a quiet beach vacation.
Location: about 30 minutes from the airport (on the map).
The catch: prices are above average, and there's little infrastructure outside the hotels.

Tanjung Benoa

Tanjung Benoa is Nusa Dua's quiet neighbor and noticeably cheaper. It used to be a fishing village; now it's a small resort with waterfront hotels. It's far from Kuta's clubs.

Who it's for: couples, a quiet stay near an expensive area.
Location: between the airport and Nusa Dua, 25 minutes (on the map).
The catch: there's almost no evening entertainment.

Jimbaran

Jimbaran is an area of seafood restaurants on the sand. Tables are set right at the water's edge, and dinner starts at sunset. If staying overnight here is expensive, at least come for one evening.

Who it's for: a romantic dinner, seafood.
Location: south of the island, 20 minutes from the airport (on the map).
The catch: dinner on the sand is expensive.

Sanur

Sanur is a quiet area for a vacation with kids. The waves near the shore are low, so it's safe for little ones here. After ten in the evening, the streets empty out.

Who it's for: families with kids, peace and quiet.
Location: east coast, about 40 minutes from the airport (by map).
The catch: getting to Kuta and the clubs takes a long time.

Ubud

Ubud is jungles, yoga, and organic cafes. People who come for a long stay and work remotely live here. Parts of Eat Pray Love were filmed in this area. Nearby is the village of Kintamani with coffee plantations and Mount Batur. Don't miss the Antonio Blanco Museum: it was founded by a Spanish artist.

Who it's for: yoga, nature, long walks.
Location: center of the island, about 1.5 hours from the airport (by map).
The catch: the beach is an hour away, and it gets cool in the evening.

Day 1: Seminyak

Seminyak

Spend your first evening in Seminyak. The area lies between Kuta and Canggu, with trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. Jalan Kayu Aya turns into a stream of people in the evening. It also has its own surf beach. From here it's an easy walk to Legian, which is quieter in the evening.

Who it's for: dinner, shopping, nightlife.
The catch: prices are higher than in Kuta.

Optional day: Borobudur and Prambanan on Java

Put the trip to Java on a separate optional day. It doesn't fit on arrival day with an evening in Seminyak. A one-day trip includes a flight, transfers, and three temples. The usual route is: Borobudur, Mendut, Pawon, lunch, then Prambanan. A ticket for a foreign visitor costs 455,000 IDR, climbing the steps is by time slots (as of 09/2026, ticket guide). A separate sunrise surcharge is about 1,000,000 IDR (as of 09/2026, official Borobudur website). Mendut and Pawon are small, about ten minutes on foot between them (by map).

Panorama of Jakarta with skyscrapers, view from above

Prambanan stands apart from Borobudur. In the evening, the Ramayana ballet is performed on its stage, with tickets sold separately. Lunch is usually included in the program, but food on Java is spicy. If you don't like hot food, ask for rice and more water.

view of the ancient Borobudur temple from the northwest

A bus takes you between the temples: you can't cover those distances on foot. The flight from Denpasar takes less than an hour, but with the drive to the airport the day turns out long. A guided tour with transfers costs several hundred dollars, depending on group size. See Java tours.

The catch: you'll have about an hour at each temple.

Day 2: Taman Ayun and Lake Bratan

Taman Ayun

Taman Ayun is a temple complex in a park with ponds. A bridge leads you to a fountain with nine jets: the number matches the number of Balinese gods, and the jets face the four cardinal directions. From there, a path leads to the inner courtyard. Arrive at opening time: by midday it gets hot here, and there is almost no shade. The temple is surrounded by centuries-old trees.

The catch: there is little shade, so bring water and a hat.

Lake Bratan

Lake Bratan lies in the crater of an extinct volcano in the Bedugul area. Its water is considered sacred, and locals use it for rituals and cooking. It is quiet and cool here, and the air is fresher than on the coast. Many visitors consider this lake the most beautiful on the island. You can watch clouds of incense smoke right from the shore. Swimming is not customary here: this is sacred water, not a beach.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

Ulun Danu Bratan stands on the water right at the lake's edge. The temple is built on several levels, and its towers are reflected in the water. Admission costs 75,000 IDR (as of 09/2026, temple fees). There is a botanical garden nearby, but don't expect tropical abundance from it: some of the paths look like an ordinary park in a temperate climate. If you're short on time, you can skip the garden.

Multi-tiered meru tower of the temple on Lake Bratan

The catch: bus groups arrive by midday.

Mount Batur hike

Batur stands near the village of Kintamani. The climb is shorter and easier than Agung, so it suits beginners. The ascent starts at night so you can catch the sunrise at the summit. You'll be walking in the dark, so bring a warm jacket: it gets chilly at altitude. Don't schedule the night hike on the same day as Taman Ayun and Bratan. Set aside a separate morning for it.

Eruption of Mount Agung with an ash plume

The night hike up Batur costs 600,000-800,000 IDR per person in a group (as of 09/2026, track guide). Book a guided hike.

The higher you climb, the steeper the trail gets. You reach the top before dawn, so everyone needs a flashlight. Go to bed early the night before the hike.

The catch: you'll be short on sleep the next day.

Day 3: Whitewater rafting on the Telaga Waja River

Rafting on the Telaga Waja

Telaga Waja is a mountain river with rapids and waterfalls. Trips start near Ubud, and the drive to the meeting point takes about an hour. There is a safety briefing before you start, and helmets and life jackets are provided on site. A calmer alternative is the Ayung River, where the current is gentler and you have time to take in the scenery.

Jakarta from above: dense cityscape and Merdeka Square

Bringing your own camera is risky, so a photographer goes with the group and sells a disc of photos. Rafting prices start at a few dozen dollars per person, depending largely on the operator and route length. Choose a Bali rafting trip.

Who it's for: active travelers who aren't afraid of water. When heading out on the river, leave valuables at the hotel: there's nowhere to keep them safe on the water. Bring a swimsuit and towel; there is usually a shower at the finish.
The catch: you'll get soaked from head to toe.

Day 4: Water palaces and shopping

Start this day with a trip to the water palaces. Such structures are rare, and both palaces are located in the former principality of Karangasem. The drive from Kuta takes about two hours (according to the map), so leave right after breakfast.

Taman Ujung

Taman Ujung is a water palace in Karangasem. It was built as a raja's residence, with three pools laid out around it. The buildings stand on water, so it stays cool inside even in the heat. In the last century, part of the complex was damaged by an earthquake, and restoration was completed in 2004. From the hill you can see rice terraces and Mount Agung. It's a peaceful place to walk: Karangasem has fewer tourists than Ubud. Take a look at the raja's bedroom and climb to the viewing platform above the pond. The architecture blends local and European details.

Bale Kapal pavilion reflected in a pond at night

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga is laid out in a similar way: ponds, fountains, and sculptures. There is a spring here that symbolizes the beginning of life for locals. Water from it is used for ceremonies, so behave respectfully near the water basins. The fountains and sculptures are arranged on different levels, with small bridges between them. Walk through the entire complex, not just the area near the entrance. The two palaces are close to each other, so you can see both in one day.

Shopping in Kuta and Legian

The fourth day is good for shopping. After three days you will already have a feel for prices, so bargain with more confidence. Wooden items, fabrics, and spices are what people bring back from here. Avoid branded clothing in local shops: they sell fakes at the price of originals. Two large shopping centers, Discovery and Matahari, are located close to each other in Kuta. Browsing the shops takes several hours, so set aside the whole evening for shopping.

Dresses, sundresses, and light shirts are also bought in Kuta and Legian: the selection is large and prices are lower than in boutiques. Bargaining is appropriate almost everywhere, except for fixed prices in shopping centers.

End the evening with dinner at a cafe of your choice. You can find a place with good food even on a modest budget, but in the tourist center the bill will be higher.

The catch: at the market it's easy to pay way too much for a souvenir.

Day 5: car with driver, Uluwatu, and Dreamland Beach

Car with driver

The fifth day is convenient to spend with a driver: he is both a chauffeur and a guide in one. Take the car for the whole day, and you can see the south of the island without taxi transfers. Most drivers speak English, and the price is negotiable and depends on the route. Plan your list of stops in advance: the driver will suggest the order so you don't sit in traffic between areas. He will also pick a lunch spot to fit your budget.

Bali Cultural Park

Bali Cultural Park is a young park, and some of the pavilions are still under construction. Despite the construction, there is plenty to see here: local buildings, gardens, and open areas. On the way, the driver will tell you about Balinese customs. One of them concerns names: the first child is named Wayan, the second Made, the third Nyoman, and the fifth gets the name Wayan again.

Decorated horse-drawn cart on a street in Indonesia

Dreamland Beach

Dreamland is one of the most beautiful beaches in the south. The water is bright, and the shore is long. You pay for everything here: lounger, umbrella, shower, and toilet. The waves here are stronger than in Nusa Dua, so enter the water carefully. You won't want to sit on a paid beach for long, but find an hour for swimming.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu stands on a cliff above the ocean. Entry costs 60,000 IDR, and the temple is open from 7:00 to 19:00 (as of 09/2026, official temple guide). A sarong is provided at the entrance, but you won't be allowed in wearing revealing clothes: both men and women need to cover shoulders and knees. In the evening, a kecak dance is performed here, and tickets for it are bought separately.

Arrive early so you can calmly explore the temple before the kecak. By sunset, a crowd gathers at the viewpoints. Tickets and tours to Uluwatu.

The catch: in high season, it's packed at sunset.

Day 6: spa and massage

Spa programs

Leave the sixth day for your body. Massages and spa rituals in Bali cost less than in Europe, and the choice of salons in Ubud is especially large. Take a two-hour program: massage, scrub, and a flower bath. Massage in Bali is considered one of the best in the region: local schools have been operating for a long time, and there are several techniques here. Tell the therapist about your problem back in advance, and they will choose a gentle or strong option for you. The salon staff will suggest what suits you best.

In the evening, take a walk along the shore, take photos, and have dinner without rushing. Book a spa program.

Day 7: beach and packing

Don't plan the last day too tightly. In the morning, go to the beach; in the afternoon, pack your suitcase. Make sure your packing and any declarations are done, and that your airport transfer is booked with extra time: during rush hour the drive takes longer. If your flight is in the evening, ask for a late checkout or leave your bags in storage: walking around in the heat with a suitcase is uncomfortable. Pack souvenirs and spices in checked luggage, not in your carry-on. In the evening, take a walk through the streets and end the trip with a relaxed dinner.

One-week plan in one table

Day	Main focus	Book tickets in advance	Walking
1	Seminyak	no	little
optional	Java: Borobudur, Prambanan	sunrise slot	little
2	Taman Ayun, Bratan; Batur on a separate morning	guided climb	moderate
3	Telaga Waja rafting	trip with an operator	none
4	Taman Ujung, Tirta Gangga, shopping	no	moderate
5	Bali Cultural, Dreamland, Uluwatu	sunset kecak	little
6	spa and massage	book the salon in advance	little
7	beach and packing	airport transfer	none

The table helps you set priorities quickly. If a day falls through, move it rather than squeezing it into a rushed scramble.

Bali on the map

The roads on the island are winding, and average driving speed here is low. Mark your route points in advance so you don't waste time figuring things out on the road. If you have several points, build the day as a loop: that way you won't drive the same road twice.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Bali?

Citizens of the EU, the UK, Ukraine, and many other countries do not need a visa in advance. See the visa section above for visa and fee prices.

How many days do I need in Bali?

A week is enough for the south and center of the island. You can fit in Kuta or Ubud, Borobudur on Java, the water palaces, and the volcano. With less time you'll have to choose between temples and jungle. In the itinerary above, the days are arranged to minimize transfers.

When is the best time to go?

The dry season runs from spring to fall, with rain more common at the start of the year. In high season, hotels get more expensive, and Uluwatu draws a crowd at sunset. Book accommodation in advance if you're traveling in July or August.

How much does temple entry cost?

Uluwatu charges 60,000 IDR (as of 09/2026, official Uluwatu site), Ulun Danu Bratan 75,000 IDR (as of 09/2026, Ulun Danu Bratan rates). A sarong is provided free at the entrance, but you return it. Bring cash: not everywhere accepts cards.

Do I need a car in Bali?

A car is useful for a day in the south of the island or a trip to Karangasem. In Kuta and Ubud it's easier to call a Grab or Gojek. Renting a scooter is cheaper, but traffic here is left-hand, and you need an international driving permit.

In short: what's worth booking

If this is your first trip and you want to surf, go with Kuta. If you're traveling with kids, choose Nusa Dua or Sanur. If you want nature and yoga, stay in Ubud.

This choice removes half of your road-related problems: you stay close to what you came for. Compare hotels across all six areas on Trip.com, and check tours and tickets on GetYourGuide. Book in advance, so the flexible schedule stays with you, not with the operator.

Bali in 7 days: route without a tour operator and entrance prices