Bali Vacation Itinerary for First-Time Visitors - So, you're finally going to Bali? Good call. This place isn’t just another island getaway—it’s the dream destination. But if it’s your first time, let me save you from wasting precious hours trying to figure things out when you should be soaking up the views, stuffing your face with Nasi Goreng, or getting that perfect sunset pic.
This Bali vacation itinerary for first-time visitors is built on real experience—what works, what’s overrated, and what’s worth every penny. I’ll break it down day by day, covering top attractions, travel tips, budgeting hacks, and a little reality check on what to expect. Whether you’re here for temples, beaches, adventure, or just to chill, this plan has got you covered.
Day 1: Arriving in Bali – Welcome to the Chaos (But in a Good Way)
Landing in Denpasar: Get Ready for the Heat and Hustle
Most international flights land at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. First-time visitors usually get hit with that wave of humidity and the sudden realization that traffic here follows its own mysterious rules. Welcome!
- Getting through Immigration: If you’re from the US, UK, Australia, or most of Europe, you’ll need a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which costs around 500,000 IDR (~$35 USD). You can pay by card or cash, but cash is always faster.
- SIM Card Situation: Grab a Telkomsel or XL SIM at the airport. Expect to pay about 150,000-200,000 IDR (~$10-13 USD) for a solid data plan.
- Getting to Your Hotel: Skip the overpriced airport taxis. Use Grab or Gojek instead. A ride to Seminyak or Canggu should be around 150,000-250,000 IDR (~$10-17 USD).
Where to Stay? (Depends on Your Vibe)
- Ubud – Culture, rice terraces, yoga retreats, and monkey thieves.
- Canggu – Hipster cafes, digital nomads, and surf culture.
- Seminyak – Trendy beach clubs, nightlife, and boutique shopping.
- Uluwatu – Cliffside views, luxury resorts, and insane waves.
- Kuta – Cheap beer and party central (not for the faint of heart).
Pick your poison and settle in. After the long flight, keep it chill—unpack, grab some food, and try not to pass out at 7 PM.
Day 2: Ubud – Temples, Jungles & That ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ Life
Morning: Sunrise at Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Wake up early and head to Tegallalang. The earlier, the better—before the crowds and the heat. Entry is about 50,000 IDR (~$3 USD), plus “donations” to farmers for access to the best photo spots. It’s touristy, but still stunning.
Midday: Sacred Monkey Forest – Cute but Chaotic
Not gonna lie, these monkeys are little jerks. Hold onto your sunglasses, hats, and snacks, or they will rob you. Entry is 80,000 IDR (~$5 USD). Totally worth it for the experience, but don’t make eye contact with the big ones—seriously. Check also: Bali Tourist Area
Afternoon: Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple
This place is incredible. For 50,000 IDR (~$3 USD), you can join the purification ritual, where you bathe under the holy water spouts. Wear a sarong (they provide them), and don’t just do it for the ‘Gram—this is a spiritual place for locals.
Evening: Campuhan Ridge Walk & Dinner in Ubud
The Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunset is straight-up magical. Afterward, grab dinner at Sage (vegan) or Nusantara (authentic Indonesian food). Budget about 150,000-300,000 IDR (~$10-20 USD) for a nice meal.
Day 3: Waterfalls & Adventure – Get Ready to Sweat
Morning: Tegenungan Waterfall or Tukad Cepung Cave Waterfall
- Tegenungan is closer to Ubud, entry 20,000 IDR (~$1.50 USD), and has a big swimming area.
- Tukad Cepung is more hidden (and slippery), entry 15,000 IDR (~$1 USD), but that sunlight-through-the-cave shot? Unbeatable.
Afternoon: ATV Ride or White Water Rafting
If you want a break from temples, ATV rides through the jungle (starting at 350,000 IDR (~$23 USD)) or Ayung River rafting (450,000 IDR (~$30 USD)) are killer options. Mud, adrenaline, and insane scenery.
Evening: Massage & Chill
After an active day, treat yourself. A one-hour Balinese massage at a quality spa costs around 150,000-250,000 IDR (~$10-17 USD). Check out Karsa Spa in Ubud or Therapy in Canggu.
Day 4: Beaches & Sunsets – The Bali Dream
Morning: Uluwatu Beach-Hopping
Rent a scooter (about 100,000 IDR (~$7 USD)/day) and explore Uluwatu’s beaches:
- Padang Padang – Tiny but famous from Eat, Pray, Love.
- Bingin Beach – Chill surfer vibes.
- Melasti Beach – White sand and blue water.
Afternoon: Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
Uluwatu Temple sits on a 70m-high cliff—absolutely insane views. Stick around for the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset (150,000 IDR (~$10 USD)). Touristy? Yes. But the atmosphere? Unforgettable.
Evening: Dinner at Jimbaran Bay (Seafood Feasts)
Fresh seafood, toes in the sand, and waves crashing? Yes, please. Budget around 300,000-500,000 IDR (~$20-35 USD) for a feast.
Day 5: Nusa Penida – The Postcard-Perfect Island
Morning: Ferry to Nusa Penida
Catch the 7 AM fast boat from Sanur (about 150,000 IDR one way (~$10 USD)). The ride takes about 45 minutes.
Must-See Spots
• Kelingking Beach – That T-Rex shaped cliff. Hike down if you’re brave.
• Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong – Unreal natural pools.
• Diamond Beach – Hands down, one of Bali’s best.
Evening: Back to Bali & Nightlife
If you’ve still got energy, hit up La Favela in Seminyak or Old Man’s in Canggu for a last-night celebration.
That’s a solid first-timer itinerary. Is it packed? Yes. Will you leave Bali completely obsessed? Also yes.
If you’ve got more days, add a trip to Nusa Lembongan, spend a night in Sidemen for mountain views, or just chill in Canggu and enjoy Bali at a slower pace.
Whatever you do, just soak it all in—Bali is special. And trust me, once you go, you’ll already be planning your return.
Bonus Tips for First-Time Visitors: What No One Tells You
Alright, before you hop on that plane and think you’ve got it all figured out, let’s talk about the stuff that guides don’t always mention. These tips will save you time, money, and a whole lot of headaches.
1. Traffic in Bali is No Joke (Plan Accordingly)
If you think getting from Canggu to Ubud is a casual 45-minute drive, think again. Bali traffic operates on its own schedule, and Google Maps does not account for the absolute madness on the roads.
- Expect short distances to take double the time during rush hours (morning: 8-10 AM, evening: 4-7 PM).
- Scooters are king. If you’re comfortable riding, rent one. But if not, hire a private driver (about 600,000-800,000 IDR/day (~$40-55 USD)).
- Gojek & Grab (Bali’s Uber) work well, but in Ubud, Uluwatu, and some smaller areas, local taxi mafias don’t allow them near popular spots.
What to do? Always check with your hotel about transport options, and be ready to walk a little if Grab can’t pick you up right at the location.
2. Be Smart With Money (ATMs, Scams & Prices)
Bali is still mostly a cash economy, especially in small towns and warungs (local restaurants). Credit cards are accepted at bigger restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs, but expect a 3% fee in some places.
- ATMs & Cash Exchange: Use ATMs inside supermarkets or banks, like BNI, Mandiri, or BCA. Avoid the sketchy-looking standalone ones—they’re famous for card skimming.
- Tipping Culture: It’s not required, but tipping 5-10% is always appreciated, especially in smaller businesses.
- Haggling: If you’re shopping at local markets, bargaining is expected—start at half the quoted price and work up.
What to do? Withdraw money in bulk from trusted ATMs and keep small bills (10,000-50,000 IDR) for tips, taxis, and street food.
3. Bali Belly is Real – Watch What You Eat & Drink
No matter how adventurous you are, drinking tap water in Bali is a hard no. Even brushing your teeth with it can be risky if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Bottled or filtered water ONLY – Many hotels provide refill stations.
- Avoid ice in small warungs unless they use filtered ice cubes (the round, clear ones).
- Wash your hands constantly – Hygiene isn’t always top-tier at street stalls.
- Activated charcoal pills are a lifesaver if you start feeling off.
What to do? If you’re really worried, stick to mid-range or high-end restaurants, but honestly, Bali’s street food is incredible—just choose places that have high turnover (busy spots = fresh food).
4. Temple Etiquette – Don’t Be That Tourist
Bali’s temples are some of the most beautiful in the world, but they’re also active places of worship. A few things to keep in mind:
- Wear a sarong – Most temples provide them, but you can buy one for about 30,000 IDR (~$2 USD) to keep for the trip.
- Women on their period aren’t allowed in temples due to Balinese Hindu customs.
- No PDA or loud behavior – This isn’t the place for Instagram drama.
- Respect prayer times – If a ceremony is happening, watch from a respectful distance.
What to do? Even if you're not spiritual, visiting temples like Besakih, Tanah Lot, and Ulun Danu Beratan is a must—just do it the right way.
5. Beach Clubs vs. Hidden Beaches – Choose Wisely
Bali’s beach clubs are famous, but they’re not cheap. A day at Potato Head, Finns, or Savaya can easily cost 1,000,000 IDR (~$65 USD) with food and drinks. If that’s your vibe, go for it—but if you’re looking for peaceful, untouched beaches, you’ll need to work a little harder.
Some less touristy beaches worth checking out:
- Green Bowl Beach – Requires a hike down, but it’s quiet and beautiful.
- Thomas Beach – Less crowded, nice cafes nearby.
- Nyang Nyang Beach – Stunning, and almost empty most of the time.
- Amed Beach – Black sand, snorkeling heaven.
What to do? If you’re on a budget, skip the overpriced beach clubs and bring your own drinks/snacks to one of these quieter beaches instead.
6. Don’t Plan Every Second – Bali is Best Enjoyed Spontaneously
Look, I just gave you a packed itinerary, but the best Bali moments? They happen when you least expect them.
Maybe you’ll meet locals who invite you to a ceremony in their village. Maybe you’ll get lost on your scooter and find a random rice field with no tourists. Maybe you’ll end up having Bintang beers at a tiny beach shack and chatting with a local fisherman for hours.
The point? Leave room for unplanned adventures.
What to do? Follow the itinerary for the main highlights, but leave at least 1-2 days open for spontaneous exploring. Bali has a way of surprising you in the best ways.
7. The Best Time to Visit Bali (Avoid the Tourist Madness)
Bali is a year-round destination, but not all months are created equal.
- Dry Season (Best Time): April - October – Perfect weather, but June-August is peak tourist season (expect higher prices).
- Wet Season (Rainy but Cheaper): November - March – Still warm, but afternoon downpours are common. December/January gets crowded with holiday tourists.
What to do? If you want great weather + fewer crowds, visit in May, September, or early October.
8. Packing Essentials – What You Actually Need
People tend to overpack for Bali. Keep it light—you’ll be living in shorts, swimsuits, and flip-flops most of the time.
Must-Haves:
- Light, breathable clothing (it’s hot and humid)
- Power adapter (Bali uses Type C/F plugs, 230V)
- Bug spray (mosquitoes are relentless, especially in Ubud)
- Sunscreen (bring it from home—it’s overpriced in Bali)
- Reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to snorkel or dive
- A waterproof phone case (trust me, you’ll want it)
- A portable charger (GPS drains battery fast)
Bali is one of those places that sticks with you. No matter what kind of traveler you are, this island has something for you—beaches, culture, adventure, food, relaxation…you name it.
If you follow this itinerary and keep these tips in mind, you’ll have an incredible first trip without feeling overwhelmed. Just be open to new experiences, respect the local culture, and don’t stress too much about sticking to a strict plan.
Oh, and one last thing—you’ll want to come back. Everyone does. So, see you in Bali again soon?