If you’re thinking about visiting Bali one of the first things you will need to figure out is just how many days in Bali you will need.
Often referred to as the ‘Island of the Gods’, beautiful Bali is as close as you’ll get to heaven on earth. Its natural landscape is breathtaking, with glorious beaches, soaring mountains, stark volcanic hillsides, and verdant rice terraces.
Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.
I recommend SafetyWing Nomad Insurance, an affordable travel insurance offering automatic monthly payments that you can cancel anytime. I've been using it since 2019, and I can assure you it's the perfect solution for nomads like you and me. Learn more by reading our SafetyWing review.It has a culture that is both fascinating and deeply spiritual. You’ll see picturesque temples overlooking the ocean where many ancient traditions are still practiced.
Meanwhile, thrillseekers are drawn here by the varied adventures the island offers, including snorkeling, surfing, cliff-jumping, and more.
So how many days do you need in Bali to get a taste of all these attractions and experience the warmth and friendliness of the Balinese people?
The quick answer is that you should plan to spend a least a week on the island to see the main highlights and soak up its intoxicating atmosphere. But you would need to be prepared for a very busy schedule!
If you’re hoping for a more relaxed break, where you can do your sightseeing at a more leisurely pace, then you really need to spend about 10 to 12 days in Bali.
There are a few other things you might want to take into consideration when deciding how many days for Bali you’ll need.
How To Choose How Long To Stay In Bali
This guide is designed to help you work out just how much time you’ll need when visiting Bali – or any destination – for the first time.
To help you start putting together your itinerary, I’ve also included some of the island’s best activities and an idea of how long each one will take.
To figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Bali, make a list of the things you want to do in Bali, and consider the time of arrival and departure. Then, look at the distance between places you wish to visit to keep it realistic.
At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Bali you’ll need.
Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure
The time at which you arrive in Bali – and the time at which you depart the island at the end of your stay – will both influence how much sightseeing you can do on your first and last days.
If the amount of time you have is limited, then consider adding an extra night to compensate for this.
If you wish to save time on arrival, you could also book a private transfer to your hotel.
Next, consider your hotel check-in and check-out times. Do they match your arrival and departure times?
If not, then you’ll need to plan what you’ll do with your luggage so that you’re not stuck carrying your bags around with you!
Your hotel or accommodation provider may be happy to store your luggage for you, but do check ahead to be sure and be prepared to pay a fee if required. If this service isn’t available where you’re staying, then you’ll need to make alternative arrangements.
Your best option is to use a private company offering luggage storage on the island. You can book and pay for this service online.
This is not only convenient but it also gives you peace of mind to know that your bags are taken care of and you are free to enjoy every moment of your time.
Activities In Bali
When thinking about how many days in Bali is enough, one of your main considerations will be fitting in all the things you want to see and do! With so much to choose from, it’s best to plan in advance.
Using the information in this guide and your own research, make a list of all the sights and activities that you know you want to include. Find out how long each one will take, but be sure to add on the amount of time you’ll spend traveling from one to the next.
Depending on the activity, you may also need to account for time spent queuing. This is especially true during Bali’s high season, which runs from early July until the end of August.
Note that many travelers prefer to book tours and activities in advance to save time, skip the queues and make the most of their holidays.
Pace Of Activities
Seeing all the main sights is important when visiting any new destination. But so is taking the time to enjoy each one properly, with a bit of flexibility to spend longer in the places you like the most!
For that reason, you need to think about the pace of activities when putting together your itinerary.
Try not to over-schedule yourself and make sure you allow time for relaxed meals on certain days – Bali’s wonderful cuisine uses lots of local herbs and spices and is worth taking the time to savor!
Transportation
There are lots of different ways to get around Bali, but the most popular is definitely by moped!
They are very cheap and available to rent everywhere – even online! Be aware that you’ll need an international driving license.
Taxis are another option – with the Bluebird taxis the safest and most reliable choice for tourists – but a cheaper alternative is to use a ride-hailing app. The most popular in Bali are Gojek and Grab (Grab also offers moped rentals).
You also have the option of renting a car and a driver for a day, which is great for sightseeing at your own pace and less hassle than booking separate taxis. It can also be quite cost-effective if you are traveling as a family or in a small group.
Bali has its own bus service, too, with 8 different routes covering the island. They are very cheap to use and come with free wifi!
You can buy your ticket once you board the bus or from one of the Kura-Kura ticket booths.
What To Do In Bali
Here are some of the very best activities to enjoy in Bali along with my recommendations for how long to set aside for each one.
Swim, Snorkel, And Trek On An East Coast Adventure
Bali’s idyllic east coast is one of the quieter parts of the island. This unforgettable day trip experience starts with a snorkeling session with an experienced instructor at Tanjung Jepun and Blue Lagoon.
After marveling at the beautiful marine life you’ll head to Tegenungan Waterfall for a refreshing swim, then to a hidden canyon in Sukawati.
Your adventure ends with a trek along the river at the Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon where you can see its beautifully patterned stone walls.
Suggested time: 8 hours
Hike Mount Batur At Sunrise
On this sunrise trek, you’ll scale Bali’s sacred peak of Mount Batur then watch the sunrise from the top as you enjoy a delicious breakfast.
After admiring the brilliance of the colors around you, you are free to explore the volcano’s crater before crossing a hill composed of black sand and lava.
From there you’ll trek back down the mountain where you are rewarded with a relaxing hot soak in a natural hot spring.
A visit to a coffee plantation is included on the return to your accommodation.
Suggested time: 10 hours
Tour Bali’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Bali is filled with wonders and this tour takes in some of its most famous sites.
Book this day trip to explore the garden and temple of Taman Ayun – known for the pagoda-like shrines of the Meru towers – then, you’ll move on to Lake Beratan to see the temple of Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, built in the middle of the water.
After lunch at one of the area’s most popular restaurants, you’ll go to the highlands of Bali Subak and learn about its traditional irrigation system.
The day finishes with a trip to Handara Gate where you can grab some Insta-worthy photos of the breathtaking views.
Suggested time: 10 hours
Go Tubing On The Ayung River
This adrenaline-pumping adventure gives you the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery whilst revving up your heartbeat, taking in natural caves, verdant rainforest, and picturesque waterfalls.
Your experience covers 2 miles of the river – with time to stop off and explore the sights. After working up an appetite you get to enjoy an amazing buffet-style Indonesian lunch at a local restaurant.
Suggested time: 6 hours
Explore All 3 Gili Islands
Just off the coast of northwest Lombok Island lie the tranquil Gili Islands, famed for their sandy beaches fringed with palm trees and their incredible coral reefs.
A true escape from the crowds, this private tour takes you to swim and snorkel with the region’s marine life.
You’ll also get to enjoy a 2.5-hour boat tour around all 3 islands to appreciate their beauty for yourself. The experience includes a night at a peaceful beachfront resort.
Suggested time: 2 days
Experience Bali’s Street Food Scene
Authentic Indonesian cuisine is amazing, featuring specialties like satay, Soto Ayam, suckling pig, and rice cake.
On this walking food tour, you will escape the usual tourist routes and visit the streets of Denpasar at night for a taste of the real Bali!
Stopping at various spots in the night market at Kreneng, you’ll get to try several of the country’s famous dishes along with snacks like Martabak and luscious tropical fruits.
Suggested time: 4 hours
Final Thoughts On Bali Getaways
I hope this guide has helped you work out how many days in Bali you will need to experience the best the island has to offer. I also hope you have a wonderful time and enjoy every moment of your vacation!
Dreaming of living in Bali? Explore the best places to live in Bali for expats.
Visiting Bali soon? Read one of the following blog posts:
