A Calm and Intentional One Month Bali Itinerary (2026)
When you arrive in Bali, you’re typically given a 30-day visa on arrival. That sounds straightforward, but with so much advice focused on the same handful of places, it’s easy to worry about spending too long in tourist hubs. I spent four months travelling slowly around Bali and saw how differently it feels from region to region. This 1 month Bali itinerary uses that 30-day window to gradually explore the island, balancing quieter areas with more familiar stops so the month feels calm, intentional and well paced.
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Overview of this 1 month Bali itinerary
- Days 1–5: Ubud – A few grounded days to ease into Bali after arrival and adjust to the slower pace of the island.
- Days 6–15: Amed, Munduk & the Gili Islands – Coastal villages, cool mountain air and a car-free island pull you away from Bali’s busier areas.
- Days 16–21: Pemuteran, West Bali National Park & Balian Beach – A quiet stretch in western Bali that adds space and stillness midway through the month.
- Days 22–30: Canggu & Nusa Penida – The final phase reintroduces energy and social life, bringing the month to a natural, lively close.
Planning your 1 month Bali itinerary and route
Most itineraries for Bali are built around the same few stops. This route takes a different approach. It’s designed to move gradually across the island with contrasting scenery and pace to keep each week feeling distinct.
You’ll spend time inland and by the sea, in quieter regions and more social areas, without trying to fit in every experience. The aim is to shape a month that feels varied, intentional and well paced from start to finish.
Planning a trip to Bali? Make sure you pack Lonely Planet’s excellent Bali travel guide book.
Days 1-5: Ubud, for relaxing spas, yoga and rice terraces
The first stop on your 1 month Bali itinerary is Ubud. This is because it blends spirituality and yoga, there are fantastic vegetarian restaurants and it’s surrounded by vivid green rice fields. Ubud is where Elizabeth Gilbert meets the medicine man in her memoir Eat Pray Love, so if you’re a fan (like me) it’s where you’ll want to go in Bali.
Day 1: Arrival at Denpasar Airport
When you arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, you’ll need to make your way to Ubud for the start of your adventure. The journey takes about an hour to 90 minutes by taxi – the cheapest are the local Bluebird taxis. For convenience, consider booking an airport transfer in advance.
On your way to Ubud, you’ll see ornate family temples and artisan shops. Check into your guesthouse and get your bearings. For dinner, head to one of Ubud’s lovely local warungs or international restaurants near your accommodation.
Avoid the airport taxi queues – book your direct transfer to Ubud in advance here.
Where to stay in Ubud
In Ubud, you will find traditional, ornate family homestays, where the locals give you a warm welcome and serve you breakfast. Settle into one of these Ubud guest houses and you probably won’t want to leave. Choose somewhere in the centre of Ubud, so you can get around easily on foot.
The beautiful Balinese architecture of Tude’s Family Homestay is set in tranquil gardens, while the brilliant Bale Bali House offers a memorable Balinese cooking experience for guests. If you are looking for accommodation with a swimming pool and stunning views, check out Maple House.
A popular choice for hostels in Ubud is the fabulous Tude Hostel Ubud, loved for its quiet yet central location and comfy beds.
Browse and book the best accommodation deals in Ubud for your dates by exploring the map below:
Day 2: Rice terraces and gentle exploration
Start easing into Bali time by taking it slow on your first full day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation – usually they will serve eggs, fruit and pancakes with local coffee. Spend the afternoon wandering through Ubud’s traditional markets and artisan shops.
If you’re feeling energetic, hire a bike or scooter to explore the rice terraces around Ubud or join a guided tour. This is one of the first things I did when I arrived in Ubud. The famous Tegallalang rice terraces are 20 minutes north of Ubud centre by scooter or bicycle. If you prefer, there are plenty of Balinese trekking guides ready to give you a walking tour of the area.
Book your place on an organised cycling tour to explore the gorgeous area around Ubud.
Day 3: Wellness and yoga day
In Ubud is a world class yoga studio called Yoga Barn. Start your morning with a yoga class there and you’ll feel stretched and energised for the day ahead.
For lunch, try one of Ubud’s fantastic vegetarian and vegan restaurants – the healthy food scene here is incredible. I liked KAFE and Atman Kafe, which are close to each other.
Treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage in the afternoon at one of the area’s many spas. A full-body massage is the perfect way to unwind after several active days.
Read all about Yoga Barn in my full review here.
Day 4: Mount Batur sunrise trek
Now that you’ve adjusted to Bali time, this is the perfect day for a big adventure. From Ubud, you can organise a sunrise trekking tour to climb Mount Batur, Bali’s second highest volcano. Don’t worry, you don’t need any special equipment for the Mount Batur hike and it’s accessible even for novice trekkers.
Your driver will collect you at around 2am from your accommodation, in order to start the volcano trek at 4am. The experience of watching the sunrise from the summit while breakfast is cooked using volcanic steam is absolutely magical. You’ll be back at your accommodation by late morning, so spend the afternoon relaxing and recovering.
Don’t miss out: book your place on a Mount Batur sunrise trek in advance.
Day 5: Enter the sacred Monkey Forest
Enjoy your last full day in Ubud with a visit to its famous Monkey Forest. As the name suggests, this is home to hundreds of cheeky long-tailed macaques, as well as ancient temple ruins.
In the afternoon, revisit your favourite spots, do some souvenir shopping, or book another spa treatment or yoga class.
Tomorrow we’ll be checking out, so use the evening to prepare for your journey east to Amed
For more, information read my dedicated post on the perfect Ubud itinerary.
Days 6-8: Amed, for the ‘Real Bali’
The next few days of your 1 month Bali itinerary take you east to discover the island’s most authentic experiences. You’ll escape the crowds in traditional fishing villages, explore underwater shipwrecks and visit nearby islands. It’s where your Bali journey shifts from spiritual awakening to authentic local life.
Day 6: Travel to Amed and settle in
To the east of Bali is a cluster of charming fishing villages, known collectively as Amed. This is the next stop on your 1 month Bali itinerary.
The route takes 2 hours by taxi from Ubud through beautiful rice terraces and traditional villages. This laid-back area is one of the top places to visit in Bali if you want to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s one of the island’s hidden gems that’s not on most itineraries.
Here you can watch the sunrise over black sand beaches, get to know the friendly locals and discover more about the Balinese festivals and culture. For some people, this is the best place to stay in Bali for couples as it’s so peaceful and feels relatively undiscovered.
Where to stay in Amed
Each of the Amed villages has its own authentic charm. Learn more about which one to choose in my dedicated post here.
If you are looking for a hostel in Amed, check out the beachfront Ocean Prana Village hostel, which has a swimming pool and offers yoga classes.
Great guest houses in Amed include the delightful and affordable Dharma Yoga, where I stayed. There’s also the blissful Bamboo Bali bungalows or the Jemeluk Beach Bungalows, which are right on the beach.
Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals in Amed for your dates:
Day 7: USS Liberty shipwreck diving and snorkelling
Amed is a popular spot for freediving, scuba diving and snorkelling. Today, you’ll visit the nearby village of Tulumben to explore the fascinating WW2 wreck of the USS Liberty.
The shipwreck lies near the shore, so you don’t need to dive very deep. It is simply magical to swim around and explore the spooky remains as the fish dart around you.
Book a diving tour to the USS Liberty shipwreck here.
Day 8: Amed sunrise and village life
Start early to catch the spectacular sunrise over Mount Agung from Amed’s black sand beaches – it’s absolutely magical and one of the best sunrise spots in Bali.
Spend the morning exploring the traditional salt farming that Amed is famous for. Many locals still harvest sea salt using ancient methods passed down through generations – it’s fascinating to watch and you can often participate.
Visit the local fishing boats as they return with their catch, and explore the traditional villages to get a real sense of authentic Balinese life away from tourism.
Days 9–11: Gili Trawangan, for car-free island life
After the quiet rhythm of Amed, Gili Trawangan provides a gentle shift in energy. This car-free island is small, social and easy to settle into, making it a good place to reconnect with other travellers without feeling overwhelmed. Staying just a couple of nights keeps it light and intentional. You get the ease of island life, snorkelling and sunset swims, before heading back inland to Bali’s cooler, quieter landscapes.
Day 9: Travel to Gili Trawangan
After breakfast in Amed, travel to Padang Bai or Amed harbour and take a fast boat across to Gili Trawangan. The journey usually takes a few hours door to door, so treat this mainly as a travel and arrival day.
Once you arrive, you’ll notice the shift in pace. There are no motorised vehicles on the island, only bicycles and horse-drawn carts, which makes it easy to slow down and settle in. Check into your accommodation, then spend the afternoon walking or cycling around the island’s coastal path.
Day 10: Snorkelling and island life
Use your first full day to enjoy the simple pleasures of island living. Join a snorkelling trip to Turtle Point and nearby reefs, or snorkel independently straight from the beach.
Spend the afternoon swimming, reading, or cycling around the island at an unhurried pace. Gili T is social without being demanding — it’s easy to chat with other travellers if you want to, or keep to yourself if you don’t.
Finish the day with sunset drinks by the water.
Day 11: A slow morning before heading back to Bali
Keep your final morning intentionally light. Enjoy breakfast by the sea, take a last swim, or cycle one more lap of the island.
Later in the day, take a fast boat back to Bali, then continue by taxi inland towards Munduk.
Days 12-15: Munduk, for jungle waterfalls and highland escapes
Munduk is a quiet mountain village where you can explore green rice fields and discover spectacular waterfalls hidden in the jungle. It’s three hours’ drive from Amed and worth the scenic journey through the highlands. The cool climate here makes a refreshing change from the coastal heat, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks and traditional Balinese villages untouched by mass tourism.
Where to stay in Munduk
There are plenty of lovely places to stay in Munduk.
An excellent hostel in Munduk is the Dong Paloh Hostel, which guests love for its caring hosts, comfortable rooms and jaw-dropping views. Munduk’s guesthouses include the awesome One Homestay which has wonderful mountain views.
For mid-range hotels in Munduk, try the rustic Puri Lumbung Cottages, which has an on-site yoga centre, or the Yoga Village Above The Clouds in the neighbouring village of Bedugul. If you’re splashing out on a luxury resort, check out the magnificent Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa.
Explore the map below to find the latest accommodation deals in Munduk for your dates:
Day 13: Waterfall adventures
The waterfalls around Munduk are spectacular. Start with Sekumpul Falls, which many consider Bali’s most beautiful waterfall – it’s a 45-minute trek through jungle and rice fields. The twin Banyumala Falls are perfect for swimming and only 30 minutes from Munduk village. The hidden Fiji Falls and Golden Valley Falls require a bit more adventure to reach but are worth every step.
Explore the best of the area’s waterfalls on this guided tour.
Day 14: Visit the nearby lakes
Within a half hour drive of Munduk, you can find some amazing sights. Today you’ll visit three scenic lakes (known in Balinese as danau) – Lake Tambligan, Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan. Here there are wonderful viewpoints – search for ‘Wanagiri Hidden Hill Bali’ in Google Maps for some great Instagram opportunities near Lake Buyan.
Join a guided tour of Munduk’s lakes and viewpoints here.
Day 15: A final slow day in Munduk
Keep your last day in Munduk deliberately quiet. Enjoy the cooler mountain air, take a short walk through the surrounding rice fields, or simply relax at your accommodation and enjoy the views. Use the afternoon to rest and pack calmly before moving on tomorrow.
Days 16-21: Western Bali, for wilderness and beaches
This stretch of this 1 month Bali itinerary moves into the island’s quieter west, where travel slows and landscapes open up. National parks, uncrowded beaches and long stretches of space make this a natural midpoint to pause and reset before we return to the busier south.
Day 16: Travel to Pemuteran, for quiet nature and reef life
On day 16, leave Munduk in the morning and travel north-west to Pemuteran. The drive takes around 4–4.5 hours by car, passing through rural villages and quieter stretches of Bali.
Pemuteran sits on Bali’s far north-west coast and feels noticeably removed from the rest of the island. This is one of the least developed areas in Bali, where days are shaped by the sea and the surrounding national park rather than schedules or sights.
Day 17: Reef time in Pemuteran
Spend the day enjoying Pemuteran’s calm, undeveloped coastline. Snorkelling straight from the beach is easy here, with healthy coral reefs just offshore. The rest of the day is best kept simple — swimming, reading, or resting in the heat of the afternoon.
Day 18: West Bali National Park
Use today to explore nearby West Bali National Park, one of the quietest and least visited areas of the island. Visit by boat or with a local guide, then return to Pemuteran for a relaxed evening. This is one of the most peaceful stretches of the entire itinerary.
Find out more about what do in Pemuteran in my dedicated post here.
Day 19: Travel to Balian Beach for surfing and black sand beaches
Leave Pemuteran in the morning and travel south along Bali’s west coast to Balian Beach. The drive takes around 4–4.5 hours by car and passes through rural villages and quieter coastal areas.
Balian Beach is one of Bali’s quieter surf villages, known for its black-sand coastline and relaxed pace. It’s known as a destination for surfing, kite-surfing and yoga, but people also come to simply enjoy its beautiful beach and super-chilled ambiance.
Where to stay in Balian
The places to stay in Balian range from family guesthouses to spa resorts.
For affordable beachfront accommodation, check out the Gubug Balian Beach Bungalows or the superb Istana Balian. Both have modern facilities and swimming pools.
Another stylish beachfront option is the Pondok Pitaya Balian Hotel. Meanwhile the Gajah Mina Beach Resort has a yoga room, spa and fantastic restaurant.
Explore the map below to find the latest accommodation deals in Balian for your dates:
Days 20–21: Slow days in Balian Beach
Balian is great for surfers thanks to its breaks which are suitable for all levels. You can rent boards and take lessons right on the beach.
Yoga fans can find daily yoga classes at the large studio in Pondok Pitaya Balian Hotel. They offer lessons for all levels of students, as well as yoga teacher training. Another popular place is Balian Spirit Yoga.
Balian’s black sand makes for incredible sunset photos. End each day with a slow walk along the shore or dinner near the water.
Days 22-30: Canggu, beach clubs and clifftop temples
The final week of your 1 month Bali itinerary brings you full circle to the island’s lively south. Here, world-class surf breaks meet beach clubs and ancient clifftop temples. Canggu has the perfect blend of laid-back surf culture and trendy café scene. It’s a great base to explore more of southern Bali. It’s the ideal way to wind down your journey and enjoy your last few days of that magical Bali energy.
Day 22: Travel to Canggu
Travel 1.5 hours south of Balian to Canggu. It’s a popular surfing area and digital nomad hotspot, but still maintains that relaxed Bali vibe. Arrive by afternoon and get settled into the surf town atmosphere.
Where to stay in Canggu
Canggu has everything from budget hostels to luxury villas. The Nest Canggu is a popular hostel choice thanks to its swimming pool and on-site restaurant. Its excellent hotel options include the Aston Canggu Beach Resort which is located close to great restaurants and beach clubs.
For more accommodation deals in Canggu, explore the map below:
Days 23-25: Surfing and cafe culture
Canggu is famous for its cool cafe culture and surf breaks suitable for all levels. Take your time to relax and enjoy a Bintang beer on the beach in this popular part of Bali.
If you’d like to learn to surf, you can take lessons at Batu Bolong beach, while intermediates may prefer Echo Beach. All surf spots are within 10 minutes by scooter from central Canggu.
The area is filled with cafes serving healthy food, smoothie bowls and excellent coffee. Don’t miss Crate Café for their famous smoothie bowls and Milk & Madu for the most Instagrammable brunch in Bali.
If you’re keen to experience Canggu’s famous beach club, try Finns Beach Club for day parties and pool access. La Brisa is great for sunset drinks with its bohemian bamboo architecture. Finally, Old Man’s is known for live music and a more relaxed vibe. All beach clubs are easily accessible by scooter or taxi
Day 26: Tanah Lot temple day trip
Take a day trip to the famous Tanah Lot temple, one of Bali’s most iconic temples built on a rock formation in the sea. It’s 45 minutes from Canggu by scooter or you can book a guided tour. The best time to visit is late afternoon from around 4pm.
Book a spectacular guided tour of Tanah Lot temple directly from your hotel, here.
Day 27: Nusa Penida day trip
From Canggu, take a taxi one hour to Sanur. From there, you can catch a fast boat to Nusa Penida, a neighbouring island known for its natural beauty and scuba diving.
Incredible underwater sights there include sunken Buddha statues. On the nearby Lembongan Island, you can spend a blissful day relaxing in the Mushroom Bay area and enjoy some incredible snorkelling.
In Sanur, there is also the peaceful Power of Now Oasis yoga studio which is simply lovely for yoga by the sea.
Day 28: Uluwatu temple and Kecak dance
Head 45 minutes south by taxi or book a guided tour to experience the famous sunset Uluwatu Kecak Dance at the Uluwatu temple. This clifftop temple has spectacular sunset views and the traditional fire dance performance is mesmerising. Arrive around 5pm for the best seats. Book your return transport in advance as it gets busy after the performance.
Day 29: Indulge at Seminyak
If you’re after fancy restaurants and fun parties, spend the penultimate day of your 1 month Bali itinerary in Seminyak. It’s around half an hour away by taxi.
While this area is busier and more commercialised, it has incredible shopping, restaurants and bars. I loved the upscale Indonesian food and sustainable values of Merah Putih restaurant. There’s also Bali’s legendary Potato Head beach club, which opens until 2am.
It’s definitely pricier than other areas, but the sunset cocktails and atmosphere are worth experiencing at least once. This is your luxury finale to celebrate completing your month in Bali.
Day 30: Departure for the airport
It’s time to check out of your accommodation and spend your last morning enjoying whatever you’ve loved most about Canggu. It’s a 45-60 minute journey to Ngurah Rai international airport and you can easily book an airport transfer. You will take home with you all the memories made on your unforgettable 1 month itinerary in Bali.
How to travel around Bali
To make your 1 month Bali itinerary a reality, a key question is how to travel around Bali. The good news is, there are several options for getting around Bali.
By scooter or bicycle
One is to rent a bicycle for short rides around the rice fields and villages. For longer journeys, you can hire a scooter or motorcycle. Be sure to check the motorbike first for dents and scratches, and log it with the rental company. This way, you shouldn’t be charged for any damage you didn’t cause
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis available for travelling around Bali. Many taxi drivers act as tour guides too, so they can advise on the best places to stop. I recommend asking a few taxi drivers to give you a quote, so you can make sure you aren’t being ripped off.
By public transport
The cheapest way of getting around in Bali are public minibuses called bemo. They run on various routes around the island and they cost a fraction of the price of a taxi. They operate around every 50 minutes however they are are notoriously unreliable, so you may need to wait longer.
The most comfortable way to get around Bali is to hire a private car with a local driver.
Getting to Bali
Bali is an island in Indonesia, which can be easily reached from Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. Flights to Bali from within Asia can be fairly inexpensive. Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, operates direct flights from London to Bali. Otherwise you can find long-haul flights via Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong or Bangkok to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.
How do you get a visa for Bali?
You are automatically permitted to stay in Bali up to 30 days with your visa-on-arrival. People from most countries are now eligible for a free 30 day visa-on-arrival. To stay longer, buy a $35 visa-on-arrival at the immigration counter at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. This can be extended for another 30 days, so 60 days total.
On the two occasions I went to Bali, I loved it so much that both times I extended my visa for the additional 30 days. Following the official procedure to extend my visa involved three trips to one of Bali’s immigration offices over 2-3 weeks. A more convenient alternative is to hire a visa agent to do so on your behalf. Somehow they can usually process it within a week. There are plenty of places around that offer this service.
How much does a 1 month Bali itinerary cost?
If you are planning a trip to Bali, you will be pleased to discover that the island is very affordable. It is easy to visit Bali on a budget. You can still stay in lovely accommodation and eat out at restaurants every day. At most guest houses, staff will serve you a complimentary breakfast of eggs or pancakes, fruit and coffee. The perfect way to start your day.
The estimated Bali budget per day is around Rp865,000 (Indonesian rupiah) or US$60-80, depending on your activities and shopping. For a month, budget approximately $1,260-$1,680 USD total for a comfortable backpacker experience. Compared with many other destinations around the world, the cost of Bali travel is cheap. Honeymooners often come to this island and spend a lot of money on luxury resorts. However, there are many affordable guest houses where you can live like a royal on a limited budget.
Frequently asked questions about Bali
Is 1 month too long for Bali?
Not at all – in fact, you may find yourself extending your trip even longer, like I did – more than once! A month is a great amount of time to explore Bali, as you normally get a 30 day visa when you arrive. You’ll have time to see beyond the tourist hotspots, slow down in each destination and experience the real Bali.
How much money do I need for a month in Bali?
Budget around $1,260-$1,680 USD for the month ($60-80 per day). This covers accommodation in guest houses, eating out at local restaurants, activities, and transport. You can travel cheaper by eating at warungs and staying in hostels, or spend more on luxury resorts and upscale dining.
Which month is best for Bali?
April-May and September-October are ideal. You’ll get dry season weather with fewer crowds and better prices than peak season (July-August). The wet season (November-March) means occasional rain but these are the cheapest months to visit Bali and the island is still beautiful with lush green landscapes.
Is this itinerary suitable for solo female travellers?
Yes, Bali is safe for solo female travellers. I travelled here alone and had a wonderful time. In Ubud in particular there’s a huge community of solo female travellers thanks to its popular yoga centres.
Final thoughts on this one month Bali itinerary
What makes this route perfect is how it flows naturally around the island. You start inland with Ubud’s spiritual energy, move to the coast for island adventures, head east to Amed’s authentic fishing villages, venture into the mountains of Munduk, relax at Balian beach and finish in Canggu near the airport for easy departure.
This one month Bali itinerary balances the island’s spiritual side and its natural adventures. It shares the real Bali – the coastal villages and mountain views that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
