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Bali is a dream destination for many travelers alike, and for good reason. From beautiful nature and stunning beaches to cultural experiences and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone. But Bali is a huge island and it can be hard to decide where you should visit if you only have 2 weeks. This Bali itinerary will take you to highlights all around the island, showing you the beauty and diversity of this slice of paradise.
Bali Itinerary: FAQs
Should I visit Bali?
Bali has skyrocketed to fame in the travel world as a stunning destination for nature, culture, beaches, and parties. But is Bali overrated? Honestly, it can be a polarizing destination. I was worried before my Bali trip that it would be spoilt by over-tourism. To be honest, some places did feel that way! In the really touristy areas of Bali like Canggu and Ubud, there are tons of crowds and traffic that take away from the vibe.
However, I don’t regret visiting Bali at all. Setting your expectations is important so you’re mentally prepared for the touristy, crowded aspect of the trip. I did my research and decided to limit my time in the especially popular areas so I could see the highlights without becoming overwhelmed. I also made sure to include less crowded places in my Bali itinerary, like Munduk and Nusa Lembongan. This itinerary will take you to the unmissable popular spots while also showing you the less discovered side of Bali that will really make you fall in love.
My favorite part of my Indonesia trip was the time I spent outside of Bali! Bali was a great introduction to the country, but venturing further east to Lombok and Komodo was the highlight. Check out my Indonesia itinerary to extend your time in this beautiful country and explore beyond the beaten path.
Lucky enough to be on a Southeast Asia backpacking trip? Check out my 3-6 month route, including this Bali itinerary!
When should I visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is generally during the dry season from April to October. This is ideal for all of the outdoor activities that Bali has to offer like hiking, surfing, and beach days, as rainfall is minimal and the weather is sunny. However, this is also the most popular time to visit, so expect more crowds and higher prices.
The rainy season from November to March brings fewer tourists, more affordable rates, and lush landscapes, but you may get heavy downpours. This Bali itinerary includes mostly outdoor activities, so traveling during the dry season is best.
How long should I stay in Bali?
10 days to 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for Bali. This 2-week Bali itinerary is the perfect well-rounded trip, but you could also cut out one destination that doesn’t sound as appealing to you for a shorter trip.
If you have even longer, that’s even better! Consider traveling to Bali’s less discovered neighbor, Lombok, to explore Gili Trawangan and Kuta Lombok. Or hop on a quick flight to Labuan Bajo to explore the beautiful Komodo National Park on a multi-day boat trip. Both Lombok and Komodo were the highlights of my 1-month Indonesia itinerary.
How to book the best hotels and hostels in Bali?
The best booking platform for finding and reserving great hotels in Indonesia is Agoda. It’s owned by the same company as Booking.com but is based in Southeast Asia, making it great for finding any hotels you need. If you’re a backpacker staying in hostels, then Hostelworld is consistently the best hostel booking platform worldwide, and Indonesia is no exception. Book your Bali accommodations on Agoda today:
Don’t want to search for the best option, or just don’t have time? That’s what I’m here for! I’ve linked the best hotels and hostels through Agoda and Hostelworld for each destination on this Indonesia itinerary. As a professional travel advisor, I’ve vetted or personally stayed at these suggested properties. Properties marked with “$$$” are 4 or 5-star luxury properties, “$$” are 3 and 4-star mid-range hotels, and “$” are hostels.
How to book the best activities and excursions in Bali?
The best activity and excursion booking platforms for Bali are Klook and GetYourGuide. Both websites have thousands of trustworthy travel experiences with verified user reviews. I use Klook and GetYourGuide to book almost all my excursions in Asia, and you’ll find links throughout the article to great experiences I’ve personally vetted or experienced myself.
How to get around Bali?
There is very little public transportation in Bali, so you’ll mostly get around using taxis. Before your trip, download the Grab and Gojek apps. These are Indonesia’s versions of Uber, where you can easily and conveniently call a taxi from your phone. There are all sorts and sizes of taxis, and I especially loved the super cheap motorbike taxi option as a solo traveler.
For traveling between destinations that are farther apart, consider pre-booking a private transfer. I recommend booking through your accommodation or online via 12Go. If you need to ferry between places, like to Nusa Lembongan and back, check 12Go to pre-book your tickets.
Is Bali good for solo travelers?
I can’t imagine a better place for solo travelers than Bali, especially if it’s your first time solo traveling! It’s an easy place to navigate alone, and you never have to be alone if you don’t want to be. Staying at any social hostel is an easy way to meet fellow travelers who are often eager to meet travel buddies as well. It’s almost too easy to meet people, and sometimes I had to book myself a private room for a little social battery recharge!
Bali is also a safe place for solo travelers, including women. While you should always practice standard safety precautions like watching your belongings and not venturing off alone at night, you’ll find that Bali is a welcoming place for those traveling alone. The locals are very friendly, just be prepared to be asked if you’re alone (and never answer that one honestly!).
Bali is one of my top picks for the best places to solo female travel in Asia!
Bali Itinerary
This Bali itinerary is for 2 weeks, but you can easily slow it down to account for travel, rest, or extra days. If you’re going to extend your stay somewhere, I recommend Ubud or Uluwatu. These are the places that people typically wish they had more time, me included!
Canggu: 3 days
Where to stay: $$$: Amandaya Canggu, $$: Komala Homestay, $: The Farm Hostel
A note about Canggu: People either love or hate it. I recommend researching Canggu before deciding how long you want to spend there. I suggest three days because most people I met stayed for that long and were satisfied, myself included. There isn’t much to do during the day, and most people visit for the nightlife. This wasn’t reason for me to stay more than three days, but some people love it and stay longer.
Day 1
Welcome to Bali! Your first day of this Bali itinerary can be as mellow as you need, depending on your energy level. I recommend spending all day relaxing by a pool, either at your accommodation or at a beach club like Finn’s. Finn’s is Bali’s most famous beach club, and it can be chill or lively depending on the time and events. You can relax by the pool, order fancy drinks, and enjoy the beach views. If you’re on a budget, keep in mind that most areas have minimum spends.
In the evening, head to Tanah Lot for sunset. Here you can find two temples, one on a cliff and one on a rocky island. Both are very scenic, especially as the sky turns shades of orange and pink in the background.
Day 2
Start your day with one of Canggu’s super Instagramable brunches. I love Shady Shack, a vegetarian restaurant with a huge, delicious menu in an aesthetic setting. Afterwards, check out the Love Anchor market where vendors sell handmade items that are perfect for souvenirs. These items are more expensive than outside of the market, so if you see something you like, you could always try to find it in a less touristy place for a lower price tag. It’s still a cute place to look around, whether you buy something or not.
In the afternoon, you can head to the pool or check out the beach (although Canggu’s beaches aren’t the cleanest). You’ll want to rest up, because tonight you’re experiencing Canggu’s famous nightlife! Depending on the day of the week, there are different places that host parties. I was in Canggu on a Monday, which is the night that everyone heads to Luigi’s for pizza, drinks, and dancing. Monday is a great night to party in Canggu, but every night is lively. Just ask your accommodation where the party is that night.
Day 3
Enjoy a slow last morning in Canggu and maybe one last aesthetic brunch before you take a 2.5-3 hour taxi to Munduk in the afternoon. Arrive by early evening, with time to settle in before you walk or scooter to the Munduk Rice Terrace about an hour before sunset. Explore the path around the rice terraces while taking in the gorgeous sunset views. Afterwards, enjoy a beautiful dinner among the rice terraces at nearby Warung Enjoy Cafe 3. Rest up tonight, because you’re trekking to waterfalls tomorrow!
Munduk: 2 days
Read more: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MUNDUK
Where to stay: $: Aditya Homestay
Day 4
Today, you’ll spend the day hiking through the jungle and seeing some of Bali’s best waterfalls. I recommend starting the Munduk Waterfall Trek in the morning to avoid hiking at the warmest time of the day. Take your time trekking through the jungle and discovering four amazing waterfalls, many of which you can swim in!
In the evening, get a well-earned dinner at one of the many local Warungs that have fantastic views of the sunset. Warung Genitri, Warung Heaven, and Warung Classic are great options.
Day 5
On your last day in Munduk, you’ll explore a little outside of the village area. Hire a driver or rent a scooter to start your morning at Ulun Danu Beratan, the lake temple. The earlier the better to avoid crowds. On the way, you can take a quick photo stop at the Twin Lake Viewpoint. Then, choose two or three waterfalls in the nearby area, such as Banyumala for twin falls, Banyu Wana Amertha for four falls in one, or Aling Aling for cliff jumping.
In the afternoon, take a 2-hour taxi to Ubud and settle in for the night.
If you’re on a budget, Perama Tour offers an affordable shuttle bus between Munduk and Ubud at 1:30 every afternoon. It takes two hours. I had a good experience on this exact route.
Ubud: 3 days
Where to stay: $$$: Byasa Ubud, $$: Puri Garden, $: Sunshine Vintage House
Day 6
Wake up early today to go to Pura Tirta Empul, a Hindu temple with holy spring water where you can take part in a ritual purification. The ritual is such a special thing to experience, but you don’t want to make the mistake of showing up too late when it becomes overcrowded with tourists. It opens at 7am, and I wouldn’t arrive much later!
Wear a swimsuit, as you’ll have to rent a sarong to wear on top during the ritual. If you don’t know what to do, just copy the people in front of you or ask a local. A heads up for women: they ask that you don’t visit the temple if you’re on your period.
After your temple visit, head to Cretya Ubud, a day club set among the rice terraces. You can spend all afternoon here lounging by the pool, getting an iconic swing picture, or eating at their restaurant with a stunning view. Entrance is just 50,000 IDR (~$3) but some areas have minimum spends, so I’d look on the website in advance to plan your visit.
Overwhelmed by planning your Bali trip?
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Let’s start planning your custom Bali itinerary today!
Head back for an early night, because you’ll be waking up EARLY early tomorrow…
Day 7
And by early, I mean around 2am! But don’t worry, it’ll be worth it to experience sunrise from an active volcano. Trekking or Jeep-ing to the summit of Mt. Batur for sunrise is a once in a lifetime experience. You’ll be picked up from Ubud for the 1.5 hour drive around 2am, and then you’ll trek about 2 hours to the top. Or, you can opt to ride to the top in a an open-top Jeep.
You can book your Mt. Batur excursion here with plenty of add-on options to customize your perfect trip.
In the afternoon, it’s the perfect time to take it easy and experience Ubud’s chill vibe. You can take a yoga class at the world-famous Yoga Barn, or get a massage, facial, manicure, or pedicure. There’s so many choices for a relaxing afternoon.
Day 8
Spend your final day in Ubud by exploring the city center. Spot monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest (just keep your space and follow all the rules, as they’re used to humans and will steal your things!), shop at the Ubud Art Market, and explore Ubud Palace. In the evening, walk along the Campuhan Ridge Trail, a short and easy trail that’s especially scenic at golden hour.
Nusa Lembongan: 3 days
Read more: TOP THINGS TO DO IN NUSA LEMBONGAN
Where to stay: $$$: Batu Karang Lembongan Resort & Spa, $$: Helly’s Secret Garden Cottage, $: Mad Monkey Nusa Lembongan
Day 9
In the morning, take a 1-1.5 hour taxi to Sanur where you can catch a 30-minute fast ferry to Nusa Lembongan. Some ferry companies have terrible reviews, but I booked with DStars Fast Ferry and had a very smooth, timely journey.
On your first day in Nusa Lembongan, get to know the island and its smaller neighbor Nusa Ceningan. Rent a scooter and take off to the significant points around both islands, including Secret Beach, Blue Lagoon, Mahana Point, Devil’s Tear, and Dream Beach. Then find your favorite beach and relax there for a bit before catching the sunset.
Day 10
Today, you’ll head off to the biggest and most Instagram-famous Nusa island, Nusa Penida. I recommend joining a group tour from Nusa Lembongan, which will include the short boat ride and a driver to navigate the tricky roads for you (and usually be your photographer, too!). You can choose an East, West, or both tour depending on which sights you want to see. It will take all day, but you should be back in time for another great sunset.
Day 11
We might be saving the best for last, as today you’re off to snorkel or dive with the manta rays. Most snorkel tours include additional stops to see turtles and flourishing reefs. If you’re diving, you can choose some additional dive sites to try to see the mora mora. Most trips leave around seven to eight and return a few hours later, so you can leave in the afternoon on a boat back to Sanur. Then take a 1.5 hour taxi to Uluwatu.
Insider tip: Make sure your snorkeling tour goes to Manta Point, not Manta Bay. Many snorkeling tours only go to Manta Bay because it’s closer, but the chances of seeing the mantas are significantly lower than at Manta Point.
Uluwatu: 3 days
Read more: TOP THINGS TO DO IN ULUWATU
Where to stay: $$$: Kaila Bingin, $$: WIRA Homestay, $: Lala Homestay Bingin
If you’re visiting Uluwatu on a weekend: Make sure to check out the weekend markets! The Uluwatu Artisans Market pops up at Seed Bingin on Saturdays and Hatch on Sundays. Local artisans sell handcrafted goods like clothes, swimsuits, jewelry, candles, home decor, and more.
Day 12
You can’t visit Uluwatu without experiencing its gorgeous cliff-lined beaches. Whether you’re a surfer or a beach bum, spend the morning at one of Uluwatu’s best beaches, like Suluban, Nyang Nyang, Balangan, or Melasti. These are my favorites that are a little less discovered, but other beaches like Padang Padang and Dreamland are good options too, if you don’t mind the crowds.
Make sure to be back from the beach and ready to go to Uluwatu Temple an hour before sunset. This stunning temple is set on a cliff with dramatic ocean views that are especially gorgeous at sunset, when the sky turns vibrant shades of pink and orange. If you want to experience a traditional Balinese performance, you can join the Kecak Fire and Dance Show at 6:00 or 7:00. Buy a ticket in advance here for a discount and a guaranteed spot, as this is the most popular place to see the Kecak Show in Bali and it does often sell out.
Day 13
What better way to start your morning than by experiencing an iconic Bali brunch? There are tons of options in Uluwatu for delicious, aesthetic brunch, but I recommend Chela for its impressive bamboo structure or Joy Cafe and Bakery for its yummy menu. Before brunch, you might want to try a yoga class at Alchemy Yoga and Meditation Center or a workout at Bambu Fitness. Or simply sleep in or get in another beach or surf session.
In the evening, head to one of Bali’s infamous beach clubs. Check out my full list of Uluwatu beach club recommendations here so you can choose which one sounds most up your alley. The vibe you want can change which beach club you head to and when, so do some research in advance. The most popular beach club is Single Fin, especially on Sundays when it hosts one of the biggest parties in Uluwatu. During the day, it’s laid-back with gorgeous views of Suluban Beach and the surf breaks. If you want to take part in the iconic “Single Fin Sundays”, adjust this itinerary so you’re in Uluwatu on a Sunday!
Day 14
Have a chill last day in Bali by spending the morning at the beach, either surfing or relaxing. If you have a late flight out of Bali, as most international flights depart late, this is the perfect afternoon to get a massage. You can unwind before your travels and best of all, many spas offer showers that are perfect if you’ve already checked out of your hotel. I had a great Balinese massage (and shower after) at The Grey Spa.
And just like that, your Bali itinerary has come to an end! But that doesn’t mean your time in Indonesia has to be over. Bali is great, but I loved the other parts of Indonesia I explored even more! Check out my Indonesia itinerary for the other places you should explore in this beautiful country – you won’t regret it.
Keep reading:
- Indonesia Itinerary: 1 month in Bali, Lombok, & Komodo
- 8 things to do in Uluwatu: Travel guide to Bali’s beach paradise
- Munduk, Bali: A complete guide to the island’s hidden gem
- Nusa Lembongan, Bali: Top things to do & itinerary
- Gili Trawangan: Complete travel guide & the best things to do
- Kuta Lombok: Best things to do in beach & surf paradise
- Best places to solo travel in Asia as a woman
- Vietnam Itinerary: 3-4 weeks for backpackers and solo travelers
- 3 week Philippines itinerary
- Solo female travel in the Philippines: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- Thailand Itinerary: The perfect 2+ weeks for first-timers
- Solo female travel in Thailand: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- The best islands in Thailand: Top 3 tropical escapes
- Malaysia itinerary: 10 days of culture, city, beach, & nature
- 3 day Singapore itinerary & travel guide
- Solo female travel in Singapore: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- 2 week South Korea itinerary & travel guide from a local
- South Korea Solo Travel Guide: Safety, tips, & what to expect
- How much does a New Zealand trip cost? Budget traveler’s guide
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