If you’re interested in breathtaking landscapes, friendly local people, and cheap prices, Bali should be at the top of your travel list. How do you even plan where to begin with so much available? Check out this Ultimate Itinerary for 2 weeks in Bali that will take you to the vastly different corners of Bali.
Create your perfect holiday with waterfalls, temples, local food, beaches, snorkeling, hiking, and meeting other travelers in this destination hotspot.
Table of Contents
Have more than 2 weeks in Bali? Check out this list of the top eco-friendly activities in Bali to get more connected to the land and the people.
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Arrive in Denpasar
The most straightforward and simple way to get to Bali is by flying into I Gusti Ngurah Airport. The airport is big but easy to navigate through immigration and out to the exit. Getting from the airport to your first destination depends on where you’re going. You will have 4 main options:
- Driver Provided. Your first accommodation may provide an airport pick-up included in your nightly cost, or for an additional fee (always ask!).
- Driver Hire. If they don’t you can hire a driver yourself through various ways online, or by asking your host if they have any driver contacts.
- Taxi. Bluebird Taxi Group has a pretty good system set up in the airport, with a pre-fixed rate based on your destination. Taxi’s stick to the southern area closer to Denpasar, so you won’t get much further than Canggu or Ubud.
- Walk to get a Grab / Gojek. Gojek and Grab drivers are not permitted to pick up passengers at the airport, but with just a 10-minute walk you can be off the property, and good to catch a ride to your stay.
Be prepared for your trip by setting up a data plan before your arrival. Check out these options so you can choose the best phone plan while abroad.
Day 1+2 - Canggu
Canggu is a bustling area northwest of Denpasar, filled with surfers, digital nomads, and more surfers. This area has definitely been a hotspot in recent years, with a ton of new and trendy restaurants, bars, and shopping! Canggu is a great place to land to start meeting some fellow travelers, and get to the beach to relax and ease into the new atmosphere.
Surf at Batu Balong
Canggu is the best place for surfers of all levels in Bali. On the main beach of Batu Balong, you’ll find dozens of booths offering 2-hour surf lessons to get you into the water and riding the waves in no time! While you can surf at any time, there are definitely better and worse times to give it a go. I suggest connecting with an instructor at least 1 day before, to set the best time based on the tides and the crowds.
Surfing lessons cost around 300k-350k IDR ($25 USD), but worth it for the 2-hour coaching lesson. We had an awesome instructor, who was also the owner of the Salty Shakas Bungalows where we stayed!
Tanah Lot Temple
An absolute must-see in Canggu is the Tanah Lot Temple, only 25 minutes by motorbike up the coast and only 60.000 Rupiah to enter. This temple is built near a cliff side, making it appear to be on an island during high tide. Travelers are not permitted to enter the temple, unless they are a practicer of Hinduism and wearing traditional Bali clothing, however walking around the grounds is definitely worth it.
While at the Tanah Lot Temple, keep your eyes peeled for ‘Ular Suci – Holy Snake’. This is an experience you won’t want to miss! Inside this elusive cave, you’ll find a snake charmer sitting with holy snakes, that you can touch and make a wish. These snakes are venomous (Blue-Lipped Sea Krait), however, they have never bitten anyone!
Pasut Beach
Where To Stay In Canggu
Canggu is a town with trendy cafes, surfing, beach bars, and amazing food. It is a digital nomad hotspot, marketed toward younger Western travelers. It basically felt like San Diego if that’s your thing! If you want to be in the heart of it, stay near the beach – anywhere between Old Man’s restaurant and Finn’s Beach Club.
If you’re looking for something a bit quieter (and authentic), find a location that is a bit more inland along the rice terraces, or coastal heading northwest from Canggu (southeast is Seminyak – also very crowded and westernized). Canggu still has a lot of charm, you just have to go a bit more out of the way to find it.
Either way, it’s a great place to land after your flight to get your feet in the sand and start to get to know the Bali culture. The town is really well-connected, so with a motorbike or ride from Gojek or Grab, you can get anywhere in under 15 minutes!
* We stayed at the Salty Shakas Bamboo Stay and absolutely loved it. It was a place you could be social over a shot of arak, relax in your bungalow, take a swim, work, and more. Plus, get personal surf lessons with the owner!
Day 3+4+5 - Ubud
Depending on where you’re coming from, you may feel a bit jet-lagged, and Ubud is the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration, surrounded by the rainforest. Ubud is the “love” in “Eat, Pray, Love”, where you can explore your mind, healing, and spirituality through different avenues. But don’t let that fool you, Ubud is a place for adventurers too! Ubud’s central location on the island is also a great jumping-off point to explore somewhere for the day!
Ubud Monkey Forest
Located in the heart of Ubud, is the Sacred Monkey Forest, where Macaques roam around temples and ruins. While this is a classic tourist stop, it’s for a good reason. Where else can you stroll around a rainforest with hundreds of monkeys casually eating bananas and swimming?
These monkeys are very intelligent, so do be cautious with what you bring to the forest. They know how to open backpacks and pockets, and they really like jewelry, so be aware of what type of attention you’re attracting from the locals!
Entrance tickets cost 50.000 IDR, and can be purchased at the door. Get there at the opening to beat the crowds!
Yoga & Meditation
You will find yoga culture everywhere, which is great to try out a new style or go to your first class! If you’re a. veteran in the yoga world, go a bit off the beaten path, you will find a more authentic experience to connect with whatever you need! The Yoga Barn is famous for its unique and high-quality classes, and it’s where you’ll find the most popular Ecstatic Dance in Bali!
If you’re looking for a more local experience, my favorite place is Bali Swasthya, led by an Indonesian teacher. There is a spiritual allure in Bali, which led me to eventually get my 200 hour Yoga Teaching Certification in India! If you’re considering this in your journey, check out my experience and why I would definitely recommend to go to India!
Waterfalls
There are so many waterfalls to explore that are only a quick drive from Ubud! While the bigger waterfalls are further north, you can find lush tropical falls that are perfect for a swim and to get that Instagram shot. While these falls do get crowded since they are closer to the main areas if you go earlier in the morning you can avoid most crowds! Check out the best waterfalls in Ubud, a perfect way to refresh from the jungle heat.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
One of the main attractions in Bali, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces is just 20 minutes by motorbike north of Central Ubud. This is where you can get your photo taken in those iconic swings, or just meander along the impressive terrace walls. You will likely get stopped for a 10.000 Rupiah entrance fee for the maintenance of the fields, and once you’re in you’ll be funneled to a stand where you’re urged to purchase a drink for $1 to support the farmers. Have some extra cash on you!
Tegallalang gets extremely crowded, but you can avoid the crowds and go for sunrise! Also, if you're really looking to escape the crowds, head just a few hundred meters north to the Abian Desa Rice Terrace.
Where To Stay In Ubud
Ubud has a very congested center, located around Jl Raya Ubud, and extends south along Jl Monkey Forest. Where you stay can change your views on the area depending on your preferences. On these main streets, you may be checked into an idyllic zen guesthouse, but have the sounds of motorbikes and crowds in the background. It’s in the middle of the noise, so be prepared!
If your main focus is getting some peace and time for reflection, you’ll want to look a bit more on the outskirts of town. Ubud is surrounded by the jungle and rice fields, creating the perfect environment to reconnect with nature.
If you’re looking for a little bit of both, I suggest looking near the Ubud Yoga House, where quiet shalas are tucked along rice paddies, and Ubud Center is only a short ride away. Motorbikes are great to have in Ubud, but the traffic congestion and way of driving aren’t for everyone. Plenty of Gojek’s, Grab’s, and taxi’s are available in the main areas. Check out everything you need to know about transportation in Bali.
Day 6+7 - Munduk
Munduk is a lesser-known region in Bali, located west of the ‘twin lakes’. This area is a bit colder and less crowded than others in the best way possible. Unlike much of Bali, Munduk has retained its authentic charm, so you feel completely immersed in the culture and life there. Its removal from the main tourist areas in Bali, combined with its higher elevation has made this area one of the best for stargazing at night!
Waterfalls
Northern Bali is home to the most impressive waterfalls on the island. While you can definitely take the trip up from Canggu or Ubud, you’ll wish you stayed right in the heart of the area to explore as much as possible.
Let’s cut to the chase with the waterfalls. You see them everywhere online, but not all of them are how they appear. Of course, with dozens to choose from, there are some that are untouched gems hidden in the forest, and others that are filled with mini photoshoots followed by a lot of edits. I can’t speak for all of them, but do your research and ask travelers and locals which ones are worth the drive (and payment) to see!
Some of the most popular include Gitgit, Sekumpul, Banyumala Twins, and Aling-Aling. If you’re going for a photo shoot, get a local guide, they’re also the best photographers and hype men to capture your beauty!
Twin Lakes & Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Located in the caldera of an ancient volcano, the twin lakes of Bayun & Tamblingan offer a serene escape from the crowds of Bali. To further explore the area, rent a traditional wooden canoe and get a different perspective of the mountainous area.
Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is a must-see in the northern region and a highlight for many travelers, primarily for its unique location. The temple appears like it is floating on the water, as the land it was built upon protrudes from Lake Bayun’s shores.
The entrance fee to the temple is around 75,000 IDR. It is a picturesque photo spot, so be sure to beat the crowds for those early morning sunlit photos.
Coffee Plantations
Bali is known for its coffee and cocoa. If you have enough time in your schedule and you like coffee (who doesn’t?), seeing the creation from the start is an incredible experience. Many coffee plantations offer tours, tastings, and even unique experiences to get involved!
Maybe you’ve heard of the famous Bali Luwak Coffee, known to be the most expensive in the world. It’s exclusivity is due to the production process, where a Luwak animal eats the coffee beans, ~digests it~, and then is used for a perfect brew.
Where To Stay In Munduk
Munduk is a quiet area, and with a motorbike, you can get just about anywhere. This is a great place to not worry about what you’re near, but rather find the perfect space for you to have a peaceful time in the jungle. Since it is higher in elevation, the views from this area are top-tier, so keep that in mind when finding your perfect stay!
Day 8+9 - Amed
Amed is a quiet town in the far east of Bali, where lava flows meet the ocean and the sunrise kisses the coast. This is a less-traveled to location, but it is gaining popularity among tourists for good reason. There are many attractions in this area, so why not save some driving and stay for a bit to soak it all in!
I stayed here for 2 months, where I snorkeled every morning, and worked from the best cafes in Amed – all with insane Mount Agung views. Amed is one of my favorite places in all of Bali <3
Scuba Dive & Snorkel
One of the best dive sites is the Liberty Shipwreck, an American cargo ship that was sunken during WWII by Japan, and then carried into the sea during the Mount Agung eruption of 1962. This wreck is the host of aquatic life including coral, tropical fishes, turtles, rays, and even reef sharks!
While you can take a dive trip to this site from anywhere on the island, it’s about a 2-hour drive one way from Ubud and Canggu. By staying in town, you can explore Amed’s snorkeling spots and best reefs along the coast… a morning swim followed by a fresh coconut is a good life, trust me.
For a paid snorkel excursion, book with our friend Wayan at Sari Snorkeling - the best guide in Amed!
Pura Lempuyang Temple
An Instagram icon, the Lempuyang Temple is a must-see for travelers with so much more to see than what’s online. The temple entrance is 30 minutes from Amed and has a perfectly framed view of Mount Agung, hence the western name of the “Gates of Heaven”.
The cost for entrance is 100.000 IDR, plus a 50.000 IDR shuttle ride to the entrance. The famous photo spot is in the first temple, just 5 minutes from the entrance. However, the grounds host 7 temple sites, and worth the exploration! It takes about 4 hours, so plan accordingly with water and sunscreen.
Since this is a Hindu temple, be mindful of your behavior – no drone photography, keep your shoulders and knees covered, and no PDA.
Mount Agung Trek
As of June 2023, Ascending Mount Agung is no longer permitted - A Response from direspectful tourist actions... Don't be "that guy"
The one thing you’ll notice while you’re in Amed is the massive volcano sitting back in the distance. That is Mount Agung, and for the adventurers out there, it’s definitely worth looking into a hike!
The trek takes about 10 hours round trip, starting around 11 pm so you can summit at sunrise, around 5:30 am. You can imagine the perfect sunrises in Amed, but now picture it from the highest point on the island at 3,031 meters. You must hire a guide for your safety, but it is well worth the money. By far one of my favorite things I did in Bali, and a travel bucket-list item.
Where To Stay In Amed
Amed is a laid-back area that hugs the coastline, filled with divers, yogis, and locals. The town is built around steep rock ledges that create a mountainous landscape. The main area of Amed is located right next to Amed, but don’t expect anything like you experienced in Ubud or Canggu in this quiet town! Whether you’re looking for beach-front views or serene inland getaways, there is plenty of options around Amed.
Day 10+11+12 - Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a perfect island to explore within a few days. It is located off Bali’s southeast coast, with 2 main ports through Sanur or Padang Bai. The ferries have a limited schedule, varying costs, and destinations on Nusa Penida, so getting over will take a bit of research.
Planning the ferry can be a bit confusing. Chances are, your host at your accommodation and help you book your ticket, and give you any information you need to plan your trip! Once you arrive, plenty of people will ask you to rent one as soon as you step off the ferry! A fair price is about 300.000 Rupiah but definitely use your haggling skills.
Snorkel Manta Point
One of the highlights of Nusa Penida is the ability to swim with 5-meter (& completely safe) Manta Rays. This island hosts a reef that serves as a manta rays cleaning station! There is a symbiotic relationship between these ‘cleaner fish’ and larger aquatic life including Manta Rays to swim through and be cleaned of any bacteria and other little critters.
As with anything in nature, nothing is guaranteed to happen, and it is wild. While you may go out on a snorkeling trip, you may see 0 Manta Rays, while the day before you saw hundreds. It’s always a gamble to see a specific thing in nature – be patient!
Beaches
Nusa Penida is home to some of the most iconic beaches in Bali. The most famous (and popular) is Kelingking Beach, also known as ‘Cap de T-Rex’. This area costs an additional 25.000 Rupiah to enter, and it is madness with the number of people. The iconic photo spot is on the stairs descending down the cliff, but there will likely be people in all of your photos. You can venture down to the beach, but be warned.. it is definitely not easy. I consider myself an advanced hiker, but this route is steep, slippery, and takes about 30 minutes each way!
If you’re looking for an easier famous beach, then look no further than Atuh Beach. This is located on the southwest coast of the island, but definitely worth the drive. Atuh is located right next to Diamond Beach, but if you don’t have all day to explore, Atuh is way more worth the trek down. Diamond Beach is littered with trash (sad), very rocks, and compared to Atuh, it’s just okay.
Hidden Gems
While you’ve seen some of the iconic points from Nusa Penida, there are a lot of amazing places you haven’t heard of. These are amazing because there are fewer tourists, you can get an authentic taste of Nusa’s beauty and culture, and who doesn’t love an original experience?!
You have to make a stop at the natural springs at Guyangan Waterfall, where freshwater falls into the ocean and you can sit back and relax. Don’t let the stairs deter you, it is well worth the walk and completely free to visit if you have your own sarong (rental = 15.000 IDR).
Temeling Beach is another one that is easily missed, but this incredible spot takes you down a steep road where a forested spring opens up to the vastness of the ocean. The drive down is steep, which turns away a lot of tourists, but you can pay a local to drive your bike down for only 50.000 IDR!
Don't be fooled by Nusa Penida's size. It takes a lot more time than you realize to get around the island, due to the lake of connecting roads and steep terrain. Be sure to route-check your destination in Nusa Penida, to be sure you can fit everything in without rushing the journey!
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
Day 13+14 - Uluwatu
Uluwatu (locally called “Ulu”) is the perfect place to end your trip, catch some of the best sunsets in Bali, and reflect on your travels before heading back to the airport. This area south of Denpasar has a relaxed surfer vibe, with incredible hidden gems. It can be a bit of a pricier area, so if you’re on a budget, look at menus ahead of time online to save!
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance
A stay in Uluwatu would not be complete without stopping at the Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhar Uluwatu). This 11th-century temple has major spiritual importance for the Bali Hindu people and boasts panoramic views of the steep coastline.
Entry is 50.000 IDR to explore the grounds and take in the ocean views. Every day at sunset, a group of local people put on the traditional Kecak Dance, which is a must-see in Bali!
Beaches
Ulu is built on top of 70-meter limestone cliffs, making the beaches a bit harder to come by without knowing where to go.
One of the most picturesque beaches is Suluban Beach, where connecting coves, surfing, and a shipwreck come together for a hidden escape. Padang-Padang is also a great beach, which first came to fame as it was featured in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.
Nyang-Nyang Beach is a 1.5km stretch of white sand, that is a bit more difficult to reach. For committed travelers who aren’t afraid of a bit. of a steep climb, it is a beautiful beach with far fewer tourists!
Overtourism has drastically impacted Bali - many beaches, lookouts, and restaurants, and beaches have been closed, monetized, or changed ownership post-COVID. Check recent reviews and photos!
Sunset Viewpoints
Where To Stay In Uluwatu
To be close to where all of the highlights are in Uluwatu, you’ll want to stay in the southwestern corner of a region called Pecatu. This area is definitely a bit pricier than any other region listed in Bali, so factor in that for your budget on accommodation and food.
Learn more about How to be More Eco-Friendly In Bali
Getting Around in Bali
Land Transport
Navigating across Bali’s rugged landscape is possible in a few ways depending on your comfort, cost, and baggage. I typically opt for a motorbike rental to navigate on the mainland of Bali. It is affordable, efficient, and so much easier to flow with traffic vs., a car or driver. The island was built for motorbikes (well, actually it was built for a horse-drawn cart), but definitely not the easiest for cars. Learn more about Everything To Know About Transportation In Bali
For longer drives where you may not feel comfortable driving or have too much baggage with you, a driver can be hired. Check Grab or Gojek in your area (but don’t rely on them, they are restricted in some areas). You can also use these apps to get a price idea of what you should be willing to pay.
If you’re in Ubud looking for a motorbike – contact Gusti
If you’re in
Try renting a motorbike in Bali, split with a friend. This will cut the cost and emissions of using 2 bikes, or a car which just gets stuck in traffic!
From Ubud - South, contact Gusti:
In Amed: contact Made:
By the Sea
There are consistent ferry rides available to many islands including Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, The Gili Islands, Lombok, Java, Komodo Island National Park, and more! There are multiple ports in all of the islands, so know which one you need to depart from for the best routes. I always go to Rome2Rio to get an idea of the cost, time, route, and timing of any transport, followed by some Google searches.
Have More than 2 Weeks in Bali?
Explore the other destinations waiting for you in Asia!
Summary - 2 Weeks In Bali - The Ultimate Itinerary
If a trip to Bali is in your future, there are so many destinations and places to choose between it can be overwhelming! You’ve seen a ton about Bali on Instagram, both good and bad, so it is essential to know about the different areas before you go.
My top destinations to explore would be Munduk, Amed, and Nusa Penida, as these areas are not yet as Westernized as areas like Seminyak and Canggu. The best part about Bali for me is the charm of the local people, which can get lost under foreign investment and luxury holiday stays.
Renting a motorbike is also essential in Bali, so you can travel and your pace and wherever you want to go! Be sure to travel lightly, so your luggage doesn’t hold you back from taking in the beautiful surroundings.
