Bali in 2 weeks
Bali
Embark on 14-day journey through the enchanting island of Bali, Indonesia.
This meticulously curated itinerary takes you on a captivating exploration of Bali's most iconic destinations, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and relaxation. Along the guide you will see that apart from the itinerary, I have included some recommendations for hotels and restaurants and also some relevant sunset-tips.
Begin your 2-week adventure with serene sunsets and majestic cliffside views in Uluwatu, then immerse yourself in the bohemian vibes of Canggu. Discover the artistic heart of Bali in Ubud, indulge in tropical paradise on the Gili Islands, and explore the rugged landscapes of Nusa Penida.
Whether you're seeking thrilling adventures, tranquil retreats, or authentic cultural experiences, this guide ensures an unforgettable Bali experience which can be tailores to your desires.
Pack your bags and get ready to experience the magic of Bali like never before!
Index
General tips
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1 & 2: Arrival & Uluwatu
Day 3 & 4: Canggu
Day 5, 6 & 7: Ubud
Day 8, 9 & 10: Gili Islands
Day 11 & 12: Nusa Penida
Day 13 & 14: Back to mainland & home
Additional options
General tips
🌐 Itinerary organization: I have organized the itinirary explanining you the prefered options for transportation, restaurants, hotels and activities to choose based on my brother's experience, jointly by some friends' tips. Although my brother and his girlfriend went on a 2-week itinerary, you can transform this guide into a 10-20 days trip according to your preferences.
📸 Pictures: unfortunately this time, the pics are not mine!
📅When was he there? October 2023.
☀️Weather: Opt for visiting just before or after the peak season which is usually in July/August. May, June & September are therefore the best months to travel to Bali: you will benefit of dry weather, lower humidity, fewer crowds and probably some accomodation-price-reductions. If these monnths do not suit you, April and October are transition months between the wet and dry seasons and they are generally nice for travelling to Bali. What I would recommend it to avoid December, January & February since these are considered the wettest - if not, just be prepared for rain.
✅Visa: Ensure you have the necessary visa requirements in place based on your country of origin. Research and plan accordingly, since, although from Spain it was not needed, it might be different for you.
💪🏻Healthcare: Consider travel insurance that covers medical expenses abroad.
💰Money: Cash is widely used, so it's advisable to have change some money to Ruphiahs (IDR). Consider using a reliable currency exchange service like Revolut to avoid high fees.
🛜Wifi: To ensure you are connected all the time you can try Airal digital e-sims for your mobile phone.
📢Language: Balinese, a variant of Indonesian, is the predominant language spoken in Bali. English is also widely understood in tourist areas.
⛪️Religion: About 90% of the Balinese population practices Hinduism, while roughly 5% are Muslim. The remaining 5% adhere to Buddhism or Christianity.
🍽️ Regional Delights: Nasi Goreng, Satay, and Babi Guling.
🙋🏽♀️Doubts?: If you have any quick questions you can reach me using the consultation hours here in Thatch.
Day by day itinerary
DAY 1 & 2: ARRIVAL & ULUWATU
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Sal Secret Spot
- La Kreyiol
- BoHo Bingin Beach Bali
Day 1: Arrival to Bali - Uluwatu
Morning: Arrive in Bali. Check into your hotel in Uluwatu. Find some place to have lunch and get ready since you will spend evening and night away.
Evening: Relax at Suluban Beach and explore its unique cave formations.
Dinner: Enjoy a sunset dinner with ocean views at Single Fin.
Day 2: Uluwatu
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Uluwatu Temple, explore the temple grounds and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean.
Afternoon: Head to Karang Broma Cliff and relax at Nyang Nyang beach getting a quick bite
Evening: Relax at Padang Padang Beach, famous for its golden sands, clear waters, and surf-friendly waves. If you want you can also visit the closer Bingin Beach.
Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner at Bartolo or Ours. Or head again to the cliffs to Ulu Cliffhouse for another amazing sunset.
DAY 3 & 4: CANGGU
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Kalapa Boutique Resort & Yoga
- Bloomfield Umalas
- Bali Natha Beach Front
Day 3: Uluwatu - Canggu
Morning: Travel to Canggu (approximately 1-2 hours drive depending on traffic). Check into your accommodation.
Luch: Head to Echo Beach, enjoy some lunch at La Brisa Bali and relax at this dark sandy beach with hipster vibes.
Evening: Head to Batu Bolong Beach and relax to end dinning at Old Man's, one of Canggu's iconic beach bars. You can also try The Lawn. Enjoy live music, vibrant atmosphere, and a variety of food and drink options.
Day 4: Canggu
Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Milk & Madu, a trendy cafe known for its delicious coffee and smoothie bowls. Explore Canggu Market (if available on the day you visit), offering a range of local crafts, artisanal products, and unique souvenirs.
Afternoon: Head to Tanah Lot Temple. Take a quick bite with you to enjoy it with the views.
Evening: You can head to Berawa beach first and then head to Finns Beach Club for sunset cocktails and beachfront dining.
DAY 5, 6 & 7: UBUD
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Ubud Shanti Rice Field House By Supala
- Tigata Ubud Cottage
- Alam Terrace Cottages
Day 5: Canggu - Ubud
Morning: Pay a driver to travel with you at least half day. Head to Ubud (about 1-hour drive) and do a stop at Tegenungan Waterfall to enjoy its views.
(If you like waterfalls, there are several spots in Ubud - do a little search and you'll see.)
You can also make another stop at Goa Gojah temple, also known as the Elephant Cave, archaeological site featuring ancient cave temples.
Then continue to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a natural habitat for Balinese long-tailed monkeys. There you can spend around 2hs exploring the lush forest and ancient temples, and interacting with friendly monkeys.
Afternoon & Lunch: You might need to grab some lunch on the go or you may want to wait to do the check-in at your Ubud hotel grab some lunch nearby. Some options can be Warung Biah Biah or Kafe Batan Waru. Then you've deserved some relax-time.
Evening: You might want to enjoy some massage and then head for dinner. Experience a culinary masterpiece at Locavore, one of Ubud's top fine dining restaurants.
Day 6: Ubud
Full day: Take a guide that can drive you to the picturesque Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and accompany you exploring the lush landscapes, and learning about traditional rice cultivation practices.
Then head to Pura Tirta Empul, a stunning Balinese Hindu water temple famous for its holy spring water.
Continue the trio to Pura Gunung Kawi, an 11th-century temple and funerary complex.
When heading back, you can also access a coffee plantation like Bali Pulina and explore and have a nice coffee-tasting.
(For lunch, I would recommend to follow the guide's recommendation.)
Evening: Attend a mesmerizing balinese Kecak Dance performance at Pura Taman Saraswati or at Ubud Palace.
Day 7: Ubud
Morning: Stroll around Campunhan Ridge Walk getting some coffee in Lazy Cats Cafe.
On the way back visit different places that you might have missed like the Ubud Palace and the Ubud Market, stroll around and grab a quick bite prior to starting your next adventure.
Afternoon and Evening: Join a cooking class to learn traditional Balinese cooking techniques and have dinner in an organic far. You can also enjoy the some spa or massages instedad.
DAY 8, 9 & 10: GILI ISLANDS
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Gili Air: Mowies Gili Air
- Gili Trawangan: Pearl of Trawangan
Day 8: Ubud - Gili Air
Morning: Head to Padang Bai to catch a fast boat to the Gili Islands and stop at your island. The journey to Gili takes approximately 1.5-2 hours by fast boat. (Prior to buying the tickets ask your hotel for advice - there are local sellers who might try to trick you into buying other trips). We stayed at Gili Air 2 nights and 1 night at Gili Trawangan - we were travelling light so it was a safe way to enjoy the different sunset spots.
Afternoon: Arrive in Gili Air - depending on your luggage you might be able to go walking to your hotel and do the check-in to then be able to relax on the beach or pool for a bit. When arriving to your hotel we also recommend to ask for a nice place to have lunch and sunset-dinner and, especially important, request the tide schedule, an important factor to adjust your planning accordingly.
Evening: Head to your sunset and dinner spot.
Day 9: Gili Air
Morning: Embark on a snorkeling tour around the Gili Islands to explore the vibrant underwater world. Visit popular snorkeling spots like Turtle Point, Coral Gardens, and Shark Point to encounter marine life, colorful coral reefs, and sea turtles. Also discover the famous underwater statues. You will generally get lunch with the tour.
Afternoon: Arriving at Gili Air around 2pm, you might want to relax a bit a the hotel and then maybe enjoy horse riding at sunset or pre-sunset time.
Evening: Enjoy dining and sunset-cocktails at a beachfront bars.
Day 10: Gili Trawangan
Morning & Afternoon: Today is time for exploring Gili Trawangan (Gili T). We had breakfast at our hotel and headed to Gili T by boat. We recommend you to check schedules but there's usually one morning and one afternoon slot.
Afternoon and Lunch: We did the check-in at Gili T's hotel and relaxed a bit to then leave and have lunch at Pearl Beach Launge.
Evening: We rented two bikes and explored around, going into the water several times. (Be careful, it was not the best road for unexperienced bikers so prior to renting the bikes, ask the hotel about the road situation).
Then head early to the Gili T's Sunset Point for a breathtaking sunset views, panoramic vistas of the islands, and a tranquil ambiance.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner and drinks at The Exile, Malibu Beach Club or the night market.
DAY 11 & 12: NUSA PENIDA
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- The Angkal Resort
- Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida
- Batan Sobo Cottage
Day 11: Gili Islands - Nusa Penida
Morning: Take a boat from Gili Islands to Nusa Penida, which lasts around 1.30/2hs. Check schedules. On arival, rent a motorbike or car.
Afternoon: Check in at the hotel, swim at Crystal Bay (especially if you have chosen Atalaya) and grab something to eat.
Evening: Visit Kelingking Beach and take stunning photos.
You can also stop at Pura Paluang and enjoy the views from the Paluang Cliff Viewpoint.
End the trip watching the sunset at Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong.
Dinner: Have dinner at Amok Sunset Club near the hotel.
Day 12: Nusa Penida
Morning and afternoon: Wake up early, grab some food to go and head to Diamond Beach, going down the steep stairs.
Check the near-by Atuh Beach if you are still craving some beach time.
Then get inspired by the views from Rumah Pohon Treehouse.
You can also go to the Teletubbies Hill.
Depending on your time, have stroll in Tembeling Beach and Forest.
Evening: Relax at the hotel and go to watch the sunset while having dinner at Secret Penida or Penida Colada Beach Bar & Resto.
DAY 13 & 14: BACK TO MAINLAND & HOME
🏨 Hotel Recommendation:
- Sanur: Villa Pantai Karang, Cening Ayu Sanur
- Seminyak:
Day 13: Nusa Penida - Sanur / Seminyak
Morning: Take a boat back to the mainland to Sanur/ Seminyak or other. The idea is to esnure that you are already in the mainland one day prior to taking ypur flight to avoid any travelling-inconveniences. However, feel free to extend your stay in Nusa if you prefer so. In fact, as there's not rush, no need to take the earliest boat.
Afternoon: Relax at the hotel you chose, the nearby beaches, enjoy dining options, cycling or water sports. Take a massage, pumper in the spa or go to other relevant nearby cultural places.
Evening: Explore local markets and enjoy your last dinner.
- Sanur: Kayumanis Seaside Restaurant
- Seminyak: Merah Putih, Breeze at the Samaya
Day 14: Departure
Depending on your flight time, enjoy some last-minute relaxation or souvenir shopping and then: it's time to go back home!
Additional options
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