In a nutshell
- Bali is the most popular island in Indonesia and is super beautiful and diverse. You can see cool waterfalls, relax on sandy beaches, climb volcanoes, visit temples and walk through rice terraces.
- The best thing to do is a two-week round trip through Bali on your own. That way you can see all the beautiful spots.
- We show you our Bali road trip itinerary on a map, give you our hotel tips for Bali and reveal the highlights. As an extra, there’s also a three-week alternative.
Our 2 Weeks Bali Itinerary on a Map
Bali’s best places to visit are spread across the south, center, north, and the nearby island of Nusa Penida. That’s exactly where our itinerary takes you.
Bali is a fairly big island, but it’s easy to get around. That’s why we’ve planned just four main stops, each perfectly located so you can explore the surrounding areas without constantly packing and moving.
The international airport is in the south, so your trip starts there. From the south, you’ll head over to Nusa Penida and then make your way up north.
Our 2 weeks Bali itinerary at a glance
- Day 0-3: Uluwatu
- Day 4-6: Nusa Penida
- Day 7-11: Ubud
- Day 12-14: Lovina
Getting Around on Your Road Trip Through Bali
To get from one stop to the next on your route, the easiest option is to take a taxi via Grab or Gojek. These are two ride-hailing apps that work just like Uber. You simply enter your destination and the price is fixed in advance. It’s way cheaper than hailing a cab on the street and you don’t have to negotiate.
Our tip: download both apps and compare prices for each route. Depending on the time of day and traffic, one is often cheaper than the other.
The best way to explore Bali at the four stops is by renting a scooter at each of the stops. It gives you the freedom to discover the area on your own, visit more remote spots, and stay flexible – much more so than with a cab. As long as you avoid big cities, the traffic is generally pretty relaxed.
Our tip: rent your scooter directly from your accommodation in Bali. Most hosts have their own scooters to rent out and they usually offer better quality than the typical scooter rental shops. Plus, they want you to stay safe and enjoy your trip.
Please note: Bali has left-hand traffic. But don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it faster than you think.
Prefer not to ride a scooter? No problem! You can also hire a cab or book a private driver for the day. With a driver, you can plan your own custom route and take it easy while someone else takes care of the road.
Book your private driver for Bali
Day 0 to 3: Uluwatu
Your first stop on the Bali travel itinerary is Uluwatu. This is the ultimate surfer’s paradise. The region is located on a peninsula in the far south of the island. The easiest way to get there from the airport is by cab.
The beaches along the west coast are especially stunning, with soft sand and dramatic cliffs in the background. The waves here are big – perfect for surfing or taking your first surf lesson.
If you’re more into swimming and relaxing, head to the beaches in the south and east of the peninsula. The waves there are much calmer and great for a beach day without the board.
Places to visit near Uluwatu
- Uluwatu Beach (only accessible at low tide)
- Balangan Beach
- Thomas Beach
- The temple Pura Uluwatu
- Surfing or taking a surf course
Our hotel tips for Uluwatu
If you want to treat yourself, check into Rock ‘n Reef, a beautiful beach hotel in Bali and one of our favorite hotels in all of Bali. The view of the ocean from the hotel is absolutely breathtaking and the rooms are stylish and full of charm.
Prefer something more budget-friendly? Then La Kreyiol is a great alternative. It’s located a bit further inland, but still just a 30-minute walk from Uluwatu Beach. The boho-style rooms and private pool make it a lovely little hideaway.
Getting to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a small island just off the coast of Bali. To get there, you’ll first need to take a Grab or Gojek to the ferry port in Sanur.
You can book your ferry tickets in advance on 12Go Asia. After booking, you’ll get instructions on where to pick them up. It’s super straightforward. All ferries are speedboats and take around 30 minutes to reach Nusa Penida.
Please note: Your luggage usually travels on the roof of the boat. So if it’s raining, things can get wet. It’s best to pack your bags carefully – especially if you’re traveling with a backpack.
Day 4 to 6: Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a small dream island. It has long, clean sandy beaches, turquoise sea, jungle in the center of the island, impressive cliffs and some really cool sights.
Unfortunately, the island is now very crowded – especially with day tourists. We therefore recommend staying overnight on Nusa Penida. Then you’ll have the island almost to yourself in the mornings and evenings.
Nusa Penida is a little island paradise with long, clean sandy beaches, turquoise water, jungle-covered hills, dramatic cliffs and some seriously cool sights.
The only downside? It’s become pretty popular – especially with day-trippers. That’s why we recommend spending at least one night on the island. In the early mornings and evenings, you’ll have most places almost to yourself. That’s when Nusa Penida is at its most magical.
Places to visit in Nusa Penida
- Kelingking Beach
- Diamond Beach
- Angel’s Billabong
- Broken Beach
- Teletubbie Hills
- Trip to the neighboring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
Our hotel tip for Nusa Penida
The Kleep totally gives off cool African vibes with its unique decor. It’s tucked away in the middle of Bali’s jungle and has a refreshing pool to cool down in. Plus, the price-performance ratio is excellent.
If you’d rather stay right by the sea, we recommend Alana Penida. It’s one of our favorite hotels on the island, offering unbeatable value for money and a fantastic beachfront location.
Getting to Ubud
From Nusa Penida, you’ll take the speedboat back to Bali, arriving in Sanur.
Important to know: you can’t order a Grab or Gojek directly at the ferry port in Sanur. That area is restricted to drop-offs and public taxis only. Those taxis usually charge two to three times more than the apps.
But don’t worry, there’s an easy workaround. Just walk five minutes up the street to the nearby intersection. When you spot a Dunkin’ Donuts on the right (view it on Google Maps), you’re in the right place. That’s where Grab and Gojek drivers are allowed to pick you up.
Day 7 to 11: Ubud
Ubud is located right in the center of Bali and feels a lot more authentic than the busy south. The town itself has a few small highlights but what really makes this stop special is the surrounding area.
Here you’ll find some of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls, iconic rice terraces, and plenty of amazing hikes through the jungle and hills. You’ll have lots of things to do in Bali.
Definitely rent a scooter while you’re here. It’s the best way to explore all the corners around Ubud at your own pace.
Places to visit near Ubud
- Monkey Forest
- Sweet Orange Walk Trail
- Goa Rang Reng Waterfall
- Gembleng Waterfall
- Nungnung Waterfall
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
- The temple Pura Tirta Empul
- Tour to Mount Batur
Our hotel tip for Ubud
Our favorite place to stay in Ubud is The Studios Ubud. It’s located a little outside the center an is perfect if you’re planning to explore the surrounding area. The apartments are super spacious and come with a private pool. Yep, every single one!
Getting to Lovina
For your onward journey to Lovina, it is best to order another Grab or Gojek.
Day 12 to 14: Lovina
Lovina, on Bali’s north coast, is way less touristy than the south. Not as many people make it up here. Which is exactly why we think you should!
There are some really cool things to do in the north: Bali’s highest waterfalls, a natural waterslide (one of our absolute insider tips for Bali!) and a more relaxed vibe overall.
Many travelers also come to Lovina for the chance to see dolphins at sunrise. If that’s on your list, make sure to choose a tour that doesn’t chase the dolphins. A good option is Popeye Lovina Dolphin Tour. They do things more respectfully.
Swimming at Lovina Beach however isn’t great. The beach is there, but the water isn’t ideal for a dip. However, there’s a beautiful beach about an hour away by scooter. Totally worth the ride!
Places to visit near Lovina
- Dolphins
- Sekumpul Waterfall
- Fiji Waterfalls
- Aling Aling Waterfall
- Water Slide Lemukih
Our hotel tip for Lovina
The Edicha has a rare highlight you won’t find often in Bali: its own bakery! Breakfast at this stunning boutique hotel in Bali is absolutely incredible.
Back to the airport
It’s best to book a driver through your hotel for the trip back to Denpasar. If you’re staying at The Edicha, they even offer a shuttle service to the airport.
There are also Grabs and Gojeks in Lovina, but far fewer than in central or southern Bali. So booking a hotel driver is the more reliable option.
3 Weeks Bali Travel Itinerary with Island Hopping
If you have 3 weeks in Bali, lucky you! That gives you enough time to extend your Bali road trip itinerary and do some island hopping to the neighboring islands.
3 weeks Bali travel itinerary on a map
On this extended route, you’ll still start your Bali travel itinerary with Uluwatu and Nusa Penida as usual. But before heading to Ubud, you’ll explore a few more islands along the way.
From Nusa Penida, take a speedboat to the Gili Islands. The ride takes just under 4 hours. These three tiny islands sit off the coast of Lombok. There are no cars or scooters here – perfect for slowing down. You can relax on long sandy beaches, snorkel and even spot turtles in the sea.
Each of the Gili Islands has its own vibe. Gili Trawangan is more of a party island. Gili Meno is totally relaxed and quiet and Gili Air is something in between. We recommend staying on Gili Meno and Gili Air. Then you can relax and swim. Plan to stay 2-3 nights.
From the Gilis, continue to Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. These are two smaller neighboring islands of Nusa Penida. The islands are much more laid-back and way less touristy than Nusa Penida. Empty beaches, chilled vibes, and a few cool spots to explore make them a real highlight.
The two islands are connected by a small yellow bridge, which you can even cross by scooter. That’s a fun experience in itself. We recommend spending two nights on these island. After that, head to Ubud and continue with the regular itinerary.
3 weeks Bali travel itinerary at a glance
- Day 0-3: Uluwatu
- Day 4-6: Nusa Penida
- Day 7-10: Gili Islands
- Day 11-13: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
- Day 14-18: Ubud
- Day 19-21: Lovina
FAQs about a Bali Travel Itinerary
Is 1,000 USD enough for a week in Bali?
If you’re not counting the flight, 1,000 USD is enough for a week in Bali.
If you don’t need luxury beach hotels and mostly eat at local warungs, you can get by on around 35 USD to 45 USD per day. That includes accommodation, transportation, food, your visa and even a few tours.
Of course, things can get more expensive quickly especially if you want to stay at beachfront hotels or book more organized tours. In that case, you should plan for 80 USD to 100 USD per day. If beachfront hotels are a must for you, be sure to book them a few months in advance. They’re usually cheaper that way.
Flights to Bali from the U.S. West Coast typically start at around 800 USD to 900 USD.
Which is more expensive: Bali or Thailand?
In most areas – especially the touristy ones – prices in Bali and Thailand are pretty similar.
In less touristy regions, Bali can be a bit cheaper than Thailand. But honestly, the difference isn’t big enough to base your decision on. Activities and tours in Bali usually cost about the same as in Thailand.
How long should you plan for Bali?
You’ll need at least 2 weeks in Bali to see the best highlights.
But 2 to 3 weeks is even better. Then you can also explore some of Bali’s neighboring islands.
If you are traveling with your family and are planning on relaxing at the beach most of the time, 7 to 10 days is ideal. Here are the best family hotels in Bali for you, by the way.
Which month is best for Bali?
Bali is warm all year round, with temperatures around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (25-30 degrees Celcius).
The main difference is between the dry and rainy seasons. The dry season (April to October) is warm and mostly sunny but also the busiest time, with lots of tourists. Our favorite months to visit Bali are April, May, September and October, when it’s less crowded.
If we had to pick just one, May would be our top choice.
For even fewer tourists, try the shoulder months of March and November, when the rainy season is just starting or ending. You might get a few rainy days, but it’s usually manageable.
During the rainy season (November to March), expect rain showers every few days lasting 1-2 hours, sometimes with longer storms. Beaches can look a bit messy after storms and are generally less pristine than in the dry season. Still, you’ll get plenty of sunshine in between.
Can you travel to Bali alone as a woman?
Absolutely! Bali is a very safe destination and the people are super friendly and welcoming. If you’re traveling solo as a woman, you won’t feel uncomfortable at all.
Do you need a visa for Bali?
Yes, you need a visa to enter Bali.
You can apply online beforehand or get a visa on arrival directly at the airport.
The visa costs around 30 USD and is valid for 30 days. However, you can also extend it once by 30 days.