2-week Bali itinerary: The ultimate Bali travel guide

After 14 years of exploring the Island of Gods, I have come up with what I would call the ultimate 2-week Bali itinerary.

I have been to Bali solo, with my family, as a couple and with friends – And this is the perfect introduction to Bali for first-timers, exactly how I wish I had spent my first trip there.

This two-week Bali itinerary gives you a little taste of everything the island has to offer; beaches, waves, parties, shopping, stunning nature and the colorful culture. I have also included the Nusa Islands because they’re only a 30-minute boat ride away and I love spending time there.

“How should I spend my two weeks in Bali” is my most asked question ever. I get the question several times a week, in comments, DMs, emails and from friends and family. So instead of answering everyone separately, here’s how I think you should spend your first visit to Bali.

Two weeks in Bali itinerary overview

This Bali itinerary starts with sun and beach time in Uluwatu, then continues to hip Canggu for some shopping and partying, you’re then off to one of my favorite places in the world, the Nusa Islands, before finishing your holiday in Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali.

I also recommend a day trip to Seminyak for shopping and maybe a beach club, and a day trip to North or East Bali to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature. It is the perfect itinerary to get a taste of all the best things Bali has to offer!

• Day 1-3: Uluwatu

• Day 4-7: Canggu (day trip to Seminyak/Legian)

• Day 8-11: Nusa Lembongan (day trip to Nusa Penida)

• Day 12-14: Ubud (day trip to North Bali)

Best time to visit Bali

The best time to visit Bali is from February to April (avoid Easter). That’s when everything is green after the rainy season, and the weather is mostly sunny. There are generally fewer people during this time as well.

Bali experiences two distinct seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. I have visited Bali during every month of the year, several times, and rarely experienced rain for more than a few days at a time.

The rainy season in Bali runs from November to March. During this time the weather is humid, with occasional thunderstorms and heavy downpours. The upside of visiting during the wet season is that prices are lower and crowds are smaller.

The dry season in Bali runs from April to October. This is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is sunny and dry, with low humidity and little rain.

The peak tourist season is from July to August and around Christmas, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.

Stay safe

Unfortunately, I have seen my fair share of accidents involving tourists in Indonesia. One time a guy driving crazy fast on a scooter in only boardshorts slipped on a steep gravel road and had to be rushed to hospital. Another time a surfer needed 150 stitches after being cut by a surfboard fin.

I’m not saying this to scare you, just so you are prepared in case anything happens.

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Bali itinerary days 1-3: Uluwatu

I’ll start this Bali itinerary off with my favorite area on the island, the Bukit Peninsula. This is where you’ll find all the best white sand beaches and some of the best surf and yoga retreats in Bali. Uluwatu, covering the southwest part of the Bukit, is known for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, and world-class surf breaks.

I usually come here at the beginning of every trip to try to get some color on my fair Norwegian skin. There is so much to do in Bali, but some time on the beach is usually my highest priority.

Ask your hotel to arrange a scooter for you, or get one delivered. To get the most out of your stay on the Bukit, you should definitely drive by yourself.

Traffic down here is not too bad and the feeling of warm sun on your face and the breeze flowing through your hair while you zip through the winding streets is just the best feeling in the world.

Top things to do Uluwatu

Learn to surf – If you want to learn to surf, the Bukit is a great place to do so. Book a lesson here or rent a board down on Padang Padang Beach and try your luck by yourself (if the waves aren’t too big of course). Just remember that is it not as easy as it looks, just paddling out is still a struggle for me.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu – No stay on the Bukit is complete without a visit to the Monkey Temple. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a Hindu sea temple located on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. It is one of the six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars and is dedicated to the spirits of the sea.

You can enjoy stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean, watch traditional Kecak dance performances in the amphitheater and see the monkeys that inhabit the temple.

Go beach hopping – If you’re comfortable driving a scooter you should journey over to the stunning Melasti Beach, which takes about 20 minutes from Padang Padang.

Or if you want to stay in the area, head down to Padang Padang Beach (Labuan Sait). This is one of the best beaches on the island, with soft white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. It is however very small and quickly gets CROWDED.

Bingin Beach (pic above) is another cool spot to hang out. It isn’t the best beach for swimming, but the surf is great and there are many hip warungs and bohemian-style places to stay built on the cliff above.

🚘 Tip for getting around Bali: If you don’t feel comfortable driving a scooter by yourself, you can book this very affordable private driver and ask him to take you to the beaches you want to see or anywhere else on the island you want to explore!

Shopping – When you have gotten your dose of sun for the day, go shopping. There are so many cute boutiques down here and of course, the surf brand stores you see all over the island. Drifter Surf Shop and The Find are two of my favorite boutiques in Uluwatu.

Enjoy the sunset – Watching the sunset is another one of the things you must do on the Bukit. They are incredible. At the Uluwatu Cliff, below Single Fin, there are several smaller warungs where you can sit down and enjoy the show with a Bintang in hand.

If you prefer a more quiet place, check out Karang Boma Cliff as you can see in the photo below. Just please be careful so you don’t fall over the edge. Balangan Beach is also an incredible place to watch the sunset, but that’s a little further away.

Party – If you find yourself in Uluwatu on a Wednesday or Sunday and are in the mood for a party, then Single Fin on top of the Uluwatu Cliff is the place to be. The party kicks off at sunset and different DJs keep it going into the early hours.

I remember my first few times on the island over 14 years ago when there really weren’t any great places to go out down here. Improvised parties outside K Mart that we called Club K Mart and different beach gatherings were about it. Wow, how the times have changed.

Where to stay in Uluwatu

There are many great places to stay down on the Bukit, villas, hotels and homestays. I like to stay around Padang Padang or the Uluwatu Cliff, so I have the option to walk to all the best restaurants and bars if I feel like having a cocktail or two.

Best budget accommodation – Dpadang Homestay

Best mid-range accommodation – Pink Coco Hotel

Best luxury accommodation – The Luxe Bali (if you can afford it, this one is insane!)

Where to eat in Uluwatu

Best for breakfast – If your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, head over to Bukit Cafe for some colorful and fresh deliciousness. This is one of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Uluwatu.

Best for lunch – Suka Espresso is one of my all-time favorite places for brunch and lunch in Uluwatu. It used to be a little surfer hangout, but these days it gets crowded due to the fun, colorful and delicious dishes.

Best for dinner – If you’re in the mood for authentic Italian food, it doesn’t get much better than La Baracca. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, with dim lighting and rustic decor. I also love Mana Uluwatu and BB52 Burgers.

🌟 Best Uluwatu tour

If you don’t want to drive around by yourself, you can get a driver or join a guided tour.

This highly-rated tour will take you to Padang Padang Beach along with the white sand beaches of Nusa Dua and the Uluwatu temple for sunset + a few more cool places.

>> Check price & availability here <<

Bali itinerary days 4-7: Canggu

Welcome to the land of long-haired scruffy surfers, tattooed hipsters and people who are generally too cool for their own good. Haha… Gotta love Canggu!

The area, southwest of Bali, is known for its many surf breaks and a vibrant food and nightlife scene, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to choose from. It is also the most popular spot in Bali among digital nomads because of the great coworking spaces available.

How to get there

To get from Uluwatu to Canggu, you can ask your accommodation to pick you up or book this driver in advance. If you hire a private driver, consider stopping at a few places on the way, such as Balanagan Beach, the surf outlets along Sunset Road or Tanah Lot Temple.

Top things to do

Go shopping – One of the best things about Canggu is the bustling markets. Think local handicrafts, second-hand clothes, all-natural skincare, homewares, handmade jewelry, organic fruit and vegetables + much more. Ideally set aside at least half a day.

Hit the beach clubs – I’m not a fan of the black (grey) sand beaches in Canggu, so I usually hang out either by a pool or at one of the beach clubs when I’m there.

Drive down to La Brisa Beach Club and spend the day lounging in the sun. The venue, built around a sea of palm trees, is beautifully decorated with driftwood, fishing nets, different colored lights and seashells.

The Lawn and FINNS are two other popular options, however, quite pricey. So if you don’t want to spend a fortune, pop over to one of the local warungs for lunch.

Learn to surf – Canggu is the second most popular surfing hub in Bali, after Uluwatu. The waves in Canggu are generally smaller and more forgiving than on the Bukit, which makes it a great place to learn.

There are several surf schools and instructors in Canggu who offer lessons and equipment rental, making it easy for visitors to get started. You can book my favorite Canggu surfing lesson here.

Party – If you aren’t too tired from a day in the sun, it’s time to go partying in the Gu. On Mondays, Luigi’s Hot Pizza is where it’s at, while SandBar keeps it going until the early hours most days of the week.

If you’re in Canggu on a Wednesday, head down to Old Man’s for beer pong, margaritas and a dirty disco. On Tuesdays and Sundays, Deus Ex Machina is the place to be.

At “Taco & Tattuesday” you can try your luck at getting a free tattoo while enjoying some spicy Mexican food and drinks. And at the backyard Sunday Session, different bands and DJs play the night away.

Best places to stay in Canggu

In Canggu, I like to base myself in the Batu Bolong area, especially if you don’t plan on driving a scooter. From there you can walk to all the best markets, boutiques and restaurants.

Best budget accommodation – Roomates Hostel Canggu

Best mid-range accommodation – D’djabu Villas Canggu and Bohemian private villa

Best luxury accommodation – Tugu Hotel Bali

Best restaurants in Canggu

Canggu is Instagram foodie heaven! The streets are literally lined with cute cafés and restaurants.

Best breakfast spot – Give Cafe is the perfect spot for breakfast. They are 100% plant-based and give 100% of their profit to the people & the places that need it most. Another one of my favorites, and an OG in Canggu, is Shady Shack.

Best for lunch – Save some money on lunch by eating local food at one of the many warungs. You choose between rice or noodles as a base and then the toppings you want. There are many meat, vegetarian and vegan options. Warung Varuna is my favorite, I usually pay $5 for a large plate of food and an iced tea.

Best for dinner – The Slow is one of my favorite restaurants in Canggu. Be sure to try their poké bowl, buttermilk fried chicken buns and fried rice with tuna. I also love ORIGEN Mexican Restaurant and Penny Lane, their decor is out of this world!

Day trip to Seminyak/Legian

When people ask me where to stay in Bali I usually struggle to choose whether I should recommend Seminyak or Canggu. Seminyak is a bit more upscale with beautiful boutique hotels, high-end fashion stores and fancy beach clubs. Canggu has a more laid-back vibe, though very busy.

Personally, I like Canggu better but I always set aside a day to spend in Seminyak and Legian for some great shopping and to eat at some of my favorite restaurants.

You can easily drive down to Seminyak from Canggu on a scooter by yourself. I do, however, not like driving in Seminyak so I usually get a driver to take me. Alternatively a Gojek, Grab or Bluebird taxi. Just remember to ask the driver to turn on the meter or agree on a price, and to get an eSIM so you can use your phone.

Start the day with an early breakfast at Kynd, maybe the most Instagrammable café on the island. They open at 7:00 am and it gets crazy crowded so don’t get there too late. Great for the gram!

From Kynd you can walk south towards Jl. Kayu Aya, also known as “eat street”. This area is great to walk around in for a few hours, as there are many shops, amazing restaurants and also the Seminyak Flea Market. Some of the restaurants worth mentioning are Motel Mexicola, Bikini Restaurant, Sisterfields, La Favela and the Bistrot.

After lunch, I usually walk south towards Legian Street, where you’ll find some of the largest surf brand stores on the island. And if you continue even further south you get to Beachwalk Shopping Center on Kuta Beach.

Bali itinerary days 8-11: Nusa Lembongan

I had to include Nusa Lembongan in this itinerary because it is one of my favorite places in the world. The small island truly feels like a vacation from your Bali holiday.

The boat ride over from Bali should only take around 30-40 minutes, which means that you can easily visit Lembongan on a day trip. However, I do recommend you spend 3 nights there and take a day trip to Nusa Penida.

How to get to Nusa Lembongan

You can book your Nusa Lembongan fast boat tickets in advance here. There are many fast boat companies to choose from, but I like to book through Viator so I get free cancellation and have the option to pay later.

You might have to pay extra for pick-up in certain areas in Canggu, just reserve the tickets and message the tour company. I paid 50k in cash last time.

Top things to do

Drive around and explore – As soon as you’ve settled into your accommodation, rent a scooter and head out to explore Lembongan and the small neighboring island of Ceningan. Just drive and see where you end up, it’s the best feeling. Don’t worry, the traffic is not as crazy as in Bali.

It is also possible to rent a buggy or bicycle, you’ll find more info in my Lembongan transportation guide.

Surf – The waves on Nusa Lembongan are generally consistent and powerful, making it a great place for experienced surfers. There are several surf breaks around the island, including Playgrounds, Lacerations, and Shipwrecks, offering a range of options for surfers of different skill levels.

And just in case you’re looking for an active holiday, this is my favorite surf and yoga retreat on Lembongan.

Rent a SUP – If you fancy a bit of exercise, Jungut Batu Beach is also a great spot to rent a SUP. The water is shallow and calm inside the reef, perfect for beginners. I had one of my best travel experiences to date here when I was paddleboarding a couple of dolphins started jumping a few meters in front of me.

Go snorkeling or diving – Nusa Lembongan is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, making it a great place to explore the underwater world. The waters around Nusa Lembongan are known for their diverse marine life, including manta rays, turtles, and colorful coral reefs.

Additionally, the island is home to several diving schools and instructors, offering courses for beginners and experienced divers alike. You can book a 2-day introduction to diving here.

Lounge in the sun – There are many great places to lounge in the sun on these two islands. Dream Beach, Sandy Bay Beach Club, Secret Beach on Ceningan and the many beach warungs up by the Mangrove Forest.

I wrote about my secret spot on Lembongan, Agung Beach Club, many years ago. And while it is no longer a secret, it’s still the perfect place to spend a few lazy hours. For those of you who love an eclectic beachy/bohemian style, this is the place to be.

Be sure to also check out my guide to the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan.

Go for a walk on the boardwalk – On the southern end of Jungut Batu Beach, you’ll find some stairs that lead up to a boardwalk along the cliffside. Go for a walk and marvel at the gorgeous view of crystal-clear turquoise water with Bali’s Mt. Agung in the background.

🌟 LEMBONGAN & CENINGAN ISLAND TOUR

Don’t want to drive by yourself? Explore all the highlights of both islands as part of this highly-rated half-day tour!

>> Check price and availability here

Where to stay

Jungut Batu, the northwest side of the island, is in my mind the place to stay. This is where you’ll find many of the best bars, restaurants, boutiques and a boardwalk with insane views. While I do recommend you rent a scooter, if you don’t feel comfortable, you can walk to most places in Jungut Batu.

Best budget accommodation – Lembongan Summer

Best mid-range accommodation – The Acala Shri Sedana

Best luxury accommodation – The Tamarind Resort

Best Restaurants

Best for breakfast – If your accommodation doesn’t provide breakfast, you should head over to B’Fresh Juice Bar & Coffee Corner. The little café, located down an alley at the south end of Jungut Batu beach, is run by a lovely lady and her daughter. I usually go for the whole wheat pancake stack served with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Best for lunch – The Deck is one of the most picturesque places to eat on the island. I usually head there for lunch to make the most of the incredible view (pic above). Bali Eco Deli is a great place to bring your computer to get some work done while you enjoy a few healthy treats. Read more in my Nusa Lembongan restaurant guide.

Best for dinner – Check out Maria’s Boemboe Bali Waroeng. The makeshift restaurant, made out of reclaimed wood and rusty metal, doesn’t look very inviting from the street. But I promise you, the food is sooo yummy.

Try to get there around 6-6:30 pm to secure a spot at the communal table which fills up quickly. They also host cooking classes, which I’m definitely doing the next time I’m there.

Ombak Zero Waste Cafe is a great one for sunset BBQ dinners on the beach.

Day trip to Nusa Penida from Lembongan

While Lembongan and Ceningan are great for relaxing, if you seek adventure you should head over to the largest of the Nusa Islands, Nusa Penida. Some of the most spectacular sights to see and explore are Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angels Billabong and Atuh/Diamond Beach.

I booked this West Nusa Penida private tour and asked them to organize a transfer to and from Lembongan. If you want to explore on your own, just head to the Yellow Bridge and ask for someone to take you, or in one of the boat offices in Jungut Batu.

Rent a scooter when you get to Penida, just don’t rely on Google Maps on Penida. It got us into some interesting situations last time. At one point we ended up in the middle of a village meeting where about 40 men looked at us like we were idiots and told us to get lost. So follow the signs along the road and ask the locals for directions if you get lost.

While Nusa Penida is undeniably beautiful, keep in mind that it is very different from the other two islands. It is much larger than what you’d think. There were at least 5 tourist fatalities here just last year alone.

Some have been swept off the beaches by unexpected waves, some have been caught in strong currents and some have fallen from the tall cliffs. So please be careful!

🌴 Check price and availability here >> West Nusa Penida private guided tour

Bali itinerary days 11-14: Ubud

Ubud is yogi and veggie heaven. It’s all about a healthy body, mind and soul. So after hopping from one place to another over the last 14 days, Ubud is the perfect final stop during your two weeks in Bali. It will leave you feeling healthy and recharged before you go back home.

Depending on when you’re flight is leaving, you will get 3-4 days in Ubud which is the perfect amount of time to see all the main attractions.

The fast boat service should drop you off either at your hotel or somewhere central. Since you only have a few days in Ubud during this trip, staying close to town is a good idea.

Top things to do

Explore Ubud town – Visit Ubud Palace, pop into a few shops (Ubud is known for beautiful handicrafts) and attend a yoga or meditation class. Radiantly Alive is just one of the popular yoga studios you can choose from in central Ubud.

Bike tour – Another one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had in Bali was a bike tour on the backroads of Ubud with Jegeg Bali Cycling.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Another must-see place in Ubud is, of course, the famous Tegalalang Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can read all about how and where to get the best photos in my Tegalalang photography guide.

Monkey Forest – In the afternoon, walk down to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Be aware that this is one of the most touristy places in Ubud, however, I still think it’s worth a visit. Not only for the monkeys but for the beautiful forest itself. It truly feels like a magical place, especially if you find a place to sit down and relax away from the crowds.

Go chasing waterfalls – Ubud is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking to visit waterfalls, as the area is home to some of the best on the island. Tegenungan Waterfall is located just a short drive from the town center, and Tukad Cepung Waterfall, hidden inside a cave, offers a unique and magical experience.

You can also explore the beautiful jungle surroundings and take a dip in the refreshing pools at places like Kanto Lampo Waterfall and Tibumana Waterfall. Discover more in my Ubud waterfall guide.

3-Hour Silver Jewelry Making Class – My mom and I made a ring each and we absolutely loved it.

Eat Pray Love Private Tour – Experience Bali just like Julia Roberts did 14 years ago!

Where to stay

If you don’t want to drive a scooter, I recommend staying on one of the roads running parallel to Jl. Monkey Forest. From there you can walk to all the main attractions in central Ubud. If you don’t mind driving yourself, consider staying up in Penestanan or amongst the rice fields in Sebali.

Best budget accommodation – Danaya’s Cottage and B. Saya Bali

Best mid-range accommodation – Eden House Ubud Bali

Best luxury accommodation – Goya Boutique Resort

Best Restaurants

There are so many amazing cafés and restaurants in Ubud, so you can’t really go wrong. But let’s take a look at some of the best.

Best for breakfast – Ivy Café is an Instagrammable eatery serving healthy and colorful food and juices. Avocado toasts, wraps, green bowls, dips and veggies. Yum!

Best for lunch – Cafe Wayan & Bakery is one of my personal favorites for delicious Balinese food. The super cute restaurant is set in a traditional building surrounded by greenery and ponds.

Best for dinner – After a long day of exploring and many new experiences, chill out with a quiet dinner and drinks at IBU SUSU Bar & Kitchen.

Day trip to north Bali

So today I think you should go on a day trip and where you go depends on what you want to see. Waterfalls, rice fields, views, temples or maybe a little bit of everything?

To get the most out of your day I recommend getting a driver. It usually costs around 1 million IDR for the day and the driver will wait for you for as long as you want to spend at each stop.

My ultimate day trip would start with sunrise over Pinggan Village in north Bali. This place is still off the radar for most people and one of the most spectacular sunrises I’ve ever seen. So worth the 4:00 am wake-up call!

Then continue west and explore two of Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls; Sekumpul and Banyumala. Enjoy lunch at one of the many local warungs and finish the day at Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

Last day in Bali

To get the most out of your last day on the island, wake up early and head out for a sunrise stroll on the Campuhan Ridge Walk. This place is so beautiful, especially in the morning when it’s quiet before everyone else wakes up.

On your way back to your hotel stop at Ubud Art Market for one of the best shopping experiences ever. I’ve bought so many beautiful interior decor pieces and straw bags here. So remember to save some room in your suitcase throughout the trip for this last bit of retail therapy.

My flight back home is usually in the evening so if you have time, book a massage. I like to spend my last day in Bali getting pampered and nothing is like loosening up your muscles before a long-haul flight. Just ask your accommodation to recommend one or pop out on the street and check out a few different places before you choose.

Now it’s time to head home!

Bali 2-week itinerary alternatives

Instead of exploring the north, you could head to East Bali from Pinggan and do Besakih Temple, Tukad Cepung Waterfall and Sidemen Village.

Canggu has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years and is today one of the busiest places on the island. If you are not interested in partying or hanging out in the thick of things, I recommend staying in Seminyak or Legian instead.

If you need some healing and wellness treatments, I recommend booking this personalized 4-day retreat in Ubud. It is the best money I’ve ever spent on myself and one of my favorite experiences ever.

You will spend your days doing yoga, exploring hidden gems, eating the most delicious healthy food, learning new skills and joining in on sacred Balinese rituals.

🌟 Check price and availability >> 4-day personalized wellness retreat in Ubud

Quick Bali travel guide

How much do 2 weeks in Bali cost?

How much money you need to budget for 2 weeks in Bali, of course, depends on what kind of traveler you are. It is definitely still possible to travel to Bali on a budget, by eating local food from warungs and staying in homestays.

I’m more of a mid-range traveler, I like comfortable accommodation and mix fancy restaurants with delicious Balinese food. I spent $904 during my last 2-week trip to Bali, and that included an activity and some shopping.

If it’s your first time in Bali, you should budget a little more for activities. Read more in my complete Bali budget breakdown.