2 Weeks in Bali: The Perfect Itinerary

Creating the perfect itinerary for your time in Bali can be a difficult task – no matter how long you have on this magical island, you will always end up wishing that you had more. Use this detailed 2 weeks in Bali itinerary to help you plan your trip.

Bali is a dream destination – packed with temples, gorgeous landscapes and vibrant culture – it’s no wonder that you’re excited about planning your trip there. 

Because you are excited right? You’ve booked your flights and now you’re working out how to plan your Bali itinerary. 

I’ll be honest with you, creating your itinerary for two weeks in Bali is tough. Don’t worry – you’ve got this. 

I’ve spent a lot of time in Bali on and off and each time I fall in love with the island that little bit more. That’s why I’ve created this cool itinerary to help you plan your own trip. 

We’re going to hang out in some of Bali’s coolest spots, seeing the best of the island in 14 days. Let’s go!

2 Week Bali Itinerary

This Bali two-week itinerary covers four destinations with a few day trips.

Let’s face it – it can be pretty tiring if you are moving around every night and ain’t nobody want to come back from a trip more exhausted than when they set off on it. 

Days 1 – 4: Canggu

Canggu is very much one of the newer kids on the cool block when it comes to spending time in Bali. 

You can see why – with its laid-back Instagram aesthetic, reputation as a surfer’s paradise and plentiful beach bars and sundowner spots, it was only a matter of time before Canggu found itself on many a Bali-bound traveller’s radar.

Canggu is one of my favourite spots in Bali and a great place to start your two-week Bali itinerary. It’s more relaxed than party-central Kuta but with more liveliness than Seminyak. 

That said, its growing popularity has meant that it’s becoming one of the more expensive places to stay in Bali.

What’s more, Canggu is within easy reach of several other Balinese hotspots, such as Kuta and Legian further down the bay and Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s famous sea temples.

Things to do in Canggu

Go For Breakfast/ Brunch

Canggu’s food scene is poppin’. I don’t think I’ve ever stayed in a place with so many outstanding breakfasts and brunches – it seriously takes the meal to a new level.

Brunch is a serious pastime in Canggu, one which you should indulge in at least once during your stay.

One of my favourite spots for brunch in Canggu is Milk & Madu – a chill open-air cafe serving delicious eats. There are two locations in Canggu – one in Berawa and another on Canggu’s beach road. 

Try their pesto peas and herb ricotta on sourdough and wash it down with the best coffee in town (I don’t say this lightly, I’m very fussy when it comes to my morning dose of caffeine). 

If you’ve got a sweeter tooth, their Russian-style ricotta cakes made with syniki, raspberry coulis, grilled peaches, and sour cream are really something. 

Meanwhile, Motion Cafe has a tasty health-oriented menu designed for those that want to stay fit while on holiday. I picked the sweet potato waffle with smoked salmon and cream cheese more out of curiosity than anticipation, yet found myself ordering it on the numerous times I stopped by for breakfast.

Whatever it is you want to start your day, whether sweet or savoury, you can do so guilt-free at this health-conscious food spot. 

Visit Tanah Lot

A holy temple, perched on a small island just off the coast, amid the roar of crashing waves and black-sand beaches, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most important and holiest sites. 

There are plenty of temples in Bali but few have the stunning natural setting of Tanah Lot, which is why you should make it a priority on your itinerary. 

Sounds incredible right? It is, that is before the crowds hit and you’re all fighting for your square metre to take a picture without getting drenched.

Try Surfing on Echo Beach

OK, I’ll be honest – I really don’t like surfing. 

I’ve tried it a few times and not only am I terrible at it (which was pretty much a given as I’m notoriously uncoordinated and unbalanced), turns out I really don’t like being smashed in the face repeatedly with salty water. Le grand sigh. 

So why am I recommending that you try it during your time on the island? Valid question – the answer to which is because you’ll never know whether surfing is for you unless you try it yourself. Canggu is the perfect place to take a lesson and work on your technique.

Learn a New Skill

Canggu has become a real entrepreneurial hub, with co-working spaces such as Dojo attracting digital nomads and entrepreneurs. This has translated into a thriving scene of cool experiences and things to do.

The myriad of classes and experiences on offer means that Canggu is the perfect spot to pick up a new skill. 

I opted for a watercolour illustration class taught by NHissy Illustration and (to no-one’s surprise greater than my own), came home with new skills and some watercolour work I was actually proud of.

Work on Your Tan On Batu Bolong or Echo Beach

Canggu’s beaches are not the prettiest – in fact, if you were to pick a colour to describe them, it would be… grey. 

The colour comes from the volcanic minerals present in the sand.

Still, it doesn’t actually make a blind bit of difference when it comes to the important things: basking in that hot, hot Balinese sunshine and cooling off with a nice cold Bintang (the local beer), so really, who cares anyway.

Party at Old Man’s

One of Canggu’s liveliest night time spots, Old Man’s also serves the best margaritas in town (this is a certified fact. I tested a large number of Margaritas during my stay) and have a banging hip-hop / rap/ rnb classics night on Wednesday that went straight to this London gal’s heart.

Going into Old Man’s is like entering into a rabbit hole. One night I bumped into an old colleague I worked with years ago, every night I made a new Bali bestie, you’ve got to give it a try.

Visit La Brisa Farmer’s Market

If there’s one thing I love doing, no matter where I am in the world, it’s exploring the local produce and goods at various local markets, and La Brisa Farmer’s Market, held every Sunday between 10am and 4pm, is as close to Canggu comes to having a cool hipster hang out.

Bursting with the freshest and vibrantly coloured fruit and veg, as well as organic produce, ingredients, toiletries, hand-crafted clothes and accessories, the main attraction is the food and coffee on offer. 

Once you’ve browsed, picked up some unique goodies, and eaten your fill, you can chill at La Brisa’s pool and sunbeds for a couple of hours.

Suggested Stays in Canggu 

COMO Uma Canggu

£££

COMO Uma Canggu is a beautiful boutique hotel just steps away from Echo Beach. Think spacious beachfront rooms with private living rooms, opulent art and a cool bar and restaurant.

Wiras Village

£

Wiras Village is a small B&B set in a quieter area of Canggu. Rooms are spacious and airy, and there’s a nice communal area with a pool. It’s super-chill and a great value option.

Days 4-10: Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s spiritual and cultural hub. 

Packed with temples, yoga studios and surrounded by lush rice paddies and tropical forest, it’s one of Bali’s most enchanting destinations and a must-see spot during your two weeks in Bali.

Where Canggu is all about surfing, cocktails and brunches, Ubud is more about yoga, temples and traditional crafts. 

It’s the kind of place where some people go to “find themselves” but even if that’s not your bag (being honest, it most certainly isn’t mine), there’s something about Ubud that will make you fall just the tiniest bit in love with it. 

No doubt you will be able to catch a Balinese ceremony and the surrounding areas offer plenty of opportunities for you to get into nature and enjoy the beauty of the region. 

Some people might think that spending a day in Ubud on your Bali itinerary is enough – I disagree. 

This isn’t the kind of destination that is at its best when you’re hurrying from sight to sight and trying to see everything in a short period of time – the centre itself can get busy and it might be a thoroughly miserable experience. 

Instead, take plenty of time to explore the sights, go well before the day-trippers arrive – you’ll be surprised what a difference it can make to your trip. 

A longer stay will also give you a chance to explore Ubud’s thriving craft scene – from learning to make jewellery with a skilled silversmith to dyeing your own batik cloth, there’s plenty to discover. 

Things to do in Ubud

Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary)

Monkeys, like Marmite, split people into one of two camps. 

There are the “OMG these things are so cute, I think it’s really funny that that monkey has just nicked my £500 camera and dropped it from the top of a tree, smashing it into smithereens” peeps. 

Then there are the “get that thing away from me, does it have rabies, I think it has rabies, it’s eyes are all funny” kind of people.

I’m probably the latter (one day I’ll be able to talk about the time I was too scared to go to my overwater villa on a private island because the boardwalk was inhabited by a family of very aggressive monkeys. That day is not today).

But you know what, the Ubud Monkey Forest is a pretty incredible experience.

From the moment you step into the grounds and walk down into the slightly creepy but atmospheric tunnel that leads into the forest, you are surrounded by the little scamps.

The sanctuary aims to embody the Hindu concept of “Tri Hata Karana”. 

This focuses on the idea that there are three ways to reach spiritual and physical wellbeing, one of which is a harmonious relationship between humans and their environment. As such, the monkey forest is a way of bringing about that harmony.

And there you were thinking it was just an opportunity to play with some cute monkeys.

Stroll Through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Imagine a landscape of green, bright and lurid, sculpted through centuries of agriculture into a series of undulating terraces. That’s Tegalalang. They crop up on pretty much every Bali itinerary out there – here’s why.

Now, I think these rice terraces are the tiniest bit overhyped. 

Bali is full of beautiful rice terraces, and for me, the UNESCO Jatiluwih ones are actually more striking. BUT. The Tegalalang terraces are a short distance from Ubud and are pretty magical for sure.

Take a walk through the terraces – just ensure you come with cash and be prepared to pay it to a series of locals throughout the walk for permission to access their land. 

See Balinese Dancing in Ubud Palace

Bali has a rich heritage of dancing. 

Dances that have evolved over centuries are still performed today and watching one of these performances should be on your Bali itinerary.

Ubud Palace or Puri Saren Agung, is the perfect place to catch a performance – the historical setting provides the perfect backdrop for the dramatic productions.

Take a Cooking Class

Just don’t get me started on Balinese food. It’s SO good. I mean, it is ridiculously good. 

Do your future self a favour and take a Balinese cooking class while you are in town because you are going to want to know how to make some of this magic at home.

I’ve been to loads of cooking classes, some brilliant, some yawnsville and can honestly say, hand on heart, that the cooking class I took in the Pemulan Organic Farm School is one of the best I’ve ever done.

You start by going to the local Tegalalang Food Market to buy some ingredients, then walk around the school’s own organic farm, learning about and picking more cookstuffs before going into the kitchen and learning how to turn them into tasty food.

Try a Jewellery Making Class

You can pretty much try your hand at almost every craft and skill while you are in Ubud, but you should definitely give the silver jewellery making a go.

You are given a square of silver and then shown the skills to help you transform it into a ring, earrings or jewellery of your choice.

Visit Ubud’s Temples

There are a number of interesting temples in and around Ubud that are well worth visiting during your time in town.

These range from the immersive Pura Tirtal Empul water temple, where you can bathe in the holy pools, to Goa Gajah Elephant Cave Temple (I’m just going to manage expectations here and tell you that no, there aren’t any elephants in a cave at the temple).

Others include Saraswati Temple, Gunung Kawi and Gunung Kawi Sabatu.

Yoga Class

Yoga and Ubud go hand in hand. There are so many studios in Ubud that your main difficulty is going to be choosing which one to try.

Big names such as The Yoga Barn offer a diverse range of classes for every level, or you can go the whole hog and book onto a yoga retreat like we did read about it here.

These spots are not in Ubud but well worth taking a day trip for!

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are worth getting excited about.

The terraces, which are spread out over 300 acres, have been designated as a UNESCO heritage site, are much quieter than their Tegalalang counterparts. There’s a cool 2-3 hour walk you can take through the terraces too.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is one of the most famous temples in Bali.

The “floating temple” is set on Lake Bratan and floats on the lake depending on the water level. 

The higher altitude can mean it is often misty here, which can make for some nicely atmospheric snaps.

Pura Taman Ayun Temple

Pura Taman Ayun, translated as the ‘Garden Temple in the Water’ is a 17th-century temple complex set in the midst of perfectly maintained tropical gardens.

Pod Chocolate

Chocolate lovers beware.Junglegold Bali  is highly addictive. 

This small-batch chocolate producer makes high-quality fully plant-based chocolate sourced from the best Indonesian cacao.

Their visitor’s hub is well worth a visit – I learnt a lot about the chocolate-making process AND you get to buy bars of the good stuff at the best prices you’ll find on the island. Win win.

Pura Gunung Kawi

Another of the endless number of treasures in the Ubud area, a short 30-minute drive away is Pura Gunung Kawi, one of Bali’s oldest and most precious monuments dating back to the 11th century.

The temple complex is full of shrines carved into the rock and is reached by descending a steep staircase of 300 steps, so you’ll need comfortable shoes on and a little stamina for the climb back up.

Once you get to the bottom of the river valley, you’ll be greeted by stunning scenery including the river flowing by at a rapid pace, and gorgeous rice fields – not to mention the stone shrines of the temple itself!

Zest Cafe

Zest Cafe is a cute cafe come restaurant with a delicious international menu and great coffee (they say it’s the best in Ubud, and you know what, they might be right) set in the Zest Forest.

All items on the menu are plant-based and animal-friendly, making the most of the incredible, fresh Balinese produce – and most things on the menu come with gluten-free options.

Room4Dessert

Cocktails or dessert? The correct answer is both. 

Internationally-acclaimed chef Will Goldfarb creates stellar after-dinner concoctions of both the sweet and drinkable varieties at Room4Dessert. Honestly, their negronis are nothing short of divine.

Suggested Stays in Ubud

Tanah Gajah Resort by Hadiprana

£££

The Tanah Gajah Resort by Hadiprana (formerly the Chedi) is a quiet and secluded luxury hotel on the outskirts of Ubud. Book one of the private pool villas for the ultimate luxury Ubud experience.

Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa

££

Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa is a centrally located hotel with all the creature comforts at an affordable price.

Days 10-12: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

You know all those stunning Bali beach pics you see on Instagram?

The ones with emerald waters, soft sandy beaches and some person striking a low-level annoying pose accompanied by a mysterious caption? There’s a good chance that they’ve been taken on Nusa Lembongan – an 8km square haven of paradise. 

Don’t let the annoying Instacrowd put you off though, Nusa Lembongan is an island paradise and one that you should spend some time on during your two weeks in Bali. 

The island is the perfect meeting place of untamed natural beauty paired with a chill attitude that forces you to take life at a slower pace. 

If you’re in an exploratory mood, cross the Yellow Bridge to its neighbour Nusa Ceningan, or hop on a boat to Nusa Penida.

Things to do in Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan

Snorkelling and Diving

Nusa Lembongan is surrounded with good snorkelling and diving spots. 

You can go snorkelling with manta rays, see tropical sunfish and witness the thriving sea life around the coral surrounding the islands.

Day Trip to Nusa Penida

A 20 minute boat ride away from Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida is actually the largest of the three islands and has its own share of cool things to do and see – including some brilliant snorkelling and the stunning Atuh Beach.

Spend Time on the Islands’ Beaches

You should set some time aside for sunbathing on Nusa Lembongan’s stunning beaches. Start with Dream Beach, before moving on to Sandy Bay, Mushroom Beach and Coconut Bay.

Watch the Sunset at Devil’s Tears

One of the best, and romantic things you can do on any sunny getaway (if you’re travelling solo, or with a partner) is to find a killer spot to quietly sit, reflect and watch the sun sut below the horizon.

And Nusa Lemongan has one of the best places to see the setting sun I’ve found anywhere on my travels at Devil’s Tears, a craggy cliff head on the western coast of the island. Here, you can explore in daylight as the waves crash against the natural rock faces to create natural infinity pools, spray, and rainbows, all of which will make awesome additions to your insta feed.

Yet, it’s as the sun begins to dip that things really begin to get going. I can promise you that you won’t be alone in waiting for the stunning sunsets, but with a pop-up bar selling beers and other cooling drinks, there’s nowhere better to grab a little somewhere to sit and just quietly watch the sun disappear over the horizon to give you the feels.

Best of all, Devil’s Tears is never more than about a 10 minute drive or scooter ride from pretty much any spot on the island.

Suggested Stays in Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan 

Lembongan Beach Club and Resort

£££

Private villas (many of which come with private pools) on the beachfront. Check availability and prices.

Blue Corner Dive Resort Lembongan

££

A cute resort with a stretch of private beach and an in-house dive school. Check availability and prices.

You can skip the Nusa islands and use the time to go to the Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air (which are actually part of Lombok, not Bali).

You can definitely do this as part of your tinerary, but I’d suggest you spend days 10-13 at least and then come back to the mainland on the day before your flight home.

Days 12-14: Bukit Peninsula

It’s almost time to go home, and time to head back onto the mainland. 

Take the boat back to Sanur (PS – if you have the time to stop, the food in Sanur is banging) and transfer to the Bukit Peninsula – the tiny teardrop-shaped area on Bali’s southernmost tip.

The true south of Bali is a lot quieter than the bustling hubs of Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and (to a smaller degree) Jimbaran.

Unlike some parts of the island, where the beaches are kind of an unappealing grey, the Bukit peninsula is brimming with small, white sand beaches, fringed with shimmering turquoise waters.

Base yourself in one of the small beach resorts (I’d suggest low-key Bingin Beach) that line the peninsula for a last spot of Bali chill before you head back home.

Things to do on the Bukit Peninsula

Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach is easy to reach and not too busy, despite its picture-perfect location. 

Bingin is popular with surfers, who come to coast its year-round swells. Other than that, the beach is framed by gorgeous limestone cliffs – making it one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

Balangan Beach

Unlike many beaches on the peninsula, Balangan is easy to get to by scooter and car – it’s a short descent from the car park down to the gorgeous sandy beach tucked between the cliffs.

Though the views from the beach itself are stunning, head up to the panoramic lookout above for a bird’s eye view of the beach.

Uluwatu Sea Temple

Uluwatu is another must-see sea temple, this time set in a striking location perched high on a jutting cliff. 

Its spectacular setting, tucked behind a verdant forest filled with lively monkeys is no small part of its appeal and it’s well-known for being one of the best spots to see the sunset on the island.

Top Tip: There’s also a nightly kecak (traditional Balinese dance) performance at 6pm in an amphitheatre carved into the rock. 

Visit the Statue of Vishnu at the Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park

One of Bali’s undoubted cultural and religious highlights is the stunning Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park that spans a staggering 240 hectares.

The headliner is unquestionably the enormous statue of Lord Vishnun riding his Garuda, a large mythical bird. The statue stands at 120 metres tall, eclipsing the Statue of Liberty. Only when you get close up can you truly appreciate the size and grandeur of this incredible piece of work.

Other must-see features within the beautiful park, where you can easily spend a morning, afternoon, or whole day with a picnic, include an amphitheatre, a street theatre with regular salsa dance exhibitions, and the 7,000 capacity Lotus Pond. The park also regularly hosts bands and pop acts in concerts, as well as yoga classes.

Sundays Beach Club

Sundays Beach Club was made for lazy days on the beach, cocktail in hand accompanied by cooling dips in the sea. The perfect spot for a bit of chillaxing after your hectic two weeks in Bali.

Try and check tide times before setting off, as outdoor seating is restricted during high tide. Go during low tide and grab yourself a cool cocktail underneath a white parasol on the beautiful golden sandy beaches.

The Cashew Tree

Steps away from Bingin, The Cashew Tree is a cafe-come-restaurant-and-bar. 

There’s no better place for a spot of yoga followed by a relaxed acoustic music session by the shore.

Suggested Stays on the Bukit Peninsula 

Anantara Uluwatu

£££

It’s a bit of a splurge but if you have the cash to stay at the Anantara Uluwatu, you’re rewarded with a chic, stylish resort overlooking the ocean near to Uluwatu.

The Inn Possible

£

Even apart from the super-cute name, The Inn Possible is a great spot to bed down in Bingin. Simple decor is paired with ocean views and friendly service for a low-cost option.

Practical Tips for Planning Your Bali Trip

Is Two Weeks Enough? How Long Should I Stay?

Two weeks in Bali is a good amount of time to allow you to explore the island without having to do it at a breakneck pace.

You won’t be able to see everything and that’s fine – you don’t need to try. Pick three or four locations, allow for some beach time and take the time to explore.

That said, if you do have longer, there’s easily enough to keep you entertained for a three or four week trip. My most recent trip was a month long and I could have stayed a month longer. 

How Expensive is Bali?

If you want a comfortable mid-range trip to Bali, budget for at least $65 / £47 per person per day. Of course you can spend more or less than this, depending on the type of trip you want to go for.

On $65 / £47 you can eat out in both Western and local restaurants, take a few tours and activities and travel comfortably.

What to Pack

Here are a few essential things to pack for your Bali trip.

• Lonely Planet Bali & Lombok Guide – Useful maps, suggestions for off the beaten track destinations and a comprehensive guide to the different parts of the island. 
• Hiking Boots – While having flip flops is always a must for a beach paradise, chances are you’ll be doing some hiking and long walks during your 2 weeks in Bali – have some comfy and sturdy hiking boots with you.
• Microfibre Towel – A towel can save you on the beach, in your hostel, and just about anywhere. Make sure to have one in your bag for whenever you might need it. 
• Sunscreen – Never ever play chicken with the sun. Bring reef-friendly suncream to help protect Bali’s reefs. 
• Steripen – Bali’s beaches are overwhelmed by single-use plastic washed in by the ocean. Do your bit to avoid contributing to the problem and bring a steripen to sterilize tap water to make it drinkable. 
• Reusable Water Bottle – Be sure to sterilize the water you’re using though. Bali belly is a real thing. 

Is it Easy to Travel Around Bali? 

There’s pretty much zero public transport in Bali, so you will need to get a taxi, transfer or driver to get you pretty much everywhere.

The other option is to hire a scooter to move in between locations. I’m personally very clumsy so didn’t opt for this but know lots of people who did as it’s cheaper and makes getting from A to B so much easier during your time on the island.

A driver will cost around 550k Indonesian Rupiah (INR) for a full day, 400k INR for a half day. Be prepared to negotiate prices in advance for shorter trips.

Enjoy your trip!

Bali 2 Week Itinerary Map 

Looking for more Bali travel tips and guides? Read these… 

• Cool Things to do in Canggu 
• The Best Places to Stay in Bali 
• The Bali Food Guide – Must-Try Balinese Dishes (and recipes for you to try at home)
• What’s the Rainy Season in Bali Really Like? 
• Yoga in Ubud – A Yoga Retreat With Blooming Lotus Yoga
• Gorgeous Airbnbs in Bali
• Stunning Hikes in Bali

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