A holiday to Bali is high on the list of nearly every traveler. The thought of relaxing and exploring a tropical island with idyllic weather is something that nearly anyone spends time dreaming about. But for many that have never actually been to Bali, confusion can set in about where to stay, and most importantly, how long to go for. What they need, is a good Bali Itinerary.
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Table of Contents
- 5 Night Bali Itinerary
- 7 Night Bali Itinerary
- 10 Night Bali Itinerary
- 14 Night Bali Itinerary
- Canggu/Seminyak/Legian
- Ubud
- Munduk
- Nusa Lembongan
- Uluwatu
- Handy Links
Now, even with a good Bali Itinerary, the question still remains – “How long do I go for?”
This is extremely relevant, and is a very good question to ask yourself before you make your plans. The fact is, Bali is a big place. On a map, it doesn’t seem too daunting, and in reality, you can travel from the northern tip to the most southern point in two to three hours. This island is so diverse, though, and so much is packed into it, that a simple week’s holiday is just not enough.
Personally, I had been to Bali on no less than a dozen occasions before my current trip which, thanks to covid, has had me here on the island for nearly 18 months now. My previous trips ranged from 3-night stays to 3 week stays. Combining those with my current prolonged stay, and I STILL haven’t seen it all.
Granted, I am very close. But if you are traveling here and want to cover the entire island, then you had best be prepared, know what it is that you are interested in seeing, and have a good Bali Itinerary!
Luckily, I have you covered. In this article I will cover each area of Bali that I believe you should stay, how many nights you will need in each area, and what there is to see and do there. You may decide that one particular area isn’t quite for you, which is fine. This Itinerary is made so that you can mix and match. Customise it to suit yourself.
For example. If you love surfing and want to have a predominately surfing holiday while seeing the island, then you may not be interested in a few days in the mountains. Instead, add an extra day onto your stay at Uluwatu.
If you are into Yoga, meditation, or really just relaxing and chilling out on your holiday, then skip the heavy tourist areas and spend an extra night laying by your jungle pool in Ubud, or on Nusa Lembongan Island.
One note I have to make is about the Canggu/Legian/Seminyak area. You only really need to choose one of them. You don’t want to stay in all of them. They are neighboring areas, all along the same stretch of beach (pretty much). The difference is the culture/vibe of each place, and it is up to you which you choose to stay in. Have a look at THIS article for a little more info, but here it is in a nutshell.
Legian is good if you want to shop in cheap markets, drink in some “Aussie” style bars with sports on tv, get cheap massages, and eat cheap food. It’s quite good for families especially.
Seminyak is moving into more upper class with high end resorts, sprawling villas with beautiful pools, and designer label shopping. The restaurants are classier and more expensive, and so are the nightclubs.
Canggu is an area where digital nomads hang out. Think a more chill and relaxed vibe, boutique shopping (less markets) and stylish cafes. If you are a coffee lover, Canggu is for you.
So, having covered all that, let’s get into it. Here are my suggestions for a few different Bali Itineraries.
Wondering how to get around in Bali? Then I have you covered with THIS article. Personally, I always suggest hiring a scooter for the best way to see all the sights and not miss anything on this amazing island. There are other options available, however, such as hiring a car and driver, or taking a tour. Get all the information you want in one place, right HERE, and enjoy your holiday!
5 Night Bali Itinerary
I will start with a 5 night Bali Itinerary. This is simply because you really cannot expect to get anything out of a shorter holiday, rather than just lay by the pool for a couple of days. Even with 5 nights, I doubt you would have much time to see anything. But, if you only have 5 nights, then we will do our best!
5 Nights in Bali Itinerary:
7 Night Bali Itinerary
With 7 nights in Bali, you can see a little bit more. It opens up the ability to diversify your trip and maybe relax a bit along the way. Here we will simply add onto the 5 nights itinerary by sending you to Uluwatu to experience a different side of the island. If you would rather spend an extra couple of days in Ubud, though, then customize the itinerary as you like. I will cover each area in more detail later in the article so that you know what there is to see and do.
7 Night Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Canggu/Seminyak/Legian
- 3 nights in Ubud
- 2 nights in Uluwatu
10 Night Bali Itinerary
Now we are getting into the length of holiday that can really be customized nicely. With 10 nights we can move you further afield and you can experience some of the wonderful, peaceful and scenic places that Bali provides, away from the crowds and traffic.
10 night Bali Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Canggu/Seminyak/Legian
- 3 nights in Ubud
- 3 nights Nusa Lembongan
- 2 nights in Uluwatu
14 Night Bali Itinerary
With 14 nights, you can really get a taste of almost every area of Bali. You can go from the beaches, to the rice paddies and waterfalls, to the mountains and then out to the islands. Then you can finish on the famous Uluwatu cliffs where you will be able to relax and soak up the culture until you leave.
14 nights Bali Itinerary:
- 2 nights in Canggu/Seminyak/Legian
- 3 nights in Ubud
- 3 nights Munduk
- 4 nights Nusa Lembongan
- 2 nights in Uluwatu
So that is it for the Itineraries. You will see that the longer you stay, the more diversified they can be. If time was not an obstacle for most travelers, then I would suggest an entire month to really enjoy the island of Bali. This is impossible for most people, though, which is exactly why most will return time and again for a couple of weeks at a time to soak in more and more of this amazing place.
Now, however, I will go into a bit more detail of what you can do and expect to see at each of the places on my itinerary. Alternatively, you can also follow the links to other articles that I have written about each place individually.
Canggu/Seminyak/Legian
Things to do:
Catch a beach sunset. The beachfront that stretches all the way from the airport at Kuta right along past Seminyak, is one of the most famous sunset places on the island. You will find multiple cafes, beach bars and Warungs that you can sit at and enjoy the afternoon. Many places even offer colored bean bags to provide that chill, relaxed atmosphere.
Hit the slides at Waterbom. This famous water park in Kuta is an absolute hit for families. Set amongst palms and tropical gardens, you will have an absolute ball as you while away the day. Float in tubes along the lazy river drinking cocktails, or get your adrenaline rush on the high speed slides. There is something for everyone!
Visit Tanah Lot. This is the temple that you will have seen on nearly every single advertisement of Bali. It presides on an island of rock just off shore, and is completely cut off by the sea except at low tide. Get your photos, and stay for the amazing sunsets.
Hit the Beach Clubs. If this is your thing, then you can’t go wrong along this stretch of beach. Some of the most famous clubs on the island are in the Seminyak area in particular. In fact, you could spend your entire 14 days here and probably still not see them all. Soak it in, relax, and get set to move on to your next stop.
Accommodation Options:
If there is one thing that can be said about South Bali, it’s that there is no shortage of places to stay. Here is just a small selection, and at the end of this section I will provide some easy links for each area.
Legian:
Budget – Three Brothers Bungalows and Villas
Mid Range – Mercure Bali Legian
Luxury – Pullman Bali Legian Beach
Seminyak:
Budget – Lloyd’s Inn
Mid Range – Four Points By Sheraton, Seminyak
Luxury – The Legian
NB: Keep in mind that when looking at Accommodation in Seminyak and Canggu, prices that are considered mid range to luxury in Kuta or Legian, are actually Budget in Seminyak! The hotels and facilities are not budget, however.
Canggu:
Budget – Echoland Bed and Breakfast
Mid Range – Mayana Villas
Luxury – Hotel Tugu
Ubud
The Ubud area is the place to stay if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, but still want to enjoy some markets and nice restaurants. It has long been the cultural home of Bali, and is host to many artists, writers and other creative types. Set a little higher in altitude than the beachfront areas, it boasts a slightly lower temperature and nice breezes. This is also the place to come if you want to enjoy your daily Yoga, spa treatments and natural healing.
Things to do in Ubud:
Take a stroll through the rice paddies. If there is one thing that Ubud has a lot of, it is rice paddies. Some of the most famous on the island are here, and you don’t have to go far to find a track through the paddies for a peaceful stroll. Watch the locals as they work the paddies, and even stop for a chat if you like. They are all very polite, and even if they don’t speak English, they are always as interested in you, as you are in them.
Hike along Campuhan Track. This amazing track runs across the top of a ridge, and consists of a paved pathway through the grasses and palm trees. With wonderful views, it is best done in the early morning when photos and temperatures are the best. You can find the start of the track near the center of Ubud, which makes it even easier for visitors to find.
Chase some Waterfalls. Ubud, along with Munduk, is one the best areas of Bali to do this. There are some amazing waterfalls in the Ubud area, and dozens of them are within an hours drive or ride. My tip is to head over to Gianyar (15 minutes away) and begin exploring there. You will find some of the best waterfalls in the entire region at your fingertips. Check THIS ARTICLE to find the very best selection.
Visit the Monkey Forest. The Ubud Monkey Forest is world famous. It is populated with hundreds of Monkeys that roam free though the trees and forest all around you as you wander through. Follow the paths and relax as you watch them play and socialize amongst themselves.
Tip: wear neutral colors – some bright colors make them very excited. Keep your valuables tucked away securely (sunglasses, wallets, phones etc.) as the monkeys have nimble fingers. Also be aware they can undo zippers, so that bag on your back may not be as safe as you thought when you locked your wallet inside!
Take a drive to Tegalalang Rice Terraces. These terraces are some of the most famous in Bali, and for good reason. They are only about 20 minutes’ drive from the center of Ubud, and offer great opportunities for photos. Dozens of Warungs and restaurants line the sides of the road at the terraces, so just pick one, stop and order a coffee as you gaze out across the scenic views.
Tip: the best time to visit is early morning. This is not only before the crowds, but also boasts the very best lighting for photos.
Hike up Mount Batur for the Sunrise. This one will involve organizing a tour, which you can do RIGHT HERE. The sunrise on top of the famous volcano of Mount Batur is a once in a lifetime experience, and something that I highly recommend. You will not regret it!
Accommodation options for Ubud:
Budget – Pangkung Sari
Mid Range – Alaya Resort Ubud
Luxury – Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Munduk
The Munduk area is one of my favorite places in Bali. We have been there on no less than a half dozen occasions in the past 12 months, and sometimes stay for up to a week. Munduk is in the mountains, and you can expect to get a true mountain experience when you are there. Jungle, waterfalls, hiking, tropical rain, lower temperatures and glorious sunsets are daily experiences.
Things to do in Munduk:
Waterfall Chasing. Along with Ubud this is the best place in Bali for finding waterfalls. Locally, there are around half a dozen glorious waterfalls just a short hike from your accommodation. A little further afield you will find some of the most famous waterfalls in Bali only 20 to 50 minutes away. Grab a map, or simply check THIS article, or even THIS one for plenty of options.
Hike around the twin lakes. The twin lakes of Munduk are located in an ancient Caldera and have some amazing scenery. Around the lakes are no less than half a dozen temples, some only accessible by boat. The famous and picturesque Pura Tamblingan is located on Tamblingan lake, and is a wonderful spot for a picnic, spend an afternoon, or to start your trek.
Enjoy an amazing sunset. Munduk sunsets are not widely publicized, but that is, in my opinion, a crime. They are some of the best on the island, and from my favorite accommodation at Adila Homestay, you can see all the way down the valley to the coastline where you can then watch the sun set over the distant volcanos of Java. I go all the way to Munduk just to witness that amazing sight alone.
Visit Pura Ulun Danau Beratan. This famous temple is in nearby Bedugal on the shores of the lake, and visitors will recognise it as the “floating” temple that dominates many advertisements of Bali. Spend a day at the temple and enjoy the grounds, as well as the beautiful adjacent lake.
Get a photo at Handara Gates. You will see these gates on the way to Munduk, as you have to drive right past them. If you are active on Instagram, you will recognize them right away as they have become one of the iconic sights of Bali, and a “must get” photo for any visitor. Give yourself a bit of time, though, as there is usually a line up!
Accommodation Options in Munduk:
Budget – Adila Warung and Homestay – my personal favorite, and only place I stay when in Munduk!
Mid-Range – Villa Dua Bintang
Luxury – Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas
Popular and Eco Friendly – Munduk Moding plantation. Check HERE for my complete review.
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a beautiful and peaceful place to spend a few nights. From here you can easily explore all of the Nusa Islands. Now, if you know anything about the Nusa Islands, then you will already know that Nusa Penida is the largest of the three, and also the most well known. So, why doesn’t my Bali itinerary have you staying on Nusa Penida?
The answer is simple. Although Penida has beautiful sights and is an amazing place, I simply don’t think it is as nice a place to stay as Nusa Lembongan. It is more crowded, and therefore less peaceful. But, like everything in my itinerary, you can always choose to spend a night on Penida by catching a boat from Lembongan, and therefore organizing a tour. Just check out THIS article for details on how to get across to Penida. I will also include below some links for accommodation in Nusa Penida, as well as tours.
Things to do in Nusa Lembongan:
Visit Devil’s Tears. The world famous Devil’s Tears on Lembongan is an amazing blow hole that is crowded everyday by tourists that come all the way from the mainland just to witness it. It is definitely worth the trip. Take a walk further around the point and you will also find some wonderful tidal pools that you just HAVE to return to at sunset. They are amazing!
Relax at Dream Beach. This beach isn’t too far from Devil’s Tears, and although has become rather crowded and overcommercialised lately, it is still the same beautiful white sand and turquoise waters it always was. Check out the beach clubs and infinity pools as well!
Stroll across Yellow Bridge. This famous bridge that connects Nusa Lembongan with Nusa Ceningan is an attraction in its own right. Only wide enough to accommodate scooters, you will find many people stopping for photos at the iconic site with the scenic island water passage as a perfect backdrop.
Explore beautiful Nusa Ceningan. The smallest of the three islands, Ceningan is actually my personal favorite. It has such unique places like Blue Lagoon, Mahana Point and Ceningan Cliffs. The island isn’t large, and you can’t possibly get lost if you try to explore off the beaten path. You never know what you might find.
Take a tour to Nusa Penida. Now, tour operators tend to separate Nusa Penida into two sides, East and West, in order to make their tours easier. This is also the best way to see the main sights of the island, and generally takes two days. If you are spending four days at Nusa Lembongan, then you have plenty of time to do the two tours. As mentioned above, you can also opt to spend one night at Nusa Penida. Simply catch the water taxi from Yellow Bridge across to Nusa Penida.
Accommodation options Nusa Lembongan:
Budget – Pattri Garden Lembongan
Mid Range – Bukit Taman Cottages
Luxury – Tigerlily’s Boutique Hotel
Nusa Penida
Budget – Sunrise Cottage
Mid Range – Kepaon Gari Inn
Luxury – Pandawa Resort and Spa Seaview
Uluwatu
Next stop on my Bali Itinerary is Uluwatu. This amazing and iconic place is out on the furthest reaches of the southern Bali Bukit.
The Bukit is different from the rest of Bali, and generally even has better weather. At Uluwatu, you are perched on the top of massive cliffs at the base of which you will find amazing white sand beaches. The surf is incredible, and attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. Cafes are everywhere, serving the best coffee and western foods, each with its own unique vibe. For a place to relax, enjoy the sun, sand and surf, or even to just chill in your own private villa, you can’t go past Uluwatu.
Things to do in Uluwatu:
Visit Uluwatu Temple. This iconic temple sits on top of the furthest cliffs of Ulu. It is famous for its beauty, incredible sunset fire “Kecak” fire dance, and cheeky resident monkeys. A visit to Uluwatu is simply not complete without stopping at the temple at least once.
Climb down to Suluban Beach. This iconic beach is most famous for surfers, where they follow the stairs down into an amazing cave. From the inside of the cave they enter the water and paddle their boards out into the surf. Take a stroll down through the multiple cafes and restaurants to witness it yourself. Just don’t forget your camera, as this place is incredible!
Tour around the iconic beaches. Take a look at THIS article for further information, but beaches like Balangan, Padang Padang, Nunggalan and Green Bowl simply cannot be missed!
Accommodation options Uluwatu:
Budget – Home-Bience Hostel
Mid Range – Uluwatu Breeze Village
Luxury – The Ungasan Clifftop Resort
So, that is nearly it for my Bali Itinerary. I hope I have helped you out, and now you can go about creating your holiday plans. But, before I leave you, there is one more part of Bali that simply cannot be missed.
And that is, East Bali.
The reason that East Bali is not on my itinerary is that unless you are after something specific, you don’t really need to spend a couple of nights there. It can easily be tripped to from Ubud, or anywhere in southern Bali. Simply hire a car and driver and tell them where you want to go.
The one caveat I will add here is if you are a Scuba Diver, or are interested in Scuba Diving. Although there are other places to dive in Bali, Amed and Tulumban in East Bali are simply world class sites to dive. If this is the case for you, then definitely arrange a night or two staying at Amed.
For anyone else, you can fairly easily organize a tour to East Bali, where you can visit such sights as Heaven’s Gate, Tirta Gangga Water Gardens or Virgin Beach. All of these places can be done in a day trip if you leave early enough, and you don’t have to burn away one of your nights staying there. Of course, that is up to you. Personally, I always spend at least a night when I go to East Bali, but I ride my own scooter, and staying overnight is more for safety, and avoiding the long ride home in the dark at the end of a long day.
So, now we ARE at the end.
Once again, I hope you are enlightened now about how to organise your perfect trip to Bali, and how to choose where to stay, and how long to visit for. I believe if you follow my suggestions, you will definitely see most of what Bali has to offer, and get a glimpse and a taste of all of her beauties.
Below, I will leave you will a few links to other articles that will help you out, including specific articles on some of the areas mentioned in this article.
Handy Links
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