Chasing waterfalls, sunsets at the beach, temples, and good food – that’s what my first trip to the ‘Island of the Gods’ was all about. And I loved my 2 weeks in Bali. Having already seen a lot of social media posts about the island, I was not sure what to expect as there is always a clash between expectation and reality. But somehow, Bali managed to surprise me in a good way.
I ended up renting a scooter for most of my trip and explored so many amazing spots away from the major tourist hot spots. And I think that is why I enjoyed my time there. It was an adventure that allowed me to combine visiting popular spots with off-the-beaten-path locations all in the course of one day. This made Bali the ideal location to be social while also staying away from the crowds.
It is an island full of secret spots waiting to be discovered and many amazing things to do. And while I have far from seen everything the Indonesian island has to offer, this Bali 2 weeks itinerary combines the highlights and some hidden gems to first a well-rounded route for your first Bali trip.
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About this Bali 2 Weeks Itinerary
This 2 weeks in Bali itinerary is ideal for you if you are planning your very first trip there. It combines a little bit of everything that the ‘Island of the Gods’ has to offer, including a side trip to the Gili islands. Therefore, it combines nature, culture, and the party and foodie scene.
If one of the stops on this Bali 2 weeks itinerary does not appeal to you, I recommend extending your time at one of the other locations or simply replacing it with one of the places listed below the itinerary section.
While the itinerary is based on my own first Bali trip, it does not reflect my own itinerary. While similar to my own schedule, I actually visited the Munduk area and the area near Amed during day trips by scooter.
Given how long it takes to drive there, I do not recommend doing so – especially if you have no experience driving a scooter in Asia. It is much more relaxing to spend the night in the area and you can avoid unnecessary car or scooter rides. Additionally, it also has the bonus that you can see the sunrise and sunset at different locations.
If you want to, you can also do this Bali 2 weeks itinerary in the reversed order. After all, it starts and ends near the airport and essentially has you looping around the island.
Two Weeks in Bali Overview
Don’t have the time to read the entire Bali itinerary right now, but want to book your trip now? If so, this overview is what you are looking for!
- Day 1 – 3: Canggu & Seminyak — D-Anyar Stay and Surf (3 nights)
- Day 4 – 5: Munduk — Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort (2 nights)
- Day 6 – 8: Ubud — Dewangga Ubud (3 nights)
- Day 9 – 11: Amed — Emocean Beach Boutique Dive Resort (3 or 2 nights)
- Day 12 – 13: Gili T — Kelapa Villas (1 or 2 nights)
- Day 14: Uluwatu — Green Escape Eco Resort (1 night)
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
Day 1 – 3: Canggu & Seminyak
If you follow this 2 weeks Bali itinerary, your adventure will start in one of Bali’s digital nomad hotspots. Known for its great beaches and waves that are ideal for people that want to learn how to surf, Canggu is a great introduction to the more international side of the island. And while you will be surrounded by fellow travelers and expats, this also makes it the ideal place to make new friends while traveling.
Aside from surfing, you can also simply relax at one of the great beaches in the area. Echo Beach, Batu Bolong Beach, and Berawa Beach are particularly popular. The latter is also the location of the Naked Coconut and Finns Beach Club, which are both great places to watch the sunset.
There are plenty of international cafés and restaurants in Canggu like Bali Buda Canggu and the Falafel Temple, but there you can also find great local restaurants like La Pan Nam Warung. And if you want to party the night away, you should head to Old Man’s.
If you have a rental scooter or hire a private driver, you should also head north to Tanah Lot temple and to Pasut Beach.
While Canggu is more laid-back, Seminyak which is only a short drive away is more upscale. It is a place to visit if you are looking for designer stores and luxury resorts, but also has many insta-famous cafés and restaurants like the Kynd Community. It is also the place to go if you want to visit a wellness center at the start of your trip.
Where to stay in Canggu
$$$ – ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas — a luxurious hotel with a minimalistic design
$$ – D-Anyar Stay and Surf — a charming hotel close to the beach with a pool, terrace, and garden
$ – Castaway Hostel — a good hostel choice if you want to party while in Canggu
$ – Black Pearl Hostel — while further away from the beach, this hostel is great if you prefer quiet nights
Getting from Canggu to Munduk
The Munduk area is somewhat off the beaten path, which means the easiest way to get there is by driving there yourself with a scooter or car. However, you should only rent a scooter if you have prior experience in driving a scooter. The traffic in Bali follows its own rules, so it is not for everyone.
There is a daily bus from Canggu to Munduk. It departs early in the morning and it takes 3 hours to get to Bedugul and 3:30 hours to Munduk.
If you do not want to drive in Bali but want more flexibility, you can also order a GRAB or GoJek, an UBER alternative. There is a conflict between local taxi drivers and grab drivers in some places, so you might have to select a pick-up location away from the main street. Alternatively, you can also take a more expensive regular taxi.
Day 4 & 5: Munduk area
Munduk is a small village situated in a lush green area full of rice terraces, waterfalls, and hills. It is the perfect location to relax or to go on an adventure while avoiding the crowds. It allows you to experience a more local side of Bali.
Given that this area is at a higher altitude, it is cooler than other areas of the island. Nonetheless, it is amazing to chase the waterfalls of this area. Some of the more popular waterfalls include Banyumala Waterfall, Git Git Waterfall, and the Munduk Waterfall. Another waterfall to visit in the Munduk area is the Banyu Wana Amertha waterfall, which is one of Bali’s best hidden gems.
Aside from waterfalls, the area is also home to the Ulun Danu Beratan water temple, and the twin lakes Danaau Buyan and Danau Tamblingan. And of course, there are also the Jatiluwih rice terraces which are a great place to stop en route to Munduk.
If you are looking for insta-famous spots, you could also visit the Handara Gate and the Wanagiri Hidden Hill with its nests and swings.
Where to stay in Munduk
$$$$ – Elevate Bali by Hanging Garden Munduk — private villas with volcano panoramas & private pools
$$$ – Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort — a resort with a great view & a famous infinity pool
$$ – Lesong Hotel — an idyllic hotel surrounded by rice terraces
$ – Edy Homestay — a nice and affordable homestay with mountain views
Getting from Munduk to Ubud
If you have a rental car or scooter, the distance is 63 km and you can expect a driving time between 1.5 hours and 2 hours. You can also order a Gojek or GRAB, or take a taxi.
There is also a daily bus from Munduk to Ubud that also stops in Bedugul. It departs in the early afternoon and takes around 2 hours.
Day 6 – 8: Ubud
The first week of your 2 weeks in Bali itinerary ends in the island’s cultural heart. Ubud is known for its vibrant art scene and temples and is the best place to buy handmade souvenirs. Head to the Art Market to buy handcrafted items such as batik textiles and jewelry, before relaxing at one of the many yoga studios in town.
Aside from that, there are many more things to do in Ubud and in the surrounding area. Highlights include the Campuhan Ridge Walk and the Ubud Palace with its water lilies and dancing performance. And of course, there is also the Sacred Monkey Forest with its macaques. As you walk through this forest and see its ancient temples, you might just think you stumbled upon a scene straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
As you explore the surrounding area, you should visit the Tegalalang rice terraces just after sunrise, before heading to Pura Tirta Empul, a water temple where you can bathe in the holy springs. In addition to that, there are also a lot of waterfalls in the area. Some of the most stunning ones include Suwas Waterfall, Pengumpu Waterfall, and Bandung Waterfall.
And if you are up for a real adventure, you should do a Mount Batur sunrise hike during your time in Ubud. The view from the top is well worth it.
Book your Mount Batur Sunrise Hike now.
Ubud is the place in Bali that made me consider Indonesia one of the best countries for food. When it comes to restaurants in Ubud, I particularly like Casa Luna.
Where to stay in Ubud
$$$$ – Arkamara Dijiwa — luxurious villas with pools just outside of Ubud
$$$ – Dewangga Ubud — a modern hotel in the heart of Ubud with a big pool
$$ – Village Guest House — a stylish guest house with a pool close to Ubud’s main attractions
$ – Arjun Bed and Breakfast — a small B&B only a short walk from the town center
Getting from Ubud to Amed
It takes around 2 hours to drive the 71 km (inland route) or 81 km (coastal route) from Ubud to Amed. Aside from driving yourself or taking a taxi or GRAB/GoJek, you can also take the bus to Amed. It departs at 8:30 AM and takes 3 hours.
Day 9 – 11: Amed
Amed is located in the northeast of the island and is one of those places that many people overlook. However, this is a big mistake, as this town has long beaches with black sand. It is the perfect place to relax at the beach or stroll along the coastline.
Aside from that, it is also one of Bali’s best scuba diving destinations. Hereby, the diving highlight is the Liberty Wreck, but you can also find plenty of critters in the area.
During this part of your 2 weeks in Bali itinerary, you should definitely have a rental car or scooter, or hire a driver, as there are some amazing spots in proximity to Amed. The Tirta Gangga temple with its ponds and koi fish was a real highlight of my trip, and I highly recommend visiting it. Other nearby attractions include the Pura Penantacan Agung Lempuyang gate, which is also called the “Gateway to Heaven”, and the Sibetan Rice Terraces.
If you are not a scuba diver or do not want to spend 3 days exploring the area around Amed, you could also head to the Gili Islands a day earlier. By doing so, you would have the time to take a boat to Gili Meno or Gili Air.
Where to stay in Amed
$$$$ – MATHIS Lodge — a lodge perched on a hill that offers ocean views
$$$ – Emocean Beach Boutique Dive Resort — a resort with a modern interior
$$ – Mejore Beach Hotel — a beachfront property in the heart of Amed
$ – Ocean Prana Hostel — a hostel right at the beach
Getting from Amed to the Gili Islands
Depending on when you will spend 2 weeks in Bali, there are two different options. On some days, you can take a ferry straight from Amed to Gili T or Gili Air. These ferries are operated by Freebird Express and depart Amed at 9:30 AM.
On days when this ferry does not run, you have to head 47 km south of Amed to Padang Bai. There is no bus connection, so you have to take a taxi or a GoJek/GRAB. There are several companies offering ferry trips to the Gilis from this Padang Bai pier, so you can choose the one that is best for you. Some of them depart in the morning while others depart in the early afternoon.
Day 12 & 13: Gili Islands Trip
The Gilis consist of three small islands off the coast of Lombok and are therefore not a part of Bali. However, you should definitely include a stop here in your 2 weeks in Bali itinerary. Known for their stunning beaches and laid-back vibe, these islands are the ideal place if you want to treat yourself to a luxurious island getaway.
Gili Trawangan, or Gili T, is the largest island and offers pristine beaches with crystal-clear water and amazing snorkeling just a few meters off the shore. Be sure to book a snorkeling tour to the Bask Nest underwater statues close to Gili Meno. The Gili islands are also a great place to scuba dive.
The island’s western beaches are incredible sunset spots. As the sun sets, you can see Mount Agung on Bali in the distance. I recommend ordering a cocktail (or two) at one of the bars as you take in this daily natural spectacle.
Aside from relaxing in luxurious villas with private pools – and hereby I highly recommend the Kelapa Villas – you can bike around the island. There are no motorized vehicles on Gili T, so you do not have to worry about the traffic.
If you want to enjoy a nice meal, I recommend Scallywags and the vegetarian restaurant The Banyan Tree.
Where to stay on Gili T
$$$ – Kelapa Villas — villas with private pools located at the flower-covered lover’s lane
$$ – Manta Dive Gili Trawangan Resort — a charming, small diving resort with private rooms & bungalows
$$ – Havana Hideaway — a great & modern hotel if you want a quiet place to stay
$ – Mad Monkey Hostel — a social hostel with a pool near Sunset Point
Getting from the Gili Islands to Uluwatu
Given that weather conditions can cause ferries to be canceled, it is best to spend the last night of your two weeks in Bali on the mainland. This way, you have an alternative travel date in case the sea is too rough to return from the Gili islands to Bali. You, therefore, are not at risk of missing your flight back home or to your next destination.
The best option is to take the ferry from the Gili islands to Serangan or Sanur in the south of Bali on the 13th day of your trip. If you do not fly back until day 15, you can enjoy another day on the Gili islands or extend your stay in Uluwatu. From the two ferry terminals, it is best to take a taxi or GoJek/GRAB to Uluwatu.
Keep in mind that you have to return via Padang Bay if you have a rental car or scooter for the duration of your entire 2 weeks in Bali.
Day 14: Uluwatu
While you could also spend your last day in Seminyak or Canggu, I recommend heading to Uluwatu. This way, you still get to see something new at the end of your 2 weeks in Bali and end your trip with a memorable experience.
While Uluwatu has great beaches where you can surf or relax, the real highlight is the Uluwatu temple. Perched on the cliff, it dates back to the 11th century and is one of the best sunset spots in Bali. Therefore, it is ideal to visit it around 5 PM and then get tickets for the daily traditional Kecak Fire Dance Show that takes place at 6 PM.
Get tickets for the Kecak Fire Dance Show here.
Where to stay in Uluwatu (Day 13 -14)
It is best to stay in a hotel that will store your luggage in the morning. Doing so allows you to make the most of your time until you have to get to the airport.
$$$ – Green Escape Eco Resort — a resort consisting of modern bungalows close to the beaches
$$$ – Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel — an adults-only hotel surrounded by trees & with an ocean view
$$ – OCEANNA — a guesthouse with an infinity pool & ocean view
$ – Mangga Wangga Living — a hostel with a pool & garden
Getting from Uluwatu to the Airport
The easiest way to get from Uluwatu to the airport is to have your accommodation arrange the transfer for you. Many hotels offer airport transfers for a fee aand some even have a free airport shuttle.
Alternatively, you can also get a taxi that will drop you off right at the airport. A Gojek or GRAB is also an option, but remember that it might take a while for a driver to get to your location, so order it on time.
Places to visit if you have more than 2 weeks in Bali
If you have more time to explore the island, you should expand your two weeks in Bali by exploring more places in and around the island. Hereby, you can choose between island getaways and more remote towns that allow you to experience more of the ‘real Bali’ away from tourist hotspots.
Lovina – a more relaxed town in the north of Bali that is known for its black sand beaches and hot springs. It is a great place if you want to see wild dolphins.
Sidemen – a peaceful rural area in the eastern part of Bali. It is known for its beautiful rice terraces, traditional villages, and hiking trails.
Jimbaran – a more relaxed alternative to Seminyak or Kuta that offers long white beaches and restaurants.
Nusa Penida – an island only a short ferry ride from Bali’s south. It is best known for its ocean cliffs and beaches like the famous Kelingking Beach. Manta Point is a popular dive site in Nusa Penida.
Bali Itinerary FAQ
Are 2 weeks enough for Bali?
Bali is a destination that invites you to slow travel, but if you have limited time, you can get a good overview of all that Bali has to offer in two weeks.
While it is not enough time to see everything and to find hidden gems on your own, you can definitely see the highlights. And based on the things you liked the most, you can then plan your next 2 weeks in Bali trip.
How long to spend in Bali?
Given that Bali has a lot to offer, you could easily spend months there without running out of new things to see and do. But it is also possible to plan amazing shorter trips to the ‘Island of the Gods’. The minimum amount of time to spend in Bali should be 7 days, but at least 2 weeks in Bali is ideal.
What to know about Bali
What is the best time to visit Bali?
The island is worth the visit year-round, but April to October are the best months as they are Bali’s dry season. The wet season lasts from November to March, but the rain tends to be in the form of daily downpours that usually only last up to two hours. The wettest months are December and January.
How to get around in Bali?
The easiest way to get around Bali is to rent a scooter or a car. However, you should have prior experience in driving a scooter, as the traffic in Bali is rather challenging. You also have to drive on the left side of the road, which makes it even harder if you are from most European countries, the USA, and most other countries around the world.
If you do rent a scooter or car, you should take photos of all sides before you leave the rental place. This way, you have proof of pre-existing damages. Also, check that the tires are in good condition and that everything is in working order. I, for one, had an amazing rental scooter in Canggu, but the one I rented in Ubud was another story.
I rented my Canggu scooter at Go Bike & Car Rental Bali and can only recommend them. The scooter was amazing and the team was super nice.
If you do not want to drive, you can also get around by bus. Just know, that most routes are only offered once per day and that there is not always a direct connection between two destinations. This 2 weeks in Bali itinerary optimized the route to (mostly) avoid issues like that, but it is something to keep in mind if you adjust it to suit your own interests.
Should you want more flexibility, you can always take a taxi. Consider asking other travelers if they want to share the costs with you if you are a solo traveler.
Alternatively, you can also order a GoJek or a GRAB. Both are Uber alternatives that are available in nearly all areas of the island. Just know that there is a conflict between GoJek/GRAB drivers and local taxi drivers. Therefore, you might only be picked up on a side street in some areas. Hereby, particularly Ubud and Canggu are affected. You can choose between a transfer by scooter or by car.
How safe is Bali?
From a safety perspective, Bali is a safe destination. The only real thing you have to worry about is pickpocketing, so keep your valuables where they are not easily accessible. Hold your phone in the hand furthest away from the street and keep an eye open as you would elsewhere.
Aside from that, you should be mindful of the traffic and give wild animals like monkeys sufficient space and no opportunity to steal your things.
Given that it is a volcanic island, there could technically be an eruption, so keep the location of the evacuation routes in mind when you see signs. The same applies to tsunami emergency routes. It is highly unlikely that anything will happen, but it never hurts to keep track of where to go in the unlikely case that something does happen.
Is Bali safe for solo female travelers?
Bali is one of the best destinations for solo female travelers who are planning their first-ever solo trip. There are plenty of people who are solo traveling, so it is easy to make new friends from around the world. All you have to do is have a drink in hostel bars, join group tours, or maybe just have a chat with some fellow travelers while watching the sunset at the beach.
Are you planning a trip?
Check out these useful websites and resources I use to plan my adventures around the world.
Bali 2 Weeks Itinerary Roundup
As you can see, the ‘Island of the Gods’ has many stunning spots. By following this itinerary, you get the chance to see most of the island’s highlights during your 2 weeks in Bali. There are many other interesting places worth exploring, but you can do so during your next trip to Bali.
This Bali itinerary for your first trip to there is all about getting to know the island, its culture, food, and natural beauty. And I am convinced that you will have an amazing first time in Bali if you follow the route listed above.
As previously mentioned, it is not an exact copy of my own trip, but an improved version of it that maximizes the time you have to explore the individual locations. Therefore, I am convinced that it is the key to an amazing time.
More about Bali
If you are planning to Bali, you might also be interested in these Indonesia guides:
Bali Travel Budget
Bali’s Hidden Gems
Which Destination on this Bali 2 Weeks Itinerary are you looking forward to the most?
Let me know in the comments down below!
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