2 Weeks in Bali, Indonesia: An Itinerary with Culture, Adventures, and More!

by Jackie
Published: Last Updated on
During your 2 weeks in Bali, check out the gorgeous white beaches, go surfing, explore waterfalls, and more.

If you’re one of the lucky ones who can escape the daily grind, consider spending two weeks in Bali!

You heard right – 2 weeks on this gorgeous Indonesian island with plenty of non-stop adventures, beautiful temples, jaw-dropping waterfalls, serene nature, incredible restaurants, and pure relaxation opportunities to fulfill your wanderlust. These are already good reasons to hop on a plane and head to this island now!

After visiting Bali twice – the first time in 4 days and a second time for 2 weeks, we’ve put together this incredible Bali 2 week itinerary to highlight the best attractions to visit on the island and also included trips to neighboring islands.

The schedule is staying on the mainland for 8 days, heading to Nusa Islands for 4 days, and returning to the mainland for 2 days.

Since you’re in paradise, feel free to pick a few attractions to visit each day and enjoy your time off. You don’t want to feel burned out from visiting too many attractions each day. 

To be honest, we’re scratching the surface of what you can do in Bali in two weeks. You can spend 1 month on the island and still have not enough time to see everything.

Before you read this itinerary, check out the top things to know before traveling to Bali

*Disclaimer: Visiting Bali? We have affiliate links in this post. If you click on the links and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no cost to you. Appreciate the support.


Best Time to Visit Bali

Anytime is a fabulous time to visit Bali as it’s hot and humid. There are two seasons to consider – dry and wet season.

The dry season is from April to September, while the wet season is October to March.

The wet, rainy season isn’t too bad. Even during the rainy season, the rain doesn’t last too long. Showers can be short as a few minutes or longer up to an hour.

We’ve traveled to Bali in February and June and the majority of the time had sunshine with occasional rains. The benefit of the rainy season is slightly cooler temperatures. 

Tip: Since the weather is humid, don’t forget to stay hydrated and drink lots of water (or coconuts).


How to Get to Bali

If you’re traveling domestically in Indonesia or internationally to get to Bali, your plane will land at the Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International Airport (airport code: DPS). The airport is conveniently located towards the southern area of the island so will need to get transportation to travel to other parts of Bali.

Before you arrive in Bali, please check the current travel requirements. You may need to get a visa on arrival which is 500,000 (IDR)/$35 USD per person. Getting an e-visa on arrival is also possible now here.

Tip: We suggest that you have your transportation prepared in advance when you exit the Denpasar airport. Otherwise, you’ll be swarmed by drivers asking you where you’re heading. More information on transportation options is below.


How to Travel Around Bali

Different transportation options are available depending on your budget.

By Motorbike

This is the easiest and fastest way to travel around the island. Motorbikes are slender enough to squeeze between the cars. The motorbike drivers are more aggressive compared to the drivers in cars.

Expect to pay 60,000 IDR to 300,000 IDR ($4.00 – $20.10 USD) per day for a rental.

If you have two people, you’ll need to decide if each person will drive their own motorbike or you’ll share one. Some accommodations will have rentals available on site. Book a motorbike and check out options here.

By Car

For more flexibility with your schedule, you can rent a car. Prices range from 200,000 IDR to 300,000 IDR ($13.40 – $20.10) per day.

If you’re coming from the U.S, the driver seat is reversed as it’s on the right-hand side. Remember to get extra car insurance for damages and incidentals.

By Car with driver

Don’t want to worry about navigation and traffic? Hiring a driver is a great solution! Some of the roads are hilly, narrow, and can be congested with traffic.

Rather than stressing out on the road, consider hiring a driver who knows the island. Drivers range from 500,000 IDR to 650,000 IDR ($34.00-$44.00). Book a driver here.

We had a driver during our time in Bali and loved him! He is safe on the roads and such a nice person to hang out with. Plus, he charges a fair amount based on what your itinerary is for the day. Contact us if you want to get our driver’s contact information.

By taxis or ride-hailing

Finding a taxi is easy to do when you’re around the Denpasar area. The Bluebird Taxis are the recommended taxis due to service. You can’t miss them since the color of the car is blue.

You will need to negotiate a price for the fare or insist that the driver use the meter. The taxis are known to rip off the tourists, so you’re better off getting a driver in advance. 

Tip: Beware of the copycat taxis that are also blue and have a similar name to Bluebird Taxi. 

As for the ride-hailing opportunities, you can use Grab or Go-Jek, Southeast Asia’s versions of Uber. You’ll use these two travel apps in Indonesia often.

You’ll need to purchase a SIM card at the airport to use the data functions. 

Or, you can sign up for Google Project Fi phone service (if you’re based in the U.S.) and have free data coverage in 200+ countries. (We use Google Fi everywhere). 

You can call a Grab car from the airport. There is a pick-up spot so it’s easier to find the vehicle. Grab (either motorbike or car) is available around the island for short travel distances.

Note: There is a war between taxis and Grab and many attractions will not allow Grab drivers to park on the premises. Watch out for the “No Grab” signs in certain areas. 

By tours

Luckily, it’s super easy to go on a tour. Most tours will pick you up from your accommodations or will have a meeting spot. We’ll share some recommendations for tours throughout the itinerary.


Map of Where to Go in Bali in 2 Weeks

Map of where to go during your 2 weeks in Bali itinerary.

Click on the map to see a larger view of the places to visit in Bali in 2 weeks. Credit: Map data: Google


Ultimate Two Weeks in Bali Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Beaches in Bandung Regency

On your first day of arrival, head to the beachside in the Bandung Regency area via taxi or by the driver. It’s a short car ride away from the Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Airport – about 10 to 20 minutes depending on traffic.

The popular locations include Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. Each area is very different so it depends on what you are comfortable staying at. 

We suggest that you focus on one area since you’re probably tired from long travels. As a heads up, we plan to stay overnight in Seminyak on the 8th day of this itinerary so we’ll skip that area for now. 

What to Do in Bandung Regency

1. Visit Kuta as an introduction to Bali. 

This area is known for its beaches, such as Kuta Beach, Pantai Jerman Beach, and Pantai Segara Beach, shopping centers, and nightlife. If you love watching airplanes arrive or depart from the tarmac, walk to the end of Pantai Jerman Beach to see the planes.

Kuta tends to have the most tourists due to the easy access from the airport and is only a 10-minute ride away by car. Otherwise, it’s not necessary to spend the whole day there unless you want to party all night long.

Since we didn’t spend that much time here, check out this post on the top attractions to visit in Kuta.  

2. Canggu is another area to explore in Bandung Regency. 

It’s more catered to the digital nomads as there are tons of cafes to work from.

While we suggest staying for a few hours in Canggu on your first day, you can always extend the travel and explore Canggu in 3 days.

If you prefer beach time, stop by Batu Bolong Beach or Echo Beach. These two areas are awesome surfing spots and are known for the good waves. Beginners can also learn how to surf.

Or, you can visit the neighboring beach bars for a drink and food and watch the sunset.

Street art is also another highlight of Canggu where you can wander around on foot to see colorful artwork on buildings.

Lastly, stop by the top markets for fresh produce and unique souvenirs.

To get to Canggu, it’s 13 kilometers (8 miles) away from Kuta. 

3. See the sunset at Tanah Lot.

This popular Balinese temple is also known as “Land in the Sea” to explore. It’s one of the top places to see the sunset with the cliffside viewpoints, which is why we’re ending your first day in Bali here. 

Tanah Lot (Pura Tanah Lot in the Balinese language) was built in the 16th century and has a unique setting as it’s in the ocean and 300 meters from the mainland.

If the tides are lower, visitors have the opportunity to walk up the temple. Otherwise, you’ll need to see the temple area from the mainland. Don’t stray too far from the mainland as the waves can be rough and the Security guard will blow his whistle at you.

You’ll need to have transportation to visit the temple as it’s 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) from Kuta or 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Canggu. Or, you can visit on a tour

Tip: You do not need to wear a sarong for this temple, but other temples in Bali require a sarong. 

Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 7:00am-7:00pm

Admission Cost: 60,000 IDR ($4.20) adults, 30,000 IDR ($2.10) children

Silhouette of Tanah Lot during sunset in Bali, Indonesia

Tanah Lot is one of the top places to see the sunset during your 2 weeks in Bali. Photo credit: Claudio Duarte via Scopio Photos

Where to Stay in Bandung Regency

Bandung Regency is an affordable area to stay as there are cheap guesthouses and hotels. There are plenty of resorts available for a more luxurious option. We decided to head to Ubud for the evening instead of staying in this area.

Click here to see accommodations in Kuta.

Click here to see accommodations in Canggu.


Days 2-4: Ubud

Ubud is our favorite area to stay in Bali. It’s a quieter area with lots of opportunities to explore nature and wildlife. If you practice yoga, there are tons of classes and retreats in this area.

Three days in Ubud is the perfect amount of time to explore, see the Ubud attractions, and eat affordable and delicious food.

To get to Ubud from Kuta or Canggu, allocate at least 1 hour for transportation. 

What to Do in Ubud

1. Walk through the main street of Jl. Raya Ubud to shop and eat. 

There are so many restaurants and cafes to choose from depending on your preference including many vegan options. Feel free to go through the smaller side streets for more local Indonesian cuisine and cheaper eats. 

2. Visit Ubud Palace. 

You can’t miss this place as it’s in the central area of the main walking street. It’s a former accommodation of the royal family.

Visitors are welcome to browse around the small area of the palace for free. It does get crowded so you should come early to avoid the crowds.

In the evenings, they have a dance performance and tickets can be purchased in front of the palace. 

Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

3. Use your bargaining skills at Ubud Art Market. 

Find the perfect souvenirs such as sarongs, handcrafted jewelry, or the popular rattan bags for your friends and family at Ubud Art Market. Check out the multi-level building or the side street to find souvenirs.

Sellers will call you to get your attention but they aren’t aggressive. Many of the items sold will be similar so you can do some price comparison.

We suggest that you combine a visit with the Ubud Palace since they’re across from each other.  

Address: Jalan Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 9:00am-6:00pm

Rattan purses, handicrafts, and souvenirs available for purchase at the Ubud Art Market in Bali, Indonesia

Buy souvenirs at the Ubud Art Market when you explore Ubud.

4. Explore the rice fields.

Kajeng Rice Fields and Juwuk Manis Rice Fields which is off of the Ubud main street are a fabulous introduction to see the luscious rice fields. 

It’s free to walk along the path and enjoy the peaceful area. You’ll see adorable ducks hanging out in the rice fields.

Please do not walk into the rice fields as these are private properties 

Address: Jl. Kajeng No.88, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Juwuk Manis Rice Fields in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Juwuk Manis Rice Fields is a hidden gem to explore during your two weeks in Bali.

If you have transportation, head to Tegalalang Rice Terraces. It’s the ultimate spot to see massive rice terraces and palm trees. You’ll want to spend a couple of hours walking around the green rice terraces and taking photos of the impressive landscape. It’s easy to walk around, but you’re more than welcome to take a tour.

As a heads up, some rice terraces will ask for a donation to cross their rice fields. It’s up to you whether you want to donate or not. If you want to ride the Bali swing, several vendors offer this service. The starting price is 150,000 IDR ($10.10) for two people. 

Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm

Admission Cost: 10,000 IDR ($.70)

Jackie Szeto, Life Of Doing, walks along the dirt path with the Tegalalang Rice Terraces in the background in Bali, Indonesia.

Teglalalang Rice Terraces is a beautiful place to visit as you explore the Ubud area during your Bali 2 weeks itinerary.

5. Beware of the mischievous monkeys at Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary).

Monkey Forest is a good spot to see monkeys. While the monkeys are adorable and can wander around freely, they will go after any bright and shiny objects and food.

Tip: Hide your sunglasses, hats, and any food from these burglars.  

Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm (Last entry at 5:30pm)

Admission Cost: 80,000 IDR ($5.40) adults, 60,000 IDR ($4.00) children

6. Check out Goa Gajah.

Head to Goa Gajah, also referred to as Elephant Caves, to see this historical archaeological site and one of the top caves to visit in Asia.

As a former site used for meditation over 1,100 years ago, you get the chance to walk through the opening mouth of the spiritual creature. At the end of this cave, you’ll see a small area for praying so please be respectful.

Otherwise, you can venture through other areas of the temple grounds and see Buddhist temples and pools. 

Address: Jl. Raya Goa Gajah No.99, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia

Admission Cost: 50,000 IDR ($3.50), includes sarong

Justin Huynh, Life Of Doing, is at Goa Gajah Elephant Caves in Ubud, Bali, Indonesia

Goa Gajah is a unique place to visit to see the cave when you’re in Ubud.

7. Stroll through Campuhan Ridge.

Take an early morning or late afternoon walk along Campuhan Ridge. You have the opportunity to walk along a paved path and get some fresh air and see the green landscapes.

Tip: Wear a hat since the path isn’t shaded. Don’t forget to bring water or you can purchase drinks at one of the local kiosks along the way. 

Address: Kelusa, Payangan, Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia

Campuhan Ridge Walk is the perfect place for a walk and to see the greenery when you're in Ubud area of Bali, Indonesia

Campuhan Ridge Walk is a popular place to walk and observe the gorgeous landscapes. Photo credit: Andrea Torres via Scopio Photos

8. Hike Mount Batur to see the sunrise. 

Start the morning with a sunrise trek on Mount Batur. It’s one of the best hikes to do in Indonesia. Climbing Mount Batur is an unforgettable experience as you get to see the sunrise at 1,717 m (5,633 ft) on this inactive volcano.

While you can visit Mount Batur on your own, it’s recommended to have a tour guide to help you navigate the trails in the dark. You will have an early morning pick-up at 2:00am, yet the experience is worth it. 

Read our Mount Batur sunrise trek guide for helpful tips on this hike.

Justin Huynh and Jackie Szeto, Life Of Doing, hiked Mount Batur to see the sunrise trek in Bali, Indonesia.

Add Mount Batur to your 2 weeks in Bali itinerary if you love hiking adventures!

9. Take a class to improve your skills.

If you like getting crafty or want to expand upon your skills, check out some of these classes to take. You’ll learn new skills and also get to keep your item as a memorable souvenir.  

10. Enjoy a massage. 

You’re on vacation so you deserve to pamper yourself. Check out this 2-hour massage option with a riverside view.  

11. Take a tour of Ubud and the surrounding areas.

While you can walk around on your own, you may want to take a group tour of Ubud and other areas. Here are some suggested ones to register for:

Places to Stay in Ubud

Ubud has a variety of affordable to luxury accommodations to choose from. If you prefer to pamper yourself, check out these incredible resort options. We recommend that you stay close to the main walking street so you’ll be close to restaurants. 

Click here to see accommodations in Ubud.

We stayed at Element by Westin Bali Ubud which is off the main walking street. It’s a nice hotel under the Marriott brand that offers amenities such as a pool, restaurant, 24×7 gym, free yoga classes, and round-trip shuttle transportation to the Monkey Forest. Otherwise, you can walk to the main area in 30-40 minutes.

We used hotel points and stayed here for a few days and enjoyed the stay. The cost of the room is $100-$130 per night for 2 person occupancy.

Book a room at Element here. 


Day 5-6: North Bali 

North Bali is next on the itinerary for your fifth and sixth day. There are so many incredible North Bali attractions that you’ll need a few days to explore a portion of it.

It’s up to you whether you want to be based in the Ubud area or stay overnight in North Bali. We did day trips from Ubud with our driver and didn’t have any issues with the back-and-forth travels.

From Ubud to North Bali, you’ll need to drive for around 2 hours by car.

What to Do in North Bali

1. Check out the breathtaking waterfalls.  

Sekumpul Waterfall is a bucket list waterfall to visit in Asia. It does require a hike down to the base of the waterfall, but it’s worth the effort to see the 80 meters (260 feet) high cascading falls. Plus, you’re in the middle of the green jungle and the view is gorgeous.

You can also pair a visit to the neighboring Fiji Waterfall.

The driving path to Sekumpul Waterfall is very windy and narrow so drive carefully. 

Read our Sekumpul Waterfall guide for more details.

Address: Sekumpul, Sawan, Lemukih, Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81171, Indonesia

Admission Cost: 20,000 IDR ($1.40)

Justin Huynh, Life Of Doing, sits on a rock with the Sekumpul Waterfall in the background.

You’ll be impressed with the cascades from Sekumpul Waterfall.

Other waterfalls in the area include Gitgit, Aling Aling, Tukad Cepung, and Banyumala.

Check out our Bali waterfalls post for more information on these incredible waterfalls. 

2. Take a photo with the Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes.

When leaving Banyumala Waterfalls, you’ll drive along the main road and will come across the Buyan and Tamblingan Lakes. It’s known as the Twin Lakes. Stop by to take a photo of the lakes. There is a platform overlooking the area and is free to access. 

Address: Jl. Raya Pancasari/JI. Munduk Wanagiri Road

3. Fill your Instagram with photos from Hidden Hills Wanagiri.

If you’ve seen photos on social media of people sitting on Bali swings and floating egg nests, then head to Hidden Hills Wanagiri. The setting is beautiful with Lake Buyan in the backdrop. We haven’t been to this place but heard that it can get crowded as people wait in long queues for each of the sitting areas. 

Address: Jalan Munduk – Wanagiri, Wanagiri, Sukasada, Pancasari, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 6:30am-7:00pm

Admission Cost: 100,000 IDR ($6.70)

4. Take a photo with the Handara Gate. 

The Handara Gate is a part of the Handara Golf and Resort. It’s another famous photo spot in Bali of a gated entrance. It’s recommended to get there early since there will be a long queue of people waiting for the perfect shot. Otherwise, you can skip it since you need to pay a fee to take the photo. 

Address: Jl. Raya Singaraja-Denpasar, Pancasari, Kec. Sukasada, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia

Admission Cost: 30,000 IDR ($2.00)

5. Explore more rice fields. 

We can never get enough of the rice fields in Bali. Sideman is south of Besakih and has many hiking paths next to the rice fields. You can also explore the village as it’s more rural than the neighboring Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. 

Jatiluwih deserves its recognition for its impressive rice terraces. It’s one of the major sites that utilize the subak systems (effective water irrigation) and is recognized as a UNESCO site in Indonesia.

You can easily walk around and explore the fields or by electric bike.

Address: Jalan Jatiluwih No No.Desa, Jatiluwih, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia

Admission Cost: 40,000 IDR ($2.80)

6. Kayak around Pura Ulun Danu Beratan.

One of the unique Hindu temples is Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Pura Ulun Danu Beratan.) It’s a small temple area in Lake Beratan.

The photogenic water temple is Lingga Petak which you can see from the mainland. Since you cannot access the temple as it’s in the lake, the next best thing is to hire a kayak to travel around it. It would be a fabulous spot to see the sunset. 

If you don’t want to kayak, you can see the temple from the mainland. You’ll still get the same view of the stunning water temple.

Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 7:00am-7:00pm

Admission Cost: 75,000 IDR ($5.20) adults, 50,000 IDR ($3.50) children

7. Check out Bali’s Buddhist monastery, Brahma Vihara Arana.

Brahma Vihara Arana is a hidden gem as this Buddhist monastery is tucked in the mountains. Check out the Balinese and Tibetan architecture stupas, pagodas, and Buddha statues. The center of the monastery has a mini replica of the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Java, Indonesia. 

Address: Gg. Sahadewa, Banjar Tegeha, Kec. Banjar, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81152, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm

Admission Cost: 20,000 IDR ($1.40)

Brahma Vihara Arana is a Buddhist temple that has a mini version of Borobodur Temple in Java, Indonesia.

Brahma Vihara Arana is one of our secret places to visit and a highly recommended thing to do in North Bali.

8. If you’re interested in taking a tour of North Bali, here are some options to consider:

Places to Stay in North Bali

Two areas with accommodations in North Bali are Lovina or Singaraja. Both areas are along the coastline so you’ll have access to beaches. 

Click here to see accommodations in Lovina. 

Click here to see accommodations in Singaraja. 

One place that is luxurious and worthy of a splurge is the Munduk Moding Plantation. It’s an eco-friendly resort with photogenic spots of infinity pools against the rolling green hills. This place is on our bucket list of places to stay. 


Day 7: East Bali 

East Bali is an undiscovered area of Bali that has so many incredible things to do. From visiting waterfalls to exploring the temples, you won’t have any issues with finding something to do. You can visit East Bali either from your accommodations in North Bali or from Ubud. 

Since we were based in Ubud, we’re only including one day in East Bali on our seventh day of the Bali 2 weeks itinerary. It’s easy to visit as a day trip, yet we think two days would be even better to explore.

If you want to stay for two days, you’re more than welcome to as our last day of this itinerary (day 14) is free. You can shift the itinerary over for 2 days in East Bali.

From Ubud to East Bali, allocate 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours one-way for travel time via car. 

Check out our East Bali guide to see the full list of attractions to visit.

What to Do in East Bali

1. Stop by Pura Lempuyang. 

One of the most popular temples to visit is Lempuyang Temple (Pura Lempuyang). It’s a spiritual place to visit as you get the opportunity to travel to seven temples.

While the first temple, “Gateway to Heaven” is the photogenic spot that overlooks Mount Agung, the other smaller temples are worth the trek up the mountain. You’ll need to allocate a couple of hours to travel up the mountain as there are many steps to conquer. 

Read more about what to expect at Lempuyang Temple here.

Address: Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Admission Cost: Free to visit but a donation is welcome. 

Justin Huynh and Jackie Szeto, Life Of Doing, hold hands at Pura Lempuyang's Gateway to Heaven in Bali, Indonesia

You won’t regret the views from Pura Lempuyang’s Gateway to Heaven. Plus, you’ll get to see this photo trick here.

Take these tours which include Pura Lempuyang: Instagram Shots or Temples Tour

2. Stop by the Tirta Gangga Water Garden.

Interested in seeing a water garden? Tirta Gangga Water Garden (Taman Tirta Gangga) is the perfect spot to walk through a pond with guardian statues and stepping stones.

You’ll see huge koi fish swimming around the stepping stones and they’ll swim around your stone if you stop and hover over them. (They think you have food in your hands.)

While this place isn’t large, it’s beautiful to browse around and take photos.

Address: Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat, Ababi, Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia

Admission Cost: 30,000 IDR ($2.10)

Tirta Gangga Water Garden in Bali, Indonesia

Tirta Gangga Water Garden is a beautiful place to visit when you’re visiting East Bali.

3. End the day at Besakih Temple. 

Besakih Temple (Pura Agung Besakih), also known as the “Mother Temple” is the biggest and most sacred temple in Bali. You’ll see Mount Agung in the backdrop on a clear day.

You’ll need a tour guide to explore this temple as there are over 80 small temples to go through. Since the temple area is on a hill, there will be steps involved. Your guide will share with you the history and show you the best photo spots around the complex.

Many people pilgrimage to Besakih from all over Bali for celebrations, burial ceremonies, and other occasions. 

Address: Jl. Gunung Mas No.Ds, Besakih, Rendang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80863, Indonesia

Opening Hours: 8:00am-6:00pm

Admission Cost: 60,000 IDR ($4.20), includes a guide, one-way motorbike ride to the entrance, and sarong rental

Jackie Szeto and Justin Huynh, Life Of Doing, visited Pura Besakih in East Bali to see the temple complex. We also have a view of Mount Agung in the backdrop.

Pura Besakih is one of the best temples to visit in East Bali, especially with the view of Mount Agung.

Places to Stay in East Bali

Check out the areas that you can stay in East Bali such as Candidasa and Amed, which is known to have black beaches. 

Click here to see accommodations in Candidasa.

Click here to see accommodations in Amed. 


Day 8: Travel Day & Seminyak

On your eighth day in Bali, you’ll depart from either Ubud or East Bali accommodation and head to the Seminyak area. As we mentioned on the first day of arrival, it’s a beach area between Kuta and Canggu (close to the Denpasar International Airport). 

We’re using Seminyak as a stopover so we can stay overnight before heading to Nusa Lembongan the next day.

Nusa Lembongan is a part of the larger Nusa Islands, including Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. These islands are south of Bali and easy to get to.

Since you’ll need to take a speedboat from Bali to Nusa Lembongan, the speedboat agency will pick you up from your accommodation from Seminyak (other locations include Kuta and some areas of Ubud) before heading to the docks at Sanur. 

From Ubud to Seminyak, you’ll need about an hour by car. On your way to Seminyak, stop by Tegenungan Waterfall or go canyoning at Hidden Canyon for additional adventures during your trip. 

If you’re coming from East Bali, you’ll need a few hours to get to Seminyak. Therefore, this day is very flexible with what you want to do when you arrive at Seminyak. 

What to Do in Seminyak

1. Eat all the good foods.

From cafes to small local shops, there are so many delicious foods to try in the Seminyak area. We loved eating at Made’s Warung for the nasi campur and Gusto Gelato for its unique flavors of gelato (ie: sambal and ginger.)

Gusto Gelato is a good place to eat in Bali, Indonesia.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with unique flavors of gelato at Gusto Gelato.

2. Learn how to surf.

If you didn’t get the chance to learn how to surf on your first day in Canggu, you can take lessons in Seminyak.

Register for your beginner lessons here. 

3. Pamper yourself with another massage.

You can never have too many massages! There are a few places that you can check out and relax. 

Places to Stay in Seminyak

Seminyak has a variety of guesthouses and affordable accommodations if you’re on a budget. Plus, they are close to or next to the beaches so you’ll have easy access to them. 

Click here to see accommodations in Seminyak. 

We stayed at the CR Tris Homestay which is a perfect location for our one-night stay. The room was spacious, clean, and had an enclosed bathroom. Plus, we could sit outside on the balcony to get some fresh air.

We enjoyed the location as it was only a couple of minutes from the main street with restaurants, cafes, and shopping. The owners are also friendly and can answer any questions that you have. Click here to reserve a room at CR Tris Homestay.

Another option is staying at Kubu Cempaka Seminyak. It’s a smaller hotel which has a pool and the room comes with breakfast. The place is nearby the main walking street with the restaurants and shopping. Reserve a room at Kubu Cempaka on Booking.com


Days 9-12: Nusa Islands

After spending over a week on Bali, you may be itching to explore a new place. Head to Nusa Islands for a few days. Ironically, nusa means island in Malay and Indonesian.

Nusa Islands comprises of three islands – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida. Penida is the largest island while Ceningan is the smallest.

We suggest that you spend four days on Nusa Islands – two days on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and two days on Nusa Penida.

While you can do a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali, there are too many awesome things to do on these islands. 

You will need to have transportation to travel around the islands. If you’re able to drive a motorbike, it’s easy to travel around Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Penida is more challenging due to the terrible road quality and hills. Read our Nusa Penida motorbiking tips to determine if you want to drive one.

Otherwise, hire a driver. 

Top Things to Do on Nusa Islands

1. See gorgeous views at Nusa Lembongan.

This island tends to have more crowds due to the direct route via speedboat from Bali yet it has some incredible places to visit.

The top tourist attractions include visiting Devil’s Tear to see the large splashes against the cliffs, going on a tour of the mangroves in the Mangrove Forest, and hanging out at the numerous beaches. You’ll love seeing the gorgeous views along the cliffside with the blue waters. 

Jackie Szeto, Life Of Doing, watching the waves splash against the cliffs on Devil's Tear in Nusa Lembongan, Indonesia

A visit to the Devil’s Tear is a must-do when you’re on Nusa Lembongan.

2. Explore Nusa Ceningan for a few hours.

Since this island is the smallest out of the three, all you need is a couple of hours here. Just cross the yellow bridge from Nusa Lembongan and you’re already at Nusa Ceningan.

The main highlight is seeing the Blue Lagoon. It’s a photogenic spot with gorgeous blue waters. You can also jump off from the cliff at Mahana Point for an additional adrenaline rush. Otherwise, there are a few spots where surfers go to practice their surfing skills

Jackie Szeto, Life Of Doing, at the Blue Lagoon at Nusa Ceningan, Indonesia.

The Blue Lagoon is a gorgeous spot to visit when you’re on Nusa Ceningan.

3. Check out the beautiful landscapes and beaches on Nusa Penida.

To get to Nusa Penida from Lembongan, you’ll need to take a small boat ride from the yellow bridge area.

The highlights of Nusa Penida include visiting gorgeous beaches such as Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach, and Kelingking Beach. Kelingking is the iconic cliffside that looks like the back of a T-Rex and has a secluded beach when you walk to the bottom of the mountain.

Those who are seeking an adventure can snorkel with the manta rays or learn how to dive here. You can also visit waterfalls (although the ones in Bali have larger cascades) and temples.

Our Nusa Penida itinerary has more details on other places to visit. 

Kelingking Beach is one of the top places to visit when you're on Nusa Penida, Indonesia

Kelingking Beach is a must visit during your 2 weeks in Bali itinerary. Photo credit: Chiara Barrasso via Scopio Photos

Places to Stay on Nusa Islands

Between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, it’s recommended to stay on Nusa Lembongan. Since the island is larger, you’ll have more guesthouses and resort options. Plus, you’ll be closer to a variety of restaurants. 

Click here to see accommodations on Nusa Lembongan

We stayed at D’Tegal which is a small guesthouse that is about a 10-minute walk from the port area. It was the perfect place for us as it was tucked in a residential street so it was quiet. There were plenty of warungs and local restaurants within walking distance. The room is $18 per night for a 2 person occupancy.

As a heads up, you can easily miss this place in the evenings as there aren’t a lot of street lights on the main road. 

Click here to make a reservation at D’Tegal. 

As with Nusa Penida, you’ll have plenty of accommodations to choose from. One of the best things about staying in Nusa Penida is that you can have a private bungalow for a few days. 

Click here to see accommodations on Nusa Penida.

We stayed at Nusa Penida Pudak Nature Bungalow which is a 5-minute motorbike ride from the main port area. The host, Ketut, was such a joy to meet. He greeted us on arrival and gave us tips on what to do in the area.

We had a private bungalow and an enclosed bathroom. The bathroom is very tight so that was the only negative for us. The front of our bungalow had a patio so we could enjoy our breakfast and see the view of the garden. The room is $30 per night for a 2 person occupancy. 

Click here to make a reservation at Pudak Nature Bungalow.


Day 13: Uluwatu 

After four days on Nusa Islands, it’s time to head back to the Bali mainland.

If you’re departing from Nusa Penida, take a short boat ride to Nusa Lembongan and then head to the dock to take another boat to go back to Bali’s Sanur area.

Or, you could have booked a boat transfer ride that goes directly to the Bali mainland.  You’ll most likely leave in the morning so you’ll arrive in Sanur by mid-morning. 

Once you’re in Sanur, your boat company may provide transportation to your next destination, Uluwatu. Otherwise, you’ll need a taxi or a driver to get to Uluwatu. It’ll take 1 hour by car. 

We mentioned Uluwatu for one night below. If you have extra time, consider staying in Uluwatu for 3 days!

What to Do in Uluwatu

1. Visit Uluwatu Temple & see the Kecak show.

Uluwatu Temple, also referred to as Pura Uluwatu, is the main attraction in the area. This temple stands 70 meters (230 feet) on a cliff and has a lovely view of the ocean. It’s one of the best spots to see the sunset

It’s recommended that you visit in the late afternoon/sunset time so you can watch the 1-hour Kecak Fire Show. The performance depicts a traditional story of the battle of Ramayana. Since the theater is outside, you’ll also have a view of the sunset in the background. 

Purchase tickets in front of the theater area between 4:30pm-5:30pm. The show starts at 6:00pm. If you get to the theater, early you’ll have a better viewing spot. The show will fit as many people as possible so you’ll be very close to your neighbor. 

You can also visit Uluwatu Temple via a tour with beaches and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.

Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Admission Cost: Uluwatu Temple: 30,000 IDR ($2.00); Kecak Show: 100,000 IDR ($6.75)

Opening Hours: 7:00am-7:00pm

Watching the Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple in Bali, Indonesia

One of the highlights of visiting Uluwatu Temple is to see the Kecak Fire Show .

2. Have a seafood dinner at Jimbaran Beach. 

Our driver recommended having dinner at Jimbaran Beach. You can choose your seafood and how you want it prepared and enjoy the beach setting. It would be perfect for the sunset setting. 

From Uluwatu Temple to Jimbaran Beach, it’s about a 30-minute ride. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a chance to try the seafood as we decided to stay locally for dinner after viewing Uluwatu Temple’s Kecak show. 

3. Check out the beaches. 

Uluwatu has plenty of beaches to check out. Nyang Nyang has a short climb down to the beach and is one of the beaches with fewer crowds. The other beaches along the coast have mixed reviews due to crowds and garbage build up.

We didn’t get a chance to check them out but these are the popular ones – Padang Padang, Bingin Beach, and Dreamland Beach.

Places to Stay in Uluwatu

Uluwatu has plenty of guesthouses and hotels available, especially along the beachside. Otherwise, you can travel around via motorbike. 

Click here to see accommodations in Uluwatu.

We stayed at Olas Homestay. It’s a small guesthouse that has private rooms and enclosed bathrooms for guests. If you need to rent a motorbike, they have them available. We enjoyed the location as it is close to restaurants and a short motorbike ride away from Uluwatu Temple. The room is $30 per night for 2 person occupancy.

Click here to make a reservation for Olas Homestay.


Day 14: Free Day

It’s the end of your 2 weeks in Bali itinerary. On this final day, you’re welcome to do whatever you’d like. Here are some ideas for you to consider if you decide to spend the day in another location or are heading back home. 

1. Explore another area of Bali such as Nusa Dua

It’s a resort area, yet it has lots of adventurous activities to do such as flyboarding, underwater sea walking, or driving a jet-ski

2. Head back to the Denpasar area for last-minute beach time or shopping. 

You may also consider visiting the abandoned planes in South Kuta and get a chance to walk through them.  

3. Depart to go home. 

If you’re heading back home or to your next destination in Indonesia, have a safe trip!

We recommend a trip to Komodo Islands to see the Komodo dragons or visit UNESCO temples of Borobudur and Prambanan Temples in Yogyakarta. You can also go the adventurous route of seeing Ijen Crater, Mount Bromo, or Tumpak Sewu Waterfall in Eastern Java

We hope you made some incredible memories from your vacation and that you’ll want to revisit again.


Final Thoughts

Whew! Your time in Bali has come to an end. You managed to see plenty of attractions during your two weeks in Bali. Hope you had a fantastic time on this island and made some new memories from this trip. 

What are you the most excited about during your two weeks in Bali? Let us know if you have any questions or comments in the comment box below. 

Save this post to your Indonesia Pinterest board.

During your 2 weeks in Bali, hang out on the beaches with the colorful umbrellas and bean bag chairs. A woman in a red dress is on a Bali swing with palm trees and rice terraces in the backdrop. You'll need at least 2 weeks in Bali to explore the island. During your two weeks in Bali, you'll experience amazing experiences such as Bali swings, viewing gorgeous landscapes of the cliffside, and visiting Nusa Penida to see the iconic Kelingking Beach.

Featured photo credit: Andrea Torres via Scopio Photos

Pin #1 photo credit: Bunie Carthew via Scopio Photos

Pin #2 photo credit: Chloe Boucherit via Scopio Photos

Pin #3 photo credit (top photo clockwise): Irish Grace Jimenez, Andrea Torres, and Kate Bagoy via Scopio Photos

 

 

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6 comments

Bethan Taylor-Swaine June 8, 2020 - 5:07 pm

Bali has been high on my wanderlust list for a long long time and this post is only wanting me to visit even more!

Reply
Jackie June 9, 2020 - 5:04 pm

Yay! It’s great to hear that you want to visit Bali in the future. Hope you get a chance to visit once we’re able to travel again.

Reply
Eric Gamble June 21, 2020 - 2:22 am

So first of all Jackie, let me say, I actually said wow out loud like 4 times from your pictures alone. That sunset at Tanah Lot or the waterfalls or the different gates you captured all look amazing.
Darcee & I actually had considered Bali as part of our top 5 options for our honeymoon but I kept imagining it as only a beach destination and though I like that, I was looking for more activities. Boy was I wrong. I would have a field day exploring all the temples & gates, & rice fields and such. I think Ubud looks cool but the North and Eastern parts of Bali sound truly amazing and fun for a more active traveler like myself!

Reply
Jackie June 23, 2020 - 11:35 am

Hi Eric. You’ll love the off-the-beaten-path of North and East Bali and the various adventures! Hope you get a chance to visit once the Bali borders reopen to tourists.

Reply
Trina Welch October 7, 2020 - 8:34 pm

Love all the detail. I’ll take 2 tickets!

Reply
Jackie October 8, 2020 - 12:38 pm

Thanks Trina! We’ll join you with the trip too! We can’t wait to return to Bali.

Reply

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