If you are planning a trip to Bali, then you are going to need two weeks in Bali as this island is magical. I would even say, 2 weeks in Bali is not enough time to see every corner of this amazing island.
I have visited Bali over three years, but I’ve visited this magical island around four times now on four separate occasions, spending 2 weeks in Bali each time, as well as visiting the south islands, and the Gili islands too. Despite it changing constantly over the last 10 years it’s somewhere I decide to return to again and again. It’s a place which has a very special place in my heart and I have grown fond of over the years.
In absence of me having visited over the past three years I have got nostalgic and decided to pull together more content from my time travelling around south east asia and Indonesia. This guide to 2 weeks in Bali will help you plan your trip, find some where to stay in Bali, give you ideas on things to do in Bali and much more.
The wonderful Indonesian island of Bali, is known for many things, but some of my favourites include mountains, volcanoes, rice paddies, surf, coral reefs and temples. When I visited Bali the last time I spent a wonderful two weeks in Bali, exploring every corner of the island, finding all the fun things to do in Bali.
Next up in my series of content, is a guide to 2 weeks in Bali itinerary. Keep reading to find out more!
Contents
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
10 THINGS TO DO IN BALI
- Head to a yoga retreat in Ubud
- Wander through Monkey Forest
- Visit the world heritage site The Elephant Cave
- Climb the active volcano Mount Batur
- Take a dip at Tibumana Waterfall
- Take a boat over to the Gili Islands
- Go on a snorkelling day trip and spot sea turtles
- Take a visit to Tanah Lot Temple
- See impressive architecture at Besakih Temple
- Jump on another boat and head to Nusa Lembongan
READ MORE: 21 Things to do in Bali
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
HOW TO GET TO BALI
For your 2 Weeks in Bali, you will fly into the country. There are no direct flights into Bali from the UK, however many popular airlines operate indirect flights via Europe or the Far East to this beautiful island. Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar International Airport, is located in southern Bali, 13 km south of Denpasar.
The flight time is around 18 hours with a stopover in either Singapore or Dubai! I flew with Emirates last time I visited Bali and it cost me around £450 in economy class. However when I just checked Skyscanner for any time, any date in the next month if offered me a flight for only £241. That’s why I pulled together a guide of no less than 2 weeks in Bali, as you will need 14 days to explore, relax and discover as a minimum.
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
WHEN TO GO TO BALI
The best time to travel for 2 Weeks in Bali is between April and September, just before and just after high season. It’s still dry season, and less humid, but the prices in most of the hotels are lesser. The weather can make a big difference as the island is much nicer to travel when its not monsoon season.
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
GETTING A VISA FOR BALI
For your 2 Weeks in Bali, under the Visa Exemption rule, American citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Indonesia if staying for tourism for 30 days or less. Entry under the visa exemption is for free but may not be extended.
U.S. citizens visiting family or traveling for other purposes may apply for a 30-day visa on arrival. For UK citizens you just have to pay for an entry visa and exit visa when you arrive and leave. I can’t remember the exact price but it was around £10. (Credit: State.gov)
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
HOW TO GET AROUND BALI
The best way to spend 2 weeks in Bali is to get around Bali either by car, bus or by moped. I would recommend using a taxi service whilst in Bali as its easy and cheap. If you are splashing the cash you could also hire a car, and get slightly more freedom, but bear in mind the island is not always car friendly.
Riding a taxi in Bali works the same way it does everywhere else and I’d recommend using the blue taxis marked “Bali Taxi” (or also known as Blue Bird Taxis) as are the most honest and tend not to rip off tourists.
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
WHERE TO STAY IN BALI
Once you land in Bali, will you arrive to Denpasar Airport which is close to the beachside city of Kuta on the south of the island? Kuta has lively bars, night clubs and trendy restaurants, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns and are great for surfing too. During 2 weeks in Bali, you will be able to explore most of the island, especially the main hubs.
There are some amazing places to stay, including these expensive places to stay in Nusa Dua.
The best surfing spots on the island are Padang Padang and Uluwatu, so whether you are a pro or want to learn to make sure you add a stop here.
Then if you head further inland you’ll come across the gorgeous intimate town of Ubud, a hillside town known for its spa treatments, yoga, monkey forest and buddha bowls. It’s also where a lot of the yoga retreats and meditation centres are on the island, so is perfect if you want some time to relax and recoup.
Here are the various regions you could stay during your trip to Bali, I’ve stayed all over and can promise you Ubud is amazing! Or you could opt to stay in Kuta or Seminyak, depending on whether you are travelling as a backpacker, couple or family. Here is my guide of where to stay in Bali….
- South Bali – Kuta, Western Bukit, Uluwatu, Canggu, Denpasar, Jimbaran, Legian, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, and Tanah Lot
- Central Bali – Ubud, Gianyar, Bedugul, Tabanan
- West Bali – Negara, Gilimanuk, Medewi Beach, Pemuteran
- North Bali – Lovina, Singaraja
- East Bali – Amed, Besakih, Candidasa, Kintamani, Klungkung, Mount Agung, Padang Bai, Tirta Gangga
- Outer Islands – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Dua
READ MORE: Where to stay in Bali (inc. hostels + 5* hotels)
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
WHAT TO DO IN BALI
Here are my top 10 things to do in Bali…
1. Head to a yoga retreat in Ubud
One of my favourite places in Bali is Ubud. This is where you want to go for amazing food, yoga and rice field adventures. And it’s also home to monkey forest and stunning temples, as well as hundreds of juice bars, yoga studios and wellness retreats. I love Ubud but it can get quite busy so if you can, go out of season to really enjoy it’s comforts.
2. Wander through Monkey Forest
As with my point above when in Bali, you should take a walk through monkey forest. The complex is full of over 500 monkeys and the three temples that still stand here date from the 14th century. Entry is 50,000 IDR (at point of publication, I imagine it will increase over the years!) but make sure you keep your wits about you, as the monkeys are super cheeky and are so used to tourists now, they will take any belongings left around, and even take sunglasses off the top of your head. BEWARE! Don’t bring in any food and keep valuables like cameras attached to you.
3. Climb the active volcano Mount Batur and watch the sunrise
This is worth the views – TRUST ME! I may mean an early start but it’s worth it when you look out across Bali and see the best scenes I’ve ever seen! We hiked this in the early hours of the morning to watch the sunrise and it was takes about two hours to the summit. Your guide will supply torches and usually a snack to eat at the top which cost about 300,000 IDR per person.
4. Take a dip at Tibumana Waterfall
There are so many wonderful waterfalls in Bali, but if you want to see one, make sure you stop by at Tibumana Waterfall. The waterfall drop from plant ferns in to a bright blue pool at the bottom, and it’s just magical. This is another fun thing to do in Bali! Why not spend some time here wading in the beautiful water, take a dip under the falls, or get out your camera to get a great shot, perfect for Instagram.
5. Go in search of turtles at Padang Bai
If you love snorkeling or scuba diving, a trip to Padang Bai is the best place to go in Bali. There are an array of dive sites with different coral reefs to explore and an amazing array of fish and marine life to see including sharks, turtles and manta rays. And if you want, you can also get PADI certified!
6. Take a visit to Tanah Lot Temple
Another beautiful wonder of Bali is the Tanah Lot Temple. It’s possibly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen and is one of the most popular places to visit in Bali! Tanah Lot is a Hindu temple located on top of a rock formation, which is separated from the mainland by the tide. When the tide comes in the rocks become an island, making it a beautiful sight to be seen. Oh and the sunsets here are insane!
7. Stay a night in the unique Bali Bubble hotel
One of the most famous places to stay in Bali is the Bali Bubble Hotel in Uluwatu. The accommodation comprises of six transparent bubble tents located at Nyang Nyang Beach Uluwatu. The Bali Bubble Hotel is amazing and all you need it a bed and views across the Indian Ocean.
8. Be cliche and head to the Bali Swing
You can’t go to Bali without heading to the Bali Swing just outside Ubud. It’s an Instagrammers paradise and beware as this place gets busy so go at opening time. It also has that beautiful soft light which is perfect for getting a photo without harsh contrasts and shadows.
9. Watch the traditional Kecak dance at Uluwatu temple
Uluwatu Temple is possibly the most beautiful temple in Bali standing 70 metres above the sea, on the edge of a cliff. Uluwatu Temple overlooks the raging waters below and offers visitors the most spectacular views of the ocean. The stunning architecture and its monkey population makes this spot popular. BUT REMEMBER keep your camera strapped to you, and be open to losing your sunglasses!
10. Party the night away in Kuta
One of the most fun things to do in Bali is head out for a night in Kuta! Bali’s top nightlife venues and best clubs are spread throughout Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. My favourite place in Kuta is Sky Garden Lounge; there are a range of different venues within the super club, where you can hang out, drink and dine, the complex’s top floor is where everybody heads first.
Bali is also amazing for surfing. I would highly recommend surfing in Indonesia.
Just writing this 2 Weeks in Bali is making me want to return to this magical island ASAP….
2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
Day 1-3 Bali Itinerary
Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Seminyak
On your first day in Bali I would suggest jumping in a car and heading to the world famous Uluwatu Temple.
Uluwatu Temple is possibly the most beautiful temple in Bali standing 70 metres above the sea, on the edge of a cliff. Uluwatu Temple overlooks the raging waters below and offers visitors the most spectacular views of the ocean. The stunning architecture and its monkey population makes this spot popular. BUT REMEMBER keep your camera strapped to you, and be open to losing your sunglasses!
And once you’re done here, I would also head to Tanah Lot Temple, in time for sunset. Another beautiful wonder of Bali is the Tanah Lot Temple. It’s possibly one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen and is one of the most popular places to visit in Bali! Tanah Lot is a Hindu temple located on top of a rock formation, which is separated from the mainland by the tide. When the tide comes in the rocks become an island, making it a beautiful sight to be seen. Oh and the sunsets here are insane!
Day 4-5 Bali Itinerary
Seminyak, Petitenget Beach and Elephant Safari Park
Seminyak is a beach resort area at the southern end of Bali, Indonesia, with many luxury hotels, villas and spas and its a popular area for couples and families, with their resort life. There are also many bars, cafes and clubs, offering visitors the opportunity to splash the cash. Whilst here you could also head to the beautiful Petitenget beaches, which are wide, west-facing stretches of Indian Ocean shoreline and a great place for an hour of surfing.
And if you’ve got time from here make a stop at Elephant Safari Park in Desa Taro. It’s the only dedicated Elephant Park in Bali where you can see, feel, bathe, wash, Elephants.
Day 6-9 Bali Itinerary
Ubud and Tegalalang
For another few days as part of your two weeks in Bali I would suggest an overnight stay in the magical town of Ubud.
One of my favourite places in Bali is Ubud. This is where you want to go for amazing food, yoga and rice field adventures. And it’s also home to monkey forest and stunning temples, as well as hundreds of juice bars, yoga studios and wellness retreats. I love Ubud but it can get quite busy so if you can, go out of season to really enjoy it’s comforts.
Whilst you are here you could also head out to the north to the neighbor town of Tegalalang. Another bucket list adventure you cannot miss on a trip to Bali is a visit to the iconic rice paddies. The most famous rice paddies in Bali are Tegallalang, because of its stunning terraces that make it look like a stairway. When we visited, we grabbed a coffee at the cafe overlooking the rice terraces and admired the views and the workers collecting the rice. This was one of my favourite things to do in Bali.
Day 10-11 Bali Itinerary
Balangan Beach
For a mid-two weeks in Bali day why not go to the stunning Balangan Beach which is one of the most picturesque beaches in Bali. Bali has some of the best beaches in the world so make sure reserve a couple of days where you don’t explore too much and simply relax. You can also go snorkelling here as the waters are clear and calm.
Day 12-14 Bali Itinerary
Mount Batur and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
On 12th day in Bali why not head north and head to Mount Batur for a view. You can climb the active volcano Mount Batur and watch the sunrise. This is worth the views – TRUST ME! I may mean an early start but it’s worth it when you look out across Bali and see the best scenes I’ve ever seen! We hiked this in the early hours of the morning to watch the sunrise and it was takes about two hours to the summit.
Day 14+ Bali Itinerary
Kuta and Party!
On your last stop on the island spend a day and a night in Kuta!
One of the most fun things to do in Bali is head out for a night in Kuta! Bali’s top nightlife venues and best clubs are spread throughout Kuta, Legian and Seminyak. My favourite place in Kuta is Sky Garden Lounge; there are a range of different venues within the super club, where you can hang out, drink and dine, the complex’s top floor is where everybody heads first.
It’s also fairly close to the airport too so you can get to your flight easily. Head quickly to Kuta beach and get some suntan and swimming in. After enjoying the beautiful sunset, head to the city and check out Kuta’s vibrant nightlife.
Other posts that may help you:
Bali Travel Guide: Where To Stay In Bali
Bali Travel Guide: 25 Fun Things To Do In Bali
Koh Tao Accommodation: Where To Stay in Koh Tao
10 Things To Do In Koh Tao Thailand
Travel Guide Thailand Itinerary: How To Spend 10 Days In Thailand
Thank you for reading and as always happy adventuring!
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Sophie X
