Located in Indonesia, Bali is an island that has to be on everyone’s bucket list.
From temples to waterfalls, beaches and rice fields, there is so much to see and do on the Island of the Gods.
This two-week Bali itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the best of Bali within 13 days, or 2 weeks. This itinerary includes the most popular places and a few hidden gems. Throughout your time in Bali following this itinerary, you will get around by private driver, rental scooter and ferries.
Day 1: Seminyak
Located in South Bali, Seminyak is the tourist hotspot of the island. Seminyak is where you’ll find popular beaches, beach clubs and many restaurants and bars.
The Denpasar International Airport is also located in South Bali, and it only takes around 30-minutes to get to Seminyak by taxi.
What to see and do in Seminyak?
As mentioned earlier, Seminyak is the tourist hotspot in Bali, so there are plenty of fantastic things to see and do.
Since you will be spending your first four days in Seminyak, you’ll want to walk around and get your bearings on the first day you arrive.
On your first day, you can visit the beach, wander through Seminyak Square and head to La Plancha for sunset.
Where to eat in Seminyak?
There are so many fantastic places to eat in Seminyak, including
- Sea Circus: A colourful cafe in the centre of Seminyak that serves delicious breakfasts.
- Sarong: Located in the heart of the Petitenget area, Sarong has a reputation for serving huge portions of Asian and Indonesian dishes with a dash of Indian cuisine.
- Motel Mexicola: This super colourful restaurant features gorgeous interior design and outstanding Mexican cuisine. It’s an absolute must-visit while in Seminyak.
Where to stay in Seminyak?
- Peppers Seminyak (high-end accommodation)
- Four Points by Sheraton Bali (mid-range accommodation)
- Hotel Santika Seminyak Bali (low-end accommodation)
Related: These are the best places to watch the sunset in Bali.
Day 2: Canggu
On your second day in Bali, you will spend the day in Canggu; a bustling neighbourhood only 20-minutes from Seminyak. You can hire a private driver to take you there, or if you’re comfortable, you can rent a scooter.
Canggu is an up-and-coming neighbourhood, so there are fewer people in the area, but there are still so many amazing things to see and do.
However, for your day in Canggu, you will spend it at the amazing beach club, The Lawn.
What to see and do in Canggu?
There are so many fantastic things to see and do in Canggu. However, for your day there, you can spend it at The Lawn.
The Lawn is a beach club located on the beach and provides spectacular ocean views from the infinity pool. You can spend your day lying on the day beds, swimming in the pool and drinking cocktails and eating food brought to your beds.
However, if laying around all day isn’t your thing, there are a couple of other things you can do during your day in Canggu, such as
- Hire a surfboard and hit the waves
- Have a drink at Old Man’s (a famous bar on the beach)
- Check out the boutique stores on the main strip
- Watch the sunset at Tanah Lot Temple (a must-do)
Where to eat in Canggu?
Canggu is a foodie paradise, with new restaurants and cafes constantly popping up. Here are some of the best places to eat in Canggu
- Crate Cafe: A perfect place to grab breakfast
- Warung Gouthe: If you love meat, kebabs, and skewers of freshly BBQ’d meats and chicken, this is the place for you.
- Deus ex Machina: Located in the heart of Canggu, Deus ex Machina is a must-visit. This restaurant serves Indonesian and Western dishes, but most people visit for the great vibes and people-watching.
After you’ve watched the sunset and had dinner in Canggu, it’s time to head back to Seminyak for the night.
Day 3: Uluwatu
On your third day in Bali, you will take another day trip, this time to the very south of Bali to the beach town of Uluwatu.
It takes around 45-minutes to get to Uluwatu from Seminyak, so it’s best to get up early so you can make the most of your day there.
Since there is so much to see and do in Uluwatu, your day will be spent visiting the different beaches, temples and restaurants.
What to see and do in Uluwatu?
Since there are so many things to see in Uluwatu, here is a list of must-visit places, and you can choose which ones to see for the day. However, we recommend visiting at least three of these places
- Balangan Viewpoint: This viewpoint on the northern tip of Balangan Beach provides panoramic views of the 200m surf beach.
- Uluwatu Temple: This is one of Bali’s most scenic temples and is built on top of a 70m high cliff.
- Thomas Beach: This private beach is great for relaxing with white sand and turquoise water.
- Bingin Beach: This beach can only be entered via a small alley followed by a five-minute walk down the stairs. However, once you get there, it’s totally worth it for the serenity and beauty.
- Padang-Padang Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in Bali. It’s a great place to go for a swim with plenty of monkeys on the beach too!
- Ulu Cliffhouse: This beach club on the cliffside boasts stunning ocean views.
- Oneeighty: This beach club is also located on a cliff with stunning views. The pool actually extends off the cliff, so you can swim and literally float over the ocean.
Where to eat in Uluwatu?
- The Warung at Alila Villas Uluwatu: This Warung offers the perfect mix of authentic Indonesian cuisine and spectacular ocean views.
- Single Fin: Single Fin is popular amongst surfers and is a dining spot overlooking one of the most famous surf spots: Suluban Beach.
- Bali Buda: Located in the heart of Uluwatu, Bali Buda serves healthy, guilt-free dishes, from curries to cakes and more.
After your fun-filled day in Uluwatu, head back to Seminyak in the evening.
Day 4: Seminyak
On your last day in Seminyak, you can spend time at a beach club or shopping at boutique stores and markets.
What to see and do in Seminyak?
If you wish to spend your last day in Seminyak relaxing, there are two popular places you can do so: Potato Head Beach Club or the W Hotel.
Potato Head Beach Club is a fantastic place to spend the day relaxing, with stunning views of the beach, a great pool and fantastic service. On the other hand, you can spend the day at the W Hotel (you don’t have to be a guest), where you can relax on the day beds, order great food and drinks and swim in the many pools at the resort.
If you don’t want to lay around all day, you can wander through the many streets of Seminyak and shop at the gorgeous boutique stores and local markets.
Where to eat in Seminyak?
There are so many fantastic places to eat in Seminyak, including
- KYND Community: KYND is one of Bali’s most famous cafes. The cafe boasts stunning interiors, 100% plant-based dishes and exceptional service.
- La Lucciola: Located next to the Petitenget Temple with great beachfront views, La Lucciola serves delicious Indonesian food.
- Sarong: Sarong is one of the most popular restaurants in Seminyak, serving Indian, Thai, Sri Lankan and Indonesian dishes.
Day 5: Nusa Lembongan
As if there wasn’t enough to see on the island of Bali, a trip to Nusa Lembongan is a must if you’re staying there for two weeks.
While Nusa Penida may be the largest and most popular of the three Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan), Nusa Lembongan boasts some of the most beautiful beaches.
To get to Nusa Lembongan from Bali, you must catch a ferry that takes 90-minutes.
What to see and do on Nusa Lembongan?
Nusa Lembongan is home to beautiful beaches and stunning marine life, so one of the best things you have to do on your first day on the island is to snorkel with manta rays.
Plenty of tours take you offshore to snorkel with these majestic creatures. This will be one of your most memorable activities during your two weeks in Bali!
Snorkelling at Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay will most likely be on your tour when you snorkel with the manta rays. However, in case it isn’t, you should definitely arrange to do it in the afternoon you arrive! These two bays have a wide variety of tropical fish and amazing coral, so it’s definitely worth doing.
Where to eat on Nusa Lembongan?
After all the snorkelling, you’ll want to refuel with some delicious food! Some of the best places to eat on Nusa Lembongan include
- The Deck Cafe & Bar: Known for having some of the best views in the world, The Deck Cafe & Bar serve a range of cuisines to enjoy while admiring the view over the ocean.
- Mamma Mia’s Bar & Grill: Serving a range of Indonesian, Japanese and Thai food, this restaurant is a popular tourist spot.
- Maria’s Boemboe Bali Warung: If you want to eat traditional Indonesian food, this is the place for you!
Where to stay on Nusa Lembongan?
- The Tamarind Resort (high-end accommodation)
- Ohana’s (mid-range accommodation)
- Dream Beach Huts (low-end accommodation)
Day 6: Nusa Lembongan
Your second day on Nusa Lembongan is all about exploring the island’s beautiful beaches and hidden gems.
What to see and do on Nusa Lembongan?
Some of the best places to check out include
- Visit the best beach on the island (Dream Beach) and take a photo on the popular swing overlooking the beach.
- Watch the waves at Devil’s Tears.
- Find Hidden Beach, the best spot for swimming on the island. This beach boasts white sand, azure waters and stunning scenery.
- Tour the Mangroves
- Watch the sunset at Sunset Point (the best sunset spot on the island)
Where to eat on Nusa Lembongan?
- Bali Eco Deli: This cafe is a great spot to grab breakfast and fuel up for the day!
- Ginger & Jamu: This restaurant serves a range of dishes at Bali prices (cheap!). It’s also a great spot for dinner to watch the sunset.
- Pondok Baruna Warung: Another great spot for delicious, authentic Indonesian food.
Day 7: Nusa Ceningan
On your third day on Nusa Lembongan, take a day trip to Nusa Ceningan.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected by a bridge (Yellow Bridge), so you can walk or scooter.
Nusa Ceningan is the smallest of the Nusa Islands, and what it lacks in size, it makes up for with stunning beaches. Since the island is so tiny, you can definitely explore it within a day.
What to see and do on Nusa Ceningan?
Some of the best things to see and do on Nusa Ceningan include
- A 30-minute walk from the Yellow Bridge is where you can find the Blue Lagoon. Depending on the tide, it’s safe to swim there, and one of the most beautiful spots on the island.
- To watch adrenaline junkies in their element, head to Mahana Point, where people go cliff jumping! You can sit at the bar with a drink and watch people throw themselves off the cliff into the ocean below.
- Located at Ceningan Island Resort, the Abyss Zipline is a must-do if you love adrenaline-filled activities. Here you can soar above crystal-clear waters!
Where to eat on Nusa Ceningan?
- Sea Breeze Ceningan: Boasting excellent seafood and stunning views of the channel, this restaurant is a must if you love seafood.
- The Palms Ceningan: Serving some of the best Mexican food on the island, The Palms Ceningan is a must if you’re craving nachos and a margarita with views.
- Last Stop Bar & Cafe Ceningan: This spot is a great place to watch the sunset while eating delicious food.
Day 8: Ubud
Today you will head back to Bali on the 90-minute ferry and drive an hour up to Ubud in Central Bali.
Surrounded by jungles, valleys and rice fields, Ubud is considered the spiritual and cultural core of the island.
Ubud and its surroundings are where you’ll stay for the next three days exploring the temples, waterfalls and rice paddies.
What to see and do in Ubud?
Your first day in Ubud will consist of getting to your accommodation and finding your bearings around the town.
Some of the best things to do in Ubud on your first day include
- Visit the famous Ubud Markets
- Wander through the Sacred Monkey Forest
- See the Ubud Palace and Saraswati ‘Water’ Temple
Where to eat in Ubud?
There are so many fantastic cafes and restaurants in Ubud, including
- Clear Cafe Ubud: Start your day right with a trip to Clear Cafe Ubud, where they serve delicious, healthy meals.
- The Elephant Restaurant: Overlooking the picturesque Tjampuhan Ridge, this restaurant serves healthy, 100% vegetarian meals.
- Casa Luna: This restaurant has been serving healthy, affordable Balinese food for over 25 years.
Where to stay in Ubud?
- Viceroy Bali (high-end accommodation)
- Element Bali Ubud (mid-range accommodation)
- Beji Ubud Resort (low-end accommodation)
Related: Here are the best places to stay in Bali.
Day 9: Ubud
Your second day in Ubud will involve exploring the rice terraces and waterfalls.
What to see and do in Ubud?
In the morning, hire a private driver to take you to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area, including Tegununan, Kanto Lampo and Tukad Cepung.
Head to the world-famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces in the afternoon for the ultimate Central Bali experience.
Where to eat in Ubud?
- Cascades Restaurant: Located in the Viceroy Hotel, this restaurant overlooks the Valley of the Kings, a great spot for lunch.
- Lotus Cafe: Found on the main street in Ubud, this restaurant serves delicious Balinese food in a tranquil setting.
- Kupa at Mandapa Bali: Offering riverside views and Mediterranean-European dining, this restaurant is popular for its 6-8 course degustation menu.
Day 10: Ubud
On your third and final day in Ubud, you will relax at Cretya Ubud.
What to see and do in Ubud?
Cretya Ubud is a new restaurant and day club where you will spend your last day in Central Bali.
Spend your day soaking in the views of the rice terraces, swimming in the three-layered pools and dining at the restaurant.
Where to eat in Ubud?
Since you will be at Creya Ubud for the day, you can eat at their restaurant, which serves various meals at affordable prices.
Day 11: Sidemen
Today you will drive 30-minutes to Sidemen in East Bali, where you will spend the next two days.
East Bali is known for its volcanoes, specifically Agung and Batur.
What to see and do in Sidemen?
There are many things you can do on your first day in Sidemen, such as
- Visit the Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang
- Take a stroll around Tirta Gangga (former royal palace)
- Go scuba diving in Amed
Where to eat in Sidemen?
- Warung Tirta Unda: This locally-owned warung offers some of the most delicious dishes in Sidemen.
- Vincent’s: This Candidasa restaurant serves meat, fish and vegetable dishes with international wines.
Where to stay in Sidemen?
- Amankila (high-end accommodation)
- Wapa di Ume Sidemen (mid-range accommodation)
- Uma Agung Teras Bali Sidemen (low-end accommodation)
Day 12: Sidemen
On your second and final day in Sidemen, you will do the activity that the region is most known for.
What to see and do in Sidemen?
Today, you will hike to Mount Batur for sunrise, one of the best hikes in Asia.
You can book a Mount Batur sunrise hike, which includes a dip in a natural hot spring. The 1 am wake-up call to start your hike to the summit is definitely worth it, so don’t let it put you off!
Once you reach the summit, you will be blown away by the stunning views of the region.
After your sunrise hike, head back to your accommodation for a nap before heading out again in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, head to Pura Besakih, a complex with 23 temples dotted across the slopes of Mount Agung. This complex is home to the largest temple on the island and is one of the holiest sanctuaries in Bali.
Where to eat in Sidemen?
- Loaf Candidasa Cafe: If you love Vietnamese banh mi, this cafe is your go-to.
- Warung Segara: With tables right on Amed Beach, you’ll be blown away by the views of the ocean and Mount Agung at this Indonesian restaurant.
Day 13: Seminyak
On your final day in Bali, drive 50-minutes back to Seminyak from Sidemen.
Depending on your flight, you can spend time relaxing in Sidemen and head straight to the airport or to Seminyak and chill out at a beach bar before heading to the airport.
Useful Tips for Travelling in Bali
The best time to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island’s dry season. You will experience warm days with little to no rain during this time.
What is the currency in Bali?
The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
Can you drink tap water in Bali?
No, tap water isn’t safe to drink in Bali. Avoid it and stick to sealed bottled water. This includes avoiding ice in drinks, brushing your teeth with tap water and ingesting water in the shower. If you do consume any water, it can lead to Bali Belly (vomiting and diarrhea).
Final Thoughts
Bali is a stunning Indonesian island boasting beautiful beaches, waterfalls, temples and friendly locals.
If it’s your first time visiting Bali, this is the only two-week itinerary you need, as it will take you to the best parts of the island.
