Bali, also known as ‘the island of the gods,’ is one of the most beautiful, unique, and enchanting destinations in the world. It’s somewhere that I keep returning to again and again after my first visit over a decade ago.
From beautiful beaches, stunning rice terraces and waterfalls, mesmerising temples and unique culture, to the serene yoga retreats, epic surf, amazing diving and lovely people there’s so much to love about Bali! It’s also very safe, even for solo female travellers, easy and affordable.
However, this beautiful island in the Indonesian archipelago is larger than most people realise, and there’s so much to see and do that it can be hard to plan your Bali itinerary, especially if you can only spend 2 weeks in Bali!
Don’t worry, I’ve spent A LOT of time in Bali and explored every inch so I have plenty of tips. In this blog I’ll show you how to fit all the highlights into a 2 week Bali itinerary and let you know what to skip.
If you only have 2 weeks or 14 days in Bali you want to make the most of your time so this itinerary includes just the highlights. I’ve skipped all the bits that I didn’t absolutely love (ie Kuta Beach!) and just included my absolute favourite places and experiences in Bali.
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Some of my favourite things to do in Bali are yoga, surfing and exploring the stunning nature and unique culture of this deeply spiritual island. So this itinerary for 2 weeks in Bali combines yoga, surfing and sightseeing and will allow you to experience the spiritual side of the island of the gods.
So if you want a healthy, fun and active Bali trip with plenty of yoga, surfing, culture and spirituality then I’ve been there and done it so I share plenty of tips for planning your itinerary for Bali. I’ll also give you some alternative options and tips if you want to get off the beaten track and avoid crowds of tourists.
My 2 Week Bali Itinerary
Here’s how I recommend spending 14 days or 2 weeks in Bali:
- Canggu – 5 Days
- Ubud – 5 Days
- Island Hopping – 3 Days
- Sanur – 1 Day
Keep reading and I’ll let you know what to do and where to stay and eat in each of these places.
Day 1 – 5: Canggu/ South Bali
Start your 2 week Bali itinerary by flying into Denpasar Airport (DPS) the only airport on the island. Then take a taxi to Canggu.
If you only have 2 weeks in Bali then give the busy areas like Kuta beach, Legian beach and Seminyak beach a miss and instead head straight to bohemian Canggu beach – Bali’s hippest surf, yoga, and digital nomad hot spot.
While Canggu is growing in popularity with more hotels and villas popping up each year it still isn’t as busy and overdeveloped as Kuta so you’ll still see green paddy fields not just high rise hotels.
What to do in Canggu
There’s plenty to do in Canggu, there’s several beaches and surf spots like Echo Beach, Batu Bolong and Berawa Beach to check out. There’s also tons of healthy cafes and boutique shops, lively bars and beach clubs, surf schools and yoga studios in Canggu.
Start your days with a yoga class at amazing yoga studios like Samadhi and The Practice and then enjoy a healthy brunch at Shady Shack or Clear Cafe. In the afternoon take a surf lesson and catch some waves, or just chill out at beach clubs like La Brisa, The Lawn, and Finn’s Beach Club.
If you fancy a bit of shopping there are some cool designer boutiques and markets, check out Canggu Love Anchor Market and the weekly community market at Old Man’s on Sundays.
If you want to check out some of the famous beach clubs in Seminyak, like Potato Head Beach Club, it’s just a short taxi ride from Canggu. Or, if you have work to do my favourite coworking space is Tribal Bali – it even has an outdoor swimming pool and the nearby Pererenan beach is perfect for long walks at sunset.
Canggu also has a lively nightlife scene. Start your evenings with a sunset cocktail at one of the beach clubs or check out Old Mans and Sandbar and see what’s on that night.
Another thing you shouldn’t miss when in Canggu is visiting Tanah Lot temple, 30 mins from Canggu. Perched on a small rocky island in the sea, Pura Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most famous and picturesque Hindu temples, and is best visited at sunset.
You can rent a motorbike or take a taxi to Tanah Lot, or to make the most of your time in Bali this highly rated Water Temples and Rice Terraces Day Tour which visits Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, Jatiluwih rice terraces, Luhur Batukaru Temple and visits Tanah Lot at sunset.
You’ve probably already seen pictures of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple – the famous beautiful temple floating on Beratan Lake. It’s just as stunning in real life and because it’s located far from the touristy areas of Bali it’s still serene and not overcrowded. The Jatiluwih rice terraces are also a good, less touristy, alternative to the famous Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud, so this tour is well worth it.
There’s plenty more temples to visit in Bali, but while you’re in the south you might also want to see the sunset and the kecak fire dance at Ulu Watu temple. It can take about 1.5 hours to get there from Canggu so why not make a half day trip out of it and enjoy a seafood dinner on nearby Jimbaran Beach before heading back.
Where to stay in Canggu
There’s plenty of accommodation in Canggu these days – from backpacker hostels and surf lodges to luxury villas.
If you want to splash out and stay right on the beachfront check out COMO Uma Canggu and Hotel Tugu Bali – both fabulous 5 star hotels with incredible facilities and even luxury suites with private pools.
If you have a smaller budget then consider Surf Motel Canggu which has stylish modern rooms and a rooftop pool in a great central location within walking distance to everything Canggu has to offer.
The best place for yogi’s to stay is Serenity Eco Guesthouse – it hosts 10 yoga classes every day and is just 2 minutes walk to the beach. Choose between shared dorm rooms and private rooms, there’s also a pool and an onsite cafe.
If you want to learn how to surf staying at a surf camp is a great idea. I stayed at Stormrider Surf Camp which is perfect for beginners. I loved the wooden traditional style accommodation, surrounded by rice paddies is in a great area of Canggu.
Each morning, after a healthy breakfast, we visited the best surf spots and beaches. Afternoons were spent cooling down in the swimming pool and relaxing with some great yoga sessions. Bliss! They even pick you up from the airport and the 3 day package is perfect if you want to fit it in to a 2 week trip.
Read More: The best places to stay in Canggu and The Best Surf Camps in Bali
Day 6 – 10: Ubud and Around
Make sure you allow time in your 2 week Bali itinerary to visit Ubud too! If you’re looking for the spiritual side of Bali then Ubud will be a highlight of your trip to Bali.
So, after you’ve had a your fix of surf and beaches, head inland up to Ubud – the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali. It’s about 1.5 hours taxi ride from Canggu to Ubud.
What to do in Ubud
There’s many things to do in Ubud so I recommend staying at least 4 days in Ubud. There are numerous yoga retreats in Ubud for all budgets. Or you can stay in a hotel and can try drop in classes at a different studio each day if you prefer.
Start your days in Ubud with a yoga class at the famous Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive, or Intuitive Flow, and then fuel up at one of the many raw vegan cafes. Alchemy, Zest, Clear Cafe and Seeds of Life are some of my favourite places to eat healthy in Ubud.
Make sure to explore the town, visit the sacred monkey forest and Ubud water palace (Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati.) Haggle for arts, crafts and souvenirs at Ubud art market, and watch a traditional Balinese dance at Ubud Palace.
Walking through the rice fields or over Camphun Ridge is a great way to soak up Ubud’s natural beauty for free. And don’t miss the chance to relax with a Balinese massage in one of the many spas like Jaens Spa and Karsa Spa.
You’ll also want to explore the area surrounding Ubud where you’ll find plenty of natural beauty, the stunning Tegalalang rice terraces and plenty of waterfalls, and temples.
One must visit temple is Tirta Empul, an ancient temple with a holy spring at Tampaksiring 20 minutes outside Ubud. You can experience a traditional spiritual cleansing and soul purification ritual called ‘melukat’ here.
While you can visit on your own, having a local guide will explain the process and make the experience more meaningful. This half day Tirta Empal Tour includes guidance through the spiritual cleaning ritual.You could also visit Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring nearby and admire the huge rock cut shrines.
Some of the best waterfalls in Bali, like Tibumana waterfall, Tukad Cepung waterfall, Kanto Lampo waterfall, and Tegenungan waterfall, are located near Ubud, and are popular spots to visit and take photos.
You can rent a scooter, hire a driver or join a guided tour to explore beyond the town. This Waterfalls, Temples and Rice Terraces Tour visits all the highlights – the rice terraces, Tirta Empal and three waterfalls.
There’s also plenty of activities to enjoy in and around Ubud. Go white water rafting, climb mount Batur at sunrise, and take a bicycle or ATV tour of the rice paddies and Balinese countryside. Joining a Balinese cooking class or jewellery making workshop are also popular things to do in Ubud.
I also highly recommend visiting Pura Besakih, the most important temple in Bali, known as the mother temple. If you want to see more of Bali’s most important temples, this East Bali tour will take you from Ubud to Lempuyang Temple (The Gates of Heaven) Tirta Gangga (the Water Palace) and Besakih Temple. It’s quite a long drive to these temples so I wouldn’t recommend driving a scooter there.
Where to Stay in Ubud
There’s plenty of accommodation options in Ubud at lower prices than you’ll find on the beaches. From family run homestays to luxury villas with infinity pools overlooking the jungle and rice terraces, there’s so much choice.
For a luxurious experience, you can beat the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan (it’s been voted as one of the best hotels in the world!) or try the Kayon Resort if you have a more modest budget.
There’s also plenty of cheaper hotels that offer amazing value for money. Ubud Aura Retreat is conveniently located next to the Yoga Barn and Kiskenda Cottages offer affordable rooms with a swimming pool near Ubud Monkey Forest.
One of my favourite yoga retreats is Om Ham Retreat just north of Ubud. I really enjoyed the unique style of Kundalini Tantra yoga taught there by an authentic Balinese guru and the serene atmosphere. There was plenty of time for me to rent a scooter and explore as well as relaxing in the swimming pool overlooking the rice paddies, enjoying the massages in the spa, the yummy, healthy food and kundalini smoothies.
Check out this guide to yoga in Bali for more and see my recommendations for where to stay in Ubud.
Day 11 – 13: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Cenigan, and Nusa Penida
No Bali itinerary would be complete without a bit of island hopping so head to Sanur and take a boat to explore the other, smaller, islands near Bali. If you only have 2 weeks in Bali you might have to choose between the Nusa islands and the Gili islands.
The 3 tropical Nusa islands include Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Cenigan and Nusa Penida. They are only 30 mins boat ride away from Sanur and are some of my favourite places in Bali with blissfully uncrowded beaches and gorgeous sunsets.
You could visit the tiny Gili Islands instead, these 3 islands are actually part of Lombok so have a different vibe to Bali. Gili Trawangan is the best island for nightlife, Gili Meno is the most laid back, while Gili Air hits the sweet spot in the middle and is my favourite, but I prefer the Nusa islands.
If you only have 2 weeks in Bali I recommend visiting the Nusa islands instead of the Gili islands because they are closer so take less time to reach and they are bigger so feel less crowded. There’s more local Balinese life and culture on the Nusa islands – they feel like Bali used to be before the tourists came.
What to do on the Nusa islands
There are 3 islands to explore here – Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected by a super cute yellow suspension bridge while you’ll need to take a boat to reach the largest island, Nusa Penida.
There’s plenty to do on Nusa Lembongan, the best beach is Jungutbatu beach but It’s also really fun to go kayaking through the mangroves and explore the island by scooter. Make sure to visit natural beauty spots like the Devil’s Tears, Dream Beach and the Blue Lagoon.
Neighbouring Nusa Penida is quite large and is mostly undeveloped so it takes a while to get around the island as the roads are pretty bad. It’s worth hiring a private driver in Nusa Penida because there is very little transport but the island contains some of Bali’s most stunning natural beauty spots that you won’t want to miss.
You’ll probably have already seen pictures of Kelingking beach and the famous T-Rex looking rock formations on Instagram. Also take the time to visit other places like Crystal Bay, Broken Beach, Angles Billabong and Diamond Beach which is where you’ll find the famous tree house.
The Nusa Islands also have some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world where you can dive or snorkel with giant manta rays and turtles on the surrounding reefs. There are so many options for snorkeling trips, discovery dives, and PADI diving courses. You don’t need any experience to try a fun dive with Lembongan Dive Center.
Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan
There’s a good choice of accommodation on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, but options and facilities are limited on Nusa Penida. Jungutbatu beach has the best choice, from hostels to boutique hotels and villas, and plenty of eateries.
For a luxury stay right on the beach Lembongan Beach Club Resort offers private pool villas and a large beachfront swimming pool with a view. Or consider The Tamarind Hotel which is arguably the best hotel on the island.
For a unique stay check out Dream Beach Huts where you can stay in a traditional lumbung huts on the cliffs of dream beach with stunning views and a multi-tiered pool.
If your on a budget try the super cute Perdana Homestay at mushroom bay which has comfortable rooms run by a family in beautiful tropical gardens. Or, for something more sociable, check out Nyoh Gading Homestay and Hostel which has dorms and private rooms less than 1 minute walk from Jungutbatu Beach.
See more of my recommendations for the best places to stay in Nusa Lembongan here.
If you have more time then continue island hopping to explore the paradisaical Gili Islands and Lombok, but it might be too rushed if you trip to fit these in to a 2 week Bali itinerary.
Day 14: Sanur
If you’ve got an early flight then it’s probably a good idea to plan your Bali itinerary so that you spend your last night back on the mainland.
Sanur beach is a good place between the islands and the airport. It has calm waters and a 5km long beachfront walking and cycling path with plenty of shops and beach front restaurants to relax in on your last day in Bali.
There’s plenty of places to stay in Sanur. I recommend The Mercure Resort Sanur as is located on the beach next to The Power of Now Oasis, a beachfront bamboo yoga studio. It’s the perfect location if you want to see the sunrise over the beach and take one last yoga class before you leave. The super cute Little Tree House nearby is also a great value for money option.
Ulu Watu, Nusa Dua or Jimbaran are also good options close to the airport. Read this post for a detailed explanation of all the different areas to stay in Bali to help you decide.
Other places to visit in Bali
If you only have 2 weeks in Bali you won’t have time to visit every place in Bali – but you can pick and choose what interests you from my itinerary and add in some more off the beaten track destinations if you want.
Here’s some suggestions for other places to visit that you might want to add to your Bali itinerary.
The Bukit Peninsular is the area at the southern tip of the island that includes Ulu Watu, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran Bay. These are also good places to start (or finish) your Bali trip as they are not too far from the airport.
Nusa Dua is home to some of the best beaches and luxury beach resorts in Bali, but, if you’re interested in surfing, yoga, and spirituality, head to Ulu Watu instead.
Ulu Watu boasts beautiful beaches like Bingin Beach, Dreamland, and Nyang Nyang beach and more accommodation options from clifftop luxury resorts with stunning views to budget friendly homestays and surf lodges.
The surf in this area is better suited for more experienced surfers though, but there are often beginner friendly waves at Padang Padang beach. There’s also a growing yoga and cafe scene here, try Drifter Surf Shop & Cafe, and it’s more relaxed than happening Canggu.
Ulu Watu temple is another must see. This beautiful ancient temple is perched on the cliff edge and is a stunning place for sunset – just be careful with the cheeky monkeys! Each evening a traditional Balinese kecak fire dance performance is held at Ulu Watu Temple.
Even if you don’t have time to stay in this area it’s still worth taking a half day trip to Ulu Watu to see sunset at the temple, witness the kecak dance, and enjoy a seafood dinner on nearby Jimbaran Beach.
Off the beaten track options
Bali is a very popular place, so it can get really busy but if you want to escape the crowds just head to north, east, or west Bali!
Other places I love which are a bit more off the beaten track include Lovina beach on the northern coast, and Amed in the east. These quieter black sand beaches are much quieter and less developed than south Bali.In Lovina you can go on a boat trip to spot dolphins and Amed offers stunning views of Mount Agung and is great for diving.
The east coast is also where you’ll find the famous Lempuyang Temple (also known as the Gates of Heaven) Ujung Water Palace and Tirta Gangga (another beautiful water palace.) You can still visit these attractions on an East Bali day tour from Ubud, or other areas of Bali, but if you stay there and visit early in the morning you’ll be able to avoid the crowds.
If you want to see what Ubud would have been like before tourism, head to Sideman, a lovely authentic village with views of Mount Agung and lots of lush countryside, rice fields, and waterfalls to explore.
And then there’s West Bali which is practically untouched so you can explore pristine beaches, uncrowded surf breaks and authentic villages. The far west corner of the island is home to West Bali National Park.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Bali
Now you know how to spend 14 days in Bali, here’s some more essential Bali travel tips to help you plan your trip.
Best time to visit Bali
If you’re planning an active 2 week Bali itinerary you should check the weather beforehand to make sure you’ll be able to do all the activities you want to do.
As a tropical island, Bali is warm all year round with the temperatures being between 28°C and 32°C (82°F to 90°F) however, the more mountainous areas, like Ubud, are slightly cooler.
There are two distinct seasons in Bali that you should know when planning your Bali trip – the wet season and the dry season.
The dry season is from April – September. This is the best time to visit Bali for beach days, sunbathing, hiking, diving and most outdoor activities. It’s also the main tourist season with July and August being the busiest months. Experienced surfers can surf all year round in Bali but beginner surfers will be better off visiting Bali in the dry season.
Bali’s wet season is from November to March. Frequent tropical downpours give Bali it’s famous, luscious, tropical, greenery. The wet season is a good time to visit Bali to escape the crowds and enjoy cheaper prices at the spas and luxury resorts. Christmas and New Year are still busy though. It doesn’t rain every day though, East and North Bali are not so wet, but Ubud sees a lot of rain.
For me, the best time to visit Bali is the shoulder seasons like April and May and September and October. It can be a little hot and humid and you might experience a short downpour but you’ll get to enjoy all Bali has to offer while avoiding the peak season crowds and prices. May is also when the Bali Spirit Festival is held!
Getting to Bali and getting around
If you’re planning a 2 week Bali itinerary then make sure you allow enough time to get there! Bali is close to Australia and a long way from Europe and America. Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) also known as Denpasar International Airport in the south is Bali’s only airport.
There are many flights to Bali from Australia but there are limited direct flights to Bali from Europe or North America. To reach Bali from Europe or America you’ll probably have to fly to one of the Asian hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok from which there are frequent flights to Bali .
All these cities are exciting destinations in their own right so why not plan your itinerary to have a few days stopover and break the journey by exploring somewhere like Singapore on the way.
Getting around Bali can be a bit tricky as there isn’t really a proper bus or public transport system and the popular tourist destinations can get a bit congested with traffic so it’s important to plan your Bali trip itinerary carefully to avoid wasting time being stuck in traffic.
Locals use Bemos (mini buses) to get between the villages but it’s not the quickest or easiest way for tourists to get around the island. There’s is also the Kura-Kura Bus, a public shuttle bus service that operates daily between the popular tourist areas of Bali.
If you are planning a packed Bali itinerary and want to see alot then the best way to get around the island is to either rent a motorbike (if your comfortable driving in heavy traffic) or hire a taxi or driver to get around.
Grab and Gojeck are online taxi and motorbike taxi apps (like Uber) that work in the most developed areas of Bali and is a cheap, safe and convenient way to get around. They can also deliver food or groceries to you.
Hiring a private driver in Bali is not expensive and is a good way to do a day’s sightseeing if you don’t want to drive yourself or join a group tour as you get the freedom to go wherever you want on your own schedule and can avoid the crowds.
You can check reviews and hire the best private drivers on Viator or Get Your Guide. This private driver is highly rated and offers customised tours all over Bali.
Visas for Bali
Most nationalities can get a 30 day Visa on Arrival at the airport which costs $35 USD . The visa fee can be paid in cash in several major currencies or by card. Once you arrive, walk to the right as you exit the airport and get a fixed-rate coupon for an official taxi. You can extend the visa by a further 30 days by visiting the immigration office in Denpasar.
Now you know how to spend 2 weeks in Bali
Bali is quite a large island with so much to see that it can be hard to fit all the highlight into just 2 weeks. If you plan your itinerary for Bali carefully and split your trip up to stay in different areas you should be able to get a taste of everything this amazing and unique island has to offer.
From the beautiful beaches to the lush jungles, rice terraces, waterfalls and incredible temples – exploring Bali is always a beautiful experience. Make sure you plan your Bali itinerary to include some yoga classes, spa treatments and surf lessons and don’t forget to go diving or snorkelling to explore the underwater world too.
I hope you found this 2 week Bali itinerary useful, if there’s any more Bali travel tips check out my other blogs or leave a comment below and I’ll try and help you out.
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