2 WEEK BALI ITINERARY: A PRACTICAL 14-DAY ROUTE

DAYS 3-4

UBUD: DAYS 3-4

Best for: Rice fields, temples, waterfalls, yoga, wellness and Balinese culture.
Pair it with: Canggu, Sidemen, Kintamani, Munduk or Sanur.

Ubud brings a different rhythm to your Bali trip: jungle valleys, rice terraces, temple courtyards and mornings that don’t need to start with a beach club reservation. It’s a good base for exploring central Bali, with plenty of cafés, local crafts and cultural experiences between the bigger outings. For more ideas, see my guide to the best things to do in Ubud.

DAY 3: ARRIVE, EXPLORE UBUD AND SLOW DOWN

Travel to Ubud by taxi, private driver or hotel transfer. From Canggu, allow around 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and where you are staying. Drop your bags and keep the rest of the day close to your accommodation.

If you arrive with time to explore, visit Ubud Monkey Forest for shaded paths, ancient trees and temple ruins. Afterwards, stop for lunch and browse the shops and market streets in the centre. Saraswati Temple makes another easy stop for its carved architecture and lotus ponds.

Choose one quieter experience for the afternoon: a Balinese offering workshop, a yoga class or a sound session at Pyramids of Chi. You don’t need to fit in all three. Leave time to enjoy wherever you’re staying, especially if you’ve picked somewhere overlooking the jungle.

Parts of central Ubud are walkable, but check the distance from your accommodation before setting off. A peaceful jungle stay can also mean you’re well outside the centre.

💡 Car’s Tip: Keep your first Ubud afternoon local. After a transfer, a good lunch and a few nearby stops are more enjoyable than immediately getting back into a car.

DAY 4: RICE TERRACES, TEMPLES AND A WATERFALL

Start early at Tegallalang Rice Terraces, when the air is cooler and the paths are quieter. Take time to walk, enjoy the views and have breakfast before continuing to Tirta Empul.

At the temple, explore the sacred springs and learn about the purification ritual. Dress respectfully and follow local instructions if you choose to participate. Afterwards, stop for lunch and, if you still have energy, add one waterfall to your route. Pick somewhere that fits the journey rather than trying to collect every waterfall around Ubud.

For stops outside the centre, a private driver makes the day easier. A scooter is another option if you’re already confident riding; Grab and Gojek can help with shorter journeys where available.

If you’d prefer an adventure day, swap this route for Ayung River rafting or an ATV excursion. Alternatively, keep things slower with an early Campuhan Ridge Walk and a relaxed afternoon.

💡 Car’s Tip: Choose one main kind of day—temples and scenery, adventure, or wellness. Two days in Ubud feel much better when you leave room to enjoy them.

DAYS 5-6

KINTAMANI & MOUNT BATUR: DAYS 5-6

Best for: Volcano views, cooler mountain air, sunrise hikes, hot springs, coffee stops, glamping and Lake Batur.
Pair it with: Ubud, Sidemen or Munduk.

Kintamani brings cooler air and wide-open mountain scenery to your Bali itinerary. Around Mount Batur and Lake Batur, you can spend your time hiking, exploring lava fields, soaking in hot springs or simply finding a café with a view. Staying overnight gives you time to enjoy the area beyond the usual sunrise excursion—and makes that early start a little less painful.

DAY 5: ARRIVE, EXPLORE KINTAMANI AND STAY IN THE MOUNTAINS

Travel from Ubud by private driver, or scooter if you’re already confident riding. Allow around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point. The journey is longer from Canggu, Seminyak or Uluwatu. You can also combine the transfer with Tegallalang Rice Terraces if you haven’t already visited.

Start with coffee overlooking Mount Batur from a terrace around Penelokan. Come for breakfast or lunch and give yourself time to enjoy the mountain and lake views. For a closer look at the region’s coffee, add a coffee plantation visit, where you can learn about growing coffee in the cooler highlands and try a tasting.

Spend the afternoon exploring the area’s cultural stops. The Batur Geopark Museum adds context to the volcanic landscape, while Pura Ulun Danu Batur offers a temple visit connected to the goddess of Lake Batur. Dress modestly, wear a sarong and follow local guidance around sacred areas.

Afterwards, head towards Lake Batur for lakeside views, photographs or a relaxed meal. If you’re interested in local traditions, arrange a separate visit to Trunyan Village, known for its distinctive above-ground burial customs. Give this visit proper time and attention: go with a local guide, respect community rules and ask before taking photographs.

Finish at your accommodation. Glamping in Kintamani is a lovely way to enjoy a quieter evening, mountain air and an overnight stay close to the next morning’s activities.

💡 Car’s Tip: Choose a few afternoon stops rather than squeezing everything between lunch and check-in. If Trunyan interests you, give it priority and leave the museum or plantation for another time.

DAY 6: MOUNT BATUR SUNRISE, LAVA FIELDS AND HOT SPRINGS

Start before dawn for the Mount Batur sunrise hike. Arrange the departure with your guide, bring a warm layer and wear proper walking shoes. The climb starts in darkness, with the aim of reaching the summit as the landscape brightens around the lake and surrounding mountains. This was one of the highlights of my trip.

For more information, read my Best Volcano Hikes in Indonesia guide. Check the Batur UNESCO Global Geopark website and confirm access and arrangements with your guide before planning the hike.

If you’d rather skip the climb, choose a black lava jeep tour. It takes you through Mount Batur’s volcanic terrain, with black lava rocks, open landscapes and photo stops. You can also arrange a separate lava-field excursion after hiking, but leave room for breakfast and rest.

Follow your morning adventure with hot springs near Lake Batur. Places such as Toya Bungkah and Toya Devasya combine warm pools with lake views—a welcome change of pace after an early start. Afterwards, have a leisurely lunch or return to a volcano-view café before continuing your trip.

Kintamani is spread out, so arrange a driver, scooter or organised tour for travelling between stops. Hike and jeep packages may include transport; check exactly what’s covered before booking. Bring a light jacket for early mornings and overnight stays, and keep your plans flexible because mountain weather can change quickly.

💡 Car’s Tip: Make the sunrise hike or jeep tour your main activity, then keep the afternoon gentle. Hot springs, lunch and a view are plenty after getting up in the dark.

DAYS 7-8

MENJANGAN: DAYS 7-8

Best for: Snorkeling, diving, coral reefs, wildlife, national park scenery and quieter coastal stays.
Pair it with: Munduk, Lovina, Pemuteran or other stops in North Bali.

Menjangan brings a quieter, nature-focused stretch to your Bali itinerary. The main attraction is the underwater scenery around Menjangan Island, with coral gardens and tropical fish, but there’s also forest, wildlife and peaceful coastline to explore. Stay around Pemuteran or near West Bali National Park for easy access to boat trips and a slower evening pace.

DAY 7: TRAVEL NORTHWEST, SETTLE IN AND EXPLORE THE MAINLAND

Arrange a private driver for the journey to northwest Bali. From Ubud, allow around 3.5 to 5 hours depending on traffic and stops; your journey will differ if you’re coming from Kintamani, Munduk or Lovina. You can combine the transfer with sightseeing along the way, but leave enough time to settle into your accommodation.

Glamping near Pemuteran makes this part of the trip feel like a proper nature break. Choose somewhere you’ll enjoy spending time between outings, with relaxed surroundings and access to the coast. Pemuteran also has hotels, dive centres and local restaurants if you prefer a straightforward base for exploring.

If you arrive early, arrange a mainland activity in West Bali National Park. Depending on your interests, local guides offer forest walks, birdwatching, mangrove trips and other nature excursions. Pick one activity that fits your arrival time rather than trying to squeeze in a full park visit after a long drive.

Another option is Atlas Pearl Farm in Penyabangan, where you can learn about cultivating South Sea pearls, from oysters through to harvesting. Confirm visits and prices directly before making the detour. If your transfer takes most of the day, save the farm or park outing for another morning.

For mainland exploring, arrange a driver or use a scooter if you’re already confident riding. Transport takes more planning here than in Bali’s busier southern towns.

💡 Car’s Tip: Book your accommodation, transfer and next day’s boat trip before arriving. This is a lovely place to slow down once the practical arrangements are sorted.

DAY 8: SNORKEL MENJANGAN ISLAND AND LOOK OUT FOR WILDLIFE

Make snorkeling or diving around Menjangan Island your main activity. Arrange a boat trip through your hotel, a dive centre or a local operator in Pemuteran. Compare what’s included—equipment, guiding, boat transport and national park fees can affect the total.

Spend the outing exploring the coral gardens and tropical fish with your guide. Sea conditions still matter, so choose an operator who plans the trip around the weather and your swimming or diving experience. Bring water, sun protection, swimwear and cash for anything your package doesn’t cover.

During an island stop, look out for Menjangan’s wild deer, which sometimes appear along the beaches. Combine this with your snorkeling trip rather than planning a separate excursion around a sighting. Keep your distance and give the animals space to move freely.

Afterwards, return to the mainland for a relaxed meal and time at your accommodation. If you want to explore the national park in more depth or visit Atlas Pearl Farm, an extra night gives those activities more room without rushing the boat day.

For more ideas and comparisons, read my Best Snorkeling Spots in Bali guide.

💡 Car’s Tip: Give the boat trip priority and keep the rest of the day flexible. The reefs are the main reason to come here, and a quiet afternoon afterwards is part of the appeal.

DAYS 9-10

ULUWATU: DAYS 9-10

Best for: Cliffs, surf, white-sand beaches, sunsets, beach clubs, ocean views and a scenic coastal stay.
Pair it with: Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Penida or Sanur.

Uluwatu is Bali’s cliffside escape, with limestone headlands, powerful surf breaks and beaches tucked below steep paths. It feels more spread out than Canggu or Seminyak, with plenty of places to linger over an ocean-view lunch or sunset drink. Come for the coastline, but leave time for the temple, Kecak dance and a few good meals between beach stops.

DAY 9: ARRIVE, EXPLORE THE BEACHES AND WATCH THE SUNSET

Arrange a car, taxi or private driver for the journey to Uluwatu. Coming from Menjangan, this is one of the longest drives on the route and can take most of the day, so treat it as a transfer day, check the timing with your driver and keep the afternoon flexible.

After checking in, choose one or two Uluwatu beaches near your accommodation. Padang Padang offers a sandy cove, Suluban has caves and surf-watching spots, and Thomas Beach is another option for a slower afternoon. Balangan and Nyang Nyang give you more coastline to explore if you have time. Expect stairs, check the tide and bring footwear suited to uneven paths.

If surfing is a priority, arrange a surf session or lesson instead of beach hopping. Many of Uluwatu’s reef breaks suit experienced surfers, so beginners should let a local instructor choose somewhere appropriate for the day’s conditions. Watching the surfers from the cliffs is also a perfectly good way to spend an afternoon.

Finish with sunset drinks at a cliff bar. Single Fin is one option, or choose a terrace closer to your accommodation. Afterwards, make time for dinner in Uluwatu: Bingin, Pecatu and the Padang Padang area have everything from casual cafés and seafood to more polished date-night restaurants.

💡 Car’s Tip: Choose your accommodation around the beaches and restaurants you most want to visit. Uluwatu is spread out, and moving between different parts of the peninsula takes longer than a quick glance at the map suggests.

DAY 10: BEACH CLUB TIME, ULUWATU TEMPLE AND THE KECAK DANCE

Start with breakfast, then choose how you’d like to spend the first half of the day. For a relaxed option, book a beach club afternoon. Sundays Beach Club, Ulu Cliffhouse, Oneeighty and El Kabron offer different combinations of beach access, pools, ocean views and music. Check entry fees, minimum spend and what’s included before deciding.

For something more adventurous, consider tandem paragliding around Nyang Nyang as an alternative. It offers a different perspective on the cliffs and coastline. I haven’t tried this myself, so I can’t recommend a particular operator; research your options and check weather and cancellation arrangements before booking.

Leave enough time in the afternoon for Uluwatu Temple. Walk around the clifftop grounds, enjoy the ocean views and dress respectfully. Keep sunglasses, phones and loose belongings secure—the monkeys are quick to investigate anything they can grab.

Combine the temple visit with the Kecak Fire Dance at the open-air amphitheatre. Chanting, costumes, fire and storytelling make this a memorable cultural stop, especially with the evening light over the ocean. The performance requires a separate ticket, so arrange it ahead where possible and arrive with time to find your seat.

For getting around, use a scooter only if you’re already confident riding. Grab and Gojek may be available, but pickups can be limited in some areas. A private driver is a practical choice for combining beaches, the temple and the dance, particularly when you’ll be returning after dark.

💡 Car’s Tip: Keep the temple and Kecak dance together, and choose either a beach club or paragliding earlier in the day. Leave room for lunch and the journey between stops rather than filling every hour.

DAY 11

SANUR: DAY 11

Best for: Families, relaxed beach days, sunrise walks, cycling, seaside restaurants and easy boat connections.
Pair it with: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Ubud or the airport.

Sanur is an easy place to slow down between bigger stops on your Bali itinerary. Its beachfront promenade, cafés and gentler coastal atmosphere make it comfortable for families and anyone ready for a quieter day. The harbour also makes it a practical overnight base before travelling to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan.

DAY 11: TRAVEL TO SANUR, WALK THE PROMENADE AND ENJOY THE BEACH

Travel to Sanur by taxi, Grab, Gojek or private driver. From Uluwatu, allow around an hour, more in heavy traffic. Drop your bags at your accommodation and keep the rest of the day relaxed.

Start with a walk along Sanur’s beachfront promenade, passing fishing boats, cafés, resorts and local warungs. You can also hire a bicycle to explore more of the coastline, stopping whenever somewhere looks inviting. Walking is free; bicycle rental costs vary.

Settle in for a slow beach afternoon. Find a sunbed, read a book or enjoy the sea views over lunch. Sanur generally feels calmer than Bali’s surf beaches, but swimming conditions still depend on the tide and weather, so check locally before entering the water. Beach access is free, while sunbeds may cost extra.

If you’d like something more active, try paddleboarding, kayaking or another watersport with a local operator. Ask which activity suits the conditions and your experience before booking; rentals and lesson prices vary.

Finish with dinner beside the ocean. The beachfront around Sanur and Sindhu Beach has relaxed dining options, while Jalan Danau Tamblingan offers more cafés, Indonesian food and restaurants. Choose somewhere nearby and enjoy an evening without a long journey back.

Sanur is particularly convenient for walking and cycling along the coast. For journeys beyond the promenade, use a taxi or ride-hailing service, or a scooter if you’re already confident riding.

💡 Car’s Tip: Keep this day deliberately light. A promenade stroll, beach time and a good dinner make a welcome pause before the Nusa Islands.

THE NEXT MORNING: SUNRISE BEFORE YOUR ISLAND TRANSFER

If your boat departure allows, get up early for sunrise at Sanur, Sindhu or Karang Beach. The east-facing coastline catches the morning light, with fishing boats offshore and sometimes Mount Agung visible in the distance. Follow it with breakfast by the water before collecting your bags.

Book your onward boat to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan ahead of time, confirm the departure point and follow your operator’s check-in instructions. Arrange transport to the harbour rather than assuming it will be a short walk from your accommodation.

💡 Car’s Tip: Pack your boat-day essentials somewhere easy to reach and leave enough time for check-in. Enjoy sunrise if it fits comfortably around the transfer—there’s no need to turn a peaceful morning into a race to the harbour.

DAYS 12-14

NUSA PENIDA: DAYS 12-14

Best for: Cliffs, viewpoints, wild beaches, manta rays, snorkeling and dramatic coastal scenery.
Pair it with: Sanur, Nusa Lembongan, Uluwatu or Canggu.

Nusa Penida brings some of Bali’s most spectacular coastal scenery to the end of your itinerary. Expect limestone cliffs, bright turquoise water and beaches far below steep viewpoints. Two nights give you time for the west coast and then either the east coast or a snorkeling trip, without squeezing everything into one exhausting day.

DAY 12: BOAT FROM SANUR AND EXPLORE THE WEST COAST

Take a fast boat from Sanur Harbour to Nusa Penida. The crossing usually takes around 40 to 45 minutes, depending on conditions. Confirm your departure point and check-in time with the operator, and arrange your island pickup before arriving.

Drop your bags at your accommodation, then explore the west coast with a private driver. Start at Kelingking Beach viewpoint for the famous T-Rex-shaped cliff and white sand below. The view from above is the main attraction; the steep descent requires much more time and effort than a quick photo stop.

Continue to Broken Beach, where a natural rock arch frames a circular ocean cove. Walk around the viewpoint before visiting nearby Angel’s Billabong. Enjoy the rock formations from a safe distance, as waves can surge across the pool and surrounding rocks. Broken Beach is also a sightseeing stop rather than somewhere to swim.

If your arrival time allows, finish at Crystal Bay for a relaxed beach stop and sunset. Otherwise, save it for another afternoon rather than rushing through the earlier stops.

💡 Car’s Tip: Keep your arrival day flexible. If the crossing or check-in takes longer than expected, choose your favourite west coast stops and leave the rest for another visit.

DAY 13: EAST COAST VIEWPOINTS OR A SNORKELING TRIP

Leave early for the east coast, allowing plenty of time for the drive. Begin around Diamond Beach, where limestone cliffs rise above white sand and bright blue water. The viewpoint alone is worth the journey. The steps down are steep, and strong waves and currents mean this is best approached as a scenery stop.

Combine it with nearby Atuh Beach, surrounded by cliffs and offshore rock formations. Take a break here rather than spending the whole day moving between viewpoints.

Continue to Rumah Pohon Tree House, near Thousand Islands Viewpoint, for views across the cliffs and ocean. Entry and photo fees may apply, so confirm the cost before joining a queue or arranging photographs.

If you still have time, add Teletubbies Hills for a change from the coastline. The rolling inland landscape shows a different side of Penida and works as an optional stop on your eastern route.

For getting around, a private driver is the easiest choice for most visitors. Nusa Penida is bigger and more spread out than it looks, and roads can be narrow, steep or uneven. Rent a scooter only if you’re already very confident riding in those conditions.

💡 Car’s Tip: Bring cash, water, sunscreen and proper shoes. Choose where you want to spend time before setting off—walking down to every beach can quickly turn a scenic day into a very tiring one.

Prefer the water? Swap the east coast for a dedicated snorkeling or diving trip around Nusa Penida, with the possibility of seeing manta rays. Operators may visit sites around Manta Bay or Manta Point, depending on conditions. Choose a trip suited to your swimming or diving experience, and give the wildlife plenty of space.

Manta sightings are never guaranteed, so enjoy the wider underwater experience too. Keep the snorkeling trip separate from a full land tour so you have time for the boat outing and a relaxed afternoon. If you would like both the east coast and snorkeling, add a third night on the island by dropping a night elsewhere.

DAY 14: BOAT BACK TO BALI AND DEPARTURE

Day 14 is your departure day. Take a morning fast boat back to Sanur, then transfer to the airport, which usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes from Sanur depending on traffic. Book a crossing that leaves plenty of time before your flight and reconfirm it with the operator the day before. Weather can delay or cancel boats, so don’t rely on a crossing for a tight international connection.

If your flight leaves early, or you would rather not depend on the boat on the day you fly, take the boat back on the afternoon of Day 13 and spend your last night near Sanur or the airport instead.

For other public ferry journeys in Indonesia, such as Java–Bali, consult Ferizy by ASDP Indonesia Ferry. Confirm the Sanur–Penida fast-boat arrangements directly with your chosen operator.

💡 Car’s Tip: If you’re flying home after these two weeks, plan your return to mainland Bali around that flight first. Leave the boat outings for earlier days, and give yourself breathing room between the island crossing and departure.