Overview
Why 2 weeks is the sweet spot for Bali
Bali packs an extraordinary variety into one small island — jungle-cloaked rice terraces, cliff-edge temples, world-class surf, ceremonial culture and some of Asia's best food scenes. Rush it in a week and you'll spend most of your trip in traffic; give it 14 days and Bali finally slows down enough to reveal itself.
This 2-week Bali itinerary balances adventure, culture and pure relaxation across four hand-picked bases: Ubud, Nusa Penida, Canggu and Uluwatu. Each stop is chosen to minimise unnecessary travel time — you'll never double back, and every drive is under two hours.
Prefer to customise the route around your dates, dietary needs, honeymoon plans or a specific budget? Our personalised itinerary service hand-crafts a bespoke plan built specifically for you.
Quick Overview
Duration
14 Days
Country
Bali, Indonesia
Best For
First-timers, couples, solo travellers
Budget
£500 – £2,500+
Best Season
April – October (dry)
Highlights
Ubud · Nusa Penida · Canggu · Uluwatu
Days 1–4
Ubud
Culture · Nature
Days 5–7
Nusa Penida
Cliffs · Beaches
Days 8–10
Canggu
Surf · Cafés
Days 11–14
Uluwatu
Sunsets · Temples
The Route
Your 14-day Bali route
A logical loop moving central → offshore → coast → cliffs, finishing 20 minutes from Denpasar Airport.
Airport → Ubud (1h 30m private driver) → Sanur → Nusa Penida (45min fast boat) → Canggu (2h via Sanur port) → Uluwatu (1h scenic coastal drive) → Denpasar Airport (30min).
Day 1–4
Ubud
Bali's cultural heart — rice terraces, jungle temples, waterfalls and the island's best yoga, coffee and healing scene.
How to get there
Book a private driver from Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Airport for around 350,000 IDR (£17). Journey is 1h 30m depending on traffic — avoid arriving at 4–7pm rush hour if possible.
Day 1 — Arrive in Ubud
- Morning
- Land in Denpasar, private transfer to your Ubud villa. Check in and shake off the flight.
- Afternoon
- Relaxing pool afternoon, then a gentle walk along the Campuhan Ridge — Bali's easiest scenic walk, best at 4pm golden hour.
- Evening
- Traditional Balinese dinner at Locavore To Go or Warung Biah Biah. Early night — you'll want the sunrise tomorrow.
Day 2 — Rice Terraces & Waterfalls
- Morning
- Arrive at Tegallalang Rice Terraces by 7am to beat the coach tours. Swing photos, coffee at a terrace café.
- Afternoon
- Chase two waterfalls: Tibumana (quiet, swimmable) and Tegenungan (bigger, busier).
- Evening
- Sunset cocktails and pizza at Fabrique or a jungle-view dinner at Bridges Bali.
Day 3 — Temples & Culture
- Morning
- Tirta Empul purification temple (sarong required) — a genuine Balinese ritual, not a photo op. Then Goa Gajah 'Elephant Cave'.
- Afternoon
- Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market for local crafts. Traditional Balinese massage (£10–£15).
- Evening
- Legong dance performance at Ubud Palace (7.30pm).
Day 4 — Mount Batur or Monkey Forest
- Morning
- Optional 2am pickup for the Mount Batur sunrise hike (see add-ons). Or sleep in and visit the Sacred Monkey Forest at 9am.
- Afternoon
- Bali Swing / Wanagiri Hidden Hills for the iconic jungle photos. Coffee tasting at a Luwak plantation.
- Evening
- Rooftop dinner at Copper or a candlelit meal at Room4Dessert.
Where to stay
Budget
- Puji Bungalow — traditional homestay, family-run, walkable to town centre
Mid-Range
- Adiwana Bisma — infinity pool overlooking the jungle, gorgeous breakfasts
Luxury
- Four Seasons Sayan — iconic river-lotus resort, one of Asia's most photographed hotels
Things to do
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces — go before 8am
- Campuhan Ridge Walk at golden hour
- Tirta Empul purification ritual
- Sacred Monkey Forest (secure loose items)
- Tibumana & Tegenungan waterfalls
- Traditional Legong dance performance
- Ubud Art Market & Ubud Palace
- Optional Mount Batur sunrise hike
Food recommendations
- Warung Biah Biah — authentic nasi campur, £2–£3 mains
- Locavore To Go — Michelin-level tasting menus, casual sibling
- Milk & Madu — brunch spot loved for banana pancakes
- Room4Dessert — chef Will Goldfarb's genre-defining dessert bar
Local tip
Avoid renting a scooter in central Ubud — one-way systems and jungle roads catch out first-timers. Book a driver for the day (~£25) and cover 4–5 stops.
Day 5–7
Nusa Penida
Bali's most jaw-dropping coastline — Kelingking Beach's T-Rex cliff, Diamond Beach's white sand and Angel's Billabong's natural infinity pool.
How to get there
Private transfer Ubud → Sanur port (1h 30m, ~£22), then fast boat to Toyapakeh or Banjar Nyuh (45 min, £12–£15 one way). Book the 8am or 10am boat and confirm the return the night before — cancellations happen in swell.
Day 5 — West Coast
- Morning
- Fast boat from Sanur. Check in, hire a scooter or driver. Head to Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong (arrive before 10am).
- Afternoon
- Kelingking Beach viewpoint — hike down if you're fit and it's not too hot. Otherwise the view from the top is enough.
- Evening
- Sunset cocktails at Amok Sunset — infinity pool over the cliffs.
Day 6 — East Coast
- Morning
- Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach — stunning white sand backed by karst rocks. Get there by 8am.
- Afternoon
- Rumah Pohon (Molenteng Treehouse) for the famous photo. Continue to Thousand Islands viewpoint.
- Evening
- Dinner at Penida Colada — beachfront cocktails and grilled fish.
Day 7 — Snorkelling day
- Morning
- Full-day snorkel tour: Manta Point (swim with reef mantas), Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay and Wall Point.
- Afternoon
- Return, quick rest, pack up.
- Evening
- Fast boat back to Sanur, private transfer to Canggu (1h 30m depending on traffic).
Where to stay
Budget
- Adiwana Warnakali — clifftop rooms with sunset views on the north coast
Mid-Range
- Semabu Hills Hotel — infinity pool, breakfast overlooking the mainland
Luxury
- Adiwana Suweta Umah — private pool villas above Crystal Bay
Things to do
- Kelingking Beach viewpoint (the T-Rex cliff)
- Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong
- Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach
- Manta Point snorkelling (best May–Sep)
- Rumah Pohon treehouse photo stop
- Crystal Bay for sunset swims
Food recommendations
- Penida Colada — beach bar with legendary sunsets
- Amok Sunset — cliffside pool club near Crystal Bay
- Warung Pondok Nusa Penida — cheap, authentic nasi goreng
Local tip
Nusa Penida's roads are rough and steep — only ride a scooter here if you're confident, and always wear a helmet. Hiring a driver (~£30/day) covers all major viewpoints stress-free.
Day 8–10
Canggu
Bali's coolest neighbourhood — surf breaks, black-sand beaches, world-class cafés and the island's best sunset beach clubs.
Day 8 — Surf & beach clubs
- Morning
- Beginner surf lesson at Batu Bolong Beach (£15–£20 for a group class).
- Afternoon
- Brunch at Milu by Nook or Crate Café — legendary açaí bowls.
- Evening
- Sunset drinks at La Brisa or The Lawn on Berawa Beach.
Day 9 — Culture day trip
- Morning
- Early drive to Tanah Lot Temple (30 min from Canggu) — go for sunrise to skip the crowds.
- Afternoon
- Return via Tibubeneng rice paddies. Pool afternoon at your villa.
- Evening
- Live music and fresh seafood at Old Man's or a tasting menu at Mason.
Day 10 — Waterfalls & wellness
- Morning
- Optional day trip north to Sekumpul Waterfall (Bali's most impressive, 2h drive) — or stay local for yoga at The Practice.
- Afternoon
- Café hop: Zin Café, Nüde or Peloton Supershop for post-ride smoothies.
- Evening
- Beach club dinner at Finns or sunset yoga on the sand.
Where to stay
Budget
- The Chillhouse — surf and yoga retreat with pool
Mid-Range
- Como Uma Canggu — beachfront cool with modernist rooms
Luxury
- The Lawn Residences — designer villas footsteps from the beach
Things to do
- Learn to surf at Batu Bolong Beach
- Sunset at La Brisa or The Lawn
- Tanah Lot Temple sunrise or sunset
- Café-hopping the Berawa strip
- Yoga at The Practice or Samadi
- Sekumpul Waterfall day trip (optional)
Food recommendations
- Milu by Nook — brunch legend beside rice paddies
- La Baracca — Italian by the sea, always packed
- Warung Bu Mi — local nasi campur under £3
- Mason — one of Bali's best tasting menus
- Peloton Supershop — vegan powerhouse
Day 11–14
Uluwatu
Bali's dramatic southern peninsula — sheer limestone cliffs, hidden white-sand beaches and the island's most iconic sunset temple.
Day 11 — Cliffs & Kecak fire dance
- Morning
- Drive from Canggu (1h). Check in, pool time.
- Afternoon
- Suluban Beach (Blue Point) — a hidden cove reached through a sea cave.
- Evening
- Uluwatu Temple sunset followed by the Kecak fire dance at 6pm.
Day 12 — Beach hopping
- Morning
- Padang Padang Beach (Eat Pray Love) then Bingin Beach for lunch.
- Afternoon
- Nyang Nyang Beach — a long stair descent but virtually empty.
- Evening
- Dinner at Single Fin for the sunset session with live music.
Day 13 — Cliffside relaxation
- Morning
- Breakfast overlooking the cliffs at your villa. Beach day at Melasti Beach.
- Afternoon
- Ulu Cliffhouse or Sundays Beach Club — cliffside pool day (buy day-pass, includes food credit).
- Evening
- Fine dining sunset at Il Ristorante Locavore or Alila's Cire.
Day 14 — Depart
- Morning
- Final swim, final gado gado. Depart for Denpasar Airport — only 30 minutes from Uluwatu.
- Afternoon
- Airport lounges are decent; leave 3 hours for international departures.
- Evening
- Fly home dreaming of returning.
Where to stay
Budget
- Mad Monkey Uluwatu — social hostel with pool and cliff views
Mid-Range
- Suarga Padang Padang — cliffside eco-lodges above the surf
Luxury
- Bulgari Resort Bali — one of the world's most photographed hotels
Things to do
- Uluwatu Temple at sunset + Kecak dance
- Padang Padang and Bingin beaches
- Suluban (Blue Point) sea-cave beach
- Nyang Nyang Beach — long descent, empty sand
- Ulu Cliffhouse or Sundays Beach Club day pass
- Melasti Beach at golden hour
Food recommendations
- Single Fin — the sunset spot for Sunday sessions
- Drifter Surf Café — smoothie bowls and healthy eats
- The Cashew Tree — jungle-shaded live music nights
- Bukit Cafe — cosy neighbourhood favourite in Bingin
Where to stay
Accommodation for every budget
Bali's accommodation is exceptional value — expect designer boutique hotels at mid-range prices, and world-class resorts for a fraction of European luxury rates.
Ubud
The cultural heart. Stay near central Ubud or in Sayan for jungle-and-river views.
- Budget: Puji Bungalow
- Mid: Adiwana Bisma
- Luxury: Four Seasons Sayan
Nusa Penida
North coast (Toyapakeh) is the best base — closest to boats and most restaurants.
- Budget: Adiwana Warnakali
- Mid: Semabu Hills
- Luxury: Adiwana Suweta Umah
Canggu
Berawa or Echo Beach — walking distance to cafés, beach clubs and yoga.
- Budget: The Chillhouse
- Mid: Como Uma Canggu
- Luxury: The Lawn Residences
Uluwatu
Bingin or Padang Padang for surf; Ungasan or Pecatu for cliffside resorts.
- Budget: Mad Monkey Uluwatu
- Mid: Suarga Padang Padang
- Luxury: Bulgari Resort Bali
Where to eat
The best restaurants across Bali
Local Warungs
Warung Biah Biah (Ubud), Warung Bu Mi (Canggu) and Warung Pondok (Nusa Penida) serve authentic nasi campur and gado gado for £2–£4.
Trendy Cafés
Milk & Madu, Crate and Milu by Nook define Bali's café culture — smoothie bowls, third-wave coffee and modernist plating.
Fine Dining
Locavore NXT (Ubud), Mason (Canggu) and Il Ristorante Locavore (Uluwatu) are Bali's tasting-menu heavyweights.
Sunset Spots
La Brisa (Canggu), Single Fin (Uluwatu) and Amok Sunset (Nusa Penida) — cocktails-with-a-view perfection.
Vegan & Healthy
Peloton Supershop, Zest and Alchemy lead Bali's world-class plant-based scene.
Beach Clubs
Finns Beach Club, Ulu Cliffhouse and Sundays Beach Club — infinity pools, DJs and cliff views.
The Numbers
Bali Budget Breakdown
All-in estimates per person for 14 days — includes accommodation, food, local transport and activities (international flights excluded).
| Budget Style | Cost For 14 Days | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | £500 – £800 | Hostels and homestays, warungs, scooter rental and shared boats. |
| Mid-Range | £1,000 – £1,800 | Boutique villas with pools, mix of warungs and cafés, private drivers. |
| Luxury | £2,500+ | Cliffside resorts, fine dining, private tours and helicopter transfers. |
Scooter rental
£4–£6 / day
Private driver
£25–£35 / day
Warung meal
£2–£4
Café brunch
£6–£12
Beach club day pass
£25–£60
Temple entry
£2–£4
Nusa Penida fast boat
£25 return
Surf lesson (group)
£15–£20
Balinese massage (1h)
£8–£15
Prep
Bali Packing List
- Lightweight clothing (cotton and linen)
- Swimwear (two sets minimum)
- Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Mosquito repellent with DEET
- Waterproof phone pouch for boats & waterfalls
- Universal travel adaptor (Type C/F plugs)
- Light rain jacket (wet season Nov–Mar)
- Reusable water bottle with filter
- Sarong (required at some temples)
Season
Best Time to Visit Bali
Dry Season (Apr–Oct)
Bali's peak — sunshine, clear seas and reliable Nusa Penida boats. May, June and September are the sweet spot before peak crowds arrive.
Wet Season (Nov–Mar)
Short, dramatic afternoon downpours followed by blue skies. Waterfalls are at their best, prices drop 20–30%, but Nusa Penida boats can cancel.
Shoulder Season
April and October deliver dry-season weather without July–August prices and crowds. Best overall value for money.
Best months for beaches: May–September (calm Andaman side). Best months for waterfalls: November–March (full flow). Best overall weather: May, June, September.
Getting Around
Bali Transport Guide
Scooter Rental
£4–£6/day. The fastest way around — but only if you're experienced. Always wear a helmet, check your travel insurance covers scooter accidents, and never ride in flip-flops.
Private Drivers
£25–£35/day for 10 hours with multiple stops. The most relaxed option — ask your hotel or use Klook.
Grab & Gojek
Ride-hailing apps work across most of Bali (some tourist zones have taxi mafias — walk 200m before ordering). Cheap and reliable.
Fast Boats
Sanur → Nusa Penida runs hourly (45min, ~£12–£15). Book Maruti Express or Angel Billabong via 12Go. Confirm return the night before.
Airport Transfers
Pre-book a private driver (£15–£25) — cheaper and less stressful than airport taxi counters. Grab also works.
Apps to download
Grab, Gojek, 12Go, Klook, XE Currency, and Google Maps offline.
Extend the trip
Optional Add-Ons
Mount Batur sunrise hike
2am pickup, 2h hike, breakfast at the summit. £30–£45 with a guide.
Nusa Lembongan
Quieter sister-island of Penida. Perfect for a 2-night snorkelling detour.
Sidemen
The real rural Bali — untouched rice terraces, no crowds, cheap villas with pools.
Amed
East-coast diving base — great for the USS Liberty wreck at Tulamben.
East Bali temples
Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven) and Tirta Gangga water gardens.
Komodo National Park
3-day liveaboard from Labuan Bajo — Komodo dragons and pink beaches.
Gili Islands
Fast boat from Padangbai to Gili Trawangan/Air. 3+ nights minimum.
Nusa Ceningan
Blue Lagoon and the yellow bridge — a stunning day trip from Nusa Penida.
Avoid these
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bali
- Underestimating travel times — south to Ubud can take 2 hours in traffic.
- Visiting popular spots like Tegallalang and Kelingking Beach after 9am.
- Renting a scooter without experience — Bali roads are chaotic.
- Carrying too little cash for warungs, temple entries and scooter petrol.
- Ignoring temple dress codes — always wear a sarong and cover shoulders.
- Booking accommodation far from the areas you want to explore.
- Not allowing buffer time for Nusa Penida ferry cancellations.
- Trying to see everything — 2 weeks is enough for depth, not the whole island.
FAQ
Common questions about 2 weeks in Bali
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