Planning a trip to Bali, but you don’t even know where to start? I know the feeling! Bali has SO many different beautiful cities and surrounding islands, that it is truly overwhelming choosing where to go. Not even mentioning working out the logistics of how to get around, etc. Fortunately, I’ve got you covered. Josh and I spent a total of 3 fabulous months roaming around this incredible part of the world so I’ve filtered out the BEST of the BEST, just for you! This itinerary includes some upscale accommodation/restaurants and some basic accommodation/restaurants, depending on the location-we love to mix it up! Fortunately, all excursions and activities in Bali are super affordable! Do Note: there are two things NOT included in this itinerary, which I wish we would’ve done but didn’t have time: a day trip to Nusa Penida and the sunrise hike up Mount Batur. If you can fit these two days into the itinerary, you MUST go for me! Here’s the scoop:
Bali Trip Summary:
I’ve laid this trip out for 14 days, but you can by any means just take a section of it and go to Bali for a few days! It’s your trip, so it’s completely customizable! All details of each of these days can be found below in their respective cities.
- Day 1- UBUD: Arrive in Denpasar airport, private driver 1 hour to Ubud. Settle into hotel, dinner at hotel.
- Day 2- UBUD: Yoga at hotel, Ubud Market, Lunch/Coffee at Seniman, driver to sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, dinner at Mozaic.
- Day 3- UBUD: Yoga at hotel, visit Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall, and the Sacred Monkey Forest. Dinner at Fair Warung Bale.
- Day 4- GILI AIR: Driver takes you to Padang Bai Boat Terminal (1 hour), Boat to Gili Air 1.5 hours, check into hotel, dinner at Sunrise Cafe.
- Day 5- GILI AIR: Yoga in morning, snorkeling/diving. Dinner and sunset at Mowie’s.
- Day 6- GILI AIR: Yoga in morning, snorkeling/diving. Sunset paddle boarding, dinner at Scallywags.
- Day 7- NUSA LEMBONGAN: Boat from Gili Air to Nusa Lembogan, relax at hotel/beach, dinner at Lemongrass.
- Day 8- NUSA LEMBONGAN: Yoga in the morning, rent a scooter and ride around Lembogan and Cenangan: visit Devils Tears and the Yellow Bridge, dinner at Maria’s.
- Day 9- NUSA LEMBONGAN: Yoga in the morning, paddle board, diving or snorkeling, dinner at Bali Eco Deli.
- Day 10- ULUWATU: Boat from Lembogan to Sanur, driver takes you to Uluwatu, relax and dinner at hotel.
- Day 11- ULUWATU: Bingan Beach, Uluwatu Temple, dinner and sunset at Single Fin
- Day 12- JIMBARAN: Driver to Jimbaran, relax at hotel, dinner at hotel
- Day 13- JIMBARAN: Jimbaran Beach, optional shopping in Kuta/Seminyak, dinner/sunset at Rock Bar (Ayana)
- Day 14: Somberly check out of hotel and cry all the way to the airport…it’s time to go home!
Day 1-3 UBUD
You’ll quickly discover on your trip that each part of Bali is unique in its own way. There is NO better place to start your trip than in Ubud, the heart of Bali. You cannot come to Bali without going to Ubud, it would be almost illegal! Ubud is the true jungle of Bali, located central and not near the coast or ocean. There is a completely different feel here than anywhere else in Bali!
Day 1
After arriving in Denpasar airport, you’ll hire a private driver to take you on the one hour journey to Ubud where you’ll settle into your hotel and have dinner.
Day 2
What better way to start your day than with yoga in a shala in the Balinese jungle at your hotel? After getting your downward dog-on, you’ll head into town and explore the Ubud Market, and have an early lunch and coffee at Seniman. Then head back to your hotel to freshen up (maybe take a dip in the pool) before your driver collects you to drive the one hour journey to Tanah Lot Temple for sunset. Return to Ubud for a late night dinner at Mozaic.
Day 3
Begin the day with another session of yoga (or maybe a massage…or both) before you make your way to nearby Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Tegenungan Waterfall and the Sacred Monkey Forest (with your driver). Return back to Ubud for dinner at Fair Warung Bale.
Video
Looking for more of a visual? Check out our video from Ubud and Uluwatu!
The Details
- Transportation
- Private Driver-Agus Yudi Prasetya
- Cost: $50 per day
- Notes: Of all the drivers we had in all our trips to Bali, Agus was the most fun, energetic, reliable and he spoke excellent English!
- Tips: For small journeys like one hour or so, you can arrange transport with your accommodation as well.
- Accommodation
- Kamandalu Resort
- Price: $200-$500 per night, depending on the room
- Notes: Kamandalu is located just outside of the Ubud city center (tranport can be arranged with the resort) and is pure perfection. The resort has true Balinese decor, a spa, a large public pool with swim up bar and a yoga shala. We elected for the Deluxe Pool Villa, as it was my 30th birthday. The room, service and entire hotel was absolute perfection. The ENTIRE staff came and sang to me on my birthday at our private room, it was unforgettable.
- Tips: Be sure not to miss yoga in the shala in the mornings, as its located right in the middle of the peaceful jungle. Also the couples spa package did not disappoint! If you get into Bali late at night and don’t have time to get to Ubud, the Hilton Garden Inn Denpasar is fantastic and loated right next to the airport!
- Activity
- Ubud Market
- Price: Free!
- Notes: Ubud Market is located in the heart of Ubud, this is THE place to purchase souvenirs, art and random items. Be sure to BARGAIN A LOT! Sellers will try to take advantage of you, as they know you are a tourist. My trick is to counter offer their price by 1/3 (as long as it’s still ethical) and attempt to walk away…you’ll totally get the deal!
- Tips: Be sure to BARGAIN A LOT! Sellers will try to take advantage of you, as they know you are a tourist. My trick is to counter offer their price by 1/3 (as long as it’s still ethical) and attempt to walk away…you’ll totally get the deal!
- Restaurant/Bar
- Seniman Coffee
- Cost $10
- Notes: The original specialist coffee boutique in Bali, Seniman Coffee serves coffee from all over Indonesia.
- Tips: Get the sampler to try all the local coffees in one shot!
- Activity
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Cost: $5
- Notes:The iconic temple of Bali that is situated offshore and surrounded entirely by the ocean.and bring a cover up for your shoulders/legs if you’d like to go inside.
- Tips: Be sure to go at sunset for incredible photos.
- Restaurant/Bar
- Mozaic
- Cost: 6 Course Menu $70 per person
- Notes: A super posh, modern French restaurant set outside with beautiful trees and decor. The food is incredible, as they only cook with seasonal ingredients.
- Tips: Splurge and get the 8 course menu, it’s worth it!
- Activity
- Sacred Monkey Forest
- Cost: $3
- Notes: One of the most visited attractions in Bali, the Sacred Monkey Forest is, surprise surprise, full of Monkeys! It also offers a beautiful tree-lined forest with temples for exploration.
- Tips: Be VERY mindful of your belongings! The monkeys are VERY mischievous and will literally snatch your sunglasses from your head, your phone from your hands or your purse!
- Activity
- Tegenungan Waterfall
- Cost: $1
- Notes:Arguably Bali’s #1 waterfall, this large waterfall is set in a lush jungle setting.
- Tips: Bring your bathing suit, as you can jump right in!
- Activity
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Cost: $1 per person, $0.33 per car for entry of vehicle
- Notes: Although touristy, this rice terrace is the most famous in Bali.
- Tips: Spend the extra $10 to swing on the Bali swing!
- Restaurant/Bar
- Fair Warung Bale
- $10
- Cost: This restaurant not only has incredible, inexpensive food, but it also supports a great cause, supporting a foundation that provides free medical care for locals.
- Tips: Order the spicy chicken cashew or vegetarian curry, you can’t go wrong!
Day 4-6 GILI AIR
After your quality time in Ubud, you’ll be ready to hit the beach and swim in the sea, which is why Gili Air is next on the list! The Gili’s are comprised of three different islands and Gili Air is the more laid back and chill of the three. Gili Trawangan (or Gili-T for short) is known as the party island and Gili Meno is the smallest of the three. The Gili’s are well known for their snorkeling and diving. You can see colorful fish and sea turtles, coral reefs and sunken ships! Oh and did I mention that some of the best sunsets I’ve ever laid eyes on were from the shores of Gili Air?!
Day 4
After checking out of Kamandalu, your driver will collect you and take you on the one hour journey to Padang Bali Boat Terminal where you’ll board the ferry boat for the 1.5 hour journey to Gili Air. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your hotel, enjoy dinner at Sunrise Cafe and watch the sunset on this little slice of island paradise.
Day 5
You’ll awake fresh and ready to explore your new destination of Gili Air. Head to yoga in the morning before you snorkel or dive the pristine blue waters of the Gili’s. Enjoy dinner and a sunset at Mowie’s.
Day 6
Take one final morning yoga class, spend the day relaxing on the beach, exploring the island, snorkeling or diving. For sunset, head out on a paddle board to capture the colorful sky via the water before you have a late dinner at Scallywags.
Video
Looking for more of a visual? Check out our video from Gili Air!
The Details
- Transportation
- Blue Water Express Boat to Gili Air
- Cost: $40
- Notes: Quick and easy transportation (1.5 hours) from Padang Bai terminal to Gili Air.
- Tips: Pack lightly, as you’ll be carrying your suitcase on the boat (and there isn’t a ramp). Luckily, there will be some friendly staff to help as well.
- Accommodation
- Manta Dive Gili Air
- Cost: $50 per night
- Notes: Individual bungalows are equipped with a private, outdoor shower, comfortable bed and a television! They also include a great discounted rate for dive certification courses and accomodation combined.
- Tips: You certainly don’t need to be a diver to enjoy the accomodation at Manta Dive.
- Restaurant/Bar
- Chill Out Restaurant
- Cost:$5
- Notes: Chill Out Bar Gili Air has a huge menu, which includes cuisines from all over the world.
- Tips: Who doesn’t love a happy hour of buy one get one free? Don’t miss it!
- Restaurant/Bar
- Sunrise Cafe
- Cost: $10
- Notes: Beautiful views of the ocean with delicious drinks and an unforgettable tuna sesame steak!
- Tips: If you’re looking for a cheaper accommodation than Manta Dive, then Sunrise offers really affordable rooms.
- Restaurant/Bar
- Mowie’s
- Cost: $10
- Notes: Mowie’s offers up a casual, laid back vibe with delicious cuisine and cocktails.
- Tips: Be sure to go early to grab a bean bag chair for sunset. It’s the BEST spot on the island for sunset.
- Restaurant/Bar
- Scallywags
- Cost: $10
- Notes: Get any of the grilled fresh fish!
- Tips: This place is great for breakfast as well!
- Activity-Diving
- Manta Dive
- Cost: $50
- Notes: Whether your an experienced diver or looking to obtain your certification, Manta Dive is the most reputable diving facility on the island with fun, knowledgable and kind instructors. They’ll take you to the best diving spots around the Gili’s to see sea turtles, colorful fish and maybe even Manta Rays!
- Tips: Book ahead online for a discount
- Activity
- Yoga, Paddle Board with Blue Marine Dive
- Cost: $8 per yoga class, $10 for stand up paddle board
- Notes: Start your day with yoga at the islands only yoga studio on the water or take a stand up paddle board yoga class.
- Tips: Go on the sunset paddle board excursion. There’s nothing like seeing the sunset from the water in the Gili’s.
DAY 7-9 NUSA LEMBONGAN
After soaking up the sun in Gili Air, you’ll continue your island life by venturing to Nusa Lembongan. Although these islands are quite close to one another, they are quite different. Each offers incredible sunsets and beautiful beaches, but there is more of a local feel on Lembongan versus the touristy Gili Air.
Day 7
In the morning, say farewell to the beautiful island of Gili Air and make your way via ferry boat(2 hours) to Nusa Lembongan. After you check in to your hotel, relax on the beach and explore the town before you have dinner at Lemongrass.
Day 8
Start your day with the best yoga studio in Bali, Serenity Yoga Lembongan! Afterwards, rent a scooter and explore the island on two wheels (be sure to wear a helmet)! Stop at Devils Tears and cross the Yellow Bridge into Nusa Ceningan. Enjoy a delicious, local dinner at Maria’s Warung.
Day 9
For your last day of island life, head out on the water by either paddle boarding, diving, snorkeling or surfing. Soak in the sunshine before you enjoy a healthy dinner at Bali Eco Deli.
Video
Looking for more of a visual? Check out our video from Nusa Lembongan or our other video of diving with manta rays in Nusa Lembongan!
The Details
- Transportation
- Scootcruise ferry boat from Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan
- Price: $33
- Details: If you’re willing to wait and risk it, ferry tickets can be purchased while you’re on Gili Air, usually for a cheaper price (negotiate).
- Accommodation
- Airbnb-Nyuh Gading
- $30 per night
- Details: This Airbnb is a hidden gem on the island. Centrally located, it is truly the best bang for your buck, if you’re looking to stay just a few steps from the beach. Tuta and Ima are incredibly kind and will help you rent a scooter for around $5 per day. Be sure to eat Ima’s banana pancakes for breakfast.
- Tips: For $36 off your first Airbnb booking, click HERE.
- Restaurant/Bar
- Maria’s Boemboe Bali Waroeng
- Cost: $5
- Details: Maria’s is as local of a restaurant as it gets. Her warung offers delcious, local cuisine in a true lembongan setting. There’s nothing fancy here, just kind people, good food and lots and an unforgettable experience.
- Tips: Take the cooking class with Gede to learn how to make delicious, local cuisine.
- Restaurant/Bar
- Lemongrass
- Cost: $10
- Details: Lemongrass is a more upscale restaurant on Lembogan, with great decor, food and drinks.
- Tips: Order the chicken saltimbocca, four cheese penne, black pepper burger or nasi goreng special-they’re all delicious.
- Restaurant/Bar
- Bali Eco Deli
- Cost: $8
- Details: A small and cozy cafe located right on the main street in Lembogan.
- Tips: Be sure to get the fruit salad with toasted muesli & yogurt for breakfast, the watermelon feta salad for lunch, the purple boost smoothie or homemade banana bread for a snack, or the chicken with jasmine rice, crunchy veggies and peanuts for dinner.
- Activity
- Diving/Snorkeling with Big Fish Diving
- Cost: $15 for a 4 hour snorkeling trip, $82 for two dives
- Details: Big Fish Diving is a reputable company, with safe equipment and incredible dive masters.
- Tips: Be sure to check their schedule when you arrive on the island (or a few days before) so you can plan to see the Manta Rays (diving or snorkeling)!
- Activity
- Devil’s Tears
- Cost: Free!
- Details: The #1 attraction on Nusa Lembongan, this part of the island is where the water meets the rocks and underwater caves’ it gets sucked in and spit back out at high levels! It’s truly an amazing sight to see.
- Tips: Be mindful of the edge and do not get to close!
- Activity
- Yellow Bridge
- Cost: Free!
- Details: The yellow bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan. This hanging bridge is narrow and only wide enough for foot traffic and scooters.
- Tips: Have your camera ready, its really photogenic!
- Activity
- Yoga-Serenity Yoga Lembongan
- Cost: $8 per class
- Details: Serenity is the BEST place to do yoga on the island. It’s a bit tough to find, as it’s tucked off the main street, but there’s nothing better than doing a morning flow class in a shala surrounded by a garden with the birds singing!
- Tips: Caroline is wonderful and kind and willing to help you in any way necessary with a private or public yoga class! If you can take one of her yoga teacher trainings, you wont be disappointed!
- Activity
- Paddle Boarding/Surfing- Monkey Surfing School
- Cost: $6
- Details: Rent paddle board or surf board and head out into the open water. Try paddle board yoga, its really fun!
DAY 10-11 ULUWATU
After your island life days, you’ll be ready to get back to the mainland for some more fun and temple exploration! Uluwatu and Jimbaran are completely different to any other part of Bali that you’ve seen yet! With their steep cliffs and lush greenery, you’ll truly fall in love with this part of the island.
Day 10
Say your goodbyes to Nusa Lembongan and go on a fast, 30-minute ferry ride to Sanur, Bali. There, your driver will collect you and drive you to your hotel at your next destination, Uluwatu! After arriving, enjoy the pool, walk steps down to Bingan Beach and have dinner overlooking the cliff at the hotel.
Day 11
Spend the day at Bingan Beach, drinking Bintang Beers or fresh coconut water. At Bingan you can surf, snorkel or just basque in the sun. When you grow tired of the sand, head back up to the hotel pool for a dip! In the afternoon, freshen up and have your drive take you to Uluwatu Temple, where you can capture the beauty of the temple located right next to the cliff. Finally, head to Single Fin for a sunset and dinner you’ll surely never forget.
- Target TextTransportation
- Scoot Fast Cruises from Nusa Lembongan to Sanur
- Cost: $20
- Notes: Approximately a 30 minute ferry ride
- Tips: Have your driver collect you from the Sanur ferry terminal and take you to your accomadtion in Uluwatu
- Accommodation
- Temple Lodge
- Cost: $200 per night
- Notes: Temple Lodge is a REAL Balinese accommodation and an experience all in its own. Each suite (there are only seven), has it’s own theme, with its own eclectic Balinese decor.
- Tips: Get the Gecko Suite-it has it’s own outdoor seating area and shower overlooking the beach. Also, eat at the restaurant at the hotel and order the banana pancakes, you won’t be disappointed. Be sure to pre-arrange your special cliff-side dinner with Temple Lodge, they’ll make it extra memorable! Also, Temple Lodge offers daily morning yoga classes, so be sure to check them out!
- Restaurant/Bar
- Single Fin
- Cost: $20 per person
- Notes: Just a 10 minute scooter ride from Temple Lodge, Single Fin is an incredible restaurant on a cliff, with the BEST views!
- Tips: Be sure to make a reservation (request a sunset view table) and go EARLY to have some cocktails before sunset.
- Activity
- Bingan Beach
- Cost: Free!
- Notes: Bingan Beach is a secluded, quiet beach with a few restaurants and bars and is great for surfing and relaxing.
- Tips: Be sure to wear water shoes if you plan to go in the ocean, as there are sharp rocks and shells on the ocean floor.
- Activity
- Uluwatu Temple
- Cost: $2.50 per person
- Notes: Uluwatu Temple is situated 100 meters above the water on the edge of a cliff. It is well worth the visit as it’s just a 15 minute ride from Bingan Beach.
- Tips: Be sure to cover your shoulders and legs when entering the temple grounds, as it is required for respect. If you forget your cover up, don’t worry, there are sarongs for rent as well. Also, go at sunset and catch the Kecak fire dance performance from 6-7pm.
DAY 12-14 JIMBARAN
The best way to end your EPIC Bali adventure, is in Jimbaran. Fortunately, the two are only a 30 minute drive from one another. Jimbaran beach is really unique in that fresh fish is cooked right on the beach! Jimbaran is also close to Kuta, if your interested in spending a day shopping as well. If you don’t feel like doing anything your last few days in Bali, you’ll be super happy with the hotel, as they offer a secret beach just steps down the cliff, or you can relax by the infinity pool and sip fresh on fresh coconuts.
Day 12
After you check out of the Temple Lodge, take the 30 minute journey to Jimbaran, another cliff side paradise and your final destination! Once you check into the La Joya II, you’ll surely want to stick around the hotel for the remainder of the day/evening, as they have a wonderful infinity pool, secret beach and beautiful cliffside restaurant.
Day 13
Have your driver take you to Jimbaran Beach where you can soak in the sun. Be sure to check out the Jimbaran Fish Market, where you choose your fish and they cook it for your right in front of you! Afterward, head to Kuta for some shopping and then back to the hotel to freshen up. For dinner and your final sunset, head to Rock Bar, which is arguably Bali’s most popular cliff side bar.
Day 14
Somberly check out of hotel and cry all the way to the airport…it’s time to go home!
Video
Looking for more of a visual? Check out our video from Jimbaran!
The Details
- Accomodation
- Airbnb-La Joya II Biu Biu
- Cost: $130 per night
- Notes: This certainly should not be an Airbnb, as it’s La Joya is its own private luxury property, with a secret beach! It’s a PERFECT spot for honeymooners on a budget as it has EPIC clifftop views, an infinity pool, a delicious restaurant, a spa, a secret beach and excellent service. You’ll have your own private, 2 story bungalow, decorated in authentic Bali decor. For $36 off your first Airbnb booking, click HERE.
- Tips: When you see this hotel, you’re going to want to stay a few extra nights, so you may want to add an additional day/night here (or two).
- Activity
- Jimbaran Beach/Fish Market
- Cost: Free!
- Notes: Jimbaran Beach is best known for its sunsets and seafood cooked on the beach. Don’t miss this…it’s truly an unforgettable experience!
- Tips: Stop at Jimbaran fish market where you can select your freshly caught fish and it’s cooked right in front of you!
- Activity
- Shopping-Discovery Mall and Beachwalk Shopping Center
- Cost: depending on much you buy!
- Notes: If you’re looking to souvenir shop or grab a few items before heading home, the Discovery Mall and the Beachwalk Shopping Center have everything you need!
- Restaurant/Bar
- Rock Bar (Ayana)
- Cost: $20-30 per person
- Notes: Located at the Ayana resort and spa, Rock Bar is perched atop a stunning cliff and is widely known as one of Bali’s most popular sunset, cocktail and entertainment spots.
- Tips: Be sure to make a reservation for this restaurant many months in advance, then call to confirm your reservation the week before, as it fills up SUPER quickly!
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Other Related Posts:
- Bali, Indonesia On A Budget: How To Survive For 30 Days on a $500 Budget
- 10 Things to Do in Bali
- Ubud: The Heart of Bali
- Gili Air, Indonesia: SSI Open Water Dive Certification
- Nusa Lembongan: A Remote Paradise In Indonesia
- Uluwatu, Bali: Sunsets, Beaches & Bintangs
- Jimbaran, Bali: The Perfect Romantic Getaway
- Amed, Bali: A Tranquil Paradise On A Beautiful Island
Hi! Is there any big boat to do island hopping there? Thanks..
Hello! Sorry for the late reply. Unfortunately there isn’t really a lot of island hopping in Bali, as Bali is one large island. The Gili’s and Nusa Lembongan/Penida/Cenangan are nearby and there may be tours that take you to one or two of them for the day, but I’m unsure if they exist. Maybe try Tripadvisor? Best of luck and happy travels!
Hii
Good morning
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Thank you so much for your comment! Happy travels!