Bali itinerary: The perfect route for 2 to 3 weeks
- Jun 19
- 4 min read
Bali is one of our favourite destinations in the world, and for good reason—we've visited the island several times and keep coming back. With its lush rice terraces, stunning waterfalls, vibrant beach towns and rich culture, it's easy to see why Bali remains one of the most popular travel destinations in Southeast Asia.
That popularity does come with a downside. Some parts of Bali have become increasingly busy and touristy over the years. Fortunately, it's still possible to experience both the lively side of the island and the authentic charm that made Bali famous in the first place.
This Bali itinerary combines the best of both worlds and is ideal for travellers spending 2 to 3 weeks on the island.
How to travel around Bali
There are several ways to get around Bali.
Many travellers choose to rent a scooter, which gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. This option works particularly well if you're travelling light with only a backpack.
If you're carrying more luggage or simply prefer a more comfortable experience, hiring a private driver is often the best choice. We used private drivers regularly during our trips and found them incredibly convenient. They stay with you throughout the day and can take you to multiple attractions without the hassle of navigating Bali's busy roads yourself.
For shorter journeys between destinations, ride-hailing apps such as Grab are also widely available and affordable.
Although Bali isn't a particularly large island, traffic can be surprisingly heavy. A journey that looks short on the map can easily take an hour or more. To make the most of your trip, avoid changing accommodation too frequently and allow plenty of travel time between destinations.
How many days do you need in Bali?
One of the best things about Bali is that it suits almost every type of traveller.
You can easily enjoy Bali in four days, but you could also spend several months exploring the island and still discover new places. If you only have a short amount of time, focus on one or two regions such as Ubud and Canggu.
For travellers with two to three weeks available, this itinerary offers the perfect balance between culture, nature, beaches and relaxation.
Best time to visit Bali
Bali has two distinct seasons. Dry season from May to September and Wet season from October to April.
The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Bali thanks to sunny weather and lower humidity. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive period.
The wet season tends to be quieter and more budget-friendly. Rain showers are often short and typically occur later in the afternoon, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing and exploring.
Where to stay in Bali
For a first-time visit, we recommend splitting your stay between four very different areas of the island: Ubud, Sidemen, Nusa Penida and Canggu. Together, these destinations provide a fantastic introduction to everything Bali has to offer.
Stop 1: Ubud (5–7 days)
After arriving in Bali, we recommend heading straight to Ubud.
Located in the lush green heart of the island, Ubud is one of the best bases for exploring Bali. The area is surrounded by rice terraces, tropical forests and traditional villages, while offering plenty of restaurants, cafés and accommodation options.
Because of its inland location, temperatures are often slightly cooler than along the coast, making it a comfortable place to start your trip.
Things to do in Ubud
Ubud itself is worth exploring, but it's also the perfect base for day trips around central Bali.
Such as visiting a few waterfalls (Sekumpul, Tibumana, Gitgit, Tegenungan and Kanto Lampo) or seeing the famous Bali rice terraces. With so much to see, it's easy to spend a full week in the area.
Stop 2: Sidemen (2–3 days)
After Ubud, continue east to Sidemen, one of the most authentic regions in Bali.
This peaceful area is known for its traditional villages, rice fields and spectacular views of Mount Agung, Bali's highest volcano.
One of our favourite places to stay is Patal Kikian Villas, where you'll find breathtaking volcano views, an infinity pool, excellent food and relaxing spa treatments.
Things to do in Sidemen
Sidemen is a destination where the scenery alone is reason enough to visit, but there are also several impressive attractions nearby such as Besakih temple, Tirta Empul temple and Lempuyang temple.
The slower pace makes Sidemen a welcome contrast to the busier parts of the island.
Stop 3: Nusa Penida (4–6 days)
From Sidemen, travel to Kusamba Harbour and take the ferry to Nusa Penida.
The crossing takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes, depending on weather and sea conditions.
Nusa Penida is famous for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and rugged coastline. The island is best explored by scooter, although road conditions can be challenging in some areas.
Things to do in Nusa Penida
Some of the island's most famous attractions include: Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach.
While you're there, consider visiting the neighbouring islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan as well.
Stop 4: Canggu (3–5 days)
Finish your Bali itinerary in Canggu. After the peaceful atmosphere of Sidemen and Nusa Penida, Canggu offers a completely different side of Bali. This trendy beach town is known for its cafés, beach clubs, boutiques, nightlife and surf culture. It's the perfect place to relax before your flight home.
Things to do in Canggu
During your time in Canggu you can take surfing lessons, visit populair beach clubs, explore local cafés and restaurants and enjoy sunset drinks by the beach. If you're looking for a bit more culture, you could visit Tanah Lot. One of Bali's most iconic temples and makes an excellent cultural excursion from Canggu.
If you're planning a 2 to 3 week trip to Bali, this route offers the perfect balance of culture, nature, adventure and relaxation. From the rice terraces of Ubud and the peaceful landscapes of Sidemen to the spectacular cliffs of Nusa Penida and the vibrant atmosphere of Canggu, you'll experience some of the very best that Bali has to offer.
Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, Bali is a destination that keeps drawing travellers back time and time again.
