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2 Weeks in Bali: Itinerary for First-Timers

by Steph

From lush rice terraces to epic waterfalls, towering mountains and volcanoes, white-sand beaches, and T-Rex-shaped cliffs, there’s so much to see and do in Bali, Indonesia.

It’s no secret that Bali has been hit pretty hard by mass tourism lately and it can be challenging to find a more authentic side of Bali that’s not overrun by tourists. This is where my offbeat Bali itinerary for 2 weeks comes into play.

Since I always try to steer clear of overly touristy attractions, I did my best to create an itinerary that includes a few hidden gems in addition to the must-visit places.  

While this guide also includes some popular attractions, I’ll share some practical tips to help you beat the crowds and at the same time, save money. 

So, keep reading to find out exactly how to plan the best 2 weeks in Bali itinerary.

Rice fields in Sidemen Valley / 2 weeks in Bali Itinerary
Sidemen is one of the most underrated places to visit during your 2 week Bali itinerary

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2 Weeks Bali Itinerary Overview

2 weeks in Bali should be enough to explore all the main attractions as well as some offbeat spots without any rush.

This itinerary covers a major part of the island and includes details on how to travel between each destination, where to stay, and the best things to do.

Below is a quick overview of this Bali 2 week itinerary.

  • Day 1-4: Bedugul and North Bali
  • Day 5-7: Ubud and Sidemen
  • Day 8-11: Nusa Islands
  • Day 12-14: Uluwatu

How to get around Bali?

I recommend booking a private airport transfer in advance since taxis at the airport are usually more expensive. Grab and Go-Jek are also available and much cheaper but you’ll have to walk out of the airport since they aren’t allowed inside. 

BOOK AN AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE

Private Taxi  

The most comfortable way to get around is by hiring a private taxi. The price for a private taxi starts at IDR 500k (US$ 31.50) depending on the distance covered. Make sure to book through the link below to get a discount.

BOOK A PRIVATE TAXI HERE

Scooter  

If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, it’s the cheapest way to get around Bali. Keep in mind that traffic can be very hectic, especially around Ubud and the airport area. Also, make sure to bring your international driver’s license and always wear a helmet. 

RENT A SCOOTER HERE

Bali Itinerary Day 1-4: North Bali

Begin your itinerary for 2 weeks in Bali in the north, home to many waterfalls, temples, and the most beautiful rice terraces.

How to get to North Bali?

Your trip begins in Bedugul, which is located about a 1.5/2-hour drive from the airport. I highly recommend booking a taxi in advance as those at the airport are usually more expensive.

Mountain views from Pondok Nyoman Guesthouse in bali
Rice field views from Pondok Nyoman Guesthouse in Bedugul

Where to Stay in North Bali?

One of the best places to stay in the north is Munduk since it’s the most tourist-friendly. Alternatively, you can stay in Bedugul, a small, quiet village surrounded by beautiful rice terraces. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to experience a more authentic side of Bali while still being close to some of the best waterfalls. 

Below are some of the best places to stay in North Bali:

Luxury: Munduk Moding Plantation is one of the best places to stay in Munduk due to its stunning infinity pool overlooking the mountains. It’s located only about a 10-minute drive from the Twin Lakes or 20 minutes from Munduk waterfalls. Check latest price here.

Mid-range: Munduk Menir Villas is located in one of the most picturesque settings and features a heated infinity pool with a view of the surrounding valley. If you want more privacy, you can book the private pool villa. Check latest price here.

Budget: Pondok Nyoman Guesthouse is a budget hotel overlooking the most beautiful rice terraces. The rooms are spacious and have a private balcony from which you can enjoy the sunset. The location is very convenient, close to restaurants and convenience stores. Check latest price here.

FIND MORE HOTELS IN NORTH BALI HERE

woman swimming at an infinity pool overlloking a rice terrace at Pondok Nyoman Guesthouse in Bali
The infinity pool at Pondok Nyoman Guesthouse

Things to do in North Bali

Visit the waterfalls

Bali has so many waterfalls, so make sure to visit at least a few during your 2-week trip. Don’t forget to read my detailed guide to the best waterfalls in Bali to help you decide which ones to visit.

Some of the best waterfalls include Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, Munduk Waterfalls, Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls, and Git Git Waterfalls.

You can either rent a scooter or hire a private taxi to visit the waterfalls. Another option is to go on a waterfall tour with a local guide.

a woman walking towards a waterfall at Banyu Wana Amertha bali
Spray Waterfall at Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls
banyumala twin waterfall cascading over a steep cliff covered by lush greenery
Banyuwala Twin Waterfalls

Related post: 15 must-visit waterfalls in Bali

Handara Gates

This is actually the entrance to a golf course but most people only come here for a quick photo. It’s very touristy, so do expect crowds there. Photo fee: IDR 30k.

Hidden Hills Wanagiri

This is another photo spot with swings and nest structures overlooking the Twin Lakes. The entrance fee is IDR 100k.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

One place you absolutely cannot miss is Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the biggest rice fields in Bali.

It’s a great place to go on a hike or a casual stroll without the crowds. The paths are mostly flat and well-marked, so there’s no risk of getting lost. Entrance fee to the rice terraces is IDR 40k.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces dotted with coconut trees in North Bali
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Related post: Most beautiful rice fields in Bali 

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

This is a beautiful Balinese temple situated at the edge of Lake Beratan. I highly recommend visiting early since it’s very popular. The entrance fee is IDR 75k.

Bali Itinerary Day 5-7: Ubud

Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, home to art markets, trendy cafes, yoga studios, and rice terraces. There’s actually a lot to see and do in and around Ubud, so I recommend staying a minimum of three days there.

How to get to Ubud? 

The drive from Bedugul to Ubud takes roughly 1.5-2 hours and costs around IDR 300k. You can arrange this with your hotel but if you’re coming from the airport, I recommend booking your airport transfer here.

Where to Stay in Ubud? 

Below are some of the best places to stay in Ubud:

Luxury: KajaNe Mua is a 5-star hotel located on Monkey Forest Road. It provides easy access to a wide selection of restaurants and cafés. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a private pool villa or a room with a pool view. Check latest price here.

Mid-range: Adiwana Monkey Forest is located in the middle of Ubud within walking distance of the Monkey Forest and Ubud Art Market. The rooms are beautifully decorated in earthy tones. The hotel also features an outdoor pool surrounded by tropical plants. Check latest rates here.

Budget: Alam Pangkung is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the main tourist attractions. While the hotel is located on a busy street, it’s very quiet at night. Each room has a large double bed, air conditioning, a private bathroom, and free breakfast is included in the room rate. Check latest price here.

FIND MORE HOTELS IN UBUD HERE

Make sure to read my guide to the best places to stay in Ubud for more details.

Things to do in Ubud

Ubud Palace

Also known as Puri Saren Agung, Ubud Palace is free to visit. There’s not much to do here apart from taking photos. Visit as soon as it opens to avoid crowds. 

intricate door leading to ubud palace in bali
Ubud Palace

Ubud Art Market

This is a tourist market where you can buy clothes and souvenirs. Don’t forget to bargain to get the best deals.

Pura Saraswati Temple

This is one of the main temples in Ubud. Its most prominent feature is the lotus pond. Entrance is free.

Saraswati Temple in Ubud surrounded by trees and a lotus pond
Pura Saraswati Temple

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Arguably one of the most Instagrammable places in Bali, Tegalalang is a short 20-minute drive from Ubud. For the best experience, try to get there at around 6.30 a.m when there aren’t too many tourists.

view of rice terraces dotted by coconut trees from tegalalang rice terraces in bali
Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Related post: 37 Instagram-worthy spots in Bali

Chase waterfalls near Ubud

What makes Ubud a great place to stay on any 2 week Bali itinerary is its proximity to many waterfalls.

The most popular one is Tegenungan Waterfall but Tukad Cepung, Pengibul, and Tibumana Waterfall are also worth visiting and less crowded.

To visit the waterfalls, you can hire a private taxi or rent a scooter. Alternatively, you can book a private waterfall tour with a guide.

Subak Juwuk Manis Rice Fields

This is a hidden rice field located at the end of a small alley not too far from Saraswati temple. It’s free to visit and perfect for those who want to skip the crowds.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

This spot is great for a sunrise or sunset stroll. If you keep walking past Karsa Kafé, you’ll come across a beautiful rice field.

Rice field views from Karsa Cafe at Campuhan Ridge Walk ubud
Rice fields at the end of Campuhan Ridge Walk

Ubud Monkey Forest

This is where you can see monkeys in the wild. While they might seem cute, they can be aggressive at times, so make sure you hold on to your belongings and avoid looking them in the eyes. The Monkey Forest is open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m.

Sidemen Valley Rice Fields

Take a day trip to Sidemen village in East Bali, to trek around the rice paddies. Luckily, they aren’t affected by mass tourism (yet). For the best experience, I highly recommend booking a hiking tour with Sidemen Tour and Trekking.

For more details about the best things to do in Ubud, be sure to read my Ubud itinerary.

woman posing in front of a rice field at sidemen valley in Bali
Sidemen Valley Rice Fields

Related post: Ultimate guide to 3 days in Ubud 

Bali Itinerary Day 8-11: Nusa Islands

Located less than 45 minutes from Bali, the Nusa Islands are made up of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida. Don’t be fooled by their small size as they pack quite a lot in terms of attractions.

view of houses and boats on Nusa Lembongan Bali
Nusa Lembongan

How to get to the Nusa Islands?

To get to the Nusa Islands, you first need to take a taxi from Ubud to Sanur (around IDR 300k) followed by a ferry.

BOOK A TRANSFER TO NUSA LEMBONGAN HERE

Where to Stay in Nusa Islands? 

Nusa Lembongan is the perfect place to base yourself if you want to explore the Nusa Islands. You can easily get to Nusa Ceningan by crossing the yellow bridge and Nusa Penida is just a short boat ride away.

Below are some of the best places to stay in Nusa Lembongan:

Luxury: With a massive infinity pool overlooking the ocean, Lembongan Beach Club & Resort is one of the best places to stay. If you want to splurge during your 2 weeks in Bali, you can book their private pool villa. Free breakfast is also included in the room rate. Check latest price here.

Mid-range: Located near Mushroom Beach, Sanghyang Bay Villas features individual huts overlooking a beautiful garden and swimming pool. The two-bedroom villa is perfect for families and can accommodate up to 4 people. Check latest price here.

Budget: If you’re on a budget, Kawans Inn is a great choice. Each room has a large double bed, private bathroom, mini-fridge, air-conditioning, and a private patio. If you’re traveling with a group, you can book their family room which also has a private pool. Check latest price here.

FIND MORE HOTELS IN NUSA LEMBONGAN HERE

Things to do in the Nusa Islands

Kelingking Beach

Shaped like a T-Rex, Kelingking Beach is a must-visit in Bali. If you want to avoid the crowds, head a bit further from the main viewpoint area or better yet, hike down to the beach. Find out how to hike down to the beach in my Kelingking Beach guide.

T-Rex shaped cliff at Kelingking beach, Nusa Penida
The iconic Kelingking Beach!

Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach

Another must-see when spending 2 weeks in Bali is Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool flanked by jagged cliffs. Learn more in my Angel’s Billabong guide.

Less than a 5-minute walk from Angel’s Billabong is Broken Beach, famous for its natural arched bridge. Get more details in my Broken Beach guide.

a woman sitting on a cliff near the arched bridge at the Broken Beach bali
Broken Beach

Tip: To get to Nusa Penida, take the public boat near the Yellow Bridge on Nusa Lembongan. It costs about IDR 50k per person. The boat will then drop you off at Toya Pakeh Harbor in Nusa Penida. To explore the island you can hire a private taxi, join a guided tour, or rent a motorbike.

Related post: How to take a Nusa Penida day trip

Snorkeling with manta rays

Swimming with the giant manta rays is one of the most magical experiences, so make sure to book a snorkeling tour while you’re on the Nusa Islands.

Blue Lagoon

The jaw-dropping Blue Lagoon is a must-visit during sunset and looks unreal with milky-blue water. 

milky blue water at the Blue Lagoon, Nusa Ceningan
Blue Lagoon

Related post: 8 things to do in Nusa Ceningan 

Nusa Lembongan beach hopping

One of the best things to do in the Nusa Islands is beach hopping. The most popular beach on Nusa Lembongan is Dream Beach which is surrounded by tall cliffs and caves. Other beaches worth visiting include Pantai Mahagiri, Mushroom Bay, and Sandy Bay.

View of Dream Beach from above the cliffs
Dream Beach

Devil’s Tear

One spot you can’t miss on during your trip to Bali is the Devil’s Tear. The massive waves together with the red and orange hues reflecting off the tide pools make Devil’s Tear a must-see.

Related post: What to do in Nusa Lembongan 

Bali Itinerary Day 12-14: Uluwatu 

For the final days of your itinerary, travel back to the mainland to explore the beach town of Ulutwatu.

How to get to Uluwatu?

If you’re coming from the Nusa Islands, take a boat back to Sanur in Bali followed by a taxi to Uluwatu. The taxi from Sanur to Uluwatu costs around IDR 200k.  

Alternatively, if you’re coming from the airport, you can book a private transfer by clicking here. The drive from the airport to Uluwatu takes about 45 minutes.

view of the ocean and forest at Nunggalan beach bali
The viewpoint at Nunggalan Beach Uluwatu

Where to Stay in Uluwatu? 

Below are some of the best places to stay in Uluwatu:

Luxury: Yoga Searcher Bali is a great place to stay if you want to be close to the main attractions in Uluwatu. It’s located within walking distance of Padang Beach, and Thomas Beach and is only about a 5-minute drive from Uluwatu Temple. Check latest price here.

Mid-range: La Kreyiol is a mid-range accommodation conveniently located near all the main attractions. The hotel features a beautiful tropical garden and a small swimming pool. Check latest price here.

Budget: If you’re on a budget, I recommend staying at Orange Balangan Bungalow, situated about a 10-minute drive from Balangan Beach and Dreamland Beach. The rooms are basic but clean and each has a private bathroom. You can also take advantage of the common pool for a refreshing dip. Check latest price here

FIND MORE HOTELS IN ULUWATU HERE

Things to do in Uluwatu

Uluwatu Temple & Kecak fire dance

Situated on top of a cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is one of the most famous sunset spots in Bali. The entrance ticket to the temple costs IDR 50k. Make sure to stay until after sunset to watch the Kecak fire dance.

Cliffside views and flowers at Uluwatu Temple
View of the cliffs at Uluwatu Temple

Balangan Beach

With one of the biggest surf breaks in Bali, Balangan Beach is a popular surfing spot for both beginner and pro surfers.

Nunggalan Beach

Head to Nuggalan beach to take a photo with the famous graffiti shipwreck. The 30-minute hike keeps the crowds away, so you’ll most likely be the only one there. 

There are no restaurants on the beach except for a small beach shack selling coconuts. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for about IDR 50k. Entrance fee to the beach costs IDR 10k.

Colorful shipwreck on Nunggalan beach, Bali
Shipwreck on Nunggalan beach

Melasti Beach

This is the perfect place to chill for a few hours before the end of your Bali 2 week itinerary. It’s one of my favorite beaches since the waves are not too strong. Make sure to stop at the viewpoint for a panoramic view of the beach.

You’ll find a few warungs selling local food and fresh coconuts. Toilets and showers are also available for a small fee and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Entrance fee is IDR 10k. 

View of colorful umbrellas from the top of the cliffs at Melasti Beach bali
Bird’s eye view of Melasti Beach

Where to buy a sim card in Bali? 

If you need internet, I recommend buying a local sim card on Klook which costs around US$ 11. It’s very convenient since you can have it delivered directly to your hotel.

PRE-BOOK YOUR LOCAL SIM CARD HERE

Rice field views from a restaurant in Ubud

Best time to visit Bali 

The rainy season in Bali is between December and February and the dry season is between May and September. 

If you want good weather and at the same time avoid crowds, I recommend visiting Bali during the shoulder season: March/April and October/November.


I hope you find this 2 weeks in Bali itinerary helpful. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below.

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photo collage of attractions in bali , including beaches and rice fields

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