Are you looking for a diverse itinerary for Bali? We love Bali, and that’s why we’ve been there many times. With these experiences, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary for those who want to enjoy white beaches while also tasting the culture. Bali is incredibly popular, and that’s because it’s the ideal destination for a road trip. In just two to three weeks, you can see and do so much beautiful stuff without having to cover long distances. Think of stunning beaches, impressive rice terraces, and magnificent temples. Add to that delicious food and incredibly low prices, and you’ll understand why it’s easy to fall in love with Bali. Check out our itinerary below along with tips for creating the perfect road trip through Bali and the neighboring islands.
Transportation for this Bali Itinerary
Public transportation is limited in Bali and is not widely used by travelers. The easiest way to get around is by taxi. It might sound expensive, but for a one-hour ride, you often pay less than $20. You can always arrange a taxi to your next destination through your hotel, and in most places, you can use taxi apps like Grab or Gojek. You can also rent a scooter for shorter distances, giving you the freedom to go wherever you want.
Plan Ahead: Taxi drivers at the airport often charge outrageous prices, and after your flight, you probably won’t want to negotiate hard right away. So, arrange for a pick-up in advance to start your trip off relaxed. This will save you money and hassle. Someone will be waiting for you with a name sign, and you can hop right in to head to your hotel. You can book your pick-up here.
The Bali Itinerary for Two to Three Weeks + Extension Options
Most people allocate about two to three weeks for a road trip through Bali. In our opinion, the varied itinerary below is ideal for this timeframe. This way, you’ll see the most beautiful spots in both the south and north of Bali, from expansive rice fields and waterfalls to white sandy beaches. If you want to extend your trip, you’ll find more tips at the end of this article for great destinations to add to your itinerary. If you’re staying for two weeks in Bali, it’s helpful to shorten our route by skipping one or two of the destinations. Which destinations to skip will depend on your preferences. Below, we describe all the destinations so you can easily determine which ones appeal to you the most.
Uluwatu
From the airport, the best way to travel is directly to Uluwatu, located in the far south of Bali. This is the perfect first destination for your trip because here you’ll find the most beautiful beaches in Bali, surrounded by impressive cliffs and crystal-clear water. The waves attract surfers from all over the world, but even if you don’t surf, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and great beach clubs. Uluwatu has maintained its laid-back character and is less crowded than many other beach destinations in Bali. Explore the high cliffs, white sandy beaches, and charming eateries that make Uluwatu such a lovely place. Check out all our tips for Uluwatu.
Travel time from the airport to Uluwatu: 1 hour by taxi
Nusa Lembongan
After a few days of recovering from your flight in Uluwatu, it’s time to move on to Nusa Lembongan. This small neighboring island is less than a 30-minute boat ride from Bali. Here, you can truly relax on the lovely beaches with crystal-clear blue water. If you’re looking to be active, hop on a boat for a morning of snorkeling. In addition to colorful fish and corals, you also have a great chance of spotting giant manta rays. Curious about what island life is like here? Check out our tips for Nusa Lembongan.
Travel time from Uluwatu to Nusa Lembongan: 1.5 hours by taxi to Sanur, then another 30 minutes by boat
Nusa Penida
Although Nusa Penida is only a 15-minute boat ride from Nusa Lembongan, the landscapes here are completely different. The rugged cliffs provide brilliant views along the coastline. Climb down the cliffs where beautiful beaches and water temples are hidden. If you have the time, it’s highly recommended to stay here for a few days and take your time to explore the island thoroughly. If you’re short on time during your trip to Bali, you can also visit Nusa Penida as a day trip from Nusa Lembongan. Check out our tips for Nusa Penida to learn more about this special island.
Travel time from Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida: 15 minutes by boat
Ubud
When you think of Bali, you immediately think of green rice fields, temples, and waterfalls. All of this comes together perfectly in Ubud. This is the cultural heart of Bali, where there are tons of fun things to do. The center can be quite busy, but once you step outside of it, you’ll find an oasis of tranquility. Take a walk or bike ride through the rice fields, visit an authentic morning market, and treat yourself to a unique accommodation in the middle of nature. Check out our tips for Ubud to see what there is to do.
Travel time from Nusa Penida to Ubud: 45 minutes by boat to Sanur, then another hour by taxi
Munduk
Munduk is the perfect base for exploring the less-visited northern part of Bali. The village is surrounded by mountains, rice fields, and coffee plantations. There are still very few hip cafés here, and you won’t have to wait in line for the best viewpoints. In Munduk, you’ll be greeted with enthusiastic smiles from the locals and get a glimpse into traditional Balinese life. At about 700 meters (2.300 ft) elevation, it’s a few degrees cooler here than in many other parts of Bali, providing a pleasant refreshment during your trip. From here, you can visit the impressive waterfalls and temples in northern Bali.
Travel time from Ubud to Munduk: 2 hours by taxi
Canggu
As a grand finale, before heading to the airport, you can enjoy a few more days in Canggu. What started as a sleepy surf village has now become one of the most popular coastal towns in Bali. There’s always something happening in Canggu. You don’t visit Canggu for cultural sights, but rather for its many culinary hotspots, fun shops, fantastic parties, and great surf sessions. Curious about what Canggu has to offer? Check out our tips for Canggu.
Travel time from Munduk to Canggu: 2 hours by taxi
Extension Options in Bali
Of course, there are more beautiful destinations in Bali to extend or rearrange your itinerary. The following destinations are also worth visiting.
Sidemen
Do you want to escape the crowds and experience the authentic Balinese lifestyle? Then Sidemen is a must-visit! This village is located in a valley full of rice fields at the foot of Mount Agung. Sidemen is often referred to as the Ubud of 10 years ago, and for good reason. You can enjoy a beautiful walk through the rice fields and along the small villages, where a local guide will teach you about Balinese culture. Check out our tips for Sidemen.
Amed
Another destination that is less frequently visited than the southern coastal towns is Amed in eastern Bali. This is a popular spot among divers because you can find the best diving sites here. For example, you can dive at an old shipwreck. Check out our tips for Amed. 
Lovina
Lastly, we recommend Lovina, located in the far north of Bali. From here, you can head out to sea to spot dolphins and also visit the waterfalls in the north. If you choose to go dolphin watching in Bali, always do so in a responsible manner that doesn’t harm the dolphins. Check out our tips for Lovina to learn more about this.
Extension Options Outside Bali
From Bali, you can venture in all directions in Indonesia. For example, take the boat to Lombok or the Gili Islands. If you want to see more of Indonesia, the following destinations are ideal for expanding your Bali itinerary.
Gili Islands
Are you not yet tired of white beaches, snorkeling, and chilling? Take a trip to the Gili Islands. The three small islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air—are wonderful places to do absolutely nothing. If you have three days to spare, the Gili Islands are the place to be. Enjoy cocktails with your feet in the sand or snorkel with turtles that come close to the shore to eat seaweed. Check out our tips for the Gili Islands.
Lombok
Just as Sidemen is the Ubud of 10 years ago, Lombok is the Bali of 30 years ago. This fantastic island has stolen our hearts, and we highly recommend it to everyone. Here, you can take an adventurous round trip through the most beautiful spots on the island in about 10 days. If you have less time, you can also visit just a few destinations in Lombok. Lombok is perfect for combining with a trip through Bali, offering a completely different world. Check out our itinerary for Lombok.
Komodo Islands
Komodo National Park is a group of islands you might know from nature documentaries like Planet Earth II, featuring the Komodo dragons. These giants can grow up to 10 feet long and live only in this region. What almost no one knows is that the Komodo Islands offer much more than just dragons. You’ll find tropical white and pink beaches, a rich underwater world, and bizarre landscapes. You can take a fantastic multi-day boat trip to visit the most beautiful spots in the Komodo Islands. The departure point for this tour is the harbor town of Labuan Bajo on Flores, which is about a one-hour flight from Bali. Read all about the boat trip to the Komodo Islands. 
Looking for Unique Stays in Bali?
In Bali, you can sleep for relatively little money in the most unique locations. During our travels, we’ve searched for the most beautiful and remarkable hotels. Check out our favorite places in Bali, where you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time. From luxurious bamboo villas to cozy surf hostels and the most unique hotels in the rice fields, where you’ll be pampered. These are the absolute best places to stay in Bali! 
