The Best of Bali - 2 Week Itinerary

Located in the center of Bali, Ubud is home to some of Bali's most famous attractions including the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Monkey forest and Ubud Water Palace as well as hundreds of yoga retreats. 

It's central location also makes it an ideal place to stay before hiking Mount Batur as it is only 1 hour away vs 1 hour and 50 minutes from Seminyak. 

Tegallalang Rice Terrace

Bali's most popular attraction and largest rice field is a must-see - it is a truly awe-inspiring man-made wonder. As this place is extremely popular, I recommend waking up early and getting there 30 minutes before it opens to avoid the crowds. Once inside, you can pay around 250,000 IDR for the Bali jungle swing and feel like you are flying across the fields!

Bali Water Temple

Tirta Empul Water Temple is dedicated to the Hindu water God Vishnu and its purification pools are believed to cleanse the soul and ward off evil. Visitors to the temple can participate in the cleansing ceremony, which involves wading in the pool and submerging your head under the water that flows down. If you visit, make sure to bring a swimsuit or a change of clothes to wear under your sarong. 

Cycling Tour

One of my favorite tours in Bali was a cycling tour with Bali Eco Cycling. This half-day educational tour takes you away from the tourist center to learn more about  local Balinese culture by cycling through secret back roads and exploring the countryside. The tour stops at a coffee plantation to learn how coffee is made, a rice plantation, a local temple and ends with a group lunch of traditional Balinese food. Cycling through the countryside was a nice change of pace after visiting the major tourist destinations and offered a great insight into local Balinese life. 

Mount Batur

If you're looking for a challenge, hiking Mount Batur, an active volcano is well worth the effort! The most popular time to hike is just before sunrise. Note that you must hike Mount Batur with a guide (this is easiest if you book through a tour where they also pick you up). The hike is a few hours and I recommend wearing proper walking shoes and bringing a jacket for the top, as it is quite cold and windy. 

Yoga

Wind down at the end of the day by taking a yoga class at one of Ubud's many yoga studios. 

Head up to Northern Bali and spent a few days relaxing at Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa, a luxurious resort overlooking a coffee plantation with one of the best infinity pools in Bali.

The drive from Ubud to Munduk Moding Plantation is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes however, there are several stops worth visiting along the way. Note there is an admissions fee at each of these sites.

Aling Aling Waterfall

If you're feeling adventurous, Aling Aling has 3 waterfalls you can visit, including a waterfall you can slide down and 5, 10, and 15-meter cliffs jumping platforms. 

Leke Leke Waterfall

Nestled deep in the jungle, Leke Leke is worth the trek as it is a unique and beautiful waterfall surrounded by ivy. 

Git Git Waterfall

Another stunning waterfall in Northern Bali.  You can even swing into this waterfall!

Handara Golf Course Gates

Handara golf course has gates that look similar to the famous Gates of Heaven, without the crowds. These gates are a good alternative if you want a photo with the gates but don't want to spend several hours waiting in line. 

Canggu is located south of Seminyak, a trendy area in Bali filled with luxury hotels and spas, popular restaurants and nightclubs and boutique shopping, and has a more laid back, beach culture vibe for those who want to  relax and learn how to surf,  while still being close to the action. I recommend spending a few days in  Canggu and  taking a day trip to Seminyak to visit their shops and beach clubs. 

Surf

If you want to surf Canggu has plenty of surf schools as well as rental stalls located along the beach.  Several hostels and Airbnb's also have in house surf instructors and can coordinate lessons for you. 

Shop

Both Canggu and nearby Seminyak have everything from markets to local shops to high-end boutiques. 

Eat and Drink

Canggu has tons of healthy, delicious, Instagram worthy cafes and beach clubs. I recommend the following restaurants and bars:

I Am Vegan Babe - My favorite for vegan food. They have a large variety of international and western-style vegan dishes

Motion Cafe - Healthy, fitness-oriented food, including all-day protein waffles

Give Cafe  - Indonesian style vegan food, all proceeds are donated and you can choose where to donate the proceeds from your meal. 

Crate Cafe -  Very affordable and tasty western-style  breakfast  and lunch options

The Lawn - An all-day lounge/beach club on an expansive outdoor astroturf

La Brisa - A very popular beach club, it is expensive but is beautifully decorated and has a great view for watching the sunset  

The Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan) are located just off the coast of Bali and offer stunning beaches and breathtaking views you won't find anywhere on the mainland.  To get to the Nusa islands,  you will need to drive to Sanur and take the ferry to either Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. There are ferries that travel between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan however, Nusa Ceningan is only accessible by motorcycle from Nusa Lembongan. Note that the roads on the Nusa islands are steep, bumpy, and not well developed. If you are not comfortable driving a motorcycle, there are several tour operators that will pick you up at the dock and take you around. Also, be prepared that the boat ride from Sanur to Nusa Penida can be extremely bumpy if you get seasick easily. 

Nusa Penida 

Nusa Penida is the largest and most developed of the three islands.

On the west side of the island, destinations to visit  include  Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay (popular for snorkeling), Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong (a natural pool with rocks on either side).

The east side of the island is home to Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach. On the way to Diamond Beach, you can pay to swing over the ocean. and take photos in the nests suspended over the water.

It takes approximately an hour to drive from the west side to the east side of the island so I would recommend spending one day exploring the west side and another exploring the east. 

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan 

Nusa Lembongan and Ceningan are connected to one another and can be visited together as a day trip from Nusa Penida. 

Once you get there, visit the Devil's Tear and be mesmerized by the power of the ocean, drive across the yellow bridge to Ceningan Island, and have lunch overlooking the Blue Lagoon. There are several cute beach bars on the island where you can have a drink while sitting on a hammock over the ocean. 

Recharge before you head home at  Bali's 5-star Ayana Resort and Spa, located on a cliff overlooking Jimbaran Bay. The resort has its own private beach, multiple infinity pools, and 19 restaurants and bars, including the iconic Rock Bar. 

The resort is close to Uluwatu, a stunning surf town known for its cliff-top views and pristine beaches.  It is also  a prime surfing destination for advanced surfers. Leave the resort for a day and head to Uluwatu to check out the following attractions: 

Uluwatu Temple 

A beautiful temple located on the top of a cliff overlooking the ocean. There are also monkeys roaming around the jungle - great for photos but make sure to hold on tight to your phone, sunglasses and camera! Note that you will need to have your shoulders covered and wear a sarong to enter. 

Padang-Padang Beach 

One of the most beautiful beaches on mainland Bali as well as one of Bali's most famous surfing destinations. 

Single Fin's

A popular rooftop surf bar and beach club with an incredible view for sunset.