Bali, aptly named “the Island of Gods,” is the stuff of tropical fantasies. Does this imply that Bali is the quintessential lazy island paradise? Absolutely not, which is exactly what our two-week stay on the island taught us. We dug deeper the second time around, trekking to a volcano, crossing rocky paths to waterfalls, driving the length of the mainland to visit temples, and sampling a variety of cuisines. Here’s our two week guide to exploring Bali the best way possible:
Day 1: Canggu – Arrive in Bali and spend the day exploring nearby areas. Secure your scooter rental and enjoy a sunset at any of the nearby beaches – Berawa, Batu Balong, Echo beach.
Stay: Komea Villas
Day 2: Canggu – Enjoy a relaxed morning at the beach and after lunch head to Tanah Lot Temple for sunset.
Stay: Komea Villas
Day 3: Canggu – Spend the morning at Berawa Beach (cleanest, most tranquil beach we found in Canggu). Enjoy a late lunch and sunset at Brisa Beach Club.
Stay: Komea Villas
Day 4: Ubud – Drive to Ubud (1 hour away). Make your way to the famous Bali swing. Same day visit Saraswati Temple and Campuhan Ridgewalk (sunset).
Stay: Madani Antique Villas
Day 5: Ubud – Early morning start (7 AM) and head to Tegalagalang Rice terraces. Spend a little time here as you cannot technically walk around the entire place anymore. Move further down the road to a slightly less commercial rice field known (local name, ask along the road).
Stay: Madani Antique Villas
Same day, head to Kanto Lampo waterfall, Tibumana waterfall, Tukad Cepung waterfall. Sleep early for Mount Batur Sunrise Trek at 3.30 AM.
Stay: Madani Antique Villas
Day 6: Mount Bature Sunrise Trek + Munduk – Arrange for a local tour company to take you for the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek. You can either pay USD 15 per way for a mountain bike to take you up or walk the 2.5 hours. On your way back to your hotel in Ubud, stop at the many café’s for breakfast that provide sweeping views of the volcano.
Later that morning, drive to Munduk (2 hour drive). Visit the Munduk waterfall and enjoy your evening at the hotel.
Stay: Munduk Moding Plantation
Day 7: Munduk – Sunrise At Handara Gate. Head to Ulun Danu Temple. Visit the Munduk Swing and twin waterfalls (time permitting).
Stay: Munduk Moding Plantation
Day 8: Nusa Penida – Drive from Munduk to Sanur Ferry Point to catch your ferry to Nusa Penida Island. Tickets can be booked online or at the ferry point. Visit Tembeling Natural Pool and Beach.
Stay: Penida Bambu Suites
Day 9: Nusa Penida – Early morning head to Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach and Thousand Islands Viewpoint.
Stay: Penida Green Bambu Suites
Day 10: Nusa Penida – Spend the day in North Nusa by heading to Crystal Bay for Manta snorkelling. Same day journey to Kelingking beach, Broken beach, Angel’s Billabong.
Stay: Penida Bambu Suites
Day 11: Uluwatu – Ferry back to Sanur harbour and drive to Uluwatu. Spend the day at Sunday’s beach club or any other beach nearby.
Stay: Dreamsea Bali
Day 12: Uluwatu – Enjoy a morning surf lesson or head to One Eighty beach club/Cattamaran beach club for lunch. Rest of the day at Nyang Nyang beach.
Stay: Dreamsea Bali
Day 13: Uluwatu – Head to Tegal Wangi cave (time permitting) or go to Bingin beach to relax. Sunset at Thomas beach.
Stay: Dreamsea Bali
Day 14: Uluwatu – Day trip to East Bali for Heavens Gate and Tirta Gangga Temple. Evening Uluwatu Temple for sunset and the Kecak dance show performance.
Stay: Dreamsea Bali
Day 15: Flight back home!
Fact file:
Best time to visit: May – September
Weather: Hot and humid
Currency: Indonesia Rupiah
Useful info:
Car rental: Mr. Nyoman Surya +62 81337957660
Ferry: Nusa Star Fish, Golden Queen Nusa (contacts online)
Mount Batur Sunrise trek: www.mountbatursunrisetrekking.com
For accommodation booking: Directly or via https://www.booking.com/