Greta's Travels

Bali Itinerary: How To Spend 5 Days To 2 Weeks In Bali!

Posted on Last updated: July 1, 2023

Looking for the ultimate Bali itinerary? Regardless of how long you’re spending on the Island of the Gods, you’ve come to the right place!

Bali is a dream destination for many. With its lush green landscapes, beautiful beaches, rich history and temples, waterfalls of unparalleled beauty, and dramatic volcanoes, it has something to offer for every type of traveller.

There are so many amazing things to do in Bali that it can be hard deciding what to do. I’ve been to Bali twice, the first time for 10 days and the second time for 7 days.

Both times I saw different parts of the island, but still feel like there is so much more I haven’t seen! In this guide I put together some sample Bali itineraries, to help you plan your time in Bali if you have limited time there.

Bearing in mind you could live in Bali as a digital nomad and still not see it all, these action packed itineraries are built with the intention of showing you as much as realistically possible of this beautiful island.

I outlined below how to spend 5 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days in Bali. The longer itineraries are a build up on the shorter ones, covering the main attractions as well as other spots.

So without further ado, let’s just straight into planning your perfect Bali itinerary!

  • 1.1 Rent a scooter
  • 1.2 Rent a car
  • 1.3 Car hire with driver
  • 1.4 Combination of taxis & tours
  • 2 Bali itinerary 5 days
  • 3 Bali itinerary 7 days
  • 4 Bali itinerary 10 days
  • 5 Bali itinerary 2 weeks
  • 6.1 Learn how to surf!
  • 6.2 Explore the cafes and restaurants
  • 6.3 Visit Tanah Lot
  • 6.4 Enjoy the sunset on the beach
  • 6.5 Where to stay in Canggu
  • 7.1 Explore the Tegalalang rice fields
  • 7.2 Visit the Monkey Forest
  • 7.3 Mount Batur sunrise hike
  • 7.4 Explore the Ubud market & town centre
  • 7.5 Watch a Kecak fire dance
  • 7.6 Where to stay in Ubud
  • 8.1 Relax at the beach
  • 8.2 Visit Uluwatu temple
  • 8.3 See the fire ceremony
  • 8.4 Where to stay in Uluwatu
  • 9.1 Travel to the Gilis
  • 9.2 Which Gili island is the best for you?
  • 9.3 Snorkel with turtles!
  • 9.4 Cycle around the island
  • 9.5 Watch the sunset
  • 9.7 Where to stay in Gili Trawangan
  • 10.1 Kelingking Beach
  • 10.2 Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
  • 10.3 Snorkel with manta rays
  • 10.4 Where to stay in Nusa Penida
  • 11.1 Go waterfall chasing
  • 11.2 Visit Ulu Danu Beratan Temple
  • 11.3 Visit Wanagiri Hidden Hills
  • 11.4 Visit Handara Golf & Resort Bali gates
  • 11.5 Where to stay in Munduk
  • 12 What to pack for Bali

The famous terraced rice fields of Ubud

The famous terraced rice fields of Ubud

How to travel around Bali

Let’s start with the premise that getting around Bali can be a bit of a nightmare. The traffic can get really bad at peak hours, and it can take a very long time to get anywhere.

That’s why these Bali itineraries are optimised to have as few big moves as possible, and in such a way that you avoid going back and forth over the same routes. These are the most common modes of transport in Bali:

Rent a scooter

If you can drive a scooter, this is the easiest and cheapest way to get around Bali. You will see loads of people, both tourists and locals, zooming all over Bali on two wheels, often with surf boards in tow.

If you don’t feel confident on two wheels (nothing wrong with that, I don’t either) you can also rent a car .

This is obviously a bit pricier than renting a scooter, but still gives you the freedom and flexibility to move around Bali as you wish, without having to wait on a driver.

A popular tourist spot in Bali; the

A popular tourist spot in Bali; the “Love Bali” sign at Tegalalang rice terraces

Car hire with driver

At the hire end of the price range, but also of the comfort scale, is the hiring a car with driver option.

If you don’t want to drive yourself (again, nothing wrong, I’m not confident on four wheels either) you can rent a car with a driver to take you around Bali.

This is the most expensive option but also the most convenient. Your driver will know all the spots and roads in Bali, so you don’t have to stress about Google Maps and getting lost along the way.

Click here to book your car with driver!

Combination of taxis & tours

If you’re not planning on doing a lot of driving around the island, you can also get along fine without a fixed form of transport. Any day trip or tour you book will usually include hotel pickup and drop off.

On my first trip to Bali we simply got taxis for longer stretches (eg. airport to hotel, hotel to ferry terminal etc) and then did tours that took us where we needed to go.

Our hotels were very central in Ubud and Seminyak so we could easily walk everywhere we wanted to. Now that the logistics are out of the way, let’s dive right into our Bali itineraries!

The main pool at Villa Sungai

The main pool at Villa Sungai

Bali itinerary 5 days

Five days are really the bare minimum you should spend in Bali if you want to have a proper feel for the place. This Bali 5-day itinerary takes you to two of the main areas in Bali: Canggu and Ubud.

My suggested 5 days in Bali itinerary is the following:

  • 2 days in Canggu
  • 3 days in Ubud

Bali itinerary 7 days

If you’ve got a bit of extra time in Bali, then I would recommend adding a visit to Uluwatu. My suggested Bali 7-day itinerary would be:

  • 2 days in Uluwatu

Beautiful sunsets along the beach

Beautiful sunsets along the beach

Bali itinerary 10 days

On my first trip I spent 10 days in Bali. I’ll admit I didn’t love Bali on my first trip there, as I tried to do simply too much and ended up feeling quite stressed.

This Bali 10-day itinerary is loosely based around that, but improved thanks also to my experiences from my second Bali trip. So learn from my mistakes, and check out this Bali 10-day itinerary:

  • 3 days in the Gili islands

Outdoors bathroom at Sungai Gold

Outdoors bathroom at Sungai Gold

Bali itinerary 2 weeks

If I were to go back to Bali I would want to go for at least 2 weeks next time.

14 days in Bali will give you enough time to go a bit deeper into the Balinese culture, see a bit more of the island, but also not be massively rushed running from one place to the next.

Here is my suggested 14-day Bali itinerary:

  • 2 days in Nusa Penida
  • 2 days in Munduk

Following the itinerary formats I outlined above will allow you to see as much as possible of Bali, while minimising your travel around the island. Obviously feel free to adapt them to adapt to your own personal preferences as you see fit.

For example if you have no interest in surfing and prefer to go waterfall chasing, you might want to spend less time in Canggu and more in Ubud, or viceversa.

These itineraries are also very packed, if you prefer a slower travel rhythm feel free to take out stops. Now let’s dive into the day-by-day breakdown; what are you actually going to be doing each day in Bali?

Cocktails at The Lawn Canggu

Cocktails at The Lawn Canggu

Bali itinerary: 2 days in Canggu

Canggu is the backpacker and digital nomad area of Bali. There is a strong expat community here, as well as a big café culture.

It’s not an uncommon to see Europeans, Americans and Australians zooming past on their scooters with surfboards early in the morning, and then sat at a café with their laptop in the afternoon.

I stayed here on my second trip to Bali and much preferred it to Seminyak, where I stayed on my first trip. Seminyak is a lot more of a resort area with fancy hotels, and it felt much more touristy. Canggu has a more chilled and friendly vibe.

I only spent 3 nights in Canggu but could easily see why so many people choose to live there. Given you have a tight Bali itinerary, here is what I recommend you do during your 1-2 days in Canggu.

Learn how to surf!

Canggu is one of the surfing hubs in Bali . There are long and consistent waves on a soft beach break, perfect for beginners looking to learn.

There are also lots of shops and shacks on the beach from which you can get lessons or rent boards.

Estimated time required: Lessons usually last 2 hours, however if you want to properly learn you will need more time in the water.

I recommend getting a lesson in the morning, then renting a board and spending a whole day at the beach, practicing your surfing in between some sunbathing breaks.

Click here to book your surfing lesson in Bali!

Surfing in Seminyak, Bali

Surfing in Seminyak, Bali

Explore the cafes and restaurants

There is a big foodie scene in Canggu. With so many expats living in Canggu there has been a big rise in ethnic food and hipster cafes popping up all over Canggu. Whatever cuisine you fancy, it’s pretty likely that you will find it.

Some of the most famous ones are The Lawn; a bar and restaurant right on the beach, Kynd Community; a colourful plant based café, and Nalu Bowls, with their delicious and colourful smoothie bowls.

Estimated time required: 1-2 hours per café or restaurant, or however long you want really!

A very instagrammable meal at one of the coffee shops in Canggu, Bali

A very instagrammable meal at one of the coffee shops in Canggu, Bali

Visit Tanah Lot

Tanah Lot is one of the most famous and visited temples in Bali. I personally didn’t love it, but I can see the beauty and appeal of it.

The temple is built on a rock outcrop and when the tide comes up, it fully surrounds the temple making it seem like it’s floating out there at sea.

It’s a short scooter ride away from the centre of Canggu and a must-see on many Bali bucket lists. It’s particularly popular at sunset.

You can easily visit Tanah Lot alone but you can also do a guided sunset tour if you prefer to have a guide showing you the place.

Estimated time required: 1-2 hours.

Golden hour at Tanah Lot, Bali

Golden hour at Tanah Lot, Bali  

Enjoy the sunset on the beach

Canggu is on the west coast of Bali, in a prime sunset viewing spot. There are also lots of fun bars on the beach where you can get drinks, snacks, and enjoy a drink while watching the sun go down over the ocean.

The perfect ending to any day in Canggu!

Estimated time required: 1-2 hours – or longer if you want to party the night away on the beach after sunset!

Dinner on the beach with a sunset view and live music

Dinner on the beach with a sunset view and live music  

Where to stay in Canggu

In Canggu I stayed at Pondok Homestay , a lovely property a short 10 minute walk away from the beach. It had a pool as well as a view over the rice paddies.

In Canggu you can find accommodation for every budget, from hostels to lovely villas with private pools .

A cool hostel you should try out is Tribal Bali . Recently opened, this hostel is located just minutes from the beach, and is equipped with co-working spaces for digital nomads, as well as an infinity pool and billiard area for fun evenings.

Click here to book your stay at Pondok Homestay!

Drone shot of the pool at Pondok Homestay in Canggu

Drone shot of the pool at Pondok Homestay in Canggu

Bali itinerary: 3 days in Ubud

There lots of great things to do in Ubud . It’s a small town in central Bali, known also as Bali’s cultural centre. The town is surrounded by rice fields, rainforests and temples, making it one of the most popular stops on any Bali itinerary.

I visited Ubud on both my Bali trips, seeing different parts of what it has to offer, as well as returning to my favourite spots. 2-3 days in Ubud are a good amount of time to see all the highlights listed below.

Explore the Tegalalang rice fields

This is possibly one of the most famous attractions in Ubud, if not all of Bali. The terraced rice fields of Tegalalang are one of the most iconic views in Bali, which you have probably seen on travel brochures or pamphlets.

The rice terraces are about a 15-minute drive away from central Ubud. They’re free to enter however there are checkpoints throughout where local farmers will ask you for a small “donation” to keep exploring.

The rice fields can get quite busy so I recommend visiting early in the morning. That way you will not only avoid the crowds, but also have that beautiful golden hour glow in your photos.

Estimated time required: 2-3 hours.

Walking around the rice fields of Tegalalang in Ubud, Bali

Walking around the rice fields of Tegalalang in Ubud, Bali

Visit the Monkey Forest

Another very popular attraction in Ubud is the Monkey Forest. This is a large temple and park area, where monkeys roam free and tourists pay to visit them. The entrance fee was around 3GBP when I visited.

Once inside you can buy bananas or other food to feed the monkeys if you want, but you can’t bring our own from outside. If you do buy food be careful, the monkeys can be quite bold and they will climb all over you to take it!

Besides seeing the monkeys I enjoyed also just walking around the temple grounds, taking in the beauty of the spot. It’s a fairly touristy attraction, but a fun one nonetheless and a must-see on most Bali itineraries.

If you prefer you can also do an organised tour in Ubud , which will take you to the Monkey Forest, the rice fields, chasing waterfalls and to all the main highlights.

That way you’re sure you’re not missing out anything, especially since you’re on a tight schedule!

Click here to check out a full immersion Ubud tour!

One of the cheeky monkeys in the Monkey Forest of Ubud

One of the cheeky monkeys in the Monkey Forest of Ubud

Mount Batur sunrise hike

If you’re an outdoor and adventure thrill seeker, you will want to add the Mount Batur sunrise trek to your Bali itinerary.

I haven’t actually done this, since on my first trip to Bali we did the Kawah Ijen sunrise trek in East Java instead.

While this was a very fun and unique experience (it’s one of the few places in the world where you can see blue flames!) it was an absolutely knackering 24-hour trip, with most of it spent in a minivan.

That’s why I recommend hiking Mount Batur instead, you get a fairly similar experience for considerably less travel effort.

If you do a Mount Batur sunrise trek tour these will usually pick you up from Ubud around 2AM, guide you up and down the volcano, and include breakfast after the hike. It’s about a 2-hour hike to reach the peak.

Watching the sunrise over Mount Agung and the surrounding countryside is well worth the effort.

Estimated time required : 10 hours.

Click here to book your Mount Batur sunrise hike!

Mount Batur in Bali - Photo by Joaquin Prats on Scopio

Mount Batur in Bali – Photo by Joaquin Prats on Scopio

Explore the Ubud market & town centre

The town centre of Ubud is a bit hectic, with quite of traffic on the roads, both cars and scooters. However if you can get away from the main roads, and into the smaller side streets, you will find beautiful corners of local life.

We wandered around aimlessly for a bit and ended up on a trail that went through some rice paddies.

They might not be as imposing as the terraced fields in Tegalalang, but we spent a lovely afternoon wandering around the tranquil Balinese countryside.

In the Ubud town centre you will also find the traditional art market. This is a part indoors market that sells all sort of things, from the usual tourist souvenirs to paintings, clothes and food.

The colourful market of Ubud

The colourful market of Ubud

Watch a Kecak fire dance

On my first visit to Ubud we stumbled across a Kecak fire dance. We had no idea it was going on, we happened to walk past it and decided to check it out.

The Kecak fire dance is a traditional Balinese dance and chant, which is on every Wednesday and Saturday at 7:30pm.

Watching the men chant in rhythm and kicking around fiery coals was a very impressive show. I had never seen anything like it and I found it fascinating. If you’re in Ubud when it’s on I definitely recommend checking it out.

Estimated time required: 1 hour.

The fire dancing performance in Ubud

The fire dancing performance in Ubud

Where to stay in Ubud

You will want to stay somewhere nice in Ubud, preferably with a pool so that you can rest and sunbathe on poolside after the long days exploring Ubud. These are the two hotels I’ve stayed at in Ubud and can recommend.

Komaneka at Monkey Forest

This luxurious property is located right in the centre of Ubud town, a short 10-minute walk away from the Monkey Forest.

Despite being so central they found a way to create a quiet haven, overlooking rice paddies and trees so that when you’re by the pool you can’t hear the chaos of the main road.

Click here to book your stay at Komaneka at Monkey Forest!

Desa Visesa

On my second trip I stayed at Desa Visesa . It’s a bit further out and quieter, with big green spaces you can walk around and explore.

They have a free transfer to take you into town so the distance from Ubud town centre doesn’t really matter.

Click here to book your stay at Desa Visesa!

Drone shot of the main pool at Desa Visesa Ubud

Drone shot of the main pool at Desa Visesa Ubud

Bali itinerary: 2 days in Uluwatu

Located in the south of the island, Uluwatu is one of the most famous and visited areas of Bali. It’s very close to the airport so can be easily visited at the start or end of your Bali trip, so that you’re conveniently located for travelling.

Here are some of the best things that you can do in 1-2 days in Uluwatu.

Relax at the beach

There are some beautiful beaches around Uluwatu, both surfing beaches but also more relaxing ones, where you can swim in the sea without being swept away by the waves.

One of the most popular beaches is Melasti Beach. Fine white sand, bright turquoise water, and the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu behind you. What more could you want?

Estimated time required: However long you want to chill on the beach for!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0BQ-4HBoo1/

Visit Uluwatu temple

One of the most famous spots in Uluwatu is without a doubt Uluwatu Temple. Spread across the cliffs of Uluwatu it’s one of the most scenic temples you will see.

You can visit alone and just wander around the temple, enjoying the dramatic views over the cliffs, or you can also do a guided tour .

Estimated time required:  1-2 hours.

Click here to book your Uluwatu Temple tour!

Exploring Uluwatu Temple in Bali - Photo by Ruthba Nitia on Scopio

Exploring Uluwatu Temple in Bali – Photo by Ruthba Nitia on Scopio

See the fire ceremony

Similar to the Kecak fire dance in Ubud, there is a fire ceremony every day also at Uluwatu Temple. It happens every day at sunset on one of the cliffs of the temple.

It’s a traditional Balinese experience and a great opportunity to learn about Balinese culture.

You could spend a whole day chilling at the beach in Uluwatu, then head to Uluwatu Temple a bit before sunset so you can pair your visit to the temple with the fire ceremony.

Estimated time required:  1 hour.

Where to stay in Uluwatu

I haven’t personally stayed in Uluwatu. If I went back to Bali I would want to stay at The Edge Bali in Uluwatu. This is a beautiful property with a very scenic infinity pool, which juts out over the cliffs and ocean.

Click here to book your stay at The Edge Bali!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5uX8u0gb7w/

Bali itinerary: 3 days in the Gili islands

The Gili islands aren’t actually part of Bali. They’re tiny islands off the coast of Lombok, the island neighbouring Bali.

However a lot of travellers visit them while on a trip to Bali, myself included, so I figured they just had to feature in this Bali itinerary.

Gili Trawangan was my favourite part of my first Bali trip. The island has very chill vibes, which is exactly what we needed after the action packed start to our trip.

But what can you actually do in the Gili islands? And which Gili island should you choose?

Travel to the Gilis

The easiest way to get to the Gili islands is to take the ferry from Padang Bai in Bali. Padang Bai is about a 1-hour drive from Ubud, and the ferry then takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Click here to book your ferry to the Gili islands from Bali!

Which Gili island is the best for you?

The Gili islands is a tiny archipelago made up of three main islands; Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. Each island has its own distinct personality, but they have an overarching relaxed island vibes, as well as equally beautiful beaches.

Gili Trawangan is known as the party backpacker island, Gili Meno is the romantic island for honeymooning couples, and Gili Air is the chill island that combines the other two.

I spent 3 days in Gili Trawangan with my now ex-boyfriend but we didn’t the party vibe annoying. We were there during low season and there generally weren’t many people around.

Whichever island you choose, there are epic things to do in all of them, so let’s dive in!

The pool at Wilsons Retreat

The pool at Wilsons Retreat

Snorkel with turtles!

Whether it’s turtles or thousands of fish, the Gili islands are famous for their stunning marine wildlife. Here the water is so clear that you will find loads of snorkelling and scuba diving schools.

In Gili Trawangan we didn’t even have to do a tour. We just rented snorkelling gear from out hotel, dived into the sea in front of our hotel, swam out about 100 metres and straight away spotted 2 turtles!

Snorkelling with turtles in Gili Trawangan was one of my favourite things we did on my first Bali trip.

In Gili Meno you can snorkel with the “Nest”; a group of underwater statues. I don’t know of any specific attraction when you snorkel in Gili Air, but you’re sure to have a good time!

Estimated time required : Anywhere between 1 hour to 10 hours! We personally spent a whole day just sat on the beach with our snorkel gear, jumping in and out of the sea to snorkel with turtles whenever we fancied it.

One of the many turtles we saw while snorkelling in Gili T

One of the many turtles we saw while snorkelling in Gili T

Cycle around the island

All of the Gili islands are entirely pedestrian; there are no cars or scooters. The only way to get around is either on foot, by bicycle, horse or horse carriage. Personally, I loved cycling around Gili Trawangan!

One day we rented a bicycle and cycled around the whole island. It took us pretty much the whole day, but we did stop at pretty much every nice beach and café that we saw while cycling.

Especially if you’re not a confident cyclist it’s just so refreshing to be cycling somewhere where the risks are very limited.

Estimated time required : Again, anywhere between 1 hour and 8 hours! It depends how many stops you do along the way and your level of fitness.

The beach just outside Wilsons Retreat

The beach just outside Wilsons Retreat

Watch the sunset

When sunset time comes, you will want to be on the western side of whatever Gili Island you’re visiting. I saw one of the best sunset ever in Gili Trawangan.

Watching the sun dip below the ocean line, with the outline of Mount Rinjani in Lombok in the distance and the sky slowly turning red is just magical.

You will find swings dotted on the beaches along the western coast. You might have to queue for one but they’ve become a very popular Instagram spot, and a must-see on any Bali trip!

Enjoying the sunset in Gili T, admiring Lombok in the distance

Enjoying the sunset in Gili T, admiring Lombok in the distance

You may have guessed this already from the loose timings of the activities listed above, but one of the main things to do in the Gili islands is simply to relax!

These islands are a chill island paradise, where people come to experience the island life. Let the island vibe flow through you.

Do the main activities on this list, but take you’re time with them, you’re in no rush! In between one snorkel and cycle take the time to sunbathe, read a book, listen to a podcast, or even nothing at all!

Estimated time required: However much you want!

Enjoying the turquoise water of the Gili T beaches

Enjoying the turquoise water of the Gili T beaches

Where to stay in Gili Trawangan

I’ve mentioned already that despite staying in the party Gili island, we didn’t really find it to have an excessive party scene. If you stay on the east side of the island where the ferries arrive there are more hostels and bars.

However we stayed at Wilson’s Retreat in the north-west areas of Gili Trawangan and found it lovely.

The hotel is beach front with a pool, a restaurant on the beach where you can have breakfast, epic sunset views and right in front of the main turtle spot of the island.

We had a lovely time at Wilson’s Retreat and I can highly recommend it to anyone travelling to Gili Trawangan.

Click here to book your stay at Wilson’s Retreat!

Breakfast on the beach at Wilsons Retreat

Breakfast on the beach at Wilsons Retreat

Bali itinerary: 2 days in Nusa Penida

Similarly to the Gili islands, Nusa Penida is also not on mainland Bali. It’s an island just off the coast of Bali, which can be visited on a day trip from Bali or also for a longer stay.

It has become a very popular destination recently and many travellers visit Nusa Penida while on a trip to Bali.

You travel there as a day trip from Bali, however if you have the time I would definitely stay at least one night on the island, so you can really enjoy it and make the most of the long journey there.

Here are the main things to do and spots to see in Nusa Penida!

Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach is part of the reason Nusa Penida has become so famous.

Photos of the “t-rex” rock formation from above, contrasting to the bright turquoise sea went viral on social media, and Nusa Penida suddenly became one of the new tourist attractions in Bali.

You can also hike all the way down the cliff sides to the beach, and enjoy a leisurely beach day. The hike is quite intense, especially if you’re hiking under the sun so make sure to bring plenty of water!

Kelingking Beach is a must-see spot in Nusa Penida, as well as one of the most Instagrammable places in Bali .

Estimated time required: Depends if you hike down to the beach or not. If you’re only going to the viewpoint 1 hour to enjoy the view and pictures will be more than enough, if you want to go to the beach you will need at least 3-4 hours.

The famous t-rex of Nusa Penida

The famous t-rex of Nusa Penida – photo by Where Life Is Great

Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong

Broken Beach is a beautiful and very scenic spot in Nusa Penida. Here the cliffs and rock formations have created a beautiful arch where the sea water flows under it.

It’s a truly remarkable sight, seeing the eroded rocks and clear turquoise water.

You can’t swim in the sea here as there is no way down, but nearby there is Angel’s Billabong, a natural rock pool where you can go for a bit of a swim and to cool down after exploring Nusa Penida.

Click here to book your Nusa Penida day tour!

Broken Beach in Nusa Penida - photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Broken Beach in Nusa Penida – photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Snorkel with manta rays

In Nusa Penida you will have the opportunity to snorkel with manta rays . It’s one of the most popular activities on the island and can also be done on a day trip from Bali.

Whether you see manta rays or how many obviously depends on the season and the weather conditions on that day, it’s not guaranteed that you will see them.

However spending a day at sea searching for them, and snorkelling in beautiful reefs is a fun experience nonetheless.

Estimated time required: 6-9 hours depending if you do it as a day trip from Bali or from Nusa Penida.

Click here to book your swimming with manta rays experience!

Snorkelling with manta rays - Photo by Brad Flowerdew on Scopio

Snorkelling with manta rays – Photo by Brad Flowerdew on Scopio

Where to stay in Nusa Penida

If I were to stay in Nusa Penida I would stay at Rumah Pohon Treehouse . It’s not just an accommodation, but an experience in itself.

The room is very basic (it’s built on top of a tree after all) but it has absolutely incredible views over the Nusa Penida coastline.

Waking up on top of a tree to watch the sunrise over the sea and dramatic cliffs of Nusa Penida is priceless.

Click here to book your stay at Rumah Pohon Treehouse!

Rumah Pohon Treehouse - Photo by Michele Iannoni on Scopio

Rumah Pohon Treehouse – Photo by Michele Iannoni on Scopio

Bali itinerary: 2 days in Munduk

Munduk, and the north of Bali in general, is an area that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Far from the tourist hotspots in the south, the north of Bali is still mostly untouched, wild and beautiful.

From Canggu or Ubud you could scooter it up to many of the attractions in north Bali, see them in a day and then head back. However if you have the time I would definitely recommend staying at least one night in Munduk.

That way you don’t have to spend as much time travelling in one day, and you will have more time available to explore the beauties of Munduk. So what is there to see and do in Munduk?  

Go waterfall chasing

In the north of Bali you will find some of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.

Hidden away between the hills and forests, you will find stunning secluded waterfalls, some that you can swim in and others that you can appreciate their beauty from a viewpoint.

Some of the most famous and visited waterfalls in this area of Bali are Sekumpul waterfall , Munduk waterfall and Kroya waterfall.

Sekumpul and Munduk are fairly similar, they are two huge waterfalls with impressive views and jaw-dropping scenarios.

Munduk Waterfall in Bali - photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Munduk Waterfall in Bali – photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Kroya waterfall is a bit different, it’s not as big and impressive (despite still being a 12m drop) but it’s more fun.

The running water has smoothened the waterfall bed and you can slide down the waterfall, into the turquoise water below, like a natural water park!

From Munduk you can hop onto your scooter and adventure around while you chase waterfalls. If you don’t want to drive yourself there are also lots of organised tours that you can do this with.

Estimated time required: Depends on how many waterfalls you want to see in one day and if you want to swim in them. Can be anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours.

Click here to book your waterfall adventure in Munduk!

Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali - Photo by Eron Edward on Scopio

Sekumpul Waterfall in Bali – Photo by Eron Edward on Scopio

Visit Ulu Danu Beratan Temple

Ulu Danu Beratan temple is one of the most famous temples in Bali, and just had to feature in this Bali itinerary. Also known as the “Floating Temple”, this temple is located on the shores of Lake Bratan.

It’s often regarded as one of the most beautiful temples in Indonesia .

During the rainy season the water level is higher and completely surrounds the temple, giving the impression of it floating on water. It’s a short drive away from Munduk and can be easily visited while you’re in this part of Bali.

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bali - photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bali – photo by Sophie of We Dream Of Travel

Visit Wanagiri Hidden Hills

Wanagiri Hidden Hills is an epic viewpoint over Lake Tamblingan and Danau Buyan. They have build a very Instagrammable set up all around it, with swings, nests and platforms for your picture perfect shots.

Even if you don’t want to take photos with all the Insta set up, it’s a beautiful viewpoint nonetheless.

One of the viewpoints at Wanagiri Hidden Hills in Bali - Photo by Liezl Dalinas on Scopio

One of the viewpoints at Wanagiri Hidden Hills in Bali – Photo by Liezl Dalinas on Scopio

Visit Handara Golf & Resort Bali gates

Not far from Wanagiri Hills you will find Handara Golf & Resort Bali. It might seem odd to have a golf resort on this itinerary, and yet it’s one of the most visited places in Bali.

The resort has a beautiful Balinese gate with the mountains behind it. It has become one of the most popular Instagram spots in bali (it’s easy to see why!) and a must-visit on any Munduk itinerary.

You can do an organised tour that takes you to most of these spots in one day.

Click here to book your Munduk adventure day!

The Handara Golf & Resort Gates in Bali - Photo by Ian Chen on Scopio

The Handara Golf & Resort Gates in Bali – Photo by Ian Chen on Scopio

Where to stay in Munduk

There are lots of lovely spots where you can stay in Munduk. I haven’t personally stayed in this part of Bali (I really hope I get the chance to one day) but if I did I would love to stay at Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa .

With an infinity pool like that overlooking the hills, what more can you want? It’s quickly become one of the most popular Bali hotels on Instagram .

Click here to book your stay at Munduk Moding Resort & Spa!

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-GzVx_AMkr/

What to pack for Bali

Besides the usual swimsuit, underwear and clothes that you would pack for anything trip, I’ve listed below a couple essentials that you want to make sure to pack for your Bali trip!

Steel water bottle  – Bali has a big problem with plastic pollution, you don’t want to contribute to it! Bring your own water bottle and refill it. I personally love these stainless steel ones because they keep your water cold if you’re out all day on a hike or at the beach.

International adapter   – Depending on where you’re coming from you might need an adapter for your chargers. I like to travel with an international one as they have multiple sockets and can be used anywhere, not just that one trip.

Power bank  – if you’re going to be out adventuring all day you don’t want your phone to die along the way! You need it for those awesome Instagram shots (as well as not getting lost)

GoPro – Whether it’s to capture your surfing endeavours, your swim with turtles or snorkel with manta rays, a GoPro is a great addition to any packing list!

Chilling at the pool of our hotel, Komaneka at Monkey Forest

Chilling at the pool of our hotel, Komaneka at Monkey Forest

Final thoughts on the ultimate Bali itinerary (5 days, 7 days, 10 days or 2 weeks!)

This post turned out to be a pretty lengthy guide, if you’ve made it this far, congratulations! I hope you’re now equipped with all the information you need to plan your perfect Bali itinerary.

I put this guide together based on my own itineraries in Bali, as well information I now know about the Islands of Gods that I wished I’d known back then.

If I were to go back to Bali now on a limited time schedule, these are the itineraries I would follow.

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Collage of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and the coast of Nusa Penida with text overlay saying

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