Bali is one of the most magical places. The island is absolutely stunning, with a vast array of landscapes. Bali is truly the ultimate destination for any type of traveler and is extremely affordable. This perfect Bali route will help guide you to plan a 2 to 3-week trip. If you do not have 3 weeks, do not stress! Bali is relevantly small and distances between destinations are short. This itinerary can easily be changed to fit your travel needs and help you plan your own perfect Bali Itinerary.
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Spend 2-3 Nights in Canggu or Seminyak
After flying into Denpasar Airport, hire a private driver to Canggu or Seminyak. Travelers Tip: Hiring a private driver in Bali is VERY inexpensive. Not sure who to use? Send me a direct message on Instagram or my contact page and I will give you the driver’s information I used. The driver, Putu, was so kind, helpful, and always on time.
Canggu is a laid-back, trendy, but less populated, surfer town. Seminyak is larger with more beach clubs and vast beaches. However, they are both close to each other making it easy to visit each area regardless of which you pick. I personally prefer Canggu.
Where to Stay in Canguu
Where to Stay in Seminyak
Read More: What to do in Canggu & Seminyak, Bali
Visit the Nusa Islands for 4 Nights
From Canggu or Seminyak, hop on a boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida. Sanur is a short drive from Canggu or Seminyak. Your private driver will help bring your luggage to the correct docking area.
Mel’s Traveler Tip: You will most likely have to wade in the water to board your boat. That being said, wear the appropriate shoes and attire!
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida can be seen on a day tour from Bali (typically the west side of Penida). However, if you have time I highly suggest visiting the island for at least two nights. The sights on Nusa Penida are truly unworldly.
Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
After having an adventure-filled time on Nusa Penida, these two islands will be the perfect place to relax and unwind. A short boat ride from Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan are connected by a yellow suspension bridge which is easily crossable via a scooter. I recommend staying on either island for at least one or two nights.
Where to stay on Nusa Lembongan
Read More: Guide to Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan
Explore the Dense Jungle for 2 Nights in Munduk
Munduk is located in the northern region of Bali but is fairly easy to get to. From Nusa Lembongan, it only takes about three hours, even including the boat ride. Coordinate with your private driver to pick you up from the boat dock once you arrive back in Bali.
The serene mountainous region of Munduk is the perfect place to become one with nature. This quiet, jungle-dense area of Bali is full of waterfalls, lakes, coffee plantations, and temples. I recommend staying for two nights and three days to experience all the Munduk area has to offer.
Mel’s Travelers Note: Keep in mind you can change this itinerary around, I personally prefer to split up beach and jungle time throughout a trip. However, if you do not have time to visit Munduk or want to stay closer to the islands of Bali, I suggest going from the Nusa’s to the Gili Islands.
Read More: Guide to the Dense Jungle of Munduk Bali
Enjoy the Traditional yet Trendy Ubud for 3 Nights
From Munduk, coordinate a route with your private driver to experience a waterfall trek and stop and see the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. This will help break up your drive to Ubud. You will arrive later in the afternoon right in time for check-in and a delicious early dinner.
Ubud is a trendy art village in the center of Bali. The area has become popular due to its surrounding rice terraces, monkey forest, and sunrise hike up to Mount Batur. Three nights in this unique village will allow you enough time to explore all of Ubud.
Read More: What to do in Trendy Ubud
Experience Pure Relaxation on Gili Islands for 4 Nights
After visiting the jungle region of Bali, you will be ready to experience pure relaxation on the tiny Gili Islands. To get to the Gili Islands from Ubud, take a boat transfer with Bluewater Express. Bluewater Express is very professional, organized, and timely and they offered A/C. They will pick you up directly from your hotel.
There are no cars or large roads on the Gili Islands. To get around, you will need a bike or your two feet! Gili Trawangan is known for its vibrant nightlife, while Gili Air is known for its peaceful and quiet atmosphere. Visit Gili Trawangan for two nights and then relax on Gili Air for the last two nights.
Where to Stay on Gili Trawangan
Read More: Visit the Gili Islands – What to See, Taste & Do!
End your Trip in Uluwatu with Dramatic Ocean Views for 2 Nights
Uluwatu is located near the airport, making it a great spot to spend your last couple of days in Bali. Again, take Bluewater Express from Gili Air back to Bali, where your driver will transfer you to the dramatic coast edge of Uluwatu.
Spend your final days overlooking the ocean in cliff bars. Uluwatu Temple is a great place to experience a traditional Balinese Dance during sunset.
Read More: Visit Uluwatu, Bali – What to See, Taste & Do
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali only has two main seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. The best time to visit Bali is the dry season, which ranges from April to October with the summer months being the busiest. To avoid the high tourist season, travel to Bali closer to April/May or September/October. I visited Bali in December/January and luckily only experienced a few scattered showers. However, it was quite humid. That being said, I believe Bali is beautiful year-round!
I hope this guide helps prepare you to plan your own perfect Bali Itinerary! If you need any help planning or have any questions, please reach out or message me on my contact page! I would love to hear about how your trip went as well. Tell me in the comments below!
