We’ve visited Bali more than six times and spent over two years here in total, so this island really feels like a second home to us. It can be busy and a little chaotic in places, but if you know where to go, there are still so many quiet, special corners. This 3-week Bali travel guide takes you from artsy villages and luscious rice terraces to active volcanoes and dreamy island escapes. It’s the perfect amount of time to experience more than just the highlights!
Bali Travel Guide (3 Weeks)
This guide follows a 3-week Bali itinerary, but if you have less time, check out one of these options below:
- 1 Week: Canggu (day 1) → Ubud (day 2+3) → Mount Batur (day 4 daytrip) → Nusa Penida (day 5 daytrip) → Uluwatu (day 6+7). See the full itinerary here
- 2 Weeks: Canggu/local homestay (day 1+2) → Jatiluwih (on your way to Ubud, but enjoy sunset at Jatiluwih!) → Ubud (day 3-6 with daytrip to Mt Batur) → Gilis (day 7-9) → Nusa Lembongan & Penida (day 9-11) → Uluwatu (day 12-14)
- 3 Weeks: Canggu/local homestay (day 1+2) → Jatiluwih (day 3) → Munduk (day 4-5) → Ubud (day 6-8) → Mount Batur (day 9) → Amed (day 10-12) → Gilis (day 13-15) → Nusa Lembongan & Penida (day 16-18) → Uluwatu (day 19-21)
Day 1-2: Canggu or a Local Homestay
Welcome to Bali! The beach town of Canggu is always our favorite place to stay, and it’s less than an hour’s drive from the airport.
Also read: The complete Bali 7-day itinerary
Canggu
Canggu is now one of the island’s most popular (and most expensive) destinations, famed for its hipster cafes, trendy beach clubs, digital nomad hub, and world-class surf scene.
The shopping here is the best on the island in our opinion, so make sure to check out the vintage shops and trendy concept stores. Plus, if you’re here on the weekend, you should check out the lively La Brisa Sunday Market.
Tip: If you’re looking for a more sophisticated resort-style location, Seminyak is also a good option for the first few days of your Bali 3-week itinerary. (See all hotels)
Bali Homestay
Alternatively (or additionally), allocate some time in your itinerary to get to know Balinese locals in their homes. We stayed at the homestay of Herry and Dwi, about one hour north of Canggu, and it was honestly one of the best experiences!
Tip: On Thursdays, locals all over the island wear their traditional outfits (beautiful!).
How to get to Canggu
Canggu is very close and easily accessible from Ngurah Rai International Airport (it usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic):
- Official Airport Taxi: costs approximately 300,000 IDR (~ 20 USD)
- Grab Taxi: Order via the app, or there is an official stand outside arrivals
- Private Driver: Make sure to book in advance because the good ones get reserved early
Where to Stay in Canggu
We usually stay in these areas:
- Berawa and Batu Bolong – beach clubs, bars, clubbing, good shopping; the center of Canggu, so busiest.
- Linjong – slightly less crowded, close to beach clubs like La Brisa.
- Pererenan – a little more relaxed and out of the way. There are still restaurants around, but 10 min by motorbike from the center.
Alternatively, book the same local homestay experience as us (contact our friend Adi (Herry’s brother) on WhatsApp).
Day 3: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Nestled in the center of Bali is Jatiluwih, an area of stunning rice terraces over 600 acres in size. We explored on foot, but you can also join a guided cycling tour to explore the vibrant yellow and green rice fields, palm trees, and mountain views.
We didn’t find it as touristy as the famous Tegallalang rice terraces in Ubud, and it was well worth the entrance fee: 75.000 IDR (4.50 USD) per person/ ticket, valid for one day only.
There are small stalls along the trails where you can get drinks, so if you can, purchase one to support the local workers. We got a drink here and here.
Tip: Please remember that the rice terraces are working land, so be a respectful and sustainable traveler by staying on the designated paths and taking trash with you.
How to get from Canggu to Jatiluwih
From Canggu, it takes approximately 1.5 hours to drive. Please note that the traffic in Canggu can be particularly bad, so be extra careful if you are on a motorbike. Alternatively, hire a private driver if you don’t feel that confident.
Tip: On the way from Canggu, stop at the Taman Ayun Temple and the ancient Banyan tree.
Where to Stay near Jatiluwih
We stayed at Santya Loka Lodge; it is surrounded by rice fields, has clean rooms, and is right next to the Twin Waterfall entrance.
Day 4-5: Munduk
The next stop on our Bali travel guide is Munduk, a mountainous region in northern Bali, home to waterfalls, lakes, and some of the island’s best coffee. We love the cooler temperatures up here; the perfect escape from the coastal heat!
These are some of our must-visit spots:
- Ulun Danu Bratan: Floating water temple in Tamblingan Lake (go early to beat the crowds or book a tour).
- Wanagiri Swing viewpoint: Best at sunrise for panoramic views of the beautiful Twin Lakes.
- Handara Gate: Stunning photo spot with an incredible mountain backdrop and beautiful greenery. Best visited on the way from Jatiluwih.
Getting here: It is a 1.5-hour drive from Jatiluwih to Munduk (contact our dear friend Yande if you need transport or a tour!)
Where to Stay in Munduk
The area has many guesthouses and homestays. We treated ourselves to a night at Munduk Moding Plantation (spectacular panoramic views and an infinity pool!).
Day 6-8: Ubud
Ubud is the spiritual and cultural heart of the island, and a must-see on any Bali itinerary. We’ve visited Ubud many times; the nature here is so luscious, and we love the artsy vibe in the village.
Some of our favorite things to do:
- Traditional cooking class
- Tubing trip down the river
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces (arrive before 10 AM)
- Campuhan Ridge Walk (one of our favorite evening walks)
- Monkey Forest
Tip: One of the best experiences we’ve ever had in Bali was a cultural tour with our local friend Yande. His family welcomes you into their traditional home for a real Balinese day: visiting the market, cooking breakfast, and discovering a secret jungle waterfall. Just ask for pickup from Ubud when you book this experience.
How to get from Munduk to Ubud
It takes about 2 hours to drive from Munduk to Ubud, with beautiful mountain scenery along the way. We always rent a scooter, so we can stop as much as we want.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Stay in the center of the village to be close to the action. Alternatively, head a little out of town if you want to be among the beautiful rice fields. On our last visit, we stayed in this incredible bambootel, which we highly recommend!
Day 9: Mount Batur
While you’re staying in Ubud, join a day trip to the incredible Mount Batur! It’s only an hour and a half away and is one of Bali’s most sacred volcanoes.
Hike up in the dark to catch the sunrise at the summit — honestly, one of the best things we’ve done in Bali! Despite the early start, it’s a relatively easy trek that rewards you with panoramic views of the whole island.
We booked a tour with Yande that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, and a local guide. After, we also got to visit the nearby Batur hot springs, where we soaked our sore muscles in warm volcanic water with views over Lake Batur.
Tip: Although a volcanic eruption on Bali is unlikely, check the local news or government website for warnings before visiting Mount Batur.
Day 10-12: Amed
Amed has really kept its local feel; traditional fishing villages sit along the black-sand coastline, and it’s far from the tourist crowds. We also found it to be one of the cheapest areas on our Bali itinerary.
Getting to Amed: It is a 2.5-hour drive from Ubud. There are a couple of routes you can take: either inland through luscious Sidemen or the coastal road. Both are lovely!
Amed is the best place in Bali for snorkeling and diving, with beautiful reefs, crystal-clear water, and long-forgotten shipwrecks.
While a lot of the island is now very crowded, the roads in Amed are far less busy, so we really enjoyed exploring by motorbike here. One of our favorite journeys was driving up to Lahangan Sweet, a treetop platform with amazing views over the lush rice paddies and the tallest volcano in Bali.
Tip: Don’t miss the serene gardens of Tirta Gangga water palace, where you can cool off in sacred pools of healing water.
Where to Stay in Amed
We recommend staying somewhere around Jemeluk Bay or Lipah Beach, which are peaceful, uncrowded places that are great for snorkeling, diving, and swimming.
Day 13-15: Gili Islands
On day 13, travel to the magical Gili Islands! A fast boat from Amed Beach will take you to the next destination: Gili Air. It takes about 1.5 hours, and return tickets cost 40-65 USD, depending on the boat and the season. (See ferry tickets and availability here)
Tip: One of our favorite things on this Bali itinerary was to book a snorkeling boat trip off the coast of Gili Meno (a smaller island close to Gili Air). Below the surface, there are some unique underwater sculptures and fantastic sea life!
Where to Stay on the Gili Islands
Gili Air is very small, so wherever you stay, you won’t be too far from anything. We’ve visited a few times, and each place has been just as lovely as the last! Of course, the best sunset spots are on the west side ;)
Day 16-18: Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is another tiny island paradise off the south coast of Bali. It is all about the beautiful beaches here and wild clifftops, where you can surf or relax. There are loads of amazing beach clubs here too (our favorites are Ginger and Jamu, Ohana’s, and Sandy Bay).
Tip: Nusa Lembongan is connected to another island, Nusa Ceningan, by a yellow suspension bridge, so it’s easy to explore both!
There are plenty of adventurous activities, too:
- Paddleboarding tour through mangrove forests
- Dive with manta rays at Manta Point in Nusa Penida (once-in-a-lifetime experience)
- Snorkeling trip (book in advance)
Day Trip to Nusa Penida
From Nusa Lembongan, it’s just 15 minutes by boat to the mesmerizing island of Nusa Penida. This is the island where you can snorkel with Manta Rays!
Everywhere you look, there are breathtaking ocean views and enormous limestone cliffs. Kelingking Beach is the most popular spot, and it’s the most blinding white beach we’ve ever seen (well worth the hike down and back up!).
How to get from the Gili Islands to Nusa Lembongan
There are daily ferries between the Gili Islands and the Nusa Islands. From Gili Air to Nusa Lembongan, it takes around 3 hours and costs 20-30 USD.
Where to Stay in Nusa Lembongan
The island is small (you can walk from one side to the other in around an hour). We found Lembongan to be quite lively, so if it’s peace and quiet you’re looking for, choose Nusa Ceningan instead.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu has been one of our favorite corners of Bali for years, and it feels slightly more grown-up than Canggu, so it is a good choice if you’re looking for an upmarket dining and nightlife scene. It’s a lot busier than it used to be, but the clifftop viewpoints and epic surf spots are hard to beat.
While you’re here, you can’t miss seeing the Kecak Fire Dance. Ancient stories are told through music and movement in a clifftop amphitheater as the sun sets.
Tip: Uluwatu is a good spot to end your itinerary, as it’s only an hour from the airport.
How to get from Nusa Lembongan to Uluwatu
From Nusa Lembongan, take the ferry to Sanur Port, then drive 1.5 hours to Uluwatu. Many taxis are available from Sanur, or you can rent a motorbike.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
We personally love the Pecatu area, which includes beaches such as Nyang-Nyang, Suluban, Thomas, and Bingin. On our most recent visit, we stayed at Hiraya Uluwatu, a brand-new place in Pecatu, which was very well-priced for its location.
How to Visit Bali
Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport is where you will fly into when visiting Bali. It is located on the southern tip of the island, close to Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.
If you are already traveling around Indonesia, you also have the option to take the ferry from Jakarta, Lombok, or the Gili Islands, among other places.
Be aware that on the backroads, there are a lot of potholes, so if you’re not that confident on a scooter, you might prefer an alternative form of transport.
Tip: Rental helmets are never clean, so we always use a cap under our helmets.
Private Driver
Hiring a private driver is also a very cost-effective way to get around, especially for a small group with lots of luggage. You can book a driver for the whole itinerary, and they’ll wait for you at each place (usually costs around 35 USD per day).
Tip: If you plan to hire a driver, it’s best to do so in advance, as the good ones get booked early.
By Bus
Public buses are the cheapest way to get around, with an hour’s journey costing around 2 USD. However, schedules can be unreliable and journey times can be long, sometimes with several changes.
Booking Tours
Joining a tour is the best option for certain day trips, such as the sunrise trek to Mount Batur, because everything is included, like transport and a local guide.
Our Favorite Bali Accommodations
The accommodation options in Bali are truly incredible; we’ve stayed in so many places over the years, from bamboo villas to lively hostels, and each one was unique. Here are our favorites:
- Canggu: Amar Boutique, Cali Villas, Guru Canggu
- Seminyak: The Legian, Elysian Boutique, Villa Air
- Jatiluwih: Ti Amo, Saridevi Ecolodge, Dwan Tea Mountain Side
- Munduk: Munduk Menir Villas, Munduk Cabins, Ekommunity
- Ubud: Kayon Jungle Resort, Ubud Valley Boutique, Sapodilla Ubud
- Amed: Aquaterrace Amed, Blue Earth Village, Kubu Kangin Resort
- Gili Air: PinkCoco, The Koho Air Hotel, Anahata – Tropical Private Villas
- Nusa Lembongan: Nusa Veranda, The Jingga Villas, Bukit Taman Cottages
- Uluwatu: Padang Padang Inn, Bukal Sari, The Elementum
Best Time to Visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season between April and October, when the weather is best for sightseeing and beach days.
Do I Need a Visa for Bali?
Most people will need a visa for Bali, but you can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when you land at the airport or just apply online (at least 48 hours before you arrive). The visa is valid for 30 days and costs 35 USD. Find out more about the process here.
Is Bali Safe?
Bali is one of the safest places we’ve ever traveled. There is a small amount of petty crime, such as phone theft, in the more touristy areas, so always keep a close eye on your belongings.
Read: Top travel safety tips!
Tip: Don’t forget to buy travel insurance before your trip! It gives you peace of mind and may also save you money in the long run if anything unexpected happens while you are away.
What to Pack for Bali
- Universal travel plug – (Get one here)
- Raincoat – Especially in the wet season
- Hat – Temperatures can get very high in Bali
- Good footwear – Necessary for hikes
- Sarong – Often an option to rent these at temples, but we always bring one in case
- Microfibre towel – Fits easily into a small bag and dries very quickly
- Camera – We like to carry a waterproof camera or a GoPro for snorkeling and diving
- Power bank – Get one here
- Small backpack – Best for day trips
- Non-toxic insect repellent without DEET
- Non-toxic sunscreen/reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
- Reusable bags, so you don’t have to use plastic ones at the supermarket
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Rentalcars.com
- Find Flights to Bali via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Hi there! I love your blog – it has such helpful information!! I am traveling to Bali for 2 weeks in October – the first week I’ll be in Ubud at a wellness retreat, and then I want to spend the second week in Sanur and Canggu. However, I keep going back and forth on whether or not I should stay in Canggu due to how busy it is. I am traveling solo and in my mid-30’s so looking for a little night life but nothing too crazy. Right now, my plan is to stay in Sanur for 3 nights and in Canggu for 3 nights. Do you think it’s worth staying in Canggu for that long or should I extend my stay in Sanur or find another chill beach town instead? I’m open to other ideas/suggestions. I would love any and all of your advice. Thank you!!