The Finest Bali Highway Journey Itinerary (3 Weeks)

Whereas most vacationers are likely to spend between 10-14 days in Bali, I like to recommend giving your self 3 weeks to really soak in all of the island’s sights, sounds, and experiences. Bali is sort of small area-wise (barely greater than Delaware), nevertheless it’s jam-packed with epic spots, so that you’ll undoubtedly wish to take it gradual right here! This 3-week journey lets you discover every thing from bustling cities to tranquil seashores, lush jungles to towering volcanoes.

Nevertheless, should you’re quick on time, don’t fear! You possibly can nonetheless have a tremendous journey by cherry-picking the locations that excite you essentially the most from our information.

Right here’s every thing you could know for the last word Bali highway journey. We’ve bought you lined with an in depth itinerary, a highway journey map, high locations, and important tricks to make your journey clean and unforgettable.

Try this map for all the important thing stops on our Bali highway journey itinerary. I’ve pinpointed all of the must-see spots, and I’ll dive into the main points for every vacation spot beneath. Plus, I’ll share ideas to assist make your journey as clean and pleasurable as doable.

• Bajra Sandhi Monument: This iconic monument commemorates the Balinese battle for independence. It’s not only a historic web site; the structure is gorgeous, and also you get panoramic views of town from the highest.
• Pasar Badung Market: Dive into the native tradition at Bali’s largest conventional market. It’s a sensory overload with colourful fruits, spices, textiles, and extra. Excellent for choosing up some snacks and souvenirs.
• Warung Blanjong: This native eatery is a must-visit for scrumptious Balinese meals. Strive the “nasi campur” for a style of varied native dishes on one plate.
• Sanur Seashore: Only a quick drive from town middle, this laid-back seaside is right for a soothing afternoon. The beachfront walkway is ideal for a leisurely stroll, and there are many cafes to relax at.
• Bali Museum: Get a crash course in Balinese historical past and tradition at this charming museum. The displays are fascinating, overlaying every thing from conventional crafts to ceremonial artifacts.
• Puputan Sq.: This historic sq. is a stunning spot for a night stroll. It’s surrounded by necessary buildings and has a relaxed, communal vibe.

If lodging in Uluwatu are restricted, I like to recommend staying in Jimbaran, which is only a quick 20-minute drive away. It’s identified for its serene seashores and recent seafood.

Plan to spend at the least 4–5 hours exploring Jimbaran Seashore. Jimbaran Bay can also be walkable and has many issues to do inside strolling distance.

• Jimbaran Seashore: Spend the late afternoon at Jimbaran Seashore, identified for its calm waters and peaceable ambiance. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and benefit from the sea breeze.
• Jimbaran Fish Market: For a really native expertise, go to Jimbaran Fish Market within the morning. Even should you’re there later within the day, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the number of recent catch obtainable.
• Seafood Dinner on the Seashore: Cap off your day with a seafood feast proper on the seaside. Many eating places supply recent seafood grilled to order, making for an unforgettable eating expertise along with your toes within the sand.

For lodging in Jimbaran, contemplate:

Head east from Jimbaran to Nusa Dua, a 30-minute drive that takes you to Bali’s luxurious resort space identified for its pristine seashores and upscale vibe.  Nusa Dua is all about luxurious and leisure, with pristine seashores and upscale resorts that are perfect for unwinding.

Seminyak is Bali’s fashionable and upscale seaside city. This coastal city is legendary for its seaside golf equipment, unbelievable eating scene, and boutique buying. From its pristine seashores to its buzzing nightlife, Seminyak provides an thrilling array of actions that cater to each kind of traveler.

Let’s dive into the highest spots you shouldn’t miss throughout your keep right here:

Subsequent up–welcome to Canggu, Bali’s hipster haven and surfer’s paradise! Identified for its bohemian vibe, cool cafes, and gorgeous seashores, Canggu is the place you’ll discover a good mixture of leisure and journey. This space is much less crowded than Seminyak however equally thrilling, providing a novel mix of laid-back attraction and vibrant nightlife.

• Canggu Seashore: A high vacation spot for surfers, Canggu Seashore provides nice waves and a vibrant seaside scene. It’s additionally a unbelievable place to calm down and watch the sundown.
• Batu Bolong Seashore: Only a stone’s throw from Canggu Seashore, Batu Bolong is one other in style surf spot with a extra relaxed vibe. The seaside is lined with cool cafes the place you’ll be able to seize a chew and benefit from the ocean views.
• Echo Seashore: Identified for its robust waves and glorious surf, Echo Seashore can also be dwelling to some nice seafood BBQ joints. It’s a full of life spot within the evenings, good for eating with a view.
• La Laguna Gypsy Market: This distinctive market provides a mixture of classic gadgets, handmade crafts, and natural merchandise. It’s held at La Laguna, a unusual beachside venue with a bohemian aptitude.
• Finns Seashore Membership: A must-visit for anybody trying to expertise Bali’s seaside membership scene. Finns Seashore Membership provides beachfront swimming pools, nice meals, and an unbeatable sundown view. It’s the proper place to calm down and soak within the Canggu vibe.
• Canggu’s Rice Fields: Take a leisurely bike experience via the plush rice fields that encompass Canggu. It’s a peaceable escape from the bustling seaside scene and provides a glimpse into the normal Balinese lifestyle.
• Café Tradition: Canggu is legendary for its fashionable cafes. A few of my high picks are Crate Café for scrumptious breakfasts, The Shady Shack for vegetarian delights, and Deus Ex Machina for a novel mix of espresso and motorbikes.

Through the wet season (November to March), the waves are nonetheless nice for browsing, however be ready for infrequent showers.

Highway Tripper Tip: Canggu’s roads can get a bit congested, particularly round in style spots. If you happen to’re driving, be affected person and permit further time to get round. Renting a scooter is a good choice for simpler mobility and parking. And you’ll’t go incorrect with simply leaving the automobile on the resort and calling a Seize (the Southeast Asian model of Uber).

On your keep in Canggu, listed below are some choices:

From Canggu, drive one other half-hour to Tanah Lot, one in every of Bali’s most iconic temples. Tanah Lot is one in every of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, identified for its gorgeous sea temple perched on a rock formation simply offshore. The realm round Tanah Lot provides a mixture of pure magnificence, cultural significance, and distinctive experiences that make it a must-visit in your Bali highway journey.

Right here’s what to discover:

• Tanah Lot Temple: The principle attraction, this sea temple is one in every of Bali’s most photographed spots. Go to throughout excessive tide to see the temple surrounded by water, and keep for sundown to witness one in every of Bali’s most breathtaking views.
• Batu Bolong Temple: Positioned close to Tanah Lot, Batu Bolong Temple is ready on a rocky outcrop with a pure arch. It’s much less crowded than Tanah Lot and provides equally gorgeous ocean views.
• Nirwana Bali Golf Membership: If you happen to’re a golf fanatic, don’t miss the possibility to play at this world-class course. Designed by Greg Norman, the course provides unimaginable views of the Indian Ocean and the long-lasting Tanah Lot Temple.
• Kedungu Seashore: A quieter various to the busy seashores close to Tanah Lot, Kedungu Seashore is a hidden gem with black sand and nice waves for browsing. It’s a peaceable spot to benefit from the pure fantastic thing about Bali’s shoreline.
• Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest: Only a quick drive from Tanah Lot, this small forest sanctuary is dwelling to a whole bunch of monkeys and a sacred temple. It’s an important place to discover nature and get a glimpse of Bali’s wildlife in a serene setting.

Past Canggu and Seminyak, contemplate Kuta for a distinct Bali expertise. Kuta provides a mixture of seaside life, buying, and nightlife at a fraction of the value. Although be aware- it’s extra touristy and has an even bigger social gathering ambiance than the opposite two.

Depart the coast behind and drive an hour inland to those two locations. Tabanan and Bedugul are all about lush landscapes, serene temples, and a cooler mountain vibe that provides a pleasant break from Bali’s coastal warmth. These areas are filled with pure magnificence and cultural spots that may make your highway journey much more memorable.

Listed below are some high points of interest to take a look at:

This space is thought for its lush landscapes, conventional villages, and cultural heritage. Maintain an eye fixed out for these spots:

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: These UNESCO-listed rice terraces are a must-see. The views are completely gorgeous, and you’ll take a leisurely stroll via the fields to soak within the magnificence.
• Taman Ayun Temple: A peaceable temple surrounded by a moat, Taman Ayun is a good spot to discover Bali’s wealthy religious tradition. The gardens listed below are beautiful, too.
• Soka Seashore: If you happen to’re up for a little bit of seaside time, head to Soka Seashore. It’s a quieter, black sand seaside with nice views of the Indian Ocean and the distant mountains.
• Belimbing Village: Take a detour to this charming village, identified for its espresso plantations and delightful countryside. It’s good for a soothing stroll or a espresso tasting expertise.
• Balian Seashore: For these into browsing or simply chilling out, Balian Seashore is a hidden gem. It’s a bit off the overwhelmed path, however the waves and relaxed ambiance make it well worth the go to.

After exploring Tabanan, drive 45 minutes additional into the mountains to succeed in Bedugul, a cool and serene space identified for its lakes, temples, and gardens.

• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: This iconic temple sits proper on Lake Beratan and appears to drift on the water. It’s one in every of Bali’s most photogenic spots, so don’t overlook your digital camera!
• Handara Gate: You’ve most likely seen this on Instagram—it’s that large, dramatic gate surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a fast cease however undoubtedly price it for the photograph op.
• Bali Botanic Backyard: Take a peaceable stroll via Bali’s largest botanical backyard. It’s an important spot to see some distinctive crops and benefit from the cooler mountain air.
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: If you happen to’re up for a little bit of an journey, hike down to those stunning waterfalls. The path could be a bit difficult, however the serene swimming pools on the backside are good for a refreshing dip.
• Strawberry Hill: For one thing a bit totally different, go to one of many native strawberry farms. You possibly can decide your personal strawberries and luxuriate in some recent strawberry juice or desserts proper on the farm.

• Yoga Barn: If you happen to’re into yoga, that is the place to be. They provide quite a lot of lessons, workshops, and retreats in a peaceable setting.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): An historical sanctuary with a cave, bathing swimming pools, and fountains. It’s an interesting web site with important historic and religious significance.
• Tirta Empul Temple: Identified for its holy spring water, the place locals and vacationers alike come for ritual purification. It’s a novel cultural expertise that provides a glimpse into Balinese religious practices.
• Neka Artwork Museum: Discover an intensive assortment of Balinese and Indonesian artwork at this museum. It’s an important place to know the island’s creative heritage.
• Blanco Renaissance Museum: The previous dwelling and studio of flamboyant artist Antonio Blanco. The museum homes a various assortment of his works in a shocking hilltop setting.
• Saraswati Temple: A gorgeous water temple in central Ubud, identified for its lotus pond and complicated carvings. It’s a peaceable spot to go to, particularly within the early morning.

In your second day in Ubud, take a brief 30-minute drive to Tegalalang, well-known for its gorgeous rice terraces and conventional village life. I completely cherished driving my motorcycle right here, the views are gorgeous!

• Tegalalang Rice Terrace: The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one in every of Bali’s most iconic landscapes. The emerald-green terraces are a testomony to the island’s wealthy agricultural heritage. Take your time to stroll via the terraces and recognize the intricate irrigation system generally known as “subak,” which has been handed down via generations.
• Espresso Plantations: Go to one of many close by espresso plantations to study Bali’s coffee-making course of, together with the distinctive Luwak espresso. Take pleasure in a tasting session with a view of the terraces, and don’t miss the possibility to strive a few of the native blends.

The dry season from April to October is the most effective time to discover Ubud’s out of doors points of interest. The climate is ideal for climbing, exploring the rice terraces, and attending out of doors yoga classes.

Highway Tripper Tip: Ubud’s slender streets will be fairly busy, particularly within the city middle. Think about staying in lodging barely outdoors the principle space for a extra peaceable expertise and simpler parking.

As your Bali journey rolls on, it’s time to move to the highlands for a change of surroundings. Kintamani and Bangli are the place you’ll discover cooler air, gorgeous mountain views, and a deep dive into Bali’s tradition and nature.

In Kintamani, you’ll hike up Mount Batur for an unforgettable dawn and relax in pure sizzling springs. Then, in Bangli, you’ll discover conventional villages and uncover a few of Bali’s hidden waterfalls. Lately are all about soaking within the island’s pure magnificence and native vibes, away from the crowds.

Depart Ubud behind and head northeast for about an hour to Kintamani, a area identified for its energetic volcano, Mount Batur, and gorgeous pure surroundings.

From Kintamani, proceed your journey southeast to Bangli, identified for its conventional villages and delightful waterfalls.

• Penglipuran Village: Go to Penglipuran Village, one of the vital well-preserved conventional villages in Bali. The village is thought for its stunning bamboo structure and its dedication to sustaining conventional Balinese tradition and customs. Stroll via the village’s neatly organized properties and be taught concerning the native lifestyle.
• Tukad Cepung Waterfall: Uncover the hidden fantastic thing about Tukad Cepung Waterfall, nestled inside a cave. The waterfall is one in every of Bali’s most original, with daylight filtering via the cave’s opening, making a magical ambiance. The quick trek to the waterfall provides to the sense of journey.

For a extra adventurous keep, contemplate glamping within the close by mountains at Sang Giri Mountain Glamping Camp. This selection provides an expensive tenting expertise with gorgeous views of the encircling nature.

Now that you just’ve skilled Bali’s highlands, it’s time to discover the serene fantastic thing about Sidemen and the cultural treasures of East Bali.

From Bangli, head east for about an hour to Sidemen, a area identified for its lush rice terraces, conventional villages, and breathtaking views of Mount Agung. Sidemen is a hidden gem identified for its lush rice terraces, conventional villages, and gorgeous views of Mount Agung. It’s the proper place to unwind and get a style of Bali’s genuine rural life.

• Sidemen Rice Terraces: Wander via these gorgeous, less-touristy rice terraces that provide a peaceable and picturesque expertise. The views are unimaginable, particularly within the early morning gentle.
• Bukit Tegeh: If you happen to’re up for a brief hike, Bukit Tegeh provides panoramic views of the Sidemen valley and Mount Agung. It’s an important spot for dawn or sundown.
• Native Village Expertise: Spend a while in one of many native villages, the place you’ll be able to study conventional Balinese weaving, be part of a cooking class, or just benefit from the hospitality of a Balinese household.
• Yeh Panes Sidemen: A lesser-known sizzling spring spot the place you’ll be able to calm down in heat, pure waters surrounded by greenery.

Proceed your journey east to discover a few of Bali’s most iconic landmarks.

On your keep in East Bali, contemplate:

• Villa Circulate: A boutique retreat providing an expensive and tranquil expertise with gorgeous ocean views. Supreme for these trying to unwind in a serene setting.
• Alila Manggis: A gorgeous beachfront resort that mixes fashionable luxurious with conventional Balinese attraction. The resort provides quick access to close by points of interest whereas offering a peaceable ambiance.
• Patal Kikian Villa: Nestled within the hills, this villa provides breathtaking views of Mount Agung and the encircling countryside. Excellent for these in search of a extra intimate and personal expertise.

If in case you have some further time, contemplate doing a weekend journey to Nusa Penida, a lovely island simply off the coast of Bali. The port closest to East Bali is known as Kusamba close to Padang Bai. From there, it’s only a quick 20-minute ferry experience. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a ferry from a port nearer to the capital, known as Sanur Seashore. So, should you’d want to hit Nusa Penida earlier than flying dwelling on the finish of the journey, that is additionally an important choice.

Typically described as Bali’s wild aspect, Nusa Penida is famend for its rugged landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and pristine seashores. It’s completely a must-see in my view. Right here’s every thing you could know to take advantage of your time on Nusa Penida.

• Kelingking Seashore: This iconic spot is legendary for its T-Rex-shaped cliff and breathtaking views. The hike right down to the seaside is difficult however rewarding, with turquoise waters and smooth white sand awaiting you on the backside.
• Angel’s Billabong: A pure infinity pool with crystal-clear water positioned subsequent to the ocean. It’s greatest visited throughout low tide when it’s secure to swim and discover the rock formations.
• Damaged Seashore (Pasih Uug): A picturesque cove with a pure rock archway. It’s an important spot for images and soaking within the gorgeous coastal surroundings. Sadly, you’ll be able to’t swim right here, however the views are well worth the go to.
• Crystal Bay: Identified for its clear waters and glorious snorkeling. The seaside is comparatively quiet and ideal for a soothing afternoon. You possibly can lease snorkeling gear on the seaside and discover the colourful marine life.
• Atuh Seashore: A gorgeous and secluded seaside on the island’s japanese aspect. The dramatic cliffs and clear blue water make it an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. The hike right down to the seaside is steep however manageable.

• Peguyangan Waterfall: This spot is legendary for its blue stairs that lead down the cliff to a sacred waterfall and a temple. The hike is sort of steep however provides gorgeous views and a refreshing dip on the backside.
• Manta Level: A high diving and snorkeling spot the place you’ll be able to usually see manta rays. Even should you’re not diving, boat excursions supply the possibility to see these majestic creatures from the floor.
• Banah Cliff Level: One other unbelievable viewpoint providing panoramic views of the island’s rugged shoreline. It’s an important spot to calm down and benefit from the pure fantastic thing about Nusa Penida.
• Suwehan Seashore: A lesser-known gem with dramatic cliffs and clear waters. It’s a bit off the overwhelmed path, making it a peaceable escape from the extra in style spots.
• Teletubbies Hill: Named for its resemblance to the hills within the Teletubbies TV present, this space provides rolling inexperienced hills and gorgeous panoramic views. It’s an important spot for a leisurely stroll and a few distinctive images.

Think about staying in a guesthouse or bungalow close to Crystal Bay or Toyapakeh. These areas supply quick access to the island’s foremost points of interest and a few of the greatest snorkeling spots.

At present we’re heading additional northeast for about an hour to succeed in Amed, a tranquil fishing village identified for its black sand seashores, glorious diving spots, and laid-back ambiance.

This village is a haven for divers and snorkelers, providing a few of the greatest underwater experiences on the island. It’s much less developed than Bali’s southern areas, making it good for these trying to unwind and luxuriate in pure magnificence.

Right here’s what to see and do: