What to Do in Bali: The Ideal 2-Week Itinerary for the Island of Gods

Table of Contents

Bali, the Island of the Gods

Bali instantly conjures up images of breathtaking landscapes: lush rice terraces, dramatic cliffs overlooking the ocean, and beaches with crystal-clear waters. But beyond these dreamlike scenes, the island reveals a vibrant culture where ancient rituals and wild nature live in perfect harmony.

Over the course of two unforgettable weeks, we explored Bali through its temples, traditional villages, and stunning viewpoints — striking a balance between iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path gems. This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your journey, blending adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.

Why Visit Bali?

Bali captivates with its diverse landscapes and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Each region offers a different side of the island: Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heart; Munduk, a natural haven of mountains and waterfalls; Sidemen, a peaceful retreat surrounded by rice fields; the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida, perfect for underwater adventures and sweeping ocean views; and finally, Uluwatu, where dramatic cliffs, untamed beaches, and unforgettable sunsets create a striking backdrop.

Whether you’re seeking scenic hikes, diving alongside sea turtles, exploring ancient temples, or relaxing in traditional Balinese spas, Bali offers an endless range of experiences. The island is a place of contrasts — where lively markets meet tranquil rice paddies, and every moment feels like an invitation to wonder.

But what truly sets Bali apart is its soul. Everywhere you go, smiling locals keep traditions alive, practice ancient rituals, and warmly share their cultural heritage. From the colorful offerings placed in front of every doorway to ceremonies guided by the sounds of the gamelan, the island moves to the rhythm of a deeply rooted spirituality.

More than just a destination, Bali is an experience — one that balances contemplation and adventure.

The Itinerary for a 2-Week Trip to Bali

Ubud – The Cultural and Spiritual Heart of Bali

From the moment we arrived in Bali, Ubud felt like the natural starting point. Surrounded by lush rice terraces and steeped in spirituality, this town captures the soul of the island. With its peaceful atmosphere, rich artistic heritage, and centuries-old traditions, Ubud is an essential stop on any Bali journey.

It’s hard not to fall under its spell: narrow streets lined with temples and art galleries, bohemian cafés, and a lively market where handcrafted goods mix with the scent of spices. Every day here is an invitation to dive deeper — watch a traditional dance at dusk, wander through the buzz of the market, or soak in the calm of temples like Pura Saraswati and Pura Dalem Ubud.

The surrounding area is just as captivating: the famous Tegallalang rice terraces, the sacred waters of Tirta Empul where locals come to purify themselves, and the majestic Besakih Temple rising on the slopes of Mount Agung. Ubud is also the perfect starting point to visit the UNESCO-listed rice fields of Jatiluwih.

Check out our complete guide: Whether you’re drawn to art, spirituality, or simply the laid-back charm of Balinese life, Ubud isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel. Discover all our tips to plan your stay in Ubud.

Munduk – Wild Nature and Tranquility in the Heart of the Mountains

Tucked away in the mountains of northern Bali, Munduk is the perfect retreat for those seeking peace and quiet — far from the busy beaches and classic tourist routes. In just two days, we discovered a more authentic side of the island: cascading waterfalls, scenic rice terraces, and serene volcanic lakes, all wrapped in a calm, untouched atmosphere.

We explored Munduk’s stunning waterfalls, visited the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple on the shores of Lake Bratan, and discovered the secrets of Balinese coffee in a local plantation. This was a true immersion in nature, with breathtaking landscapes at every turn. Our stay in Munduk provided a peaceful escape, far from the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations.

Want to learn more? If you’re looking to discover a more intimate and preserved side of Bali, Munduk is the perfect place. For more details on our experience and practical tips to make the most of this unique destination, don’t miss our dedicated article on Munduk.

Sidemen – An Authentic Immersion in Balinese Culture

Nestled between lush rice fields and the majestic Mount Agung, Sidemen offered us a truly immersive experience in Balinese culture. Far from the crowds of mass tourism, this peaceful village is the perfect place to recharge and discover the authentic beauty of Bali. During our time in Sidemen, every moment was an invitation to tranquility and awe.

We explored local artisan workshops, where we learned to craft traditional silver jewelry, then wandered through the terraced rice fields to take in the breathtaking landscapes. Our visit to the village allowed us to meet warm-hearted locals and savor the delights of Balinese cuisine in small, family-run warungs, where every dish was a true treat.

Sidemen also offered moments of relaxation and well-being, with the chance to enjoy traditional spa treatments at one of the local wellness centers — the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Essentials about Sidemen: How to plan your stay in Sidemen for an authentic immersion in rural Bali? Discover our complete guide to Sidemen.

Gili Trawangan – White Sand Beaches and Underwater Adventures

Gili Trawangan provided us with the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. We cycled along its pristine white sandy beaches, dove into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling, and swam with sea turtles. The marine life here is incredible, and the vibrant coral reefs offer an underwater spectacle like no other.Watching the sunset on Sunset Beach was a magical moment, with a stunning panoramic view of the horizon. To experience the best of the archipelago, we also took a boat trip to explore Gili Meno and Gili Air, each with its own unique atmosphere.

Learn More: If you’re looking for a mix of relaxation, underwater exploration, and vibrant nightlife, Gili Trawangan is the perfect spot. For more details on our stay, click here.

Nusa Penida – Untamed Beauty and Breathtaking Landscapes

Upon our arrival in Nusa Penida, we were immediately struck by the island’s raw beauty, with its towering cliffs, secret beaches, and unspoiled landscapes. During our stay, we explored the must-see spots: Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach. These sites offer spectacular views, but due to their popularity, they require some planning to truly enjoy. We opted to visit early in the morning, which allowed us to enjoy the relative tranquility before the crowds arrived.

Throughout our stay, we also took time to relax in a stunning hotel with a breathtaking view of the surrounding nature — the perfect setting to unwind after our adventures. Nusa Penida gave us the ideal balance of exploration and relaxation.

Additional Details: If you’re looking for breathtaking landscapes and pristine nature, Nusa Penida is the perfect destination. For more details about our experience and practical tips, check out our full article.

Uluwatu – Famous Beaches and Imposing Cliffs Before the Return

Located in the south of Bali, Uluwatu stands out with its beaches nestled below steep cliffs and its breathtaking coastal views. During our visit, we discovered some of the region’s most iconic beaches, such as Padang Padang and Bingin, both popular for swimming and surfing. At Padang Padang, an unexpected encounter with a sea snake made for a memorable moment. A surprising, yet harmless experience, adding a touch of the unexpected to this part of our journey.

We chose to end our trip in Uluwatu due to its proximity to the airport, making it a practical stop before heading home. While the views are undoubtedly spectacular, the atmosphere here didn’t quite resonate with us. We found it to be livelier, sometimes even a bit artificial, especially when compared to the peaceful vibe of the previous stops. That said, Uluwatu can be a great choice for those looking for a more dynamic ending to their trip, with surfing, beach bars, and unforgettable ocean sunsets.

Read More: If you’re in search of stunning beaches, Uluwatu remains a convenient option, especially for its proximity to the airport. For more practical tips, check out our dedicated article.

Our View of Bali: One Itinerary, Many Ambiances

Bali offered us a rich and diverse journey. We explored very different places, each with its own atmosphere, pace, and nuances.

Ubud immersed us in the heart of Balinese culture, with its temples, craftsmanship, and spirituality. In Munduk, the mountain trails, waterfalls, and fresh air provided a true moment of respite. Sidemen, more understated, reconnected us with the essentials in a peaceful rural setting. The beaches of Gili Trawangan added a refreshing break to our itinerary, with cycling, snorkeling, and the pleasure of doing nothing. Nusa Penida, wilder and more rugged, left us in awe of its raw landscapes, despite the crowds at some of the major spots. Finally, Uluwatu, with its cliffs and lively atmosphere, wrapped up the trip with a more energetic vibe.

Bali is a popular destination, and this is evident in the more well-known areas. However, with a thoughtfully planned itinerary, it’s entirely possible to avoid the crowds and enjoy quieter, more authentic moments. Each region offers a different experience — you just need to choose based on your desires: nature, culture, relaxation, or exploration — to create a journey that truly resonates.

What we take away from Bali is the variety and richness of the island. Bali isn’t a place to visit by ticking off boxes; it’s a place to explore at your own pace.

Our guides to exploring Bali

Articles by destination

Want to dive deeper into certain parts of your itinerary? Each region has its own rhythm, scenery, and atmosphere. To help you fine-tune your itinerary, we’ve dedicated a full article to each stop on our journey:

Ubud: A Blend of Culture, Rice Terraces, and Balinese Traditions
Munduk: A Nature Haven Between Waterfalls and Plantations
Sidemen: Away from the Crowds, Immerse Yourself in Rural Bali
Gili Trawangan: The Ideal Island for Snorkeling and Relaxation
Nusa Penida: The Island of Majestic Cliffs
Uluwatu: Beaches, Surf, and Temples Facing the Ocean

Plan your trip: our practical guide

Need concrete tips to organize your journey? Entry requirements, local transportation, budget, weather, useful advice… you’ll find all the essential information in our practical guide to planning a trip to Bali.

No matter how you like to travel, Bali has a thousand faces to discover. Whether your stay is focused on nature, culture, or pure relaxation, you’ll find everything you need here to plan a journey that truly reflects you.