The Greatest Bali Highway Journey Itinerary (3 Weeks)

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

Nevertheless, when you’re brief on time, don’t fear! You possibly can nonetheless have an incredible journey by cherry-picking the locations that excite you probably the most from our information.

Right here’s all the pieces it is advisable know for the last word Bali street journey. We’ve received you lined with an in depth itinerary, a street journey map, prime locations, and important tricks to make your journey clean and unforgettable.

Try this map for all the important thing stops on our Bali street journey itinerary. I’ve pinpointed all of the must-see spots, and I’ll dive into the small print for every vacation spot beneath. Plus, I’ll share ideas to assist make your journey as clean and fulfilling 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 the 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 selecting up some snacks and souvenirs.
• Warung Blanjong: This native eatery is a must-visit for scrumptious Balinese meals. Attempt the “nasi campur” for a style of varied native dishes on one plate.
• Sanur Seashore: Only a brief drive from the town middle, this laid-back seashore is good 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 reveals are fascinating, overlaying all the pieces 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 brief 20-minute drive away. It’s recognized for its serene seashores and recent seafood.

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

• Jimbaran Seashore: Spend the late afternoon at Jimbaran Seashore, recognized 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 when 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 seashore. 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 recognized 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 seashore city. This coastal city is legendary for its seashore golf equipment, unbelievable eating scene, and boutique procuring. 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 prime vacation spot for surfers, Canggu Seashore provides nice waves and a vibrant seashore scene. It’s additionally a unbelievable place to loosen up 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 seashore is lined with cool cafes the place you’ll be able to seize a chunk and benefit from the ocean views.
• Echo Seashore: Identified for its sturdy waves and wonderful surf, Echo Seashore can be house 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 seeking to expertise Bali’s seashore membership scene. Finns Seashore Membership provides beachfront swimming pools, nice meals, and an unbeatable sundown view. It’s the right place to loosen up and soak within the Canggu vibe.
• Canggu’s Rice Fields: Take a leisurely bike trip by the luxurious rice fields that encompass Canggu. It’s a peaceable escape from the bustling seashore scene and provides a glimpse into the normal Balinese lifestyle.
• Café Tradition: Canggu is legendary for its fashionable cafes. A few of my prime 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. Should you’re driving, be affected person and permit additional time to get round. Renting a scooter is a superb possibility for simpler mobility and parking. And you’ll’t go unsuitable with simply leaving the automotive on the lodge and calling a Seize (the Southeast Asian model of Uber).

To your keep in Canggu, listed here 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, recognized 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 street journey.

Right here’s what to discover:

• Tanah Lot Temple: The primary 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: Situated close to Tanah Lot, Batu Bolong Temple is about 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: Should you’re a golf fanatic, don’t miss the prospect to play at this world-class course. Designed by Greg Norman, the course provides unimaginable views of the Indian Ocean and the enduring Tanah Lot Temple.
• Kedungu Seashore: A quieter different 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 great thing about Bali’s shoreline.
• Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest: Only a brief drive from Tanah Lot, this small forest sanctuary is house to lots of of monkeys and a sacred temple. It’s an excellent place to discover nature and get a glimpse of Bali’s wildlife in a serene setting.

Past Canggu and Seminyak, contemplate Kuta for a unique Bali expertise. Kuta provides a mixture of seashore life, procuring, and nightlife at a fraction of the value. Although be aware- it’s extra touristy and has an even bigger celebration environment than the opposite two.

Go away 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 full of pure magnificence and cultural spots that can make your street journey much more memorable.

Listed here are some prime sights to take a look at:

This space is understood for its lush landscapes, conventional villages, and cultural heritage. Hold 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 by the fields to soak within the magnificence.
• Taman Ayun Temple: A peaceable temple surrounded by a moat, Taman Ayun is a superb spot to discover Bali’s wealthy non secular tradition. The gardens listed here are pretty, too.
• Soka Seashore: Should you’re up for a little bit of seashore time, head to Soka Seashore. It’s a quieter, black sand seashore with nice views of the Indian Ocean and the distant mountains.
• Belimbing Village: Take a detour to this charming village, recognized 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 environment make it definitely worth the go to.

After exploring Tabanan, drive 45 minutes additional into the mountains to achieve Bedugul, a cool and serene space recognized 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 in all probability seen this on Instagram—it’s that huge, 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 by Bali’s largest botanical backyard. It’s an excellent spot to see some distinctive crops and benefit from the cooler mountain air.
• Banyumala Twin Waterfalls: Should you’re up for a little bit of an journey, hike down to those lovely 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 individual strawberries and luxuriate in some recent strawberry juice or desserts proper on the farm.

• Yoga Barn: Should you’re into yoga, that is the place to be. They provide a wide range of courses, workshops, and retreats in a peaceable setting.
• Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave): An historic sanctuary with a cave, bathing swimming pools, and fountains. It’s a captivating web site with vital historic and non secular 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 non secular practices.
• Neka Artwork Museum: Discover an in depth assortment of Balinese and Indonesian artwork at this museum. It’s an excellent place to grasp the island’s inventive heritage.
• Blanco Renaissance Museum: The previous house and studio of flamboyant artist Antonio Blanco. The museum homes a various assortment of his works in a surprising hilltop setting.
• Saraswati Temple: A good looking water temple in central Ubud, recognized for its lotus pond and complex 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 beloved driving my bike 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 by the terraces and respect the intricate irrigation system generally known as “subak,” which has been handed down by 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. Get pleasure from a tasting session with a view of the terraces, and don’t miss the prospect to strive a few of the native blends.

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

Highway Tripper Tip: Ubud’s slim streets will be fairly busy, particularly within the city middle. Contemplate 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 scorching springs. Then, in Bangli, you’ll discover conventional villages and uncover a few of Bali’s hidden waterfalls. Nowadays are all about soaking within the island’s pure magnificence and native vibes, away from the crowds.

Go away Ubud behind and head northeast for about an hour to Kintamani, a area recognized for its lively volcano, Mount Batur, and gorgeous pure surroundings.

From Kintamani, proceed your journey southeast to Bangli, recognized 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 understood for its lovely bamboo structure and its dedication to sustaining conventional Balinese tradition and customs. Stroll by the village’s neatly organized properties and study concerning the native lifestyle.
• Tukad Cepung Waterfall: Uncover the hidden great thing about Tukad Cepung Waterfall, nestled inside a cave. The waterfall is one in every of Bali’s most unusual, with daylight filtering by the cave’s opening, making a magical environment. The brief 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 simply’ve skilled Bali’s highlands, it’s time to discover the serene great thing about Sidemen and the cultural treasures of East Bali.

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

• Sidemen Rice Terraces: Wander by 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: Should you’re up for a brief hike, Bukit Tegeh provides panoramic views of the Sidemen valley and Mount Agung. It’s an excellent 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 a part of a cooking class, or just benefit from the hospitality of a Balinese household.
• Yeh Panes Sidemen: A lesser-known scorching spring spot the place you’ll be able to loosen up in heat, pure waters surrounded by greenery.

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

To your keep in East Bali, contemplate:

• Villa Circulation: A boutique retreat providing an expensive and tranquil expertise with gorgeous ocean views. Excellent for these seeking to unwind in a serene setting.
• Alila Manggis: A good looking beachfront resort that mixes trendy luxurious with conventional Balinese attraction. The resort provides quick access to close by sights whereas offering a peaceable environment.
• Patal Kikian Villa: Nestled within the hills, this villa provides breathtaking views of Mount Agung and the encircling countryside. Excellent for these searching for a extra intimate and personal expertise.

When you have some additional time, contemplate doing a weekend journey to Nusa Penida, a phenomenal island simply off the coast of Bali. The port closest to East Bali known as Kusamba close to Padang Bai. From there, it’s only a brief 20-minute ferry trip. Alternatively, you’ll be able to take a ferry from a port nearer to the capital, known as Sanur Seashore. So, when you’d choose to hit Nusa Penida earlier than flying house on the finish of the journey, that is additionally an excellent possibility.

Typically described as Bali’s wild facet, 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 all the pieces it is advisable know to profit from 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 seashore is difficult however rewarding, with turquoise waters and gentle white sand awaiting you on the backside.
• Angel’s Billabong: A pure infinity pool with crystal-clear water situated 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 excellent spot for images and soaking within the gorgeous coastal surroundings. Sadly, you’ll be able to’t swim right here, however the views are definitely worth the go to.
• Crystal Bay: Identified for its clear waters and wonderful snorkeling. The seashore is comparatively quiet and excellent for a soothing afternoon. You possibly can hire snorkeling gear on the seashore and discover the colourful marine life.
• Atuh Seashore: A good looking and secluded seashore on the island’s japanese facet. The dramatic cliffs and clear blue water make it an ideal spot for sunbathing and swimming. The hike right down to the seashore 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 prime diving and snorkeling spot the place you’ll be able to typically see manta rays. Even when you’re not diving, boat excursions supply the prospect 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 excellent spot to loosen up and benefit from the pure great 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 excellent spot for a leisurely stroll and a few distinctive pictures.

Contemplate staying in a guesthouse or bungalow close to Crystal Bay or Toyapakeh. These areas supply quick access to the island’s major sights and a few of the greatest snorkeling spots.

As we speak we’re heading additional northeast for about an hour to achieve Amed, a tranquil fishing village recognized for its black sand seashores, wonderful diving spots, and laid-back environment.

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 seeking to unwind and luxuriate in pure magnificence.

Right here’s what to see and do: