Bali is a captivating and incredibly diverse island and continues to be amongst the most visited tourist attraction in South-East Asia. The reasons behind Bali’s popularity are its iconic beaches, massive volcanoes, vast rice terraces, inspiring culture and the welcoming people.
Moreover, Bali is versatile enough that both luxury travellers and backpackers adore it equally. From mesmerising religious and traditional monuments to fun loaded activities, adventure, and outstanding food, Bali is the ultimate holiday spot that provides you with a complete package, no matter your style or taste.
However, creating the best Bali itinerary can be a daunting task. There are innumerable things to see and do in Bali, and not knowing where to go, and when, can result in missing out some of its hot spots.
To make the most of your Bali vacation, make sure to plan your travel, keeping in mind some of the region’s fascinating finds.
And to help you along the way here is the best Bali itinerary and guide that features all the necessary information about the island and how to spend your time on it.
How to Get to Bali
You can reach Bali by using any of the three primary means of transportation – plane, bus, and boat. The best option for tourists coming from abroad is to fly into the Denpasar International Airport.
Taking the boat is the most adventurous way to reach Bali if you are coming from one of the other cities in Indonesia.
The bus, however, takes 23 hours from Jakarta to reach Bali. Hence, it is the least recommended option even for budget travellers.
Where to Visit in Bali
Bali is a vast island that covers an area of more than 5,000 sq. Km. As a result, there is no shortage of things to do in Bali.
Along with places to visit, Bali promises some genuinely fabulous culinary feasts. The organic food in Bali is outstanding as well, worth checking out when visiting the local restaurants.
In terms of tourist attractions, here are some of the most famous stops in Bali that are sure to make your vacation all the more special and exciting.
Bukit Peninsula
Also referred to as Uluwatu, Bukit Peninsula is at the southern tip of Bali. Its dramatic cliffs and bluest waters give this place a distinctive vibe, that is hard to ignore.
The peninsula is famous for its white-sand beaches and surf breaks. Most of the high-end resorts and villas over here cater to the luxury traveller, but you can still find some cheaper options if you search for them hard enough.
Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands are a must-visit when planning a trip to Bali. It takes less than two hours to reach these islands by speed boat.
The scenic beauty of Nusa Penida is highest among all. On the other hand, Nusa Lembongan is a gorgeous attraction, known for extensive surfing and diving options.
Ubud
An arty town situated in the middle of Bali, Ubud is popular for its unique culture and yoga retreats. Ubud is also the perfect place to visit temples and witness traditional Balinese dancing.
Known for its arts and crafts, there are many shops in Ubid selling indigenous jewellery that make for an excellent gift to take home.
Furthermore, do spare some time to visit the outskirts of Ubud, as they are famous for engaging views of lush rice terraces.
Seminyak
Located on the southern coast of Bali, Seminyak is the most fashionable part of Bali with its high-end villas, spas and luxury resorts.
There’s not much to see here, but Seminyak makes for a great place to relax and unwind yourself.
For shopaholics, there are extravagant shopping facilities, mouthwatering restaurants, sensational bars, and beach clubs to explore.
One of the most extraordinary things to do in Bali is to watch the sun go down, listing to the soothing sounds of the waves while dancing to ambient music at a seaside beach club.
Lovina
Lovina, on the north coast, is one of the most tranquil spots to enjoy during your trip to Bali. Quiet and peaceful, Lovina is a hidden gem typically attracting fewer tourists, making it an ideal location for honeymoon couples.
It’s best to visit Lovina towards the end of your trip, once you have exhausted yourself from all the sightseeing and adventurous activities.
Spotting dolphins is the most exciting highlight at Lovina, but you can also soak up the sun and chill out on Lovina’s serene beaches.
Amed
Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts will find visiting Amed a real treat. The beauty of Amed lies under the water where you are likely to find a fantastic array of colourful marine life.
Amed is still unknown with the tourist crowd but is gaining popularity with travellers who like to explore offbeat places.
The way of life in Amed is rustic and authentic, giving it a unique aura, the type that is often lost in some of the more crowded of Bali’s areas.
Moreover, the beach water here is stunningly clear, offering you the perfect opportunity to hone your diving and snorkelling skills.
How to Spend Your Time in Bali
3-5 Days
When looking to spend time in Bali, if you are planning to enjoy a mixed beach holiday, Seminyak and Amed should make it to the top of your list. While one is party central, the latter will leave you in awe of its secluded nature.
If kids are also accompanying you to Bali, make sure you include Sanur and Amed in your Bali itinerary. These places have calm waters and are quite safe for swimming. Walking through the rice fields can also be a fun activity for children.
As for the adults, Seminyak is all about parties, drinking, and cafes. So allocate a couple of days to enjoy Seminyak’s nightlife at places like Sky Garden club. After that, get ready to hit one of Bali’s most famous beach clubs such as Potato Head.
It’s undoubtedly the best way to spend your family holiday time in Bali.
2-3 Days
Ubud has a lot more going when it comes to tourist attractions. Ubud has quite a few boutique accommodations and is an ideal two-day stop. Don’t forget to visit the Monkey Forest and Tibumana Waterfall.
Also, spare some time to buy local jewellery, crafts, and souvenir on the way. And make it a point to watch an unforgettable sunset at Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Bukit is surfer’s paradise and a great place to spend at least two days. Try visiting Bukit’s various beaches like Balangan, Medewi or Balian during your Bali visit to get a feel of how calm and beautiful life is on the island.
1 Day
When not in a mood to spend the entire holiday surfing on the tides, Lovina is the place to be. An overnight stay or a day trip is more than sufficient to explore Lovina.
Bali has something for everyone, and you can pick and choose, based on your personal preferences, what is it that interests you on this magical island.
For a more diverse experience, it is best to stay for 2-3 days in Nusa Dua or Seminyak and then shift to Ubud for the remainder of your Bali trip. From either of these places, hire a local cab or scooter and discover the surrounding regions at your leisure.
If your plans are open, spend a few hours in a particular area and then decide on the number of days you would want to stay there. However, Bali is easily navigable and relatively cheap when it comes to local transportation.
The perfect Bali holiday is all about relaxation and having a good time. You’ll find that no matter where you are, near the beach or up in the mountains, there is an unmatched charm to Bali that works towards making sure every moment you spend on the island is unique and memorable.
About the Author: Kyle is the co-founder and editor of Via Travelers. Via Travelers is a modern travel blog focused on helping you learn the best travel tips, travel hacks and itineraries to explore the world. Find your wanderlust, and follow the adventures of Via Travelers on Instagram and Twitter.
Image source: Pixabay
