There are many special places to visit in Bali, Indonesia’s beautiful and spiritual island. Vogue calls it ‘one of the world’s most iconic islands to visit in Asia.’ The good news is, you don’t need a designer budget to enjoy Bali. During my four months exploring this island, I discovered the perfect balance of authentic experiences and must-see highlights. I’ve put together the perfect Bali itinerary for 3 weeks that will make you fall in love with the island.
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Overview of your Bali itinerary for 3 weeks
- Days 1-5: Ubud – Rice terraces, volcano treks, yoga and Balinese culture
- Days 6-9: Amed – Authentic fishing villages and shipwreck diving
- Days 10-12: Munduk – Mountain waterfalls and scenic lakes
- Days 13-14: Balian – Surfing and peaceful black sand beaches
- Days 15-21: Canggu – Beach clubs and clifftop temples
Planning your 3 week Bali itinerary: where to go in Bali
Most tourists head straight for Bali’s most famous areas and miss its soul. This 3 week Bali itinerary is different. It’s designed for travellers who want to experience the island’s incredible diversity beyond the tourist traps.
Are you after blissful beaches, yoga classes, stunning temples, or diving adventures? This route covers all of these experiences and more. It will take you from Ubud’s rice terraces to authentic fishing villages, mountain waterfalls as well as island-hopping to paradise spots that you’ll adore.
Planning a trip to Bali? Make sure you pack Lonely Planet’s excellent Bali travel guide book.
Days 1-5: Ubud, for relaxing spas, yoga and rice terraces
The first stop on your 3 week Bali itinerary is Ubud. This is because it blends spirituality and yoga, there are fantastic vegetarian restaurants and it’s surrounded by vivid green rice fields. Ubud is where Elizabeth Gilbert meets the medicine man in her memoir Eat Pray Love, so if you’re a fan (like me) it’s where you’ll want to go in Bali.
Day 1: Arrival at Denpasar Airport
When you arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, you’ll need to make your way to Ubud for the start of your adventure. The journey takes about an hour to 90 minutes by taxi – the cheapest are the local Bluebird taxis. For convenience, consider booking an airport transfer in advance.
On your way to Ubud, you’ll see ornate family temples and artisan shops. Check into your guesthouse and get your bearings. For dinner, head to one of Ubud’s lovely local warungs or international restaurants near your accommodation.
Avoid the airport taxi queues – book your direct transfer to Ubud in advance here.
Where to stay in Ubud
In Ubud, you will find traditional, ornate family homestays, where the locals give you a warm welcome and serve you breakfast. Settle into one of these Ubud guest houses and you probably won’t want to leave. Choose somewhere in the centre of Ubud, so you can get around easily on foot.
The beautiful Balinese architecture of Tude’s Family Homestay is set in tranquil gardens, while the brilliant Bale Bali House offers a memorable Balinese cooking experience for guests. If you are looking for accommodation with a swimming pool and stunning views, check out Maple House.
A popular choice for hostels in Ubud is the fabulous Tude Hostel Ubud, loved for its quiet yet central location and comfy beds.
Browse and book the best accommodation deals in Ubud for your dates by exploring the map below:
Day 2: Rice terraces and gentle exploration
Start easing into Bali time by taking it slow on your first full day. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation – usually they will serve eggs, fruit and pancakes with local coffee. Spend the afternoon wandering through Ubud’s traditional markets and artisan shops.
If you’re feeling energetic, hire a bike or scooter to explore the rice terraces around Ubud or join a guided tour. This is one of the first things I did when I arrived in Ubud. The famous Tegallalang rice terraces are 20 minutes north of Ubud centre by scooter or bicycle. If you prefer, there are plenty of Balinese trekking guides ready to give you a walking tour of the area.
Book your place on an organised cycling tour to explore the gorgeous area around Ubud.
Day 3: Wellness and yoga day
In Ubud is a world class yoga studio called Yoga Barn. Start your morning with a yoga class there and you’ll feel stretched and energised for the day ahead.
For lunch, try one of Ubud’s fantastic vegetarian and vegan restaurants – the healthy food scene here is incredible. I liked KAFE and Atman Kafe, which are close to each other.
Treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage in the afternoon at one of the area’s many spas. A full-body massage is the perfect way to unwind after several active days.
Read all about Yoga Barn in my full review here.
Day 4: Mount Batur sunrise trek
Now that you’ve adjusted to Bali time, this is the perfect day for a big adventure. From Ubud, you can organise a sunrise trekking tour to climb Mount Batur, Bali’s second highest volcano. Don’t worry, you don’t need any special equipment for the Mount Batur hike and it’s accessible even for novice trekkers.
Your driver will collect you at around 2am from your accommodation, in order to start the volcano trek at 4am. The experience of watching the sunrise from the summit while breakfast is cooked using volcanic steam is absolutely magical. You’ll be back at your accommodation by late morning, so spend the afternoon relaxing and recovering.
Don’t miss out: book your place on a Mount Batur sunrise trek in advance.
Day 5: Enter the sacred Monkey Forest
Enjoy your last full day in Ubud with a visit to its famous Monkey Forest. As the name suggests, this is home to hundreds of cheeky long-tailed macaques, as well as ancient temple ruins.
In the afternoon, revisit your favourite spots, do some souvenir shopping, or book another spa treatment or yoga class.
Tomorrow we’ll be checking out, so use the evening to prepare for your journey east to Amed.
For more, information read my dedicated post on the perfect Ubud itinerary.
Days 6-9: Amed, for the ‘Real Bali’
The next few days of your 3 week Bali itinerary take you east to discover the island’s most authentic experiences. You’ll escape the crowds in traditional fishing villages, explore underwater shipwrecks and visit nearby islands. It’s where your Bali journey shifts from spiritual awakening to authentic local life.
Day 6: Travel to Amed and settle in
To the east of Bali is a cluster of charming fishing villages, known collectively as Amed. This is the next stop on your 3 week Bali itinerary.
The route takes 2 hours by taxi from Ubud through beautiful rice terraces and traditional villages. This laid-back area is one of the top places to visit in Bali if you want to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s one of the island’s hidden gems that’s not on most itineraries.
Here you can watch the sunrise over black sand beaches, get to know the friendly locals and discover more about the Balinese festivals and culture. For some people, this is the best place to stay in Bali for couples as it’s so peaceful and feels relatively undiscovered.
Where to stay in Amed
Each of the Amed villages has its own authentic charm. Learn more about which one to choose in my dedicated post here.
If you are looking for a hostel in Amed, check out the beachfront Ocean Prana Village hostel, which has a swimming pool and offers yoga classes.
Great guest houses in Amed include the delightful and affordable Dharma Yoga, where I stayed. There’s also the blissful Bamboo Bali bungalows or the Jemeluk Beach Bungalows, which are right on the beach.
Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals in Amed for your dates:
Day 7: USS Liberty shipwreck diving and snorkelling
Amed is a popular spot for freediving, scuba diving and snorkelling. Today, you’ll visit the nearby village of Tulumben to explore the fascinating WW2 wreck of the USS Liberty.
The shipwreck lies near the shore, so you don’t need to dive very deep. It is simply magical to swim around and explore the spooky remains as the fish dart around you.
Book a diving tour to the USS Liberty shipwreck here.
Day 8: Amed sunrise and village life
Start early to catch the spectacular sunrise over Mount Agung from Amed’s black sand beaches – it’s absolutely magical and one of the best sunrise spots in Bali.
Spend the morning exploring the traditional salt farming that Amed is famous for. Many locals still harvest sea salt using ancient methods passed down through generations – it’s fascinating to watch and you can often participate.
Visit the local fishing boats as they return with their catch, and explore the traditional villages to get a real sense of authentic Balinese life away from tourism.
Day 9: Gili Trawangan day trip
From Amed you can catch a fast boat the 45 – 60 minutes to the gorgeous Gili islands. Boats depart around 9pm and return around 4pm.
I liked Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T. One of the things that’s most charming about this island is its lack of motorised transport – only bicycles and horse-drawn carts roam the streets.
You can spend the day snorkelling at Turtle Point and Shark Point, relaxing on different beaches like Paradise Sunset Point and Malibu Beach, and posing on the famous sea-swings. This Gili island is perfection to a T.
Read more about the Gili Islands in my dedicated post here.
Days 10-12: Munduk, for jungle waterfalls and highland escapes
Munduk is a quiet mountain village where you can explore green rice fields and discover spectacular waterfalls hidden in the jungle. It’s three hours’ drive from Amed and worth the scenic journey through the highlands. The cool climate here makes a refreshing change from the coastal heat, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks and traditional Balinese villages untouched by mass tourism.
Day 10: Travel to Munduk
Munduk is a quiet and beautiful place to explore the green rice fields and discover local waterfalls. Close to the centre of the island, it’s three hours’ drive from Amed on your 3 week Bali itinerary and worth the scenic mountain journey.
Read my post all about the wonderful things to do in Munduk here.
Where to stay in Munduk
An excellent hostel in Munduk is the Dong Paloh Hostel, which guests love for its caring hosts, comfortable rooms and jaw-dropping views.
Munduk’s guesthouses include the awesome One Homestay which has wonderful mountain views.
For mid-range hotels in Munduk, try the rustic Puri Lumbung Cottages, which has an on-site yoga centre, or the Yoga Village Above The Clouds in the neighbouring village of Bedugul.
If you’re splashing out on a luxury resort, check out the magnificent Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa.
Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals in Munduk for your dates:
Day 11: Waterfall adventures
The waterfalls around Munduk are spectacular. Start with Sekumpul Falls, which many consider Bali’s most beautiful waterfall – it’s a 45-minute trek through jungle and rice fields. The twin Banyumala Falls are perfect for swimming and only 30 minutes from Munduk village. The hidden Fiji Falls and Golden Valley Falls require a bit more adventure to reach but are worth every step.
Explore the best of the area’s waterfalls on this guided tour.
Day 12: Lake Beratan and temple exploration
Within a half hour drive of Munduk, you can find some amazing sights.
Today you’ll visit three scenic lakes (known in Balinese as danau) – Lake Tambligan, Lake Buyan and Lake Beratan. Here there are wonderful viewpoints – search for ‘Wanagiri Hidden Hill Bali’ in Google Maps for some great Instagram opportunities near Lake Buyan.
Join a guided tour of Munduk’s lakes and viewpoints here.
Days 13-14: Balian, for surfing and peaceful black sand beaches
This laid-back surf spot is known for its black sand beaches, excellent waves and super-chilled atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to slow down after your mountain adventures, with everything you need right on the beach – surf breaks, yoga classes and stunning sunsets for incredible photos.
Day 13: Travel to Balian
From Munduk, head south to Balian Beach. The journey takes 1.5-2 hours by scooter through rice fields and small villages, or arrange a private driver through your guesthouse. Arrive by afternoon to catch your first Balian sunset.
Where to stay in Balian
If you want affordable beachfront accommodation, check out the Gubug Balian Beach Bungalows or the superb Istana Balian. Both have modern facilities and swimming pools.
Another stylish beachfront option is the Pondok Pitaya Balian Hotel. Meanwhile the Gajah Mina Beach Resort has a yoga room, spa and fantastic restaurant.
Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals in Balian for your dates:
Day 14: Balian Beach magic
Balian is known as a destination for surfing, kite-surfing and yoga. It is the perfect place to relax, thanks to its super-chilled ambiance. It’s also one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali
The area is fantastic for surfing, with breaks suitable for all levels. You can rent boards and take lessons right on the beach, and the black sand makes for incredible sunset photos.
Yoga fans can find daily yoga classes at the large studio in Pondok Pitaya Balian Hotel. They offer lessons for all levels of students, as well as yoga teacher training. Another popular place is Balian Spirit Yoga.
Everything is right on the beach – no transport needed. Just walk out your accommodation door onto the sand.
Find out more about the things to do at Balian beach.
Days 15-21: Canggu, beach clubs and clifftop temples
The final week of your 3 week Bali itinerary brings you full circle to the island’s lively south. Here, world-class surf breaks meet beach clubs and ancient clifftop temples. Canggu has the perfect blend of laid-back surf culture and trendy café scene. It’s a great base to explore more of southern Bali. It’s the ideal way to wind down your journey and enjoy your last few days of that magical Bali energy.
Day 15: Travel to Canggu
Travel 1.5 hours south of Balian to Canggu. It’s a popular surfing area and digital nomad hotspot, but still maintains that relaxed Bali vibe. Arrive by afternoon and get settled into the surf town atmosphere.
Where to stay in Canggu
Canggu has everything from budget hostels to luxury villas. The Nest Canggu is a popular hostel choice thanks to its swimming pool and on-site restaurant. Its excellent hotel options include the Aston Canggu Beach Resort which is located close to great restaurants and beach clubs.
For more accommodation deals in Canggu, explore the map below:
Day 16: Surfing and cafe culture
Canggu is famous for its cool cafe culture and surf breaks suitable for all levels. Take your time to relax and enjoy a Bintang beer on the beach in this popular part of Bali.
If you’d like to learn to surf, you can take lessons at Batu Bolong beach, while intermediates may prefer Echo Beach. All surf spots are within 10 minutes by scooter from central Canggu.
The area is filled with cafes serving healthy food, smoothie bowls and excellent coffee. Don’t miss Crate Café for their famous smoothie bowls and Milk & Madu for the most Instagrammable brunch in Bali.
If you’re keen to experience Canggu’s famous beach club, try Finns Beach Club for day parties and pool access. La Brisa is great for sunset drinks with its bohemian bamboo architecture. Finally, Old Man’s is known for live music and a more relaxed vibe. All beach clubs are easily accessible by scooter or taxi.
Day 17: Tanah Lot temple day trip
Take a day trip to the famous Tanah Lot temple, one of Bali’s most iconic temples built on a rock formation in the sea. It’s 45 minutes from Canggu by scooter or you can book a guided tour. The best time to visit is late afternoon from around 4pm.
Book a spectacular guided tour of Tanah Lot temple directly from your hotel, here.
Day 18: Nusa Penida day trip
From Canggu, take a taxi one hour to Sanur. From there, you can catch a fast boat to Nusa Penida, a neighbouring island known for its natural beauty and scuba diving.
Incredible underwater sights there include sunken Buddha statues. On the nearby Lembongan Island, you can spend a blissful day relaxing in the Mushroom Bay area and enjoy some incredible snorkelling.
In Sanur, there is also the peaceful Power of Now Oasis yoga studio which is simply lovely for yoga by the sea.
Day 19: Uluwatu temple and Kecak dance
Head 45 minutes south by taxi or book a guided tour to experience the famous sunset Uluwatu Kecak Dance at the Uluwatu temple. This clifftop temple has spectacular sunset views and the traditional fire dance performance is mesmerising. Arrive around 5pm for the best seats. Book your return transport in advance as it gets busy after the performance.
Day 20: Indulge at Seminyak
If you’re after fancy restaurants and fun parties, spend the penultimate day of your 3 week Bali itinerary in Seminyak. It’s around half an hour away by taxi.
While this area is busier and more commercialised, it has incredible shopping, restaurants and bars. I loved the upscale Indonesian food and sustainable values of Merah Putih restaurant. There’s also Bali’s legendary Potato Head beach club, which opens until 2am.
It’s definitely pricier than other areas, but the sunset cocktails and atmosphere are worth experiencing at least once. This is your luxury finale to celebrate completing your 3 weeks in Bali.
Day 21: Departure for the airport
It’s time to check out of your accommodation and spend your last morning enjoying whatever you’ve loved most about Canggu. It’s a 45-60 minute journey to Ngurah Rai international airport and you can easily book an airport transfer. You will take home with you all the memories made on your unforgettable 3 week itinerary in Bali.
Where to go if you have more time in Bali
The island’s wild western frontier is a world away from the tourist crowds. This is where Bali reveals its untamed side. Pristine coral reefs here teem with marine life, jungle national parks are home to rare birds and beaches are quiet. It’s raw, authentic Bali at its most beautiful.
If you have more than 3 weeks in Bali and want to make the most of your 30-day visa, these destinations are worth exploring for a deeper experience of the island’s wild side.
Pemuteran
Pemuteran is a tranquil fishing village in the northwest of Bali. Unlike other parts of this popular Indonesian island, this place has a quiet local community where you can experience real daily life in Bali. Staying here gives you access to West Bali national park and Menjangan Island which has one of the best-preserved coral reefs in the area.
Check out my guide to all the best things to do in Pemuteran.
West Bali National Park
From Pemuteran, you can explore snorkelling and scuba diving sites around Menjangan Island and the jungle terrain of West Bali National Park. The coral reefs here are considered the best in Bali, and it’s much less crowded than the southern diving spots. Menjangan Island is 20 minutes by boat from Pemuteran.
Explore the jungle terrain of West Bali National Park. This is Bali’s largest protected area and home to the rare Bali starling. Here, you can go on guided jungle treks and bird watching tours. The park entrance is 30 minutes from Pemuteran by scooter. Guided tours are recommended for wildlife spotting and will pick you up from your accommodation.
Join a private two-day trekking and bird-watching tour of West Bali National Park here.
How to travel around Bali
To make your 3 week Bali itinerary a reality, a key question is how to travel around Bali. The good news is, there are several options for getting around Bali.
By scooter or bicycle
One is to rent a bicycle for short rides around the rice fields and villages. For longer journeys, you can hire a scooter or motorcycle. Be sure to check the motorbike first for dents and scratches, and log it with the rental company. This way, you shouldn’t be charged for any damage you didn’t cause
By taxi
There are plenty of taxis available for travelling around Bali. Many taxi drivers act as tour guides too, so they can advise on the best places to stop. I recommend asking a few taxi drivers to give you a quote, so you can make sure you aren’t being ripped off.
By public transport
The cheapest way of getting around in Bali are public minibuses called bemo. They run on various routes around the island and they cost a fraction of the price of a taxi. They operate around every 50 minutes however they are are notoriously unreliable, so you may need to wait longer.
The most comfortable way to get around Bali is to hire a private car with a local driver.
Getting to Bali
Bali is an island in Indonesia, which can be easily reached from Australia, Malaysia and Singapore. Flights to Bali from within Asia can be fairly inexpensive. Indonesia’s national airline, Garuda Indonesia, operates direct flights from London to Bali. Otherwise you can find long-haul flights via Doha, Dubai, Hong Kong or Bangkok to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.
Travelling to Malaysia too? Check out my complete guide to backpacking Malaysia, Borneo and Singapore.
How do you get a visa for Bali?
You are automatically permitted to stay in Bali up to 30 days with your visa-on-arrival. People from most countries are now eligible for a free 30 day visa-on-arrival. To stay longer, buy a $35 visa-on-arrival at the immigration counter at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport. This can be extended for another 30 days, so 60 days total.
On the two occasions I went to Bali, I loved it so much that both times I extended my visa for the additional 30 days. Following the official procedure to extend my visa involved three trips to one of Bali’s immigration offices over 2-3 weeks. A more convenient alternative is to hire a visa agent to do so on your behalf. Somehow they can usually process it within a week. There are plenty of places around that offer this service.
How much does a 3 week Bali itinerary cost?
If you are planning a trip to Bali, you will be pleased to discover that the island is very affordable. It is easy to visit Bali on a budget. You can still stay in lovely accommodation and eat out at restaurants every day. At most guest houses, staff will serve you a complimentary breakfast of eggs or pancakes, fruit and coffee. The perfect way to start your day.
The estimated Bali budget per day is around Rp865,000 (Indonesian rupiah) or US$60-80, depending on your activities and shopping. For three weeks, budget approximately $1,260-$1,680 USD total for a comfortable backpacker experience. Compared with many other destinations around the world, the cost of Bali travel is cheap. Honeymooners often come to this island and spend a lot of money on luxury resorts. However, there are many affordable guest houses where you can live like a royal on a limited budget.
Frequently asked questions about Bali
Is 3 weeks too long for Bali?
Not at all – in fact, you may find yourself extending your trip even longer, like I did – more than once!. Three weeks is a great amount of time to explore Bali. You’ll have time to see beyond the tourist hotspots, slow down in each destination and experience the real Bali.
How much money do I need for 3 weeks in Bali?
Budget around $1,260-$1,680 USD for three weeks ($60-80 per day). This covers accommodation in guest houses, eating out at local restaurants, activities, and transport. You can travel cheaper by eating at warungs and staying in hostels, or spend more on luxury resorts and upscale dining.
Which month is best for Bali?
April-May and September-October are ideal. You’ll get dry season weather with fewer crowds and better prices than peak season (July-August). The wet season (November-March) means occasional rain but these are the cheapest months to visit Bali and the island is still beautiful with lush green landscapes.
Is this itinerary suitable for solo female travellers?
Yes, Bali is very safe for solo female travellers. I travelled here alone and had a wonderful time. In Ubud in particular there’s a huge community of solo female travellers thanks to its popular yoga centres.
Final thoughts on the perfect 3 week Bali itinerary
This 3 week Bali itinerary strikes the perfect balance between Bali’s spiritual side and its natural adventures. You’ll experience everything that makes this island so special.
What makes this route perfect is how it flows naturally around the island. You start inland with Ubud’s spiritual energy, move to the coast for island adventures, head east to Amed’s authentic fishing villages, venture into the mountains of Munduk, relax at Balian beach and finish in Canggu near the airport for easy departure.
The beauty of this itinerary is that it reveals the real Bali – the hidden gems that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. Bali truly is one of the world’s most magical islands and this itinerary ensures you’ll fall in love with it, just like I did.
Next up, discover the island’s spiritual and yoga capital in this Ubud itinerary.
