Best 3 Week Bali Itinerary (2025)

What to expect from this 3 week Bali itinerary

If you’re anything like me, you love adventure, but you also like to travel at a more relaxed pace. In my opinion, this is the absolute BEST way to travel.. It means you get to enjoy it a lot more because you’re not rushing from place to place.

Because of that, I’ve split up this 3 week Bali travel itinerary so you don’t have to stay in a million hotels. 

Obviously, if you don’t mind doing that, you can move around a lot more and I’ll recommend where you can stay. However, my aim with this 3-week itinerary is to give you a good pace with a mix of relaxation and adventure!

How to get around Bali

Your best ways to get around Bali are by scooter hire, taxis or a private driver. There are no trains in Bali and I don’t recommend the bus unless you’re travelling on a tight budget or don’t mind the longer journeys. 

Public buses aren’t that reliable so your best bet would be catching the Kura-Kura tourist shuttle bus but it only runs from Kuta to Ubud.

Most travellers in Bali rent scooters – it’s the easiest way to get around if you want more freedom to explore. Just be aware that the roads in Bali are truly awful so I don’t recommend this if you’re not a confident driver!

Taxis and private drivers are also great options. In some parts of Bali, you can also use rideshare apps like Grab and Gojek.

If you go for a standard taxi, make sure you negotiate fares or ask for the meter to be used before getting in the car. You’ll also want to choose Bluebird Taxis which has the best reputation. This post has great tips on getting taxis in Bali.

Once you’re at your chosen hotel, you might have the option of shuttle services that take you to the main sites in the area. You can also go for guided day trips and tours to visit the best attractions.

3 Week Bali itinerary ideas

Ok, let’s get to it! This 3 week Bali itinerary is split into regions. You’ll start your trip in South Bali, then head to Ubud and visit the northern parts, before finishing on the nearby islands. It also includes some buffer time near the airport at the end of the trip.

Across the three weeks, you’ll tick so much off your Bali bucket list and get to experience a bit of everything – temples and cultural sites, incredible natural scenery, cool beaches and beautiful islands.

• Day 1-4 Uluwatu, Canggu + Seminyak
• Day 5-11 Ubud, Munduk + North Bali
• Day 12-14 Gili Islands
• Day 15-18 Nusa Islands
• Day 19-21 Jimbaran + onward travel

Day 1-4 Uluwatu, Canggu + Seminyak (4 nights)

Bali’s main airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), which is located in the southern part of the island.  If you arrive earlier in the day, you can head straight to your hotel, check in and make the most of your extra time.

It should be easy to get from the airport to your accommodation in popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu, especially with an airport transfer. The drive should be under an hour unless there’s heavy traffic.

Where you stay in southern Bali will depend on your travel style. I recommend Uluwatu if you’re planning a luxury honeymoon. This area is more remote but you’ll find gorgeous five-star hotels as well as the best beaches in the area.

READ MORE: 21 Best Romantic Hotels in Bali for Honeymooners

If you want somewhere more lively, Canggu is a good base. It has a younger crowd and you’ll find cool beach clubs, relaxed surf vibes and great nightlife. Seminyak has a similar offering as well as a decent choice of upscale resorts as well as shops and restaurants.

My recommendation is to pick one area to stay in rather than booking hotels in each. Canggu and Seminyak are right next to each other and Uluwatu isn’t far. You’ll still be able to do day trips to the same places or just focus on what you have around you.

RELATED: Uluwatu or Ubud? Where’s Best to Stay in Bali?

However, if you don’t mind moving between hotels, you could split your time between Uluwatu and then pick either Seminyak or Canggu for the rest of your time.

Things to see and do in South Bali

The southern parts of the island are incredibly popular with tourists. It’s the best destination with cool beaches and beach clubs, laid-back and pretty cafes as well as some interesting cultural spots.

If you’ve travelled a long way to get to Bali, it’s a fab area for a more chilled-out and relaxing few days while you adjust to the new time zone and climate. 

• Cafes – Cafe culture is huge in Bali and you’ll find so many amazing options across Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu. Canggu has tons of cafes so you can expect casual, boho and hipster options that are super aesthetic. Seminyak has lots of options with some a little more upscale. You’ll also find amazing places in Uluwatu for brunch, smoothie bowls and vegan food.

• Surfing – If you love surfing, Canggu and Uluwatu are some of the best places in Bali. If you’re a beginner, Canggu is the better option as Uluwatu is known more for its pro surf spots.  This 2-hour surf lesson is a good option in Canggu.

• Beaches & beach clubs – If you’re dreaming of white-sand beaches, Uluwatu is your best bet in southern Bali – you’ll find secluded beaches with soft sands beneath the cliffs. Some of the best are Padang Padang, Dreamland Beach and Nyang Nyang Beach. Canggu and Seminyak have more lively beaches. They’re not so pretty, but they’re a fun place to relax. You’ll also find amazing beach clubs like Finns, The Lawn and Potato Head.

• Shopping – Seminyak is one of the best places in Bali for shopping. You’ll find tons of boutique stores as well as markets and malls.

• Tanah Lot – Tanah Lot is one of the most visited temples in Bali and it’s close to Canggu. It’s one of Bali’s sea temples and sits on a rocky island off the coastline. If the tide is low, you can walk across to get closer, but you can’t enter the temple as a foreigner. 

• Uluwatu Temple – Uluwatu Temple is another gorgeous temple in Bali that stands on a cliff above the ocean. It’s one of Bali’s most holy places and is a sacred site of worship. I recommend staying to watch a kecak fire dance performance in the evening – this tour includes admission tickets and is a hassle free way to experience it all.

• Sunsets – Bali has amazing sunsets and there are great places to take them in around these southwest areas. If you want to enjoy a sunset on the beach, Canggu and Seminyak have so many beachfront bars and places with cosy beanbags. Uluwatu Temple is also an iconic spot for watching the sunset.

Where to stay

✔️ Bulgari Resort Bali ⭐️9.7/10
✔️ The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa ⭐️9.3/10
✔️ Ametis Villa (Adult Only) ⭐️9.5/10

Day 5-11 Ubud + Munduk (7 nights)

For the next part of this 3 week Bali itinerary, you’ll head to Ubud. There’s tons to do in this part of Bali so I recommend at least 3 days in Ubud.

If you’re happy to move around more, you could split this time between Ubud and Munduk. Munduk is a picturesque spot in the mountains of northern Bali. It’s a serene setting with a big focus on nature

However, if you want to stay in just one place, spending 7 nights in Ubud and taking day trips will be perfect.

Ubud was easily one of my favourite places in Bali. It’s a great base for so many activities and attractions, but it’s also a great place to relax.

READ MORE: Bali Bucket List: 33 Best Things to Do in Bali 

As well as incredible cultural sites and beautiful scenery like rice fields and waterfalls, Ubud has some of the most amazing hotels and spas. So even though the town itself is busy, the gorgeous resorts and scenery make it ideal for a relaxing trip.

Things to see and do in + near Ubud

How you spend your time in Ubud will depend on how active you want to make your week. There’s a fantastic choice of activities and day trips you can join from here – from volcano trekking and white water rafting to more relaxed options like sightseeing and visiting gorgeous temples.

• Campuhan Ridge Walk – This is a popular walking trail in Ubud that you can get to from the centre. It’s an easy, short trek that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.

• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – The Monkey Forest is one of Ubud’s most famous attractions. It’s a nature reserve and temple complex that’s home to hundreds of long-tailed monkeys. 

• Tegalalang Rice Terraces – These rice paddies are the most famous in Bali and are super pretty. My recommendation is to visit as early in the day as you can to avoid the crowds. I also love the idea of this e-bike cycling tour – it takes in the rice terraces and more of Ubud’s peaceful surroundings

• Bali Swing – The original Bali Swing is in Ubud. It’s also where you’ll find Bali nests.

• Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple – These cultural sites are both in the centre of town so can be combined and don’t take long to explore. They’re great places to take in the beautiful architecture. 

• Floating breakfast – Bali is where the floating breakfast originated, and Ubud is the island’s best place for it. It’s a renowned Balinese experience and SO many resorts in Ubud offer floating breakfasts and brunch. 

• Spa & yoga – Ubud has lots of amazing spas and yoga studios that are perfect if you want to relax and unwind. 

• Goa Gajah – Goa Gajah is known as the Elephant Cave and is a pretty temple just outside Ubud centre.

• Ayung River Rafting – The Ayung River near Ubud is a great place for white water rafting through beautiful scenery. You can book a private whitewater rafting excursion here.

• Mount Batur sunrise trek – If you’re feeling active, trekking Mount Batur (which is an active volcano) is a popular thing to do from Ubud. You’ll need to book a tour and usually these start super early so you can catch the sunrise.

• Pura Gunung Kawi – This temple complex is one of Bali’s oldest monuments. It’s set in the jungle at the bottom of a river valley and has shrines dedicated to the ancient Balinese royal family. 

• Tirta Empul Temple – This famous temple is known for its holy springs where you’ll find sacred pools that are used for purification. 

• Waterfalls – There are so many waterfalls around Ubud and you could spend your time visiting several. Tegenungan, Tibumana and Tukad Cepung Waterfall are the most popular options near Ubud. There are also gorgeous waterfalls closer to Munduk like Banyumala Waterfall and Sekumpul Waterfall. This private tour takes in several of Bali’s best waterfalls. It’s a great option if you don’t want to navigate finding them all yourself!

• Lempuyang Temple – If you want to travel further afield, Lempuyang Temple in east Bali is a lovely visit. This temple is set in the hills and is where you’ll find the Gates of Heaven. It’s a 2-hour drive from Ubud and you can also visit on a day tour.

• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces – These rice terraces are much less crowded and a lot more authentic than Tegalalang. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Ubud.

• Pura Ulun Danu Beratan – This is an iconic temple that’s set on the shores of Lake Beratan in northern Bali close to Munduk. It’s around a 1.5-hour drive from Ubud.

• Wanagiri Hidden Hill – If you want beautiful scenery, this is a popular tourist spot where you’ll find swings, nests and platforms for taking photos. It’s also near Twin Lake Viewpoint which also overlooks Buyan and Tamblingan lakes. They’re in the north of Bali, in the Munduk area, but are possible to get to from Ubud, too.

Where to stay

✔️ Viceroy Bali ⭐️9.5/10
✔️ Natya Resort Ubud ⭐️9.2/10  
✔️ Kuwarasan Resort ⭐️9.3/10  
✔️ Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan ⭐️9.2/10  
✔️ Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort ⭐️9.5/10 

Day 12-14 Gili Islands (3 nights)

After you’ve been to Ubud and the surrounding areas, the next part of this itinerary is all about the Gili Islands. These gorgeous little islands are between Bali and Lombok and are a popular destination to add on to a Bali trip itinerary.

Compared to Bali, the Gili Islands are tiny and have no motorised vehicles or cars. They’re a perfect place for relaxing on the beach and making the most of a paradise setting.

The three Gili Islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno – offer something a little different so you’ll want to decide which one sounds best for you to stay on. Whichever you pick, you’ll still be able to travel to the others on day trips.

If you want somewhere that’s lively, Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is a good bet. This island is known for its nightlife and younger party scene. Gili Meno is good for honeymooners because it’s quiet and romantic, while Gili Air falls in the middle – it’s a good choice if you can’t decide where to go.

To get to the Gili Islands from Ubud, you’ll need to get to Padang Bai in eastern Bali. It’s about a 1-hour drive from Ubud and some fast boat transfers include hotel pickup. The boat journey then takes around 1.5 hours. 

Things to see and do in the Gili Islands

The coral-fringed Gili Islands are super pretty and a great place for beaches and water activities. You’ll find white sandy shores, amazing dive spots and space to relax.

• Scuba diving & snorkelling – The Gili Islands are known for their sea turtles and amazing coral reefs. You can rent snorkel gear locally and you’ll also find plenty of dive operators. This private snorkelling tour is also a good option if you want to make sure you don’t miss the best spots!

• Boat trips – You’ll be able to find options and tours that take you around the islands for snorkelling and swimming. 

• Kayaking & paddleboarding – There are places on Gili T and Gili Air that offer water sports rentals like kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.

• Beaches – The Gili Islands have way better beaches than Bali in my opinion, so you’ll be able to chill out in a hammock or on the beach living your best island life!

• Bike rides & walks – You can rent bikes on all of the islands to explore and take in the views. The islands are also fab for leisurely walks and sunset beach strolls.

• Nightlife – If you want the best nightlife, you’ll want to stay on Gili T where there’s an amazing bar scene as well as full moon parties and venues with live music. Gili Air also has great laid-back bars and restaurants.

Where to stay

✔️ Majo Private Villas ⭐️9.4/10  
✔️ BASK Gili Meno ⭐️9.6/10  
✔️ Villa Tokay ⭐️9.7/10  

Day 15-18 Nusa Islands (4 nights)

After you’ve spent a few days relaxing in the Gili Islands, it’s on to the Nusa Islands for the final part of your 3-week itinerary Bali.

The Nusa Islands are a trio of small islands, made up of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. To get there from the Gili Islands, you can catch a ferry between them.

If you’re not keen on boat journeys, you could choose to visit just the Gilis or the Nusa Islands rather than doing both.

If you choose to visit the Nusa Islands, you can spend the rest of your trip on either of these islands. Nusa Lembongan is laidback and easy to get around. It’s also more built up and has the biggest choice of accommodation so it’s usually a top choice.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected by a yellow footbridge, while Nusa Penida is a short boat ride from Nusa Lembongan. This means you can explore them all if you want to.

Nusa Penida is probably the most famous (it’s where you’ll find Kelingking Beach and Thousand Islands Viewpoint). It’s also the largest, the most rugged and the best if you want more adventure. 

You’ll need transport to get around Nusa Penida and the roads are known for being difficult and dangerous if you’re renting a scooter. If you’re not confident, you can hire a car with a private driver or join day tours.

Things to see and do in the Nusa Islands

Nusa Lembongan:

• Dream Beach – This is the most popular beach in Nusa Lembongan with powdery white sands. It’s a great place for downtime but it can get busy.

• Mushroom Bay – Another lovely beach with a relaxed atmosphere and clear waters that are good for swimming.

• Mangrove tour – If you want to experience more nature and wildlife, you can book a mangrove forest tour. These are usually on a traditional jukung boat or you can kayak through the waterways.

• Snorkelling & diving – There’s amazing snorkelling and diving around these islands so you’ll be able to join trips and boat tours to the best sites.

• Surfing – Nusa Lembongan is an amazing island for surfing. It’s perfect for experienced surfers as well as beginners.

Nusa Ceningan:

• Blue Lagoon – This is a gorgeous spot with brilliant turquoise water. It’s great for photos and you can also go cliff jumping.

• Mahana Point Cliff Jump – A great spot for adrenaline lovers, this little bar on a cliff by the ocean has a 10m and a 5m diving board for jumping into the sea.

Nusa Penida:

• Thousand Islands Viewpoint – This viewpoint is absolutely gorgeous and one of the most famous in the Nusa Islands. It offers panoramic views of the small surrounding rocky islands.

• Rumah Pohon Treehouse – If you’re looking for the iconic treehouse by the Thousand Islands Viewpoint – this is it! You can visit the site in the day or stay overnight in the house.

• Atuh & Diamond Beach – Diamond Beach is where you’ll find a staircase down to the most gorgeous beach. On the opposite side of Diamond Beach is Atuh Beach which is also beautiful and great for sunbathing.

• Tembeling Beach & Forest – This spot can be tricky to reach but is amazing to explore. You’ll find forest, natural water pools and a secluded beach.

• Angel’s Billabong – Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool framed between rocks. It’s another of the top spots on the island and is close to Broken Beach so they can be combined.

• Kelingking Beach and Viewpoint – This beach and viewpoint are super famous (it’s the cliff that looks like a T-Rex). The walk to the beach is hard but it’s beautiful.

• Peguyangan Waterfall – If you’re ok with the hike, it’s here that you’ll find iconic blue stairs down the side of a cliff. You’ll get beautiful views and at the bottom there’s a small temple with infinity water pools.

• Manta Bay & Manta Point – Swimming with manta rays is a bucket list experience and is possible at Manta Point and Manta Bay in Nusa Penida.

Where to stay

✔️ MAUA Nusa Penida Bali ⭐️9.4/10
✔️ Autentik Penida ⭐️9.5/10
✔️ The Point Resort Lembongan ⭐️9.1/10
✔️ Bukit Taman Cottages ⭐️9.7/10
✔️ The Pandawa Hills Ceningan ⭐️9.1/10
✔️ Nusa Veranda Sunset Villas ⭐️9.1/10

Day 19-21 Jimbaran + onward travel (2 nights)

After visiting the Nusa Islands, you’ll head back to the mainland to finish your three weeks in Bali. It’s a quick transfer from here back to Sanur (it takes around 35 min). 

Ferries and boats can be cancelled at the last minute if the seas are rough. So to ensure you catch your onward flight, I’ve included some time near the airport at the end of this itinerary in Bali.

There’s a fab choice of resorts and hotels you can stay in around Jimbaran which is close to Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s a nice opportunity to book a relaxing stay to unwind and savour your last few days!

Where to stay

✔️ RIMBA by AYANA Bali ⭐️9.0/10 
✔️ Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay ⭐️9.3/10 
✔️ JEstate villas & guest houses ⭐️9.5/10 
✔️ Jimbaran Puri, A Belmond Hotel, Bali ⭐️9.3/10 

Bali 3 week itinerary map

3 weeks in Bali itinerary FAQs

---

3 week itinerary Bali – Final thoughts

If you’re planning three weeks in Bali, you’ll have the most amazing time! This beautiful destination is completely varied and has so much to fall in love with. 

You’ll be able to see the best of Bali in 3 weeks – from breathtaking natural scenery and fascinating cultural gems to beautiful beaches and tropical islands. I hope this three week Bali itinerary has inspired you and helped you plan your dream trip.

READ MORE:

• Is Bali Worth Visiting in 2025? (Honest Pros & Cons of Bali)
• Bali Bucket List: 33 Best Things to Do in Bali
• Uluwatu or Ubud? Where’s Best to Stay in Bali?
• Best 3 Day Ubud Itinerary, Bali
• Where to Have a Floating Breakfast (15 Best Destinations + Resorts)
• Bali or Thailand: Which is Better?
• Bali vs Fiji: Which Is the Best Vacation Spot?
• 25 Best Places Like Bali (Fewer Crowds + Similar Vibes)

Save for later!

Share this post: