10. September 2023
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Java, the most populous island in Indonesia, is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant city life. An 8-day tour in
Bali for Beginners: The Perfect 2-week Itinerary
Are you planning your first trip to Bali? Congratulations! This island has something to offer for everyone: waterfalls, beaches, volcanoes, rich culture, good food. The list is endless. However, planning a trip to Bali can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been there before. With so many different things to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We will tell you our favorite places in Bali and where we would stay if we only had 2 weeks! So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the Island of the Gods.
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Basic Information: 2 weeks Bali for Beginners
Bali, also known as the Island of the Gods, is probably the most popular tourist destination. It is famous for its stunning beaches, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural heritage. But if you don’t know where to start and what to expect, you can easily get disappointed. We’ve been to Bali already 5 times over nearly 10 years, so we are proud to call ourselves Bali experts and help you out with our Bali for Beginners itinerary.
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, during the dry season. However, this is also peak tourist season, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices. The rainy season in Bali is between November and March, but this can also be a good time to visit, as the crowds are smaller and the prices are lower. Our favorite months are April and May, because it’s the end of the rainy season and everything will be lush and green!
Most visitors to Bali can enter the country with a visa on arrival for stays of up to 30 days. That costs 35$ and can be paid in various currencies or with credit card at the airport. Since the beginning of 2023 it’s also possible to apply for the e-visa on arrival online. However, if you plan to stay for longer than 30 days or engage in certain activities, such as business or work, you may need to obtain a visa beforehand. If you need more information about Indonesia, get all the necessary information here!
Breaking news: Since 14.02.2024 you will also have to pay a tourist levy if you visit Bali. It’s 150.000k/9€. You’ll need to pay it online in advance on this page or download an app here.
1. Seminyak / Canggu (2 nights)
Start in Seminyak or Canggu. Why? Because it is close to the airport (which is located in Kuta, not Denpasar as you might guess from the name: Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport) and touristy. Both neighborhoods offer a huge variety of excellent hotels and restaurants but also local guesthouses and Warungs (local food stalls). It’s a good way to start your holidays slowly and get used to the time shift. Also, it’s possible to relax at a beach club or to try surfing for the first time!
Seminyak is a more upscale area of Bali, known for its high-end restaurants, luxury boutiques, and designer stores. In Seminyak, we can recommend Lloyds Inn (a bit more upscale) or Grandma’s Plus (cheap with basic rooms).
Canggu popped up in the last few years and got a strong boost through Covid as most of the digital nomads stayed there during the Pandemic. There are plenty of nice accommodation options in Canggu with a huge variety of prices. While Nami Surfstay and Nanda Guesthouse are more basic local guest houses, Leafy Canggu and Love Song Boutique are mid-budget and Canggu Cabana is a luxury option.
A cultural sight that isn’t far away from Canggu is: Tanah Lot. It’s a temple perched on a rock formation in the ocean, known for its beautiful sunsets. You could also watch your sunset from one of the many beaches like Double Six or Echo Beach, but be aware that they won’t blow your mind. They might look a little bit dirty, but you shouldn’t be disappointed. Bali’s best beaches wait for you on the neighboring islands and in the South.
2. Ubud (3 nights)
Ubud is known as the cultural heart of Bali, and is home to a range of art galleries, museums, and traditional craft markets. It’s also surrounded by lush green rice paddies, making it a peaceful and scenic place to stay.
There are many nice hotels to stay in Ubud. We can recommend Tri Dewi Ubud (very nice local owner), Arya Arkanantara (cool lagoon pool), or the Outpost Ubud Penestenan (perfect for co-working).
Bali’s lush green rice terraces are a sight to behold. The most famous rice terraces are located around Ubud, but there are more sights you should put on your list:
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace: A popular tourist spot with stunning views of the rice paddies.
- Jatiluwih Rice Terrace: A UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a more secluded and peaceful experience (1 hour drive).
- Chasing Waterfalls: there are so many great waterfalls around Ubud. Our favorites are: Kanto Lampo, Gembleng, Tibumana, Leke Leke, Tukad Cepung. Check out our Bali Waterfalls blog post here!
- Monkey Forest: wander through a forest with countless monkeys. But beware: don’t bring any sunglasses, hats, or bags as the monkeys might steal it!
- Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking: about 1 hour north-east of Ubud, there is Mount Batur (1.771m), an active volcano which you can climb for sunrise. It was one of the best sunrises in our entire life and we can truly recommend it.
3. Gili Islands (3 nights)
From Ubud, head to Padang Bai to grab a speed boat to the Gili Islands. The Gili Islands consist of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. They are truly a tropical paradise to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you want to know more about the Gili Islands, check out our Gili Islands Guide!
4. Nusa Islands (3 nights)
Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are three small islands off the coast of Bali that offer a quieter and more secluded beach experience. All three islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and stunning coral reefs, making them ideal for snorkeling and diving. If you’re looking for a day trip and don’t want to stay at the Nusa Islands, it’s also possible to take a ferry from Bali to either island and spend the day exploring before returning to Bali in the evening. The journey takes only 30-45 min by speedboat.
When it comes to accommodations, we recommend The Tentacle (on Nusa Penida), Sanghyang Bay Villas or TS Hut Lembongan (both on Nusa Lembongan) and Aqua Vista Villa (Nusa Ceningan).
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are connected with each other via a yellow bridge. Be sure to visit the Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan and see the waves crushing at Devil’s Tear on Lembongan. If you want to visit Nusa Penida as well, you need to take another ferry. Here you can visit the famous Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach, also known as T-Rex Beach, or snorkel with manta rays!
5. Uluwatu (3 nights)
Located on the southern tip of Bali, Uluwatu is known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning ocean views. This area is a surfer’s paradise, with some of Bali’s most famous breaks, as well as beautiful beaches like Padang Padang, Greenbowl, Balangan, Thomas, Nyang Nyang and Bingin Beach.
The accommodations in Uluwatu are more expensive than in other parts of Bali and it’s not that easy to find a nice and cheap stay. We recommend one of these which are worth the money: Padang-Padang Inn (good location with basic rooms and big pool), Le Bamboo (cool wooden sea-view bungalows with a nice infinity pool, but a bit expensive), Kelana Uluwatu and Ancala Uluwatu (both have nice bright rooms and a pool).
Uluwatu is also home to the iconic Uluwatu Temple, a Hindu temple perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. There you can witness the famous Kecak Dance, a traditional fire dance which takes place during sunset. Buy your tickets in advance here.
6. Conclusion
Bali is an incredible destination for Asia-beginners and experienced travelers alike, with a beautiful scenery, and welcoming locals. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventurous trek through the mountains, Bali has something for everyone. With this blog post, you’ll get a first overview of the perfect trip to Bali for beginners and make the most of your time on the island. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
But this short blog post is not enough and you wanna go deeper into planning your perfect Bali holiday? We have launched our Best of Bali Guide! We packed it with all the necessary information for your trip to the island of gods: how to get around, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and much more! And it gets even better: with the discount code „kkontour10“, you’ll get a 10% discount!
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