Spending 2 weeks in Bali seems like an endless adventure–from yoga to surfing, to visiting temples and exploring rice paddies- there is something for everyone!
Bali evokes pictures of a limitless blue ocean, beautiful sunsets on the beach, layers of lush rice terraces, rainforest waterfall climbs, and mystical temples; the amazing thing is, the island genuinely delivers all of this and more.
Surfing, yoga, mindfulness, hiking, excellent food, and spectacular entertainment will fill your days on the ‘Island of Gods. Tourism has affected some regions of Bali, with centres of Instagram-worthy cafés, fashionable bars, and vegan eateries overflowing from the streets of Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta. However, many pockets of this island remain relatively secluded, retaining their distinct Balinese splendour.
This guide introduces you to the alternative way to spend 2 weeks in Bali including Kintamani, Candidasa and Sanur. Read on to fall in love with ‘the other side of Bali.’
Post Contents
- 2 Weeks in Bali in a Nutshell
- Best Time to Visit Bali
- Travel Tips for 2 Weeks in Bali
- The Alternative 2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
- Days 1-4: Ubud
- Days 5-6: Kintamani
- Days 7-9: Candidasa
- Days 10-14: Sanur
- Ready to Plan Your 2 Weeks in Bali Tour With Our Local Designers?
- Interested in Exploring Other Fully-Customisable Bali Tours?
2 Weeks in Bali in a Nutshell
Over 2 weeks in Bali, you will explore Ubud, walk through rice paddies, stand in awe at Balinese temples, and visit tiny artisan communities. You’ll also venture into the unique Monkey Sanctuary and renowned Balinese water temples.
After walking up to the summit of Mount Batur in the early hours, you’ll be able to see the sunrise from the top of Kintamani. Next, you’ll travel to Candidasa, which sits close to a lagoon and is home to small communities rich in history and Balinese culture. This idyllic destination is perfect for snorkelling, diving, and island day tours.
You’ll end your Bali tour in Sanur, a lovely and peaceful coastal town with extended lengths of stunning beaches and a dedicated bicycle route.
Breakdown of this Bali Itinerary:
- Days 1-4 Ubud: temples, waterfalls, green cafes, volcano hikes
- Days 5-6 Kintamani: volcano hike, water temple
- Days 7-9 Candidasa: Balinese culture, snorkelling, diving
- Days 10-14 Sanur: beach, cycling routes
We’ll soon get onto a full breakdown of this trip and the unique experiences that await, but if you simply can’t wait, customise this Bali tour here.
Best Time to Visit Bali
There are only two seasons in Bali: rainy season and dry season. The island has a tropical climate, which means it gets a lot of sun, rainfall, and humid heat. Temperatures will typically vary between 80 and 85 degrees regardless of the month you arrive.
The dry season, which lasts from April to October, is the best time to visit Bali. If you’re planning a holiday in Bali, keep in mind that the peak season months are July and August (European summer), along with December and January (Australian summer). During certain months, you may expect to spend more on your accommodation, have to jostle for a photo at the famous sights, and have to schedule excursions ahead of time.
On the other hand, travelling during the monsoon season isn’t a big deal; Bali’s rain generally comes and goes in short spurts. You’ll also find a lot of great hotel discounts. However, rain and mud can make it difficult to venture off the usual path and visit more rural regions so this is something to consider when planning your trip to Bali.
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Travel Tips for 2 Weeks in Bali
Be Aware of Monkeys
In Bali, monkeys are protected; therefore, the most reprimand they ever receive for poor conduct is someone flailing a stick in their direction and shouting a lot. Aside from that, they are free to do anything they want; and doing whatever they want generally entails pinching your sunglasses, camera, handbag, and jewellery.
But don’t worry, we have put together some tips to follow:
- Before coming close to monkeys, keep anything shiny neatly tucked away in your bag which should be securely tied to your back.
- Wearing anything that monkeys may effortlessly grab, such as a wallet, hat, or sunglasses, is not a good idea.
- If you make eye contact with a monkey, look away or they will attack you.
- If a monkey takes your handbag or backpack, let go. It’s not worth getting into a battle with a monkey, and chances are you’ll find it not far away once they discover there is no food in it.
Be Traffic Safe
Always be alert of your surroundings, especially when walking across the street. There will be cars travelling in the opposite direction, people driving curbs directly next to you, and so on.
If you do drive in Bali, follow the same traffic regulations you would at home, and don’t drive on the opposite side of the street just because you see someone else do it. Do not hire a scooter unless you have insurance, an international license, and a helmet which you should wear at all times when driving.
More Tips?
For more tips, check out our Indonesia travel guide which covers everything you need to know before travelling to Bali and Indonesia, including local currency, visas, tipping customs and how to get around.
The Alternative 2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary
Days 1-4: Ubud
If you want to learn about Balinese culture, taste excellent (and nutritious) food, explore cascades hidden in the rainforest, and buy food at beautiful markets, Ubud is the place to begin your Bali experience.
Ubud is approximately an hour or two (depending on traffic) north of the airport. Compared to the busier coastal towns, Ubud is Bali’s more serene cultural hub.
Many temples, artisan stores, and rice terraces can be found here, making it the ideal location to expose yourself to the actual enchantment of Bali – away from the crowded beach resorts and pool parties. If you are travelling with your significant other, this Bali trip showcases the romantic side of this island.
What to Do in Ubud
We recommend staying in Ubud for at least four days because there is plenty to do in the neighbouring regions. Ubud is an excellent location for exploring Bali’s most spectacular natural treasures, from day trips to surrounding waterfalls to walking around rice fields.
Monkey Forest Ubud
Monkey Forest Ubud is a tiny jungle sanctuary that is home to around 750 Balinese long-tailed monkeys.
There are five types of monkeys in the forest, each with its own territory. The monkeys are most active throughout the day, bringing them into regular contact with humans who visit the park.
Visitors may get a close look at their everyday routines –pairing, fighting, grooming, and providing for their young– and can even sit beside monkeys on the park’s trails.
Trekking Through Rice Paddies
Tegalalang Rice Terrace, situated about 20 minutes north of Ubud, is among Bali’s most iconic rice terraces and can be seen all over Instagram. They’re stunning, but you’ll want to get there early to avoid the crowds. It’s also worth visiting the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, which are around 1.5 hours away from Ubud. A UNESCO World Heritage site and incredibly picturesque site, the terraces sit against a backdrop of a huge volcano in the distance!
You must pay a little admission charge to enter the rice terraces, but once in, you can spend hours wandering among the rice paddies. The trails will take you past rice terraces, tiny villages, and verdant fields. You will learn about the lengthy process of cultivating rice and how it is processed.
Pura Tirta Empul
Pura Tirta Empul is a well-known Balinese water temple close to the town of Tampaksiring. The complex consists of a bathing building and is recognised for its holy spring water.
Balinese Hindus come here to purify themselves. It features a pond with a spring that provides a steady supply of freshwater – this is considered sacred water in Hindu culture.
Visiting this Hindu Balinese water temple will be a highlight of your 2 weeks in Bali. Tourists may join locals in a traditional water ceremony at the temple, a spiritual experience accessible only in Bali.
Balinese Family Dinner
One of the experiences you can’t miss in Bali is attending Balinese family dinner. You will be served supper while sitting on the ground, and you will have the option of eating with your hands, as the Balinese do. Family members stop by to eat but will find a spot to enjoy food anywhere in the compound. As a result, don’t expect to be placed at a table with the rest of the family, as this is not the Balinese way.
Food is freshly prepared in the home kitchen; typically, soup, vegetables, soybeans, corn cake, and chicken dishes are served alongside rice.
Days 5-6: Kintamani
Kintamani, a Balinese paradise, is located on the western border of Mount Batur’s massive crater wall, a prominent volcano in the centre of Bali.
This picturesque destination attracts many visitors, not only for the trek up the volcano for the sunrise view, but also for the wealth of activities on offer in the vicinity, such as bike rides through the countryside, coffee tours, and cultural excursions.
What to Do in Kintamani
We recommend staying in Kintamani for at least two days to enjoy it fully. With two days in Kintamani, you can spend a day hiking the volcano and the other day resting in its beautiful lush surroundings.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking
Mount Batur is an active volcano situated in the island’s northeast region. It’s one of the best spots to visit in Bali, thanks to the challenging early-morning trek that allows you to watch a sunrise from its peak. Those brave enough to complete the climb will be rewarded with an unrivalled view of neighbouring Mount Agung, whose eruption has made the news in the past few years.
Days 7-9: Candidasa
Candidasa is a charming town on the shore of a lagoon where you’ll be introduced to local communities rich in history and Balinese culture.
During your time in Candidasa, you can also visit the adjacent Karangesam Palace and the breathtaking Tirta Gangga Water Temple. The walking track around the headland debuts stunning vistas and isolated beaches, making it an ideal location for snorkelling, diving, and island tours.
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What to Do in Candidasa
Pura Agung Besakih
Pura Besakih, located on the slopes of Mount Agung is the most significant, most prominent, and holiest Hindu temple. It is also known as Bali’s mother temple and dates back to ancient times.
This most sacred place is made up of a complex of 23 independent temples, the greatest and most important of which is Pura Penataran Agung. The temple has six levels that are terraced up a steep slope.
Mount Agung is Bali’s biggest volcano, which erupted multiple times in 1963, yet the temple miraculously survived, with lava missing the temple. Over 1,700 people were killed in the eruptions, which devastated the island. The survival of the temples was seen as a symbol of divine power by the Balinese.
Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace
Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace, located in the eastern mountains of east Bali, is a perfect getaway from the busy life of Bali’s busy towns. The water palace was constructed in 1946.
The palace is still under royal ownership today, is well preserved and features splendid water features, pools, ponds, and fountains spread across 1.2 hectares of land. There are elaborately decorated statues, tropical gardens surrounding the ponds, and stepping stone paths sprinkled with water lilies.
Soekasada Taman Ujung
Taman Sukasada (Suksada Park) is a lovely park in Ujung Village, about five kilometres south of Amlapura.
The park was designed by Europeans and is beautifully laid out, similar to the Dutch colonial era. You can walk around the park, admiring the beautiful structures and gardens.
Tenganan Village
Anthropologists considered the Tenganan community one of the archipelago’s most isolated societies. Since the 1970s, the village has seen dramatic changes, including the central government’s involvement of indigenous communications, the opening up to tourism, and the breach of endogamic rules.
Tenganan draws visitors in because of its unique Bali Aga culture, which still stays true to ancient Balinese traditions, ceremonies, and rules, as well as its special village arrangement and architectural styles. It is famous for Gamelan music and double ikat fabrics.
Check out our 8-day explore Bali’s diversity trip if you’re keen to learn more about Balinese culture and heritage on your trip.
Days 10-14: Sanur
Sanur, which is significantly quieter than other parts of Bali, has many bars and locally-owned restaurants where you can relax and absorb the seaside vibe.
While not the largest, the Sanur coastline is surrounded by a coral reef barrier and has calm and warm waters, ideal for families looking to swim. After a day of relaxing on the beach, you can find your way to Sanur’s main stretch, Jl Danau Tamblingan, where there are many gift shops to explore and plenty of cafés to stop at along the way.
If you want to get away for the day, you can visit the temples of Taman Ayun, Tanah Lot or Uluwatu.
What to Do in Sanur
Taman Ayun Temple
This temple is also referred to as the Royal Mengwi Temple. The grounds are home to a lovely garden with ponds of koi fish, while splendid traditional Balinese architectural features can be found throughout the complex’s courtyards. The gardens are populated by a series of Meru towers, which are portrayals of the Hindu Mount Meru, representing awakening to the highest gods of Hinduism.
The only way into the temple is via the gardens, which have been called “some of the most beautiful in the world” – the temple’s name literally translates to “beautiful garden.”
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is perched on a stunning rock formation just next to the beach. Its name means ‘the land of the sea’ in Balinese and is one of its many sea temples, but perhaps it’s most famous. The temple is a Hindu pilgrimage site and a location of Balinese legends.
Uluwatu Temple
This sanctuary is among the six Sad Kahyangan Temples, which are the primary spiritual backbones of Bali Island. It is situated on the top of a 70-metre-high mountain top that slopes down into the sea.
The temple is in an unusual location; visitors must ascend long stone stairs to reach it. The temple faces east, as opposed to other Balinese temples that face west or south, to create harmony and balance with the island.
Be wary of the monkeys that jump onto some unsuspecting tourists to grab their belongings. It is recommended to avoid this situation.
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Uluwatu Kecak Dance
One of the best Balinese cultural experiences to have during your 2 weeks in Bali is attending the Uluwatu Kecak dance. This dance takes place during sunset on a cliff, and it is performed by a circle of at least 150 performers wearing a checkered cloth around their waist and collectively chanting “cak” while performing.
Top tip: sit just behind the performers to fully embrace the ritual.
Denpasar Foodie Tour
Denpasar is home to many cultural practices, including food, that must be preserved. Join a walking food tour, just like the one offered during our 14-Day Bali Hills, Beach and Tradition tour. Here, you will see the old city of Denpasar and discover its history.
You’ll begin by tasting Balinese coffee from one of the longest-known Balinese cafés, then move on to a variety of Balinese meals ranging from traditional food to typical dishes. Throughout the tour, you will be able to try a wide range of signature Balinese delights in various locations, such as Nasi Goreng or Gudeg. The local guide will also educate you on the local cultural stories. A sweet introduction to the island of Gods!
Ready to Plan Your 2 Weeks in Bali Tour With Our Local Designers?
Are you ready to explore rich Balinese culture, beautiful landscapes and meet its friendly people? Travel on this alternative route from Ubud to Sanur to explore rice paddies, relive the “Eat, Pray, Love” movie moments at Balinese temples, and meet local artists.
Watching monkeys at Monkey Sanctuary, visiting the water temple, taking part in Kecak dance, and sharing meals with locals are just a few of the highlights you can experience during your trip to Bali!
If you would like to also explore highlights of Java, additionally to your Bali trip, you will love this 14-Day Java and Bali Grand Tour.
Interested in Exploring Other Fully-Customisable Bali Tours?
To get started, explore our gallery of fully-customisable Bali tours. Our Local Designers in Bali have taken care of everything you need to begin planning your perfect trip, from beach escapes to temple visits. They can work with you to tailor any of these trips to your budget, travel style, and interests!
Know what you’re looking for? No problem, you can design your Indonesia trip from scratch! Simply tap ‘Design Your Own Trip‘ and give as many details as you like about what your looking for. Our expert Local Designers will then work with you using their unique local insight to begin planning your perfect Bali trip, taking into account all of your preferences and travel needs!
As they say: Bali is always a good idea.
