Ready to explore the highlights of Bali?
Our itinerary is shaped by both our professional experience in the travel industry and our own travels, allowing us to share practical insights and firsthand knowledge along the way. Only have 16 days? This Bali itinerary takes you to the island’s highlights while making the most of your time.
BALI HIGHLIGHTS IN 16 DAYS ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Starting point: Denpasar
Ending point: Sanur
Arrival Denpasar Airport
→Day 1-4: Ubud ⛩️🌱
→Day 4-7: Pemuteran 🤿
→Day 7-9: Munduk ⛰️
→Day 9-11: Sidemen 🌱
→Day 11-14: Nusa Penida 🌊🤿
or Day 11-14: Nusa Lembongan 🏄♀️🤿
→Day 14-16: Sanur 🌴
How to rent a scooter in Bali?
Get to know more in our Scooter Guide
Travelers who enjoy adventure, snorkeling, diving, surfing, nature, and authentic experiences.
This itinerary is not for travelers looking for a slow-paced beach holiday or a party-focused trip. It’s also not designed to cover every major attraction in Bali. Instead, it focuses on experiencing a diverse mix of landscapes, local culture, snorkeling/ diving, surfing, beaches, and quieter parts of the island.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
April to October
For who is Bali the best?
first-time visitors of Southeast Asia or Indonesia, and those who appreciate Western standards
Which languages are spoken in Bali?
local languages are Balinese and Indonesian, English is widely spoken throughout the island
How do I travel between destinations in Bali?
taxi or scooter, ferry to Nusa Islands
How long are the travel times between destinations in Bali?
between 1 and 3 hours
Can I take my rental scooter to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan?
rental scooters generally cannot be taken to the other islands
Note: If you want to follow this itinerary by scooter, you’ll need to return your scooter in Denpasar/Kuta or at the location where you rented it after leaving Sidemen. On the same day, you’ll then need to take the shuttle provided by the ferry service to Sanur Harbour to catch the ferry to the Nusa Islands. This doesn’t change the number of days in the itinerary but adds some extra travel time to your travel day.
Arriving at Bali Airport
At the airport you could already tick off two quick first steps in the arrivals hall: withdraw cash from an ATM and grab a Telkomsel SIM card from one of the stands. An eSIM is a great option for sorting it out before you arrive.
However, where you spend your first night in Bali depends on whether you arrive early or late and whether you plan to follow this itinerary by scooter. You have two options:
Arriving late in Bali or want to do this itinerary by scooter?
> Option 1
Stay at Denpasar/ Kuta for your first night
Arriving early in Bali?
> Option 2
Go straight to Ubud for your first night
DAY 1: Denpasar/ Kuta
Airport, beach promenade
If you arrive late in the evening, need some rest after your flight, or want to do the itinerary per scooter, spend your first night next to Denpasar Airport in Kuta. You want to do this itinerary with the scooter? Read here more about renting a scooter and everything you have to know. Arriving early or don’t want to rent a scooter? You can go straight to Ubud.
🛏️ 1 night
🍴Warung Ayu, Warung Kubu Segara Kuta
🚗/🛵 take a Grab, taxi or scooter for 1 hour from Denpasar to Ubud the next morning
Recommended Accommodations in Denpasar/ Kuta
BUDGET ⭐
Asta House
For your start in Bali we especially advise to stay at Asta House. It is a convenient and budget-friendly guesthouse in Kuta, located just a short walk from Tuban Beach and from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Guests can also enjoy breakfast on-site.
STANDARD
Sulis Beach Hotel & Spa
Sulis Beach Hotel & Spa is a comfortable beachside hotel in Kuta, located just 30 meters from the beach and only a short drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport. The hotel features a rooftop pool, a restaurant, and a spa where guests can enjoy massages and other treatments.
PREMIUM
Rama Beach Resort and Villas
Rama Beach Resort and Villas is a comfortable resort in Tuban, just a two-minute walk from the beach and less than ten minutes from central Kuta. Guests can choose from modern Balinese-style rooms and villas, some with private plunge pools, and enjoy the outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and tennis court.
DAY 1 or 2-4: Ubud
Culture, temples, rice terraces, food scene, wellness, waterfalls
Your trip starts in Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart.
🛏️ 3 nights/ 2 days or 2 nights/ 1 day
Day 1: arriving in Ubud from Denpasar/Kuta after around 1 hour
Day 2: arriving in Ubud from Denpasar/Kuta after around 1 hour, or full day to explore the highlights if you are already there
Day 3: full day to explore the highlights of Ubud
Day 4: 🚗/🛵 take a Grab, taxi or scooter for around 3 hours from Ubud to Pemuteran
🍴Aldi’s Coffee & Eatery, Rare Angon Warung, Warung D’Uma Sari, Waroeng KKP
Highlights of Ubud: Here you’ll find yourself surrounded by green rice fields and waterfalls with charming cafés, art galleries, and beautifully designed places to stay. The dining scene is just as varied as the wellness scene, ranging from warungs to high-end international restaurants. Read more
📌 Campuhan Ridge & Sweet Orange Walk
Campuhan Ridge Walk: A gentle grassy ridge between two river valleys, best enjoyed in the early morning. The path winds through rolling hills with open views over tropical vegetation.
Sweet Orange Walk: We enjoyed this walk more. It is a quieter alternative to the Ridge Walk, leading through rice fields and small villages. Perfect for anyone wanting a taste of everyday Balinese life. It’s also known as the Sari Organic Walk.
📌 Pura Tirta Empul
This was for us a special highlight. A sacred water temple dating back to the 10th century, where devotees take ritual purification baths every day. One of the most spiritually powerful experiences in all of Bali.
📌 Ubud Market
In the early morning, the daily market at the heart of Ubud buzzes with spices, handicrafts, batik and fresh fruit. Later in the day it shifts into a more tourist-facing souvenir market.
📌 Monkey Forest
We personally didn’t like to go there but it is still one of the highlights of Ubud. Home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques, this sacred forest sanctuary in the heart of Ubud blends dense jungle with ancient temple ruins.
Recommended Accommodations in Ubud
BUDGET
Bale Bali Inn
Bale Bali Inn is a charming guest house offering a peaceful place to stay while keeping you close to the town’s main attractions. After exploring Ubud, you can relax in the garden, take a dip in the outdoor pool, or enjoy the open-air bathroom.
STANDARD
The Runik
The Runik is a cozy accommodation in the heart of Ubud, offering a peaceful retreat. The property features a garden and outdoor pool. Guests can also enjoy breakfast on site.
PREMIUM ⭐
Adiwana Monkey Forest
For your complete Bali experience we especially recommend Adiwana Monkey Forest. It is a stylish hotel in a great location, just a short walk from Ubud’s famous Monkey Forest and other major attractions. After exploring Ubud, you can relax at the hotel and outdoor pool and enjoy breakfast every morning.
DAY 4 – 7: Pemuteran
Snorkeling, diving, national park, reef conservation
After Ubud, it’s time for Pemuteran.
🛏️ 3 nights/ 2 days
Day 4: arriving in Pemuteran from Ubud after around 3 hours
Day 5 & 6: full days of exploring the highlights of Pemuteran
Day 7: 🚗/🛵 take a Grab, taxi or scooter for around 1,5 hours from Pemuteran to Munduk
🍴Robot Bar (Order fresh grilled fish a day in advance and enjoy it for dinner while watching sunset directly at the beach), Warung De’Lekong
Highlights of Pemuteran: Pemuteran is a small, peaceful fishing village on Bali’s northwest coast, known for some of the island’s best snorkeling and diving. There is a good chance of spotting turtles and a wide variety of fish. Its beaches are quieter and dark-sanded, and the area is known for its reef conservation and restoration projects. Read more
📌 Biorock Reef
One of the world’s largest artificial coral reef restoration projects. Snorkel or dive from the shore to see the structures teeming with marine life.
📌 Menjangan Island
A short boat ride away, this national park island offers crystal-clear water, vibrant coral walls and some of the best snorkeling and diving in Bali.
📌 Pura Agung Pulaki
A dramatic cliffside temple with coastal views.
Recommended Accommodations in Pemuteran
BUDGET
Vanaya Lodge
VANAYA Wooden Lodges is a peaceful place to stay in Pemuteran, surrounded by a garden and just a short walk from the beach. The cozy wooden lodges feature a balcony overlooking the garden, where you can enjoy your breakfast.
STANDARD ⭐
Kalyssa Beach Bungalows
We recommend especially Kalyssa Beach Bungalows for your 16 days in Bali. It is just a short walk from the beach. The property features an outdoor pool, and restaurant, while the bungalows offer private patios with garden and mountain views. Guests can also relax in the hot tub.
PREMIUM
Sun Suko Boutique Resort
Sun Suko Boutique Resort is a stylish 4-star resort near Pemuteran, surrounded by tropical greenery. The resort features an outdoor pool, garden and restaurant. Free bicycles are available, making it easy to explore the area, while the beach is just a short ride away.
DAY 7 – 9: Munduk
Waterfalls, trekking, lake, coffee plantations & mountain scenery
After Ubud, the next stop is Munduk, which stands out from most places in Bali because of its cooler temperatures.
🛏️ 2 nights/ 1 day
Day 7: arriving in Munduk from Pemuteran after around 1,5 hours
Day 8: full day of exploring the highlights of Munduk
Day 9: 🚗/🛵 take a taxi or scooter for around 2,5 hours from Munduk to Sidemen
🍴Golden Valley Side ECO Cafe, The Melanting Eatery
Highlights of Munduk: Nestled in the northern highlands at roughly 700 metres, this authentic mountain village offers a refreshing escape from the tropical heat, staying cooler at 18-25°C year-round. Wrapped in mist and greenery, coffee plantations, jungle, and waterfalls, and its scenic trekking trails, Munduk offers plenty of beautiful places to explore and things to see. Read more
📌 Melanting, Golden Valley & Red Coral Waterfalls
This trio of jungle waterfalls can be combined into a single scenic hiking loop that takes you deep into the surrounding jungle.
📌 Plantation Walks
Munduk lies at the heart of one of Bali’s principal coffee-growing regions. Guided walks through these working plantations, often led by local farmers, offer an up-close look, usually finishing with a tasting of freshly brewed local coffee.
📌 Twin Lakes (Danau Buyan & Danau Tamblingan)
These two volcanic crater lakes offer walks at the shoreline, paddling a canoe across the water, or taking in views from one of the viewpoints above.
📌 Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
This iconic lakeside shrine appears to float on the water of Lake Bratan, especially atmospheric in the cool morning mist typical of the highlands.
Recommended Accommodations in Munduk
BUDGET
Umah Yugadi Bali
Umah Yugadi Bali is a peaceful place to stay in Munduk, surrounded by nature and offering a relaxing atmosphere. The accommodation features a garden, restaurant, and rooms with a terrace or balcony. You can also rent a car at the property for exploring.
STANDARD ⭐
Bali De Pardis Cottage
We highly recommend Bali De Pardis Cottage for your 16 days in Bali itinerary. It is a peaceful accommodation in Munduk. The property features an outdoor pool, garden, restaurant, and communal lounge. Cars can be rented directly at the property.
PREMIUM
Padiuma Cabins
Padiuma Cabins is a great choice for a peaceful stay in Munduk, surrounded by nature and offering mountain views. The cabin features a terrace, outdoor pool, and garden, and you can enjoy breakfast every morning. Cars can be rented at the property.
DAY 9 – 11: Sidemen
Traditional Balinese culture, rice terrace walks, yoga, workshops
Sidemen is a stop you shouldn’t skip on your 30-day itinerary, and we highly recommend it if you want to escape the crowds and soak up authentic Balinese life.
🛏️ 2 nights/ 1 day
Day 9: arriving in Sidemen from Munduk after around 2,5 hours
Day 10: full days of exploring the highlights of Sidemen
Day 11: take the shuttle transfer provided by the ferry service (45 min) to Padang Bai, take the ferry to Nusa Penida (45 min), or if you are following this itinerary with the scooter, you have to bring the scooter back to Kuta (around 1 hour), and take from there the shuttle transfer provided by the ferry service to Padang Bai (around 1 hour)
🍴Dineora Bali – Mount Agung Views
Highlights of Sidemen: Sidemen is a quiet, authentic valley with traditional Balinese culture, smaller than Ubud and far away from the touristic hotspots. It offers a lot of rice terraces and forested hills, with Mount Agung dominating the horizon. Read more
📌 Rice Terrace Walks
Narrow paths are going through green rice terraces and local farming communities. The scenery is one of the most beautiful on the island.
📌 Silver Workshop
Make your own silver jewelry. Guided by skilled local artisans, you’ll create your own handcrafted piece of jewelry to take home. It’s a unique cultural experience that also supports local family-run businesses. We still wear our rings every day, several years later. They are a special memory of one of our times in Bali and still look beautiful.
📌 Cooking Class
We really enjoyed taking a cooking class in Sidemen, where we learned how to cook the Indonesian dishes we love so much ourselves.
Recommended Accommodations in Sidemen
BUDGET ⭐
Cozy bliss home stay
We recommend especially Cozy Bliss Homestay Sidemen for your Bali complete itinerary. It is a peaceful and affordable place to stay, surrounded by the landscapes of Sidemen. The accommodation offers private balconies overlooking the rice fields, where Guests can enjoy breakfast.
STANDARD
Villa Karma Loka
Villa Karma Loka is a peaceful retreat in Sidemen, surrounded by rice fields and offering beautiful views of the countryside. The rustic-style rooms feature, a private terrace, and an open-air bathroom, while the property also has an outdoor pool and restaurant.
PREMIUM
Hideout Eco Bamboo House
Hideout Eco Bamboo House Bali is a unique and peaceful retreat in Sidemen, surrounded by nature. The garden and terrace provide plenty of space to relax. Guests can also unwind in the hot tub and enjoy breakfast. If you’re looking for an unusual and tranquil stay away from Bali’s busy tourist areas, this is a great choice.
DAY 11 – 14: Nusa Penida
Snorkeling, diving, beach hopping, cliffs
You can choose if you want to go to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. You have to take a boat from Padang Bai Harbour to get to Nusa Penida, a rugged island just off Bali’s southeast coast.
🛏️ 3 nights/ 2 days
Day 11: arriving in Nusa Penida by ferry, and take a taxi from the harbour to your accommodation
Day 12 & 13: full days of exploring the highlights of Nusa Penida
Day 14: take a taxi to the harbour and take the ferry to Sanur
🍴Warung Crystalova
Highlights of Nusa Penida: Nusa Penida is known for its most iconic scenery, with cliffs nearly 200 meters high, natural arches, turquoise bays, and coastal viewpoints. It’s larger than most people expect, crossing from west to east coast takes well over an hour. Read more
📌 Kelingking Beach
The T-Rex-shaped cliff and the beach you see in the photo are Nusa Penida’s most iconic landmark and among the island’s most photographed sights. If you decide to hike down to the beach, be prepared for a steep and challenging descent, followed by a demanding climb back up.
📌 Manta Point
Head out on a snorkeling or diving trip to encounter manta rays in their natural habitat. The crystal-clear waters around Nusa Penida make this one of the island’s most memorable experiences. However, seeing manta rays is never guaranteed, so you’ll need a little luck. Sometimes, they simply don’t show up.
📌 Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
Explore two of Nusa Penida’s most spectacular natural sights. Broken Beach is known for its dramatic cliff formation and natural arch, while nearby Angel’s Billabong features a beautiful natural infinity pool overlooking the ocean. When we visited, we were lucky enough to have the place almost entirely to ourselves.
Recommended Accommodations in Nusa Penida
BUDGET
Crystal Bay Bungalows
Crystal Bay Bungalows is a peaceful place to stay on Nusa Penida, just a short walk from Crystal Bay Beach. Surrounded by a tropical garden, the property features an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar, while the bungalows offer balconies overlooking the garden. Guests can start their day with breakfast before exploring the island.
STANDARD
Puri Garden Penida
Puri Garden Penida is a peaceful accommodation on Nusa Penida, just a short walk from Crystal Bay Beach. Surrounded by a garden, the property features an outdoor pool, terrace, and restaurant. With its convenient location near Crystal Bay and other island attractions, it’s a great base for exploring Nusa Penida.
PREMIUM ⭐
Seven Dreams
We advise especially Seven Dreams A Pramana Experience for your Bali complete itinerary. It is a luxurious 5-star resort on Nusa Penida, located just steps from Suana Point Beach. The resort features an outdoor pool, tropical garden, restaurant, and bar, while the rooms offer private patios. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant.
DAY 11 – 14: Nusa Lembongan
Surfing, mangrove forests, snorkeling, diving
Nusa Lembongan is smaller and has a more laid-back vibe than Nusa Penida, why we personally like Nusa Lembongan more than Nusa Penida. Here you also get by boat.
🛏️ 3 nights/ 2 days
Day 11: arriving in Nusa Lembongan by ferry, upon arrival, take a cart to your accommodation
Day 12 & 13: full days of exploring the highlights of Nusa Lembongan
Day 14: walk or take a cart to the harbor and take the ferry to Sanur
🍴Bali ECO Deli, Ceningan Cliffs
Highlights of Nusa Lembongan: It’s known for reliable surf breaks, and dramatic sights, where waves crash through natural blowholes and rock pools. The island also connects via the Yellow Bridge to its sister island, Nusa Ceningan, home to popular cliff-jumping spots. Read more
📌 Dream Beach
Relax on one of Nusa Lembongan’s most beautiful beaches, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and turquoise water. It’s a great spot to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the island atmosphere.
📌 Devil’s Tear
Watch powerful waves crash against the cliffs and spray high into the air at this spectacular coastal viewpoint. Sunset is an especially beautiful time to visit.
📌 Mangrove Forest
Explore Nusa Lembongan’s peaceful mangrove forest by traditional boat or kayak. We actually never did this ourselves, but the calm waterways probably offer a completely different perspective of the island and its natural surroundings.
Recommended Accommodations in Nusa Lembongan
BUDGET
D’Tegal House
D’Tegal House is a peaceful place to stay on Nusa Lembongan, just a 3-minute walk from Jungutbatu Beach. Surrounded by a garden, the property features a pool, and rooms with a terrace or balcony.
STANDARD
Casa Coco
Casa Coco is a 4-star hotel on Nusa Lembongan, just a 3-minute walk from Jungutbatu Beach. The rooms offer views of the garden or pool. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool or enjoy a meal and drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar.
PREMIUM ⭐
Hai Tide Beach Resort
We recommend especially Hai Tide Beach Resort. It is a beachfront resort on Nusa Lembongan, offering direct access to the beach and sea views. The rooms feature balconies. Guests can relax by the pool, and enjoy the pool bar and the on-site restaurant.
DAY 14 – 16: Sanur
Beach promenade, sunrises, swimming, relaxing
Now it’s time to finish your 16-day Bali itinerary by returning to the mainland. We always recommend staying at least one night on the mainland before your flight to minimize the risk of missing it. That’s why we’ve planned two nights in Sanur.
🛏️ 2 nights/ 1 day
Day 14: arriving from Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan in Sanur, take the shuttle transfer from the ferry service to your accommodation
Day 15: relaxing in Sanur
Day 16: ✈️
🍴plenty of restaurants at beach promenade, or accommodation
Sanur is Bali’s relaxed, walkable beach town, located just a 30–45 minute drive from the airport. It’s the perfect place to spend your last few days on the island, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, and enjoying the beach. Protected by a long offshore reef, the sea remains calm and shallow year-round, making Sanur one of Bali’s best beaches for swimming, paddle boarding, and families with children. Sanur is also famous for its sunrises over the ocean, that will be the perfect last memories of your trip.
Recommended Accommodations in Sanur
BUDGET
Vinandaka Homestay
Vinandaka Homestay is a simple and comfortable place to stay in Sanur, just a 4-minute walk from Segara Beach. The rooms feature balconies, and its convenient location also puts you close to local shops, restaurants, and the beach.
STANDARD
Akana Boutique Hotel
Akana Boutique Hotel is a stylish and comfortable choice in Sanur, just a 5-minute walk from Mertasari Beach. The hotel features an outdoor pool, restaurant, and bar, while some rooms also featuring a balcony overlooking the pool. Sanur’s main street, with its many shops and restaurants, is within walking distance.
PREMIUM ⭐
Puri Santrian Beach Resort
We advise especially Puri Santrian Beach Resort & Spa for finishing your 16 days in Bali. It is a beautiful beachfront resort in Sanur, right on the shores of Sanur Beach. The resort features several restaurants, two outdoor pools, a spa, and rooms with private balconies overlooking the tropical gardens. Guests can enjoy Balinese massages, and yoga.
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