Lazy beach days, jumping off waterfalls in the jungle, island adventures, café hopping, and a spot of retail therapy – behold our 14-day Bali holiday guide!
Everyone knows that a Bali holiday is not going to disappoint. Whether you are a culture vulture, surfer extraordinaire or beach club babe, there’s always something to do on the Island of the Gods. But with so much to fit in, it is easy to get overwhelmed when trying to plan your time on the island. Us Honeycombers hail from all over the world and one thing we have in common is the constant influx of messages popping up on our Facebook from people back home asking our top Bali travel tips. So being the helpful people that we are, we thought it was about time we gave you a two-week Bali holiday itinerary to make your holiday planning easy-peasy. You’re welcome!
Our two-week itinerary has been designed for the person who likes to dabble in a little bit of everything – holidays are about adventure, after all! Taken from personal experience, this is our idea of a perfect two-week plan for an epic Bali getaway.
Day 1
Regardless of whether you’ve had a long flight or not, it’s always good to relax after traveling. So the first stop is Seminyak: a short taxi ride from the airport (approx. 30 minutes, depending on traffic). Check yourself into a lush hotel or villa, take a shower, and get The Dose to come round for a spot of IV therapy to combat that jet lag pronto! Before you tuck yourself up into bed, head out into the hustle and bustle of Seminyak for an indulgent dinner that will send you into a peaceful food coma.
Day 2
Your holiday officially starts! Don your best bikini because today is all about the beach clubs. There are lots to choose from in Seminyak, including Potato Head, Ku De Ta and the iconic W Retreat and Spa Bali. Whichever you choose, get ready for a day of lounging on sun beds, dipping in the infinity pool, eating delicious food, and sipping on fruity cocktails. Tip: get yourself down there early to nab a bed near the pool!
Day 3 and 4
Canggu (20 minutes down the road) is next on the hit list thanks to to its surfer laid back vibe – a welcome change from bustling Seminyak. Canggu is all about lazing by the beach, watching the surf, and café hopping, so we recommend two days chilling here. Believe us, when you hit Crate, Old Man’s or Lacalita, you won’t want to leave…nom nom nom! You haven’t really experienced Bali if you haven’t tried surfing, so head down to the beach in front of Old Man’s and rent yourself a board and lesson and have a go!
Day 5
Whilst Canggu is beautiful in its own way (you’ll know what we mean when you see the glorious green rice paddies!), its black sand beaches aren’t as picturesque as others on the island – we’re golden sand beach kinda gals. So head further south to Uluwatu where you will find Bingin Beach and Padang Padang Beach, both of which boast glorious golden sand. For lunch, head to Single Fin for a meal with a view you won’t forget and in the evening, pop on your culture vulture hat and visit the Uluwatu Temple for the daily sunset dance and fire show.
Day 6
It’s time for another beach club day. Head to the popular and uber stylish Sundays Beach Club where you will spend the day chilling out on your own private beach, complete with turquoise lagoon! Eat, drink, paddleboard, snorkel, sunbathe, relax: definitely our fave pastimes in Bali!
Day 7
Your tan will be coming along nicely now, so it’s time to get yourself back up North and into the jungle! Ubud is a popular tourist spot, especially for the yogis out there – get ready to get zen! Visit the Monkey Forest, take up a yoga class with a tropical view, eat yourself into oblivion in the many healthy cafes and restaurants, pick up some bits and bobs at the local markets and explore! Word of warning though: get an early night because your wake-up call tomorrow is 3am!
Day 8
Why would anybody be up at this time in the morning (unless it’s because you are twirling around the dance floor at Seminyak hot spot Jenga)? Because you’re about to trek up an active volcano, of course! Yep, head up Mount Batur in time to watch the sun rise over beautiful Bali. Believe us when we say that this is so worth doing – the views are breath taking! You will get back to your hotel or villa around midday so we suggest spending the rest of the day indulging in a Balinese massage or foot scrub at one of the many spas in the town centre.
Day 9
If you are an adrenaline seeker, get ready for some heart-pumping fun! There are tons of spectacular waterfalls in Bail worth visiting but our fave has to be Aling Aling. Over the years, this waterfall has naturally eroded into a natural slide, which means you can slide down thirty-five metres on your bottom before landing in a fresh plunge pool! The walk to the waterfalls through the green landscape is beautiful too. After your excursion, head back to Ubud and feed those hungry tummies with a delicious meal – go cheap and traditional at the famous Murni’s Warung or splurge at the popular Lovacore.
Day 10, 11 and 12
Time for some island-hopping! Bali is one of many islands dotted around the Indonesian coast, and three islands that a popular stop over for anyone visiting the island of love are The Gili’s (Gili Trawagon, Gili Meno and Gili Air). Why? Because they are pure paradise! White sand beaches; crystal clear water; snorkelling with turtles; fresh fish BBQs; awesome water sports; sunsets enjoyed from a sea hammock; need we go on?
Day 13
You will be getting the ferry back to the mainland in the morning, and we suggest heading straight to Jimbaran for the night. Whether you are on a romantic trip away with a lover, a girls’ holiday or spending time with your family, everyone loves a fresh seafood dinner on the beach, and this is what Jimbaran is known for. Munch on fresh Mahi Mahi, prawns and calamari whilst you bury your toes in the sand and drink in the stunning beach views around you (suggest some seafood restaurants). What a perfect way to spend your final night on the island of love.
Day 14
The time has come to bid farewell to this magical place…but not before you fit in some shopping! Depending on your flight time, we suggest nipping back to Seminyak on your way to the airport for some retail therapy. Pick up a gold pineapple, a beach inspired cushion cover or even make an order for some authentic Balinese furniture (to then be shipped), and take a piece of Bali home with you.
So there you have it – a two-week plan that allows you to explore many parts of Bali, from South to North, jungle to beach, café to restaurant. Whatever your holiday entails, we know Bali will deliver!
Top image: The Sea Hammock at Gili Trawangan
