Who doesn’t want to go to Bali? You might think you don’t want to go to Bali, but you could be wrong. I say it time and time again. Popular (or touristy) places are popular for a reason. Because they’re the bomb. Bali… It’s tropical. It carries its own culture. Just one of over 17,000 islands in Indonesia, Bali is by far the most famous, for a reason. It’s affordable and there is so much to see and do, no matter what takes your fancy.
The first time I went to Bali I had my two-week holiday mapped out. I planned it all from home and it was my first taste of a travel style trip. A self-made, tailored holiday. So, if the cold weather is conjuring up visions of your next escape, read on for your perfect 2-week route around Bali. If you’ve never organised your own holiday before and don’t know where to start, check out my blog post here. If you’re not convinced about the whole ‘moving around holiday’, trust me, your trip will feel so much longer if you change up the scenery.
Ubud – 2 Nights
Ubud is about 2 hours from the airport. It’s easy to grab a taxi from the airport or you can check out this company that I have used several times now. Just Whatsapp the number to arrange an airport pick up and avoid terrifying gaggle of cab drivers that await you as you step out of the airport. Expect to pay around £20.
Ubud is the best place to start your trip. Dubbed ‘the cultural heart of Bali’. If you’re a beach dweller this will give you a taste of something new. Picture this, jungles, infinity pools, gorgeous villas, art, live music, markets, amazing food and monkeys. So, what more could you want?
Villa in Ubud
Gili Islands – 4 Nights
Time to let loose in the Gilis! The Gili islands are technically part of the neighbouring island of Lombok. It takes about 2 hours to get from Ubud to Padangbai where you can catch a boat. The boat will take another 2 – 3 hours. So, make sure you’re prepared to spend half a day travelling. Again, this company can organise your transfers and your return boat tickets. There are 3 Gili islands you can split your time across depending on your personal taste. Starting from left to right…
Gili Trawangan
Gili T as it is commonly referred to. The party island. White sand, cocktails, fun hostels, quirky instagrammable hotels and drinks deals that will make you forget you were ever even there. So, Soak in those holiday vibes and have some fun! You have undisturbed views of the sunset on the West coast, take advantage. If you’re staying on the opposite side you can rent a bicycle and get around there.
Gili Air
The best of both. Not too mad, not too quiet. If Gili Air were a bowl of porridge, you can bet your ass Goldie Locks would be chowing down. More white sand, snorkelling, turtles, beach bars with a low key feel and lots of beach cinemas. Bean bags, BBQ and cocktails whilst watching a film. The perfect evening. I recommend visiting this after Gili T as it’s the perfect place to recharge those batteries.
Gili Meno
The quiet one. I have never visited, based on its reputation. This is the honeymoon island. Bring a book, a settle in for some quiet down days. If you want to get away from it all and enjoy your own company, Gili Meno might just be for you.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek – 1 Night
I seriously can’t recommend this excursion enough. This is one of those times where it is necessary to get yo ass up early. Depending on where you stay the night before, your journey time to the base of Mount Batur will differ. The closer you stay, the later you can get up. If you decide to return to Ubud you’ll be picked up around 3 am.
I stayed in the Batur Mountain View hotel for one night and was picked up at 4 am to be at the top of the volcano for sunrise. This is the Kintamani region, I recommend staying here for one night purely for the volcano trek. There’s nothing else going on here. I vividly remember speaking to some French ladies who had booked in for 5 nights and were devastated about it.
You’ll climb the volcano in around 2 hours. I don’t consider myself to be crazy fit or anything and it took me an hour and a half. It will be cold! Make sure you wear trousers; a jacket and OMG I can’t believe I’m saying this. Sensible walking shoes. I did it in leggings and hoody and I was freeeeezzzzziiiinnngggg. The warmer you are, the more you’ll enjoy the sunrise.
Lovina – 2 Nights
Right in the North of Bali, Lovina is a gorgeous spot. If dolphins are your thing, don’t miss out on Lovina. There are plenty of boat trips for dolphin watching. You’re also nicely situated to do some waterfall trips. Ah. I know. Could Bali be any more amazing? Book an organised tour or grab a moped and go exploring. GitGit waterfall is one of the most popular and is about half an hour from Lovina.
Pemuteran – Scuba Diving Only – 2 Nights
Pemuteran is about the farthest away from the airport and busy spots of Bali as you can get. The scuba diving here is phenomenal. Not a diver? Then just head South now. Seriously, you’re not missing anything. Those interested in scuba diving, read on. About an hour by boat from Pemuteran you will find a National Park which offers unparalleled underwater life. I wasn’t qualified when I visited and just took part in some try dives, I picked it up well enough to be able to join the trip to the national park and it is an experience I will never forget. It also planted the seed for me to actually get qualified as an open water diver.
Note: The drive back South from Pemuteran can take 4 hours (through the mountains) or 5 hours (along the coast). If you’ve been diving you will have to take the longer route. You can’t go up to altitude after diving for a certain amount of time.
Canggu – 3 Nights
Time to head South and relax for the last few days of your holiday. If you missed out on Pemuteran and have an extra few nights you may want to consider heading to one of Bali’s islands. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida are very popular amongst Bali goers. But trust me, if you’re done moving around? You will not struggle to spend 5 nights in this part of Bali. So, sit back and relax.
Canggu has to be my absolute favourite part of Bali. On my last trip, Toby and I spent two weeks just in this area. The food is amazing. There’s a nightlife if you want it – I’m looking at you Old Man’s. The beach is great. The surf is amazing and you’re close enough to Tanah Lot temple for a sunset trip. If you’re fit enough for it, have a surf lesson here. It’s a must. I’m a watcher. That shit looks exhausting.
What’s so great about Canggu (other than the above) is that it’s only 30 minutes from the airport. Which makes it the perfect ending for your holiday. The nearest towns are Kuta and Seminyak, both with BIG reputations. Personally, I like to stay a little way away from them and Canggu is perfect for that. So close, yet so far. Kuta is often familiarised to us English as ‘Australia’s answer to Shagaluf’. So that lets you know whether you want to venture that way or not. It is, however, home to Waterbom Waterpark of which I am a fan! Seminyak is home to some great shopping, swanky IG famous cafes and of course, Potato Head Beach Club. I actually like the vibe in Seminyak but Canggu takes the crown. Check out every single eatery on Batu Bolong. You won’t regret it.
Potato Head
Surfing
Final Word
So, there you have it. 2 weeks in Bali. You’ve seen the jungle, monkey’s, islands, and hopefully turtles! Scaled a live volcano, seen some dolphins, swam in a waterfall, maybe even been scuba diving. You’ve chilled, you’ve partied. Drank cocktails on the beach at sunset and maybe even been living it up at a beach club. That sounds like a hell of a 2 weeks to me. Damn. I miss Bali.
