Planning a 3 week Bali itinerary can be tough. With so many places not to miss, here’s our tried and tested route.
How To Get Around Bali
Getting around Bali couldn’t be easier. There are generally 3 options:
Scooter
We always choose to rent scooters, which start at around 50,000 IDR per day, and explore ourselves.
However be sure to read up on our renting a scooter in Bali guide beforehand!
Most accommodations will allow you to store your big bags with them, even after checkout.
So if you’re comfortable on two wheels, and looking for somewhere to rent scooters from, you can book a trusted Bali Scooter or Motorbike Rental with Delivery.
Driver
Another option is to rent a driver, which is pretty popular for day trips around Bali, and they start at around 500,000 IDR per day (8 hours).
You can opt for standard 5 seater vans, or larger minibuses for bigger groups.
This is a great option for those looking to design their own itinerary. Simply jump in, tell you driver exactly where you wish to go, and he’ll navigate the most efficient route.
If you’re looking for for a reliable service, you can book a Bali Private Car or Minibus Charter With Driver for the day.
Tour
Some of the best days out we’ve had in Bali have been on private tours.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
There’s even a Bali: Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour, for those looking to photograph its most recognisable locations.
From sunrise hikes, to waterfall treks and island hopping, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the bustling island!
Best Time To Visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island’s dry season. This is when you can enjoy all the island has to offer, from beach days to trekking, with generally the perfect weather conditions.
For cheaper prices and fewer crowds, November to March is the best time. (Excluding Christmas and New Year.) However, this is the wet season and it can be pretty hot and humid with some heavy down pours.
Remember, this is just a guide, so you may want to mix it up and add/subtract different attractions.
What To Pack

3 Weeks In Bali Itinerary
Seminyak
The first stop for most holiday makers and your 3 week Bali itinerary!
Good for its night life and high end restaurants. You won’t really get a feel for Bali here as it’s very built up and a popular holiday destination amongst tourists. This will most likely be your first stop and most expensive one.
Although they do have some awesome little cafes!

Canggu
A foodies heaven and most tourists preferred place to stay in Bali.
Canggu is where you see the smoothie bowls and avocado dishes everywhere and is home to some of the best restaurants in Bali.
It has a very laid back vibe and beautiful beaches in Canggu. Making it popular amongst the Canggu surfing and digital nomad communities.
Don’t forget to indulge in the local culture though by trying out some of the Best Warungs In Canggu. Here you’ll find all the Indonesian dishes such as gado-gado, nasi goreng and rendang curries.
You will also find lots of beautiful markets in Canggu, selling all kinds of chic and start-up fashion labels. We guarantee you won’t walk away with your hands empty.
Canggu is the place where many people extend their stay because it has a certain homely feel to it.

Ubud
If you’re asking yourself what should I definitely have on my 10 day Bali itinerary? Then the zen capital of Ubud is the single place where every one of your expectations will be fulfilled.
From the outstanding Tegalalang Rice Terrace to the crazy Ubud Monkey Forest, it’s pretty much exactly how’ Eat, Pray, Love’ depicts the island.
If you want nature and relaxation for sunset, take a walk along Campuhan Ridge Walk.
If you want to learn how to make some of the local dishes, check out Paon Bali Cooking Class.
Oh and don’t forget to hit at least one waterfall! With Tegenungan Waterfall, Tibumana Waterfall and Tukad Cepung Waterfall all within adventuring distance of town, you’d be crazy not to take a dip.
Over all a home for yoga and meditation, Ubud will definitely have an impact for no matter how long you visit.

Munduk
Much more of a tourist spot recently thanks to Wanagiri Hidden Hills, and an easy way to break up the drive between Ubud and Lovina is by stopping by Munduk.
Known by locals as the coldest place in Bali, there are some beautiful early morning rises worth getting up for.
Visiting Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Bali’s most famous temple) is a must and the Handara Golf & Resort entrance has become somewhat of a bucket list item thanks to Instagram!
If you want to tick off a few spots in one day with ease, we recommend the Northern Charm: Lake Bratan, Handara Gate, Waterfall & Swing tour.

Lovina
Way way up in the fields and overlooking the most beautiful ocean views lays Lovina.
Great for dolphin watching and home to some of the best best waterfalls in Bali.
If you visit the north of Bali be sure to check out to Sekumpul, Gitgit and Aling Aling falls!
There’s even the North Bali Sunrise Tour with Dolphins, Waterfalls & Temples which covers the highlights of the north!

East Bali
Home to some of the most famous landmarks on the island. but a little too far for most tourists to travel.
If you do get chance to drive out to Pura Lempuyang, Tirta Gangga Water Palace or Mount Agung Sunrise Viewpoint then you definitely should!
Eastern Bali has a much more traditional feel to it, and is a gem that most people miss on their Bali route!
There are so many things to do in East Bali that you could easily spend a few days exploring by scooter.
However, some tourists opt to book onto a tour with a guide, such as the Lempuyang’s Gates of Heaven Tour.

Gili Islands
A lot of travellers don’t realise that the famous Gili Islands are actually part of the Lombok rather than Bali.
Regardless, they are well worth the hour boat trip out East.
For crystal clear waters, diving and snorkelling adventures and a few famous sunset swings you won’t want to miss Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno.
Also if you love turtles, Gili T is the place to swim with them in the wild!

Nusa Islands
If it’s white beaches and island life you’re looking for on your Bali route, then these three are a slice of heaven!
This is usually the highlight on peoples 3 week Bali itinerary.
Just a 40 minute boat ride from the main land the Nusa islands have become super famous through social media.
Broken into Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan these stunning, palm tree covered islands are possibly the closest place we’ve ever been to paradise.
Thanks to Kelingking Beach and a few other equally as crazy spots, they’re definitely a ‘must visit’ in Bali!
We have a complete Nusa Islands Bali Guide that breaks down where to go and what to do.
Although we recommend booking your Nusa Penida Tours & Activities in advance in the peak seasons.

Uluwatu
Uluwatu, Nusa Dua & Jimbaran – The southern bubble of Bali also gives you a great place to unwind and is where you can find some of the best beaches in Bali.
With spots such as Padang Padang, Bingin and Melasti Beach you won’t be stuck for ideas.
There are plenty of surf spots and places to explore in the south and you may even come across the abandoned airplane. A perfect final stop before you head back to the airport yourself.

Where To Stay In Bali
For pre-booking accommodation when travelling, we always recommend Booking.com!
From 5 star hotels, to budget backpacker hostels, it’s got everything and the site is super easy to use.
We’ve actually written a full where to stay in Bali guide which covers a break down of each individual area on the island.
Otherwise you can pre book all of your Bali accommodation and check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Bali Blogs
8 Things To Do In Ubud That You Cannot Miss
Bali Waterfalls – The Best Waterfalls In Bali
The Best Uluwatu Beaches – An Ultimate Guide
The Only Nusa Islands Bali Guide You’ll Ever Need
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PhillyCheesyG
Friday 8th of September 2023
Your blog is so helpful and informative, thank you! I’m doing my first solo backpacking trip on a tight budget, I’m so excited to spend time exploring these beautiful places! My focus is diving and exploring their stunning marine environment, so Gili’s, Nusa’s & Amed. From my research diving will cost 1/4 of my $3000 Aud budget. What Indonesian sim/data services can you recommend? And when getting to and from the Lombok islands using ferries is there any services that are cost friendly. If anyone has any advice I’d love to hear it. Thanks again.
Ruby Schroeder
Wednesday 22nd of June 2022
Hello ! Awesome blog, saw it while researching something about a 3 week stay in Bali. What would you recommend, where should we start our trip first from Airport based on the locations you recommended? Aiming to be there from 8-24 August 2022. Appreciate your input. Gili is definitely on my list too because we love to snorkel. TIA
Charlie Pauly
Thursday 23rd of June 2022
Hey, I would literally do it in the order I've listed. You could even skip Lovina and East Bali in order to have more time.
BO BO
Thursday 3rd of October 2019
Hi Charles & Lauren,
Thank you so much for posting this route. This is exactly what I want to go with my family. You have saved so much of my time searching around the website.
We have two kids(11 & 7 years old) and two Adult. I wonder if we should skip Penida Island and Lembongan Island. For sure, we will take kids to Gil T. They love snorkeling and see the turtles. Beaches for sure it's good for everyone. :) Please advise. Thank you.
Charlie Pauly
Saturday 5th of October 2019
Heyy, aw thanks so much it's such a great feeling when people leave feedback like this! :) For sure I think the Nusa islands may be a little tough for the kids but Gili T is super chilled and easy! Enjoyyyy x
Akram M. Salem
Tuesday 25th of June 2019
I've been doing massive online researches to find the ideal itinerary for Bali before visiting and then I came across this page which is basically a dream to everyone visiting Bali!
I think you covered absolutely everything! CAN'T THANK YOU ENOUGH!
Charlie Pauly
Tuesday 25th of June 2019
Hey thanks so much man! Comments like this really make our day, and make all the effort we put into the blogs worthwhile! Have a safe trip to Bali and enjoy.
Ezequiel Caggiano
Monday 3rd of June 2019
Hi guys, how are you? Im going to Bali next week and im not sure about the nights to spend in each place. My Idea is to be first in seminyak one night, 3nights in ubud, 3 nights in munduk and visit lovina, and 2 nights in east bali (I dont know where could be a good option to sleep). What do you think about it?
Thanks guys