14 Days Bali Itinerary on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Ubud Monkey Forest
    15 minutes (5.5 km) from central Ubud

    The Ubud Monkey Forest is a natural reserve and Hindu temple complex located in Ubud. It’s known for its long-tailed macaques that roam freely within the forest. Visitors can walk along the paved pathways to explore the forest and see the temple complex.

  • Day 2: Tegalalang Rice Terrace
    25 minutes (12 km) from central Ubud

    The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is a series of rice paddies located in the village of Tegalalang. It’s a popular spot for its stunning views of the terraced landscapes. Visitors can explore the rice paddies and take photos with the backdrop of the lush greenery.

  • Day 3: Nusa Penida Island
    30 minutes (14 km) from Sanur Beach

    Nusa Penida is an island located southeast of Bali. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, and landmarks such as the Kelingking Beach cliff point and Broken Beach natural bridge. Visitors can take a boat ride from Sanur Beach and spend the day on the island.

  • Day 4: Batur Volcano
    1 hour 30 minutes (45 km) from central Ubud

    The Batur Volcano is an active volcano located in the Kintamani District. Visitors can trek to the summit to see the crater and stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Batur.

  • Day 5: Mount Agung
    2 hours 30 minutes (72 km) from central Ubud

    Mount Agung is the highest point on Bali Island and an active volcano. Visitors can trek to the summit with a guide to see the stunning sunrise view from the top. It’s recommended for experienced hikers due to the challenging terrain.

  • Day 6: Lovina Beach
    2 hours 30 minutes (90 km) from central Ubud

    Lovina Beach is a black sandy beach located in northern Bali. It’s a less crowded alternative to the popular southern beaches and known for its calm waters and dolphin sighting tours.

  • Day 7: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
    1 hour 15 minutes (35 km) from central Ubud

    The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Tabanan Regency. It’s known for its vast rice paddies and traditional irrigation system. Visitors can walk along the trekking trail to enjoy the stunning views and explore the local culture.

  • Day 8: Pura Besakih
    2 hours (50 km) from central Ubud

    Pura Besakih is a revered Hindu temple located on the slopes of Mount Agung. It’s known as the “Mother Temple” of Bali and consists of 23 separate but related temples. Visitors can explore the temple complex and learn about the local beliefs and customs.

  • Day 9: Gitgit Waterfall
    2 hours 15 minutes (75 km) from central Ubud

    Gitgit Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located in the Gitgit Village. It’s known for its lush surroundings and cool water to swim in. Visitors can trek down the stairs to reach the waterfall and enjoy the natural beauty.

  • Day 10: Seminyak Beach
    40 minutes (13 km) from central Denpasar

    Seminyak Beach is a popular beach located in the Seminyak area. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, beach bars, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy the sunset view and take part in various water activities such as surfing and paddleboarding.

  • Day 11: Tanah Lot Temple
    45 minutes (20 km) from Seminyak Beach

    Tanah Lot Temple is a Hindu temple located on a rock formation in the sea. It’s known for its iconic sunset view and religious significance. Visitors can explore the temple and its surroundings, including the nearby Pasut Beach.

  • Day 12: Uluwatu Temple
    1 hour 10 minutes (28 km) from Seminyak Beach

    Uluwatu Temple is a Hindu temple located on a cliff overlooking the sea. It’s known for its stunning sunset view and daily Kecak dance performance. Visitors can explore the temple and enjoy the panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.

  • Day 13: Kuta Beach
    20 minutes (7 km) from Seminyak Beach

    Kuta Beach is a popular beach located in the Kuta area. It’s known for its long sandy beach, surfing, and nightlife. Visitors can take a stroll along the beach or try various water activities.

  • Day 14: Sanur Beach
    30 minutes (13 km) from Kuta Beach

    Sanur Beach is a popular beach located in the Sanur area. It’s known for its calm waters and sunrise view. Visitors can enjoy the beach and take part in various water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Ubud Monkey Forest (1-2 hours, free)
  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace (2-3 hours, IDR 10,000 ($0.70))
  • Nusa Penida Island (full day, IDR 500,000 ($35))
  • Batur Volcano trek (full day, IDR 800,000 ($57))
  • Mount Agung trek (full day, IDR 1,200,000 ($85))
  • Lovina Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (2-3 hours, IDR 40,000 ($3))
  • Pura Besakih (2-3 hours, IDR 60,000 ($4.20))
  • Gitgit Waterfall (1-2 hours, IDR 20,000 ($1.40))
  • Seminyak Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Tanah Lot Temple (2-3 hours, IDR 60,000 ($4.20))
  • Uluwatu Temple (2-3 hours, IDR 50,000 ($3.50))
  • Kuta Beach (2-3 hours, free)
  • Sanur Beach (2-3 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: IDR 2,050,000 ($145)

Transportation

Public transportation such as buses and bemos are available but may not be the most convenient option. Hiring a scooter or motorbike is a popular choice but requires a driver's license and experience driving in Bali’s traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing services such as Grab are available but negotiable prices are recommended. The estimated cost for a scooter rental is around IDR 50,000-70,000 ($3.50-$5) per day excluding gas. The estimated cost for a taxi ride from the airport to Ubud is around IDR 300,000-350,000 ($21-$25) and takes around 1.5 hours.

Useful tips

If you have more time, consider adding a visit to the Ujung Water Palace or Sidemen Village for its scenic rice terraces. For shorter stays, skip some of the beaches and choose the ones that suit your preferences. Keep in mind the weather and the peak tourist season from July-August and during major holidays. Bargaining is common in Bali but be respectful and honk your horn as a thank you, not for impatience.

Airports

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is Bali’s main airport located in southern Bali, 13 km south of the city center.

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