15-Day Bali and Nusa Lembongan Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Bali
    Ngurah Rai International Airport to Kuta (25 minutes, 6 miles)

    Upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport, take a taxi to the coastal town of Kuta. Spend the day relaxing on the stunning Kuta Beach, one of Bali's most famous beaches. Enjoy the lively nightlife and indulge in some authentic Balinese cuisine.

  • Day 2: Uluwatu Temple and South Bali Beaches
    Kuta to Uluwatu Temple (1 hour, 14 miles)

    Visit the Uluwatu Temple, perched on top of a steep cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Watch a traditional Kecak dance performance during sunset. Afterward, drive to the beautiful south Bali beaches of Padang Padang, Dreamland, and Balangan for a relaxing end to the day.

  • Day 3: Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Ubud Market
    Kuta to Tegallalang Rice Terraces (1.5 hours, 22 miles)

    Visit the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, famous for their stunning views of the green rice paddies. Take a guided walk through the fields, learn about local farming techniques, and discover hidden waterfalls. In the afternoon, visit the bustling Ubud Market, where you can buy handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

  • Day 4: Buddist and Hindu Temples of Bali
    Kuta to Beratan Temple (2 hours, 32 miles)

    Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Beratan Temple on the shores of Lake Bratan. Continue to the iconic Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, famous for its intricate multi-tiered shrines and serene lake backdrop. Finish with a visit to the stunning Besakih Temple, also known as the "Mother Temple" of Bali.

  • Day 5: Water Sports on Tanjung Benoa Beach
    Kuta to Tanjung Benoa Beach (30 minutes, 7 miles)

    Spend the day at Tanjung Benoa Beach, located on the southeastern coast of Bali. Try out various water sports, including parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. Enjoy a seafood lunch overlooking the ocean and finish by relaxing on the white-sand beach.

  • Day 6-7: Nusa Lembongan Island
    Kuta to Sanur Beach (25 minutes, 6.5 miles), Sanur Beach to Nusa Lembongan Island (30 minutes by speedboat)

    Take a speedboat from Sanur Beach to Nusa Lembongan Island. Spend two days exploring the island's stunning coastal scenery, including the Devil's Tear rock formation, the picturesque Mangrove Tour, and the dreamy white-sand Crystal Bay Beach.

  • Day 8-9: Gili Islands
    Nusa Lembongan Island to Gili Islands (3.5 hours by speedboat)

    Take a speedboat from Nusa Lembongan Island to the Gili Islands. Spend two days island hopping between Gili Trawangan Island, Gili Meno Island, and Gili Air Island. Enjoy the crystal-clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and beachfront restaurants and bars.

  • Day 10-11: Lovina Dolphin Watching and Waterfall Trekking
    Gili Islands to Lovina (2.5 hours by speedboat and taxi)

    In the early morning, embark on a dolphin-watching tour in Lovina to witness these majestic creatures swimming in their natural habitat. Finish the day by trekking to the spectacular Gitgit Waterfall. On day 11, hike to the Sekumpul Waterfall, known for its seven-tiered waterfall and beautiful jungle surroundings.

  • Day 12-13: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
    Lovina to Mount Batur (2 hours, 47 miles)

    Witness a stunning sunrise from the peak of Mount Batur, an active volcano and one of Bali's most popular hiking trails. Take a guided trek to the summit, then relax in natural hot springs at the base of the mountain. The next day, visit the nearby Tirta Empul Temple, famous for its holy water springs and purification rituals.

  • Day 14: Seminyak Beach
    Mount Batur to Seminyak Beach (1.5 hours, 28 miles)

    Finish the trip with a relaxing day at Seminyak Beach, known for its incredible sunsets, trendy beach clubs, and upscale boutiques. Spend the day lounging on the soft sand or swimming in the turquoise waters. In the evening, enjoy a beachfront dinner and drinks at one of the beach clubs.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Kecak dance performance (1 hour, 10 USD)
  • Tegallalang Rice Terraces guided walk (2 hours, 10 USD)
  • Beratan Temple admission (1 hour, 3 USD)
  • Water sports on Tanjung Benoa Beach (3 hours, 25 USD)
  • Nusa Lembongan Island speedboat (30 minutes, 20 USD)
  • Gili Islands speedboat (3.5 hours, 40 USD)
  • Lovina Dolphin Watching Tour (2 hours, 15 USD)
  • Mount Batur Sunrise Trek (8 hours, 45 USD)
  • Beach club dinner (2 hours, 25 USD)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 193 USD

Transportation

Transportation throughout Bali and Nusa Lembongan is relatively easy and affordable. Taxis are readily available, and car/motorbike rentals are a popular option for those who prefer to explore independently. Speedboat transfers are necessary to reach nearby islands and booking a tour or private transfer to Mount Batur is highly recommended. Expect to pay approximately 30-40 USD per day for car/motorbike rentals and 20-50 USD per boat transfer depending on the destination.

Useful Tips

For those with extra time, consider adding the following activities to your itinerary: visit the Bali Swing in Ubud, explore the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, or take a Balinese cooking class. For those with less time, consider skipping Lovina or the Gili Islands. Be sure to pack sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes. Bali can be quite humid, so bring lightweight, breathable clothing.

Airports

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the main airport serving Bali and is located in the southern part of Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. It is approximately 7.5 miles from Kuta and takes around 20-30 minutes by taxi or private transfer.

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