How to visit Bali in 12 days
By Two World Backpackers
Bali will always be a special place for us as it was our first trip outside of Europe, and what a better way than going to the island of Gods?
The truth is that we could not wait to visit its thousands of temples, rice fields, waterfalls, beaches, etc. It is a different place and culture than what we are used to, and we have to say that it was an incredible experience.
We went 12 days, and we planned to see as much of the island of Bali as we could and then make a getaway to the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida.
So if you wanna know how to visit this marvellous place in 12 days, keep reading!
Table of Contents
Three days in Ubud
In the first three days, we stayed in Ubud, which is in the centre of the island and is close to many tourist spots. But undoubtedly Ubud is also a place to visit more things such as its market, the Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Agung), and getting lost in the city.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO:
- Tegenungan Waterfall:It is one of the largest waterfalls located near Ubud. The ticket price is 15,000 IDR per person (GBP 0,83/ 0,93 €), and it takes about 30 minutes to get there from Ubud. There are also lockers in case you want to swim there a while, and then you want to change or leave your things, but you have to pay.
- Monkey Forest:More than 700 monkeys live in it, and there are several temples as well. But be careful; keep an eye on your belongings, and especially your food as they try to take everything. It is open every day, and the entry fee is 50,000 IDR per person (about 3€/ GBP 2,70).
- Goa Gajah (The Elephant Cave): Is located very close to Ubud and is a cave where you access through a huge mouth carved as a door. Wearing a sarong is mandatory, and the entry fee is 15,000 IDR per person (GBP 0,83/ 0,93€ approximately).
- Tibumana Waterfall: It is one of the best waterfalls, and it is also very close to Ubud. The ticket price is 15,000 IDR per person (GBP 0,83/ 0,93€ approximately).
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall:It is a beautiful waterfall in which, at least when we went, it was full of people and the queue to take a photo was huge. There are also lockers outside to put on your swimsuit, and you have to take off your shoes and leave them at the end of the path right next to the waterfall since you will have to get wet to get to the waterfall and take your picture. The entry fee is 5,000 IDR per person (GBP 0,28/ 0,30 € approx.)
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace:They are the best-known rice fields in Bali, although there are rice fields everywhere. The entrance to the rice fields is free, but you will find several swings and an I LOVE BALI sign, which you will have to pay to take a photo in it.
- Tirta Empul Temple: Is declared as a World Heritage Site. It is mandatory to wear the sarong, and is not allowed the entrance to menstruating women. It is a famous temple for its sacred spring water where Balinese Hindus go for a purification rite. The entry fee is 15,000 IDR per person (GBP 0,83/ 0,93 € approx.) And 5,000 IDR of the parking lot (GBP 0,28/0,30 € approx.)
- Ubud Market: We loved getting lost in the streets of the market. It is full of souvenirs, craft, and food shops and it is one of the most visited places in Ubud city.
- Ubud Royal Palace:Officially known as Puri Saren Agung, it is the palace where the Ubud Royal Family lives, and where every night you can enjoy traditional dance performances. The entrance to the Palace is free and it is open until 7:40 p.m. when they do the traditional dance shows, which is not free.
- Trekking to Mount Batur to see the sunrise:For us, it was one of the best sunrises we have seen. Although the 2-hour trek was not easy at all, it was definitely worth it. Moreover, if you see that you can’t take it anymore, there are motorists who take you to the top for 300,000 IDR per person (GBP 16/ 18 € approx.) As Laura had to do when we were halfway to the top.
One day in Lovina
We decided to spend a night in Lovina since it is the best area to see the dolphins in the morning and we did not want to miss it. Although in the end, we could not see them and we left it for the next time we go to Bali. It is also close to some points that we wanted to visit:
- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple:It is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Bali, and Laura’s favourite one. The entry fee is IDR 30,000 per person (GBP 1,60 /2€ approx.). The temple is located on the shores of Lake Bratan which is dedicated to the goddess of water. It is definitely a mandatory visit if you are in Bali.
- Handara Gate:Everyone who goes to Bali takes the typical photo with the famous gates of heaven and since we did not visit those of the Lempuyang Temple, we took our photo in this also famous place. However, they are actually the doors to a golf field. You have to queue less time than at Lempuyang Temple to take your photo and the entrance fee is IDR 30,000 per person (GBP 1,60/ 2€ approx.)
- Sekumpul Waterfall: They are a group of impressive waterfalls in the north of Bali. The ticket price is 15,000 IDR per person (GBP1 /1€ approx.)
- Git Git Waterfall:It is one of the most visited and the entry fee is 20,000 IDR per person (GBP 1,10/ 1,25€ approx.). It is made up of six spectacular waterfalls, all well connected by a path.
Three days in Gili Air Island
The Gili Islands are three idyllic islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno) perfect to rest, disconnect, enjoy its crystal clear waters, and its magnificent seabed snorkeling or diving.
We chose to go to Gili Air Island, and all we did was enjoy the island, its beaches, and its spectacular sunsets.
If you want more information about the Gili Islands, check out our post about Gili Islands: which one to choose and what to do.
One day in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is located less than 2 hours by boat from Bali, and is one of the most instagrammable places right now.
These are the places we visited:
- Crystal Bay: considered one of the best beaches on the island and where you can enjoy the best sunsets in Nusa Penida.
- Kelingking Beach:Is one of the most intact places of the moment, highlighted by its dinosaur shape with the best views we have ever seen.
- Broken Beach:It is a mandatory stop if you visit Nusa Penida as it offers incredible panoramic views. This beach, in which it is not possible to swim, is formed by a circular cliff where the arch that surrounds the bay stands out, letting the water in and out.
- Angel’s Billabong:It is a natural pool with crystal clear waters where you can swim a while if the tide allows it.
If you want more information about Nusa Penida, visit our post about Nusa Penida in 1 day.
Four days in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is about an hour from the airport and is the area where all the luxury hotels and resorts are. One of the benefits of Laura’s work is the super cheap rates for the staff and therefore enjoy luxury hotels at a super affordable price.
These four days, we decided to spend two of them at the resort, enjoying the facilities and just being lazy. However, the other two days, we visited the following places:
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall:Without a doubt, it is our favorite waterfall and not as crowded as the Tegenungan waterfall since it is not as well known yet. The waterfall is inside a cave, and on sunny days the sun’s rays enter, making the place looking special. The entry fee is 10,000 IDR per person (GBP 0,55/ 0,60 €)
- Goa Lawah Temple:It is a temple with a cave full of bats and Andrés’s favourite one. Legend says, that the cave with the bats protects the evil spirits. The entry fee is 30,000 IDR per person (GBP 1,60/ 2€ approx.)
- Padang Padang Beach:Is known as one of the best beaches in Bali for surfing. At the entrance, you have to pay 10,000 IDR (GBP 0,55/ 0,60€), and the stairs that take you down to the beach are full of monkeys.
- Enjoy the sunset at the Luhur Uluwatu Temple + Kecak dance:What a better way to end the day than enjoying the twilight at the Uluwatu Temple and a Kecak dance show. This beautiful temple is a mandatory visit if you go to Bali. It is located on top of a cliff and offers spectacular views.
- Canggu:It is a small coastal town located near the Tanah Lot temple with many shops and cafes but not as crowded with tourists as Kuta. With perfect beaches for surf lovers.
- Tanah Lot Temple:Consecrated to the God of the Sea, the Tanah Lot Temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Bali. You can find it on a rocky islet in the middle of the sea. It is quite a spectacle to enjoy a sunrise or a sunset right there. The only thing is that you cannot visit the interior, yet the whole site is gorgeous, and there is a market full of souvenir and craft shops where you can take a walk.
Bali is a destination that undoubtedly marked us and to which we hope to return soon. What did you think of our trip? Would you add something else to the itinerary? Let us know your opinion in the comments below.
