8-Day Itinerary In Bali – Beaches, Canyons, and Mountain Views
Most of us usually stay in the southern part of Bali, where the popular beaches are located. If you are looking for something unique and out of the ordinary in Bali, this blog post is just for you. I will be sharing where we went, what we did and where we stayed.
Bali is huge and even has several volcanoes, so there are many things to do there besides going to the beach. This suggested itinerary takes you from the beautiful coast, to hidden canyons, and even the mountains. It is suitable for a family holiday, and my parents who are in their 50s really enjoyed this trip.
This video shows you what our trip looked like. Like it? Keep reading to find out more!
Getting Around In Bali
Having a personal driver is common for Indonesians who can afford it, and it is also a very convenient way of getting around in Bali.
Considerations when looking for suitable drivers:
- Trustworthiness based on referrals/reviews
- Size of the car for comfort and sufficient storage space
- Ability to speak English
- Working hours
Day 1: Check in at Sanur
Heading east on the first part of our trip, we are going to take the ferry from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan on day 2, so this is a convenient place to rest for the night.
It took around 45min to get there from the airport.
Where we stayed: The Griya Sanur (nightly rate: US$37/room)
Day 2: Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is part of a cluster of islands just off the mainland. It is the closest island, just 90 min speed boat ride away).There are several ways to get to Nusa Lembongan, all at different price points. Some of the cheapest rides are with fishermen boats that might not be built to withstand the strong currents.
Here’s a tip: Try not to bring luggages with rollers.
- There are no piers to board these boats from and you will step into the water when boarding. You might have to carry your baggage onto the boat, but our boat operators were kind enough to help us with it.
- The paths on the island are sometimes rocky and not maintained, simply because it is less commercialised. You would not want to bring your expensive roller luggage on those paths.
Here are some fun things you can do on this island.
Snorkel to see an abundance of corals and colourful fish
Some of the most spectacular snorkelling spots are here in Nusa Lembongan, due to its untouched nature. However, please please please do not step on/touch the corals as they can be damaged and die, hence losing their colour and simply turning white (bleaching).
Mangrove boat tour
The mangroves are located close to the popular snorkelling sites, so locals often take visitors to these boat tours too. We enjoyed this tranquil boat ride as we our stomachs were full from a hearty lunch after our morning snorkel.
Visit beaches and scenic viewpoints
Dream Beach, Devil’s Tear, Panorama Point
Watch the sunset/sunrise
Depending on where you stay on the island, the sunrise/sunset is worth watching. Most of Nusa Lembongan moves at a slower pace that the busy parts of Bali as it is less commercialised, giving a tranquil and relaxing time watching the sun give off its golden glow.
Some hotels are located at the east of Nusa Lembongan, providing great opportunities to view the sunrise. Otherwise, there are plenty of west-facing spots to view the awe-inspiring sunset. The featured picture at the start of this post was taken at sunrise in our resort!
Where we stayed: Poh Manis Lembongan Bungalow (nightly rate: US$54/room)
Stay for a night in order to see the island at a slower pace. Moreover, you do not need to be in a rush to take the last boat back out. If you have more time, Nusa Penida is a neighbouring island and it is perfect for more spectacular coastal landscapes.
Day 3: Back to Bali for canyon adventures
Our accommodation had a beautiful east-facing infinity pool overlooking the neighbouring Nusa islands, and we laid in the poolside reclining chairs while watching the sunrise. It was an incredible feeling, I think these photos are a good way to show how amazing the experience was.
After that, we had breakfast provided by the bungalow hosts and they helped us to arrange transportation out to the boat company. Back to mainland Bali we go!
Next, explore the Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon (Sukawati). Be prepared to be barefoot and get wet as you will be wading in water up to your chest! A local guide will be with you throughout (please hire one), keeping your valuables safe in his dry bag, and even helping to take pictures. It was a super fun adventure, and once we had to jump from rock to rock with the help of a piece of rope overhead. You have to watch the video at the start of this blog entry to know what I mean.
The canyon has 3 phases, but you can turn back whenever you feel like.
- Photo spots (thigh high water)
- Further into the canyon for the more adventurous (wading in chest high water, light current)
- Simple walking through a forest
Many choose to stay at the entrance of the canyon for photos. Those who complete the adventure are treated to a visit to an animal farm and a walk through rice fields.
Our next few days would be spent in the central region of Bali, so we chose to stay 2 nights in Ubud.
Where we stayed: Puri Sunia Resort in Ubud (nightly rate: US$75/room)
Day 4: Relax in Ubud & Bedugul
Spa in Ubud
After a physically demanding day, what better way to relax than with a spa! Ubud is known to be very chill, and there are many spas in this area for you to choose from. The service is very good and you should try Balinese massage while you are here. It cost US$18 for 2-3 hours of massage + body scrub + floral bath soak.
Twin Lakes in Bedugul
Venturing northwest, we gain altitude and the climate feels cooler than the rest of the island. There is a spot where you can view the Twin Lakes (basically just 2 lakes) from a vantage point. Puncak Bagus, Cu Coffee or other huts along the road are spots you can go to drink coffee with a great view.
Floating temple in Bedugul
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan is a famous temple located on the shores of Lake Bratan, at the base of the mountains in Bedugul. The best views of this place is at sunset. Furthermore, you can stroll along the lake in a garden, enjoying the cool breeze and mountain views. If you like, you can even pay to sit on jetskis and ride in boats in Lake Bratan, a unique way of viewing the temple and its surroundings.
Many vendors are seen around the area selling dried fruits such as banana, tapioca, potato, etc.
Firefly Tour
If we had known earlier, we would have wanted to go on a firefly tour. Ubud is the perfect place for that because of the high density of vegetation and moisture from the nearby plantations. These tours usually start just before dinner and end around 10pm+. Interestingly, a firefly landed in my room on the wall and I noticed that it was flickering.
Alternative: Stay in Bedugul
There are some nice resorts in Bedugul because of its elevation. I particularly liked Munduk Moding Plantation because it had an infinity pool overlooking the mountains. If you prefer something closer to the twin lakes, Puri Candikuning is a great alternative that is at a lower altitude.
Day 5: White water rafting in Ubud
The largest river in Bali is the Ayung River, so we gotta go white water rafting down this one! There is a huge waterfall downstream and we stopped for photos (gopro recommended), and stood under it for a massage. You will have a guide with you on the boat, who teaches you certain commands for you to follow in order to help steer the boat. We went with New Gangga Rafting, but there are tons of other companies in the vicinity.
After drying off back in the resort, we checked out and headed to Bali Pulina, an agricultural tourist attraction nearby. You might have heard of the famous Luwak coffee because of its great taste and the fact that it is the most expensive coffee in the world. Bali Pulina shows you the process of how it is produced (hint: involves a cat-like animal processing the cocoa beans). Personally, the highlight of the visit was getting to sample the different types of coffee they sell, sipping on tiny cups of coffee while overlooking the plantation.
Heading south, we drop by Ubud market where you can get traditional souvenirs and some sarongs in preparation for beach time. Finally, we reach Kuta area in south Bali, and we stayed in the same hotel for the rest of the trip.
Where we stayed:Â The Stones Hotel – Legian Bali, Autograph Collection (nightly rate: $US136/room)
Day 6: Surfing lessons & chill at a beach club
You would see many people surfing in Kuta, and there are plenty of options in terms of learning how to surf. Here’s a tip: ask for the best time to go surfing in advance, because the tide changes throughout the day! In December, the best time was 8am onwards till about noon.
The cheapest way is going straight to local surf vendors at the beach, instead of signing up with “surf schools” that have a shop front. The good thing is that you have the option of negotiating on the price, and the student-teacher ratio is higher.
Cost comparison:
- Odyssey surf school: US$33 per pax, 1 teacher to 4 students
- Local surfers at the beach: US$11 per pax, 1-to-1 guidance
Personally, we found our lessons to be good and they spoke to us in English, so it was truly value for money. It can be exhausting but it is very fulfilling when you finally get to stand on the surfboard to ride a wave!
A great place to chill for the rest of the day is at a beach club in Seminyak. Based on your budget there are many options available. I recommend watching the sunset too, because the beaches in Seminyak are west facing. One of the most popular beach clubs is the Potato Head Beach Club, where you have an infinity pool available to public. If you want to reserve one of those daybeds, there is a minimum spend of 500K rupiah (US$36) per party for food and beverages. It is likely to be crowded if you go there in the evening, but the view overlooking the beach and sunset is worth it! There is even a bar in the pool! Showers are available too, and you can head up to the restaurant for dinner.
Day 7: Water sports, sightseeing & dinner on the beach
After the usual hearty buffet breakfast at the hotel, drive south to go parasailing in Tanjung Benoa – the water sports hot spot in Bali! Some say that this is the most family friendly beach in Bali, and because the water in the bay is calm, these are some of the common activities there:Â kayaking, jetskiing, parasailing, and riding banana boats. We paid US$50 for 3 people, for about 30-45 min.
Head further south to Nusa Dua, known for upscale tourism and sandy beaches. The famous Nusa Dua Waterblow, where powerful Indian Ocean waves crash against jagged limestone cliffs resulting in waves that splash vertically upwards. The view of the vast ocean is also amazing, and as you are heading back you can stop by the beach to enjoy a nice cold drink while enjoying the view.
After lunch, drive west to Suluban beach in Uluwatu, the hidden cave beach loved by surfers. To access it, you have to enter by stairs and wooden ramps. Once you see it, you will get a pleasant surprise! Suluban beach is inaccessible when the tide is high and you can only take pictures from one of the rocks leading down from the stairs, so please check for when low tide is. In my experience, I went at 4pm and waves were coming into the cave. The low tide timing could change depending on when you are there. However, go with an open mind and just enjoy it either way! There are also a couple of good cafes with good views in the area.
Finally, after all that exploration it is time to treat yourselves to a good dinner while watching the sunset. Head north along the coast to Jimbaran Bay, the hotspot for seafood by the beach and there are many restaurants lined up along the beach. One reason why this experience is highly recommended is because of the view – surfers enjoying their last hour of daylight, sunset turning the sky pink and orange, candles lighting up on all the tables across the beach.
Day 8: Surfing + shopping
Ah, the last day. How can we best remember Bali? Maybe with more surfing! Now that you have taken 1 lesson, it’s time to practice before leaving this surfer’s paradise. After that, I am sure that chilling in the hotel pool just before checkout will sound really good to you. If you have more time before your flight, check out some of the shopping in Kuta – from street shops to luxurious shopping malls.
Other Worthy Mentions
If you are not going with family, I recommend these things (I really wanted to go for these):
- Mount Batur sunrise hike (maybe Mount Agung too?)
- Cross over to Nusa Ceningan or take a boat to Nusa Penida for even more great views
I hope this 8-day guide has helped you in some way! I often try to have a mix of the “must-dos” and other things that are less popular but highly appeal to outdoor adventure lovers. Your pictures are gonna be so beautiful because Bali is really photogenic.
Make sure to also use my free packing list template when preparing for your trip.
