Last Updated on February 19, 2024 by AMANDA CASTILLO
Everything you want to know for 2 weeks in Bali
Out of the 17,000 islands that Indonesia has, Bali is by far the most beautiful and most traveled. Think of the most serene settings, epic beaches, thriving jungles, miles of gorgeous rice paddy fields, volcanoes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, yummy food, and the most beautiful culture at every turn. Bali is the ultimate place for a Wondering Lotus such as myself. The energy when you step off of the plane is unmatched. Speaking of the plane, you will most likely be on a long haul flight so check out my list of essentials for the trek!
It is an absolute must for everyone, and two weeks is the perfect amount of time to make all your traveling dreams come true and for you to never want to leave. You will understand why as you continue to read this post.
Why Bali, Indonesia?...again
I am so excited to share this piece of heaven known as Bali with you all. The well-preserved culture, yummy Balinese cuisine, insane affordable accommodations, epic beaches, lush jungles, stunning waterfalls, hikes, and sunsets are just a few reasons to visit Bali. It’s what keeps tourists returning time after time again.
Sidebar: talk about fortune; I have family that moved to Bali in 2009. My last visit there was pre-pandemic in 2018, and it really was such a stepping-off point for me traveling solo. Now I am unstoppable. I even recommend traveling solo at least once in your lifetime. The experiences you gain are those that one can only dream of. You learn so much about yourself and become more present than ever, while exploring independently.
Being with a local while traveling anywhere is also an experience like no other. An itinerary is unnecessary and almost laughed at. The surprises and roads less traveled you’ll find while with a local make for an adventure of a lifetime.
How many days should I spend in Bali?
Coming from California, the flight to Bali is at least 20 hours of travel time. It is intense, not even going to lie to you. BUT the ROI is everything. You are in Bali. The land of peace and serenity. Bali is also known as the Land of the Gods.
It exudes deeply tranquil and spiritual energy from its epic natural beauty and surfers’ paradise to terraces of rice fields. It is truly Paradise. The biggest question to ask yourself is, how long should I stay?
For this particular trip, I decided to spend 15 days in Bali, flying into the capital of Denpasar, close to where my family lives. From there, I will stay for a couple of days in Jimbaran Bay. After that, I plan to jump around different parts of the island and venture to other neighboring islands like Nusa Penida and The Gilis. After all the travel time of 20+ hours, the time on the ground is about 13 days. This gives me plenty of time to spend with the family, explore and get in some good R&R. Catch my next post when I return on where exactly I went in Bali… coming soon.
Accommodations
Bali is notorious for the most insane accommodations and the most affordable prices. If you want something more traditional, staying at one of the many villas in a local village is another excellent choice and an even more affordable option. Most lodgings include great amenities such as spas, pools, dining options, and hospitality like you’ve never had. Don’t let the low prices scare you. More often than not, while you’re in Bali, you will think this is too good to be true but don’t worry, it is true, and this is real life. Some of the more quaint, locally owned accommodations are even more magical than the larger more modernized resorts found throughout the island. It’s all about the kind of experience you want to have.
What Part of Bali Should I Stay in?
The most popular and lively places to stay in Bali are Ubud, Seminyak, and Kuta. Ubud is centrally located and in the middle of the jungle. Room rates start as low as $15 a night, and I am not talking about staying in a Hostel either. The places you will find at these prices will shock you for the value. Seminyak is a more relaxed yet trendy area with nearby epic beaches. Rates roughly begin around $20. Closer to the airport is Kuta. It is overdeveloped, but tourists flock to this well-known area for good surf and vibes. Here you can find great rooms for under $100.
However sweet these prices sound, if your budget allows, there are spectacular places to stay for just a few more bucks. Splurge, you’re on vacation.
Things to do
Even though I don’t have an itinerary for this particular trip, there are things on my list I definitely would like to see. But, again, I have yet to plan or pre-book anything because I will visit family.
They will have their own itinerary for me, which will be better than anything I could prepare for.
However, some of the things on my list include the following;
– Being in the MOMENT while getting in much needed R&R at as many beaches & spas as I can visit after such a long journey.
-Visiting neighboring islands such as Nusa Penida, the Gillis, and or Lombok
-Hiking to insane waterfalls in the middle of the Jungle in Ubud.
-Take a Yoga class in the Jungle of Ubud
-Tour the beautiful Tegallalang Rice Terraces
-Visiting Temples for ceremonies such as the magical Pura Tirta Empul water Temple
-Laying out with a Bintang at the sandbar listening to music and catching as many Sunsets as possible.
-There are even some beach clubs I want to check out this time, like Karma, Old Man’s Canggu, and Single Fin. (I know, a little touristy of me, but hey, I am on vacation after all, and an Espresso Martini is bound to find me.)
Anything you choose to do will be far more epic than you could have anticipated. 
Not always having an itinerary or expectations can lead you to an incredible adventure that brings you memories you wouldn’t have even dreamt of. Bali is the most peaceful place and is like a piece of heaven on Earth.
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