2 Weeks in Bali and the Gili Islands: Full Itinerary + Travel Tips
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Got two weeks and thinking about Indonesia? This Bali and Gili Islands itinerary for 2 weeks is your perfect plan to see the best of both, without burning out or bouncing between only the busiest spots.
I live in Bali and spend the dry season in the Gilis, so this isn’t a trip I took once and turned into a post. It’s a route I’ve done again and again, tweaking what works depending on the season, crowds, and vibe.
In this itinerary, I’ll show you how to structure your days so you get more than just beach photos—you’ll leave actually feeling like you spent time in both places. Let’s get into it.
Itinerary Map
How To Move Around This Itinerary:
👉 If you are willing to drive a car you can hire one via Klook.com or get a private driver here
👉 In case you are travelling light and want to rent a bike, BikAgo is the most used in Bali
👉 For your trips from and to the airport I would recommend getting an airport transfer on klook.com.
In case you don’t want to drive around you can easily get an affordable driver to take you from place to place or jump on a Grab scooter (with a driver) which is available on most touristy places!
Day 1 to 3: Ubud And Lovina
In the first 3 days, we will explore Ubud, which would be a bit touristy but unmissable and move to the quiet Lovina.
Why Ubud? It’s the cultural hub of Bali and while it’s definitely busy, this is where you can explore temples, go for wellness retreats, check out the monkey forest and so on…
As a female solo traveller, I also made really good friends here and people are friendly!
Lovina will be a totally different environment where you can relax, explore insane waterfalls and temples!
Day 1: Ubud
On your first day in Bali, check in at the Anumana Hotel in Ubud. I love this place because it’s right next to the Monkey Forest and you can literally walk anywhere you want.
From here, go check out the Monkey Forest right away. I would recommend getting a guide for this because monkeys can be cheeky! However, you don’t even need to enter the forest to see the monkeys; they are everywhere on that road, especially before sunset!
In the afternoon, head to the Tirta Empul Temple for a spiritual cleansing experience. This is one of my favourite things to do in Ubud, even as a resident! I always come back like a brand new person afterwards.
👉 Book your spiritual cleansing experience here!
After this, go back to the hotel and freshen up because I’ll take you somewhere magical for sunset!
We are going to the Sayan Point! It’s a local warung (which means local eatery) located in the best location in Ubud – from here you can watch the best sunset over the rice fields and forest.
The restaurant is pretty affordable and has international options too.
Before going to bed, make sure your balcony is clear because monkeys will hang out there and steal everything you have! The nice side of this is that you can wake up and see the monkeys on your balcony, and its super cute!
-> Check out this blog post for more places to stay in Ubud, split by area or this post specifically for female solo travellers in Ubud
Day 2: Ubud
This is the day you will explore the famous Balinese rice fields and waterfalls. I would recommend getting on a tour for this so that you really optimise your time and come back to Ubud at a decent time.
👉 This tour for example covers a bit of both
If you don’t want to go for the tour, make sure you visit the Tegallalang Rice Terrace and Tibumana Waterfall. If you are passionate about waterfalls, then skip these around Ubud and go to the bigger ones in north Bali (more on this later in the blog post!).
An alternative to the Tegallalang Rice Terrace is a cute and relaxing walk I always do in Ubud called Sari Organic Walk. You get to see some really nice rice fields and cute cafes on the way. It’s a short walk but pretty!
👉 Check out more walks in Bali for free on the AllTrails site
Once you’re back from these walks in nature, get ready for the evening as we are going to watch the Kecak Dance in Ubud Palace!
This dance is incredible to watch, there is chanting, singing and fire involved.
👉 Get your tickets here in advance and go there early to secure a seat right on the front!
Day 3: Ubud to Lovina
On your last day in Ubud, try a yoga class surrounded by the forest and rivers (my favourite place is The Yoga Barn) or treat yourself to a relaxing spa session offering traditional Balinese massages!
👉 I tried Svaha SPA and it was amazing! You can read my full review here.
![A woman in a green dress crouches near the edge of a path, placing a small offering on the ground surrounded by tall grass. Lush jungle with towering palm trees stretches out behind her under a vibrant blue sky. [From Blog Post: Bali and Gili Islands itinerary 2 weeks]](https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PXL_20240713_052950533-EDIT-530x530.jpg)
If you prefer another nice walk in nature, go for Campuhan Ridge Walk. It’s one of my favourites to do in Ubud because it starts with a beautiful temple and you walk up a beautiful trail until the top, where you get rewarded with nice cafes!
In the evening you will move to Lovina where you will spend the night.
👉 The Puri Bagus Lovina is my favourite hotel in Lovina and I totally fell in love with it! It’s right by the beach and has a lovely pool too!
-> Find more hotel options for Lovina (for all price ranges) here
Day 4 to 6: Lovina to Amed
From Lovina, we will move to Amed in the far east of Bali! This is such an incredible opportunity to learn about local culture!
I literally attended lots of ceremonies here and ate way too many fried bananas with locals! Amed is also one of the best spots in Bali for snorkelling and diving!
Day 4: Lovina
On your first day in Lovina, get a morning off my chilling by the black sand beach. You will need a minute to relax from the crowds in Ubud!
In the afternoon, I would visit the Buddhist temple Brahmavihara-Arama, it is a beautiful temple and still active! There is so much to learn here, and last time I went I got some really nice pictures too!
In the evening, go for a nice local dinner at the Warung Nemo Lovina, it’s a delicious local restaurant right on the beach!
-> Check out more places to eat in Lovina here
Lovina is really famous for the dolphin tours, where you can see them and swim right next to them. As nice as it sounds, unfortunately, these tours are not ethical, so I wouldn’t recommend booking one 🙂
Day 5: Waterfalls in North Bali!
If you love waterfalls, today is your lucky day!
North Bali is famous for WATERFALLS and really untouch nature (for now). I have to say I’m not a big fan of waterfalls but I went anyway and wow they blew my mind!
You have 2 options here depending on how much time you have available.
- Munduk Waterfalls: these waterfalls are close to each other and don’t really need a guide for them (find out more here)
- Sekumpul Waterfalls: the highest in Bali and absolutely stunning (read more about these here)
Like always, when you’re running out of time, a tour is the best option. 👉 I highly recommend this tour to the Sekumpul Waterfalls.These are the ones I liked the most and will never forget!
Day 6: Amed
Today, head south along Bali’s eastern coast to Amed, early in the morning.
👉 I recommend staying at the Hidden Paradise Cottages, the property is right on the beach and close to restaurants/shops!
-> Check out more places to stay in Amed here!
Leave your bags at the hotel and go snorkelling immediately! You can literally snorkel on your own in Lipah Beach or book a tour to explore different spots!
👉 Check out this snorkelling tour to discover a beautiful underwater temple!
Remember, there is no Grab or Gojek in Amed so you will need to rent a scooter, bike or walk to get to places! If it’s a rainy day, no problem!
There is still a lot of things to do in Amed when it rains, from yoga classes to massages, visiting temples and so on!
At the end of your day, head to the Smiling Buddha for dinner. This is one of my favourite places to eat in Amed. Right on the beach and private. They have the best Nasi Goreng here!
Day 7 to 10: Gili Islands
For the next few days we are going to Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air.
While these islands are pretty touristy (especially Gili Trawangan) they are still worth visiting as the local culture is totally different from Bali.
These islands are part of Lombok which is mainly led by a Muslim culture (although not strict at all on Gili islands!).
So, no more ceremonies and colourful offerings in sight but they will be replaced by still awesome people and smiles all around.
Here I met my best friends 5 years ago, she is a local and I go to visit as much as I can. I’m sure these islands will steal your heart too!
Day 7: Gili Trawangan
Wake up and get on the first speedboat to Gili Trawangan from Padang Bai.
👉 I would recommend booking it through Get Your Guide. This is the safest and stadiest boat from Bali to Gili Trawangan!
What I love the most about Gili Trawangan is that there are no cars! You can walk or ride a bike to get around but you won’t hear any engine around and there won’t be any pollution or traffic!
While islands like Nusa Penida and Lembongan are a lot closer to Bali I feel like I can’t really switch off as there will still be cars and scooters around! The Gilis instead, are pretty unique and obviously very small!
This is your chance to totally recharge from your experience in Bali and take some time for yourself.
👉 Check in at the La Cocoteraie Ecolodge which is a really cool glamping experience on the island!
-> Find more unique accommodations on the island here!
Today you can walk around the island and relax. Don’t forget to watch the sunset on the west coast.
There will be live music almost every day at that time and it’s magical!
Day 8: Gili Air and Gili Meno
Hop on a speedboat from Gili Trawangan to Gili Air and Gili Meno. I would recommend booking a snorkelling trip that covers all islands in one day.
Gili Air and Meno are very small, you can easily squeeze them both in one day. These trips would also include anything you need, snorkelling and they are quite affordable.
👉 Book your snorkelling trip here! I had so much on this tour and took my mum too!
The only thing I would say is that if you are visiting during the rainy season, you might not find many boats/tours. Just to be specific, the rainy season is from November to February.
Day 9: Lombok
Did you know the Gili Islands are part of Lombok? From my experience, Lombok deserves a all different trip because it’s very different from Bali and there is a lot to see… BUT!
👉 The Gilis are really close to Lombok so if you want to go for a full day trip to Lombok to get a taste, go for this private tour! You agree on the itinerary and it’s pretty affordable!
If you want to stay on Gili Trawangan, you can rent a paddleboard or go for a sunrise experience on the island (including cool drone shots to watch later!)
Day 10: Gili Trawangan
Rent a bike in Gili Trawangan and go for a ride around the island!
You can get it from anywhere on the island or it’s very likely your accommodation would offer some for a fee.
It should be about $5 per day and it’s honestly the best way to visit the island!If you want to get some local food, head to Sumi Sate, they have the best Indonesian dishes and it’s super affordable.
Day 11 to 15: Sanur and Uluwatu
You will end your trip in Sanur and Uluwatu, these places are pretty close to the airport so I always recommend closing the itinerary this way!
Sanur is a bit quiet but perfect for swimming and relaxing beach days while Uluwatu is pretty touristy and busy with surfers!
If you are travelling alone, Uluwatu will be a place where you can easily meet other people and go to trendy cafes!
![A row of striped beach chairs and umbrellas lines the soft sand under leaning palm trees on a calm, sunny beach. A few boats float in the shallow water under a clear blue sky, suggesting a peaceful, upscale resort vibe. [From Blog Post: Bali and Gili Islands itinerary 2 weeks]](https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PXL_20241018_072328401-EDIT-EDIT-530x530.jpg)
Day 11: Sanur
Wake up early and get the first speedboat to Sanur.
👉 Get your tickets on 12Go, they have different options and it’s easy to book!
The journey would take around 4 hours so it’s pretty long and you will need to relax until the end of the day.
Sanur is a pretty magical place! I lived here for a long time! While there aren’t as many young tourists as in Canggu or Uluwatu – it’s worth visiting for sure!
If you like evening walks as much as I do, well, Sanur has the most amazing walking path right on the beach. You can either walk or ride a bike (in the bike lane).
I find Sanur super romantic, with lots of really good restaurants too. Plus, in the evening they have live music almost every day.
👉 Check in at the Hyatt Regency. This is one of the most beautiful resorts in Bali! The rooms are insanely beautiful and it’s right by the beach. In the evening, they have glamorous dinners or BBQs.
If you want to splurge on a really good hotel on this itinerary, I would say to go on this one!
Day 12: Sanur
On day 12, go for an unforgettable snorkelling experience in Nusa Penida, an Indonesian island with some of the most incredible coral reefs in the world.
👉 Book this experience, I absolutely loved it! Great snorkelling and I’ve also met lots of nice travellers!
If you don’t like snorkelling, there are lots of things to do in Sanur in one day. You can rent a sunbed for the day, check out the shopping centre Icon Bali, rent a bike, visit the turtle sanctuaries and much more!
Day 13: Uluwatu
This morning, move to Uluwatu!
👉 I always recommend staying at the Radisson Blu, it’s my go-to place every time I go to Uluwatu! It’s a beautiful resort and you can walk to the beach through a back door!
Next, head to Bingin Beach! This is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu. Not just because it’s stunning and perfect for surfing but the vibe here is amazing!
You get a mix of locals and tourists, nice cafes and live music on most evenings.
As a solo traveller, I have to say this is probably my favourite beach in Bali because it’s super safe and I actually met other girls too!
Plus, if you want to start surfing, you can take beginner classes here from any of the schools on the beach.
![View from above of a few people relaxing and taking photos along a beach at sunset, with soft pink hues reflecting on the calm ocean. A large tropical plant dominates the foreground, adding depth to the peaceful seaside scene. [From Blog Post: Bali and Gili Islands itinerary 2 weeks]](https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PXL_20230109_105512228-EDIT-530x530.jpg)
I’m not joking when I say I spend entire days here. It takes a good 10 minutes of steps to get down but once you’re there, you have everything you need and beyond.
2026 UPDATE:
Most of the businesses in Bingin beach have been demolished! It’s a long story but the beach now doesn’t look great! I would go directly to Padang Padang Beach or Dreamland Beach.
In the afternoon, visit the stunning Uluwatu Temple and stay for the Kecak dance show.
Although is the same dance as the one I recommended in Ubud, the setting is totally different. It’s on top of a cliff by the Ocean!
👉 I went with this tour and the guide tought me all about the temple, protected me from monkeys and gave me the best seats for the Kecak dance with sunset!
Day 14: Uluwatu
Wake up early and go for a cool workout at Bamboo Fitness. One of the most popular gyms in Bali!
They have all sorts of classes and new equipment – it’s amazing!
After your class, head to Padang Padang Beach. You would need to pay a small fee to get to the beach and careful as there will be a few monkeys around!
This beach is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. They also offer beginner classes here as the waves are very forgiving.
In the evening, go watch a stunning sunset at Single Fin. Just make sure to go early to secure a good spot and nice drink!
Day 15: Uluwatu and the airport!
On your last day in Bali, go for a delish breakfast at Nourish. They have different options here and it’s a cool place to hang out.
![A woman wrapped in a white towel stands on a wooden balcony, smiling slightly as the sunset glows behind her. The view shows modern resort rooftops surrounded by palm trees and a soft pastel sky fading into dusk. [From Blog Post: Bali and Gili Islands itinerary 2 weeks]](https://thegoodobserverblog.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/PXL_20230714_095402723.MP2-EDIT-530x530.jpg)
If you are staying at the 👉 Radisson Blu – you have the best breakfast buffet! No need to head out for breakfast!
After filling up your belly, head to the Impossible beach. This is a tiny beach and not crowded at all.
Most of the time I’m there, I’m the only person on the beach and it’s lovely.If you want some crowds instead, opt for Dream Beach before heading to the airport.
Alternatives: If you want to go for a less touristy experience, swap Sanur with Nusa Lembongan. This island is incredible, there are many food options and plenty of activities, such as snorkelling and diving.
It is far less crowded than Sanur and yet still provides an unforgettable experience. The locals are friendly and welcoming towards tourists, so it could be the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
Plus, you can easily get to Nusa Lembongan from nearby Denpasar or Sanur via a short boat ride!
FAQs: Answering your burning questions
I would say during the dry season, which goes from March to October. August is definitely the busiest time so I would avoid it if you can.
The rainy season is not that bad, but if you are planning outdoor activities or visiting the Gilis, you might have to reschedule a few things as the weather would be unpredictable!
In my experience, 3 to 4 days are enough to visit all 3 of them. However, if you really enjoy the small island kind of vibe, you can stay for a week or more!
Absolutely not!
You’ll have plenty of time to explore different regions at your own pace and probably get an idea of where to stay for longer next time you visit!
However, if you want to stay for fewer days, you could easily wrap your trip in 10 days as well!
Yes! You can also reach the Gilis from Lombok if you are landing there.
But most people would land in Bali and explore that island before moving to the Gilis.
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Are You Ready To Go?
Now that you know what to expect on a less-touristy 2-week itinerary of Bali and Gilis, check out Skyscanner to see when it’s the next affordable price to Bali!
I normally set up notifications so that as soon as the prices go down, I receive an email.
Ciao for now,
Silvia x
Related Blog Posts:
Best Kecak Dance In Bali 2026: My Top Picks
17 Best Things To Do In Gili Air (2026 Guide + Local Tips)
Where To Stay in Gili Air: My Honest Guide After Living On The Island
The Ultimate 4-Day Ubud Itinerary for First-Timers
Ubigi eSIM In Bali: My Honest Review As A Long Term Bali Resident
Day Trip to Uluwatu: What to Do in Uluwatu for a Day (Solo Travel Guide)
Best Places to Stay in Nusa Lembongan (Top Areas + Where to Book)
Best Places To Stay In Kuta Lombok For Female Solo Travellers
Travel Guide To Nusa Lembongan for Female Solo Travellers
Where to Stay in Amed for Female Solo Travellers
Why Amed? Reasons to Visit Amed That No One Talks About
Don’t land in Bali unprepared
A free step-by-step checklist that helps you prepare everything from documents and health to accommodation, activities, and food allergies, all in one place.
✍️ Bali Travel Planning Guide 🌴
Before you start your unforgettable journey to Bali here are the essential tips every female solo traveller should know:
📱 Do I need an eSIM for Bali?
✅ Yes. Having data from the moment you land makes your trip so much easier. I recommend Ubigi eSIM, which connects instantly without queuing at the airport for a SIM card and works better than other eSIMs I have tested. 👉 Get your Indonesia plan now
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Bali?
✅ 100% YES! — My #1 safety tip for all travellers is to buy travel insurance for every trip in case anything happens during their visit (and yes, Bali belly is a thing!). I highly recommend HeyMondo – you get 24/7 support and it’s budget-friendly!
💧Can you drink the water in Bali?
🚱 No — It’s recommended to drink filtered or bottled water in Bali (I even brush my teeth with filtered water).
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Bali accommodations?
My go-to for Bali hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I normally go for Hostelworld (you can also filter by private rooms if you want!). If you love pets you should consider Trusted Housesitters, you would get free accommodation in exchange for looking after amazing pets ❤️
🐒 What’s the best way to book my Bali activities?
Get Your Guide and Viator are the best ones. You can go through the reviews to learn more about each activity and they have amazing customer support!
🛒 Will I find tampons in Bali?
Yes! However, they are hard to find! Get the guide with the list of sellers and Google Map here!
🚕 How can I book my taxi in advance from the airport to my accommodation?
I always recommend reserving your taxi in advance via Klook. This is because it will ask you for flight details and the driver will be able to track your flight in real time. I would book my taxi especially when I fly to new places or get there at night time! If you want to rent a car, Klook is still your best bet. They have cars available to pick up right at the airport! For scooter rental in Bali, go to BikAgo.
🏄🏽 Where can I book surf camps or yoga retreats?
Booksurfcamps.com is the best for surf camps all over the world. Use Bookyogaretreats.com for the best yoga retreats in Bali and worldwide.
✈️ What’s the best site to book my flight?
Skyscanner is definitely the best one out there! I love their “explore everywhere” function for when I need inspiration on where to go next! If you will embark on a long flight and you love showering in between flights or just using the lounges in airports all over the world, check out Lounge Passes on Klook, GetYourGuide or get a lounge membership on Priority Pass!
🎫 Do I need a visa for Bali?
👍 Yes — US, UK, and EU passport holders can get the Visa On Arrival (Tourist Visa) valid for 30 days in Bali. Read more here)
💰 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: The currency here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and there are plenty of ATMs if you need cash. I always withdraw from ATMs to get the best rates (select “no” when it asks you if you accept the conversion rate). The best debit card to use when travelling to Bali is Wise!
🚕 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Getting around Bali is easy peasy! Rent your scooter on BikAgo. The alternative would be getting a scooter taxi using Grab or Gojek which are safe and cheap in major places like Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu. You can also book your private driver!
