How to spend 3 weeks in Bali

Imagine three weeks in a tropical paradise where lush green landscapes meet pristine beaches and vibrant culture blends seamlessly with serene relaxation. Bali, an Indonesian gem, offers an enchanting vacation that suits all types of travelers. In this guide, you can choose the best Bali itinerary for 3 weeks that will allow you to experience the best this magical island has to offer. Explore ancient temples and savor local cuisine, discover hidden waterfalls and enjoy world-class surfing - your Balinese adventure awaits.

See our other Bali itineraries: | 5 days | 7 days | 10 days | 14 days |

Itinerary #1: Beach bliss in Bali

If your idea of paradise is golden sands, azure waters and waves crashing against the shore, then Bali's beaches are the place to be. This Bali itinerary for 3 weeks takes you from bustling beach towns to secluded coastal nooks, and you can enjoy the sun and surf.

You'll start in Kuta, known for its vibrant nightlife and surf-friendly waves. Spend the first 2 days surfing, sunbathing and exploring the local markets.

On day 3 you'll head to Seminyak, where upscale beach clubs and chic boutiques await. On days 4 and 5, you'll relax on the beach during the day and enjoy the nightlife without missing the sunset at the famous Potato Head Beach Club.

Days 6 to 10 are dedicated to the Bukit Peninsula, home to some of Bali's most stunning beaches. Relax in Jimbaran Bay with its calm waters and seafood dinners on the beach. Visit Uluwatu with its spectacular cliffs and world-class surf spots.

On days 11 to 14, you will take day trips to Padang Padang and Bingin beaches, where you can relax in a more secluded location, enjoying the clear waters and serene nature.

The last week of your journey will take you to the tranquil town of Sanur. Cycle along the beach promenade, indulge in water sports and embark on a day trip to Nusa Lembongan, where unspoilt beaches and snorkelling await. Finish your vacation with a relaxing beach massage and a feast of fresh seafood. Book this trip.

Sanur beach, Bali © Shutterstock

Sanur beach, Bali © Shutterstock

Silhouettes of people at sunset on the beach of Kuta, Bali, Indonesia © Netfalls Remy Musser/Shutterstock

Sunset on the beach of Kuta, Bali, Indonesia © Netfalls Remy Musser/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Bali itinerary for 3 weeks:

Days 1-2

  • Surfing and sunbathing on Kuta Beach.
  • Exploring local markets and shops.

Days 3-5

  • Transfer to Seminyak.
  • Relaxing at Seminyak Beach.
  • Visiting upscale beach clubs.
  • Enjoying sunset at Potato Head Beach Club.

Days 6-10

  • Transfer to the Bukit Peninsula.
  • Lounging at Jimbaran Bay.
  • Surfing at Uluwatu.
  • Day trips to Padang Padang and Bingin beaches.

Days 11-14

  • Continuing to explore Padang Padang and Bingin beaches.
  • Relaxing and enjoying the serene coastal scenery.

Days 15-21

  • Transfer to Sanur.
  • Relaxing on Sanur's beaches.
  • Exploring Nusa Lembongan's pristine beaches.
  • Beachside massages and fresh seafood dinners.

Trip tip: to avoid the hassle of planning, book this Bali itinerary for 3 weeks.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali © Shutterstock

Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali © Shutterstock

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Bali Romance

Imagine three weeks of romance in Bali, where lush landscapes, serene beaches and intimate experiences set the stage for an unforgettable trip with your loved one. From secluded corners to enchanting sunsets, let this Bali itinerary for 3 weeks breathe life into your romance.

Start your romantic journey in Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, where you'll spend the first 4 days. Stay in a luxury villa surrounded by rice paddies, visit the Sacred Monkey Forest and enjoy a couples spa.

From day 5 to 7, you will explore Uluwatu. Watch the mesmerising Kechak dance at Uluwatu Temple and enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean at Jimbaran Bay. In the afternoon, explore the rugged cliffs of Uluwatu and visit its iconic temple.

Then head to the serene island of Nusa Penida, where from days 8 to 10 you'll explore the stunning scenery together - from the dramatic cliffs of Kelingking Beach to the turquoise waters of Angel's Billabong Beach.

Days 11 to 14 are dedicated to a more active vacation on Nusa Penida. Enjoy snorkelling with manta rays and explore the secluded beaches. Take leisurely walks along the coastline and relax on the soft sands of Crystal Bay. Enjoy quiet moments together, soaking up the tranquility and natural beauty of the island.

The last week of your romantic getaway will be spent in the quiet town of Canggu. Stroll hand-in-hand along the black sand beaches, dine in cosy cafes and explore the vibrant local art scene. End your stay here with a sunset horseback ride along the beach followed by a candlelit dinner. Book this trip.

Bali coast near Canggu © Shutterstock

Bali coast near Canggu © Shutterstock

Broken beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Broken beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Bali itinerary for 3 weeks:

Days 1-4

  • Stay in a luxury villa surrounded by rice paddies in Ubud.
  • Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest.
  • Enjoy a couples’ spa day.
  • Explore Ubud Art Market and Ubud Palace.

Days 5-7

  • Explore Uluwatu’s rugged cliffs and visit Uluwatu Temple.
  • Relax on the white sandy beach of Bingin Beach.
  • Optional: Surfing at Bingin Beach.
  • Watch the mesmerizing Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple during sunset.
  • Enjoy romantic dinners with ocean views at Jimbaran Bay.

Day 8

  • Discover the dramatic cliffs and take photos at Kelingking Beach.
  • Hike down to the beach and enjoy the scenery.

Day 9

  • Swim and snorkel in the turquoise waters of Angel’s Billabong.
  • Have a romantic picnic on a secluded beach.

Day 10

  • Explore more of Nusa Penida’s beaches and coastline.
  • Enjoy leisurely walks and quiet moments together.

Day 11

  • Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point.
  • Relax on the soft sands of Crystal Bay.

Days 12-14

  • Explore more secluded beaches and coves around Nusa Penida.
  • Take leisurely walks along the coastline.
  • Enjoy sunset views from different viewpoints on the island.

Day 15

  • Transfer to Canggu, check into your accommodation.

Days 16-20

  • Explore Canggu’s black sand beaches, such as Echo Beach.
  • Take romantic walks along the shorelines.
  • Discover intimate cafes and beachfront restaurants.
  • Explore the local art scene with visits to galleries and workshops.
  • Optional: Take a cooking class together.
  • Day trip: Visit Tanah Lot Temple for sunset views.

Day 21

  • Enjoy a sunset horseback ride along the beach.
  • Conclude your romantic journey with a candlelit dinner on the beach.

Trip tip: Simplify your adventure - book your Bali itinerary for 3 weeks now.

The beautiful diamond beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

The beautiful diamond beach in Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Secret Jimbaran beach, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Secret Jimbaran beach, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Bali's most exciting adventure

For those with an unquenchable thirst for adventure, Bali offers an exciting array of activities that will get your heart racing. From rugged landscapes to underwater wonders, embark on a 3-week adventure that promises thrills at every turn.

Spend the first 4 days in Ubud, where you can hike the Tegalalang rice terraces and raft down the Ayung River. Visit the Tirta Empul Temple to take part in a traditional purification ritual and explore the Goa Gajah Cave.

Next, you'll head to Amed on the East Coast, where you'll devote days 5 through 7 to incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities. Discover the USS Liberty shipwreck at Tulamben and explore the colorful coral gardens.

On day 8 you will try freediving and then depart on day 9 for an excursion to the nearby Gili Islands where you will spend the day 10 enjoying new underwater adventures.

On days 11 to 14, you'll head to the adventure hub of Munduk to hike to breathtaking waterfalls such as Munduk and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.

Days 15 to 17 are dedicated to canyoning at Gitgit Falls and exploring the stunning scenery of Lake Bratan and the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.

Your exciting 3-week Bali adventure will come to an end in the vicinity of Mount Batur. From days 18 to 21, you can relax in the nearby natural hot springs, visit the volcanic crater and engage in optional activities such as fishing at Lake Batur. Book this trip now.

Batur sunrise Bali © Shutterstock

Batur sunrise Bali © Shutterstock

View of Agung volcano from the ocean,  Amed, Karangasem Regency, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

View of Agung volcano from the ocean, Amed, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Bali itinerary for 3 weeks:

Days 1-4

  • Arrival in Ubud.
  • Hike the picturesque Tegalalang rice terraces.
  • Experience thrilling white-water rafting on the Ayung River.
  • Visit Tirta Empul Temple for a traditional purification ritual.
  • Explore the mystical Goa Gajah Cave.

Days 5-8

  • Transfer to Amed.
  • Discover incredible diving and snorkelling at Amed.
  • Explore the USS Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben.
  • Enjoy vibrant coral gardens beneath the clear waters.
  • Try freediving in the pristine waters of Amed.

Days 9-10

  • Depart for an excursion to the nearby Gili Islands.
  • Explore underwater adventures around the Gili Islands.

Days 11-14

  • Transfer to Munduk.
  • Embark on exhilarating hikes to Munduk and Banyumala Twin Waterfalls.
  • Discover the lush landscapes and serene beauty of Munduk.

Days 15-17

  • Enjoy adventurous canyoning at Gitgit Falls.
  • Explore the scenic Lake Bratan and visit Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.

Days 18-21

  • Relax in natural hot springs near Mount Batur.
  • Visit the volcanic crater and witness its awe-inspiring views.
  • Optional activities include fishing at Lake Batur and further exploration of the area's natural wonders.

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Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 28.06.2024

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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