Visit Bali in 3 weeks

You are planning a 3-week vacation and want to know Bali like the back of your hand? This is the perfect itinerary for you.

This road trip from Jimbaran to Nusa Penida, from North to South, allows you to discover the must-sees of the Island of the Gods. You will absolutely love your vacations!

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting this in 3-week road trip in Bali:

• Visit Uluwatu Temple in Jimbaran
• Stroll around Tabanan’s local market
• Snorkel to see Pemuteran’s beautiful sea life
• Admire dolphins swimming away in the sunrise in Lovina
• Live along the fishermen in Amed
• Discover Candidasa, between tradition and thrilling activities
• Get your breath taken away while hiking along the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud
• Relax on the beaches of Sanur

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Itinerary to discover Bali’s must-sees in 3 weeks

Jimbaran > Tabanan > Pemuteran > Lovina > Amed > Candidasa > Ubud > Sanur

Some practical information before your road trip in Bali

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your 3-week itinerary in Bali? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this road trip in Bali is between may and october. It is dry season so the temperatures are nicer, there is less rain and humidity. Ocean’s temperature is perfect all-year long. More information here.

In addition to its gorgeous landscapes, Bali has amazing food ! Here are 3 dishes that you should absolutely try during your road trip. First,  Nasi Goreng, made of fried rice, onions, vegetables and chicken topped-off with a fried egg. Then, Mie Goreng, made of the same ingredients as the previous one, but instead of rice it’s delicious noodles. Finally, as a desert you can enjoy Black Rice Pudding, which is black rice mixed up with vanilla, coco milk and palm sugar. May not be the best looking but truly delicious !

Contents: 3-week road trip in Bali

1- Jimbaran – Stop 1 of the 3-week road trip in Bali
2- Tabanan – Stop 2 of the 3-week road trip in Bali
3- Pemuteran – Stop 3 of the 3-week road trip in Bali
4- Lovina – Stop 4 of the 3-week road trip in Bali
5- Amed – Stop 5 of the 3-week road trip in Bali
6- Candidasa – Stop 6 of the 3-week road trip in Bali
7- Ubud – Stop 7 of the 3-week road trip in Bali
8- Sanur – Stop 8 of the 3-week road trip in Bali

Itinerary of a 3-week road trip in Bali : step by step

What to do in Jimbaran?

A calm and soothing city, Jimbaran will be the place to rest before you start exploring the island during your 3-week road trip in Bali. 

• Buy fresh fish and/or seafood from the market by the beach of Jimbaran, get them cooked in the nearby restaurants and eat your fresh food on the beach.
• Take a dip in the Indian Ocean to freshen up. But beware of the waves!
• Attend a traditional Balinese dance show.
• Visit Uluwatu temple, it is inhabited by monkeys! Get there in the evening and get to see the gorgeous sunset.
• Admire the sunset while enjoying a fruit cocktail.
• To end your relaxing stop perfectly, learn about foot reflexology and get a massage after a long day of walking.

Where to sleep in Jimbaran?

• Mid-range: Located just a 2-minute walk from Balangan Beach, La Joya Biu Biu Resort offers 2 infinity pools, a private beach and spacious air-conditioned rooms with private terraces and majestic ocean views.
• High-end: Located on the beachfront, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay features an outdoor pool with stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The resort is home to 3 Balinese-style restaurants (enjoy freshly caught seafood in the surrounding restaurants and villas) set in tropical gardens.

What to do in Tabanan?

Tabanan is famous for its rice fields as well as its popular or relaxing activities. 

• Get a traditional massage surrounded by rice fields.
• Learn to make traditional Balinese offerings.
• Stroll around the farmers’ market and discover local products. It’s the perfect first immersion in the local culture of this 3-week road trip in Bali.
• Go to a Balinese school and meet welcoming and curious children.
• Explore the Jatiluwih rice terraces where you can take a walk and enjoy the panoramic view.
• Visit Batukaru Temple, one of Bali’s emblematic temple, in the middle of the jungle.
• Stop by Balian beach and appreciate the wild black sand beach and vibrant blue water.
• Explore the Butterfly Park and discover many colorful butterfly species.
• 15km /9.3 miles away, go looking for private spas with sulphur, potassium and sodium water.

Where to sleep in Tabanan?

• High-end: Rest and rejuvenate at Nirjhara. It has a restaurant, outdoor pool, gym and bar. The hotel is brand new and clean, so you’re bound to like it.

What to do in Pemuteran?

Fishermen’s village, Pemuteran and its inhabitants love to welcome and meet travelers from all around the world. Its authenticity will make you fall for this village. 

• Go snorkeling or diving and explore the translucent sea.
• Visit the city’s many temples, they are all different. There is a monkey temple, these cunning animals like to steal your shiny things and food…beware! One of the most beautiful temple is Pebean temple, right next to the sea.
• Make sure to get to Batu Kursi temple right before the sunset and get to see this beautiful show. It will be a wonderful memory of your 3-week road trip in Bali.
• Explorers, walk in the wild jungle and, just like Tarzan, swing from liana to liana.

Where to sleep in Pemuteran?

• Mid-range: Located 1.5 km from Pemuteran Beach, Tiara Homestay Pemuteran Bali offers a restaurant, garden and a front desk open h24, in a quiet and relaxing setting.
• High-end: With attentive staff and breathtaking mountain views, Sumberkima Hill Retreat offers luxury and tranquillity.

What to do in Lovina?

Black sand beach, perfect for snorkelling and diving lovers. Lovina has many gems for you to discover. 

• Stroll through the streets of Lovina and get a feel of the city’s atmosphere.
• Go for a boat-tour to meet dolphins. Get up early in the morning and marvel at the sun rising surrounded by your new friends.
• 15km / 9.3 miles away, head to the Air Panas Banjar Hot Spring (it’s super cheap to get in!). Our tip : after taking a dip in the hot springs, go take a shower if you don’t want to end up orange! 
• Go diving and explore the ocean and the coral reefs, don’t forget your waterproof camera!
• 20min away, visit Singaraja, which means « lion king », and head to Gitgit waterfall to cool down before going on with your hike.
• Less than an hour away, in the heart of the island, discover Munduk, its mountains, waterfalls and coffee plantations. It’s a great day-tour, full of discoveries that will make you discover another side of Bali during your 3-week road trip.

Where to sleep in Lovina?

• Mid-range: Surrounded by nature and tropical gardens, Sanshikirana House‘s rooms include a terrace with sea views and a private bathroom with bath or shower.
• High-end: Take a diversion to Villa Nirwana. It offers an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour reception, all on the beachfront.

What to do in Amed?

Fishermen’s village, unspoiled by mass tourism, Amed will be a relaxing and lovely stop of this 3-week road trip in Bali. 

• Rent a scooter and explore Amed and its surroundings easily.
• Haven’t had time to go snorkeling yet? Go to one of the city’s beaches and explore the ocean. You could even come across a Japanese ship wreck.
• Relax on the iconic volcanic black/grey sand, be careful it can be very (very) hot! Remember black absorbs heat.
• Go fishing with the locals and maybe they’ll teach you their know-how.
• Eat some fresh fish, cooked the traditional Balinese way.
• Spend your nights listening to traditional musics with your new friends in the city’s bars and restaurants.
• Taste the traditional rice alcohol, the Arak. We are warning you, it is quite strong! It tastes better in cocktails than alone.
• Get a traditional massage by the ocean.

Where to sleep in Amed?

• Mid-range: Facing the sea with a view of the volcano, this is the view from De Adema Guesthouse. Described as the best stop in Amed by travellers, this guesthouse offers everything you need.
• High-end: Want to stay in a villa of more than 100 square metres by the sea? Then the Aquamarine Sea View Villa is for you. Tastefully decorated, the villa offers spectacular views of the Lombok Strait from its private pool and includes a large terrace and lounge.

What to do in Candidasa?

Candidasa is a calm city with beautiful nature where you will be able to recharge your batteries before going on with your 3-week road trip in Bali. 

• Walk on beautiful hidden beaches like Pasir Putih, white sand, vibrant blue water and palm trees …
• Sip on a fresh coconut juice, feet in the water and head under the warm sun.
• Get your snorkelling gear out and go explore the sea.
• Visit Goa Lawah temple and enjoy the stunning view of the sea.
• A lagoon in the city? Are you sure? Yes we are! Lotus Lagoon will be heaven on Earth.
• You love big thrills? Go rafting with your friends or family. Laughs, splashes and breathtaking landscapes will make a unforgettable memory.
• Right next to Candidasa, go back in time while visiting the village of Tenganan where Balinese indigenous tribes used to live.
• Hikers and explorers, go for the amazing hike up Mount Agung. Ready to live a once-in-a-lifetime experience?
• If you are not the hiker type, go to Mount Agung too but to visit  Pura Besakih temple.
• Eat some roasted duck, called « Bebek Betutu », a local speciality.
• In the evening, attend one of the live concerts at Vincent’s, a jazzy restaurant.

Where to sleep in Candidasa?

• Mid-range: Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, Rama Shinta Hotel offers spacious air-conditioned rooms, an outdoor pool, and traditional decor.
• High-end: If you want to relax like kings and queens, head to Villa Barong. This villa, surrounded by coconut trees has beautiful rooms and a large terrace with a swimming pool. You can also get a massage or go on book water activities.

What to do in Ubud?

A city of absolute calm, Ubud is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. It surely will be one of the highlights of your 3-week road trip in Bali.

• In the city center, discover the Saraswati temple and its impressive interior design.
• Go meet your cousins, you know, monkeys! In the Monkey Forest.
• Early bird or night owls head to Ubud‘s market at 4am and get some fresh local products. And we’re not kidding, come that early because after 8:30 am, you won’t find any food but rather handbags and other souvenirs.
• Go see a Balinese dance show in one of the city’s temple.
• Hikers, you’ll love to walk on Campuhan Ridge Walk between hills and rice fields.
• Explore the rice route starting from Ubud and go for a hike : 2 hours in the jungle and rice fields. Enjoy the calm and serenity!

What more to do in Ubud?

• Art lovers, head to Blanco Renaissance Museum where you will get to admire Antonio Blanco’s artwork. Maybe you’ll also make a friends with a parrot.
• Need to freshen up? Get on a scooter or in a car and head to the Tegenungan waterfall.
• Be sure to check out the Bali Swing. Get on a swing at the top of a hill above the jungle. You’ll get amazing Instagram worthy pictures !
• Get yourself a balinese massage and get all of your stress out!
• Head to the view point of Mount Batur where you’ll get a stunning view and enjoy the hot springs.
• Visit Gunung Kawi temple and get an amazing panorama over the surrounding rice fields.
• Experience a Balinese night attending a traditional dance show.
• Rent a scooter and explore the surroundings : landscapes, rice fields, mountains and Besakih temple.
• Go for a beach/surfing afternoon in Canggu and appreciate the sun setting over the Tanah Lot temple.
• Bring balinese know-how home by participating a cooking class or a jewellery making class.

Where to sleep in Ubud?

• Mid-range: Set amidst lush tropical vegetation, Angsoka Bungalow offers Balinese-style accommodation overlooking the Petanu River. It has various common rooms with soothing views of the forest. Also enjoy the free shuttle bus to the palace and Ubud market.
• High-end: Surrounded by tropical vegetation, The Kayon Jungle Resort offers accommodation with an outdoor pool. In traditional Balinese style, this resort has a spa and a gym. It is also possible to rent bikes.

What to do in Sanur?

Seaside resort, Sanur is the ideal place to enjoy the sun without too many people. It might be the most relaxing stop of this 3-week road trip in Bali.

• Sunbath on the white sand beach, better get that sun screen on or you’ll end up as red as a tomato.
• Eat some chicken curry with veggies in one of the « warung », which very affordable traditional and local restaurants.
• Rent a bike and discover the city in a different way.
• Enjoy grilled corn on the cob.
• Learn to make traditional Balinese offerings.
• Discover the ancestral way to cook a Balinese meal.

More things to do in Sanur:

• Admire the typical architecture of the Le Mayeur museum.
• Depending on when you’re there, go see a kite fight on the beach.
• Activate your sense of smell and enjoy the exotic smells at the Sindhu market. In the evening, you can even eat local specialities.
• If you have a few extra days to spend here, explore the island of Nusa Lembongan: beaches, water sports and visiting the island will take your mind of the hustle and bustle of the big cities.
• You want to discover another island? Head to Nusa Penida! There you will be able to discover the sacred cave of Goa Giri, relax on the beautiful Atuh Beach, visit Pura Puncak Mundi, an hindu temple in the middle of the forest. Then, you can also admire the natural gems of the island such as Broken Beach, Angems Billabong, a natural hot spring, go snorkelling in the beautiful waters, head to Kelingking Beach, go seeSeganing waterfall and end the day with a drink facing the ocean.
• From Sanur, get on a ferry and go explore the beautiful island of Lombok.

Where to sleep in Sanur?

• Mid-range: If you are looking for a combination of tranquillity and comfort, Puri Kesari Guest House is the place to be. Located 400 metres from the beach, the hotel offers a restaurant, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.
• High-end: With an outdoor pool and 4 on-site restaurants and bars, Maya Sanur Resort & Spa offers a modern seaside getaway! In this very hotel, the beauty of the rooms and the service make all the difference.

Learn more about your road trip to Bali…

• Check out all the practical informations you need to know about the country, by clicking here.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 3-week road trip in Bali? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment below! Our team will be happy to hear all about your experiences!