2 Weeks in Bali & Lombok: The Perfect Itinerary
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Bali is such a popular holiday destination. And for good reason. It’s beautiful, culturally interesting, the tourism infrastructure is well developed, the food is great… I could go on. But if you’re a first-time visitor looking for an itinerary that lets you see a little more of Indonesia while still hitting some of the Bali highlights, this plan is for you.
In two weeks, you can experience the best of both islands: the cultural delights of Bali’s heart, the crystal-clear waters of the famous Gili Islands, and then the relaxed pace of Lombok. Here you’ll find fewer crowds, quieter beaches, and a landscape that still feels like it belongs to the people who live there.
This is the exact trip we recently took with our family during a two-week holiday. It is busy, but we wanted to make the most of the time they had on this side of the world and see all the sights. Feel free to slow it down and give yourself an extra couple of days in each spot if you prefer a more unhurried pace.
If you want to see more of the archipelago beyond these two islands, we've also put together a two-week Indonesia itinerary that takes in Sumatra and Java. It involves a lot more travel and is a very different holiday.
2 Weeks in Bali & Lombok: Itinerary Overview
Arrive in Bali, transfer up to Ubud. Stay: Ubud.
Ubud: Monkey Forest, massages, shopping. Stay: Ubud.
Ubud: Subak Juwuk Manis walk, Pyramids of Chi sound bath. Stay: Ubud.
Ubud: Goa Gajah, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, traditional dance show. Stay: Ubud.
Travel to Gili Air. Stay: Gili Air.
Gili Air: beach day, snorkelling. Stay: Gili Air.
Gili Air: snorkel tour. Stay: Gili Air.
Gili Air: beach day. Stay: Gili Air.
Travel to Tetebatu. Stay: Tetebatu.
Tetebatu: rice paddies tour, waterfalls. Stay: Tetebatu.
Travel to Kuta, Lombok. Stay: Kuta.
Kuta, Lombok: beach day at Selong Belanak, baby surf lesson. Stay: Kuta.
Kuta, Lombok: spa morning, Tanjung Aan, sunset at Bukit Merese. Stay: Kuta.
Departure from Lombok.
Before You Go: Bali & Lombok Essentials
When to visit
The dry season (April to October) is the easiest time to do this route — calmer seas for the Gili crossing, and reliable weather for beach days in Kuta. We love the shoulder months either side of the wet season, when things are still lush and green, but the crowds have thinned and prices drop.
Stay connected with an eSIM
Skip the queue for a SIM card at the airport. An eSIM gives you data the moment you land, which makes booking rides, messaging your accommodation, and finding your way around a lot easier from the start. We recommend Saily for Indonesia — solid coverage across Bali and Lombok, and you can set it up before you even leave home.
Don't skip travel insurance
Between lost luggage, snorkelling, crazy roads and surf lessons, there's a bit of everything-that-could-go-slightly-wrong on this trip. Last time we were on the dock at Gili Air we saw a suitcase tumble over the side into the water. We use SafetyWing to keep us covered for all this. Whether you’re adding this to a longer itinerary or it’s a short and sweet break, SafetyWing has you covered.
Getting around
This itinerary mixes private drivers, a ferry, and a local ferry. Book your Bali–Gili Air ferry in advance during high season, and to travel around Lombok, you’ll want a local driver. You’ll get taken door-to-door, learn more about Lombok, and receive personalised service if you want to divert from the beaten path. More on this below.
Visa requirements
Indonesia offers a 30-day visa on arrival, which you can now apply for online before you travel, meaning one less queue at the airport. It can be extended once for another 30 days if two weeks turn into something longer (it happens more often than you'd think).
Ubud — Days 1 to 4
Your first day is an arrival day. You’ll land in Bali and head straight north from the airport. Depending on when you land, you might get to experience some of Bali’s famous traffic as you pass through Denpasar. Give yourself plenty of time as you adjust to the island’s rhythm.
We’ve chosen Ubud as your destination, as it sets a different tone from spots along the coast. It’s slower, greener, and full of the kind of rituals that make you want to actually switch off for a few days. It’s the perfect landing spot, especially if you’re coming off a long haul flight.
Day 1 is a transfer day. Get settled, have an early night, and let the jet lag pass before you start exploring properly. Download Grab before you arrive, and you can easily order incredible meals delivered if you’re jet-lagged. Or wander around town and pop into one of the many eateries. I love Ubud at night as it’s cooler, the shops are still open, and you can wander easily.
Day 2 is for Ubud's classics. The Monkey Forest is worth the slightly chaotic reputation. Go early to beat both the heat and the crowds. Keep your valuables close (no sunglasses on your head or snacks poking out of your bag). There are guides around the forest to keep an eye on everyone.
Then spend the afternoon wandering Ubud's shops. There are so many delightful gems and trinkets to remind you of the trip. It’s more than just sarongs and fridge magnets. Then round off the day with a massage at one of the many spas. Ubud does this better than almost anywhere else in Bali, and it's hard to overspend.
Day 3 starts early with a walk through Subak Juwuk Manis. It’s one of the quieter rice terrace areas, without the queues of Tegalalang. There are a few different entrance points; just follow the paths, and you’ll soon be greeted by sweeping views across the terraces. Stop for tea at Eightea before returning to the main road.
In the afternoon, book a sound bath at the Pyramids of Chi. Yes, it’s a little woo-woo, but if you’re into sound baths, it’s an epic experience. You’ll really feel like you’ve seen Ubud once you’ve done it. If you’re looking for yoga, I recommend Alchemy Yoga or Yoga Barn (the classic spot).
Day 4 is a full day of Ubud's must-sees. Start at Goa Gajah (the Elephant Cave) to experience an authentic Balinese temple, dug into the hillside. Then head north to Tegalalang Rice Terrace for the view every Bali Instagram post is built on. Here’s where you get that classic swing shot, if that’s your kind of thing. You can easily organise a tour to take you around these spots, as they are all a little way out of town.
In the evening, catch a traditional dance show at one of Ubud's temples. It's a lovely way to wrap up your time here and actually see some of Balinese culture up close. We saw the Kecak performance, and it was mesmerising. I’d recommend reading through the story of Sita and Ram before so you can follow along.
There's no shortage of accommodation in Ubud, from rice-terrace resorts to homestays tucked down side streets. Book something with a view if you can; you'll spend more time on the balcony than you expect. Also, it’s okay to book a little outside of town. The Grab motorbike taxis make getting around super easy.
Optional Extras: Sunrise on Mount Batur
If you don’t mind a 2am wake-up, I would recommend the trip up Mount Batur for sunrise. A driver will collect you at a ridiculous time in the morning and drive you to the trailhead. You’ll walk up in the dark and watch the sunrise over the island. It’s a glorious site. The hike isn’t too strenuous and can be done in trainers. The ground is quite a lot of loose volcanic soil and you’ll need a torch of some description.
The view from atop Mt Batur
Looking up at Mt Batur on the journey home
Gili Air — Day 5 to 8
Day 5 is an early one. You'll want a 6am fast boat to Gili Air, so you’re travelling when the seas are at their calmest. Grab some food to go the night before if you want, but most boat operators will transfer you via a restaurant at the harbour. The crossing itself takes a couple of hours, and there's something quite nice about watching Bali disappear behind you as the Gilis come into view. We definitely prefer the newer, bigger boats to the small, fast boats. Look for Wahana Virendra on 12go.
Gili Air is the smallest of the three Gili islands. There are no cars, no motorbikes (although electric scooters are more common now), just bicycles, horse carts, and the sound of the sea. I’d recommend leaving Days 6 to 8 deliberately unstructured. Recommended activities include snorkelling straight off the sand (head to the east side for the highest likelihood of seeing a turtle), sipping cocktails on the sand while you watch the sunset and a snorkel tour around all three of the Gili Islands.
Optional Extras: Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno
If you've got an extra day or two, it's worth hopping over to Gili Trawangan for a livelier night out, or Gili Meno if you want even fewer people and even quieter beaches. Boats between the three islands are frequent and cheap.
Tetebatu — Days 9 to 10
Day 9 is another travel day, but you’ll be well-rested after being on the islands. Take the local ferry across to Lombok. You can walk to the harbour and buy your ticket directly. Boats leave when they’re full, so there’s not a set schedule, but they do depart regularly. We’d recommend booking a driver to collect you once you land. We'd recommend Baron from Lombok Manis. He knows the roads well and is used to getting travellers between the coast and the highlands without any fuss. He’s also a delightful entertainer, and you’ll have the chance to learn about Lombok, its culture and people on your journey.
Where to stay depends on your budget. If you’re looking at the higher end, Les Rizeries is a great option. It’s a boutique hotel nestled in the rice paddies, with an excellent on-site restaurant. We’ve also stayed at Rice Terrace Bungalows, which is the friendlier-on-the-wallet choice tucked into a local family’s farm. You don’t even have to sacrifice the view. For a family-friendly option, our friends chose Bale Tetebatu. They said the hosts were great and they helped them look after the kids when one parent came down sick.
Les Rizeries Balcony
Rice Terrace Bungalows
Day 10 is all about the rice paddies. Take a walking tour through Tetebatu's terraces (genuinely some of the best in Lombok, and a fraction of the crowds you'll find in Bali), which includes visits to the local waterfalls nearby. It's a proper contrast the rest of the Lombok experience which involves lots of ocean and coast time.
For more details on this area, here's our full Tetebatu guide.
Optional Extra: Sembalun
If you want to stay on the rural Lombok vibe, instead of heading south, turn towards Mount Rinjani and head north to Sembalun. This little mountain town is nestled in the foothills and makes a great base for a night or two. Read our full guide to Sembalun here.
Kuta, Lombok — Days 11 to 14
Day 11 is your transfer south to Kuta. I’d recommend stopping at Benang Stokel and Benang Kelambu on the way. This park is home to several waterfalls, and you should expect to pay a park fee and potentially a guide fee. The first waterfall (Benang Stokel) is super easy to access. You can then walk to the furthest (Benang Kelambu), which is the most stunning. We took a hike through the jungle (with a guide) with a few additional stops where we swam in the waterfalls, but you can take a more direct route if you want.
Then it’s on to your next destination: Kuta, Lombok. This once-sleepy fishing village is changing rapidly. But it’s still often described as what Bali looked like a decade or two ago — laidback, low-rise, and still refreshingly uncrowded. You’ve got a mixture of homestays, hotels and private Airbnbs to suit all tastes. And the high street is packed with excellent restaurants to suit your every craving.
Day 12 is a beach day at Selong Belanak, one of the most beautiful bays in Lombok. The water is calm enough for a baby surf lesson if you've never stood on a board before. It's a gentle, forgiving break, and one of the easiest places in Indonesia to learn. Even if you’re not surfing, grab yourself a daybed at one of the local warungs, order a coconut and watch the waves roll in. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see the iconic buffalo strolling along the beach.
Day 13 starts slow with breakfast at one of the many gorgeous cafes in Kuta. My top pick is Milk for its Hot Honey, but we also have a whole guide dedicated to excellent cafes and restaurants. Then I’d recommend indulging in a spa treatment. I’d recommend either Kensho or Matcha, depending on who has availability. Both create a zen experience, making you really feel like you’re on holiday.
Then in the afternoon, head to Tanjung Aan for more sunshine and fun. Here you’ve got some options. Head to one of the warungs for a relaxed Indonesian experience or one of the beach clubs if you want something a little more luxurious. You can also get surf lessons here. The break is still gentle and beginner-friendly. Just speak to the staff on the beach to arrange a boat and an instructor, or reach out to the team at Ombak Surf School for a full package.
Finish the day with sunset at Bukit Merese, the hill just to the west of the beach. You’ll look back over Kuta Bay and can watch the whole bay turn gold.
Optional Extras: Secret Gilis
Should I be calling out a place called the Secret Gilis? I think so, as this set of islands is absolutely stunning and worth the visit. You have a couple of options here. Stay on the mainland in Sengkol and day trip out to the islands. Or head across and stay on an island for a fully immersive experience. Gili Asahan Eco Lodge is high on my list of places to stay.
Departure
Day 14 is your last day. Lombok currently has direct international flights to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, but great connections via Bali or Jakarta. Or keep the journey going and see more of Indonesia. Every place I go in this country surprises me and reminds me how little I’ve seen. It’s huge, diverse and absolutely stunning. If you’re interested in learning about a few other places, check out our Indonesian itinerary.
Two weeks between Bali and Lombok is enough to feel the shift between the two islands — from Ubud's temples and rice terraces, to the quiet of the Gilis, to Lombok's own version of beach life. It's not a rushed trip, but it does need a plan, and hopefully this one gives you a solid start.
If you've done this route before, or you're planning to, let us know in the comments — we'd love to hear what you'd add.
A two week Bali and Lombok itinerary, from Ubud's temples and rice terraces to the Gili Islands, Tetebatu's waterfalls and Kuta's best beaches.