Bali isn’t just a single destination; it has breathtaking rice terraces, dramatic volcanic landscapes, soft sand beaches, imposing limestone cliffs, thriving rainforest and so much more to offer.
So, for many travellers, a single region stay in Bali is going to barely scratch the surface of what they really want to see. A multi-region trip, on the other hand, lets you experience the island’s incredible diversity: you can feel the cultural pulse in Ubud, seek out chill surfer vibes in Canggu, enjoy amazing views in Uluwatu and take in Nusa Dua’s legendary hospitality.
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that the key to making this work is thoughtful planning, smart sequencing and choosing the right bases on the island for your stay.
That’s why we put this guide together, to help you see how ideal timing, transportation, and hand-picked accommodations alongside some stress-busting tips can ensure you can soak in all the wonders Bali has to offer.
Why A Multi-Region Trip? And How Much Time Do We Need?
Bali is a big place. It covers roughly 5,600 square kilometres or 2,200 square miles. And the regions of Bali vary dramatically from each other. A multi-region holiday prevents you from burning out from repetitive days in one place and lets you match your energy to the local vibe.
That means you might spend a week spiritually immersed in the local culture and then jump from beach club to nightclub, partying away your best life, the next week.
To enjoy a multi-destination trip in Bali, you need a bit longer than you might spend on a single destination. We’d recommend:
- 10-12 days for 2-3 areas of the island – a quick highlights style program
- 14-18 days for 4-5 areas – at a comfortable pace and ensuring you see the most popular areas on the island
- 3+ weeks – building on the previous program but with a foray into the less visited areas such as West Bali (and the National Park), North Bali or East Bali
One thing we know for certain is that when you move areas in Bali, you will need a buffer day as the traffic and stops along the way (plus hotel check-in/check-out rules) can stretch your schedule.
Best Times To Visit Bali For A Multi-Region Trip
Bali enjoys a year-round tropical climate. That means there’s no “bad time” to visit this island. Temperatures are consistently between 27 and 32 degres Celsius (81 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), which is warm and pleasant.
The dry season from April to October is excellent for multi-centre holidays as you get sunny skies, lower levels of humidity, slightly lower temperatures and excellent conditions for beaches, hiking, snorkelling, etc.
May, June and September are great choices to visit Bali, though, as they tend to offer amazing weather and fewer crowds than you will encounter in the peak season of July and August.
The wet season (November through to March) does have afternoon showers, but the island is at its greenest and least crowded. We’d also note that apart from the Christmas to New Year period, it’s also cheapest to visit Bali at this time of year.
Choose And Sequence Your Regions
We think it makes sense to opt for a north-to-south or counterclockwise flow, which minimises the need to backtrack.
An example of a popular 14-16 day itinerary might be:
- Arrival and Days 1- 4: South Bali – Nusa Dua or Uluwatu
- This is because these areas are easy to get to from the airport, offer gorgeous beaches for recovery from the flights and provide luxurious vibes and accommodations
- Days 5-7: Canggu or Seminyak
- Then, it’s time for some beach clubbing at FINNS Beach Club, upscale dining, boutique shopping and to get in some surfing lessons.
- Days 8-11: Ubud
- It’s a bit cooler inland, and time to indulge yourself in some cultural immersion, walking through rice fields, exploring temples, standing under waterfalls and getting some wellness treatments.
- Days 12-14/16: East Bali
- Then finish up with some quiet beaches, snorkelling, diving and dramatic views of the island’s biggest volcano
(An alternative route might start in Ubud with a focus on culture early in the trip, or swap a destination out for Nusa Penida/Lembongan for a bit of island-hopping fun).
Transport: Getting Around Stress-Free
Bali’s roads can be scenic, but they’re both winding and narrow, which leads to traffic congestion.
We strongly recommend against self-driving unless you have serious experience riding scooters/motorcycles and you are fully legal to drive in Bali (that means a current license with motorbike endorsement plus a current international driver’s permit and insurance and a helmet and proper clothing and never driving under the influence).
Your best options are:
- A private driver with their own car – at a cost of 500,000-800,000 IDR for a day (usually including fuel) is the best way to get around between regions, and in some of the less visited regions, it makes sense to keep the driver on hand all the time.
- Grab/GoJek (ride share) – perfect for short hops and even for basic relocation from areas that aren’t too far apart. This is cheap and easy in popular places like the main beach towns and Ubud, but coverage is patchy in other parts of the region.
- Local shuttle services – Sanur now has a shuttle service, Berawa has one, and others are appearing elsewhere. However, Bali’s main bus service (rather than the local shuttle services) isn’t great and is confusing to use, so it’s often easier to take a ride share.
- Ferries/Speedboats – to get to the Nusa Islands or the Gili Islands or even to Lombok or other major islands.
- Domestic flights – the fastest way to get to other islands, but Bali has only one airport, so this isn’t an option to get between areas on the island.
The secret to stress-free travel in Bali is to go when the roads aren’t crowded and to book inter-region transfers in advance. In many cases, drivers can act as guides for temples, hidden spots, etc.
Where To Stay: Hand-Picked Resorts, Hotels & Villas By Region
One of the most important parts of enjoying a multi-centre holiday is working out where to stay. Accommodation will set the tone for many people’s enjoyment of an area. Prioritise properties that offer on-site dining, child care (if needed), access to authentic experiences and wellness facilities.
Here are some of the standout properties that can really make your Bali holiday amazing in each of the most popular areas of the island:
Nusa Dua (Luxurious Beach Sanctuary)
Nusa Dua is awesome for families and for those just arriving or about to depart from Bali. It’s calm with pristine beaches and offers name-brand luxury.
- The Apurva Kempinski Bali – this resort is often talked about as “7-star”, and while that’s not the case, 5-star is the most you can get; it does offer amazing architecture, an enormous infinity pool, a cool underwater dining experience, a top-tier spa, its own beach club and more. It’s perfect for special occasions.
- The Mulia – this 5-star resort is home to some of the most opulent suites on the island, it has huge and pleasant grounds and delivers impeccable service. It feels like staying in a palace by the sea.
- The St. Regis Bali Resort – famous for having the best brunch on the island and ridiculously high standards of luxury and service. You can’t go wrong with this resort, as long as you can afford it.
- Ayodya Resort Bali – if you are looking for some affordable luxury, then Ayodya is a great choice, and this resort offers some very authentic Balinese hospitality.
Nusa Dua is very much a “splurge” destination, and if you’re on a tight budget, you might consider heading to Sanur instead. Sanur has many of the advantages of Nusa Dua but is nowhere near as spendy.
Seminyak (Vibrant & Stylish)
Seminyak is where people go to see and be seen. It’s full of a younger, trendy crowd living their best lives and enjoying trendy boutiques, upscale restaurants and sunset views.
- Alila Seminyak – this Hyatt-owned property has several wonderful infinity pools to enjoy and a lovely view of the beach, the on-site spa is renowned for its top-quality treatments
- Double Six Luxury Hotel – sharing the name of the beach where you can find it, the Double Six is one of the island’s most iconic hotels. If you love markets and shopping with a sea view, you can’t go wrong with this place.
- Hotel Indigo Bali – with a reputation for superlative service and one of the nicest swim-up bars that we’ve ever seen, the Hotel Indigo is a place for discerning visitors to Seminyak
Canggu (Laid Back Surf & Digital Nomad Vibe)
Canggu is more relaxed than Seminyak. It has the best mix of people on the island and offers the perfect learning environment for would-be surfers, alongside a hip and fun nightlife, dining and shopping scene.
- Regent Bali Canggu – this sparkling new 5-star property offers access to Batu Bolong Beach and has stunning in-house facilities, including a beach club and several excellent restaurants
- ZIN Canggu Resort & Villas – ZIN is a big complex, and it has a first-rate gym, coworking centre and is in a lively spot within walking distance of some of the top nightlife spots on the island
- COMO UMA Canggu – if you want a family-friendly resort with a reliable reputation, then COMO UMA Canggu is hard to beat. Many people come back again and again, year after year
Ubud (Cultural Heart & Jungles)
Ubud is home to some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts, and it’s also the spiritual heart of the island. If you love temples, waterfalls, museums, history, yoga, art, and more, you’ll find it in Ubud.
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – the Four Seasons brand is synonymous with bespoke luxury at this gorgeous spot in Ubud won’t let you down. If you want peace and quiet with plenty of facilities on hand, this is the place for it.
- Mandapa, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve – the only resort in Bali to lay claim to three Michelin Keys, this hotel by a river in the rice fields and jungle is simply one of the best places to rest your head in the entire world.
- Bisma Eight – home of the famous Copper Kitchen & Bar with local ingredients and farm-to-table philosophy, an excellent yoga pavilion and some truly luxurious villas for you to enjoy.
Uluwatu (Cliff-Top Drama & Surf)
Famed for its imposing limestone cliffs, Uluwatu is also a major hit on the professional surf scene. If you want big views and plenty of privacy, Uluwatu is for you.
- Jumeirah Bali – another impeccable big brand, this time from the UAE. This is their flagship property outside of the Emirates, and it shows. If you like superlative attention to detail, you’ll find it here.
- Alila Villas Uluwatu – this clifftop resort offers some of the best views in Bali and has excellent eco-friendly credentials, and leads the island in sustainable tourism.
- Bvlgari Resort Bali – one of the most stylish and secluded retreats anywhere on the planet, it’s pricey but adherents say it’s worth it. Their eco-credentials are excellent too.
Must-Do Activities By Region (Without Making Your Days Exhausting)
While your itinerary should always be your own, we’d recommend checking out these activities in certain areas:
- Nusa Dua – the best watersports on the island are nearby, and the beaches are perfect for chilling out on. Many resorts offer endless entertainment without ever leaving the grounds
- Canggu/Seminyak – learning to surf is a big draw to this area, FINNS Beach Club – the world’s best beach club is THE place to party, and Tanah Lot is a beguiling cultural artefact
- Ubud – the sacred monkey forest is unmissable, there are many waterfalls nearby, the art market offers authentic souvenirs for reasonable prices, and the Royal Palace is an excellent place to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Uluwatu – Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak Dance are the most popular attractions, GWK cultural park is not far away, and the beaches are home to some of the most challenging waves in the world.
- Amed – hiking in the countryside, diving abandoned shipwrecks and getting used to a quieter, more relaxed pace of life.
- Lovina – dolphin watching, snorkelling and the chance to explore Singaraja, Bali’s second biggest city.
Practical Tips For A Stress-Free Multi-Centre Holiday In Bali
- Visa & Entry – make sure to arrange a visa in advance, complete all the customs paperwork, and pay your Bali tourism tax online, then you can sail through the airport and the e-gates on arrival
- Money – there are plenty of ATMs on the island, but card skimming isn’t uncommon, and fees are high. Bring some IDR in cash for small vendors, but otherwise, you can get by with debit/credit cards in most situations.
- Health & Safety – drink bottled water, use mosquito repellent, and make sure you have travel insurance, especially if you intend to ride a scooter. If you need a doctor, your resort may have one in-house or provide an on-call service.
- Packing Essentials – bring light layers, reef-safe sunscreen, some modest attire for temples, a power bank and some comfortable and grippy walking shoes for uneven paths and slippery routes through the jungle.
- Sustainability – choose an eco-conscious property with a valid environmental certification and support local communities where you can. Carry a reusable water bottle and avoid single-use plastics.
- Budgeting – You can spend $150+ on nice hotels per night. Then add another $50-$100 for food and drinks and activities.
- Essential Apps – Grab and Gojek (for ride sharing ease), Google Translate (when English is not quite working), Maps.me (offline access to maps), and XE (for currency rates)
Note: Always communicate any dietary restrictions or needs you have early in the booking process. Bali is great for vegans, vegetarians and those seeking gluten-free living. Families should also check out resorts with kids’ clubs.
Sample 14 Day Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Arrive in Denpasar, transfer to Nusa Dua (Apurva Kempinski), beach time, watersports and a temple visit.
- Day 4-6: Transfer to Canggu (Regent Bali), hit FINNS Beach Club, dine out in style, surfing lessons.
- Day 7-10: Transfer to Ubud (Mandapa), immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy some yoga and wellness treatments, hike to a waterfall, visit the Monkey Forest and the Water Palace.
- Day 11-14: Transfer to Uluwatu (Jumeirah), enjoy some cliff-top views, head to the GWK Cultural Park, enjoy a Kecak Dance and have an amazing sunset finale to your time
This is, of course, a sample itinerary; you can adjust it as you like to match your needs and interests.
Final Thoughts: Embracing The Flow As You Enjoy Bali
A Bali holiday can be an amazing experience, and the best way to get the most out of this paradise island is a multi-centre holiday.
That way, you can experience all the island has to offer without spending most of your time caught in frustrating traffic or wondering what it might be like on the other side of the mainland.
So, when you’re planning your next trip, we’d strongly recommend thinking about how you can maximise your fun.
If you’ve found this article useful why not check out our pieces on rising wellness trends on the island or the psychology of luxury travel?
