4 weeks best of Bali Itinerary

You know that moment when your Instagram feed turns into a Bali mood board, and suddenly everyone’s sipping coconuts on a jungle swing? Same. But here’s the tea: most people only scratch the surface of this island. Four weeks in Bali = enough time to actually breathe, not just sprint from temple to beach club. Think dreamy beaches, spicy sambal, jungle mornings, and sunset cocktails you’ll be bragging about for years. Budget-friendly? Yup. Romantic corners for couples? Double yup.

This isn’t some cookie-cutter guide. This is me, your travel-obsessed bestie, spilling the actual gems from my month living the Bali fantasy. Ready?

1. Week 1: Ubud – The Soulful Start

Why you should start here: Because Bali without Ubud is like brunch without avocado. It’s lush, spiritual, artsy, and smells like incense mixed with espresso.

What to do:
Wake up early (I know, I know) and wander the Tegalalang Rice Terraces before the tourist buses roll in. Swing over the jungle for that epic photo—yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also epic. Check out the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary—cute until one steals your sunglasses (true story: mine are probably still there).

My tip: Stay in a villa with a private plunge pool. They’re surprisingly affordable here, and nothing beats a midnight dip with the sound of crickets.

Why you’ll love it: Ubud is Bali’s wellness capital. Yoga, vegan smoothie bowls, and massages for the price of a Starbucks latte. It’s also super romantic if you’re on a couple’s trip.

2. Week 1 Side-Trip: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Feeling adventurous? Book a pre-dawn trek up Mount Batur. It’s a 2-hour climb in the dark with flashlights (bring a hoodie, it’s chilly up there), but the sunrise view over the caldera is unreal. The guides even cook eggs on the hot steam vents—breakfast with a volcanic twist.

IMO: This is the ultimate “I did something cool” Instagram story.

3. Week 2: Canggu – Surf, Smoothies & Sunset Parties

Switch gears: from Ubud’s zen vibes to Canggu’s coastal cool. This is Bali’s answer to Venice Beach—surfboards, tattoos, digital nomads on laptops.

What to do:
Take a surf lesson at Echo Beach (even if you’re a total newbie). Stroll the boutique-lined streets and shop boho dresses you’ll probably never wear at home but need right now. By evening, hit The Lawn or La Brisa Beach Club for sunset cocktails.

Pro tip: Rent a scooter. Taxis here get pricey, and Canggu traffic is basically a rite of passage. Wear a helmet, though. Seriously.

Why you’ll love it: Canggu is where Bali feels young, international, and a little wild. Great for solo travelers or groups of friends who want beach clubs by day, bonfires by night.

4. Week 2 Side-Trip: Tanah Lot Temple at Golden Hour

If you’re in Canggu, don’t skip Tanah Lot Temple. It’s perched on a rock in the ocean and looks like something out of a movie at sunset. Go late afternoon, wander the markets, and stay until the sky goes cotton-candy pink.

Cheeky note: The crowds here are huge, but if you hug the left path you’ll find quieter photo spots.

5. Week 3: Seminyak – Chic & Beachy

Seminyak = Bali’s grown-up playground. Think boutique hotels, luxury spas, and world-class restaurants with ocean views. If Canggu is boho, Seminyak is polished.

What to do:
Spend your mornings at Double Six Beach, lounging on beanbags under rainbow umbrellas. Book a spa day—Balinese massages here are next level. Dinner at Sarong or Motel Mexicola (which turns into a dance party, FYI).

Insider tip: Catch a sunset at Potato Head Beach Club—it’s iconic for a reason. Arrive early, get a daybed, and sip something tropical while DJs spin.

Why you’ll love it: Perfect for couples or honeymooners wanting a little glamour without losing that Bali magic.

6. Week 3 Side-Trip: Nusa Dua for Luxe Beach Vibes

Feeling extra? Nusa Dua is Seminyak’s serene cousin. White sands, calm waves, and resorts that feel like mini kingdoms. Even if you’re not staying overnight, pop by for a day of snorkeling or parasailing.

Budget hack: Book day passes to resort pools. You get infinity pool access without the room rate.

7. Week 4: Uluwatu – Cliffs, Culture & Killer Views

You’ve done the jungle, the surf, and the chic. Now it’s time for Bali’s dramatic southern cliffs. Uluwatu is all about epic scenery, surf breaks, and Balinese culture.

What to do:
Visit the Uluwatu Temple perched high above the sea. Time it for sunset to watch the Kecak fire dance—it’s mesmerizing. Spend lazy afternoons at Padang Padang or Bingin Beach, where limestone cliffs meet turquoise water.

Pro tip: Sundays Beach Club = your happy place. A private elevator takes you down the cliff to a hidden beach with beanbags, bonfires, and paddleboards.

Why you’ll love it: It’s quieter than Canggu or Seminyak but still stunning. Great for romantic photos, surfing, or just feeling like you’re in a travel ad.

8. Week 4 Side-Trip: Nusa Islands (Lembongan, Ceningan & Penida)

You can’t do a month in Bali and skip the Nusa Islands. They’re a quick boat ride from Sanur and feel like Bali twenty years ago—less traffic, more wild beauty.

Highlights:

• Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach (aka T-Rex Beach because of its shape). The hike down is tough, but the view? Unreal.
• Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach—natural pools where you’ll actually want to put your phone away.
• Nusa Lembongan for chill beach bars and snorkeling with manta rays.

Real talk: Wear proper shoes for the Kelingking hike. My flip-flops nearly didn’t make it, and neither did I.

9. Food & Drink You Can’t Miss (Sprinkled Through All Weeks)

Because no itinerary is complete without eating like you’re on a delicious mission.

• Nasi Campur & Babi Guling: Local warungs (tiny eateries) serve them cheap and authentic.
• Smoothie Bowls: Especially in Ubud and Canggu—Instagrammable AND actually tasty.
• Kopi Luwak Coffee: Bali’s infamous civet coffee. Pricey, but hey, try it once.
• Sunset Cocktails: The Lawn (Canggu), Potato Head (Seminyak), Rock Bar (Uluwatu).

Pro foodie tip: Skip overpriced “tourist buffets” at temples and go for local warungs just off the main street. Better flavor, better price.

10. Where to Stay (Week by Week Cheat Sheet)

A quick cheat sheet for your month of magic:

• Ubud: Jungle villas or boutique guesthouses near the center for yoga + coffee walks.
• Canggu: Trendy surf hostels or private pool villas if you’re with friends.
• Seminyak/Nusa Dua: Boutique hotels or resort day passes for pool glam.
• Uluwatu/Nusa Islands: Cliffside bungalows or beach huts with hammocks.

Budget hack: Book early on local apps like Traveloka—they often beat international sites.

11. Why This 4-Week Itinerary Works

Because it’s balanced. You’re not just temple-hopping until your eyes glaze over. You’re mixing culture, beaches, wellness, adventure, and food. Each week has a different mood: jungle zen, surf & social, chic & indulgent, cliffside serenity.

Also, logistically, it flows. You’re not crisscrossing the island every other day (traffic in Bali is no joke).

12. Packing Quickies for a Month in Bali

Not a full packing list (we’re fun, not boring), but don’t forget:

• Lightweight sarong (temple entry must).
• Reusable water bottle (hydration + eco points).
• Flip-flops AND sneakers (trust me for those hikes).
• Portable SIM card or eSIM for Google Maps—because “I’ll just wing it” in Bali = lost in rice fields.

🌺 Final Thoughts: Bali, But Better

So, is a four-week Bali itinerary worth it? IMO, absolutely. Instead of a frantic “I went to Bali” checklist, you get to actually live the island rhythm—watch rice farmers at dawn, linger over poolside breakfasts, stay out late at beach clubs without worrying about tomorrow’s 6am temple tour.

Bali isn’t just one vibe; it’s a patchwork of romantic destinations, budget-friendly escapes, and postcard-worthy scenery. Four weeks lets you taste it all, without FOMO.

Book that ticket. Pack that sarong. And if a monkey steals your sunglasses in Ubud, just know—you’re officially living the Bali dream. 🌴✨