17 Days in Bali: Our Honest Travel Guide, Itinerary, and What We Wouldn’t Do Again

My husband and I do not mess around when it comes to planning a trip, especially our first trip to Asia! We wanted a relaxed vacation mixed with deep cultural experiences… basically something mind-expanding and soul-stretching. Since we were flying across the world, we made sure to explore different parts of the island and experience Bali in all its forms.

We went to Bali, Indonesia, in October 2025, and this is our honest guide for anyone thinking about going. Here’s everything we tried, loved, and wouldn’t repeat.

Our Exact Bali Itinerary (17 Days Across 4 Locations)

• 3 days – Lovina

• 5 days – Ubud

• 7 days – Nusa Lembongan

• 2 days – Kuta

What We Absolutely Recommend in Each City (Top Highlights)

Lovina

Lovina is the quieter, underrated cousin of Bali’s more touristy hotspots, and honestly, that’s its charm. We stayed for three days and felt like it was the perfect amount of time.

Swimming with Dolphins:
This is the whole reason Lovina was on our radar. We recommend booking with a smaller, family-owned boat operator for a more sustainable, less chaotic experience. Go early in the morning! Dolphins run on dolphin time, and dawn is their social hour.

Aling-Aling Waterfall:
One of the highlights of our entire trip! The scooter ride alone is worth it—lush, quiet, giving you a peek into rural Bali. When you arrive, they offer different adventure packages. We chose the 3-hour option which felt just right. You can cliff jump at three different waterfalls, but please be cautious. Safety standards in the U.S. and Bali are… let’s say… not identical. Use your judgement.

Kirani Salon & Spa:
After days of travel (and jet lag that hit like a truck), we treated ourselves to 90-minute massages. They were heavenly. The staff treats you like family, and it’s genuinely relaxing.

Shopping:
If you want to bring gifts home, do it here! With fewer tourists, your money goes further, and the local community truly appreciates the support.

Ubud

We spent five days in Ubud, and it was the perfect amount of time to hit all our must-sees.

Monkey Forest:
An absolute highlight—but go prepared. Bring something safe that can intrigue the monkeys if you want a photo. My husband learned the hard way when he didn’t give the monkey what he was holding and got lightly bitten. (He survived.)

Kecak Dance:
We watched a Kecak performance that evening and loved how it helped us understand Balinese culture on a deeper level.

Alchemy Yoga:
Hands down the best yoga class I’ve ever taken. The energy there is surreal and nourishing. I also really loved their giftshop.

“Don’t Tell” Comedy Show:
We’re comedy junkies, so we had to see how Bali does stand-up. It was hilarious, refreshing, and a fun break from temple-hopping.

Campuhan Ridge Walk:
Go early in the morning to avoid the heat. It’s a beautiful mix of nature, views, and a cute little stretch of shops and cafes. We stopped at Galang Kangin for coffee with a view before finishing the walk.

Photoshoot Adventure:
I wanted the classic Bali photoshoot moment. “Real Bali Swing” was crowded and overpriced, so we skipped it. Instead, we went to Picheaven Bali, just up the road—less crowded, nicer staff, and a fraction of the price.

Nusa Lembongan

After our first week in Bali, we hopped over to Nusa Lembongan for beach time. We booked with Rocky Fast Cruises, the only company that drops you off at an actual pier (trust me, this matters).

We stayed seven days and… honestly, it was a little much. It’s gorgeous, but there’s not a ton to do.

Snorkel Tour:
We booked through Klook and had the best time visiting Manta Point, Crystal Bay, and Mangrove Point. Highly recommend.

DIY Snorkeling:
We bought our own snorkel gear and explored different beaches. Our favorite spot was Mushroom Bay.

Cat Island Lembongan:
Yes, we absolutely visited the cat sanctuary, and yes, it was adorable. The kitties were so sweet and fun.

Kuta

We wrapped up our trip in Kuta to recharge before the long flight home.

We visited Tanah Lot Temple, which is only accessible at low tide—and 100% worth timing right. Before heading to the airport, we wandered around the mall for last-minute gifts.

What We Don’t Recommend

Beach Days in Lovina:
Most beaches were pretty dirty, and the main beach—while nice—came with instant vendor harassment. Save beach days for Nusa Lembongan instead.

Ubud Art Market:
It’s crowded, hot, and most of the vendors sell the exact same items. You’ll find the same things in downtown Ubud with more breathing room.

Rushed Guided Tours:
Be cautious of tours that cram 6–10 attractions into one day. They’ll whisk you past iconic places like the Kintamani rice terraces and Uluwatu Temple without giving you time to appreciate them. Exploring at your own pace leads to better experiences—and more hidden gems like artisan villages and lesser-known waterfalls.

Money, Transportation, and Safety Tips

Cost:
Bali can be as cheap or as bougie as you want it to be. Street food is super affordable; nice restaurants are still less expensive than the U.S.

Cash vs. Card:
We used cash most of the time. Exchange your money at a reputable transfer office or bank and compare rates—they vary.

Getting Around:
We hired a driver for longer distances and rented a scooter for local exploring. My husband drove the scooter because I was too intimidated (honestly for good reason). If you feel comfortable though, a scooter is a fun way to get around.

Cultural Etiquette & What We Wish We Knew

• Book the water purification ritual in Ubud ahead of time. It’s one of the few activities that fills up.
  
  

• Dress respectfully when visiting temples. Ladies, wear a skirt or dress—some temples are strict.
  
  

• You’ll see small palm-leaf baskets everywhere. These are Canang Sari—daily offerings symbolizing gratitude and balance. Be mindful of where you step.
  
  

• When using cash, always count your change back, even if they count it for you.
  
  

• Bali is hot. October is considered “spring,” in Bali, meaning temperatures got even hotter. Bring sunscreen, loose clothing, and a water bottle you can refill everywhere.

  
  

  
  
  

Our Final Thoughts: Was Bali Worth It?

Absolutely yes. Bali opened our hearts and expanded our minds. The kindness of the locals was unforgettable—we felt safe and welcomed everywhere.

It’s affordable, stunning, culturally rich, and the kind of place that changes your perspective long after you leave. We’d go back in a heartbeat.