A destination that can be both adventurous and restful. Traditional yet teeming with world-class dining. Welcoming yet mystical. Thrilling in parts and relaxing in others. A destination that ticks all the boxes, when your travel group or your family wants varied experiences. A destination that has it all – Bali. But how does one craft the best Bali itinerary, especially if it’s your first time to the island?
If you’re looking for two holidays in one, then Bali is where your search ends. From the vibing beach clubs of Canggu to the waterfalls of Ubud, the white sands of Nusa Dua to the volcanic black sand beaches in Tabanan Regency, from homely Sanur to chic Seminyak, why pick one when there are so many faces of Bali to choose from?
Make your next trip to Bali a long one, and split your time between the hills and the beaches. Even a one-week trip can easily be split into two, if you follow this Bali itinerary. Let us show you how.
Best Bali Itinerary For First-Timers
Canggu for Beaches & Clubs
Land at Denpasar Airport and head straight to Canggu, the newly crowned beach club capital of Bali. Those who love large Ibiza-like beach clubs will love Finns VIP, Ku De Ta and Potato Head Beach Club. The best thing about Bali’s beach clubs is that they are family-friendly and you can take your kids to enjoy a full day there. We love the family-favourite Mari Beach Club as well as Mano, which is more intimate.
Why Canggu?
Canggu has fast become the hottest district in Bali in recent years. Most of the exciting beach clubs are located between Canggu and Seminyak. Though the beaches are mostly public, you can still find select beachfront villas in our portfolio like the best-in-class NoKu Beach House, featured on Netflix’s ‘World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals’. Further north, Villa Tanju sits on a secluded black sand beach, a wondrous place for morning walks. Other villas like Villa Nini Elly are tucked into quiet corners, a few minutes away from the hippest beach clubs, while Villa Kedidi and others are right in the middle of the action, from where you can roll out of bed into a club and party away.
With the largest choice of villas in Canggu, there’s an elite haven perfect for you. Get pampered by in-villa staff as they fetch beverages and towels for a midday swim. Let the kids run around and play in the extensive gardens, as you watch the sunset and the skies turn a rainbow of colours. Finish your day with a feast fit for a king, cooked to your taste by a private chef, and served with aplomb in your open-sided thatched dining hall. When you stay at an elite haven, the accommodation is a destination in itself.
What to do in Canggu
Canggu may be popular for its beach clubs but there is so much more in store for you. We love the splattering of homeware stores where you can get handcrafted ceramics to take home. From bohemian dresses and stunning jewellery to wooden furniture (they ship across the world), Bali is a shopper’s paradise. Make sure you slot a shopping escapade into your Bali itinerary.
Adrenaline seekers can spend hours on the beach every day, riding the waves. With some of the best surf spots in the region, this is a surfers’ paradise. Don’t know how to surf? No problem. The Elite Concierge can arrange surfing lessons for you and your family. Or else, a range of watersports and activities can keep your days busy.
Ubud’s Jungle-clad Hills & Culture
After a few days of enjoying the beach life, head to the hills in a pre-booked luxury car arranged by the Elite Concierge. Ubud is merely an hour and a half away from all the excitement of Canggu but it could be on another planet altogether. As the elevation rises, you find yourself snaking through rice fields and lush jungles, heading into the heart of the island.
Why Ubud
Ubud is often called the Cultural Capital of Bali, and for good reason. This is where you will find the Palace and numerous temples to walk through Bali’s past. Add a traditional Legong Dance performance into your Bali itinerary, set in the well-preserved Ubud Palace. Make sure you dress up for the occasion. The ballet performance reenacts Hindu mythological tales from the Ramayana and offers great insight into the mysticism of traditional Bali.
What to do in Ubud
If Canggu and Seminyak are a shopper’s paradise, Ubud is not one to be left behind. This is where you will find the best art on the island. From small shops opened by local artists where you can find stunning pieces for a steal, to classy galleries that showcase all art forms, there are plenty of options to choose from.
The dining scene in Ubud is unique too. Farm-to-table is a way of living here and you will find an array of cafes and restaurants serving freshly made fare using produce grown on the surrounding hills. Though international cuisines are easily found, we highly recommend local gems where you can savour the flavours that define this island and make it different from the rest of Indonesia. Some of our villas, such as The Pala estate, have their own fruit and vegetable farms. Ask for an experiential farm tour wherein you can harvest fresh vegetables that the kitchen can later use to cook up a delicious meal for you.
Conclusion
This is a mere example of how your Bali itinerary can split one holiday into two amazing vacations. Varied experiences, something to keep everyone happy, and the comfort of staying in luxurious elite havens. Bali has it all.
Book your next Bali trip in advance and save more. Get in touch with us at reservations@elitehavens.com and let our Villa Specialists find holiday homes that suit your requirements. With the Elite Concierge at your service to build your Bali itinerary, the island’s many adventures are waiting to unfold for you.
