Bali in 12 Days: Surf, Temples & Turtles + 2025 Entry Essentials (All Indonesia App & Tourist Levy)

Bali in 12 Days: Surf, Temples & Turtles + 2025 Entry Essentials (All Indonesia App & Tourist Levy)

Bali in 12 Days: Surf, Temples & Turtles + 2025 Entry Essentials (All Indonesia App & Tourist Levy)

Rice terraces at sunrise, cliff-top sunsets in Uluwatu, reef days that reset your grin—Bali is one island with many moods. Here’s a clean, ready-to-use 12-day plan plus the simple entry steps travellers keep asking about.

If you’d rather have dates, guides, and transfers sorted, check Icons of Bali — 12 Days of Surf, Temples & Turtles. Or browse All Tours.

Quick Answer

  • Best 12-day loop: Ubud → East Bali → Uluwatu → Nusa Penida (culture → volcano views → clifftop coast → reef days).

  • When to go: Dry season and shoulder months are crowd-smart and beach-friendly; wet months are greener and quieter (short tropical showers, plan flexibly).

  • Entry basics: Complete the digital arrival declaration via the All Indonesia system before you fly, and budget for the Bali tourist levy (paid online or on arrival).

  • Transport rhythm: Private car for mainland hops; fast boat for Nusa Penida; scooters only if experienced and properly insured.

The 12-Day Route (plug-and-play)

Days 1–3 — Ubud (Culture & Rice Terraces)

Settle near the paddies. Walk Campuhan Ridge at dawn, visit Tirta Empul for water-temple calm, and time a sunrise at Tegallalang. A cooking class or bike ride through village lanes hits the reset button nicely.

Days 4–5 — East Bali (Volcano Views & Quiet Shores)

Base around Sidemen or Amed. Think emerald valleys, black-sand beaches, sunrise views of Agung, and snorkelling over easy coral gardens.

Days 6–8 — Uluwatu (Clifftops & Waves)

White-sand coves, sunset at Uluwatu Temple, and beach clubs for lazy afternoons. Non-surfers can still dip into the dawn-patrol vibe; surfers can chase lefts and rights before breakfast.

Days 9–11 — Nusa Penida (Reef Days & Lookouts)

Hop the fast boat. Snorkel with vibrant fish (and turtle hotspots—no promises), cruise coastal lookouts like Kelingking, and find a quiet warung for sunset nasi goreng.

Day 12 — Back to Mainland & Fly

Return to Sanur by late morning; final massage, final mango. Airport with time to spare.

Guided option: Prefer small groups and streamlined logistics? See Icons of Bali — 12 Days.

When to Go (by feel, not forecast)

  • Dry & shoulder months: More settled seas for boats and snorkelling, friendlier humidity, and golden-hour showoffs.

  • Wetter months: Lush rice terraces, fewer crowds, short sharp showers—build in swim/siesta windows and keep a light rain shell handy.

  • Wind & swell: Coastlines can feel different week to week; chase mornings for calmer water and clearer visibility.

2025 Entry Essentials (simple, step-by-step)

  1. Digital arrival declaration (All Indonesia): Complete it before you fly for smoother airport flow. Keep the QR/confirmation handy on your phone.

  2. Bali tourist levy: Budget for the per-visitor levy (pay online in advance or at designated counters).

  3. Passport & e-VOA/VOA: Many travellers use an e-Visa on Arrival or VOA; check your passport’s eligibility and apply ahead if available.

  4. Have backups: Keep confirmations/screenshots offline in case airport Wi-Fi has a personality.

Policies can change—verify against official guidance before departure.

Getting Around (no drama, all payoff)

  • Mainland transfers: Private car/driver keeps hops efficient and safe.

  • Scooters: Only if confident, licensed, and properly insured; helmets always.

  • Boats: Choose reputable operators for Nusa Penida; mornings are typically calmer.

  • Cash vs card: Cards are widely accepted in tourist hubs; keep small cash for warungs, taxis, and tips.

What to Pack (heat-smart, reef-ready)

  • Clothing: Light, breathable layers; a modest set for temples (shoulders/knees covered).

  • Footwear: Walkable trainers + sandals you can get wet.

  • Water & sun: Refillable bottle, mineral sunscreen, hat, sunnies.

  • Rain & reef: Lightweight shell; reef-safe habits (no touching coral, careful finning).

  • Connectivity: eSIM/local SIM; offline maps for islands and backroads.

Etiquette & Little Wins

  • Temples: Move calmly, dress modestly, follow local instructions—ceremonies come first.

  • Beach & reef care: Float, don’t stand on coral; keep distance from marine life; take all rubbish with you.

  • Scooter common sense: Defensive riding, no beach cruising, never barefoot.

  • Plastic-light travel: Refill where possible; many cafés happily top you up.

FAQs

Is 12 days enough?
Yes—this loop samples Bali’s inland culture, a quiet east-coast pocket, clifftop beaches, and an island reef finale without rushing.

Penida or Lembongan?
Penida is dramatic and photogenic; Nusa Lembongan is gentler and villagey. With 12 days, Penida is a great first pick.

Will I definitely see turtles?
Wildlife isn’t a vending machine. Choose good operators, follow guidelines, and enjoy whatever the ocean offers that day.

Do I need an international licence for scooters?
Often yes—plus proper insurance. If in doubt, skip scooters and hire a driver.

How far ahead should I book?
For popular months and clifftop stays: a few weeks to a couple of months. Boats and day tours lock in once flights are set.

Ready to make it real?

See dates for Icons of Bali — 12 Days of Surf, Temples & Turtles, or keep exploring All Tours. Sunrise rice fields and clifftop sunsets are a powerful combo—pack curiosity and something you can dance in.