How to plan a 3-week Bali itinerary?

An 18-day September itinerary: 7 nights in Ubud (rice terraces, waterfalls, temples, Sekumpul Waterfall, sunrise at Mount Batur), then 3 nights on Nusa Penida (east side straight from the boat, west side, manta ray snorkeling), followed by 7 nights in Uluwatu (beaches, Kecak dance at the temple, Garuda Wisnu Kencana park). Relaxed pace, planned almost hour by hour.

For a 3-week November trip combining surf and nature: Kuta area is best for waves, Ubud for lush scenery and culture. A good flow is to start inland in Ubud, then move south toward the beach areas.

Allow around 2–3 hours to visit Lake Bratan and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan temple (exterior only) plus a walk through the surrounding park.

A detailed 12-day private driver itinerary: days 1–3 in Ubud, day 4 drive via Kintamani to Amed stopping at Pura Tirta Empul, volcano viewpoint, and Pura Besakih temple. Day 5 from Amed: Taman Ujung Water Palace and Lempuyang Gate of Heaven. Day 6 rest and swim in Amed. Day 7 ferry via Padang Bai to Gili Air. Days 8–9 Gili Islands, then transfer to Sanur via Sidemen and Gembleng Waterfall. Days 10–12 from Sanur: safari park, bird park, reptile park, Uluwatu temple, and Melasti Beach.