When it comes to dreamy tropical trips, Bali always comes to mind. With its lush jungles, pristine beaches and incredible culture, it’s no wonder this Indonesian island is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you are planning to go to Bali, we have put together the perfect 10-day itinerary for you!
With its stunning landscapes, verdant rice terraces, beautiful beaches, idyllic temples, endearing monkeys, spectacular waterfalls and unforgettable nightlife, Bali is a renowned sun destination worldwide. Although planning a trip to such an idyllic place can seem daunting because of all the incredible places to explore, following these steps will help you plan your dream trip effortlessly!
This travel guide to Bali will help you make your visit to this island as enjoyable and stress-free as possible, whether you stay for 4 days or a whole month. We cover topics such as the best things to do, when to go, insider travel tips and much more!
So without further ado … let’s get down to business!
What are the best months?
Bali is a fantastic year-round destination to visit, and if you only have a short vacation from work, we recommend you just book that ticket. Because Bali is located in the tropics, the weather there is usually hot and humid, but there are two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season! The rainy season in Bali runs from October to April, and the dry season from May to September.
Many villa and room rates are a lot less expensive in the mid-season months, and in general Bali is more relaxed then. October is not too bad either, still much less rain than November, according to Bali.com. The best time to come to Bali for cheaper room rates and villas is April, May, June and September – just before and just after the dry period of the high season, when it is slightly less humid.
Is Bali a dangerous place?
Bali is as safe to visit as any other place in the world. Needless to say, when traveling, you want to exercise caution and good judgment no matter where your destination is.
The most dangerous behavior reported from time to time is that of “motorcycle/bag thieves,” who try to steal wallets/backpacks while riding on the back of a motorcycle. But, as long as you pay close attention to your stuff, nothing bad will happen.
However, what is very important in terms of safety is that you MUST be extremely careful if you decide to rent a scooter in Bali! This is probably the most dangerous part on the island! That said, again, you don’t have to let that stop you from enjoying the feeling of exploring the island on two wheels! With scooter riding, you can experience Bali in a beautiful and inexpensive way. You get to see the rice terraces, which is one of the best aspects about living in Bali. However, ride only with someone who is confident and competent in driving. Also, try not to drive during rush hour.
10 Days in Bali itinerary
The way this 10-day itinerary is set up, it’s all focused on Bali, but if you have two full weeks, a trip to the Gili Islands is really a must!
Avoid checking in and out of hotels and Airbnb’s every few days when traveling around Bali! That’s why we’ve included a minimum of 3+ nights at each place, so you can get a better feel for the area. The full itinerary is below, but here’s an overview of my proposed itinerary so you can start planning!
- Uluwatu (3 Nights)
- Canggu (3 Nights)
- Ubud (4 Nights)
If you have some extra time at any of these stops, take advantage of it by renting scooters or booking day trips to explore nearby attractions! Below is a list of daily travel itinerary activities!
Keep in mind that you may not be able to do everything on this itinerary to Bali depending on your time, energy or budget constraints, but we wanted to include as much information as possible for you!
Best places to stay
Bali has some of the world’s best luxury resorts and private villas, but it also has a wide range of mid-range hotels and backpacker hostels! It all depends on your budget and how much you want to spend! We’ve compiled a nice list of recommended places to stay in Bali, and we’re sure you’ll have a great time at any of them.
Where to stay in Uluwatu?
Radisson Blue Bali Uluwatu: Consistently rated as one of the best places in Bali, be treated like royalty here without paying blue! There is a beautiful sun terrace with a pool, very clean and comfortable rooms and impeccable service!
Six Senses Uluwatu: This 5-Star Luxury Resort in Uluwatu will surely make for an unforgettable stay, but the rooms here are not so cheap! The hotel is perched on a cliff and the delicious cuisine and unparalleled attention make for a truly special experience on the island.
SR Hostel Uluwatu: If you are a backpacker trying to save money in Bali, consider SR Hostel Uluwatu. They offer a free dinner buffet every night! The hostel is also clean and comfortable, ideal for meeting other travelers like you.
Where to stay in Canggu?
Theanna Eco Villa and Spa: When you step into this resort, you are immediately enveloped in tranquility. It’s no wonder it’s rated as the best hotel/resort in Canggu – you just can’t beat the value and service here!
Kosone Hostel / Alternative Beach: Opened in early 2019 and we dare to say that this is the Best Hostel in Canggu! It offers a great pool with a swim-up bar, DJs playing throughout the day, excellent cuisine, comfortable beds, and rooftop jacuzzis… What else should we say? If you are a budget traveler in Canggu this is the place to stay!
Where to stay in Ubud?
Hanging Gardens of Bali: This is the jungle resort of your dreams! “This stunning five-star luxury resort on 3.2 acres is just a 30-minute drive from Ubud’s city center and is nestled deep in the heart of Ubud’s rich rainforest reserve. It has 44 private rooms and villas, separated into individual units.”
Visesa Ubud Resort: This resort is not only luxury, but also comfort! The prices are fantastic for what you get. You’ll have access to beautiful villas, exquisite views, delicious food and much more! This Ubud resort has it all – definitely a good choice if you are looking for the full package.
Wayan’s Family Hostel Ubud: If you’re looking for a great yet inexpensive hostel in Ubud, this lovely family-owned guest house is the place to go! It offers a fun backpacker vibe and is a beautiful home. You will fall in love with the staff when you stay here!
DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO BALI (3+ NIGHTS)
There really is no better place to start your Bali vacation than all the way in Uluwatu, in the far south of the island!
Uluwatu is a very popular part of Bali, famous for its surf tournaments with a fantastic nightlife and without a doubt the most beautiful place to watch sunsets on the island! Whether you want to spend your days relaxing on the beach, swimming in infinity pools, lounging in dayclubs, surfing gnarly waves, or exploring epic coastlines on a motorcycle – Uluwatu is sure to amaze you and make you want to come back again and again!
It also has a perfectly comfortable atmosphere. There are plenty of great things to do in Uluwatu, especially if you are new to the area. Take the evening to unwind in your resort, enjoy delicious food and hopefully overcome jet lag.
If you like, you can dine at Jimbaran Bay’s cliff-top restaurants on the first night and sip cocktails while soaking up the atmosphere at one of the island’s top eateries. Alternatively, you can dine by candlelight in Jimbaran Bay (about 15-20 minutes drive from Uluwatu)
DAY 2: ULUWATU BEACH & NIGHTLIFE
It will be different for everyone; it’s all about how you want to spend your vacation in Bali! Do you want this trip to be more of a relaxing one, or are you more of an adventure type? Do you prefer to stay in luxurious beach clubs with lots of people around you, or do you prefer some quiet areas?
Whatever your travel style, you’ll find plenty to do Uluwatu.
Things to do in Uluwatu
- Visit the Uluwatu Temple: “This is one of the six main temples believed to be the spiritual pillars of Bali and is known for its beautiful location, located at the top of a steep cliff, about 70 meters above sea level.
- Watch the professional surfers at Uluwatu Beach!: There are countless different bars and restaurants to choose from, but sit back, grab a Bintang (local beer) and watch from above as these pros amaze you with their skills!
- Explore all the beaches around Uluwatu: Padang Padang, Suluban Beach, Padang Padang, Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Melasti Beach, Green Bowl Beach and Pandawa Beach!
- Never miss a sunset: Almost every night, Uluwatu plays host to some of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. Make sure you find a good spot in advance so you can fully enjoy it! An infinity pool, rooftop bar or restaurant terrace make it perfect.
- Visit a Dayclub: Sundays Beach Club, Finns Beach Club, OMNIA, Karma Beach Club, etc. Honestly, there are numerous epic places to spend a day, but they can be a bit pricey if you are a backpacker on a limited budget !
- Sunday Nights at Single Fin: This is one of the most famous parties on the island, but it’s not just held on Sunday nights! Single Fin Uluwatu is a fantastic bar and restaurant every night of the week, but don’t miss the Sunday night party!
- Saturday Nights at Padang Padang: Every Saturday night there is a really cool beach party with reggae and electronic music, lively crowds and a unique location!
- Rent a motorcycle to discover it all easily: Uluwatu is one of the best areas on the island to travel around on a motorcycle! You can rent one for as little as €4 per day, the roads never seem too crowded and it’s just a great feeling!
- Enjoy a meal at Cashew Tree: This remains one of the most favorite restaurants in all of Bali! They have delicious healthy smoothies, an extensive menu and affordable prices. It is also a favorite with backpackers, near Bingin’ Beach.
DAY 3: NUSA ISLANDS DAY TRIP
Three stunning islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida, are a 20-30 minute speedboat ride off the coast of Bali. All three are absolutely stunning; each has beautiful beaches, natural wonders and some of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving in Indonesia!!!
There are a plethora of alternatives, but the following are some of the most popular! It’s all about whether you prefer beach/view or swimming and snorkeling!
The Best of Nusa Penida Private Day Tour
Climb aboard a fast boat at Sanur Beach and cross the sea to Toyapakeh on the small island of Nusa Penida. Meet your local host upon arrival and begin your private day tour. Visit the famous Kelingking Beach for the chance to take photos of the most beautiful spot on the island. “Enjoy the view of the Indian Ocean from the cliffs, then continue to Pasih Uug (Broken Beach) and the natural pool of Angel’s Billabong. Before heading to the famous Crystal Bay beach, known for its excellent diving and snorkeling, experience one of Nusa Penida’s most talked about attractions.
Day trip snorkeling to Nusa Lembongan
Discover an Indonesian island paradise off the southern coast of Bali, where you can snorkel at three sites around the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida in the Indian Ocean. Observe the wide variety of tropical fish and living coral flora and fauna you will see.
Full day snorkeling trip to Nusa Penida & Manta Point
Nusa Penida is a perfect place to snorkel and discover marine life, as you will see on this day excursion. Go in search of the oceanic moonfish, or mola mola and large manta rays during some of the most amazing drift dives in Indonesia. Board at Sanur Beach for the drive to Nusa Penida and your first snorkeling session of the day at Manta Point. Get up close and personal with some majestic manta rays, which can reach up to 6 meters in length! Take a dip or relax on the boat before starting your second snorkeling session. When you’re done, enjoy a delicious lunch aboard the boat.
DAY 4: CANGGU CHILLIN & BAR HOPPING
Canggu, located on the southern tip of Bali, has exploded in popularity in recent years, surpassing Seminyak as “THE PLACE TO BE” in Bali! Since 2015, it has evolved greatly and now attracts a crowd of digital nomads including trendy cafes, co-working spaces, yoga studios, beach clubs, unique bars, surf camps and thousands of people enjoying the Canggu way of life!
Things to do in Canggu
- Eat at as many different cafes as possible! Canggu is a top destination for culinary foodies, and there are plenty of must-try places! Some fan favorites include: Milk & Madu, The Shady Shack, Motion Cafe, Peleton Supershop, Cinta Cafe and Milu by Nook!
- Take a professional surf lesson for 2 hours: Canggu is the perfect place to learn to surf if you are new to the sport! Even though the waves can be a bit intense on some days, there are plenty of great surf camps in Canggu that will teach you everything you need to know. Spending a few hours at one of these camps is definitely worth it!
- Watch the sunset on the beach every night! If you’re looking for some variety, there are several nice bars and eateries near the beach. They usually bring out beanbags and tables for people to sit at as the sun begins to set. Order a refreshing coconut drink and sit back to enjoy the beautiful sunset colors!
- Relax and swim at Alternative Beach Pool & Hostel! Canggu beach is a popular relatively new place in the area! It has a pool with just the right temperature and decent dining options, and a lovely sandy atmosphere (hence the name Alternative Beach).
- Spend a luxurious day at Finn’s Beach Club. If you want to splurge a little, why not book a lounger at Finn’s? You will have a relaxing day in a beautiful setting!
- Visit AMO Spa. This is the place to go for one of their famous facials, relaxing massages, or an epsom salt jacuzzi session! The sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and cold plunge circuit provide a great endorphin high!
- Canggu Nightlife Bar Hopping! Old Man’s, La Brisa, or the secret bar in the supermarket along the “Canggu shortcut” are all good options if you’re looking for coziness. You can also enjoy The Lawn (it has a fantastic pool), Pretty Poison, and Deus!
DAY 5: SURF, EAT & TANAH LOT TEMPLE SUNSET
Spend another day sightseeing around Canggu (especially the cafes)! Do some yoga, go surfing again, go to a co-working space, do cross-fit, join a beach cleanup, and so on….
However, if you want to see the sun set, I recommend you rent a motorcycle and drive down the road (only 25-30 minutes) to visit the temple of Tanah Lot! It is one of Bali’s most popular attractions because of its unique location on the sea and its sunsets. An ancient Hindu shrine sits on a cliff amid relentless surf.
There is a modest entrance fee of IDR 60,000 (about €3) and you can easily spend an hour or two walking around the beach and admiring the beautiful scenery.
DAY 6: SEMINYAK SHOPPING, DAYCLUBS & NIGHTLIFE
If you continue on this Bali itinerary, I recommend a short trip from Canggu to Seminyak for a day of shopping and beach clubs! Seminyak is one of the nicer and more developed neighborhoods on the island, with lots of fun things to do, places to eat and great souvenir stores.
Things to do in Seminyak
- Souvenir stores until you drop! The Seminyak/ Legian/ Kuta area is the ideal place to acquire all your Bali souvenirs! If you forget to haggle, you’re a thief of your own wallet, because most prices at all the souvenir stalls are negotiable!
- Visit Potato Head Beach Club! This beautiful beachfront spot has plenty of luxurious sunbeds and loungers, and the food will not disappoint. It’s a bit on the expensive side (by Balinese standards), but it’s worth stopping by for a swim, a meal, or just to drink some beer! The atmosphere is also quite lively, so it can be a great place to meet people.
- Beanbags & Umbrellas at La Plancha Seminyak! You won’t find a more colorful beachfront bar and restaurant! They have a great DJ playing during sunset, reasonable prices, and an overall great atmosphere that you’re sure to enjoy!
- Pool party at Mrs. Sippy’s! This is one of the largest saltwater pools and best hotspots for pool parties in Bali! They regularly have international DJs perform and you’ll love seeing people jumping off the high platform all day!
- Grab a cup of coffee at Revolver! You haven’t had good coffee until you’ve tried Revolver in Seminyak.
- Visit Eden Life Centers Medical Spa! For luxury medical spa treatments at a discounted price, go to Eden Life Centers! The standard of the facilities is incredible, the staff is great and if you’re hungover, you can even get an infusion!
- Seminyak Balinese Cooking Course and Market Tour: Learn how to prepare authentic Balinese dishes with the knowledgeable and experienced local chefs in Seminyak. Join this enjoyable cooking class that will teach you some Balinese recipes and new culinary skills
- Make it a party in the legendary nightlife! Kuta and Seminyak are two regions that are quite popular for their bar/nightclub scene, and here are some of the most favorite spots: Motel Mexicola, SkyGarden, Ku De Ta, Cocoon, Woobar, and JENJA.
DAY 7: UBUD CAFES, MONKEYS, TEMPLES AND YOGA
Once you’ve checked out Bali’s famous beach areas, it’s time to explore the cultural and spiritual heart of the island! Ubud has a special atmosphere that is sure to relax and rejuvenate you!
Ubud is not only a serene and picturesque town, but it is also perfect to serve as a home base for hikes and excursions to the rest of Bali!
Here are some of the most fun things to do in Ubud for the first day of your stay!
- Trendy Cafes, Vegan Food & Smoothie Bowls! In Ubud, there are countless great places to grab a bite to eat, so many that you could spend days here and still only scratch the surface. A few of the favorites are: ZEST, Sayuri Healing.
- Hike through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary! Want to experience monkeys up close? This is the greatest place to do that! Be careful though, the monkeys aren’t always as nice as you’d like! It is located in the center of town and is super cheap, making it a great way to spend an hour!
- Legends of the hidden temples! There are dozens of beautiful temples in Ubud, so rent a motorcycle and explore as many as you can! Some top choices include Pura Tirta Empul, Pura Taman Saraswati, and Goa Gajah.
- YOGA! There are several great yoga centers in Ubud and if it’s not your thing, maybe you should give it a try. Your first introduction to bikram yoga in Ubud will be an unforgettable experience that you will never forget.
- Ubud Balinese Cooking Class: Join us for an exclusive cooking class at an organic farm in the lush tropics around Ubud where you will discover the culinary secrets of Bali. Visit a local market and experience daily life before preparing a regular or vegetarian meal with the help of a cook.
- Ubud Center Market Shopping! Stroll through the heart of Ubud and you’ll find an abundance of shopping opportunities! From traditional art sales to souvenir stalls and fashion stalls, there really is a little bit of everything here.
DAY 8: TEGALAGANG RICE TERRACES, BALI SWING & CAMPUHAN RIDGE HIKE
The rice terraces of Tegalagang are twenty minutes by scooter from the center of Ubud, and they are Instagram famous. The magnificent Tegalagang rice terraces are one of Bali’s most beautiful tourist destinations and will amaze you with their panoramic views of lush green valleys, rice fields, and towering palms! It’s completely free to explore, but I recommend bringing cash for anything you want to do in Bali in terms of swings, coconuts, cold drinks, meals, and so on.
If you don’t mind getting up a little early, watching the sunrise and seeing the light shine through the palm trees is an experience you won’t soon forget! It is one of the most peaceful ways to start your day and then you can spend the next 3-4 hours exploring! However, if you go in the afternoon, expect large crowds and intense humidity.
Bali Swing
The small but fun Terrace River Pool Swing, located a short walk from the main rice terraces, is a fun place to visit with your family or friends. It is also free to walk through and take pictures, but if you want to participate in any of the activities, you have to pay.
Campunan Ridge hike
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is Ubud’s most popular hiking trail and is perfect for a sunset walk (or really any time of day). The beautiful views and lack of crowds will remind you why people from all over the world come to Bali! The trail begins at Ubud’s historic origins, the confluence (or Campuhan) of the Wos rivers. You get some excellent hilltop views as you hike along the scenic paved trail, and you are surrounded by Ubud rice fields and a deep ravine through which a river flows. It’s only about 1.5 kilometers long, so perfect for a short workout! If you’ve had enough of the rice terraces after your day of walking around, this is an absolute must-do in Ubud!
DAY 9: MT. BATUR SUNRISE WALK & SPA RELAXATION RECOVERY
Marvel at the scenic views of Mount Agung, Mount Abang and Mount Rinjani in Lombok as the sun rises above the clouds from the crater of Mount Batur!
For those who are daring, we recommend getting up early and hiking to the top of Mount Batur for one of the most spectacular sunrises you will ever see! However, this tour is known to be strenuous and is therefore not for cowards!
There are several excursions to choose from and everything of course depends on what you are most interested in! 
- Mount Batur Sunrise walk with breakfast
- Mount Batur Sunrise hike with hidden waterfall
- Mount Batur Sunrise walk with hot springs
Trek to the top of a volcano on an easy to do, less crowded hike that follows the eastern slope of the mountain. A 3-kilometer route is followed during the ascent. It is a trail of moderate difficulty with lush tropical rainforests as you pass through. After reaching the top, enjoy a breakfast prepared with steam from the volcano. As you watch the magnificent sunrise, you sip hot tea, or coffee. Your trek reaches the main crater rim of the volcano before descending the mountain again from the southwest crater rim. End your trip by relaxing in a hot spring where the crystal clear water is excellent to help with any muscle aches you may have suffered during your trip.
Ubud spa recovery day
After a long day of climbing a volcano and early morning prayers, you are ready for some self-care and pampering.
You deserve to feel pampered and rejuvenated, so for only €10, enjoy a body scrub, 60-minute massage, herbal bath, healthy lunch, manicure AND pedicure!
If you are looking for a great spa experience in Ubud, Taksu Spa is the perfect place to go. They offer top-notch services and is an absolute must for anyone visiting Ubud! However, if you are looking for something cheaper, there are also plenty of smaller massage parlors in town that can give you a good massage without going broke.
DAY 10: LAKE BERATAN, BANYUMAKA & SEKUMPUL WATERFALLS
The next step is to hire a private driver or rent some scooters and explore the north side of Bali! You’ll find plenty of things to see and do, so it’s bound to be an energizing day.
Beratan Lake: You admire the beautiful Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a tiny island in the lake, just as you have seen in postcards and Instagram photos of Bali. This lakeside temple was erected in memory of Dewi Danu, the goddess of the lake formed by a volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago.
Sekumpul Waterfall: The Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Bali. It is just a 40-minute drive from Lake Beratan, making it the perfect place for a day trip. Apparently there is now a mandatory guide if you want to visit in 2022, so be sure to take that into account in your plans!
Banyumala Twin Waterfall: Take a trip to this waterfall for a serene and calming afternoon outdoors. The natural pool is refreshing with its clear turquoise water. Swim undisturbed, listen to the thundering sound of running water and admire the lush greenery. While no photo will ever truly capture the beauty of this place, that shouldn’t stop you from taking a great Instagram shot!
Closing
If you dream of a tropical getaway, there is no better destination than Bali. This Indonesian island has something for everyone as you have read. From pristine beaches and world-class surfing to lush jungles and ancient temples. And with a wide range of accommodation and activities, it’s easy to customize your trip to suit your needs. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your perfect trip to Bali today!
Thanks for reading!
