Bali, a province of Indonesia and the farthest west of the Lesser Sunda Islands, has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Asia for digital nomads and tourists alike. This lush paradise is full of fantastic beaches, ornate temples, grand waterfalls, and unique attractions. It can be overwhelming to draw up an Bali itinerary that packs it all in, especially if you’re trying to see Bali in 10 days.
That’s where we here at Road Affair come in. We’ve carefully curated a Bali travel itinerary that lets you experience a bit of everything on the island, including the most popular attractions as well as some hidden gems. We’ve also included some of the best places to stay in Bali. The only research you’ll have to do is what flights to book for your two weeks in Bali!
Best Time to Visit Bali
Before we dive into what to do in Bali in 10 days, you’ll want to make sure you’ll be visiting Bali at one of the best times.
While the island is a vibrant paradise, it comes at the cost of a heavy rainy season. The temperature usually stays about the same all year long, but the wet season tends to be much more humid and muggy. So, unless you like dripping in sweat, the best time to visit Bali definitely isn’t anytime from November to March. To avoid the wet season, book your 10 days in Bali for sometime between April and October.
How to Get Around Bali
One crucial piece of information about Bali that influencers tend to leave out is the hectic traffic. Bali’s infrastructure is under a lot of stress due to the island’s rising popularity, and there seems to be heavy traffic almost all day long, no matter where you’re driving.
Unfortunately, public transit is essentially nonexistent on the island. You can use taxis or ride-sharing apps such as Grab; however, these apps are banned in Ubud and the surrounding area, so you’ll be at the mercy of the “taxi mafia” there, which tends to charge quite high rates.
It’s best just to rent a scooter in Bali and navigate your own way around the island. In addition to saving you money, a scooter makes it much easier to weave in and out of traffic and pass through narrow alleyways. With that being said, Bali is not the place to learn how to ride a scooter, so unless you are already comfortable riding one, we’d recommend sticking with Grab.
What to Pack for Bali
- Good backpack: You won’t want to cart luggage around the island’s narrow sidewalks, especially if you travel by scooter. Instead of a suitcase, bring a sturdy travel backpack that won’t strain your shoulders.
- Stomach medicine: You’ve probably heard of “Bali belly,” an unpleasant sickness from eating contaminated food. It’s true that there’s contaminated water on the island, so bring some anti-diarrheal, ginger, or charcoal pills just in case.
- Light rain jacket: Although the island has a wet and dry season, it’s still a tropical climate with chances of rain at any time, so you should prepare for all weather types. Even if it doesn’t rain, a light rain jacket or windbreaker will come in handy when you’re scootering around the north of the island, where the mountain areas tend to be much cooler than the south.
- Lock: Whether you’re staying in hostels or at a hotel, it’s always a good idea to bring a padlock. In hostels, you’ll want to secure your valuables in a locker instead of carrying them around in your backpack. Even if you bring a suitcase that you store in your hotel room, it’s best to secure your luggage with a padlock to prevent theft.
- Conservative clothes: When visiting the Hindu temples of Bali, you’ll need to cover your shoulders, back, and knees, so bring a change of clothes for this. Some temples require a sarong, so you may need to purchase or rent one in Bali. It’s best to pair a sarong with a sleeved T-shirt or blouse when you visit temples.
- Return ticket: To enter Bali, you must have proof of your ticket home or to another country. Whether you actually need to show the proof is up to the customs agent, but you should have a printout or screenshot of your ticket just in case.
- Travel insurance: While travel insurance isn’t compulsory to visit Bali, we highly recommend it. If you fall extremely ill from the food or get in a scooter accident (a very common occurrence), you’ll want to know it will be covered. We recommend purchasing coverage through SafetyWing, as it offers travel insurance for only about $10 a week. You can get a nonbinding quote here.
Where to Stay in Bali
There are plenty of fantastic areas to stay in Bali, each with its own unique attractions. Bali is known for cheap villas and incredible homes surrounded by lush jungles, but these accommodations tend to book up quickly. We suggest booking your accommodations well in advance so that you can have your pick of the best places to stay in Bali.
To find the best hotels, hostels, and homestays in Bali, we highly recommend using Booking.com, Hostelworld, and Airbnb. Airbnb is where you’ll find the best homestays and villas on the island. You can find our recommendations for the best Airbnbs in Bali here.
The most popular areas to stay in Bali are Canggu, Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak are side by side in the southwest area of the island and all offer relaxed beach-town vibes with plenty of beach bars, clubs, restaurants, and surf schools. Ubud is more central, boasting incredible jungle surroundings with a plethora of waterfalls and temples to explore.
The Perfect 10-Day Bali Itinerary
With all the preparation details out of the way, let’s get rolling on the ultimate Bali itinerary!
Day 1-4: Ubud
While Bali may look small, it can be quite a hassle to get from one end to the other with the poor road conditions and heavy traffic. So, where is the best place to stay in Bali to start your trip? That would be the central area of Ubud, which puts you in close proximity to some of the best places to visit in Bali and lets you avoid the heavier traffic in Seminyak, Canggu, and Kuta. Unlike those beach towns, Ubud showcases the island’s lush jungle, wildlife, and waterfalls, along with handcrafted jewelry and art.
We’ll start day one with the assumption that you’ve already arrived in Ubud from the airport. Remember that ride-sharing apps like Grab are not available in Ubud, so it’s best to take a taxi from the airport and then rent a scooter in Ubud. We also recommend starting your days no later than 9 a.m. to get the most out of your time on the island.
Best places to stay in Ubud:
- Hostel – Sunshine Vintage House
- Hotel – The Valerian Villa Ubud
- Airbnb – Private villa with a pool
Day 1: Flower Bath and Jewelry-Making Class
Morning: Flower Bath and Massage
After the long travel time to Bali, why not start your first day of vacay by indulging in a massage and flower bath?
Social media has made Bali’s flower baths increasingly popular. There are several beautiful spas in Ubud where you can enjoy this relaxing Balinese tradition, which dates back to the island’s Buddhist healing rituals. The flowers and herbs in the water are not just there for the sweet smell and aesthetics; they are said to help heal the body and cleanse karma from past lives.
We recommend booking a riverside spa package at Sanctoo Suites & Villas. You can choose from three packages that range from 90 to 180 minutes. If you want to experience a flower bath, though, choose the 180-minute Peaceful Escape package. Other Ubud spas to consider include Karsa Spa, Chaya Spa at Kamandalu, and Kaveri Spa at The Udaya.
Afternoon: Jewelry-Making Class
Bali has a rich history of silversmithing, which goes up to 2,600 years back. Indonesian silver is of very high quality and one of the country’s biggest exports, so you can’t miss a lesson in making silver jewelry from the highly skilled artists in Ubud.
This three-hour jewelry-making class in Ubud will teach you all the traditional techniques, helping you make your own unique souvenir. For an idea of what you want to make, look up some traditional designs in advance!
Day 2: Jungles, Rice Fields, and Waterfalls
Morning: Monkey Forest and Manuaba Waterfall
Kick off day two with a visit to the famous Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary to hang out with Balinese long-tailed monkeys. This is easily one of the most popular places to visit on the island, as you get to interact with these funny and friendly creatures, take selfies with them, and even feed them.
However, keep in mind that these monkeys are still wild animals and can become aggressive. Avoid making eye contact with them or running around them. Hide your valuables or leave them at the hotel, as the monkeys have been known to steal hats, sunglasses, and even passports!
There are also temples, lush jungle, and statues to see at the Ubud Monkey Forest, so plan to spend an hour or two there. After that, find Manuaba Waterfall for a refreshing swim to escape the midday heat.
Afternoon: Ceking Rice Terrace or Aloha Ubud Swing
Once you’ve cooled down with a quick dip, continue north to Ceking Rice Terrace or back south to Aloha Ubud Swing. Both locations are where you’ll get those classic Bali photos over the rice fields.
Ceking Rice Terrace is the most popular field to visit in Ubud, though it’s a bit of a tourist trap. If you don’t mind paying for photos and access to the swings, nests, and other incredible photo spots on the terrace, this is the place for you. After all, some of the most iconic Ubud photos were taken here.
If you want to see rice fields and experience the Balinese swings without the crowds and costs of Ceking, consider visiting Aloha Ubud Swing. While still a popular attraction, it has a more relaxing atmosphere.
Recommendation: To bundle the attractions for day two and simplify transportation between them, book this top-rated, full-day private tour of the Monkey Forest, rice terraces, and waterfalls.
Dinner Suggestion: Siboghana Waroeng
Finish your day with a delicious traditional Balinese meal at Siboghana Waroeng – House of Mandala Ease. This family-run restaurant is completely vegetarian and makes everything from scratch, which means the food takes a while to prepare but is well worth the wait!
Day 3: Tirta Empul Temple and Optional Waterfalls
On day three, head to one of the most famous temples in the area, Tirta Empul. This stunning Hindu temple is famous for its healing spring waters. You must wear a sarong to cover your legs here, so consider purchasing one in advance, though you can also rent one at the temple.
For the best experience, hire a guide at the entrance or book this private tour with a shaman, which includes a healing ceremony. This will help you gain better insights into the history and religious practices of the temple.
If you have time on your way back to Ubud, stop at Suwat Waterfall for a relaxing swim or head 20 minutes south to Kanto Lampo Waterfall. Kanto Lampo is very popular with tourists, as the cascading ledges offer the perfect photo opportunity. There’s usually a long line to take these photos, so if you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting Suwat instead. Another fantastic option is Taman Sari Waterfall, which boasts incredibly clear waters for swimming.
Spend the evening sleeping, as the next day’s activities start very early!
Day 4: Sunrise Hike on Mount Batur
The hike up Bali’s famous volcano, Mount Batur, is the highlight of the island for many tourists. Sunrise is a more popular time for the hike than sunset, as the evenings are extremely hot.
You can hike up the volcano on your own, but we strongly advise against it. It’s highly risky to navigate an unfamiliar trail in the dark with wildlife around. For a safer and more relaxing experience, book a guided tour of Mount Batur for your sunrise hike. The tour also includes transportation, so you won’t have to drive at night and can nap in the van on the way to the volcano.
We recommend this full-day tour of Mount Batur and the hot springs. The van will pick you up at your accommodation around 2 a.m. You can enjoy a nap or chat with fellow passengers on the two-hour drive to the hiking trail. Upon arrival, you’ll start the 1.5-hour trek up to the top of the highest volcano crater in Bali, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise over the island and clouds. Breakfast will be provided.
You’ll probably be a bit sore from such an early and challenging hike, so the soothing waters of the Batur Natural Hot Spring will be a welcome sight after your trek down the mountain. You’ll have two hours to relax at the springs before the two-hour journey back to Ubud.
Day 5-7: Northern Bali (Bedugul) and Amed Beach
After a few days in Ubud, make your way to the northern area of the island, where you’ll escape a lot of the crowds from the south. This hilly area offers plenty of incredible attractions and natural beauty.
Best places to stay near/in Bedugul:
- Hostel – Chakra Tavern
- Hotel – Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas
- Airbnb – Nature lodge in Tegallalang
Day 5: Journey to Bedugul and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Wake up and hit the road to northern Bali. This drive is quite beautiful and will take you past some fun attractions. Indulge your sweet tooth with a pit stop at Junglegold Bali (formerly known as Pod Chocolate). A visit to this chocolate factory is one of the best things to do in Bali for free, as you can sample several delicious treats without a purchase. What makes Junglegold so unique is that it sources all its ingredients locally and makes the chocolate with coconut milk, making it the world’s first fully plant-based chocolate factory.
Continue north to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which you might recognize from the 50,000-rupiah bill. Depending on where you’re staying, you may want to drop off your bags at your accommodation before visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site on Lake Beratan.
This beautiful Hindu temple was constructed over 350 years ago as a shrine to Danu, the goddess of the lake. You can roam through the temple, rent boats for a cruise on the lake, enjoy a bite to eat, and even rent traditional Balinese clothes for a unique photo. There are plenty of photo spots here, along with a bunny petting zoo, a children’s playground, and a sculpture garden.
If you have time after touring the temple, head just down the street to Bedugul Traditional Market, where you can pick out souvenirs and browse local art.
Day 6: Water Slide Lemukih and Coastal Drive to Amed Beach
After a night in the northern region, pack up and make your way northeast along the coast. Your first stop of the day is Water Slide Lemukih, roughly 45 minutes north of Bedugul. This natural rock waterslide along a freshwater river is perfect for adrenaline junkies. You’ll also get to swim in the pool of the beautiful Sekumpul Waterfall.
For safety reasons, you can only visit the natural slide with a guide, but it’s definitely worth it, as the guide will provide transportation and take you to the best spots. Guided access costs 250,000 rupiahs (about $17) per person, and the fees help support the local community.
Two hours is a good time to spend sliding and swimming. Afterward, grab a bite at a local restaurant and then embark on the 2.5-hour coastal ride to Amed Beach, which is actually a collection of seven villages with numerous beaches.
You can stop at several gorgeous viewpoints and beaches along the way, which are mostly free of tourists, giving you an immersive Balinese feeling. Amed Beach itself is less crowded than the western side of the island, boasts gorgeous black sand, and presents some fantastic snorkeling opportunities.
Best places to stay in Amed Beach:
- Hostel – Ocean Prana Village
- Hotel – Narayana Homestay
- Airbnb – Beachfront villa
Day 7: WWII Shipwreck Dive and Besakih Temple
Morning: Snorkeling or Diving to See a Shipwreck
Amed Beach is a great spot for snorkeling to see turtles and other marine life. But if you take a 20-minute drive south to Japanese Ship Wreck Point, you can snorkel over a unique Japanese ship that ran aground during World War II. The shipwreck itself is only 25 meters from the shore in waters 2-20 meters deep. It’s completely free to explore – simply look for the black buoys and swim on out!
Another popular wreck for divers and snorkelers is the USAT Liberty, a sunken U.S. cargo ship that was torpedoed in WWII. The wreck is just south of Kubu, about 20 meters off the shore. It’s completely free to snorkel and explore, or you can book a diving excursion with one of the many dive shops nearby.
Afternoon: Besakih Temple
After a few hours of snorkeling, pack up and head back east toward the popular areas of Kuta and Canggu. You’ll need to leave your accommodation by 2 p.m. to allow yourself plenty of time on the road and at the temple complex.
Besakih Temple is a massive holy site comprising 23 temples in the foothills of Mount Agung, another one of Bali’s volcanoes. A ticket to Besakih Temple includes a guide, but you don’t have to go with one. You will have to wear a sarong, which is also included in the ticket price. Beware of scammers who claim your ticket doesn’t cover a sarong rental or that you can only go inside with a tour guide.
After touring the grand temples, you’ll need a new place to stay the night. If you’re looking to hit up the hottest party spots and enjoy the best Bali nightlife, consider staying in Kuta. If you want a more laid-back vibe, you can’t go wrong with Canggu.
Best places to stay in Kuta:
- Hostel – Beach Hut Hostel
- Hotel – Amnaya Resort Kuta
- Airbnb – Modern villa with a pool
Best places to stay in Canggu:
- Hostel – Surf & Party – Hostel Somewhere Else
- Hotel – Ecozy Dijiwa Canggu
- Airbnb – Traditional Balinese guesthouse
Day 8-10: Kuta/Canggu
Whether you stay in Kuta or Canggu, you can enjoy all the best activities of a Balinese beach resort town, with plenty of opportunities to branch out on day trips.
Day 8: Surfing, Beach Bars, and Traditional Fire Show
Morning: Surf Lessons
The western beaches of Kuta and Canggu are known for their excellent surfing conditions. There are several board rental places along the beaches for those who already know how to ride the waves, but if you’re a complete newbie, you’ll definitely want to book lessons from an experienced surfer! This two-hour surfing lesson package from Pulau Biru Surf School in Kuta includes one-on-one lessons and professional photographs.
Midday/Afternoon: Beach Bar
After a few hours of (hopefully) riding the waves, hit up one of the popular beach bars for some lazing around. For example, La Brisa is easily one of the best beach bars in Canggu, offering plenty of comfortable loungers, tables, and beanbag chairs, along with beach access, a DJ, and an on-site pool. Grab a cabana or settle into a beanbag chair to relax for hours.
Evening: Kecak Show at Uluwatu Temple
Around 3 p.m., get yourself showered and ready to watch a traditional “kecak” dance performance at Uluwatu Temple, which is a must-see in Bali. This ticket to Uluwatu Temple’s Balinese dance show includes transportation to and from the temple, with the option to add a seafood dinner after the show. First, you’ll get to see the sunset over the rocky cliffs of the temple and the Indian Ocean. Then the Balinese dancers and fire wizards (as I call them) put on a mesmerizing and memorable show in a truly magical setting.
Day 9: Day Trip for Outdoor Adventures
You have several choices for adventurous activities in Bali’s southern region, so we’ll cover your options and let you decide how to spend the day!
Option 1: Water Sports on Nusa Lembongan Island
If you want to spend a day playing on the water, this reef and water activities cruise is for you. The full-day excursion offers a day of fun in the sun on a luxury pontoon that features a massive slide, unlimited banana boat rides, and snorkeling equipment. It includes snacks, drinks, and a buffet lunch, with an optional cultural tour of Nusa Lembongan. You can also add a scuba dive package to the day or try out underwater walking with the Aquanaut helmet.
Option 2: Ubud ATV Tour and Rafting on Ayung River
If you crave some more jungle experiences, consider booking this full-day adventure ATV and rafting tour. The excursion includes a guide, lunch, a towel, and transfers to and from your hotel. You’ll start the day with a 1.5-hour ATV adventure through the bamboo forest near Singakerta, a village just south of Ubud, before stopping for lunch. As the day heats up, it’s time to get wet and wild on a two-hour white-water rafting trip on the Ayung River.
Option 3: Day Tour to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is one of the most popular Indonesian islands besides Bali, offering pristine nature, crystal-clear waters, and quiet beaches. This day tour of Nusa Penida will take you to the most famous beaches on the island (Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach) as well as the natural swimming pool at Angel’s Billabong. The tour package includes transportation and drinking water, and you can add extras such as professional photographs, drone footage, or a one-hour massage.
Day 10: Beaches and Attractions on Bali’s Southern Tip
For a final day of adventure in Bali, rent a scooter and go explore the southern area of the island.
Start the day by touring Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, where you’ll find massive Hindu sculptures and monuments in an idyllic setting. After some wandering, grab coffee or breakfast at Jendela Bali The Panoramic Resto in the park while enjoying incredible views of the island.
The next stop is one of the beautiful southern beaches, but which one you should visit depends on what activities appeal to you. If you want to continue working on your surfing skills, head to Balangan Beach, where the waves and sandy shoreline make a great place to camp out for the day.
If you’re looking to relax on clean white sand with incredible scenery, you can’t go wrong with Melasti Beach. You’ll find it just down the road from the TikTok-famous Pandawa Beach (which is just as gorgeous but more crowded). Another stunning and relatively uncrowded option just down the road is Batu Barak Beach. This whole area is known for its rugged cliff line, beach bars, and incredible waters for swimming.
Well, that’s how you can see the best of Bali in 10 days! From the most popular temples and shipwrecks to hidden waterfalls and quaint villages, this Bali itinerary has it all. Now you just need to book your flight and pick where to stay in Bali from our suggestions!
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