Bali, the “Island of Gods,” is a super popular tourist destination for a reason. It boasts gorgeous weather, good surfing, amazing culture, delicious food, and the most stunning accommodation options… And best of all, you get all of this at a cheap price! What more could you want from a holiday?
Is this your first time heading to Bali? If so, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate Bali itinerary for 10 days. So, without further ado, let’s get into it!
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Bali Itinerary for 10 Days
After booking your flight to Bali, it’s time to figure out where to go, where to stay, what to eat, and what to do. Don’t worry if this sounds overwhelming to plan. We’ve got you covered with this ultimate Bali itinerary!
Days 1-2: Canggu
You will arrive at the Ngurah Rai International Airport or Denpasar International Airport in Denpasar, Bali. There’s no need to hang around here, as the main attractions of the island are at least an hour’s drive away. We recommend hiring a driver to pick you up from the airport first thing. The Bali airport can be very overwhelming with the sheer number of taxi drivers wanting to drive you to your destination, but if you pre-book a driver, they will wait outside the terminal with your name on a piece of paper. Much easier – plus, you know you won’t be scammed this way either! Alternatively, you can use Grab, which is the Uber of Indonesia.
Since you’re in Bali, it only makes sense to start off your journey at a beach destination. Canggu has quickly become one of the most popular places to stay on the island, and it’s easy to see why. The town is filled to the brim with Instagrammable cafes, delicious restaurants, fancy beach clubs, plenty of spas, and more. This is the ultimate spot to eat, drink, and relax (albeit it can be overwhelming with the crazy traffic!) – the perfect start to your Bali itinerary! You’ll also find a lot of good shopping here – everything from local markets to cute boutiques.
Where to Stay in Canggu
You can find a huge mix of accommodation options in Canggu, from cute hostels to gigantic private villas and everything in between. You’ll also find yoga retreats and unique Airbnbs – whatever tickles your fancy!
Here are some of the best accommodation options in Canggu:
- The Farm Hostel: Best Budget Option
- The Calmtree Bungalows: Best Mid-Range Option
- La Numa Villas: Best High-End Option
Where to Eat in Canggu
We spent a good amount of time in Canggu, so we know the best spots to eat on this side of the island. Here are some places you should check out:
- Moana Fish Eatery: Great place for fish
- Warung Ramadhan: Really cheap and really spicy local food
- Varuna Warung: Really cheap and amazing nasi campur, an Indonesian buffet
- Lola’s Cantina Mexicana: Good Mexican and excellent margaritas
- Sate Babi Street Food Warenda: Amazing pork sates
- Babi Guling Men Lari – A great local place to try babi guling, spit-roasted pig
- Pasta Bar: Small, cheap, and delicious pasta
- Crate Cafe: This is probably the most famous cafe in Canggu; perfect for brunch
- Penny Lane: Super Instagrammable cafe
- Baked: Amazing baked goods
What to Do in Canggu
Here are all the things you should do while in Canggu:
- Watch the sunset on the beach while having a Bintang (Balinese beer)
- Drink a fresh coconut
- Have some grilled corn
- Go to a beach club (La Brisa and Finn’s Beach Club are our favorites)
- Take a half-day trip to Tanah Lot, a temple north of Canggu
- Take a yoga class at SAMADI
- Take a surfing lesson
Days 2-5: Ubud
You can think of Canggu as the premier beach destination in Bali and Ubud as the main jungle destination. Ubud is about an hour from Canggu in the central highlands of the island and is a MUST-VIST destination for any respectable Bali itinerary. You can hire a driver to take you to Ubud or rent a motorbike and drive independently, depending on how brave you feel!
Ubud is the destination in Bali with arguably the most to do. It is an excellent jumping-off point to various waterfalls, volcanoes, temples, and more! Ubud is a cultural hub of Bali, so if you are interested in learning about Balinese culture (you definitely should), this is the best place to be. Ubud also attracts lots of tourists for its yoga and meditation scene. There are many options for yoga retreats and classes, and the town has an inescapable spiritual, hippie vibe. Ubud is a good place to relax, take life slowly, and enjoy the beautiful Balinese way of life.
Where to Stay in Ubud
There are hundreds of accommodation options in and around Ubud. You’ll find everything from luxury villas to unique Airbnbs, homestays, hostels, and more! So, no matter your budget and what you are looking for, you’ll definitely find something that suits your needs. Here are some of the best places to stay in Ubud:
- WW Backpackers: Best Budget Option
- Angsoka Bungalow: Best Mid-Range Option
- Madani Antique Villas: Best High-End Option
Where to Eat in Ubud
Like anywhere in Bali, Ubud has some amazing food. You can find food options for just about any type of cuisine here, and everything we tried was delicious and affordable. Ubud is also a wonderful place to take a cooking class to learn about traditional Balinese cooking styles. Here are a few of our favorite eateries in Ubud:
- Gung Cung Babi Guling: Delicious and juicy suckling pig
- Sun De Bisma: Great place for affordable local Indonesian food
- The Elephant: Best vegetarian restaurant in Ubud
- Mamma Mia: Best pizza restaurant in Ubud
- Milk and Madu: Cafe with a cute aesthetic and delicious coffee
- Warung Makan Bahagia Nasi Campur: Our favorite nasi campur in Ubud
What to Do in Ubud
As mentioned, Ubud is one of the best places to include in your 10 day Bali itinerary due to the sheer number of things to do here. Here are a few of the top things to do in Ubud:
- Climb Mount Batur (this may not be possible soon, as the Indonesian government is restricting access to tourists)
- See some waterfalls (Leke Leke, Tibumana, and Tegenungan, just to name a few)
- Sacred Monkey Forest
- Go shopping in the artisan markets
- Saraswati Temple
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Take a yoga class
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Goa Gajah Elephant Cave
- Gunung Kawi Ruins
Days 5-6: Sidemen
After a few days of enjoying all of the activities in Ubud, it is time to relax for a few days in the beautiful region of Sidemen. This is a rural region located just over 30 minutes from Ubud. While there may not be a ton of activities here, it is our favorite place to relax and take in some fresh air. Trust us; after spending 5 days in the busy areas of Canggu and Ubud, there is nothing better than decompressing in a quiet and remote location.
Sidemen is one of the most authentic places we went to in Bali. Here, you’ll wake up with views of rice paddies and volcanoes and be greeted by friendly rural communities and stunning nature. This is the perfect destination for travelers looking to venture off the beaten path in Bali and explore some lesser known destinations.
Where to Stay in Sidemen
The accommodation options in Sidemen are extremely unique, though there are not as many options as in popular areas like Ubud and Canggu, so make sure you book ahead of time! Here are a few of the best places to stay in Sidemen.
- Jana’s Homestay: Best Budget Option
- Embang Homestay: Best Midrange Option
- Wapa di Ume Sidemen: Best High-End Option
Where to Eat in Sidemen
One downside of staying in Sidemen is that it definitely has fewer food options than other places in Bali. But that doesn’t mean you won’t eat well! Likely, your hotel or villa will offer you breakfast at the very least, but there are a few other restaurants in the area that are worth checking out.
- Warung Dapur Kapulaga: Affordable local cuisine
- Sleeping Gajah Kitchen & Lounge: Fusion of Balinese and international food
- Asri Dining By Samanvaya: Healthy sit-down restaurant with beautiful decorations
- Bali Asli Restaurant: Elevated Balinese food with amazing views
What to Do in Sidemen
Part of the charm of Sidemen is that it is a beautiful place to relax, so don’t expect your itinerary here to be packed with activities like the rest of Bali. That said, there are still some pretty amazing things to see and do in Sidemen.
- Visit Gembleng Waterfall
- Take a silver making class
- Temple Of Penataran Agung Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven)
- Lahangan Sweet Volcano Viewpoint
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace
- Tukad Cepang Waterfall
- Tirta Empul
Days 6-8: Nusa Penida
After spending several days getting to know the main island, it’s time to hop on a fast boat and head over to Nusa Penida, the fourth stop in this Bali itinerary. To get to Nusa Penida, you will need to book a fast boat. Some companies will also include pick-up to Sanur in order to get the fast boat. In other cases, you may need to organize your own transport to Sanur. But don’t worry if you have to book your own transport; just order a car on Grab! This is the general location for all fast boat departures to Nusa Penida. The fast boat takes just 45 minutes to get from the main island to Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida (the most stunning of the 3 Nusa islands, in our opinion!) has fast become one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Bali. Once off the beaten track, the island is quickly adapting to accommodate more and more tourists each year. We’re not going to lie – the fast boat from Bali to Nusa Penida and back can be incredibly chaotic and frustrating. But once you arrive, you’ll be awarded with stunning views, gorgeous beaches, and amazing snorkeling. The coral reefs on Nusa Penida are an absolute MUST-SEE!
Alternative Option: If you would rather stay in Bali throughout your stay, you can simply stay in Sanur for days 5 to 7. You’ll have much more access to a variety of foods and usual comforts – with a bigger range in accommodation as well. To get to Nusa Penida, you can simply take a day tour to hit the highlights.
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida
There is a more limited range of options when it comes to accommodation in Nusa Penida compared to the main Bali island, but you’ll still find some great places to stay. Our three picks are:
- The Penida Project: Best Budget Option
- Kompyang Cottage: Best Mid-Range Option
- Adiwana Warnakali Resort: Best High-End Option
Where to Eat in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida may not be known for its food, but here are some of the best restaurants and cafes you should check out for a good bite to eat!
- Mambo Beach Cafe: Chill vibe, live music, and good seafood
- The Chill Penida: Great vegan-friendly locale with amazing cocktails
- Sunny Cafe Penida: Located downtown near the harbor with classic cafe food
- BTM Penida Bar and Restaurant: Great local spot to eat after snorkeling or hiking
- Kelapa Penida: Their ikan bakar (grilled fish) is to die for!
What to Do in Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida may be famous for the awesome viewpoint at Kelingkling Beach, but there is much more to add to your Bali itinerary, including:
- Visit the famous Kelingking “T-Rex” Beach and viewpoint
- Snorkel with manta rays
- Visit the teletubbies hills
- Run around in Diamond Beach
- Go to the Thousand Islands Viewpoint
- Check out Broken Beach and its caves
- Check out Crystal Bay
- Go to the Manta Ray viewpoint
- Check out Angel’s Billabong, nature’s infinity pool
Days 8-10: Uluwatu
After a few days exploring the gorgeous island of Nusa Penida, it’s time to hop back on that fast boat back to the main island. Most fast boats come as a package and will include transport to anywhere on the south side of the island, including Uluwatu. But if your fast boat ticket doesn’t include a ride to Uluwatu, just hop on a Grab taxi.
Bali may not be known for having the most picturesque beaches, but you can find some of the best beaches on the main island in Uluwatu. Uluwatu has a super chilled and relaxed vibe. It’s the perfect way to wind down on your trip after an adventure-filled week! This side of Bali is best known for its amazing surfing and waves, but even if you prefer to simply relax on the beach or go to a beach club, you’ll find plenty else to do! Besides simply beach-hopping around, there’s an amazing cliff-side temple that is an absolute must!
Finally, since Uluwatu is just an easy 45-minute drive back to the airport, it’s the perfect spot to end your Bali itinerary!
Note: As Uluwatu is pretty spread out, we recommend hiring a scooter to get around. Alternatively, you can use Grab, but you may struggle to get a rider when you’re in more remote corners of this cliff-side paradise.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
You’ll find everything from basic surf hostels to luxury five-star resorts in Uluwatu. Here are our top three picks:
- Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu: Best Budget Option
- Agaru Villa Uluwatu by The Lavana: Best Mid-Range Option
- Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa: Best High-End Option
Where to Eat in Uluwatu
Of course, you still have to end your trip by eating some of the best food that Bali has to offer! Here are the eateries that you should absolutely check out during your 3 days in Uluwatu:
- Alchemy Uluwatu: An iconic vegan eatery
- Ours: High-quality local ingredients converted into classic Mediterranean flavors
- Kelly’s Warung: A locally-owned cafe located on Bingin Beach
- Bukit Cafe: Super busy cafe with delicious food and drinks
- Warung Local Uluwatu: An iconic warung in Bali serving Balinese food
- Suka Espresso: Great brunch spot
- Drifter Surf Shop: Healthy but delicious menu
What to Do in Uluwatu
Most of the activities you’ll be adding to your Bali itinerary while in Uluwatu will involve some stunning beaches. Here is everything you should get up to in Uluwatu. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot to do in just a few days; you can beach hop around and tick off several beaches in a day!
- Go to Padang Padang Beach
- Visit the hidden Nunggalan Beach
- Check out Melasti Beach
- Relax and surf at Bingin Beach
- Take pictures at Suluban Beach
- Visit the Uluwatu Temple
- Watch the Kecak Fire Dance at the temple
- Check out the Balangan Beach Viewpoint
- Watch the sunset or party at Single Fin
What to Know About Visiting Bali
Bali is an amazing place for tourists and digital nomads to visit. This Indonesian island has something to offer everyone, from beachfront resorts, soaring volcanos, scuba diving, surfing, and more! If you are planning a trip to this tropical paradise, we don’t blame you! Who wouldn’t want to visit Bali? Here are a few key things to know before following our Bali itinerary above.
When to Visit Bali
Located just south of the equator, Bali is the definition of a tropical destination. This means the weather is warm all year round, and there is essentially no fluctuation in daylight hours. However, there are two distinct seasons in Bali: The rainy season and the dry season.
The rainy season lasts from October to February, and the heaviest downpours are generally during December and January. During these two months, you can expect heavy monsoons and major tropical storms to pass through frequently. The rest of the rainy season is less intense. Expect it to be rainy every day, but only for a couple of hours.
The dry season runs from March to September, and the driest month is August. The dry season is the busiest time for tourists to visit, so while the weather is much better, expect it to be crowded and prices to be a bit higher.
How to Get to Bali
The best way to get to Bali is to fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. This is the only airport on the island and the second busiest airport in Indonesia, second only to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. There are currently more than 30 international routes to Bali, so finding a flight to the island should be pretty simple.
If you are already in Indonesia, you can also take a ferry from Ketapang in Java or Bangsal in Lombok.
How to Get Around Bali
Bali is far from the largest island in Indonesia, but you may find it bigger than you expected. It can take several hours to get across the island, so you’ll need to sort out transportation for your trip. When it comes to transportation in Bali, you have a few options:
- Scooter rental: This is a relatively cheap option to get around the island. The downside is that driving a scooter in Bali can be pretty dangerous if you’re not used to the roads or to the scooter. Note: you’ll need an international driver’s license to legally rent a scooter. There have been countless scooter accidents over the years by tourists all over Bali and Asia, so only rent one if you feel confident!
- Grab: Our preferred method of getting around Bali is by hiring a Grab. Grab is Asia’s Uber. If you opt for a motorcycle over a car, the price will be even cheaper! But when moving from accommodation to accommodation or town to town, we recommend getting a proper Grab taxi for your luggage and convenience.
- Hire a driver: Hiring a driver for the day in Bali can set you back around IDR 500k to 800k, which is around USD $32 to $51. At this price point, the driver will drive you around for 8 hours, which is perfect for a day out exploring different spots. This can be a very economical way to get around, especially if you split the driver amongst many people.
Cost of Travel in Bali
Bali is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in Asia. While prices are rising and your trip cost is dependent on the type of travel you plan to do, Bali is an easy destination to budget for. Here is an idea of the costs to expect for travelers with different budgets.
Budget Traveler
- Accommodation: $7 to $20 per night (bunk in a hostel bed)
- Food: $10 to $18 per day (street food and local restaurants)
- Activities: up to $10 (many activities are free!)
- Transportation: $3 to $6 per day (motorbike rental)
Mid-Range Traveler
- Accommodation: $40 to $150 per night (private rooms in guest houses and hotel rooms)
- Food: $15 to $30 per day (Mix of local restaurants and nicer tourist restaurants)
- Activities: $10 to $30
- Transportation: $7 to $20 per day (mix of shuttles, Grab, and motorbike rentals)
High-End Traveler
- Accommodation: $150+ per night (nice hotels and villas)
- Food: $20 to $60 per day (sit-down restaurants and fancier spots)
- Activities: $30 to $60
- Transportation: $25 to $100 per day (hiring a private driver for a full day)
What to Pack for Bali
As mentioned above, Bali is a hot destination. In fact, the island rarely sees temperatures drop below 70 F (22 C). So you won’t need to pack any winter clothing. While we were in Bali, we mostly wore shorts, flip-flops, bathing suits, tank tops, linen shirts (actually, scratch that: basically pack anything and everything linen!), and other hot-weather-friendly clothing. Check out these 20 super cute outfits for Southeast Asia for inspiration on what to pack!
Keep in mind that if you plan to hike one of the volcanos in Bali, you will need to bring some warmer clothes, such as a sweater and a windbreaker.
We also highly recommend bringing your own sunscreen to Bali, as the sunscreen you’ll find on the island will likely be more expensive than in your home country.
If you are looking for more recommendations on what to pack for your travels, make sure to check out our ultimate packing list guide.
Travel Insurance for Bali
When traveling to Bali, you’re going to want to invest in some travel insurance. Some tourists end up in the hospital during their stay, whether due to “Bali belly” or a traffic accident. Even if you are the most careful traveler in the world, the reality is that accidents happen. If anything happens, you want to make sure you are covered.
Our number one recommendation for travel insurance is SafetyWing, which is super affordable (for a 10-day trip to Bali, it’s only $22.11!!!) and easy to get – even when you are already abroad. SafetyWing will cover all of your basic needs, but you can get extra coverage if you want to.
Digital Nomad Visa for Bali
While a 10-day trip to Bali is a good way to see and get to know the island (especially with this ultimate itinerary; not to toot our own horn!), if you really want to take advantage of everything Bali has to offer, we recommend staying for at least a month or two! That way, you can get to know the locals, discover your favorite restaurants and cafes, and explore corners of the island less traveled. I mean, there’s nothing better than finding hidden gems in this day and age!
If you are keen to explore more of Bali, we highly recommend checking out our digital nomad visa guide for Bali. The B211A digital nomad visa allows you to stay in Bali for up to 6 months! This is the perfect opportunity for those who have remote work contracts or do online work of any kind. But even if you don’t have an online job, Bali has a pretty low cost of living, which can be attractive for an extended holiday!
Explore the Island of Gods in 10 Days
Now that you know what to expect, you should be all ready and prepped for your 10 day trip to Bali. This Bali itinerary is perfect for those who want to get a good feel for the island and see as much as possible without rushing in 10 days.
So, get your bag packed, book your flights, and enjoy your trip of a lifetime to the Island of Gods!
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