10 Days In Bali Itinerary: Visiting The Best Locations
Dreaming of Bali but not sure where to start? This 10-day Bali itinerary covers some of my favourite spots, from Uluwatu’s surfy beaches to the jungle vibes of Ubud, the Nusa Islands and more.
Bali really does have it all, sandy beaches, lush rice terraces, temples, volcanoes, cute cafes and sunset cocktails. It’s no wonder so many of us can’t stop going back. I fell for Bali on my first trip and ended up going back again (and again).
After spending over three months exploring the island, I’ve pulled together this no-nonsense 10-day Bali itinerary so you can see the best bits, skip the fluff, and actually enjoy your trip without feeling rushed.
Plan Your Trip With My Favourite Resources
– Best Accommodation Site: Booking.com
– Book Day Tours Here: Viator
– Rent A Car Here: Discover Cars
10 Day Bali Itinerary At A Glance
Things To Know Before You Visit Bali
How To Get Around
Although Bali is a small island, getting from A to B isn’t always very straightforward, and can take a bit of planning.
For starters, there isn’t a lot in the way of public transport, and although there are some public buses, the routes are limited and the timetables aren’t that easy to navigate. I would only really recommend getting around this way if you have time to spare (and a lot of patience!).
Renting a scooter is a very popular option to get around in Bali and they can usually be rented for just a few dollars a day. The Bali roads can be a bit chaotic, so I’d only really recommend this if you’re a confident driver and have good travel insurance.
Bali also has a few great uber like apps such as Grab and Gojek where you can order a ride either by car or scooter. These are usually really reasonable and I love using them to get around the larger towns like Canggu and Seminyak.
When you need to travel larger distances booking a private driver is a great way to get around and visit lots of different attractions in one day.
Bali Budget
One of the many great things that makes a Bali trip worth it is that it is suitable for all types of budgets!
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly trip, there are plenty of hostels, guesthouses and hotels that are reasonably priced and won’t break the bank. Eating from local warungs and street markets is not only a great way to save on spending, but it’s where you’ll find some of the tastiest food in Bali.
If you’re looking to splurge on some of Bali’s beautiful accommodation like bamboo houses, luxury hotels and eco-stays, the island has no shortage for you to choose from. Some of Bali’s cafes and restaurants can be more expensive, especially in the larger towns, but the food is delicious and totally worth it!
Best Time Of Year To Visit
Bali only has two seasons, the wet season and the dry season. The wet season generally runs from October – March and the dry season is between April and September. I’ve visited during both, and although I do personally prefer the dry season, you can visit all year round.
Dry season does mean it is also peak season, so it will be busier, especially in July and August. Shoulder months in Bali like September and April, are the perfect time to visit as you’ll beat the crowds and still have the drier weather.
Day 1 – 2 Uluwatu
Once you’ve touched down in Bali, you’ll need to make your way from the airport to Uluwatu. You can grab a taxi from one of the many taxi drivers at the airport, but the chances are you’ll be overcharged. It’s best to pre-arrange pick-up with your hotel or pre-book a private driver for the journey. It will take around an hour for you to reach Uluwatu from here.
Uluwatu is the perfect place to start your 10-day Bali itinerary. I always love coming here for some chilled beach vibes and amazing views across the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu is perched on a limestone cliff, and to reach many of its beaches, you do have to go down a fair few steps. But its white sand beaches are among some of the most beautiful in Bali.
Things To Do In Uluwatu
Uluwatu has the perfect mix of beaches, nightlife and cultural experiences, which is why it’s on so many people’s Bali bucket list. It’s a very popular surfing spot, but most of its surf breaks are better suited to experienced surfers. If you are a beginner, Dreamland Beach has gentler waves and is a great place to book a surf lesson.
Where To Stay In Uluwatu
Uluwatu is a popular destination for beachgoers, surfers and couples and has stunning views across the ocean. It has lots of different accommodation options that will suit all types of budgets.
Places To Eat In Uluwatu
Like most places in Bali, Uluwatu has a vibrant food scene and you have a great selection of brunch spots, fine dining and small cafes. These are some of my favourite places to grab a bite to eat.
Day 3 – 4 Canggu
Canggu will be your next stop after a few chilled days in Uluwatu. I love the vibe in Canggu, and although it is a busy town, there is so much to do and there’s a great social buzz here (it’s a great place if you’re travelling solo!).
The best way to reach Canggu from Uluwatu is by a private driver or by a Grab or Gojek car, which will take between an hour to an hour and a half.
Canggu is a bustling hub and a great place to learn how to surf, indulge in some of Bali’s best food and visit some nearby temples. If you enjoy things like beach clubs and a night out then Canggu has plenty of places for you to grab a cocktail, mocktail or a Bintang.
Canggu also has some awesome beaches, and although they aren’t bright white sand, they are perfect to chill on a sun lounger with a coconut.
Things To Do In Canggu
Canggu has a bit of something for everyone, whether you want to spend the day at a beach club, explore some rice paddies or visit a temple. Places here get busy, so I recommend booking some activities in advance where you can.
Where To Stay In Canggu
Canggu has a really diverse range of accommodation and you can book guesthouses, hostels and private villas at pretty reasonable prices.
Places To Eat In Canggu
Cafe culture is huge in Canggu, and this is where you will find some of the best coffee and vegan-friendly restaurants. Canggu has to be my favourite place in Bali when it comes to delicious food!
Day 5 – 6 Ubud
Once you’ve soaked up all the sun, sea and sand at Canggu, the next stop for your 10 days in Bali is the stunning Ubud. Again, the easiest and quickest way to get to Ubud from Canggu is to book a driver, either through your accommodation or one of the ride-sharing apps. The journey takes between 2 – 2.5 hours due to the amount of traffic you can encounter along the way.
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali, and it’s here where you’ll find palaces, lush jungles, rice terraces, waterfalls and bustling markets. It’s also the epicentre of Bali’s health and wellness scene with yoga retreats, health food cafes and cooking classes. I love coming here after a busy few days (and nights out) in Canggu.
Although Ubud is another busy town, there are lots of peaceful pockets for you to enjoy dotted around the outskirts. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle, the main streets in Ubud have tons of shops and markets for you to explore.
Things To Do In Ubud
There are so many things for you to do, not only in, but all around Ubud! The best way to get around the area is by scooter if you can drive one. No worries if you can’t or simply don’t want to, there are plenty of tours or private drivers who can get you to all the good spots nearby.
Where To Stay In Ubud
Lots of Ubud’s stunning accommodations come with a view, whether it’s an infinity pool overlooking the jungle, views of the rice paddies or even perched next to the Ayung River. There are also plenty of reasonable guesthouses and villas for you to choose from.
Places To Eat In Ubud
As I mentioned earlier, Ubud is the heart of Bali’s health and wellness scene and has a whole range of places to eat delicious food. There are plenty of raw cafes, vegan restaurants, fine dining and local warungs to keep you full for your adventures.
Day 7 – 8 Sidemen
The next spot on your Bali adventure takes us to a place I literally can’t wait to revisit every time I’m in Bali — the stunning Sidemen. To get from Ubud to Sidemen usually takes between 1 – 1.5 hours by car, and the drive is pretty stunning in itself!
Sidemen, unlike the other towns you’ve visited on this itinerary, is in a rural part of Bali and oozes raw and natural beauty. Mount Agung dominates the horizon and towers over Sidemen’s stunning rice terraces. The valley is filled with hidden waterfalls and thick jungle, and this is where you’ll find many of Bali’s iconic bamboo houses.
As Sidemen is a little more secluded, ATMs and shops aren’t as accessible, and it’s a good idea to stock up on what you need before leaving Ubud.
Things To Do In Sidemen
Sidemen isn’t as walkable as places like Canggu and Ubud, and to get around you’ll need to rent a scooter for a few days or arrange a private driver. Even though Sidemen is quiet, there are lots of nearby places to explore, whether it’s out in nature or visiting nearby attractions.
Where To Stay In Sidemen
One of the many reasons I love Sidemen is its stunning accommodation, which is often nestled between rice fields or hidden in the jungle. Secluded bamboo homes, eco-friendly resorts and guesthouses are dotted around the area with something to suit all budgets.
Places To Eat In Sidemen
As Sidemen is a more rural location, you won’t find rows of cafes and restaurants lining the streets. Instead, you’ll find restaurants, often part of a hotel, and small local warungs spread out across the area.
If you choose to stay at Hideout Bali, they have a kitchen onsite where you can order meals to be delivered to your bamboo home. The gado-gado here is delish!
Day 9 – 10 Nusa Islands
The last stop of your 10-day Bali itinerary will take you back to sandy beaches and views across the ocean on the Nusa Islands. To reach the Nusa Islands from Sidemen, you’ll need to drive to Sanur, where you can pick up a boat to either Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. I recommend booking your ferry ticket a few days before via your accommodation to make sure you’re not waiting around on the day.
The Nusa Islands are made up of three separate islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida. The iconic yellow bridge joins Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan together so you can easily hop from one to the other. Nusa Penida, on the other hand, can only be reached by boat trip if you choose to stay on either of the other two islands.
You can visit all three islands during your two days, but this will be a packed itinerary, so it might be best to choose between them.
Things To Do In The Nusa Islands
If you’re not planning to visit all three islands over the two days, what there is to do on each island will help determine which one you stay on. Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan both have a very laid-back atmosphere. The white sandy beaches are dotted with Balinese outrigger boats, have a few great surf spots and have plenty of great places to snorkel.
The biggest island of the three, Nusa Penida, is more rugged than its neighbours and is coated in thick green rainforest. If I had to choose between the three, Nusa Penida would be my choice. Although all three islands are beautiful in their own right, I think Nusa Penida feels more raw and untouched.
Things To Do On Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Things To Do On Nusa Penida
Where To Stay In The Nusa Islands
As you’ve probably discovered with this itinerary over your 10 days in Bali, there are plenty of options for all budgets. The Nusa Islands are no different and have plenty of luxury villas, beach huts and guesthouses for you to choose from.
Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan Accommodation
Nusa Penida Accommodation
Places To Eat In The Nusa Islands
The Nusa Islands have no shortage of fresh, tasty food, and there are some really great cafes that are tucked away in the jungle or perched on the beach. Pretty much anywhere you choose to eat here will most likely come with an awesome view or surroundings.
Where To Eat On Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan
Where To Eat On Nusa Penida
Final Thoughts: 10 Days In Bali Itinerary: Visiting The Best Locations
Just because you don’t have 2 weeks or even a month in Bali, it doesn’t mean you can’t see all the best that the island has to offer. This 10 day Bali itinerary will take you to some of Bali’s best beaches as well as the most beautiful locations found all around the island. If you have a few extra days, add a stop to Munduk, Amed or even the Gili Islands!
I fell in love with Bali the first time I visited, and I’m sure that after this trip, you will too!
