Bali Itinerary 10 Days: How to Spend the Perfect 10 Days in Bali
Bali is a very diverse island, one difficult to cover in just ten days. With so much to do, deciding on the perfect itinerary for 10 days in Bali is not an easy task.
To help you plan your Bali vacation, we have created three different itineraries for Bali depending on what you are interested in and what you’d like to see.
Bali Itinerary #1: The Beach Route A
This itinerary is for travelers who want to spend 10 amazing days exploring the best beaches in Bali. I recommend this Bali itinerary for travelers who are up for a bit of a challenge and an even bigger reward.
Unlike “Beach Route #2” below, this itinerary includes a visit to Nusa Penida, an adventurers’ paradise.
Not only will you get to relax on the pristine island coastlines, but Nusa Penida is home to some of the best treks and hidden gems in all of Bali. If you’re keen on hiking, Nusa Penida has a few of the most epic viewpoints in all of Southeast Asia.
Accompanying Nusa Penida on this 10 day Bali itinerary is Canggu and Nusa Dua. Find both of these beach towns on mainland Bali, relatively close to Denpasar.
Bali Itinerary #2: The Beach Route B
The second beach itinerary features the Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan is an excellent getaway for travelers looking to dive, snorkel, or just relax on the beach. I recommend this route for a laidback vacation, where minimal effort is needed.
But it must be noted that getting to the Gili Islands will take some planning. Whether you decide to travel through Lombok to reach the Gili Islands or take a boat from mainland Bali, it will take several hours.
Give yourself plenty of time to see and explore these gorgeous atolls. I recommend spending a minimum of four days wandering the beaches of the Gili Islands.
Bali Itinerary #3: A Bit Of Everything
As another option, consider spending 10 days exploring a little bit of everything that Bali has to offer with this diverse itinerary.
Start your journey in Ubud, Bali’s cultural capital. Be sure to get off the beaten path in Ubud to avoid the crowds of tourists flocking to the popular attractions.
After Ubud, travel north to Munduk, Bali’s best-kept secret. Immerse yourself into Balinese culture, take a dip in the cool waterfall pools, and drink as much coffee as you can handle. Munduk is where you will experience traditional Bali.
Continue north to Singaraja. In my opinion, the further north you go in Bali, the more spectacular the sights. Here you will find incredible temples, unique waterfalls, and jungle treks.
To complete your 10 days in Bali, head south to Canggu. Get your smoothie bowl fix at the trendy cafes, laze on the beach, and shop at the many boutiques that dot this area.
Plan Your Bali Itinerary By Destination
Based on the 10 Bali itinerary you choose from above, start planning your trip to each destination using the information below:
Canggu
Appearing on each of the above itineraries, Canggu is a must-visit during your stay in Bali. This popular town is loaded with eco-friendly cafes, calming spas, and popular beach clubs. Canggu is the perfect stop for families, solo-travelers, and adventures alike.
What To Do In Canggu
1. Spa
You can’t come to Bali without getting pampered, especially at these prices. Check out Therapy Canggu for some of the best scalp and neck massages around. While most other spas in Canggu are also great, Therapy Canggu is known for their outstanding customer service.
2. Tegal Wangi Beach Cave and Natural Jacuzzis
No matter where we are in the world, hidden gems are the best part of our itineraries. Our favorite place to get off the beaten path near Canggu is Tegal Wangi Beach. Explore the beach caves and natural jacuzzis while the sun sets over the ocean.
Before adding this to your 10 day Bali itinerary, read our recent blog post: Tegal Wangi Beach: The Best Kept Secret in Bali.
3. Shopping
Canggu is littered with artsy boutique shops. If you’re in for a new outfit, take a stroll near Berawa Beach. While you’re out and about, stop for a bite to eat at one of the many eco-friendly cafes in the area.
4. Cafes
It isn’t a true Bali vacation without a smoothie bowl.. or six! Luckily, Canggu is the best place to find picture-perfect cafes. Our favorites include Milk & Madu, Betelnut, Cafe Chakra, duatiga Cafe, and Crate.
5. Batu Bolong & Berawa Beach
During my first visit to Bali, I was very disappointed in the beaches. Completely destroyed by trash, the ocean was un-swimmable. I had never seen such dirty beaches before in my life. At that moment, I lost all hope for the coastline in Bali.
After living in Canggu for several months, we discovered that some beaches are being taken care of and cleaned by the locals and ex-pat community.
Therefore, I highly suggest adding Batu Bolong Beach and Berawa Beach to your Bali itinerary and spend a few of your 10 days relaxing in the sand.
These are some of the best beaches for surfing, swimming, and watching the miraculous sunset.
6. Beach Clubs
Speaking of beaches, Canggu is home to some of the most popular beach clubs in all of Bali. Spend your day drinking ice-cold Bintang at Potato Head Beach Club or Finns Beach Club.
Where To Stay In Canggu
There is a wide array of accommodation options in Canggu from hostels to luxury resorts. All accommodation options are affordably priced (in comparison to the US).
We called Canggu home for over three months and found that our favorite location was set back from the beach a few blocks.
I highly recommend booking a villa through Airbnb. Check out this link to learn about our friends’ incredible Balinese villa: Luxury Villa with Grand Pool & Jacuzzi.
Ubud
Ubud is the cultural capital in Bali and one of the most visited areas by tourists. But don’t be put off by the crowds of people; Ubud is an excellent place to add to your Bali itinerary.
What To Do In Ubud
1. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Bali is Tukad Cepung Waterfall, located about 45 minutes east of the city center.
Rent a motorbike or hire a driver to take you to this hidden oasis. Be sure to get here early to avoid any other travelers looking for solace in the busy Balinese world.
For more information about this unique Ubud waterfall, read our blog post: 6 Things to Know Before Visiting Tukad Cepung Waterfall.
2. Rice Terrace Walk
While all the other travelers flock to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, opt to take the less-trodden rice terrace path. I’m not sure that this rice terrace walk has a name, but it is one of the best ways to see Ubud.
To get here, use Cafe Pomegranate as your guide. Typing this destination into your GPS will lead you down a narrow path. Some choose to ride their motorbikes down this path, but we decided it was best to walk.
I highly recommend spending an afternoon walking the pathways between the rice terraces and stopping at the cute cafes for a refreshing drink. The path continues on for approximately 3 kilometers, but feel free to turn back at any time.
Our favorite part about this rice terrace walk was the lack of people. We were the only ones walking along this beautiful path and we weren’t constantly being asked for money, unlike the Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
3. Spa & Massage
An affordable massage is a must when visiting Ubud.
We tried several different spas and even ordered a massage via the GoJek app while visiting Ubud. Our favorite spa was Shambala Spa, a clean and affordable spa near Jl. Monkey Forest Road.
I recommend asking for Yuni; she is an incredible massage therapist.
4. Puri Saren Agung
A trip to Bali would be incomplete without a visit to a temple.
Although we don’t go out of our way to visit temples, Puri Saren Agung was a great find. Located right downtown Ubud, Puri Saren Agung is adorned with lotus flowers and amazing architecture.
5. Tibumana Waterfall
Stop by Tibumana Waterfall on your way to Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Located just 25 minutes from Ubud city center, this is a popular stop for many travelers.
Since there are so many waterfalls near Ubud, it would be an awesome day trip to waterfall hop around the area. As always, start your journey early to avoid other tourists.
6. Campuhan Ridge Walk
Another magnificent trek in Ubud is Campuhan Ridge Walk. Located near the city center, Campuhan Ridge Walk is a great place to enjoy the sunset and venture through Bali’s unrelenting rice terraces.
Where To Stay In Ubud
For affordable luxury, we suggest booking a room at Tia’s Place – The Garden View. This Airbnb is an amazing guesthouse with a lovely pool and some of the best breakfast you’ll have in Ubud. At just $23 per night, this is an incredible deal.
If you’re looking for something a bit bigger and more private, take a peek at Tunjung Putih Villa.
We stayed here for several nights and loved the outdoor living space, private pool, and view of the expansive rice terraces. The rooms were gorgeous and they provided us with everything we could’ve wanted during our Bali vacation.
Munduk
Find Bali’s secret oasis in the small town of Munduk.
This northern Balinese town will bring you back to what Bali was like before all the tourists arrived. Spend several days venturing through the lush jungles of Munduk and see everything that northern Bali has to offer.
What To Do In Munduk
Munduk is chalked full of fun activities for any kind of traveler. Find a list of our favorite things to do in Munduk below:
1. Munduk Waterfall
Start your northern Bali adventure at Munduk Waterfall. This was one of our favorite stops in northern Bali. The powerful waterfall is incredible and the trekking paths surrounding this area are every hiker’s dream.
2. Banyumala Waterfall
During your 10 days in Bali, add Banyumala Waterfall to your itinerary. In my opinion, this is the most impressive waterfall in all of Bali.
To get here take a motorbike or hire a driver from Munduk to take you to the entrance. The ride down to the trail that leads you to Banyumala Waterfall is a bit sketchy, so if you aren’t an experienced motorbike driver, I recommend walking.
Take a plunge in the pool at the base of the waterfall; the cold water is sure to cool you off on a hot Balinese day.
3. Melanting Waterfall
During your journey to Munduk Waterfall, walk the extra half mile to see Melanting Waterfall, too.
The walk to Melanting Waterfall is a priceless adventure, weaving through the dense forest while passing by some of the cutest cafes. When you reach the falls, expect to be one of the very few people visiting this hidden gem.
4. Drink All The Coffee
Find the best Balinese coffee in Munduk. The organically grown coffee plantations in Munduk greatly benefit the local community while simultaneously satisfying travelers.
5. Ngiring Ngewadang Restaurant
After a long day of waterfall hopping, stop for a meal and a cup of coffee at Ngiring Ngewadang Restaurant. The entire restaurant was clean, the food was delicious, and the staff was friendly.
But what we loved most about this restaurant was the amazing views of Munduk.
Perched atop the mountain pass, Ngiring Ngewadang Restaurant is a must-visit during your trip to Munduk.
6. Lake Tamblingan & Mount Lesung in the background
Take in the sweeping views of Mount Lesung as it hovers over Lake Tamblingan. Lake Tamblingan is a quiet paradise in Munduk, perfect for trekking and canoeing.
7. Twin Lakes Trekking Viewpoint
For an even better view of Lake Tamblingan, make your way up to the Twin Lakes Viewpoint. Here you will see both Lake Tamblingan and Buyan Lake, surrounded by dense jungle and mountainous terrain.
Singaraja
In northernmost Bali you’ll find Singaraja, a magical Balinese port town. Add Singaraja to your itinerary to experience the diverse landscape of northern Bali.
What To Do In Singaraja
Singaraja is packed with exciting activities for all types of travelers.
Looking for a beach? Singaraja sits on the northern coast of Bali and offers a plethora of unique beaches. Looking for adventure? Some of the most beautiful waterfalls are tucked away in the jungles of Singaraja.
1. Lovina Beach
Not only do travelers enjoy the incredible black sand beaches and coastlines of northern Bali, but dolphins are frequently spotted in the area, too. At Lovina Beach in Singaraja, keep an eye out for these friendly creatures as they skip across the water.
Snorkelers will also be pleased with Lovina Beach thanks to the gorgeous coral reefs in the area. Spend an afternoon navigating the shoreline to find some of the best marine life around Bali.
2. Sekumpul Waterfall
Arguably the most jaw-dropping waterfall in Bali can be found in Singaraja. Sekumpul Waterfall must be added to your itinerary during your 10 days in Bali. Be sure to get here early to avoid any other tourists and bask in the magic of Sekumpul Waterfall.
3. Gitgit Waterfall
Another notable waterfall in Singaraja is Gitgit Waterfall. Although it isn’t as magnificent as Sekumpul Waterfall, Gitgit offers its own charm. I highly recommend taking a day trip to visit all of the exciting waterfalls in the area.
4. Aling Aling Waterfall
For the thrill-seekers out there, Aling Aling Waterfall must be added to your list of things to do in Singaraja.
Aling Aling Waterfall is one of four waterfalls that make up Sambangan Waterfalls. Here, you’ll be in for an adventure as you cliff jump or slide down the falls into the pools below.
Based on the threat of danger, you must hire a guide to take you to Sambangan Waterfalls if you want to cliff jump and slide down the falls.
Where To Stay In Singaraja
Enjoy a refreshing stay at Villa Jakaranda and Villa Marakuya, situated 20 minutes (walking) from the beach. We recommend this hotel based on friendly staff, spotless rooms, and a relaxing pool.
Gili Islands
Travelers choose to visit the Gili Islands for their pristine beaches and aquamarine waters. To make your beach vacation in Bali even more fabulous, consider spending several days lounging on the beaches of Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno.
What To Do On The Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are made up of three islands, each with their own unique style. If you’re looking for a fun mix of adventure and relaxation, I recommend adding Gili Air to your Bali itinerary.
1. Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a popular activity on Gili Air, considering this island is a hub for sea turtles. If you’re looking for marine life, look no further. Consider even taking a day trip over to Gili Meno for fewer tourists and untouched aquatic beauty.
2. Diving
Another popular sport on Gili T is diving.
Not certified? There are plenty of dive centers on the island and this would be an awesome place to earn your PADI.
3. Sunset On The Beach
The Gili Islands boast some of the most astounding sunsets in all of Indonesia; the sparkling sun reflects perfectly off the turquoise waters as it dips below the horizon.
Grab a drink, get your friends, and watch the sunset over the ocean as you relax on the sugar-sand beaches. For an even cooler experience, search for the famous Gili Trawangan sunset swing that sits atop the ocean.
4. Bike
For a change of pace, rent a bike and traverse the island on two wheels.
The ride around the entire island will take approximately 1.5 hours. Avoid the heat by biking in the morning. Be sure to stop at all the glamorous beaches along the way.
Where To Stay On The Gili Islands
For the best resorts, hotels, and homestays on the Gili Islands, check out our post: Where To Stay In Bali: The Ultimate Guide.
Nusa Penida
Our favorite place in all of Bali was the nearby island of Nusa Penida. I suggest booking your trip to Nusa Penida soon because this hidden gem is quickly becoming a hotspot among travelers.
What To Do On Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a paradise for adventurers. Most of the attractions on this island require hiking, climbing, or stumbling down steep hills or steps.
If you’re up for a challenge on Nusa Penida, you will be rewarded one thousand times over.
1. Tembling Natural Pool
The best hidden gem on Nusa Penida is Tembling Natural Pool. Take the steep path down to the trail, which will ultimately lead you to a turquoise natural pool. Take a dip in the pool before making your way down to the secret beach.
We went to Tembling Natural Pool and Beach during two separate trips to Nusa Penida and we were the only travelers for both visits. I suggest bringing water, snacks, and your swimsuit to this destination.
2. Atuh Beach
Another arduous climb will lead you to Atuh Beach, located on the east side of Nusa Penida. The rock formations found at this beach will be unlike anything else you’ll see in Bali. Spend a day relaxing on the beach with a cocktail in hand.
3. Kelingking Beach Cave
Most tourists have heard of Kelingking Viewpoint. The giant T-rex land formation is seen frequently in Instagram photos. But what most people don’t know is there is one of the neatest beach caves at the bottom of that rock formation.
Take the sketchy stairs down to Kelingking Beach. At the far end of the beach, you’ll find a secret beach cave.
Although I would not recommend swimming in the nearby ocean due to safety risks, I would suggest spending time walking the beach and exploring the cave.
For even more about visiting Kelingking Beach, check out our post: Kelingking Beach: Everything You Need To Know.
4. Broken Beach
While venturing around the west side of Nusa Penida, it’s vital that you make a trip to Broken Beach.
Unlike the name suggests, Broken Beach isn’t a beach at all but a big hole in the earth. We enjoyed walking around the loop, eating at the nearby cafe, and flying our drone over this unbelievable rock formation.
5. Thousand Island Viewpoint
I debated whether to include Thousand Island Viewpoint in the list of things to do in Nusa Penida, but with views like this, I couldn’t resist.
Take the hilly trek down to the viewpoint and discover one of the most miraculous views in all of Bali. While there isn’t much to do at the viewpoint, I believe this is a must-visit destination during your 10 days in Bali.
For more information on what to do, where to stay, and how to get to Nusa Penida, check out our blog post: A Nusa Penida Trip: Every Detail for Your Epic Adventure.
Nusa Dua
The perfect beach destination, Nusa Dua should be added to your 10 day Bali itinerary if you want to stroll the clean coastlines or spend a relaxing day at a spa.
What To Do In Nusa Dua
The top attraction in Nusa Dua is the beach. Many families choose to spend their Balinese holiday in Nusa Dua because of the walkable coastline.
1. Water Blow
Where the ocean crashes into the shore cliffs is where you’ll find Water Blow. Visit Water Blow while staying in Nusa Dua for sweeping views of the sea and massive waves crashing into the cliffs.
2. Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua Beach is filled with umbrellas, swim-up bars, and cocktail shacks. Here you’ll laze under the Balinese sun during your stay in Indonesia.
3. Melasti Beach
By far the best beach we discovered in Bali was Melasti Beach. Unlike many other beaches in Bali, Melasti Beach was clean and uncrowded. We spent the day swimming in the ocean, drinking piña coladas, and hanging out under the cabanas.
Where To Stay In Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is crawling with 5-star hotels, all at a ridiculously reasonable price.
How To Get To Bali
To get to Bali, fly into the island’s capital, Denpasar. Prepare for a long-haul flight if you’re flying from the United States or Europe.
The price of a flight to Bali is what scares most tourists away from visiting this island paradise, but with the appropriate travel tools, you’ll easily be able to find a reasonably priced flight.
You can also reach Bali by driving from the island of East Java. This route requires a ferry to cross the ocean, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Transportation In Bali
Personally, figuring out transportation in Bali was what scared me the most.
During my first trip to Bali, there were many times when taxi drivers charged us way too much, so I was worried this would happen during our second trip, too.
But, since we were in Bali for over three months, we were able to figure out transportation and avoid scams. Here is a brief guide to transportation in Bali for your 10 day itinerary:
Grab Taxi
Grab is the Southeast Asian equivalent to Uber.
In most areas of Bali, Grab taxis are prevalent, not to mention prices are extremely reasonable. Download the app and start using this easy taxi service; it will be a lifesaver during your 10 days Bali itinerary.
Important Note About Grab
In certain areas of Ubud and Canggu, Grab taxis are looked upon negatively by other taxi companies (probably because Grab actually charges the right price).
It can be a bit difficult to find a Grab in specific areas of these places and you’ll see signs on the roadsides that have an X through the name “Grab”.
In these areas, we chose to walk or ride our motorbike. You can still order a Grab to these areas, they are just bullied by other taxi drivers so they keep their presence quiet.
GoJek
GoJek is another service like Grab, but a bit more diverse.
Not only does GoJek offer rides (car, van, and motorbike), they are also a delivery service. Finding a taxi using GoJek is actually cheaper than using Grab; download their app and use it for a variety of things!
Note: Interestingly enough, one of our favorite things to do after a day of exploring the island was order food from the best restaurants in the area and have it delivered via GoJek. We have also ordered massages via GoJek, which is a lot less sketchy than it sounds!
Blue Bird Taxi
Blue Bird Taxi is another legitimate taxi service that will not take advantage of travelers.
You can hail a ride with Blue Bird Taxi online or just on the street, but you should beware that many taxis attempt to look like a Blue Bird Taxi to trick travelers into riding with them.
You will know it’s a real Blue Bird Taxi if the logo is on the side of the car, the driver is wearing a Blue Bird button-up shirt, and their badge is on display in the front window.
Rent A Motorbike
Renting a motorbike is by far the easiest and cheapest way to explore Bali. At less than $5/day, renting a motorbike will give you the ability to go where you want, when you want.
But before you rent a motorbike, understand the extreme dangers involved.
Bali is very heavily trafficked; tourists from around the world flock to this island, meaning the streets are always busy. If you have never driven a motorbike before arriving in Bali, I would strongly advise against it.
If you are an experienced motorbike driver, still take caution. Always wear a helmet on the streets of Bali.
The easiest way to rent a motorbike is to ask your accommodation host. It is cheapest to rent a motorbike for an extended period of time, so keep this in mind when planning your 10 days Bali itinerary.
The Wrap-Up: Bali Itinerary 10 Days
Spend 10 days exploring one of the most enchanting islands in all of Indonesia with this Bali itinerary guide.
In an attempt to cover as much of this diverse island as possible, these itineraries will give you an idea of where to spend your time in Bali and what to do.
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