Want to visit Bali and wondering how to spend 10 days in Bali? Well, we’ve got the perfect Bali itinerary for you.
Our 10-day Bali itinerary will ensure you see all the highlights of the island from the sacred monkey forest sanctuary in Ubud, to Echo Beach, to the Uluwatu Temple and the world’s best beach club, FINNS.
We’ve also got hotel recommendations from a simple boutique hotel to luxury villas and some awesome restaurant ideas too.
The Ideal Bali Itinerary For 10 Days In Bali
Our Bali itinerary assumes that you will arrive of an evening and check in to your hotel and begin your 10-day Bali itinerary the following day.
You can change things around easily enough if you need to arrive during the day, instead.
We’ve also assumed that you don’t want to change your hotel on a daily basis and would prefer to take the occasional day trip to see other parts of the island rather than moving your bags around each day – which can get tiring and is often unnecessary, many of the major tourist attractions in Bali are very close together, there’s no need to move each day.
How To Get Around On Our 10-Day Bali Itinerary
Mostly, we’d recommend using Grab or Gojek to get around in Bali. They work like Uber does in most other countries, as ride-sharing apps where you can get transport for a fixed price with a minimum of fuss.
However, for the East Coast and North Bali part of our 10-day Bali itinerary, we’d recommend hiring a private driver for a couple of days. This isn’t expensive and won’t cost more than 500,000 IDR (that’s $35 USD or $50 AUD) for 8 hours including driver, car and fuel.
That gives you more freedom to get around in a part of the island where there aren’t as many Grab and Gojek drivers.
We strongly recommend that you don’t hire a scooter in Bali. While this is, without a doubt, the cheapest way to get around – it’s also, by far, the most dangerous.
If you can’t meet these conditions – you are not legal to drive and not only can you get into trouble with the law, any insurance that you think you may have is invalid.
Even if you can drive legally, the roads are often in terrible condition and the local driving standards are very poor too. Accidents are frighteningly common and we think it’s best to spend your holiday having fun, rather than in a hospital.
Even the most experienced motorcycle drivers find Bali’s roads hard to deal with and you certainly don’t want to learn how to use a motorcycle here in Bali.
Day One – Ubud
We figured you’ll have plenty of energy on the first day in Bali and therefore, you won’t mind a Bali itinerary that’s packed full of things to do in Ubud.
The good news is that many of these places are within walking distance or just a short taxi journey away.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary – Ubud Monkey Forest is, perhaps, the most famous destination in the town. It’s a large park packed with several troops of monkeys and some interesting old temples. It’s not expensive and the monkeys are super cute. Just remember that the monkeys in Ubud Monkey Forest are not tame monkeys, they’re wild animals and it’s best to keep things that they might steal out of sight.
Ubud Art Market – Ubud Art Market is a wonderful place where you can pick up souvenirs that were made in the local villages. Everything here is authentic and haggling is expected, don’t be afraid to seek out a better price or you may end up paying too much for things.
Campuhan Ridge Walk – this is a great way to get a look at the jungle and local rice terraces. It’s very popular at sunset and can get very busy at that time, we’d go earlier in the day and enjoy some peace and quiet on a short walk that’s not very taxing at all.
Neka Art Museum – if you want to better understand Balinese art this is a great place to learn about it. They have representation from artists in all the local art styles and an amazing collection of ceremonial daggers (krises).
Saraswati Temple – this attractive temple is just outside of Ubud City Center and you will find it only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk around. You can rent sarongs at the door so that you can wander around respectfully.
Ubud Palace – we’d aim to get to Ubud Palace, which is in Ubud City Center, about 30 minutes before sunset. Take a quick walk around the grounds and then settle in for the nightly dance performances. These are the best dance performances on the island except, perhaps, for the Kecak dance at Uluwatu temple.
Where To Stay?
Splurge – Adiwana Suweta – a lovely resort with an excellent infinity pool and complimentary afternoon tea each day. It’s very attractive and has a relaxing, chilled vibe. Their bar makes some excellent cocktails if you just want to spend some time letting the world go by. The location is in the heart of the town, though you would never know and thus, it makes accessing all the attractions super easy.
Upper Mid-Range – The Sankara Suites & Villas by Pramana – this is an opulent four-star hotel that offers private pool villas and excellent suites for a very reasonable price. It also provides a daily afternoon tea and some beautiful gardens to walk in and enjoy the relaxing charm of Ubud. Service here is first rate too.
Lower Mid-Range – Merhudani Boutique Hotel – a great value-for-money three-star hotel in Ubud with three different restaurants serving breakfast! They’ve just been renovating the place and it’s much fresher and better presented inside than some reviews might suggest. The staff are very friendly and helpful too.
Budget – Ubud Tropical – this is a hostel and one with not just one infinity pool but two infinity pools! The breakfast is included in the reasonable room prices and the staff are absolutely delightful. You can’t get much better value for money than Ubud Tropical anywhere in Bali and it’s one of the best budget options on our 10-day Bali itinerary.
Where To Eat?
Ubud is home to some of Bali’s best restaurants and that means you can get some incredible food in the town. The Ubud Monkey Forest Road is a very popular dining destination, but there are great places all over town. Including:
Breakfast
If the hotel you’re staying in offers breakfast, why not take them up on it? Particularly, if it’s included in the room rental.
If, on the other hand, you need to head out for breakfast we’d recommend the Kaukau Restaurant at the Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud which does an excellent Asian Fusion food spread.
Lunch
For lunch we’d recommend Ivy Cafe which is famous for its healthy and tasty international spread. This cafe also does some excellent local coffee and it’s fresh from a coffee plantation just outside of town.
You might also want to try the upmarket Arcadia Restaurant Ubud if you feel like splurging a little.
If you want to try some local cuisine then Dapur Usada has a great range of choices on the menu and it offers vegan and vegetarian options too.
Dinner
For dinner, if you’re going to the Royal Palace and want some Balinese food then the Lotus Cafe is pretty good and you can watch the dancing for free if you dine here.
Otherwise, if you feel like splurging then Ambar Ubud Bar, a Japanese restaurant, has some amazing views over the jungle and is really Instagrrammable.
We can also recommend the Kayunan Warung and Coffee which has some awesome healthy eating options for a very reasonable price.
Day Two – Ubud And Tegalalang Rice Terraces
The second day of our 10-day Bali itinerary continues to focus on Ubud and the surrounding area, but now, we’re going to get out of town and explore the surrounding countryside.
You’ll need to arrange transport for this, Grab or Gojek should be fine as all these destinations are popular tourist attractions.
What To Do
There will be quite a bit of walking on today’s itinerary as many of these places are a bit more stretched out than the Ubud Monkey Forest.
So, make sure to take comfy shoes with some grip, some sunscreen and ideally a sun hat and some sunglasses too.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces – Bali’s most famous rice terraces and they can get a bit busy later on in the day, so we’d recommend getting there early. It’s a very beautiful area and something of a photographer’s dream. It’s a great place to start your day trip out of Ubud and it’s part of the ancient Subak system which is Bali’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall – this waterfall is a spectacular sight as it plunges from the cliffs above into a pool between the walls of a ravine. Get here in the morning and you will find the sun’s rays split in the water in a magical way. You need water shoes and a change of clothes to tackle this waterfall as you will need to wade through the river to get there.
Ubud Water Palace – this gorgeous water palace is built on the tri-mandala philosophy and it’s meant to be a visual guide to the world, the middle realm and the realm of the gods. There’s a lovely lotus pond here and the architecture is very striking.
Candi Gunung Kawi Temple – often known as “the Valley of the Kings’ is one of Bali’s most striking sites. The faces of ancient kings were carved into the wall of a valley over a river. It’s utterly charming, looks great in photographs and is often less crowded than some of the other historical sites around Ubud.
Goa Gajah Temple (The Elephant Cave) – this is a famous temple because of the fact that it’s in a cave. Nobody’s quite sure why it’s called the elephant cave and there are several theories, many of which involve statues of Ganesha. However, it’s one of the oldest temples in Bali and you can see both Buddhist and Hindu influences on display here. Be warned though, to get into the cave involves a long walk down stairs and there is no wheelchair accessibility at all.
Bali Swing – if you want an epic photograph for your Instagram feed for your friends back home, the Bali swing is the place to come. This is a swing that goes out over the rice terraces below and provides a huge thrill for the rider and some amazing images for any photographer.
Museum Arkeologi – this is an excellent small museum that explains a lot about local archeology. It’s also close to the centre of Ubud when you’re ready to call it quits for the day.
Yoga – a lot of people come to Ubud for its spiritual side and doing some yoga in places like the Yoga Barn is a big draw for some visitors. We’d note that these places are usually very busy and there are a lot of yoga shalas around Bali with fewer queues.
Where To Stay?
There’s no need to move hotels today. Just stay in the same hotel, it saves on packing and means you can get out and see more.
Where To Eat?
Once again there are plenty of great places to eat in Ubud and we’d suggest changing things up a little today.
Breakfast
As always, if your hotel provides breakfast and it is good, there’s little sense in giving up a meal you’ve already paid for.
However, if you’re in the mood to eat breakfast at a cafe or restaurant then the Avocado Warung does amazing smoothie bowls and Watercress Ubud is reputed to do the best international standard breakfast in town, we were certainly impressed when we tried it.
Lunch
If you’re in the mood for good Balinese food then Warung Krisna is a grat choice and you’ll find that everything is made fresh and in front of you. It’s a female-owned and managed business too, which is worth supporting in Bali.
On the other hand, if you fancy some more international fare then the Botanist Restaurant Ubud is excellent and has some interesting takes on both American and Asian food.
The excellent Herb Libray is where to go if you want plant-based treats and you can even design your own mixed fruit juice concoctions here.
Dinner
If you want something swanky and upmarket then Kepitu Restaurant at the Kayon Jungle Resort is a great choice and the setting is absolutely stunning.
For a more reasonably priced option with nice views, you could try Kemangi Ubud Resto which caters to all dietary requirements and has a broad selection of food.
And for cheap and cheerful but excellent Indonesian food, try Wayan’s Warung which makes big portions that really fill you up.
Day Three – Amed
Day three of our 10-day Bali Itinerary takes us to Amed which is on the East Coast of Bali.
It’s not a long drive from Ubud but we’d recommend getting up early to get the most out of the day.
What To Do
This will be quite a laid-back day as Amed is a laid-back kind of place. The first option of diving is only applicable if you are PADI certified, you can learn to dive in Bali but it takes a few days to do.
Diving – Amed and nearby Tulamben have some of the best dive sites of anywhere in Bali. The Tulamben Wreck site, in particular, is very popular and it’s suitable for all standards of divers including beginners. However, you can’t dive without, at least, basic PADI certification.
Fishing Boat Trip @ Jemeluk Bay – arrive at sunrise or sunset and you can hire a fishing boat (a wooden outrigger) to take you out for a tour of the area. You can get some great photos of Amed doing this.
Snorkelling at the black sand beaches – the black sands of Amed might not be as pretty as the white sands of Nusa Dua Beach or Jimbaran Beach but the snorkelling is excellent and the beaches are much less crowded.
Bukit Cinta – this is the Mount Agung viewpoint and the best place to capture an amazing photograph of Bali’s biggest active volcano. Climbing Mount Agung is hard work but admiring it from afar is easy.
Pura Lempuyang Temple – you don’t have to go to Pura Lempuyang and if you do, we should warn you that you will need to wait, possibly for hours, to get the famous photo (which is a trick shot – there’s no reflective pool there).
Sunset Point – the perfect place to end this day of your Bali itinerary, it’s an area with some pleasant local bars and warungs and a spectacular view across the bay as the sun drops down behind the horizon.
Where To Stay?
Splurge – The Gryia Villas & Spa – this is a gorgeous hotel where you can have a private infinity pool and a luxury villa and for much less money than you’d pay in the main beach towns. If you were looking to treat yourself to just one night in a villa, this is where to do it.
Upper Mid-Range – Santai Hotel Bali – this boutique hotel delivers some of the best views of Mount Agung going. The in-house spa is wonderful and if you’re in the mood for massage and holistic therapies, they can leave you feeling like a new person. The onsite Coconut Restaurant is very good too.
Lower Mid-Range – Mejore Hotel – a charming 3-star hotel that has decent facilities and a nice pool area. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the onsite restaurant and while it doesn’t have an onsite spa, there is one right next door to the Mejore Hotel.
Budget – Local Hostel Amed – with free-Wi-Fi and a free breakfast and a nightly rate of around 120,000 IDR (that’s $8 USD or $12 AUD), you really can’t complain about this hostel which has decent staff and a nice view out over the ocean too.
Where To Eat?
Amed doesn’t have as many options for places to eat as there are in Ubud and none of them are in the rice paddies but there are still some decent places to enjoy some food in the town. These include:
Breakfast
If you want vegan or vegetarian dishes the Green Leaf Cafe is a good place to start the day and they also have an onsite free diving school, if you’re interested in free diving.
Blue Earth Village also has a nice restaurant (which oddly is also attached to a diving school) and offers a generous breakfast.
Lunch
Rimba Cafe is amazing and their homemade treats are to die for. They have a “daily tart” that people will travel a long way to try.
Galanga Garden Restaurant is their sister restaurant and it has a huge range of healthy plant-based food on hand.
If you want something a little more unusual then Gusto serves the best Hungarian Goulash in Bali.
Dinner
If you fancy some local grub, then Warung Enak Amed has charming sunset views and some of the best nasi goreng and mie goreng that we’ve ever encountered in Bali.
Otherwise, La Cocina Mexicana can do you a spicy Mexican feast and they cater to the plant-based crowd too.
If you want an excellent oceanfront place, consider Trattoria, Amed’s only Italian restaurant.
Day Four – Lovina
Given that Lovina is a long drive from Amed (more than 2 hours) we’re going to recommend that you move hotels today even though it’s often better to stay in place, the distances here don’t make it practical to do so.
Lovina is in North Bali and there’s a lot to see and do in the area, but mostly people come to Lovina for one thing – to see dolphins in the wild.
What To Do
You’ll need to make an early start of things to catch the dolphins but it’s worth it – you can always take a siesta mid-day to catch up on your sleep if you need to.
Dolphin watching – the majority of boats leave in the early morning but we’d recommend booking a slightly later tour as there are fewer boats out at that time of day. The dolphins don’t seem to mind being watched and it’s an incredible experience that you just can’t replicate anywhere else on Earth.
Brahma Vihara Arama Buddhist Monastery – often called the “little Borabadur” this is one of the most attractive Buddhist sites in Bali and it sees very few tourists. So, you can wander the grounds to your heart’s content and get some amazing pictures.
Banjar Hot Springs – this is the biggest and best hot springs in Bali and the perfect place to enjoy the healing waters that are mineral-infused and heated by the geothermal (volcanic) energy in the region. There are four pools to enjoy and you can even get a massage and spa treatment here too. Just avoid the middle of the day when the coach parties arrive.
Singsing Waterfall – if you don’t like the idea of sharing your waterfall then a long drive out into the jungle and a moderate hike will give you this awesome waterfall pretty much all to yourselves.
Gitgit Waterfall – a truly spectacular waterfall that’s very easy to get to (something unusual in Bali) but that does mean it can be a bit crowded at times.
Singaraja – Bali’s second biggest city rarely sees much in the way of visitors but it’s definitely worth an hour or two to seek out the highlights including the Gedong Kirtya Museum and the Pura Beji temple.
Where To Stay?
This isn’t the most popular part of Bali and there aren’t as many choices of accommodation in Lovina as elsewhere. However, there’s something for every budget including:
Splurge – The Lovina – this place has a decent fitness centre and onsite tennis courts and a great restaurant and bar on-site. The outdoor pool area is lovely and there’s a great view out over the ocean and the beach from here.
Upper Mid-Range – Puri Mangga Sea View Resort Spa – this is a gorgeous resort that looks amazing in your Instagram feed. The outdoor pool area is perfect for splashing about after a hard day’s exploration of the area.
Lower Mid-Range – Lilin Lovina Beach Hotel – this is a nice beachfront hotel with a spa, restaurant, pool area and bar. The private terraces and on-site garden are a very nice touch too. We loved how spacious their open-plan bedrooms are.
Budget – Lovina Centra Hostel is a short walk from the beach and it has a decent pool area and free Wi-Fi. Given that it’s only 150,000 IDR a night (that’s $10 USD or $15 AUD) it represents amazing value for money.
Where To Eat?
There’s a definite shortage of dining options in Lovina but as you’re only there for a day, you won’t notice that as there are more than enough places to get a good meal including:
Breakfast
For breakfast we always hit the Buda Bakery & Resto which is absolutely amazing, the food is so elegant.
We also like the healthy eating options at AKAR Cafe Lovina, mind you. This is great for plant-based eaters too.
Lunch
We like Warung Dolphin for lunch which is a cheap family warung that does incredibly tasty seafood.
Semina Restaurant & Bar is also a nice option for Indonesian food with an emphasis on local seafood.
Dinner
If you want some fresh catch of the day grilled to perfection for a reasonable price then the Secret Garden Restaurant is the place to go, the setting is lovely.
For a very affordable Indonesian meal, try Warung Ayu Food & Drink which also offers pool access to their customers.
And The Dami Restaurant is excellent for some tasty Asian fusion food in a refined setting.
Day Five – Nusa Dua
Okay, it’s time to move on again but this time, we’re going to Nusa Dua, the island’s most upscale beach area on the Bukit Peninsula.
This will be the last hotel transfer for the next three days of your trip and you can enjoy a day trip or two here for your Bali itinerary.
What To Do
There’s plenty to do in this part of Bali but the big attraction here in Nusa Dua is the white sand beach which is regularly regarded as the finest beach in Bali.
Nusa Dua Beach – the beach is great for snorkelling, sunbathing and chilling out in general. You won’t want to spend all day in the sun here but this is what Bali is all about and it is an amazing beach. There are some amazing restaurants and resorts in the area too.
Museum PASIFIKA – this is possibly the best art museum in Southeast Asia and it regularly hosts some of the region’s finest artists and even brings in art from the Pacific region too.
Bali Collection – if you want to do some shopping in Bali and don’t mind paying a premium to avoid haggling, then the Bali Collection is a swanky mall with a mix of restaurants, local fashion brands and big international brand names. It even offers Duty-Free shopping if you want to stock up on stuff to take home.
Nusa Dua Water Blow – this is a really cool natural water feature that shows you just how powerful the ocean can be. It’s also completely free to enjoy.
Puja Mandala – a unique place that seeks to bring together all the major religions of the Indonesian archipelago in peace and harmony.
Devdan Show – the best sound and light performance in Bali and one of the most entertaining shows in Indonesia. If you love to see acrobatics, puppets, and much more, this is where to go.
Where To Stay?
Nusa Dua is all about high-end brand-name resorts and we could offer dozens of places in the “splurge” category but we’re just picking one from each category here as we have for all other parts of our Bali itinerary.
Splurge – Mulia Resort – an opulent beachfront resort with amazing restaurants and facilities. They have one of the best brunches on the island, an awesome spa and so much more. People can easily spend a week or more at the Mulia Resort without ever venturing outside its doors.
Higher End – Mid-Range – Merusaka Nusa Dua – a delightful hotel with large spacious bedrooms and one of the most attractive pool areas that we’ve ever seen. They offer shuttle bus facilties to the rest of the island for free too.
Lower End – Mid-Range – Mercure Bali Nusa Dua – this resort represents incredible value for money and it’s not far from the golf course in Nusa Dua. The pool area is attractive and they offer free transport to the local beach.
Budget – Kubu Benoa GuestHouse Nusa Dua – they don’t really do hostels in this part of the island and while this is “cheap” for Nusa Dua at 550,000 IDR a night (that’s $40 USD or $55 AUD), it’s not that cheap. The rooms are nice though and the area is quiet and pleasant.
Where To Eat?
There are so many amazing restaurants in Nusa Dua that you’ll never go hungry, our favourites include:
Breakfast
If you’re in the mood for something simple then Honey & Bread Cafe is an excellent place for breakfast in this area.
We also like the buffet at the Banyubiru Restaurant at The Laguna, Bali which is super tasty.
Lunch
Prego is an excellent Italian restaurant with an amazing brunch that lets you enjoy a huge number of tasty dishes for a single price.
Lion X Restaurant does an amazing Chinese and Asian dim sum brunch that shouldn’t be missed when you’re in the area.
Dinner
If you don’t mind splurging then Koral, Bali’s only aquarium restaurant at the Apurva Kempinski is a really special treat.
You could also try the Nusa Dua Beach Grill which is an elevated version of the kind of BBQ restaurants you find on Jimbaran Beach.
Day Six – Day Trip To Nusa Islands
Ideally, a Bali itinerary would allow for a few days in the Nusa Islands but if you have 10 days, some sacrifices need to be made and you can arrange a day trip to Nusa Penida from your hotel or through the Bali Res Centre (contact details below in the FAQs).
What To Do
Snorkeling with Manta Rays – Crystal Bay is home to some of the biggest rays on Earth and they’re super gentle giants. You can swim with them and enjoy the incredible sight of the underwater environment.
Broken Beach – a gorgeous beach that is famous for the rock formation offshore. We recommend visiting Angel’s Billabong when you visit Broken Beach as it’s right next door.
Angel’s Billabong – this place is famous for the natural pool area where you can get amazing views of the local marine life.
Kelingking Beach – the “T-Rex” beach because the rock formations of the beach from above look just like a tyrannosaurus rex.
Diamond Beach – an amazingly beautiful beach where you can get incredible photographs as the natural pools glisten like diamonds in the sun.
Teletubbies Hill – an attractive hill grouping that is reminiscent of the famous chocolate hills in the Philippines.
Thousand Island Viewpoint – an awesome place to get the most Instagrammable shots of the ocean and small islands offshore.
Where To Eat?
There are quite a few places to eat in Nusa Penida, however, on a day trip, you’re going to find you don’t get too many options for eating on Nusa Penida itself. Here’s what we’d recommend you do.
Breakfast
Either eat an early breakfast in your hotel or pack something to snack on during the boat trip out to the Nusa Islands. It’s not too far to Nusa Penida but the tour guide is likely to want to get started right away on their itinerary when you get there.
Lunch
A lot will depend on where your tour guide takes you as to where you can eat in Nusa Penida but we’d recommend The Chill Penida which really is chilled out and has a lovely vibe about it.
Warung Forest is also a great place to stop if you’re in the mood for some Indonesian food for very reasonable prices.
DINNER
You’ll be back in Nusa Dua for dinner and we’d recommend checking out:
Izakaya by Oku which is an amazing Japanese restaurant with the finest fish dishes on the island using only locally caught fish.
Ikan Restaurant and Bar which is a popular seafood shorefront restaurant with excellent flavours and the local catch grilled to perfection.
Day Seven – Uluwatu
The Uluwatu area is famous for its beautiful beaches and the Uluwatu Temple which is a stunning location of vital religious significance to the island, home to the Kecak Dance and the world’s smartest and most larcenous monkeys.
It’s an easy day trip from Nusa Dua and there’s no need to move hotels, just get a Grab or hire a private driver for the day.
What To Do
The best part of a visit to Uluwatu is definitely its beaches and there are so many to choose from on the Bukit Peninsula that it would be impossible to squeeze them all into a day trip, so some of the highlights include:
Bingin Beach – this is one of the most popular surfing spots on the island and from the cliff above the beach yu can see amazing views of the Indian Ocean. Just be aware that this isn’t a beginner’s surfing location and you shouldn’t tackle the surf without some experience as as surfer.
Dreamland Beach – a “secret beach” of sorts that has recently been renamed as “New Kuta Beach” which is nowhere near as nice. They have redeveloped the access to this secluded beach and it’s much easier to get to than it was previously. It’s one of the most lovely locations in Bali.
Blue Point Beach – one of the most photogenic beaches in Bali and thus, a point on the trail of every Instagrammer and would-be influencer here. It’s still worth visiting because it’s so captivating to look at. However, you do have to climb down a lot of stairs to reach the beach here.
Uluwatu Beach – the main beach and another big draw for surfers in Bali. There are lots of bars and warungs nearby so that you can enjoy a cold beer and some local food while watching the waves lap the shore. Just watch out for the somewhat wobbly stairs on the way down to the sand.
Uluwatu Temple – this amazing clifftop temple is one of the most important in Bali to Hindus. It has amazing views at sunset and hosts the famous Kecak fire dancing at sunset too (book your tickets early as it can be sold out in peak periods). No Bali itinerary is complete without a visit to Uluwatu Temple.
Where To Eat?
There are plenty of nice places to eat in Uluwatu too and you should have no problems finding a restaurant that delivers amazing food.
Breakfast
Suka Espresso is one of our go-to places in this area. The portions are generous, they cater to plant-based eaters and the coffee is excellent.
We also like Alchemy Uluwatu which does a huge breakfast that’s really good value for money.
Lunch
Hit up Mana Uluwatu Restaurant and Bar for an amazing lunch with a breathtaking view over the ocean. It’s lovely.
M. Mason is one of the most upmarket restaurants in the area and it’s absolutely fabulous if you love grilled food.
Warung Local, on the other hand, offers cheap local food that you just can’t beat for value.
Dinner
Hit up Mana Uluwatu Restaurant and Bar for an amazing lunch with a breathtaking view over the ocean. It’s lovely.
M. Mason is one of the most upmarket restaurants in the area and it’s absolutely fabulous if you love grilled food.
Warung Local, on the other hand, offers cheap local food that you just can’t beat for value.
Dinner
Ulu Cliffhouse is the ultimate in sophisticated dining in this neck of Bali and the price tags reflect that – it’s gorgeous, mind you.
And if you’re in the mood for some excellent Chinese, Shanghai Ulu Bali is also well worth a visit.
Day Eight – Canggu
It’s time to move hotel for the final time on our Bali itinerary, to spend the final three days in Bali in Canggu and visit the nearby areas of Seminyak and Kuta.
Canggu is the most popular part of Bali and it has amazing nightlife, the world’s best beach club in the form of FINNS and much more.
What To Do
You can’t get bored in Canggu and we’d recommend you do some or all of the following:
Batu Bolong Hidden Temple – this is a lovely place that sits far away from the crowds and which is used for contemplative meditation by the local Balinese community. It has a great view over the beach from here too.
Beach horseback ride – Canggu is home to a few riding schools and they can arrange for you to saunter down the beach on horseback which is an amazing experience.
Splash Water Park – an awesome water park that makes for a fun day out for the family. Many people buy a day pass for here that also includes access to FINNS Beach Club. They offer free shuttle transport to the beach club and back to make things really easy for you.
FINNS Beach Club – it’s time for a day of rest and relaxation by the Indian Ocean while dining on some of the best food on the island, sipping cold cocktails, enjoying the finest sunset in Bali and then, partying to a roster of DJs and vocalists. FINNS is the world’s best beach club and more than 1 in 8 of all visitors to Bali come to FINNS.
Where To Stay?
Splurge – Damai Residence Apartment & Villas – not only is this a beautiful luxury villa complex but they are also a FINNS partner and they can get you a sweet deal on access to the VIP section. It’s the perfect place for a home away from home in Canggu.
Upper Mid-Range – Hotel Sages – an adults-only boutique hotel that specializes in delivering child-free comfort to its guests. The rooms are all individually designed and it’s a very Instagram-worthy place to add to your Bali itinerary. The outdoor swimming pools are excellent too.
Lower Mid-Range – Vaassani Stay – not far from Echo Beach this is a nice complex that offers private lofts and studio apartments. It’s very popular with the surfing community and you want to book early if this is going to be part of your Bali itinerary.
Budget – FRii Echo Beach – this is a top-notch hostel with a 360-degree rooftop bar that doesn’t see too many backpackers. We think it’s a hidden gem and one of the best value places to stay in Canggu.
Where To Eat?
Canggu has plenty of great places to eat and some of our favourites include:
Breakfast
Roku Coffee – is a lovely coffee shop that is always very popular with people heading to Berawa beach. The breakfast burger here is a real winner.
We also like Baked which is a laid-back cafe environment with some really tasty freshly baked products each day.
Lunch
Bistro C at FINNS Recreation Club is a lovely environment for a relaxing lunch and a pleasant al fresco-style dining experience.
If you’re in the mood for some tasty local treats, we highly recommend Warung Sunshine which has a wonderful menu.
Dinner
According to Tripadvisor, the best restaurants in Canggu are St. Tropez, Bondi and Monsoon.
What they all have in common is that they’re in FINNS Beach Club which is another reason that FINNS has to feature on your Bali itinerary.
They offer a wide range of international menu options and the best entertainment in Bali.
Day Nine – Seminyak
It’s the penultimate day of our Bali itinerary and it’s time to visit Seminyak before heading back into Canggu for a view of Tanah Lot temple at sunset.
What To Do
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Petitenget Temple – this is one of the few cultural highlights that you can include on a Bali itinerary in Seminyak, the Seminyak beach area is very much tourist-centric otherwise. The red sandstone design of this temple makes it feel ancient and you get a great view over Petitenget Beach too.
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Seminyak Village – if you want to pick up some awesome designer threads from local designers then Seminyak Village is the place to go. It’s one of the most popular shopping spots on the island and has the right balance between designer chic and reasonable price tags.
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Nyaman Gallery – Seminyak is home to several excellent art galleries where you can pick up some pieces to take home or just enjoy browsing through the talent on display. Our favourite is Nyaman Gallery but Positive Negative Visual Gallery and Purpa Fine Art Gallery are also worth a look.
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Eat Street – if you’re in the mood for street food, then Seminyak’s Eat Street is the perfect place to try some. This is a very upmarket area and there’s no need to worry about food contamination, etc. You might even be able to squeeze in a Balinese cooking class here.
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Seminyak Beach – this is one of the busiest stretches of sand in Bali and you’ll find plenty to see and do going on in the area.
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Tanah Lot Temple – once you’ve finished in Seminyak, it’s time to head to Tanah Lot which is one of the most beautiful temples on the island and it’s particularly stunning at sunset when the light breaks over the horizon lighting it up in gorgeous colours.
Where To Eat?
Seminyak is a great place to eat and you’ve got some great options for breakfast and lunch. You’ll be back in Canggu, however, for dinner if you choose to visit Tanah Lot, so, we’ve included dinner in Canggu, not Seminyak, here.
Breakfast
We like Grain Bali for a good Western breakfast which is reasonably healthy and they also have excellent coffee.
There’s also the Three Coins Coffee & Eatery which has a great range of Australian breakfast options and a wonderful drink selection.
Lunch
Kilo Kitchen Bali is an amazing place for Asian fusion food, it’s not cheap but the lunches here are out of this world.
Wahaha Pork Ribs is a wonderful restaurant if you want to try Bali’s famous pork ribs. We’d put this first on our Bali itinerary for Seminyak, to be honest.
Dinner
If you still haven’t eaten at FINNS Beach Club this is the time to hit up Monsoon, St. Tropez or Bondi – you don’t have to pay to get into the beach club to eat at the restaurants.
You could also try the Billy Ho Japanese Restaurant if you’re in the mood for some East Asian cuisine.
Day Ten – Kuta
It’s the final day of our Bali itinerary and we’d recommend dropping your luggage off somewhere safe before you head into Kuta before you go to the Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar International Airport) and head home.
What To Do
Kuta was once the number one spot on the island for tourism before Canggu stole its crown and there are so many things to do here that we’ve just pulled a few highlights for you:
Shopping on Poppies Lane – perfect for last-minute souvenir shopping or picking up something fun for friends and family. The area is named after a warung that opened here back in the 1970s.
Ground Zero Monument – if you want to pay tribute to those who died in the Bali bombing in the early 2000’s this is where to come.
Kuta Beach – probably the most famous beach on the island. It’s not always the cleanest beach but it’s a lovely place once the clean-up crews have been through and sunsets here are spectacular.
Patung Dewa Ruci Statue – this is a huge statue that sits in the centre of a roundabout and lights up at night. It’s a really amazing sight to behold.
Bali Reverse Bungy Jump – if you want to get a quick dose of adrenaline before you leave Bali this terrifying but fun ride is the place to go. It’s probably best avoided if you have a heart condition, mind you.
Walk Kuta Beach Walking Street – a great place for souvenier shopping and to change up any money you don’t want to take out of Bali.
Kuta Art Market – a colourful and fun place to buy some art, no need to be a serious investor, this is just somewhere you can buy reasonably priced art for your own walls.
Where To Eat?
There are plenty of awesome places to eat in Kuta including:
Breakfast
Flapjaks Bali is an excellent place that does a solid hearty breakfast to set you up for the day.
We also like Crumb & Coaster where they do a breakfast burrito that blew our minds and some amazing fresh fruit juices too.
Lunch
Sukun Restaurant is a lovely place in the Amnaya Resort where you can enjoy a refined lunch for a reasonable price.
If you’d rather have some Indonesian fare in a warung, try Warung Damar at the Bali Garden Beach Resort, it’s very nice.
Dinner
We love the Al Dente Cucina Italiana and Lounge for a taste of Italy in Kuta and the food is very good.
We’re also big fans of the Bluefin Japanese Fusion Restaurant & Lounge which does amazing sushi and other Japanese dishes.
FAQs
Is It Worth Going To Bali For 10 Days?
Yes! As you can see from our 10-day Bali itinerary above, you can visit Bali and see many of the attractions here in 10 days.
You can enjoy the Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud’s Monkey Forest, take a dip in an infinity pool, stay in a villa with a private pool, set foot on Diamond Beach, see Broken Beach and Dreamland Beach, stroll through the world-famous rice terraces, witness thieving monkeys at Uluwatu Temple, enjoy amazing restaurants and so much more in 10 days in Bali.
Is 10 Nights Too Long In Bali? Is 10 Days Too Much For Bali?
No! In fact, while our 10-day Bali itinerary will help you squeeze in a lot of the sights on the island, there’s an awful lot to do here in Bali and we’ve got this list of over 100 things to do in Bali – and there’s no way you could fit all of that into a 10 day Bali itinerary.
We think 10 days is a great way to experience Bali for the first time and decide whether you want to come back to the island again in the future.
In our experience, a lot of people who come to Bali fall in love with the people and the culture and return again and again over the years.
The beautiful beaches, palm trees, hot springs, etc. make time in Bali very relaxing and rewarding.
Is 10 Days Enough To Visit Bali?
Yes and no. As you can see from our 10-day Bali itinerary above, you can do a lot of things in 10 days in Bali.
However, there’s no doubt in our minds that you could spend a year here and still not see everything that this paradise island has to offer.
That’s a good thing because it means that you can have an awesome fun packed and adventure-filled holiday in Bali and then come back and do something completely different but equally as good in the future.
How Much Money Will I Need For 10 Days In Bali?
A lot depends on where you want to stay. If you want to spend all your time in swanky name-brand resorts in Nusa Dua, you could easily spend $300+ per day on your hotel room alone.
On the other hand, if you’re happy with hostel rooms in East Bali, your daily cost for accommodation might drop as low as $15-$20.
We’d say that we’d expect to budget $100 for 2 people per day for accommodation which means you can stay anywhere on the island in decent mid-range rooms and then $100-$200 a day for food, drinks, entertainment, etc.
That’s $2,000-$3,000 for a 10-day stay in Bali and it means you can really enjoy yourself and experience some luxurious moments on your travels.
How To Split 10 Days In Bali? How To Plan 10 Days In Bali?
We’ve got a suggested 10-day Bali itinerary above and it covers almost all the major sights on the island.
However, you don’t have to stick to our 10-day Bali itinerary, you can easily modify it to incorporate any other sights that you want to enjoy while you’re here.
The only thing we’d caution against is moving hotel every day, it gets tiring and most of the island is within a short drive for a day trip. You’ll get more sightseeing in if you only move every 2-3 days.
How To Book A Holiday For 10 Days In Bali
We recommend that you contact the Bali Res Centre, they can help you book your whole ultimate Bali itinerary and arrange any day trip that you have in mind.
They get great deals on flights and hotels and they know how to ensure a Bali itinerary runs smoothly every step of the way. They can even offer some advice on travel insurance.
Final Thoughts On Spending 10 Days In Bali
10 days in Bali isn’t as much time as you might think and our Bali itinerary tries to combine some opportunities for relaxation alongside the chance to explore this beautiful paradise island.
From the sacred monkey forest sanctuary of Ubud and the rice paddies and fields to the Nusa Islands and the most famous beach in Bali, we’ve covered all the bases.
Yet, there’s plenty left for your next Bali trip too and it should come as no surprise after carrying out this Bali itinerary why so many people keep coming back to Bali and to FINNS Beach Club again and again.
