10 Days Bali Itinerary - Nomadic Life Journey

top things to do

where to stay

how to get there

best time to visit

travel safety

DAY 1: JIMBARAN & ULUWATU

DAY 2: NUSA PENIDA

DAY 3 – 4: UBUD

DAY 5: MUNDUK

DAY 6: UBUD

DAY 7: MT. BATUR

DAY 8 – 10: CANGGU & SEMINYAK

JIMBARAN & ULUWATU:

EXPLORING ULUWATU BEACHES
KECAK FIRE DANCE CEREMONY AT ULUWATU TEMPLE
SEAFOOD DINNER AT JIMBARAN BEACH

NUSA PENIDA:

SNORKELING WITH MANTA RAYS
KELINGKING BEACH
ANGEL’S BILLABONG
BROKEN BEACH

UBUD:

TEGALALANG RICE TERRACES
KANTO LAMPO WATERFALL
CAMPUHAN RIDGE
TEGENUNGAN WATERFALL
UBUD ART MARKET
SACRED MONKEY FOREST SANCTUARY
BALI SWING
TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE
BAMBOO HOUSE STAY

MUNDUK:

ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE
HANDARA GATE

MT. BATUR:

SUNRISE TREK TO THE TOP OF SACRED VOLCANO
CHILLING IN HOT SPRINGS
COFFEE PLANTATION

CANGGU AND SEMINYAK:

SURFING LESSONS AT CANGGU BEACH
SUNSET AT SEMINYAK BEACH
TANAH LOT TEMPLE
SEA TURTLES RELEASING
CHILLING AT THE BEACH CLUBS

top experiences

EXPLORING ULUWATU BEACHES

KECAK FIRE DANCE CEREMONY AT ULUWATU TEMPLE

SEAFOOD DINNER AT JIMBARAN BEACH

Uluwatu beaches

Upon arrival to Bali you will land at the Denpasar -Ngurah Rai International Airport and it is really handy to spend the first night in Jimbaran as it is located only 15 minutes from the airport. From Jimbaran it is just a short drive to Uluwatu, the first stop on our 10 day Bali Itinerary. Uluwatu is the laid-back, trendy peninsula on Bali’s southern tip, a surfer’s paradise thanks to its world-class surf breaks. With its crystal-clear blue waters, white sandy beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs, Uluwatu owns some of the most stunning beaches in all of Bali. It is a must-visit for beach lovers and surfers alike.

Our favorite beach was Uluwatu Beach (also known as Blue Point Beach), it offers a perfect mix of great restaurants, amazing views, and the best surf waves in Bali. The cliffside is terraced with restaurants and shops that overlook the azure-blue water below. You can stroll along the paths, shop at the vendor stalls, relax on the secluded beach tucked away at the bottom, and enjoy a lunch at Single Fin, a popular restaurant located at the top of the cliff offering some stunning views.

Kecak Fire Dance ceremony at Uluwatu Temple

In the evening, don’t miss the Kecak Fire Dance, which is an iconic dance performance in Bali. Over 65 human vocalists create sounds that complement the story told in the form of dance. All of this happens during sunset time on a cliff-top amphitheater within the Uluwatu Temple complex, one of Bali’s most scenic temples, build on top of a 70-meter high cliff. The entrance fee to Uluwatu Temple is 50.000 IDR and no drones are allowed here. The Kecak Fire Dance show was an impressive experience. It runs from 6 – 7 PM and costs 150.000 IDR (10 EUR) per person.

After spending the first day exploring the beaches of Uluwatu and watching the iconic Fire Dance show, you can grab a delicious seafood dinner at the Jimbaran Beach. It is famous for the seafood restaurants, the delicious food, lovely evening setting on the beach and all for a really good price.

SANUR

Alternatively you can spend the first day chilling at the Sanur Beach located not far from the airport.

You can rent a paddle board, get a massage on the beach, grab, relax in one of the hammocks, grab at one of the many international or Balinese restaurants, go kayaking or a beach walk, enjoy your first day under the Balinese sun with a book and a coffee at one of the sunbeds before your action packed day trip to Nusa Penida Island on the next day.

Top Experiences

SNORKELING WITH MANTA RAYS

KELINGKING BEACH

ANGEL’S BILLABONG

BROKEN BEACH

Nusa Penida Island

On the second day, take a day tour to Nusa Penida Island. You can explore the west or the east coast of the Penida Island or both in one day. West Coast is more popular since it is closer to the harbor and has beautiful sights like Angel’s Billabong and Kelingking Beach (the one with the T-Rex head), Crystal Bay, Peguyangan Waterfall and Broken Beach, that offer incredible viewpoints and breathtaking nature. East is just as beautiful and has fewer tourists. The only way to get to Nusa Penida from Bali is by ferry, which takes 45 minutes and departs from Sanur Beach.

I recommend booking an organized tour for a hustle free experience which includes transport from and to your accommodation, ferry, lunch and entrance fees. You have the option to explore east coast, west coast or both or to add the thrilling experience of snorkeling with Manta Rays in which case the snorkeling gear is also provided. You don’t have to worry about catching the last ferry, nor organizing transport to the harbour and around the Penida Island and can just enjoy a fun day. The tour minivan can pick you up from Jimbaran in the morning, and after you spent the whole day exploring Nusa Penida Island, drop you off in Ubud, which is next on our 10 days Bali itinerary.

Top Experiences

TEGALALANG RICE TERRACES

KANTO LAMPO WATERFALL

CAMPUHAN RIDGE TRAIL

TEGENUNGAN WATERFALL

UBUD ART MARKET

SACRED MONKEY FOREST SANCTUARY

BALI SWING

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Start your 3. day early by visiting the mesmerizing Tegalalang Rice Terraces, one of Bali’s most magical valleys. The terraced rice fields stretch across the hillsides, surrounded by lush jungle. Located about 15 minutes north of Ubud, it’s a great spot to explore for an hour or two. You can wander through the different levels of green rice paddies and admire the stunning scenery.

If you arrive just after sunrise, you will find the fields bathed in soft, golden light, picture perfect setting to enjoy some peace and quiet. But even if you can’t make it by sunrise, I suggest getting there before 10 AM to beat the crowds. The entrance is easy to find along the roadside, from there, you’ll walk down into the valley to explore the beautiful Tegalalang Rice Terraces.

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

After the morning stroll around the Tegalangan Terraces, stop at the Kanto Lampo Waterfall for a refreshing shower and some awesome pictures. Bali is known to have some of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Indonesia offering an experience of the island’s natural beauty. Many of these stunning falls are located in the center of the island. The Kanto Lampo waterfall, located about 40 minutes outside of Ubud, is a huge, beautiful wall of water and a popular waterfall to climb and take pictures meditating or showering under its stream. Take your time here, jump in the water for a swim or relax under the falls. From the parking lot, it’s only a 3-minute walk down, but the path can be slippery in some parts, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes.

Campuhan Ridge Trail

Around sunset, go on a beautiful hike along the Campuhan Ridge, a peaceful 2-kilometer trail near the heart of Ubud. It’s a great way to wrap up the day of exploring while enjoying panoramic views of the jungle-covered hills.

The trail starts at Campuhan Bridge, next to the Pura Gunung Lebah temple where two rivers meet, and leads you through lush landscapes, rice paddies, and charming villages. It’s a favorite for both locals and visitors, with people walking their dogs, jogging or taking lovely pictures. It is free to walk the Campuhan Ridge trail.

Tegenungan Waterfall

Spend the morning of the 4. day of our 10 day Bali itinerary visiting Tegenungan Waterfall. This is the waterfall that is the closest to the Ubud town, located just a quick 15-minute drive away. This stunning 15-meter waterfall cascades over a cliff into a wide pool below.

To reach it, you’ll need to descend a steep set of stairs, but once there, you can enjoy the refreshing spray and the lush, green surroundings. There are a few viewpoints around the waterfall offering a different look at the scenic beauty. Entrance to the waterfall is just 15,000 IDR (around 1 EUR).

Ubud Art Market

After the refreshing morning at the Tegenungan waterfall, stop for a few souvenirs at the Ubud Art Market. This colorful vibrant place is located in the center of the Ubud town and offers many stalls of beautiful souvenirs, wall arts, bracelets, earrings, dreamcatchers, paintings, statues, wallets, handbags, dresses and shirts from beautiful Balinese fabrics. It is a feast for the eyes and a perfect place to get a lovely souvenir from Bali or a few presents for loved ones. The Ubud Art Market opens at 9 am.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

A few minutes walk from Ubud Art Market, located in the center of the Ubud town is the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This beautiful rainforest park offers a lovely shade, tranquility, and a great escape from the hot Balinese sun and the buzz of the town. The Forest is home to many monkeys that are roaming free around here.

You can spend a couple of hours walking in the shade of the forest’s ancient trees, and enjoy the serenity of this natural oasis full of beautiful temples, peaceful rivers, and hundreds of cheeky monkeys. It’s a wonderful opportunity to observe how the monkeys interact with one another in their natural surroundings. The entrance fee is 80,000 IDR (6 euro) on weekdays and 100,000 IDR on weekends (7.50 euro).

There are no fences in the Monkey Forest, so the monkeys happily live here by choice. We got to watch them sleeping, climbing, eating, jumping playfully on each other’s back, mothers feeding their monkey babies… They were not interested in people. However, we saw monkeys in Thailand and Malaysia climbing on people to snatch their food and heard stories of monkey bites or stealing flashy objects, so just remember that they’re wild animals, and make sure you don’t carry food or drinks, don’t feed them, keep your belongings safely out of sight and follow the park’s rules.

Bali Swing

You can spend the afternoon having fun at one of the many Bali swings, swinging above the breathtaking rice terraces. There are many swings to choose from and we picked the beautiful hillside paradise called Elas Harum, located right next to the Tegallalang Rice Fields, only 20 minutes away from Ubud town.

You can walk around the rice paddies in beautiful flowing dresses that are for rent here and take pictures at many gorgeous Instagram-able photo spots: bridges, statues and caves built into the hills, bamboo woven birds nest of every size and shape. Apart from various types of swings, the club offers also other adventurous activities like sky bike and zip line. There are restaurants and cafeteria where you can enjoy Luwak coffee and terraced pools for you to spend an awesome fun-filled afternoon of the 4. day from this 10 days Bali itinerary.

top experiences

ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE

HANDARA GATE

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

On the 5. day take a day trip from Ubud to Munduk, a breathtaking mountain area in northern Bali known for its tall waterfalls, stunning lakes and cooler climate.

Here you can explore Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a floating temple that sits right on the Lake Beratan. The temple provides stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains, creating a serene atmosphere. It is one of Bali’s most beautiful and iconic temples and definitely worth a visit.

Ulun Danu is incredibly easy to reach, as it’s located just off the main road. In addition to the main temple, there’s a small park and a few other minor temples within the complex, giving you plenty to explore and making your visit well worth the cost. Arriving early is key to avoiding the crowds, as it’s a popular destination.

Handara Gate

On your way to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, make a stop at Handara Gate, an iconic and impressive spot for photos with a stunning mountain backdrop and lush greenery. The gate is easy to access and definitely worth a visit. It is becoming increasingly popular so expect some crowds especially around sunset.

Top Experiences

TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE

COFFEE PLANTATION

BAMBOO HOUSE STAY

Tirta Empul Temple

Start the 6. day exploring the Tirta Empul Temple, a sacred Hindu temple complex most famous for its holy spring water pools and spiritual significance. Many visitors come here to immerse themselves in the waters as part of a cleansing ritual meant to purify the soul. The water here is believed to have healing powers. You don’t need to be a practicing Hindu to participate – anyone is welcome to experience the pools.

The temple itself is relatively small and can be explored in just a few minutes. However, how long you stay will depend on whether you decide to join in the purification ritual. If you do, sarongs are available for rent right on-site. After you dressed in sarongs you join the line and dip your head under the 30 different stations, moving from left to right.

The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water, and lies about half an hour from Ubud, near Tegallalang. Entrance to the temple costs 50,000 IDR (3,30 EUR).

The temple also organizes several ceremonies and festivals throughout the year, offering a glimpse into Balinese culture. We visited during the New Moon, which made it busier, as the purification ritual is believed to be five times more powerful during this time. Purifying our energy, body and soul was definitely one of the most fun things we did during our time in Ubud, Bali.

Coffee plantation

Visiting a coffee plantation and tasting different types of coffee, including the famous Luwak coffee, is definitely one of the top fun things we did during our time in Ubud. Each and every one of the flavors was delicious. Sitting outside in the countryside and sipping on coffee tasters was one of the most enjoyable afternoons of our trip.

There are many coffee plantations to choose from and upon visiting, you will learn the rich history of Bali’s coffee culture, discover the process of how they pick, sort, process, dry, strip, and package each coffee bean that comes their way and find out the secrets of the world’s most famous type of coffee – the Luwak coffee.

It is popular to add a coffee tasting tour to a day tour itinerary around Ubud or as a stop on the way back from Mt. Batur volcano.

Rather than visiting Tirta Empul Temple separately, we added it to our itinerary for a full day trip along with Coffee Plantation, Campuhan Ridge Trail, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Penglipuran Village and Bamboo Forest. There are many options to combine multiple places of interest close to each other in half day or full day tour around Ubud. This saves you a lot of time and money as instead of driving to and back from each attraction separately, you can visit many places in one day. Here are some of the popular combinations.

Bamboo House Stay

For a truly unique and fun experience in Ubud, consider staying in a bamboo house. Ubud offers a wide range of accommodations, from tranquil retreats in the jungle to private villas with pools overlooking vibrant rice terraces. For something special, try a bamboo house nestled in the scenic heart of Bali. Staying in a bamboo house is an unforgettable experience and one of the top fun things to do in Ubud.

Whether you’re after a cozy, budget-friendly cabin or a spacious bamboo villa perfect for groups, there’s an option for everyone. Made entirely from natural materials, these bamboo houses provide the perfect escape from the business of Ubud town, letting you fully unwind in nature. You’ll enjoy open-air designs, beautiful natural details, and relaxing nets that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. Our top picks are: Eco six Bali, Bambu Indah and Ulaman Eco Luxury Retreat.

Mt. Batur Volcano Sunrise Trek

Take a day trip from Ubud early on the 7. day and trek the active volcano Mount Batur (1717 m) before sunrise. From the top you will be rewarded with breathtaking sunrise views of another two volcanoes, Mt. Rinjani in Lombok and Mt. Agung in Bali towering over beautiful pink and orange clouds that float above Bali’s green valleys and jungles. The view is unforgettable!

The Mt. Batur hike is relatively easy but since you want to reach the top of the mountain before sunrise, you’ve got to wake up early and hike in the dark. Most tour companies will pick you up from Ubud around 2 AM. This leaves plenty of time to drive to the trail’s starting point and trek up the mountain for sunrise. Depending on your fitness level, reaching the summit takes about 2 – 3 hours.

It’s required to hire a local guide or to book a tour to trek up the mountain. Although it’s generally very safe (the last eruption was over 23 years ago) and easy hike, a tour guide takes all the hassle out of the experience. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation, provide torches and headlights, guide you throught the 2 – 3 hour long hike in the dark and share their local knowledge.

Our guide was like a mountain goat and we arrived to the top well before sunrise. He cooked us eggs for breakfast in the volcanic steam and we sipped hot chocolate, wrapped in a blanket, while taking in the nature’s magnificent misty morning scene.

Bring extra T-shirts to change your sweaty ones into dry ones after the hike, and some warm layers, as it gets windy and chilly at the top, and the blankets are only available for hire. Make sure you also bring good hiking shoes, plenty of water and some snacks. After the hike you can chill and relax your muscles in one of the hot springs that are usually included in the tour package price.

Check out some of the Mt. Batur sunrise trek tour options available here.

Top Experiences

SURFING LESSONS AT CANGGU BEACH

SUNSET AT SEMINYAK BEACH

TANAH LOT TEMPLE

SEA TURTLES RELEASING

CHILLING AT THE BEACH CLUBS

Surfing Lessons at Canggu Beach

Canggu is home to some of the best surf spots in Bali, with great weather and waves suitable for both beginner and advanced surfers. The black sand beaches are not the most beautiful on the island, but the surf makes up for it. If you head out early you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the sunrise on surf, but I recommend to time your surfing lesson for a time of the day when the tide is out, to prevent injury, as the shore can get quite rocky in places when the tide goes in. We spent a month in Canggu and the boys surfed almost every day.

The surf season is during the dry season from April to October. If you visit during the shoulder seasons of April/May and September/October, you can still enjoy excellent surf conditions with fewer crowds.

Best Surf spots:

Echo Beach (intermediate)
Berawa Beach (slightly quieter)
Batu Balong Beach (best for beginners)
Pereranan Beach

Sunset at Seminyak Beach

Seminyak beach offers wide variety of cool beach bars, restaurants, local warungs where you can enjoy a delicious dinner or sip on cool drinks while watching the gorgeous sunset.

You can take surf lessons, grab an ice cream, witness baby sea turtles being released into the sea or simply chill in the sandbag and enjoy the sunset vibe at one of Bali’ s finest beaches.

Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot, perched on a rocky outcrop along the shore, is famous for its romantic atmosphere and stunning sunsets. During low tide, you can walk up to the base of the temple, although entry is not permitted for tourists. Despite this, it remains one of Bali’s top attractions, and I’d say it’s definitely worth a visit. Local people still come here to worship the Bali Sea gods.

The iconic and atmospheric sea temple is surrounded by crashing waves. Come here at sunset when the sea turns to gold, and the light falls perfectly onto the rocks. Above the temple, there’s a park on the cliff where you can wander along the edge, taking in the breathtaking views of the waves of the Indian Ocean crushing at the temple’s base and capture some stunning pictures. The entrance fee is 60,000 IDR (4 EUR).

Sea Turtles Releasing

Another awesome thing to do in Bali is to participate in releasing baby turtles into the sea. Many turtles come to lay eggs on the coast of Bali. The hatching season last from April to October each year. We have seen local people releasing the newly hatched turtles at Canggu Beach, Seminyak Beach and Kuta Beach. To watch these little guys stumble clumsily through sand and take a ride from the wave is a very heart warming experience and became one of our most cherished memories from Bali.

I like really long beach walks and while we stayed in Seminyak, I walked from Seminyak Beach all the way to Echo Beach passing through Canggu Beach a few times. During these walks, I came across big mama turtles heading back into the sea after laying eggs. It’s an incredible sight.

The non-profit organization BSTS (Bali Sea Turtle Society) educates the public and releases the baby turtles in an organized way almost daily at Kuta Beach after 4pm. They save the vulnerable turtle eggs & protect them till they hatch. Afterwards they let the turtles get stronger for a few days and only then release them into the sea, which raises their chance of survival. The night before we participated in organized releasing, 11 mama turtles came to lay eggs on Kuta beach only, each of them laid more than a thousand eggs. BSTS releases more than 400 000 little turtles a year. It’s free to participate but donations are welcome. They announce the time of release on their FB page or you can check out their website for more info here.

Chilling at the Beach Clubs

Bali has many great beach clubs perfect for relaxing by the pool, sipping refreshing drinks, and soaking up the laid-back, beachside vibe.

One of the most stunning beach clubs in Bali is La Brisa, located at Echo Beach, in Canggu. It is built from bamboo and wood, surrounded by palm trees, which gives it a serene, natural atmosphere. With two pools, plenty of cozy chill out spots to relax, and breathtaking ocean views, it’s an ideal place to spend the day under the Balinese sun or to watch the sunset.

You can enjoy a drink or a meal at the upstairs restaurant or by the poolside standing tables, with no minimum spend. For a more exclusive experience, you can book a bamboo chalet or sunset-view lounge area, where you can relax in style with friends or family, enjoying a VIP vibe. We spent many fun afternoons here after a morning surf during our month-long stay in Canggu. La Brisa is our favorite beach club in Canggu and chilling here is totally one of the most awesome things to do in Bali.

Another awesome club is Finns Beach Club. With oceanfront pools, delicious cocktails, and the perfect sunset spot, it’s the ultimate place to relax, connect, and soak in the Bali paradise vibes.

There are some fantastic accommodation options in Bali, from bamboo villas to lively hostels, from B&B to five-star resorts whatever your budget is.

By plane – when visiting Bali, you will fly to Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport. It is located on the southern tip of the island, close to Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.

By ferry – If you are already traveling around Indonesia, you also have the option to take the ferry from Jakarta, Lombok, or the Gili Islands, among other places.

getting around Bali

Even though Bali is relatively small, and driving distances can look very short on the map, be aware that heavy traffic can increase traveling times significantly, especially during the high season in July and August.

Scooter/Motorbike – One of the easiest and most flexible ways to get around Bali is by motorbike. This is the best way to explore the island at your own pace, and you can make stops whenever you feel like it. You can rent a scooter for as little as 4 euro per day and the fuel in Bali is very cheap. The downside is that some roads aren’t in that good condition (although this is improving) and the streets can get very busy, especially during the high season. If you are not that confident on a scooter, you might prefer a different transport alternative to travel around Bali.

Hire a private driver – Hiring a private driver is very cost-effective, especially for a small group or a family with luggage. During your day trips or multi-day itineraries, the driver will wait for you at each place, and the price is set for the day, so there are no surprising hidden costs. We hired a driver for a day trip to explore Ubud, Kanto Lampo Waterfall, Tirta Empul Temple and Coffee Plantation and then again the same driver for the rest of our trips around Bali, to Mt. Batur, Canggu and Uluwatu. It is not rare that your driver will become your friend and you will end up having a contact person for your next trip in Bali.

Grab – Grab is the best app ever for taxi and food delivery, we use it a lot, not just in Bali but around the whole South East Asia. It works like an Uber and you can book a taxi for much cheaper than you would pay for local taxi. You have the option to book a grab driver for 4 hours, 6 hours, or 10 hours at a really good price and send him the itinerary of places you want to visit.

By bus – Public buses are popular among the locals and an extremely cheap way to get from A to B, with an hour’s journey costing around 2 EUR. However, if you are short on time, this isn’t the best option, as the schedules are a little unreliable. It will also take much longer than a scooter or taxi, and you may have to change several times to get to where you want to go.

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season between May and October, when the weather is best for sightseeing, surfing, chilling at the beach, snorkeling, and diving. April, May, September, and October are the best months, the weather is great, it is not the peak season yet and the rice fields are at their greenest and most vibrant. During the peak season of July and August it can get quite crowded and overpriced.

The wet season is much quieter, accommodation is cheaper, and the countryside is lush and beautiful. But be prepared for at least a few hours of rain a day.

Bali is generally a very safe place to visit and one of the safest destinations in Indonesia. However small petty crime, such as phone theft or pickpocketing can happen in the more touristy areas, so make sure you always watch your belongings.

Although a volcanic eruption in Bali is unlikely, check the local news or government website for warnings before planning to hike up Mount Batur. Always have a good travel insurance, it gives you a peace of mind and may also save you money in the long run if anything unexpected happens.

Most people will need a visa for Bali unless their country has a Visa Exemption Agreement. You can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) when you land at the airport, which is valid for 30 days and costs 500,000 IDR (~ 30 EUR). To avoid long queues at the airport, apply electronically at least 48 hours before you arrive.

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