Bali Itinerary for 10 days, is it enough? Bali is easily the most popular island in Indonesia, and maybe even Asia!
With its beautiful locals, tasty cuisine, fascinating culture, stellar accommodation and the relaxed beachy vibe, it’s no wonder why tourists flock to this island paradise! 10 days is the perfect amount of time for your first visit or if travelling to bali with kids.
I visit Bali every year with my average stay around a month (my longest was 2) most people I talk to however have around 10 days or two weeks to spend in Bali.
From Uluwatu to the far north and everything in between. I’ve put together the perfect Bali Itinerary for 10 days! This will cover it all beaches, nightlife, tourist attractions, day trips, culinary experiences, waterfalls and rice paddies.
Related: “Best Things to do in Laos for a First Time Visit”
Bali Key Information
GET AN E-SIM: We use Airalo
APPLY FOR VISA: VOA or E-visa
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE: Indonesian rupiah | 1 AUD = 10,309 IDR
LANGUAGE: Bahasa Indonesia & Balinese
AIRPORT TRANSFER: Best Private Airport Pickup
GETTING AROUND BALI: Scooter Rental, Go-Jek, Private Driver
OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS: Uluwatu Surf Villas, Merusaka Nusa Dua
BEST TOURS: Bali Highlights Tour, Nusa Penida Day Trip
TRAVEL INSURANCE: World Nomads
Bali Itinerary - Overview
Creating a Bali itinerary can be very overwhelming (especially if you are travelling to Bali with a baby) as there are so many great places to visit Bali. What to do in Bali, where to stay in Bali, how long should I stay in Bali, what’s a good budget for Bali? These are all the questions I have considered when planning the perfect itinerary for Bali.
I have now been to Bali over 30 times, which has allowed me to produce our Bali Travel Guide-Best Areas of Bali and The Ultimate Bali Bucket List and now this carefully planned out Bali two week itinerary that I have personally used multiple times.
If you have longer than 10-days, I highly recommend adding Sidemen to your itinerary. We recently visited for 4 days and fell in love. It has the Ubud vibes and beauty without the crowds. Peaceful, rice paddies and untouched.
Overview
- Day 1-3: Canggu (Or Seminyak)
- Day 3-6: Ubud
- Day 6-8: Nusa Lembongan (day trip to Nusa Penida)
- Day 8-10+: Uluwatu
I first wrote this Bali Itinerary back in 2019. It has now been updated as I don’t think you need to visit both Seminyak and Canggu. I also recommend now staying in Uluwatu as its my favourite place on the island.
Bali Travel Guide - Things to know before you go
Getting There
Bali’s main international gateway is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, which is well-connected to major cities worldwide.
There are often sale fares to Bali, I recommend signing up to deal sites and newsletters to jump on cheap flights when they become available. It takes around 5.5 hours for Sydney and the East Coast of Australia and just 2.5 from the West. If you are coming from North America it will take around 22 hours and you will most likely have a stopover in either Asia or Australia.
If you are coming from someone other than Australia I would suggest using Garuda (Indonesian owned airline) and searching for your desired dates via Skyscanner.com
Visa on Arrival for Bali
Most travellers, including those from Australia, the US, UK, and many European countries, can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Bali. This 30-day visa costs IDR 500,000 (approx. $35 USD) and can be extended once for another 30 days. To avoid long queues, you can pre-pay for your visa online before arrival. This option is also great if travelling to Bali with babies or kids as you usually can get through to luggage claim very quickly. I have a step-by-step guide on doing this here.
On Arrival
You will arrive at Denpasar International Airport. Walking out of the airport, you may initially feel overwhelmed as there is often a mass of people (usually men) that are waiting to give you transport. I highly advise organising a shuttle with your hotel. Alternatively, there is a Taxi rank when you exit to your right that is fixed priced; from memory, it is around 250,000rp to the Seminyak area, which is about 20-30 mins away depending on traffic. There is also a GRAB station where you can organise transport to your hotel. This is often cheaper than negotiating with a local on arrival.
Getting Around
There are a lot of things to do in Bali, and many locations to visit and several ways you can reach them! Hiring a motorbike is an option – although I am never game. The roads aren’t great and the traffic is even worse. If you do feel like living on the edge make sure your Travel Insurance includes motorbike and scooter accidents.
I usually get around by organising a local driver for day trips and for going longer distances, this option is great as they also double as a tour guide and always share their local favourites. Another option is using Go-Jek or Grab, the Indonesian equivalent of Uber. For shorter distances, I either walk or use “Blue Bird” taxis as they are the best and stick to the meter.
If you are travelling to Bali for the first time and would like to organise a driver before you leave, but are unsure where to start, I recommend joining some Bali Travel Groups on Facebook. A lot of people recommend their drivers (or nannys). We have a Facebook group where we offer up daily tips and share our personal recommendations including our trusty driver Wayan – bonus he has cars seats for bubs and can usually organise booster seats for kids if you need.
Cost of Travelling in Bali
The cost of travelling in Bali depends on several factors including where in Bali you want to go, your travel style, and what you will be doing. Bali on a budget is easily achieved if you plan and research ahead, stay at hostels or guesthouses and don’t travel around too much. Although the island is small, travelling to each hot spot can get expensive, especially if you are solo or getting a private driver.
What to Pack
It’s always tempting when visiting a new country to ‘accidentally’ overpack! Deciding what to pack for Bali is actually quite simple, here’s a couple of quick tips.
- Think eco-friendly, Bali has a huge plastic and rubbish problem. so packing eco-friendly products is super important.
- Getting laundry done in Bali is super cheap and takes about 24hrs so perhaps take half of what you were originally planning and just get laundry done half-way through your trip.
- I always pack dresses when travelling as they are super versatile, can often go from beach to dinner and don’t take up too much room.
- Also consider packing a couple of pieces that cover flesh, when going to religious sites and temples you will need to cover up.
Travel Insurance for Bali
Travel insurance is an essential part of trip planning and should always be purchased before leaving your home country. Bali is no exception.
If you are going to be hiring a moped, make sure it is included in the policy when buying your travel insurance. I can recommend World Nomads, Fast Cover and Insureandgo they are all affordable options that I’ve used to make claims with whilst in Bali and other destinations.
No idea what travel insurance is right for you? Check out this helpful guide.
Drinking Water in Bali
Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink, so always opt for bottled or filtered water. Many hotels and cafes provide free refills to reduce plastic waste, so consider bringing a reusable water bottle.
Bali Customs and Culture
Balinese culture is deeply spiritual, and it’s important to be respectful. When visiting temples, wear a sarong and modest clothing, and avoid pointing your feet at religious objects. Daily canang sari (offerings) are placed on the ground, so be mindful not to step on them. A friendly “Terima kasih” (thank you) goes a long way when interacting with locals!
Getting an E-SIM for Bali
Staying connected in Bali makes travel significantly easier, and getting an eSIM before you arrive is one of the best decisions we made (my husband made.)
An eSIM allows you to activate mobile data instantly without the hassle of buying a physical SIM card at the airport. It means you can land in Bali, turn on your phone, and immediately access maps, transport apps, accommodation details, and most importantly whatsapp messages so you can easily find your driver! This is specially helpful after a long flight or when travelling with kids.
Having reliable data is essential in Bali because so many everyday tasks rely on your phone. We constantly use Gojek for transport and food delivery, WhatsApp to communicate with drivers, villas, to book reservations, Wise for managing money and payments, Google Maps for navigating Bali’s back roads, and apps like Airbnb and Booking.com to manage accommodation.
For our Bali trips, we usually use Airalo because it’s easy to set up, affordable, and works seamlessly across the island. It gives us peace of mind knowing we’re always connected when we need it!
Related: ‘Tips for Travelling in Asia‘
The Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, but the best time to visit largely depends on what you’re looking for. The island has two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide when the best time to visit Bali is for you:
Dry Season (April to October)
The dry season is considered the best time to visit Bali, especially for outdoor activities like exploring temples, hiking, and relaxing on the beaches.
- Weather: Expect warm, sunny days with little to no rain. Temperatures typically range between 27–32°C (80–90°F), and humidity levels are lower compared to the wet season.
- Ideal For: Surfing, beach days, diving, hiking, and sightseeing. Popular areas like Ubud, Seminyak, and Uluwatu are at their most picturesque.
- High Season: July and August, as well as the Christmas/New Year holiday period, are the busiest times. Accommodation and flight prices tend to be higher, and attractions can get crowded. Booking in advance is essential during these months.
Wet Season (November to March)
The wet season brings more rainfall and higher humidity, but it’s still a good time to visit Bali if you plan strategically.
- Weather: Expect tropical downpours, usually in the afternoon or evening, with sunny spells in the morning. Temperatures remain warm, averaging 26–30°C (79–86°F).
- Ideal For: Budget travelers, as hotel rates and flight prices are often lower. It’s also a great time to visit Bali’s lush jungles, waterfalls, and rice terraces, as they’re at their greenest.
- Things to Note: Some outdoor activities, like hiking and diving, may be limited due to the rain. Roads can get slippery, and heavy rain can cause minor disruptions in travel plans.
Bali Itinerary - The Perfect Guide for Your First Time
Day 1-3 Canggu
Canggu is about 20km north of the airport and can take an hour or more in a car. There is always traffic entering Canggu. You can easily grab a Bluebird taxi to Canggu or organise with your hotel for an airport transfer. The town is surrounded by rice paddies which makes Canggu very beautiful. It is also known as the cool surfer town. You will find an array of organic and vegan restaurants and cheap gorgeous villas and hotels. Try Young Villas or Fella Villas via Air BnB for some luxe for less. Or the very cool Wave House for an amazing surf and yoga retreat!
Canggu is very popular for first-time visitors, which is why it’s on our Bali itinerary! I’ll be very honest with you although I did love Canggu for years, we haven’t stay there during our last few trips as it is too busy for us now. The traffic can be quite hectic with the kids. Last trip we did, we stayed just north of Canggu in a village called Seseh and instead did day trips to Canggu to visit our favourite cafes and Maimain Playground.
What to do in Canggu
There are so many great things to do in Canggu. Rent a villa with the squad, head to the beach for some waves and refuel at one of the cafes below.
- Learn to Surf
- Visit the Markets
- Day trip to Tanah Lot
- Have fun at the Beach Clubs- The Lawn and Finns are our top picks
- Party- Poison Skate Park and La Laguna
- Work from the amazing Cafes
- Rent a scooter and explore
- Take the kids to Maimain Playground – Kylo had a ball. Evidence here.
- Have a Spa day – Matt and I LOVED our experience at Alam Wellness!
Where to eat in Canggu
There are so many wonderful cafes and restaurants in Canggu. I wrote this post on ‘the best Cafes in Canggu‘, but below is a quick list to get your started.
- Penny Lane- Best Cafe
- Nude – Best Brunch
- Green Ginger Noodle House- Asian Cuisine
- Fishbone Local- Fresh Feasts
- Milu by Nook- Long lunch cafes
- The Slow- Fine dining
- Mason -Great for dinner
Where to Stay in Canggu
ASTON Canggu Beach Resort – Best Budget Hotel
Canggu Dream Studios & Villas – Best Boutique Hotel
Kano Canggu – Best Villa
Blossom Eco Luxe Villas by Ekosistem – Best Eco Hotel
Day 1-3 Alternative Option Seminyak
Alternatively, you can choose to start your Bali holiday in Seminyak, which is one suburb south of Canggu from the airport. When people ask me where the best area in Bali to stay is, I often find myself torn between Seminyak and Canggu. I grew up visiting Seminyak so it holds may special memories. Both have their charm, but they offer very different experiences. I think for families Seminyak and Legian are better – Seminyak is full of family resorts, designer shops, and glamorous beach clubs. Canggu, on the other hand, feels more crowded and lively, with its buzzing café culture, surf breaks, and beach bars.
When visiting Seminyak, be sure to visit Kynd Community – its an Instagram favourite ( and my personal favourite) for colourful smoothie bowls and plant-based breakfasts. From there, wander along Jl. Kayu Aya (Eat Street) – one of my favourite spots to browse boutique shops, stop at cute cafés, and grab a long lunch.
Popular spots include Biku, Sisterfields, Motel Mexicola, and La Favela, which is especially fun if you want to return at night for a cocktail or two.
When evening rolls around, Seminyak is one of the best areas in Bali for sunset drinks and dinner. Iconic spots like Potato Head Beach Club or KU DE TA offer front-row seats to the ocean and a lively vibe with DJs and cocktails. If you’re after something a little more low-key, head to La Lucciola for a romantic beachfront dinner or enjoy tapas and wine at Merah Putih. If you have kids Sunset Beach Club is a family-friendly beach club that still offers a vibe and amazing cocktails!
What to do in Seminyak
- Stay in a private villa
- Visit one of the best restaurants in Seminyak
- Watch the sunset from La Plancha
- Brunch Hop
- Spend the day by the pool at Potato Head Beach Club
- Go shopping on Jalan Laksmana
- Have a spa day at Bodyworks
- Hang out at Shooters
Where to eat in Seminyak
I wrote ‘the best Seminyak Cafes‘ and ‘the best Seminyak Restaurants‘ for the full lists of my favourite places to eat in Seminyak.
- Warung Ocha – Cheap Warung
- Bo and Buns- Vietnamese Mid Range
- Barbacoa- Latin American Cuisine
- Kynd Cafe- Instagram Worthy Brunch
- Revolver- The Best Coffee
- Biku- Best High Tea
- Motel Mexicola- Vibes and Mexican
Where to Stay in Seminyak
- The Colony Hotel Seminyak – Best Boutique Hotel
- Alila Seminyak – Best Resort
- Villa Atas Ombak– Best Villa
- The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa – Best family-friendly
Days 3-6 Ubud
Next up on our Bali Itinerary is the wonderful Ubud. Ubud is around 2.5 hours from Canggu, I used Grab as my mode of transport which was around 200,000 Rp. You can also get a shared bus which is a much cheaper option but you will need to go to a specific departure point at a certain time, you can try either Kura Kura Bus or Perama Bus. Alternatively, you can ask either hotel to organise the journey or a private driver.
Ubud, to me is the cultural hub of Bali, it is surrounded by rice paddies and lush rainforest, making it a breath of fresh air from the busier likes of Seminyak and Canggu. Especially if you stay on the outskirts of town. Come here to recharge, meditate, take part in yoga classes and see another side of Bali. The calming atmosphere, amazing restaurants, incredible landscapes and culture make Ubud a must-stay location on your Bali Itinerary! Don’t miss out on the best infinity pool in Bali or an amazing day trip of the Mount Batur sunrise trek!
What to do in Ubud
You may just want to get to Ubud and do nothing except relax and indulge, especially if your accommodation is as gorgeous as Suarti Boutique Village or Sankara Resort! In case you are up for a day trip or a cooking class below are my favourite things to do whilst in Ubud.
- Day trip to the Waterfalls
- Have a go on the famous Ubud Swing
- Visit the iconic Ubud Art Markets
- See the Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Climb Mt Batur at sunrise
- Do an authentic cooking class
- Go to the Ubud Monkey Forest
- Day trip to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Where to eat in Ubud
Another reason to fall in love with Ubud is the energetic food scene. Offering local Indonesian cuisine and extraordinary dining overlooking the lush rainforest, vegan delights and everything in between. Here are some of our favourites, which are included in our best cafes in Ubud post.
- Alchemy
- Suka Espresso
- Clear Cafe
- Sakti Dining Room
- Watercress
- KAFE
- Warung Biah Biah
Where to Stay in Ubud
- Tejaprana Bisma – Best Boutique Hotel
- Kuwarasan A Pramana Experience – Best family hotel
- Natya Resort Ubud – Best View
- Bambootel Sawah View – Best Eco Hotel
Days 6-8 Nusa Islands
Next up on your Bali Itinerary for 10 days, you should visit Nusa Lembongan, which are part of the Nusa Islands off the coast of Bali. They consist of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
You can get a fast boat to the islands from Sanur Harbour for as little as 250,000 Rp one way. And you can reach the Sanur harbour easily from Ubud in about 50 minutes.
Although not actually a part of Bali, they are extremely close and it’s nice to explore Indonesia beyond Bali!
We recommend using Setia Fast Cruise or Rocky Cruises to get to the island.
Life on the Nusa Islands is all about relaxing, hiking, snorkelling and cliff jumping! We recently visited Nusa Lembongan for our honeymoon and fell in love with the island and its relaxed way of life. We stayed at Batu Karang for 4 nights, which was perfect. If time permits, I would recommend staying 4 nights to give yourself time to truely relax into the island vibe.
If you don’t want to actually stay on the islands during your Bali itinerary you could stay 2 nights in Jimbaran, Sanur or Nusa Dua. All nice and quiet beach towns with a range of lovely hotels and restaurants. Then take a day trip to visit Nusa Penida instead.
What to do on the Nusa Islands
Our full Nusa Lembongan guide breaks down the best places to stay, beaches to visit, and family-friendly activities, making it easy to plan the perfect island escape during your trip.
- Visit Dream Beach
- Hike through Tembeling Forest
- Snorkel at Mushroom Beach
- Check out the caves at Broken Beach
- Take a boat tour around the mangrove forests
- Dive at Temple Point
- Go rock jumping at Mahana Point Cliff Jump
- Explore Devil’s Tears
- Visit the famous Kelingking Beach and viewpoint
- Relax at Ohana Beach Club
Where to eat on Nusa Lembongan
- The Deck
- Ginger & Jamu
- Thai Panty
- Ohana Beach Club
- Le Pirate Beach Club
- Muntigs Bar and Resaurant
Where to Stay on Nusa Lembogan
- Nusa Lembongan- The Acala Shri Sedana, MolaMola House ,Batu Karang Resort and Spa
- Nusa Penida- Pandawa Beach Resort and Spa Luxury, Kompyang Cottage, Penida Bambu Green
- Nusa Ceningan- Le Pirate Beach Club Nusa, Ceningan Resort
Days 8-10+ Uluwatu
Arriving back at Sanur Harbour from Nusa Lembongan, you can then get a driver or Gojek to Uluwatu. The journey takes about 1 hr and 20 minutes, depending on traffic. We always check Google Maps before we take longer trips, so we can prepare the kids if the journey is going to be long or perhaps go earlier if we can.
Uluwatu, located on the southern tip of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, is a paradise for those seeking dramatic coastal views, world-class surf, and a laid-back luxury vibe.
Staying in Uluwatu during your Bali itinerary offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture, with its stunning cliffside resorts, pristine beaches, and legendary surf breaks. It is my favourite place on the island, and we even got married at Uluwatu Surf Villas in 2023.
The area is home to some of the best beach clubs in Bali, including Sundays Beach Club and Savaya, as well as the iconic Uluwatu Temple, where you can witness breathtaking sunsets and the famous Kecak Fire Dance.
Whether you’re a surfer looking to catch waves at Padang Padang, a foodie wanting to explore trendy cafes and fine dining spots, or a traveller in search of a secluded luxury escape, Uluwatu has something for everyone.
Reaching Uluwatu from Canggu or Seminyak can take over 2 hours, but once you arrive, you’ll see why it’s worth the journey. We often end our Bali itinerary here, as Uluwatu offers the perfect mix of laid-back luxury, breathtaking coastal views, and a more relaxed pace. Another bonus is its location—Uluwatu is only around 30 minutes from the airport, making it an ideal final stop before flying home.
What to do in Uluwatu
There are so many amazing things to do in Uluwatu. Hire a moto and start exploring the amazing surf breaks and beaches or have a bite to eat at one of the best cafes in Uluwatu.
There are so many different areas to explore, our favourites are the best beaches in Uluwatu including Padang Padang Beach, Bingin Beach and Dreamland Beach.
- Watch the surfers at Uluwatu Beach
- Have a Sunday Sesh at El Kabron or Ulu Cliff House
- Have a seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach
- Explore the beaches -my favourite is Thomas Beach
- Uluwatu Temple And Kecak Fire Dance
- Learn to Surf at Padang Padang
Where to eat in Uluwatu
Just like the rest of Bali, Uluwatu has a pretty strong food scene. Some of the best fine-dining restaurants are located in Uluwatu, along with many amazing cafes.
- Tabu – Asian Fusion
- The Cave – Best Fine Dining
- Suka Espresso – Best Cafe
- Mana – Food with a View
- CIRE – Date night
- Warung Yeye – Best Indonesian
- Cashew Tree – Best Kid Friendly Cafe
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
- Nisi Villa – Best for a group
- Uluwatu Surf Villas – Best views
- The Ungasen – Best resort
- Bingin Castaways – Best affordable villa
- The Elementum – Best boutique hotel
- Green Escape Eco Resort – Best eco hotel
Alternative Options for your 10-Day Itinerary
Located on the opposite side of the Bukit Peninsula, Nusa Dua is the resort mecca with pristine beaches! I find Nusa Dua to be really good for a holiday with kids or if you just want to have a resort-style vacation.
What to do in Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is a popular resort area in Bali along the southern coast in the Bukit Peninsula. But don’t let the term resort area turn you off from visiting here. Spend a day or your entire holiday here and you’ll be treated to some of Bali’s best beaches, clear waters, great snorkelling, the top golf on the island and more. There are an abundance of things to do in Nusa Dua and should definitely be a a part of your Bali itinerary for 10 days!
- Relax at the Beach
- Relax by the Pool
- See the Water Blow Hole
- Take a boat to Serangan Island
- Enjoy the water sports
- Snorkel at Nusa Dua Beach
- Stay at a luxury beach front resort
So that was our Bali itinerary for 10 days! Have you been to Bali before? What was your favourite thing to do? Let us know in the comments below!
Found this pin helpful? Remember to PIN for later!
