Home to a thriving expat community, beautiful weather, beaches, delicious cuisine, temples, and tropical landscapes, Bali is a fabulous tourist destinations that requires at least a week to explore. Read on for our tips and guide on how to spend 10 days in Bali.
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Day 1 – Arrival into Bali
Depending on where you’re traveling from, the route to get to Bali will be a long one. So it’s best to spend the first few nights at the beach to acclimate to the time zone and rest up for the adventure ahead.
Given its proximity to the international airport and an abundance of amazing hotels, Nusa Dua makes a great first stop in Bali.
Where to stay
A two-night stay in Nusa Dua would be the perfect start to a trip to Bali. Samabe Bali Suites and Villas offers amazing value with luxury suites incorporating contemporary modern decor. The free beverages are also a nice touch. Imagine sipping fresh coconut water all day as you feel the gentle ocean breeze!
If you’re looking to splurge, the super luxe St. Regis Bali has one of the most incredible hotel pools and some fabulous dining options.
Day 2 – Relax on the beach
Spending at least a day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Nusa Dua is an absolute must. While the beaches are not the same as the Caribbean’s shallow bays, there’s still nothing like a day at the beach!
You can stay at your hotel’s beach or visit beach clubs like Manarai Beach House; go shopping at Bali Collection; explore temples like Tanah Lot; and have a sunset dinner in nearby Jimbaran Bay, which is known for seafood restaurants like Bawang Merah.
Also in Jimbaran Bay is the world-famous Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort. Guests of the resort have preference, and entrance to non-guests is on a first come, first serve basis. As a result, non-guests much arrive early to wait in line.
You could easily spend an extra day on the coasts in this area and also visit bustling Seminyak.
Day 3 – Day trip to Nusa Penida
Located southeast of Bali, Nusa Penida is a popular day trip from Bali. Accessible via ferry or boat, the dramatic coastline and views are well worth the visit.
Places to visit in Nusa Penida include Crystal Beach, Atuh Beach, Broken Beach, Diamond Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Nusa Penida Treehouse, Peguyangan Waterfall, and Kelingking ‘T-Rex’, the most Instagrammable spot on the island.
Day 4 – Transfer to Ubud
Spending several days in Ubud, the cultural heart of the island, is a must during 10 days in Bali!
En route to Ubud, you can stop by a few waterfalls, such as Tegenungan and Timbumana, and Bali swings, which are prevalent all over the island.
If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try the island’s infamous Luwak Coffee, which are often sold at the Bali swings sites.
Where to stay
Ubud has a countless number of amazing, intimate properties. Dwaraka The Royal Villas offers affordable luxury with traditional Balinese decor and beautiful landscaping overlooking rice paddies.
Some of the most luxurious properties include Mandapa, Viceroy Bali, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, and Amandari. These properties are exceptional and offer the perfect escape.
Day 5 – Cycling in Ubud
Doing a cycling tour in Ubud is simply incredible!
Riding in the jungles through beautiful landscapes and villages provides wonderful insights into day-to-day life in Ubud.
Either before or after cycling, visiting the rice terraces at Tegalalang or Jatiluwih allows you to experience the iconic scenery the island is known for.
Day 6 – Visit the Mt. Batur area
One of the popular day trips in Bali is hiking Mt. Batur to watch the sunrise over Mount Agung and Mount Agang volcanoes.
If you’re a reasonable active person, the mile-high (1,700-meter) hike takes about two hours, mostly in darkness.
After visiting Mt. Batur, you can soothe your muscles in nearby hot springs at Toya Devasya or Batur Natural Hot Spring.
Day 7 – Explore temples and markets
Ubud is a very popular tourist destination with attractions, such as Goa Gajah, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Saraswati Temple, and Ubud Market. You can catch a traditional Balinese performance at Ubud Palace.
Within a couple of hours drive of Ubud are several other attractions, such as Tirta Gangga water palace, Lempuyang Temple, and Kanto Lampo Waterfall.
Why not end the day with a relaxing Balinese massage followed by dinner at an amazing restaurants? From Seasoned to Abe Do, the number of amazing eateries in Ubud is endless!
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Day 8 – Transfer to North Bali
Though you could easily spend the remainder of your 10 days in Bali in Ubud, North Bali offers glimpses into how Bali used to be. This calm and quiet part of the island offers a serenity you won’t find elsewhere in Bali.
Lovina, the main town in North Bali, is known for black-sand beaches, diving, dolphin watching, and colorful outriggers. Take some time to visit the towns of North Bali, participate in a purification ritual, and/or take a cooking class.
Where to stay
Quaint properties such as The Damai and Sun Suko Boutique Retreat are situated near the coast, while the Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort and Spa is situated in the jungle. All offer underrated luxury experiences at extremely affordable rates.
Day 9 – Visit waterfalls
With several waterfalls in North Bali, including Gitgit, Fiji, Munduk, Aling Aling, Banyumala, and Sekumpul, visiting waterfalls or doing a combination temple and waterfall tour is an excellent activity to do.
Day 10 – Depart Bali
On day ten, your departure day, it’s possible to visit a few other spots on the island, since many international flights depart in the evenings. Treasure the last few moments on the island, as you prepare to take flight.
