Bali is magical – lush rice terraces, ancient temples, world-class surfing, and some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. This 10-day itinerary covers the best of the Island of the Gods.
Apr-Oct (dry season). Dec-Mar is wet but less crowded.
$50-80/day budget, $150-250 mid-range, $400+ luxury
Rent a scooter ($5/day) or hire a driver ($50/day)
Days 1-3: Ubud (Culture & Nature)
Start in Bali's cultural heart – rice terraces, temples, yoga, and incredible food.
Must-Do in Ubud
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces – iconic tiered paddies. Go at sunrise to avoid crowds.
- Sacred Monkey Forest – beautiful temple complex with hundreds of monkeys. Watch your belongings!
- Tirta Empul Temple – participate in a Balinese water purification ritual.
- Ubud Palace & Market – traditional dance performances at night.
- Morning yoga class – Yoga Barn is the most famous, but many options.
Day Trip Options
- Batur Sunrise Trek – Hike an active volcano before dawn. Unforgettable.
- Waterfalls – Tegenungan, Kanto Lampo, or Tibumana.
🍽️ Eat Here: Locavore (fine dining), Warung Biah Biah (local), Clear Cafe (healthy bowls)
Days 4-5: East Bali (Adventure)
Less touristy, more authentic – East Bali has stunning temples, snorkeling, and traditional villages.
Highlights
- Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven) – Instagram-famous, go EARLY (5 AM).
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace – beautiful royal water gardens.
- Amed – Quiet beach town, amazing snorkeling at Japanese Shipwreck.
- Sidemen – Peaceful rice terrace views, authentic village life.
🌋 Mount Agung
Bali's highest and most sacred volcano dominates East Bali. Best views from Sidemen. Do NOT attempt to climb without checking volcanic activity status.
Days 6-7: Nusa Islands
Take a fast boat from Sanur to the Nusa Islands – dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and manta rays.
Choose Your Island
- Nusa Penida – Most dramatic scenery (Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong). Rough roads, less developed.
- Nusa Lembongan – More relaxed, great for snorkeling and beach bars.
- Nusa Ceningan – Smallest, connected to Lembongan by bridge. Blue Lagoon cliff jumping.
Recommended
- Day 6: Fast boat to Nusa Lembongan. Explore, snorkel, sunset.
- Day 7: Day trip to Nusa Penida (Kelingking, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay). Return to mainland.
Days 8-10: South Bali (Beaches & Nightlife)
End your trip with beach clubs, surfing, and Bali's best sunsets.
Where to Stay
- Seminyak – Upscale, beach clubs, boutique shopping, restaurants.
- Canggu – Hipster cafes, digital nomads, great surfing, laid-back.
- Uluwatu – Stunning cliffs, surf breaks, sunset temple.
Must-Do
- Uluwatu Temple at sunset with traditional Kecak fire dance.
- Beach clubs – Potato Head, La Brisa, The Lawn, Finns.
- Surfing lesson in Kuta or Canggu (~$30 for 2 hours).
- Tanah Lot Temple – iconic sea temple, best at sunset.
Where to Stay
COMO Uma Ubud
✨ Jungle luxury, world-class spa
Potato Head Suites
✨ Iconic beach club, design-forward
Bisma Eight
✨ Best value infinity pool views
Kuta Beach Hostel
✨ Budget-friendly, great for surfers
Essential Bali Tips
Rent a Scooter
$5/day, but get international driving permit. Traffic is chaotic – be careful!
Temple Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees. Most temples provide sarongs.
Bargain Everything
Markets, taxis, tours. Start at 50% and work up.
Go Early
Popular spots are mobbed by 10 AM. Sunrise visits = best experience.
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