Are you tired of seeing the same generic travel guides? Forget the typical tourist traps and crowded beaches. This isn’t a cookie-cutter trip; it’s our personal Bali 10 days itinerary for those who want to see the most famous spots in a unique way and truly feel the island’s energy.
If you’re ready to explore a side of Bali that’s focused on nature and local life, this is the guide you’ve been waiting for.
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Before You Dive In: The Nitty-Gritty Details
While our trip included some of Bali’s most famous natural and cultural landmarks, our approach was about finding a way to experience them without getting lost in the chaos. This Bali 10 days itinerary is for travelers who want to explore majestic waterfalls, iconic rice terraces, and ancient temples while also seeking out quieter moments and genuine connections.
We are active travelers and packed a lot in, but you can easily take this as a template and slow down the pace to make it a more leisurely Bali 10 days itinerary for yourself. Our goal was to truly immerse ourselves in the island’s culture and landscape, avoiding the main party and resort hubs.
This particular Bali 10 days itinerary is for the main island only. We didn’t venture to Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands because Rumi is not a fan of boats and we wanted to fully get a feel for Bali itself first.
Wondering what to eat between temple visits and beach days? Our Bali Food guide has you covered with the island’s tastiest bites and drinks.
A huge tip that made this packed itinerary possible: we had a driver for our entire trip (except for the last day in Uluwatu). It made changing locations seamless. You can contact us on our Instagram or leave a comment in case you want a number for a reliable driver – we have two we were very happy with!
Alternatively, if you prefer guided experiences, you can also book local guides or day tours through platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide; they offer curated trips for all the major spots in Bali.
For even more essential advice on things like cash and avoiding Bali Belly, be sure to check out our other blog post – Bali Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew Before Your Trip.
Days 1-3: Ubud – The Spiritual Heart
We started our journey with 3 days in Ubud, a place that feels like the very soul of Bali. Our Bali 10 days itinerary in this area was all about chasing waterfalls and soaking up the local culture.
Day 1: Chasing Waterfalls
- Tukad Cepung Waterfall: Hard to reach; involves walking through a cave with a strong current. Requires proper shoes.
- Tibumana Waterfall: Easy to access, less crowded, you can swim here.
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall: Very touristy with a line for photos, but still a great view.
- Goa Gajah: A quick temple stop with the famous Elephant Cave.
- The Monkey Forest (optional): A forest full with monkeys, can get aggressive so be mindful of your belongings.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: A nice, easy nature walk for sunset.
We dove right into the jungle with a waterfall tour. Tukad Cepung was our first stop. Be aware that this one is a serious adventure; we had to walk through something like a cave with a strong current, so proper shoes you don’t mind getting wet are a must (leave the socks at home!). It’s a bit hard to reach but the view is absolutely worth it. We went around 8 and there was no one there but we heard it can get crowded afterwards!
Next up was Tibumana, which was much easier to access and far less crowded. We even got to swim in the pool at the base of the falls. Finally, we went to Kanto Lampo. This one is very popular, and people line up to take photos with a local photographer under the falls, but we still loved the view from the front – you can climb near the cascade for a nice view.
On the way back, we stopped at Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). It’s not huge, but worth a short visit, especially the Buddhist temple area.
If you still have time, you can add Monkey Forest – but we skipped it since it felt too crowded and the monkeys there can be aggressive.
For sunset, we did the Campuhan Ridge Walk. To be honest – nothing spectacular, just a peaceful walk in nature, but nice to stretch your legs after a busy day.
Day 2: A Deep Dive into Culture
- Tirta Empul Temple: Book the purification ceremony online in advance (around $25 USD). Takes 2-3 hours and includes a guide.
- Wedja Restaurant: Magical atmosphere, delicious food, perfect for lunch after the ceremony.
- Ubud Palace & Ubud Art Market: Classic spots for a cultural stroll. We loved wandering around town, checking the small shops and grabbing dinner in Ubud.
Our second day was a spiritual one. We booked a purification ceremony at Tirta Empul Temple. We did this a day in advance online HERE and it was so worth it!
Be prepared to get very wet and a bit chilly! Make sure to bring a swimming suit and a spare of clothes to change afterwards. They give you a sarong and there are changing rooms there. It is a truly unique experience and your guide will be there with you the whole time, explaining everything about the ceremony and the temple’s history.
After the ceremony, the guide also walked us through the temple and gave us so much information about the Balinese people, their beliefs and their tradition that we could listen to him for hours.
Afterwards, we had a magical lunch at Wedja Restaurant, where you can find ponds, gardens, statues and a truly magical layout. Hands down, the most impressive restaurant we visited in Bali!
👉 Not sure which part of Bali is right for you? We’ve put together a complete guide on where to stay in Bali, breaking down the best areas. Whether you’re after rice terraces, surf breaks, or hidden waterfalls, this guide will help you choose the perfect base for your trip.
Then spent the afternoon exploring Ubud Palace and the bustling Ubud Art Market. A perfect end to a day of cultural immersion. You can even watch a typical Balinese dance performance in Ubud palace, you can either book online in advance or they sell tickets in front of the palace!
Day 3: Rice Terraces and Poolside Views
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Access through restaurants like Cretya or Alas Harum. A single entrance fee gives access to both.
- Cretya & Alas Harum: Great photo spots, Bali swings, and nice pools with views.
- Sidemen: Our next destination, a tranquil, less-touristy area.
Our final day in Ubud was dedicated to the iconic Tegallalang rice terraces. We discovered that accessing the fields can be tricky as they’re often part of restaurants.
If you need to choose, we strongly recommend Cretya Ubud and Alas Harum – they share the same entrance (around €25 for both). You’ll get access to infinity pools, restaurants, Bali swings, and amazing rice terrace views. It felt a bit touristy but still fun and worth it. We spent almost the whole day there and got a lot of IG worthy pictures!
After a full day of fun, we drove to Sidemen, a tranquil haven away from the crowds, where we checked in at Embang Homestay with its breathtaking views. Honestly, we can’t recommend this hotel enough because it was very cheap with incredible views and rooms, the staff was extremely friendly and the area was just so quiet and beautiful. We also had the best food at a restaurant closeby – D’padi Restaurant.
Days 4-5: Sidemen & Kintamani – The Majestic North
This part of our Bali 10 days itinerary was all about escaping into the island’s mountainous heart.
Day 4: Temple Hopping and Volcano Views
- Sidemen Rice Fields: Peaceful and beautiful.
- Besakih Temple: The “Mother Temple” of Bali, the biggest and most important temple on the island.
- Tirta Gangga & Taman Ujung: Stunning water palaces, famous for the stepping stones over koi ponds and elegant gardens with views of the sea.
- Kintamani: Scenic drive with coffee tastings and restaurants offering volcano views.
We started with a quick visit to the peaceful Sidemen rice fields before setting off for a day of temple hopping. We first explored Besakih, the biggest temple in Bali. Keep in mind that the entrance fee is a bit higher than usual (still very cheap!) but it is because it also includes a guide that shows you the temple.
If there is no ceremony, it is not that impressive in our opinion, especially if it is cloudy and you can’t see the mountain behind. Maybe check the schedule or ask a local to visit when there is a ceremony. We heard that it is full of people and impressive decorations during ceremonies!
After that we visited Tirta Gangga Palace that is famous for the stepping stones over koi ponds. Perfect for some nice pictures but keep in mind that there were a lot of tourists so it was hard to get the perfect shot. It is not very big so maybe plan around 1 hour to spend there.
Our next stop was Taman Ujung Palace – much less crowded than Tirta Gangga. It is famous for its stunning gardens and the views over the sea. Please note that it was extremely sunny when we went and there is barely any shadow so bring a lot of water, sun cream and a hat!
By the afternoon, we made our way towards Kintamani, and the drive itself was already a highlight – winding roads with insane volcano views at every turn.
On the way, we stopped at a couple of local cafes for coffee tastings and food with a view. We highly recommend doing at least one coffee tasting while you are in Bali. They usually let you try a whole tray of different coffees and teas for free – from avocado coffee (our absolute favorite!) to vanilla, coconut, ginseng, and ginger teas.
You can also buy small packages to take home, which make great souvenirs. And of course, you’ll come across the famous Luwak coffee, known as the most expensive coffee in the world – worth trying once just for the experience.
Day 5: The Breathtaking Mount Batur
- Mount Batur Jeep Sunrise Tour: we started at 3:30 AM, drove up in jeeps, and watched the stars before sunrise.
- Black Lava Field: A unique sight to explore. Ask your driver in advance if it is included in your tour, if not, you can pay cash in person and the driver will bring you there!
- Penglipuran Village: A traditional Balinese village with a bamboo forest.
- Tegal Sari Cabins: Our hotel offering a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the volcano.
This was one of the absolute highlights of our Bali 10 days itinerary – a sunrise jeep tour at Mount Batur. The adventure started at 3:30 AM, and even though it was an early wake-up call and there were plenty of other tourists around, the experience still felt intimate and special. Before the sun came up, we had the chance to stargaze, and our guide even took some incredible photos of us under the stars and later with the sunrise.
That said, it’s important to manage expectations: the sunrise is never guaranteed, as clouds can roll in very quickly. But trust us – even if the sun hides, the whole experience is still worth it! After sunrise, the tour continued to the black lava fields, a surreal and otherworldly landscape that made us feel like we had stepped onto another planet.
👉 An alternative option is to hike Mount Batur with a guide instead of taking the jeep. This trek starts much earlier (around 2 AM) and can be quite intense and tiring, but it’s an amazing adventure if you’re up for the challenge.
We were back by 9 AM, which gave us the rest of the day to relax, enjoy more coffee tastings, or just chill by the lake. If you have extra time, you can also visit Penglipuran Village, a charming traditional Balinese village with unique houses and a beautiful bamboo forest. It’s a favorite spot among Indonesian tourists, and a great way to see a different side of Bali.
For accommodation, we can’t recommend Tegal Sari Cabins enough. The rooms were modern and spotless, the staff incredibly welcoming, and best of all – we had a breathtaking sunrise view right from our balcony.
Days 6-7: Munduk – Secluded Waterfalls and Lush Greenery
Our Bali 10 days itinerary continued north to the cool, misty highlands of Munduk.
Day 6: Temples and Relaxation
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: One of Bali’s most iconic temples floating on the lake.
- Handara Gate – The famous “Instagram gate,” less crowded than Lempuyang Temple.
- Tamblingan Lake – A peaceful volcanic lake surrounded by lush forest.
- Munduk Moding Plantation Hotel: A great place to relax with a spa and pool.
After an incredible sunrise, we drove towards Munduk, stopping first at the beautiful Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. If you’re lucky like us, you might witness a ceremony – absolutely breathtaking, with women and men dressed in traditional Balinese clothes, carrying offerings, and performing traditional dances.
On the way, you’ll also pass by the well-known Handara Gate. It’s definitely touristy, but if you want the iconic “mirror shot” at a Balinese gate, this is a good spot. The atmosphere is calmer and much less crowded than the famous Lempuyang Temple Gate, so it can be a nice compromise if you’re after that shot without waiting in line for hours.
Next up was Tamblingan Lake, a serene volcanic lake tucked in the highlands. This spot feels much less touristy than other parts of Bali, making it a lovely stop to enjoy nature. Here you can:
- Rent a traditional canoe and paddle across the calm waters.
- Take a short jungle walk along the edge of the lake (there are trails with guides if you want a deeper experience).
- Simply relax and soak in the fresh mountain air, a nice contrast from Bali’s busier areas (it can get misty and cooler here, so bring a light jacket!).
Finally, we checked into our hotel, Munduk Moding Plantation, and spent the rest of the day relaxing with spa treatments and pool time overlooking the mountains. If you still have energy, the area is full of waterfalls worth exploring such as Munduk Waterfall.
Day 7: A Waterfall Trek
- Banyumala Twin Waterfall: Great for photos and swimming.
- Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall: Four waterfalls in one area, less crowded.
- Puncak Wanigiri: Photo spot with views of the Twin Lakes.
Day 8 of our 10 days Bali itinerary was all about immersing ourselves in nature. We started with Banyumala Twin Waterfall, a beautiful spot perfect for swimming and photos. It’s less crowded than the waterfalls near Ubud, making it feel peaceful and relaxing.
Next, we visited Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall, which actually consists of four waterfalls in one area. The trek is longer and steeper on the way back, but the paths are easy and not off-road. If you don’t feel like walking the whole way, you can even take a motorbike part of the route up. The scenery along the trail is stunning, and each waterfall has its own charm.
On the way to Jatiluwih, we made a stop at Puncak Wanigiri, a famous photo spot with breathtaking views of the Twin Lakes – perfect for capturing the classic Bali landscapes. If you have extra time, there are other viewpoints nearby where you can pause and snap pictures of the lush mountains and lakes.
Finally, we drove to Jatiluwih, checked in in the cutest apartments that are practically in the rice fields and offer insane sunrise views, and got ready for the next day exploring the iconic Jatiwulih rice terraces.
Days 8-10: Jatiluwih & Uluwatu – Coastal Grandeur
The final leg of our Bali 10 days itinerary brought us to the famous rice terraces and the dramatic southern cliffs.
Day 8: UNESCO Rice Terraces and Temple Sunset
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: UNESCO site with four trekking paths. Bring a sun hat!
- Leke Leke Waterfall: A hidden gem.
- Tanah Lot Temple: A beautiful temple to see from the outside, but can be crowded.
- Padang Padang Beach: A great spot for a beautiful sunset.
We started our day at the famous Jatiluwih rice terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest in Bali. There are four different trekking paths, and we spent hours exploring the vast, stunning fields. A sun hat is a must!
We then visited Leke Leke Waterfall, a hidden gem tucked in the jungle. The trek to the waterfall is short but steep, so wear sturdy shoes and watch your step – it’s slippery near the water. The waterfall itself is stunning, cascading into a clear pool surrounded by lush greenery, and it’s usually much quieter than the more famous waterfalls in Ubud. Perfect for a few peaceful moments or photos.
Next, we headed to Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples. While it is a bit touristy, it’s worth a quick stop to admire the temple from the outside, perched dramatically on a rock surrounded by the waves. Sunset is particularly magical here, but if you’re short on time, just enjoying the view from the coastal walkway is enough.
After Tanah Lot, we made the drive to Uluwatu. Keep in mind that traffic can be heavy, especially in the afternoon, so it took us a while to arrive. Once there, we headed straight to Padang Padang Beach for a gorgeous sunset. This small but beautiful beach is perfect for relaxing and watching surfers, and there are a few beach bars and warungs nearby if you want a snack or drink.
Important tips for beaches in Uluwatu:
- You usually need to pay a small entrance fee at almost every beach – it’s often only a few thousand IDR, but it’s required.
- Padang Padang had lots of monkeys, so be very aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry food or loose items, as they can be quite bold and grab things from visitors.
Day 9: Beach Hopping and Fire Dancing
- Tanah Barak Cliffs: Stunning cliff views, almost empty if you go early; take the shuttle.
- Melasti Beach: Easily accessible, with nice beach clubs.
- Nyang Nyang Beach: Very steep climb, but a secluded and beautiful reward.
- Karang Boma Cliff: Amazing views, but be careful with monkeys (we had to skip it).
- Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance: Buy tickets in advance for the 6 PM show. Be careful with aggressive monkeys here.
We kicked off the day at Tanah Barak Cliffs around 8 AM and had the entire area almost entirely to ourselves – perfect for photos and enjoying the epic cliff views in peace. The shuttle is worth taking, as it’s cheap and saves about 15 minutes of walking to reach the most scenic part of the cliff path.
From there, we headed to Melasti Beach, which is very easy to reach by car and has a few lovely beach clubs. The cliffs meeting the turquoise water make it perfect for photos, and the beach is peaceful in the morning. Small entrance fee applies – always good to have cash.
Next, we went to Nyang Nyang Beach. The climb down is steep, so make sure you wear proper shoes and bring water. The beach itself is incredibly secluded and beautiful – a real reward after the workout. The climb back up is quite steep, so pace yourself!
We attempted Karang Boma Cliff, even paid the entrance but had to skip it because of aggressive monkeys. If you go, be extremely careful with cameras, phones, and glasses – they’re fearless!
Finally, we visited Uluwatu Temple and watched the Kecak dance performance. We highly recommend buying tickets in advance for the 6 PM show to avoid long queues. The temple is stunning at sunset, perched on the cliffs above the ocean. Keep in mind that the monkeys here are very bold, so secure all belongings.
Day 10: Our Favorite Beaches
- Dreamland Beach: Our favorite beach, easily accessible with great waves.
- El Kabron: A famous beach club with a minimum consumption fee.
- Suluban Beach/Uluwatu Beach: A labyrinth of stairs leading to amazing surfer views.
- Single Fin: Perfect spot for sunset, live music, and no minimum consumption.
Our final day on this Bali 10 days itinerary was all about relaxing and exploring the southern beaches. We started at Dreamland Beach, which quickly became our favorite – wide sandy shores, big waves, and a peaceful morning vibe.
Next, we stopped at the famous El Kabron Beach Club. Beautiful views, but be aware of the high minimum consumption fee – something to keep in mind if you’re on a budget.
Then we explored Suluban Beach, which is actually the same as Uluwatu Beach. To reach the beach itself, you need to go through the cliffside paths. When we visited, the tide was high, so access to the sand was blocked, but it was still worth exploring.
The cliffside cafes and restaurants offer stunning views of the ocean and surfers, though the area feels a bit like a maze with stairs. We particularly recommend By The Cliff Warung for lunch – amazing food and incredible views!
We wrapped up the day with a sunset at Single Fin, a classic spot with no minimum consumption fee. The views of the ocean and cliffs were insane, and the live music made it a perfect way to end our trip. We arrived around 5:15 PM and were lucky to get a great table without a reservation so we could enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the ocean.
Final Thoughts on Our Bali 10 Days Itinerary
For us, this 10-day journey across Bali was absolutely perfect. We got to explore the island’s incredible nature – from cascading waterfalls and lush rice terraces to majestic volcanoes and serene lakes. We also experienced the local culture in Ubud, Sidemen, and the highlands, and while we touched the beaches and seaside areas, it was more about soaking in the views than partying or lounging. Honestly, the beachy areas weren’t our favorite, but they were still beautiful and worth seeing.
What truly made this trip unforgettable were the people. The Balinese are some of the warmest, most welcoming people we’ve ever met. A smile goes a long way, and even a small tip can make a big difference for them – please be kind, respectful, and take the time to engage with locals if you can.
We hope this Bali 10 days itinerary inspires you to see the island beyond the typical tourist hotspots. Whether you follow our pace or slow it down for a more leisurely trip, you’ll leave with a genuine sense of Bali’s natural beauty, culture, and spirit.
And for even more practical advice – from avoiding Bali Belly to getting around safely – don’t forget to check out our other post: Bali Tips You’ll Be Glad You Knew Before Your Trip.