After a blissful family vacation in Thailand, my eyes were set on a Europe trip as I was craving some respite from the south-east Asian heat. However, as luck would have it I ended up booking a trip to Bali with my Albanian accomplice – Marinela Kamami. And other than a tan that took us 2-3 months to get rid of, we had an absolute blast in the Indonesian paradise. In this article, I’ll be providing you with the ultimate Bali itinerary explaining how you can enjoy your 10 days in Bali to the fullest.
Best Time To Visit Bali
Since Bali almost falls in the equatorial region, the climate in Bali for most parts of the year is warm and humid. There are mainly 2 seasons in Bali – dry season & rainy season.
High season is during June (last 2 weeks), July, August & Christmas/New Year time in December/Jan. This is when tourist influx is at it’s peak with the flight & hotel accommodation prices touching the sky. So avoid travelling to Bali during this period.
The best time to visit Bali is during the months of April, May, June (first 2 weeks), September and October. There might be a bit of rain during October so I’d advise you to check the weather forecast before booking your flights.
You can also travel to Bali in January but after the first week as it’s off-shoulder season and the flight & accommodation prices are 30% cheaper than during the high season.
The Ultimate Bali Itinerary – 10 Days In Bali
Bali is a holiday destination where planning can sometimes go haywire. That’s because you’re never really sure how many days in Bali would be enough. There are so many places to explore that even living for a month in Bali can seem less. So, I’ll make it easy for you and give you a few options –
- 7 days in Bali: If you’re planning a 1-week trip to Bali, then I’d suggest you spend 3 days in Ubud, 2 days in Nusa Lembongan and 2 days in Uluwatu.
- 10 days in Bali: If you’re planning a 10-day trip to Bali, then I’d suggest you spend 2 days in Sanur, 4 days in Ubud, 2 days in Nusa Lembongan and 2 days in Uluwatu. Pro-tip: Add another day in Nusa Lembongan and you have an ideal Bali itinerary.
- 14 days in Bali: If you have the luxury of 2 weeks at your disposal, then I’d suggest you spend 2 days in Sanur, 5 days in Ubud, 4 days in Nusa Lembongan and 3 days in Uluwatu.
Day 1-2: Sanur
Sanur is a lovely place with a relaxed vibe to it. Though the number of tourists visiting the place is on the rise, Sanur is still not as famous and crowded as Ubud. There are plenty of things to do in Sanur – be it visiting temples, museums, indulging in water sports, shopping in markets or spending a relaxed evening by the Sanur beach.
Some of the must-visit places in Sanur are – Blanjong temple, Le Mayeur Museum, Turtle conservation & education centre, Bali orchid garden and Sanur beach.
You can also try the Sanur sea walking tour if you’re into water sports. Your two main shopping spots are Sanur beach market and Pasar Sindhu night market. Remember to not shop at Hardy’s as the place is a rip-off.
Where To Eat In Sanur
Sanur has a number of wonderful beachfront cafes, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a good meal with refreshing cocktails. My top beachfront cafe/bar recommendations to you are Genius cafe and “Tree Bar” at Maya. You can relish the authentic local food at Warung Jawa and have a meal with a sea-view at Warung Pantai Indah. Dessert lovers can enjoy the best gelato at Massimo.
Where To Stay In Sanur
Value for money accommodation – Griya Santrian beach resort. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Luxury accommodation – Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali suites & villas. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Budget accommodation – Kembali Lagi guest house. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Day 3-6: Ubud
Ubud is the heart of Bali. It’s the cultural centre and the hub for all the traditional arts and handicrafts. Ubud offers you a wholesome cultural extravaganza where you get to explore the following – royal temples, waterfalls, museums, palaces, wildlife sanctuaries, traditional spas, cheap shopping centres, adventure-filled activity options and great food.
You can explore the best of Ubud in 4 days. Some of the major highlights of Ubud are – Blanco Renaissance Museum, Sacred Monkey forest sanctuary, Pura Taman Saraswati, Puri Lukisan Museum, Agung Rai Museum of Art, Tirta Empul water temple, Tegalalang rice terraces and Tegenungan waterfall.
Around Ubud, some of the must-visit places are – Ulun Danu Beratan temple, Handara Gates, Twin Lake viewpoint spot, Banyumala Twin waterfall, Jatiluwih rice terraces, Taman Ayun temple, Tirta Gangga water palace, Lempuyang Luhur temple, Besakih temple, Tukad Cepung waterfall, Tibumana waterfall and Kanto Lampo waterfall.
If you’re into hiking and trekking, then the Mount Batur Sunrise trek, Campuhan ridge walk and Jatiluwih rice terrace hike are my recommendations.
For adventure enthusiasts, I’ll recommend white water rafting in the Ayung river and Bali swing. You can enjoy shopping at the Ubud market and Sukawati Art market.
If you want to relax your senses and pamper your body with some of the best massage treatments, then the Putri Bali Spa and Toya Devasya Natural Hotspring and Camping Resort are my spa recommendations.
Where To Eat In Ubud
Ubud has a variety of places to eat which cater to all kinds of tastes. From street food and fine dining to a ‘meal with a view’, Ubud gave me delightful foodgasms as far as food experiences are concerned. My food recommendations in Ubud are Casa Luna, Locavore, Why Not!, Gong Jatiluwih, Copper Kitchen & Bar, Mahagiri resort and restaurant and La Pacha Mama.
Where To Stay In Ubud
Value for money accommodation –
1. Sankara Ubud Resort – Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Sapodilla Ubud – Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Luxury accommodation –
1. The Kayon Resort – Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Mandapa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve – Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Budget accommodation –
1. The Moksha Ubud – Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Ketut’s place – Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
3. Gajah Biru Bungalows – Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Day 7-8: Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a paradisiacal island located southeast of Bali, Indonesia. After exploring the temples and museums of Ubud, it’s time to enjoy the island adventures near Bali.
A famous Yellow Bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to an idyllic island called Nusa Ceningan. Some of the major attractions of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are Devil’s Tear, Dream Beach, Panorama Point, Mangrove forests, Mahagiri Beach, Yellow Bridge and Blue Lagoon.
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then you have to try the Mahana Point Cliff Jump and Abyss Zipline (at Ceningan Island Resort). Water sports lovers can also try snorkelling with the Manta Rays at Crystal Bay.
You can also take a day trip to Nusa Penida. Here, I’d recommend the following attractions – Kelingking beach, Peluang ‘Car’ Temple and the Kelingking Panorama point, Seganing waterfall, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach and Crystal Bay.
If you’re into hikes, then I’d absolutely recommend you to hike to the Kelingking beach and Seganing waterfall. They’re challenging and the view you get to enjoy at the end of your effort is worth it.
Pro-tip: Spend an extra day in Nusa Lembongan if you wish to relax at your luxurious resort and enjoy the beauty of the island. Nobody is going to arrest you for spending 11 days in Bali instead of 10.
Where To Eat In Nusa Lembongan
The best place to eat and drink while enjoying the most stunning sunset views in Nusa Lembongan is the Water Blow Huts. The sunset view from the wooden deck or the pool area is surreal and just cannot be missed.
In Nusa Ceningan, you can enjoy ‘lunch with a view’ at Ceningan Cliff restaurant.
Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan
Value for money accommodation –
1. Seaside Huts, Lembongan. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. MolaMola House. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Luxury accommodation –
1. Water Blow Huts. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. The Tamarind Resort, Nusa Lembongan. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Budget accommodation –
1. Pemedal Beach resort. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. The Cubang Hut’s Lembongan. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Day 9-10: Uluwatu
Uluwatu is the perfect choice for the last stop in your Bali itinerary. Why? Because it has all the qualities that you’d expect of a good beach destination – serene beaches, laidback atmosphere, plush beach clubs, cliff top views and mouth-watering seafood.
There are a number of things you can do in Uluwatu in 2 days. The must-visit places in Uluwatu are – Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Balangan beach, Suluban Uluwatu beach, Uluwatu temple, Nyang Nyang beach, Dreamland beach, Bingin beach and Melasti beach.
Where To Eat In Uluwatu
Your Uluwatu experience would be incomplete if you don’t spend time at the luxurious beach clubs and clifftop clubs. You can decide to have a nice day out, enjoy the mesmerising sunset or party the night away at these places which offer a sumptuous meal, great happy hour drinks deals along with breathtaking sea-views.
My top 2 beach club recommendations for food & drinks are Single Fin and Oneeighty° Clifftop Club. If you’re a seafood lover, then do taste the seafood at Jimbaran Bay which is touted to be the best in Bali.
Where To Stay In Uluwatu
Value for money accommodation –
1. Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Hideaway Villas Bali. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Luxury accommodation –
1. Bulgari Resort Bali. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Budget accommodation –
1. WIRA homestay. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
2. Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu. Check this place out and book your stay by clicking here.
Conclusion
As much as I detest overtourism and the pressure that it has on a popular holiday destination like Bali, I’d still want you to explore this beauty of a place, albeit during the off-season.
Bali is an extremely tourist-friendly destination. The people are hospitable, the food’s great and the best part about Bali is that it is pocket-friendly. The destination is a traveller’s dream and offers the perfect combo of nature & culture.
So, go ahead and plan your Bali trip. I hope my ultimate Bali itinerary helps you spend the best 10 days in Bali. And I also hope that your knees are in good condition to do the various hikes and climbs to the blockbuster spots on the island.
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1 comment
Bali is love one of my favourite place visited many times.