Planning a 10-Day Bali Itinerary: Discover the Magic of Bali!
Bali, often considered the jewel of Indonesia and even Asia, draws travelers with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and laid-back beach vibes. Whether it's your first time or you're a Bali veteran like me (actually living here now after years of continuous visiting!), 10 days is an ideal duration for a fulfilling trip.
Getting to Bali: Bali is well-connected, and deals on flights are common. To find cheap flights, sign up for deal sites and newsletters. The flight duration varies, but it's roughly 5.5 hours from Australia's East Coast, 2.5 hours from the West Coast, and around 22 hours from North America with layovers in Asia or Australia.
Arrival in Bali: You'll land at Denpasar International Airport. Prepare for the crowd of eager transport providers. I recommend pre-arranging a shuttle with your hotel or using the fixed-price taxi rank to your right as you exit, which costs around 300,000rp to Seminyak, a 20-30 minute ride depending on traffic. Alternatively, there's now a Gojek stand with a waiting room just outside of arrivals so you can download the Gojek app and order a taxi through there. It usually works out cheaper. and the staff there are really helpful!
Getting Around: While Bali isn't large, there's a lot to explore, and several transportation options are available. Renting a motorbike is possible, but be cautious as the roads and traffic can be challenging. Ensure your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents. Alternatively, hire a local driver for day trips or longer journeys; they also make excellent tour guides. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Go-Jek or Grab, Bali's equivalent to Uber. For shorter distances, walking or using "Blue Bird" taxis, which use meters, is a reliable option.
Cost of Travel: Bali's cost depends on factors like your destination, travel style, and activities. Budget-friendly options include planning and researching ahead, staying in hostels or guesthouses, and minimizing travel between hotspots, which can get expensive.
Best Time to Visit: Bali has two seasons: wet (Dec-March) and dry (July, August, December). While peak season offers great weather, I'd recommend visiting any time, although prices drop during the wet season.
Packing Tips: Pack eco-friendly products to combat Bali's plastic problem. Laundry in Bali is affordable, so consider packing light and doing laundry halfway through your trip. Versatile dresses are great for beach-to-dinner outfits. Additionally, carry clothes that cover your body when visiting religious sites and temples.
Travel Insurance: Always purchase travel insurance before leaving your home country, especially if you plan to rent a moped. I'm currently using and recommend Safetywing which also offers insurance for nomads if you're planning on traveling for a longer amount of time. Sign up here.
Get yourself a Wise Card
The Wise card is linked to your Wise Account. It's a debit card, which can make budgeting for international spending and travel easier — and which means there's no interest to pay, no cash advance charges, and no penalty fees. Use the Wise debit card to spend in Bali without rip-off fees. Withdraw money, pay for meals in restaurants or spend in shops in Indonesian rupiah, all at the real exchange rate with the Wise debit card.
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Bali Itinerary:
Day 1-2 - Seminyak:
Arrange transport from the airport (pre-booked driver recommended).
Seminyak offers a lively start to your trip with great food, nightlife, and beaches. Stay in a villa or hotel.
Enjoy cafes, beach clubs, shopping, spas, and fine dining.
First, you'll need to plan your transportation from Denpasar airport to Seminyak (or your chosen starting point). As you exit the arrivals area, you'll encounter a throng of drivers, which can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. To avoid potential overcharging, head to the right, where you'll find an official taxi stand with fixed prices.
Starting your Bali itinerary in Seminyak is a fantastic choice. Despite its increasing bustle, it offers a vibrant mix of food, nightlife, and beaches. Seminyak is a preferred base duringvisits, boasting affordable and charming villas available for both long-term and short-term stays. While it gets busier each time I return, Seminyak retains my favorite cafes, ideal for work or leisure. The area encompasses everything from designer boutiques to Bali's renowned beach clubs, catering to all budgets with its diverse spa and fine dining options.
For villa options, consider Alam Bidadari for a luxurious experience or D'djabu for a more budget-friendly choice.
Day 2-4 - Canggu:
Canggu, a short ride from Seminyak, offers a cool surfer vibe amidst rice paddies.
Learn to surf, visit markets, and explore beaches.
Try vegan and organic restaurants, and stay in affordable villas or hostels.
Just a short hop away, you'll reach Canggu, the neighboring suburb. This town is enveloped by picturesque rice paddies, adding to Canggu's allure as the ultimate cool surfer town. Here, you'll discover an abundance of organic and vegan eateries, along with a selection of affordable yet stunning villas and hotels. Consider options like Ametis Villas for a more luxurious stay or Sense Canggu Beach Hotel for a budget-friendly option. Canggu is an increasingly popular destination and is a must-visit on any Bali itinerary. Rent a villa with your group, hit the beach for some thrilling waves, and recharge at the cafés listed below.
Day 4-6 - Ubud:
Head to Ubud, the cultural hub of Bali, surrounded by lush landscapes.
Take day trips to waterfalls, art markets, and the famous rice terraces.
Enjoy meditation, yoga classes, and authentic cooking classes.
Savor local cuisine and dine with scenic views.
You might simply wish to arrive in Ubud and unwind, indulging in relaxation and pampering, especially if your lodging is as stunning as Suarti Boutique Village or Sankara Resort! However, if you're in the mood for a day trip or two and have an interest in a cooking class, here are some of my preferred activities to enjoy while in Ubud:
Take on a day trip to explore the enchanting waterfalls.
Experience the thrill of swinging on the famous Ubud Swing.
Explore the iconic Ubud Art Markets.
Take in the beauty of the Tegalalang Rice Terrace.
Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Scale Mount Batur at sunrise.
Take an authentic cooking class to savor the local cuisine.
Visit the captivating Ubud Monkey Forest.
Plan a day trip to the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
Alchemy
Clear Cafe
Sakti Dining Room
Watercress
KAFE
Warung Biah Biah
Day 6-8 - Nusa Dua or Uluwatu:
Choose between Uluwatu's stunning cliffs and temples or Nusa Dua's pristine beaches.
Explore surf breaks, beaches, and beach clubs.
Experience Sunday sessions, seafood dinners, and water sports.
Situated on opposite sides of the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua offer contrasting but equally enticing experiences. Uluwatu is renowned for its breathtaking cliff-top temple and epic surf breaks, while Nusa Dua stands as a resort haven with pristine beaches. You have the flexibility to choose whichever appeals to you more, whether it's staying a night at both locations or opting for a day trip. These coastal destinations are ideal additions to your 10-day Bali itinerary. I recommend staying in Bingin for a few nights as amazing central location, and then exploring from there. Hotels I highly recommend include Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa, Terra Cottages Bali and Acacia Bungalows Bingin.
In Uluwatu and Nusa Dua, there's a wealth of activities to enjoy:
Rent a motorbike and embark on explorations of the fantastic surf breaks and beaches. Some of our favorite areas include Uluwatu Beach, Padang Padang Beach, Bingin Beach, and Dreamland Beach.
Witness skilled surfers in action at Uluwatu Beach.
Indulge in a relaxing Sunday session at the Single Finn Beach Club or Rock Bar.
Have a seafood dinner on the picturesque Jimbaran Beach.
Learn to surf at Padang Padang Beach.
Discover the charm of Dreamland Beach.
Nusa Dua, often associated with luxurious resorts along the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula, shouldn't be dismissed solely as a resort area. Whether you decide to spend a day or your entire vacation here, you'll be treated to some of Bali's finest beaches, crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and the island's premier golf courses, among other attractions. Nusa Dua boasts a plethora of activities, making it a compelling addition to your 10-day Bali itinerary.
Here are some things to do in Nusa Dua that you should consider:
Unwind and soak up the sun at the beautiful beaches.
Witness the fascinating Water Blow Hole phenomenon.
Take a boat trip to Serangan Island.
Dive into the captivating underwater world while snorkeling at Nusa Dua Beach.
Experience the ultimate in luxury by staying at a beachfront resort.
Day 8-10 - Nusa Islands:
Visit the Nusa Islands (Penida, Lembongan, Ceningan) for relaxation, snorkeling, and cliff jumping.
Discover Crystal Bay, Mushroom Beach, caves, and mangrove forests.
Dive at Temple Point, rock jump at Mahana Point, and marvel at Kelingking Beach.
This Bali itinerary offers a balanced mix of Bali's diverse attractions, ensuring a memorable 10-day adventure in this enchanting paradise. Enjoy your trip!
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