10 Day Bali Itinerary (2026)

Bali isn’t just a destination, it’s a full-blown experience.

Think incense curling out of temple gates, scooter rides through rice paddies, and endless coastline dotted with beach bars and cliffside temples.

Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, a foodie, or a jungle trekker, Bali delivers.

This 10 day Bali itinerary is crafted to balance adventure, culture, and those crucial chill out moments.

It’s not about rushing from one attraction to the next. It’s about finding the rhythm of the island, lingering over a plate of mie goreng, and letting the scent of frangipani guide your way.

With every region offering a distinct vibe, this itinerary captures the diversity that makes Bali unforgettable.

Why Visit Bali in 2026?

With international travel booming again and Bali ramping up sustainable tourism, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best times to visit.

Infrastructure has improved, crowds are manageable (if you plan smart), and new eco-resorts and cultural initiatives are elevating the experience beyond the backpacker trail.

This resurgence isn’t just cosmetic, it’s conscious.

Bali’s government and communities are working hand-in-hand to ensure tourism benefits locals while preserving sacred spaces and natural beauty.

More waste management projects, reef restoration efforts, and cultural education programs are creating a more mindful environment for visitors and residents alike.

Bali is investing in green tourism and cultural preservation, creating deeper travel opportunities.

Expect cleaner beaches, better traffic management, and authentic experiences that support local communities.

Festivals like Galungan and Nyepi will be in full swing, offering you rare cultural access.

You’ll also find immersive experiences that go beyond sightseeing.

Join purification rituals at holy springs, learn about batik making in village co-ops, or take part in reforestation projects.

These aren’t just activities, they’re windows into Balinese life.

Flights are more frequent and affordable than ever.

From direct international connections to improved local transit, getting around is easier, safer, and faster. And with remote work trends still thriving, many cafes and co-working spots cater perfectly to digital nomads.

Bali’s digital infrastructure is stronger than ever, making it easy to work remotely or stay connected while traveling.

Mix work with sunset swims and workdays with mountain views, there’s a reason Bali remains a digital nomad hub.

How to Use This 10 Day Bali Itinerary

This itinerary is designed as a loop, ideal for both first-timers and return visitors who want a fresh lens on Bali.

We begin inland in Ubud and journey clockwise through the quieter north, serene east, and vibrant southern coast.

You’ll hit top highlights but also veer off the tourist trail.

The flow allows for balance: cultural immersion, nature, beach time, and culinary exploration.

You won’t just snap photos, you’ll soak in moments, whether it’s a sunrise over Mount Agung or a sunset dance in Uluwatu.

Each stop balances immersive cultural exploration with natural beauty and time to unwind.

Accommodations and activities are recommended across budget ranges, from hostels and homestays to luxe resorts.

There’s something for every kind of traveler: solo adventurers, couples, groups, or families.

Choose based on your vibe, spiritual healing in Ubud, surf and sun in Seminyak, or waterfalls in Munduk.

Feel free to swap days based on your pace, preferences, or seasonality. Have more than 10 days?

Add a day to Nusa Penida or dive into Canggu’s surf scene.

Less time? Trim one region, not the whole loop.

This itinerary is your backbone.

Build on it as needed, and don’t be afraid to leave space for serendipity.

That’s where the real Bali magic often lives.

Days 1 and 2: Ubud: Temples, Rice Terraces & Monkey Forest

Ubud is Bali’s spiritual and cultural core.

Artists, yogis, and wanderers flock here for its serene jungle setting, thriving creative scene, and deep connection to Balinese traditions.

Start with a morning stroll through the Campuhan Ridge Walk.

It’s peaceful, green, and a great intro to Ubud’s beauty.

Then visit the Puri Saren Royal Palace and wander through the Ubud Art Market.

The town pulses with an energy that feels both sacred and grounded.

You can attend a traditional dance performance in the evening or stumble upon a temple ceremony with locals in full ceremonial dress.

Everywhere you turn, there’s something to explore, tiny alleyway cafes, moss-covered shrines, and hidden gardens humming with birdsong. Ubud invites you to slow down and look closer.

Top Things to Do in Ubud

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Tegallalang is more than a photo op.

Arrive by 8 a.m. to walk the terraces in peace.

Support local farmers by grabbing a coconut or donating a small fee.

Wander through the side paths for a more immersive experience.

Local guides often offer insights into the irrigation systems and agricultural traditions that sustain these iconic landscapes.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Yes, it’s touristy.

But it’s also home to ancient temples wrapped in jungle roots and hundreds of cheeky macaques.

Don’t bring food or dangle your phone.

The forest itself is magical, giant banyan trees, mossy stone carvings, and a palpable sense of the sacred.

Despite the monkeys’ mischief, it’s one of Bali’s most unique spiritual sites.

Where to Stay in Ubud

• Budget: In Da Lodge Hostel
• Mid-range: Alaya Resort Ubud
• Luxury: Capella Ubud or Viceroy Bali for jungle glam

Stay close to the center for walkability, or head into the hills for views and quiet.

Ubud has accommodations to fit every style: from bamboo treehouses to yoga retreats with smoothie bars.

Take a yoga class at The Yoga Barn, enjoy a massage at Karsa Spa, and feast on nasi campur at Ibu Oka.

Ubud offers everything from vegan raw cafes to traditional warungs.

Foodies should check out Locavore, a fine-dining restaurant committed to local ingredients and sustainable sourcing.

Don’t miss the chance to take a Balinese cooking class or explore nearby villages like Penestanan or Mas.

Day 3 and 4: North Bali: Waterfalls, Culture & Hidden Gems

North Bali is quieter and wilder.

The air feels cleaner, the pace slower, and the roads emptier.

It’s the antidote to the island’s bustling south, a place where time slows and traditions endure.

Start in Munduk, a small mountain town surrounded by coffee plantations and waterfalls.

Then head east to Lovina for black sand beaches and dolphin watching.

The journey between them is lined with temples, viewpoints, and friendly roadside warungs.

This region rewards travelers who love the road less traveled.

You’ll encounter mossy forests, misty mountain air, and smiling faces untouched by mass tourism.

It’s where you’ll find Bali’s heart beating quietly and steadily.

Base yourself in Munduk for nature immersion, wake up to birdsong, trek to waterfalls, and sip fresh kopi luwak from a mountainside café.

In Lovina, life revolves around the sea, from sunrise dolphin tours to sunset seafood feasts.

Best Waterfalls to Visit

Sekumpul Waterfall

Possibly Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, it’s a 45-minute hike through jungle and rice fields.

Hire a local guide for safety and insight.

You’ll pass scenic rice paddies, cross bamboo bridges, and be rewarded with a multi-tiered cascade crashing into a jungle gorge.

Bring a raincoat. The spray is intense, and so is the beauty.

Gitgit Waterfall

Easier to reach, Gitgit is great for a short trek and swim.

Go early to avoid crowds.

It’s surrounded by dense tropical vegetation and features a refreshing plunge pool perfect for a midday cool off.

Pair it with nearby twin waterfalls for a full day of nature hopping.

Cultural Tips for the Region

Temples like Pura Beji and Pura Ulun Danu Bratan offer less-touristed glimpses of Balinese Hinduism.

Dress respectfully (sarongs often provided) and be mindful of ceremonies.

North Bali also hosts traditional dance performances, local markets, and religious festivals.

Take time to chat with elders or artisans—they’ll often share stories and customs passed down through generations.

Lovina isn’t flashy, but it’s charming.

Snorkel off Menjangan Island or sip kopi Bali at a local warung.

Enjoy a night at a beach bonfire with locals, or take a traditional boat to explore coral reefs.

It’s not about luxury.

It’s about connection.

Day 5 and 6: East Bali: Beaches, Snorkeling & Sacred Sites

East Bali is often overlooked by first-time visitors, which is a shame because this region offers some of the island’s most authentic experiences and unspoiled natural beauty.

Over these two days, you’ll trade in crowds for solitude, discovering black sand beaches, coral reefs, and the spiritual heart of Bali tucked among volcanic hills and temple complexes.

Start your East Bali adventure with a scenic drive along the coast, passing quiet fishing villages and lush mountain roads.

Your first major stop should be Tirta Gangga, a former royal water palace that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a Balinese fairytale.

Built in the early 20th century, this serene estate features ornamental ponds, tiered fountains, and stepping stones that zigzag across koi-filled waters.

It’s not just picturesque, it’s deeply spiritual.

Locals still come here to make offerings, and walking barefoot through the grounds feels meditative, like stepping into a living temple garden.

After Tirta Gangga, head further east to Amed, a sleepy coastal town with a thriving diving and snorkeling scene.

Amed’s charm lies in its rhythm, slow, sun-drenched, and deeply rooted in local life.

There are no big resorts here, just guesthouses, beachside warungs, and the occasional dive shack.

The beaches are made of volcanic black sand, and the underwater world is teeming with life.

Rent a snorkel set and explore the Japanese Shipwreck in Banyuning Bay, a shallow wreck site where vibrant coral and marine life swirl through the sunken hull.

It’s beginner-friendly but rewarding enough for experienced snorkelers too.

If diving’s more your speed, Amed and nearby Tulamben offer access to some of Bali’s best dive sites.

The USAT Liberty Shipwreck in Tulamben is world-famous, and for good reason.

Just 30 meters offshore, this WWII-era cargo ship is now encrusted with coral and teeming with tropical fish.

It’s a haunting, beautiful dive that reveals the power of time and nature to transform even the machinery of war into a vibrant reef ecosystem.

Don’t miss the sunset in Amed, especially if you can catch it from the viewpoint near Jemeluk Bay.

With Mount Agung silhouetted in the background and fishing boats bobbing in the foreground, it’s one of the most peaceful ends to a day you’ll find on the island.

Pair it with a grilled seafood dinner at a local warung and a cold Bintang, and you’ll get a taste of the Bali that existed long before Instagram.

On your second day, consider a sunrise hike up Mount Agung, if you’re feeling fit and spiritually curious.

This active volcano is the highest point in Bali and considered the island’s most sacred mountain.

Treks typically start around midnight and reach the summit in time for sunrise.

The climb is tough, both physically and mentally, but the reward is otherworldly.

From the summit, you’ll witness the island bathed in golden light, with the Lombok Strait and Mount Rinjani visible in the distance.

It’s a rite of passage for many travelers and a powerful way to connect with the spiritual energy that permeates Balinese life.

If summiting a volcano isn’t your style, spend the day visiting Pura Lempuyang, one of Bali’s oldest and most revered temples.

You’ve probably seen photos of its famous “Gates of Heaven” framing Mount Agung in the distance.

But beyond the Instagram moment, this is a working temple complex of seven sanctuaries scattered across the mountainside.

It’s a bit of a trek to reach the top, but the views and spiritual atmosphere are worth every step.

By the end of Day 6, you’ll have a deeper appreciation for Bali’s spiritual roots and raw natural beauty.

East Bali reminds you that travel isn’t always about seeing the most things, it’s about feeling the most connected.

And here, connection comes naturally.

Day 7 and 8: Seminyak: Surf, Sunsets & Nightlife

After immersing yourself in the quiet spirituality and raw beauty of East Bali, Seminyak hits like a wave of modern indulgence.

But not in a bad way.

Think of it as Bali’s cosmopolitan edge, stylish, beachy, and buzzing with energy.

These two days are about enjoying the finer things: surfing at golden-hour, sipping cocktails in infinity pools, and exploring a thriving food and nightlife scene that doesn’t try too hard (even if the influencers do).

Start your Seminyak experience with the beach.

Unlike the dramatic cliffs of Uluwatu or the pebbled coves of Amed, Seminyak Beach offers long stretches of golden sand and beginner-friendly waves.

Rent a board from one of the beach shacks or book a surf lesson with a local instructor.

The waves here are mellow enough for first-timers but still fun for intermediate riders looking to shake the rust off.

Even if you’re not surfing, the beach is perfect for long walks, beach lounging, and people-watching.

You’ll see everything from families to honeymooners to digital nomads balancing coconut drinks and Kindles.

After your beach fix, dive into Seminyak’s culinary scene, which is easily one of the best in Southeast Asia.

Whether you’re craving a power smoothie bowl or dry-aged steak with truffle fries, this place delivers.

The range of food, from traditional warung meals to inventive fusion, is staggering, and the quality is high almost everywhere.

Top Restaurants in Seminyak

Naughty Nuri’s

Don’t let the name fool you, this place is serious about barbecue.

Naughty Nuri’s is famous for its sticky pork ribs, smoky grilled meats, and “wicked” martinis.

The vibe is casual and rowdy, with travelers from all over the world bonding over beer soaked napkins and finger licking plates.

Anthony Bourdain was a fan, and once you’ve tasted those ribs, you’ll get why.

Bikini Restaurant

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Bikini, a sleek, neon lit modern dining experience that plays with textures, flavors, and presentation.

The name is cheeky, the plating is artistic, and the tasting menu is a journey.

Think charred watermelon with goat cheese, or wagyu sliders with pickled daikon.

It’s Bali meets Melbourne sophistication, perfect for a splurge night out.

Where to Watch the Sunset

Potato Head Beach Club

You can’t do Seminyak without a golden-hour pilgrimage to Potato Head.

It’s not just a beach club, it’s a cultural hub wrapped in reclaimed shutters and fronted by a massive infinity pool that seems to pour into the Indian Ocean.

Arrive around 4 p.m., grab a daybed or poolside table (reservations help), and settle in with a signature cocktail.

As the sun drops, the DJ kicks it up a notch, and the atmosphere shifts from chill to electric.

Watching the sky turn tangerine and violet with a drink in hand and music pulsing through the palms?

It’s a full-sensory moment you won’t forget.

If you want something more relaxed, head to La Plancha, a beach bar known for its rainbow beanbags and laid-back vibe.

It’s less curated, more come as you are, and arguably just as magical when the sky lights up and the tide rolls in.

Day 9 and 10: Uluwatu: Cliffs, Temples & Beach Clubs

After the buzz of Seminyak, Uluwatu is where Bali says, “slow down and soak it in.”

These final two days are your grand finale, dramatic cliffs, sacred temples, and some of the best surf and sunsets on the island.

Uluwatu doesn’t whisper serenity, it sings it from the cliffside, backed by crashing waves and a gamelan soundtrack carried on the sea breeze.

Start your Uluwatu adventure with a visit to Padang Padang Beach, a cove tucked between limestone cliffs and accessible by a steep staircase.

It’s small but stunning, turquoise waters, soft golden sand, and enough surf to keep things interesting.

Early mornings here are ideal.

You’ll share the beach with local surfers, stray dogs lazing in the sun, and maybe a monkey or two eyeing your snacks.

Bring a sarong, sunscreen, and enough time to simply exist without a plan.

For a different vibe, head to Bingin Beach, a laid-back surf haven where cliffside guesthouses and smoothie shacks tumble down toward the tide.

The beach here is a mosaic of tide pools, surfboards, and bronzed travelers swapping stories over fresh juices and nasi goreng.

Even if you’re not a surfer, you’ll find it hard to leave.

The energy is magnetic, equal parts chill and wild.

In the afternoon, it’s time for Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), perched dramatically on a sheer cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean.

This temple is one of Bali’s six key spiritual pillars and is dedicated to the spirits of the sea.

The setting is cinematic, ocean on one side, jungle on the other, and monkeys lurking like mischievous sentries.

Be sure to wear a sarong (provided at the entrance) and stay aware of your belongings, those monkeys don’t mess around.

Every evening, just before sunset, Uluwatu Temple becomes the stage for Bali’s most iconic performance: the Kecak Fire Dance.

Held in a cliffside amphitheater, this hypnotic show combines rhythmic chanting, fire play, and storytelling based on the Ramayana epic.

It’s raw, immersive, and deeply spiritual, especially when set against a sky ablaze with color and the sound of waves crashing far below.

To get a good seat, arrive at least 45 minutes before the show starts.

Bring a water bottle, a light layer in case it gets breezy, and an open mind.

This isn’t a tourist gimmick, it’s a sacred, time-honored ritual that offers a powerful glimpse into the soul of Bali.

By the time the flames die down and the final chant fades, you’ll understand why many travelers say this is the moment they truly felt Bali.

On your final day, spend some time at one of Uluwatu’s beach clubs. Single Fin is legendary for its Sunday sessions, surf culture meets sunset party with epic views and DJ sets that keep the vibe going long after the sun dips below the horizon.

For something a little more luxurious, Sundays Beach Club offers private cable car access to a hidden white-sand cove, complete with bonfires, beanbags, and beachside cocktails.

Whether you’re closing your trip with a quiet moment staring at the sea or dancing barefoot under the stars, Uluwatu delivers a sense of finality that feels earned.

It’s the kind of place that leaves a mark, not just on your camera roll, but somewhere deeper.

A perfect end to a journey that’s been as layered and vibrant as Bali itself.

Leaving Bali, But Not Its Magic

Leaving Bali is a strange kind of heartbreak, the kind you feel in your chest, like the moment you finish a really good book and realize you’ll never read it again for the first time.

But unlike a book, Bali doesn’t stay still.

It keeps evolving, inviting you back to uncover new layers, new corners, and new pieces of yourself that only reveal themselves when you travel with intention.

This 10 day Bali itinerary has taken you from Ubud’s emerald rice terraces and sacred temples, through North Bali’s hidden waterfalls and serene villages, across East Bali’s dramatic coastlines and dive sites, into the stylish rhythms of Seminyak, and finally to Uluwatu’s soul-stirring cliffs and spiritual fire dances.

Each leg of the journey brought a different facet of the island to life, and if you’ve followed it closely, you’ve seen not just the places, but the pulse that holds it all together.

Because Bali isn’t just a place, it’s a feeling.

It’s in the scent of incense curling from a morning offering.

It’s in the sound of a gamelan orchestra echoing from a distant temple.

It’s in the conversation you have with a warung owner over sambal and satay, or the moment a stranger becomes a friend on a shared shuttle ride to Lovina.

This isn’t checklist travel.

It’s connection travel.

And while 10 days might seem like enough to “see Bali,” the truth is, it barely scratches the surface.

You could spend weeks exploring the island’s inland jungles or months chasing waves along its coastlines.

Bali rewards return visits because it never tells you the whole story at once.

It whispers.

It lets you earn the deeper stuff.

Still, for a 10 day adventure, this itinerary strikes a balance between movement and stillness, indulgence and simplicity, culture and nature.

It gives you the space to soak it in without being locked into a rigid schedule.

It leaves room for the unplanned, the sunrise that catches you by surprise, the scooter detour that leads to an unnamed beach, or the temple you find with no one else around.

Those moments? They’re what turn a good trip into a transformative one.

Before you leave, here are a few tips to carry home with you:

• Respect the local customs. Bali’s spiritual life is rich and deeply ingrained in daily routines. If you’re invited to a ceremony, dress modestly, follow the lead of locals, and observe with gratitude.
• Travel with patience. The island’s pace is not yours to dictate. Traffic will test you, Wi-Fi will come and go, plans will shift—and that’s part of the charm. Surrender to it.
• Support local. Choose locally owned guesthouses, eat at family-run warungs, and buy crafts directly from artisans. Your money goes further and your experience goes deeper.
• Leave lighter. Not just in your luggage, but in your spirit. Bali has a way of teaching you what to let go of—stress, speed, control. Let it.
  

So as you board your flight, salty, sun-kissed, and maybe a little teary-eyed, remember this: Bali doesn’t end at the airport.

It lingers.

In your dreams.

In your playlists.

In your cravings for nasi campur and beach sunsets and the way the air felt at dawn in Sidemen.

And if you’re anything like the rest of us who’ve walked its rice fields and watched its skies catch fire at dusk, you’ll be back.

Maybe not next year.

Maybe not for a while.

But one day, something will call you, and you’ll know exactly where you need to go.

Selamat jalan.

Safe travels.

And until next time, may your life be a little more Bali, wherever you are.