Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods” packs a whole country’s worth of variety into one island. In this 10-day Bali itinerary you’ll weave through Ubud’s jungle temples and rice terraces, bask on Seminyak’s breezy beaches, and watch firelit Kecak chants atop Uluwatu’s cliffs. Add a boat day to Nusa Penida for cinematic coastlines and turquoise lagoons.

Bali’s story stretches from ancient Hindu-Javanese kingdoms to today’s lively ceremony calendar. Temples require modest dress (sarongs are provided at most sites), and offerings on sidewalks are a daily reminder that spirituality lives in the open air. You’ll taste it, too—aromatic babi guling, sate lilit, and kopi Bali fuel busy market mornings and late, lantern-lit dinners.

Practical notes: Dry season runs April–October; rainy season is November–March (expect brief, warm showers). Grab-cars and private drivers are affordable; scooters are common but only ride if you’re experienced. For international flights to Bali (DPS), compare fares on Kiwi.com and Trip.com. Cash (IDR) is useful for small warungs and temple donations; most midrange spots accept cards.

Ubud

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart: artisans, temple courtyards humming with gamelan, the Sacred Monkey Forest, and the emerald stair-steps of Tegallalang. Mornings belong to misty rice terraces; afternoons to galleries and slow lunches; evenings to dance performances and candlelit warungs.

• Top sights: Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul water temple, Goa Gajah, Campuhan Ridge, Tegenungan/Kanto Lampo waterfalls.
• Food & coffee: Babi guling at Ibu Oka, ribs at Naughty Nuri’s, cheap-and-cheerful Balinese at Warung Biah Biah, third-wave cups at Seniman Coffee Studio.
• Good to know: Mind monkey etiquette (no dangling sunglasses, secure bags). Temple dress: covered shoulders, sarong.

Where to stay in Ubud (bookable via our partners): Ultra-luxe jungle hideaways at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and Viceroy Bali; resort comfort at The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud, Bali; great-value stays at Pertiwi Bisma 1 or Ubud Tropical Garden; social vibes at In Da Lodge. Or browse all stays on VRBO Ubud and Hotels.com Ubud.

Day 1: Arrival in Bali → Ubud

Morning: In transit. Compare flights to Bali (DPS) on Kiwi.com or Trip.com. Aim to land by early afternoon.

Afternoon: Transfer to Ubud (60–90 minutes; IDR 300k–500k by private car). Check in and stretch your legs on the Campuhan Ridge Walk before sunset—gentle hills, alang-alang grass, and village shrines along the way.

Evening: Dinner at Warung Biah Biah (Balinese small plates—try sate lilit and lawar). Sweet tooth? Gelato at Gaya Gelato. Nightcap at Melting Wok Warung if you can snag a seat (Laotian-Balinese stir-fries).

Day 2: Ubud Icons—Monkeys, Rice Terraces, Temples, Waterfalls

Join a relaxed, private best-of-Ubud day that efficiently hits the classics with a savvy local guide.

Discover The Best of Ubud: All-Inclusive and Private Guided Tour

Expect the Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul’s holy springs, a hidden waterfall, and a coffee plantation for a civet coffee demo. Pack a swimsuit and small bills for temple donations.

Dinner ideas back in town: Ibu Oka for famed babi guling (roast suckling pig) or Pica South American Kitchen for ceviche and grilled octopus.

Day 3: Adventure Day—ATV and Rafting

Swap temples for adrenaline on jungle tracks and the Ayung River. Most combos include hotel pickup, gear, guides, and lunch.

Bali ATV Ride and White Water Rafting

Expect muddy tunnels, riverside canyons, and Class II–III rapids lined with jungle vines. Bring water shoes and a dry change of clothes.

Evening reward: Book a massage at Karsa Spa, then dinner at Naughty Nuri’s (sticky, smoky ribs) or Clear Café for lighter, colorful bowls.

Day 4: North Bali & Tanah Lot—Temples, Lakes, and Rice Country

An all-day scenic loop folds in sea temples, mountain lakes, and UNESCO-listed green tapestries.

Tanah Lot and North Bali Tour: Scenic Journey

Highlights often include Tanah Lot’s surf-lashed shrine, Ulun Danu Beratan floating on the lake, and the terraced fields of Jatiluwih. Sunrise starts beat traffic; carry a light jacket for the highlands. Return to Ubud for dinner at Casa Luna (Balinese classics, great desserts).

Seminyak

Seminyak blends wide beaches, design-forward boutiques, and a dining scene that swings from refined Indonesian to fun, buzzy beach clubs. Days drift between surf lessons, spa time, and long lunches; nights glow with sunset cocktails and DJ sets.

• Top experiences: Seminyak Beach sunsets, shopping on Jalan Kayu Aya, cafés and roasteries, day trip to Nusa Penida.
• Food & drink: Sisterfields (brunch institution), Revolver Espresso (roastery), Da Maria (Neapolitan pies), Biku (tea and Indonesian peranakan fare), Motel Mexicola (energetic tacos & tunes).

Where to stay in Seminyak: Oceanfront elegance at The Legian Seminyak, Bali; stylish midrange at Tijili Seminyak or Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort; budget-friendly at Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak. Browse more on VRBO Seminyak and Hotels.com Seminyak.

Day 5: Ubud → Seminyak, Beach Time and Boutiques

Morning: Private driver from Ubud to Seminyak (1–1.5 hours; IDR 350k–600k depending on vehicle and traffic). For an English-speaking driver you can book by the day: Experts Bali Driver.

Afternoon: Brunch at Sisterfields (try the smashed peas and feta or short-rib Benedict) and an espresso at Revolver. Shop Jalan Petitenget/Jalan Kayu Aya for linen, homewares, and local designers.

Evening: Sunset on Seminyak Beach—soft gold light, surfers carving the last sets. Dinner at Da Maria (thin-crust pizzas; playful Amalfi vibe) or Biku (curry, satay, and high tea in a 150-year-old Joglo).

Day 6: Nusa Penida Day Trip—Cliffs, Coves, and Coral

Today is a full-day boat adventure to Penida’s showstoppers, with transport handled for you.

Premium All Inclusive Full Day Tour from Bali to Nusa Penida

Look for Kelingking’s T-Rex cliffs, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and snorkeling in crystalline bays (conditions permitting). Bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a drybag. Back in Seminyak, celebrate with tacos and mezcal at Motel Mexicola.

Day 7: Seminyak Your Way—Coffee, Spa, and Sunset

Morning: Coffee crawl: Expat. Roasters or Coffee Cartel to start, then a surfing lesson on Double Six Beach (gentle beach breaks, easy for beginners). Breakfast at Café Organic (smoothie bowls, greens) or Corner House (comfort brunch plates).

Afternoon: Spa time—Balinese massage and a lulur body scrub. Snack on Indonesian favorites at Nook (rice-field views; order nasi campur and corn fritters).

Evening: Golden hour at a beachfront spot, then dinner at Boy’N’Cow (steakhouse with in-house aging room) or Naughty Nuri’s Seminyak. Nightcap gelato at Gusto Gelato in Kerobokan.

Uluwatu

Welcome to the Bukit Peninsula—dramatic limestone cliffs, blue lagoons, and wave magnets like Padang Padang and Uluwatu. Days are for beach-hopping between coves reached by cliff stairs; nights glow with bonfires and seafood feasts on Jimbaran Bay.

• Top sights: Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), Padang Padang/Bingin beaches, GWK Cultural Park, Jimbaran fish markets and sunset dinners.
• Vibe: Cliffside cafes, surf shacks, breezy beach clubs, and that legendary Kecak fire dance at sunset.

Where to stay in Uluwatu: Modern-luxe villas at Alila Villas Uluwatu; resort ease at Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu; value near Padang Padang at Padang-Padang Inn. Explore more stays on VRBO Uluwatu and Hotels.com Uluwatu.

Day 8: Seminyak → Uluwatu, Cliff Coves and Café Hopping

Morning: Private transfer (60–80 minutes; IDR 350k–600k). Drop bags and head straight to Padang Padang—limestone tunnel, bright turquoise water, gentle rollers. Great for a first swim.

Afternoon: Lunch at Bukit Café (healthy Aussie-leaning plates) or Drifter (salads, fish tacos, surf-shop vibes). Beach-hop to Bingin (steeper stairs, dreamy cove) or Melasti (big lagoon, photogenic cliffs).

Evening: For a polished Jimbaran seafood feast on the sand, grab a table at a café along Muaya Beach—whole grilled snapper, sambal, and lime under string lights.

Day 9: Uluwatu Temple Sunset & Kecak Fire Dance

Morning: Coffee at Suka Espresso or BGS Uluwatu, then optional yoga or a surf lesson at Balangan. Brunch at The Cashew Tree (smoothies, tempeh bowls).

Afternoon: Visit GWK Cultural Park (towering Vishnu and Garuda statues, cultural performances), then aim for Uluwatu Temple by 4:30–5:00 pm to walk the cliff path and find seats for the show.

Evening: Book a hassle-free experience that pairs the temple, the sunset Kecak dance, and dinner on Jimbaran Beach:

Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner Jimbaran Beach

Expect a chanted, percussive chorus and fire-walking finale, with the Indian Ocean as your backdrop. Bring a sarong, bottled water, and small cash for temple fees (typically ~IDR 50k entry; Kecak show ~IDR 150k–200k, subject to change).

Day 10: Last Morning on the Bukit → Departure

Morning: Slow beach stroll or a spa treatment before you fly. Grab espresso and a breakfast wrap at Suka Espresso or baked goods from Baked Uluwatu.

Afternoon: Depart from Bali’s DPS airport. For flight options and on-time afternoon departures, compare on Kiwi.com and Trip.com. Leave Uluwatu 3–3.5 hours before flight time to cushion traffic and check-in.

Optional add-ons and notes

• Want a flexible custom day with a driver anywhere on the island? Book a full-day car and guide: Experts Bali Driver.
• Prefer a different Bali base? Beach resorts: The St. Regis Bali Resort (Nusa Dua), Grand Hyatt Bali, or family favorite Bali Dynasty Resort in Kuta.
• If you fall in love with Penida and want an overnight, consider Adiwana Warnakali Resort or Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida.

At-a-glance daily plan

• Day 1: Arrive Bali → Ubud, ridge walk, warung dinner.
• Day 2: Best of Ubud private tour (Monkey Forest, rice terraces, temples, waterfall).
• Day 3: ATV + Ayung rafting adventure.
• Day 4: North Bali & Tanah Lot scenic loop.
• Day 5: Transfer to Seminyak, beach + boutiques.
• Day 6: Nusa Penida premium day trip.
• Day 7: Seminyak spa, coffee, sunset.
• Day 8: Transfer to Uluwatu, beach-hopping.
• Day 9: Uluwatu Temple sunset & Kecak, Jimbaran dinner.
• Day 10: Spa/last swim → fly out.

Transport recap: Intercity Bali moves are by car (1–2 hours). Budget IDR 350k–900k per day for a driver, depending on distance and vehicle size. For tours and day trips, pickups are typically included. For all flights to/from Bali, compare routes and prices on Kiwi.com and Trip.com.

Handy Bali dining short-list (to mix and match): Ubud—Warung Biah Biah, Naughty Nuri’s, Clear Café, Pica South American Kitchen, Ibu Oka, Seniman Coffee Studio. Seminyak—Sisterfields, Revolver Espresso, Da Maria, Biku, Nook, Motel Mexicola, Boy’N’Cow. Uluwatu/Jimbaran—Bukit Café, Drifter Café, Suka Espresso, The Cashew Tree, Jimbaran Beach seafood cafés (grill fish to share).

In ten days you’ll taste Bali from forested heartland to cliff-bound coast—temple smoke at dawn, surf at dusk, and satay between. Come for the scenery and the sunsets; stay for the ceremonies, the food, and the gentle rhythm that makes time run slower.