Bali Travel Itinerary: My 10-Day Guide for First-Time Visitors
- Olga Kurak
- 6 days ago
- 15 min read
Hello everyone,
In this post, I’ll share my experience working as a travel agency manager and introduce my personal Bali travel itinerary — the key things you should know before your trip, especially if it’s your first time on the island. I’ll also highlight what to pay attention to while traveling: where to go, where to eat, and how to make the most of your 10 days in Bali.
Table of Contents
How this post came to life
I was inspired to write on this topic by my friends — Ira and Lesia, whom I’ve known since school, and who came to visit me in Bali this June. Their visit was very special to me.So when they bought their tickets at the end of March, I was beyond happy. And I had a new task — to create an interesting 10-day travel plan for them.
I came up with the itinerary almost immediately, but as it often happens with travelers, no one had time to look at it two months before the trip. At least they bought the tickets in advance!Two weeks before their arrival, the girls suddenly remembered they were flying to Bali and realized they still needed to book hotels, arrange transfers, and basically figure out what they were going to do on the island.
You can do that, of course, but keep in mind: during the high season (April to October — especially the summer months, Christmas, and New Year holidays) all the well-located places — close to beaches, cafes, and attractions — are fully booked.So if you find something really good, it’s better to book early. But even if you don’t, don’t worry — you definitely won’t end up without accommodation. There are always plenty of options.
Visa to Indonesia
Information about visa requirements is easy to find online. Indonesia is not a complicated destination for visitors.Citizens of 97 countries can stay in Indonesia for up to 30 days by obtaining a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport or by applying online before the trip.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
If you ask Google, you’ll probably find something like this:
“The dry season lasts from April to October — it’s the best time for beach holidays and surfing. The air is dry, the temperature stable. From November to March, it’s the rainy season. Showers are usually short, warm, and often occur in the afternoon or at night, while days remain mostly sunny. Rain definitely won’t ruin your vacation. Overall, Bali is a year-round destination.”
Well, here’s what I’ll tell you — theoretically that’s true, but in reality, things are not always so predictable.
Local climate and seasons
First of all, the island is quite large. In the central regions — among mountains and tropical forests, for example in Ubud, Munduk, or Kintamani — the sky can stay cloudy for days during the rainy season. Rain can continue for several days in a row, with short breaks, but you won’t see much sun. The climate there is very humid.
Even here on the Bukit Peninsula (the southernmost part of Bali, known as the driest), last year we didn’t see a single drop of rain through almost all of October and November. Then came the heaviest rainy season I’ve ever experienced here — the sky stayed covered with clouds for weeks, and it rained morning, day, and night, with the sun only occasionally peeking through. This year, the rain started unusually early — already in September — and it wasn’t typical weather. The rainfall was so intense that it caused flooding and even damaged roads and houses. Now, for the second month in a row, heavy showers happen several times a week — even though, technically, it’s still supposed to be the windy season.
So, whatever time of year you visit, it’s best to check the weather, and pack a raincoat and clothes suitable for humidity.
My favorite season
Personally, my favorite time of year is the windy season. It’s not too hot, evenings can be pleasantly cool, and you can finally wear something comfy like jeans, a hoodie, or a light sweater. And one more advantage — there are fewer mosquitoes, which means a lower risk of getting dengue fever (if you don’t know — I’ve had dengue, you can read about that experience here).
During the rainy season, you’re either wet from the rain or sweaty — which means, again, wet — because as soon as the rain stops and the sun comes out, it becomes so humid that you feel like you’re in a sauna. But there’s a beautiful side to this season too: after months of dry weather, the first rains bring everything to life — the island turns lush green and starts to bloom again. The ocean water also becomes wonderfully warm.
Of course, it all depends on what you like.
But one thing is certain — you can enjoy Bali all year round, because there’s always something to do here.
Which Resort to Choose?
That’s a tricky — and very subjective — question, but I’ll try to describe the most well-known areas 😊
South Bali — the most popular resorts
Canggu
Locals call it “Balifornia” — because it truly has everything for a comfortable, modern vacation. It’s a favorite place for surfers, both beginners and experienced ones.
Seminyak
When I first came to Bali, my very first hotel was in Seminyak.That morning, after arriving and going down for breakfast, I was shocked — I didn’t see the “Bali from the postcards.” Instead, I found:
“...a bunch of little shops selling the same things — clothes, souvenirs, bags, jewelry, and more; cafes, restaurants, spas; hotels and villas; scooters, taxis — and crowds of tourists. Endless crowds. The beach — wide, with gray sand and cloudy water in the ocean.”
But now, I go there occasionally to visit my dermatologist for treatments, and my attitude toward Seminyak has changed. Yes, there are still lots of tourists, the beach still has gray sand and not-so-clean water — but there’s something charming about this place.It’s one of those resorts that’s been popular for over a decade; some restaurants, shops, and galleries here already have their own history. There are bustling main streets full of people — but also quiet little alleys where you can walk past villas built back in the early 2000s. There’s something about that place 😊
Kuta
I’d call it an “urban vacation.” One of the very first areas developed by tourists. The beaches are gray, often dirty, without Seminyak’s glamour or Canggu’s modern vibe. Many people learn surfing here. Compared to other resorts — it’s inexpensive.
Bukit Peninsula — cliffs, white sand beaches and turquoise water
Jimbaran
Located at the start of the peninsula. The beaches have yellowish sand, and after rain, the waves sometimes bring in a lot of debris and plastic waste (which, unfortunately, happens along much of the coastline). There’s a gentle ocean entry, several famous hotel chains (Le Méridien, InterContinental, Mövenpick, Belmond Jimbaran Puri), and plenty of restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and stores.Here you’ll find the famous fish market, and along the beach, countless warungs (local cafes) where fresh fish — caught that morning — is grilled right in front of you.
Nusa Dua
A resort made for hotel-based relaxation. You’ll find well-known international brands like Sofitel Bali, Marriott’s Bali Nusa Dua Gardens, The Ritz-Carlton, and Grand Hyatt. Bali isn’t exactly pedestrian-friendly — sidewalks are rare — but Nusa Dua is the exception. You can actually take a walk outside your hotel!If any international event takes place on the island, it’s usually hosted here.
Sanur
A calm, quiet resort — often recommended for families with children.
Uluwatu
My home — and probably the most famous part of the Bukit Peninsula. Here, right on the cliff’s edge, stands the legendary Uluwatu Temple. Surfing in Uluwatu is every surfer’s dream.Over the past three years, the area has been developing rapidly: new restaurants, cafes, villas, and spas are opening one after another.
And the beaches… the most stunning ones on the island, with white sand and turquoise water — Melasti, Pandawa, Nyang-Nyang, Padang-Padang, Uluwatu, Suluban, Thomas, and Dreamland. There’s also the well-known Bingin Beach, but in mid-2025, the government began removing unauthorized cafes and accommodations built without permits, so for now, the beach doesn’t look its best.
🪸 Tip: Before heading to the beach, always check the tide schedule online. You might arrive and find the water far away — or the opposite, with waves coming all the way up to the sand, leaving no space to lie down.
Fewer tourists — more authenticity
If you want a quieter beach holiday, away from the crowds, look into Candidasa, Amed, or Lovina. You’ll still find beautiful villas, modern restaurants, and boutique hotels — just fewer of them. There are also fewer tourists than in Canggu or Uluwatu, so the authentic Balinese atmosphere is still very much alive.
Central Bali
The spiritual heart of Bali.It started out as a hippie hangout, and today it’s where everyone comes to “cleanse,” “heal,” or “transform themselves.” Maybe I sound a bit ironic describing it, but I genuinely love Ubud. It’s surrounded by yoga studios, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, museums, Balinese temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls.
Kintamani and Munduk
If you love mountains, cool air, waterfalls, tropical forests, hot springs, and hiking to volcanic peaks — pay attention to Kintamani, located near Lake Batur and Mount Batur, as well as the Munduk region.
How I recommend choosing a resort
If you’re wondering which area to choose, my advice is simple — choose several.
As I told my friends, a classic Bali vacation is all about wandering freely:
stay a few days in one place, rent a scooter, explore nearby beaches, local spots, cafes, and restaurants — and of course, chase sunsets.
Then, after a few days, move to another area and do the same — discovering this magical island from different angles.
Famous Bali Sunsets
One of the island’s most beautiful traditions is the ritual of watching the sunset.It’s something everyone does — both tourists and locals alike. Every evening, people gather on the beaches, in restaurants, or at cafes overlooking the ocean, sipping a beer or a coconut and watching the colors of the sky slowly change.
Getting Around Bali
No matter where you stay on the island, you can rent a scooter almost anywhere.
If you don’t have experience driving one, the easiest option is to use mobile apps like Gojek or Grab — you can order a ride (on a scooter or in a car), food delivery from restaurants, or even groceries from local stores.
The interface is intuitive: just download the app, add your details and payment card — and you’re good to go.
Airport Transfers
I recommend arranging your airport transfer in advance — almost all hotels and villas provide this service. That way, you’ll know for sure that someone will be waiting for you and take you straight to your accommodation. After that, you can decide how to get around — by ordering rides via apps or renting a scooter.
If You’ve Never Driven a Scooter
Don’t think you’ll be able to just hop on and ride right away. Those who try without experience often end up spending part of their “vacation” in a hospital with injuries.
When I first came to Bali, I thought riding a scooter would be like riding a bicycle — but it’s really not 😊 Traffic in Bali is intense: you have to know how to maneuver, stay alert, and react quickly — without experience, that’s tough.I constantly see tourists falling off scooters.
You can, however, take a few scooter lessons to see how comfortable you feel before renting one on your own.
Where to Learn Surfing for Beginners
When I first came to Bali alone, one of my biggest dreams was to learn how to surf. If you have the same dream and you’re a complete beginner, the best beaches to start are Canggu and Padang-Padang in Uluwatu.
They have everything you need:a gentle ocean entry, small beginner-friendly waves, surfboard rentals, and both group and private lessons.
The only downside, in my opinion — there are always lots of people in the water 😊 If you want a quieter experience, ask your instructor what time of day is less crowded.
The Legend of Mama Bali
Tourists in Bali can be divided into two types.
The first type — nothing ever pleases them: it’s too dirty, the locals aren’t nice enough, the service is bad, it’s expensive, and the roads are terrible. As a result, something always seems to go wrong for them — little mishaps and problems follow them everywhere.
The second type — those who fall in love with everything and everyone here. They feel happy, free, and full of life, and they keep coming back to Bali again and again. Some even decide to stay on the island for good.
There’s a local legend that explains why. It says that constantly dissatisfied tourists are not accepted by Mama Bali — the spirit of the island — because of their negative attitude toward her (the land) and her children (the locals). The more they complain, the more misfortunes they attract.
So if you ever feel that your Bali trip is going wrong — stop for a moment. Reflect on your words and actions, not only here but in life in general. Ask yourself what really bothers you — and why there’s so much negativity around and within.
Many say that Bali is a powerful energetic place that helps people rethink their lives. Take that chance 😊 And most likely, after that, Mama Bali will hear you — and start protecting you instead.
From my side, I’ll add this: I’ve met so many people on the island — tourists and expats alike — and although I’m a rational and pragmatic person, I’ve seen this legend come true more than once 😊
What to See and Do in Bali
When I was creating the itinerary for my friends, my goal wasn’t to see and do everything in such a short time — quite the opposite.Both of them are active women who are always busy — work trips, businesses, families — so my aim was to give them the chance to slow down and truly enjoy the moment here on Bali.
Of course, they asked about retreats. Marketing does its job well, and the word “retreat” carries its own magic. But if you’re curious about my honest thoughts on retreats, the people who run them, and how they sell them — you can read about that in another post 😉
Since they mentioned their trip only two weeks before arriving, I couldn’t find any retreats available for their dates.
I suggested starting the trip in Uluwatu. After a bit of back-and-forth, we booked a hotel from the Belmond chain in Jimbaran — Belmond Jimbaran Puri.
To me, that’s not exactly the “authentic Bali vibe.”Hotel vacations can be comfortable, but they often limit your chances to really see the island, feel it, and fall in love with it. My friends realized that on their third day, when Ira said:
“The hotel and service are amazing, but I want to see the island.”
Bali Travel Itinerary — 10-Day Program
Day 1 — Arrival in Denpasar
Airport transfer to the hotel. Stay connected upon arrival so your driver can reach you easily. I recommend resting after the flight: if you land in the morning, plan a relaxing spa massage in the afternoon and dinner with a sunset view.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
1️⃣ The Asa Maia – Bespoke Wellness Resort. If you want a boutique-style hotel with high service standards, away from the crowds but still in central Uluwatu.
2️⃣ Elemen Uluwatu Villas. Private villas in Uluwatu, close to all main attractions and the Uluwatu Temple.
3️⃣ Gypsea Bali (Bingin Area) Bingin is often considered part of Uluwatu, though it’s slightly further away.In recent years, it has developed rapidly — cafes, restaurants, spas, pilates studios, and gyms are all nearby.
Day 2 — Yoga, Ocean Views, and Sunsets
Start the day at The Istana Uluwatu: yoga with an ocean view, breakfast, pool time, and deep relaxation in the sound dome, dry heat, and infrared saunas.
In the afternoon — relax with a spa or massage near your hotel or villa.In the evening, head to Uluwatu Beach Cliff, where the story of the area’s development began, and end the day with sunset dinner at La Terrazza Uluwatu.
Day 3 — Beach Day & Traditional Show
Morning yoga and breakfast. Then, visit one of Bukit’s most beautiful beaches — Melasti Beach.
Spend the day at White Rock Beach Club, enjoy lunch, and relax before heading back to your accommodation.
In the evening, visit the Uluwatu Temple and watch the traditional Kecak Dance — one of the island’s most famous cultural performances. The show features a group of men rhythmically chanting “cak-cak-cak”, creating a hypnotic beat that fills the air. It tells the story of how Ravana kidnaps Sita and how Rama and Hanuman fight to rescue her.
Day 4 — Surfing, Spa, and Nightlife
Morning yoga or pilates, then head to Padang Padang Beach, where the movie Eat, Pray, Love was filmed.You can even take a surf lesson there.
Lunch at Kala Uluwatu — a lovely spot with great food and design.
After lunch — spa treatments, then head to Nyang Nyang Beach for sunset. In the evening — party at SAVAYA, one of the most iconic nightclubs in Bali.
Food, Coffee, Beaches & Wellness Spots in Uluwatu
Breakfast spots:
Artisan Uluwatu
Ulu Garden
Land’s End Café
KARMAFREE Surf Shop & Café
Analog Uluwatu
Lunch & dinner recommendations:
Ulu Garden
Masonry Uluwatu
Yuki Uluwatu
Kala
Ulufish Market
Sunset places:
La Terrazza Uluwatu
Teja
Panorama Point Uluwatu
Mû Bungalows Boutique Resort
Yoga & Pilates studios:
The Istana
Yoga Searcher
Morning Light Yoga Studio (Uluwatu Surf Villas)
La Tribu Bali
Studio Fondue
Good coffee spots:
Analog Uluwatu
Wappoo
BGS Uluwatu
KARMAFREE Surf Shop & Café
Beaches for relaxing and sunsets:
Nyang Nyang
Padang Padang
Uluwatu
Dreamland
Melasti
Pandawa
Spa recommendations:
Laniakea
Salty Face
Fields of Yarrow
Days 5–10 – Ubud, Kintamani & the Beauty of Central Bali
After breakfast, head to Ubud, the spiritual heart of Bali. You’ll arrive in the afternoon or evening — check in, relax, and enjoy a slower pace.
Where to Stay in Central Ubud
For Yoga Lovers
The most famous yoga center in Bali (and beyond) is Yoga Barn — offering meditations, all styles of yoga classes, workshops, and sound healings.From early morning till evening, you can always find something that fits your mood.
What to See in Ubud
Monkey Forest — a sacred sanctuary home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques, with ancient temples and lush jungle paths.
Ubud Art Market — a lively market in the town center where you can find handmade crafts, clothes, and souvenirs from local artisans.
Ubud Palace — the historical residence of Ubud’s royal family, known for its traditional Balinese architecture and evening dance shows.
If You Love Museums
ARMA Museum — showcases traditional and contemporary Balinese art in a peaceful garden setting.
Museum Puri Lukisan — the oldest art museum in Bali, featuring classical Balinese paintings and wood carvings.
The Blanco Renaissance Museum — the historical residence of Ubud’s royal family, known for its traditional Balinese architecture and evening dance shows.
Walks and Local Discoveries
Don’t miss the Campuhan Ridge Walk — a scenic trail along green hills.
Ubud itself is perfect for strolling: countless boutiques with local designer clothes, handmade jewelry, natural cosmetics, authentic souvenirs, and art pieces.This is also the best place to shop for gifts to take home.
While wandering around, choose a café or restaurant for dining based on online reviews or simply follow your instinct — there are so many great options here, it’s almost impossible to make a wrong choice 🙂
Excursions (1 full day or split over 2 days)
Tegallalang Rice Terrace — famous stepped rice fields north of Ubud, great for photos and short walks.
Pura Tirta Empul — a temple with natural springs where Balinese people perform water purification rituals.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall — a waterfall hidden inside a small canyon, reachable after a short hike.
Penglipuran Village — a well-preserved traditional Balinese village known for its clean streets and local culture.
Want a Change of Scenery?
After 3–4 days in Ubud, you can head to Kintamani, located at the foot of Mount Batur and its namesake lake.There are plenty of beautiful glamping spots — my husband and I stayed at Totem and Sunrise Hill, and we loved both.
A stay in Kintamani is all about reconnecting with nature — soaking in hot springs, hiking to the summit of Mount Batur, and watching the sunrise from above the clouds.
Day 10 — Departure
As I told my friends, and I’ll say it to you too:
“God willing, you’ll fly home — unless, after your time in Bali, you decide to stay here forever.”
And remember — always stay on a positive frequency. Mama Bali is watching over you.
Get My Free Bali Travel Guide for Subscribers
If you enjoyed this post and are planning your first trip to Bali, I’ve created a detailed travel guide featuring many of the places mentioned here — and even more (including Candidasa, Lovina, Amed, and Lombok). You can get it for free by subscribing to my blog updates. Inside the guide, you’ll find ready-to-use itineraries, practical tips, Google Maps links, official websites, and all the details you need to make your Bali trip easy and unforgettable.
Before You Go
I hope you found plenty of useful and interesting information in this post.
If you still have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments — I’ll be happy to answer.
Thank you for reading 💛
Yours,
Olya
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