Bali Itinerary 10 Days: What I’d Actually Do if I Had Just 10 Days in Bali (From a Local Driver’s POV)

Alright, so you’re looking up “Bali itinerary 10 days” and now your head’s probably spinning with a hundred blog posts, Pinterest pins, and TikTok videos showing perfect drone shots and impossible schedules. Let me help you cut through all that noise. I’ve been a private driver in Bali for over a decade now, and trust me, I’ve seen tourists cram way too much in one day, then burn out halfway through the trip.

Let’s talk real talk. If you want a Bali itinerary that actually lets you soak in the vibe, get a taste of real Balinese culture, enjoy a bit of adventure, and maybe even leave with a sunburned nose and a full heart—then you’re in the right place.

Day 1-3 – Chill South Bali First: Uluwatu, Jimbaran, and Seminyak

Look, I always tell folks to start in the south. It’s close to the airport, it’s got beaches, it’s got cocktails, and it’s got sunsets that’ll mess you up emotionally (in a good way).

Base Yourself: Seminyak or Canggu

I’d recommend staying in Seminyak if you want something central and walkable. You’ll get great access to cafes, bars, and beach clubs. If you’re more into surfing or hipster coffee shops, then Canggu’s your place. But just know, the traffic in Canggu can be a bit of a pain these days.

Read also our post about Denpasar Hotels

What To Do:

• Day 1: Land, grab a sim card at the airport (don’t overthink it, Telkomsel works just fine), check in, take a dip in the pool, then head to Jimbaran Bay for grilled seafood on the beach. Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s also romantic as hell and tasty if you don’t cheap out.
• Day 2: Hit Uluwatu Temple in the afternoon, maybe stop by Padang Padang Beach on the way (it’s tiny but pretty). Don’t leave Uluwatu without watching the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset. It’s a whole experience, chants and all. If you’ve still got energy, grab a cocktail at Single Fin—that place has seen many wild nights.
• Day 3: Chill at Finns Beach Club or La Brisa. Yeah, they’re kinda bougie, but you came to Bali to feel a bit fancy, didn’t you? Spend the afternoon poolside, maybe get a massage in the evening (90-minute Balinese massage should cost you around 200K IDR or less if you find a clean local spa—not the hotel ones).

Note: Don’t try to do Ubud now—it’s way too far from here. Keep it logical. Bali’s small, but traffic doesn’t care about your schedule.

Day 4-6 – Ubud: Culture, Rice Terraces, and Monkey Shenanigans

Now that you’ve got your sun-and-cocktail fix, it’s time to head inland. I always say Ubud is the soul of Bali. It’s got temples, jungles, artsy vibes, and yoga ladies drinking turmeric lattes at 7am.

Base Yourself: Central Ubud

Stay near Jalan Monkey Forest or Campuhan Ridge. You’ll be walking distance to markets, temples, and some killer restaurants. Trust me, you don’t wanna be way out in the jungle unless you’re doing a retreat.

What To Do:

• Day 4: On the way to Ubud, stop by Tegenungan Waterfall. It’s one of the easier ones to reach and not a crazy trek. After that, hit up the Bali Swing thing if you’re into that kinda photo. Just know—you’ll have to queue, and yes, they’ll make you pose like a model. I usually just stand back and laugh while my guests work it for Instagram. Once you get to Ubud, drop your bags, then take a slow walk through the Ubud Art Market. Grab a coconut, maybe get talked into buying a woven bag you don’t need but kinda love.
• Day 5: Here’s a full day: Start with Tegalalang Rice Terraces early in the morning (before the buses roll in). Then head north a bit to Tirta Empul Temple—this is the holy spring temple where locals and tourists alike come to purify themselves in the water. I’ve done it a few times myself—it’s not just a photo op, it’s actually quite peaceful. In the afternoon, you could do Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), or if you’re into coffee, stop by a Luwak coffee plantation—you don’t have to buy anything, but the free tasting is decent. Just don’t believe everything they tell you about the beans, haha.
• Day 6: Take it slow. Maybe do a yoga class at The Yoga Barn or go on a walk along Campuhan Ridge in the early morning. Brunch somewhere like Alchemy or Clear Cafe, then book a Balinese cooking class. A good one includes a market visit—so you get to see how much bananas really cost (locals always know when you’re getting ripped off).

Day 7-8 – Head East: Sidemen or Mount Batur

Okay now, here’s where you’ve got options depending on how adventurous you’re feeling.

Option A: Sidemen (More Chill, Less Touristy)

Sidemen is my personal fave. Feels like Ubud 20 years ago. Rolling hills, quiet rice fields, and barely any tourists yelling on scooters.

If you go this route, stay in a villa with a view. Most places have infinity pools facing rice terraces. It’s crazy peaceful. Good for honeymooners, or just anyone needing a break from busy streets and constant “massage?” offers.

Spend your time just relaxing, reading a book, maybe do a village walk. Ask your driver (or me!) to show you the local weaving workshops—this area’s known for it. You can also visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall nearby—it’s inside a cave and looks magical when the light hits just right.

Option B: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek (If You Wanna Sweat)

Now, if you’ve got energy and you’re not scared of a 2am wake-up call, go for the Mount Batur sunrise hike. It’s a 1.5-2 hour hike and yeah, it’s steep, but not Everest-level or anything.

You get picked up at your hotel around 2:30am, drive up north, then start the hike around 4am. At the top, they serve you eggs cooked in volcanic steam (no joke), and if you’re lucky, monkeys will try to steal your breakfast.

The view? Insane. Totally worth the effort—but don’t plan anything hectic after. Go soak in Toya Devasya hot springs after, have a beer, and nap hard.

Day 9-10 – Nusa Penida or Back to Beach Life

Alright, last two days. You’ve got a few choices again, but most people either go for one final adventure or just crash by the beach again.

Option A: Day Trip to Nusa Penida

If you haven’t seen Kelingking Beach, it’s probably on your vision board or phone wallpaper already. Looks like a T-Rex head, and yes—it’s as dramatic in person.

Here’s the deal though: Penida is stunning, but it’s rough around the edges. The roads are bumpy, the cliffs are no joke, and the boat ride can be a bit rocky (especially if you’re prone to seasickness).

But if you’re game, book a fast boat from Sanur early in the morning (go with a reliable one like Angel Billabong or Semabu Hills—don’t cheap out here). Once you arrive, you can hire a driver on the island to take you around or do a snorkeling tour if you’re into that. Highlights include Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay.

Just don’t expect to swim at Kelingking Beach unless you’re part mountain goat. That path down is no joke, and coming up is worse.

Option B: Chill in Sanur or Back to Seminyak

If you’re all adventured out, just check into a nice hotel in Sanur—quiet beach vibes, great for families or tired legs. You could also head back to Seminyak and do any of the things you missed at the start.

Spend your final day shopping, getting a last massage, sipping on coconuts, and watching one more sunset. Don’t rush to the airport—traffic can be unpredictable, and I’ve had clients almost miss flights trying to “squeeze in one last waterfall.” Not worth it.

Extra Stuff You Might Want to Know Before You Go

Money: Most places take cards now, but cash is still king in local warungs, markets, and some guesthouses. Get IDR from the ATM, and avoid those money changers with too-good-to-be-true rates.

Sim Card/Data: Grab a Telkomsel sim at the airport or from any minimart. You’ll need data for Google Maps, WhatsApp (everyone uses it here), and maybe some late-night food delivery.
Getting Around: Honestly, just hire a private driver for day trips. Scooters are fine if you’ve got experience, but not worth the hospital trip if you don’t. Plus, you’ll get local insights with a driver—like where to eat without paying 10x tourist prices.

Dress Code: Temples require sarongs (most provide them), and don’t show up half-naked. Not just for respect—it’s also enforced. Don’t be that person.

Weather: Dry season is April to October, but even rainy season is manageable. Just carry a poncho or umbrella and roll with it.

Let’s Talk Food – What to Eat and Where to Actually Go

Okay, we gotta talk food. Because here’s the thing—Bali’s food scene? Outta control in the best way. You’ve got everything from Michelin-level tasting menus in jungle hideouts to warungs (local eateries) dishing out mie goreng for $2 that’ll make you reconsider every overpriced noodle bowl you’ve ever had.

Start with the Local Stuff

If you came to Bali and didn’t try Babi Guling, what are you even doing? That’s Balinese roasted suckling pig, slow-cooked with spices for hours. You can get it at Warung Ibu Oka in Ubud (touristy but solid) or head out to Selingsing Cepaka near Canggu if you want where the locals go—it’s not fancy, but it slaps.

Nasi Campur is the go-to rice plate. Think rice in the middle, then little spoonfuls of veggies, tempeh, maybe some shredded chicken, sambal (watch out for that red one, it’s spicy AF), egg, and sometimes peanuts or fried noodles. The flavors just work. You’ll find great nasi campur at Warung Wardani (Denpasar) or Warung Sopa in Ubud if you want a vegan spin.

Mie Goreng (fried noodles) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice) are everywhere—and yeah, even though they sound basic, they hit differently in Bali. Especially with a fried egg on top and those crispy shallots.

Western Food? Oh, there’s tons. Ubud’s got plant-based heaven written all over it. Try Zest, Alchemy, or The Seeds of Life for vegan/vegetarian plates. Over in Canggu and Seminyak, places like Crate Cafe, Nude, Revolver Espresso, or Sea Circus have breakfast spreads that could start a cult.

I had a couple from Sweden once spend a whole day chasing smoothie bowls because “they just look so pretty.” Can’t argue with that logic.

Late Night Munchies? Head to Mad Ronin in Seminyak for ramen, or grab spicy chicken at Ayam Geprek stalls. Local secret? Find a roadside warung near midnight and ask for “Indomie telur kornet” (instant noodles with egg and corned beef). It’s greasy, salty, and exactly what you want at that hour.

Where to Stay – Making Your Bali Itinerary Work With Accommodations

A good Bali itinerary doesn’t work without the right base. And lemme tell you—picking the right area to stay in can make or break your trip. I’ve had folks stay an hour from everything they wanted to see because they found a cheap villa on Instagram. Don’t do that to yourself.

• Seminyak: Trendy, walkable, has it all—beach clubs, shopping, spas. Great if you’re into nightlife and want convenience.
• Canggu: Younger crowd, more laid-back surfer vibes. Yoga spots, coworking spaces, and boutique cafes. But traffic’s a mess lately. If you rent a scooter, it’s doable. If you’re using cars—plan ahead.
• Ubud: Ideal for mid-trip downtime. It’s green, artsy, and spiritual without being too woo-woo (unless you want it to be). Great place to stay in the middle chunk of your itinerary to rest and explore at a slower pace.
• Sidemen: Perfect for two nights of serenity. Not much nightlife, but you’ll wake up to birds and rice terraces and not much else. It’s like therapy.
• Nusa Penida: If you’re not just day-tripping, stay overnight at Semabu Hills, Autentik Penida, or a small guesthouse near the harbor. Just be ready for patchy Wi-Fi and roosters crowing before sunrise.

Sanur or Jimbaran: Chill zones. Not as loud or party-heavy. Good for families or anyone ending the trip on a mellow note.

Oh—and always check reviews past the pretty pictures. Some villas look like paradise online, but have moldy bathrooms or a club next door that pumps techno until 3am.

Balinese Culture – The Stuff Guidebooks Don’t Really Say

Alright, here’s where I need to get a little real. Bali isn’t just about the beaches and resorts. It’s got soul. There’s ceremony everywhere. Temples, offerings, incense—you’ll trip over a canang sari (those little palm-leaf offerings with flowers and snacks) if you’re not watching where you walk.

Respect goes a long way here. Like, don’t step on those offerings. You might not mean anything by it, but locals take that stuff seriously. It’s part of their daily prayers and spiritual balance.

And if you hear loud music and see traffic blocked? It’s probably a Ngaben (cremation ceremony) or a Galungan celebration. Roll with it. These ceremonies are major life events, and the whole village shows up. I’ve seen tourists complain because the roads were blocked for a procession. Just don’t be that guy.

When you visit temples—cover your shoulders and wear a sarong. Most big ones will lend you one. And yeah, that “no entry during menstruation” sign? That’s part of Balinese belief, not just random sexism. Whether you agree or not, it’s part of their worldview.

Also: Balinese time? Not exactly… precise. “Five minutes” might mean 20. Don’t stress it. Everything eventually works out here—just takes a bit of island patience.

Health & Safety – Stuff No One Tells You Until It’s Too Late

Okay, let’s talk about the stuff that can sneak up on you.

Water: Don’t drink from the tap. Don’t brush your teeth with it either if you’ve got a sensitive stomach. Bottled water is everywhere and cheap.

Bali Belly: Yup, it’s a thing. Usually from contaminated water, street food, or unwashed salad. I’ve seen people knocked out for 48 hours, curled up next to a toilet. Bring charcoal tablets, drink lots of Pocari Sweat (that’s the local electrolyte drink), and if it’s bad, find a clinic—there are plenty of expat-standard medical places.

Mosquitoes: Bring repellent. Dengue’s a risk, especially in rainy season. Long sleeves at dusk help too.

Scooters: Everyone wants the scooter lifestyle until they wipe out on gravel in shorts and flip-flops. If you’re not used to riding, just hire a driver. You’ll see more, stress less, and avoid the ER.

Insurance: Get travel insurance. Just do it. You don’t need it—until you really, really do.

Some Unexpected Wins – The Small Moments That Hit Hard

So many folks come to Bali chasing the big moments—sunsets, temples, photo ops. And those are great. But the ones people remember most? Usually the small, unplanned stuff.

Like sitting in a warung in the rain because your tour got delayed, and ending up laughing with a grandma who served you banana fritters and couldn’t speak English—but made you feel like family anyway.

Or the time you got stuck behind a funeral procession in Sidemen and watched how the whole village carried the spirit of the dead with music and fire and joy instead of just grief.

Or catching your first Balinese sunrise, not at some famous beach, but from a random hotel balcony, barefoot, holding a warm cup of coffee, thinking—this might be what peace feels like.

Those don’t fit neatly into an itinerary, but they’re the soul of the whole trip.