Top things to do in Bali in 10 Days

See below what we recommend to do with 10 days there. You can mix and match the activities mentioned to best fit your trip.

Best Things to Do in Bali in 10 Days

Getting Around in Bali

Even though Bali is not enormous, traffic jams are quite common, therefore it is best to always plan additional travel time. Whatever travel time Google Maps or Waze originally gives you can easily double and getting across the island can take a long time. Additionally, the roads are often narrow and full of potholes and you will notice that scooters are widely used for this reason, so drivers must be able to anticipate their last-minute maneuvers. This makes driving in Bali challenging. If you’re not experienced with driving in this kind of environment it is best to rent a car with a driver, this will cost around $30 US dollars per day.

Best Time to Visit

Bali is split into wet and dry seasons, however, temperature levels remain in the range between 28°C and 32°C (82°F to 90°F) throughout the year. The dry season runs from April to September. These months are the best for outdoor activities, such as surfing, diving, and hiking. The wet season runs from November to March, meaning rain showers are more frequent. Nevertheless, outdoor activities are still enjoyable and it’s definitely worth it to visit this time of year, just go prepared for sudden rainfall.

The high season in Bali runs from July to August, this is when most tourists decide to visit Bali, so keep in mind that it can get quite crowded at tourist sites and on the beaches.

The best time to visit Bali in our opinion is during the shoulder season, either in April or September when things tend to be quieter and you can have a more laid-back experience without the crowds of tourists.

Where to Stay in Bali

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach destination or want to immerse yourself and experience traditional Balinese culture, Bali has something for everyone. From its enchanting spiritual and cultural charm to the breathtaking natural beauty of the volcanic mountains among the rice paddies.

Ubud is Bali’s creative and artistic center and a popular spot among tourists. Perhaps best known for its market, where you’ll find all sorts of souvenirs and handmade crafts. You can explore its stunning temples, such as Ubud’s Water Palace, visit some art museums, such as the Blanco Renaissance Museum, or grab a coffee in one of its many cafes! Besides, Ubud is conveniently located, making it ideal for other day trip activities, such as a visit to the Monkey Forest as well as the stunning Tegalalang rice terraces.

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Sidemen lies in the center of some of Bali’s most spectacular rice paddy fields with stunning views of Mount Agung. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking to experience rural Balinese everyday life. You can visit the traditional weaving shops and experience what it is like to stay in a beautiful bamboo villa. Sidemen is what Ubud would have looked like 20 years ago, it’s spectacular and almost tourist-free compared to the more expensive and highly visited Ubud.

Seminyak has a lot to offer, from its beautiful beaches to its many nice restaurants and trendy beach bars. It is the ideal place to stay if you want to be right on the beach. From here you can also explore other sites in Bali or take a boat to the island of Nusa Penida.

Canggu is a surfer’s paradise and one of the most popular areas of Bali because of it. The huge expat community living here has given rise to all sorts of trendy cafes and co-working spaces. You can also look at staying in Kuta if surfing is what you’re here for.

Where to Eat in Bali

• La Favela: Latin fusion restaurant in Seminyak with beautiful decor catered to tourists.
• Warung Bu Mi: Indonesian restaurant in Canggu in buffet style.
• Cinta Cafe: Make sure you try their Falafel bowl!
• Flat Stanley: Great pizzas in Seminyak for when you want some comfort food.
• Mama San – Kitchen Bar Lounge: Great vibe, good food, and great cocktails in this popular Asian fusion restaurant. Make sure to book in advance.

Tip: Warungs are small traditional restaurants. If you’re looking to eat local Indonesian dishes at affordable prices they’re your best bet.

Day 1: Visit Pura Tirta Empul and skip the Elephant Safari Park

When we went to Bali in 2019, one of our first stops was the Elephant Safari Park. We had read on their website that at this “elephant sanctuary,” all the elephants were “rescued” and that they are treated ethically. Now we have informed ourselves better and we do not recommend that you visit any of these so-called “sanctuaries”.

1. The elephants are often kidnapped from Sumatra, not rescued.
2. The methods used to train the elephants to allow themselves to be touched and even ridden by tourists are not ethical.
3. These are organizations that profit from the elephants, making them a product and therefore not having the elephant’s best interest at heart.

Note: In general, in Bali, animals are not well protected and you should be suspicious of any product derived from animals (such as Kopi Luwak coffee), even if the organizations behind it say that they are ethical and cruelty-free.

Only 20 minutes from the Elephant Safari Park you will find the Pura Tirta Empul Temple. This Hindu bathing temple is known for its holy water, which is said to have healing properties. The temple is dedicated to Vishnu, the Hindu god of water and it is considered a sacred place of worship by the Balinese Hindu community. Tourists are also welcome to experience and take part in the purifying rituals and dip their heads under the waterspouts.

Day 2: Temple Of Penataran Agung Lempuyang Tirta Gangga Temple and Sidemen

As one of the most iconic and instagrammable photo spots in Indonesia, the Pura Lempuyang Temples with the Gates of Heaven are located in the East of Bali. To enter this impressive temple complex you must wear a sarong. If you want a photo with the Gates of Heaven you might be standing in line for at least an hour. We recommend you to go the set of stairs that is opposite to the Gates of Heaven, here you will see dragons which are a lot more impressive.

Day 3: Ubud, Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Monkey Forest

There are plenty of sites that are easily reachable from Ubud. From the Tegalalang Rice Terraces to the Monkey Forest, as well as temples and numerous waterfalls you can visit nearby.

Take a stroll and visit the Ubud Market where you can find anything from souvenirs to hand-crafted accessories, such as handbags.

Located in the center of town you will also find the Saraswati temple devoted to the Hindu goddess of wisdom, the arts, and knowledge. This Hindu water palace is surrounded by a pond with pink lotus flowers.

Only 20 minutes from Ubud, you will find Bali’s most iconic rice fields. Spend an hour or two exploring the Tegallalang rice terraces as they stretch across the hills and admire the breathtaking surroundings. If you’re not scared of heights, hop on a jungle swing for a better view over the rice terraces.

Note: The rice fields are working farmlands, so respect the farmers and keep in mind that you will sometimes have to pay an additional fee on top of the regular entry.

One of the best things to do in Ubud is to visit the Monkey Forest in Ubud. Here you will find hundreds of monkeys roaming freely around the park. There are many walkways to follow and observe the cheeky monkeys as they jump around!

Note: The monkeys are fed by the sanctuary staff, but they often associate tourists with food. If they come very close to you or jump on you, try not to panic and slowly walk away. Do not show your teeth as they might see this as a threat. The monkeys in general are not aggressive.

Day 4: Besakih Great Temple

This is the holiest, most important, and largest temple in Bali so of course you can’t miss it. About 1000 metres up the slope of Mount Agung this complex consists of 23 individual smaller temples to various deities.

It’s worth going with a guide here as there is a lot of information about Balinese Hinduism you would miss otherwise.

Day 5: Waterfall Day

There are countless waterfalls in Bali. The ones named here are just a handful of waterfalls you can add to your itinerary. Most are located in Northern Bali.

Tip: Our recommendation is to hire a driver and make your own Bali waterfall route.

• If you want to snap a couple of Instagram-worthy photos, then get some photos taken by a local guide at Kanto Lampo waterfall.
• If you’re feeling up for a swim and a refreshing dip head to Banyumala Twin waterfall.
• If you want to avoid the crowds we suggest you go to Leke Leke waterfall, a lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path waterfall in the Balinese jungle.
• Git-Git waterfalls have easy road access, making it a quick and easy visit! Sometimes you might even spot wild monkeys drinking water from the fall.
• If you are feeling adventurous and up for a hike, hire a local guide and visit what is regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in Bali, Sekumpul Waterfall.

Day 6: Tulamben – USAT Liberty Shipwreck

The North Eastern coast of Bali, centered around the Tulamben fishing village, is the snorkeling and diving hotspot of Bali.

With a myriad of beginner and advanced dive sites, Tulamben is the perfect spot to spend a day scuba diving or to finally get that PADI certification!

• The USAT Liberty is by far the most famous dive site in Bali, and probably the most famous shipwreck dive in the world. This wreck is an impressive dive and it is worth doing it both at day and at night.
• The Drop-off is a wall only a few hundred meters from the USS Liberty that offers a mesmerizing variety of sea life to spot. Seahorses, Spanish dancers, and schools of fusiliers are just some. of the highlights you might spot here.
• Emerald is a more secluded dive site that you have to reach by boat. However, the advantage of this is that you might have the dive site to yourself. You can see mola molas, manta rays, and even whale sharks here if you’re particularly lucky.

Day 7: Beach Day – Seminyak or Canggu

Canggu is a laid-back, trendy surf-vibe town with a great party scene. Due to its popularity over recent years, Canggu has become one of the busiest places on the island. This hipster hang-out area of Bali is also home to great surf spots suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers.

Note: While in Canggu make sure to visit the Pura Tanah Lot. Located on a hillside of a beautiful rock formation overlooking the water, this sacred site is frequented by locals who come here to worship the Bali Sea gods.

Seminyak is more about beautiful beaches and luxury resorts. Both have plenty of famous beach clubs to choose from where you can spend your days sipping cocktails, relaxing by the pool, or simply having a good time by the beach.

Only 20 minutes drive from one another, in comparison to Canggu, Seminyak has white beaches. If you decide to base yourself in Seminyak, you can do day trips from there. For instance, the island of Nusa Penida is only a 30-minute boat away.

Day 8, 9 and 10: Nusa Penida

A short boat ride away you will find Nusa Penida. More pristine and rugged than Bali, this small island is home to some of the most gorgeous views and beaches you will see on your trip.

We recommend at least three days in Nusa Penida. This way you get to see and enjoy the highlights this tiny island has to offer. The only way to get around here is by scooter.

• Diamond Beach: Considered the most beautiful beach on Nusa Penida, and maybe even Bali! Note: It is advised to only visit Diamond Beach during low tide. The sea on this side is very rough and can be dangerous!
• Kelingking Beach: a beautiful white sand beach with rocks shaped like a dinosaur head. Go down to a halfway point on the stairs for a great view of the bay.
• Manta Point Around Nusa Penida island it is very common to see giant manta rays and if you’re lucky the sunfish! We recommend booking a day trip package with a boat tour to go to the different manta ray snorkeling points.
• Crystal Bay: A great beach to relax and snorkel after a day out exploring the island.
• Broken Beach is full of spectacular rock formations.
• Angel’s Billabong: Next to Broken Beach is this natural infinity pool that opens straight to the ocean. Do not swim here as there have been multiple fatal accidents where people got swept away by the sea.

Check out our other destinations

Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to see and do in Bali, and 10 days is definitely not enough time. So while we have included some of the best things we managed to do in Bali, there is still plenty more to see.

It’s no wonder that Bali is so famous. From the unique temples and stunning waterfalls to the flowing rice terraces and rolling waves of its surfer beaches, there is so much to do and whether you spend 10 days or 20 you won’t see it all. This is why we fully intend to return to Bali someday and see what else it has to offer.