10 Days in Bali: The Perfect Bali Itinerary

Bali, the “Island of the Gods,” is a paradise for travelers seeking cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and relaxation. With its stunning beaches, volcanic landscapes, lush rice terraces, and vibrant Hindu culture, Bali offers something for everyone.

Contents

1 Best Time to Visit Bali
2 How to Get Around Bali
3 What to Pack for Bali
4 Where to Stay in Bali

Best Time to Visit Bali

The best time to visit Bali depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for:

Sunny Skies and Outdoor Activities (April – October):

Peak Season: This is the dry season in Bali, with the most sunshine and the least rain. It’s ideal for those who want to enjoy all the outdoor activities that Bali has to offer, such as swimming, diving, surfing, and hiking.
Pros: Perfect weather for beaches, diving, and exploring.
Cons: Higher prices for flights and accommodations, larger crowds.

Shoulder Seasons: Finding a Balance (March & November):

Fewer Crowds: These months offer a good balance between good weather and fewer crowds. The temperatures are still pleasant, and there’s a lower chance of rain than the wet season.
Pros: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds than peak season.
Cons: Prices may still be high, there may be occasional showers.

Lower Prices and Fewer Crowds (December – February):

Wet Season: The wet season offers the most affordable prices and the fewest crowds. However, there is also a higher chance of rain, especially in December and January.
Pros: Budget-friendly travel, less crowded attractions.
Cons: More rain, higher humidity, some outdoor activities may be affected.

Additional Factors to Consider:

Events: If there’s a particular festival or cultural event you’d like to experience, factor that into your decision.
Flights and Accommodation: Prices will be highest during peak season.
Personal Preferences: Do you prefer hot and sunny weather, or are you okay with some rain? Do crowds bother you?

Here’s a quick summary table to help you decide:

Season	Months	Pros	Cons
Peak	April – October	Sunny skies, perfect for outdoor activities	Higher prices, larger crowds
Shoulder	March & November	Pleasant weather, fewer crowds	Prices may still be high, occasional showers
Wet	December – February	Lower prices, fewer crowds	More rain, higher humidity

How to Get Around Bali

Here’s a breakdown of getting around Bali using buses, taxis, and flights:

Buses:

Bali doesn’t have an extensive public bus system, but there are some options:
- Trans Metro Dewata: These air-conditioned buses offer limited routes connecting Kuta, Denpasar, and the airport. They’re affordable but can be crowded.
- Perama Tour: This company offers bus tours around Bali and day trips with drivers. It’s a comfortable option but may not be the most flexible.
Benefits: Budget-friendly, good for short hops within a serviced area.
Drawbacks: Limited routes and schedules, can be crowded (Trans Metro Dewata).

Taxis:

Blue Bird Group taxis are the most reputable and widely available. They use meters, so ensure it’s running before your trip.
You can hail them on the street in tourist areas or order them through ride-hailing apps like Grab.
Negotiate fares with metered taxis if you’re not using Blue Bird.
Benefits: Convenient, readily available in tourist areas, comfortable for short trips.
Drawbacks: Can be stuck in traffic, potential for meter disagreements (non-Blue Bird taxis).

Flights:

While Bali itself is an island, there are several smaller islands nearby accessible by short flights. Flights connect Bali (DPS) to Lombok (LOP), Nusa Lembongan (NLM), Nusa Penida (NUH), and Gili Islands (GTR).
Useful for island hopping or reaching remote areas quickly.
Benefits: Fastest way to travel between islands, allows access to other island destinations.
Drawbacks: Most expensive option, requires planning flight schedules and potential airport transfers.

Additional Options:

Motorbike Rentals: A popular and affordable way to explore Bali for confident riders. Requires an international driver’s license.
Car Rentals: Offers more flexibility than motorbikes but comes with traffic hassles and parking challenges.

Choosing the best option depends on your priorities:

Budget: Bus is cheapest, followed by taxi and then flights.
Speed: Flights are the fastest, taxis are quicker than buses for short distances. Buses can be slow due to traffic.
Convenience: Taxis are most convenient, followed by ride-hailing apps and Blue Bird taxis. Buses require planning routes and schedules. Flights require booking in advance.

What to Pack for Bali

Bali is a beautiful island located in Indonesia. It’s known for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and rich culture. Here’s a list of what to pack for your trip to Bali:

Essentials

Lightweight, breathable clothing: Since Bali is a tropical destination, pack plenty of lightweight, breathable clothing, such as shorts, sundresses, t-shirts, and tank tops.
Swimsuit: You’ll likely be spending a lot of time at the beach, so pack at least two swimsuits.
Cover-up: Pack a cover-up for when you’re not swimming or sunbathing.
Sandals or flip-flops: These are essential for getting around and protecting your feet from the hot sand.
Walking shoes: Pack a pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring temples and other sights.
Hat: A hat will help protect you from the sun.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses are a must-have for any tropical destination.
Sunscreen: Pack plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Mosquito repellent: Dengue fever is a concern in Bali, so pack mosquito repellent to keep the bugs at bay.
Toiletries: Pack your usual toiletries, but keep in mind that some items may be difficult to find in Bali.
Medications: Pack any medications you take regularly, as well as any over-the-counter medications you may need.
Travel adapter: The plug type in Indonesia is different from the ones used in many other countries. So, you’ll need a travel adapter to charge your electronics.

Optional items

Rain jacket: Bali has a rainy season, so a rain jacket may be helpful.
Long-sleeved shirt and pants: If you’re planning on visiting temples or other religious sites, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees.
Scarf: A scarf can be a versatile item that can be used as a cover-up, a sarong, or even a blanket on the plane.
Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is important, especially in the hot and humid climate of Bali. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles.
Small first-aid kit: Pack a small first-aid kit with essential supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
Zip-lock bags: These can be useful for packing toiletries, wet clothes, or snacks.
Daypack: A small backpack is essential for carrying your essentials around with you while you’re exploring.
Converter: If you need to convert currency, you can exchange your money at the airport or at a local money changer. However, it’s often more convenient to use an ATM card.

Things to consider

The length of your trip: How long you’ll be in Bali will obviously influence how much you need to pack.
The time of year you’re traveling: Bali’s climate is fairly consistent year-round, but there is a rainy season from October to March. If you’re traveling during the rainy season, be sure to pack a rain jacket and an umbrella.
The activities you’ll be doing: If you’re planning on doing any hiking or other outdoor activities, you’ll need to pack accordingly.
Your personal style: Pack clothes that you feel comfortable and confident in.

By following these tips, you can pack everything you need for a fun and relaxing trip to Bali.

Where to Stay in Bali

There are many amazing places to stay in Bali, but the best area for you will depend on your interests and travel style. Here’s a look at some of the most popular areas to stay in Bali:

Seminyak – Seminyak is a stylish and sophisticated beach town that offers a variety of accommodation options, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be close to the beach, enjoy world-class restaurants and bars, and do some shopping.
Canggu – Canggu is a trendy and bohemian beach town that’s popular with surfers, yogis, and digital nomads. It has a more relaxed vibe than Seminyak, and there are plenty of great cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore.
Ubud – Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali and is a great place to stay if you want to experience the island’s traditional way of life. It’s surrounded by rice paddies and has many beautiful temples, art galleries, and museums. Ubud is also a great base for exploring the central highlands of Bali.
Kuta – Kuta is the original tourist hub of Bali and is a great place to stay if you’re on a budget. It has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops. Kuta is also a popular spot for surfing.
Nusa Dua – Nusa Dua is a secluded resort area located on the southern tip of Bali. It’s home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts and is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing and upmarket vacation.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing where to stay in Bali:

Budget – Accommodation prices in Bali can vary depending on the area, the type of accommodation, and the time of year.
Interests – If you’re interested in surfing, you’ll want to stay in a beach town like Kuta, Canggu, or Uluwatu. If you’re interested in yoga and wellness, Ubud is a great option. If you’re looking for a luxurious and relaxing vacation, Nusa Dua is the place to be.
Travel style – If you’re a social butterfly, you’ll enjoy staying in a lively area like Seminyak or Kuta. If you prefer a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, Ubud or Nusa Dua would be a better choice.

Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in relaxing on the beach, exploring temples, hiking volcanoes, or learning about the local culture, you’ll find it all in Bali. Here’s a suggested 10-day itinerary for your perfect Balinese adventure:

Days 1-2: Seminyak

Start your trip in Seminyak, a stylish beach town with world-class restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
Spend your days lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and soaking up the sun.
In the evenings, enjoy delicious meals at some of Seminyak’s many restaurants, and then explore the town’s lively bars and nightclubs.

Day 3: Ubud

Head inland to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali.
Ubud is surrounded by rice paddies and has many beautiful temples, art galleries, and museums.
Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you can see hundreds of monkeys roaming freely.
Take a cooking class and learn how to make traditional Balinese dishes.
In the evening, watch a traditional Balinese dance performance.

Day 4: Tegalalang Rice Terraces and Mount Batur

Take a day trip to the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, one of Bali’s most iconic sights.
The rice terraces are a beautiful example of traditional Balinese agriculture.
In the afternoon, hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano, to watch the sunrise. The views from the top are incredible.

Day 5: Uluwatu

Head south to Uluwatu, a clifftop temple with stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
Uluwatu is a popular spot for surfing and sunset watching.
In the evening, watch the Kecak dance performance, a traditional Balinese dance that tells the story of the Ramayana.

Day 6: Nusa Dua

Spend a day relaxing on the beach in Nusa Dua, a secluded resort area located on the southern tip of Bali.
Nusa Dua is home to some of Bali’s most luxurious resorts.
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Day 7: Nusa Penida

Take a day trip to Nusa Penida, a small island off the coast of Bali.
Nusa Penida is known for its beautiful beaches, cliffs, and caves.
Go snorkeling or diving to see the island’s amazing marine life.
Visit Kelingking Beach, also known as “Paluweh Beach” which means “isolated beach” due to its difficult but rewarding access.

Days 8-9: Relax or explore

Spend your last few days in Bali relaxing on the beach, exploring more of the island, or shopping for souvenirs.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could go white-water rafting, elephant trekking, or mountain biking.

Day 10: Fly home

Relax at the beach or by the pool until it’s time to catch your flight home.

This is just a suggestion, of course, and you can tailor it to your own interests and preferences. With so much to see and do in Bali, you’re sure to have an unforgettable vacation!

Here are some additional tips for planning your trip to Bali: