Have you ever landed in a country for the first time and immediately felt that sense of belonging? That’s exactly what happened to me when I arrived in Bali on December 27th, 2024. I had been dreaming about this trip for months, but surprisingly, I didn’t feel the usual excitement.
Instead, it felt as if I was returning to a place I’d visited countless times before – not because I’d been reading about Bali for months, but because it simply felt like home.
In this blog post, I’ll share the ultimate 10-day Bali Travel Itinerary for first-timers. Although my own trip was only eight days long, I’ve added two extra days in Uluwatu as it deserves more time.
This Bali itinerary will allow you to explore and connect with the different facets of the island, just as I did. For me, the beauty of Bali lies in its diversity – it’s not just about the beaches, temples, parties, or nature; it’s a blend of it all, with each location offering a very different experience.
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If you’re wondering whether Bali is still worth visiting, my answer is yes. I fell in love with every aspect of the island—from the moment I landed and was hit with that familiar humid air that always makes me whisper, “Oh, you’re back home (in Asia)” to when I met the first warm smile of my Balinese driver or when I took a deep breath admiring an overflowing waterfall for the first time.
Want to experience the magic of Bali for yourself, just as I did? Keep reading to discover the best locations to visit and pick up some useful tips to plan your own unforgettable trip.
The Itinerary & Key Takeaways
Day 1: Arrival & First Night in Seminyak
My first day in Bali was more like a first evening, really. I landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport around 6 pm, but I didn’t arrive in Seminyak until 8. Fortunately, my airport experience wasn’t as bad as I was expecting. I had filled out all my travel documents online, so when I landed, I headed straight towards the passport-checking machines and was out in no time.
The baggage claim wait, on the other hand, was a different story. I waited for about an hour for my backpack to appear while messaging my Klook driver to let them know I’d landed safely and was just waiting for my luggage.
Once my luggage finally arrived, I was relieved to be out of the airport and no longer have to worry about transportation. I’d booked a driver on Klook, which was a total game-changer. Honestly, the best way to arrive at an Asian airport is to have your transport sorted out already, so you don’t even have to think about it.
Arrival Tips
First Impressions
Seminyak is a popular southern location in Bali, well-known for its white sand beaches, stunning sunsets, vibrant nightlife, and modern shopping areas. Personally, I didn’t get to experience it much on my first day or the last day, as it rained all day.
If you’re looking for more information on things to do and see in Seminyak, I’ve included some tips and recommendations below, based on my research and conversations with my friends (who have spent more time there).
From what I can say, having only spent a couple of hours in Seminyak, I didn’t mind it at all. My first impression was, “Yes, this is still the Asia I know” – the tiny roads, the green peeking out from the corners, and the colorful canang sari on the altars.
The thick humidity in the air, typical of the rainy season in Bali, created a quite suggestive atmosphere. The locals were so nice and friendly, and they even tried to convince me to get a tattoo on my first evening (a bit too early for me, though). There were many foreign faces around, which is what I expected based on what I had read.
Dinner & Evening in Seminyak
After arriving, we headed to dinner at Warung Dedalu, a family-run eatery that served delicious Balinese food at a ridiculously low price. We ordered a bunch of Balinese classics, like Nasi Goreng, Babi Guling, vegetarian rolls, and tofu. The staff was incredibly nice, and the waitress couldn’t stop smiling – it was such a nice way to get introduced to Balinese cuisine.
Later, we went to Motel Mexicola, which looked like a club at first, but turned out to be a restaurant too. The vibe was great, with pop music from the past decade playing, and everyone was dancing and singing along. It was a fun, laid-back spot to hang out, and we ended up having a chill night, dancing a bit, but nothing too wild. The crowd was mostly foreigners and expats, but it felt like a great place to meet new people.
Other Things to Do in Seminyak
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to experience Seminyak as much as I wanted this time (the rainy season didn’t help). Still, based on what my friends have shared, Seminyak is all about beach walks at sunset, cool restaurants, and shopping.
Sunset Beach Walk on Petitenget Beach
Here, you’ll find an incredibly long and expansive beach that stretches as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, you can plan a romantic sunset walk or rent a sunbed for around IDR 50,000 for half a day and start working on your tan.
Spend your afternoon at a beach club
Some of the hottest beach clubs in Seminyak, like Potato Head and Mano Beach Club, are perfect for spending your afternoons. However, it’s better to go in the morning or book your sunbed in advance, as there’s usually a minimum daily spending requirement. On the plus side, you can use all their amenities for free.
Visit Pura Petitenget
If you’re like me and obsessed with temples, you can plan a stop at Pura Petitenget, one of the few remaining temples in Seminyak. The grounds are small, and the architecture is typical of Balinese temples, but it’s still worth a visit if you want to get a glimpse into the local culture and architecture.
Best of Seminyak
Day 2-3 Untamed Nature in Central Bali
On the second day of our trip, we left Seminyak early and headed north towards the Bedugul region.
The first impression you get of central Bali is actually how the scenery changes abruptly when you leave south Bali behind. There are fewer scooters and foreign faces, giving way to extensive green rice fields, traditional homes, and family-run warungs.
From the back of the van, someone screamed, “We’re not in Seminyak anymore.” That was so true. That was the Bali we were waiting for: wild, authentic, and a bit “disorganized,” if I can use that term. Nature was omnipresent, and you could tell that locals lived off agriculture and small-scale commerce.
Getting Around Central Bali
Unlike in the south, where Grab and Gojek are readily available, the ideal way to get around Central Bali is to book a private driver. You can look for reliable drivers on platforms like Viator or Klook. Expect to pay from $20 to $30 per day, depending on the driver, group size, and distance.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces & Leke Leke Falls
Our first stop was the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Jatiluwih. These rice terraces are so overlooked and underappreciated, and we found ourselves almost alone when we visited.
For just IDR 50,000 ($3), you can explore a site that’s part of the UNESCO-protected Subak system and take in the surreal views: endless rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see, with towering volcanoes in the backdrop. We had lunch at Gong Jatiluwih, a restaurant with a stunning view of the rice terraces.
After lunch, we made our way to the Leke Leke waterfall, arriving about 36 minutes later. There, I had the most primal experience of my life. The rush of taking a dip in the cool water was both healing and exciting. The walk down to the falls was a bit muddy and slippery, but the scenery and anticipation made it worthwhile.
We spent our time at the waterfall, taking a final dip before heading back to the van and continuing to our accommodation.
Where to Stay in Central Bali
In Central Bali, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options that are both affordable and surrounded by unspoiled nature. We stayed at Villa Above the Clouds, which was the perfect escape to immerse ourselves in the region’s natural beauty while being on a budget (that’s a big plus of traveling to Central Bali!).
Pura Ulun Danu
The third day of our itinerary started quite early. We couldn’t wait to enjoy the sunrise over the rice fields , and by 7 am, we were ready for a yoga class with the instructor from Village Above the Clouds.
After breakfast, we packed up the last of our belongings and headed to Pura Ulun Danu, just a 20-minute ride from Village Above the Clouds.
Pura Ulun Danu is likely the most significant water temple in Bali, alongside Pura Tirta Empul. The iconic multi-tiered shrines appear to float on the lake, and the dramatic backdrop of mountains and volcanoes surrounding the lake makes it a must-visit.
However, I did find one drawback: the temple grounds feel quite touristy and catered to visitors. For a place of such spiritual significance, I was surprised to find it so commercialized, especially right in front of the shrines. Despite this, I would return to the Pura Ulun Danu area, but next time, I plan to take a boat tour of the lake.
I think this is the ideal compromise: it allows you to appreciate the beautiful shrines, which are the highlight of the temple, without navigating the crowded temple grounds.
Central Bali
2-Day Central Bali Itinerary
Want to discover more of Central Bali’s natural beauty? Looking for more ideas on what to do and see in this stunning region? Click to read the full blog post!
Day 3-4: Spiritual Soul of Ubud
First Impressions
My initial impression of Ubud was limited to the traffic I had seen while going to the Monkey Forest, typical of rush hour in the afternoon. However, when we came back into town for dinner, Ubud felt cozy.
The crowds seemed to dissipate from the main streets, and the area where we would have dinner, near Zest, was illuminated by warm lights and surrounded by tall trees with infinite foliage. These trees had a way of making me feel enveloped, perhaps that’s why it felt like home.
As I explored the city the day after, I began to experience the intimate and small-town charm of Ubud. Despite its traffic, the peaceful rice fields surrounding the city are just a 5-minute walk away and make the perfect escape into nature.
Even a simple motorcycle ride at sunset left a lasting impression on me, a sensation that I can still feel on my skin. As I reflected on my time in Ubud, it was already starting to feel like home.
Pura Tirta Empul & Monkey Forest
We arrived in Ubud on the afternoon of our third day and stopped for lunch at TebaSari, a restaurant about 18 minutes from Pura Tirta Empul, our next destination.
Pura Tirta Empul it’s famous for the Melukat ritual practice, a Balinese purification ceremony believed to cleanse the body, soul, and spirit of past negative energy. Some of our group participated in the ritual, while others, like me, preferred to explore the temple grounds and soak up the spiritual atmosphere surrounding this architectural masterpiece, nestled in the jungle.
At first, I found the place to be quite touristy, especially in the outer courtyards and pool area where the ritual takes place. However, I encourage you to venture further, as the inner courtyard is a true gem that most visitors overlook.
After we visited the temple, we headed to the renowned Sacred Monkey Forest. To be completely honest, I feel for those monkeys. They’re constantly being watched by humans, and it can’t be easy, no wonder why sometimes they steal a pair of sunglasses.
The ones at the entrance put on a real show, striking poses like models and scratching their bellies in a ridiculously cute way. It’s amazing how similar their behavior is to ours.
The Monkey Forest itself is worth visiting for its natural beauty. I recommend venturing into the more remote areas, further away from the entrance, where you can observe the monkeys’ daily lives without the crowds. We saw some hilarious scenes, like a 30-minute coconut-opening session and a family argument.
If you visit, be sure to check out the Hindu temples near the river: Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji, and the Temple of Prajapati. After a couple of hours exploring, we finally arrived at our hotel.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Candy Villa is hands-down the best hotel I’ve stayed at during my Bali trip. This villas complex is nestled among the rice fields. Each private vill has its own private swimming pool. It’s a true gem if you’re planning to stay in Ubud for a couple of nights!
White Water Rafting & Rice Fields exploration
Day four started one of my favorite experiences in Ubud: rafting on the Ayung River.
We booked with Graha Adventure and they took care of everything – equipment, transport, photos, and even lunch. All we had to do was show up on time!
The rafting was so fun! Easy enough for beginners but challenging enough for experts. Exploring Ubud’s nature from a raft was incredible, with views of the river valley and the guides who pointed out at ancient rock paintings and we even stopped for a swim under a waterfall. The guides were also super entertaining and made the experience even better!
After the 2-3 hour rafting trip, we showered and changed at Graha Adventure’s base and had a simple Indonesian buffet lunch, which was included in the price. Nothing special, but it was so convenient!
Ubud
White Water Rafting
Want to know if white water rafting is for you, or looking for the best rafting experience in Ubud? Click to read the full blog post and find out!
In the afternoon of my second day in Ubud, I decided to explore the city on my own. I strolled along Jalan Raya Ubud, the main street, passing by the Ubud Art Market, but I didn’t stop. I had other intentions – I wanted to let the city guide and inspire me, without relying on maps or prior research.
As I walked, I caught sight of the Ubud Palace, almost by chance, since it’s impossible to miss in the city center. My goal was to escape the traffic and crowds, and I found myself drawn to a market that filled a small street on my right. I thought, “Why not?” and decided to explore it.
Without realizing it, I was on Jl Raya Kajeng, a street that many people may recognize from social media. It’s famous for its stones with engraved dedications to Ubud from visitors. As I walked further, the stalls began to thin out, but the road continued, leading me to the beginning of the Juwuk Manis Walk.
It was at this moment that I fell in love with Ubud. Just a short walk from the chaos of the city, I found myself surrounded by a rice field that seemed to stretch on forever. The silence was surreal, and I felt like I had the place to myself.
The first part of the Juwuk Manis Walk was an example of the “disorganized nature” I love – some stalls sold fresh coconuts, while others had employees playing reggae music on guitars. The narrow road was lined with motorcycles parked randomly, and the grass-covered path eventually opened up to reveal views of the rice field.
The rain had filled the terraces with puddles of water, reflecting the tall palm trees like a mirror. As I realized it was time to head back, I retraced my steps and booked my final Grab ride in Ubud, returning to Candy Villa. When coming back from the rice terraces, I realized I wanted to stay longer. Make sure to plan at least 3 days in Ubud!
Fancy Dinner in Ubud
Cantina Rooftop is the perfect place to have a relaxed but fancy dinner in Ubud. The restaurant is located on the second floor of a building with views of the Campuhan Ridge Walk and the Ubud Jungle. We had an 11-course tapas-style menu and every dish was better than the last. At some point, we had to stop because we were too full!
Day 5-7: The Island Bliss of Gili Trawangan
We left Ubud (very) early in the morning of Day 5 of our trip. We headed to Padang Bai Harbor, where our ferry was waiting (more or less) for us, ready to leave at 9 am. Destination? Gili T! n
First Impression
Have you ever come across one of those extremely unreal pictures of Bali beaches with white sand, sun-kissed palm trees, and the most crystal-clear waters? Well, it’s likely not Bali, but one of the beaches around the coast of the Gili Islands.
Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T or the “Party Island” (depending on when you visit), is the largest and most frequently visited island. Gili Air and Gili Meno are located nearby and are smaller and less crowded. I stumbled upon a TikTok video a day ago in which a local said, “Gili T is the island of freedom,” and that’s exactly the impression I got from my 3-day stay.
Despite the chaotic atmosphere of the arrival harbor, everything becomes quieter if you leave that area. The warm tropical air, the sound of reggae music drifting from the beach bars, and the relaxed attitude of the locals all contribute to creating an extremely laid-back vibe that is difficult to find elsewhere.
With no cars or scooters to disturb the peace, the roads of Gili T are free for you to walk around and cycle, allowing you to discover all sides of the island, which can be covered entirely in under an hour. Gili T is the embodiment of the fun, relaxed, and tropical island vibe.
Our Itinerary
Our 3-day stay on Gili T was the perfect combination of relaxing beach life and exploration. We arrived on Gili T on the last day of 2024, and after a chaotic arrival under the rain, we managed to rent our bicycles for the duration of our stay and reached our accommodation.
Where To Stay on Gili T.
We stayed at Absolute Villa, the epitome of a tropical escape if you’d ask me, with its wooden bungalows and pool views surrounded by frangipani trees.
We had lunch and spent the afternoon at Malibu Beach Club, where our beach life truly began, with plenty of napping, sunbathing, and swimming.
On the second day of our stay, we had a snorkeling boat trip booked. This was the perfect compromise, as it allowed us to explore Gili Meno and Gili Air despite our limited time on the island.
We were lucky enough to spot a couple of green turtles and swim with them, and we even visited the Gili Meno Baby Turtle Sanctuary to see some tiny baby turtles. After a relaxing lunch on Gili Air, we headed back to Gili T and had some time for relaxation.
Given our lack of sleep the night before (it was New Year’s Eve, and our snorkeling trip started at 9 am), we were all exhausted. So, we spent the afternoon lounging by the pool, browsing the local shops (at least, I did), and treating ourselves to a nice one-hour massage. That evening, the rain didn’t let up, so after dinner, we headed back to our accommodation for a night swim in the fabulous pool (yes, under the rain).
Our final day on Gili T started with a delicious pancake breakfast and a long bike ride to the northern side of the island to explore its beaches, which were much calmer than the ones we had visited before. My stay ended with a shopping spree, and I have to admit, I couldn’t resist the charm of a cute, feminine shop called “A Day in Paradise“.
More Things To Do On Gili T.
Besides what I’ve done, there’s so much more to explore on Gili T, depending on the time you have on the island:
SWIMMING WITH TURTLES: If you don’t want to book a snorkeling trip, you can rent your gear and head to the northern beaches, which are known for having a high concentration of turtles. Check out the beaches around Turtle Point and Wilson’s Retreat, and you’re likely to spot them within minutes.
DAY TRIP TO GILI MENO OR GILI AIR: If you have the time, Gili Meno is definitely worth a day trip. You can explore the Underwater Nest Statues, visit the Baby Turtle Sanctuary, and even cycle around the Saltwater Lake. Gili Air, on the other hand, is renowned for its stunning, unspoiled, and secluded beaches. Although the island is tiny and often overlooked, its beaches are truly worth visiting.
TAKE A SUNRISE YOGA CLASS: Gili T has a thriving yoga community, with studios like Gili Yoga offering classes and teacher trainings. If you’re looking to try something new, you could try Fly Gili Sup Yoga, which offers stand-up paddleboard yoga classes. If you’re an early riser (6 am), you can test your balance while practicing yoga poses on the water, with the gentle waves beneath you.
Where To Eat on Gili T.
Gili Islands
Gili T. Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Gili T? Make sure to check out my comprehensive travel guide for all the tips and information you may need to make the most of your stay.
Day 7: Journey Back to Seminyak
As much as I loved my stay on the Gili Islands, the day of departure felt like a challenge in every sense. The 11:30 ferry, which arrived at Padang Bai two hours later, was just the beginning.
No matter where you’re headed next, there’s probably a long drive and a lot of traffic involved (and in our case, rain as well). Not to mention the post-Gili T depression that sets in when you leave the island behind. The silence and peace that reign on the island will be hard to forget.
Our drive back to Seminyak took the entire day. We stopped for lunch on the road around 3 pm and then continued on, trying to pass the time by singing, playing games, recalling funny moments from our Gili T adventures, or napping, of course.
We arrived in Seminyak just before dinner, and being so tired, we couldn’t help but appreciate the incredible efficiency of Grab, allowing us to order food online and have it delivered to our hotel.
Day 8-9: Surfers Paradise in Uluwatu
Planning to spend at least one night in Uluwatu is the best way to fully enjoy another of Bali’s surfer paradises. The best way to handle the journey to Seminyak is to leave early on Day 8, to avoid as much traffic as possible and head immediately to the beach!
Our Itinerary
As mentioned, our morning started with a redirection towards the north again, as we had the most wholesome and authentic cooking class experience in the village of Bongkasa. And after that, we headed to Uluwatu. Our first stop was Padang Padang Beach, where we had our first surfing lesson.
Padang Padang Beach is an otherworldly beach that opens up from behind a rocky formation, after walking down some stairs. It’s definitely not a big stretch of sand and can get crowded, but if you arrive in the morning, you have plenty of time to find a nice spot and relax.
We found a surf instructor on the beach, and we paid around $35 for a one-hour surfing lesson. As we were running late and wanted to make it on time for sunset at the Uluwatu temple, we didn’t negotiate, which you can try to do. Keep in mind that surf instructors usually want to be paid in cash, so make sure to have some with you.
Once ready, they will quickly show you the main movements while trying them out on the shore, and then you’ll be right in the water trying to stand for the first time. The waves there were definitely good for first-timers, and I even managed to stand. However, be careful, as the seabed is rocky and edgy, and you can get hurt if you fall the wrong way.
Right after our surf lesson, we headed to the Uluwatu Temple. We managed to be there in time for sunset, but unfortunately, the weather was not on our side. On that day, the final day of our trip, we had the heaviest rainfall I’ve ever experienced (well, the heaviest was actually in Guilin, China, but this was still quite something).
Why visit the Uluwatu Temple? First of all, the setting. The Uluwatu temple is perched on a cliff that plunges into the sea. And I can imagine that on a sunny day, you can get the most amazing sunsets. The view from above is impressive, with wild and powerful waves crashing against the rock on one side, and unfortunately, a concrete seawall being built for the temple’s safety on the other.
Second, I witnessed the first monkey theft of my life here. Yes, Uluwatu is full of monkeys – there are probably more monkeys than people. And while I was at the temple, a girl’s sunglasses were stolen by a not-so-playful monkey. So keep your eyes peeled and your belongings safe in your bag (and hide the bag if you can!).
Other Things To Do in Uluwatu
SUNBATHING ON THE BEACH: If there’s one thing I will never have enough of, it’s probably the beaches. And Uluwatu’s beaches are the best in Bali. Some of the best beaches for sunbathing are Dreamland Beach, Uluwatu Beach and Nyang Nyang Beach. ,
EXPLORE A WEEKEND MARKET: There are plenty of markets opening up on the weekends, mainly focused on Boho fashion and crafts. If you’re in Uluwatu on a Sunday, you can explore the Sundaze Uluwatu Market (the go-to if you’re into bo-ho fashion or healthy lifestyle) or the Seed Market (on Saturday), known for its eco-friendly focus and artisans products.
TAKE A YOGA CLASS: Taking a yoga class is the perfect way to start your final full day in Bali. In Uluwatu, there are plenty of yoga studios offering different yoga styles and classes. Check out places like Morning Light Yoga to book your yoga class.
Depending on when you have your flight back, you can decide to stay one more night in Uluwatu and then head back to the airport the next morning, or you can leave around late afternoon to sleep one more night closer to the airport (we slept in Seminyak) and ensure you’re on time for your morning flight.
There it is! The perfect 10-Day Bali travel itinerary for first-timers! As I reflect on my first Bali trip, I can’t help but think about how the island looks different in every location, yet I loved every part of it.
Every moment was unique, made even better by all the wonderful and welcoming locals we met. This itinerary may have been just a taste of what Bali has to offer, but it was enough to leave me enchanted and already planning my next (much longer) trip back.
I hope this has provided you with the right dose of inspiration and tips to plan your own magical first trip to Bali.
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