Ultimate 10-Day Bali and Nusa Penida Travel Guide

Bali has such an amazing variety of things to see and do: jungles, temples, markets, beaches, waterfalls, green rice paddies, and so much more.

And if you ever get bored exploring the main island of Bali, there are a bunch of smaller islands nearby like Nusa Penida, with its huge cliffs, scenic coastlines, and great snorkeling opportunities.

This 10-day Bali itinerary will guide you through some of the unmissable highlights of the island, starting in the cultural center of Ubud and ending in the beach-filled Bukit Peninsula (also known as the Uluwatu area), along with a few days exploring the top gems on Nusa Penida island!

About This Bali Itinerary

To give some background on this Bali itinerary, my wife is Balinese and we always stay here between our other travels. It’s her home, and my second home, so we’ve spent countless days exploring the island.

Some Bali itineraries will tell you to split up your trip and try to spend 2 days in every area of the island. I think that’s inefficient, because it’s not enough time to ‘put down roots’ or get familiar with an area, and constantly switching hotels will cut into how much sightseeing time you have!

Hence, this Bali itinerary spends 5 days based in Ubud (near the center of the island), 3 days in neighboring Nusa Penida island, and 2 days based in the Uluwatu area (south Bali). This setup allows you to explore the sights in central/north Bali, the south peninsula, and many of the best attractions in Penida.

For most of the sights on this itinerary, you will need transportation. It’s easy to rent a scooter in Bali, or you can hire a private car with driver for 10 hours of sightseeing.

✈ Where To Start

This entire Bali itinerary takes place on Bali island and its smaller neighboring island of Nusa Penida.

Fly to Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali, which is served by several budget-friendly airlines with good ratings. AirAsia often has flights from Singapore (SIN), Bangkok (DMK), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Bali for 1 million IDR ($70 USD) or less.

Better yet, if you’re located in Australia or New Zealand, you can fly directly to Bali through a number of international airports like Adelaide, Cairns, or Perth, and the costs will be similar.

You can shop for flights to Bali at Skyscanner.

When you arrive in Bali, arrange an airport transfer by private taxi to Ubud (you can consider this in advance on GetYourGuide).

Check in to your hotel in Ubud, and get rested up for the tropical adventure ahead!

• Day 1: Ubud Center

○ Monkey Forest Sanctuary

First things first: the monkeys! Swing by the famous Ubud monkey forest for a fun experience getting your photo taken with the Balinese macaques. There are hundreds of them living in the jungle here, and they’re (mostly) friendly to outsiders.

○ Ubud Market

Just up the street from the monkey forest, you’ll find the Ubud art market. It’s full of interesting handmade souvenirs such as wood carvings, paintings, coconut bowls, rattan hats and bags, and everything else you can imagine. Feel free to haggle for lower prices, because some sellers here might start high.

○ Ubud Palace

On the street corner lies this charming palace from the 1800s, featuring amazing Balinese stone carvings and courtyards. It’s a quick stop (15 minutes) but very worthwhile!

○ Saraswati Temple

Across the street from the Ubud palace, with just a 3-minute walk, you’ll find Saraswati Temple. This temple showcases elaborate doors and walls that make for some great photo spots.

Where To Stay In Ubud: Adiwana Unagi (Luxury) or Umah Dajane (Budget)

• Day 2: Ubud Terraces & Temples

○ Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Bali’s most famous rice terraces are at Tegalalang, just a 15-minute drive north of Ubud. There are footpaths to walk through the whole valley and see the terraces up close.

○ Gunung Kawi Sebatu Water Temple

This is one of the lesser-known temples in Bali, even though it’s one of the most scenic (in my opinion) and easy to reach from Ubud. It has a nice koi pond, garden, and courtyards to explore, and it’s only a 5-minute drive north from Tegalalang.

○ Tirta Empul Temple

Tirta Empul is the most famous temple in the Tegalalang area, attracting both tourists and locals who come here to bathe in the Hindu spring. Even if that’s not your thing, you might enjoy the interesting buildings and the large art market nearby.

○ Gunung Kawi Temple

This is a hidden temple and archaeological site over 1,000 years old, where you can see ancient funeral shrines carved into the cliffs. It’s a fascinating piece of Bali’s history.

○ Goa Gajah Temple

If you’re still up for more exploration, head over to Goa Gajah, a unique cave temple from the 9th century. It features one of the most interesting doorways you’ll see in Bali.

• Day 3: Bangli Waterfalls

○ Goa Giri Campuhan Waterfall

The Bangli area features numerous beautiful waterfalls and it’s just a short distance from Ubud. Start with Goa Giri Campuhan waterfall, which is hidden and requires navigating through a couple of impressive caves to reach it.

○ Kuning Waterfall

This is a distinct waterfall located at the bottom of a large ravine in the jungle. It requires a steep hike down, but you’ll be able to cool off in the natural pools at the bottom.

○ Tibumana Waterfall

Tibumana used to be a lesser-known waterfall, but it has become a popular spot in recent years. Regardless, it’s still worth a visit!

○ Taman Sari Waterfall

This is another free waterfall situated just 500 meters from the entrance to Tibumana. It’s a small, 2-step waterfall that attracts few crowds, reachable within 5-10 minutes.

○ Goa Rang Reng Waterfall

Watch out for slippery rocks! Goa Rang Reng boasts 3 different waterfalls, but my favorite is the first one, which is a large sloped cascade that resembles a natural slip and slide.

• Day 4: Bedugul Day Trip

○ Sekumpul Waterfall

Drive 2 hours north of Ubud to Sekumpul, noted as one of the biggest and best waterfalls in Bali. The surrounding jungle and rice terraces are truly epic, promising to be one of the highlights of your time in Bali.

○ Fiji Waterfall

This triple waterfall serves as a free bonus on the same hike, only requiring a 10-minute walk from the Sekumpul waterfall.

○ Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

This pagoda temple, located in the middle of a lake, is amongst Bali’s most iconic photo spots. Even more interesting is the fact that the lake it sits on is a former caldera (volcanic crater) and the second largest lake in Bali.

○ Bali Botanic Garden

You might not find this place on many Bali itineraries, but it’s very close to the lake temple and is truly remarkable. Some of the trees and plants here resemble something straight out of Jurassic Park. The highlight features a huge Banyan tree that may be hundreds of years old.

○ Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Continue your drive south to Jatiluwih, renowned for being home to some of the largest and most beautiful rice fields in Bali. Here, you can take one of the trekking paths through the rice terraces and savor the stunning views!

• Day 5: Ubud To Sanur

○ Mas Wood Carving

Hire a private driver for day 5 and head south from Ubud to Sanur, checking out some attractions along the way. First stop: Mas wood carving village. Balinese wood carvings are some of the finest in Southeast Asia, and the carvers at Mas are known for their outstanding quality. However, some pieces can be quite pricey, so it’s best to research and haggle before making a purchase.

○ Kemenuh Butterfly Park

This small park is home to hundreds of butterflies, and the best part is getting to hold an Atlas Moth, the largest moth in the world. They also feature giant stick bugs from Borneo.

○ Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan is the busiest and most touristy waterfall in Bali. While it may not be an escape from the crowds, it is a lovely spot for lunch, and you’ll be driving past it anyway!

○ Bali Bird Park & Reptile Park

This park showcases over 1,000 birds and reptiles, ranging from tropical parrots to Komodo dragons. The grounds are designed with an ‘Angkor Wat’ theme that complements the wildlife, and everything is very well managed. If you don’t prefer the bird park, you can opt for Batuan Temple, which is also nearby.

○ Transfer to Sanur

Drive the remaining distance to the Sanur area (20-30 minutes from the bird park) and check in to your next hotel. Get rested and ready for the morning boat crossing to Nusa Penida island!

Where To Stay In Sanur: Andaz (Luxury) or Blanjong Homestay (Budget)

• Day 6: West Nusa Penida

○ Transfer To Nusa Penida

Get up early and take a morning boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida. The journey by speedboat only takes about 45 minutes. After arriving, hire a scooter or meet up with your Nusa Penida driver and embark on your sightseeing journey!

○ Kelingking Beach

Kickstart your day at this breathtaking cliff spot, one of the most photogenic and popular views in Bali. If you’re up for a real challenge, hike down to the beach and back up, but be sure to bring plenty of water!

○ Paluang Cliff

Just a short distance from Kelingking cliff is this alternate viewpoint, which draws much fewer crowds. It’s very easy to visit and only adds a few minutes to your Bali itinerary!

○ Pererenan Cliff

This cliff viewpoint is often overlooked by many tours. If you’re interested, there’s a steep trail down to the bottom, where you can relax in a nice natural pool.

○ Banah Cliff Point

This hidden gem requires only a short hike, yet offers stunning views of the unique doughnut-shaped Banah rock and the vivid white cliffs.

○ Tembeling Beach

Conclude your day with a trek down to Tembeling Beach. You can either hike the entire way or hire a motorcycle taxi. There’s a refreshing natural pool at the bottom and a sea cave that presents a remarkable view of the impressive cliffs above.

Where To Stay In Penida: MAUA Hotel (Luxury) or Unicorn Bungalow (Midrange)

• Day 7: East Nusa Penida

○ Diamond Beach

Day 7 revolves around visiting incredible beaches. Start your journey with views of Diamond Beach from the overlook before you walk down the stairs to the white sand beach below. This beach stands out as one of the most breathtaking in the world.

○ Atuh Beach

Just a 2-minute walk from Diamond Beach, you’ll find Atuh Beach. While it may not be as famous on social media, it’s still a magnificent place to relax on the sand while enjoying food and drinks.

○ Rumah Pohon Treehouse

This cluster of 3 wooden tree houses sits close to Diamond Beach, just a 5-minute drive away. It boasts an epic location, and you can even spend the night in one of the treehouses if you fancy!

○ Teletubbies Hill

This spot is a lovely pull-off area worth a visit on your drive north from Diamond Beach. The cone-shaped ‘Teletubby’ hills appear particularly vibrant green shortly after the rainy season.

○ Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple

This Hindu temple is located inside a large cave and requires crawling through a small rock entryway, but the interior is much larger than expected. It offers a fascinating experience, providing a nice change of pace from other attractions on this itinerary.

• Day 8: Snorkeling + West Penida

○ Snorkeling Tour

Wake up early for a 2-3 hour snorkeling tour on the west side of the island. Shared tours typically cost around 150k IDR per person and can be arranged with Nusa Penida Explorer (☎ +62 818-0533-3747). You’ll witness vibrant corals, clownfish, and if you’re lucky, manta rays and turtles!

○ Angel’s Billabong

Get back on the road! This multicolored tide pool is perfect for swimming and soaking when the tide is low. However, exercise caution during high tide, as conditions can become perilous.

○ Broken Beach

This natural wonder features a horseshoe-shaped bay carved out of the coastline. Occasionally, you’ll even spot manta rays swimming on the surface of the ocean here.

○ Crystal Bay

This beach is an ideal spot for sunsets, providing easy access, ample sunbeds, and numerous food and drink stalls. It’s a perfect place to wind down after an action-packed tour of Penida island!

○ Transfer Back To Bali

Upon conclusion of your island adventure, return to the harbor and take an evening boat from Nusa Penida back to Sanur. After your arrival in Bali, drive south to the Uluwatu area and check in to your new hotel to prepare for the next leg of this itinerary.

Angel’s Billabong

• Day 9: Uluwatu

○ Balangan Beach

Venture to the southwest coast of Bali and experience Balangan, a beach featuring soft white sand. There’s a cliff above the beach, providing stunning views of the blue water and coastline.

○ Padang Padang Beach

Despite this beach being hidden at the bottom of a cliff, it is a popular destination and tends to get crowded by noon. It has beautiful white sands, excellent surfing opportunities, and plenty of monkeys! Everything you need for an enjoyable outing.

○ Suluban Beach

This beach is concealed within a cave, but what I love most is the restaurant above it, allowing you to enjoy drinks while soaking up breathtaking views of the coastal cliffs.

○ Uluwatu Temple

This temple sits on the edge of a large cliff, making it one of the most sought-after locations in Bali for sunset views. Beware of the monkeys, as they are known to snatch anything they can!

Where To Stay In Uluwatu: Green Escape Resort (Luxury) or Tempekan Hotel (Midrange)

• Day 10: Uluwatu

○ Karang Boma Cliff

This steep cliff near Uluwatu features far fewer visitors and no safety fences obstructing your view of the crashing waves on the rocks below, offering a stunning perspective.

○ Nunggalan Beach

Nunggalan is among my favorite beaches in Bali. The hike down the cliffs is exhausting, but you’re rewarded with a spacious beach mostly to yourself, and even a cool shipwreck perfect for photos.

○ Green Bowl Beach

Green Bowl is another beautiful white sand beach with a couple of large caves and an ideal location to catch the sunset. Just keep in mind that it requires descending more steep stairs.

○ Oneeighty Cliff Pool

Oneeighty is Bali’s coolest club, featuring an extraordinary glass pool that hangs on the edge of a cliff. Although the pool is part of a luxury hotel, you can use it for a fee, which includes a food and beverage credit. It’s the perfect way to conclude your Bali trip!

More Bali / Nusa Penida Travel Tips

I hope this Bali itinerary was beneficial for planning your own trip.

Remember to check out my comprehensive Bali Travel Guide and Nusa Penida Travel Guide, which contain helpful tips, information, photos, and more!

Ubud Hotels

Bali Private Driver & Tour

If you want to explore Bali comfortably and safely in a private car with a driver, my top recommendation would be GetYourGuide.

Their price is 675k Rupiah ($47 USD) for a full day of driving and sightseeing in Bali (up to 10 hours) for 1-5 passengers. That’s the total price for the entire car + driver + petrol! It’s a great deal.

You can also hire your Nusa Penida private driver through this company. We’ve used GetYourGuide for many tours and activities globally, and they consistently excel! Highly recommended.

Stippl Itinerary Map

Here’s a map of this itinerary in Stippl, a travel app that allows you to create itineraries, budget your trips, and more.

When Is The Best Time To Visit?

The ideal time to visit Bali depends on your preferences:

☁ Bali’s rainy season runs from November to April. During the day, the weather may be hot and humid at 90-95 °F (32-35 °C), but the crowds are generally smaller during this season, and most rain occurs at night.

☀ From May to August, temperatures are cooler and the weather is breezy and sunny. This period is considered the best weather-wise, but also the high season, meaning it’s usually more crowded.

The sights on this Bali itinerary remain magnificent year-round, but personally, I believe the best months for photography are from March to May (right after the rainy season), when most of the island is lush and vibrant.