Bali, Indonesia
10 Days in Bali: Rice Fields, Surf and Temples
From Ubud to the south coast with time to do nothing.
Bali isn't seen, it's lived. This ten-day plan starts inland (Ubud, rice fields, temples) and rolls down to the sea gradually. Each region feels different: silent Ubud, surfy Canggu, dramatic Uluwatu.
Hire a private driver per day (€40-50) or use Grab for short hops. Public transport doesn't really work for Bali.
Pack mosquito spray, a sarong for temples and reef-friendly sunscreen if you're snorkelling in Nusa Penida.
In this itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Ubud
Flight, transfer to Ubud and a slow first afternoon. Light dinner and a quick stroll downtown.
- Pick a villa with private pool
- Dinner at Locavore or Hujan Locale
- Welcome Balinese spa
Day 2
Tegalalang rice fields and central temples
Morning among rice terraces, lunch with a view and an afternoon among Ubud's key temples.
- Tegalalang before 10 am
- Tirta Empul (bring a sarong and swimwear)
- View café at Alas Harum
Day 3
Slow day in Ubud
Morning yoga, Ubud market, Campuhan Ridge walk and a Balinese dance show for dinner.
- Yoga at Yoga Barn
- Campuhan Ridge at sunset
- Legong show at Ubud Palace
Day 4
Mount Batur or waterfall day
Sunrise hike up Mount Batur if you're feeling early, otherwise a waterfall loop (Tibumana, Tukad Cepung, Kanto Lampo).
- 2 am pickup for the Batur hike
- Tukad Cepung around noon
- Early dinner back in town
Day 5
Transfer to Canggu
Morning in Ubud, transfer to Canggu and an afternoon of surf or pool. Dinner at Old Man's or La Brisa.
- Surf lesson at Batu Bolong
- Sunset at La Brisa
- Brunch at Crate or Milk & Madu
Day 6
Full Canggu day
Surf, brunch, Love Anchor market and a chill rooftop cocktail night.
- Brunch at Cinta Café
- Shopping at Love Anchor
- Cocktails at Atlas Beach Club
Day 7
Day trip to Nusa Penida
Speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida. Kelingking, Angel's Billabong and Crystal Bay.
- Iconic Kelingking shot
- Snorkel at Crystal Bay
- Back before sunset
Day 8
Transfer to Uluwatu
Slow morning, transfer to Uluwatu and sunset at the temple with the Kecak dance.
- Uluwatu temple at sunset
- Booked Kecak dance
- Seafood dinner in Jimbaran
Day 9
Uluwatu beaches
Cliff coves day: Padang Padang, Bingin and Suluban. Toes-in-the-sand lunch and chill sunset.
- Bingin Beach in the morning
- Lunch at Drifter Café
- Cocktails at Single Fin
Day 10
Farewell and flight
Morning of spa or pool, lunch near the airport and the flight home.
- Final Balinese massage
- Lunch at Warung Mak Beng in Sanur if you have time
- Early check-in (DPS gets crowded)
Key tips
- Exchange some cash on arrival; many warungs don't take cards.
- Book private drivers through your hotel in Ubud and Uluwatu — easy and cheap.
- Nusa Penida day trip: book a small group tour from Sanur, around €35-50.
- Watch the monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest — keep glasses and necklaces tucked away.
- For Tanah Lot sunset, leave with at least two hours of buffer.
- Try a class at Yoga Barn even if you're not into yoga; the vibe is worth it.
Frequently asked
Is Bali safe?
Generally yes. Be careful on scooters — traffic is chaotic and travel insurance is essential if you don't hold a local license.
Do I need a visa?
Many passports get a Visa on Arrival. Check your case a few weeks before travel.
Should I rent a scooter?
Only if you have an international permit and experience. Otherwise hire a driver by the day.
Are ten days too many?
For Bali alone, just right. Add Lombok or the Gilis and aim for 12-14 days.