The Ultimate 10-Day Bali Itinerary for 2025 (+ Nusa Penida Travel Tips)

Bali is more than a destination it’s a sensory journey. From emerald-green rice terraces and ancient temples to vibrant local markets and secluded waterfalls, the island offers an unforgettable blend of culture and natural beauty. Add to that the dramatic coastal cliffs and crystal-clear waters of nearby Nusa Penida, and you’ve got the ultimate tropical escape. Whether you’re chasing adventure, relaxing on pristine beaches, or immersing yourself in Balinese tradition, this 10-day Bali itinerary with Nusa Penida day trips delivers the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility.

The Secret Behind Vibetrailz’s Perfect Bali Travel Plan

After years of exploring Bali in depth, my local friend  and I have fine-tuned what truly makes a trip unforgettable. Instead of rushing from one hotel to the next, this thoughtfully paced itinerary allows you to slow down, settle in, and truly connect with the island’s rhythm.

You’ll spend:

  • 5 days in Ubud and Central Bali – soaking up culture, lush rice terraces, temples, and hidden waterfalls
  • 3 days on Nusa Penida – for dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and island adventure
  • 2 days on the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu area) – where surf, sunsets, and sea temples await

This 10-day Bali itinerary blends immersive cultural experiences, island exploration, and time to simply be — making it the ideal mix of discovery and downtime.

Bali -Vibetrailz

How to Plan a Deep, Balanced Bali Trip: 10 Days of Culture, Coastlines & Island Life

Day 1: Arrival & Ubud Highlights

  • Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Arrange an airport transfer directly to Ubud to settle in.
  • Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary meet Bali’s macaques among centuries‑old jungle and temples.
  • Wander the Ubud Art Market for handmade souvenirs like wood carvings, ikat textiles, local paintings. Practice your bargaining!
  • Stop by Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple. The ornate Balinese architecture and lotus ponds are perfect for photo ops.

Stay in Ubud: luxury options like boutique resorts or cozy guesthouses that reflect Balinese design.

Day 2: Temples & Rice Terraces around Ubud

  • Morning: Drive to Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Walk along terraces, take sunrise or morning light photos.
  • Head to Gunung Kawi Sebatu Water Temple—serene gardens, koi ponds, fewer crowds.
  • Visit Tirta Empul Temple. Join locals at the holy spring if you’d like, or simply admire the architecture.
  • Explore Gunung Kawi Temple, ancient shrines carved into cliffs.
  • End at Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) — cave temple with history and mystery.

Day 3: Waterfall Day in Bangli Region

  • Early start: Goa Giri Campuhan Waterfall — hidden, lush, adventurous hike through caves.
  • Continue to Kuning Waterfall, then Tibumana Waterfall. Bring swimwear.
  • Short hike to Taman Sari Waterfall just near Tibumana. Lesser known, more peaceful.
  • Cap off with Goa Rang Reng Waterfall, with multiple cascades and natural pools.

Day 4: Bedugul Nature & HighlandsHead north to Sekumpul Waterfall, one of Bali’s most dramatic waterfalls.

Nearby trail adds Fiji Waterfall (a bonus) on the same hike.

  • Visit Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, iconic temple on a lake, reflection shots are magical.
  • Explore the Bali Botanic Garden—diverse flora, big native trees.
  • Trek into Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO rice field landscape. Walk, absorb the scenery.

Day 5: Ubud → Sanur / Transition Day

  • Drive south, stopping at Mas Wood Carving Village to see (and perhaps buy) exquisite Balinese woodwork.
  • Next: Kemenuh Butterfly Park (giant moths, butterflies, lush gardens).
  • Lunch or mid‑afternoon at Tegenungan Waterfall—busy but worth the splash.
  • Optionally visit Bali Bird & Reptile Park, especially if you love wildlife.
  • Evening: Arrive in Sanur, prepare for early boat to Nusa Penida.

Stay: beachfront lodges or boutique hotels in Sanur.

Day 6 (West Penida):

  • Morning speedboat to Nusa Penida. Rent a scooter or hire driver.
  • Must‑see: Kelingking Beach & Cliff — postcard view, mind the hike down if you have time.
  • Visit Paluang Cliff, Banah Cliff Point, and Pereenan Cliff (less crowded alternatives).
  • Finish the day at Tembeling Beach & natural pools / cave trails.

Day 7 (East Penida):

  • Sunrise at Diamond Beach and walk down to the white sand.
  • Nearby Atuh Beach for relaxing and local food.
  • Stop at Rumah Pohon Treehouse for views or overnight stay.
  • Teletubbies Hill (rolling green hills after rain).
  • Explore Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple — dramatic underground temple accessed via cave entrance.

Day 8 (Snorkeling + West Return):

  • Morning snorkeling tour: reefs, coral gardens, turtles, maybe manta rays.
  • Visit Angel’s Billabong (tide‑pool lagoon), Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay for sunset.
  • Evening: boat back to Bali, transfer to Uluwatu area.

Days 9‑10: Uluwatu & South Bali Finale

Day 9:

  • Beach‑hop: Balangan Beach, then Padang Padang Beach (surf, white sand, Instagram‑worthy).
  • Afternoon visit Suluban Beach, tucked beneath cliffs. Relax, have fresh seafood.
  • Sunset at Uluwatu Temple — perched on cliff. Catch the Kecak fire dance if you can.

Day 10:

  • Early stop at Karang Boma Cliff — dramatic coastal cliffs with fewer crowds.
  • Hike down to Nunggalan Beach and see the shipwreck photo spot.
  • Chill at Green Bowl Beach, cave spots, peaceful vibes.
  • Wrap up your trip with glamour at Oneeighty Cliff Pool — cliff‑edge pool, food & drink credits, perfect for the final sunset.

Vibetrailz Pro Tips: Travel Smarter, Not Harder

  • Best time to visit: May to September are dry months—less rain, clearer skies, calm seas. Shoulder months (April, October) still okay and fewer tourists.
  • Getting around: Rent a scooter if confident, or hire a private car + driver for full‐day tours (easy, affordable, safe).
  • Accommodation: Book early in high season. Ubud for culture and rice fields; Nusa Penida for cliff views and beaches; Uluwatu for luxury and dramatic sunsets.

Must‑Know Practical Tips & Bonus Advice

  • Permits & fees: Some places like Kelingking & Diamond Beach now have entrance fees or parking fees. Bring cash.
  • Weather & tides: For cliff views, tide pools, snorkeling safe windows—check tide charts and weather forecasts.
  • Health & safety: Drink bottled water, avoid hiking solo after dark, use sun protection.
  • Best gear: Good walking shoes, waterproof phone case, reef‑safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent, light rain jacket for sudden showers.
  • Local culture: Dress modestly when entering temples (sarong + sash); always respect local religious customs.

-VibeWanderer I 26 Sept.2025