10 Days in Bali: The Perfect Itinerary

Potato Head and Ku De Ta are iconic for sunsets. Arrive by 4:30 PM to secure a good spot without reservations.

Batu Bolong is great for beginner surf lessons. Make sure to visit aesthetic cafes like Crate or Milk & Madu for breakfast.

Go right at sunrise (7 AM) to beat the heat, the crowds, and the Instagram lines for the swings. The lower terraces are incredibly tranquil.

Monkeys will steal glasses and loose items. Saraswati Temple is just off the main road and has stunning lotus ponds (free to view from the cafe).

Pick up from Ubud is usually 2:00 AM. It’s a 2-hour moderate hike in the dark. Bring a jacket; it gets very cold at the top before sunrise.

Bathe in the holy springs for a purification ritual. Rent a green sash and sarong to enter the water. Best done after the trek.

Take the fast boat from Padang Bai port in Bali. Gili Trawangan is for nightlife; Gili Air is a great balance of chill and restaurants. No cars are allowed on the islands—only bicycles and horse carts.

Rent a bike and cycle to 'Turtle Point' on the east side of Gili T/Air. You can snorkel right off the beach and spot turtles feeding on the sea grass.

The famous T-Rex cliff. The hike down is steep and takes 40 minutes, but you are rewarded with an empty beach. Do the West Coast tour on Day 8.

Book a boat tour from Toyapakeh harbor to Manta Point on Day 9. Swimming with these 4-meter giants is a completely humbling, safe experience.

End your incredible 10 days by watching the traditional Kecak Fire Dance at the Uluwatu cliff edge exactly as the sun sets over the ocean.