Bali is not a checklist—it’s a rhythm. And those who truly experience the island understand it’s not about how many waterfalls you see or temples you tick off, but how the island feels in motion. This 10-day Bali itinerary for 2025 is designed for travelers who crave authenticity and style in equal measure. Whether you're solo, partnered, or traveling with kids, this guide balances cultural immersion, quiet luxury, and just enough spontaneity to let Bali work its magic.
Let’s dive in......
Days 1–3: Ubud – The Cultural Heart
Base yourself: A riverside villa or jungle retreat near Penestanan or Nyuh Kuning.
Why here first? Because Ubud re-centres you. You arrive from the airport and begin in the green—before the beaches and cocktails, you begin with spirit and spice.
Must-do highlights:
- 🌾 Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunrise – Still misty, still magical.
- 🛕 Tirta Empul Water Temple – Participate in the purification ritual or simply observe.
- 🍽️ Dinner at Locavore NXT or Moksa – New-wave Balinese cuisine meets sustainability.
- 🎨 Blanco Renaissance Museum – Not your typical art stop—eccentric, sensual, unforgettable.
- 💆♀️ Jungle spa ritual at Tjampuhan Spa – Think natural rock pools under banyan trees.
Day trip option: The Tegallalang rice terraces + Tibumana Waterfall loop. Add in a local warung lunch with panoramic jungle views.
Pro tip: Leave space in your schedule. Ubud unfolds best when you linger.
Top stays in Ubud that we love >
Days 4–5: Sidemen – The Bali You Thought Was Gone
Base yourself: A teakwood bungalow with volcano views.
Sidemen is the slow Bali, and that’s precisely why you need it. It’s often missed by first-timers—but it shouldn’t be.
What to do (or not do):
- 🚶 Guided rice field walk with a local farmer (ask your host).
- 🥘 Traditional cooking class in a family compound.
- 🧘♀️ Sunrise yoga overlooking Mount Agung.
- 📸 Photographers, take note: the golden hour here is cinematic.
Why it matters: This is where Bali breathes. You’ll meet fewer tourists, more farmers, and find space to absorb the trip so far.
Top hidden stays in Sidemen that we love >
Days 6–7: Uluwatu – Clifftop Drama and Coastal Luxe
Base yourself: A design-led boutique hotel perched on the cliffs (like The Asa Maia or Alila Villas Uluwatu).
This is the Bali of surf legends, jaw-dropping sunsets, and temples on the edge of the world.
Must-see, must-feel:
- 🌊 Sunset at Uluwatu Temple – Yes, it’s busy. Yes, it’s still 100% worth it.
- 🩴 Padang Padang and Bingin Beach – Think turquoise coves framed by limestone and bohemian cafés.
- 🍸 Cocktails at Single Fin or Ulu Cliffhouse – Golden hour done right.
- 🧘♂️ Sound bath or breathwork session at The Istana.
Slow travel tip: Skip the traffic. Stay put and explore the Bukit Peninsula's south coast by scooter or driver.
Top stays in Uluwatu that we love >
Days 8–10: Seminyak or Canggu – Design, Dining, and Beach Club Cool
Base yourself: For sophistication, opt for Seminyak (especially Petitenget). For creative chaos and surf vibes, go Canggu.
Your final chapter is all about flow—stylish dining, boutique browsing, and a little indulgence.
Choose your own adventure:
- 🛍️ Boutique shopping in Seminyak – Local designers and homeware you’ll actually want to bring home.
- 🥂 Dinner at Merah Putih or Sa’Mesa – Exceptional takes on modern Indonesian.
- 🏄 Surf lessons in Canggu, followed by sunset drinks at La Brisa.
- 🍳 Recovery brunch at Crate Café or Baked.
Optional luxury: Day-pass at Potato Head Suites or The Lawn—sustainable architecture, lush pools, and great people-watching.
Top design foward stays in Seminyak >
Bonus Day Trip Ideas
- ⛵ Nusa Penida for Instagram-famous cliffs and hidden beaches.
- 🌋 Mount Batur sunrise trek for the adventurous.
- 🐬 Lovina or Amed if you're extending north.
Final Notes
Bali offers distinct experiences that shift throughout the day: morning temple ceremonies, quiet moments in dense forests, waves breaking along the shore, and sunset drinks after a full day of exploration.
This 10-day route covers these varied aspects of the island. While the itinerary provides structure, leave room for unexpected discoveries—they often become the most memorable parts of your trip.
