Bali is a magical place—an island that enchants and overwhelms with its lush nature, temples wrapped in mystery, and waves crashing onto golden beaches. But how can you truly experience it, avoiding the usual postcard routes and breathing in its authentic soul?
Here’s a 10-day itinerary to explore Bali through nature, culture, relaxation, and a few extra treats.
I visited a few years ago as a digital nomad and, maybe because I had too many expectations, Bali didn’t strike me as I had imagined. But today, with fresh eyes and the desire to discover every corner of the island, I dream of going back for a true, complete tour—slower, more authentic, and more mindful.
Day 1 – Arrival in Denpasar & transfer to Uluwatu
After landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, leave the travel chaos behind and head to the Bukit Peninsula, at the southernmost tip of Bali. Uluwatu is one of the most striking areas of the island, perfect for acclimating amid breathtaking views, towering cliffs, and the constant sound of ocean waves.
What to do
- Enjoy sunset at Uluwatu Temple: perched on a cliff overlooking the sea, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most fascinating sea temples. The best time to visit is late afternoon, when the sun dips into the ocean and the sky turns orange.
- Catch a Kecak dance at sunset: every evening, right next to the temple, there’s a spectacular Kecak dance performance. The rhythmic chanting of men seated in a circle, the torches, and the natural backdrop of the sunset make this show unforgettable.
Dinner with a view: choose between two icons of Balinese lifestyle:
- Rock Bar at Ayana Resort: a terrace suspended over the ocean, reached by a panoramic elevator.
- Single Fin: a more casual spot loved by surfers, with great cocktails and a relaxed sunset vibe.
Where to stay
- The Ungasan Clifftop Resort – One of the most exclusive properties in the area, offering private villas with pools and spectacular ocean views. Perfect for starting the trip in style and tranquility. Alternatively, consider:
- Gravity Boutique Hotel: more intimate and boho-chic, immersed in greenery.
- Suarga Padang Padang: an eco-luxury hotel with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Tips
If you arrive in the afternoon, consider a Balinese massage at your hotel or one of the many local spas to beat jet lag and relax before you begin your adventure.
Days 2–3 – Canggu: surf, coworking, and hipster sunsets
After Uluwatu’s spiritual, wild atmosphere, head to Canggu: Bali’s bohemian capital. A perfect mix of surfer beaches, creative cafés, independent boutiques, and cutting-edge coworking spaces, Canggu is the beating heart of the island’s international digital nomad community. Once a quiet village among rice paddies, today it’s one of the island’s coolest spots.
What to do
- Start your day with a smoothie bowl at one of the many design-forward cafés: try Crate Café, Shady Shack, or Motion Café for a healthy, photogenic breakfast.
- Take a surf lesson at Batu Bolong or Echo Beach, great even for beginners. If you prefer to stay on the sand, just relax with a cocktail and a fresh coconut.
- Work (or pretend to 😄) at one of the island’s best coworking spaces:
- Outpost Canggu: modern, with a pool and coliving area.
- Dojo Bali: a digital-nomad icon, open 24/7 and just steps from the sea.
- Browse artisan and fashion markets, like Love Anchor Market or the pop-up markets in various beach clubs.
- Sunset on the beach? Don’t miss an aperitif at La Brisa, with soft lights, palms, and tropical-boho vibes. A livelier alternative: Old Man’s, perfect for a beer and international chit-chat.
Where to stay
- The Slow – A design boutique hotel in the heart of Canggu, perfect for those seeking style and chill vibes.
- Zin Canggu – Ideal for working on the road: modern rooms, in-house coworking, and a great location.
- Alternatively: Kos One Hostel, overlooking the rice fields, youthful atmosphere, and an amazing pool.
Tips
Rent a scooter (with a helmet!) to explore the surroundings: you can discover hidden temples, rice fields, and small authentic warungs away from the usual tourist routes.
Days 4–5 – Ubud: spirit, rice fields, and temples
Welcome to Bali’s green, spiritual heart. Ubud isn’t just a place—it’s a state of mind: nature blends with culture, the sacred dances with art, and every corner tells a story of harmony. After the vibrant energy of the south, Ubud is perfect for slowing down and connecting with the island and yourself.
What to do
- Stroll through the Tegalalang rice terraces, one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes. To avoid crowds, start early and also discover the less touristy rice fields of Sayan or the Campuhan Ridge Walk, a trail of nature and silence.
- Visit Tirta Empul Temple, where you can take part in the purification ritual in Bali’s sacred waters. Bring a sarong (or borrow one at the entrance) and let yourself be guided by the rhythm of offerings and prayers.
- Explore the Monkey Forest, a sacred forest home to hundreds of macaques. A mix of wild nature and sacred architecture, where moss-covered statues and banyan roots weave mysteries and legends.
- Visit the Royal Palace and local markets: Ubud’s center is full of art galleries, craft shops, colorful batik, and handcrafted silver jewelry.
- Practice yoga or meditation at one of the world-famous centers, like The Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive, or Ubud Yoga Centre. Dawn sessions overlooking the rice fields are unforgettable.
- Savor Balinese cuisine: book a traditional cooking class, perhaps in a local home nestled in the jungle, or dine at a refined restaurant like Locavore (sustainable fine dining) or Sayuri Healing Food for vegan and Ayurvedic options.
Where to stay
- Adiwana Svarga Loka – A resort immersed in the jungle, perfect for those seeking silence and spirituality.
- Wapa di Ume Ubud – Elegant, with views over the rice fields and an infinity pool in the green.
- Ubud Nyuh Bali Resort & Spa – Private villas and a holistic spa for a rejuvenating stay.
Tips
Take time to do nothing. Ubud is one of the few places in the world where “the sweetness of doing nothing” becomes a ritual: sip ginger tea while watching frogs hop among the rice fields and let time slow down with you.
Day 6 – Mount Batur & hot springs
Sveglia alle primissime luci dell’alba (o meglio, nel cuore della notte) per una delle esperienze
Wake up at the very first light of dawn (or better yet, in the middle of the night) for one of Bali’s most iconic experiences: hiking Mount Batur, an active volcano that offers breathtaking views. With the help of a local guide, begin the ascent around 3:30 a.m. After about two hours of walking, you’ll be at the top just in time to see the sun rise through the clouds, illuminating the lakes below and the mountainous horizon. A moment that will stay with you forever.
What to bring: hiking shoes, a sweatshirt (it’s cold at the top!), a headlamp, and water.
After the descent, unwind at the Toya Devasya hot springs, right on the shores of Lake Batur. The natural pools with warm, mineral-rich water are perfect for regenerating body and mind. You can also treat yourself to a lake-view massage, perhaps with a fresh mango juice.
Consiglio
Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Kintamani and try the famous babi guling (suckling pig), a typical dish of the area.
Days 7–8 – Nusa Penida: cliffs, beaches, and adventure
Rent a speedboat from Sanur or Padang Bai and get ready to explore the wild island of Nusa Penida, where nature still reigns supreme. Rougher and more unspoiled than Bali, Nusa Penida is paradise for those who love dramatic scenery and big emotions.
What to do
- Kelingking Beach, with its famous T-Rex-shaped cliff: one of Indonesia’s most iconic views. The descent to the beach is steep and challenging, but the golden sand and crystal-clear water reward every effort.
- Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach: natural rock pools where ocean and land merge in a surreal spectacle.
- Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, on the east coast: less crowded, offering incredible views and beaches perfect for a relaxing break.
- Snorkeling at Manta Point or Crystal Bay: if you’re lucky, you can swim with giant manta rays!
Where to stay
- Autentik Penida Glamping – luxury tents immersed in nature, perfect for a night under the stars.
- Kabeh Jati Garden Villa – with jungle and sea views, ideal for couples and slow travelers.
Tips
Hire a local driver with a jeep (the roads are bumpy!) or a boat tour that lets you hit all the highlights in a single day.
Days 9–10 – Seminyak or Sanur for the final days
The last days of your trip deserve a slower pace—between boutiques, seaside sunsets, and sweet moments. Choose between Seminyak, vibrant and chic, or Sanur, relaxed and with a slower vibe.
What to do
In Seminyak:
- Unwind at an iconic beach club like Potato Head or KU DE TA, sipping a sunset cocktail among palms and chill music.
- Spend a few hours shopping in artisanal boutiques and concept stores like Magali Pascal, Kim Soo, or The Bali Tailor.
- Dine at standout restaurants like Mamasan, Merah Putih, or the hush-hush Barbacoa.
In Sanur:
- Stroll along the seaside promenade, among fishing boats and colonial-style cafés.
- Treat yourself to an Ayurvedic treatment or an ocean-view massage at a local spa.
- Head out for one last dawn boat trip or a bike ride through villages and local temples.
Where to stay
- The Colony Hotel (Seminyak) – an elegant, adults-only boutique hotel, perfect for relaxing in style.
- Maya Sanur Resort & Spa – modern, green, with direct beach access.
Tips
Don’t over-schedule. Leave room for the unexpected, for the smiles of locals, and for one last coconut sipped while watching the sea. Bali is meant to be lived that way, too.
Practical travel tips
- Getting around: rent a scooter or rely on a private driver using apps like Grab or Gojek
- Best time to go: May to October, for dry weather and ideal temperatures
- Documents: check visa requirements (usually free for tourism up to 30 days)
- Heads-up: Bali is beautiful, but traffic can be intense. Allow plenty of time for transfers
Your trip to Bali, at a slow pace
This itinerary is designed for those who want to truly experience Bali, alternating adventure, contemplation, and discovery.
There’s no need to rush: in every temple, every kind gaze, every frangipani tree, there’s already all the beauty you were looking for.
Bali isn’t visited—it’s breathed.
