The Perfect 10 Days in Bali Itinerary

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Are you planning a trip but don’t know which places to visit in Bali? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, my friend. Read on for the best 10 days in Bali Itinerary.

Bali is probably the most visited place in Indonesia or even the whole of South East Asia. It is packed with Instagram-worthy spots that attract not a small crowd each year. Bali is definitely a tourist hot spot, but it is also so much more.

If you ever doubted that you must do Bali at least once in your lifetime, then I hope this post will blow all your doubts away.

Seeing and experiencing everything in Bali in 10 days is virtually impossible. However, the 10 day Bali itinerary that I recommend will allow you to discover the best Bali attractions and flavours.

From pristine, clean beaches of Uluwatu humbling nature in Nusa Penida to chic Canggu cafes, yoga classes, Balinese scrumptious food, walks amongst lush rice fields in Ubud to sunrise volcano hikes and snorkelling with turtles in the Gili Islands. Whatever your taste or travel style, you’re in for a treat.

10 Days In Bali Itinerary

Day 1 Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida has some jaw-dropping places to visit and is a big must-do on your 10 days Bali itinerary. Tourism on Penida is not as developed as on the Bali mainland, so it’s a great place to escape the crowds.

Getting there

There are a couple of ferry companies that organise the cross to Penida Island from Bali. They are all based in Sanur. You can either book your ticket online and arrive an hour before the scheduled departure or arrive in Sanur a day earlier to buy your ticket and spend the night there. The ferry journey takes 45 minutes.

Read the full Guide How to get to Nusa Penida

Things to do

Atuh Beach

This beach is located on the Eastern side of Penida Island. It’s one of the best beaches I’ve experienced. It’s got turquoise, crystal clear water and white, pristine sand. During your one day in Nusa Penida, to save time, I recommend taking in the views from the top instead of climbing down to the beach.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is located in the same place as Atuh Beach. There is one car park for both spots, and if you walk up, Atuh Beach is on the left, and Diamond Beach is on the right. Diamond Beach is not ideal for swimming with its crazy wild waves. The best way to enjoy the beach is to admire the view from the top of the cliff.

Rumah Pohon Tree House

Rumah Pohon Treehouse is probably the most Instagramable spot on Nusa Penida and cannot be missed! The Tree House is also situated on the eastern part of Penida Island, not far from Atuh beach. Climb the Insta famous Tree House and see what is all the fuss about. The view of sharp rocks stuck in the blue ocean makes the scenery very dramatic.

Kelingking Beach View Point

This is the most famous Nusa Penida attraction, and you shouldn’t leave the island without visiting this place! Seriously, if you only have the time to see one place, then choose Kelingking Beach. The clifftop view over the ocean and the rock formation that looks like the head of T-rex guarantees to amaze you.

It is possible to get down to the beach. The descent is not the easiest; it gets really steep, and I sometimes had to slide down on my behind, but it’s entirely doable. It takes about 40 minutes to get down, so remember to factor that into your plan.

Need more inspiration? Check out my full post on the most incredible things to do in Nusa Penida and Where to stay in Nusa Penida.

Other places you may like on Nusa Penida:

Broken Beach, Nusa Penida

Angel’s Billabong, Nusa Penida

Peguyangan Waterfall

Places to stay on Nusa Penida

Places to eat

Coco Penida Bar & Restaurant – What I liked the most about this place was its beachfront location and chilling on the ‘grass’ sitting area. The menu includes a good selection of burgers, pasta dishes, stir-fries, salads and yummy desserts like waffles! The place has a great vibe and it’s perfect to enjoy a few cocktails in the evening.

Vegan Soul Kitchen – This was my favourite place to eat on Penida Island. Everything was super tasty. The menu has many options, including fresh smoothies (papaya smoothie was amazing), salads, tempeh dishes, stir-fries, noodle soups and my very favourite, smash avocado with mushrooms on toast.

Sunny Café Penida – Offers many healthy, mouth-watering options, including smoothie bowls, salads, stir-fries, local cuisine, nachos and burgers. The place also serves Western-style coffees if you want to get your caffeine fix.

Day 2 Nusa Lembongan

Getting there

To get to Nusa Lembongan from Nusa Penida, take one of the small boats that leave from Toya Pakeh Harbour. The journey takes about 25 minutes, and it should cost 50k IDR for a single way.

Things to do on Nusa Lembongan

Dream beach

Spend some time on this gorgeous beach enclosed between large rock formations with crystal clear water and white, fine sand. This is the most popular spot on Nusa Lembongan and there is a good reason for that! You can sip a drink and relax on a sun chair or if you’re more adventurous, go and explore some small caves to the left of the beach.

Devil’s Tears

This place is amazing. It’s a rock formation where massive waves crash against and then the water gets sucked underneath to be released after a few seconds with a big boom. And this nature’s spectacle is called devil’s tears! The place is a tourist hot spot so you may want to arrive early in the morning if you prefer more intimate settings for your visit.

Mangrove Forest Nusa Lembongan

If you want to try something a little different then hire a boat and head to the mangrove forest. The best time to go is during the high tide when it’s possible to explore this place on a kayak. The forest offers some spectacular views of trees with 6-meter roots and some interesting species such as cute, little Bako monkeys.

Mushroom Bay Beach

Situated on the western side of Nusa Lembongan this is the beach where all the boats come to and you can book a ferry to your onwards destination. The beach is busy but didn’t feel overcrowded to me, especially if you venture slightly away to the right, where access to the water is more rocky.

The Mushroom Bay beach is central to all good restaurants and some awesome beach bars and the nearby street has even more choices including shops and minimarts. Spend the evening here chilling and watching the sun go down with a cocktail in your hand.

Check out the full guides: 14 Top Things to do in Nusa Lembongan and Where to stay on Nusa Lembongan

Jungutbatu Beach

Jungutbatu Beach was by far my favourite. A long stretch of beach overlooked by the mighty Mount Agung is excellent for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and just chilling in its many beach bars.

Places to stay on Nusa Lembongan

Places to eat

Bali Eco Delhi – Situated in the Jungut Batu area, this café is a perfect spot for a delicious and healthy breakfast. The menu includes great coffees, smoothie bowls, cakes and salads. And what’s amazing is that they are embracing the eco-friendly culture by banning plastic and supporting animals!

Lemongrass Bar & Restaurant – This place is great for sampling a fusion of traditional Indonesian cuisine with Western flavours. It is situated on the street just off the Jungu Batu beach. It can be busy. I had to wait for a table, but there is a good reason for that! If you ask for a dish to be vegetarian, they’ll make it.

Hai Bar & Grill – This restaurant is located right on the Mushroom Bay Beach with an incredible view of its turquoise, crystal clear waters. The menu offers wood-fired pizzas, seafood and Indonesian dishes. This is a great place to watch the sunset and dine in the seafront location.

Day 3-4 Uluwatu

Uluwatu region is situated on the Bukit Peninsula in the southern part of Bali. Uluwatu has a lot to offer and is famous for its great beaches and some world-renowned surfing spots. But don’t worry, there is something for every taste and budget from luxury and private beach clubs, chic and affordable to secluded beaches where you will need your picnic ‘basket’.

Things to do in Uluwatu

Uluwatu Temple

If you love exploring temples like me, don’t miss this one! Uluwatu Temple, also known as Pura Luhur, is located in a dramatic setting – on a steep, narrow clifftop. Don’t forget to cover your knees and shoulders during your visit.

An incredible way to fully appreciate this temple is to watch the Balinese traditional dance called Kecak which normally starts around sunset time in an amphitheatre within the temple grounds.

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

This is a great place to discover more about Balinese culture. The park offers interesting cultural performances including Balinese traditional dance. And in the centre of the park, there is a massive statue of Wisnu that is raising to a height of 120 m. It is Bali’s most iconic landmark, which interestingly is higher than Christ the Redeemer and Statue of Liberty! There is an additional charge of 100k IDR to go up the statue and the entrance to the park is 125k IDR.

Take a surf class in Uluwatu

Ever wanted to try surfing? Well, this is the best chance you will get. Uluwatu is a world-famous spot for surfing that attracts professional surfers from all over the world. But it’s also good for beginners (me included). Go to Padang Padang beach and have a 90 minutes surfing taster class. It certainly is a bucket-list-worthy experience, and who knows, you may love it and come back next year to do a proper surf camp!

Chill on the beach

If you’re not into surfing, don’t worry. Uluwatu beaches are also perfect for relaxing on a sun lounger with a drink in your hand. You can watch the surfers from the beach or try SUPing or canoeing on Padang Padang beach. During low tide, you can walk to the neighbouring Bingin beach or Dreamland beach.

If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, then I recommend Nyang Nyang beach. Get ready for a little strenuous hike down to the beach, but I promise the muscle pain and sweat will pay off with a serene beach all to yourself.

You may also like:

A Guide to Tegal Wangi Beach

A Guide to Green Bowl Beach

Go paragliding in Uluwatu

If you’ve got adventure running in your veins, then try paragliding.

Single Fin Beach Club

Finish off your day in the iconic Single Fin Beach Club sipping a cold Bintang from an infinity pool. The place has a great vibe despite being touristy. It’s situated on the clifftop so be prepared to experience a breath-taking sunset while watching the surfers riding the waves.

If you have some spare time, go down to Suluban beach where all the surfers hang out and you can explore some cool caves during the low tide too.

Places to stay in Uluwatu

Places to eat

Bukit Café – This place is great for breakfast and lunch! The menu includes things like an acai bowl, smashed avocado on toast and vegan pancakes! They also have a great coffee selection. The café is located on the main road leading to Padang Padang beach.

Drifter Cafe – This café is located on the same street as Bukit Café and offers early opening hours (6 am). There is a great selection of healthy, locally sourced food for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian options. My favourite was a tofu scramble and green smoothie. They also have some great Balinese coffee.

Ours Bali Cafe – This is another excellent cafe that I come to each time I visit Uluwatu. It’s located on the same main road as Bukit Cafe. Our menu has an excellent selection of breakfast, healthy hearty salads and Buddha bowls.

Day 5 Canggu

Canggu has a unique vibe, and it’s a hub for expats, bloggers, entrepreneurs and surfers. Visit this small city and have a glimpse into their lives. Canggu has a great selection of healthy cafés and restaurants, and it’s heaven for foodies like myself!

Things to do in Canggu

Eat your way through Canggu

Pura Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot Temple is situated 11 km from Canggu and can be reached on a motorbike or by ordering a Grab or Go Jek.

According to the legend, Tanah Lot was built in the 16th century, and it’s one of the 7 sea temples that were built within eyesight of the next to create a chain that protects Bali from evil spirits. The temple has been built on a rock surrounded by crashing waves, and it’s a place of religious worship. Remember to cover your knees and shoulders while you visiting.

Tanah Lot can be enjoyed best at sunset time or early in the morning when other tourists are still asleep. You can also take some good pictures from the beach with the temple in the background.

Taman Ayun Temple

If you prefer a less touristy temple, then this could be your alternative to visiting Tanah Lot. Pura Taman Ayun is located 30 minutes’ drive north of Canggu town. The entrance fee is 30k IDR, and there is a good chance you will be able to explore it without the crowd.

Canggu Rice Fields

When you think of Rice Fields in Bali you probably have in mind the rice fields in Ubud. Although they are the most beautiful, they’re also packed with tourists and charge an entry fee!

Canggu rice paddies can provide a more serene and genuine experience. You are most likely to enjoy the lush green fields alone and spot rice farmers going about their daily chores.

The rice fields are located on Jalan Pantai Pererenan, which is a road that leads to the beach. Also, you can turn left to Jalan Sempol to find some more paddies.

The best way to visit is to hire a scooter and park it close by and walk. Some of the roads are steep, dirt tracks full of potholes and if you’re not a super experienced driver, you may struggle to navigate your motorbike there. Alternatively, you can cycle.

La Brisa Market

The market takes place every Sunday at 10 am until 4 pm in La Brisa beach Club on Echo Beach. It’s a great way of experiencing local life. There is a lot of interesting eco-friendly products from local suppliers to check out including natural cosmetics, handcrafted jewellery, crystals, clothing and organic produce.

If you don’t happen to be in Canggu on Sunday, an alternative is to go shopping in Seminyak. It should take 20 min by a motorbike or taxi. Seminyak is the best shopping spot in Bali for chic, boohoo, stylish (whatever is your vibe) Balinese brands of clothes, jewellery, bikinis, sunglasses, accessories, you name it.

Read:

Best Canggu Markets

Echo Beach

Echo Beach is the most upmarket beach in Canggu with some great restaurants and bars on the beach where you can finish your day in Canggu watching the sunset. The beach itself is not great for swimmers but it’s a perfect spot for watching professional surfers charging the reef break near the shore.

You may also enjoy a Guide to Pasut Beach which is close to Canggu.

Places to stay in Canggu

Best Bali Hotels in Canggu

Places to eat in Canggu

The Shady Shack – This is a healthy food café style place where you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner. The restaurant is set in a lush garden and has a large choice of healthy, mostly plant-based meals, all full of colours and flavours, including smoothies, buddha bowls, salads, burritos and coffees.

Beach garden – Organic Kitchen – It’s a market, restaurant and a bar all in one. The place is set in lush greenery and has got some comfortable sitting to chill out on. The menu includes a variety of choices – jackfruit curry, pad thai, nasi goreng, veggie burgers and more.

Warung Dandelion – This restaurant serves traditional Asian and Indonesian cuisine. The venue is set out in a traditional, Balinese styled wooden cottage, which is gorgeous! And the best part is that they have pet bunnies running around, so cute! The menu includes curries, stir-fries and rice dishes, all fairly priced.

Day 6-7 North of Bali

If you want to experience a slightly different side of Bali, then it’s time to go north as part of your 10 day Bali itinerary. As soon as you get out of Kuta area and its heavy traffic and crowds, you will experience a pleasant drive in the mountainous region. It was very interesting to go through small villages and see how Balinese live further away from tourist hot spots. Also, I’ve noticed that the air was much fresher and the temperature lower and much more pleasant.

Things to do

Pura Ulun Danu Temple

This northern Bali, Hindu temple also known as Pura Bratan, is located on the shores of Lake Bratan, in the northern part of Bali, 52 km away from Canggu. It is another temple taken straight from a Bali postcard picture. It’s one of the most important temples in Bali and the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple complex consists of 6 different temples.

There is an entrance fee of 30k IDR. The monument is very busy with local people paying a religious visit and international tourists alike.

Bali Handara Gate

Handara Gate is one of the most Instagramable places in Bali. In Balinese culture, gates like this one have an important meaning, signifying coming from the outside world to the holy place, usually a temple. Ironically, this gate is an entrance to the golf course.

What to expect at Handara Gate

Expect to pay an entrance or shall I say a photo fee of 30k IDR and wait between 30 and 60 minutes in the queue to take a picture at the gate! I know, it’s absolutely crazy. I must admit that I succumbed to this ‘locura’ and waited my turn in the queue! In my defence, however, the magnificent Handara Gate and the lush mountains in the backdrop create some dramatic scenery for a breathtaking and unique photo! So, no regrets on my part!

Banyumala Twin Waterfall

Banyumala Twin Waterfall is situated a further 40 minutes drive from Pura Ulun Danu. It’s not overly crowded and the surrounding nature is really beautiful. Take a refreshing swim in the waterfall water!

There is an entrance fee of 15k IDR and a further 3k IDR for parking. From the car park, it takes 15 min walk to reach the waterfall.

Wanagiri Hidden Hills & Bali Swing

You probably have seen a photo of a giant swing over a lake on your Instagram feed? Well, you will have the opportunity to take your very own here. The place is not far from the Handara Gate, it charges 300k IDR entrance fee. In that price, you will have access to a giant swing, a nest and other photosets.

Be aware that on the same road, other photo stations are imitating the Wanagiri Hidden Hills. They are nowhere near as good as the original but it’s a way of making extra money for the locals.

Lovina Beach

Lovina Beach is located on the northern shore of Bali and is much more tranquil than more famous spots like Kuta or Seminyak. Lovina is known for its black sand beaches that give seawater a different, special shade of blue.
Lovina is famous for morning dolphin-watching excursions, Banjar hot springs and snorkelling.

Places to stay in Munduk

Places to eat in Lovina

Secret Garden Restaurant – It’s family-owned and serves seafood and international cuisine like pasta, seafood curry and avocado-shrimp salad. They offer a free pick-up service, and the tables are set in a lush garden.

AKAR Café Lovina – This is a cute little café that serves vegetarian and healthy food, including smoothies, wraps, burgers, tapas, falafel and curries.

Warung Jegeg – Visit this place for Asian and local food. They also offer cooking classes.

Day 8-9 Ubud

Day 8 of your Bali 10 day itinerary, and it’s time to spend some time in Ubud. Ubud takes a special place in my heart maybe because it’s the first place I’ve visited in Bali.

Ubud has a completely different vibe to Kuta or Uluwatu. It’s set in a jungle surrounded by rice fields, and there is something mystical about it. There is so much to explore in Ubud and its surrounding areas, including many interesting temples, Sacred Monkey Forest, the iconic Tegalang Rice Fields and much more!

Check out my full post on Ubud Itinerary

Things to do in Ubud

Ubud Monkey Forest

Yes, monkeys in Ubud have their own park where they can rule the world, or at least the park! Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a natural habitat for over a thousand long-tailed monkeys.

There is a small entrance fee, which is around $6 for adults and a little less for children.
You can also buy some bananas for the monkeys.

It is important to follow the rules set by the park because an upset monkey can be really vicious. As a general rule, you shouldn’t be carrying any plastic bags, plastic bottles or any loose objects that monkeys can snatch from you.

If you follow the rules, you’ll have an enjoyable visit and will be able to have a glimpse into a wild monkey’s life. There are many cute monkey babies! But be aware of their protective mothers!

Ubud Royal Palace

Ubud Royal Palace, or Puri Saren Agung, is located right in Ubud on Jl. Raya Ubud 8. It is where the royal family of Ubud used to reside. The entrance is free, and it’s a little crowded, so come in the morning for a better experience. There is also a dance performance every evening worth checking out for about $6.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Tegalang or Ubud Rice Fields are the most scenic rice terraces that can be found in Bali, and not surprisingly, they are a tourist hot spot and one of the most Instagramable places too!

The best time to visit is at sunrise when you will be able to enjoy the place with only a few other visitors and take those breathtaking shots of empty lush rice fields. The early morning is also good for the light and the lower temperature, which will make your visit more comfortable.

There is a small entrance fee of 10k IDR payable in a small ticket office. You can enter the rice fields from multiple locations off the busy street that has got some cafes and warungs alongside. Don’t be surprised if you get asked to give a small donation by a farmer to enter their part of the rice paddies. Another 10-15k IDR should be sufficient.

Bali Swing

Bali Swing is located on Tegaland Rice Fields. It’s one of the most iconic Bali swings. It’s huge, and swinging on it can give you a nice adrenaline rush. and it’s a pure treat, given the scenery! Not to mention the amazing shot of you in a flowy dress swinging over lush rice paddies! The price for this pleasure is 300k IDR, which is steep by my standards.

Tukad Cepung Waterfall

Tukad Cepung Waterfall is one of my favourite waterfalls. It’s special because it’s a waterfall in a cave! For the best visual effect, visit this place between 9 am and 11 am when sun rays lit the cave.

There is a small entrance fee of 15k IDR and a steep path down to the waterfall. I recommend wearing water shoes as you’ll be walking through muddy and rocky water. Along the way, you’ll go past many little cafes where you can take a break and chill out.

Tukad Cepung is an hour drive from Ubud.

Other awesome waterfalls near Ubud:

Kanto Lampo

Tibumana Waterfall

Campuhan Ridge Walk

If you fancy a little stroll surrounded by lush greenery but not far from the busy centre of Ubud, then take the Campuhan Ridge Walk. The walk takes you through a ridge between beautiful rice fields and palm trees.

You can easily walk here from the centre of Ubud or come on a scooter. Simply find Warwick IBAH Luxury Villas and Spa on Google Maps. When you get to a crossroad, on the right, you will see a sign to IBAH, so take the opposite direction to reach the start of Campuhan Ridge Walk.
If you come on a scooter, there will be a car park before the bridge. After the bridge, there is a pretty little temple that you can check out, and to continue, walk along its fence to the right.

The walk is short and sweet, but you can continue as long as you want and go back when you’re ready.

Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

If you’re looking for something more challenging, then add hiking Mt Batur to your Bali itinerary. 10 days may not be enough to do everything Bali’s got on offer, but this activity is a must-do in Bali for the adventurous lot.

Mount Batur, also known as Gunung Batur, rises to 1,717 metres. It’s a strenuous hike, but at the end, you get rewarded with an incredible and tear-jerking sunrise view stretching over Mount Agung. On the way back, there is a treat for you – a hot spring stop where you can soak those sore muscles and enjoy the magnificent view of the lake.

Places to stay in Ubud

Places to eat

Moksa Plant-based Cuisine & Permaculture Garden – Asian fusion cuisine that offers vibrant, healthy and beautifully presented dishes including tempeh ribs, curries and some raw vegan options too. The restaurant is located a short drive away from Ubud in beautiful country surroundings. They grow their vegetables and even make their own ceramics!

Juice Ja Café – is located in Ubud town. It offers healthy, locally grown food with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. They also support local charities to empower women and children in Bali.

Day 10 East of Bali

Things to do

Tirta Gangga

Tirta Gangga Bali is also called the Water Palace, and it’s a very interesting place to visit. The spot is quite touristy, the good sides of that are numerous cafes where you can take a break.

The garden is really pretty, and if you’re into getting an Insta-worthy shot, go ahead and take one in the middle of the pond with some massive fish swimming around you (if you feed them, that is)!

Pura Lempuyang and Gates to Heaven

Pura Lempuyang Temple is one of the six most important sanctuaries in Bali and should be top on your Bali itinerary for many good reasons, whether you want to explore Bali’s spiritual, and religious customs or simply want to take the most epic photograph at the Lempuyang Gates of Heaven.

The temple is located 70km from Ubud, which should take about 2 hours to get to. When you arrive, you will be asked to make a donation and hire a sarong.

The Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple is one of the most instagramable places in Bali. The temple overlooks Mount Agung, which can be captured between the gates for an epic photo. If you’re lucky, you may see steam coming out of Mount Agung, which will make your visit even more memorable.

You may also like:

Bukit Cinta Mt Agung Viewpoint

Best Things to do in Sidemen East Bali

Where to stay in Sidemen

Lahangan Sweet – Mt Agung Viewpoint

Amed & Black Sand Beach

Amed is a small fishing village on the eastern side of Bali. It’s nothing like Bali’s most popular hot spots like Kuta or Seminyak. It’s got a more chilled vibe to it. Amed is mostly known for its picturesque black beaches with colourful fishing boats.

Amed has some great snorkelling spots to explore in Jemeluk or Lipah, where you can go snorkelling off the beach or hire a small boat that will take you further into the sea to Amed’s best snorkelling locations.

On your 10th day, I recommend staying in Amed Village, below you’ll find some hotel options to choose from. If you only have a few hours available to spend in Amed, go to the Sunset Point! There is a restaurant where you can get a cold Bintang while watching the sun going down over the Amed coastline and the breathtaking Mount Agung in the backdrop.

Places to stay in Amed

Best hotels in Amed

Places to eat in Amed

Galanga – Galanga restaurant serves Indonesian and Asian fusion cuisine with a great traditional Balinese ambience. I loved the bamboo tables in cute little huts and the food served on banana leaves. The menu includes curries, stir-fries, samosas, burgers and some good veggie options too.

Life in Amed Restaurant – This restaurant, which is also a hotel has a great ample menu including meat, seafood and a whole page of vegetarian options of both International and Indonesian cuisine. It’s also good for breakfast and lunch. I loved the dragon fruit bowl.

Small Time Cooks – This small café serves a selection of burgers, including veggie and vegan choices, salads and smoothies.

2 Weeks In Bali – Itinerary

Day 1-2 Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan
Day 3-4 Uluwatu
Day 5 Canggu
Day 6-7 North of Bali
Day 8-9 Ubud
Day 10 East of Bali
Day 11-14 The Gili Islands

BONUS DAYS 11-14 The Gili Islands

To make your 10 days in Bali itinerary into 2 weeks, from Amed take a ferry boat to the Gili Islands! The Gilis technically don’t belong to Bali but rather they are classified under Lombok, but most travellers will visit them on their Bali trip.

Many hotels in Amed sell ferry tickets to the Gili Islands which is convenient, especially if you arrive late in Amed and don’t have the energy to shop around. I bought my ticket from the hotel for 400k IDR. I’m suspecting that buying it straight from the ticket office is cheaper.

The Gilis are paradise on earth and I really mean it! There are no cars allowed on the islands and everyone – visitors and locals alike, cycle. I say the whole world should be more like the Gilis!

The water is so clear and turquoise that makes me want to cry when I’m writing it… There are 3 different islands situated very close to each other: Gili Trawangan, which is the largest island with the biggest selection of hotels, shops, restaurants and nightlife; Gili Air, which is considered to be more upmarket and Gili Meno which is the quietest of the three.

Read:

How to get to Gili Island

Things to do in The Gili Islands

Snorkelling

The most popular activity in the Gilis is snorkelling or scuba diving. You can go snorkelling off the beach or rent a boat to take you further in the sea to the best coral reefs. The sea is calm and the water crystal clear which is perfect for exploring sea life.
If you’re planning to snorkel off the beach, I recommend taking with you sea shoes. You need to walk fairly far to get deep enough and the bottom of the sea is covered with sharp pieces of dead coral reef and sea urchins (they are black and spiky and you don’t want to step on them). Alternatively, you can rent flippers from a beach vendor and that will do the job nicely too.

Swimming with turtles

The most incredible thing by far to do in the Gilis is swimming with turtles! The waters surrounding the Gili islands are the natural habitat of these cute and gentle giants! And for me, it was the highlight of my stay there.

There are a few places where you can spot them. The first one is located in front of the Seri Resort on Gili Meno. It is a little hard to get there from the shore, but not impossible if you a strong swimmer and wearing the flippers. The other turtle point is off Gili T, in front of the Turtle Beach Bar. You can use sun loungers and a parasol for free if you have lunch in their restaurant.

Underwater statues

Another great snorkelling stop is at the Gili’s water statues. They are located between Gili T and Gili Meno. They look like something taken from an ancient cult but actually, they have been put in, in recent years to assist the building of coral reef. And I think it’s working because the area around the statues was swarming with different species of fish when I last visited.

Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The statues are a very popular spot hunted by people wanting the perfect picture.

There are other different installations in the Gili waters that help coral reef and are great for exploring. For example, the two moppets. Ask your boat operator to take you to them.

Sunset watching

If you love sunset watching as much as I do, then prepare yourself for a real treat. The Gili Islands offer some spectacular evening light shows. Many incredible hotels have built water swings and hammocks to make the sunset experience even more fun for their guests.

Head to Gili Meno for the most tranquil, soul-soothing sunset. Most hotels are located on the north-eastern side, so rent a bike and cycle through a small forest to the other side. There will be a very quiet café where you can get a drink and watch the sun going down.

On Gili T, head to the western side, there are plenty of bars that offer happy hours and lounge vibes during the sunset.

Places to stay in the Gili Trawangan

Luxury – Pearl of Trawangan

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Midrange – Le Pirate Beach Club

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Budget – Cinta Cottages

Read:

Ultimate Guide to Best Areas to Stay in Bali

Places to eat

Pituq Waroeng – This place is plant-based heaven. If you want to taste Indonesian cuisine with a modern twist and vegan then this is your pick! Pituq Waroeng has a great, traditional ambience and they also have a little charity shop that sells eco, handmade soaps, clothes and other products.

Ikan Restaurant – Right on the beach with some charming lights and cool vibes in the evening. They serve all sorts of food for all diets including falafel, Mexican quesadillas, burgers and salads.

Tiki Grove – This is a Mexican restaurant. If you want a break from Indonesian food then try this place. The restaurant serves all the Mexican favourites including tacos, burritos and some really good cocktails.

Tips For Travelling To Bali

How many days in Bali?

There is so much to see and experience in Bali that you wouldn’t get bored staying a month! However, most first time travellers would take 1 to 2 weeks to explore the island. The number of days would depend on your travel style – do you mind moving around a lot or prefer to stay in one place and relax? The best places in Bali to relax are Ubud for a jungle feel retreat and Uluwatu or Kuta area for beach vibes.

If you’re anything like me and can’t sit steal in one place too long, then 10 days to 2 weeks in Bali itinerary will allow you experience top Bali attractions.

If you only had 3 days in Bali, I would visit Ubud, Uluwatu and Canggu.

Getting around Bali

Bali is a large island with public transport virtually non-existing. The road system is not very well developed and Bali often suffers from bad traffic. What should be an hour drive can easily take double. So please have that in mind while planning your Bali route. Don’t be over-ambitious like me, thinking you can do two remote areas in one day. Follow my 10 day Bali itinerary and 2-week itinerary of Bali for best time-saving routes.

With a private driver

The most convenient way to get from one area to another is hiring a private driver. In Bali, everyone is a driver so it should be fairly easy to get one. You can ask your hotel/hostel or book one online. The going rate for a driver is around 900k IDR for 8 hours including petrol and small parking fees.

With Go Jek or Grab

Another way to get around in Bali is by downloading a Go Jek or Grab travel app. They are the Asian equivalent of UBER. I’ve had a good experience with them being reliable and much cheaper than normal taxis, especially the ones ordered at hotels where a hotel gets a cut of your fare. You normally need to pay by cash to the driver. And they also offer a food delivery service to your hotel room, which can be really handy after a busy day of exploring.

On a scooter

For smaller distances within one area, I recommend hiring a scooter. It should cost around 60k IDR for a whole day. It can be a fun way of moving around as long as the traffic is not too bad. I rode a scooter for the first time in my life in Uluwatu. The area is not very busy and I found it fairly easy. But please, if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it and get a Grab ride instead!

Scooter safety in Bali

If it’s your first time, make sure you are shown how to operate your scooter. Check that breaks and lights work correctly. Always wear a helmet! Remember to drive on the left side (same as in the UK).

If you need to top up your fuel, petrol is sold in glass bottles on the side of the road. It’s cheap but doesn’t last very long. Always make sure you’ve got enough petrol to come back to your accommodation.

If you’re planning to watch the sunset, remember that you’ll be coming back in the dark, again make sure your lights work and your phone has enough battery so that you can use maps and get safely back to your hotel. Also, after dark, there is way more traffic so if you’re not so confident, consider another mode of transport.

Most points of interest in Bali can be found on Google Maps and are relatively easy to navigate to. When you’re on your motorbike, don’t look at your phone but put your headphones on and listen to the audio navigation. Read the next section on how to get cheap internet in Bali.

Bali SIM

The cheapest way to use the internet on your phone in Bali is to get a local SIM card. You can choose, how many GBs you want and the card costs around $5. Best places to buy your card are specialised SIM shops, where you can buy your internet top up and they will set everything up on your phone so you don’t need to worry.

Be aware! SIM cards sold at the airport are a lot more expensive. Also, when you get a taxi from Denpasar Airport, your driver may stop in a shop for you to buy one. The prices of those SIM cards are at least 5 times more expensive and your ‘helpful’ driver gest a cut for bringing you to the store. Simply, politely turn down the offer and ask the driver to take you to your accommodation without any more detours

Temple rules

Bali is rich in culture and spirituality. When visiting temples in Bali, please be respectful and follow the rules:

• Dress code- you will be required to cover your knees and arms. You can normally rent a sarong for 10k IDR.

• No kissing or showing another type of affection at the temple grounds is allowed.

• Women during their menstruation are not allowed in the temple grounds. They are considered impure.

• Respectful behaviour is expected. This applies in particular during a religious ceremony. If you happen to visit at that time, be quiet and take photos from a distance not to interfere with the local customs.

• These are common sense but no harm in repeating it. Don’t climb statues, tread on small offerings on the ground and don’t enter areas that say not to enter.

Rai International Airport Advise

I know how overwhelming it can be to arrive at the airport in a foreign country that you’re visiting for the first time, especially as a solo female traveller. So here a few tips to get you through it painlessly:

• There are official taxi stands at the airport after customs in the arrival area where you can get a fixed price taxi depending on the area you want to get to.

• If you’re travelling solo and you are worried talk to the taxi counter and get a fixed fair or pre-arrange the pickup with your hotel. This option will be more expensive but it will give you peace of mind after a long flight.

• Alternatively, you can talk to a driver outside but agree on the price before you get into their car.

• Go Jek and Grab are not allowed to pick up customers from the airport.

• If you don’t have any Indonesian money, use an ATM at the airport to withdraw enough money to pay for a taxi. The maximum you can withdraw is 3m IDR per transaction. While it is important to have some cash to pay for food at small warungs, drinks, tips and small souvenirs, I would never carry too much cash with me. Also, check with all your hotels if they take cards. Some small hotels in Bali will only take cash payments, so check with them and prepare.

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