10 Days in Bali: Itinerary, Where to Go, What to Do & Where to Stay

There’s hardly a Southeast Asia travel plan that’ll polarize travellers more than spending 10 days in Bali.

Those who loved their Bali itinerary dream of its misty Hindu temples, rice terraces, and sandy beaches with an almost unhealthy obsessiveness; those who didn’t fight tooth and nail to convince others there are “better,” more off-the-beaten-path places elsewhere in Indonesia and the Southeast Asia region.

Either way, in planning out what to do in Bali in 10 days, you’re up for a challenge. No, you don’t need to experience an eat-pray-love-style spiritual awakening to fall in love with the enigmatic Indonesian island; you just need to know where to go—and, more importantly—where not to go.

Ready to launch the perfect Bali trip plan? Plan the vacation of your dreams with this complete 10-day itinerary for first-time travellers…

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Where to go in Bali in 10 days: A complete 10-day itinerary

If you haven’t guessed yet, I fall deeply into the life-could-always-use-more-Bali crowd. That’s not to say I enjoyed every minute.

I should warn you: most of what you’ve heard about Bali is probably true. Both good and bad.

There are few words to describe the feeling of staring upon a rice paddy climbing into the rainforest to the tune of howling of monkeys or the first time you spot an ancient Balinese temple piercing through a misty lake.

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Bali’s less pleasant side seems a little easier to explain, usually with choice words that would once have triggered a thorough mouth-washing with soap.

I’d be lying if I said the aggressive touts, the traffic, the motorcycle exhaust, or the endless stream of drunken Aussies don’t sully the Bali travel experience. But that doesn’t mean it needs to define it.

This 10-day Bali itinerary won’t be the perfect fit for everyone. It’s written with the mid-range to luxury traveller in mind, those who don’t mind spending a little extra to get away from the budget accommodation bubbles that put Bali’s most irritating tourism flaws front and centre.

You’ll notice one glaring admission: Kuta. When you hear Bali horror stories, no doubt it starts there. Kuta is the most developed and most popular destination in Bali, thanks no doubt to its Indian Ocean surf. But I can say, comfortably, that it’s also a truly horrendous place for anyone more than a couple of years past puberty.

Part of the charm of Bali is the chance to relax. You just can’t do it in Kuta. At all. Skip it, and I promise you won’t miss a thing.

I’ll warn you that this Bali trip itinerary might push towards the edge of travelling too quickly. In most of the 10-day itineraries on Treksplorer I’ve avoided travelling between destinations too often, usually leaving 3-4 days for each stop with day trips thrown in.

I made a bit of an exception here.

Bali is a relatively small and compact island. Even with the sometimes horrendous traffic, getting around Bali isn’t overly difficult. Travel times between destinations are relatively short. Hardly the mind-and-body-draining exercise of, let’s say, travelling across Java!

With this trip plan, I wanted to provide a diverse and sweeping view of the island—at least as much as possible in such a short time.

If you have more time, I’d recommend slowing down. Rather than adding more Balinese destinations, stay longer in each. Make use of the island’s small stature to launch day trips from places like Ubud or Lovina to explore the different regions more deeply.

Seminyak

2 Days

Although it’s only 15 minutes north, Seminyak feels worlds apart from the debauchery of Kuta or even Legian. Seminyak is the most mature among the popular west coast beach trifecta. It specializes in more luxurious digs that leave the party-going backpacker crowd clawing for accommodations further south.

(And, trust me, that’s a good thing.)

Evening Beach Bar Seminyak

What results here is a more subdued experience than Kuta. That’s not to say that Seminyak is the poster child for the quiet charms of Bali. There’s still a tad bit of crazy here—if that’s what you’re looking for!

Spend at least two days in Seminyak to acclimatize yourself before moving on to the island’s more spiritually uplifting and quieter corners.

What to do in Seminyak

I wouldn’t visit Seminyak with the expectation of a couple activity-packed days. Unlike elsewhere in Bali, your best moments here won’t be spent digging for cultural attractions. Simply enjoying the finer pleasures in life, like sipping on a drink while watching the sun dip below the Indian Ocean, dominates the experience.

Nonetheless, here are a few popular things to do in Seminyak:

Take a dip at Seminyak Beach

First and foremost, Seminyak is a beach town. The beautiful 3-kilometre stretch of white sand at Seminyak Beach is where you’ll focus much of your energy while staying here.

Seminyak Beach

Besides walking along the coast or cooling off in the surf, Seminyak Beach—and its perfect westerly location—is famous for its sunsets. Grab a beer or wine at one of the many beachside restaurants and get yourself ready for a show!

Get deep into relaxation with a spa treatment

Aside from its beach, Seminyak’s other claim to fame is its high-end spa scene. Don’t let the term throw you off: Spas here (and on much of the island) are particularly affordable, costing far less than in North America or Europe.

Frangipani at Balinese Spa

Many hotels in Seminyak even include in-house spas offering anything from Balinese massages to steam rooms.

Otherwise, check out the contemporary Glo Spa (Jl Kunti 119) or the luxurious Prana Spa (Jl Kunti 118).

Ready to plan out your Bali spa & wellness experience? Here are a couple spa day tours in Seminyak:

  • Traditional Balinese Luxury Spa Package: Choose between half a dozen different spa & wellness treatments before you arrive with this relaxing & luxurious spa package. The price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
  • Relaxing Day Spa Packages: Chill out in a tranquil tropical garden while enjoying your choice of a relaxing treatment menu that includes Balinese massages, Ayurvedic treatments, reflexology, and aroma baths. Includes lunch and round-trip hotel transportation.
  • Pampering Spa Treatment: Treat yourself to the perfect half-day with this 4-hour head-to-toe spa treatment featuring aromatherapy foot massages, body massages, reflexology, and a flower petal bath. Tour includes round-trip transportation.
Get your first taste of Bali’s mystical side at Tanah Lot

Head about 45 minutes from Seminyak, and you’ll find yourself gawking at the stunning seaside Tanah Lot. Despite the Disneylandishness that’s overcome Pura Tanah Lot as of late, it’s one of the seven main sea temples in Bali. In Balinese tradition, these sea temples provide the island with spiritual protection.

Pura Tanah Lot

The endless stream of hawkers on the approach to the temple might set your nerves on fire. Nonetheless, seeing Pura Tanah Lot up-close while exploring Bali in 10 days, even if much of it is a reconstruction, should compensate for the hassle.

Want to make the most out of your time in Seminyak? Book yourself onto one of these popular day tours:

  • Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple Beach Tour: An action-packed full-day tour taking in several popular sites in southern Bali, including Tanah Lot, Beraban Coffee Plantation, Padang Padang Beach, and the famous evening Kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple. The price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off.
  • Bali Full-Day Private Customized Tour: Pack the highlights of Bali in one day with this 10- to 11-hour private tour for up to four travellers. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off in several cities around the island.
  • Bali UNESCO Sites Full-Day Tour: Deep dive into Bali’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites on this 10-hour full-day tour. Includes visits to the iconic Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on Lake Beratan, the beautiful Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, and a sunset-watching experience at Tanah Lot.

Where to stay in Seminyak

A focus on the mid-range and luxury segment puts accommodations here a (big) notch above those in nearby Kuta and Legian. The result is a quieter and more relaxing stay than you’ll get elsewhere. In fact, Seminyak is one of the top choices for where to stay in Bali, especially if the backpacker scene isn’t your thing.

To plan your ultimate getaway, start off in one of these top-rated hotels in Seminyak:

  • Four Points by Sheraton Seminyak: A serene 4-star escape shuttered just a few minutes away from the centre of town and the ocean. Luxurious wood furnishings fused with a distinctive Balinese flair give this property a look and feel all to its own.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort: A luxurious retreat within a 5-minute walk from Seminyak Beach. The hotel offers more amenities than most properties in the area, from an on-site fitness centre & spa to several restaurants. The rooms are ridiculously value-laden for a luxury hotel in Bali. Get the lowest price and collect Marriott Rewards on your stay by booking directly at Marriott.com.
  • W Bali Seminyak: The ultimate in 5-star luxury, located directly on the ocean among mind-blowing ocean vistas. Rooms are meticulously detailed with hip modern furnishings and luxuriant extras like deep soaker tubs and balconies with garden or sea views.

Getting to Seminyak

By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Bali’s international gateway, sits about 10 kilometres south of Seminyak. A ride to most hotels from the airport should take no more than 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Ubud

3 Days

Few places on earth are more beguiling than Ubud, the cultural and spiritual heartland of Bali. Ascending into the misty highlands of Central Bali trades the island’s seaside charms for its more mystical side.

Ubud Rice Terraces

The weather in Ubud is noticeably cooler (although that’s relative) and the vibe is more enchanting than the ruckus to the south.

I recommend spending at least three days in Ubud. Breathe in the highland air and recharge among some of the most memorable scenery you’ll ever encounter.

What to do in Ubud

Whether staring unto rice terraces plunging into valleys or hunting for temples in the jungle, Ubud is the Balinese escape you’ve always craved. Ubud isn’t the sleepy place it once was. (And, yes, I blame Eat, Pray, Love.)

The town centre gets chaotic, jammed to the rim with motorbikes, cars, and tourists. Fortunately, the magic doesn’t happen here.  Most of the best things to do in Ubud (and many of the most popular places to stay) lie in the outskirts. Get started exploring with these ideas:

Wander through the sacred Monkey Forest

The almost-obligatory first stop on any Ubud itinerary is the Monkey Forest. As its name implies, this sacred forest is chocked with frisky and cheeky macaques all-too-ready to put a smile on your face. Or steal your belongings.

Ubud Monkey Forest

Monkey Forest isn’t just about hanging out with a bunch of nutty primates.

Within the sacred forest, you stumble upon three temples:

  • Pura Dalem Agung (The Main Temple): Located in the southwest of the forest. Temple is dedicated to the worship of Shiva.
  • Pura Beji (Beji Temple): Found in the northwest of the park. The goddess Gangga is worshipped here. Temple is also used for purification and spiritual cleansing.
  • Pura Prajapati (Prajapati Temple): Located in the northeast of the forest near the cemetery. The devout come here to worship Prajapati.

Take care around the monkeys at the Monkey Forest. While they look innocent, they’ve been known to get aggressive and nip at human flesh.

Unless an anti-rabies injection is in your trip plans, don’t feed the monkeys and keep your distance. You should even avoid eye contact to prevent unintentionally issuing a challenge! (Sounds like good advice for a crazy bar night, too, doesn’t it?)

Entrance to the Monkey Forest in IDR 50,000 ($3.75).

Getting jazzed up to explore the Monkey Forest and beyond? Here are a few hand-picked Ubud day tours that include a visit to the Monkey Forest:

  • Best of Ubud Tour: A full-day private tour of Ubud, taking in its top attractions, including the Monkey Forest, Batuan Temple, the wood-carving village of Mas, and a luwak coffee plantation.
  • Ubud Rice Terraces, Temples & Volcano Tour: A spectacular 9-hour guided tour of the Ubud area traipsing through sacred temples, arts & crafts villages, ancient rice paddies, and, of course, the Sacred Monkey Forest.
  • Ubud Monkey Forest, Rice Terrace & Tanah Lot Tour: A full-day tour combining a visit to the Monkey Forest with other top sites, such as Ubud Royal Palace (Puri Saren Ubud) and the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, along with an unbeatable sundown at Tanah Lot.
Get a glimpse of Ubud’s spiritual side

Ubud’s reputation as a centre for Balinese culture stems from the astounding number of temples that hide in the forests around the town.

Pura Gunung Kawi Ubud

Three days in Ubud is hardly enough to explore all of them, but you should have no problems tackling these:

  • Pura Gunung Kawi: An epic temple complex nestled in a rice-paddy-lined valley and one Bali’s most magical moments. The temple features 10 rock-hewn shrines carved into the face of a 23-foot-high cliff. The IDR 15,000 entrance fee includes a sarong rental.
  • Pura Kehen: A more offbeat temple that’s one of the island’s most incredible. The beautifully terraced entranceway leads you up 38 steps into the main temple complex. An impressive 11-roof meru (shrine) is the centrepiece of Pura Kehen. The entrance of IDR 30,000 includes a sarong to cover up.
  • Pura Tirta Empul: One of Bali’s holiest sites. This Hindu water temple, dating back to 960 AD, sits upon a sacred hot spring that distributes throughout the complex. Pura Tirta Empul is an active place of worship. Be sure to dress appropriately.

Looking to delve into central Bali’s spiritual side? Check out these hand-picked day tours from Ubud:

  • Sacred Temples and Sunset Tour: Visit some of Bali’s most famous temples, including Gunung Kawi, Goa Gajah Temple, and Pura Tirta Empul on this full-day tour. Concludes with watching the sunset at Tanah Lot.
  • Mother Temple of Bali and Lempuyang’s Gates of Heaven Tour: Gawk at Bali’s “mother” temple, Pura Besakih, on this full-day temple tour. Other highlights include the Gateway to Heaven at Lempuyang Temple, a Balinese lunch overlooking Mount Agung, and Tirta Gangga, eastern Bali’s most famous water temple.
  • Best of Central Bali Tour: Save time while digging into central Bali’s most impressive sites on this value-laden full-day tour. Stops include the wood-carving village of Kemenuh, swimming at Tegenungan Waterfall, the Elephant Cave, and the beautiful temple of Tirta Empul Tampaksiring.

Where to stay in Ubud

With Ubud’s growing popularity, there’s been a huge burst of new accommodations popping onto the scene. Everything between luxurious highland resorts and budget homestays fills the board.

  • Duana Sari: Budget-friendly villa-style accommodations located within a 10-minute walk of the centre of Ubud. A beautiful sun terrace and pool will leave you uplifted at the end of the day.
  • Element by Westin Bali Ubud: A brand-new full 4-star wellness retreat in the heart of Ubud. Rooms are warmly decorated with modern furnishings and feature balconies with garden views. Daily yoga and meditation sessions connect you with Ubud’s spiritual soul.
  • Goya Boutique Resort: An incredible 5-star hotel not far from some of the main attractions in Ubud. The epic infinity pool serves up some of the most beautiful views you’ll find anywhere.

Getting to Ubud

To get to Ubud from Seminyak, you’ll need to connect in Kuta. Perama shuttles depart Kuta from Jalan Legian at 06:00, 10:00, 13:30, 16:30 (IDR 50,000). The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

Lovina

3 Days

Whatever possessed me to visit the small seaside town of Lovina in North Bali was the right hunch. For backpacker crowds coming from the south, Lovina seems, well, a bit dull. And that’s precisely why I loved it!

Lovina is one of those places that makes it to the cusp of many Bali itineraries but often fails to make the cut. To some, it’s a little too far out of the way, stretched out upon the volcanic northern shores of the island; to others, Lovina is simply not interesting enough.

Sunset at Lovina Beach

Not only is Lovina worth the effort, but it could also become one of those rare places that you’ll find yourself lingering about long after you intended to leave.

Three days might well turn into a week once you discover how much of North Bali is at your fingertips during a stay here.

Looking to save time in North Bali? Here are a couple hand-picked day tours to get the most out of your visit:

  • North Bali Sunrise Tour: Start your morning off with an early sunrise on a boat on the Indian Ocean as you watch dolphins play near Lovina Beach. Other highlights include Gitgit Waterfall and Ulun Danu Bratan Temple.
  • North Coast Mountain Tour in Bali: Take on some of the highlights of North Bali en route to the former capital of Singajara and Lovina Beach on this full-day tour. Stops along the way include Ulun Danu Bratan Temple and Gitgit Waterfall.
  • Private Sekumpul Waterfall Hiking Tour: Get active on this full-day private tour hiking through the lush jungles of North Bali to the stunning Sekumpul Waterfall. The tour also includes a stop at Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, the island’s most famous water temple.

What to do in Lovina

There isn’t a whole lot to do in Lovina itself. The small beachfront town (technically a collection of villages with Kalibukbuk as the main centre) keeps growing but, as of yet, hardly has the same tourist infrastructure as destinations elsewhere on the island like Kuta, Seminyak or Ubud.

Besides the chance to relax in a friendly town, staying here gets you close to some of the coolest attractions in North Bali. Here are a few things to do in Lovina:

Brahmavihara Arama Monastery

Set among a hectare of beautiful hilly landscapes south of Kalibukbuk, Brahmavihara Arama is the largest Buddhist monastery in Bali. While it may not share the ancient history of other Balinese temples (it was opened in 1970), Brahmavihara Arama is one of the more interesting sites in the region.

If you couldn’t visit Yogyakarta on Java, you’re in luck! The Brahmavihara Arama’s claim to fame is a mini replica of Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist complex.

Banjar, Brahmavihara, mini Borobudur

The monastery is, however, less a tourist attraction than a functioning Buddhist retreat. For example, Brahmavihara Arama offers Vipassana meditation classes beginning at the ungodly hour of 4 am.

All of the activities at Brahmavihara Arama are free, but donations are encouraged. Be sure to dress appropriately.

Banjar Hot Springs

Located just 5 kilometres from Kalibukbuk, Banjar Hot Springs is a retreat that combines lush scenery with a chance to relax in the healing sulphuric waters of North Bali.

Banjar Hot Springs

Featured in the tiered pools are several naga, a mythical creature resembling a dragon that spews the hot water into the pools below. Standing below the naga provides a warm and relaxing massage to unwind.

Visit as early in the morning as possible to avoid the biggest crowds.

Where to stay in Lovina

In Indonesia, as I learned, the quality of accommodations can vary greatly. Lovina fits that bill perfectly. There’s a selection anywhere from rubble to ritz. And yesterday’s favourites might not be tomorrow’s!

Fortunately, good 3- to 4-star mid-range rooms here close to the sea cost little more than a meal & a drink in a North American or European restaurant.

Here are a couple top-rated hotels in Lovina:

  • Ju’Blu Hotel: A beautiful property just steps away from Lovina Beach. All rooms include a balcony with a pool or garden view.
  • Lovina Oasis Hotel: A hotel located less than 5-minutes walking distance from Lovina Beach. The outdoor pool and lovely sun terrace are the perfect places to while away your post-happy-hour evening.
  • The Lovina: A lovely 4-star resort offering villas on Lovina Beach. Watch your trip woes melt away with a relaxing massage in a tranquil garden setting. The on-site restaurant, Heliconia, serves up European, Chinese, and Balinese favourites for a night in dining among sea views.
  • The Damai: A luxurious and relaxing tropical retreat a few kilometres out of the town centre. Set among the jungles of northern Bali, the villas here offer incredible volcano and sea views to accompany a soak in the classy infinity pool or a soothing massage.

Getting to Lovina

Lovina isn’t as popular as other destinations in Bali, but it’s hardly a challenge to find your way here. Perama runs shuttle buses to Lovina from other towns, including Ubud, Kuta, Sanur, and Candidasa. These shuttles are generally a little more expensive than long-distance bemos. They are, however, far more convenient and quicker.

Expect to pay about IDR 125,000. The shuttle from Ubud leaves at 11:30 and takes over two hours.

Jimbaran

2 Days

To see South Bali’s famous party scene come to a screeching halt, spend your final days in Bali in Jimbaran. Although the same distance south from the airport as Seminyak is to the north, Jimbaran has a deeper laid-back vibe than the more densely settled northern beaches.

Beach in Jimbaran

Sheltered in a small bay, the waters at Jimbaran are calm, keeping the rambunctious surf crowd elbowing each other for waves up in Kuta and Legian. The accommodation prices reflect the quieter scene.

Properties here cater to mid-range & luxury travellers keen to spend their Bali holiday unwinding in a more relaxing setting. It’s also a great place for those travelling to Bali as a family. The calmer waters here are far more kid-friendly than further up the coast.

What to do in Jimbaran

The once sleepy fishing village isn’t exactly south Bali’s hub of activity. The best moments here reflect the simple pleasures that drive so many to fall in love with Bali: good food, sunsets, beaches, and doing nothing at all.

Here are some things to do in Jimbaran:

Feel the sands of Jimbaran Beach under your feet

All of the images of Bali’s oceanside charms race to the fore as you walk along the beautiful white sand stretch of Jimbaran Beach. Even with the town’s ever-increasing popularity, its beach is still quiet by Bali standards. Certainly a far cry from the throng of beach bums further north.

Jimbaran Beach

Like Seminyak, Jimbaran Beach is famed for watching the sun dip below the Indian Ocean. It’s also one of the better places to swim in the area, featuring calmer waters more suited towards casual paddling than hitting the big waves.

Watch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple

If you have a few hours to spare, no site near Jimbaran impacts quite like Uluwatu Temple. One of Bali’s most important spiritual sites, Uluwatu Temple watches over the island from a 70-metre-high vantage point above the sea.

Uluwatu Temple

Although there are more interesting temples in Bali, the setting of Uluwatu Temple is hard to beat. Timing your visit with sundown to take in views at their most arresting is a must.

Want to see the sunset at Uluwatu without hassle? Join in on one of these hand-picked tours:

  • Bali Sunset Tour: An unforgettable half-day tour watching the sun drop below the Indian Ocean from the stunning Uluwatu Temple. When night falls, witness one of Bali’s most important cultural performances, the “kecak” fire dance, followed by a succulent seafood dinner on Jimbaran Bay.
  • Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran Tour: A full-day tour delving into south Bali’s spiritual side with a visit to the Mengwi Empire royal temple of Pura Taman Ayun, the seaside Tanah Lot Temple, and the relaxing Padang Padang Beach. Tour ends with a sunset at Uluwatu Temple and its famous evening kecak performance.
  • Full-Day Private White Sand Beaches and Sunset Tour: Spend the entire day beach-bumming on this private tour, visiting some of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, such as Tanjung Benoa, Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Padang Padang. Tour concludes with a sunset over Uluwatu Temple and a seafood dinner on the bay.
Chill out at Tegal Wangi Beach

The spectacular cliffside Tegal Wangi Beach is a welcome change from the busy beachside promenades of south Bali. Along the southern fringes of Jimbaran Bay, precipitous cliffs spring from the turquoise waters forming a stunning scene that stands out even in ever-picturesque Bali.

Tengal Wangi Beach

Tengal Wangi Beach is a favourite retreat for local couples. Don’t be surprised if you catch photographers at work capturing engagement or wedding photos!

Where to stay in Jimbaran

Much of the accommodation scene in Jimbaran caters to mid-range and luxury markets, similar to what you’ll find in Seminyak but perhaps not quite as ritzy as Nusa Dua to the south.

Here are a few hotels in Jimbaran:

  • The Open House Jimbaran Bali: An eco-friendly boutique hotel just steps away from the sea. The villa-style rooms offer large comfortable beds and a balcony or terrace. The ambient outdoor seating area and pool is the perfect place to unwind.
  • Balquisse Heritage Hotel: A truly unique 3.5-star hotel featuring a smattering of vintage styles. Two outdoor pools and an on-site international restaurant provide plenty of reason to stick around.
  • InterContinental Bali Resort: A luxurious 5-star resort perched on the blissful white-sand beaches of Jimbaran Bay. Set to the warm glow of lanterns, enjoy an evening swim in the opulent outdoor pool or a relaxing oceanfront meal. Extras like massages, yoga classes, and family-friendly activities put this resort in a category of its own in the area. Get the lowest price guaranteed and collect IHG Rewards on your stay by booking directly at IHG.com.

Getting to Jimbaran

From North Bali, it’s a bit of a trek to Jimbaran. You’ll likely need to catch the daily Perama shuttle to Kuta departing at 09:00 from the Perama Hotel (IDR 125,000). From Kuta, it’s about a 15- to 20-minute taxi ride to Kuta.

More 10-day Bali itinerary ideas

  • Have some more time? Extend your stay at each stop for a more relaxing vacation. Add in Candidasa or Sanur for extra seaside pleasures, or explore Bali’s more adventurous quarter around Gunung Batur.
  • Want to travel over shorter distances? Swap North Bali’s Lovina for Candidasa, a laid-back town along the eastern coast. The relaxation opportunities are much the same, but you’ll be much closer to your next destination (and your ride home).
  • Looking for some more adventure while exploring? Instead of Lovina, consider visiting Amed or Padang Bai on the east coast for some snorkeling and scuba diving. Or grab your hiking shoes and set your sights on climbing Gunung Batur, one of the island’s two active volcanoes.

When to go to Bali

Although you can travel here at any time of the year, the best time to visit Bali is in the dry season, between May and October. Overall, I’d recommend June and September as the best months, thanks to the (relatively) dry weather and thinner tourist crowds.

Where to go next

  • Java: Grab a flight to Jakarta or Yogyakarta and launch a trip across Indonesia’s most populous island.
  • Lombok: Hop on the 20-minute flight to Lombok, an Indonesian island whose beauty has yet to over-inflate its reputation among travellers.
  • Nusa Penida: Tired of the tourist crowds of Bali? Escape to the island of Nusa Penida, a relatively untrampled and upcoming destination off the southeast coast.
  • Gili Islands: Just off the coast of Lombok, the tiny Gili Islands are a trifecta of tropical bliss. Get started exploring Gili Trawangan, the most popular island in the chain, with this Gili Trawangan travel guide. Or, for experiencing all the islands, check out this Gili Air guide.
  • Malaysia: Set your sites on the Asian cosmopolitan comforts of Kuala Lumpur to launch a classic Malaysia itinerary. For a tad more adventure, explore Sabah and Sarawak on the untamed island of Borneo.
  • Singapore: Get your belly and taste buds ready for the culinary delights of Southeast Asia’s token city-state. Spend at least 3 to 5 days in Singapore to get under the city’s skin.
  • Thailand: The cultural delights of Southeast Asia’s most popular destination are just a quick plane ride away. Get prepared and launch an epic Thailand itinerary that will dazzle the senses.
Ryan O'Rourke

Ryan O'Rourke is a Canadian traveller, food & drink aficionado, and the founder & editor of Treksplorer. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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