What to Do with 10 Days in Bali
Ten days is enough time to see Bali properly.
Not all of it. Travellers who try to cover every area in a single trip tend to leave having seen a lot without feeling much. Ten days, used well, give you time to slow down in the places that deserve it.
This itinerary covers three distinct parts of the island: Ubud and the highlands, Seminyak and the southwest coast, and Uluwatu and the southern cliffs. It starts in Ubud deliberately. The highlands reset the pace and give you the best version of Bali first.
How to Structure 10 Days in Bali
Days 1 to 4: Ubud
Four nights in the highlands, based at Viceroy Bali above the Valley of the Kings.
Days 5 to 7: Seminyak
Three nights on the southwest coast. Beach, restaurants, and the social energy of Bali’s most sophisticated coastal area.
Days 8 to 10: Uluwatu
Three nights on the Bukit Peninsula. Dramatic clifftop setting, the Indian Ocean, and some of the best surf and dining on the island.
Days 1 to 4: Ubud
Day 1: Arrival
The drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport to Viceroy Bali takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours by private transfer. Arrange through the property at res@viceroybali.com before arrival. Let the first afternoon be slow. For dinner, book Apéritif Restaurant. Viceroy Bali, holder of One MICHELIN Key for 2025, is home to Apéritif, where multi-course degustation menus feature Global Gastronomy with Indonesian Produce as their philosophy. Dress code is smart to formal. Book at res@aperitif.com. Apéritif does not take walk-ins.
Day 2: Ubud Culture
Leave by 7 am for the Campuhan Ridge Walk, around 2 to 3 kilometres through open grassland and jungle. Mid-morning, visit the Ubud Traditional Art Market and Puri Saren Agung, the royal palace still occupied by the Ubud royal family. In the afternoon, arrange a car for the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, about 15 minutes north of town. In the evening, the Kecak fire dance at the royal palace courtyard is a deeply memorable cultural experience. Arrive 30 minutes early. Return to the resort for dinner at CasCades Restaurant & Bar, with panoramic views across the Valley of the Kings.
Day 3: Temples and Wellness
Arrange a private driver for a morning temple circuit. Goa Gajah, the ninth-century Elephant Cave, is most atmospheric before 9 am. Tirta Empul, one of Bali’s most sacred water temples, is 15 kilometres north of Ubud. A sarong is required at all temples and available to borrow at the entrance. Return to Viceroy Bali for a late afternoon treatment at Akoya Spa, with three private single treatment rooms, three dedicated double suites, a cold plunge, and a sauna. End the evening at Pinstripe Bar, Viceroy Bali’s hidden speakeasy above the valley.
Day 4: Mount Batur Sunrise and Rest
The sunrise hike up Mount Batur begins at 2 am and reaches the 1,717-metre summit by dawn, with views across Lake Batur and toward Mount Agung. Arrange through the property at least two days in advance. The afternoon belongs to the villa.
Days 5 to 7: Seminyak
The drive from Ubud takes approximately one to 1.5 hours. Seminyak offers a complete change of pace with faster energy and a shift from jungle valleys to beachfront sunsets.
Day 5: Arrival and Coast
Check in, explore Jalan Laksmana in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from Seminyak Beach or the quieter Petitenget Beach. Book ahead for dinner as the best venues fill quickly.
Day 6: Seminyak and Tanah Lot
A slow morning on the beach. In the late afternoon, arrange a car for Tanah Lot, one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples, most dramatic at low tide. Return for sunset cocktails and dinner in Seminyak.
Day 7: Canggu
Canggu is about 20 minutes north of Seminyak. The surf at Echo Beach is accessible for intermediate surfers and the cafe scene is consistently strong. Return to Seminyak for a final evening on the coast.
Days 8 to 10: Uluwatu
The drive from Seminyak takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. The Bukit Peninsula offers limestone cliffs, the Indian Ocean, and sweeping views.
Day 8: Arrival in Uluwatu
Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits 70 metres above the Indian Ocean and is one of Bali’s six most important directional temples. The Kecak dance performed on the clifftop at sunset is a different experience from Ubud. Arrive 30 minutes early. Book a clifftop restaurant for dinner.
Day 9: Surf and Beaches
The break at Uluwatu Beach is one of the most consistently respected surf spots in the region. For non-surfers, Padang Padang and Bingin Beach are both worth visiting and are reached by a short walk down the cliff stairs. A fast boat from Sanur reaches Nusa Penida in about 45 minutes, offering dramatic coastal scenery.
Day 10: Final Morning and Departure
Do not check out early. A final morning with the ocean below is the right way to end the trip. The airport is approximately 30 to 45 minutes by private car.
Plan Your Ubud Stay
Viceroy Bali is the recommended base for the Ubud portion of this itinerary. The property sits 10 to 15 minutes by car from central Ubud, with 40 private pool villas each facing the Valley of the Kings. Contact res@viceroybali.com to begin planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10 days enough for Bali?
Ten days suits a first trip well. It allows meaningful time in the highlands, the southwest coast, and the southern cliffs without rushing.
What is the best order to visit Bali’s areas in 10 days?
Starting in Ubud and ending in Uluwatu is recommended. The highlands offer cultural and natural depth early. The coast and cliffs provide contrast rather than competing with Ubud’s quieter character.
Where is the best base in Ubud for a 10-day trip to Bali?
Viceroy Bali on the ridge above the Valley of the Kings. The property is 10 to 15 minutes by car from central Ubud, with private pool villas facing the valley and a complimentary shuttle to town. Contact res@viceroybali.com to plan your stay.
Should I visit Nusa Penida on a 10-day Bali trip?
Worth visiting if you are interested in dramatic coastal scenery and do not mind an early start for the boat crossing. Works well as a day trip from Uluwatu on Day 9.
How much does 10 days in Bali cost?
The cost varies significantly depending on accommodation, dining, and activity choices. The Bali trip cost guide provides a full breakdown by travel style.
