Best of Bali - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bali & Sightsee

Welcome to Bali! A driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your hotel in Ubud. During the drive, you'll enjoy views of the island's twisting roads, quaint villages, and terraced rice fields. Once you arrive in Ubud and check in at your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day and evening free to relax. Explore the town's boutiques and cafés, take a yoga class, visit Ubud Palace, or learn about Balinese art at the excellent Agung Rai Museum of Art or the Neka Art Museum. Wander through Ubud Monkey Forest to see three historic temples and a native population of Balinese macaques — keep your distance and avoid direct eye contact, as the monkeys can get aggressive! Finish the day with a traditional Indonesian meal. Dishes to try include bebek goreng (crispy duck) and satays of grilled beef, chicken, or shrimp.

Day 2: Swing Over the Rice Terraces

This morning, head to Ubud's famous rice paddies. Wander along the maze-like paths of the rice terrace and snap photographs of the amazing views. Then you'll visit an ecotourism hot spot known as Bali Swing, an outdoor theme park filled with ziplines and rope swings. You'll be surrounded by lush jungle and steep cliffs, so get ready to embrace your sense of adventure. The park also features waterfalls, a swimming pool, and incredible views of the surrounding rainforest.

Dine in a traditional Balinese restaurant for lunch, then continue to explore the area. You will visit Gunung Kawi Mausoleum, an ancient tomb, then take a short tour through Ubud's Royal Palace. Take some time to explore Ubud's busy central market. In the late afternoon, you will have some free time to wander around the small streets of the city center.

Day 3: Cycle from Batur to Ubud

After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to the area surrounding Mount Batur Volcano. Get your gear ready for a 22-mile (35-km) off-road bike ride along varying terrain, leading you all the way back to Ubud. You will cross bamboo forests and paddy fields on single tracks, then cycle along small paved lanes and back roads through local villages. You will reach Ubud in the mid-afternoon. Relax at the hotel or spend some time at a spa, then head out to watch a traditional Balinese dance performance in the evening.

Day 4: Discover Ubud's Surroundings

Today the itinerary takes you to Kehen Temple, a wonderful example of Balinese architecture. Far from the bustle of tourist crowds, enjoy views from the hilly outcrop on which the temple is built. Afterward, you will visit the holy springs of Tirta Sudamala. According to the Hindu religion, those who bathe in the water are asking for a blessing to remove negativity and bad energy from their lives. After lunch, visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Sunbeams filter through the trees above the cascade, creating beautiful shapes across canyon-like rock formations. Go for a swim in the water if the weather is pleasant! You will be back in Ubud by the afternoon with the evening free to relax or explore at your leisure.

Day 5: Hike to Besi Kalung Temple

Continue to Bratan Lake to visit Ulun Danu Temple, a famous water temple complex. After taking some time to explore the grounds, you'll head to the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, you'll trek to Besi Kalung Temple. This hike is an ideal way to take in Bali's picturesque scenery including rice terraces, small villages, and lush green forests. Later, you'll return to Ubud and have some free time to relax.

Day 6: Trek to Mount Batur

Early in the morning, you'll begin the journey to Mount Batur. Start the ascent before dawn and climb to the top of the volcano to watch the sunrise. Down below, you'll be able to see the outline of Lake Batur. In the distance, you'll spot the other volcanoes of Bali: Abang, Agung, and Batukaru. After enjoying the sunrise, you'll start the trek down and meet your driver. Then go on to visit Pura Batur and rest in the natural hot springs to regain your strength. Later, consider side-tripping to the village of Wongaya Gede to visit Batukaru Temple.

Day 7: See a Balinese Sea Temple

After breakfast, you'll tour the legendary sea temple of Tanah Lot. Perched on a rock by the sea, the 16th-century structure is one of seven sea temples found along the Balinese coast. Continue on the journey, stopping for lunch in Jimbaran Bay. You'll then have time to visit Uluwatu Temple, a clifftop temple offering amazing views of the sea below. Make a few stops at the surfing beaches, like Padang Padang and Secret Beach, on your way to Seminyak. You'll sleep near the beach tonight. Go for sunset drinks at La Plancha, located right on the sand, and enjoy the resort town's lively nightlife.

Day 8: Cruise Around the Island of Nusa Lembongan

Rise early today for a snorkeling adventure in paradise! First thing in the morning, you'll sail off to Nusa Lembongan Island. You'll quickly discover Nusa Lembongan's charms, from its white-sand beaches to crashing waves perfect for surfing. The region is rich in marine life, too — during your snorkeling trip, you'll spot colorful fish and swim past majestic coral. Take some time to relax on the beach in the afternoon before returning to your hotel in Seminyak. This evening is a great opportunity to try some freshly caught seafood prepared according to traditional Balinese methods.

Day 9: Relax in Seminyak

On the last day of the trip, you'll be free to sightsee, explore, or relax. If you're interested in cultural history, take a quick cab ride to the centuries-old Pura Petitenget, a temple that was built to ward off evil spirits. If you'd prefer to enjoy the beach, take advantage of numerous beach clubs, many of which are outfitted with oversized bean bags and colorful umbrellas where you can order a tropical drink and relax with a book. Up for an adventure? Go on a scuba diving expedition, try horseback riding on the shore, or take a surfing lesson. Seminyak comes alive at night, as the town has an abundance of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The nearby town of Kuta offers more of the same.

Day 10: Depart Bali - End of Trip

Today the trip comes to an end. Transfer to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!