The Perfect 10 Day Bali Itinerary for Couples

Looking for a 10 day Bali itinerary for couples? This itinerary is perfect for a luxury romantic getaway for a birthday, anniversary or even a honeymoon in Bali!

From world class sunsets and beautiful beaches to lush jungles and ancient temples, Bali is an idyllic place for a couples trip. Add in some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and spas, and you’ve got yourself a dreamy vacation oozing with romance!

In this 10 days in Bali itinerary, I’ll share everything you need to know about planning a trip to Bali and a detailed itinerary for your luxurious getaway.

Here’s the perfect 10 Day Bali Itinerary for couples!

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About Bali

While Bali is sometimes confused as being a country itself, it’s actually one of many islands in Indonesia. Because of its unique charm, magnificent landscapes, fascinating culture and warm hospitality (among so many other things!), Bali has become Indonesia’s most famous and visited island.

Are you an adventurous and active couple? Hike up one of Bali’s majestic volcanoes for sunrise! Do you love adventures under the water? Bali is home to world class diving and surfing! Or if you’re more of a relax on the beach type… Bali has got you covered with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Where else but on the Island of the Gods can you share in such a beautiful adventure together? Bali truly is the ideal destination for a romantic vacation thanks to its laid-back vibes, breathtaking beaches, luxurious resorts, and immersive adventures.

Important Information About Bali

Before we dive into our Bali 10 day itinerary, let’s take a look at some important info that will be helpful to know before planning a trip to Bali!

Climate: Bali is only 8 degrees south of the equator, so its temperature is pretty stable all year round. The average temperature all year is around 86 °F, and the humidity is about 85%. While it’s pretty hot and humid year round, there are definitely better times of the year to go than others which I’ll go into more detail on below.

Religion: In contrast to the rest of Indonesia, which is mostly Muslim, about 83.5% of Bali’s population follows Balinese Hinduism. Among the minorities are Islam (13.37%), Christianity (2.47%), and Buddhism (0.5%).

Language: In Bali, the most common languages are Balinese and Indonesian. Due to the demands of the tourism sector, many Balinese speak English as their third language. In my experience, English was widely spoken everywhere we went on the island but it can be helpful to learn a couple of Balinese words to be polite!

Bali Currency: The Indonesian rupiah is the currency in Bali (pronounced “rue-pee-ah”). IDR is the currency code, Rp is the currency symbol, and the USD to IDR exchange rate is the most popular Indonesian Rupiah exchange rate.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bali?

The summer months of July and August generally see increased tourism and hotel rates may be higher during this time.

Bali’s rainy season is from November through March and the island gets a considerable amount of rain making it tough to enjoy the outdoor activities and visibility for diving / snorkeling is reduced.

That being said, I planned a last minute trip in mid-November when I saw that there wasn’t any rain forecasted and we lucked out with the weather all 10 days in Bali!

Is Bali Safe to Visit?

Bali is considered a very safe place to visit for tourists. Of course, it’s important to use common sense and follow general safety rules while traveling to any foreign country. Be aware of your surroundings, don’t draw attention to yourself, be aware of any popular scams and make sure your valuables are in a safe place.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Bali?

US passport holders do not currently require a visa for short trips to Indonesia. For the purpose of tourism, American citizens are free from Indonesia’s visa requirements. As a result, visitors from the US can stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa. Note that if you plan to stay in Indonesia for longer than 30 days as tourists, you must apply for a visa.

How to Get to Bali

From the United States, there are no direct flights to Bali. Instead, most flights will have a connection in Asia (like Singapore or Hong Kong) or Australia (like Sydney or Melbourne).

I’ve connected in Hong Kong and Sydney to travel to Bali from the US and had easy travel experiences with both!

The primary airline companies that fly to Bali from the United States are Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. From Europe, you can fly with KLM or Malaysia Airlines; from Australia, you can fly with Qantas or Garuda Indonesia; and from Japan, you can fly with Garuda Indonesia as well.

How to Get Around Bali 

Hiring a Private Driver: One of the most common ways for travelers to get around the island is to hire a driver for the day. This is what we did throughout our trip when traveling from one area of Bali to another. Our hotel set up a private driver to take us to our next destination and we found this to be a very comfortable and convenient way to travel! Traveling by private driver allowed us to really get the most out of our 10 day Bali itinerary.

Bluebird Taxis: If you want a taxi, Bluebird Taxi is the most widely accessible taxi service on the island. Recognized by their light blue color, Bluebird Taxis are easy to find throughout major tourist destinations in Bali and you can usually have a hotel or restaurant call you one. They even have their own app!

Scooters: Scooters are a popular way to navigate Bali. Due to the narrowness of the roads in Bali, scooters allow you to weave through traffic quicker than a car. If you’re experienced and comfortable driving a scooter in Asia, this could be a good option. However, if you’re inexperienced, driving a scooter in Bali can be dangerous due to the number of scooters on the road and different traffic rules. If you do rent a scooter, always make sure to wear a helmet (accidents happen!) and put your valuables in the trunk of the scooter (I’ve heard purse snatching happens sometimes!).

Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab and Gojek are the most popular ridesharing apps in Bali. Gojek has more scooter drivers available so is a better option for solo travelers in a hurry.

How Many Days Do You Need in Bali?

Wondering how many days to spend in Bali? Most visitors agree that 7–10 days in Bali is a good amount of time to see some of the best that the island has to offer including its world-famous beaches, rice terraces and volcanoes.

So is 10 days in Bali enough time? Ten days is an ideal length of time to spend on the island in order to experience many of Bali’s major highlights. That being said, if you have more than 10 days for your Bali itinerary, this could allow you to enjoy the island at a slower pace or visit some of the other nearby islands as well.

10 Day Bali Itinerary Overview

This 10 day Bali itinerary for couples has my personal picks for the best sights to see, restaurants to try, and accommodations to stay in.

This itinerary has an emphasis on luxury with some of Bali’s best hotels and will also allow you to immerse yourself in Bali’s rich local culture, laid-back bohemian lifestyle, and infinite natural beauty. 

Alternate Itinerary Options

Note that this Bali travel itinerary is pretty jam-packed since the island has so much to see. If you wanted to create a Bali honeymoon itinerary at a slower pace, it would be easy to leave out some of the day trips and just relax on those days instead!

Another option would be to replace the days in the Nusa islands with a few nights in Uluwatu instead. While the Nusa islands are unique and beautiful, they are a bit tougher to get to (ferries required) and they are less developed so there won’t be luxury hotels like in Bali. On the other hand, Uluwatu has a number of ultra luxurious resorts and it will be much easier to travel to.

Below is the 10 day Bali itinerary at-a-glance:

• Day 0: Travel Day / Arrive in Bali
• Day 1: Seminyak / Canggu
• Day 2: Uluwatu
• Day 3: East Bali
• Day 4: East Bali
• Day 5: East Bali to Nusa Ceningan
• Day 6: Nusa Ceningan / Nusa Lembongan
• Day 7: Nusa Ceningan to Nusa Penida
• Day 8: Nusa Penida to Ubud
• Day 9: Ubud & North Bali
• Day 10: Ubud & North Bali

10 Day Bali Itinerary

DAY 0: Travel Day / Arrive in Bali

After traveling from LAX to Bali with a few hours layover in Hong Kong, we were tired and ready to check in to our hotel and relax. We were so excited when we were shown to our room at The Club at the Legian Seminyak as it felt like our own secluded tropical oasis. The room was really more of a charming private villa with its very own pool than a standard hotel room. After unpacking and getting settled, we enjoyed the resort’s pools and watched our first Balinese sunset on the beach!

As a starting point for your 10 day Bali itinerary, you can’t go wrong with Seminyak because of the wide range of dining, nightlife, and beaches that are available.

You have the option of staying at the Legian Seminyak, which is the only beachfront boutique resort in the area that provides a tranquil haven for its guests. The resort is located 40 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and within walking distance, you’ll find some of Bali’s most fashionable shopping and dining areas.

Seminyak / Canggu Hotels

Looking for the best hotels in the Seminyak and Canggu areas? Here are my top picks!

• The Legian Seminyak
• Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach
• Potato Head Suites & Studios
• Alila Seminyak
• The Samaya Seminyak Bali
• COMO Uma Canggu

DAY 1: Explore Seminyak & Canggu

Breakfast at KYND Community

How would you like to start your first official day of the 10 day Bali itinerary? How about having your breakfast together at a picture-perfect cafe while snapping some Instagram-worthy photos? Then, head to KYND Community!

Bali is known for its cafe culture and refreshing smoothie bowls to help you beat the heat. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the food and the aesthetics here!

Tanah Lot and Batu Bolong Temples

After breakfast, visit the Tanah Lot temple, known for its distinctive offshore position (an island temple… how cool, right?!), as well as the Batu Bolong temple, which overlooks the gorgeous Indian Ocean and is surrounded by stunning seascapes.

Lounge at the Pool

After your morning visit to the temples, it’s time to cool down. Head back to the Legian Seminyak and enjoy an afternoon at one of their picturesque pools or beach club.

Or, if you’re keen to check out one of the trendy beach clubs in Canggu on the way home from Tanah Lot, you could stop at the Lawn Canggu Beach Club. This is a great place to unwind, grab lunch, try your hand at surfing or go for a refreshing dip in their pool.

→ Read Next: Lounging at The Lawn Canggu

Explore Seminyak

The Legian hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Seminyak. The area is packed with fashion boutiques, art galleries, cafes and restaurants. If you’re done lounging by the pool, why not wander around Seminyak for some shopping and ice cream?

Mad Pops is just a few blocks away and has some delicious ice cream. I got both the Pandan and Matcha flavors and it was so tasty and refreshing!

Watch Sunset at La Brisa

Finish the first day of your 10 day trip to Bali by enjoying sunset drinks and a romantic dinner at La Brisa.

This is my new favorite beach club in Canggu — I totally fell in love with the vibe of this spot, the drinks, the sunset… it was all so magical!

Instead of going to a restaurant for dinner, we ended up just eating dinner here since we were having such a good time and were very impressed by the food!

DAY 2: Day Trip to Uluwatu

On the next day of our 10 day Bali itinerary, we decided to do a day trip to Uluwatu since I had never been there (and neither had my boyfriend since it was his first time in Bali!). Of course, if you want to just enjoy the resort and relax around Seminyak and Canggu for the day, this day trip is totally optional. Uluwatu is about a 40 minute drive so it’s a bit of a trek but absolutely stunning if you can swing it!

Relax at Sundays Beach Club

Sundays Beach Club is the perfect place to spend the day in Uluwatu. The beach here is totally different than the beaches of Seminyak and Canggu. Set in a private cove, the water here is serenely calm and beautifully turquoise making it a great swimming beach. The food was also incredible so don’t miss grabbing lunch here!

Uluwatu Temple

After your relaxing beach day, visit Uluwatu Temple, where you can marvel at its striking cliffside position and maybe spot a monkey or two!

Karang Boma Cliff

Next, check out the Karang Boma Cliff, which is a famous spot for capturing the beauty of Bali. It’s a sight to behold at any time of day, but sunsets are especially spectacular from this cliff.

Sunset Cocktails

Ulu Cliffhouse is the perfect place to wind down after a long day with a sunset drink and mouthwatering food.

Uluwatu Hotels

Looking for the best hotels in Uluwatu? Here are my top picks!

• Bulgari Resort Bali
• The Edge Bali
• Six Senses Uluwatu
• Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort
• Hidden Hills Villas
• The Ungasan Clifftop Resort
• Jumeirah Bali

DAY 3: Travel to East Bali

Spend the morning enjoying the incredible breakfast buffet and soaking in the last relaxing moments at the Legian Seminyak before traveling to East Bali for the next few nights.

On the third day, we set up a private driver through the Legian Seminyak to take us to our next destination: Amankila.

Amankila

After about a 1.5 hour drive through Bali’s gorgeous countryside, we arrived at the magnificent Amankila hotel. This spectacular luxury hotel sits on a cliff, beneath Mount Agung, overlooking the stunning Lombok Strait shoreline.

Here you’ll find a beach club that leads to a private black sand beach as well as a three-tiered infinity pool that looks out over the water. Spend the afternoon at the beach club, lounging by the pool, and paddle-boarding before enjoying dinner at Amankila’s restaurant.

Amankila is such a romantic hotel and would make a great addition to any Bali honeymoon itinerary!

→ Read Next: Amankila Hotel Review

East Bali Hotels

Looking for the best hotels in East Bali? Here are my top picks!

• Amankila
• Alila Manggis
• Candi Beach Resort & Spa
• Wapa di Ume

DAY 4: Explore East Bali

Amankila is uniquely positioned to explore this part of the island. As such, they offer both on-site activities and guided excursions that allow you to soak in the beautiful landscapes and culture of East Bali.

If you stay at Amankila, I would highly recommend taking advantage of these activities and excursions.

I’m not kidding when I say each one we did was so special and gave us memories that we will cherish forever. I know that sounds cheesy but we really do talk about our experiences at Amankila and around East Bali all the time!

Amankila organized a private tour for us to see some of East Bali’s best sights which we were able to customize to our preferences. So to kick off the East Bali part of our 10 day Bali itinerary, we decided to visit some of the region’s gorgeous water palaces and one of Bali’s oldest villages.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Our first stop on the East Bali tour was Tirta Gangga, which is a former royal water palace with colorful blooms, tiered fountains, mythical statuettes, and koi ponds. We chose to make this the first stop for the day since we heard that it can get quite busy. We were right… as we were leaving, many more people starting arriving. We were happy to get some peaceful moments in this tranquil place before then!

Ujung Water Palace

Our second stop was the Ujung Water Palace, which is an elegant complex of ponds and gardens that combines Balinese and European design with ocean views. This water palace was quite a bit larger than the first and seemed to be a bit more undiscovered. Both were beautiful in unique ways and worth visiting!

Tenganan Ancient Village

And finally, our last stop of the day was at the Tenganan Ancient Village, one of Bali’s oldest villages. This ancient village gives visitors a look into traditional Balinese life and culture. It’s also famous for its unique double ikat style of textile making — and we were able to see women weaving via this method in person!

Satay Evening Dinner

After a fabulous day of exploring East Bali, we returned to Amankila and enjoyed a little pool time before freshening up for dinner. We had booked the Satay Evening dinner and were guided up to the top of Tamansari Hill where we found a private bale just for us.

On one side of the bale were views of the gorgeous Lombok Strait and, on the other, jaw-dropping views of lush jungle and Mount Agung. As we watched the sun set, our friendly chef and server guided us through a delectable satay feast. It was incredible to taste the authentic flavors of Balinese cuisine in such a dreamy setting.

This dinner experience is a must for a romantic getaway or honeymoon in Bali!

→ Pssst! Want to see even more from this 10 day Bali trip? Check out my Instagram stories part I, part II and part III from Bali!

DAY 5: Visit Virgin Beach & Travel to the Nusa Islands

Boat Cruise to Virgin Beach

First thing in the morning, go on a leisurely excursion aboard Amankila’s traditional outrigger boat.

Arriving at Virgin Beach, I was blown away by its beauty. As someone who is always on the lookout for gorgeous white sand beaches with the clearest blue waters, this beach checked all the boxes!

Our guide took us snorkeling and showed us around the pristine waters, even stopping to see a sea turtle. And, on our way back, we enjoyed a tasty lunch that the hotel had packed for us.

Take a Ferry to Nusa Ceningan

After the boat cruise, check out from Amankila and take the ferry from Padang Bai to the Yellow Bridge. The Yellow Bridge connects the Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan islands together. While the ferry drops you off on the Nusa Lembongan side of the bridge, it’s easy to walk over the bridge and arrive in Nusa Ceningan.

Blue Lagoon Avia Villa

After arriving on the beautiful Nusa Ceningan island, we checked into the Blue Lagoon Avia Villa hotel. This cute boutique hotel is set directly above the iconic Blue Lagoon with an infinity pool looking over it… how amazing is that?!

DAY 6: Explore Nusa Ceningan & Nusa Lembongan

So now that you’re on this beautiful island off the coast of Bali, what are the best things to do in Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan?

Rent a Scooter

While I didn’t feel comfortable renting a scooter in Seminyak or Canggu, the Nusa islands are a different story! The laid-back islands of Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan are much easier to navigate with little traffic on the roads. So, the best way to explore these islands is definitely by scooter! We rented a scooter from the shop across from the Blue Lagoon Avia Villa to explore both islands.

Sand Ceningan Beach Bar

To start your first day on Nusa Ceningan, make your way to the Sand Ceningan Beach Bar on your scooter and have a super-chilled breakfast. Just a short drive from the Blue Lagoon Avia Villa, the Sand Ceningan is located on a stretch of gorgeous beach and is one of the best restaurants on Nusa Ceningan!

Pro Tip: Check the tide schedule before heading here to see when high tide is… that’s the best time to enjoy the views!

Relax at Nusa Ceningan’s Secret Beach

Soak in the scenery and go for a dip at the Secret Beach, a little beach off the beaten track. To get here, put in directions for “Villa Trevally.”

Lunch at Ohana’s Beach Club

Now it’s time to head over to Nusa Lembongan by crossing the Yellow Bridge via scooter. For lunch, visit Ohana’s restaurant and beach club for a bite and refreshing plunge in their pool.

Take in the Views at Nusa Lembongan’s Secret Beach

If you’d like to check out another gorgeous beach on Nusa Lembongan, there’s another “secret” beach that’s a little less crowded than some of the others on the island. For directions to this beach, you can just put in “secret beach” into your Maps app!

Sunset at Mahana Point

Wrap up your island hopping day by watching an awe-inspiring sunset at Mahana Point. This is a great place to see skilled surfers catch some waves with distant views of Mount Agung in the background while having a casual dinner and drinks.

Nusa Ceningan & Nusa Lembongan Hotels

Looking for the best hotels on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan? Here are my top picks!

• Blue Lagoon Avia Villas
• Indiana Kenanga Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
• The Tamarind Resort
• Le Pirate Beach Club
• Villa Sayang
• The Point Resort Lembongan

DAY 7: Snorkel / Dive & Travel to Nusa Penida

Breakfast at Sea Breeze Cafe

Another day, another delicious breakfast smoothie bowl! Sea Breeze Cafe is just minutes from The Sand and is located on the beach with stunning views.

Snorkel or Dive with Ceningan Divers

After breakfast, it’s time to explore under the sea with Ceningan Divers. The Nusa islands are a great place to dive and a popular place to see manta rays, sea turtles and more.

Since I’m not certified to dive, I was able to join the dive group and snorkel while my boyfriend and the rest went diving. Honestly, I’m sure the dive was amazing but I think I had just as much fun snorkeling the beautiful reef; seeing tons of colorful fish and sea turtles!

Boat to Nusa Penida

It’s time to say goodbye to Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan to leave for Nusa Penida! There’s a ferry that leaves from the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Penida but we were able to hire a small private boat to take us over after our dive / snorkel trip. It’s a very quick and easy trip!

We booked our Nusa Penida lodging last minute and were lucky to find availability at the Angkal Resort! It was a cute boutique hotel that had all the amenities we needed: a ferry transfer, a pool to cool off from the heat, a restaurant with good food, and a friendly concierge person who was able to help us rent a scooter for the evening and set up a private driver for the next day.

Nusa Penida Hotels

Looking for the best hotels on Nusa Penida? Here are my top picks!

• MAUA Nusa Penida Bali
• Atalaya Villas Nusa Penida
• Angkal Resort
• The Mesare Resort
• Adiwana Warnakali Resort
• The Kama
• Autentik Penida “Glamping”

Watch Sunset at Diamond Beach

After renting our scooter for the evening, we went straight to Diamond Beach for sunset. After battling some potholes on the roads, we finally made it to the beach. And… WOW! This dramatic beach is absolutely breathtaking and worth the trek.

Note: If we had an extra day in our 10 day trip to Bali, I probably would’ve added it here for another night on Nusa Penida. This rugged island is chock-full of natural beauty but its infrastructure is less developed and it can take an hour to get from one side of the island to the other. While we were able to see most of the highlights on the island, I would’ve loved to have more time to enjoy this beautiful beach the next day!

DAY 8: Explore Nusa Penida & Travel to Ubud

Kelingking Beach

Start your day at Kelingking Beach, arguably one of the most photogenic sites on this 10 day Bali itinerary, which is famous for its T-Rex shaped cliffs.

We were up bright and early to begin our day since we wanted to beat the crowds at the famous Kelingking Beach… Which was totally worth it! We were some of the first people to arrive and had the viewpoint to ourselves for a while. Later in the day, tour buses come and the viewpoint and stairs down to the beach can get overrun… So be sure to arrive super early!

Broken Beach

Then, make your way to the beautiful Broken Beach, a massive rock archway where you can admire the ocean as it rushes in and out of a natural bowl surrounded by high cliffs. It’s also next to Angel’s Billabong, an incredible natural pool with dramatic crashing waves.

Another popular stop in the area is Crystal Bay, a secluded cove with an idyllic white sand beach and grove of palm trees.

Lunch Secret Penida Cafe

To wrap up your time on Nusa Penida, grab a healthy lunch at the Secret Penida Cafe. This cute cafe is waterfront and conveniently located near the ferry terminal.

Ferry to Sanur

After lunch, take the ferry from Nusa Penida to Sanur to get back to mainland Bali. The fast boat ferry takes about 45 minutes and costs around $30 per person. After getting to Sanur, we made the 30 minute drive to our final destination on our 10 day Bali trip: Ubud.

Four Seasons Sayan

After island hopping for the past few days, we were very excited to arrive in the tropical, lush jungles of Ubud. The Four Seasons Sayan is one of the most beautiful hotel properties I’ve been to and our room was DREAMY. With a private plunge pool and riverfront views, we were in heaven!

We spent the rest of the day relaxing by our pool and eating dinner at the delicious Ayung Terrace restaurant at the hotel.

→ Read Next: Four Seasons Sayan Hotel Review

Ubud Hotels

Looking for the best hotels in Ubud? Here are my top picks!

• Four Seasons Sayan
• Amandari
• Ritz-Carlton Mandapa
• Permata Ayung Private Estate
• Bisma Eight
• The Udaya Resort & Spa
• Capella Ubud
• Alila Ubud
• COMO Shambhala Estate

DAY 9: AM Trip to North Bali & Explore Ubud

From Ubud, we decided to do an early morning trip to North Bali since my boyfriend was interested in playing golf at Handara Golf Resort. I was happy to go and check out the iconic Handara Gate and their spa, and see the Ulun Danu temple as well. If you’d prefer a more relaxing day, this would be a great day to chill at the Four Seasons Sayan resort and explore Ubud instead!

Handara Gate

Our early morning wakeup meant we arrived at the Handara Golf Resort first thing in the morning. There, we were able to see the iconic Handara Gate and take some photos without anyone else there. It’s such a spectacular view of lush greenery and a gigantic-exotic traditional Balinese gate as your backdrop.

On our way out, there were a line of people waiting to take a photo at the gate… another win for getting up early in Bali!

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

Our next stop was to soak in the architectural brilliance of the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, also referred to as the Floating Temple. Located on a serene lake in the mountains of North Bali, this picturesque 12-story pagoda temple looks almost as if it’s floating on the lake!

North Bali Hotels

Looking for the best hotels in North Bali? Here are my top picks!

• Sanak Retreat
• Munduk Plantation
• Giriwood Hotel & Villa 

Ubud Art Market

After heading back to the hotel for lunch and to freshen up, we decided to go into Ubud to explore the Ubud Art Market. The market is a great place to buy hand-crafted goods made by talented Balinese artists to bring home as souvenirs. From dresses, sarongs and jewelry to wood-carved bowls and macrame hammocks, the market has a diverse range of beautiful crafts.

Dinner at Nusantara by Locavore

Restaurant Locavore is one of the top restaurants in Ubud but, sadly, there were no reservations available during our stay in Ubud. So instead, we tried their sister restaurant, Nusantara!

And, this ended up being one of my favorite meals on our trip! The food was incredible and I loved that we were able to experience cuisine from all the different regions of Indonesia (not just Balinese cuisine).

DAY 10: Temples, Rice Terraces & Waterfalls

For our last day of the 10 day Bali itinerary, we decided we were ready for one final adventure. The Four Seasons Sayan set us up with a wonderful private tour to see a temple, waterfall and rice terraces… some of the best things that inland Bali has to offer. Note that, again, this day trip is totally optional — if you’d prefer to enjoy the resort and explore more of Ubud, that would make a wonderful last day in Bali as well.

Pura Taman Ayun

About 25 minutes from the Four Seasons Sayan, the magnificent Pura Taman Ayun temple is a complex of 17th century temples surrounded by water. This serene spot feels like stepping back in time!

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

While Ubud is known for its famous Tegalalang rice terraces, the Jatiluwih rice terraces are a bit lesser known and perhaps a better example of rural Bali. These are some of the largest and most picturesque rice fields in Bali, with views of Mount Batukaru in the backdrop.

Leke Leke Waterfall

After seeing photos of Leke Leke waterfall, I knew I had to visit! After about a 15 minute walk, we arrived at the falls and found it to be uncrowded (a rare occurrence for Bali’s waterfalls!). This small but incredibly beautiful waterfall is surrounded by lush green jungle and cascades down into an emerald pool.

Safe to say I totally fell for these falls!

Relax at the Spa

After getting back to the hotel, we decided to spend our last afternoon relaxing at the Four Seasons Sayan’s Sacred River Spa. Our couples massage was a very relaxing and romantic way to finish our Bali trip!

Balinese Chef’s Table Dinner

Our final dinner at the Four Seasons was the traditional Balinese chef’s table dinner. Our friendly chef prepared seven courses of traditional Balinese dishes (including a suckling pig!) at the riverside kitchen. It was an unforgettable meal and evening!

Tips For Visiting Bali

Now that we’ve gone over the complete 10 day Bali itinerary for couples, there are a few tips that you should be aware of when visiting the Island of the Gods.

Beware of Bali Belly

Firstly, be aware that many visitors experience “Bali Belly” which is essentially traveler’s diarrhea and is caused by consuming bacteria in contaminated food or water. To reduce your risk of getting Bali Belly, avoid drinking tap water. This means avoiding unfiltered ice cubes, coffee with tap water, foods rinsed in tap water and using caution when brushing your teeth or showering. Of course, if you’re at a hotel or restaurant frequented by tourists, the water is generally filtered and safe to consume. Another good tip to follow is to be careful when eating street food — generally, you want to eat at places that are busy (they’re popular for a reason!) as they are turning out food that is freshly made for new customers.

Indulge in Balinese Cuisine

On the flip side, you shouldn’t let the fear of getting Bali Belly stop you from indulging in delicious Balinese cuisine! Coming from the US, Balinese cuisine tastes very exotic to me. The different spices, flavors and ingredients are so unique and fun to try! Here are some of the dishes I would definitely recommend eating while in Bali:

• Mie Goreng: This Balinese dish is a staple at restaurants and street vendors. It’s a stir fry noodle dish with egg noodles, vegetables, meat, and soy sauce.
• Nasi Goreng: Another staple is fried rice that comes in many varieties that can be vegetarian, or with chicken, beef or pork.
• Soto Ayam: Who doesn’t love chicken soup? This comforting chicken soup gets its yellow color from the turmeric spices used in it.
• Gado Gado: An Indonesian salad made up of eggs, tempeh, tofu, bean sprouts, cucumber, and peanut sauce.
• Nasi Campur: Made up of an assortment of dishes, Nasi Campur typically features several grilled meats, vegetables and white rice.
• Beef Rendang: Originally from West Sumatra, this slow cooked beef dish is now popular with locals and tourists in Bali.
• Babi Guling: Suckling pig that is slow roasted in the traditional Balinese style.
• Satay (also written Sate): Grilled meat on a stick is a popular street snack as well as at restaurants.
• Dadar Gulung: Got a sweet tooth? This Balinese dessert was my favorite! It’s a crepe flavored with pandan leaves and stuffed with coconut and palm sugar.
• Fresh fruit: I just couldn’t get over how delicious the fruit was in Bali. I love eating passion fruit at home in the US but in Bali it tastes 1,000 times better! My other favorite was rambutan which has a strange, hairy exterior shell but tastes sweet (and a bit like lychee!) inside.

Respect Local Customs & Rules

It’s always important to be aware and respectful of local customs. When visiting religious sites and temples, be sure to check the rules for appropriate dress, photography, etc. Most temples require men and women to cover their shoulders / upper arms as well as thighs. Some temples even have sarongs that you can borrow or rent to cover up!

The Balinese leave daily offerings on the floor outside of homes and businesses, be careful not to step on or crush these offerings.

Lastly, learning basic Balinese words and smiling is always appreciated!

Go Early to Beat the Crowds

As you’ve probably gathered from the Bali trip itinerary, we woke up early to make the most out of our days and beat the crowds at the popular tourists spots.

Sunrise is between 5:50 – 6:30am and sunset is between 6 – 6:45pm (depending on the time of year). Many of the temples, palaces and other attractions opened at 8am so we would wake up around sunrise and get going to make it for opening time.

While this isn’t for everyone (and I’m not usually that early of a riser!), I really recommend doing this if you want to enjoy some of the popular sights without throngs of people.

Also, getting up early and seeing so many things in the morning usually meant that we could have a few hours of chill pool / beach or spa time in the afternoons before watching sunset and going to dinner.

Have Cash on Hand

While hotels and many restaurants accept credit cards, it’s still important to have cash at many places like markets, street vendors, tourist sites, and taxis. Also, the cash will come in handy for tipping tour guides, drivers and for any other friendly service you receive!

There are plenty of ATMs around the island’s most popular tourist destinations so it should be easy to grab cash whenever you need it. I always have my Schwab card with me for international travel so I don’t get hit with crazy international fees!

Be Careful of the Monkeys

While they may look cute, the monkeys in Bali are notoriously mischievous. The macaques breed of monkeys seen around temples, forests and, of course, the Ubud Monkey Sanctuary, are quite clever. They’ve been known to steal sunglasses, wallets and even phones from tourists and won’t return them until they receive food in exchange. Don’t try to touch them either as they can bite!

What to Pack for 10 Days in Bali

Wondering what to pack for your 10 day Bali itinerary? With the heat and humidity on the island, be sure to pack light, breathable clothing. I mostly wore sundresses, swimsuits and beach cover ups. Also make sure to bring shoes that are comfortable for all your adventures!

Bug Spray

Mosquitoes absolutely love me so bug spray is essential when I’m traveling to a tropical destination like Bali. If you get bit like me, make sure to bring some!

Travel Adapter

I always bring this handy worldwide travel adapter with me when I’m traveling to a country with different outlet types. It’s lasted me years too!

Reef Friendly Sunscreen

Sunscreen is absolutely essential in Bali and I love this reef safe option!

Travel Towel

Some of Bali’s tougher to reach beaches don’t have any amenities on them (no beach clubs, lounge chairs, restaurants, etc.) so having a light weight towel is essential.

Dry Bag

If you’re planning to hit the beach or get on a boat at all, a dry bag can be super helpful in keeping your valuables dry and sand-free.

Dramamine & Pepto

Dramamine can come in handy if you get motion sickness on the ferries, and this Pepto kills bacteria that cause diarrhea (bye, bye Bali Belly!)

That wraps up my travel guide to Bali! Now you are all set to go ahead and plan your romantic getaway to Indonesia. Let me know in the comments if you decide to use this as your 10 day Bali honeymoon itinerary!

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