Is there an unseen part of Bali? There’s almost every post that tell you that they had the most healing experience in eat-pray-love style and Instagram pictures of people waxing lyrical about the magical rice terraces and lush tropics of Bali.

But the truth is, as long as there are locals and traditions been kept alive, the unseen part of Bali will always remain.

It is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia, and its culture is heavily influenced by Hindu-Balinese traditions.

This unique blend of Hindu and Balinese customs can be seen in Bali's architecture, art, music, dance, and daily life and for that reason Bali is worth a visit beyond just its Instagram-worthy spots.

So what you’ve heard of Bali is it true?

Yes and no — the island is huge and you can get stuck in traffic if you hit all the common hotspots or bump into the most brazen bules (an Indonesian word for foreigners and specifically people who are Caucasian).

When I first landed in the airport and got stuck in a horrible jam from the airport to Canggu, I wanted to go back — the heat, exhaust fumes and endless traffic made me doubt whether this place was relaxing.

But that changed as I moved away from the busy stretches and found hidden gems without travelling too much.

So is Bali worth visiting? Here’s a 10 day itinerary of all that you should of Bali (minus the touristed parts ad!).

I won’t be able to cover everything like Nusa Penida which seems to be why half of those visiting Bali wants to go there — sure, the lookout spots and beaches are amazing but you’ll find dozen of the same in places like Uluwatu.

Also read: Honest Guide To Bali’s Best Snorkelling Spots: From Amed to Nusa Penida

Disclosure: Do note that some of the links below are affiliate links and every purchase you make here will help support me through the commission I earn at no extra cost on your side. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.

Are you travelling solo or in a group?

solo hiking in bali but travelled in a small group when going up mount ijen

I found Bali is a great place to meet people — a lot of them are here on this digital nomad journey or are moving to places like Bali for community and a somewhat affordable lifestyle.

I was travelling solo and was looking to meet people — while Facebook groups are a great way to connect with others, another better place is via events.

Nomeo.io has tons of activities to meet people whether it is a ladies brunch, movie nights, running by the beach or even catching the solar eclipse (and yes, I managed to do that thanks to a stargazing event organised by the astronomy club in Bali).

They have links to whatsapp groups for each defined category making it easy to meet people anywhere in Ubud, Uluwatu or Canggu. Most events are in with a very minimal cost or you just need to pay for your share of meals and drinks!

I met pretty awesome people who were building cool things and were ready to give up their lives back home and try something that makes a difference to even the local Balinese community.

Know before you go

Buy Telekomsel simcard: Get the 7GB simcard pre-purchased before you arrive in Bali. It is super expensive at the airport and way cheaper when you buy online. You can activate it at any booth when you arrive at the counter.
Download Grab and Gojek app: These two apps will get you to anywhere around Bali. I have always used either and you can get a Grab directly from the airport at the Grab waiting lounge. Never get from the touts and people around you as soon as you arrive!

The 10-Day Itinerary of Bali

Day 1-2: Canggu /Pererenan

a 10 day itinerary of what to do in bali

A while ago it was Kuta that was the hot and happening place but this debauchery was quickly replaced by Seminyak, and now it is Canggu all of a sudden.

The multiple cafes and Balinese restaurants to the famed Batu Bolong beach with thousands of other surfers pouring in and out, and not to forget digital nomads, Canggu is the place to be.

But if you appreciate some walkability and want some breathing place while seeing some of Indonesia’s landmarks, I would recommend staying in Pererenan, one street after Canggu.

There are still paddy fields, a quiet beach, some really nice cafes and best of all not a crazy amount of tourists.

The beach in Pererenan is black but you still get one of the best sunsets compared to Echo Beach and Pantai Berawa as well as Batu Bolong beach.

What to do in Canggu and Pererenan?

Head over for scooter lessons in Canggu: This is one of the first things I did when I went over because of their quality and safety. Whether or not you decide to rent a scooter, it is always good to take in some lessons.
Explore the cafe scene: There are multiple cafes here and even if I list some of the best ones here, you’re bound to find more as you walk along the street. Some of the nice cafes worth exploring include Woods, Honey Pererenan, Brunch Club Pererenan and Roots.
Shopping: While everyone suggests going to Canggu Love Anchor Market, I would highly recommend visiting Treasure Baliniki Market Canggu for items that are not as pricy as the Love Anchor versions. You could also access Bali Niki Natural Art Market Canggu on the way to La Brisa where you’ll find other items and sarongs for cheaper!
Spas: There are a lot of Spas in Canggu but if you’re looking for something offbeat, try out Esthetic Day Spa and Chandra Yoga for an outdoor yoga experience.
Beach Clubs: If you would like to chill facing the beach and enjoy the sea breeze or evening views, check out these Bali beach clubs such as Sol Rooftop or La Brisa Club.
Visit other beaches: If you have time and want a more quiet beach with locals, explore Seseh beach and Kedungu beach. The waves in Kedungu are pretty clean and they’re also great for all surfing levels.
Learn how to surf: Honestly, if you have time this is the best place with beginner friendly waves to learn how to surf!

Where to stay in Canggu/Pereneran?

Euforia Guest House (Budget): This was one of the best places that I stayed in! It was clean, new and 10 minutes walking distance to the beach.
Kano Canggu (Mid-range): A wonderful and chic accommodation in a central area.
The Cali Villas (Luxury): Gorgeous chic accommodation that is everything about what Canggu is like!

Day 3-4: Uluwatu

a view of nyang nyang beach in bali uluwatu

Some of the best beaches, cliffs and resorts are situated in Bukit Peninsula called Uluwatu. Think dramatics cliffs, secret hideouts, blue sea and quiet roads to think relax and daydream a bit.

I found amazing cafes to get some work done, read a book and sat by local warungs having some of the best meals in Bali!

You’ll find there are a lot of resorts in Uluwatu but there are also some amazing villas for half the price which are not too far from all the beaches.

What to do in Uluwatu?

Beach hopping: There’s literally so many beaches with dramatic views of the ocean lines in Bali over here in Uluwatu. The most famous beach is Padang-padang and I thought it was Ok, often filled with a lot of rubbish and not that great of a beach. Here are the best beaches:
- Pantai Nyang-Nyang: It is super steep going down, so unless you have clever biking skills I’ll recommend taking a Grab rider or walking down. The beach is pretty small but it is gorgeous for that walk and you could also walk all the way from here to Pantai Nunggalan
- Pantai Nunggalan: This was a 20 minute trek to the beach. It was a 40 minute walk from my villa and I decided one day to run to the beach and do the hike during sunset, and it was one of the best moments while being in Bali. This beach is beautiful and you’ll find lot more locals here.
- Balangan Beach. This was a stunning beach but I didn’t go all the way down. I watched the solar eclipse from the clifftop instead called Tebing Pantai Balangan. The beach is not very easily accessible which makes it quite the adventure but the waters were stunningly blue and beautiful.
- Blue Point Beach and Suluban Beach: A very popular beach for surfers — you’ll find so many of them over here. It is a nice place to explore in the morning but not swimmable due to its dramatic waves.
- Melasti Beach: Another popular spot that’s on the other end of the island, closer to Nusa Dua. It’s the cleanest beach out of all the other beaches if you’re looking to bring your family over.
- Padang-padang beach: Perhaps the most overhyped beach, the stretch is small and it is crowded and dirty. One good thing is the nearby cafe that’s perfect to read and chill with a nice cup of latte with a view of the beach called a Son of a Baker.
Watch the sunset from Jaran Hill: A lot of people go to other cliffside such as Karang Boma but that’s OK not spectacular like Jaran Hill. Come at around 5pm to get a spot on the grass, bring some snacks and wine and enjoy the sunset! It was one of the most beautiful sunsets and almost reminds me of the cliffs in Ireland!
Explore the cafe scene: While not as busy and crowded as places like Canggu, the cafe scene in Uluwatu is pretty spread out. Some of the places that I like to visit is ofcourse Son of a baker, Yeye’s warung (amazing warung food), Suka Expresso, The Butternuts Bistro & Cafe.

Also Read: 10 Best Epic Beaches in Uluwatu, Bali + Stay and Cafe Options

Where to stay in Uluwatu?

If you are looking for some nice places to stay in Bali (Uluwatu), here are my recommendations:

view from my villa in uluwatu, bukal sari villas

Bukal Sari Villas (Budget): An amazing villa for a very affordable price. I stayed at the lumbung house with an open-aired bathroom and it was a dream!
Jepun Sari Uluwatu (Mid-range): Heard good things about this place and how everything has a mix of Japanese and Balinese architecture.
Kalia Bingin (Luxury): Everything about this room screams like the perfect escape! Also really close to bingin beach.

Day 4-7: Ubud

i attended a yoga class at the yoga barn

There’s some places that have been mentioned again and again and that’s Ubud. I was told by so many people that it’s a place of healing, self-discovery and offers a sense of peace and tranquility.

With so much said and done, the center of Ubud on Eid was a chaotic nightmare — but just behind the lanes heading towards Zest, you’ll find rows of paddy fields, and many temples and galleries that feature Balinese traditional cultures and arts and crafts.

The best way to immerse yourself is enjoy a Ubud day out and walk around, explore the backlanes, the paddy fields, sample the local cuisine and visit the many waterfalls around Ubud.

Not to forget that if there’s one place to slow down and learn a thing or two, I would recommend attending the yoga retreats or classes here. It is possible to take one or two classes and come back for a retreat another time.

What to do in Ubud?

traditional balinese food at sun-sun warung in ubud!

Visit the Monkey Forest: It’s right there in the centre and a wonderful place to get started in Ubud. The monkey forest is home to three ancient Hindu temples, including the Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, which is located at the forest's lowest point. These temples are important cultural sites and offer a glimpse into Bali's rich spiritual heritage.
Explore the rice paddies: A lot of people head towards Tegallalang Rice Terrace but it can be pretty touristy. I would suggest exploring the rice paddies around Sweet Orange Walk Trail and Kajeng rice fields.
Catch the Kechak dance: Lot of people think that the Kecak dance can only be watched in Uluwatu — that’s actually incorrect and I found the ones in Ubud more small-scale, intimate and lovely to experience. The public is very close to the show and the entire performance is super captivating as it showcases the epic tale of Ramayana.
Visit Ubud’s art markets and galleries: Ubud has a rich artistic tradition, and there are many galleries and museums showcasing traditional Balinese art and contemporary works.
Take a cooking class: I found the Balinese cuisine super interesting and one of the best ways to experience all that Bali has to offer is to learn what makes their food rich in spices and flavour! This cooking class is great as they teach you how to source your own ingredients and cook a traditional meal!
Experience the stunning waterfalls in Ubud: There are so many waterfalls and honestly, the crowds are really hard to deal with. But there were two waterfalls that took my breath away — Manuaba waterfall (20 minutes away from Ubud) and Nungnung waterfall (1 hour away). There was a nice rice terrace cafe with some of the most glorious roads on my journey to Manuaba waterfall!
Experience the spas and massages in Ubud: I went to Cantika Spa and while it was slightly rural and not as fancy as the others, I loved how the settings were very open and quiet — you could easily have a massage facing the forests in Ubud. The other well-known ones include Karsa Spa, Sinar Spa and Putri Bali Spa.

Where to stay in Ubud?

the plunge pool at hotel suara alam in ubud

Parvati Retreat Villa (Budget): A great place nestled in the paddy fields if you’re looking for a budget option.
Hotel Suara Alam (Mid-range): I loved everything about this place. It was new and had three swimming pools and was in a quiet part of Ubud.
Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud (Luxury): If you’re looking for luxury boutique-style accommodation in the forest, this is the place to be!

Day 8-10: Hike Mount Batur or Kawah Ijen

The best way to end your trip is to end it on an adventure — a lot of people head towards Mount Batur but because I have been, I wanted to explore another volcano further away in East Java.

The journey was long but it was possible to do 24 hours in Ijen Crater with this tour.

The volcano is also home to a community of sulfur miners, who brave the harsh conditions to collect and sell the sulfur. It was honestly heartbreaking to witness their back-breaking work and learn about their way of life.

Kawah Ijen is also one of the few places in the world where you can see blue flames. This phenomenon occurs when sulfuric gases from the volcano ignite as they come into contact with the air.

If you do decide to explore Mount Batur in Kintamani (it’s a shorter journey from Ubud), the best way is to go with this tour where it includes a hot spring. The kind that you need after a really long hike!

Also Read: Hiking Kawah Ijen Crater From Bali in 24 Hours: My Complete Guide to Climbing The Volcano

Other Activities Worth Exploring if trekking is not your thing:

Visit Nusa Penida on a day trip: You’ll get to experience the best of East Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach and Atuh beach. You can even hire a private car to explore the places at your own pace with this deal.
Besakih Temple & Lempuyang Temple Gates of Heaven Tour: One of the best things to do is take a private tour and snap magical shots of the Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang as the majestic Mount Agung sits in the background.
North Bali: Sunrise Tour with Dolphins, Waterfalls & Temples: With transportation a bit hard to arrange, this tour is completely worth it as you get to explore a different side of Bali while seeing dolphins.
Meet one of Bali's best Shaman healers: How often do you get to meet a Balinese shaman? Healing by Balinese Shaman combines Yagna, Yatra, and Mantra healing practices.
A Eat, Pr ay, Love Tour? You get to experience Bali from the eyes of Elizabeth Gilbert, who came to the island at the end of a year-long journey to search for balance and love in her life.

Let me know which activity you tried and what was it about Bali that you loved?

Like it? PIN it!

Indonesia

Unseen Bali In 10 Days: A Complete Itinerary of What To Do