10 day itinerary in Bali - advice please

Hello everyone,
My friend and I are going to Bali for 10 days in mid/late August. We're both looking to enjoy some nice hiking, snorkelling, relaxing and of course to see some beautiful temples and experience the local culture. We're up for a couple of evenings of parties but we would also would like to get away from the crowds too for some serious relaxation. I do have an international drivers licence but happy to also take taxis if that's easier.
As usual, my list is already far too long so if you can suggest anything to cut out or replace then that would be great!!

Ubud - Paddy fields cycle/hike, Saraswati Temple, Pura Tirta Temple, Market, My Batur hike
Tukad Cepung waterfall
climb Gurung Batur
Sideman - paddy fields hiking
Munduk - hiking, waterfalls
Amed - snorkelling
Jimburan

Can anyone suggest any lovely hikes and best places for snorkelling? Favourite temples? Also would it be worth taking a tour for Ubud or Sideman?
Thanks so much,
JayneyB

It would be better if you give more details about where you are staying...sounds like Ubud as a base, right? Then which other areas, or just Ubud? The island is probably bigger than you imagine so travel times need to be taken into account, and grouping things together geographically.

Hello, well we haven't booked anywhere yet so we're completely flexible. We just have flights arriving on the 19th and leaving on the 29th. In that time how many places would be reasonable to visit? Where would you recommend basing ourselves? Many thanks

Ten days is fine for Bali, and you don't have too many things on it really. Some things are very close together, not that interesting or don't take long to see, and some things you have listed twice.

This is just me, but I would not do my snorkeling from Amed, I would go north through Bedugul (temple in the lake and Munduk plus Tabanan rice fields on the way, Stay in Pemuteran, snorkel from the beach one day and another days snorkel from Menjangan Island.

Back in Ubud for several days, one day trip to Sidemen, hiking, waterfall, etc. Maybe stay in Jimbaran for your last couple of nights before your flight out.

Hey there, thanks for your suggestions, I really appreciate them. Bedugul looks wonderful. What would you suggest would be the best way to get there from the airport?

Don't go to Bedugul directly from the airport unless you are arriving very early in the morning. It's about 4 hours drive through curvy mountain roads. Actually you would be probably better off staying in Munduk than Bedugul..more accomodation options.

And really for practically all of it you are best off taking a private driver. They are your best friend, translator, driver and navigator all in one. Cost for a full day including gasoline is about rp 600,000 a day unless you are talking about going North through the mountains. In that case, more like 700,000 to 800,000 (he has to backtrack empty)

Hello Cuscus, thanks once again for your message, that's really helpful. I think we'll take your advice and go straight to Ubud when we arrive and then up to Munduk, and then to Pemuteran, before heading back down again. Have you done any hiking in the Taman national park btw? Would you recommend it? Also, where's the best place to hire a private driver? I'm used to renting a car myself or taking public transport so haven't got a lot of experience of this. Thanks :)

I can't hike so have not done it! I do have friends who are guides for the Park so if you want their details send me a message. I have heard independently that it's nice..Although there are many other places to hike around Bali (eg Munduk, Ubud, Bedugul, Sidemen that you don't need a park guide and entry is free) Sorry, just read your OP...one of my favorite hikes and not too busy is the one past Sidemen in Kastala)

Good private drivers are easy to get..I have a few friends I recommend but really there are so many. You just talk to the drivers standing by at your hotel, in front of cafes and chat to them, see if you like their personality, check the car, discuss ideas, negotiate price etc. A full day is usually about rp 600,000 unless you go further out and he has to deadhead alone so it can go higher. Around Bedugul I have seen signs for independent hiking guides that will take you through the twin lakes and so forth..I think one name is Mudi or something... If I find it will send to you.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.