The Perfect 10 Day Bali Itinerary for Yoga Lovers

If you’re looking for an unforgettable trip that combines yoga, nature, spirituality, and adventure, look no further than Bali!

This unique part of the Indonesian archipelago, known as ‘the island of the gods,’ is where you’ll find impossibly scenic rice terraces, beautiful beaches, a deeply spiritual culture, AND world-renowned yoga retreats.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that more and more yogis are choosing to visit Bali, creating their own “DIY yoga retreat” in-between tourist attractions and day trips for the perfect mix of wellness and sightseeing.

But with so much on offer, where should you stay, what should you do and how do you fit it all in to 10 days?

I’m lucky enough to visit Bali frequently, so I’ve compiled a 10-day Bali itinerary specifically for yogis, drawing from my experience.

From the peaceful vibes of Ubud to the blissful beaches of Canggu, get ready to experience the ultimate yogi’s vacation across Bali!

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My 10 Day Bali Itinerary: Yoga & Adventure

Here’s how I recommend spending 10 days in Bali for a great mix of yoga, wellness, spirituality, nature, and adventure!

Overview

• Day 1 – Arrive in Ubud
• Day 2 – Explore central Ubud
• Day 3 – Explore outer Ubud
• Day 4 – Visit Mount Batur
• Day 5 – Explore Canggu
• Day 6 – Yoga & Surfing in Canggu
• Day 7 – Explore Seminyak and Uluwatu
• Day 8 – Visit Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan
• Day 9 – Explore Sanur
• Day 10 – Depart

Day 1: Arrive in Ubud

The inland town of Ubud is known as Bali’s spiritual heart, making it the first stop on every yogi’s Bali itinerary.

Ubud is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport), and it takes between 1.5 to 2 hours by taxi, depending on traffic.

Unless your hotel offers complimentary airport transfers, you can hail a taxi directly from the airport, take a Grab, or book an airport transfer to ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival.

There is no shortage of hotels in Ubud, but I recommend booking one close to The Yoga Barn, as you will surely want to do a class or two here!

I stayed at Ubud Aura, next to The Yoga Barn, and because I booked through Booking.com, I got a complimentary 30-minute back massage! The Adiwana Resort Jembawan is also fantastic – it’s tucked away in lush greenery on a quiet street next and offers daily yoga classes.

Depending on the time you arrive and how you feel, you might decide to attend a relaxing Yin Yoga class, get a soothing spa treatment, or take a stroll around Ubud town.

For dinner, it makes sense to check out one of Ubud’s many amazing restaurants, such as the Michelin Star Mozaic Gastronomic Restaurant, or for local cuisine, Hujan Locale.

Day 2: Explore Ubud and take a Yoga Class

Spend your first full day in Ubud exploring the town and taking advantage of the MANY yoga offerings in this spiritual hub.

Morning

Whether you rise early or sleep in, start your day with an energizing morning yoga class. Aside from The Yoga Barn, there are many top-quality yoga studios here, such as Alchemy, Radiantly Alive, and Intuitive Flow. Most studios have multiple morning yoga classes, so don’t worry if you sleep through your alarm!

After yoga, grab a fresh and healthy brunch at Watercress Cafe, a short stroll from the famous Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest, which is well worth a visit! The monkey forest is set on the grounds of a Hindu temple, where monkeys naturally gather to protect the sacred place.

Although it is one of Ubud’s busiest and most popular tourist attractions, it is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. Just ensure you don’t have any snacks in your bag, as the monkeys are ruthless with food!

Afternoon & Evening

Spend your afternoon exploring central Ubud. Ubud Market, a traditional art market at the intersection of Jalan Monkey Forest and Jalan Raya Ubud, is a must visit.

You will find tons of unique paintings, fabrics, and wood carvings among many other handmade gifts and souvenirs here. But be sure to go early as it closes at 5 pm.

After strolling around the market, if your legs aren’t tired, I recommend going for a walk through the rice fields or doing the Campuhan Ridge Walk, one of the most popular natural trails in Bali.

This 2.5km walk starts near the Pura Gunung Lebah Temple on Jl, Raya Ubud road and takes just an hour or so each way. The Campuhan Ridge Walk passes through the Ubud Valley, some beautiful rice paddies, and Bangkiang Sidem village, allowing you to see a large part of Ubud in a short time.

Aim to start the hike around 4 pm to finish before sunset. Reward yourself with a fresh coconut and nourishing Nasi Goreng at Karsa Kafe in the rice fields.

Two of Ubud’s most popular raw vegan restaurants, Zest and Alchemy, can be found on Jln Penestanan, which is not far from the end of the trail and perfect for dinner. It’s easy to get a ride into town from there if you decide not to walk back along the ridge.

Day 3: Visit The Rice Terraces, Waterfalls and Temples

Spend day 3 of your Bali Itinerary exploring the famous rice terraces, temples and waterfalls near Ubud.

These attractions are located a bit out of town, so you’ll need to organise some transportation to get there and back. Many travelers hire a private driver for a day trip around these places, but you can do it all on your own too if your confident driving a motorbike in Bali.

Morning:

Start your morning with a visit to the iconic Tegallalang rice terraces north of Ubud before they get busy – they’re one of the most photogenic natural landmarks in Bali.

After seeing the rice terraces make your way to Pura Tirta Empul, a sacred water temple about 20-minutes drive away. This ancient temple contains a holy spring that cleanses your mind, body, and soul and is one of Bali’s most famous spiritual sites so it’s a popular spot for yogis and spiritual seekers.

At Tirta Empal, you can participate in a ritual bathing process, called ‘melukat‘, moving from spout to spout and saying prayers for purification. I found it to be a really special and uplifting experience. 

You could also visit Pura Gunung Kawi, another unique temple with huge rock-cut shrines nearby.

Afternoon:

Once you’ve had some lunch, it’s time to go chasing waterfalls!

Bali is home to around 30 waterfalls, some of which are popular tourist attractions whilst others are sacred sites that remain hidden gems tucked deep into the jungle. Water is a symbol of purification in Balinese Hinduism, so, waterfalls in Bali are often viewed as sources of holy water.

One of my favorite waterfalls close to Ubud is Tibumana Waterfall, as it’s easy to reach and less crowded than other Bali waterfalls. It’s a 30-minute drive from Ubud and a pleasant 15-minute stroll from the parking lot. The pool at the waterfall’s base is shallow and calm, making it ideal for a refreshing swim, even for non-confident swimmers like myself.

The magnificent Kanto Lampo Waterfall, which is just 5km away from Tibumana. Unlike Tibumana, which has a single drop, Kanto Lampo cascades over a series of black, natural rock terraces. This creates a “staircase” effect as the water flows down, making it stand out from other waterfalls in Bali.

Another popular waterfall is Tukad Cepung Waterfall, a unique waterfall inside a cave where the streams of sunlight create a magical and mesmerizing sight. It’s further away but well worth visiting if you have time to spare.

Evening:

When you return to Ubud town, have a quick dinner and then spend your evening watching a Balinese dance show. These take place every evening at Ubud Palace.

The traditional dance performance at Ubud Palace starts at 7:30 pm but I recommend being there at about 7 pm as the seats are not allocated and it often gets busy.

Each night of the week the dance is slightly different, but whichever evening you visit, the performance will be both traditional and impressive.

Day 4: Hike Up Mount Batur

No matter what you’re coming to the Island of the Gods for, no Bali itinerary is complete without a trip to Mount Batur, Bali’s famous active volcano!

Morning

If you’re not much of an early riser, you won’t be happy to hear that day 4 of your Bali travel itinerary starts early… VERY early!

The best time to visit Mount Batur is sunrise, and I’ll tell you why…

Watching the sun rise over Mount Batur will be one of your most memorable travel experiences. As the sun rises, it paints the sky with incredible shades of orange, pink, and purple, illuminating Lake Batur and the caldera.

Hiking up the volcano early in the morning also means it will be less crowded up the top, and cooler on the way down. Of course, it does mean waking up very early (before 4 am) and hiking up in the dark, but it’s so worth it and so much fun!

As you start your hike in the dark, I can’t stress enough the importance of going with a guide. I recommend joining a group sunrise trek, which includes hotel pick-up, local guides, and breakfast afterward.

Afternoon & Evening

If you’re yet to try a Balinese massage, now is the time. Trust me, your legs will be aching after your morning hike, so book yourself in for a relaxing spa treatment at Ubud Traditional Spa or Jaens Spa.

Then, continue your restorative afternoon with a gentle yin yoga class or Yoga Nidra session, before grabbing an early dinner and hitting the hay.

Day 5: Explore Canggu

As we head towards the halfway point of our 10-day Bali Itinerary, it’s time to move on from the yoga hub of Ubud and explore the rest of this beautiful island, starting with Canggu.

Morning

Ubud to Canguu is a 60 to 90-minute drive. Leave early in the morning so you have the entire day to explore your new location.

There are plenty of accommodation options in Canguu. I recommend staying at Serenity Eco Guesthouse, which is just 150 meters from the beach and offers 10 yoga sessions daily (at an additional charge).

Another great choice is Surf Motel, which has a rooftop pool, daily group and private surf lessons, and even a coworking space.

Once you arrive in Canguu, head down to Batu Bolong Beach, the main beach area in Canguu. Although Canguu isn’t as walkable as Ubud, Batu Bolong is a very vibrant area where you’ll find endless surf schools, yoga studios, and hip cafes, boutiques, and restaurants.

I recommend Sari Kitchen & Community for lunch, as it has a delicious all-day brunch menu with creative dishes and locally sourced ingredients.

Afternoon & Evening

Spend your afternoon relaxing on the beach or by the pool with a good book. Along with Batu Bolong, you can explore Echo Beach and Berawa Beach.

If you want to do something more active, head to Bali’s iconic sea temple, Tanah Lot, a 30-minute drive north of Canguu. Tanah Lot is sacred as Balinese Hindus believe it protects the island from evil sea spirits.

This seaside temple gives stunning sunset views, so I recommend heading here during the late afternoon.

After sunset, head back to Canguu to explore the town’s vibrant nightlife. The Lawn is a laidback beach club that makes delicious cocktails, while Old Man’s is a popular bar with live music and an awesome vibe. Happy hour is between 5 and 6 pm!

Day 6: Yoga and Surfing in Canggu

No Bali travel itinerary is complete without a surf lesson in Canggu, which is what you’re going to do today. After surfing, check out one of Canggu’s fantastic yoga studios.

Morning

As you will have seen yesterday, there are plenty of surf schools in Canggu, so the challenge lies in choosing one. My advice is to read the reviews before looking – Aquamanbali, Dian Surf School, and Magic Surf School are all reputable, highly rated options.

Surf lessons typically last around 2 hours, and don’t worry – you’ll be in a group that matches your level and given as much instruction as you need before hitting the waves. But if you prefer more attention, you can also book a private lesson for a very reasonable price.

After your surf lesson, refuel at Shady Shack, which has inventive vegetarian dishes and generous portions. Or check out the Super Bowls at Crate Café, which will definitely replenish your energy!

Afternoon

After lunch, take some time to chill by the pool or take a nap before a late afternoon yoga class. I really enjoy going to The Practice, where there is an all-levels Traditional Hatha or Yin Yoga class every day at 4 pm.

The Practice, founded by Octavio and Emma Salvado, teaches based on the Sri Vidya traditional lineage. Therefore, the yoga classes here always have a very authentic, spiritual, and holistic approach.

Two other wellness centers that also do great afternoon yoga classes are Samadhi and Serenity.

Evening

Maintain that zen-like vibe after yoga by treating yourself to an evening at Amo Bathhouse (at Amo Spa) with a Swedish sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, ice baths, and more.

Amo Spa is open until 10 pm, and there are many restaurants around where you can get dinner afterward, such as Cafe Vida, which specializes in organic whole foods and deeply nourishing dishes.

Day 7: Visit Seminyak Beach and Uluwatu Temple

On day 7 of your Bali itinerary, you’ll explore some more of the island’s famous sights and beach areas.

Morning

After a morning yoga class and lazy brunch in Canguu, head to Seminyak beach, a 20 to 30-minute taxi ride away. (Side note: it’s possible to walk along the coast from Canguu to Seminyak during low tide, and takes about 45 minutes.)

Seminyak Beach is known for its fancy beach clubs and luxurious vibe. It does lack Canguu’s bohemian charm, but it’s still a cool spot to check out.

Many of Seminyak’s beach clubs are open all day. I recommend the famous Potato Head Beach Club, which has a huge beachfront infinity pool and opens at 9 am. The mornings here are much more relaxed than the afternoons, so it’s a nice place to hang out and sunbathe for a few hours, enjoying an iced coffee (or a cocktail!)

Afternoon & Evening

Grab lunch at one of the many chic cafes in Seminyak before heading to Uluwatu temple, about 30km away. This top tourist attraction is famed for its spiritual significance, as well as its clifftop setting and panoramic ocean views.

Aside from the spectacular views and setting, one thing you’ll notice soon after arriving at the temple is the vast number of monkeys. These mischievous monkeys are believed to guard the temple from evil, but they like to steal the personal belongings of tourists, so be careful!

I recommend visiting the Uluwatu temple in the late afternoon for 2 reasons.

Firstly, the sunsets here are incredible. Secondly, a traditional Kecak fire dance happens every day at sunset in the theater near the temple, and is well worth seeing. It’s a captivating performance that involves a group of Balinese men chanting and retelling the story of the Ramayana, accompanied by a dramatic fire display.

I highly recommend this Bali Sunset Tour, which includes a visit to the temple, entry to the Kecak dance, and dinner at one of the popular seafood restaurants at Jimbaran Bay.

Day 8: Go Island Hopping

No itinerary for Bali is complete without some island time! But if you only have 10 days in Bali you’ll need to choose between the Gili islands and the Nusa islands.

I recommend visiting Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida as they’re closer to Bali, larger, and less touristy than the Gili islands. So they feel more relaxed and peaceful. 

There are some great yoga schools on Nusa Lembongan, and the vibe on the island is super chilled. The neighboring island of Nusa Penida is a short boat ride away and home to some of the most stunning natural sights in Bali.

Because Nuda Penida is a fairly large and undeveloped island with so much to see, you’ll need to either rent a scooter, hire a driver, or join a tour to get between places. 

To really make the most of your island time I’d recommend taking this 2-day guided tour of Nusa Penida & Lembongan that includes all your transportation, hotels, and sightseeing activities. 

If you’d rather do things independently, I’ll explain how to explore these islands by yourself over days 8 and 9 of your Bali itinerary.

Morning:

You’ll need to leave the mainland early to visit both islands. I recommend visiting Nusa Penida first, then going to Nusa Lembongan in the afternoon, and staying there for the night. 

The earliest boat usually departs Sanur around 08:30 am and takes 30 minutes. You can also take a ferry from the Serangan harbor, just north of Nusa Dua Beach.

There is so much to do on Nusa Penida. Check out the famous Kelingking Beach viewpoint, with its iconic cliffs that resemble a T-Rex. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike down to the beach too.

I also recommend checking out both Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, which are right next to each other. Broken Beach is a beautiful lagoon created by a natural archway in the ocean. Similarly, Angel’s Billabong is a natural infinity pool with crystal-clear water on the edge of the cliffs.

And don’t miss the chance to go snorkeling, these islands are known for their rich marine life and coral reefs – yes this is where you can snorkel with giant manta rays!

Afternoon:

When you’ve finished exploring Nusa Penida, take the ferry or a speedboat to Nusa Lembongan and check in to your hotel.

I recommend staying at Jungutbatu Beach on the northwest side of Nusa Lembongan, which is quite the yoga hub with several quality yoga schools and nice cafes.

I loved staying at Green Garden, which is not just a resort but also a yoga spa and holistic healing center. You can stay in a traditional Balinese wooden bungalow with an iconic Bali outdoor bathroom. There’s also an excellent onsite restaurant if you don’t want to venture out for food.

Spend the rest of the day either exploring the island, relaxing on the beach, or getting spa treatments. 

In the north of Nusa Lembongan, you’ll find a picturesque mangrove forest, which you can Kayak through. In the south, you’ll find Dream Beach and Devil’s Tear, a dramatic rocky outcrop where the waves crash against the cliffs. 

You can also cross the little yellow bridge and explore the tiny island of Nusa Ceningan too. Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon if you go.

Then spend the evening watching the sunset and relaxing at one of the low key bars and restaurants on Jungutbatu Beach.

Day 9: Nusa Lembongan to Sanur

Morning:

Wake up early to check out Lembongan’s underrated yoga scene and enjoy the blissful morning beach vibes.

Take a morning yoga class at Yoga Bliss, Island Yoga, or Santosha Yoga Village, and afterwards enjoy a swim and brunch at Ginger & Jamu or The Blue Yogi. Both have great menus, and beachside seating.

Afternoon:

Hop on a ferry or speedboat back to the mainland and check in to your hotel in Sanur. A night at Puri Santrian is highly recommended if you can splash out for luxury, or the Mercure Resort for a more affordable beachfront stay.

Spend the afternoon either cycling or strolling down Sanur’s 5 km beach path. Check out the funky shops at Sindhu Beach Market to find local arts, crafts and last minute souvenirs. If you get tired, stop at one of the many seafront cafes and soak up the ocean views.

In the evening, visit Sindhu Night Market, a small, local, street food market where you can grab some freshly made Balinese dishes.

Day 10: Departure Day

Morning:

If you’ve got a bit of time before your flight then get up early again to see the sun rise over the beach, followed by an invigorating morning yoga class at Power Of Now Oasis.

Have one final smoothie bowl on the beach at Genius Cafe close to the yoga shala before checking out of your hotel and heading to the airport.

It might be the end of your 10 days in Bali but don’t be sad, you know you’ll come back!

If you have more time in Bali, check out the next section for additional sightseeing options and my recommendations for a longer Bali itinerary.

Also Consider:

Extending Your Trip to 14 Days

If you have more time, it’s well worth extending your Bali itinerary a few more days and spending 14 days / 2 weeks in Bali.

Then you could stay longer on the Nusa islands and also visit the Gili islands (Gili Air is the best for yogis) This will give your trip the perfect balance of mainland activities and chilled island life.

You could also add in some of the additional activities, beaches and temples below:

Taking A Balinese Cooking Class

Another thing I did in Bali, which I really recommend is a Balinese cooking class. There are so many options for these, but I enjoyed this half-day cooking class in the traditional village of Laplapan near Ubud.

This authentic cooking experience includes visits to a local market and rice plantation before a cooking class in a traditional setting. You’ll get to make 3 starters, 4 main courses, and one dessert before sitting down to enjoy your creations.

Exploring More Beaches

Did you know that Bali is home to over 50 beaches? If you can extend your Bali trip, check out some more of these:

Dreamland Beach, near Uluwatu temple in Southern Bali is adored for its surf break and sunsets. Nusa Dua Beach is another fab spot, especially for water sports and activities like jet skiing.

Also, consider Lovina Beach, a peaceful black sand beach in Northern Bali. It’s sheltered by a reef, creating calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. In the east, Amed Beach is home to a growing yoga and diving scene.

Exploring More Temples

Bali is known as the island of the gods due to it’s thousands of temples. If you’d like to visit more temples consider Besakih Temple, the mother temple, Lempuyang Temple, the gateway to heaven, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, a picturesque lakeside temple.

Yoga Teacher Training

If you’re ready to take your yoga practice to the next level, or become a yoga instructor yourself, Bali offers a huge choice of yoga teacher training courses (YTTC).

Ubud is one of the best places in the world for yoga training and most programs take between 14 – 21 days to complete, so it’s better to spend 1 month in Bali for this life changing experience.

For a less intense yoga holiday in Bali, there are many dreamy yoga retreats all across the island too.

Tips for Visiting Bali

If you want some tips for visiting and traveling in Bali, check out our article Bali Travel Guide: Tips For Planning Your Trip to Bali.

We’ve written all about when to go, where to stay, how to get around, what to do, and other essential knowledge for your Bali vacation.

Enjoy your trip to Bali!

Bali is so much more than just a popular tourist destination. Its rich spirituality, peaceful vibes, stunning natural beauty and thriving yoga scene create the perfect environment for deepening your yoga practice and reconnecting with yourself.

But with so many beautiful places to see in Bali you don’t want to spend all your time on the mat! Exploring the island will enhance your experience and understanding of Balinese culture.

With this 10-day Bali itinerary, you can see this Indonesian island’s most iconic sights and practice at the best yoga schools while still having time for rest and reflection – it’s the perfect Bali yoga trip!