Bali Travel Guide Itinerary (9 Days): Best Places to Visit in Bali Indonesia

Bali, Indonesia is often called the “Island of the Gods” and after spending 9 days there, I completely understand why. From stunning beaches and lush rice terraces to luxurious resorts and warm, welcoming locals, Bali offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Our trip was all about slowing down, soaking in beautiful views, enjoying incredible food, and sprinkling in some adventure especially on our day trip to Nusa Penida. By dividing our stay into different areas of Bali, we got to experience each region’s unique vibe without feeling rushed.

This is my second time visiting Bali so we opted for more of a relaxing vacation.

Here’s my full itinerary, along with tips, highlights, and must-visit spots for your own Bali getaway.

Why Visit Bali?

• Relaxation & Wellness: World-class spas, yoga sessions overlooking the ocean, and infinity pools that blur into the sky.
• Cultural Charm: Temples, art, and locals who radiate calm and kindness.
• Adventure: Snorkelling with manta rays, exploring hidden beaches, hiking cliffs.
• Foodie Paradise: From authentic Balinese meals to trendy smoothie bowls and fine dining inside a cave.
• Variety of Experiences: You can spend the morning meditating by the sea and the afternoon chasing waterfalls or sipping cocktails at a beach club.

9-Day Bali Itinerary Breakdown

Uluwatu (2 Days)

Stay: Anantara Uluwatu

• Private suite with our own pool, daily gourmet breakfast and dinner, a photoshoot session (surprisingly so fun), and a heavenly 90-minute massage.
• Daily yoga on a cliff overlooking the ocean is pure bliss.
• Infinity pool that melts into the ocean.

Must-Do:

• The Cave: A 7-course fine dining experience inside a natural cave with mesmerizing light projections.
• Relax, wonder and enjoy the resort

Nusa Dua (2 Days)

Stay: The Apurva Kempinski

• Kayaking, paddle boarding, and even camel rides on the beach.
• Dinner at Koral, Bali’s famous underwater restaurant.
• Relaxing spa treatments and sprawling lagoon pools.

Must-Do:

• Koral Restaurant: Dining surrounded by marine life while a diver swims by your table, it’s like a live aquarium show.
• Reef Beach Club: Relaxing by the beach with a coconut and they have food options too
• Relax, wonder and enjoy the resort

Nusa Penida (1 Day – Day Trip from Nusa Dua)

Tour: Booked with a friendly local guide who made sure we saw manta rays, turtles, and colourful schools of fish.

Highlights:

• Snorkelling with manta rays and turtles
• Visiting Kelingking Beach (aka T-Rex beach), Angel Billabong, and Broken Beach.
• Dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water made this one of the most unforgettable parts of the trip.

Seminyak (2 Days)

We switched gears and stayed in a villa instead of a resort to get a taste of Bali’s trendy, lively side.

Foodie Stops & Experiences:

• Bambu: Elevated Indonesian cuisine in a villa-style setting.
• Potato Head: Beach club vibes with a pool and ocean views.
• Bale Udang Mang Engking: Dining surrounded by koi fish.
• Kynd: Famous smoothie bowls for that Instagram moment.
• Floating Breakfast: The Bali classic! Requested within the villa
• Seminyak Village: Shopping and wandering.

Jimbaran (2 Days)

Stay: Ayana Resort, Jimbaran

• Multiple resorts in one estate (complete with a shuttle bus).
• Countless infinity pools and the world’s largest aquatonic seawater therapy pool.
• Close to the airport, perfect for the last stop.

Must-Visit:

• Rock Bar: Iconic cliffside sunset cocktails.
• Kisik Seafood Grill: Pick your own seafood for a romantic beachfront cliff-top dinner.
• To’Ge Restaurant: Buffet breakfast surrounded by koi fish, and you can even feed them too.
• Side Walk Mall + Hatiku for authentic seafood and shopping. Just located outside the resort
• Luna Rooftop Bar for a laid-back afternoon with views.

Best Time to Visit Bali

The dry season (April–October) is the best time to visit Bali for sunshine, clear skies, and beach days. The wet season (November–March) is less crowded, but expect afternoon showers.

We visited in mid-December and were pleasantly surprised with sunny weather almost the entire trip. Apart from one rainy morning, every day was bright and beautiful proof that Bali can be enjoyable even in the “rainy” season.

Travel Tips for Bali

• Stay 2–3 days per area: This way you’ll fully enjoy each region without rushing.
• Transport: Download MyBlueBird app for reliable taxis, it’s easier than Grab in some areas. (Uber alternative is Grab, Gojek and MyBlueBird)
• Cash & Cards: Cards are widely accepted in resorts and restaurants, but keep cash handy for local shops and tips.
• Cultural Etiquette: Always be respectful at temples (cover shoulders/knees).
• Relax! Bali runs on “island time” don’t overpack your schedule.
• To get a local physical SIM, you’ll be required to share your passport for registration purposes.
• Visa for entering Bali: You’ll need to pay for a visa at the airport and it is valid for 30 days. It costs around IDR 500,000, or about $50 AUD, when we visited.

My Experience in Bali

What stood out the most wasn’t just the views or the luxury resorts (though they were incredible!), it was the people. Everyone we met was warm, calm, and welcoming. Their peaceful energy is contagious and I finally understood why Bali has the reputation of being one of the most relaxing destinations in the world.

Our 9 days in Bali were the perfect mix of wellness, exploration, and indulgence. If you’re dreaming of a trip where you can do it all swim, relax, feast, and adventure, Bali should be at the top of your travel list.

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