A 10-Day Bali Eco Itinerary for Nature Lovers Only
Explore this magical island with our ultimate Bali Eco Itinerary
Bali, once known as a true paradise. And depending on who you ask, it still is… though the island hasn’t escaped the effects of booming tourism. Crowded streets, rice fields replaced by modern villas, plastic washing up on shorelines — the changes are real, and in many areas, impossible to ignore.
Yet Bali still holds its magic. Even after witnessing how quickly some regions have transformed, we continue to return because there are places where the island’s lively hasn’t hardly changes after decenia’s — in the quiet valleys, the misty mountains, the traditional villages, and the pockets of untouched nature that feel worlds away from the busy south.
So if you’re dreaming of Bali — or already planning your trip — but don’t want to end up on the characterless strips of Kuta, squeezed between beach bars in Canggu, or tucked inside a resort in Nusa Dua that could just as easily be anywhere else in the world… you’re in the right place.
Our 10-day eco-focused itinerary is designed to show you the Bali we fell in love with:
✨ rice fields that stretch endlessly,
✨ temples rich in history and ritual,
✨ hidden waterfalls,
✨ and mountain landscapes that will make you stop in your tracks.
Our 10-Day Bali Itinerary – Eco-Friendly & Off the Beaten Path
Route: Ubud → Sidemen → Munduk → Jimbaran → Departure
To truly experience Bali, 7 days is the minimum, but 10 days is perfect — and you might even wish you could stay longer.
This itinerary shows you what’s possible in just 10 days, without feeling rushed. Bali is full of beaches, mountains, temples, and waterfalls, and this plan is designed to give you a taste of its diverse beauty and culture.
From sun-soaked shores to misty mountains and lush rice terraces, you’ll experience the highlights while soaking in the true essence of Bali.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – Arrival → Ubud (Day 1)
When we arrive in Bali, our first stop is usually Ubud. It’s not just the cultural heart of the island — where art, tradition, and daily life intertwine — but also the perfect starting point for the rest of your journey.
Airport to Ubud (🚗1H)
If you can, try to land in the morning. Bali’s airport can take its time, and it often feels like the first part of your adventure just getting out and on the road. Once you arrive at your accommodation, pause for a fresh juice or a light bite — a moment to reset before stepping out into the streets and rice fields.
3:00 PM – Campuhan Ridge Walk
Plan to arrive at the Campuhan Ridge Walk around 3 PM so you can soak up the late afternoon light and catch the sunset between 4 and 4:45 PM. Walking the ridge at this time, as the sky turns golden over the rice terraces, is the kind of moment that quietly reminds you why Bali is so beloved.
Afterward, return for a peaceful dinner and let the calm of Ubud set the tone for the days ahead.
Why start in Ubud: Ubud offers gentle cultural immersion and a central base for exploring both the heart of Bali and the quieter corners beyond.
Places to stay in Ubud
Finding great accommodation in Ubud’s village center took us years of trial and error. There are countless options, but quality and location vary a lot. We’ve stayed in places that were too dark, not very clean, or right on busy Jalan Monkey Forest—an area we now avoid because traffic and crowds make coming and going a hassle.
The good news? Ubud has plenty of quieter side streets with lovely stays, like Jalan Bisma, Jalan Kejeng, and Jalan Jero Gedung. You can also look beyond the center to nearby hamlets such as Campuhan, Penestanan, Peliatan, and Nyu Kuning. With a motorbike, staying just outside town often feels calmer and more rewarding.
If you’re in Ubud for longer, consider unique nature-focused stays like Bambu Indah (luxury) or Mana Earthly Paradise (midrange) for something truly memorable.
📍Budget Tara House: A warm, family-run homestay in Ubud where you feel like part of the household; rich in local charm and excellent value.
📍Mid-Range The Rice Joglo Eco‑Stay: Set amid rice paddies in teak jóglo buildings, this eco-stay uses home-grown produce and gives you a genuine nature-and-culture experience just outside town.
📍Luxury COMO Uma Ubud: A blissful, luxury retreat nestled in the Ubud jungle, COMO Uma Ubud combines wellness and sophistication with genuine eco-credentials — it holds an EarthCheck Silver certification and champions energy efficiency, waste reduction, and local sourcing of food and materials.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – Discovering Ubud’s Temples, Rice Fields & Culture (Day 2)
What better way to spend your first full day in Ubud than immersing yourself in the landscapes, temples, and traditions that have made Bali one of the world’s most beloved destinations? From serene temples nestled among rice fields, to quiet strolls through the paddies, and a Balinese dance performance in the evening, this day lets you feel the uniqueness of the island.
For this day trip, you’ll need wheels. You can either hire a private driver or rent a motor scooter. The roads are generally quiet, but we recommend choosing a scooter only if you’re fully comfortable and experienced with riding one. If not, this private driver will take you safely to all the highlights of the day. Check if if he is available HERE
8:00 AM – Gunung Kawi Tempaksering (🚗 35 min.)
Begin the morning at Gunung Kawi Tempaksering, a tranquil temple hidden among rice fields and natural springs. Walking down the stairs toward the ancient royal tombs, you can’t help but wonder how people once created such a beautiful place. It is a sacred site, and standing beside the tall tombs, you can understand why.
9:30 AM – Tirta Empul (🚗 10 min.)
Next, head to Pura Tirta Empul, renowned for its sacred purification pools. Legend has it that the pools were created by the god Indra, and many believe that bathing in them brings spiritual cleansing.
Visitors can rent a sarong and join in the purification ritual, or simply relax and watch as locals honor the site’s spiritual importance in their daily lives.
Tip: Visiting temples early ensures a peaceful, uncrowded experience, allowing you to fully absorb the serene atmosphere.
10:30 AM – Ulun Penatu Waterfalls (🚗 10 min.)
Take a short drive to Ulun Penatu Waterfalls, where water cascades through lush greenery. The sound of rushing water and the cool mist create a refreshing pause in the day.
12:00 PM – Tegalalang Rice Fields (🚗 15 min.)
By noon, make your way to the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terraces. It’s not the ideal time to visit—this is usually the hottest and busiest part of the day—but it’s still a great spot to pause for a drink and take in the sweeping views.
If you can handle the heat, wander along the narrow paths between the emerald-green paddies. Here, you can see the intricate subak irrigation system at work, a centuries-old tradition that shapes Bali’s landscape.
Tip: If you’re set on walking through the terraces, you can also consider starting your morning here instead and early afternoon at Gunung Kawi Tampaksiring.
1:30 PM – Lunch in Ubud (🚗 30 min.)
Pause for a leisurely lunch at one of Ubud’s charming cafés or warungs, the small local restaurants found throughout Indonesia. Although Ubud offers a wide variety of dining options, we highly recommend trying a warung at least once during your time in Bali. The dishes may look simple, but the flavors of authentic Indonesian cooking are often unforgettable—and may just have you going back for seconds.
3:00 PM – Rice field Ridge Walk / Tegenungan Waterfall (Alternative)
In the late afternoon, if you haven’t done so on your first day take a gentle stroll along the Campuhan Ridge Walk, where the golden light spills across the rolling hills and rice terraces. Want to do another rice field walk? Head up Jalan Kajeng and walk to the very end were a tiny path will take you right to the rice fields.
Alternative: If you prefer waterfalls, Tegenungan Waterfall is nearby (🚗 30 min.) — best visited outside the rainy season for safer paths and fuller views.
7:00–7:30 PM – Balinese Dance Performance
Yes, these performances are designed with visitors in mind, so they can feel touristy, but that doesn’t take away from their beauty or significance. In fact, they play an important role in keeping Balinese traditions alive. Each banjar — the local village community — stages performances on specific days, bringing stories, music, and ritual to life.
We were particularly captivated by the Kecak dance performed on a temple courtyard, where hundreds of voices create a mesmerizing rhythm, and by traditional Balinese legong dances that portray characters and tales from the island’s rich mythology. Tickets are easy to find around town.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – Mount Batur Sunrise Trek or Downhill Cycling (Day 3)
For this day, you have two options: either trade a proper night’s sleep for a breathtaking experience, or wake up a little earlier than usual. Both promise activity, adventure, and a deep connection with Bali’s landscapes. After all, Bali wakes early — and so can you.
Option A: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
For those who love hiking and unforgettable sunrises, this is a must. Set off in the early hours (around 2 AM if you’re staying in Ubud) and ascend Mount Batur under the pre-dawn sky. As the sun rises over the crater, the world is painted in soft gold and pink, and the lake below shimmers like a mirror.
On the way back, the tour usually stops at a local coffee plantation where you can taste the different Balinese coffee. If you prefer to soak in a hot water spring after you hike, double check if this is included in your tour.
The hike typically starts around 3:30 AM and you’ll be back before lunch, giving you time to rest and reflect on the morning’s adventure.
Ready for some adventure, book your Mount Batur Sunrise tour HERE
Option B: Downhill Cycling Tour
If you prefer a slower pace, cycling through Bali’s quiet villages and rice terraces is a perfect choice. Most of the route is downhill, so you don’t need to be super fit to enjoy it.
Along the way, your guide shares stories about local life, agriculture, and customs — a wonderful way to gain insight into the island beyond the usual tourist sights. The tour usually includes a fresh, local lunch, giving you another taste of Bali’s culinary culture.
We loved how this guided downhill cycling tour led us through Balinese villages, past rice fields, and alongside local workshops, giving us so much to experience in just one morning.
Book A Cycling Tour HERE
Late Afternoon in Ubud
After your morning adventure, the afternoon is yours to wander. Explore Ubud town, peek into the Monkey Forest, simply savor a cup of coffee at one of the many charming cafés or better yet, head for a full body message at the many Balinese spa’s in town.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – From Ubud’s Morning Market to Sidemen’s Valleys (Day 4 )
If you’re imagining a holiday of sleeping in, today asks you to think differently. Bali stirs early, and so will you, but the rewards are worth it.
7:00 AM – Ubud Market
Before breakfast, wander through the Ubud Market. While it’s famous as a place to shop for souvenirs and crafts, the real magic is in the morning bustle.
Watch local women balance baskets of produce on their heads, listen to vendors calling out the day’s offerings, and take in the vibrant colors of tropical fruits and flowers destined for temple offerings. It’s an unique glimpse into everyday Balinese life.
9:30 AM – Journey to Sidemen (🚗 1,5H)
After soaking in the market, set off east toward Bali’s serene countryside. The drive is a beautiful journey, passing rice terraces, small villages, and glimpses of Mount Agung in the distance. Arrange a driver to take you at your accommodation or download the GRAB-app to book a ride.
11:30 AM – Arrival & Check-In
Arrive at your hillside lodge, where sweeping views of rice terraces welcome you. Take a moment to settle in, breathe in the valley air, and appreciate the slower rhythm of rural Bali.
3:00 PM – Rice Terrace Walk
After lunch, stretch your legs with a guided walk through the emerald fields. Your guide is usually a local farmer, offering insight into traditional farming techniques, the subak irrigation system, and village life.
Walking these quiet paths supports the local community and makes you appreciate the area even more. Guided walks usually start at 15:00
A two-hour rice field hike is the perfect way to begin your time in Sidemen. The insights your guide shares will enrich your experience of this stunning area in the days ahead.
Book your rice field guided walk HERE
Why stay in Sidemen? Sidemen is perfect for travelers seeking peace, rural beauty, and authentic connection, a world away from the bustling streets of Ubud or the southern coast. To read more on what Sidemen is like, check out the post we wrote about Ubud vs Sidemen.
Places to Stay in Sidemen
A characterful stay can make Sidemen truly unforgettable, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. Homestays often offer incredible views—sometimes even better than luxury villas—and waking up to Mount Agung is magical.
Budget-friendly gems include Giri Carik, Griya Valud Bali, and Kubu Taru, while Pondok Tepi Sungai charms with its riverside setting. If your budget allows, a bamboo-structured stay adds an unforgettable, eco-conscious touch to the experience.
📍Budget Giri Carik: A charming, locally run homestay with sweeping views of rice terraces and Mount Agung, perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Sidemen experience on a budget.
📍Mid-Range Sawah Indah Villa: Nestled among rice fields, this eco-conscious villa offers spacious rooms, stunning valley views, and a tranquil atmosphere while supporting local sustainability practices.
📍Luxury Veluvana Bali: A luxurious retreat with private villas overlooking the Sidemen valley, blending high-end comfort with eco-friendly initiatives and immersive experiences in nature.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary– Sidemen to the Coast: Hidden Beaches & Scenic Drives (Day 5)
While Sidemen is celebrated for its emerald rice terraces, you might be surprised to discover some of Bali’s most beautiful white-sand beaches just under an hour away. The ride through mountains, past villages, and along winding roads offers views that are worth stopping for at every turn.
Today is made for exploration, and the best way to do it is on a scooter — but only if you’re comfortable riding. If not, don’t risk it; hire a local driver at your accommodation to take you around. Either way, the journey itself is part of the adventure.
9:00 AM – White Sand Beach (🚗 1h10min.)
Follow the route down from Sidemen, with terraces cascading on either side, until you reach Pasir Putih beach, near Candidasa. This hidden cove is the perfect place to lay down a towel, feel the warm sand, and let the tropical surroundings sink in. Quiet and secluded, it’s a true hidden gem.
11:00 AM – Padangbai for Lunch (🚗 45min.)
Next, stop in Padangbai, a small port town known for ferries and diving. Take your time to enjoy a leisurely lunch overlooking the calm beach waters. It’s a charming, laid-back spot to recharge before more coastal adventures.
1:00 PM – Bias Tugal Beach (🚗 5 min.)
Yes, the hike to Bias Tugal Beach might come at the hottest part of the day, but it’s worth every step. The pristine sand, turquoise waters, and quiet surroundings make it feel like a private paradise. After soaking in the sun and sea, you’ll want to head back to Sidemen before dusk.
3:00 PM – Return to Sidemen
The route back offers options:
- Via Semarapura: Not the most scenic and often busy with trucks, but you can make a rewarding stop at Gamling Waterfall (🚗 1,5H.)
- Via Manggis (🚗 55 min.): A quieter, smaller road winding through hills and passing tiny Balinese villages — perfect for those who prefer a scenic, slower-paced return.
Eco Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and skip plastic straws at the beach — small choices help keep these hidden gems pristine.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – Balinese Course or Wild Water Rafting (Day 6)
Today is yours to shape. You can choose to immerse yourself in Balinese culture, whether that’s learning the secrets of local flavors in a cooking class, or discovering the artistry of traditional jewelry making. For those seeking a bit more thrill, white-water rafting along Bali’s rivers offers an exhilarating way to see the island from a different perspective.
8:00 AM – Cooking Class or White-Water Rafting
Ease into the morning with a cooking class, sipping coffee as the village wakes and learning to prepare Balinese dishes using fresh, locally grown ingredients.
Or, if you prefer to start with a splash of adrenaline, opt for white-water rafting instead. Morning departures are ideal, taking you through jungle-lined canyons, hidden waterfalls, and cool river rapids — an exciting way to see a wilder side of Bali.
11:00 AM or 03:00 PM Jewelry Making
Jewelry workshops are held throughout the day, giving you flexibility if you prefer to start with some quiet time. Similarly, rafting trips can be scheduled in the morning or afternoon, depending on how you want to pace your day.
Check out more on what you will be learning and creating at a Jewelry Workshop in Sidemen HERE
Whatever you choose, this is a day for balance. Relax, soak in your surroundings, and allow yourself the rare luxury of doing nothing at all — because sometimes, simply being present in Bali is the most rewarding experience of all.
Quick Tip: If you can’t get enough of the stunning Sidemen Ricefields, go for a late afternoon stroll at long Sidemen Rice Field Track
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – Sidemen → Munduk: Highlands, Temples & Lakes (Day 7)
Today is a transfer day, moving from the lush valleys of Sidemen to the misty highlands of Munduk. But don’t think of it as just a day on the road — along the way, Bali reveals some of its most stunning highlights, making the journey as memorable as the destination.
7:00 AM – Besakih Temple (Optional 🚗 1H via passing Selat)
If you’re an early riser, start your day with a visit to Besakih Temple, the “Mother Temple” of Bali. Arriving early lets you experience its sacred atmosphere before the crowds descend. If you prefer a slower morning, it’s perfectly fine to leave this stop for another time.
Mid-Morning – Kintamani & Lake Batur Views (🚗 45 min.)
Continue through the highlands to Kintamani, where panoramic views of Lake Batur and the surrounding volcanic peaks unfold. If you haven’t already seen the sunrise from Mount Batur or cycled through Ubud’s highlands, this is your chance to take it all in.
11:00 AM – Pura Ulun Danu Beratan (🚗1H40mins.)
Next, arrive at Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, a serene temple seemingly floating on the lake. The temple is dedicated to Dewi Danu, the goddess of lakes and rivers and it plays an important role in Bali’s traditional irrigation system.
The calm waters, misty mountains, and iconic pagodas make this one of Bali’s most photogenic and peaceful spots.
12:00 PM – Continue to Munduk (🚗45mins.)
The drive to Munduk winds through lush forests and past Lake Tamblingan, offering more breathtaking viewpoints along the way. The scenery shifts dramatically from valley to highland, and each stop is an invitation to stretch your legs, take a deep breath, and appreciate Bali’s diversity.
1:00 PM – Arrival & Check-In
Check into your mountain eco-lodge and enjoy a leisurely lunch. The cool highland air and misty vistas create an immediate sense of calm and retreat.
3:00 PM – Rice Field Walk in Munduk
In the afternoon, explore the highland rice terraces with a gentle walk. Here, the air is crisp, the greenery lush, and the pace slow. Munduk’s quiet charm and dramatic landscapes are the perfect way to end the day, setting the tone for your mountain adventures ahead.
Check out the loop trail here:
Places to stay in Munduk
Munduk is a paradise for eco-travelers, framed by mountains, rice fields, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Eco-tourism has long been embraced here, with locals committed to preserving both nature and culture.
Charming homestays like Meme Surung Munduk let you wake up to breathtaking valley views, while mid- and high-range options such as Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort and Puri Lumbung Cottages offer more comfort without losing the area’s natural charm. Beyond these, there are plenty of other eco-friendly stays to choose from, making Munduk as much about immersing yourself in nature as it is about the accommodation itself.
📍Budget Meme Surung Guesthouse : A cozy, locally run homestay offering stunning valley views and an authentic Munduk experience, perfect for travelers who value simplicity and nature immersion.
📍Mid-Range Gumi Ayu EcoStay: Nestled among rice terraces, this eco-conscious retreat blends comfort with sustainability, using local materials and supporting community-based tourism.
📍Luxury Ocean & Mountain View Villa, Waterfalls, Munduk Eco-Luxe by Santrian : A luxurious villa set in the lush Munduk highlands, offering private pools, panoramic mountain and waterfall views, and a strong focus on eco-friendly design and operations.
10 Day Bali Itinerary – Munduk: Chasing Waterfalls (Day 8)
Munduk is one of Bali’s most enchanting regions for nature lovers. Dozens of waterfalls dot the surrounding highlands, each more magical than the last. If you’re anything like us, you might be tempted to see them all — but when traveling, the joy is in savoring the experience, not just ticking boxes.
8:00 AM – The 4-Waterfall Trail
The best way to experience Munduk’s cascading beauty is the 4-Waterfall Trek, a half-day (4–6 hours) hike that leads you to following stunning waterfalls:
- Labuhan Kebo
- Melanting
- Red Coral (Munduk)
- Golden Valley Waterfall
Along the way, you’ll pass through lush jungle, stepped paths, and peaceful spots by the water. This moderate trek includes stairs and uneven terrain, with the starting point near Munduk village or Melanting Cottages.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes — some trails can be slippery, especially after a morning mist or rain.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – Munduk → Jimbaran (Day 9)
Today is about winding down, but not without a few last moments of magic in the highlands. If, like us, you can’t get enough of Munduk’s waterfalls, consider squeezing in one final cascade before heading back down to Bali’s sunny southern coast.
8:00 To Jimbaran with optional waterfall stop (🚗2H45mins)
Make a stop at Banyumala Waterfall (🚗30 mins) , where the water plunges through lush jungle — a peaceful and refreshing finale to your highland adventures. Take your time here; the journey itself is as much a part of the experience as the destination.
Arrival in Jimbaran:
Once you reach the coast, it’s time to slow down. Sink your toes into the soft sand, feel the warm sea breeze, and watch the waves roll in. As the sun dips toward the horizon, enjoy a sunset seafood dinner right on the shore — fresh, flavorful, and the perfect way to celebrate the end of your journey.
Places to Stay in Jimbaran
Jimbaran stretches along a long, beautiful beach, but your hotel’s location can make all the difference. Some stretches are lively, others more secluded, and many accommodations are tucked down side streets or set farther inland than their descriptions suggest.
To avoid long walks along the busy main road, double-check your location—or rent a motorbike for a couple of days to explore comfortably.
While Jimbaran is famous for luxury resorts, there are also excellent mid-range and budget options.
📍Budget Kubu Kak Dudung: A quiet, locally run guesthouse offering an authentic and relaxed stay just a short walk from Jimbaran Beach.
📍Mid Range The Open House Jimbaran: A stylish boutique hotel steps from the sand, loved for its laid-back vibe, spacious rooms, and warm, attentive staff.
📍Luxury Balquisse Heritage Hotel: A beautifully designed heritage-inspired retreat where elegant interiors, lush gardens, and refined service create a truly indulgent stay.
10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary – Bukit Peninsula & Departure (Day 10)
The beauty of ending your journey in Jimbaran is its proximity to the airport — no stressful long drives, no early departures. Today is about one final taste of Bali’s beaches, a gentle, sun-soaked conclusion to your adventure.
8:00 AM – Choose Your Beach
Head to one of the quieter corners of the Bukit Peninsula. While Padang Padang used to be one of our favorite beahes, we suggest skipping it now. What was once a secluded gem has transformed into a busy, tourist-filled spot with entry fees and crowds. Instead, seek out beaches like Pantai Gunung Payung (🚗30mins), Suluban/Uluwatu Beach (🚗 50mins), Bingin (🚗 45min), or Balangan (🚗 35mins).
These beaches still carry the magic of Bali’s southern coast. Don’t expect complete solitude — this is the south, one of the island’s busier regions — but during the low season, you can find pockets of calm. Keep an eye on tidal conditions and surf flags, as these are popular surfing spots, and the currents can be strong.
If time or energy doesn’t allow for a Bukit adventure, simply linger on the beaches of Jimbaran. Feel the warm sand beneath your feet, the gentle sea breeze on your skin, and watch the waves roll in one last time.
Airport – Departure (🚗 20 mins)
When the day winds down, transfer to the airport — just a short drive away — carrying with you the memories of mountains, waterfalls, rice terraces, temples, and beaches that make Bali so unforgettable.
Why Seminyak, Canggu or Nusa Penida isn’t included to our Bali Eco Itinerary
A friend of ours came back from Bali disappointed and asked why we return so often. We weren’t surprised once he told us he stayed in Canggu. Although Canggu has become a major hotspot—filled with beach clubs, cozy cafés, and trendy restaurants—it’s now heavily overcrowded. And while no one expects Bali to feel the same as it did decades ago, the “modern” version of Bali may not match the paradise many imagine.
History seems to repeat itself. Kuta was once the place to be, until its popularity overwhelmed its charm. The crowd then moved to Seminyak, which became the new favorite when we first started traveling to Bali. Not long after, people began complaining about traffic jams and rising prices. You can probably guess what happened next: the crowd shifted again—to Canggu.
Today, with its jammed streets, disappearing rice fields, and every spare corner being developed into accommodation, investors are already pushing further north. It’s funny to think that years ago, no one wanted to go west—those areas were for surfers only, with very little around. But that’s how tourism evolves.
While we understand the appeal of following the trend, we’ve experienced how quickly these areas become overcrowded, with traffic that eats up hours of your day and a fast-paced atmosphere that lacks the cultural character many travelers come to Bali for. If you’re seeking a more authentic Balinese experience, it’s best to skip these areas.
And what about Nusa Penida? It’s a beautiful island. If you love diving, you might swap one village in our itinerary for Nusa Penida so you can see the manta rays. But we believe a visit to this island deserves more time. Spend at least one night so you can experience its dramatic beaches and viewpoints without the crowds by going early.
We simply don’t feel it’s worth rushing there for long travel times and packed viewpoints—you miss the magic that makes the island special.
Best Time To Visit Bali
Bali is truly a year-round destination, but if your trip is filled with nature, mountain villages, and hikes—especially around Munduk—timing matters. The dry season (roughly April to October) is the sweet spot: clearer skies, cooler mornings, and trails that are far easier and far more enjoyable to hike.
You can visit during the rainy season, but expect slippery paths, sudden downpours, and hikes that feel more like muddy obstacle courses than leisurely adventures. If you want Bali at its most scenic and hike-friendly, aim for the dry months.
We were in Munduk in April and September. While it is considered the dry season, we did have rain in the late afternoons. Clouds and the moist mountain dew does make it chilly. So even in dry season, make sure you pack cloths that will keep you dry.
How To Get Around Bali?
Most of this itinerary takes you from one village to another, and for those longer stretches, the easiest option is to hire a private driver. It’s affordable, safe, and much less stressful than navigating Bali’s busy roads on your own.
Once you’re in a village, the best way to explore is by motorbike. If you’re a confident rider, Bali is the island to tour on two wheels. We’ve traveled across Bali almost entirely by scooter—stopping wherever we wanted, discovering hidden corners, and enjoying a level of freedom you simply don’t get inside a car. We’d absolutely do it again. But this only applies if you already have experience riding; Bali is not the place to learn.
If scooters aren’t your thing, no worries—Grab/GoJek or a private driver will get you everywhere comfortably.
If you decide to rent a motorbike, make sure you bring the correct documents. Bali has tightened the rules, and you may be asked for an international driving permit and (I doubt it) a license valid for 125cc.
For travel between villages, stick with a private driver rather than renting a car. Traffic jams, narrow streets, and scooters darting around make self-driving stressful and unsafe.
The simple rule: driver for the long distances, scooter (if you’re experienced) for the local exploring. It’s the easiest, safest, and most rewarding way to see Bali.
Wrap up: Our Ultimate 10 Day Bali Eco Itinerary
While our 10-day Bali eco itinerary is filled with rice fields, temples, mountains, waterfalls, beaches, and everything that keeps us returning to Bali again and again, it’s really just an introduction to what the island has to offer.
However, ten days is never enough to experience Bali fully. We’ve visited countless times, always renting a motorcycle and exploring every corner of the island—often more than once.
And still, each trip reveals something new. In this itinerary we couldn’t include the beautiful Mengwi Temple, the western rice terraces, the UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih fields, or our most recent discovery, the Batukaru area with its peaceful, crowd-free landscapes. Nor could we fit in West Bali National Park, home to an island full of deer. These places deserve more time to explore and appreciate.
So, as you can tell, this Bali eco itinerary is shaped by our many travels and reflects what we believe is the ultimate eco-friendly experience. But Bali deserves to be visited for longer—or more than once. And if you follow this itinerary, we’re sure you’ll be planning your next trip to this magical island.
Monico was born in Kuwait and grew up in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia, which gave her a unique perspective on the world from a young age. Her first solo travel experience took her to Indonesia, where she volunteered at an orangutan rehabilitation center, and since then, she has focused her travels on environmental and conservation projects in places like Panama and Australia. Along with her love for wildlife, Monico enjoys exploring historic European cities, swimming in the sea, and tasting street food in Asia.