✨ Bali Itinerary

10-day Friends Bali trip

A luxury itinerary for friends travellers.

Seminyak beach at sunset, Bali

This 10-day luxury, high-energy Bali plan is built for a close-knit group of friends who want packed days of surf lessons, island adventures (including a Gili fast-boat day), sunrise hikes, beach clubs and lively nights in Canggu/Seminyak. You’ll be moving smartly between bases so driving is efficient, with early starts for the big-ticket experiences and late evenings reserved for music, cocktails and villa parties.

Where you'll be based

Recommended base for this trip: Split: 6 nights Canggu / Seminyak (main nightlife and surf base), 4 nights Uluwatu/Bingin (southern-cliff surf, cliffs and sunset parties).

Day-by-day plan

Day 1: Arrive, settle into Canggu & sunset at Tanah Lot

Morning: Arrive Ngurah Rai Airport. Private transfer to your villa in Canggu/Seminyak, check-in and unpack. Light lunch and pool time to recover from travel.

Afternoon: Short surf orientation or beginner stand-by at Batu Bolong Beach (walkthrough with your surf school). Late afternoon transfer to Tanah Lot for sunset photos — iconic sea temple and dramatic cliffs.

Evening: Group dinner at a lively beachside restaurant in Canggu, then explore Batu Bolong bars or a relaxed rooftop lounge to kick off the trip.

Locations: Ngurah Rai International Airport · Batu Bolong Beach · Tanah Lot · Canggu (Batu Bolong / Berawa area)

Tip: Request a late check-in kit (water, fresh towels) from the villa and book your surf lessons and fast-boat slots now for later in the week.

Day 2: Full day — private group surf lessons + beach club evening

Morning: Private group surf lesson at Berawa/Batu Bolong tailored for all levels (2-hour lesson plus board rental and photos). Refresh back at villa.

Afternoon: Lunch at a beach cafe, then optional second coached practice session or stand-up paddleboarding at nearby lagoon. Relax poolside and prepare for the evening.

Evening: Dinner at La Brisa or similar beach club; enjoy sunset cocktails and a beach-club party atmosphere in Canggu.

Locations: Berawa Beach · Batu Bolong Beach · La Brisa Bali · Canggu Beach Clubs

Tip: Schedule lessons early (7–9am) for smaller waves and cooler conditions; bring reef booties if you have sensitive feet.

Day 3: Epic day trip: Gili Trawangan by fast boat (snorkel & party)

Morning: Very early transfer to Padang Bai (driver picks up ~5:00–5:30am), fast-boat to Gili Trawangan. Arrival and breakfast on the island.

Afternoon: Island hop and snorkel around Gili islands (turtles near Gili Trawangan/Gili Meno), rent bikes and explore the island, beach time at North-West Gili T beach.

Evening: Sunset drinks at a beachfront bar on Gili Trawangan then evening fast-boat back to Padang Bai and transfer to your villa (expect late arrival).

Locations: Padang Bai Harbour · Gili Trawangan Harbour · Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan / Gili Meno snorkel sites) · Padang Bai (return)

Tip: Pack a small dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, motion-sickness meds if you’re prone to seasickness, and minimal cash — Gili’s ATMs can be unreliable.

Day 4: Transfer to Ubud — culture, rice terraces & evening dance

Morning: Private transfer to Ubud (start early to avoid traffic). Stop at Tegallalang Rice Terraces for photos and a short walk through the paddies.

Afternoon: Lunch in Ubud central, visit Ubud Monkey Forest and the Ubud Art Market; check into a boutique villa or luxury resort in Ubud.

Evening: Attend a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace then dinner at a riverside restaurant.

Locations: Tegallalang Rice Terraces · Ubud Monkey Forest · Ubud Palace · Ubud Art Market

Tip: Wear a sarong or have one in your bag for temple/dance areas — many venues provide sarongs but having your own is quicker.

Day 5: Sunrise Mount Batur trek + hot springs + waterfalls

Morning: Pre-dawn pickup for Mount Batur sunrise trek (start ~2:30–3:00am), guided hike to the summit, enjoy sunrise and breakfast with views of the caldera.

Afternoon: Soak and relax at a nearby hot springs to soothe muscles, then visit Tegenungan Waterfall on your drive back to Ubud. Afternoon spa/massage for the group.

Evening: Group dinner in Ubud — try a high-end Balinese tasting menu or a modern Indonesian restaurant.

Locations: Mount Batur · Toya Devasya / Batur Natural Hot Spring (area) · Tegenungan Waterfall · Ubud (dinner area)

Tip: Bring a warm layer for the summit (it’s chilly), a headlamp, and a small daypack; choose a reputable trek operator with good safety reviews.

Day 6: Move to Uluwatu — cliff-side temples & sunset Kecak

Morning: Private transfer from Ubud to Uluwatu/Bingin. Check into a cliff villa. Quick beach stop at Padang Padang or Bingin for a swim.

Afternoon: Explore Uluwatu Temple and the cliff walk; short surf warm-up session at a nearby reef break if time permits.

Evening: Attend the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset, then dinner at a cliff-side seafood restaurant (Jimbaran-style or Single Fin night).

Locations: Ubud (departure) · Padang Padang Beach · Uluwatu Temple · Bingin Beach / Single Fin

Tip: Watch your belongings around monkeys at Uluwatu Temple — they are notorious for grabbing sunglasses and phones.

Day 7: All-day surf trip: Bingin / Impossible / Dreamland

Morning: Early coached session at Bingin or Padang Padang for intermediate-advanced surfers. For mixed-ability groups, split instructors so everyone progresses.

Afternoon: Lunch at a cliff cafe, then surf or chill at Dreamland Beach. Late afternoon pool and recovery at your villa with optional yoga.

Evening: Sunset cocktails at a cliff bar (Ulu Cliffhouse or similar) and group dinner — lively, relaxed vibe perfect for friends.

Locations: Bingin Beach · Padang Padang Beach · Dreamland Beach · Uluwatu cliff bars

Tip: Tide windows matter: consult your surf coach and local apps for low/high tide times; reef breaks are best on clean swells with good tide.

Day 8: Return toward Seminyak — Nusa Lembongan option or beach club crawl

Morning: Early boat option: day trip to Nusa Lembongan from Sanur for Devil's Tear, Mangrove tours, and snorkeling (half-day). Alternatively, leave Uluwatu mid-morning for Seminyak.

Afternoon: Check into a luxury villa in Seminyak; afternoon at Potato Head or KU DE TA for pool and beach vibes.

Evening: Group dinner at a stylish Seminyak restaurant then hit the rooftops or a late-night DJ venue — perfect for a friends' party night.

Locations: Sanur (boat to Nusa Lembongan) / Uluwatu (departure) · Nusa Lembongan (Devil's Tear) / Sanur return · Seminyak (Potato Head / KU DE TA) · Seminyak nightlife area

Tip: If you choose Nusa Lembongan, book the boat and snorkeling in advance. If staying on the mainland, plan traffic windows (avoid 4–7pm on main routes).

Day 9: Final surf lesson or advanced coaching + shopping & spa

Morning: Morning surf refresher session at Seminyak/Canggu break or private coached surf session for the group to cement skills.

Afternoon: Brunch, relaxed shopping in Seminyak boutiques, and late-afternoon spa/steam for recovery. Pool time at villa and photoshoot on the beach if desired.

Evening: Farewell dinner at a destination restaurant in Seminyak — splurge on seafood or a chef’s tasting menu, then a final night out.

Locations: Seminyak Beach / Canggu (surf) · Seminyak boutiques · Seminyak spas · Seminyak fine dining

Tip: Ask your villa to organise a private group dinner by the pool for a memorable send-off — many offer private chefs and cocktail staff.

Day 10: Pack, last-minute beach time and depart

Morning: Early morning chill on the beach or a final short surf/photo shoot. Return to villa to pack, check-out, and settle bills.

Afternoon: Brunch and last-minute shopping or a stop at a coffee roastery. Private transfer to Ngurah Rai Airport timed to international flight.

Evening: Depart Bali, arrive home with great stories and new surf skills.

Locations: Seminyak (beach / villa) · Ngurah Rai International Airport

Tip: Confirm airport transfer time with driver the evening before and leave extra time for Southern Bali traffic, especially if your flight is late afternoon or evening.

Where to stay

  • Canggu / SeminyakLively beachside luxury villas and boutique hotels — social pools, private chefs and easy access to beach clubs and nightlife.
  • UbudBoutique jungle villas and high-end resorts with private rice-terrace views, great for recovery days (spa, yoga, cultural access).
  • Uluwatu / BinginCliff-top villas and surf-focused boutique lodges with dramatic ocean views — perfect for afternoon sunsets and surf access.

Must-book experiences

  • Private group surf lessons (multi-day option) with a reputable Canggu/ Seminyak surf school
  • Mount Batur sunrise trekking with a licensed guide
  • Fast-boat return day to Gili Trawangan (snorkeling & bikes included)
  • Uluwatu Kecak fire dance tickets (sunset performance) — book early for best seating

Transport tips

  • Book a reliable private driver for all long transfers (airport, Ubud, Padang Bai) — it’s worth the cost to save time and stress.
  • Use Grab/Gojek for short hops in Seminyak/Canggu when traffic allows; for groups and late nights, pre-book a car instead of multiple rides.
  • For Gili/Nusa trips, buy fast-boat tickets in advance and confirm pickup location (Padang Bai or Sanur) — departures are early to maximize your day.

Food & drink

  • Try local Balinese dishes: bebega (babi guling / suckling pig if you eat pork), ayam betutu, lawar and nasi campur. Seek out fresh seafood at Jimbaran and island-style fish on Gili.
  • Eat at a mix of high-end restaurants and trusted warungs — the best warungs serve homestyle food and are great for lunch. Always ask for ‘no msg’ if you prefer.
  • Use bottled water for drinking and carry reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling and surfing. Explore local coffee (kopi tubruk) and juice bars for recovery breakfasts.

Restaurant suggestions

  • La Brisa — Canggu · Beach club / international · $-$$. Iconic boho beach club with sunset vibes — great for groups and cocktails; shareable plates and beachfront lounging.
  • Merah Putih — Seminyak · Indonesian / Fine dining · $$. Upscale Indonesian tasting menu and striking interior — perfect for a special group dinner showcasing regional dishes.
  • Warung Ibu Oka — Ubud · Balinese (babi guling) · $. Balinese roast pork institution — order early as it sells out; authentic and lively local atmosphere.
  • Single Fin — Uluwatu · Seafood / international · $. Cliff-top bar/restaurant with legendary sunset parties — reserve for sunset seating on the weekend.
  • Bamboo Bar & Grill (Jimbaran style) — Jimbaran / Uluwatu area · Seafood · $-$$. Group-friendly seafood barbecue by the sea — choose a fresh fish and have it grilled with local spices.
  • La Favela — Seminyak · International / Latin-Asian fusion · $-$$. Nightlife-friendly, eclectic decor and late-night DJ sets — good for a lively friends’ dinner followed by dancing.

Local tips

  • Carry a copy of your passport and have a local SIM (buy at the airport for instant data; Telkomsel has best nationwide coverage).
  • Negotiate taxi fares only if not metered; prefer app-based rides (Grab/Gojek) or pre-agreed private drivers for group travel.
  • Bring a light sarong/scarf for temple visits — most sites will offer one but having your own saves time.
  • ATMs are widespread but can run out in smaller islands; carry some cash for Gili day (IDR) and avoid street money-changers that offer rates that are 'too good to be true'.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — 5–10% in restaurants for good service, small bills to drivers and guides are useful.

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