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Bali 10-Day 9-Night Independent Travel｜Complete Itinerary and Experience Sharing for Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan Diving, and Ubud Volcano

By 小傑爸 Bali travel blogger · Go Bali Go founder

2026年8月15日 · 更新於 2026年7月29日 ✏️ 編輯文章

Bali 10-Day 9-Night Independent Travel｜Complete Itinerary and Experience Sharing for Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan Diving, and Ubud Volcano

💡 Quick Answer

My first trip to Bali took me to Nusa Penida, Gili Trawangan, and Ubud.

Adapted from Yang Junhan’s Travelogue

Before Departure, More Hesitation Than Anticipation

Before leaving, I read quite a few posts about Bali, and online reviews were quite polarized, with plenty of negative feedback. So, I didn’t set off with high expectations—I just wanted to see for myself what makes this resort destination, praised by many yet complained about by others, so special.

Once I actually set foot in Bali, I realized that some things can only be understood through firsthand experience.

This trip gave me more than just beautiful ocean views; it offered a completely different travel rhythm.

There was a tranquility that slowed down my pace and cleared my mind, vibrant island nightlife, well-preserved traditional culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, and warm local hospitality. Although I missed many spots this time, it gave me a reason to return to Bali.

Nusa Penida｜A Diver’s Paradise

The most stunning place of the entire trip was Nusa Penida.

Compared to mainland Bali, the pace of life here is much more laid-back, making it perfect for a few days of pure relaxation. Besides diving, each day was just about watching the sea and feeling the breeze, with zero pressure to rush through an itinerary.

If you love diving, this place is truly worth staying a few extra days.

The star of the underwater world, the manta ray, appears quite frequently. Just lie still on the seabed, and you might watch them glide gracefully past you—the sheer awe of that moment is still fresh in my memory. Drift dives at other spots are also a blast, with well-preserved coral and incredibly rich marine life; every descent brings a new surprise.

Beyond the underwater world, the island’s natural landscapes are equally unforgettable.

Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Kelingking Beach, and Diamond Beach each boast unique terrain and scenery. Standing on the cliff’s edge overlooking the Indian Ocean truly feels like a visual feast.

In the evening, head to a beachfront restaurant to enjoy dinner while listening to a live band, with the sea breeze blowing—the vacation vibe is absolutely perfect.

Nusa Penida Travel Guide

Gili Trawangan｜Laze by day, party by night

After leaving Nusa Penida, I took a boat to Gili Trawangan.

As soon as I stepped off the boat, I could feel the island’s completely different vibe from Nusa Penida.

There are no cars on the island, and the most iconic mode of transport is the horse-drawn carriage. The entire island is filled with a joyful holiday atmosphere, earning it the nickname ‘Party Island.’

During the day, you can stroll along the pristine white sand beaches, gaze at the crystal-clear waters, and watch horses leisurely wandering by the shore.

In the late afternoon, the sunset on the west coast is not to be missed. If you get the chance, I recommend riding a horse along the coast to watch the sunset—it’s an incredibly romantic scene.

As night falls, the island’s bars and restaurants start hosting live music performances. With great food, music, and lively crowds, the whole island buzzes with energy, fully showcasing the charm of a party island.

Ubud｜A Journey of Culture, Volcanoes, and Soul

After bidding farewell to the Gili Islands, I returned to mainland Bali and arrived in Ubud, a place rich in cultural heritage.

Ubud Palace showcases the rich traditional culture of Bali, while the nearby Ubud Market is full of local life—perfect for a leisurely stroll and picking out souvenirs you love.

The next morning at dawn was one of the most anticipated parts of the trip.

We took a jeep to Mount Batur and watched the sunrise from the summit. As the first rays of sunlight spread across the volcano and the lake, the breathtaking scenery made us forget the exhaustion of waking up early.

Our jeep driver was incredibly warm and kept offering to take photos for us along the way, leaving us with many memorable shots.

After descending, we headed to Akasa for breakfast while enjoying the view of Mount Batur. We could also see the lava formations left by past eruptions up close, feeling the awe-inspiring power of nature.

At the end of the journey, we visited Tirta Empul Temple, bringing the trip to a peaceful and fulfilling close.

More to Explore in Ubud

更多烏布吃喝玩樂介紹

Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you're diving into local customs, soaking up natural beauty, or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a truly unique experience. Want more Ubud tips? Click here

Ubud Accommodation Themes

10-Day, 9-Night Itinerary Overview

Day 1｜Arrival in Bali Arrive at Ngurah Rai International Airport at 2:35 PM, then head to Sanur to check in. In the evening, take a stroll around the area, do some shopping, and soak up the relaxed seaside town vibe.

Day 2｜West Coast of Nusa Penida

Take a boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, visiting Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Kelingking Beach. Have dinner at Penida Colada Beach Bar, and check in at VnS Beachfront Guesthouse.

Day 3｜Diving in Nusa Penida Join a scuba diving trip with Pure Dive, and have dinner at Cactus Beach Club & Restaurant.

Day 4｜Diving + Diamond Beach Go scuba diving again with Pure Dive, then head to Diamond Beach in the afternoon. Have dinner at Penida Colada Beach Bar in the evening.

Day 5｜Crystal Bay Join a scuba diving trip with Pure Dive, then visit Crystal Bay. Have dinner at Amarta Penida.

Day 6｜Heading to the Gili Islands Take a boat to Gili Trawangan, explore the northern beaches, and in the late afternoon, go horseback riding on the west coast to watch the sunset. Check in at Quma Boutique Hotel.

Day 7｜Diving at Gili T Join Dive Central Gili for scuba diving, then head to Pink Sunset, Kiss, and Margarita Resto in the evening to experience the lively nightlife.

Day 8｜Leisurely Vacation Spend the day relaxing on the northern beaches, check into Villa Koru, and return to the west coast in the evening to watch the sunset.

Day 9｜Return to Bali Take a boat to Padang Bai, hire a private driver to visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces, TIS Cafe, Ubud Palace, and Ubud Market, then check into Jepun Villa.

Day 10｜Mount Batur Sunrise Ride a jeep to Mount Batur before dawn to catch the sunrise, then enjoy breakfast at Akasa with views of the volcano. Next, visit Tirta Empul Temple before heading to the airport for your return flight, arriving around 1:00 PM to check in—a perfect end to this incredible Bali trip.

(Editor’s Note) Generally, it’s not recommended to visit far-flung spots like Mount Batur and Tirta Empul Temple on your departure day. Bali’s traffic can be unpredictable, with heavy congestion common during peak season or rush hours. Any increase in traffic or unexpected delays could jeopardize your flight timing.

It’s better to spend your last day in areas closer to the airport, such as Kuta, Jimbaran, or Sanur, or book an afternoon or evening flight for a more relaxed journey.

Nusa Penida Deals

Local Guide Contact Info

During this trip, our local guide helped book ferry tickets, arrange private drivers, and assisted with various issues along the way. Since I don’t speak English, we communicated smoothly using translation apps the entire time. Sharing this info for anyone who might find it useful.

Phone / WhatsApp +62 813-3833-8638

LINE @309oexie

WeChat justimade78

The Trip May End, But the Story Doesn’t

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If you ask me what stood out most on this journey,

it wasn’t a particular attraction or how many stunning photos I took—

it was rediscovering Bali.

It has its lively side and its serene side; world-class dive spots alongside profound cultural depth. You can party on the island or slow down in Ubud, quietly soaking in life.

Online reviews are ultimately just someone else’s experience—everyone travels differently and feels differently.

I hope this travelogue can also serve as a practical reference for you, the next traveler preparing for a trip to Bali.