If you are heading to the magical island of Bali, then this 5 day Bali itinerary is for you. Out of all the travel destinations in Indonesia, Bali is by far the most popular. The lush green jungles, beautiful blue beaches, and beyond Instagrammable cafes have made it one of the top travel destinations in the world that everyone needs to see at least once in their life.
Bali is a paradise island that has something for everyone. It is the ideal destination to connect with nature, experience new cultures and traditions, and connect with other travelers. With 5 days in Bali, you have just enough time to get a taste of the island and see some of the top places and attractions. After this 5 day Bali itinerary you will be yearning for more and already planning your travels back.
This itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors of Bali, or anyone looking to experience the highlights of the island. Use this 5 day Bali itinerary to guide your adventures and enjoy the magic that is Bali to the fullest.
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The Ultimate 5 Day Bali Itinerary. Bali itinerary 5 days
Day 1: Ubud
This first day of this itinerary is all about arriving in Bali and doing some first-day explorations. Upon arrival at Bali’s international airport – Ngurah Rai International Airport – you will catch a taxi or car to your accommodation in Ubud. The ride is about one hour and will cost you around 19.50€ (300,000 IDR). Post arrival, this day is for visiting the Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Market, and doing the Campuhan Ridge Walk.
Ubud Monkey Forest
- Price: 80,000 Indonesian Rupiahs (~5€)
- Location: Jalan Monkey Forest, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular attractions in not only Ubud but all of Bali. It costs around 5€ to enter and is worth every penny. The forest is full of huge trees, green vines, and over 700 monkeys! This huge forest is amazing to explore, not only to see all the amazing monkeys but also to admire the lush jungle surroundings.
Read More: Top Things to do in Ubud, Bali
Luckily the monkey forest is located right in the city center of Ubud which is perfect for your first day in Bali. Since it is so close you don’t have to travel far to get here and can most likely walk to the forest from your accommodation.
Ubud Monkey Forest Tips:
- The monkeys in this forest are aggressive and there are strict rules you need to follow like; do not look them in the eyes, do not feed them, don’t touch the babies, do not show your teeth, remove all loose clothing/jewelry, etc because they will take it.
- The monkeys might jump on you so be sure to stay calm if this happens and not panic
Ubud Market
- Price: Free to enter
- Location: Jl. Raya Ubu
Right in the center of Ubud, just a short distance from the Monkey Forest is the very famous Ubud Market. This market is full of art, clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, that are made and sold by the locals. It is the perfect place to walk around and pick up a few items to bring home. The most popular item to bring home from the market is the art. The authentic paintings made by locals are amazing and well worth the purchase.
However, this 2km street of shops holds tons of stuff that is sure to pique your interest. Such that there are some very unique items for sale like handmade bowls and plates or carvings made into coconut shells! There are also a ton of yoga studios and wellness places in this area. Bali is a top location for yoga so if you want to practice yoga in Bali this is a great place to do it.
Tips for Ubud Market
- Be prepared to bargain. It is expected here that the stand owners will overprice the items and you can negotiate the price to something a little lower.
- Don’t feel compelled to bargain, even the “overpriced” version of most things being sold is quite low compared to western standards.
Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Price: Free to enter
- Location: Jalan Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Ubud, Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
The best way to end day 1 of this 5 day Bali itinerary is by going on a sunset walk on Campuhan Ridge. This walkway is located on the top of a hill and offers a clear, beautiful path through the jungle around Ubud. It is the perfect place to head to for a relaxing and beautiful sunset walk and to escape the bustling activity that is all over Ubud.
Day 2: Ubud Continued
The outskirts of Ubud are filled with stunning natural attractions that will amaze you. Day 2 of this itinerary is dedicated to exploring these beautiful and famous places.
Tibumana Waterfall
- Price: 10,000 IDR Entrance (~6€)
- Location: Jl. Desa Apuan, Apuan, Susut, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80661, Indonesia
One of the main attractions to Ubud is the waterfalls. Surrounding Ubud is quite a few famous waterfalls that visitors are very eager to enjoy. Some of the best ones are Tibumana Waterfall, Tukad Cepung Falls, and Nungnung. If you feel like you have a lot of time you can try to go to a few different ones during this day, but if time doesn’t enable you to go to all of them, the top one to visit is Tibumana (pictured below).
This waterfall is one of the less popular ones (less popular by Bali standards) which means fewer people. It is located a 35-minute drive from Ubud and can be reached by car or scooter. The drive here is beautiful and the waterfall is even better. To get to the waterfall you will have to walk for around 10 minutes through the jungle on a clearly marked path. The waterfall is very powerful and it has a deep pool of water to swim in.
Read More: Tibumana Waterfall Bali | Best Ubud Waterfall
Tips for visiting Waterfalls in Bali
- Arrive early! Even the less popular waterfalls get busy in the afternoon.
- Do not go under the waterfalls, they are very powerful.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- Price: Entrance is 15,000 IDR (~1€)
- Location: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terraces is one of the most popular things in Bali. The rice terraces have received worldwide recognition for their unique landscape design and stunning aesthetics. A visit here will supply you will breathtaking views of the iconic rice fields and an adventure like no other. The fields are open for walking around and hiking for only 15,000 IDR (~1€) and worth exploring for a few hours.
You can also find swings all around the fields that are an amazing way to soar over the rice fields and capture beyond stunning photos!
Where to stay in Ubud
Day 3: Seminyak
After two days in Ubud, it is time to venture to the beautiful beachside town of Seminyak. This is the ideal place to find accommodation for the rest of the trip because it is in the perfect central location and day trips and very easy from here. It is also the best place to stop in if you are enjoying 2 weeks in Indonesia.
Read More: 12 Amazing things to do in Seminyak, Bali
Potato Head Beach Club
- Price: Varies
- Location: Jl. Petitenget No.51B, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Going to a beach club in Seminyak is a Bali must. There are quite a few beach clubs to choose from but the best is the Potato Head Beach Club. This iconic beach club is known for its infinity pool overlooking the ocean, day beds, amazing drinks, and a lively atmosphere. It is the perfect place to spend a day relaxing in the sun or to watch the sunset over the horizon.
There are more beach clubs in Seminyak than just this one. Some other great options are:
Shopping in Seminyak
- Price: Varies
- Location: Everywhere
Seminyak is the best place to go shopping for those super cute, Instagrammable clothing items. They have the perfect selection of beach-ready clothing, day dresses, and evening clothes that are beyond adorable. You will find shops all around Seminyak with diverse and unique offerings! You can even find super cute accessories and items from souvenir shops around the city at very low prices.
The best shops you need to check out are:
- Bamboo Blonde
- Souvenir Shops
- Uma & Leopold – Trendy, unique clothing
Dining Out
- Price: Varies
- Location: Everywhere
If there is one main thing Seminyak is known for its food. No 5 day Bali itinerary would be complete without indulging in some of the many amazing restaurants Seminyak holds. There are so many healthy, vegan, and vegetarian restaurants full of beyond delicious dishes. And it’s not only the food that’s amazing but the entire restaurants are super aesthetically pleasing! If you are a foodie, Seminyaks restaurants will be heaven to you!
Here are some of the must-go restaurants in Seminyak:
- KYND Community
- Neon Palms
- Coffee Cartel
- Dough Darlings
Where to say in Seminyak
Seminyak is home to some of the best private pool villas in Bali, so if you want a private home experience, be sure to stay in one of those.
Day 4: Uluwatu
Just a short 35-minute drive from Seminyak is the stunning Uluwatu. This area is located on the south tip of Bali and is known for its stunning cliff views, luxury resorts, and beautiful beaches. It is the perfect day trip from Seminyak and a great up and coming spot in Bali that is best to visit before it becomes super popular.
Nyang Nyang beach
- Price: Free
- Location: Nyang Nyang beach
The beaches in Bali can get pretty busy, especially during peak season. This rush of people has resulted in unpleasant beach days and sometimes even having to pay to just go on the beach (Padang Padang beach). The perfect escape from these busy beaches in Nyang Nyang Beach located right on the south coast of Bali.
Nyang Beach is a little more difficult to reach, which is probably why it is not busy at all but it is well worth the snuggle. After parking, you will hike for around 20 minutes until you find the beach. You can rent a sunbed and an umbrella for 100,000 IDR total (~6€). Be sure to get a Bali sim card so you can use your maps when you don’t have wifi.
Tips for Visiting Nyang Nyang Beach:
- Be careful of the monkeys, they live in this area and are present for the walk to the beach. Be sure to hide all food and anything that can be taken.
- There is no toilet on this beach.
Uluwatu Temple
- Price: 300,000 IDR ( ~18€)
- Location: Jl. Raya Uluwatu Southern part of Bali, Pecatu 80361 IndonesiaMap
The Uluwatu Temple is a sacred template located atop a steep cliff 70 meters above the sea in Uluwatu. It is one of the key temples of Bali and holds significant spiritual importance. Not only can you view the temple and the stunning surroundings but also Included in the price, you get to experience an authentic fire dance by the Balinese.
Tips for visiting the Uluwatu Temple
- Watch out for monkeys. It is very common for people’s belongings to get stolen by monkeys here.
- It can get pretty crowded at night so visiting during the day and going to Ulutawtu Cliff for sunset is suggested.
Karang Boma Cliff (Uluwatu Cliff)
- Price: 50,000 IDR (~3€)
- Location: Unnamed Road, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
The Karang Boma cliff is a highly sought after viewpoint in Uluwatu. It is most easily reached by car or scooter and costs 50,000 IDR (~3€) to park. The walk from the car park is about 5 minutes and from there you can admire the stunning views! This is the perfect place to go to for some of the best panoramic views of the ocean and the white cliffs in Bali.
The Uluwatu cliff is super romantic and since it can be difficult to find, it is usually not super busy. Spending some time admiring the beauty during the day is one option, but it is best to go here during sunset as the views are out of this world.
Where to stay in Uluwatu
Day 5: Canggu
The final day of this 5 day Bali itinerary will bring you to the wonderful area of Canggu, Bali. This is located a short 20-minute drive from Seminyak and is an up and coming hot spot for digital nomads and young travelers. Canggu has a very trendy and hip vibe to it that is easy to fall in love with.
Batu Bolong Beach
- Price: Free
- Location: Pantai Batu Bolong St, Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
This is a popular surfers beach in Canggu that is always full of good vibes. It is a nice spot to layout in the sun and relax and watch the surfers riding the waves. If you want to get in on the action you can rent a surfboard and get lessons too! This sandy beach is also near many shops and restaurants so escaping for a bite to eat is easy.
Relax in a Cafe
- Price: Varies
- Location: Everywhere
Cafes are everywhere in Canggu. Digital nomads have made Canggu their home and they love nothing more than sitting in cafes, socializing, and working! As a result, there are tons of cafes to choose from that offer delicious drinks and amazing atmospheres. Some of the top cafes are:
Where to stay in Canggu
How to get around Bali
Here are all the ways to get around in Bali.
- Hire a private driver: This is the safest and most reliable way to get around but also the most expensive. Most resorts or hotels you stay at will offer private driver services which can be arranged to pick you up and bring you wherever you like. For reference, a full day costs around 400,000 IDR.
- GoJek or Grab: Much like Uber but Bali edition. These services can be contacted via the app and cost significantly less than any other type of transportation. Just beware the local taxis are very against this, therefore, they are not allowed in some areas.
- Taxi: Local taxis are always an option, but they will try to overcharge you. To get a fair price look on GoJek first to see how much it would cost and bargain with them from that reference.
- Scooter: The most fun and affordable way to get around Bali is by scooter. A scooter costs around 4€ / day
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali has two seasons; a wet season and a dry season. The dry season is from May – October and the wet season is from November to April. If you are looking for optimal weather with virtually no rain then visiting from May – October is best. However, in the months of June – August, Bali is very busy.
If you don’t mind a little bit of rain the wet season is best! If you are worried about the weather, just know I visited Bali in March and it rained for about an hour each day (some days no rain at all) and it was still beautiful – 29°C–32°C. Plus, the wet season welcomes fewer tourists, which means fewer crowds and the prices for everything are lower.
If you are planning a 3 month Southeast Asia trip and Bali is a part of your itinerary, you can plan freely knowing the weather is favourable year-round.
Bali Travel Tips
- The currency used here is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
- Always be prepared to bargain the prices of products and services.
- The predominant religion in Bali is Hinduism
- Do not drink the water or get drinks with ice-cubes! You will pay for it later with your stomach
Packing Essentials for Bali
This 5 day Bali itinerary will show you all the best of Bali and more! Bali is a stunning island is full of magic and will have you awed every day of your adventures. Prepare to fall in love with this not so secret paradise and if you are looking for something a little more secret, why not visiting Balis neighbor island – Lombok!
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Love,
SSW
I really like this article on Bali. Its never been on my list of places to go however what you have written has me thinking maybe i should visit one day.
5 days is a good amount of time for Bali. Of course you could stay longer but it’s a good start. I love to spend the bulk of my time in Ubud, this is where the true nature of Bali is!
Ubud is really a stunning place to stay and experience Bali life. This is such a well made itinerary for 5 days.
Great suggestions on places of stay.
You’ve covered so much here and all the best places in Bali, we love Ubud the most ourselves! Just Ubud needs 5 days to see all there is around there never mind the whole island. We also love the far north too as it’s much more authentic, nicer waterfalls, villages etc.
I’d so love to visit Bali one day. It is such a beautiful location. I love your guide. It has such a nice variety of activities over the five days … beaches, waterfalls, nature hikes, rice fields …. and shopping! I’d really love to visit the Ubud Monkey Forest too!
Everywhere in Bali always looks so luxurious! This is a great 5 day itinerary and has some affordable ideas with some beautiful sites to see. I wish I could go someday!
Great itinerary. So many amazing places. I especially love Ubud, such a beautiful spot and I loved all the arts and crafts there. Though I’m not a fan of the Monkey Forest, a monkey stole my sunglasses there haha. Luckily a nice lady got him to come back with a little bribery.
Agree, Bali is a magical place. I spent a wonderful week there. I would like to go back and stay more time with local people and support good causes.
Great Post and I love your photos! this made me want to hop on a plane to bali!
This is such a great post, and totally gives me itchy feet to go travelling in Bali. Thanks to the growing expat community there, Ubud and Uluwatu is becoming very famous and getting into people’s bucket list!