You’ve only got five days, and you want to spend them in Bali, but you’re not sure what to put on your Bali itinerary to get the best out of your time on the island?
Well, you’re in the right place, we’ve got a brilliant 5 day Bali itinerary that will ensure you visit Uluwatu temple, see the sacred monkey forest sanctuary, enjoy traditional Balinese dance, experience sleepy village life, walk on the white sands beaches of this paradise island, chill at Finns and so much more!
The Bali Basics: What You Need To Know Before You Come To Bali
Bali is one of the bigger islands of the 20,000 islands that form the Indonesian archipelago and it’s much too big to see all of it in 5 days.
That means having your own itinerary for your Bali trip can help you get the most out of your time here, and see that you don’t miss out on any major parts of the island.
It’s one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia and that’s partly because the local culture is very different from the Muslim majority found elsewhere in the country.
Bali has a Hindu culture and the vibe of this island reflects that.
What is there to see in Bali? So much that an exhaustive list would go on for pages, but some highlights include:
Unspoiled Northern Bali – with volcanic lakes, temple grounds, spectacular waterfalls, and surrounding jungle galore. This is a part of the island that many tourists never see and that’s a real shame.
Ubud and Central Bali – the spiritual heart of the island, Ubud is a bit cooler than the rest of the country (temperature-wise) and it’s home to the famous sacred monkey forest sanctuary, the Tegalalang rice terraces, and so much more.
Live volcanoes – the two biggest and most famous in Bali are Mount Agung and Mount Batur both of which can be climbed and enjoyed by visitors.
Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta & Legian – it wouldn’t be a trip to Bali without a visit to one of the numerous beaches such as Bingin Beach, Broken Beach, Amed Beach, etc. The best places to find beaches are the tourist hotspots of Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian. Canggu is also home to the world-famous Finns Beach Club.
Balinese Culture – Bali has a unique culture that is quite distinct from the rest of Indonesia and from the Hindu parts of India which influenced its development. Exploring cultural highlights in Bali is an incredible experience.
What’s The Best Time For A 5 Day Bali Itinerary?
A lot of people get hung up on the idea of the wet season (November to March) and dry season (April to October) and assume that it’s only worth coming in the dry season.
That’s not true, in fact, any time of year is a good time to visit Bali.
During the rainy season (apart from a few days) it rarely rains for more than a couple of hours a day and then you can be out on the beach soaking up the rays and chilling with a cold Bintang. Bali weather is usually pleasant all year round.
And it’s often cheaper to come to Bali during the rainy season as fewer people plan a Bali trip for that time of year (with the exception of the Christmas and New Year period which is the busiest time of the year) and hotels and tours tend to offer discounts.
The downside of coming in the rainy season is that it tends to be a bit hotter and more humid than during the dry season.
It’s fair to say that there’s no 5-day Bali itinerary (even one conducted at a breakneck pace) that could ensure that you get to see the whole island. Bali’s simply too big to give up all of its secrets in 5 days.
However, you can most definitely get a great flavour of Bali in 5 days and we’ve tried to create a 5-day Bali itinerary that allows you to experience a range of highlights on the island.
You will start with the beaches of Nusa Dua and the amazing Uluwatu Temple before heading to Canggu and enjoying some time at Finns Beach Club.
After that, it’s on to Ubud and the Ubud Monkey Forest among other things, before taking a day out to climb Mount Batur.
Then to finish things off, you’ll head to Northern Bali to enjoy the most unspoiled part of the island and some of the best temples, lakes and waterfalls you’ve ever seen.
We’ve also provided some great options for hotels and resorts for you to stay in and a range of options that will suit all budgets.
You might want to hire a car and private driver to help you execute your 5-day Bali itinerary as they will make it much easier to get around and see everything that you want to see.
Day One: Nusa Dua Beach & Uluwatu Temple Complex
Nusa Dua Beach is only a 20-minute drive from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. It’s in one of the most desirable parts of Bali and the area is packed with high-end luxury resorts.
We’d opt to spend the first half of the day in this area. Take a walk along the soft sands of the beach and enjoy the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean glimmering in the sunlight.
Don’t miss the Waterblow which is a natural water feature that forces water up in the air. It’s like watching a bionic whale exhale with everything that it’s got. The spray can reach up to 100 feet in the air (particularly during high tide in the months from July to October).
This is also a great clifftop to get some wonderful pictures of the local area.
Then, once you’re ready it’s time to move on to Uluwatu for the second half of the day.
The must-see destination here is Uluwatu Temple which is one of the most important Balinese Hindu Temple sites on the island.
You will probably run into a few monkeys here (and watch your possessions when you do, monkeys can be incorrigible thieves) and you will definitely get some amazing views from the dramatic cliffs here.
If you time your visit for sunset you can also watch a traditional Balinese dance performance known as Kecak. These fire dances are very exciting and make for a great introduction to the local culture. The live music really brings the performance to life.
If you have some more time in Uluwatu, you might want to also visit the GWK cultural park which is home to the largest statue in Indonesia and has some great street food stalls and lovely gardens to explore.
Where To Stay On Day One?
There are plenty of places to stay in Uluwatu and you can easily find a hotel with an outdoor swimming pool or an infinity pool. But you can also save money and opt for something a bit simpler if you want to.
Luxury
Bingin Cliff House – this gorgeous four-bedroom villa is a wonderful place for a group to stay for a night. Enjoy a cocktail on the sun terraces or a BBQ on the beach. It’s all on the doorstep of this amazing place. Uluwatu luxury villas don’t get much better than this.
Jellyfish Villas – if you want an e-butler and a private pool, look no further than the lovely Jellyfish Villas. The onsite restaurant, the Banana Loung Bali does some amazing food too.
Mick’s Place – this gorgeous villa has a 180-degree view of the ocean from its spot on the cliffs. The onsite spa is sure to work out any tension you have from the flight to Bali too.
Mid-Range
Mule Malu – this community-styled complex has only 11 rooms but none of them are ridiculously expensive. It’s a very cute boutique hotel with a lovely tropical garden environment.
Dreamsea Bali – if you want luxury but don’t have the budget for it, this pet-friendly place offers plenty of boho-chic without a hefty price tag. It’s also got the best view of the Impossibles Surf Breeak going.
Gravity Hotel – if you need an eco-friendly resort, this lovely place has both bungalows and suites that are kind to the planet. It also has some amazing sea views!
Budget
Pandawa Beach Homestay – you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a great time in Uluwatu. This traditional homestay will make you feel super welcome and it’s very comfortable too.
Naturela Uluwatu – if you want a family-run property with a lovely swimming pool for a very reasonable price, look no further. You’ll find the owners to be super helpful if you need assistance too.
Bombora Surf Camp – if you fancy catching a surfing lesson while you’re in Uluwatu, you can do much worse than this great value surf camp to stay in.
Canggu is the best combination of beaches, tourism, and value in Bali. It’s not expensive like Seminyak or overcrowded like Kuta. It’s the perfect destination for a day of beach fun before heading inland to the lush greenery of Ubud.
We recommend starting the day at Pura Tanah Lot Temple which is one of the most Instagrammable sites in Bali. Get there for sunrise, get the best shot and beat most of the crowds. You might also give a little prayer to the Gods of the Sea this temple is dedicated to.
Then, we recommend taking in some local street art. Street art has really taken off in Southeast Asia recently and you’ll find much of Bali’s best work in the ALLCAPS Open Air Gallery. It’s also completely free!
After that, head to Pererenan Beach and enjoy a horse ride and trek for a few hours that explore the beach and the local rice paddies too! It’s a beautiful way to spend some time in Canggu.
Now, it’s time to head to Finns, the world’s best beach club. Here you can enjoy the 4 restaurants and 9 bars that await you, by the cool waters of the Indian Ocean on one of the best stretches of beach in Bali. If you’re lucky they may even have some live music from local or international acts in the evening.
You’ve not really spent time in Bali until you’ve been to Finns. A visit marks you out as someone really in the know.
Where To Stay On Day Two?
Today, you’re going to want to spend the night in Canggu. And there are plenty of great choices for you here too including:
Luxury
The Slow – it’s very expensive but it’s oh so worth it. The Slow is a really boutique hotel experience that completely encapsulates the best of Balinese island life. We like that they have an art hub on site as well as a great rooftop bar.
Hotel Tugu Bali – this is an upscale boutique place that feels like staying in a Balinese museum. If you want to feel like you’re truly in Bali, this is a great way to do it.
Ametis Villa – if you prefer the private villa experience with a top-class dining experience and an onsite spa, then Ametis Villa is a great choice in Canggu.
Mid-Range
Citadines Berawa Beach Bali – this serviced apartment complex is the ideal place for families and couples that prefer to do their own cooking but still want a pool, a fitness centre, etc. on hand.
White Goose Hotel – this very attractive contemporary hotel has 19 suites and 3 pools and we’re big fans of the freestanding bathrooms in every room! If you want to splash out a bit, try the Premier Sunset Suite which has a private pool.
Masmara Resort – this attractive resort complex is near Pererenan Beach and it has some lovely vibes. The onsite restaurant is very good too and that’s a big win after a day of seeing the sights.
Budget
Roomates – this relatively cheap hostel is a perfect place to make friends as a solo traveller and get involved in a range of low-cost but great fun activities too. They also have a co-working space on site if you need to catch up with emails, etc.
Koa D’Surfer Hotel – this lovely place has an infinity pool but definitely won’t break the bank when the bill comes due. It’s also a stone’s throw from Finns!
Wasabi Hotel and Sushi Restaurant – if you want clean, plain and simple with AC and a free breakfast, this is a solid choice, and you can guarantee no surprise charges on the bill in the morning too.
Day Three: Ubud
Now, it’s time to move on from the white sands and into the cultural and spiritual heart of the island, Ubud town.
Ubud town is where you can explore Balinese art, get the best massages, enjoy yoga classes and retreats and witness incredible scenery too.
On the way in from Canggu, we recommend that you stop at the Tegenungan Waterfall, there is a small entrance fee and you need to climb down about 100 steps to get to the best view but that’s not too onerous a burden.
There is a nice swing at this point which you can take some cool Instagram photos of.
If it’s very hot, you can take a dip in the waters here. It’s a lovely place to go swimming.
The Ubud Monkey Forest should be your first stop once you arrive in Ubud. This is a sacred sanctuary that is home to some lovely temples as well as about 600-1,000 macaque monkeys.
You can take photos with some of the monkeys (though please let the local guides help you find a friendly monkey – some of the older monkeys can bite if provoked) and enjoy watching the monkeys play with each other.
The iconic temples at this site are also worth seeing and the entrance fee covers all temple admissions too.
From here you’re within walking distance of the local shops (or you can take a ride-share taxi if you don’t feel like walking) and the art market and some shopping here will result in authentic souvenirs rather than the usual Chinese-made stuff at many of the night markets. Ubud market is a very authentically Balinese experience.
Then before evening, we recommend the Campuhan Ridge Walk which is the best way to see the local rice terraces and lush greenery of the jungle and the local palm trees. It’s quite spectacular in the golden hour light of a majestic sunset too.
Rice fields are the soul of any Southeast Asian nation and it’s a real shame to visit Ubud without spending at least some time in its rice fields and natural habitat.
Where To Stay On Day Three?
Ubud’s reputation for relaxing retreats means it has some of the best hotel accomodation in Bali and because it’s quite removed from the major tourist crowds, it has some excellent mid-range and budget options too. These include:
Luxury
Mandapa, A Ritz Carlton Reserve – if money’s no object then there’s a strong case for staying at the incredible Mandapa resort. Private butlers and the best views of the surrounding countryside are a guarantee here. It a lso has some of the best fine dining experiences on the island.
Capella Ubud – If you’ve always wanted to go luxury glamping on the side of a valley, this is your chance. Each luxury tent comes with its own private plunge pool and once you’ve toasted some marshmallows by your own fire, you’ll never want to leave.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan – having been voted the world’s best hotel, the Four Seasons Resort continues to prove its worth in the jungles of Ubud. If you want more than just a hotel room then this is the way to go about things.
Mid-Range
Bisma Eight – this lovely collection of 38 suites offers the infinity pool lifestyle for much less money than the luxury resorts. It also offers some of the best cocktails in Bali.
Fivelements – if you want a wellness experience alongside your Bali holiday, you can’t go wrong with Fivelements. Plant-based meals, yoga classes, and much more can be found here.
Kappa Senses Ubud – this eco-friendly resort is nearly brand new and it has some incredible views of the local rainforest. The design is very eye-catching too and it’s a superbly Instagram-worthy spot.
Budget
Sandat Glamping Tents – if you want glamping with much less of a price tag than the offering at Capella this safari-themed resort might fit the bill. The pool here has amazing views over the rice terraces too.
Tegal Sari Accomodation – four poster beds, views over the rice fields and excellent local transport set this budget hotel apart from its peers. It’s highly recommended by any backpacker that has stayed here.
Ubud Bungalow – in the heart of the town this peaceful bungalow complex is a great place to stay and enjoy a home away from home in Ubud.
Day Four: Climbing Mount Batur
It’s going to be an early start today as you’ll need to leave Ubud at about 2:30 a.m. to make the top of the mountain to experience sunrise above the clouds at the caldera.
You could, of course, hike Mount Agung instead of Mount Batur but that takes a lot more time and requires a much higher level of personal fitness. We think this hike is the perfect choice to get the best out of a visit to an active volcano.
On the way up the mountain, you will stop for breakfast and your guide will cook you some eggs in volcanic steam.
It’s not a long walk but the images you take here will absolutely set your Instagram feed on fire. It’s a very beautiful place.
After you head down you could also go swimming in the local hot springs, and enjoy a bath heated by the volcano! It’s a nice way to work out the aches and pains of the hike.
There are some lovely waterfalls in this area too and you might want to see them. There are also white water rafting options nearby that thrillseekers might want to enjoy.
If you prefer to return to Ubud, we recommend visiting the Tegalalang rice terraces and enjoying a lovely walk out in the sunshine.
Then, make sure to visit the Tirta Empul and Pura Gunung Kawi temples which will give you a great insight into the spiritual nature of this part of Bali and some nice photos for your feed too.
Where To Stay?
As you’re going to be remaining in Ubud, we’d recommend you stay in the same hotel that you chose for night three in Bali, after all, you don’t really want to move hotels for the sake of it, do you?
Day Five: Exploring North Bali
It’s the last day of our Bali itinerary and today, we’re going to Bedugul in Northern Bali.
This part of the island gets far fewer visitors than it deserves and you will be lucky to see all it has to offer without having to spend any time in queues or crowds.
There are three beautiful lakes in the ancient caldera of a long-extinct volcano and the waters are the purest blue and completely still.
Lake Tamblingan is home to the ruins of the 10th-century Tamblingan civilization of Bali and the other two lakes, Lake Buyan & Lake Bratan have spiritual significance in Balinese culture.
You are also within spitting distance of three of Bali’s most stunning waterfalls Banyumala Twin, Git Git and Sekumpul. They are all worth visiting, though you may want to limit yourself to just one.
Near Lake Bratan is Ulun Danu Beratan temple one of the most beautiful temples in the country and it’s best viewed at dawn or dusk for the light of the golden hour.
In the wet season, the temple appears to be floating on the water, thanks to an optical illusion created by rising waters in the lake.
You’re also quite close to the Handara Gate, which has no cultural or spiritual significance (in fact, it’s the entry point to a golf course) but which does make for an amazing photo op.
However, the best thing you can see in this region is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces which are simply stunning. These rice fields and rice terraces are on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
Where To Stay On Day Five?
Because Bedugul does not get as many visitors as the rest of Bali, accomodation options here are a little more basic and even the “luxury” end of the market is nowhere near as luxurious as it is in Ubud or Canggu.
Luxury
Kayu Manise Villa Bedugul – We loved the hot tub at this comfortable villa complex and the beds are excellent for a great night’s sleep. We also found the service here to be first-rate.
Secret Lodge Bedugul – this farmhouse-style villa allows you to determine just how much luxury you want. Cook your own meals or use the private chef service, it’s up to you.
Villa Selantang – the spectacular views over the local countryside at this villa complex are worth the price of admission. We loved that there was almost perfect silence here too. The only things you can hear are the birds and sounds of nature!
Mid-Range
CLV Hotel & Villas – This pleasant mid-range resort and villa complex has a very good restaurant on site. We were pleased with the size and cleanliness of the rooms too.
Pondok Nyoman – the resort staff are super friendly and Nyoman, the owner, is always up for a chat with his guests. The rooms are nice enough, the beds are comfy and the Wi-Fi is excellent.
Bali Tree House Pelangi – the rooms are modestly appointed but if you’ve always wanted to stay in a treehouse, this is a very affordable experience in Northern Bali.
Budget
PonDaNu – This charming small hotel has a very good breakfast (particularly its international options) and has a great standard of hospitality. It also has hot showers, which many guests will appreciate.
Dajan Buyan Homestay – If you want an authentic taste of Balinese hospitality, why not go with a homestay? The view from this place is awesome and the breakfasts are excellent too.
Balitrekk – this simple 4-room guesthouse is out in the jungles of Northern Bali and it provides a truly authentic way to experience this part of the island.
And that’s the formal end of our 5-day Bali itinerary. Once you check out in the morning, it’s time to head to the airport and
A Couple Of Alternative Days For Our 5-Day Bali Itinerary
If you want other options for your time in Bali, you could drop a couple of days from the itinerary above and visit one or the other of these groups of islands.
The Nusa Islands
Two days probably isn’t enough to see all that the Nusa Islands (that’s Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan) have to offer but you can certainly see a lot of what’s there.
These islands are best known for their golden sand beaches, incredible scuba diving and the chance to swim with manta rays and the giant mola mola fish!
Nusa Penida is where the world-famous Broken Beach can be found as well as the T-Rex rock formations at Kelingking Beach. These are two places that will look awesome in your Instagram feed.
You can also rent a sun longer and enjoy a swim and a bit of sunbathing on Kelingking Beach, whereas you can’t actually reach the beach at Broken Beach do anything but photograph it from above.
To get out to Nusa Penida (which is the largest of the three islands) you need to head to Sanur in South Bali and take a boat or a ferry. This means getting up early in the morning (you don’t want to waste the day) and this trip can be a bit tiring because of that.
Having said that, the Nusa Islands are among Bali’s most up-and-coming destinations and if you visit them now, there’s a good chance that you will get to enjoy them before the real crowds descend in the coming years!
Make sure to visit Atuh Beach (a great place for swimming and chilling on bean bags), the Tembeling Natural Pool, Forest and Beach (your only chance to swim in an all-natural outdoor pool in the rainforest) and the lovely Nusa Penida Treehouse.
If you want to go snorkelling with the manta rays at Manta Point, we strongly recommend that you book this trip in advance as it’s super popular and might be sold out during the time of your visit, otherwise. The good news is that this trip is suited even to beginner divers.
If you want to see the mola mola fish, you will need to be an experienced diver, though as the dives to see this huge denizen of the deep may require reaching depths of up to 40 meters. Bring your PADI certifications if you want to be allowed to join these dives.
The Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are three small islands named Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan that have also been gaining in popularity in recent years and if you’re looking for a party Gili Trawangan is one of the most party-friendly places in Indonesia.
Gili Meno is much quieter and it’s a good place for a romantic couple of days where you shut the world out in a nice resort and enjoy the beach and the waves.
Gili Air is the most authentically Indonesian experience of the three islands and it’s a nice place to stay if you want to avoid parties but would still appreciate some great restaurants and island life.
There are plenty of things to do in this part of Indonesia too (in fact, the Gili Islands are officially part of Lombok, not Bali, even though they’re very close to Bali).
We can recommend the free cooking classes at the Warung Alam Dam. They are led by the owner who loves to help you learn to cook Indonesian food and then watch you wolf it down too.
Do make sure you take a trip to snorkel with turtles on Gili Meno which is one of the real highlights of a visit to this part of the country. Just don’t touch the turtles as that’s a crime in Indonesia.
If you arrive at the right time of year, you may also be able to help return some sea turtles to the sea from one of the local hatcheries.
You should definitely rent a bicycle and cycle around the islands here, they’re so small that even a brand-new cyclist will not find this very challenging.
Just off the coast of Gili Air is a really cool underwater sculpture park where you can swim among figures of the Buddha, Hindu folklore and giant images of marine life.
Please make sure that your camera is fully waterproof, not water-resistant before you jump in to grab some cool Instagram shots, though.
FAQs
Is It Worth Going To Bali For 5 Days?
Yes! It’s always worth going to Bali. Sure, you won’t see the whole of the island but you will see a lot of it if you use our 5-day Bali itinerary and you will have a magical time of things.
In fact, a 5-day trip to Bali is most likely to whet your appetite for another trip in the future to see the things you couldn’t fit into your Bali itinerary when you came the first time.
How Much Money Is Enough For 5 Days In Bali?
Assuming that your accommodation and flights are already paid, you would probably want to budget $100-$150 per day for the 5-day Bali itinerary above.
However, it’s certainly possible to have a good time in Bali for as little as $10 a day if you’re not travelling around and eating local Indonesian dishes at a warung.
Is 5 Days Long Enough In Bali?
No! But then, we’re not sure that a lifetime is long enough in Bali, either. This is a big island and there’s so much to see and do from lush greenery to the Bali swing, to traditional dance performances, to scuba diving among manta rays.
But 5 days is more than enough time to have a fantastic time in Bali and whether you spend that time visiting temples, in an Ubud luxury resort or chilling on the beach, is up to you.
How Much Does A 5 Day Trip To Bali Cost?
Excluding flights, but including a private driver, accomodation (of a decent standard), nice meals and the Bali itinerary above, you would expect to spend about $160-$220 per day per person.
Of course, you can make savings as you explore Bali by doing things like only eating at local restaurants and staying in places without a private pool or even without a private bathroom. It’s entirely up to you whether you opt for a homestay in the rice fields or a luxury resort on the beach.
Can You Do Bali In 7 Days? How Many Days Do You Need In Bali?
We’re not keen on the idea of “doing” a place. Bali isn’t something to be discarded, it’s a living breathing island full of people and a vibrant culture. But you can certainly have a really good experience of Bali in 7 days.
But if you want to fully explore Bali, you probably need 14-21 days for an in-depth Bali itinerary that incorporates every major attraction. And you’d need years if you wanted to see absolutely everything.
How To Book A 5-Day Holiday In Bali?
We always recommend that you book a Bali holiday through the lovely folks at Bali Res Centre.
That’s because they’re a fully local travel agent that can help you source a local driver, find the best hotel deals and give you the lowdown on any recent developments in an area that may improve (or hinder) your time on holiday.
If you’re not using a Bali-based travel agent like Bali Res Centre, you’re missing out on all that local knowledge.
Final Thoughts On A Bali Itinerary: 5 days
Our Bali itinerary for 5 days gives you plenty of flexibility to have a bespoke 5 days in Bali that ticks all the important boxes for your holiday needs.
Whether you have your heart set on the Campuhan Ridge Walk, shopping in a local art market, hiking through rice paddies, playing with monkeys in the monkey forest, or splashing around in private pools, we’ve got you covered.
Just make sure that your Bali itinerary includes Finns because it’s not really a trip to Bali without a visit to the best beach club in the world.
