An Epic 5 Day Bali Itinerary for First Time Visitors

Bali is a tropical paradise that has become well-popularized due to its photogenic beaches, mountains, rice fields, and waterfalls. The island contains a rich culture featured within its beautiful temples and palaces. Whether you consider yourself a beach bum or would rather discover hidden gems deep within the jungle, Bali has the perfect adventure for you.

Let’s start planning your trip to Bali.

About This Itinerary

When planning my trip, I found a lot of visitors travel to Bali for about 5 to 7 days. Given the large array of things to see and the island’s long travel times, this 5 day itinerary is jam-packed with things to do. If you can add on more time, you’ll be able to visit locations such as Nusa Penida, but still expect a lot of busy days. Here is our 7 Day Bali Itinerary. We also have a 10 Day Bali Itinerary, for those with even more time.

This itinerary is designed for those traveling Bali with a private driver or rented car/motorbike. These are the best methods of island transport that guarantee you a sense of freedom and safety to see the sites at your own pace.

If your trip coincides with the Balinese New Year, which occurs in March, learn what to expect on Nyepi Day.

Best Things to Do in Bali in 5 Days

Here is a list of the best things to do in Bali if you only have 5 days. For a longer list of things to do, check out our Bali Bucket List.

• Visit the Ulutwatu beaches
• Uluwatu Temple
• Tanah Lot Temple
• Sunset dinner on the beach
• Visit the Tegallalang and/or Jatiluwih rice terraces
• Besakih Great Temple
• Pura Lempuyang and the Gate of Heaven
• Aling-Aling Waterfall
• Spend some time in Ubud
• Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
• Ulun Danu

5 Day Bali Itinerary

This 5 day Bali itinerary allows you to see all the major attractions, albeit at a rapid pace. Be prepared for a few long days from sun-up to sundown, but trust me, what you see makes it worth it.

5 Day Bali Itinerary: Day 1

Arrive in Uluwatu

To maximize your time today, plan to land in Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar – DPS) in the morning. Depending on when your flight lands, you may have limited time today. I flew into Denpasar from Sydney, landing around 12:00pm. This is a very light day to get adjusted, so a late landing won’t cause you to miss anything important.

It took a little over an hour to grab our bags and go through customs. From here, drive to your stay in Uluwatu (about 1 hour drive).

Afternoon in Uluwatu

There are numerous beaches in the area that are all worth your time to visit, such as Thomas Beach, Bingin Beach or Dreamland Beach. Depending on your accommodation, you may be situated on one of these. After unpacking, you have the choice to drive out to a nearby beach (about a 5 to 15 minute drive) or unwind at your hotel. The choice is yours.

Dreamland Beach | Sergii Figurnyi/shutterstock.com

Dinner at Bingin Beach

What better way to enjoy a welcome to Bali than with a tasty sunset dinner on the beach. For a well-priced meal on the beach, visit Lucky Fish Lounge. For a live music venue that’s a little bit pricey but well worth it, try El Kabron. Both get excellent reviews and will provide a pleasant end to your first day.

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

LUXURY: Jumeirah Bali. For the ultimate in luxury, look no farther than uameirah Bali. Rooms range from ocean villas with private pools to two bedroom villas that come with a butler service and complimentary airport transfers. There is an onsite restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and fitness center.

UPSCALE: The Bingin Beach Villas’ Private Villas. Rooms are two and three bedroom private villas, some with their own private pool. There is an outdoor swimming pool and all rooms come with a kitchen and balcony. Some villas can accommodate up to 6 people, making this a great choice for families.

UPSCALE: Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa. This bed and breakfast has an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant. It is beautifully decorated and multiple guests call it a “hidden gem” in the reviews. This property gets near perfect reviews on Booking.com.

MID-RANGE: The Elementum. Located in Bingin, this 3-star boutique hotel gets exceptional reviews. Rooms are double rooms and some have a sea view. The property has a pool and onsite restaurant.

MID-RANGE: Mule Malu Tropical Stay. This gorgeous hotel is located near Bingin and Dreamland beaches. Rooms are spacious and some have a view of the pool. Bathrooms are open-air and rooms are air conditioned.

MID-RANGE: Kalia Bingin – Adult Only. If you like the idea of staying in an adult only hotel, this one is a great option. Take your pick from double and quadruple rooms, all of which are very spacious and well decorated.

BUDGET: Teges Asri by Bukit Vista. This 2-star hotel is located in Bingin. It comes with a pool and offers free parking. All rooms have a private bathroom. Rooms can accommodate up to two people.

5 Day Bali Itinerary: Day 2

Uluwatu, Balangan, Nusa Dua, and Melasti Beach

What better way to start your first full day in Bali than by soaking in the sun at some of the best beaches on the island?

Today is arguably the lightest day in the remaining itinerary, and the most flexible. There are 4 beaches to visit today, each with plenty of time to enjoy their unique charm. If one beach catches your eye more than others, you have the flexibility to modify this schedule and spend more time there or remove your least-favorite beach altogether.

9:00 am: Surf at Balangan Beach
12:00 pm: Nusa Dua Beach
3:00 pm: Melasti Beach
4:30 pm: Uluwatu Temple
6:00 pm: Uluwatu Beach for a sunset dinner

9:00 am: Surf at Balangan Beach

The first time I visited Bali back in 2015, I spent a week in Seminyak. Expecting a beautiful white sand beach, I was disappointed to see it run down and covered in trash.

8 years later, I finally found what I was looking for. Balangan beach is stunning. It’s much more secluded and lesser known, giving it some charm. The golden sand beach is nestled at the bottom of a short cliff, with parking lots located close above. Go for a swim in the pristine water, then unwind under an umbrella and sip a cocktail.

Balangan Beach

I spent hours here surfing the waves and had a perfect day for it. Swells at Balangan are solid all year-round and can be surfed by those of all skill levels. Larger swells will hit the western shores in Bali’s dry season (May through September). It’s then that waves are perfect for intermediate and advanced surfers, but beginners should take caution.

I found that the waves were excellent for beginners during the tail end of Bali’s wet season (November – April). A few hours at Balangan beach may end up being the highlight of your trip.

12:00 pm: Lunch at Nusa Dua Beach

Roughly an hour’s drive from Balangan Beach, Nusa Dua is a secluded paradise surrounded by luxury resorts and restaurants. Here you’ll find a long, wide stretch of golden sand and calm turquoise waters that go miles up the coast.

If choosing to eat lunch here, I recommend Sateria Beachfront or Ikan Restaurant. Looking to grab a nice drink? Try Kulkul Beach House. All restaurants are located right on the beach, some of which being on resort property. Due to location, meals are a bit pricey for Balinese standards, but much cheaper than Western standards. For example, an entrée at Ikan Restaurant costs roughly 150K IDR, or $10.

3:00 pm: Melasti Beach

Looking for a beautiful, lesser-known beach with golden sands and turquoise waters? Look no further than Melasti Beach, located on Bali’s southern shores.

This beach is perfect for a swim, where you’re treated to beautiful views of the surrounding limestone cliffs. While here, take a quick 5 minute walk out to Bali’s southernmost point!

Melasti Beach is roughly a 40 minute drive from Balangan Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, and Uluwatu Temple. This makes it very easy to reach from any location on today’s itinerary.

Melasti Beach | Iriskarightnow/shutterstock.com

4:30 pm: Uluwatu Temple

This Balinese Hindu temple provides scenic views of the surrounding cliffs and is also an excellent hub of unexpected entertainment. The temple is perched atop a cliff that overlooks the southwestern shores, making for some incredible views.

Uluwatu Temple | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

The main attraction for me, however, were the monkeys that roamed the temple. These guys were surprisingly bold, stealing hats and sunglasses right off visitors’ heads! Luckily, the monkeys are more curious than aggressive, so keep a tight grip on your belongings here.

You cannot enter the very top of the temple unless for prayer. I learned that the shots I saw online of the temple were all via drone, which is now banned. Instead of grabbing the perfect shot of the temple, I instead admired the coastline and watched the monkeys wreak havoc on unsuspecting tourists

You will receive a sarong with your entry ticket, which is required at the temple. The temple also hosts a Kecak dance performance daily at 6pm (150K IDR per adult). It took me an hour to visit Uluwatu temple, not including the dance. If you are interested in watching the performance, be prepared to allocate more time here and have a late dinner.

Hours: 7am-7pm
Cost: Adult 50K IDR, Child 30K IDR

6:00 pm: Sunset Dinner at Uluwatu Beach

Only a 10-minute drive from Uluwatu Temple, Uluwatu Beach is the perfect spot for a sunset dinner. From great restaurants, stunning views, and fantastic surf, Uluwatu Beach has it all. The cliffside is terraced with restaurants and shops that overlook the water below. Wander the paths, shop at a few vendor stalls, and enjoy the secluded beach that rests below.

Uluwatu Beach is world-famous for surfing. The region hosts fantastic reef-breaks that are flocked by experienced surfers worldwide. At the base of the cliffs lies the beach (also known as Blue Point Beach) where surfers can begin their paddle-out. For beachgoers, this cove opens up at low tide for people to sunbathe.

Uluwatu Beach

Single Fin restaurant | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

Expect to spend about 2-3 hours here. I spent my time here soaking up the views at Single Fin, a restaurant located at the top of the cliffside. I enjoyed my time watching the surfers and relishing the moment. We ate lunch here and did not need a reservation. However, it was still pretty busy and for dinner, I would recommend booking in advance. You can make a reservation here.

5 Day Bali Itinerary: Day 3

Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, Besakih Great Temple

Marking the halfway point of your trip, day 3 is the busiest day in your 5 day Bali itinerary. Beginning in Bali’s southern peninsula, you’ll drive past Ubud into the heart of the island. Be prepared to spend a lot of time in the car between sites, but what you’ll visit makes the drive well worth it.

8:00 am: Depart from Uluwatu
10:15 am: Tegallalang Rice Terraces
11:45 am: Tirta Empul
1:15 pm: Lunch
3:30 pm: Besakih
6:00 pm: Return to Ubud

8:00 am: Depart from Uluwatu

There’s a good amount to see today, so you’ll want to make sure you’re up and at ‘em early. It’s a little over 2 hours to reach Tegallalang, so for now just enjoy the views on your drive up.

10:15 am: Tegallalang Rice Terraces

The rice terraces at Tegallalang may be one of the most picturesque spots on the island. When planning a trip to Bali, a trip is incomplete without a view of this terraced valley. I visited at the late end of the rainy season in March, so everything had a lush green color, and the rice plants were in full bloom.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

There are plenty of different areas of Tegallalang that are worth your visit. There are several Bali swings located within the rice terraces that we recommend checking out. It’s here that you can recreate the iconic photo showing someone swinging out over the jungle.

Look for the “I love Bali” sign, it’s hard to miss and a popular swing sits right by there. Visitors are also welcome to wander this UNESCO site at their own leisure and may have to pay tiny entrance fees that go towards supporting the local infrastructure.

If you’re looking for the perfect photo, the best time to photograph Tegalalang is in the early morning. You’ll have soft lighting that will help make your photos pop. If you’d like to arrive at Tegalalang earlier in the morning, shift everything in this day’s schedule back a few hours. Just be prepared for a very early wake-up.

Cost: 25K IDR

Optional: Cretya Ubud

Want more time here? Take a short 2 minute drive down to Cretya Ubud. This restaurant/bar is perched atop the rice terraces, giving guests a stunning view of Tegallalang. They have several infinity pools that guests can enjoy, as well as a DJ that performs daily. Grab breakfast and maybe a cheeky drink to go along with it. Relax, you’re in Bali. A breakfast entrée costs roughly 95K, or $6.

This itinerary does not factor in time at Cretya Ubud. If you’d like to unwind here for an hour or two, make sure to adjust your schedule appropriately.

Learn more here.

11:45 am: Tirta Empul

Tirta Empul is a sacred Hindu Balinese water temple located only a few miles from Tegallalang. The main draw of this temple is its pools of holy water and spiritual influence. Visitors will travel to bathe in the water, taking part in a cleansing ritual for self-purification. Whether you’re an active practitioner or not, anyone is welcome within these pools.

Tirta Empul | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

The temple itself isn’t very large and may only take you five minutes to wander the full thing. Your length of stay will be determined by your choice to take part in the purification ritual. If interested in entering the pools (which is something we strongly recommend), there are sarongs to rent at the temple for 10K IDR. I spent an hour here and found bathing in the pools to be one of the most unique travel experiences I’ve had.

1:30 pm: Lunch

Lunch today is open to your judgement. If you’re feeling great and want to keep moving, head straight onto Besakih Great Temple (about a 1 hour 15 min drive from Tirta Empul). If you’re traveling with a private driver and would like lunch, ask them if they recommend anything within the area.

En route from Tirta Empul to Besakih, I recommend eating at Camaya Terrace Restaurant. It’s a nice restaurant with a good menu and fantastic views out over the rice terraces.

3:30 pm: Besakih Great Temple

The largest Balinese Hindu temple in Bali, the Besakih Great Temple must be on any traveler’s to-see list. It’s a giant complex of smaller shrines and temples that can only be described as impressive. Besakih is also the oldest and holiest temple on the island, rightfully being nicknamed “The Mother Temple”. Located near Mount Agung, the highest peak in Bali, you are treated to spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding countryside.

Besakih Temple | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

Since Besakih is such a massive site and draws thousands of tourists, there are also plenty of scammers. An entry ticket will cover the cost of a provided sarong and guide. However, there will be locals trying to rent you sarongs or guides may demand outrageous tips. As pushy as they may seem, respectfully ignore the scammers and stick with the provided services on your ticket. Tips are not mandatory for guides, but for the officials who lead you through the temple, a tip here would be generous.

Besakih Great Temple takes roughly one hour to explore.

6:00 pm: Dinner in Ubud

Once in Ubud, check into your accommodation and take time to reminisce about your day over a delicious meal. Refer to the “Where to Eat in Ubud” section at the end of this article for dinner recommendations.

Where to Stay in Ubud

LUXURY: The Kayon Valley Resort. This 5-star resort is located on the outskirts of Ubud. Each room is a villa that has its own private pool and views of the surrounding forest.

LUXURY: Royal Kamuela Villas & Suites at Monkey Forest Ubud. This property has an excellent location near the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Take your pick from a one-bedroom villa with a private pool or a large suite that overlooks the hotel pool.

UPSCALE: Kastara Resort. This property gets nothing but wonderful reviews. All rooms are air conditioned and come with a balcony and/or pool with a view of the tropical forest. This resort also has an infinity pool and bar.

MID-RANGE: Ranggen Ubud. Located in Ubud’s city center, it is just a short walk to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, shopping, and restaurants. This boutique hotel gets exceptional reviews. All rooms are double rooms and are air conditioned and have a balcony. This is one of our top picks if you want to stay in the heart of Ubud.

MID-RANGE: Angsoka Bungalow. This boutique hotel is located outside of the city center (about a 15 minute drive). But what you get is a Balinese-style hotel with an infinity pool that has views of the surrounding forest. This is one of the highest rated hotels in Ubud.

MID RANGE: Gayatri. This hotel has it all: an excellent location in Ubud, rave reviews and a gorgeous pool. It’s another great pick if you want to stay in the heart of Ubud. Some rooms accommodate up to 4 people, making this a nice choice for families.

BUDGET: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel. This is where I stayed in Ubud and had a fantastic experience. Rooms range from dormitory style rooms to private double rooms. There is a large common area centered around a pool and gardens. This hotel has an awesome location in the Ubud city center.

BUDGET: Ubud Rice Field House. This hostel has a great location in Ubud. Relax by the picturesque infinity pool and enjoy the breakfast, which prior guests rave about.

5 Day Bali Itinerary: Day 4

Ulun Danu, Banyumala Waterfall, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Today you’ll travel up into the northern highlands of Bali. Visiting temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces, today could be the perfect “One Day in Bali Itinerary.”

8:00 am: Depart from Ubud
9:30 am: Ulun Danu
10:25 am: Handara Gate
11:00 am: Banyumala Waterfall
12:45 pm: Lunch OR Aling-Aling Waterfall
3:30 pm: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
6:00 pm: Dinner & Drinks in Ubud

9:30 am: Ulun Danu

This picturesque temple sits right on top of Lake Beratan. Situated right off the main road, Ulun Danu is very easy to reach and well worth your time. You get stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountainside. There is also a small park and other minor temples situated within the campus, allowing you to make the most of your money.

Ulun Danu | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

It takes an hour and a half to drive to Ulun Danu from Ubud. Ulun Danu is beautiful to see in the early morning glow, so if you’re willing to get here earlier, adjust today’s schedule appropriately.

10:25 am: Handara Gate

Flocked by thousands of tourists every year, Handara Gate has become a bit of a tourist trap. The gate is iconic, but when I visited in late March, I found a very slow moving line of people waiting to get their photo taken. After waiting in line for over 30 minutes, I quickly snapped my photos before moving on.

Handara Gate

I found that the gate was a lot more underwhelming than it appeared in the photos. However, the gate is directly enroute from Ulun Danu, so it’s worth parking and admiring for a few minutes. There is also an employee that can snap your photo if you do not have your own camera or are traveling solo. I still recommend checking it out but beware of the crowds. I arrived around sunset, which is when the gate may be most crowded. In the late morning, crowds should be at a minimum.

11:00 am: Banyumala Twin Waterfall

I love Banyumala Waterfall. Visiting Banyumala was one of my favorite experiences on the island.

Towering at a height of roughly 26 meters, this waterfall is both impressive and one of the best instagrammable spots in Bali. It’s not as popular as some of the other nearby falls, so you may have the entire place to yourself.

Banyumala is also two waterfalls that converge in the same pool. Talk about a great spot for a swim!

Banyumala Waterfall | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

There is a small parking lot that’s a 10 minute walk to the actual falls. On the way you’ll pass a small concession stand where you can pay the entry fee. Further on is a steep staircase down to the falls which can be slippery when wet. I arrived at 9 am and had the entire place to myself. Even in the late morning, you may only see a handful of people here.

There is also a small dirt trail that takes you to a secluded lower waterfall. This one is equally as impressive with its terraced structure and has a small swimming pool. It’s a 2-minute walk from the twin waterfalls.

The second waterfall at Banyumala

12:30 pm: Lunch or Aling-Aling Waterfall

Based on how the sites are located, you won’t be able to visit another waterfall without sacrificing time for lunch. Alternatively, if you are dying to experience Aling-Aling but also want to sit and grab a bite, you’d have to leave Ubud earlier than 8am. It’s totally possible but be prepared for a longer day. In my opinion, it’s 100% worth the early wake-up.

Option 1: Lunch

Grab lunch in Bedugul. If traveling with a private driver, ask them if they have any restaurant recommendations.

Option 2: Aling-Aling Waterfall

As an adrenaline junkie, Aling-Aling Waterfall was my favorite experience throughout my time in Bali. This spot is more like an adventure park, featuring three cliff jumps of various heights and a waterfall slide. For all the jumps there is a tiny ledge for daring visitors to jump off from, and below lies a deep pool of water.

Both the waterfall slide and cliff jumps are perfectly safe. Upon entry, you’ll hire a guide that will show you around the area and assist you on the waterfall slide. Our guide was fantastic, and this wouldn’t have been my favorite experience if it weren’t for him. Life jackets are provided for the waterfall slide to you protect your back.

Aling-Aling was such an epic experience that I recommend anyone to make the time to visit. Even if you don’t consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, there is still plenty of fun to be had. Learn more in our Guide to the Aling-Aling Waterfall.

3:30 pm: Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

Located in central Bali, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces may be one of the most scenic locations on the entire island. Massive rice fields stretch out for as far as the eye can see, framed by several of Bali’s largest volcanoes in the background. Jatiluwih is an underrated site that doesn’t get a lot of attention from tourists, which I found shocking due to its stunning beauty.

Jatiluwih Rice Terraces | Edmund Lowe Photography/shutterstock.com

The best time to visit is from February to April as the rice stalks will be in full bloom. While here, soak in the views and wander the fields. The area is so expansive that you could spend hours hiking.

A visit to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces could last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours. Spend time wandering the fields and stick around for golden hour to capture some sweet pictures.

6:00 pm: Dinner & Drinks in Ubud

Read the “Where to Eat in Ubud” for dinner recommendations for tonight. I recommend Divya Bar, where you can enjoy a meal and a drink on their rooftop bar. If you want to barhop, there are two other solid rooftop bars across the street, Sami Warung and Mozzarella.

Divya Cocktail Bar | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

5 Day Bali Itinerary: Day 5

Exploring Ubud, Tanah Lot, Fly Home

Today is broken into 2 segments: time in Ubud, and your drive between Ubud and the airport. You’ll visit 2 major attractions as well as enjoy 2 less-touristy experiences. If traveling with a private driver, you’ll only need to hire one for the afternoon, once departing Ubud. The rest of the day can be completed on foot or via taxi.

7:00 am: Campuhan Ridge Walk
9:00 am: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
11:00 am: Free time in Ubud
3:00 pm: Depart Ubud
4:30 pm: Sari Uma Coffee Plantation
5:30 pm: Tanah Lot
6:30 pm: Drive to Airport

7:00 am: Campuhan Ridge Walk

This short, 2 mile roundtrip walk is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the Balinese countryside. Right outside downtown Ubud, you’ll walk between rice fields on a paved stone path. I never completed this walk simply because I ran out of time, so I’m saving it for my next trip back to Bali.

The best part of the walk is the first half-mile, where you’re standing on the elevated ridge and get sweeping views of the surrounding jungle. The full roundtrip walk takes roughly one hour to complete.

Since today’s schedule is much lighter than previous days, you have the freedom to complete the walk anytime in the morning. I recommend starting the Campuhan Ridge Walk in the early morning (6:30-7:00am), as you can get excellent sunrise lighting and stay out of the harsh Bali heat.

Campuhan Ridge Walk | Maria_Usp/shutterstock.com

9:00 am: Sacred Forest Monkey Sanctuary

The Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud is one of the most popular attractions in Bali. This nature reserve houses hundreds of monkeys that freely roam the collection of forested temples. A major highlight for me was getting up close with a few of the monkeys under the guidance of a park guide.

There are more than monkeys to see at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Much to my delight, there are several temples to visit.

The highlight of the temples are the carvings of monkeys, frogs, and other strange looking animals, all looking somewhat ferocious and menacing. Their moss-covered bodies made the temples seem mystical and otherworldly, like I was out in the middle of the jungle even though I was in downtown Ubud.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Get updated hours and pricing on the official website.

11:00 am: Free Time in Ubud

You have a few hours here to enjoy Ubud however you see fit. Grab some lunch, go shopping downtown, or even get a massage! If you’re worn out from the past few days, feel free to relax at your resort. Be prepared to leave Ubud at 3:00 pm.

4:30 pm: Sari Uma Coffee Plantation

Before traveling here, visiting a coffee plantation would never have made my itinerary. One day my driver spontaneously asked me if I’d like to visit a plantation to taste some local coffee & tea. Although hesitant, I kept an open-mind and went along with the experience.

I arrived for the tasting session at this quaint house out in the countryside. The woman working there came out with a tray of 16 tiny cups, each with a different flavor. Each and every one of them was delicious. So much so that I immediately purchased several bags of coffee grounds to take home. Sitting out in the countryside and sipping on tasters was one of the highlights of my trip.

Coffee and tea tasting | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

Sari Uma is a small coffee plantation located 5 minutes from Tanah Lot. If you’d like to catch the sunset at Tanah Lot, you have a full hour here at Sari Uma. That’s plenty of time to decide which flavor you like the most!

5:30 pm: Tanah Lot Temple

Tanah Lot rests on a small outcropping by the shore and is famous for its romantic setting and sunsets. At low tide, you can walk out to the base of the temple, but tourists are not allowed to enter. Despite this fact, it has remained one of the most popular attractions in Bali, and I’d consider it to be 100% worth it.

Tanah Lot | Sergii Figurnyi/shutterstock.com

There is a park that rests up on the cliff above that viewers can enter. Wander the cliff edge and admire the waves crashing against the temple’s base. Views are best at sunset, so be prepared to take plenty of photos.

Planning Your Trip to Bali

Where to Eat in Ubud

As is the case with all 3 of these itineraries, you’ll be spending most of your time in and around Ubud. Ubud was my favorite place I stayed in Bali and the place I spent the most time. Given this, here are my recommendations on where to eat in Ubud:

Mamma Mia is an Italian restaurant located right by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. For a cheap price you can enjoy a tasty entrée and sip a glass of wine. I ate several meals here and there always seems to be a good crowd. Don’t forget to order a homemade Chocolate-cello shot while you’re here!

Ivy Café is located within Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel. I stayed at Puri Garden for 3 nights, so I ended up enjoying multiple meals at Ivy. They offer both local and international food on their menu for a cheap price.

Nostimo Greek Grill Ubud is a minute’s walk away from Mamma Mia. They get great reviews and always seemed to be packed for dinner. I’d recommend calling to make a reservation the day of if planning on eating here for dinner.

Taco Casa Ubud is perfect for anyone with a craving for Mexican food (which was me my last day here). Meals are well-priced, and portions are hearty. Did I mention the food tastes delicious?

Taco Casa Ubud | 5 Day Bali Itinerary

Pistachio enjoys a bit of seclusion from the hustle of Ubud. It’s further out from downtown Ubud but still within walking distance (~15 min). They offer a wide range of international and local Balinese food and are one of the highest rated restaurants in Ubud.

Divya Bar is a restaurant in downtown Ubud that features a rooftop bar. They get great reviews and are in a convenient location if you’re interested in shopping or barhopping. Across the street are two other rooftop bars, Sami Warung and Mozzarella.

Tropical Restaurant Ubud is right in the heart of town. They have a great menu and, on some nights, will feature live music. I enjoyed the best Mojito of my life here, which I feel is great praise coming from a practicing bartender.

How to Get Around Bali

The roads of Bali are a nightmare to traverse. Everyone takes a more relaxed style to traffic laws and lanes are non-existent. You can guarantee that there will always be traffic (don’t expect to crack 20miles/32km per hour in urban areas), and the roads can be described as “organized chaos”.

Knowing this, always allocate more time to traverse the island as you will most likely get caught in a slowdown. The time estimates on Google Maps are pretty accurate (but add 15 to 30 minutes just in case).

Private Driver

The easiest and safest way to traverse the island, but also the most expensive. This was how we traveled between sites every day of our trip.

With a private driver, you have the freedom to select when & where you want to travel. They are there to make the most of your trip, and from my experience they were some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. We booked with Bali Hire Driver and had no issues. Ask for Suwardana, he was our driver for the last 3 days of our trip and is an absolute legend!

You can hire a driver with GetYourGuide and prices average out to roughly $50 to $65 USD to have a driver for 10 hours for a group of five people.

Rental Car

Friends of mine had rented a car to travel around Bali. Although it is much cheaper than hiring a driver, I don’t believe the hassle of driving your own car is worth it. Having to worry about parking and driving Balinese roads, which can be pure chaos, is only recommended if you’re absolutely confident in your ability behind the wheel. Ensure you have a viable international driver’s license before renting.

Scooter Rental

Using a scooter to navigate Bali can be more relaxed than driving a car and gives you a higher sense of freedom. This is our recommendation for those who want to save money and have a lot of experience driving a scooter. The crazy Bali roads are not the place to learn how to drive a scooter.

Make sure you have a viable international driver’s license as this is required. For more information, check out this article as they explain the process very well.

Public Transport

Taxis are not hard to find in Bali. When walking down the street you may have dozens of Balinese people ask if you’d like a ride. As tiresome as it can be, it is pretty convenient. This is only recommended for traveling short distances, as taxi drivers can scam you by taking the longer route. If you’re travelling across the island, you’re better off hiring a private driver.

There is a bus system, although it can be hot, dusty, and crowded. We found that they were almost always packed to the brim with people. Traveling by bus may be the cheapest option, but it doesn’t always give you the flexibility to view sites along the way to your final destination.

Note: There is NO UBER in Bali! Use “Grab” instead, an app that functions in a similar way to Uber.

If you have any questions about this 5 day Bali itinerary, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to Bali

BALI: Learn more about Bali in our guide to the best things to do in Bali, how to visit the Aling-Aling Waterfalls, what it is like to visit Bali on Nyepi Day, and how to do the Mount Batur Sunrise Hike. Get suggestions on how to plan your time with our 7 Day Bali Itinerary and 10 Day Bali Itinerary.

AMERICAN SAMOA: We cover the best things to do in our article Best Things to Do in American Samoa and have a guide to 20 things you should know before visiting American Samoa. Learn how to visit one of the most remote national parks in the USA in our Guide to the National Park of American Samoa and how to hike the Mount ‘Alava Trail.

SAMOA: In our Guide to Samoa, we cover the best things to do in Samoa, planning information for Upolu and Savai’i islands, a sample itinerary, plus where to stay and where to eat. In our Samoa and American Samoa Itinerary, learn how to plan your trip and include Hawaii or Fiji.

FIJI: Read about our experience spending one week in Fiji and how to visit Modriki Island, filming site for the movie Castaway.

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