Bali is a different place to many people: a spiritual wonderland, a dream honeymoon destination, a place to reconnect with nature, a bucket list island adventure, a luxury escape with endless fine dining options, and the list goes on. That is what is so remarkable about this island amongst 17,000 others in Indonesia’s archipelago; it is incredibly diverse in its scenery, activities and destinations, allowing each person to experience a 5-day Bali itinerary in their own unique way.
For some, trekking at dawn to the top of a volcano or diving with friendly turtles might be top of the list, or perhaps you’d rather hit up the most revered beach clubs or tap into your ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ side at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud. Whatever you decide, Bali is guaranteed to make a lasting impact on your soul.
If it is your first time, planning a 5-day Bali itinerary may seem overwhelming with so many wonderful experiences on offer – and that’s before you’ve even had a peek at the authentic, unique experiences our Local Designers weave into our itineraries. Luckily, we’ve put together this helpful guide to planning your own itinerary to explore Bali in 5 days.
We’ve even included a ready-made itinerary designed by our local experts on the ground! Let’s dive in.
Post Contents
- First Things First, Is 5 Days in Bali Enough?
- Getting Around on Your 5-Day Trip to Bali
- The Perfect 5-Day Bali Itinerary For First-Timers
- Day 1: Check Into Your Seminyak Hotel
- Day 2: Ubud Tour, Rice Terraces, Volcano Sightseeing and Travel to Sidemen
- Planning Your Bali Travel Itinerary?
- Day 3: Temple and Beach Touring!
- Day 4: Tegenungan Waterfall, Uluwatu Cliff Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
- Day 5: Explore the Beaches of the Bukit Peninsula
- Want to See What’s Included?
- Planning Your 5 Days in Bali Trip?
- More Days to Spend in Bali?
- Top Tips for Bali Travel
- Now It’s Time to Design Your 5-Day Bali Itinerary With a Local!
First Things First, Is 5 Days in Bali Enough?
You could spend months in Bali and still not explore every corner of this jungle-clad island, hence the vast swathes of travellers who have made it their permanent home in recent years. However, due to the size of the island, you can explore and stay in multiple places on your 5-day Bali island tour without feeling stretched. That’s the beauty of it – everything can be reached within a couple of hours and getting around the island is easy, especially if you choose private transport (highly recommended but we’ll get to that shortly).
The best places to visit in Bali in 5 days largely depend on the type of traveller you are and what interests you most. As previously mentioned, Bali is incredibly diverse so tours can be tailored to suit a variety of activity levels, budgets and interests.
Getting Around on Your 5-Day Trip to Bali
By Scooter
Getting around by scooter in Bali is one of the most commonly used modes of transport by tourists. You can rent a scooter for as little as US$3.50 a day. However, the roads can be hairy, traffic is often overwhelming in the busy spots and you must only consider driving a scooter if you feel confident.
In addition, you’ll need to make sure you have an international driving permit as it is likely you will be stopped by authorities and asked for this. Under no circumstances should you drive without a helmet, although you may see plenty of others doing so. Appropriate travel insurance (with motorbike cover) is vital!
All this said, when done right, exploring Bali on a scooter with the wind in your face and the sun on your back is a wonderful way to get around. If you like the idea of a scooter tour but don’t feel confident enough to drive, consider hiring a driver and a bike to get around through our Local Designers in Indonesia.
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By Private Car/Self-Drive
If you speak to anyone who’s been in Bali, they will most likely enthuse over the benefits of having a private driver and car to get around. Whilst it not only protects you from the fierce sun and intense heat, but you’ll also be able to sit back and relax whilst your driver –who is often a local guide too packed with knowledge– delivers you from one destination to another.
For longer distances and day tours, it is highly recommended that you find a local driver and car to get around like on our customisable 10-day Bali holiday itinerary.
Like scooters, there’s also the option to drive yourself by hiring a car, as long as you have the right license and insurance. However, this can be more expensive than hiring a driver and private car and doesn’t come with the added benefit of a local guide.
By Public Transport/Taxi
Another easy option is taxis which can be booked through apps such as Go-Jek, the Indonesian version of Uber. Through this app, you can book private cars and taxi motorbikes to zip you from one destination to another. Whilst there are also local taxis with meters, this option is recommended so that you have an agreed rate before setting off. However, be aware that you are not able to use app taxis in some places in Bali including Kuta, Canggu and Ubud.
Top Tip: Make sure you buy a local sim card or have international roaming so that you can book a taxi easily.
The Perfect 5-Day Bali Itinerary For First-Timers
As promised, we’re here to deliver the best Bali itinerary for 5 days for those visiting the island for the first time!
If you simply cannot wait and want to explore this trip in full now and see how you can customise it to suit your budget, travel style and activity interests with our expert Local Designers in Indonesia, then tap here to design your own Bali tour!
Day 1: Check Into Your Seminyak Hotel
Top Experience of the Day: Relaxing with a Balinese Massage
As you fly in over the lush greenery of the island fringed by beautiful beaches and crashing turquoise waves, you’ll know you’ve arrived on the Island of Gods! Your driver will meet you at the airport and before escorting you to your hotel in the cosmopolitan district of Seminyak. The rest of the day will be dedicated to lounging by the pool or on the beach and being treated to a Balinese massage – an absolute must after a long flight!
Day 2: Ubud Tour, Rice Terraces, Volcano Sightseeing and Travel to Sidemen
Top Experience of the Day: Taking in Bali’s Emerald Green Beauty at Tegagalang Rice Terraces
After yesterday’s slow introduction to Bali’s tropical climate, today, you’ll venture into the lush interior of the island to explore. Beginning in Ubud, Bali’s spiritual heart, you’ll stroll through the famous Sacred Monkey Forest, marvel at the stunning UNESCO-listed Tegelalang Rice Terraces, and then head into the Kintamani Highlands to witness the mighty active volcano, Mount Batur and the beautiful crater lake that sits beside it. Whilst it’s been an extraordinary day already, your journey isn’t over as you make your way through the enchanting enchanting valleys and paddy fields to the sleepy village of Sidemen. Here, you’ll check into your five-star accommodation complete with an infinity pool to take in the view of the rice terraces and relax.
Planning Your Bali Travel Itinerary?
Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate experience. Begin designing your journey today!
Day 3: Temple and Beach Touring!
Top Experience of the Day: Snapping Photos at the Iconic Tirta Gangga Water Palace
Today, you’ll set out to explore the eastern side of the island. As you leave Ubud, you’ll make your way to the pristine beach of Bias Tugel, where you’ll take a refreshing dip. Your afternoon will be filled with iconic temples, many of which are included in the best places to visit in Bali in 5 days. Built by the legendary King of Karangasem, the water temples of Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung Royal Palace feature sprawling parks with cascading fountains and ponds, all set out amongst lush greenery. Snapping photos here is sure to be a highlight of the day. Moving on, you’ll end the day at one of the most important Hindu temples in Bali, the temple of a thousand stairs, Pura Lempuyang.
Day 4: Tegenungan Waterfall, Uluwatu Cliff Temple & Kecak Fire Dance
Top Experience of the Day: Witnessing the Magical Kecak Fire Dance
For the penultimate day of your 5-day Bali itinerary, you’ll say goodbye to your serene Sidemen bungalow and head south to Nusa Dua. Driving south, you’ll stop at Tegenungan Waterfall, a beautiful scene of emerald green wildlife and cascading water. You’ll then stop at the scared Uluwatu Cliff Temple where you’ll share the paths with hundreds of monkeys and be greeted by incredible views of the ocean and island from its vertigo-inducing cliffs. Before arriving at your five-star beachfront hotel, you’ll witness a magical traditional Balinese dance performance: the Kecak fire dance. After checking into your hotel, what better way to end your trip than with a seafood dinner on the beach at Jimbaran Bay?
Day 5: Explore the Beaches of the Bukit Peninsula
Top Experience of the Day: Touring the Iconic Beaches of South Bali
Even though it’s your last day, the beauty of this 5-day Bali is that every day holds something special. Today, after a delicious breakfast, you’ll head out to explore the island’s white-sand beaches, the most special of which are south in the south. Be prepared to hike up and down some steps to reach these beaches but they are all completely worth it!
Want to See What’s Included?
Clue: It’s Good!
This 5-day Bali itinerary is full of unique experiences, all whilst being accompanied by an expert local guide so that whenever you have a question or would like to deviate from the plan to explore something you spot on the way! Check it out in full below:
Planning Your 5 Days in Bali Trip?
Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate experience. Begin designing your journey today!
More Days to Spend in Bali?
Lucky you! If you have more time to spend in Bali, then check out these itineraries below for more inspiration on just how amazing your experience could be if our Local Designers build it for you.
8-Day Bali Itinerary
Explore the island’s diversity and check out Canggu’s iconic beach clubs all in one trip!
2-Week Bali Itinerary
Head deep into the jungle, trek to local villages and learn all about the island’s age-old traditions on this unique Bali travel itinerary.
2-Week Bali, Lombok and Gili Islands Itinerary
Explore the four paradise islands of Indonesia on this 14-day Bali, Lombok, Nusa Lembongan and Gili Air tour.
Top Tips for Bali Travel
Don’t get caught out; before you get stuck into designing your Bali itinerary with our trusted Local Designers in Bali, check out these top tips!
Weather in Bali and Choosing When to Go
Year-round, the temperature in Bali oscillates around 30 degrees celsius. However, there are two main seasons to consider when planning your Bali itinerary which could make a world of difference depending on what you are looking to do.
The rainy season spans from November to March and whilst Bali’s downpours tend to be big bursts in the afternoon sandwiched by sunshine, this time of year can make touring Bali’s beaches, diving and exploring temples a little tricky!
On the flip side, the dry season is the other half of the year and is when you’ll feel the full power of Bali’s tropical, humid climate. Other times of the year to consider are Christmas, Easter, July and August as these are the high season months when accommodation prices will be at their highest and places at their most crowded.
The sweet spot is between April and June and between September and October when it is less crowded but you still have the benefits of the dry season.
Top Tips from Travellers Like You
Our team of travel experts have provided a wealth of information that can help you when planning your Bali itinerary which you can check out below!
- Keen wave-rider? Check out our Bali surfing guide.
- Want to see what treasures lie beneath the surface? Our Bali diving guide is for you.
- Try and learn a bit of the local Balinese dialect. “Matur Suksma” is Balinese for Thank you, and will be very well received!
- Ready to explore more of Indonesia? These Indonesia experiences will have you booking in no time!
- Is the rest of Indonesia calling? Find out all you need to know about Bali and beyond in our Indonesia travel guide.
Now It’s Time to Design Your 5-Day Bali Itinerary With a Local!
When it comes to planning a unique travel experience that you won’t find anywhere else, our Local Designers do it better than anyone else. Better yet, our Local Designers in Indonesia know their country better than most and will use their local insight to work with you to design the trip that is right for you.
Explore our gallery of customisable Bali tours here to plan your 5-day Bali itinerary or if you’re looking to go beyond the Island of Gods, check out what the rest of Indonesia has to offer in our gallery of fully-customisable Indonesia tours!
