If you’re planning a short getaway to Bali, there’s nothing better than having a well-planned itinerary to ensure the best out of your trip. This list will tell you all about things to do in Bali for 5 days, with some helpful tips to save time while exploring one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands.
From stunning beaches and old temples to lush green rice terraces and vibrant local markets, this Indonesian paradise offers something for everyone. So whether you want to unwind by the sea or get lost exploring secret corners of the island, there’s plenty here to suit whatever your holiday goals are. Plus, taking part in exciting outdoor activities lets you enjoy more than just sitting back admiring the scenery – great news.
To start planning your dream escape into Bali, read through our Top 10 Things To Do In Bali In 5 Days Guide below. We’ve provided detailed suggestions as well as important tips to make sure you don’t miss any key sights during those precious few days away from home.
Can you do Bali in 5 days?
Well, five days is plenty of time to experience many of Bali most popular attractions. From experiencing the cultural heart of Ubud to visiting some of the island’s iconic temples, relaxing on the picturesque beaches or taking a walk through the stunning rice terraces – there’s always going to be room for an amazing traditional Balinese feast too.
One thing that can take away from your overall experience will be Bali traffic. You’ll need to plan all your activities around this and focus on locations as opposed to getting up and heading from one part of the island to the other every day. So consider spending a full day in Ubud enjoying all things Ubud, followed by visiting some of the great beaches & temples in southern Bali.
A 5-day trip will give you a great mixture of sightseeing, relaxing, eating local food & free time.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Bali in 5 Days
1. Ubud Rice Terraces Exploration
The Ubud area provides tourists with an opportunity to experience both Bali natural environment and traditional villages on the island. The beautiful rice fields offer visitors stunning views that are worth seeing, as well as exploring the various hiking trails available in the area, which will help them learn more about how the island practices its unique form of agriculture.
One of the most-visited sites within Ubud is Tegallalang Rice Terraces. These fields enable guests to stroll around, photograph their surroundings, and then enjoy refreshments at one of several cafes nearby that also provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.
We suggest that you visit this place early in the day because almost all of us go there even before dawn comes out over everything. The ones who get here first can then enjoy some relaxing time with few people around them. Just remember to pack comfortable shoes for your trip since some sections along these pathways include steeper parts featuring uneven rock formations underfoot…
What to do in Ubud
- There are walks that take place throughout the rice fields.
- Visitors can view the entire surrounding rural area from this location.
- A local coffee shop where you can enjoy your visit while seeing agricultural fields.
- Get an idea of the traditional rice cultivation process from irrigation system education.
Recommended For: Nature enthusiasts, Couples, Photographers & first-time tourists.
2. Head to Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest
If you’re looking for another great place to visit in Ubud, we recommend stopping by the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. It’s a woodland sanctuary that has ruins of an ancient temple, stone paths, tropical trees, and even some free-wandering long-tailed macaques (that can get very close.).
Walking in the shade of the forest is totally different than being on the beach or exploring the busy retail area. You might just end up enjoying the architecture of the sanctuary while watching the mischievous monkeys wander around in their habitat.
Make sure to keep valuables secure and don’t bring meals with you – monkeys are wild animals that shouldn’t be touched, fed, chased, or directly threatened. Make sure to follow any updates regarding visitor guidelines and restricted areas at the moment.
How long will I need? Plan for around 1-2hours depending upon your exploration desire
Who would love this plan? This is ideal for families (with sufficient supervision), Nature lovers & travel with an interest in Local Heritage
3. Tirta Empul Temple
A significant Hindu water temple known for its spring water and traditional cleaning ceremonies that are widely practiced. It gives you a chance to explore the Balinese spiritual side of things while enjoying some peace and quiet amidst nature.
You can walk around and enjoy the old architecture of the site as well as learn more about the religious practices related to this place.
Some of them decide to get involved in the purifying ceremony – make sure that you know what is going on here and pay due respect to the indigenous ones.
Wear conservative clothes and follow the dresscode at temples. Please check up-to-date regulations before visiting such holy sites or participating in certain rituals (contact local staff).
Combine your visit to this attraction with a visit to Tegallalang Rice Terraces – both of which can be visited together on one day (they’re in the wider Ubud area).
Tirta Empul is perfect for culture enthusiasts, history aficionados, and anyone who wants to experience Bali traditions.
4. Head to the Ubud Art Markets And Local Shops
If Bali is famous for anything, its handicrafts. We suggest heading to Ubud’s local markets and unique shops where you can find amazing items that reflect Balinese culture. Woven bags, batiks, wood sculptures, paintings, jewellery and locally crafted gifts are all available here and prices vary from one seller to another – so do your shopping and comparison first, then go ahead and purchase.
Shop with local vendors and experience their artistry in making traditional products. Ask if you can photograph people or their stall. In many cases, this will be allowed, although respectful bargaining might also be permitted in certain markets.
After your shopping trip, why not head over to a neighbouring café or restaurant to try out Indonesian specialities like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (noodles) or satay (grilled meat skewers).
This activity is perfect for shoppers, foodies and anyone searching for locally made goods.
5. See Sunset at Temple Uluwatu
This site is quite popular due to its fantastic view over the Indian Ocean. Uluwatu is one of the most visited places on the island to witness the incredible sunset.
You will be able to admire the spectacular coastline as well as an amazing piece of culture while visiting the temple. Come back with us to experience these things at this beautiful place.
If your time allows and if you buy tickets (they can do that), there is the possibility of seeing a Kecak dance show some nights here. However, it’s best to remember that this is a religious location and follow the local guidelines regarding clothing and behaviour. Also, keep your belongings safe around monkeys and avoid going off the edges of the cliffs to take pictures.
It’s popular among couples and photographers but can get very busy around sunset. Arrive early if you want to see all of Uluwatu without being rushed.
Recommended For: Sunset watching, culture, couples & photography
6. Relax on Beautiful Beaches of Bali
You can’t have Bali holidays without spending some quality time at the sea. There are a lot of beaches here that offer everything from lively waterfronts with restaurants and cafes to peaceful stretches of sand.
Depending on the experience you are seeking, select a beach and do not try to cram too much into a single day.
- Seminyak – famous for its amazing sunset views and other fun stuff like beach clubs, cafés, etc.
- Kuta – Lively vibes, there are plenty of Surf Schools & you will be able to do some surf training if possible (depending on conditions)
- Nusa Dua – These are the resort areas which have some nice sandy beaches but again, depends upon the water conditions.
- Sanur – This has amazing facilities with a great view for you to just spend time by the sea, having a stroll around at sunrise.
Check out local swimming flags and surf conditions.
Waves and currents can vary drastically depending on which part of the beach you’re on.
Recommended For: Beach lovers, families, couples & those who like to take it slow
7. Enjoy a Traditional Balinese Massage
If you’re looking for some pampering after several days of travelling around, a traditional Balinese massage should make its way into your agenda.
You’ll find plenty of choices when you arrive, as there are many spas and wellness centres in Bali where you can partake in various types of massage treatment inspired by local tradition.
Some services include full body massages, while others offer more specific options such as foot treatment or aromatherapy, and spa packages are available too depending on what you’re interested in trying out.
Prices will vary depending on location and facilities, how long you’d like to spend receiving therapy, and also based on the expertise of whoever is administering it – don’t worry, though; they’ll all charge fairly. Make sure whichever one you choose comes recommended by visitors before booking an appointment at any given place. You could always ask them ahead about particular spots which can cause discomfort too – chances are pretty good most people won’t want anything done in those areas anyway.
Also, let your therapist know whether there’s anything specific about positioning where they feel extra care needs to be taken – everyone has different comfort levels regarding touch intensity levels during sessions, so just speak up right away without worrying about being awkward.
There isn’t a need to dedicate an entire day to this experience as there will be plenty of time afterwards to have some dinner or even go for a stroll along the seaside during the afternoon or evening.
Recommended For: Wellness Tourists / Couples / Those Seeking a Slower-Paced Break
8. Explore Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is one of the most famous seaside temples in Bali. It’s quite a sight to behold – particularly around sunset – standing proudly on a rocky outcrop surrounded by the sea.
The best advice we can offer here is simply to wander around the surrounding area and absorb the views at the various points of interest, which are all explained well. Be mindful that the shape of these rocks does vary depending on the level of the tide, so if there is something specific, you’d really like to view the temple from, please make sure it’s accessible under current conditions. (Note: Access to certain parts of the temple might also be restricted due to religious reasons.)
It has been our experience that entry into this location is usually open to visitors but subject to the tides – do not attempt to swim across dangerous waters or enter restricted areas. The temple complex lies on the Southwest Coastline of Bali, so the best way to spend your day here would be to explore the immediate surroundings as opposed to incorporating it into a larger journey further away.
Recommended For: Photography/Cultural Sightseeing & Sunset Seekers
9. Taste the Real Balinese Food
When it comes to seeing past Bali famed tourist attractions, nothing beats experiencing some real Balinese cuisine.
Traditional Indonesian fare includes many varieties of delicious rice-based dishes plus numerous other offerings including both meats and vegetables galore. And don’t forget about some great fresh seafood too, alongside loads of veggie goodness. If you’re still interested, though, we recommend sampling at least some of what looks like fun stuff below.
- Nasi Goreng – Rice fried with egg & optional meat/veg.
- Mie Goreng – Fried noodles with veggies & optional meat.
- Sate Lilit – This delicacy from Bali involves making a spiced minced mixture and then shaping it around a stick.
- Nasi Campur – This dish presents an assortment of side dishes with rice at its centre.
- Lawar – Another typical Bali mix-up containing veggies, coconut, spices & different proteins.
There are plenty of small family-run ‘warung’ places that serve their native fare as well as some restaurants catering specifically towards the needs of International Guests.
Check ingredient lists if you have food allergy/dietary requirements and ensure the business maintains suitable food cleanliness standards. You could also opt for a place where you can enjoy dinner while watching the sun go down over either the rice fields or ocean for added magic.
Recommended For: Food Enthusiasts, Curious Travellers, Interested in Local Culture
10. Do a Day Trip to the Island of Penida
Want to experience stunning views of Bali beautiful beaches? NUSA PENIDA is the way to go. Located Southeast of Bali, this island has rock formations against amazing backdrops of blues and greens, creating some awesome photo ops.
The most popular sites here are Kelingking Beach Viewpoint (pictured above), Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong – but don’t forget other hidden gems too.
These types of trips tend to get quite busy especially if planning on seeing loads during your stay. If peace & tranquillity are what you’re looking for instead. You can plan on relaxing all day long on the sandy shores. Or explore some unique locations along the coastline itself.
Transportation tips: Most people arriving via boat from areas such as Sanur. But always keep an eye out for travel advisories relating to weather conditions affecting ferries & journeys across land. Plan accordingly, leaving extra buffer time for transfers.
You should also keep an eye out for safety signs that can be present on certain parts of the cliff or seaside pools, as there are some areas where you can’t go due to dangerous currents or steep slopes.
I personally enjoyed taking pictures here, and I recommend this route if you’re into photography too. Just don’t forget to bring extra money – these little spots aren’t exactly cheap.
Recommended For: Adventurers, photographers, those who enjoy beautiful scenery
A Perfect 5 Day Bali Itinerary
One thing’s for sure – if you want to see everything without getting completely overwhelmed (and losing all sense of time), then clustering things by location will make the most sense. Below is a great sample itinerary that gives you a nice balance between culture, nature, beaches & relaxing activities.
Day 1: Arrival and Explore Ubud
- Land at Ngurah Rai International Airport.
- Transfer back to your hotel/guesthouse/ villa in Ubud.
- If possible, spend some time exploring the famous Ubud Art Market and its surrounding streets.
- Enjoy a traditional Balinese supper.
- Lastly, relax from your trip. Leaving your first day open allows flexibility if you have a late flight or need a lengthy airport journey.
Day 2: Rice Terraces, Monkey Forest and Temples
- Morning tour to the amazing Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
- Tour to the sacred temple of Tirta Empul.
- If there’s enough time left over, head back to Ubud to check out the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
- Finish off with dinner at a local eatery.
This day contains several key attractions, so definitely take advantage of waking up earlier than normal & swapping things about based on transport issues/time constraints/interests, etc.
Day 3: Pick a Coastal Experience
- Head South to The South of Bali.
- Spend Some Time in Kuta, Seminyak or NUSA DUA.
- Grab Lunch Near the Beach.
- Shop Local / Treat Yourself with A Massage.
- Finally, See the Sunset on The Shore.
Instead of cramming every coastal site together, just choose one big area to explore thoroughly.
Day 4: Visit Uluwatu or Nusa Penida
Option A – Head out to Uluwatu Temple for some temple exploration. You can also catch great cliffside views of the sea from here and check whether they have a Kecak dance show running.
Option B – Day Tour to Nusa Penida to view its outstanding seaside vistas. Please note this requires boat transfers and additional travel time over land and should be considered more of a full day adventure.
Day 5: Tanah Lot & Departure
Enjoy your breakfast & check out from Accommodation. Visit Tanah Lot if possible (according to your departure time & Location). Lunch/souvenir shopping.
Allow plenty of time to get to the airport (for traffic delays) and to check in. If you have an early flight, don’t waste your time doing any more sightseeing. Head directly to the airport.
How Much Does a 5-day Bali Trip Cost?
A 5-day trip to Bali can be expensive, but how much exactly depends on where you are departing from, when you’re going (and if it’s during peak season), what kind of hotel/apartment/rooms you choose, means of transport, activities planned, etc.
Cost of Flights is usually the biggest variable here, which affects overall spending. This has been more pronounced lately as the airline industry is recovering and prices have gone up, and with the school holidays right around the corner – even if you plan for an off-season trip, chances are high that flight fares might shoot up.
So here are the categories I’ve broken down my spending under in order for you guys to get some idea of the numbers you should expect to budget ahead of booking.
Expense: What to include
- Flights: Return ticket including all baggage & seat selection fees.
- Accommodation: Four/Five nights at hotels, resorts, villas or guesthouses.
- Food: Breakfast, lunch, supper, drinks, and nibbles.
- Transport: Airport transfers, Local rides, Private driver service, Boat tickets.
- Activities: Temple visits, guided tours, dancing performances, excursions.
- Travel insurance: Costs to cover travel insurance.
- Applicable admission fees: Fees for museum admissions if needed during your trip.
- Other costs: Souvenirs and other unforeseen charges
Budget – This will include cheaper accommodations, eating at local places instead of dining out all the time, and doing less expensive things.
Mid-range – In this case, we’ll have better accommodations, plus our own private transfer only on certain days, as well as some planned tours.
Luxury – We get everything that is possible. Private villa, gourmet meals, etc., but I know it’s quite rare these days.
I think, however, going with an overall cost of what you would spend on those vacation dates in total, rather than looking for the advertised price of the entire package itself, is far more helpful here.
Some Tips to Plan your 5-day Bali Holiday
A little preparation can make a short Bali trip much easier –
- Choose strategic accommodation – Decide if you’d prefer to stay in Ubud (to visit rice terraces & other cultural spots) or Southern Bali (for its many great beaches, restaurants & stunning coastal sunsets).
- Group similar ones together – As some of the roads in Bali can get quite congested (especially near popular tourist areas), grouping these places together will help to save you lots of time & effort whilst planning your activities.
- Book popular activities ahead of time – Airport Transfers/Boat Trips/Must-See Performances are best booked in advance, especially if you’re travelling during busy times.
- Dress Respectfully at Temples – Many Religious Sites ask that you wear a Sarong (or some form of modest attire).
- Prepare For Tropical Weather – Bring Sunscreen, Insect Repellent, Comfortable Walking Shoes & A Light Rain Jacket. Check The Forecast Before Outdoor Excursions
- Carry some Indonesian Rupiah as well since small vendors can prefer cash payment. You will find that most of them accept credit/debit card payments at their shop, especially if they target tourists.
- Allow yourself enough time to do airport transfer (you don’t want to see those funny videos about traffic jams on social media while waiting for your flight)
- Make sure you know your current travel requirements – double-check the latest visa/entry requirements, tourist levy/local taxes (if any) and make sure your travel insurance covers all your plans based on your nationality.
Final Thoughts
Bali combines rich cultural traditions, beautiful landscapes, relaxing beaches, and delicious local food, making it a rewarding destination for a five-day getaway.
If you are looking for the best Things to Do in Bali in 5 Days, explore the rice terraces around Ubud, visit sacred temples, browse local markets, enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, and discover scenic coastal destinations such as Uluwatu or Nusa Penida.
You do not need to see every attraction to enjoy your holiday. Focus on a few places that match your interests, respect local customs, and leave enough time to appreciate each experience without rushing.
If you are travelling from Australia, compare flights, accommodation, transport, and activities before finalising your itinerary. EaseOnTrip can help you explore available travel options and holiday packages for your Bali getaway. Check the details and inclusions carefully so you can plan a trip that suits your schedule, preferences, and budget.