5 Days In Bali: Budget Itinerary For First-Time Visitors 2024
Are you making a quick stop at one of the most beautiful tropical islands in Southeast Asia? The island of Gods is a stunning place to visit, but if you only have 5 days in Bali, where should you add to your itinerary?
Jack and I lived in Bali for six months, so we know a thing or two about where to go and what to see. I wanted to help you plan your trip and discover the best way to spend your 5 days in Bali, and I think I’ve cracked it with this itinerary! I’ve aimed it at budget backpackers and first-time visitors, although in reality, it works for all travellers who don’t have very long but still want to uncover the best of Bali.
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Uncover The Ultimate 5-Day Bali Itineary For First-Time Visitors From Someone Who Lived There!
From our experience living in Bali, I’ve created this unique 5-day itinerary to explore the attractions Bali is most famous for, like ancient temples and impressive volcano hikes, before ending your perfect trip with a breathtaking sunset over the ocean!
I’ve included so much more as well, like ideas on where to stay, how to get around, tour recommendations and travel tips to ensure you have a fantastic holiday!
🌟 Guess what ->> As travel experts, our experiences have led us to be great at planning travel itineraries, so much so that I offer a bespoke travel itinerary service to all my readers. Interested? See what it’s all about here on my custom itinerary page.
Summary: 5-Day Bali Itinerary
- Ubud: Waterfall & Central Ubud
- East Bali Tour: Temples & Amed
- Mount Batur: Hike Volcano & Savaya Club
- Seminyak: Beach & Fish Markets
- Uluwatu: Beach & Fins Club
Are 5 Days In Bali Enough?
If you’re backpacking through Southeast Asia, then 5 days in Bali is enough to see some of the island’s best sites and experience what makes Bali so magical. However, if you’re visiting Bali for a holiday, then 5 days aren’t going to be quite enough.
In truth, the ideal amount of time to spend in Bali is around 10 days. If you really want to experience Bali outside of the tourist route and visit more rural areas, anything from 2 weeks to 4 weeks would be best; you could even do a Bali road trip!
So, you won’t be able to see it all in your 5 days, but the best parts of Bali certainly won’t be missed.
How To Spend 5 Days In Bali: Day 1 Itinerary
Denpasar – Ubud
Ubud is known for its lush rice fields and jungle terrain in the heartland of Bali. It’s a spiritual hub, attracting yogis and digital nomads and is a great place for a spiritual rebalance. The village has grown but still remains popular for its temples and artistic heritage.
⭐ Pro tip >> Alternatively, you could do a Best Of Ubud day tour.
Morning: Waterfall
Activity: Taman Beji Griya Waterfall – Purification Ceremony
Est. time: 3 hours
Costs: 100,000 IDR
The best way to start your 5 days in Bali itinerary is to head to a waterfall and take part in a purification ceremony. It’s truly a unique experience which will send you head first into the rich culture of the Balinese belief system.
Enter the sacred waterfall of Taman Beji Griya and follow the rocky path down into a fissure cave surrounded by beautiful stone carvings. You will be given offerings which you can lay down at the statues as you walk through various sacred areas.
Finally, stand under the waterfall while you scream and laugh to release negative energy. Now you’re ready to explore Bali!
Afternoon: Central Ubud
Activity: Tegalalang Rice Fields, Ubud Market, Ubud Palace & Kajeng Rice Fields
Est. time: 5 hours
Costs: Tegalalang Rice Fields 15,000 IDR
Head to the famous Tegalalang Rice Fields for unbeatable views of terraced rice paddies on a hilltop, Bali swings and zip lines. They’re about 20 minutes from central Ubud.
Back in Ubud, spend your afternoon exploring the centre and popular spots such as Ubud Palace and Ubud Market. Stroll around the shops, find cafes down side-allies, barter for your Bali souvenir and enjoy the energy in this busy but wonderful town.
Next, head to the Kajeng Rice Fields which is accessible from the main street, you’re looking for a street called Jalan Raya Ubud. These are beautiful vibrant green rice fields with palm-lined paths perfect for enjoying the sunset.
Evening: Culture
Activity: Ubud Night Traditional Market Food Tour
Est. time: 2 hours
Costs: £30.00 / $36.50
End your night with a night market food-tasting tour around Gianyar, just outside Ubud. Learn about the history of the market and local cuisine while trying delicious Balinese drinks and foods.
5 Days In Bali Itinerary: Day 2 Itinerary
Ubud – East Bali Tour – Ubud
East Bali is known for its ancient temples and sleepy seaside villages. One of the best places to visit is the small fishing village of Amed, it’s a great spot for snorkelling, scuba diving and enjoying a meal with Bali’s largest volcano, Mount Agung, looming in the distance.
👉 To get to East Bali, you could consider renting a scooter for the day and making your own way to the temples. If you’re not keen on renting a scooter in Bali, other options include hiring a private diver or travelling in a taxi.
⭐ Pro tip >> Alternatively, you could do an East Bali day tour. 13 Best East Bali Day Tours 2023 (Temples, Beaches & More!)
Morning: Ancient Temples
Activity: Besakih, Lempuyang Temple (Heavens Gate), Tirta Gangga Temple (Water Palace)
Est. time: 4 hours
Costs: Besakih 60,000 IDR, Lempuyang Temple 150,000 IDR/ Tirta Gangga 50,000 IDR
Lempuyang Temple is where you will find the gates to heaven. A popular spot to grab a photo with Mount Agung in the distance. You want to get there early as you’re less likely to have cloud coverage around the peak of the volcano in the morning.
Tirta Gangga Water Temple is another beautiful place to visit during your 5 days in Bali. The temple has a beautiful spiritual feel with natural springs and ponds full of koi fish.
Besakih, known as the mother of all temples in Bali, consists of seven levels and statues of three main gods, namely Lord Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. Of all the complexes in Besakih Temple, Penataran Agung Temple is the centre and the largest
Afternoon: Amed
Activity: Amed: (Jemeluk Bay) Snorkel and Lunch
Est. time: 3 hours
Costs: Cost of lunch and snorkel equipment
Spend the afternoon in one of the most unspoilt, traditional villages in Bali. With loads of fun things to do in Amed, it’s a good choice to unwind for the afternoon, enjoy some snorkelling and grab a bite before heading back to Ubud.
There are lots of good restaurants to choose from, but if you want views over the bay check out See You Again Cafe and try their marinated fish wrapped in banana leaves for an authentic Bali lunch.
⭐ Pro tip >>Fancy staying the night in Amed? We’ve got you covered with the ultimate Amed hotel guide here!
Evening: Indian
Activity: Dinner at Mumbai Station
Est. time: 1.5 hours
Costs: 80,000 IDR (£4.30/ $5.30)
If you love Indian food you’ll want to head to Mumbai Station for a delicious meal. Seemingly a shop from the front, go in a little further and you will find an inviting outdoor seating area where they serve the best dahl, dosa and chai latte!
Rest and prep for tomorrow’s sunrise hike!
5 Days In Bali Itinerary For First-Timers: Day 3
Ubud – Mt Batur – Uluwatu
Mount Batur is the second-highest volcano on the island and is considered one of the most sacred places in Bali. The best way to experience this active volcano is to do the Mt Batur sunrise hike which is what this itinerary suggests for your third day in Bali!
Morning: Volcano Hike
Activity: Mt Batur Sunrise Hike (1:00 am start)
Est. time: 6 hours (travel, 2 hours hiking to the top, breakfast, ridge walk and 1.5 hours down)
Costs: £50.00/ $61.00
No visit to Bali is complete unless you’ve hiked a volcano and the only way to hike this volcano is on the sunrise hike, which means an early morning rise. Indeed, 1:30 am is very early but it will be worth it.
The views at the summit of Mount Agung are stupendous. You’ll be able to have breakfast at the top and a warm coffee, walk along the ridge and get some of the best views over Bali and the town of Kintamani below.
Rest & Sleep.
Afternoon: Culture
Activity: Beach, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Sunset Dance
Est. time: 2 hours
Costs: 100,000 IDR (£5.50/ $6.60)
After you’re rested it’s time to move to Uluwatu. Make sure you’ve packed the night before your sunrise hike so you don’t need to worry about doing it the morning you’re back and super tired!
Once you’re in Uluwatu, rest some more. If you don’t need that much rest, head to your local beach and soak up some sunshine or spend the day exploring Uluwatu. It’s a good idea to visit Uluwatu Temple in the afternoon as it becomes very hot during the day.
You’ll also be able to watch the traditional Kecak sunset dance which starts from 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Make sure you dress appropriately for entering the temple, knees covered and preferably shoulders.
Evening: Party
Activity: Savaya Bali Club
Est. time: All night long, baby!
Costs: $$$
It’s time to let loose and there’s no better place than the tropical, clifftop beach club that is Savaya Bali. Revered for its breathtaking views and pumping nightlife this club is the perfect place to end your day.
It is expensive (but worth it), so plan for your night, pre-drink and stick to local Bintang beer to save money!
5 Days In Bali Budget Itinerary: Day 4
Uluwatu – Seminyak – Uluwatu
Uluwatu is best known for its scenic white sand beaches, dramatic clifftop views, dreamy sunsets and some of the best surfing waves on the island. Seminyak, on the other hand, is famous for its shopping, beachside resorts and good food.
⭐ Pro tip >> Alternatively, you could do a South West Coast day tour.
Morning: Beach
Activity: Bingin Beach
Est. time: 3 hours
Costs: Free
Hangover? Cure it with a lazy morning at one of Bali’s best surf beaches. Bingin beach is a small and sheltered beach between limestone cliffs and home to dazzling white sandy shores and clear turquoise water, perfect for swimming.
There’s a mix of local and urban cafes nestled within the cliff face, and you’ll have to walk down some winding steps to reach the beach, passing through a maze of buildings built into the cliffs.
Afternoon: Seminyak
Activity: Jimbaran Fish Markets & Seminyak
Est. time: All Afternoon
Costs: Activities are free
Time to head over to Jimbaran and the Fish Markets to enjoy a casual stroll around the fresh seafood stalls and grab a bite for lunch. The great thing about this seafood market is that you can pick your lunch, take it to one of the restaurants and they will barbeque it there, right in front of you, for you to eat!
Afterwards, head over to Seminyak and to the popular Double Six beach to digest all that delicious food. Try your luck at surfing or just relax with a pina colada!
You will find the streets around Seminyak are full of small boutique shops, tattoo artists, cafes, warungs, beachside restaurants and buzzing nightlife. Spend the rest of the evening in Seminyak enjoying the night scene, it’s almost your last night!
5 Days In Bali Itinerary: Day 5
Uluwatu – Denpasar
Your fifth and final day in Bali and there’s no better way to spend it than soaking up the last of those sunny rays before watching the sunset over the cliffs. The perfect way to end your 5 days in Bali.
Morning: Beach
Activity: Nunggalan Beach
Est. time: 4 hours
Costs: Free
Your final day in Bali and you’re going to one of the most panoramic beaches on the island, Nunggalan beach. It’s a little tricky to get and you’ll need to leave yourself about 30 minutes to hike down the cliff face to reach it.
The path is rocky and narrow with some incredible views, but mostly it will be shaded as you trek through the trees. Once you reach the bottom you’ll come to an opening and be rewarded with fluffy white sand, a dense green backdrop and aqua waters.
The beach is so incredible, yet due to its location, it’s not at busy as it should be. There are a few warungs dotted around but be sure to pack a light lunch and drinks just in case as it’s pretty isolated.
Enjoy your day relaxing there.
Afternoon: Sunset
Activity: Sunset at Single Fin
Est. time: Sundowners
Costs: $$
Remember sunset is around 18:30 in Bali, so where ever you are make sure you’re back in time to catch it. The ultimate place to end your 5 days in Bali is at Single Fin
You’ll want to make a reservation ahead of schedule, so don’t forget!
Where To Stay In Bali?
During your 5 days in Bali, this itinerary moves from Ubud to Uluwatu. Here are a few suggestions on where to stay to make the most out of your trip.
Hotels In Ubud
Budget Suggestion: Wina Ubud B&B
Wina Ubud is a fantastic budget-friendly option for your stay in Ubud. The family who owns this guesthouse are very attentive, provide an outstanding breakfast and the attention to detail in the rooms is on point. It’s also very central to the Ubud market, Palace and Kajeng rice fields walk.
Mid-Range Suggestion: The Kalyana Ubud Resort
The Kalyana Ubud Resort is a lovely, quiet hotel close to central Ubud. It has a pool and private villas as well as hotel rooms with a pool. The staff are super friendly and there’s a nice restaurant on site.
Hotels In Uluwatu
Budget Suggestion: The Ulus Klumpu
The Ulus Klumpu bungalows are truly unique, high on the cliff top they are surrounded by nature, quiet and off the beaten track but still easy to get to. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, natural retreat in Uluwatu, this is it!
Mid-Range Suggestion: Terra Cottages Bali
It is a stunning hotel which sits just above Bingin beach. It’s a superb place to stay while your exploring Uluwatu and has such a wonderful vibe about the place. The staff at Terra Cottages Bali are super attentive staff, a great pool for cooling down and even a tasty menu!
Is Bali A Cheap Island?
Bali is one of the most affordable places to visit in Southeast Asia, and it can be really cheap. That being said, and like with most places, it can also get expensive.
Depending on where you stay and dine you could blow your yearly budget in one go! But, in relative terms, Bali is a very cheap island.
If you’re backpacking Bali on a budget, (check out these money-saving tips) there are lots of great ways to keep costs even lower. Eating at the local warungs (Indonesian cafes) is one way and drinking their local Bintang beer instead of pricey cocktails is another.
How To Get To Bali?
If you’re arriving from outside Indonesia, the easiest way to get to Bali is to fly direct into Bali’s international airport in Denpasar. There are direct flights from London (UK) to Bali, otherwise, international transfers at Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore are popular routes.
Best Flight Searcher: SKYSCANNER
We use SKYSCANNER to book and compare flights. Book your flight tickets in advance and you should be able to find great deals!
✅ Top Tip: Air Asia is a good airline for internal Indonesian flights.
Another way to reach Bali is to fly into Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, and catch an internal flight from there. Sometimes, taking this route can work out cheaper.
If you are already in Indonesia you can catch internal flights from most of the country’s national airports straight to Bali. It’s also possible to reach Bali by bus from another island, car or scooter if coming from a nearby island. You will be able to cross the islands on the ferries.
Getting Around In Bali
Bali is a relatively small island and you should have no problems getting around Bali. One thing which you should be aware of is that the public transport in Bali is not reliable. The best 3 ways to get around Bali are to rent a scooter, take a taxi or hire a driver.
If you choose to rent a scooter, be sure to have the correct international license before you reach Bali. If you’re coming from the UK you can get this from the post office for £5.00.
Taxi companies such as Grab and Gojek operate in Bali and work the same as Uber. They are quick, reliable and a great way to get around the island. If you prefer, it’s also possible to hire a private driver. This is good if you want to plan your own day trips instead of going on a tour.
✔️ Best Bali Bike Rental: BIKAGO
If you want to rent a scooter in Bali as we did, you’re going to need a comfortable bike. We recommend BIKAGO, they are a popular Bali-based bike rental company.
5 Days In Bali Itinerary: Tips For Your Trip
Expect Crowds
South Bali is no longer an untouched paradise and the popular routes are well and truly tourist hot spots! But, that’s okay, especially if you’re visiting Bali for 5 days since you’ll want to be in the midst of it all. It’s where it’s happening and you’ll surely have a good time!
Bali Belly
Just like Delhi Belly, Bali Belly is a real thing but it’s not something you should worry about. Don’t let it stop you from trying the street food or eating in the local restaurants (warungs) as you’ll miss out on experiencing Bali.
Respect Their Religion
This goes for anywhere you visit but for Bali, which is mostly Hindu, they have many religious ceremonies throughout the year. It’s common to find offerings on the street – don’t step in these – and roads blocked for ceremonies. When visiting temples it’s respectful to cover your knees.
Take Your Water Bottle
Pollution is a problem in Bali, you will notice it. One way in which you can contribute to helping is to carry your own water bottle. Use Lifestraw, or a Grayl purification bottle to get clean water. Otherwise, fill up at your hotel and local restaurants to reduce plastic waste. Never drink tap water!
Be Cautious Of Animals
As much as we all love animals, in Bali, they are feral and should be watched. Generally, the Bali street dogs won’t hurt you, but some can be dangerous, so it’s best to keep a distance. Monkeys are notorious for stealing; sunglasses, hats, and anything not attached, so watch out. Rabies and other diseases are found in Bali.
👉 International Bank: WISE
If you haven’t heard of Wise, you will love this. The WISE BANK ACCOUNT is an international bank which allows you to have accounts in different currencies all in one place – so no foreign exchange fees!
Resources For Bali
Is it your first time visiting Bali? We’ve written lots of useful posts to help you plan your trip. You can check them all out on our Bali Page here, but below are some of our most popular articles:
- Read this post if you’re interested in the best half-day tours in Ubud.
- Find out here what our favourite waterfall in Bali is!
- If you want to visit Campuhan Ridge, this is your guide.
- For a 3-day itinerary for Amed, this is the one for you.
- If you’re interested to learn more about Ubud you’ll like this article.
- Don’t forget about the snorkelling adventures and ATV rides in Bali!
Conclusion: 5 Days In Bali Itinerary For First-Time Visitors
Hopefully, by now you’re super excited about your 5 days in Bali and this budget itinerary has helped you make some decisions on where to go and what to see. Even though Bali is no longer a hidden paradise it’s still a culturally unique place which is wonderful to visit.
Your days will be filled with adventure, adrenaline and of course, the obligatory lazy beach days. You’ll see stunning architecture and magical waterfalls, and there’s no doubt – if you follow this itinerary – you’ll have the best time in Bali!
👉 Read Next: 14 Best Tanah Lot Temple Tours In Bali 2023
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