In the last year Bali has been at the forefront of everyones mouths. So here’s our 5 day Bali itinerary to help you plan exactly where to go in Bali.
Getting Around Bali + Tips
Getting around Bali couldn’t be easier. There are generally 3 options:
By Scooter:
We always choose to rent scooters, which start at around 50,000 IDR per day, and explore ourselves.
However be sure to read up on our renting a scooter in Bali guide beforehand!
Most accommodations will allow you to store your big bags with them, even after checkout.
So if you’re comfortable on two wheels, and looking for somewhere to rent scooters from, you can book a Bali Scooter or Motorbike Rental with Delivery.
With A Driver:
Another option is to rent a driver, which is pretty popular for day trips around Bali, and they start at around 500,000 IDR per day (8 hours).
You can opt for standard 5 seater vans, or larger minibuses for bigger groups.
This is a great option for those looking to design their own itinerary. Simply jump in, tell you driver exactly where you wish to go, and he’ll navigate the most efficient route.
If you’re looking for for a reliable service, you can book a Bali Private Car or Minibus Charter With Driver.
By Tour:
Some of the best days out we’ve had in Bali have been on private tours.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
There’s even a Bali: Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour, for those looking to photograph its most recognisable locations.
From sunrise hikes, to waterfall treks and island hopping, there’s plenty to keep you busy on the bustling island!
What To Pack
Days 1 – 2: Canggu
Things to do:
Canggu Cafes
Canggu Markets
Shopping In Canggu
Hop The Canggu Beaches
Surf At Echo Beach
Sunset At Batu Bolong Beach
Tanah Lot Temple
Best Warungs In Canggu
The hippest of all the hipster!
A foodies heaven! Just up the road from Seminyak but completely different!
This is where you see the smoothie bowls and avocados everywhere and is home to some of the best restaurants in Bali.
Canggu has a very laid back vibe and is popular amongst the surfing and digital nomad communities.
This is the place where many people extend their stay because it has a certain homely feel to it.
They run beautiful markets in Canggu selling all kinds of chic and start up fashion labels. We guarantee you won’t walk away with your hands empty.
Days 3 – 5: Ubud
Things to do:
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
Campuhan Ridge Walk
Ubud Monkey Forest
Tegenungan Waterfall
Tibumana Waterfall
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Hidden Canyon
Ubud Art Market
Mount Batur Trek
Take A Cooking Class
Absolute zen heaven, market heaven and waterfall heaven!
Ubud, where do we start?
If you’re asking yourself what should I definitely have on my 5 day Bali itinerary? Then the zen capital is the single place where every one of your expectations will be fulfilled.
From the outstanding Tegalalang Rice Terraces to the crazy monkey forests. It’s pretty much exactly how Eat, Pray, Love depicts the island.
Oh and don’t forget to hit at least one waterfall!
Where To Stay In Canggu
Luxury – Theanna Eco Villa and Spa
One of the most highly rated hotels in the area!
Set in Canggu, a 6-minute drive to Echo Beach, Theanna Eco Villa and Spa offers villas with private pools.
Guests can also enjoy pampering massages at the spa centre.
The villa also provides free use of bicycles and free shuttle service to the surrounding areas.
Free WiFi is accessible throughout the villa and the whole setting is beautiful.
Mid-Budget – Frii Hotel
Perfect location and just off the main road, this hotel is definitely a spot of luxury at a reasonable price.
Rooms here will provide you with a flat-screen TV with cable channels, air conditioning, minibar and electric kettle.
The rooms also feature an en suite bathroom with shower, which comes with slippers and towels.
Some rooms have sea view or pool view.
Budget – The Hideout Hostel
Situated in the Pererenan district of Canggu, The Hideout Hostel provides free bikes, an outdoor swimming pool and a garden.
Among the various facilities are a terrace and a shared lounge. There is also an on site restaurant.
The units in the hostel come with a coffee machine and a seating area.
For more places to stay in Canggu, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
Where To Stay In Ubud
Luxury – Alaya Resort
Alaya Resort is located in the heart of Ubud, the cultural centre of Bali.
The resort is set amidst the rice fields, offering an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
Guests enjoy free daily afternoon tea and tropical fruits.
The contemporary Balinese-style rooms all come with a flat-screen TV and a private terrace overlooking the natural greenery.
The private bathrooms, decorated in artworks, provide complete facilities.
Alaya Resort Ubud is just 200 metres away from the Monkey Forest and 700 metres away from Ubud Market.
Mid-Budget – Pertiwi Bisma 2
Featuring 2 landscaped pools and a restaurant, Pertiwi Bisma 2 offers guests a memorable stay, a 5-minute drive from Ubud Monkey Forest.
Free WiFi is available in all areas, and also free shuttles to Ubud Market.
Rooms in Pertiwi Bisma 2 come with air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, an electric kettle and a coffee/tea maker.
Nestled within tropical gardens, they all come with a private terrace. Complimentary bottled water is provided.
Balinese dance classes, trekking and hiking activities are also available.
Budget – Sila Urip Guest House
Nestled amongst lush garden, Sila Urip Guest House is located in the tranquil part of Ubud.
Each room here will provide you with a terrace and a seating area, where you can enjoy garden view from each room.
Featuring a shower and private bathroom, rooms also come with free toiletries. Guests can also order room service.
At Sila Urip Guest House you will find a garden and a terrace. The friendly staff can assist with bike hire, shuttle service and airport transfer at additional charges.
For more places to stay in Ubud, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Bali Blogs
8 Things To Do In Ubud That You Cannot Miss
Bali Waterfalls – The Best Waterfalls In Bali
The Best Uluwatu Beaches – An Ultimate Guide
The Only Nusa Islands Bali Guide You’ll Ever Need
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Latifah
Wednesday 22nd of June 2022
Thank you for the amazing post, I wanted to ask if it would be easy to stay in one place in bali (ex; seminyak) and follow this itinerary? Ir is it too long of a drive to do every sungle day? Im asking because im with a group that doesnt like checking in and out of hotels every day. Thanks again
Charlie Pauly
Thursday 23rd of June 2022
Hey! Absolutely yes. Or even split the trip up into a 'north hotel' for a few days and a 'south hotel'. Most places are reachable on the island within a couple of hours so you should be sweet.
Istahil
Wednesday 27th of November 2019
Hey guys! The pictures are so beautiful and I’m wondering who takes the pictures of you guys? Seems like nobody‘a in there. Pls give me any suggestions how to take the pictures? I’m planning to go there next year March.
Charlie Pauly
Wednesday 27th of November 2019
Hey, we take all of our own photos using a tripod! Maybe you could look into getting used to using a tripod now, ready for March. :) Hope you have an awesome trip!
Adelina Radu
Tuesday 24th of September 2019
Hi guys! If you have only 3 and a half days to spend in Bali (on a layover) where would you set your camp: In Canggu or Ubud? We will get there late on a Friday evening and we'll depart on the next Tuesday afternoon and because we are very short on time and want to do soooo many things we have to plan everything as good as we can :)
Charlie Pauly
Wednesday 25th of September 2019
Hey, for us we would choose Canggu. One it is closer to the airport. Two it is easily accessible to everywhere you wish to visit.