Five days in Bali is enough for the island’s two classic halves: Ubud in the green interior, with rice terraces, water temples and craft villages, and the south coast, with sea temples, cliffs and beaches. This Bali itinerary for 5 days gives two nights to Ubud and two to the south, and adds a day trip to Nusa Penida.
Know before you go
- Route: Ubud (2 nights), south Bali around Seminyak, Jimbaran or Uluwatu (2 nights).
- Arrive at: I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport near Kuta, about 35 km by road from Ubud, by OpenStreetMap routing.
- Tourist levy: IDR 150,000 per foreign visitor, payable through the official Love Bali site.
- Entry rules: see our Bali visa guide for Indians.
- Best season: Bali is generally drier from about April to October.
- Last checked: 27 October 2026 (sources under Official resources below).
In this Article
Bali 5 day itinerary at a glance
| Day | Base | Plan |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ubud | Arrive, Ubud Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace and market |
| 2 | Ubud | Tegallalang rice terraces, Tirta Empul, or Jatiluwih |
| 3 | South Bali | Nusa Penida day trip from Sanur |
| 4 | South Bali | Tanah Lot in the afternoon, or a beach day |
| 5 | South Bali | Uluwatu temple and the Kecak at sunset, fly out |
Swap Days 3 and 5 if your flight leaves early on the last day, so you are not on a boat on departure day.
Day 1: Ubud
From the airport, drive about 35 km north to Ubud, the town in the hills known for its temples, dance and crafts. Traffic in south Bali can be slow, so allow extra time.
In the afternoon, walk through the Ubud Monkey Forest, a forest sanctuary with temples and a large group of long-tailed macaques. Keep food, sunglasses and loose items in a closed bag, and do not feed or touch the monkeys.
From the forest, walk up Monkey Forest Road to the Ubud Palace and the Ubud market opposite it. In the evenings, the palace courtyard is used for traditional dance performances, and tickets are sold in the street during the day.
Day 2: Rice terraces and water temples
Start early at the Tegallalang rice terraces, north of Ubud, before the day’s crowds and heat. Paths run down through the terraces, and you may be asked for a small donation to cross farmers’ land.
Continue to Pura Tirta Empul, a water temple built around a holy spring, where Balinese Hindus bathe under stone spouts in the purification pool. Visitors can watch, and those who wish to take part can join if they follow the temple’s rules. Sarongs are required in Bali’s temples and are usually provided or rented at the entrance.
If you prefer quieter terraces, go west to Jatiluwih instead. The rice terraces there are part of the Cultural Landscape of Bali Province, which UNESCO lists for the subak system, the traditional water management system for the island’s rice fields that is tied to its water temples.
Day 3: Nusa Penida day trip
Move to the south coast in the morning and take a fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, the large island off Bali’s south east coast. Sanur is about 20 km from Ubud by road, so you can make the move and the trip on the same day if you leave early, or move the night before.
The west coast has Nusa Penida’s best-known viewpoints. Kelingking Beach, the headland that looks like a dinosaur’s head from above, is the best-known viewpoint. Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are close together further north. The roads on the island are narrow and steep in places, so a driver is easier than renting a scooter. Check the sea conditions and the return boat time before you set off.
Day 4: Tanah Lot
Spend the morning on a beach in the south, around Seminyak, Jimbaran or one of the Bukit peninsula’s coves.
In the afternoon, drive to Pura Tanah Lot, the sea temple on a rock just off the west coast, about 35 km from Ubud and a shorter drive from Seminyak. At low tide, you can walk across to the base of the rock. The cliff paths near the temple face west, towards the sunset.
Day 5: Uluwatu and the Kecak
Pura Luhur Uluwatu stands on the edge of a high cliff at the south west tip of the Bukit peninsula, about 20 km from the airport. The cliff top paths give views along the coast. As at the Monkey Forest, the macaques here grab loose items, so keep glasses and phones secure.
The Kecak dance is performed in the open air amphitheatre near the temple around sunset. It is a chant-based performance by a large circle of men, telling a story from the Ramayana. Buy tickets at the venue and arrive early for a seat. If you have an evening flight, the airport is a short drive away.
Changing the plan
Bali itinerary for 5 days for couples
Swap the Nusa Penida trip for a slower day in the south, with a beach club or spa, and stay in Uluwatu or Jimbaran for the sunsets. In Ubud, choose a hotel in the rice fields outside the centre.
Bali itinerary for 5 days with kids
Nusa Penida’s roads and steep paths are tiring for small children. Replace it with a beach day in Sanur or Nusa Dua, where the water is calmer inside the reef, and keep the Monkey Forest visit short.
Bali itinerary for 5 days on a budget
Stay in guesthouses in Ubud and Kuta, use ride hailing apps or a shared driver, and eat at local warungs. Join a shared Nusa Penida tour rather than a private one.
Where to stay
- Ubud: the centre around Monkey Forest Road and Jalan Hanoman is walkable, with cafes and the palace close by. Hotels in the rice fields outside town are quieter but need a driver.
- Seminyak: restaurants, shops and beach bars, and a central base for Tanah Lot.
- Jimbaran and Uluwatu: closer to the airport and to Uluwatu temple, with cliff top hotels and quieter beaches.
- Sanur: calm water and the boat harbour for Nusa Penida, which suits families.
Getting around
Bali has no rail network, and public transport to the sights on this route is limited. The usual options are a car with a driver for a full day, ride hailing apps, or a scooter if you are an experienced rider with the right licence. A driver for the Ubud day and the Tanah Lot and Uluwatu days is the easiest way to link the sights.
Before you go
- Check the entry rules in our Bali visa guide for Indians.
- Pay the IDR 150,000 tourist levy on the official Love Bali site, and use only that site.
- Carry a sarong and sash, or cover your shoulders and knees, for temple visits.
- Carry some cash for temple donations, parking and small shops.
FAQ
Is 5 days enough for Bali?
Five days is enough for Ubud and the south coast, with one day trip. Add more days for the north and east of the island or the Gili islands.
Where should I stay in Bali for 5 days?
Stay two nights in Ubud and two in the south, around Seminyak, Jimbaran or Uluwatu. Splitting the stay saves long drives across the island.
How much is the Bali tourist levy?
The official Love Bali site lists the levy as IDR 150,000 per foreign tourist.
Is Nusa Penida worth it on a 5 day trip?
Yes, if you like coastal views and do not mind a boat ride and rough roads. If you prefer an easier pace, skip it and add a beach day.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali is generally drier from about April to October, which is the busier season. The rest of the year is wetter, with more afternoon rain.
Can I see the Kecak dance at Uluwatu every day?
Kecak performances are held at Uluwatu around sunset. Confirm the day’s show at the venue or with your hotel before you plan the evening.
Official resources: Love Bali, Bali Provincial Government tourist levy; Cultural Landscape of Bali Province, UNESCO
Photo credits
Featured image: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Day 1: Ubud: Jakub / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Day 2: Rice terraces and water temples: Philip Nalangan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; Day 2: Rice terraces and water temples: Panina Manina / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Day 2: Rice terraces and water temples: Imacim / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Day 3: Nusa Penida day trip: Danangtrihartanto / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Day 3: Nusa Penida day trip: LukeTriton / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Day 4: Tanah Lot: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Day 5: Uluwatu and the Kecak: Tiya20 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Day 5: Uluwatu and the Kecak: Unknown author / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
