5 days in Bali: itinerary for first-timers (2026)

Bali is bigger than it looks, so this plan spends two nights in the south and the rest in Ubud instead of making day trips back and forth. Expect long drives between areas, and hire a car with a driver for the longer days.

Day 1: Arrive and see Uluwatu at sunset

Morning: Arrive, show your Love Bali levy voucher (IDR 150,000, best paid online in advance) and settle in to a hotel in the south.
Afternoon: Drive to Uluwatu Temple on the Bukit Peninsula (open 7:00-19:00). Wear or rent a sarong and sash.
Evening: Watch the Kecak dance at 18:00 (IDR 150,000) as the sun sets.
Getting around: Use a hired car or ride-hailing; the Bukit roads are slow at sunset.

Tours for day 1 ↗

Day 2: Day trip to Nusa Penida

Morning: Take an early fast boat from Sanur (30-45 minutes) and hire a car with a driver on arrival.
Afternoon: See Kelingking viewpoint, Crystal Bay, and Diamond and Atuh beaches. Skip the steep Kelingking descent unless you're confident.
Evening: Take the boat back to Sanur and have a quiet evening in the south.
Getting around: Book boats ahead in holiday periods; island roads are hilly and rough.

Tours for day 2 ↗

Day 3: Tanah Lot, then on to Ubud

Morning: Check out and spend a slow morning near your hotel.
Afternoon: Drive west to Tanah Lot in Tabanan (about 30 km from Denpasar) for the late-afternoon light.
Evening: Watch the sunset at Tanah Lot, then drive inland to Ubud for the next three nights.
Getting around: This is the longest driving day; book a driver for the whole day.

Tours for day 3 ↗

Day 4: Mount Batur sunrise and Tirta Empul

Morning: Join a pre-dawn Mount Batur sunrise trek with hotel pickup from Ubud.
Afternoon: On the way back, stop at Tirta Empul in Tampaksiring (about 30 minutes from Ubud). A sarong is required.
Evening: Rest in Ubud after a very early start.
Getting around: Batur tours include transfers; add Tirta Empul with your guide or driver.

Tours for day 4 ↗

Day 5: Ubud rice terraces and Monkey Forest

Morning: Go early to Tegallalang Rice Terrace, about 20 minutes north of Ubud, and allow 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to walk.
Afternoon: Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in central Ubud (last entry 17:00; IDR 130,000) with no bags or food.
Evening: Leave plenty of time for the drive to Ngurah Rai Airport if you're flying out.
Getting around: Central Ubud is walkable; use a driver or scooter for Tegallalang.

Tours for day 5 ↗

Go deeper

Details for every stop

Things to do in BaliHours, prices and how to get to each sightSee the sights → Tours in BaliGuided tours and tickets on GetYourGuideBrowse ↗

Plan the rest

More for your trip to Bali

Where to stay in BaliThe best areas, comparedRead →eSIM for IndonesiaPlans, prices and setupRead →Renting a car in BaliLicence, insurance and roadsRead →Things to do in Bali7 sights with hours and pricesRead →Halal travel in BaliHalal food, mosques and where to stayRead →Bali travel hubFlights, when to go, entry rules and every guideRead →

Getting there

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Everything for this trip: Bali travel hub: flights, when to go and all our guides →

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Sources

Checked October 1, 2026. Prices, rules and fees change, so confirm before you travel.

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