5 days in Bali
A realistic day-by-day plan with start times, how long to allow, and travel estimates between stops.
This 5-day plan covers Ubud, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Balinese Cooking Class, Mount Batur Sunrise Trek and more. It starts around 9am, keeps two main things per day with a proper lunch, and leaves the evening for food or a show. Travel times are estimates from the distance between stops.
Day 1
Ubud, Tegallalang Rice Terraces & more
- 09:00
Ubud & Tegallalang Rice Terraces
4 h
Go early to see the terraces before the crowds and the swings. Take small cash for temple donations.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
↓ About 25 min by metro or taxi
- 19:00
↓ About 25 min by metro or taxi
Day 2
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek, Uluwatu Temple & more
- 09:00
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
3 h
It is cold at the summit and the trail is steep and rocky. A guide is compulsory.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance
3 h
Watch for monkeys, which steal sunglasses and phones. Arrive early to get a seat for the dance.
- 19:00
Day 3
Explore Bali
- 09:00
Morning in Ubud
Rice terraces, temples, yoga and art, in the cultural heart of the island.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
Afternoon in Canggu
Surf beaches, cafés and a young expat scene.
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 4
Explore Bali
- 09:00
Morning in Uluwatu
Clifftop temples, surf breaks and sunset bars on the southern tip.
- 12:30
Lunch
Walk a couple of streets away from the main sight – prices drop and quality rises.
- 14:00
Afternoon in Ubud
Rice terraces, temples, yoga and art, in the cultural heart of the island.
- 19:30
Dinner
Book ahead if you want a specific restaurant, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Day 5
Day trip: Nusa Penida Day Trip
- 08:30
Nusa Penida Day Trip
Full day
Roads on the island are rough and steep, and the sea can be choppy, so people prone to seasickness should take care.
- 19:00
Evening back in Bali
Dinner near your hotel. After a full day out, keep the evening easy.
The route on a map
Pins follow the order of the plan. Click a pin for details.
Best time to visit Bali
The most comfortable months with manageable crowds are Apr, May, Jun, Oct. These are broad seasonal patterns, not forecasts.
- JanWet seasonCrowds: busy
- FebWet seasonCrowds: busy
- MarWet seasonCrowds: busy
- AprWarmCrowds: busy
- MayWarmCrowds: busy
- JunWarmCrowds: busy
- JulWarmCrowds: peak
- AugWarmCrowds: peak
- SepWarmCrowds: peak
- OctWarmCrowds: busy
- NovWet seasonCrowds: busy
- DecWet seasonCrowds: peak
Best months Peak crowds and harsh weatherBars show how busy it is: taller means more visitors.
5-day Bali questions
Is 5 days enough for Bali?
Five to seven days. This plan fits the main sights into 5 days at a comfortable pace, with a lunch break each day.
Can I change the order of the days?
Yes. Group days by neighbourhood if your hotel is far from a sight, and swap any day if opening hours (many museums close one day a week) or the weather requires it.
What should I book before I go?
Book Uluwatu Temple, Nusa Penida Day Trip first – they use timed entry or sell out.