5D4N Bali Itinerary for First Timers: Best beaches, waterfalls, restaurants and more for under $380

You hear the sounds of waves lapping against the sand as you lay on a comfy daybed with a book in hand. You’re sipping on your favourite cocktail in a cute bikini you just picked out, and you’re admiring the picturesque views of the sunset along the coastal line.

Does this sound like your kind of vacation? If it is, you’re definitely going to love Bali.

Beyond the beach clubs and picture-perfect sunsets, Bali has a lot more to offer for every kind of traveller.

Adrenaline junkies can look forward to thrilling ATV rides and white water rafting, while outdoor-goers can catch majestic waterfalls and conquer Mount Batur. For culture lovers, Bali has a ton of traditional performances at the Uluwatu Temple and Ubud Palace to learn more about the rich Balinese culture. If you want to chill, there are also tons of Instagrammable beach clubs and cafes to relax and unwind at!

With so many things to do and places to see, planning an itinerary for a short trip can be pretty overwhelming.

So we have come up with the perfect 5D4N itinerary (better than Chatgpt’s) for first-timers, so you can get the most out of your trip here — from Bali’s hippiest areas (Seminkyak) to exotic jungles in Ubud and the unavoidable beach destination of Uluwatu, here’s the best of Bali all in one place!

It’s time to get your sunnies out!

Read more:

Bali travel guide for first timers: Things to do, where to stay, eat and best time to travel!
55 Extraordinary things to do in Bali – Places to visit, eat and latest fun activities!
Where to stay in Bali: Accommodation guide for couples, families, first timers and more

Overview

Getting to Bali

Itinerary

Day 1

Immerse yourselves in Bali’s rich culture and history in Ubud!

Let’s kickstart your adventure here by getting deep into the Balinese culture as you explore the beauty that Ubud has to offer.

Check out Day 1 route here

📍Euphoria for pork lovers – Souphoria Bali, Seminyak

It’s all about pork with Souphoria! One look at the menu sheet, and you’ll be spoiled for choice with all its pork-centric dishes.

It may be situated by a quiet road amongst rice terrace fields, but that’s not stopping many people from flocking to this place to get a taste of its fine Crispy Pork Belly Sambal Matah. Not only is the food delicious, the restaurant’s quirky decor adds to an interesting dining experience.

The signature Crispy Pork Belly Sambal Matah is a wholesome plate of white rice with a side of crackers and tender pork belly meat. Mix it all up with the generous local matah sauce, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that is every bit addictive and spicylicious.

Then there’s their signature Pork Ribs Soup that’s almost similar to your usual oxtail soup, but with the added sweetness that only a long-boiled pork rib can offer. Another favourite is the Pork Belly Spicy Salted Egg and the unique newcomer, Spicy & Sour Pork Ear.

📍Chase majestic waterfalls — Tegenungan Waterfall

Tegenungan is one of the few waterfalls in Bali that aren’t situated in the highlands or mountains. It’s also unique for its lush green surroundings and heavy water flow, perfect for swimming and enjoying the fresh water.

With a nearby temple and bathing spot, it’s no surprise that Tegenungan is popular among locals looking for a quick escape from the city rush!

📍Admire the lush greenery — Tegallalang Rice Terrace

No, seriously, have you really been to Bali if you haven’t visited the rice paddy fields?

Nowhere else do stalks of rice look so majestic – only at Tegallalang Rice Terrace in Ubud! Last we heard, there are even swings there now, so it’s time to take that Instagram shot up a notch!

You might have to fight through the crowd and some photobombers to get that perfect shot of you walking through the terrace, but if there’s one shot that screams ‘Bali’, this will be it!

TripCanvas Tip: Be mindful of on-site scammers – visiting the rice terrace is completely free and you DO NOT need a guide (unless you want one)!

📍Be one with the monkies — Ubud Monkey Forest

Home to hundreds of Bali long-tailed monkeys, Monkey Forest is a must-go for all first-timers in Bali. But don’t be worried if they approach you, they are very friendly and generally not aggressive — just try not to look them in the eye as they might feel that they are in danger or pet the bay molnkies as the mummies are very protective of their offspring.

Beyond just admiring these swinging primates, you can also pay a visit to the several ancient temples there — Pura Dalem Agung Padangtegal, Pura Beji and Pura Prajapati. Keep an eye out for the guardian relics and statues that have been there since the 14th Century!

TripCanvas Tip: If you’re taking selfies with the monkeys, remember to be careful as there is a chance they might pull your hair or scratch you! So avoid any sudden movements and be gentle with them.

📍Enjoy a ‘quackilicious’ meal! — Bebek Bengil

Nobody does crispy duck as they do at Bebek Bengil. Today, they have spread across various regions of Bali, even across Indonesia, but their food quality has remained impeccable.

Their signature Bebek Bengil (deep-fried crispy duck, served with steamed rice, vegetables and 3 types of sauce) will have you melting and begging for more, but really, one portion is about enough!

As you take a bite of their crispy duck, don’t forget to top it off with their ever-popular homemade sambal matah (chilli sauce) that is deemed as one of the best on the island.

📍Immerse in cultural artistic vibrance — Ubud Palace

This is the place for you to learn and enjoy Balinese Culture. Puri Saren Agung (also known as Ubud Palace) is located at the heart of Ubud – which is famously known as Bali’s cultural town.

The whole town has its very own 17th-Century charm. And the architecture of Ubud Palace is highly influenced by a blend of Hinduism philosophy and local artisans. Besides unique architecture, you can also appreciate the historical literature, arts, music and traditional dance performances here.

Every evening, the Ubud Palace will hold a traditional dance and Balinese Gamelan performance for entertainment from 7.30pm to 9pm. Fun fact: the Balinese Gamelan plays a huge part in the music and dance-centric Balinese culture. It is also touted as the world’s biggest percussion orchestra!

📍Unwind in your private villa — Laba Ubud Bali​

Your stay in Bali won’t be complete if you don’t get a private villa complete with a private pool! Located in the heart of Ubud, Laba Ubud Bali is an ideal place to stay because of its central location. With 9.5/10 ratings on Booking.com, this villa is definitely a crowd-pleaser!

The two-bedroom villa has 2 extra-large double beds, perfect for your group of 4, and sports a majestic exterior akin to traditional temples you’ll find strewn all over Bali. The interior doesn’t disappoint either, with its Balinese-style tyles and intricate cabinetry to make you feel like royalty!

Day 2

Get your adrenaline pumping with water sports and chill at Bali’s best spas and beach clubs!

Since it’s day 2, it’s time to get active and go for an adventure-packed afternoon with white water rafting and an ATV ride!

Afterwards, pamper yourselves with a nice spa and massage sesh, then get dinner and drinks with a spectacular view at one of Bali’s iconic beach clubs!

Check out Day 2 route here.

📍Have breakkie in cocoon-like pods — WYAH Art and Creative Space

WYAH Art and Creative Space features architecture like no other. With the space consisting of pod-shaped cocoons surrounded by the lush rainforest, you’ll be able to enjoy the serenity of the area while sipping on aromatic coffee and munching on light bites.

Not only are their aesthetics a 10 out of 10, their food don’t disappoint either. Specialising in uniquely-curated drinks, some of their must-haves are the Secret Coffee (Rp 50,000), Sunset Ubud (Rp 50,000) and Sakura Abirama (Rp 50,000). They also serve delectable mains like the WYAH Egg Benedict (Rp 78,000), Dragon Roll (Rp 120,000) and even dim sum!

📍Go for an action-packed adventure — Bali Dewata Rafting

Spice your itinerary up a little by going on a white water rafting experience.

Go on a 12 km route on Ayung River that will last 2.5 hours long on fast rapids. But don’t worry about safety, as you will have a professional guide with you to navigate the choppy waters. The package also includes insurance, the necessary gear like a lifejacket, helmet and paddles, as well as a hearty Balinese lunch!

You’ll also get to experience a 1.5 hour ATV ride suitable for all experience levels, whether you’re a first-timer or an expert. The ATV ride comes with a short introductory lesson for the newbies to make sure you’re familiar with the vehicle.

📍Indulge in a wallet-friendly massage — DeNyuh Spa (Seminyak)

Who says you can’t massage in style? DeNyuh Spa combines traditional Balinese aesthetic with a touch of modern style, bringing you a gorgeous spa that’s Insta-worthy all round.

There are two outlets, one in Kuta and another in Seminyak, but they both boast the same gorgeous interior, so don’t get too caught up choosing the prettier spa!

A one-hour and 90-minute Revitalizing Massage and Balinese Massage go for Rp. 250,000 and Rp. 275,000 respectively, while a one-hour DeNyuh Signature Facial is priced at Rp. 250,000.

📍Where culture, creativity, culinary and music combine — Mari Beach Club

At the entrance, The Dome with its majestic height allows arriving guests to journey through a cosmos of artful bamboo installation resembling the majestic Mount Agung. Rice terraces have also been a significant source of inspiration for the beach club’s landscape.

There’s also pure Balinese hospitality to be enjoyed at their relaxed dining destination, Solé. From lunch and dinner, to crafted local-inspired cocktails, the venue opens to a terrace overlooking the coastline with an iconic river-shaped infinity pool.

Mediterranean and Japanese delicacies are the highlights of the menu. Look forward to their signature salt crusted seabass in lemon and soy mayo, grilled mackerel in XO sauce, and lobster tail in miso butter!

Do take note that there’s a minimum spend of Rp. 2,500,000 on weekdays and Rp 3,000,000 on weekends for a daybed.

TripCanvas tip: Come during sunset! You’ll be captivated by the gorgeous views as you sip on your cocktails and dig into your hearty fare.

📍Dip into a soothing flower bath in your accoms — Bajra Bali Villa

Bajra Bali Villa is a true oasis of peace, providing all the privacy and comfort you deserve. It shares its name with a monument in Denpasar, Bajra Sandhi, which resembles a priest’s prayer bell and commemorates the Balinese’ struggle for independence.

The two-bedroom villa with private pool includes two bedrooms with an XL bed in one and two single beds in another, lavish en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area. The poolside deck was made for slow and lazy days by the pool – well, we are sure you will know what to do!

Day 3

Get ready for a day by the beach and relaxing massages to chase all the stress away!

Today will be all about enjoying the tranquility of Bali, as you indulge in drinks at beach clubs and pamper yourself with relaxing massages.

Check out Day 3 route here.

📍 Brunch and cocktails with a saltwater pool — Mrs Sippy

How about chilling on dreamy daybeds by the island’s largest saltwater swimming pool? Head over to Mrs Sippy Bali – an open-air club that has the right cool vibe.

Cocktails and a refreshing dip in crystal clear water is the way to spend your lazy afternoon. After all, you’re on a vacation! If you are feeling peckish yet want to maintain your bikini bod, opt for a fresh and healthy salad bowl.

For those who are seeking some adrenaline rush, you can’t miss the triple-tier dive tower. Dare to jump from the tallest one? Psst, be sure to chope one of their floating bean bags too before everyone else does — I’m not sure what kind of physics concept this is but they sure won’t ever let you sink and are hella comfortable!

📍Go for a massage in style — Bodyworks Spa (Seminyak)

An all time favorite, Bodyworks is a 29-year-old establishment that guarantees excellent customer service. Apart from providing great value for your money, they are also known for their famous coral pink decor that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a palace! Great photo spot too, by the way!

Bodyworks offers Thai and Shiatsu massages, along with hair services and other body treatments, including pedicures and manicures. If you want to experience the power of traditional Indonesian healing techniques, Bodyworks is the place to go.

Their 70-minute full body Balinese massage that’s inclusive of a shower costs Rp 650,000, while an hour-long foot massage is priced at Rp. 320,000.

They also offer their all-time famous Thai and Shiatsu massages, which involve vigorous and energising finger pressure penetrations of key points, aimed at dispersing excess energy. They are both 80-minute long and will cost you Rp. 680,000.

📍Relish in a traditional dance — Uluwatu Temple & Kecek fire dance

The Luhur Uluwatu Temple, often known simply as Uluwatu Temple, is another Balinese coastal temple famous among both visitors and locals. Perched on the edge of a high ocean cliff, this temple offers visitors an unforgettable stunning view of the horizon that you won’t want to miss.

And do stay for the popular evening Kecak Fire Dance (a Balinese dance and music drama) from 6pm to 7pm daily, set against a backdrop of Uluwatu’s breathtaking cliff edge views.

TripCanvas Tip: The perfect time to arrive at Uluwatu Temple would be at 4pm to give you ample time to get a good seat for the Kecak Dance. Do also note that visitors wearing pants or skirts above the knee have to wear a sarong tied under the waist, provided at the temple.

📍Dinner overlooking the edge of Bali — Ulu Cliffhouse

Hidden in the cliffs of Uluwatu lies Ulu Cliff House, a hotel, a restaurant, and most importantly, a beach club. Not only does this place have an expansive pool to either laze about in or get in your weekly exercise, but the best part comes when you take a trip down a set of stairs.

Located on the side of the cliff, sitting slightly above the crashing waves, is a sunbed terrace! If you’re lucky enough to be able to snag a seat here, then you better make sure you don’t leave unless you’re planning on going home!

Head down another set of stairs and you’ll find yourself with your toes in the sand, and mere meters away from the soothing, cool waves. Spend a little bit of time down here before heading back up and ordering one of their scrumptious meals, particulary their seafood, sharing platters and cocktails!

📍Head back to Bajra Bali Villa

Look forward to a relaxing dip in the pool and snuggling under the sheets — make sure you’re rested for the next day, as it will be jam-packed with adventures and exploring at Nusa Penida!

Day 4

Whip out your sunnies and film cameras, you will be exploring the beautiful island of Nusa Penida!

Remember to slap on lots of sunblock and fill your bottles to the brim because it’s going to get hot! You can find lots of day tours to Nusa Penida on Klook, which costs around Rp. 430,000 per pax.

Check out Day 4 route here.

📍Explore the charming island — Nusa Penida

A trip to Bali isn’t complete without a day-trip to Nusa Penida. If Angel Billabong or Kelingking Beach doesn’t ring a bell, these pictures probably will — I mean, you haven’t been to Bali if you don’t post these iconic backdrops on your Instagram account right?

We recommend pre-booking a tour, such as one with Klook, for easier travel as Nusa Penida is very rugged and its roads are not well-developed. So unless you are an expert rider on a scooter, it is better to go with a day tour.

Your 10-hour tour with a guide comes with a private car charter that bring you to the different photo spots. It also picks you up at several locations — the Circle K Seminyak Denim is the most convenient one! Pick-up is at 6.30am but be sure to reach there 10 mins before!

Though you might find crowds of tourists especially on weekends, the pictures will be worth it! You can choose either the West island tour or the East island tour, but I highly recommend the West as the views are much better. Look forward to visiting Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel Billabong, Paluang Cliff and Crystal Bay!

TripCanvas tip: Unless you don’t mind having your shoes buried under a sea of other footwear, don’t bring along your $300 pair of white sneakers on that day! Before boarding the boat, you’ll have to remove your shoes and place them in a large shared container.

📍Dig into authentic (and affordable) Balinese cuisine at this local’s secret — Sunda Kelapa

If you want to find a really local restaurant in Denpasar, this one is a must-try. Our team has eaten there twice when we were there, actually, because the food is that good and very affordable!

We tasted the Gurame Goreng Kering (fried fish), which was crispy, fresh, and almost melt-in-your-mouth. And of course, you can never go wrong with Nasi Goreng – at this restaurant, it’s homely and delicious.

It also serves Nasi Tumpeng, a Javanese cuisine, which is usually made during festive seasons or celebrations. Sunda Kelapa can also accept advance reservations of Nasi Tumpeng.

📍Head back to Bajra Bali Villa

It’s the end of the last full day, so rest up and get ready for one last hurrah before you fly back home!

Day 5

Shopping day!

Be it buying home decor for yourself or souvenirs for your friends, bring a piece of Bali back home with you!

Check out Day 5 route here.

📍Try some of Bali’s all-time-favourite sweet treat — Pie Susu Enaaak

The Pie Susu is the most famous and iconic sweet treat in Bali.

We did a little research and tasted different brands of this much-loved Pie Susu, and we found the best Pie Susu in Bali at Pie Susu Enaaak, the original Pie Susu maker, which has been around since 1989. Now, there are numerous Pie Susu shops around and it is very important not to confuse the replicas with the original one if you don’t want to be disappointed.

Pie Susu Enaaak’s milk pies are soft, sweet and creamy on the inside, wrapped in delicious homemade dough and baked to perfection. They are a must-try and a must-take-home Bali souvenir as well.

To make sure you get a taste of this Balinese delight, it is best to make a reservation one day before or head down bright and early. You can pay online or at the shop when you pick up your box. It’s a bit more effort, but surely, you will taste the difference and you will know what the original Pie Susu in Bali is so famous for. Selamat Makan!

📍Brunch at a cozy & aesthetic spot — Bias Courtyard

With its beautiful courtyard setting and delicious food, Bias Courtyard makes a perfect Bali brunch spot. The courtyard itself, with its colourful decor and plants, is a great spot for taking those gorgeous photos for the ‘gram.

In terms of food, Bias Courtyard offers a variety of Indonesian and international dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and an emphasis on flavour.

They also have mini vendors in the compound for you to even shop a little. This may seem like a sweet Brunch Spot but it is just as alive at night!

Overall, Bias Courtyard is a great spot for travellers looking to enjoy delicious food and capture some beautiful photos during their time in Seminyak.

📍Test your haggling skills — The Flea Market Bali

Want to support local businesses in Bali? Head over to the Flea Market near Seminyak Square. It is an open-air market where you can find clothes, bags and many other trinkets. But beyond these, yummy pastries, drinks and even healthy food are available too!

The vendors here are eager but they are not aggressive if this is one of your concerns. This market has an overall welcoming vibe, and there’s even warungs for you to relax in between shopping!

The prices here can be on the high side but you can always bargain down to a lower, fairer price. Don’t be afraid to haggle down to ⅓ the given price!

📍Transform your home into a mini Bali — Kara Home Living

There’s something about the way villas, hotels, and your favourite Canggu cafes are decorated. It’s boho, it’s charming, and it’s (for lack of a better word) just so “Bali”. It’s no wonder that when it comes to interior design, more and more people are turning to Bali as their source of inspiration!

Now you can bring back a piece of decor that will transform an area in your home into the Bali that you experienced and grew to love. Kara Home Living is the perfect place to pick up a few of these trinkets.

Rattan placemats will remind you of that one sunset you experienced whilst having dinner overlooking a pristine beach, and woven baskets will remind you of the endless rows of paddy fields you encountered. The ultimate memoir!

Best time to travel to Bali

• Bali has a reliable, warm and tropical climate all year round, with temperatures averaging from 26°C to 28°C. Locations at high altitude, such as Bedugul, enjoy chillier weather.

• The dry season is generally from May to September, and the wet season from October to April.

• Peak season in Bali is from July to August, as well as during Easter holidays, Christmas and New Year.

• In May, June and September (non-peak period), accommodation is 30% to 50% cheaper than peak season rates. Plus, you still get great dry season weather most of the time.

• If you enjoy watersports, such as surfing, the waves are great during April and October. While slight rain showers are expected, you’ll also see plenty of sunshine. These are also great months to travel with children as most theme parks and attractions are less crowded, making getting around stress-free!

Note: Nyepi is the day of silence that falls on the Balinese New Year. All attractions will be closed, and everyone observes a day of fasting and silence. It’s an inspiring spectacle to be part of, but please respect the local rules and culture, and stay indoors while remaining quiet.

How many days is enough for Bali?

If you’re travelling from Singapore or Malaysia, the recommended days you should visit here would be about 4-5 days — it’s the perfect amount of time here to get to know what Bali has to offer, and since prices are generally affordable, it wouldn’t be money wasted for a short trip!

But if you’re travelling from elsewhere in Asia (outside Southeast Asia), a week in Bali would be perfect.

For travellers coming from outside of Asia: If you’re coming from Australia, USA or Europe, you might want to stay here for about 8-10 days to fully immerse yourself in Bali’s culture. Try hitting the beach clubs, going for water sports, trekking up Mount Batur or Mount Agung, indulging in massages and immersing yourself in Balinese dances and performances!

And don’t forget about the hearty food that Bali has to offer!

F. Foreigner Tax in Bali for International Tourists

ALL foreigners entering Bali now need to pay a tourism tax of Rp. 150,000 (approximately USD $9.35).

Taxes apply to:

• All foreigner adults and children

• Those visiting mainland Bali and surrounding islands such as Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

• Foreign tourists arriving from other parts of Indonesia

Levy is collected per entry. This means if you exit Bali to visit nearby destinations such as Lombok (including Gili Islands), you will need to pay another Rp. 150,000 if you re-enter Bali after.

Payment can be made via these channels:

• Love Bali website or app before leaving for Bali. You should then receive a tourism levy voucher via email. Save the voucher on your phone for scanning when you arrive in Bali.

• Directly at Bali airport or seaports upon arrival

Other Visa Requirements:

• ASEAN tourists: No visa required for stays up to 30 days in Indonesia

• Non-ASEAN tourists: 30-day visa required (cost: Rp. 500,000). This is on top of the tourism tax.

Getting around Bali

Since you’re on your first trip to Bali, it’s definitely much more convenient to either stick to the ever-reliable Bluebird taxis, Grab and Go-Jek, or simply opt for reliable car rental options with a driver and/or guide. If you’re absolutely confident about driving in Indonesia, then skip the driver/guide!

Our recommendation: Renting a car with private driver

Please book at least 1 week in advance to ensure car availability

2. For the pros: Renting a car without driver

Please book at least 1 week in advance to ensure car availability

Travel Budget – Estimated Cost Breakdown

For travellers from Singapore and Malaysia

Flight cost: ~S$220/pax from Singapore, ~RM 580/pax from Kuala Lumpur

Activities: ~S$210 / RM 695 per pax

Transport: ~S$50 / RM 165 per pax

Food: ~S$170 / RM 562 per pax

Shopping: ~S$50 / RM 165 per pax

Accommodations: ~S$260 / RM 860 per pax

Estimated total per pax from Singapore: ~S$960
Estimated total per pax from Malaysia: ~RM 2,447

Ready to conquer Bali? Tag your travel partner and get them excited about the things you’re going to see, do and eat on your very first trip!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you! Tell us

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