Bali in 5 Days: A Suggested Itinerary

Flower Bath and Balinese Massage

A trip to Bali isn’t complete without experiencing the thrill of Bali Swing. It’s one of the most unique and exhilarating activities you can have in Ubud, Bali.

Here’s some info you need to know about visiting Bali Swing in Ubud:

• Price: 620K IDR (approx $38) per person. It includes hotel pick-up/drop off in Ubud, multiple swings, lunch, photography/videography.
• The Bali Swing offers a beautiful swing park with a jungle vibe and panoramic rice fields view.
• While they provide flying dress rentals, I chose to bring one from my own collection – I have a variety of flying dresses for rent – so why not use my own? (https://www.etsy.com/shop/DressUpByLian)
• The swings are made of sturdy materials and are suspended from tall trees or solid frameworks.

I visited Tegalalang Rice Terraces in April, shortly after the rainy season in Bali had ended. Visiting the terraces gives you glimpse into a traditional Balinese farming practices. The area provides numerous opportunities for capturing stunning landscapes and engaging in a variety of activities like trekking through the rice fields and swings that overlook the terraces. The entrance fee to enter the Tegalalang Rice Terraces is 15,000 IDR (approx $1 or $1.50) per person.

I recommend visiting Tegalalang Rice Terraces in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the terraces with fewer crowds. Also, capturing photos in the morning or in the late afternoon is ideal due to the softer, gentler glare of the midway sun.

While Ubud, Bali offers a plethora of dining options, Taman Dedari stands out for its unique charm and eye-catching angel sculptures. Taman Dedari, also known as the Garden of the Angels, provides breathtaking views of the Ayung River and the surrounding lush green hills, amidst a stunning garden filled with an array of flowers and towering trees. While this restaurant is part of a luxury resort, the prices are generally reasonable for the quality of food and one-of-a-kind experience it offers. The menu offers a range of options, from moderately priced local favorites to slightly higher pricier dishes inspired by Balinese, Indonesian, and Western cuisines options. The dining venue is huge, making it an ideal place for large groups, such as families, friends or loved ones.

Cretya Ubud is a place where you can indulge in a relaxed dining experience, infinity pools, and the breathtaking scenery of lush green rice terraces – all in one location! 

Here’s what you need to know before visiting:

Location: Cretya Ubud (located in the heart of Tegallalang, Bali at Alas Harum)

Admission: Entrance fee is $5 (it includes access to the pool, rice terraces, restaurant, coffee museum, and bar)

Three-layered Azure Blue Pools: The pool area is for adults only (Valid ID is required for entry)

Restaurants: 5 restaurants with the views of the surrounding jungle.

Music: There are daily DJ performances 

Hours: Opens daily from 8am-9pm. 

Activities: You can try the thrill of swinging high above the ground at Alas Harum Swing (located nearby). Alas Harum and Cretya Ubud are connected, so you only need to pay once to access both locations.

Located in the heart of Ubud, the palace showcases beautiful traditional Balinese architecture with intricate carvings and ornate decorations. The palace grounds are open to the public and free to enter.
After visiting the palace, take a short walk to nearby attractions like the Ubud Art Market and Saraswati Temple, easily accessible on foot.

This temple is admired for its beautiful lotus ponds, intricate carvings, grand gateways, and authentic Balinese architectural features, which together reflect the island’s profound spiritual and artistic roots. While admission is free, I had to rent a sarong at the entrance to wear over my arms, as a sign of respect. I visited early in the morning and found the place pleasantly deserted.

This temple is one of the most interesting places I have visited in Ubud, Bali. Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave is a fascinating Hindu archeological site that is believed to have been built as a place for spiritual meditation for the Balinese people. I didn’t know much about the temple when I visited, but the cave’s entrance, featuring a menacing giant face, with a wide-open mouth that serves as the door, immediately sparked my interest and curiosity. The entrance of the cave is accessed only by walking down a long flight of stairs. The inside of the temple is dark and small, with a narrow passage that leads to a center where Hindu and Buddhist symbols intersect. The entrance fee is 15,000 rupiah and proper dress (covered knees) is required.

During my visit, I wore a long dress, but the staff at the gate entrance required me to wear a waist sash as an additional covering. The temple is open daily from 8am to 4:30pm.

The site also features a meditational cave, bathing pools and fountains. The entrance fee is 15,000 rupiah and proper dress (covered knees) is required. During my visit, I wore a long dress, but the staff at the gate entrance required me to wear a waist sash as an additional covering. The temple is open daily from 8am to 4:30pm.

Nusa Pineda is a small island off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, known for its dramatic landscapes and pristine beaches. A day trip to Nusa Pinesa from Bali is quite feasible but I would recommend getting a private or guided tour to maximize your time and experience.

When booking a Nusa Pineda Tour, you have the flexibility to select either the east or west side, each offering a unique and personalized experience tailored to your individual interests and preferences. I booked a private tour and opted for the East side option due to several appealing factors;

📍Diamond Beach – a picturesque beach with a steep cliff, a swing and stunning views
📍Tree House or Rumah Pohon – breathtaking views of rock formations and crystal-clear waters
📍Thousand Islands – stunning panorama of the surrounding islands and the ocean.
📍Atuh Beach – a small beach surrounded by two cliffs

Here are some important details to know when visiting the east side of Nusa Pineda:

• the private tour costs 800,000 IDR/person ($50/person)
• Included on a tour – a car & driver for a full day, transfer to/from hotel, ferry round trip tickets and all entries and parking fees were included
• it takes about 45 minutes by boat from Bali
• The eastern point is a 90-minute drive from the ferry port and the roads are quite rough and winding
• Bonus: our driver went above and beyond, not only transporting us but also offering to capture photos of us as we hiked down to the beach.

If you’re looking for a more tranquil and authentic Balinese experience, Sidemen is definitely worth visiting. Unlike the more tourist-heavy areas, Sidemen offers stunning natural beauty with its lush rice terraces and scenic views of Mount Agung. The bamboo house I stayed in Sidemen is quite unique and boasted stunning views of the rolling rice terraces and majestic Mt. Agung.

The famous  “Gates of Heaven’ – a stone gate framing views of Mount Agung and the sky had captivated me on Social Media, and I was eager to see it up close during my trip to Bali. The Lempuyang Temple is situated on the slopes of Mount Lempuyang in Karangasem Regency in Bali and is one of Bali’s oldest and most sacred temple.  Admission to Lempuyang Temple costs 100,000 IDR ($6+) per person plus an additional 50,000 IDR ($3.50) per person for the shuttle service that takes you to the mountain peak, where you’ll find the closest temple entrance.  As this is a religious site, a sarong will be provided for you to cover your shoulders and knees before entering the temple.  When we arrived at the Gates of Heaven, there was a significant wait for photo opportunities, so plan to spend at least a couple of hours in line. Note that a designated photographer is on site, controlling the photo-taking process, and assigning time limits for each person.

The cloudy sky didn’t cooperate, and our photo didn’t turn out as beautifully as I had expected. Also, the reflection photos you see here was actually taken using a compact mirror, not a real water pool.

Since Tirta Gangga was just a short drive from Lempuyang Temple, our driver suggested we make a quick visit during our trip.  Located in eastern Bali, Tirta Gangga is a former royal palace turned Hindu water temple.  To enter the temple, there is a 70,000 IDR per person..  Here, you can enjoy the beautiful garden, stone sculptures, and feed the fish in the surrounding ponds.  You can buy some fish food from the vendor near the garden, and the fish will be waiting for you.   I was amazed by the abundance of koi fish at this temple, more than I’ve seen anywhere else in Bali.  You can even take a boat ride for 20,000 IDR per person for one circle and enjoy feeding the fish while on the boat.  

We divided our time between Ubud’s vibrant culture and Sidemen’s serene landscapes for a well-rounded Balinese experience. Strategically settling in Ubud for a couple of days allowed us to explore Bali’s best spots with ease. Book your room here.

The Udaya Resorts and Spa is conveniently located near several top attractions in Ubud, Bali. It is just a short drive from popular sites such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Ubud Art Market, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Additionally, the resort’s location allows for easy access to cultural landmarks like the Pura Taman Saraswati temple and various art galleries, making it a great base for exploring the rich heritage and natural beauty of Ubud.

Book your stay at The Udaya Resorts and Spa here!

If you want a unique stay and a chance to experience authentic Balinese life, consider Veluvana Bamboo House in Sidemen. Nestled amidst lush rice paddies and stunning mountain views, this bamboo house offers a peaceful escape from the busier tourist areas.

Staying in Sidemen for a few days gave us a glimpse of rural Balinese life, while also providing convenient access to explore top attractions on Bali’s eastern side, like Pura Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga.

Komaneka at Bisma – This luxury resort is situated along the lush greenery of the Campuhan Ridge Walk and is just a short drive from Ubud’s Monkey Forest and the Ubud Art Market. The resort offers stunning views, elegant rooms, and a serene atmosphere. Book a room here.

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa – This resort is close to attractions like the Ubud Monkey Forest and Tegalalang Rice Terraces. It features luxurious villas and beautiful gardens, along with a world-class spa. Book a room here.

Alila Ubud – Perched on a hillside overlooking the Ayung River, Alila Ubud is a short distance from Ubud’s cultural attractions. Its stunning infinity pool and traditional Balinese architecture make it a popular choice for visitors seeking relaxation and convenience. Book a room here.

The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah – This luxurious resort is surrounded by rice paddies and is just minutes away from Ubud’s main attractions, including the Goa Gajah Temple and the Ubud Palace. The resort offers spacious villas with private pools and exceptional service. Book a room here.

Sthala, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Located near the Sangeh Monkey Forest and just a short drive from Ubud’s center, Sthala offers modern accommodations with a blend of traditional Balinese design. The hotel provides easy access to local attractions and activities. Book a room here.

Ubud Village Hotel – This charming hotel is located in the heart of Ubud, making it easy to explore attractions like the Ubud Art Market and Ubud Monkey Forest. The hotel features comfortable rooms and a lovely pool area. Book a room here.

Kamandalu Ubud – Situated near the famous Ubud Monkey Forest and the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Kamandalu offers a luxurious resort experience with private villas and a tranquil ambiance amidst nature. Book a room here.

Bambu Indah – Just a short drive from Ubud, this hotel is set amidst lush tropical gardens and offers a variety of unique accommodations, including luxurious treehouses and riverside palaces. Book a room here.

Puri Wulandari – This beautiful resort is located near Ubud and offers stunning views of the surrounding rice fields and jungle. It is close to attractions such as the Ubud Palace and Ubud Traditional Art Market, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. Book a room here.

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