The following content is provided by group member Yang Fangyu and adapted with their consent
Bottom Line First: In a 5-day, 4-night Bali trip, after accounting for travel days at the start and end, you really only have less than 3 full days to explore. I recommend waking up early to avoid traffic jams. Key pre-trip preparations: e-Visa on Arrival, tourist tax, eSIM (buy it the day before and it’s ready the next day), and a 220V hairdryer (for drying your hair after taking those stunning water photos). Massage parlor quality varies widely; picking one at random is a gamble, but it can also lead to pleasant surprises.
This Bali trip was only 5 days and 4 nights, but honestly, after factoring in the travel time on the first and last days, we still had way too little time to play! This itinerary was more on the tiring side—not exactly a relaxing vacation. Traffic in Bali can get congested easily, so I suggest getting up early to fit in more activities.
Want to create your own itinerary based on your travel days and companions? Use the Bali Trip Planner to generate a personalized schedule in minutes, and even save it as a PDF to share with your travel buddies.
Pre-Trip Preparation
- E-Visa on Arrival: Remember to apply for an e-Visa on Arrival before heading to Bali.
- Tourist Tax: Be sure to pay the tourist tax.
- Arrival Form: Fill out the arrival form.
- Currency Exchange: It’s recommended to bring US dollars and exchange them for Indonesian Rupiah locally.
- Sun Protection: The sun in Bali is incredibly strong; if you forget sunscreen, you’ll easily get tanned.
- Internet Access: I recommend using an eSIM. I bought one from ‘Global Cross-Border Travel Expert’ on Shopee. The internet speed was stable except in remote mountain areas. Buy it the day before and it’s ready to use the next day—super convenient.
- Taking Photos After Swimming: If you plan to take nice photos after swimming, remember to bring a 220V hairdryer.
- Massage Experience: No matter which massage place you go to, it feels like a lottery. Luckily, we had great experiences every time, even at random roadside shops.
- Photography Tips: To get those Instagram-worthy shots, I suggest researching poses in advance and having your travel buddy practice their photography skills. I’m the one who’s terrible at taking photos.
- Tipping Customs: Bali is a country where tipping is customary. The basic tip is around 10,000 Rupiah (about USD$0.65). Avoid giving coins or very small bills, as it’s considered more polite.
- Power Adapter: Remember to bring a power adapter, or check with your hotel first if they can lend you one.
- Extra Taxes: Some restaurants and massage places charge additional taxes, and paying by card might incur an extra 3% fee.
Essential Guide to Indonesia/Bali Travel: Voltage and Plug Adapter Tips!
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Itinerary
May 30
1. Exchange Money
- As soon as you arrive in Bali, the first thing to do is exchange for the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah, to make spending easier.
2. Check into Ubud Hotel
- Time: 3:00 PM
- Location: Soulshine Bali
- Highlight: This hotel has a stunning pool with a waterslide and excellent service. The room rate includes breakfast, making it a great value for travelers who want to spend more time at the hotel. It costs around USD$260 per night.
3. Massage
- Time: 18:30
- Location: Pertenin Body Care
- Experience: The massage left me feeling very relaxed, effectively relieving travel fatigue
- We chose a late slot; the less common four-hand massage was a pretty cool experience!
4. Dinner
- Time: 20:30
- Location: Arcadia Restaurant
- Highlights: The set meals at this restaurant are all exquisitely delicious, mostly frequented by foreign guests. The service is very attentive, and the ambiance is wonderful. The set meal costs around USD$48, with an additional 11% dining tax and 4.5% service charge.
The itinerary for this day was relatively relaxed: first exchange money, then check into a high-value hotel in Ubud, enjoy a soothing massage, and finally dine at an elegant restaurant—perfect preparation for the days ahead.
May 31
1. Breakfast at Ubud Hotel
- Time: Leave at 8:00 AM
- Location: Soulshine Bali
- Highlight: The hotel offers a hearty breakfast, a wonderful start to the day’s itinerary.
2. ATV Riding
- Experience: Operating the ATV isn’t easy. For thrill-seekers, you can pay extra to have an instructor drive—it’s a blast.
ATV fun! (Provided by Yang Fangyu)
Editor’s note: ATV tours in Ubud typically traverse tropical rainforests, rivers, tunnels, and rugged mountain terrain, plunging you into an exhilarating adventure. This high-speed way of exploring nature lets you experience Ubud’s diverse landscapes and scenery in a short time—an absolute favorite for adventurers.
There’s also a ‘Volcano ATV Tour,’ where you’ll ride through dense forests, climb over black lava slopes, and conquer challenging off-road terrain. Your guide will lead you across these ever-changing landscapes, letting you fully experience the thrill and fun of ATV riding.
3. Ayung River Rafting
(Photo by Fang-Yu Yang)
- Preparation: Rafting involves some walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof bag. If you want to take nice photos afterward, pack a hairdryer and toiletries.
- Duration: ATV + rafting takes about 5 hours in total.
Editor’s note: For adventure seekers who love a challenge, rafting is an incredibly appealing activity. The rivers around Ubud wind through blue valleys and jungles, offering a fresh adventure for thrill-lovers. On this journey, you’ll traverse scenic landscapes, encountering both rapids and calm stretches that let you savor a mix of excitement and relaxation. It’s not just an adventure—it’s a chance to connect with nature, feeling the vibrant energy of the water, trees, and earth.
4. Swing Photo Spots for Instagram
(Provided by Yang Fangyu)
- Experience: Feel the thrill of the swing while capturing stunning Instagram-worthy photos to create lasting memories.
- There are many different spots; ask your driver for recommendations, but prices vary, and you can rent outfits. Some drivers are especially helpful and will even take videos for you.
Editor’s note: In Ubud, even swinging on a swing can become an exotic experience. At specialized spots in Ubud, you’ll find a variety of unique and thoughtfully designed swings, hanging among the trees or facing breathtaking valley views. Swinging isn’t just about fun—it’s a wonderful way to appreciate Ubud’s beauty in tranquility. Let yourself sway with the breeze and feel a sense of ease and contentment.
5. Dinner
- Time: Dinner time
- Location: Sun Sun Warung
- Note: Famous for its crispy duck rice. This restaurant tends to fill up during meal times, and the takeout flavors are average with no particular surprises.
- Dine-in includes a 15.5% tax; takeout is 5% less.
6. Return to the hotel
- Location: Soulshine Bali
This day’s itinerary was full of adventure and excitement, from ATV riding to white-water rafting on the Ayung River, and then to the Instagram-worthy swings—all highly worthwhile experiences. Finally, we chose a popular restaurant for dinner before heading back to the hotel to rest.
June 1
1. Breakfast at the Ubud hotel
- Time: After breakfast, check out by 11:00 AM
2. Check in at the Seminyak hotel
- Time: 12:30
- Location: Villa DeDayuh Seminyak
- Highlight: This villa features kitchenware, a pool, and a bathtub, making it perfect for travelers who want to spend a long time relaxing at the hotel. The service is excellent, with detailed responses available via WhatsApp. The price is around USD$130 per night.
3. South Bay Activities
Underwater walking is not recommended! (Provided by Yang Fangyu)
- Time: 13:30
Underwater Walking
Our first activity was underwater walking. Although it sounded fun, the actual experience was disappointing. When we first put on the helmet, water leaked in without any warning, and it pressed against our faces, which was quite frightening. While walking underwater, we had to hold onto a railing, but the scenery wasn’t particularly impressive.
Parasailing
Next up is paragliding. This activity is truly amazing, especially when we’re soaring through the air—that sense of freedom is unforgettable. Maybe because we had such a great chat with the instructor, the whole experience felt even more enjoyable. Paragliding takes you from the sky down to the water and then back up again; this back-and-forth process is incredibly fun.
Doughnut Ride
Finally, we tried the doughnut ride (towable tube). It’s said that the doughnut ride in Taiwan is more thrilling, especially if you sit in the back row for extra fun. Besides that, Nanwan offers a variety of other water activities to suit different preferences.
Snacks and Tea
After the activities, snacks and tea are provided, giving everyone a chance to relax after all the excitement.
Reminders
- Price Negotiation: Activity prices are often set high, so it’s advisable to haggle or purchase discounted tickets online in advance.
- Photo Fees: If your itinerary includes photography services, these come at an extra cost. Vendors will provide a set of cloud photos and recorded videos.
Editor’s Note: Visitors should be aware that water activities at Nanwan are very popular, so it’s recommended to book in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes on-site. Booking ensures you have ample opportunity to experience all the water activities you want, while also avoiding extra expensive fees at the venue. At Nanwan Beach, let’s set sail together and enjoy this water sports paradise, bringing you a sea adventure full of excitement and laughter.
Book the Banana Boat Combo at Tanjung Benoa
4. Cliffside Attractions
(Photo by Yang Fangyu)
- Highlight: Two cliffside spots require an entrance fee, perfect for photo ops. There are scenic views along the way, but we were short on time and didn’t linger.
Want to plan your budget before you go? The Bali Ticket Price Overview collects real-time reference prices for popular attractions across the site, making it easy to compare deals on Klook and Trip.com.
5. Jimbaran Sunset
(Photo by Yang Fangyu)
- Highlight: You can choose to ride a horse or camel at sunset for a unique Jimbaran experience.
- Many sunset photography tips online can help you capture great memories.
【Master the Best Sunset Viewing Guide in Bali】Seven Top Bali Sunset Spots—How Many Have You Visited?
Top 11 Seafood Restaurants in Jimbaran, Bali: No-Fail Picks
6. Massage
- Location: Piramid Jimbar
- Experience: The setting here is stunning—before the massage, you get to feed the fish, and payment is made upfront. Note that shower time counts toward the massage duration. The massage was very satisfying, but the flower bath may cause allergies, so consider that carefully. All flowers are fresh, which might attract small bugs. The flower bath requires an additional payment and deposit; a 2-hour massage costs around USD$77, excluding the patterned flower bath. You can coordinate the pattern colors via WhatsApp in advance.
7. Dinner
- Food: Try the Indonesian savory egg pancake—it’s delicious.
This day’s itinerary moves from Ubud to Seminyak, checking into the resort-style Villa DeDayuh, then enjoying thrilling water activities at Tanjung Benoa. In the afternoon, explore cliffside spots for stunning photos, and in the evening, watch the sunset at Jimbaran while trying horseback or camel riding. At night, unwind with a high-quality massage at Piramid Jimbar, and end the fulfilling day with a tasty Indonesian egg pancake.
June 2
1. Lunch
- Location: Naughty Nuri’s
- Highlight: Must order their signature pork ribs—absolutely delicious
Book the Naughty Nuri’s Warung Food Experience
2. Souvenir Shops
- Shopping: Best to research what you want beforehand, or you’ll be overwhelmed. Visit local souvenir shops and pick out some unique items to bring home.
3. Kuta Activities
- Location: Kuta Beachwalk Shopping Center, Kuta Beach
- Activity: Enjoy shopping at Beachwalk Shopping Center in Kuta, directly across from Kuta Beach—relax and soak up the sun and sand, and if you’re into surfing, give it a try.
4. Finn Beach Club
- Time: Seats available from around 5:00 PM
- Tip: Good seats need to be booked and paid for in advance. Mostly Westerners; there’s a pool, DJ, and the beach right below. Security is strict. If you just walk in without ordering anything, it’s free! Arrive early for meals and sunset views. This beach club is open until midnight, making it a great spot to unwind and enjoy the evening vibe.
5. Return to Hotel
- Villa DeDayuh
June 3
1. Check Out of Hotel
- Time: 12:00 PM
- Location: Villa DeDayuh
2. Brownies bought along the way are delicious
Photo by Yang Fangyu. Editor’s note: The item on the left is not potato chips—it’s cassava chips!
3. Airport
- Location: Preparing to return, ending this Bali trip.
The last two days of the trip were relatively relaxed and pleasant. On June 2, we started with delicious pork ribs, then went souvenir shopping, followed by a pleasant afternoon at a shopping mall and beach in Kuta. In the evening, we enjoyed a leisurely time at Finn Beach Club. On June 3, after a simple checkout and lunch, we headed to the airport to conclude this wonderful Bali trip.
How to Shop for Bali Souvenirs?
- Recommended by Netizens: Guide to Over 20 Types of Bali Souvenirs - Perfect Choices for Preserving Precious Memories
- Unique Art Souvenirs of Bali: Turning Travel Memories into Lasting Keepsakes
- 🛍️Must-Buy Guide for Ubud Market in Bali: From Handicrafts to Art Collections, Shop to Your Heart's Content!
- Home Decor Treasures Hunting Guide: Bring the Tropical Vacation Vibes Home!
- Complete Guide to Ubud's Top 5 Art Markets: Souvenirs & Cultural Treasures of Bali
- Important Bali Travel Note: These Souvenirs Cannot Be Brought Back to Taiwan! Understanding Taiwan Customs Regulations
Recommended Private Driver
Finding a good private driver is crucial when traveling in Bali, especially when you’re exhausted and struggling to translate English. We recommend Mang Loco, a Balinese who used to work in Taiwan. He speaks fluent and fun Chinese, learned from indigenous people, and has a friendly personality—he feels more like a helpful friend.
Tip:
- Itinerary planning: Roughly plan the attractions you want to visit and let the driver arrange the route.
- Cost communication: Discuss extra fees for longer distances or overtime in advance.
- Meal invitation: Drivers usually don’t eat with guests, but if you like your driver, you can invite them and treat them to a meal.
Conclusion
Although this Bali trip was only a few days short, every day was filled with fresh and thrilling experiences. From the cultural journey in Ubud to the laid-back retreat in Seminyak, from water activities in Tanjung Benoa to the sunset views in Jimbaran, every moment was unforgettable. Finding a reliable private driver along the way not only reduced language barriers but also made the itinerary much smoother. Bali’s stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage are truly worth savoring for every traveler. I can’t wait to return and explore more of this paradise island!
Do you think Yang Fangyu’s itinerary is exciting? Go ahead and plan your own Bali free-and-easy trip! Feel free to share your itinerary in the community group as well!
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