The following content is provided by group member Yang Fangyu and shared with our permission
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 days to explore. Try to wake 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 stunning water photos). Massage parlor quality varies widely; picking one at random is a gamble but 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, the actual playtime felt way too short! The itinerary was more on the tiring side, not a relaxing vacation. Traffic in Bali can get congested easily, so I recommend waking up early to fit in more activities.
Pre-Trip Preparation
- E-Visa on Arrival: Remember to apply for the e-visa on arrival before heading to Bali.
- Tourist Tax: Be sure to pay the tourist tax.
- Fill in the Arrival Form: Complete the arrival card.
- Currency Exchange: It’s best to bring US dollars and exchange them for Indonesian rupiah locally.
- Sunscreen: The sun in Bali is extremely strong; if you forget sunscreen, you’ll easily get tanned.
- Internet: I recommend using an eSIM. I bought one from ‘Global Travel Guru’ on Shopee, and the internet speed was stable except in remote mountain areas. Buy it the day before and it’s ready to use the next day—very convenient.
- Water Play and Photos: If you plan to take beautiful photos after playing in the water, remember to bring a 220V hairdryer.
- Massage Experience: No matter which massage parlor you go to, it feels like a lottery. Luckily, every massage we had was great, even at random roadside shops.
- Photography Tips: To get Instagram-worthy photos, I suggest researching poses in advance and having your travel buddy practice their photography skills. I’m the one who can’t take good photos.
- Tipping Etiquette: Bali is a country where tipping is customary. The basic tip is around 10,000 IDR (about USD$0.65). Avoid giving coins or very small bills—it’s more polite this way.
- Charging Adapter: Remember to bring a charging adapter, or check with your hotel if they can lend you one.
- Extra Taxes: Some restaurants and massage parlors charge additional taxes, and paying by card may incur an extra 3% fee.
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Itinerary
May 30
1. Currency Exchange
- Upon arriving in Bali, the first thing to do is exchange for the local currency, Indonesian Rupiah, to make spending easier.
2. Check-in at Ubud Hotel
- Time: 15:00
- Location: Soulshine Bali
- Highlight: This hotel has a stunning pool with a waterslide and excellent service. The 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.
Check Soulshine Bali Availability & Rates on Agoda Trip.com Booking.com
3. Massage
- Time: 18:30
- Location: Pertenin Body Care
- Experience: The massage was incredibly relaxing, a great way to ease travel fatigue.
- We booked a bit late, but the rare four-hand massage was a cool experience!
4. Dinner
- Time: 20:30
- Location: Arcadia Restaurant
- Highlights: The set meals at this restaurant are all exquisitely prepared and delicious, mostly frequented by foreign guests. The service is very attentive, and the ambiance is excellent. The set meal price is approximately USD$48, with an additional 11% dining tax and 4.5% service charge.
This day’s itinerary is relatively relaxed: first exchange money, then check into a high-value hotel in Ubud, enjoy a soothing massage, and finally savor a delightful dinner at an elegant restaurant, setting the stage for the days ahead.
May 31
1. Ubud Hotel Breakfast
- Time: Leave at 8:00
- Location: Soulshine Bali
- Highlight: The hotel offers a very hearty breakfast, a wonderful start to the day’s itinerary.
2. ATV Riding
- Experience: Operating the ATV is not easy. For thrill-seeking travelers, you can pay extra to have an instructor drive you—it’s a lot of fun.
ATV is so fun! (Provided by Yang Fangyu)
Editor’s note: ATV tours in Ubud typically traverse tropical rainforests, rivers, tunnels, and rugged mountain terrain, immersing you in an exhilarating adventure. This high-speed way of exploring nature allows you to experience Ubud’s diverse landscapes and scenery in a short time—a must for adventure lovers.
There’s also the “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 this ever-changing landscape, letting you fully experience the thrill and fun of ATV riding.
3. Ayung River Rafting
(Photo by Yang Fangyu)
- Preparation: Rafting involves walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof bag. If you want to take great photos afterward, bring a hairdryer and toiletries.
- Duration: ATV + rafting takes about 5 hours.
Editor’s note: For adventure seekers who love a challenge, rafting is an incredibly appealing option. The rivers around Ubud wind through blue-green valleys and jungles, offering a whole new adventure for thrill-seekers. On this journey, you’ll traverse scenic landscapes, encountering both rapids and calm stretches of water, allowing you to experience a perfect blend 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
(Photo by Yang Fangyu)
- Experience: Feel the thrill of the swing while capturing stunning photos for social media, creating lasting memories.
- There are many different spots; you can ask your driver for recommendations, but prices vary, and you can rent outfits. The better ones even help take side-angle videos.
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, suspended among the trees or overlooking stunning valley views. Swinging here isn’t just about fun—it’s a wonderful way to soak in Ubud’s serene beauty. Let yourself sway with the breeze and feel a sense of ease and relaxation.
5. Dinner
- Time: Dinner time
- Location: Sun Sun Warung
- Note: Famous for its dirty duck rice. This restaurant tends to be full during meal times. The takeout food is decent but nothing special.
- Dine-in includes a 15.5% tax; takeout is 5% less.
6. Return to Hotel
- Location: Soulshine Bali
This day’s itinerary is packed with adventure and excitement, from ATV riding to Ayung River rafting, and then to the Instagram-worthy swing experience—all well worth trying. Finally, head to a popular restaurant for dinner before returning to the hotel to rest.
June 1
1. Breakfast at Ubud Hotel
- Time: After breakfast, check out by 11:00 AM
2. Check-in at Seminyak Hotel
- Time: 12:30
- Location: Villa DeDayuh Seminyak
- Highlight: This villa comes with 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 sounds fun, the actual experience was a bit disappointing. When we first put on the helmet, water leaked in without anyone telling us, and the water pressed directly 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 was parasailing. This activity was truly amazing, especially the feeling of freedom while flying through the air. Perhaps because we had a great chat with the instructor, the whole experience was even more enjoyable. Parasailing took us from the air down to the water and then back up again—this back-and-forth process was a lot of fun.
Donut Ride
Finally, we tried the donut (towed tube) activity. It’s said that Taiwan’s version is more thrilling, especially when sitting in the back row. Besides that, Nanwan offers a variety of other water activities to suit different preferences.
Light Snacks & Tea
After the activities, light snacks and tea are provided, giving everyone a chance to rest after all the excitement.
Reminders
- Price Negotiation: Activity prices are often set high, so it’s best to haggle or buy discounted tickets online in advance.
- Photography Fees: If the package includes photo services, these come at an extra cost. The vendor 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. It’s recommended to book in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes. Booking ensures you have enough opportunities to enjoy all the activities you want, while also avoiding extra costs on-site. At Nanwan Beach, let’s set sail together and enjoy this water sports paradise, bringing you a sea adventure full of excitement and laughter.
4. Cliffside Attractions
(Provided by Yang Fangyu)
- Highlights: Two cliffside attractions require an entrance fee and are perfect for photos. There are scenic spots along the way, but we were pressed for time and didn’t linger.
5. Jimbaran Sunset
(Photo by Yang Fangyu)
- Highlight: You can choose to ride a horse or camel at sunset for a unique Jimbaran experience.
- Check online for various sunset photography techniques to capture great memories.
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6. Massage
- Location: Piramid Jimbar
- Experience: The environment here is stunning. Before the massage, you’ll be invited to feed the fish, and payment is made upfront. Note that shower time is included in the massage duration. The massage was very satisfying, but the flower bath may cause allergies, so proceed with caution. All flowers are fresh, so there might be 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 discuss the pattern colors via WhatsApp in advance.
7. Dinner
- Food: I recommend trying the Indonesian savory egg pancake—it’s absolutely delicious.
This day’s itinerary shifts from Ubud to Seminyak, checking into the resort-style Villa DeDayuh, then enjoying a variety of thrilling water sports at Tanjung Benoa. In the afternoon, visit a cliffside spot for stunning photos, and in the evening, watch the sunset at Jimbaran while trying horseback or camel riding. At night, indulge in a high-quality massage at Piramid Jimbar, and end the fulfilling day with a delicious Indonesian omelet.
June 2
1. Lunch
- Location: Naughty Nuri’s
- Highlight: Must-order their signature pork ribs—absolutely delicious
Book Naughty Nuri’s Warung Food Experience
2. Souvenir Shop
- Shopping: Best to research what you want to buy 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 Kuta Beachwalk Shopping Center, right across from Kuta Beach. Relax and soak up the sun and sand, and if you’re interested in surfing, give it a try.
4. Finns Beach Club
- Time: Seats available around 5:00 PM
- Suggestion: Good seats require advance booking and payment. 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 to enjoy! Arrive early for meals and sunset views. This beach club is open until midnight, making it a great spot to relax 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. Grab Some Delicious Brownies on the Way
Provided 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, we simply checked out, had lunch, and headed to the airport to conclude this wonderful Bali trip.
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Recommended Private Driver
Finding a good private driver is very important when traveling in Bali, especially when you’re exhausted and struggling with English translation. We recommend Mang Loco, a Balinese who used to work in Taiwan. He learned Chinese from indigenous people and speaks it fluently and humorously. He’s friendly and helpful, feeling more like a friend than a driver.
Tips:
- Itinerary Planning: Roughly plan the attractions you want to visit and let the driver help arrange the route.
- Cost Communication: Discuss extra fees for longer distances or overtime in advance.
- Meal Invitations: Drivers usually don’t eat with guests, but if you like your driver, you can invite them and treat them to a meal.
Final Thoughts
Although this Bali trip was only a few days long, each day was filled with fresh and exciting experiences. From the cultural journey in Ubud to the leisurely vacation in Seminyak, from water activities in Tanjung Benoa to the sunset views in Jimbaran, every moment was unforgettable. Finding a reliable private driver during the trip not only reduced language barriers but also made the itinerary smoother. Bali’s beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage are worth savoring for every traveler. Looking forward to exploring this paradise island again next time!
Do you think Yang Fangyu and their group had an exciting itinerary? Hurry up 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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