Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with this exciting Bali itinerary!
First published: 13 Mar 2018
Relaxing on the beach and lounging in villas all day may be commonplace in short getaways to Bali, but the Island of the Gods has more to offer than that.
If you’re planning a repeat visit, chances are, you’re going to want to do more than go to typical hangouts like Potato Head Beach Club in Seminyak and Kuta Beach. By adding a good mix of nature, adventure and culture, you’ll be getting an entirely different experience from this beautiful island.
Pre-Trip Essentials
Best time to visit: Like Singapore, Bali is only dry or wet. Visit in May, Jun and Sep when it’s dry, and not overly flooded with tourists. Average temperatures range from 29°C – 32°C during the day, and drop to a cooling 22°C – 23°C at night.
Packing essentials: Pack sunscreen and aloe vera gel to prevent sunburns, or purchase them at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport if you’re not checking in baggage. With an array of water sports and hikes almost everywhere, don’t forget your swimwear and sturdy shoes too.
Getting around: With key attractions scattered around, renting a Bali Private Car Charter is a comfortable, efficient and affordable way to explore the island. We had a cushy SUV and a friendly driver to boot! Services like Grab and Gojek are available too.
Travel insurance: TravelCare Insurance (covers adventurous activities and Covid-19 overseas medical expenses)
Connectivity: Pre-book your eSIM (18GB valid for 30 days) — QR delivered via email. Check if your device is compatible with an e-SIM beforehand!
Alternatively, purchase this 4G SIM Card and collect it directly at Ngurah Rai International Airport upon arrival in Bali.
Day 1: Get to Know Ubud
Arrive in Bali
Start your Bali itinerary with a fresh day by catching a morning flight. We flew in via the 7:05AM Jetstar flight and landed at 9:55AM.
Since accommodation check-ins are usually after 2PM, make use of the early head start and get exploring, pronto! Arrange for an airport transfer so you won’t have to worry about lugging everything with you.
Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang
Before your first stop, you might want to change your attire as exploring the hidden Canyon Beji Guwang will definitely get you soaked!
Traverse across gargantuan rocks and uneven walls that literally leave you on the edge of this elusive canyon. For at least 2 hours, you’ll be climbing, jumping, and occasionally lunging across strong currents in waters that can go up your neck — not without a guide to ensure your safety, of course!
*Pro-tip: Bring along booties or you’ll be asked to go barefoot (the guides will carry your footwear).
Beji Guwang Hidden Canyon Trekking Experience in Bali
Cost: From ~S$32.60/pax
Timings: 10AM, 1PM and 1:30PM
Meeting point: Hotel pickup
Read also: 11 Best Things To Do In Bali For Adventure Seekers
Tegenungan Waterfall
In the outskirts of Ubud in Sukawati lies one of the most famous waterfalls around Bali, and also one of the most beautiful — Tegenungan Waterfall. Although it’s a popular tourist spot, the vast area has ample vantage points to have a good look without being distracted by the crowd.
This waterfall is also known by another name — Blangsinga Waterfall. Its name depends on which side of the waterfall you end up at! We found that the view from Blangsinga’s side was better; get there by walking towards the right until you reach the waterfall.
*Pro-tip: Bring a drone if you have one to capture the majestic view in its entirety!
Entrance fee: Rp20,000/pax (~S$1.80)
Opening hours: 6AM – 6:30PM
Address: C7FQ+VH Kemenuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Ubud Market
Photo credit: Klook
Famous for its appearance in the 2010 film Eat Pray Love, shop for an array of handicrafts and souvenirs at the Ubud Market, and its sister Ubud Traditional Art Market. Purchase traditional sarongs, woven straw bags and exotic monk bags, or simply stroll through the open-air street to soak in the atmosphere.
*Pro-tip: Visit during opening hours or right before closing times to get the best bargains. Superstitious stallholders are more inclined to give discounts to first customers to “bless” the rest of the day with good business, and right before they close to simply clinch a quick deal.
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Individual stalls vary)
Address: F7R7+V5F, Jl. Karna, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia (opposite the Puri Saren Royal Ubud Palace)
Campuhan Ridge Walk
End your first day on a high note (literally) with a hike up the Campuhan Ridge Walk. With gentle slopes and sweeping views of Bali’s greenery, it’s the perfect locale to witness the sunset, and makes for an Instagram-worthy photo-op that’ll leave your followers green with envy. 😉
There’s no distinctly marked entrance to the Campuhan Ridge Walk, so we advise having your driver know where to drop you off (near a sign for “Warwick Ibah Hotel“). After which, you’ll see a small sign pointing you towards the direction of the walk.
Further downslope, you’ll see another similar sign (image above), where you’ll have to head down an obscure staircase to the right. We made the mistake of heading straight as the arrow wasn’t very visible.
*Pro-tip: Carry a torchlight with you in case it gets too dark on the way down, as there are no street lamps lining the path. It starts getting dark after 6PM.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: Walk 10mins from Ubud Market
Grilled Dinner at Kedai D’Sawah
For affordable local fare, dig into smokey Ayam Bakar, grilled chicken leg with rice (Rp17,000), or Iga Bakar, grilled pork ribs with rice (Rp25,000) alongside Bali’s local Bintang beer at Kedai D’Sawah.
As with many eateries, or warungs in Bali, this one sits right beside a paddy field, so it’d make a great lunch spot too. Do prepare some insect repellant though; the mosquitoes can be unforgiving.
Opening hours: 11AM – 10PM
Address: F7GH+M6 Kemenuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Day 2: White Water Rafting and North Ubud
White Water Rafting
Now the Bali itinerary really begins! Dive deep into an adventure by rafting along the Ayung River. Be awed by the sights of magnificent waterfalls (the cheeky guides might even lead you right under them!), rock formations, and gorgeous gorges.
For an activity that lasts at least 3 hours long, we’d say this one is the most value for money!
Ayung White Water Rafting
Cost: From ~S$21.70/pax
Timings: Between 9AM – 1:30PM
Meeting point: G65V+5X Kedewatan, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Another sight to behold, the Tukad Cepung Waterfall draws less of a crowd than its mainstream counterpart (the Tegenungan Waterfall), but with the same charm. An hour away from Central Ubud in Bangli, the waterfall is nestled in a cave that’s a 5-minute walk from the entrance.
As a mark of respect, women who are menstruating are advised not to enter, and you should refrain from using foul language while you’re there. Otherwise, enjoy the steep hike down and prepare to get wet in the clear running waters!
*Pro-tip: Visit in the early morning or afternoon to get the best viewing experience, when the sun rays penetrate through the overhead canopies. Avoid visiting after 5PM as the area might become too dark for photos.
Entrance fee: Rp15,000/pax (~S$1.35)
Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM
Address: H95P+HP Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Also read: 11 Lesser Known Scenic Places in Bali You Should Visit
Pura Kehen
Built in the 12th century, Pura Kehen is a Hindu temple that exhibits the elegance of traditional Balinese architecture, and doesn’t draw a massive touristy crowd to ruin its enchantment.
Visitors are required to don a sarong as a form of respect, but don’t worry if you don’t have one as you can rent one for free over the counter. Similar to the Tekud Cepong Waterfall, menstruating women should avoid entering the premises.
Entrance fee: Rp50,000/pax (~S$4.50)
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM
Address: H955+6X Cempaga, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Read also: Ubud Travel Guide: Fun Things to Do in Ubud, Rain or Shine
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
They are ubiquitous across Bali, but don’t miss out on the mother of all rice terraces at the panoramic Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Although it’s a touristy spot, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is large enough for you to have ample personal space with undisturbed views.
For an additional Rp100,000 – Rp200,000, get the chance to hop on one of the three swings for an unparalleled viewing experience of the fields from a different angle.
Entrance fee: Rp25,000/pax (~S$2.30)
Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM
Address: H79H+8P Tegallalang, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A nature reserve that’s also a Hindu temple complex housing over 700 playful monkeys, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is only a short drive away from Central Ubud. Get pally with the resident monkeys, and bring a few bananas to feed them if you’re feeling adventurous enough!
*Pro-tip: Avoid carrying any food or beverages even if it’s in your bag, otherwise the monkeys will tail you and attempt to steal them!
Entrance fee: ~S$7.20/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (ticketing closes 5PM)
Address: F7J6+77 Ubud, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Naughty Nuri’s Warung and Grill
Your Bali itinerary will never be complete without eating at Naughty Nuri’s. There’s no excuse especially if you’re in Ubud, where its first branch opened.
The iconic sight of their signature BBQ spareribs (Rp150,000) grilling right at their entrance never fails to get mouths watering, with lethal cocktails that keep you wanting more.
Spare the “order different dishes, so we can all share” mantra. The other dishes are not remotely half as good (we felt like we were chewing on a tyre with the pork chops).
Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM
Address: G753+28 Kedewatan, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Read also: 4D3N Bali Itinerary — The Ultimate Ubud Getaway Guide
DAY 3: ATV and Seminyak
ATV Quad Bike Adventure
Look ma (or maybe not), no driving licence needed! Get on the longest ATV Quad bike track at Pertiwi Adventure Bali to discover Bali’s rice fields, greenery and villages, riding across uneven terrains that will challenge your inner adventurer.
*Pro-tip: Bring a change of clothes. Your socks will get stained with mud, so we suggest wrapping plastic bags over your feet.
Cost: From ~S$38/pax
Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM (last admission at 2:30PM)
Address: Jl. Dewi Saraswati No. 2, Bongkasa Pertiwi, Abiansemal, Badung – Bali 80352
Lunch at Sisterfields
After a fun-filled morning out in the sun, grab lunch at Sisterfields — an Australian cafe in Seminyak known for its all-day breakfast menu.
All-day breakfast here includes Eggs Benedict Bacon (Rp95,000) and Smashed Avocado (Rp85,000). But if you’d like something more filling, mains like the Original Dirty Burger (Rp100,000) and Bolognese Ristretto & Truffle Pasta (Rp115,000) are also available.
The Acai Berry Bowl (Rp110,000) is a pretty (pun intended) sweet alternative — the generous portion and vibrant colours were a feast for both our stomachs and eyes.
Cost: From Rp70,000/main (~S$6.30)
Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM
Address: JL. Kayu Cendana No.7 Seminyak, Bali 80361
Read also: The Ultimate Bali Food Guide: 21 Things To Eat in Seminyak, Ubud and Nusa Dua
Shopping Along Poppies Lane
Photo credit: @electerious via Instagram
Comprising two lanes, Poppies Lane in Kuta houses an assortment of restaurants, cafes, hostels, bars and shops, ideal for a leisurely afternoon stroll to hunt for souvenirs and chill out.
Address: Jalan Poppies I or II, Legian
Party at Finns Beach Club
Photo credit: Finns Beach Club
Seminyak is known for its nightlife — but rather than squeezing with the crowd in the likes of Potato Head, we prefer chilling on a beach and swimming in a 30m infinity edge pool that also has a swim-up bar at Finns Beach Club.
Entrance fee: From ~S$44.20 via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 12AM
Address: 84MQ+7Q Canggu, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Day 4: Seminyak to Tanah Lot
Bali Nature Biking Trail
Peek into the Balinese lifestyle and cycle past 20km of highlands, forests, temples, villages and rice fields with this Bali Nature Biking tour by Bali Sobek. Like the ATV package, we booked our cycling tour which included pick-up and drop-off from our accommodation, as well as a buffet lunch.
*Pro-tip: Carry some cash with you to purchase souvenirs if you’d like!
*Note: This tour is currently unavailable.
Tanah Lot Temple
A hit with photographers, the immaculate view of Tanah Lot, an offshore temple, is about an hour’s ride out of Seminyak. It makes for the perfect sunset backdrop.
Entrance fee: Rp60,000/pax (~S$5.40)
Opening hours: 6AM – 7PM
Address: 93HP+GP Beraban, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Dine and Drink at Ku De Ta
Image credit: Ku De Ta
End the day with a boujee drink or two at Ku De Ta, an iconic restaurant bar with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
While this is undoubtedly popular with tourists on any regular day, the bar also hosts various events like the Ku De Ta White Party and live music performances to amp up the Bali nightlife experience. Check their website for upcoming events before your trip!
Cost: From Rp120,000/main (~S$10.90)
Opening hours: 8AM – 12AM (closes at 1AM on Fri – Sat)
Address: 8573+4W Seminyak, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Day 5: Explore the Coasts of Uluwatu and Nusa Dua
Water Sports at Nusa Dua Beach
From the banana boat to parasailing, there’s a whole wave of water sports you can partake in over the clear waters of Nusa Dua Beach!
Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes and slather on some sunscreen. Depending on weather conditions, they might halt Parasailing activities, so keep an eye out on the weather forecast and be prepared for any change of events.
Regardless, when all else fails, you can always retreat to the vicinity where there’s a chock-full of restaurants to relax at.
Cost: From ~S$9.60/pax (Banana Boat), from ~S$39.80/pax (Parasailing)
Meeting point: Hotel pickup
Read also: A Lesser-Known Bali: A 48-Hour Nusa Dua and Uluwatu Guide
Pig Out at Art Cafe Bumbu Bali
What’s a Bali itinerary without some indulgence? Swing by Bumbu Bali, located 5 minutes away from Nusa Dua Beach. Chow down on the Nasi Atau — fried rice served with a side of smokey chicken satay skewers (Rp110,000).
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: 56W8+4Q Benoa, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Suluban Beach
Don’t bother with the crowd at the commercialised Jimbaran Beach, and get your tan on at Suluban Beach instead.
A fairly untouched beach littered with gigantic rocks, white sands and crystal clear waters, its relatively low accessibility contributes to its lack of human traffic — yay privacy!
Cost: Free
Address: 53MQ+H8 Pecatu, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Photo credit: Klook
A short 5-minute drive from Suluban Beach, Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of nine temples on the island that wards evil spirits off Bali, sitting majestically on the edge of a 70m-high cliff.
Inside, there are traditional Balinese Kecak dance (~S$12.90/pax) performances that occur daily at 6PM, so come down just in time to look around and watch the dancers.
Entrance fee: Rp50,000/pax (~S$4.50)
Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM
Address: 53CM+8X Pecatu, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Seafood Dinner at New Moon Cafe by Jimbaran Beach
End off your Bali itinerary with a bang! Dine with the sunset in full view at New Moon Cafe, Jimbaran Beach. While the fresh selection of fish, prawns and fruit juices could set you back upwards of 1,000,000Rp, we think it’s a reasonable price for the experience.
Cost: ~Rp250,000/pax
Opening hours: 10AM – 11PM
Address: 65P9+QX Kedonganan, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Where to Stay in Bali
We wanted to make the most of our time and avoid the hassle of changing accommodations, so we set up camp at a central location — Canggu — and made day trips out to explore Ubud, Seminyak and Nusa Dua.
We stayed at Plataran Canggu, a tranquil resort surrounded by lush greenery. Its relaxing, chill vibes provided a nice respite at the end of each action-packed day.
The resort offers several experiences centred on wellness, including a private yoga class. But the highlight of our stay had to be the Padma Spa Treatment. The hour-long treatment left us floating on cloud nine and some of us even fell asleep 😅
Get more out of your stay at Plataran Canggu when you book a Staycation Package via Klook. You’ll get to choose between a free Spa or Cooking Class Experience!
Bali Itinerary for the Adventurous
Every Singaporean visiting Bali doesn’t want to be reminded of the bustling crowds back home, so why stick to the obvious tourist picks that are bound to be teeming with people?
With Bali being eight times larger than Singapore, there are lots to do while avoiding the crowd, and getting the same experience. With this five-day Bali itinerary, you’re guaranteed the best, without the mental stress! 😉
Have you visited any of these places listed in our Bali itinerary? Let us know in the comments!
This post was brought to you by Klook.
Hi, for chartered car booked via Klook for your Bali trip, is it safe to leave our luggage in the car while we leave the car to explore at our attractions?
Hi Christina, based on personal experiences (incl. this trip) we’ve always done that without incident, but if you want to be extra safe you might wanna ensure everything is properly locked up and that you take your valuables along with you 🙂 Cheers!
Loved your blog 🙂 Thanks for the information
<3
hi,
which Airbnb did you stay in Bali.
the photo looks beautiful
Thanks
We love this part of the world! Very good article, thanks for posting it. We last visited Nusa Dua and it was one of the most peaceful holidays we’d ever been on. I took my eight year old son scuba diving for his first time and my daughter to visit the turtles. She dipped her feet in a tank full of fish…they nibble the dead skin from your feet!! Great fun and they really loved the whole experience.