Bali: rice terraces, temples and the best beaches

5 days Indonesia 4 min read

Bali is an island of volcanoes, rice terraces, Hindu temples and surf beaches, and each part has a different feel. The south has the beaches and nightlife, Ubud in the hills is the cultural and craft centre, the north and east are quieter and more traditional, and the islands offshore have the clearest water. Daily offerings on every doorstep remind you the culture is alive, not a show.

Five days works as a split between the south coast and Ubud, with a sunrise volcano hike or an island day trip from one of them. Traffic is slow, so base yourself in two places rather than driving back and forth, and keep early mornings for temples and viewpoints before the heat and crowds.

Turn this guide into a trip plan

Mira builds a day-by-day route with these places on a real map. You can change every stop.

Plan 5 days in Bali

Top places to see

1
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
The famous stepped rice fields just north of Ubud, carved into a steep valley and fed by the traditional subak irrigation system. Walk down into the terraces rather than just looking from the road, and expect small fees at the entrances along the path. Arrive early, before nine, for soft light and empty paths. The fields are greenest a month or two after planting, and golden before harvest.
2
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A forest of ancient nutmeg trees and moss covered temples in the centre of Ubud, home to over a thousand long tailed macaques. The temples and the dragon bridge over the ravine are atmospheric, and the monkeys are entertaining as long as you keep food, sunglasses and loose items packed away. It is a short walk from the Ubud market and palace, and best in the morning.
3
Uluwatu Temple
A sea temple on a cliff edge seventy metres above the Indian Ocean at the southern tip of the Bukit peninsula. The walk along the cliff path is spectacular, especially an hour before sunset, which is when the Kecak fire dance is performed in the amphitheatre. Sarongs are provided at the entrance. Hold on to your hat and glasses, because the monkeys here are expert thieves.
4
Tanah Lot
One of Bali's most photographed temples, built on a rock in the sea off the west coast and cut off at high tide. Visitors cannot enter the temple itself, but the setting at sunset, with waves breaking around the rock, is the draw. It gets very busy, so arrive mid afternoon and walk the coastal path to the Batu Bolong temple on its natural arch, which is quieter.
5
Mount Batur
An active volcano in the north east, 1,717 metres high, climbed in the dark for sunrise over the caldera lake and Mount Agung beyond. The hike takes about two hours up on a rough path, with guides required and pick ups from Ubud around two in the morning. Bring a warm layer and a headtorch. The hot springs on the lake shore are a good way to recover afterwards.
6
Nusa Penida
A rugged island forty five minutes by fast boat from Sanur, with towering limestone cliffs, Kelingking Beach shaped like a T-rex, the natural pool at Angel's Billabong and manta rays at Manta Point. Roads are rough and distances deceptive, so hire a driver rather than a scooter unless you are experienced. Book boats a day ahead and leave early to fit in both the west coast viewpoints and a snorkel.
7
Ubud Art Market
A two storey market in the centre of Ubud opposite the royal palace, selling sarongs, baskets, carvings, silver and paintings from the craft villages around the town. It opens early, with locals shopping for produce before the souvenir stalls fill. Bargain gently and with a smile, starting around half the asking price. The palace across the road hosts traditional dance performances most evenings.
8
Seminyak Beach
A long stretch of grey gold sand on the south west coast, with beach clubs, surf schools and bean bag bars that fill up for sunset. The waves are good for beginner surfers and the sunsets are reliably dramatic. Walk north to Petitenget and Batu Belig for a quieter stretch, or south to Kuta. Swim only between the flags, because rips along this coast are strong.

Good to know

Hire a driver for the day rather than relying on taxis between regions. Ride hailing apps work in the south and Ubud, but are restricted in some villages, and a driver who knows the roads saves hours of traffic.
Wear a sarong and sash at temples, cover shoulders and knees, and do not enter if you have an open wound or are menstruating, as local custom asks. Never step on the small offerings left on pavements and steps.
Carry rupiah in cash for warungs, temple entries and markets. Use ATMs attached to banks rather than standalone machines, and change money only at authorised counters, because sleight of hand at street booths is common.
Only ride a scooter if you are licensed and experienced, wear a helmet, and check your travel insurance covers it. Traffic is chaotic and accidents are the most common serious problem for visitors on the island.

Best time to visit

The dry season from April to October is the best time, with sunny days, lower humidity and calm seas for snorkelling. July and August are busiest, so May, June and September offer the same weather with fewer people. The wet season from November to March brings heavy afternoon rain and rougher seas, though mornings are often clear and the island is at its greenest.

Ready to go?

Get a day-by-day plan for Bali with routes, places to eat and stay, weather and a packing list.

Plan 5 days in Bali

Pack for Bali