Bali, Indonesia has a special place in our hearts and is one of our favorite places that we’ve been to.
We know. Everyone raves about Bali with people spending months here and even having honeymoons in Bali.
There is a good reason why – natural beauty, amazing adventures, picturesque landscapes, friendly locals, fantastic restaurants, best waterfalls, sacred temples, cooking classes, budget-friendly, and so much more.
We had limited time in Bali (only four days) and made the most of it! We originally planned to spend a weekend, but 2 days in Bali isn’t enough!
Here is a recommended Bali itinerary for 4 days to maximize your time and serve as an introduction to the island life for your first visit.
This itinerary includes where to go and what to see in Bali in 4 days, what to do, places to eat, transportation, accommodations, and things to consider. It also assumes that you have four full days dedicated to exploring Bali.
Are you ready to explore this amazing and beautiful island?
Also, read our in-depth post on what to know before traveling to Bali here.
Click on the links to jump and learn about the Bali 4 days itinerary:
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.
How This Itinerary is Organized
With the limited time that we have for our travels, this itinerary focuses on seeing the top bucket list sights each day.
We recommend seeing at least 2-3 places per day, especially if the attractions are in the same area.
Many of the attractions are far apart so grouping attractions in the same area will help with a shorter travel time.
Plus, we don’t want you to be burned out from the travel. You deserve some relaxing time at the end of the day to spend at the pool or beach.
With this itinerary, we didn’t get a chance to fully visit south of Bali such as Canggu, Seminyak (where you can try amazing cafes), Nusa Dua, or the western side. You can read more about other areas to visit here.
In addition, there are a few neighboring islands that need a few days, such as Nusa Islands (you’ll need at least two days in Nusa Penida) or Gili Islands (where you can swim with turtles). There is too much to see in Bali!
If you have more time to explore, check out this post on how to spend 10 days in Bali or our 2 weeks itinerary. You will want to have more time on the island.
As with where to be based for this itinerary, it’s a personal preference. We love to stay in the Ubud area, which is inland. It’s the perfect place for nature – gorgeous jungle areas, rice fields, tons of waterfalls, and more. But, we’ll share options on where to stay below.
Read more: Best Indonesian Islands to Visit
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Pin #1 photo credit: Alyshia Maryanne via Scopio Photos
Pin #2 photo credit: Chloe Boucherit via Scopio Photos
Map of the Bali Attractions to See in 4 Days
Click on the image to see a larger map of where to go on your 4 days in Bali itinerary. Credit: Map data: Google
Bali Itinerary Day 1 – Arrival
You’ve arrived at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International or Domestic Airport (airport code: DPS). Hooray!
Depending on where you flew in, you’ll be either wired and ready to explore the area or exhausted from the long flight.
If you have the energy, consider spending some time in Kuta, Seminyak, or Tanah Lot before departing to your hotel location.
We suggest that you choose one of these places before heading to your accommodation.
Kuta
Kuta is a well-known beach resort area.
It’s the closest area to the airport and takes less than 10 minutes by taxi or private driver. Therefore, it’s packed with tourists, especially during the evening with the party scene.
Kuta is suitable for a day trip or to stay for one night. You don’t need to spend much time in Kuta as there are other more picturesque places to visit on the island.
Some of the best things to do in Kuta are surfing, shopping, and relaxing on the beach.
If you want to relax on the beach, visit one or all of these beaches: Kuta Beach, Pantai Jerman Beach, and Pantai Segara Beach.
One of the unique things about Pantai Jerman Beach is that the end of the walking path has a view of the airport so you’ll see planes landing and departing from the runway. It’s a cool view if you’re into airplanes.
To be honest, we think the beaches in Kuta are average and a bit dirty. We think the beaches in the Seminyak area are better.
Seminyak
Seminyak is a fantastic spot to spend a few hours or a whole day. Read our post on visiting Seminyak in a day here.
This area is known for luxury and high-end resorts and accommodations, yet it’s the perfect spot to relax with the endless black sandy beaches, beach clubs, shopping, cafes, and good eats.
Check out our post on cheap places to eat in Seminyak here.
Seminyak is located 7 to 9 kilometers (4.3 to 5.6 miles) away from the airport. It’ll take about 30 minutes to travel there by car.
If you have the chance, you’ll want to stay in the late afternoon to see the sunset. It’s a beautiful view of bright pinks, purples, and oranges in the skies.
Seminyak Beach area stretches for miles. We usually stop by Double Six Beach for sunset viewing.
The sunsets are gorgeous from Seminyak Beach area.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the iconic temples in Bali. It’s unique as the main temple area is located in the ocean, about 300 meters from the mainland.
Before you enter the main Tanah Lot area, you’ll walk along a walkway with shops and restaurants. Don’t forget to use your bargaining skills if you’re interested in souvenirs. Also, indulge yourself with coconut ice cream and your choice of toppings. The coconut shell is used as a natural bowl.
It’s best to visit Tanah Lot during the early morning, late afternoon, or sunset. Just a heads up that this place is very crowded, especially if there are ceremonies.
If you’re able to time the tides, definitely check it out when the tide is low so you can walk directly to the temple.
Otherwise, you can view the temple from the mainland. It’s still lovely to see the temple from afar. There is a flat walking path along the cliffside so you can see the ocean views and smaller temples.
You can walk down towards the Tanah Lot Temple and close to the ocean, but don’t go too far into the water as Security will blow their whistle.
There is a holy snake at the bottom of the cliff area to the left side. Unfortunately, you can’t see the snake unless you pay a small fee.
Tanah Lot is located 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) away from Kuta which is close by for a visit.
Visiting Tanah Lot is a great start to your four days in Bali!
Tanah Lot Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR ($4.20 USD) for adults, 30,000 IDR ($2.10) for children. Parking is 5,000 IDR ($.33)
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 8217, Indonesia
If you’re interested in a tour, book a sunset tour of Tanah Lot here. Or, choose this tour.
Recommended Restaurant Near Tanah Lot
Warung Cantik
As an introduction to Balinese food, this place is delicious!
Warungs are small, local restaurants in a low-key setting and with affordable prices. It was an amazing place to stop by after visiting Tanah Lot.
You can’t go wrong with any of the items on the menu. The food has bold flavors and oh so delicious.
We highly recommend the Ikan Bakar Gurami (water carp) fish and the clams. The fresh coconuts are also refreshing after a hot day.
Enjoy your meal sitting inside a gazebo and overlooking rice fields.
Address: Jl. By Pass Tanah Lot, Cemagi, Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia
Whew! That was a long day. You’re ready to head to your hotel to check-in. If you have the additional energy, explore the local area, grab some dinner, and/or get a good night’s rest. You deserve the sleep.
Bali Itinerary Day 2 – Explore North Bali
We’re off to a fresh start exploring and heading north of Bali. It’s a day of exploring nature and experiencing fewer crowds at the attractions.
Click here to read our post on things to do in North Bali in one day.
While we visited each of these places individually, you may consider booking this tour to see Ulun Danu Beratan, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and Tanah Lot in a day.
Sekumpul Waterfall
We love seeing waterfalls during our travels, and the Sekumpul Waterfall does not disappoint. It’s considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali and a top waterfall in Asia.
You’ll fall in love with the cascading streams at 260 feet (80 meters) in height and the surrounding greenery.
To get to the waterfall from the admission kiosk, it’s a short 15-20 minute walk along a trail, stairways, and crossing a stream. It’s not scary or difficult but it’s best to be prepared.
At Sekumpul Waterfall, relax at the waterfall, take a swim in the pool area, and consider visiting Fiji Waterfalls which is next door.
Sekumpul Waterfall is a must-see attraction when you visit North Bali.
Sekumpul Waterfall Entrance Fee: Varies
Note: It’s now required to have a tour guide to go down to the waterfall.
During our visit a few years ago, we saw many kiosks encouraging us to pull over to have a tour guide. We skipped these and went straight to the main ticket office.
But it looks like things have changed since our last visit as visitors have been hassled and charged between 150,000 to 200,000 IDR ($10 to 13.30) per person, depending on the length of the journey. So it’s up to you whether you want to visit this place.
Address: Sekumpul, Sawan, Lemukih, Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81171, Indonesia
Book a private tour of Sekumpul Waterfall here.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a small complex that is absolutely stunning. The garden area is luscious green with unique sculptures.
The most famous aspect of this place is Lingga Petak Temple. It’s a famous water temple in Lake Bratan and contains holy water.
Unfortunately, the temple is not accessible from the mainland, unlike Tanah Lot. However, you can hire a wooden boat to kayak around the temple.
When you continue around the temple grounds, there is a section to take Instagrammable photos with Pura Ulun Danu Beratan signage. If you want to go to a partitioned-off area of the lake and walk through the lake, then you’ll need to pay another small admission fee.
There is also a small petting zoo area where you can take photos with animals such as owls and rabbits. Donations are requested to help care for the animals.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a popular temple to visit in North Bali.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR ($5.20) for adults, 50,000 IDR ($3.50) for children. A water bottle is included in the price.
Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
The Bloom Garden (Optional)
Check out The Bloom Garden by Pura Ulun Danu Beratan. If you want to visit a garden with colorful flowers and topiary and take pretty photos, then this is the place to visit.
The garden is a 10-minute drive from Ulun Dan Beratan so it’s easy to combine on the same visit.
Address: Br. Batusesa, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
Bali is known for its endless rice fields.
One of the well-known and impressive rice fields is Jatiluwih Rice Terrace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the Tabanan area. The rice fields are huge at over 600 hectares.
You can easily spend a few hours walking through the various walking paths in the area. There are several stops along the hiking path where you can talk to a local, hear the history of the fields, and even take photos with the scarecrows.
It’s best to come when it’s a vibrant green and on a clear day.
During our visit at the beginning of July, rice was already harvested in most of the area, so it wasn’t a pretty sight. Also, the farmers burned the dry crops to make room for the new harvest. Avoid this time if you’re sensitive to smoke.
Jatiluwih rice terrace is one of the top UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit in Bali.
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace Entrance Fee: 40,000 IDR ($2.70)
Address: Jalan Jatiluwih No No.Desa, Jatiluwih, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Pura Luhur Batukau (Optional)
Despite visiting the popular temples, there is something serene and peaceful about visiting the smaller and intimate, Pura Luhur Batukau (Luhur Batukau Temple).
It’s a quiet temple on the slopes of Mount Batukaru and known to protect from evil spirits.
Since we visited at the end of the day, we were the only ones there.
The best part about this temple is how untouched it is with moss covering the temple walls.
In the back of the temple complex is a small lake that overlooks a smaller temple in the center of the lake. The lake also has huge koi fish if you love to see fish.
What a cool and rustic vibe to this place.
Pura Luhur Batukau Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR ($1.30), includes sarong
Address: Jalan Penatahan-Wongayagede, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 85125, Indonesia
Recommended Restaurant in North Bali, Tabanan Area
If you’re carving Chinese-Indonesian food, then come to this place! There are plenty of noodles and rice dishes to choose from. The Bakmi Goreng Special noodle is yummy.
Prices are reasonable and you get a lovely view of the luscious rice fields and even see a welcome sign in the fields.
The hot matcha latte is also delicious.
This restaurant has several locations throughout Bali, such as in Denpasar.
Isn’t this welcome sign from Bakai Akai adorable?
Address: Jl. Raya Bedugul, Br. Dinas Taman Panda Desa Batunya Kec. Baturiti Kab. Tabanan
Bali Itinerary Day 3 – Explore East Bali
On this day, we’re heading to East Bali to visit the local attractions. Similar to North Bali, there aren’t as many crowds on the east side.
Check out our post on things to do in East Bali.
If you’re pressed for time, consider booking this East Bali tour which includes places that we visited below.
Pura Lempuyang
You can’t visit East Bali without going to Pura Lempuyang (Lempuyang Temple).
It’s one of our favorite temples that we visited especially when you see the views of Mount Agung from the “Gateway to Heaven” at the first temple.
At the first gate, it’s where everyone takes the famous Instagram-worthy shot. Hopefully, it’s a clear day so you can see Mount Agung in the background.
Note: Since this place has become overly popular, the process has changed with the photo session. You must arrive early (before 8:00am), grab a number, and wait until your number is called.
It can be a long process – over 2-3 hours, so you may spend a long time at this location.
This complex is huge and has 7 temples further up the mountain. While most visit the first one, there will be extra time until your number is called.
Walk or take a motorbike to visit the second temple, and hike up the mountain to visit the rest of them. You may see some monkeys along the way up.
This is one of our favorite photos from Pura Lempuyang with some photo magic for the reflection.
Pura Lempuyang Entrance Fee: 55,000 IDR ($3.70 USD)
Address: Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Book this exciting full-day Instagram Shots Tour.
Or, go on a Temples Tour here.
Lahangan Sweet
The long wait time for Lempuyang Temple may be off-putting, so a fantastic alternative is Lahangan Sweet.
It’s a new attraction in the same area as Lempuyang where you can take beautiful photos of Mount Agung on treehouses and high in the skies.
There are also fun spots to take photos, such as the large “Lahangan Sweet” Hollywood letters, boats, and other sections.
Since this place is still a secret, you don’t need to worry about the crowds yet.
It’s recommended to visit this place early in the morning. You’ll have the best visibility with clear skies. It’s possible to visit around sunset time. But, when the fog rolls in, the visibility is zero.
To get here, you can either hike up about 15 minutes or take the Jeep for an additional fee.
Read more on mistakes to avoid when visiting Lahangan Sweet here.
Lahangan Sweet Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR ($2.00), Jeep (50,000 IDR/$3.30)
Address: Banjar Dinas Gulinten, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali
Tirta Gangga Water Garden
Located 20 minutes from Pura Lempuyang is Tirta Gangga Water Garden. This water palace is not large yet it’s still a relaxing and pretty place to visit.
When you first enter the garden, you’ll notice how immaculate the garden is.
On the right side is a pond with guardian statues and stepping stones. Follow the stone trail to walk around the pond and check out the well-fed koi fish (they are huge and swim around you).
It’s a gorgeous place to take photos, albeit a little crowded when visitors take photos on the stone so you’re stuck for a minute. Passing people is possible but be cautious since there isn’t that much room on the stone.
Next to this pond area is another pool for people to bathe/swim in.
The left side has a nice walking path with bridges. It’s not as crowded as the right side, so you can enjoy the views from afar.
Isn’t Tirta Gangga Water Garden gorgeous?!
Tirta Gangga Water Garden Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR ($3.30)
Address: Ababi, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Pura Agung Besakih
Pura Agung Besakih, also known as the Besakih Temple and “Mother Temple” is the biggest and most sacred temple in Bali.
It’s located along the slopes of Mount Agung, and on a clear day, Mount Agung is such a beauty!
This temple complex is huge as it has 80 individual temples. Many people pilgrimage to Pura Agung Besakih from all over Bali for celebrations, burial ceremonies, and other occasions.
To visit the temple, visitors must wear a sarong and have a tour guide, which is included in the admission. There are tour guides that speak English and will take you around the complex.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit many of the temples due to prayers and ceremonies happening but our tour guide did his best to bring us to the main attractions and take photos of us.
A small tip is expected for the guide.
Pura Agung Besakih Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR ($4.00), includes a guide and sarong rental
Address: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia
Recommended Restaurant in East Bali
There are several warungs in front of the Tirta Gangga Water Garden that you can stop by along the way.
Unfortunately, we didn’t try them so we can vouch for their taste. However, there were a few tourists who ate at the warungs.
La Grande Restaurant
Our driver took us to La Grande Restaurant which is next to Tirta Gangga Water Garden. It’s an airy restaurant with views of the green rice fields. There is also a bird’s nest to take a photo with.
While this is a touristy restaurant, the food is delicious.
The menu has a variety of food options from Balinese to Western food. There are sandwiches, burgers, pastas, traditional Indonesian dishes, and plenty of vegetarian options.
We ordered the La Grande fish which was a grilled white fish with vegetables and drizzled in a buttery sauce. The fish was flaky and not overcooked.
We also had the vegetarian gado-gado which had potatoes, cabbage, tofu, tempeh, cucumbers, and other veggies. Drizzle the veggies with the peanut sauce and the dish tastes magical.
If you need to relax, they also have a swimming pool.
Address: 1-minute walk from Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Bali Itinerary Day 4 – Explore Ubud
Ubud is an awesome place to stay in Bali. It’s known for its endless yoga retreats and classes in Ubud. Plus, there are plenty of good restaurants, temples, rice patty fields, and things to do in Ubud in one day.
Don’t forget to choose only 2-3 of the places listed here to check out.
If you have a longer time in Bali, consider spending 3 days in Ubud.
To maximize your time in Ubud, book an all-day tour of Bali including Ubud.
Or, consider this private Ubud tour here.
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah is also known as the “Elephant Caves.” Although there aren’t any elephants in the area, this temple is a historic archeological site. It was built as a spiritual place for meditation over 1100 years ago.
The carving on the cave entrance is unique as the creature has its mouth open to swallow or eat the visitors that enter the cave. The cave itself is very small and narrow, so it’s not suitable for those who are claustrophobic. Locals still use the cave for prayers and offerings.
Other sections of this area include bathing pools, a Buddha temple, and a forest area with large ancient trees and boulders.
Outside of this temple area includes various shops for shopping.
Goa Gajah Entrance Fee: 50,000 IDR ($3.50), includes sarong
Address: Jl. Raya Goa Gajah No.99, Kemenuh, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Kajeng Rice Fields and Juwuk Manis Rice Fields
Can’t get enough of the rice patty fields? If you’re in Ubud, check out the Kajeng Rice Fields and Juwuk Manis Rice Fields.
You’ll love this place as it’s free to access! It’s a hidden gem tucked behind a residential area and a must-see in Ubud.
The two rice fields connect via a dirt walking path. Walking through the greenery and the manicured rice fields is peaceful. The path isn’t crowded with visitors either.
Since the rice fields are on private property, you are not allowed to walk directly onto the rice fields.
Stop by the Sweet Orange Warung for a meal or to check out the decorative heads made out of coconut shells.
There are also smaller warungs offering cold and refreshing young coconut for 15,000 IDR ($1.00) each.
Depending on where you started for the trail, there is a random abandoned building (and now an art corner) that you can walk through.
Kajeng Rice Fields and Juwuk Manis Rice Fields Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Jl. Kajeng No.88, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Ubud Royal Palace
Located in central Ubud, Ubud Royal Palace (also known as Puri Saren Agung) is a popular landmark to check out for Balinese architecture. In the past, the palace was a place of residence for the Ubud royal family.
The palace area is small and can be seen in less than 10 minutes.
In the evenings, the palace has a Legong dance show which is a separate fee. If you want to see the performance, buy a ticket from one of the sellers standing in front of the palace.
Ubud Palace is a recommended place to visit in Ubud.
Ubud Royal Palace Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Ubud Art Market
If you love souvenirs, definitely stop by the Ubud Art Market.
Located across from the Ubud Palace, take some time to explore the various shops and stores in the market building and along the side streets.
Stock up on paintings, figurines, sarongs, handbags, and more! If you want one of the fashionable rattan purses, you’ll have a variety of designs to choose from at the market. Don’t forget to bargain!
*As a heads up, the Ubud Art Market area is currently getting renovated. The vendors are spread into the side streets along the main road.
Ubud Art Market Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Jalan Raya Ubud No.35, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Pura Taman Saraswati
Who knew there was a water temple next to Cafe Lotus?
It’s a great stopover to see Pura Taman Saraswati (Saraswati Temple) when you’re visiting central Ubud. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati.
The temple area is small, yet lovely with lotus growing in the pond.
The evenings have a traditional dance performance where you can have prime seating at Cafe Lotus.
Pura Taman Saraswati Entrance Fee: Free
Address: Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Tegallalang Rice Fields
Tegallalang rice terrace is a fantastic side trip from Ubud as it’s 25 minutes away from Ubud Palace.
It’s the perfect place to visit to get the picturesque spots of Bali and the green rice fields. You can never have enough greenery during a vacation.
You can spend a few hours here going on a short hike through the rice terraces, trying one of the famous “Bali swings” or bird’s nests, or hanging out at one of the warungs along the Tegallalang main street.
As a heads up, many of the warungs will invite you to their restaurant so you can explore the rice terraces. But, you are not obligated to purchase any drinks or food.
Read our Tegallalang rice terrace guide for more information such as the official entrance and hiking tips.
Aren’t the Tegallalang Rice Terraces gorgeous?! Visiting this place is one of the reasons that you need to go Bali!
Admission Cost: 25,000 IDR ($1.70)
Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest, also known as Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, is one of the main attractions to visit in Ubud. It’s a sanctuary for the grey long-tailed macaques that live in this sacred forest.
If you’re visiting Bali with family and kids, this place is a wonderful activity for kids to see wildlife.
Beware of your surroundings if you have food. We were in the area and saw an aggressive monkey attack a tourist. The monkey jumped onto a guy’s arm as he held onto a mangosteen fruit peel and wouldn’t let go until he dropped it.
Check out these tips on how to visit Monkey Forest.
Admission Cost: Buy tickets ahead of time here.
- Weekdays: 80,000 IDR ($5.30) for adults, 60,000 IDR ($4.00) for children
- Weekends: 100,000 IDR ($6.70) for adults, 80,000 IDR ($5.30) for children
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Recommended Restaurants in Ubud
Below are a few of our favorite restaurants to try. Check out the full list of the best places to eat in Ubud.
Warung Pondok Madu
It’s farther south of central Ubud, but oh so delicious. It’s known for its local pork ribs and its food cooked in coconut oil.
Everyone receives a complimentary bowl of fresh spicy shrimp chips. They have a nice little kick to them!
Everything was delicious, including the Indonesian seasoned pork ribs and our go-to dish, Gurami Bakar (water carp).
Quench your thirst with vegan smoothies and avocado smoothies (or other seasonal fruits.)
This meal at Warung Pondok Madu was one of our favorites! Yes to tempeh!
Address: Jalan Jatayu, Tebesaya, Ubud, Peliatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Naughty Nuri’s Warung
Craving BBQ? Consider visiting Naughty Nuri’s Warung in Ubud.
Locals and visitors come here for their finger-licking good BBQ pork ribs and BBQ items.
It’s crowded and cost more than your typical Indonesian food, however, you won’t get enough of the bold flavors! Come here early to grab a seat. The restaurant does have some vegetarian items (tempeh is great but skip the vegetarian curry.)
Address: Jl. Raya Sanggingan No.88X, Kedewatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Bebek Tepi Sawah
Bebek Tepi Sawahis another great place for traditional Indonesian food and crispy duck.
Visitors can choose to sit in a gazebo or the general dining area. You get a nice view of the rice fields in the middle of the restaurant.
Some of the recommended dishes are the Nasi Campur and the crispy duck. Prices are on the higher end but the food has very good flavors.
Address: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Br. Teges Peliatan, Ubud, Peliatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Kakiang Garden Cafe
Don’t confuse this place with Kakiang Bakery which is closer to the Monkey Forest area.
Kakiang Garden Cafe is a good bakery if you’re in the area and staying next to the Element Hotel.
We loved the baked goods options from the matcha donut, coconut pandan bread, and almond croissants.
You can also do takeaway orders of items on the menu in the morning.
In addition, the dining area in the house and the back patio area are adorable with the decorations.
Address: Jalan Raya Andong, Petulu, Ubud, Petulu, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Bali Itinerary Day 5 – Depart Bali
It’s time to leave Bali and head back to Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International or Domestic Airport.
If you have time a few hours before your departure flight, you may want to stop by the Hidden Canyon to go canyoning for a few hours.
Or, you can be ambitious and complete a Mount Batur sunrise trek before the day even starts!
Note: Hiking Mount Batur is currently suspended until further notice. Read more here.
With your incredible experiences and adventures from visiting Bali in 4 days, now you can share with your family members and friends what an exciting place it is to visit!
How to Get Around in Bali
Bali is spread out so you need to have a form of transportation to get around. The transportation prices in Bali vary depending on your budget. Here are four options to consider.
1. Rent a scooter/motorbike.
Know how to ride one? It’s beneficial to rent one of these to have more flexibility with your schedule.
It’s one of the more affordable options as daily rates are between 60,000 IDR to 300,000 IDR ($4 – $20.10 USD).
The traffic is congested around the airport area and during the main rush hour. Therefore, it’s not a good idea to learn how to drive a motorbike here. We saw many motorbikes squeeze between the cars and bypass the cars during traffic areas.
Drivers on motorbikes are more aggressive than drivers in cars.
Please be careful by driving slowly and watching your surroundings. Motorbike crashes happen often and you see many visitors in bandages. Also, you must wear your helmet for safety.
Here are two options for motorbike rental:
Read More: Our Experience Riding a Motorbike on Nusa Penida
2. Rent a car.
Car rentals are affordable with prices ranging from 200,000 IDR to 300,000 IDR ($13.40 – $20.10 USD) per day. It’s a good option if you want to visit Bali sights at your own pace.
In Indonesia, the driver’s seat is on the right side. So, if you’re from the U.S. or places with the driver on the left side, you’ll need to switch your mindset with turning into lanes and the steering wheel switches.
Please inquire if there is any car insurance or what the process is for any damages during the rental.
3. Hire a driver.
Hiring a driver is one of the easiest ways to not stress on your vacation. Bali’s traffic is horrendous at times. The roads are not the greatest as they are windy, narrow, and sometimes a pothole mess.
We always hire a driver when we travel to Bali. It’s convenient since we don’t need to worry about navigating the streets and finding parking at the local attractions. Plus, it helps to have a car when traveling to Bali in the rainy season since the rain can happen at any time.
The private driver cost can range from 500,000 IDR to 700,000 IDR ($34-$47 USD) depending on your starting location and where you want to visit for the day.
It’s not the cheapest option but it’s worth the cost and your own safety. Plus, it’s helpful to have a driver when you have a large group traveling or if there are older travelers or babies.
If you want a recommendation from our driver that we used, contact us and send us a note.
We always have a driver for pick-up/drop-off at the airport and for day trips. The price is also fair due to the long distances each day. Our driver is safe on the roads and can provide tips on where to go in Bali.
4. Book tours in advance.
There is nothing wrong with taking tours! They’re convenient as tours include pick-up/drop-off from accommodations and ticket entrances. Sometimes food is provided on the tour, so you’ll need to check what is included.
Check out the links through this post on places to visit for the day trip. You can also find tours along the main areas of your accommodations to book tours.
5. Take Ride-Hailing Cars or Motorbikes.
Grab and GoJek are the most popular ride-hailing companies on the island. You must use a smartphone and have the apps on your phone to book a car or motorbike pick-up.
You’ll also need to have a data plan, so buy a SIM Card at the airport.
Or, if you’re from the U.S. consider switching to an international phone plan with Google Project Fi. Get data access and text messages without needing to pay extra fees. We’ve used this service since 2016 and it works perfectly in Indonesia. Sign up here.
The Grab and GoJek app works the same as Uber where you input the starting and ending location. When a driver arrives at your starting location, check the license plate to make sure that the information matches the app.
The payment is often cashless as you can pay with a credit card through the app. Cash is also accepted but you’ll need to have exact change.
We suggest using Grab or GoJek for going short distances, such as in one area or to a neighboring area. We do not recommend using this for a long trip or to remote places since you may not get a driver to return to your accommodation.
Where to Stay in Bali
Bali has all of the accommodations that you’d want – budget-friendly, guest houses, luxury, and resorts. It’s hard to choose which one to stay in, let alone which area to stay in Bali.
Areas to Consider
If you prefer to stay along the beaches and have easy access to cafes, then it’s recommended to stay in Seminyak or Canggu areas. You’ll get some awesome sunset views from the beaches here.
Seminyak is considered an upscale area with boutique and luxury resorts and hotels, beach clubs, and boutique shops.
We stay in Seminyak for at least 1 day when we have a longer trip to Bali. Even though it’s considered a high-end area, you can find cheap places to stay and also affordable restaurants to eat at.
Canggu is famous for digital nomads working remotely and has many cafes to hang out and work. It’s more laid-back compared to Seminyak, and just as lovely to spend an evening.
Other beach spots include Kuta, Uluwatu, and Sanur. As mentioned earlier, Kuta is a popular beach area with shopping and plenty of nightlife activities.
Uluwatu is located on the south end of the island. The famous temple is Uluwatu Temple where you can see the Kecuk fire dance performance in the evenings.
Sanur is a quieter beach area. Many visitors head to Sanur for a day trip since the Sanur Port is where you depart to go to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida. If you have more time, 3 days in Sanur is a good amount of time.
Nusa Dua is an area where many of the all-inclusive luxury resorts and chain luxury hotels are located. It’s located south of the island and is a bit isolated. You’ll need to have transportation to/from the area for any day trips.
Ubud is another fantastic area if you prefer nature and a quieter area. This area is located inland so it does not have any beaches or oceans accessible. But, you’ll be surrounded by jungle, luscious trees, and rice fields. It’s a popular spot for yoga retreats since it’s such a peaceful area.
Where Did We Stay?
We decided to stay in Ubud due to the central location on the island. Plus, it was easier to leave from here to visit the various attractions during our 4 days in Bali.
Check out other accommodation options in Ubud here on Booking.com.
Recommendation: Element by Westin Bali Ubud
In Ubud, we recommend the hotel, Element by Westin Bali Ubud. It’s a mid-level hotel that averages around $95 USD per night. Since we’re Marriott members, we used our hotel points for our stay.
Rooms are clean and a good size, has tons of sunlight that come in, and are also eco-friendly with shampoo and body wash containers in the bathroom. Plus, this place is surrounded by so many trees!
The hotel is located within a 20 to 30-minute walk to central Ubud, so it is a little farther away. But, you won’t encounter crowds and noise here.
Other complimentary amenities include the use of the fitness center, pool, yoga classes (unfortunately we couldn’t take advantage of them due to our packed schedule), bike rentals on a first-come, first-served basis, and shuttle rides to and from the Ubud Monkey Forest.
The hotel also has an on-site restaurant.
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Additional Tips for Visiting Bali
Below is a snapshot of some additional Bali travel tips to know.
Check if you need a visa or if you can get a visa on arrival.
Currently, 90+ countries may enter Indonesia with a visa on arrival, such as the United States. It’s valid for 30 days. The cost is 500,000 IDR or $35 USD, and cash is the only acceptable payment.
Here are the additional currencies accepted – Singaporean Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pounds, Saudi Arabia Real, Thailand Bhat, Canadian Dollars, Swiss France, Korean Won, Malaysian Ringgit, and Chinese Yuan.
It’s easy to get a visa on arrival at the airport. Or, you can apply for an electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) ahead of time here.
Pay for the Bali Tourist Tax
As of February 14, 2024, all tourists entering Bali will need to pay 150,000 IDR on top of the visa on arrival. The tax is to help preserve the island’s heritage and enhance tourism. You can pay for the tax online here with a credit card.
You’ll need to exhibit patience as Bali’s roads are congested.
Even though a place is 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) away, it can take over an hour to get there by car.
Please account for travel time especially if you’re going to areas north or east of the island.
Respect the rules at the temples.
Everyone must wear a sarong to cover the knees and also cover the shoulders.
Women on their menstrual cycle are also not allowed in temples.
Bali still uses cash as the main form of currency.
Cash is king in Bali!
ATMs are available in the main tourist areas of Bali. You may need to go to several ATMs to find one that works with your card.
Or, there are money exchange places. The exchange rate is usually listed outside of the building or kiosk. Please remember to check your currency to make sure that you received the correct amount.
Some restaurants and stores take credit cards but will add a 3% surcharge for usage. You can ask ahead of time if the restaurant or store charges the fee before usage.
If you’re from the U.S. and you’re looking for a travel credit card with no international transaction fees, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred. You can earn bonus points too. This is the credit card that I’ve used for years and haven’t had any issues. Learn more here.
Hydrate often!
It’s hot and humid in Bali, especially if you’re not used to the weather.
Dehydration and heat stroke are very possible on your trip, so don’t forget to bring and drink lots of water on your daily adventures.
You’ll learn to love eating tempeh.
Tempeh is a fermented soybean that is delicious when fried. Every warung and restaurant has its own version of homemade tempeh.
Final Thoughts
We LOVED our time in Bali from seeing lots of temples, eating delicious foods, seeing endless rice fields, and more. Spending 4 days in Bali is not enough time, but it’s a good start for first-time visitors.
We’ve been back to Bali many times so check out our 2 week Bali itinerary for a longer visit.
If you need ideas on other places to visit in Indonesia, check out our posts:
Visiting Bali soon? What places do you want to see in this 4 days in Bali itinerary? Let us know more about your upcoming Bali trip in the comments below or via our social media channels.
Love this post? Save it to your Indonesia Pinterest board.
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Pin #1 photo credit: Filippo Cesarini via Scopio Photos
32 comments
Jackie, this detailed itinerary is just the kind of post I love! I’ve seen a lot of pins and Instagram pics about Bali, but your photos and descriptions gave me a better sense of the place. That shot of you and your husband at Pura Lempuyang is amazing 🙂
Thank you Chelsea! We’re thrilled that you found this 4 day itinerary in Bali useful. Definitely check out Pura Lempuyang when you visit Bali. You’ll love the temple.
This place is stunning, no wonder so many people want to visit. I love all the towering waterfalls and that temple out on the water – just gorgeous. I’m thinking a trip to Bali is in my near future.
Olivia – Schedule a trip to Bali now! It’s a beautiful place and you won’t be disappointed with the attractions and offerings. Let us know when you visit!
This is very helpful for someone who will be visiting Bali and traveling alone for the first time. Great reco! will definitely try this out. – Adrian
Thanks Adrian for the kind words. Have a fabulous time in Bali. Let us know how your trip goes.
Hi
I have 6 days and would love to go ubud as well kuta / seminiyak.
Please suggest 3 star budget hotel and itinerary
Hi Sonal. Kuta and Seminyak are great additions to an itinerary. Unfortunately, we haven’t spent as much time in these areas so we don’t have any recommendations. As with the hotels, there are plenty of guesthouses that are affordable depending on your budget. We’ll reach out to you as well over email.
This post was everything I need to pull the trigger and book a trip to Bali. Thank you for your itinerary!
Thanks Tammy! We’re thrilled to hear that you’re headed to Bali. Have an amazing vacation!
I will be going to Bali in September for the first time and by myself. Thank you for sharing it gives me an idea where to start and go for the first few days.
You’re welcome Amber. We’re glad to happy to hear that you have some ideas on where to visit during your first few days in Bali. Let us know if you have any questions during your planning phase.
Really good recommendations, Jackie. Best post I’ve read on Bali yet. Will be contacting you shortly for our trip in October. Thanks and glad you are having so much fun!
You’re welcome! We look forward to hearing from you about your Bali plans in October. You’ll have an amazing time!
Thank you so much Jackie. We’ve learned a lot of useful info from your post. We’ll be spending my wife’s birthday in Bali and your recommendations are valuable. Thank you
Daniel – We’re glad that you enjoyed this post. Have a wonderful time celebrating your wife’s birthday in Bali!
Going to visit Bali with my office mates and was looking for a perfect blog to get the top things to do there within a 3 days trip. Thanks for this! I will definitely do these things there.
Hi Jagjit – Three days in Bali provides a good taste of the island life. Enjoy the time off with your colleagues.
Great information and gorgeous photography. Bali is on my bucket list and I can’t wait to visit. Hopefully very soon. Thanks for all this info. It’s very helpful.
You’re welcome. We’re excited to hear that you’re visiting Bali soon. Let us know if you have questions during your planning phase.
Hi Jackie. Can you suggest me to have 4days 3nights itinerary for my coming trip next week. I would appreciate it. If you can suggest Beach and mountain, temples at the same but I’m not sure my timeline. Which one is better to do first. And I’m going to stay at Ubud. Anyway, my arrival in Bali on my first day is 6pm or 7pm so I’m not sure what to do.????
Hi Rizza – Have a fabulous time during your 4 days in Bali. This itinerary provides a good overview on what you can do during your 4 days. Feel free to browse through our other post to give you some ideas: Adventures in Indonesia (has some info on Bali): https://lifeofdoing.com/amazing-adventures-in-indonesia/ or Best Waterfalls in Bali (https://lifeofdoing.com/best-waterfalls-in-bali). As with Ubud, you can head to the main area to walk around to eat and go shopping.
This is the best guide to Bali I have read! Your pictures are gorgeous and I love your detailed information and tips. I’m so ready for the world to return to normal and we can safely travel again
Appreciate your comment, Nicole! Hope you can visit Bali soon! We can’t wait to go back to Bali as our original plans to visit in April has been canceled.
I have been wanting to go to Bali for a long time and only for 3 days. I was looking for a complete travel guide. I am glad I found this article. I will be visiting in October.
Hi Sagar. Enjoy your time in Bali! Glad to hear that you enjoyed this Bali guide.
Dear Jackie
Thanks so much!
Looking to visit for 4 days and 2 to Yogyakarta with parents 83 and 87. Have contacted an agent to arrange for transport and hotels. The walk to the waterfall, is it an easy walk? Is this a good time?
Thanks
Hello Vasu,
What an exciting trip to Bali and Yogyakarta! Hope you and your parents have an awesome time.
As with your question about the waterfalls, it will depend on which waterfall you visit. We haven’t been to all of Bali’s waterfalls, but the ones that we visited (Sekumpul and Banyumala) required a short walk or hike from the parking lot and were on muddy, unpaved trails. It may be slippery for your parents.
I suggest asking your accommodations for their suggestion on easier waterfalls to visit.
Enjoy your time.
Hi Jackie,
I stumbled upon your post by chance and felt excited just imagining myself in Bali! I’m currently planning for a 4 day trip too to Bali and I kinda felt lost a bit. I’m clueless as to where to stay and where to begin my trip. And this is going to be my virgin trip to beautiful Bali. I have lots of questions because I need to consider my special need kid which I tag him along. He’s 24 by the way. Oh, my BFF is also joining me too.
Any suggestions or recommendations?
Thanks.
Hi Aries. What an exciting opportunity to visit Bali for the first time!
It’s best to figure out where you want to be based and then you can do day trips from there. Many visitors stay in Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu as these places are close to the beach and have lots of cafes. If you prefer nature and greenery, then Ubud will be a better location.
This 4 day Bali post has some ideas on what you can do on your short visit. You can also check out our 2 weeks Bali itinerary (https://lifeofdoing.com/2-weeks-in-bali-itinerary-indonesia/) so you can see other options and create an itinerary from there.
Feel free to reach out if you have other questions.
Hi Jackie,
Currently I work in East Kalimantan and planned to meet my family in Bali to spend 4 days vacation. I was scanning webs looking for best travel guide and luckily came across your article. I sent this to my wife so she’ll have a glance on what she should be expecting in Bali.
Together with her sisters and my son traveling from Manila, this guide would be a big help to optimize our stay in the Island.
Thank you and hope for more travel guides.
Hello Victor Allan! Thanks so much for the kind words on our 4 days in Bali post. Please let your wife know to reach out at any time if there are questions about Bali or need help with planning. Cheers!