Bali in 5 Days: everything you need to know

Bali is a very large island in Indonesia, so the best way to make the most of a 5-day itinerary is to take advantage of its strategic division. Coincidentally, it is made up of five main areas comprising the north, east, west, south and centre. Of course, there are other districts to explore, but these are the ones to check out if you're short on time. You'll have the chance to see landmarks such as the Ubud Royal Palace, the Sky Gates, the Monkey Forest and the Jatiluwih Rice Fields.

If you prefer to relax and choose less crowded destinations, then don't hesitate to stop by the Beji Guwang Canyon, the Aloha Ubud Swing theme park (where you'll see the famous aerial swings) or the curious Temple of the Bats. The traditional villages are another unquestionable destination, where centuries-old rituals are performed. Here is a 5-day itinerary for you to enjoy the best things to do in Bali.

On the first day I recommend you start off strong by touring the centre of Bali, better known as Ubud. This is a favourite area as it has iconic attractions such as the Royal Palace. Here you'll also find the Monkey Forest, a reserve full of fun-loving macaques used to living with tourists. If you still have energy left, you can spend the afternoon at the Aloha Ubud Swing theme park and end your day at the coffee plantations.

Ubud Royal Palace

The Ubud Royal Palace is one of the best things to do in Bali and an iconic landmark belonging to the royal family. It was built around 1800 and is now home to members of the island's clans, i.e. those who share ancestry and patrilineal lineage. Traditional dance performances are performed here, as well as tours of the rooms, gardens and more photo-worthy spaces.

The traditional dances are well worth seeing, as they use intricate choreography, traditional costumes and tell a 19th-century story. Admission is free, but the dance show starts at 10 euros. It is open every day from 8:00 to 19:00 hrs. To enter it is important to cover your legs and shoulders, as well as to maintain a respectful attitude.

Monkey Forest

From the palace you can take a taxi, which will take you to the Monkey Forest in less than five minutes. At the bus stop in front of Coco Supermarket you can also opt for the bus route that connects to the forest, from 1 euro per trip. This is a reserve open every day, where around 600 monkeys of four different species live.

The monkeys guard the temples and the cemetery, hidden among the paths. Specifically here you can see Pura Dalem Agung, dedicated to the god Shiva, Pura Beji in honour of the goddess Gangga and Pura Prajapati built for the god Prajapati. It also has waterfalls, fountains and bridges that interconnect the reserve. You can combine the visit with a tour of local temples such as Tanah Lot and Kanto Lampo to make the most of your itinerary. General recommendations:

• Avoid touching or feeding the monkeys.
• Be careful with your things, monkeys are curious and mischievous, so they may try to snatch your mobile phone, earrings or anything else that might attract their attention.
• Staycalm if they try to approach you. If they become aggressive, move away slowly and ask the rangers for help.
• Never make eye contact with monkeys.

Aloha Ubud Swing Theme Park

Aloha Ubud Swing is a theme park in Bali, considered one of the most photo-worthy spots on the island. It's only an eight-minute taxi ride from the Monkey Forest. It's worth a couple of hours to swing on the aerial swings, explore bird's nests and sample traditional tea. In the background, you'll have the wonderful Balinese jungle and spectacular views of the rice fields.

It's also noted for its butterfly park, as well as outdoor activities and tours of the Luwak coffee plantations. This is one of the rarest and most expensive coffee beans in the world, as it is extracted from the waste of civets, a mammal that lives in the jungles of Bali. You can find tickets from 28 euros to enjoy an experience where you'll be suspended some 60 metres above the ground.

For the second day I invite you to explore the south of the island, a beach destination that also offers breathtaking canyons and cultural stops. In general, I recommend you slow down and start with a daring hike through Beji Guwang Canyon, which is only recommended for people in good health. It's a bit strenuous, but well worth it. Further on, you can explore the contrasting sounds, smells, tastes and colours of the Sukawati Market. Finally, take a well-deserved break at Padang Padang Beach, where you can lie on the sun loungers or take a surfing lesson.

Beji Guwang Canyon

You can start your day early in the morning to climb the magnificent Beji Guwang Canyon. This is an exotic tourist attraction hidden in Sukawati. It is recommended for people in good physical condition and without health problems, as it has steep slopes and some sections require swimming. It is an uncrowded area, so it is ideal if you want to enjoy a quiet holiday.

I recommend you take this route between April and October, as in the dry season the river flow remains manageable, which makes the route to the top easier. It's quite a trek, but I promise you the panoramic views are worth it. If it's your first time in Bali, it's best to opt for a pick-up service, as the direction to this natural monument is a bit tricky.

Sukawati Market

The Sukawati market is one of **Bali'**s many contrasts, as it is noisy, colourful and with a variety of smells in the air, quite the opposite of the deafening silence of the canyon. To get there you can walk for half an hour or drive for about three minutes to this picturesque spot. It's the ideal place for souvenir shopping because you'll find handicrafts, sarongs for the beach and local clothing such as sarongs, which are long Balinese garments.

Of course, you should be prepared to haggle, the vendors overprice in order to strike a deal with tourists and even find the dynamic amusing. The best time to go is in the morning, just after you come down from the canyon, when it's less crowded. Note that the market is also surrounded by cheaper informal stalls, but it's worth the experience as it's one of the best things to do in Bali.

Padang Padang Beach

After wandering around the market, you'll probably be exhausted and longing for a break. It's time to enjoy the best beaches in Bali, for that you'll have to drive for at least thirty minutes to Padang Padang Beach. This is a beautiful bay surrounded by rolling hills and crystal clear waters, where you can enjoy a relaxing swim or sign up for surfing lessons, a very popular experience on this and other paradise beaches, such as Canggu Beach.

If you enjoy adventures in Padang Padang you can explore the steep cliffs, to find a secret and quiet cove. It's one of the best things to do in Bali, especially if you're looking for a relaxing beach to spend the afternoon. When it's time for lunch you can take advantage of the seafood offered by the plentiful vendors, or find a beachfront beach bar.

The north hides some of Bali' s best activities and is a quieter area with less traffic, tourists and a cooler climate. It is known for its lakes, oases, forested areas and rice paddies. Most people visit to see the twin lakes, which offer a picture-perfect setting. They are also very close to the famous Jatiluwih rice paddies, where you can walk to your heart's content through the exotic plantations.

Bali Twin Lakes

The vegetation of the north is a beauty to behold, as it offers a picture-postcard landscape. In particular, I recommend starting your day at the Bali Twin Lakes, two natural water formations located side by side. Specifically, they are known as Tamblingan and Buyan and are nestled between the volcanic mountains of the exotic local jungle. In May and September the water is at its most pleasant, so these are the ideal months to take a dip.

Swimming is allowed free of charge, but don't make too much noise as it is considered an offence. However, I recommend you check with the local guides who usually look after the reservoir. It is possible to see giant ferns and wild orchids in the surrounding area. It is also surrounded by viewpoints, aerial swings and trekking areas. You can explore them on your own, or join one of Bali' s best tours and just enjoy yourself.

Jatiluwih Rice Fields

Next stop is the Jatiluwih Rice Fields, which are worth a visit, covering around 600 hectares. It's a half-hour taxi ride from the twin lakes, its mile-long green slopes are a visual spectacle and you can follow the meandering paths on foot, or hire an electric bike. This way, you can make the most of your time and have the opportunity to pass through local villages and stop in the bamboo forests.

The tour can take up to five hours and you'll find options from 71 euros, ideal for exploring ancient traditions. If you're looking for things to do in Bali in October, you can take advantage of the harvest closure which offers special events, plantation tours and food tastings. This is your chance to try Nasi Goreng (fried rice with meat, fish or vegetables) and other delicacies.

Bali is a visual spectacle, it is probably difficult to find such scenery in other destinations in the world. For this reason, I recommend you make the most of every second of your itinerary. The western area is a mountainous wonderland, a little further away from the hustle and bustle of Ubad. However, here it is worth exploring ancient villages such as Tenganan, whose traditions will leave you in awe. Further afield, marvel at the lotus flowers above Lotus Lake and explore the Temple of the Bats.

Tenganan

Start the day in the best way, exploring the ancient secrets of the Tenganan people. It is an enchanting village where some of Bali's best tours are condensed. It is also home to the Bali Aga tribe who live here in brick and wooden houses with Balinese thatched roofs. The locals are very friendly and are always happy to welcome visitors and take them on a tour of their traditions.

Among the highlights of the tour is a close look at the weaving process using Geringsing cloth. A curious fact is that a substance is added to the cloth, which according to the locals, ward off illnesses. Occasionally, a ritual is performed in the rice fields to symbolise the transformation from childhood to adulthood, as well as anniversary celebrations in June. Bear in mind it's located about an hour from Bali, you can venture out on your own or take a traditional village tour which usually includes stops at Ubad and Kintamani village.

Lotus Lake

After leaving the village I recommend heading to Lotus Lake, a beautiful lagoon eight minutes' drive away. It is named after the many pink and fuchsia lotus flowers that sprout among the leaves of the pond. It's a free natural attraction, and an interesting fact is that it has a spring that connects to the sea. The best thing is that it won't take you long, as it can be covered in about ten minutes.

If you prefer to stay longer, you can take the hiking trails or visit the fertility shrine, considered one of the best temples in Bali.

Temple of the Bats

Before returning to your accommodation, be sure to take a detour to the Temple of the Bats or Goa Lawah Temple. It was built in the 11th century, when the foundations of Hinduism were just being laid. To get there from the lake you can drive or take a taxi, the journey takes about twenty minutes. It is a place of pilgrimage, so every day you can see people approaching with their offerings.

It gets its name from the fact that it is next to a bat cave, whose gurgling can be heard as you walk through the temple. The noise does not interrupt the meditations and prayers, but rather adds a different touch. It's totally worth it, especially if you want to explore the best local temples.

Before you finish your tour of the Island of the Gods, be sure to schedule an itinerary through the east, where some of the best things to do in Bali are hidden. This is home to the Sidemen Terraces, a picturesque location surrounded by relaxing natural spaces. You can also visit the Taman Tirta Gangga water palace.

Sidemen

Sidemen is a peaceful place where you can enjoy motorbike rides as it is quite small and easy to travel around. It has rice terraces as well as paradise pools. This trip is perfect for camouflaging yourself with the locals and observing their unfiltered lifestyle. Its rice paddies look like mazes, so I recommend joining the best Bali tours and taking a trekking adventure with a local guide.

If it's relaxation you're after, you'll find areas in the village that offer massages using Balinese techniques. The most prized attraction is the Heaven's Gate that leads to the Besakih and Lempuyang temples. Here you definitely need a photo, to immortalise the moment. These are sacred monuments shrouded in history, folklore and great symbolism.

Taman Tirta Gangga

If you like architectural antiquities, you can't miss Taman Tirta Gangga, an ancient water palace located a 30-minute drive from Sidemen. It was built in 1947 and offers a tour dominated by stone statues, sacred springs and beautifully landscaped labyrinths. Swimming in the pool is allowed, in fact locals claim it is holy water with healing powers for the soul.

It is open daily from 6:00 to 19:00, and entrance and parking costs less than 1 euro. It is therefore a must on your itinerary, especially if you want to take advantage of photo opportunities, have fun on the water attractions and end your trip in a dream location.

Without a doubt, a 5-day stay in Bali offers you a perfect window of time to enjoy a full tour of the rice fields, paradise beaches, sacred temples, palaces and other attractions that make the city special. If you still want to enjoy other experiences such as a trip to the Gili Islands, I recommend staying a little longer.