Bali, Indonesia has a special place in our hearts and one of our favorite places that we’ve been to. We know. Everyone raves about Bali with people spending months here and even have honeymoons in Bali. There is a good reason why – natural beauty, amazing adventures, picturesque landscapes, friendly locals, delicious food, best waterfalls, sacred temples, cooking classes, and so much more. We had limited time at Bali (only four days) and made the most of it!
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. We originally planned to spend a weekend, but 2 days in Bali isn’t enough! With this itinerary, it 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?
Click on the links to jump and learn about the Bali 4 days itinerary:
- Day 1 – Arrival and Explore Kuta and Ubud
- Day 2 – North Bali
- Day 3 – East Bali
- Day 4 – Ubud
- Day 5 – Travel Day
- How to Get Around in Bali
- Where to Stay in Bali
- Helpful Tips For Visiting Bali
As you can see with our itinerary, we didn’t get a chance to visit South of Bali such as Canggu, Seminyak (where you can try amazing cafes), Nusa Dua, Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida (you’ll need at least two days)), west side, or Gili Islands (where you can swim with turtles). There is too much to see in Bali! We’ll do a return trip in the future to explore more areas.
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.
Read More: Spend One Day at Komodo National Park, Indonesia
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
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Bali Itinerary Day 1 – Arrival
You’ve arrived at Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International or Domestic Airport. 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 and Tanah Lot before departing to your hotel location.
Kuta
Kuta is the closest area to the airport and takes less than 10 minutes by taxi to go to this well-known beach resort area. It’s packed with tourists, especially during the evening with the party scene. The area is good as a day trip or for one night, but you don’t need to spend very long in Kuta as there are other more picturesque places to visit.
Some of the best things to do in Kuta are surfing, shopping, and relaxing 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.
Tanah Lot
Tanah Lot is one of the iconic temples in Bali and is unique as the temple area is along the edge of a rock. It’s located 20km (12.4 miles) away from Kuta which is close by for a visit. Before you enter the main temple area, you’ll walk along a walkway with shops and restaurants. Indulge yourself with ice cream and your choice of toppings out of a coconut shell.
It’s best to visit Tanah Lot during the early morning or late afternoon/sunset. If you’re able to time the tides, definitely check it out when the tide is low so you can to walk directly to the temple. Otherwise, you’ll see the temple from the mainland which is still a lovely view. Just a heads up that this place is very crowded.
Tanah Lot Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR ($4.20) adults, 30,000 IDR ($2.10) children
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 8217, Indonesia
Book a sunset tour of Tanah Lot here.
Visiting Tanah Lot is a great start to your four days in Bali!
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 our visit to Tanah Lot. You can’t go wrong with any of the items on the menu. We highly recommend the Ikan Bakar Gurami (water carp) fish and the clams. Food had bold flavors and oh so delicious. The fresh coconuts are also refreshing after a hot day. Enjoy your meal sitting inside a gazebo and overlook 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 rest. You deserve the sleep.
Bali Itinerary Day 2 – Explore North Bali
We’re off to a fresh start to explore and heading north of Bali. It’s the day of exploring nature and also experience fewer crowds at the attractions. Here are some recommended things to do in North Bali in one 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. In order 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. Relax at the waterfall, take a swim, and consider visiting Fiji Waterfalls which is next door.
Sekumpul Waterfall Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR ($1.30 USD)
Address: Sekumpul, Sawan, Lemukih, Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81171, Indonesia
Take a private tour of Sekumpul Waterfall.
Sekumpul Waterfall is a breathtaking waterfall to visit in Bali!
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a small complex that is absolutely stunning. Lingga Petak Temple is the famous water temple along Lake Bratan and contains holy water. Unfortunately, the temple is not accessible, unlike Tanah Lot. However, you can hire a wooden boat to kayak around the temple.
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan Entrance Fee: 75,000 IDR ($5.20) adults, 50,000 IDR ($3.50) children
Address: Danau Beratan, Candikuning, Baturiti, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82191, Indonesia
Reserve a tour of Ulun Danu Beratan and Jatiluwih Rice Terrace here.
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 of 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 and farmers burned the dry crops to make room for the new harvest.
Jatiluwih Rice Terrace Entrance Fee: 40,000 IDR ($2.70 USD)
Address: Jalan Jatiluwih No No.Desa, Jatiluwih, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82152, Indonesia
Take a tour and explore Jatiluwih Rice Terrace on an electric bike.
Pura Luhur Batukau
Despite visiting the popular temples, there is something serene and peaceful about visiting the smaller and intimate, Pura Luhur Batukau. It’s a quiet temple on the slopes of Mount Batukaru and known to protect from evil spirits. We were the only ones here at the end of the day. 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 which overlooks a smaller temple in the center of the lake. The lake also has huge koi fish if you love fish. What a cool and rustic vibe to this place.
Pura Luhur Batukau Entrance Fee: 20,000 IDR ($1.30 USD), includes sarong
Address: Jalan Penatahan-Wongayagede, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Wongaya Gede, Penebel, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 85125, Indonesia
The smaller temples, such as Pura Luhur Batukau, are lovely to visit as they aren’t as crowded.
Recommended Restaurant in North Bali, Tabanan Area
Bakmi Akai
This restaurant has several locations throughout Bali, such as in Denpasar. 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.
Address: Jl. Raya Bedugul, Br. Dinas Taman Panda Desa Batunya Kec. Baturiti Kab. Tabanan
Isn’t this welcome sign from Bakai Akai adorable?
Bali Itinerary Day 3 – Explore East Bali
On this day, we’re heading to East Bali to visit the local attractions. Similarly to North Bali, there aren’t as many crowds on the east side. Here are some recommended things to do in East Bali.
Pura Lempuyang
You can’t visit East Bali without going to Pura Lempuyang! 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. This complex is huge and has 7 temples. Most visit the first one, but if you have additional time, take the trek up the mountain to visit the other temples. You may see some monkeys along the way up.
Pura Lempuyang Entrance Fee: By donation
Address: Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Book these exciting tours to see Pura Lempuyang: Instagram Shots or Temples Tour
Lempuyang Temple is a photogenic spot to visit in Bali.
Tirta Gangga Water Garden
Located 20 minutes from Pura Lempuyang is Tirta Gangga Water Garden. 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!) It’s a gorgeous place to take photos, albeit a little crowded when stuck on a stone. The left side has a nice walk path. This place is not large though still a relaxing place to visit.
Tirta Gangga Water Garden Entrance Fee: 30,000 IDR ($2 USD)
Address: Ababi, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Isn’t Tirta Gangga Water Garden gorgeous?!
Pura Agung Besakih
Pura Agung Besakih, also known as the “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. In order to visit the temple, visitors must have a tour guide, which is included in the admission. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to visit many of the temples due to prayers but our tour guide did his best to bring us to the main attractions and take photos of us.
Pura Agung Besakih Entrance Fee: 60,000 IDR ($4 USD), includes a guide, motorbike ride to the entrance, and sarong rental
Address: Besakih, Rendang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80863, Indonesia
Add Besakih Temple to the itinerary when you visit East Bali.
Recommended Restaurants 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.
Since our driver didn’t know about restaurants in the area, we did take out from a local bakery, Kakiang Garden Cafe, at our home base in Ubud.
Bali Itinerary Day 4 – Explore Ubud
Ubud is an awesome place to stay in Bali. It’s known for their 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. If you have a longer time in Bali, consider spending 3 days in Ubud. Let’s go explore!
Book an all-day tour of Bali including Ubud.
Goa Gajah
Goa Gajah is also known as the “Elephant Caves.” Although there aren’t any elephants in real life or 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 it’s mouth open to swallow or eat the visitors that enter the cave. The cave itself is used 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
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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! It’s a hidden gem tucked behind a residential area and a must-see in Ubud. The two rice fields connect together via dirt walking path. Walking through the greenery and the manicured rice fields is peaceful and the path isn’t crowded with visitors either. Unfortunately, you can’t 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. Depending on where you started for the trail, there is a random abandoned building 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). It’s a great introduction to 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 within 10 minutes. In the evenings, the palace has a Legong dance show which is a separate fee.
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!
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, a restaurant? It’s a great stopover to see Pura Taman Saraswati Temple when you’re visiting central Ubud. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. The evenings also has 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
Some other places to consider in Ubud
We didn’t have enough time to visit these sites in Ubud, but we’ll be back!
Tegalalang Rice Fields
We missed out on visiting the Tegalalang Rice Fields during this first trip, yet we were able to visit it on our second time in Bali. From our research and viewing social media, it’s the place to visit to get the picturesque spots of Bali and the rice fields. You can never have enough greenery during a vacation.
Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Monkey Forest (Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary) is one of the main attraction to visit in Ubud. If you’re visiting Bali with family and kids, this place is a wonderful activity for kids to see wildlife. It’s a sanctuary for the grey long-tailed macaques that live in this sacred forest.
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 peel of a mangosteen fruit and wouldn’t let go until he dropped it. Check out these tips on how to visit Monkey Forest.
Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Book a tour of Ubud, including Monkey Forest here.
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 Pandok Madu
It’s farther south of central Ubud, but oh so delicious. It’s known for their local pork ribs and their 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.)
Address: Jalan Jatayu, Tebesaya, Ubud, Peliatan, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
This meal at Warung Pandok Madu was one of our favorites! Yes to tempeh!
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
Warung Falafel
Ubud is a great place for vegan food! Warung Falafel doesn’t disappoint with their falafel option (the only item on the menu) – either in a pita, chapati wrap, or salad bowl. You get your choice of three toppings, such as eggplant salad, spicy carrots, Arabic salad, sweet potato fries, etc. Enjoy fresh juices, smoothies, and kombucha along with your meal. You also have to love the eco-friendly/sustainable bowls made out of banana leaves. It’s a healthy and filling meal and a good stopping point if you’re in the Ubud Art Market.
Address: Jl. Karna No.15, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Bebek Tepi Sawah
Bebek Tepi Sawahis another great place for traditional Indonesian food. Visitors can choose to sit in a gazebo or in 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 (what this restaurant is well-known for). Prices are on the higher end, but 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. It’s a good bakery if you’re in the area. We loved the baked good 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 is 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!
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). Plus, we saw many motorbikes squeeze between the cars and by-pass the cars during traffic areas. Drivers on the motorbikes are more aggressive versus drivers in cars. Please be careful by driving slowly and watching for your surroundings. Motorbike crashes happen often! Book a motorbike and check out the options here.
Read More: Our Experience Riding a Motorbike on Nusa Penida
2. Rent a car.
Car rentals are affordable with prices range from 200,000 IDR to 300,000 IDR ($13.40 – $20.10 USD) per day. Remember that the driver’s seat is on the right-hand side.
3. Hire a driver.
Traffic is horrendous at times. The roads are not the greatest as they are windy and narrow. Hiring a driver is one of the easiest ways to not stress on your vacation. Drivers can range from 500,000 IDR to 650,000 IDR ($34-$44 USD). Book a driver here.
If you want a recommendation from our driver that we used, contact us and send us a note! We loved our driver as he was safe on the roads and an awesome person to hang out with. He also gave us tips to avoid scams such as the “fake registration stalls” when we went to Sekumpul Waterfall.
4. Book tours in advance.
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.
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.
To find accommodations and in all of Bali, click here.
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.
In Ubud, we recommend the new hotel, Element By Westin Bali Ubud. It’s a mid-level hotel that averages around $95 USD per night. Rooms are clean and a good size, has tons of sunlight that come in, and 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-minute walk to central Ubud, so you won’t encounter the crowds 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 every two hours to and from the Ubud Monkey Forest. The hotel also has an on-site restaurant.
Check availability and book a room at Element by Westin.
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Tips for Visiting Bali
Below is a snapshot of some Bali travel tips to know. Check out our in-depth post on what to know before traveling to Bali here.
- 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 an hour to get there by car.
- Respect the rules at the temples. Everyone must wear a sarong to cover the knees and also covering the shoulders. Women on their menstrual cycle are also not allowed in temples.
- Bali still uses cash as the main form of currency. Restaurants take credit cards but will add a 3% surcharge for usage. ATMs are available in the main areas of Bali. You may need to go to several ATMs to find one that works with your card.
- Hydrate often! It’s hot and humid in Bali, so don’t forget to bring lots of water for your daily adventures.
- You’ll learn to love eating tempeh. Tempeh is a fermented soybean that is absolutely delicious when fried. Every warung and restaurant has their own version of homemade tempeh.
We absolutely 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 definitely not enough time, but it’s a good start for first-time visitors. We know that we’ll be back to visit more of this island.
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.
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