Bali Five Day Trip How To Cutloose & Enjoy!

After many years, Bali still rates as a world-class travel destination by numerous websites review portals and travel magazines. Pessimistic followers’ question after decades of its popularity if it’s overrated? I for one, don’t think it is. Because Bali holds its own in a world that demands high-class everything! A volcanic central core of mountains, hills, and tropical forest cascades out to a rugged coastline of cliffs and sandy beaches. Yes, it’s truly the exotic ‘Island of the Gods’. In this post I’ll show you how to make your 5 days count!

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The super-rich come here, the backpackers too, and everything in between! Why?

Sure, it’s got world-class surfing, diving, cultural, historical and archaeological attractions, and bucket loads of accommodation. The golden beaches, scenic rice terraces, and fragrant cuisine are also stand out attractions. Not forgetting the sunsets to die for, the spiritual retreats, and the after-dark party-hard vibe in some cities. But there’s gotta be more!

It’s something that turns one-time visitors into compulsive repeaters, that keep coming back year after year! Something that’s touched the hearts and souls of many would-be one-time travelers just passing through. This authentic ‘difficult thing’ to describe has changed so many people over the decades.

You see, Bali draws you in just like a magnet, ‘if you let it’. And therein lies the key! If you immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the Balinese people, you’ll not only enjoy yourself, you’ll be amazed, a transformation will take place and you too will want to come back. Yes, Bali is a magical place!

Intro

I was visiting Perth Western Australia for three weeks in Nov 2019, after moving over to Thailand for a year, and I thought to myself … ‘I should really stop off in Bali’. You see, I’d lived for 28 years in Perth and never once made the trip to Bali. In fact, I didn’t visit Thailand until Sept 2009.

Indonesia and Thailand for me had always been in the news for all the wrong reasons. The Bali bombings of 2002, the Tsunami of 2004, although that focused more on Aceh and Phuket, and finally the Bali Nine drug smugglers of 2005, with subsequent executions in 2015. I was just one of those guys that said, ‘I’ll never go there’. But really, that was no reason at all just a lame excuse!

Anybody could grab a flight for a few hundred bucks out of Perth and be in Bali in just over 3 hours. In fact, I had friends who’d talk about Bali like it was a weekend escape, just an extension of Australia … they’d go there all the time!

But for me, no way, not interested, I was always tied up with my FIFO job and now also preoccupied with Thailand. So, that was that! But this time it was going to be different instead of flying straight back to Bangkok, I was going to drop into Bali … and check it out!

Arrival Into Bali

Arrival into Bali was a whole lot easier than I expected. It’s gotta be easy right? People do this for a weekend trip! The airport is called Ngurah Rai International Airport, although sometimes just referred to as Denpasar or Bali International Airport.

Outside of Covid-19 if you’re coming into Bali for a short break up to one month you don’t need a visa at all, this means you have the extra money in your pocket from the get-go! At Customs, if nothing to declare, no worries, hit the green line, and you’re gone … hello Bali!

Please note that conditions for visas, the world over during Covid-19 is radically different. So, stay tuned for a post-Covid-19 world of travel … which will come … just be patient!

First impressions, the people are friendly, nothing costs too much, and you can easily have your taxi arranged to transport you to your accommodation.  If your waiting at the airport for somebody, (like me) airport snacks are readily available. Sit down relax soak in the vibe.

As you exit out of the airport, if you haven’t arranged a taxi, you’ll have plenty of cab drivers ready and willing to take you anywhere you want to go. Just take your time, you’ve got plenty of that here, and allow 12-15 USD for a 30 min trip. At the time of writing 1 USD ~ 14,500 IDR.

I was heading to UBUD first up ~ 2hr in the taxi, and the journey was both picturesque and busy. Ubud is the rural side of Bali set within green forest surroundings, in-land away from the sea. It’s also very pretty and known for those soul-searching meditation retreats.

Ubud

I arrived at my super villa, a typical mid-range budget accommodation in the Ubud area, and checked in. Although Bali does conjure up thoughts of over-tourism and crowds, that’s not what I was experiencing here at all! In fact, I was sitting in a quiet neighborhood, with a few rural retreats and restaurants dotted along a little street. This felt surreal and very relaxing for my first night.

It was pretty late in the day. So, eating at a restaurant next door on the street was a good choice. I obviously didn’t venture too far on the first night … just a quick walk up the street. Fortunately, this gave me time to put a plan together for the next few days.

Now, most good resorts will offer the tour guide car transport package all in one. Given, I hadn’t pre-planned much at all, I accepted and was introduced to my newfound friend and guide ‘Mr. Sang’. While Mr. Sang did work full time at the resort, he also had time up his sleeve for implementing his hobby as a tour guide.

I wanted to visit the rice paddy fields, waterfalls, mountain biking, ATV quad biking, and the famous Bali Swings. All, while I was in the UBUD area. So, let’s see how I went!

Day one finished with a Balinese Massage, that ensured I slept like a baby!

The Bali Swing

The next morning, I was up early, had a swim, then breakfast, and got ready for a big day! Mr. Zang arrived around 9:00am and we were off in search of the Bali Swings. I say swings because there are many tour setups based around the idea of a rope sling in the trees. However, we were apparently going to “The Bali Swing” in the Badung area, just twenty minutes out of Ubud. It’s also known as one of the best in Bali … hence its name!

Swinging through the trees, high up in the air, with your heart pumping is a big thing in Bali. So just do it!

The Bali Swing is pretty well laid out for tourists. For example, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, and photography sessions set up around various swings and attractions. Moreover, they range from 10m, 15m, 20m, and 78m above ground. Arriving early and getting in the cue is also smart if you’re intent on doing other activities that day.

Set with a backdrop of tropical green forest, you’ll easily get that ‘Instagram shot’ while trailing through the wind. After all, the place is designed 100% for that. If you need a long dress, you can hire them.

I spent most of the morning here, had lunch, and then I was off in search of those rice paddies. My tour guide ‘Mr. Sang’ was always close by.

Tegallalang Rice Terraces Bali

We found a rice paddy field being worked at “Gianyar – Kedisah within the Tegallalang Rice Terraces. I also found a new friend. And while theses Terraces are famous within Ubud for their beautiful scenic hillside stepping rice paddies. It’s their innovative irrigation system, known as the ‘subak’ that enables the hillside farming to take place in the first place. So, it’s both picturesque and scientifically genius at the same time.

Location

The Tegallalang Rice Terraces are located in the northern part of Ubud within the Tegalalang Village, in the Gianyar area, 600m above sea level.

An elevated roadside location looks down and out across the sprawling valley banks. Restaurants and coffee shops are also positioned to capture the relaxing views … For a moment I just kicked back and enjoyed the Bali life, while watching the wheels of life go round and round! It’s that kind of place.

Painters, and photographers, gloat over this scenic spot, and you’ll find roadside art kiosks doubling as cafés.

I found the rice paddies being worked by local women. So expect that they will want to have your photo taken with them. It’s certainly not compulsory but a very friendly gesture, and there’s also a donation box.

Now just in case, you thought my day was over … nope! it wasn’t, Mr. Sang my tour guide and I were able to squeeze in another major attraction of the UBud area, that being the ‘Tegenungan Waterfall’

Tegenungan Waterfall Bali

The Tegenungan waterfall is located in the Gianyar region, north of Denpasar, and close to the artistic village of Ubud. It’s unique from other waterfalls in that it’s not situated high up in the mountains. So, it’s one of the easiest to access, about 15 minutes out of Ubud town itself, and pretty busy!

You’ll find plenty of space around the entrance to park your scooter (free) or car $0.35 (5,000 IDR). There’s also an entrance fee of $1.00 (15,000 IDR) to get you in.

Rainfall determines the amount of water belting out and over the black stone cliffs. And while it’s freshwater, it can be a little murky after dropping 15m into a quiet pool at the bottom. That said it’s perfect for swimming, soaking, or just relaxing. Some ignore the safety warnings and jump from the cliff to obviously impress the onlookers.

Getting To The Waterfall

It’s a short hike to the waterfall, with viewpoints and photo spots along the way. I first passed through a small walking street of food and clothes stalls at the top. After that, I began descending ~150 concrete steps.

As soon as I passed the entrance sign there was a popular viewpoint to the left. After I’d walked down a few steps I saw the classic Tegenungan viewpoint, the one we all see in the photos. Here you can see the waterfall from a distance, engulfed by the splendid tropical greenery.

Finally, I was into the waterfall action. Just remember you gotta get yourself back up those steps when coming out. So, allow enough time for that!

The steps have rails are well maintained and there’s plenty of photo spots the whole way down … you’ll love it!

On the way down there is a smaller, more secluded, waterfall just off to the left, sometimes referred to the baby Tegenungan.

Facilities

There is a good restaurant at the top ‘Bumbu Asli International’ that is positioned with an open-air design that takes in the views. Before descending down to the waterfall make sure to get food and water-packed, you can get that at the many food stalls and mini cafés at the top. Toilets and changing facilities are also at the bottom.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit is approx. 9:00am or 3:00 pm when the sun is either on its way up or down. This avoids the light coming straight into your face. For professional photographers, the evening is by far the best time to come. Also note that the crowds are at their peak around noon.

And that was enough action for my first day out and 2nd day done!

ATV Quad Bike Tour Bali

The next day, I was off on an ATV Quad Bike tour. Many companies are running these tours, and the one my guide selected was through ‘Kuber Bali Adventure’. You can also book through ‘Get your guide’ and ‘Viator’.

ATV Quad Bike Tours by Kuber Bali Adventure are located in the Gianyar – Melinggih Kelod area, close to Ubud. This will also get your adrenaline pumping, and it’s exciting, to say the least.

Before kicking off, you’ll get a full safety briefing, and sign your life away for insurance purposes. After that, you’ll get kitted out with helmets and boots. You can also ride these things tandem if you prefer!

Tour Route

Normally a two-hour route, we started off with some simple instructions and a little surface experience to build our confidence up. After that, we carefully crossed the road and through the traffic to the edge of some rice paddy fields. Where we scrambled around for a bit. Returning back to where we started off …, it’s was all of a sudden full-on!

Slowly we slid our way down a steep bendy hillside lane until we landed at the bottom of a valley. We then rode through a river, finally arriving at a mountain before entering into a long winding dark tunnel. This was a relic from the former Dutch war in colonial times and led us straight through the mountain. Now, this was also the point where I thought ‘I never expected that’!

Eventually, we passed below a waterfall and some other obstacles, before working our way back through the tunnel and up the hillside to finish off in a water ride.

Back at the base, there were shower facilities, followed by buffet lunch at the ATV restaurant. The rest of the day was mine.

Quad Bike Tour Costs

All this costs a mere 50 USD for single or 90 USD for tandem, including lunch!

What To Bring For ATV

You’ll need a change of clothes, and it’s a good idea to bring your own personal shower gear and sunscreen!

What’s Provided By Kuber Bali Adventure

Boots, if you want them, shower/change and toilet facilities, locker, and a buffet lunch are provided, plus insurance for the ride!

Ubud Village Markets

I had some time to kill after the ATV Quad Bike tour. So, tourist shopping seemed like a good plan. Added to that, Ubud is also well known for its markets, so I was off to find one. There are just way too many to mention in this review, but my trusty tour guide found me a ‘Traditional Market’. It was clean, vibrant, full of local handicraft shops, and cheap if you use your bargaining skills.

As always, the Balinese hospitality was there in style. Although it also pays to be careful with your stuff in busy market areas.

Bali Twin Lakes & Wanagiri Hidden Hills

Day four had arrived and I was off in search of the ‘Bali Twin Lakes’ and the ‘Wanagiri Hidden Hills’. This is a super viewpoint located up in the northern mountains of Bali within the Bedugul area. A pretty far stretch from Ubud, but I was game to give it a go!

Location

From Ubud, this was a good 3-hour drive in the car.  However, if you stay on the north side of the island you can access the area much quicker.

Twin Lakes & Wanagiri Hidden Hills are located 10 – 12 km north-west of the village of Bedugul. It’s a bit of a drive up a steep winding road, the JI. Pancasari – Baturiti Rd which continues from the JI. Raya Bedugul Rd out of Bedugul village. You’ll also encounter the typical bends and corners you’d expect when climbing a mountain. Google maps clearly show both the lakes and the road up from Bedugul.

I eventually arrived onto the Jl Munduk – Wanagiri road which overlooks Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake; the twin lakes. And the views were totally worth the effort just to get there.

Along this road, you will see various areas to stop and take in the views. Each location usually having a nest, a swing, and some kind of bamboo lookout. All, of course, are geared for those perfect Instagram shots, that have become popular in the Wanagiri Hidden Hills. Entrance fees are ~ 100,000 – 150,000 IDR per person ($5 – $10).

On the way back down to Bedugul from Twin Lakes and hidden Hills I called into the ‘The Bali Gate’ at Handara, it’s at the bottom of the hill on the left-hand side.

The Bali Handara Gate

The Bali Handara Gate is another classic photo stop. You’d also be pretty smart to plan this in with a trip to the Twin Lakes lookout. Because both are within the Bedugul area in the North of Bali. So, knock off two birds with one stone!

Looking at the Handara Gate I saw two ‘castle-like’ old stone pillars, covered in moss, and that was it. I honestly wondered what all the fuss was about, not to mention the cue of would-be models and photographers waiting for their perfect shot. And that my friend is the power and influence of social media. So, I got in the cue and performed!

Location

The Handara Gate is located ~ 3 km north of Bedugul village on the J.I. Raya Bedugul Rd. I called into the Handara Gate on my way back down to Bedugul from twin lakes. It’s on the left-hand side at the bottom of the hill. You could of course call in on the way up to twin lakes from Bedugul. It’d be on your right-hand side then.

A large sign on the road will tell you when you’re there and where to pull in. If you come at the usual time slots for tourists, you’ll pay around 10,000 IDR just under a 1 USD for access to the gate.

The gate is actually the main entrance to the Handara Golf Resort Bali which still functions. And thanks to social media … their business has a lot of attention!

Hot Tip!

When taking your photos, ‘DO NOT STAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PILLARS’. This will only make you look tiny in the picture. You have to stand far in front of the pillars with the Handara Gate in the background!

Best Time To Visit

Best time to visit either the Bali Gate or the Twin Lakes is early morning …, your tourist-free and get the whole place to yourself. I had the twin lakes to myself and the Bali gate was super busy!

I had one more stop to squeeze in, for the day, at the Pura Luhur Tanah Lot Selat. A place where everybody chases that perfect sunset photo, over the ocean with the island temple in the background … I had just enough time to make it over for the sunset!

Tanah Lot Bali

Tanah Lot is a rock formation, 20m off the coast in the Beraban village of the Tabanan, Bali about 30 km northwest of Kuta.  Furthermore, the ancient Hindu temple Pura Tanah Lot constructed on the rock formation has become a photographic cultural icon. If you’re in Bali, this should definitely be on your go-see list! Tanah means ‘Land’ and ‘Lot’ means Sea; It’s the most photographed temple in Bali and a popular tourist hot spot. So, it’s pretty busy around sunset!

Geological Significance

The hole in the rock at Tanah Lot Temple is also famous for its geological significance as a stunning long exposure of eroded Limestone Karst. Now Karst is simply the topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum.

Erosion Of Tanah Lot

Over the years, large waves persistently smashed the limestone formation with subsequent erosion and dissolution of the rock. So, the base of Tanah Lot was slowly disappearing. Due to its historical significance, a restoration process was implemented post-1980, and a third of the present rock is actually artificial.

Black Sands Beach

The Tanah Lot black sand volcanic beach is another prized landscape phenomenon, and people travel the world over in search of these beasts. Take note, not all pretty beaches are white. You’re on a volcanic island so expect that black sands will never be far away.

I arrived at Tanah Lot around 5:00pm, (just in time), got out of the car, and straight into tourist mode! What did I see …? Spectacular coastline, crashing waves, visible eroded Limestone Karst and a beautiful black sands beach. The retaining walls around the onshore tourist area were also black, matching the blackrock landscape.

And yes, the sun was just beginning to set.

Leisure Facilities

Leisure facilities with restaurants, shops, and a cultural park were all within the complex. From memory, there was a small entrance fee of around 60,000 IDR (~4 USD).

With the sun gone down, it was finally time for my tour guide and me to relax. And where better than the De jukung Resto & Bar Tanah Lot, which was overlooking the sea. Afterward, we returned back to Ubud pretty late.

Kuta, Bali

Day 5. Mr. Sang took me from the Puri Asri Villa Resort to the Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel in Kuta. After that, we said our goodbyes, and my tour guide days were over. My intention for the next few days was to sit back relax and take in the coastal views. While at the same time trying to get a feel for what this town ‘Kuta’ is all about!

I’d heard about the Bali Bombings of 2002 and 2005, and other terrorist attacks over the years in Indonesia. However, until now I’d never ventured to Bali, Ubud, or Kuta.

Beautiful Kuta …, this place has been on the radar for years and a second home to the Aussies. I guess the reason for that would have to be sunsets, beaches, nightlife, and surfing within a tropical environment. More importantly though, easy access from Australia, (especially Perth), and it’s cheap, by comparison to other western holiday destinations.

For example, it’s a known fact that flights (pre-Covid-19) from Perth to any other Australian capital city will take longer and cost you more than a simple flight to Bali. Once you get to wherever you’re going your accommodation will likely be over the top by comparison. So, it’s a simple choice for the Aussies … they choose Bali!

Promenade

The Discovery Kartika Plazza Hotel was a little over the top. But I guess it was time to relax! It’s a Chic oceanfront hotel featuring three restaurants, four bars, with the usual pool, spa, and tennis/squash courts. I didn’t use the restaurants, except for breakfast, I did use the pool, and I love the grass!

More importantly for me, the hotel fronted onto a superb coastal promenade, that overlooked the Kuta beach. This connects with the many sea view coastal restaurants and doubles as the perfect walkway/cycle path. With a westerly orientation, sunsets were obviously going to be awesome.

I could see young surfers gearing up for their early morning adrenaline fix. A special boat would take them ‘boards and all’ far out beyond the waves, as I watched the action from the promenade.

Coastal Views

Coastal views of the seaside around Kuta Bay were spectacular. In particular, I noticed everybody was just chilling out! And when the sun was setting it was a frenzy of vacationers, determined not to miss the fiery spectacle as it swiftly sank below the earth.

Night Time View Across The Bay

As night-time drew near, with the sun now set, activities along the promenade transitioned. It was now an evening of romantic restaurants, accompanied by traditional Bali dance. The scenic views across the bay had also turned into twinkling lights. Party-time had arrived!

Beachside Restaurants

With many Seaview restaurants along the prom, I typically prefer to get out of the hotel I’m staying in. So, after a bit of searching, I found the Boardwalk Restaurant Bali at the south end of Kuta beach. It was situated in a super spot on the corner of the prom.

Added to that, the food was so good that I went there for two consecutive nights. And nothing was expensive. But the thing I like the best was the ambiance … so relaxing!

Cycling On The Promenade

On my last day, I was up early and squeezed a bike ride along the promenade before breakfast. Many tourists were out and about, jogging, walking, and cycling while taking in the views. The promenade for me was probably the standout feature of this place, and luckily any nearby hotel could access it.

Well, that’s a wrap, I was packed up and straight to the airport after breakfast.

Bali Trip Summary

I’ve enjoyed recapping my trip to Bali, Ubud, and finally Kuta. Going through my photos and reliving each day refreshed my memory of this tropical paradise and reminded me of why I’d like to go back.

Is Bali overrated, some people ask? No, I don’t think it is. Go there with an open mind, in any case, you’d have to go there once … and make your own opinion. But be careful, you just might get smitten by Bali’s mystical powers and you’ll be wanting to go back.

Ubud, Kuta, and the northern mountainous regions of Bali are very different. So, I’m glad I made the effort to see them all on this trip. I highly recommend you get yourself a tour guide taxi driver package all in one. I wouldn’t have seen all the places that I did without the services of my trusty newfound friend Mr. Sang.

I personally got more value out of the hike to the ‘Bali Twin Lakes’ and the ‘Wanagiri Hidden Hills’ than ‘The Bali Swing’. Although ‘The Bali Swing’ is closer to Ubud. If you been to both, let me know your thoughts!

Don’t expect all beaches to be white sand, remember you’re on a volcanic island, so. The majestic black sands are never far away. If you don’t like one place … just go to another.

Bali can be whatever you want it to be! Your tropical paradise, rejuvenation retreat, a thrill a minute adventure, or the thrashing party scene for the untamed youth … your choice, it’s all here!

Where To Stay In Ubud

Affordable Luxury

Sankara Suites & Villas by Pramana located 2.6 km from Ubud Market and Ubud Palace, features views of the valley and surrounding greenery, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and free WiFi throughout the property. Decorated with Balinese elements, all rooms at the resort have a terrace or balcony, private bathroom, aircon, a flat-screen TV and electric kettle. A continental or à la carte breakfast is available every morning. Monkey Forest and Elephant Cave are 4 & 5 km away. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is 31 km from the property.

Mid-Budget

Tetirah Boutique Hotel is 800 m from Ubud Centre. It boasts an outdoor pool, a sun terrace, and an on-site restaurant. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. All rooms have a TV, iPad, kettle. Certain units feature a seating area to relax. Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel and the area is popular for cycling. Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are 2.1 & 1 km away. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is 29 km from the property.

Budget

Puri Asri Villa Resort is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. It’s a laid-back hotel just a 6-minute walk from the Monkey Forest and a 15-minute drive from Ubud Art Market.

All rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as minibars, safes, and terraces or balconies. A refined villa will have a 4-poster bed. The property boasts a restaurant, spa, massage, beauty treatments, and 2 outdoor pools surrounded by tropical gardens. Breakfast is available. I stayed here!

Where To Stay In Kuta

Affordable Luxury

Anvaya Beach Resort Bali is on the beachfront within the Kartika Plaza district in Kuta. It Offers Balinese style rooms, suites, and private villas. All with a flat-screen TV, a minibar and coffee/tea making facilities. The spacious villa features a private pool and a large en suite bathroom with a walk-in dressing room, double vanities, a bath, and a separate shower. The property features large swimming pools, landscaped tropical gardens, and the Sakanti Spa. Discovery Shopping Mall and Tuban Beach are both are 500 m away from the property. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is 1 km away.

Mid-Budget

Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel is situated next to the Discovery Shopping Mall in South Kuta. It features beachfront rooms surrounded by tropical gardens, an outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, restaurants, and free internet. Rooms have a contemporary Balinese architecture, private balconies with garden, pool, or ocean views. Each is equipped with a 32-inch LCD TV, minibar, and safety deposit box. The Kuta center is a 10-minute walk away, the Waterbom Bali, a 5-minute walk. The Ngurah Rai International Airport is 10-minutes by car. The. property fronts onto the promenade from where you can access many sea view restaurants, it also doubles as a walkway/cycle path. I stayed here!

Budget

Vira Bali Boutique Hotel & Suite is located 100 m from South Kuta Beach, and 200 m from the Discovery Shopping Mall. It offers an outdoor pool, spa, a Grill and Bar, free WiFi, and use of bicycles. Airport transfers from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is a 5-minute drive away is also provided. Rooms are equipped with cable TV, a minibar, a safety deposit box, and a private balcony overlooking the swimming pool.

How To Get To Bali

If your flying into Bali, you’ll. do that through the Ngurah Rai International Airport. sometimes just referred to as Denpasar or Bali International Airport. Aside from the Covid-19 pandemic, International and national flights are available around the clock.

The airport is closes once a year during the Balinese Nyepi ceremony, for 24 hours.

How To Get About On Bali

From the get-go at the airport, you’ll likely start off with a taxi either booked in advance or just grab one from the taxi cue. After that, I saw a lot of motor scooters, which you can hire from just about anywhere. My personal recommendation as you’ll have guessed by now is the tour guide car transport package all in one. You can once again book this in advance or simply book at your resort.

Best Time To Visit Bali

Bali is located 8 degrees south of the equator. So, you’ll find it’s tropical, warm and humid all year round with two main distinctive seasons, the dry and the rainy season. Your best time to visit is in the dry season, which is between April and October, the complete opposite of Thailand. Unless of course, you’re specifically chasing tropical storms.