In this guide
Jai Shri Krishna! Welcome to your ultimate Bali travel guide! From southern beaches to Ubud’s rice terraces, here is my 5-day itinerary. It covers costs, scams, and pure veg survival tips. Let’s dive in!
1. Pre-Trip Checklist (Visa & Money)
Don’t wait until you land. Get these sorted online to avoid massive airport queues.
Visa, Currency & Connectivity
- e-VOA: Apply online before flying. Fee is 500k IDR (~₹2.8k INR).
- The Zero Trick: IDR has too many zeros! Drop the last three zeros and multiply by 5.5 to get INR. (e.g., 10k IDR = ₹55).
- Exchange: Exchange just $50 USD at the airport. Exchange the rest in city shops for better rates.
- SIM Card: Use an e-SIM or buy highly reliable Telkomsel in the city (~150k-180k IDR for 20GB).
2. Budget Breakdown (Per Person)
Note: Prices fluctuate. This is for a mid-budget 5-day trip.
| Category | Cost (INR) | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | ₹25k - ₹30k | Book VietJet early! |
| Visa + Tax | ₹3.6k | e-VOA (500k IDR) + Tourism Levy (150k IDR). |
| Accommodation | ₹10k - ₹12k | Approx ₹2k-3k/night for decent Airbnbs. |
| Transport | ₹2.5k | Scooter rental is ₹400/day. |
| Food (Veg) | ₹7k - ₹10k | Approx ₹1.5k/day. Cook breakfast to save! |
| Activities | ₹7k | Entry fees for temples, swings, clubs. |
| Total | ~₹55k - ₹65k | Shopping extra! |
3. The 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: South Bali Culture & Cliffs
- GWK Park: See the massive Vishnu statue. Entry: 125k IDR.
- Padang Padang Beach: Surf beach. Entry: 15k IDR.
- Uluwatu Temple: Reach by 4:00 PM for the sunset Kecak Fire Dance. Temple entry: 50k IDR. Dance ticket: 150k IDR (Buy online to skip the massive queue!).
Day 2: Sunsets & Beach Clubs
- Kuta Beach: Great to chill or learn surfing.
- Tanah Lot Temple: Beautiful offshore rock temple. Entry: 75k IDR.
- Finns Beach Club: Huge beach club. Entry is free, but you pay for food/drinks. Go after 7:00 PM to avoid high daytime minimum-spend limits for beds.
Day 3: Transfer to Ubud (Culture Hub)
- Travel: Taxi/Grab from South to Ubud takes ~1.5 hours.
- Ubud Palace & Market: Visit the royal palace (Free) and shop for souvenirs at the night market.
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: Stunning green trek. Very Instagrammable and totally free!
Day 4: The Instagram Tour (East Bali)
Hire a private car for the day (~750k IDR). Start at 4:00 AM!
- Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven): Shuttle + Entry is 115k IDR. Reality check: You wait 2+ hours just for a 15-second photo! Start early.
- Tirta Gangga: Feed massive koi fish in this water palace. Entry: 70k IDR.
- Coffee Plantation: See how Luwak coffee is made. Free tasting!
Day 5: Waterfalls & Glass Swings
- Tegenungan Waterfall: Massive and easily accessible. Entry: 30k IDR.
- Sari Timbul (Swing): Skip the overhyped generic swings. This is a magical glass factory. 50k IDR entry, plus 200k IDR for a swing/video and 200k IDR to rent a flying dress.
4. Shopping & Pure Veg Tips
Being a strict vegetarian (no meat, no egg) in Bali is tricky, but doable!
Shopping & Scams
- Bargain Aggressively: Never accept the first price! Slippers quoted at 350k IDR should be bought for 150k IDR.
- The Change Scam: Corrupt street money changers use sleight of hand to drop bills behind the counter. Always count your cash last, after they hand it to you, and don’t let them touch it again.
Pure Veg Survival Guide
- Bring from India: Pack spices, Maggi masala, tea bags, and Besan (gram flour) for making chilas.
- Cook in Airbnb: Book places with kitchens. Local milk (~₹110 INR/liter) and fresh veggies from small street carts are incredibly cheap.
- The “Daaai” Noodle Hack: Most local noodles have hidden shrimp paste. Find the green “Daaai” brand noodles in supermarkets—they are vegan!
Enjoy your trip to Bali! Stay safe, eat well, and Jai Shri Krishna! 🙏
Planning a wider Southeast Asia trip? Combine Bali with my 7-day Vietnam itinerary or 3 days in Kuala Lumpur — both are short flights from Bali (Denpasar) and Malaysia is now visa-free for Indians.
Watch the Bali Series
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bali vegetarian-friendly?
Extremely. Most restaurants offer veg options, and Ubud has a thriving plant-based food scene. Local noodles can hide shrimp paste though — look for the green Daaai brand at supermarkets, which is fully vegan.
How much does 5 days in Bali cost for an Indian traveler?
Around INR 55k to 65k including flights from India, mid-range stays, and activities. Flights via VietJet and SriLankan are the cheapest from most Indian metros if booked 1-2 months in advance.
Do Indians need a visa for Bali?
Yes — Indian passport holders need an Indonesia e-VOA (Visa on Arrival), which costs 500,000 IDR (~₹2,800). Apply online before flying to skip the long airport queue. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once in country.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
April to October — the dry season. Avoid January-February if you can (peak monsoon, frequent rain). July-August are crowded with European holidaymakers; May, June, September are the sweet spots for fewer crowds and good weather.
Is the Lempuyang Temple Gates of Heaven photo worth the wait?
Honestly, only if you start at 4 AM. The waiting line easily hits 2+ hours by 8 AM for a 15-second photo opportunity. The temple itself is beautiful but the famous shot uses a mirror placed below the camera, not real water — so manage expectations.
Should I rent a scooty or use Grab in Bali?
Both. A scooty rental (~₹400/day) is best for Ubud and inland day-trips. Grab is more reliable for late-night returns from Seminyak and beach clubs, and for transfers between South Bali and Ubud. Don't ride a scooty if you don't already know how — Bali traffic is intense.
Have a question about this trip?
Got a question I haven't covered in the guide above? Drop it below — I personally read every one and often add the best questions into the FAQ section of this guide.