5 Days in Bali - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Balinese Beach Getaway: Uluwatu & the Bukit Peninsula

Enjoy a balance of relaxation, culture, and adventure on this beach getaway to Bali's Bukit Peninsula. Highlights include a surf lesson, a traditional kecak performance, a Balinese massage, a day of beach hopping, a seafood barbecue, and a boat tour to Nusa Penida.

On arrival in Bali, you'll be transferred to Uluwatu, where you can ease into your vacation with a visit to a nearby beach such as Padang-Padang or a relaxing afternoon by your hotel pool. Then, come Day 2, you'll have the opportunity to go beach hopping, starting with Geger Beach, considered by locals as one of the prettiest stretches of sand, and ending with a sunset at Melasti Beach before capping off the day with a seafood barbecue in the coastal town of Jimbaran.

Next, you'll partake in a popular island pastime with a surf lesson, then treat yourself to a Balinese massage. In the afternoon, you'll take a guided tour of the seaside temple of Uluwatu and witness a traditional kecak dance performance. Take a boat trip to the island of Nusa Penida, enjoying stops that may include the dinosaur-shaped cliffs of Kelinking Beach, the natural stone arches of Broken Beach, and a climb to the waterfalls of Peguyangan. Finally, toast your Bali getaway with drinks and live music at the Rock Bar in Jimbaran. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Balinese Wildlife, Culture & Adventure in Ubud

Travelers interested in wildlife encounters and leisurely outdoor experiences will enjoy this Ubud-based itinerary. You'll have the chance to bike through rice paddies and rural villages, meet the macaques of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, immerse in the tranquil atmosphere of the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, snorkel with tropical fish at the Blue Lagoon, and visit an elephant sanctuary.

After you touch down in Bali, you'll be transferred to Ubud, your home base, for the duration of your trip. Enjoy free time to choose your adventure, perhaps strolling the scenic Campuhan Ridge Walk, visiting the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, or taking in the local art scene. The following day, you'll bike on forest trails and through rural villages, passing Hindu temples and sampling tropical fruits on a cycling tour. In the afternoon, you'll meet the mischievous residents—the long-tailed macaques—of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

The excitement continues as you head to Padang Bai and Blue Lagoon Beach, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel among tropical fish and other exotic marine life. Afterward, you'll take a meditative walk at Tirta Gangga Water Palace, a serene water garden filled with pools, fountains, and sculptures. Make the most of your final full day with a visit to an elephant sanctuary, a tour of the historic Ubud Palace, and some souvenir shopping for Balinese crafts in the local markets. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Wellness & Culture in Bali

Indulge the senses and find your spiritual center on this wellness and culture-forward trip. You'll experience rejuvenating yoga sessions, traditional Balinese spa treatments, surfing, sunset at the sacred Tanah Lot Temple, and a purification ritual at Taman Beji Samuan.

Your driver will collect you from the Denpasar International Airport and whisk you south to the beachside town of Seminyak. You'll have free time to sunbathe, participate in various water activities like standup paddleboarding and kayaking, or indulge in a spa treatment. The following day, you'll take a surf lesson and then put your skills to the test in South Bali. After spending the morning surfing, you'll be ready to unwind with a traditional Balinese massage or a luxurious body wrap.

Begin Day 3 with a restorative yoga session in Seminyak. Then head to the sacred site of Taman Beji Samuan for a purification ritual where you'll cleanse in holy waters, offer prayers to the deities, and participate in age-old traditions led by local priests. End the day by watching the sunset over the iconic Tanah Lot, a sea temple set on a rocky outcrop along the island's southwestern coast. Cap off your trip with a traditional kecak dance performance at Uluwatu Temple, followed by sunset and cocktails at the Rock Bar in Jimbaran. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Balinese Cultural Escape

Travelers keen on cultural experiences and outdoor adventures will appreciate the opportunities on this Ubud-based escape. Highlights include a cooking class with a local chef, a waterfall hike, learning about traditional farming techniques from local people at Rumah Desa, a whitewater rafting expedition on the Ayung River, and performances of classic Barong and kecak dances.

On arrival at Denpasar, your driver will bring you to Ubud, where you'll have free time to explore at your own pace, check out cultural sites, such as the Pura Taman Hindu temple, or opt for a spa treatment. The following day, you'll meet a local chef who'll lead you through a colorful market where you'll spend a little time selecting ingredients for your cooking class. Then, you'll embark on a hike to the waterfalls of Tibumana and Tukad Cepung, where you'll have a chance to swim or simply enjoy the views.

Next, experience the thrill of a whitewater rafting expedition along the longest river in Bali, the Ayung River, and attend a barong performance—a dramatic dance depicting a battle between mythological figures—afterward. On your last full day, head to the countryside for a cultural immersion at Rumah Desa, where you'll spend time with a local family and learn about traditional Balinese farming techniques. Then, you'll visit the Sangeh Monkey Forest, a beloved conservation area and home to hundreds of playful macaque monkeys. Finally, take a tour of the Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, before departing for the airport. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Indonesia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Indonesia? Check out these other five-day Indonesia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.