How to spend 5 days in Bali

Longing for an unforgettable adventure in Bali? The island's serene beaches, colorful temples, and verdant jungles offer limitless experiences. Compiling the perfect Bali itinerary for 5 days can be a daunting task due to the abundance of sights and activities that need to be crammed into a short amount of time, and that's where our guide comes in. Prepare for a short but exciting vacation with our carefully crafted itineraries.

See our other Bali itineraries: | 7 days | 10 days | 14 days | 3 weeks |

Itinerary #1: Surfing, sun, and fun in Bali

This 5-day trip to Bali is perfect for those wishing to appreciate the surfing and beach vacation opportunities this magical island offers in a short time.

Start your adventure on day 1 at Kuta Beach. Take a morning surf lesson and then relax on the golden sands. For day 2, head to Seminyak. Spend the morning surfing at Double Six Beach, then explore trendy cafes and art galleries. In the afternoon, visit Canggu to surf at Batu Bolong Beach and relax at one of the stylish beach bars.

Head to Uluwatu on day 3. Surf at Padang Padang Beach or Uluwatu Beach, then visit the iconic Uluwatu Temple perched on the cliffs.

Spend the morning of day 4 in Nusa Dua, enjoying its calm waters and luxury resorts. Try water sports such as paddleboarding or snorkeling. In the evening, head to Jimbaran Bay for a seafood dinner on the beach and watch the sunset over the ocean.

Conclude your trip to Sanur on day 5. In the morning, ride the gentle waves and then stroll along the beach promenade. On the last evening, enjoy a traditional Balinese massage and dinner on the beach, after which you can stay to explore Bali on your own or head to the airport for departure. Book this trip.

Secret Jimbaran beach, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Secret Jimbaran beach, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Nusa Dua, Bali © Daniel-James Clarke / Shutterstock

Nusa Dua, Bali © Daniel-James Clarke / Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Bali itinerary for 5 days:

Day 1

  • Arrive in Bali and check into your hotel in Kuta.
  • Take a surf lesson at Kuta Beach, famous for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent beginner waves.
  • Relax on the golden sands of Kuta Beach.
  • Enjoy the lively nightlife with a sunset drink at a beachfront bar.
  • Overnight in Kuta.

Day 2

  • Travel to Seminyak (approximately 30 minutes from Kuta).
  • Surf at Double Six Beach.
  • Explore upscale beach clubs and boutique shopping in Seminyak.
  • Head to Canggu (about 20 minutes from Seminyak).
  • Surf at Batu Bolong Beach.
  • Overnight in Seminyak.

Day 3

  • Travel to Uluwatu (approximately 1 hour from Seminyak).
  • Surf at Padang Padang or Uluwatu Beach.
  • Visit the iconic Uluwatu Temple perched on dramatic cliffs.
  • Watch the traditional Kecak dance performance at sunset.
  • Overnight in Uluwatu.

Day 4

  • Travel to Nusa Dua (about 1 hour from Uluwatu).
  • Enjoy the calm waters and luxurious resorts.
  • Try water sports such as paddleboarding or snorkeling.
  • Relax at one of Nusa Dua’s beautiful beaches.
  • Head to Jimbaran Bay (about 30 minutes from Nusa Dua).
  • Enjoy a seafood dinner on the beach and watch the sunset over the ocean.
  • Overnight in Jimbaran.

Day 5

  • Travel to Sanur (about 45 minutes from Jimbaran).
  • Surf the gentle waves at Sanur Beach.
  • Stroll along the relaxed beachfront promenade.
  • Enjoy a traditional Balinese massage.
  • Stay in a beachfront hotel in Sanur. Alternatively, head to the airport for a late departure.
Sanur beach, Bali © Shutterstock

Sanur beach, Bali © Shutterstock

Enjoying sunset on beach of Seminyak © Shutterstock

Enjoying sunset on beach of Seminyak © Shutterstock

Itinerary #2: Wellness and relaxation in Bali

Head to Bali for five days of pure relaxation and wellness that will help you unwind and rejuvenate. This itinerary offers the perfect combination of serene solitude, soothing activities and natural beauty for a truly revitalizing experience.

Begin your Bali journey in Ubud on day 1, where you'll settle into a tranquil wellness center surrounded by lush greenery. Begin your relaxation with a soothing Balinese massage, followed by a peaceful stroll through the serene grounds of the hotel.

Wake up refreshed and join a yoga class with breathtaking views of the rice terraces on day 2. Spend the afternoon exploring the sacred monkey forest and shopping for unique souvenirs at Ubud's art market.

On day 3, travel to the picturesque village of Sidemen and check into a charming eco-resort. Enjoy soothing spa treatments and take a leisurely stroll through stunning rice fields.

Travel to Sanur and check into a beachfront resort hotel on day 4. Spend the day relaxing on the serene beach or swimming in the gentle waters.

Start day 5 with a yoga class on the beach in Sanur. Stroll along the beach promenade and treat yourself to one last relaxing massage. Finish your Bali vacation with a seaside dinner before heading to the airport for departure. Book this trip.

Sidemen in Bali, one of the best Indonesian islands

Sidemen in Bali, one of the best Indonesian islands

Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali island, Indonesia © Pelikh Alexey/Shutterstock

Pura Taman Kemuda Saraswati Temple in Ubud, Bali island, Indonesia © Pelikh Alexey/Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Bali itinerary for 5 days:

Day 1

  • Arrive in Bali and check into your tranquil wellness retreat in Ubud.
  • Enjoy a relaxing Balinese massage at the retreat.
  • Unwind and relax on the retreat’s serene grounds.
  • Overnight in Ubud.

Day 2

  • Participate in a rejuvenating yoga class with views of the rice terraces.
  • Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
  • Explore Ubud Art Market for local crafts and souvenirs.
  • Overnight in Ubud.

Day 3

  • Travel to Sidemen and check into an eco-resort.
  • Enjoy a calming spa treatment at the resort.
  • Take a leisurely walk through the scenic rice paddies.
  • Overnight in Sidemen.

Day 4

  • Travel to Sanur and check into a beachfront resort.
  • Relax on the tranquil Sanur Beach or enjoy a gentle swim in the calm waters.
  • Stroll along Sanur’s beachfront promenade.
  • Enjoy a beachside dinner and watch the sunset.
  • Overnight in Sanur.

Day 5

  • Begin your day with a beachside yoga session.
  • Indulge in a relaxing massage at the resort.
  • Explore the Sanur beachfront or do some last-minute shopping.
  • Head to the airport for a late departure.
Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) in Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Traditional fishing boats on a beach in Sanur on Bali © Shutterstock

Traditional fishing boats on a beach in Sanur on Bali © Shutterstock

Itinerary #3: Culinary adventure and nightlife in Bali

Explore Bali's vibrant local cuisine and exciting nightlife with this 5-day itinerary designed to immerse you in the island's culinary delights and evening entertainment.

Begin your Balinese adventure in Seminyak on day 1. Spend the afternoon exploring Seminyak Beach, and as the sun sets, head to La Plancha Restaurant. Later, dive into the lively nightlife at Potato Head Beach Club with cocktails and music.

On day 2, head to Ubud. Start with a traditional Balinese cooking class and explore Ubud's art market in the afternoon. For dinner, enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Locavore Restaurant. Afterward, enjoy a drink at Bar Luna.

Head to Canggu for day 3. Have lunch at Crate Cafe, which serves delicious local and international cuisine. Spend the afternoon at Batu Bolong Beach and lunch at The Shady Shack. In the evening, enjoy cocktails and rhythms at Old Man's Bar.

Visit Jimbaran on day 4. Spend the morning relaxing on Jimbaran Beach. For lunch, indulge in a seafood barbecue at Jimbaran Bay Seafood Restaurant, where you can dine right on the sand. In the evening, check out the Single Fin restaurant.

Wrap up your introduction to Bali in Kuta on day 5. Start with a brunch at Cafe Moka, and in the afternoon explore the stores and beaches. End the day with a visit to Sky Garden, a rooftop bar with panoramic views, live music and a lively club scene. Book this trip.

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia © Shutterstock

Umbrellas at Kuta Beach © Chris Howey / Shutterstock

Kuta Beach © Chris Howey / Shutterstock

Itinerary overview

Check out this Bali itinerary for 5 days:

Day 1

  • Check into a hotel in Seminyak.
  • Explore Seminyak Beach.
  • Dinner at La Plancha and nightlife at Potato Head Beach Club.
  • Overnight in Seminyak.

Day 2

  • Travel to Ubud.
  • Traditional cooking class.
  • Visit Ubud Art Market.
  • Dinner at Locavore and drinks at Bar Luna.
  • Overnight in Ubud.

Day 3

  • Travel to Canggu.
  • Brunch at Crate Cafe.
  • Relax at Batu Bolong Beach.
  • Dinner at The Shady Shack and drinks at Old Man’s Bar.
  • Overnight in Canggu.

Day 4

  • Travel to Jimbaran.
  • Relax at Jimbaran Beach.
  • Seafood BBQ lunch at Jimbaran Bay Seafood.
  • Nightlife at Single Fin.
  • Overnight in Jimbaran.

Day 5

  • Travel to Kuta.
  • Brunch at Cafe Moka.
  • Shop and explore Kuta Beach.
  • Dinner and drinks at Sky Garden.
  • Overnight in Kuta or head to the airport for a late flight.

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Olga Sitnitsa

written by
Olga Sitnitsa

updated 03.07.2024

Online editor at Rough Guides, specialising in travel content. Passionate about creating compelling stories and inspiring others to explore the world.

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