Only Got 5 Days in Bali? Here’s the Trip Plan You Need
If you’ve only got five days to explore Bali, don’t worry—you can still cover a lot without rushing from one end of the island to the other. The key is to focus on variety without overcommitting. This itinerary gives you a solid mix of culture, coastline, and chill time, all organized to reduce travel time and maximize your experience.
Whether you’re here for the iconic temples, the laid-back beaches, or the buzzing food scene, this five-day plan shows you the best of Bali without burnout. No fluff, no overpacked schedules—just a smart, flexible way to soak in the island’s highlights.
Day 1: Arrival + Seminyak Ease-In
Morning/Afternoon: Arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar)
- Once you land, your best move is to head straight to your accommodation in Seminyak. Located just 30–45 minutes from the airport, Seminyak is the perfect base: walkable, stylish, and packed with great food, shops, and beach bars. Arrange a private transfer in advance to avoid airport taxi haggling and start your trip on a stress-free note.
Check-in and Unwind
- Drop your bags, take a dip in your private pool (if you’re staying at one of the villas), and reset after your journey. If you arrive early and your room’s not ready yet, head to a nearby café like Coffee Cartel or Sea Circus for a solid brunch and espresso hit.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner by the Beach
- As the heat eases, walk down to Seminyak Beach. It’s lively but laid-back, with wide stretches of sand and plenty of bean bags waiting for a sunset cocktail. Grab a front-row seat at La Plancha or Potato Head Beach Club and watch the sky turn fiery orange over the Indian Ocean.
Dinner Options
Once the sun’s down, pick a restaurant that matches your mood:
- La Lucciola for beachfront Italian-Balinese fusion
- Mamasan if you’re craving stylish Southeast Asian cuisine
- Bambu for upscale Indonesian classics with a modern twist
If you’ve still got energy, wander to Motel Mexicola for a bit of late-night buzz—or just head back to your villa and ease into Bali’s rhythm.
Day 2: Ubud Day Trip – Culture, Crafts, and Rice Terraces
Morning: Head to Ubud
- Start early—around 7:30–8:00 AM—to make the most of your time inland. Ubud is about 1.5–2 hours from Seminyak depending on traffic, so booking a private driver for the day is your best bet.
Stop 1: Tegenungan Waterfall
- Break up the drive with a visit to Tegenungan Waterfall, located just south of Ubud. It’s an easy walk down and makes for a refreshing start to the day if you want a quick swim or photo stop.
Stop 2: Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Next, head into central Ubud to explore the Monkey Forest—a lush jungle filled with centuries-old temples and over a thousand long-tailed macaques. Walk the shaded trails, admire the mossy stone carvings, and stay aware of your belongings (the monkeys can get cheeky).
Lunch: Eat in Central Ubud
After the forest, grab lunch nearby. Good options include:
- Clear Café – healthy, relaxed, Instagram-worthy
- Melting Wok – small but delicious local fusion spot
- Warung Biah Biah – casual and authentic Balinese bites
Afternoon: Tegalalang Rice Terraces
- A short drive north brings you to Tegalalang, one of Bali’s most iconic views. Walk a bit through the terraces or enjoy the view from a café. Want the photo-op? Try one of the swings over the fields (yes, it’s touristy, but still fun).
Optional Stop: Coffee Plantation
- On the way back, visit a small coffee plantation to sample Bali’s local blends and learn about kopi luwak. Most offer tastings for free with a shop onsite if you want to take something home.
Evening: Return to Seminyak
- Head back before dark and opt for a laid-back evening—maybe a light dinner at your villa or something casual like Warung Eny or Nook.
This day gives you a solid dose of Bali’s inland charm without the hassle of switching hotels.
Day 3: Uluwatu Cliffs + Beach Club Vibes
Morning: Head to Uluwatu
- Leave Seminyak around 9 AM and head south to the Bukit Peninsula. First stop: Padang Padang Beach—a hidden cove accessible via a narrow stairway through the cliffs. It’s a good spot to swim or just relax under the sun.
Late Morning: Thomas Beach or Bingin Beach
- If you want something even quieter, drive a little further to Thomas Beach or Bingin Beach. These beaches require a short walk down (and a climb back up), but the reward is turquoise water, white sand, and fewer crowds.
Lunch with a View
- Have lunch at Single Fin, perched on the cliffs near Uluwatu Temple. It’s casual, scenic, and perfect for surfers and non-surfers alike. Other great options include The Cashew Tree (for fresh and healthy bowls) or Ours Uluwatu for a chic café vibe.
Afternoon: Uluwatu Temple
- Spend the late afternoon at Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most iconic sea temples. Built on a dramatic cliffside, it offers jaw-dropping ocean views—especially at sunset. Watch out for monkeys here too; they’re bold.
Optional: Kecak Fire Dance
- Stick around for the Kecak Dance performance at sunset (starts around 6 PM). Set against the ocean, it’s a hypnotic blend of chanting, storytelling, and fire.
Dinner at Jimbaran Bay
- If you’re hungry after the show, take a short drive to Jimbaran Bay for a seafood dinner right on the beach. Tables in the sand, grilled snapper or prawns, and the sound of waves—classic Bali.
Return to Seminyak
- After dinner, head back north. It’s been a full but rewarding day packed with coastline, culture, and good food.
Day 4: Choose Your Own Bali Adventure
This is your “flex day”—customize it based on your energy levels and interests. Whether you’re chasing sunrise, beach vibes, or spa bliss, here are three solid options:
Option A: Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Start: 2:00 AM Pickup
- If you’re up for adventure, book a guided hike up Mount Batur, Bali’s most popular sunrise trek. It’s about a two-hour climb to the summit, where you’ll catch sunrise views over Lake Batur and the surrounding volcanic landscape.
Post-Hike: Batur Natural Hot Springs
- Soothe your muscles in the nearby hot springs, where warm geothermal pools overlook the lake.
Return to Seminyak by early afternoon
Grab a late lunch, then relax poolside at your villa.
Option B: Spa + Beach Club Day
Morning: Spa Treatment in Seminyak
- Start slow with a massage, facial, or full-body treatment at Bodyworks or Spring Spa—two of Bali’s best-known luxury spas.
Afternoon: Beach Club Time
- Head to Finns, Café del Mar, or KU DE TA for a lazy afternoon of lounging, sipping, and swimming. Reserve a daybed in advance if you want prime spots near the pool.
Option C: Nusa Penida Day Trip
Early start: 6:30 AM ferry from Sanur
Take a fast boat to Nusa Penida, a rugged island known for its dramatic cliffs and blue waters. A guided day tour will usually cover:
- Kelingking Beach
- Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
- Crystal Bay for swimming/snorkeling
Return to Bali by evening
End the day with dinner back in Seminyak or a quiet night at your villa.
Day 5: Chill + Check Out
Morning: Beach or Brunch
- Ease into your last day with a coffee and brunch at Sisterfields, Kynd Community, or Revolver Espresso. If you’re not flying out until later, head back to Seminyak Beach or grab a lounger at your villa for one last swim.
Midday: Shopping and Souvenirs
- Stroll through Seminyak Village, Magali Pascal, or Drifter for fashion, art, and homeware. Pick up a few thoughtful gifts—or something for yourself.
Afternoon: Final Touches
- Most villas and hotels will store your luggage and offer showers for late departures. Book your airport transfer with a buffer for traffic (aim to leave 3–4 hours before your flight, depending on time of day).
Wrap-Up: Stay Smart, Stay Stylish
You don’t need weeks to fall in love with Bali. Five well-planned days are enough to hit the highlights, get off the beaten path, and discover why people keep coming back.
And where you stay matters.
At My Villas in Bali, we make your time on the island effortless. Our private pool villas in Seminyak come with personal butler service, daily breakfast cooked in your villa, and a location that puts Bali’s best dining, shopping, and beaches within walking distance.
Ready to turn this trip plan into your reality?
Book your villa with My Villas in Bali and make your first (or next) trip to Bali seamless, stylish, and unforgettable.
- Welcome Back To My Villas in Bali - November 17, 2021
