Day 1: Uluwatu – Clifftop Views and Hidden Beaches
Morning: Start your Bali adventure on the southern tip of the island in Uluwatu, known for its dramatic cliffs and iconic beaches. Begin your day at Padang Padang Beach, a small yet beautiful cove framed by rugged limestone cliffs and accessed via a narrow staircase. The beach, featured in “Eat, Pray, Love,” is great for swimming and people-watching.
From there, continue to Bingin Beach, another coastal gem that requires a descent down a steep staircase. This hidden stretch of sand is a surfer’s paradise, but it’s also ideal for lounging under an umbrella with a good book. The turquoise waters and golden sands are classic Bali.
Wrap up your beach-hopping with a stop at Dreamland Beach, a broader bay that’s a bit more accessible and great for bodysurfing or simply soaking up the sun.
Afternoon: In the afternoon, make your way to Uluwatu Temple, one of Bali’s most significant sea temples. Sitting dramatically on a 70-meter-high cliff, the temple offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. Wander the grounds and be on the lookout for the mischievous monkeys that inhabit the area.
Stick around for the famous Kecak Fire Dance, performed as the sun begins to set. This traditional Balinese performance features a chorus of chanting men and dramatic storytelling, made all the more magical by the backdrop of the crashing waves below.
Evening: As night falls, head to one of the cliffside restaurants or warungs nearby. Many offer dining decks with spectacular views, perfect for watching the last light dip below the horizon. Order a freshly grilled seafood platter and enjoy a leisurely dinner.
Save Tip: Skip the beach clubs and enjoy the natural beauty of Uluwatu’s public beaches—just pack water, snacks, and a sarong.
Splurge Tip: End your day with a fine seafood dinner at a cliffside restaurant offering panoramic ocean views.
Day 2: Ubud – Jungle Temples and Rice Terraces
Morning: Head north to Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali. Begin your day at Tirta Empul Temple, known for its sacred spring water where locals and tourists alike take part in purification rituals. The temple complex is surrounded by lush gardens and has an atmosphere of calm reverence.
Next, visit Gunung Kawi Temple, a fascinating archaeological site featuring 10 rock-cut shrines carved into the cliffs. The temple is reached via a scenic walk down hundreds of steps through terraced rice fields and past quiet streams. It’s serene and deeply spiritual.
Afternoon: Continue into the center of Ubud Town, where you can browse its bustling markets and art galleries. The Ubud Art Market is a great place to pick up handmade souvenirs, from intricately carved masks to woven baskets. Ubud is also known for its painting and sculpture scene, and you’ll find plenty of small galleries tucked along its narrow roads.
For lunch, grab a bite at a peaceful café surrounded by jungle greenery. Menus often feature both Balinese and international dishes, including rice bowls, satays, and plenty of fresh tropical fruit.
After lunch, take a short drive to the famous Tegallalang Rice Terraces. The layered paddies cascade down the hillside in a breathtaking pattern, and a stroll through them offers great photo ops and a sense of timeless agricultural life.
Evening: On your way back into town, stop at a coffee plantation where you can sample herbal teas and locally grown coffees while overlooking the jungle canopy. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, perfect for a slow, reflective evening.
Save Tip: Bargain at Ubud Market and skip paid photo ops in the terraces—just walk around and enjoy the scenery.
Splurge Tip: Book a relaxing massage or flower bath at a spa overlooking the rice fields.
Day 3: Seminyak – Chic Cafes and Glamorous Sunsets
Morning:
Make your way to Seminyak, Bali’s hub for boutique fashion and lifestyle. Spend the morning wandering through Petitenget Street and its adjacent lanes, browsing trendy shops that feature everything from handcrafted jewelry and linen dresses to designer surfwear and home décor. If you’re interested in art, several galleries in the area showcase contemporary Indonesian works, photography, and sculpture. It’s a nice change of pace and a chance to experience a more modern side of Balinese culture.for a fun historical experience.
Afternoon: Stop for lunch at a serene garden café offering healthy bowls, grilled meats, and refreshing drinks. Then spend your early afternoon relaxing with a yoga class or drop into a day spa for a rejuvenating facial or massage. Seminyak has some of Bali’s best wellness centers, perfect for recharging.
If you prefer more beach time, head to Seminyak Beach, which offers a long stretch of soft sand ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Beach vendors sell coconuts and snacks, and surfboards are available to rent.
Evening: As the sun begins to dip, walk to one of the beachside bars or casual warungs and grab a bean bag seat facing the ocean. Seminyak’s sunsets are spectacular, with the sky turning brilliant shades of orange and pink as the waves roll in.
Save Tip: Skip the beach club entry fees and find a beachfront warung to enjoy a cold drink and sunset.
Splurge Tip: Explore Seminyak’s lively nightlife scene. Whether it’s a quiet rooftop bar, a trendy cocktail lounge, or a beachfront venue with live DJs, there’s a place to suit every mood.
Day 4: Nusa Penisa – Island Adventure
Morning: Catch an early morning speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, a rugged island off Bali’s southeastern coast. Start your island tour at the iconic Kelingking Cliff, where the viewpoint resembles a T-Rex head and offers jaw-dropping views of the ocean below. Adventurous travelers can hike down the steep path to the beach, though it’s quite a challenge.
Afternoon: Continue to Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool set in the rocks. When the tide is low, you can walk right up to the edge and look down at the waves crashing below. Just a short walk away is Broken Beach, a circular cove formed by a collapsed cliff. The ocean flows in through a stone arch, creating a surreal and photogenic scene. Lunch is typically included with day tours and served at a simple local spot offering Indonesian staples like fried rice, vegetables, and grilled chicken.
Your final stop is Crystal Bay, a beautiful sandy beach ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The water is calm and clear, with colorful coral reefs just offshore. Lounge under a tree, sip a fresh coconut, and take in the island’s quiet magic.
Evening: Return to the harbor and catch your speedboat back to Bali by late afternoon. After arriving in Sanur, head back to your accommodation for a quiet evening. Dinner can be something low-key, perhaps enjoyed at your hotel or villa.
Save Tip: Go with a shared group tour from Sanur for great value—it usually includes ferry, lunch, and all transport.
Splurge Tip: Charter a private boat and guide for a more flexible and comfortable island-hopping experience.
Day 5: Canggu – Surf and Smoothies
Morning: Finish your Bali trip with a relaxed day in Canggu, a trendy surf town that balances coastal charm with urban creativity. Start the day at Batu Bolong Beach, where you can take a beginner-friendly surf lesson or just enjoy the morning breeze with a smoothie in hand.
Explore the area on foot or by rented scooter, visiting a few of the local boutiques and independent shops that line the streets. Canggu has a thriving maker scene, and you can find everything from handmade ceramics to surf-inspired art.
Afternoon: After lunch at a garden café, book a session at one of Canggu’s popular yoga studios for a midday stretch. Or if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, opt for a spa treatment to end the trip on a relaxed note.
Spend your afternoon relaxing at Echo Beach or visiting one of the more low-key beach clubs, where you can swim, sip, and soak up the sun.
Evening: As the day winds down, find a beachfront spot to watch your final Bali sunset. Canggu’s coastline offers a more bohemian vibe, with string lights, acoustic music, and casual bean bag seating.
Enjoy your last meal in Bali with fresh seafood or a sizzling stir-fry, served in an open-air restaurant just steps from the sand.
Save Tip: Rent a scooter for the day to explore at your own pace—Canggu is easy to navigate.
Splurge Tip: Reserve a daybed at a beachfront club and enjoy full service, cocktails, and the best sunset view in town.
Hire a private driver for the whole trip, especially if you’re traveling in a group. It’s affordable, convenient, and the driver often doubles up as a guide, offering local insights as they take you around the island.