Indonesia is the land of variety. From lush jungles and pristine beaches to exotic cuisine and diverse cultures, there is something for everyone. Whether you are seeking relaxation, luxury or adventure, our ultimate guide to the best way to spend five days in Bali is sure to inspire you!
Day One – Seminyak & Kuta
Waterbom Waterpark
Having arrived at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you should head to Seminyak for your first day. A popular beach resort, there is a never-ending list of things to do here! The first port of call to kick-start any family holiday should be Waterbom in Kuta – among the most exhilarating water-parks in the world and recently voted the #1 water-park in Asia.
But don’t be mistaken – this is a water-park for big kids too. Adrenaline junkies flock here to get their fill, in a resort which is known for safety, cleanliness and most importantly – thrills for all ages. A must-visit and one of the top family things to do, you are sure to enjoy a day of unlimited fun!
Finns Beach Club
To get the most of your first Bali day, you are highly recommended to enjoy some of the beach activities that Seminyak abounds with…
Bali is all about having fun and enjoying luxury, which is accessible to everyone on the Island of Gods. To feel this spirit straight after your arrival, head to the Finns Beach Club in North Kuta and enjoy the best DJs and drinks in a huge swimming pool bordering with the seashore.
Dinner at Chez Gado Gado
For a fabulous introduction to Balinese cuisine, head to Chez Gado Gado for your evening meal. This unbelievably scenic restaurant is mere meters from the sea, resulting in spectacular sunset views at one of the finest places to eat you are likely to find in Bali.
Known not only for its delicious local dishes but also its Pan-Mediterranean influence, the fresh seafood at Chez Gado Gado is the star of the show. Lighthearted and casual without compromising on sophistication, this tranquil dining experience is guaranteed to satisfy your appetite.
Where to stay in Seminyak
Bali is littered with beautiful places to stay, and one of our favourite holiday villas in Seminyak is Villa Eshara I – a trendy holiday home off the beaten track. Fully staffed with a professional chef, it is perfect for couples, families and groups of friends – with spacious living and dining areas to socialize and entertain
The shimmering pool set amidst the beautiful tropical garden is perfect for a morning dip after a restful nights sleep in any of the four super-king-size beds. Also featuring an air-conditioned gym, entertainment room and modern sound system, this is the perfect place to unwind after on your first night in Bali!
Essential Information:
Villa Eshara I
Bedrooms: 3
Prices from: USD 647
Day Two – Serangan Island & Sanur
Turtle Conservation Centre
During day two of your five day Bali itinerary, it is well worth taking a trip to the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC) on your way to Sanur. Located on Serangan Island, the visit promises to be joyful and educational, making it one of the most entertaining family things to do in Bali.
As well as a place for tourists to learn about these fascinating creatures, the Turtle Center embraces the broader aim of educating visitors about conservation and sustainable tourism. Environmentally friendly souvenirs which can be purchased offer a way for locals to make a living and learn valuable skills – making the Center an admirable and exciting operation. Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you will be able to adopt a baby turtle and release it into the ocean!
Alternatively…Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang
Another way to spend the first part of the day would be to head to the North-East of Bali and visit a couple of magnificent natural attractions and sites that this part of the island may offer. Only 30 minutes away by car, you will find one of Bali’s unique natural gems, unknown to the most – the Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang.
This would become a truly unforgettable adventure: make sure to prepare suitable clothes, shoes and a waterproof phone case to take the dozens of fascinating pictures.
Tegenungan waterfall
In case you still have free some time before heading to Sanur, you should not miss one of Bali’s most spectacular waterfalls where dozens of famous travel pictures have been made – the Tegenungan waterfall that is just 20 minutes by car from the Canyon.
It is located in Gianyar, close to the art village of Ubud – thus, you can still drop in to see this beautiful place later, as you will follow this guide. Its height is approximately 15 meters, and the views it offers are truly gorgeous.
Or… Bali Safari & Marine Park
If you are looking for family things to do in Bali, the Bali Safari & Marine Park is another place that would perfectly fit your needs. They offer numerous entertaining activities and will surprise you with over 100 unique and endangered species of animals.
By the way, if you are looking for something unusual to mark your vacation, Bali Safari offers night zoo tours with a romantic dinner, restaurants where you will be dining with lions (absolutely safely!) and many other captivating things.
Night Market in Sanur
Back in Sanur, the night market makes for an enthralling visit. Head there early (around 7 pm) to try as many of the local snacks as you can get your hands on – they will be gone before you know it! One of the must-visit markets in Bali, the aromas of traditional dishes such as Satay and Nasi Goreng are sure to enliven the senses!
Casablanca Bar
Next on the itinerary is an evening of kicking back at Casablanca, a popular bar whose live musicians will blow you away night after night. One of the coolest places to gather in Sanur, the local bands play rock, salsa and even Beatles tribute, depending on which night you visit.
Reasonably priced drinks and amicable staff make for a welcoming atmosphere – be sure to try a cold Bintang, the beer of choice for locals.
Where to stay in Sanur
One of our top holiday rental choices in Sanur is the Majapahit Villa Raj – and it’s easy to see why. This stunning villa is so close to the ocean you’ll hardly have a chance to feel the sand between your toes before you’re indulging in a midnight swim.
Not only that but with 3 spacious bedrooms, an outdoor relaxation area and a beautiful infinity edge lap pool, you can guarantee that no-one will find themselves bored!
Majapahit Villa Raj
Bedrooms: Four
Prices from: USD 393
Day Three – Nusa Penida & Ubud
Getting up early can be a struggle whilst on holiday – but if you’re really looking for the best way to spend five days in Bali, spending a half day on Nusa Penida will be well worth it! A morning pickup can be arranged with Like Nusa Penida Tours – a well-reviewed tour company.
Nusa Penida
This incredible natural infinity pool features naturally crystalline waters and a breathtaking view. An quick morning dip between the spectacular rock features which surround it is surely the most picturesque start to the day you could hope for on any vacation!
Just around the corner lies Broken Beach, another stop on the half day tour. It remains untouched by travellers due to the steep, ragged rocks which surround this bay – however perfect photo opportunities are of course on hand!
Top things to do and see in Nusa Penida:
- Angel’s Billabong
- Broken Beach
- Peguyangan Waterfall & natural pool
- Bukit Teletubbies
- Diving with Manta Rays and Mola Mola fishe
Essential Information:
Like Nusa Penida Tours
Location: Br. Pengaud, Ds.Suana, Nusa Penida
Website: http://www.likenusapenida.com/en/tours/nusa-penida-1-day-tour
Contact Number: +62 812-3837-2492
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
What could be more romantic than meeting the end of the day at Bali’s most famous rice fields that you can see on numerous pictures of travel influencers and even in movies – did you watch “Eat, Pray, Love”?:)
Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud is great for learning more about subak (traditional Bali irrigation system for paddy fields), taking wonderful pictures and relaxing with your body and soul. They have already become a symbol of the Island of Gods, and this is for a good reason: this beauty looks like it has just off the artist’s brush.
It is located 25 minutes/s drive from central Ubud – so you will have plenty of time to come back for the late dinner.
Ubud & Fair Warung Bale
The half-day trip returns around 5:30 pm, leaving ample time for the forty minute drive to Ubud before a well-deserved evening meal. Once you arrive, head to the Fair Warung Bale, a unique restaurant run by the Fair Future Foundation.
Not only does this local restaurant offer fantastically authentic cuisine. Run by a local NGO, it provides healthcare for the local community – a perfect chance to give back to the beautiful island of Bali. As if the mouth-watering food wasn’t a good enough reason to pay a visit!
Where to stay in Ubud
Head back to the Alamanda Villa – a gorgeous resort perched high above the Petanu River. Featuring a large open-air lounge and dining terrace which overlook Ubud’s lush flora and fauna, this villa has a spacious yet welcoming aura.
Alamanda Villa is home to a tranquil garden and large relaxation gazebo, with cushioned daybeds perfect for unwinding. The pool and surrounding gardens come to life as they are lit up into the evening, for a truly exotic ambience.
Alamanda Villa
Bedrooms: Four
Prices from: USD 549
Day Four – Ubud & Canggu
Intuitive Flow Yoga
A morning of yoga is essential in any list of the best way to spend five days in Bali, and Intuitive Flow Yoga is the perfect place for it. The beautiful studio is a perfectly relaxing place for beginners to learn or experienced yogi’s to try new classes.
With amazing views of the nearby mountains and jungle, Intuitive Flow Yoga’s open studio is calm and breezy. The instructors are known for being super friendly, committed and informative without moving too fast.
Ubud Water Palace
Another way to explore the culture and spirit of Bali is to visit some of its unique Buddhist Temples. There is one in Ubud that definitely worths a visit – the stunning Ubud Water Palace.
The Ubud Water Palace or the Pura Taman Saraswati is located in the heart of Ubud, and belongs to one of the most easily accessible temples on the island. At the same time, it does not belong to the most touristic Bali spots, which makes it a perfect place for anyone looking for getting away from the crowds.
Direction: Jl. Kajeng No.24, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Canggu & Golddust Beauty Lounge
After catching the morning class, hop in a taxi for the hour or so journey to Canggu. After a pretty packed week so far, well-deserved relaxation is the theme of day four. With that in mind, a visit to Canggu’s Golddust Beauty Lounge is one of the most calming ways to spend time in Bali.
Star of the show is, of course, the unique 24-carat gold facial, however, the professional and highly trained staff are experts in a number of services – including top-notch massages and hair treatments. An afternoon of bliss will leave you feeling rejuvenated in preparation for your last day in Bali!
Gypsy Kitchen and Bar
First, though, it’s time to enjoy our restaurant of choice – the Gypsy Kitchen and Bar. The fresh fish cooked by a passionate Canadian chef are reason enough to visit but smashing cocktails, excellent service and a casual vibe will make for a chilled out evening.
Gypsy Kitchen and Bar specializes in locally sourced and fresh produce, with a touch of French and Portuguese influence. For a real treat, choose ‘Everything From the Sea’ as a sharer, which includes the catch of the day, tuna tataki, fried mahi mahi, sushi and shrimp – an adventure for your tastebuds!
Where to stay in Canggu
Just meters away from Canggu beach, tucked between private walls and a lavish tropical garden you’ll find Villa Kakatua, the ideal resting quarters for a family or small group.
This beautiful villa is designed with classic Balinese style in mind, featuring timber pillars, high scrapwood ceilings and traditional artefacts. All four bedrooms feature en-suite garden bathrooms with open-air showers – bedrooms three and four are located in their own pavilion with a shared veranda.
The main highlight of this luxurious retreat is the lagoon-style salt-water swimming pool, resting among well-kept jungle gardens and manicured lawns. The poolside bale is an ideal place to kick back and relax whilst you enjoy the sunset with an ice-cold cocktail. This villa exudes warmth and will be welcoming home-from-home.
Essential Information
Day Five – Back to Seminyak
Santai Surf School
For the last leg of our itinerary, the best way to spend five days in Bali should, of course, include a trip to the beach! Head back to Seminyak and check out the Santai Surf School Bali, a friendly family owned and run business, located on the Double Six Beach.
One of our favourite family things to do in Bali, learning to surf here is an exciting experience with positive vibes and lots of laughs guaranteed. You’ll soon be hooked – after a two-hour lesson, it is possible to rent a board free for the rest of the day. Go for the photo option for quality snaps of your new favourite sport!
Double Six Beach & La Plancha Bar & Restaurant
Watching the sunset in one of the bean bags of the La Plancha Cafe is one of the must-do things in Seminyak, and you sure won’t like to miss it. Enjoy the colourful scenery and take some pictures that will surely make your Instagram blow up 🙂
Boy’N’Cow Restaurant
Our final restaurant is Boy’N’Cow, a steakhouse and cocktail lounge which will blow your mind. A little more pricey than the restaurants so far (but it is your last night after all!) you get what you pay for and more in this up-and-coming restaurant.
Enjoy prime dry-aged steaks, cooked and seasoned to utter perfection in this spotless restaurant, which features industrial open-planned architecture. Service is admirably friendly and surprisingly fast given the unbelievable quality and stunning presentation of the dishes on offer. Boy’N’Cow is sure to have you smacking your lips!
They say all good things must come to an end. As you head back to the airport the magic of this ‘Island of the Gods’ you will have a weeks worth of exciting adventures and unforgettable experiences to reflect on.
Of course our five day Bali itinerary is just a scratch on the surface of what this fascinating location has to offer. Now that you’re feeling suitably inspired, check out our list of the hottest holiday villas on the island and start planning your stay!
Where to stay in Seminyak 2.0
Make sure to mark your last night in Bali with something special – like this luxurious holiday villa with a private pool and beautiful interior design.
The Layar complex is located a stone’s throw from the Double Six Beach and other chic spots of Seminyak. It features modern open-space villas where you will enjoy the highest level of service and the most Instagram-worthy gardens in Bali.
