Dian Surf School Canggu Bali | Top Rated Surf Lessons For All Levels

Bali Travel Itinerary 5 Days: The Perfect First-Time Trip Guide

Bali Travel Itinerary 5 Days: The Perfect First-Time Trip Guide

Planning your dream holiday to Bali but only have five days? Don’t worry — five days is enough to experience the island’s beautiful beaches, iconic temples, green rice terraces, and delicious food. This Bali Travel Itinerary 5 Days guide will help you plan your trip easily, whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for more adventure.

This itinerary covers the best highlights of Bali: Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu — a perfect combination of culture, surfing, and sunset views.


🛬 Where to Stay for 5 Days in Bali

For a short stay, it’s better to stay in two main areas to avoid long travel times:

  • 3 nights in Canggu (beaches, surfing, nightlife, cafés)
  • 2 nights in Ubud (culture, nature, waterfalls)

This gives you the best balance of what Bali has to offer.


📍 5-Day Bali Itinerary Overview

DayDestinationHighlights
1CangguBeach, cafe hopping, sunset
2CangguSurf lesson + Tanah Lot
3Uluwatu Day TripBeaches & cliff temple
4UbudRice terrace + waterfalls
5UbudSacred temple + shopping

Now let’s break down each day in detail 👇


Day 1: Welcome to Bali — Explore Canggu

Start your trip with Bali’s coolest beach area:

What to do:

  • Chill at Batu Bolong Beach
  • Grab brunch at Insta-famous cafes like Crate Cafe or The Common
  • Watch sunset at a beach bar
  • Dinner at Deus Ex Machina or local warung

Tip: Rent a scooter to explore around easily, but only if you’re confident riding.

Read more How Bali Celebrate Christmas


Day 2: Learn to Surf + Tanah Lot Sunset

Canggu is the best place for beginners to surf because the waves are soft and the vibe is friendly.

Morning:

Afternoon:

  • Massage or street shopping

Evening:

  • Visit Tanah Lot Temple for a magical sunset photo

Day 3: Uluwatu Day Trip — Beaches & Cliff Views

Today is for stunning coastline and dramatic cliffs.

Must-visit stops:

  • Melasti Beach — Clear water and scenic cliffs
  • Padang Padang Beach — Surf spot from the movie Eat Pray Love
  • Uluwatu Temple — Sunset + Kecak Fire Dance

If you want more fun:

  • Check out beach clubs like Sundays Beach Club or Savaya

After sunset, head straight to Ubud (about 1.5–2 hours drive).

See What To Do In Christmas & new years eve in bali


Day 4: Explore Ubud — Nature and Culture

Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart — full of greenery, traditional art, and spiritual places.

Top places to visit:

  • Tegalalang Rice Terrace — Sunrise is best!
  • Tegenungan Waterfall or Kanto Lampo
  • Ubud Palace & Art Market
  • Optional: Coffee plantation tasting

Enjoy a healthy lunch at a beautiful jungle café — Ubud has many vegan options too!

You Might Want To Read : Is December Good To Visit Bali ?


Day 5: Temples & Spa Before Departure

Make your last day relaxing and meaningful.

Recommended itinerary:

  • Visit Tirta Empul (holy water temple purification ritual)
  • Monkey Forest Sanctuary (optional if you are not comfortable with monkeys)
  • Final spa treatment before you fly home

Buy some souvenirs like Balinese crafts, coffee, or beachwear.


✨ Tips for Traveling in Bali (Important!)

  • Weather: Warm all year — rainy season from Nov–Mar
  • Transport: Hire a driver for long trips; Grab/Gojek for short trips
  • Cash: Some small shops prefer cash (IDR)
  • Dress code: Wear a sarong when entering temples

🎯 Final Thoughts: Is 5 Days Enough?

Yes! This Bali travel itinerary 5 days gives you the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, culture, and sunsets.

You’ll:

✔ Surf in Canggu
✔ Explore Bali’s most beautiful beaches
✔ Enjoy Ubud’s lush nature
✔ Visit iconic temples
✔ Taste amazing Balinese cuisine

If you fall in love with Bali — you can always come back for more! 🌴✨