Five days in Bali is, without question, a very short stay. The island deserves time, patience and space to unfold. Yet, when Bali is one chapter of a broader journey — through Indonesia or across Asia — a five-day stop can still offer a meaningful and beautifully balanced introduction.
This itinerary is designed for travellers who wish to experience Bali without exhaustion or excess. It blends nature, culture, wellness and refined coastal moments, with a focus on atmosphere, flow and comfort. Each step is intentional, allowing you to feel the island rather than simply pass through it.
Day 1 — Arrival & Gentle Grounding
Upon arrival in Bali, you are transferred directly to your accommodation in the lush countryside surrounding Ubud, far from the town’s traffic and bustle. Think secluded villas or intimate lodges immersed in greenery — places where nature sets the tone from the very first moment.
This day is deliberately slow. After the journey, the body needs rest before exploration. The afternoon is dedicated to unwinding: a gentle massage, time by the pool, or simply listening to the sounds of the jungle. Dinner is enjoyed on-site or nearby, in a calm setting that invites an early night and a soft landing into Bali.
Bali reveals itself best to those who arrive softly.
Day 2 — A deep connection with nature
The morning begins quietly with a gentle yoga session, surrounded by tropical vegetation — a grounding way to reconnect body and breath before heading out.
Late morning is devoted to discovering Ubud’s natural side, away from overvisited spots. Visit a temple nestled in nature where a melukat purification ritual can be experienced — a deeply symbolic moment of cleansing, guided with respect and discretion.
Lunch is enjoyed in a scenic, understated setting before continuing your visit of the nature of Ubud area. Expect a walk through rice fields and waterfalls, where daily life unfolds at its own pace.
The rest of the afternoon remains unhurried, allowing space to rest, swim or reflect on the day’s impressions. End the day with a sunset moment and a refined dinner.
Day 3 — Craft, landscapes and a change of horizon
Wake up gently and enjoy a delicious breakfast, then experience an artisan encounter — silverwork, ceramics or textile craft — offering insight into Bali’s living traditions and the precision of local savoir-faire.
After lunch, depart towards Jatiluwih, home to one of Bali’s most breathtaking rice terrace landscapes, far removed from mass tourism. The exploration is done at an unhurried pace by classic vintage Volkswagen, allowing you to fully take in the scenery.
By mid-afternoon, you continue towards the coast, settling into your next accommodation in Pererenan or Seseh — discreet seaside villages known for their calm elegance. As evening falls, a sunset by the ocean marks this transition from jungle to sea.
Day 4 — Water & Coastal Atmosphere
The morning unfolds slowly. Depending on your mood, you may opt for a light surf session, a stroll through refined local boutiques, or a relaxed brunch followed by beach time. This is a day for ease — sun, salt air and unstructured moments.
In the late afternoon, you head to Tanah Lot Temple. Chosen carefully for timing and perspective, this visit allows you to experience one of Bali’s most iconic sites in the best possible conditions, as the temple silhouettes against the setting sun.
Dinner follows nearby or back at your accommodation, closing the day with simplicity and elegance.
Day 5 — Closing the Circle
Your final day is intentionally light. Enjoy a slow morning, a last walk, or a quiet coffee ritual. This is a moment for reflection — on what resonated, what surprised, and what will stay with you beyond the journey.
Depart Bali not with a checklist completed, but with a sense of calm and connection — the true mark of a well-designed first encounter.
Rivage Note
This five-day itinerary can be adapted and refined according to your pace, interests and level of comfort. At Rivage, we believe that even a short stay deserves the same attention to detail as a long journey.
