Balinese Beach Getaway: Uluwatu & the Bukit Peninsula - 5 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bali, Transfer to Uluwatu

Welcome to Bali, part of the Lesser Sunda Islands and one of the most-visited places in all of Indonesia. Start your island adventure in style with a 40-minute private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Uluwatu, a hilly peninsula on Bali's southwest tip, renowned for its temples, coastal cliffs, gorgeous beaches, and off-the-beaten-path vibe.

After checking in, you'll have free time for the rest of the day. Feeling tired? Take a rest beside the hotel pool. Or, if you're a little more energetic, set off and explore the local area on foot, walking along a coastal path or visiting a nearby beach like Padang-Padang.

Day 2: Explore the Beaches of Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran Seafood Barbecue

Today, you'll be able to feel the soft sands of the area's best beaches. It's up to you where to start, but Geger Beach is perhaps the perfect spot, beloved by tourists and known by locals as one of the prettiest stretches of sand in all of Bali. Padang-Padang is another hit, renowned for its dramatic backdrop of towering cliffs and family-friendly tidal swimming pools. Or, if you're in the mood for a walk, consider a trip down the 350 stairs to Green Bowl Beach. As the afternoon comes to a close, consider heading to Melasti Beach, one of the best places to watch the sunset.

End your day with a delicious seafood barbecue in the coastal town of Jimbaran. While your catch of the day grills on the sand, take your seat at a nearby beachside restaurant. Against a background of the bustling beach scene and charming Balinese music, you'll savor freshly caught fish, lobster, squid, and prawns, served in the traditional Balinese style with steamed rice and spicy sambal sauce on the side. 

Day 3: Surfing Lesson, Balinese Massage, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance

Bali is famed as one of the world's premier surfing destinations, and even if you've never surfed before, you'll be able to give it a try today. Meet up with your surfing teacher and learn the ropes before setting out onto the waves. Then, with your feet back on dry land, step into a local spa for a soothing hourlong full-body or foot massage.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour around the sea temple of Uluwatu, which sits on a cliff's edge, 230 feet (70 m) above the waters below. The temple is dedicated to a Hindu god, and you'll learn all about its rich history and sacred significance before moving on to enjoy a traditional kecak dance performance. This dance recreates the ancient Hindu story of Ramayana, featuring a large group of performers chanting and dancing in beautiful, decorative costumes. Your expert guide will share intriguing insights as the performance goes on.

Day 4: Discover Nusa Penida, Drinks at the Rock Bar

Day four takes you to Nusa Penida, a small island off Bali's southeastern tip and separated from Bali by the Badung Strait. With a hilly center and dramatic shoreline, this island is filled with great diving spots, romantic waterfalls, and sandy beaches. You'll sail across to the island by boat, stopping off at some of its most scenic locations, like Kelinking Beach, with its dinosaur-shaped cliffs, or Broken Beach, with its natural stone arches. You'll also stop off at Peguyangan, home of secret waterfalls tucked away atop a massive flight of stairs.

Then, having burned off some calories and enjoyed a full day of adventure, you'll be taken to the Rock Bar at the Ayana Resort and Spa in Jimbaran, where a full menu of fruity cocktails awaits. Finally, as the sun sets, dive into the lively nightlife scene, looking out across the Indian Ocean while enjoying traditional live music and entertainment.

Day 5: Free Time in Uluwatu, Depart Bali

On your final day in Bali, you'll have some free time before your flight to visit some of your favorite local beaches or other attractions. You might like to return to the sacred hub of Uluwatu Temple, for instance, or bask on Padang-Padang Beach. Then, when the time comes, you'll take a 40-minute private transfer back to the international airport, ready to catch your flight home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Indonesia? Check out these other Indonesia itineraries, explore different ways to spend five days in Bali, or discover the best time to visit Indonesia.