Most people stay in Seminyak, especially when short on time. Seminyak has the biggest variety of hotel options per square meter than anywhere else in Bali and can't be beaten for its arterial access to surfing, beaches, shopping, and nightlife. Plus, its proximity to the airport makes getting back less of a hassle.
Day 1: Beach & Shopping
After breakfast, head to Ku de Ta and grab one of their sun loungers. Spend the morning soaking up the sun and scanning the surfers. For some retail therapy, head down Jalan Laksmana and Jalan Raya Seminyak where there are plenty of places to pick up gifts to take home and threads for the beach. Catch the sunset at Breeze, the beachfront bar of the Samaya. For dinner, stroll down Eat Street (Jl. Laksmana) and take your pick of any of the dozens of restaurants.
Day 2: Arts & Culture
Start with an early rise and head to Tirta Empul, and bathe in the magical waters. Next stop is Pura Gunung Kawi, one of Bali's oldest temples. Head to the center of Ubud for lunch and visit the Neka Museum and the ARMA Museum. On the way back to Seminyak, cruise through Mas, Batubulan, or Celuk to browse for jewelry, woodcarving, and stone carving. After a full day, enjoy room service or an early dinner at your hotel.
Day 3: Explore the Countryside
Start with an early visit to Pura Luhur Batukaru and soak in the spirits and the cool jungle air. Then head for a trek around the mystical rice paddy fields of Jatiluwih. The cool western uplands, overlooking half the island, offer magnificent views. As you wind your way back to Seminyak, notice the coffee, coconut, cacao, clove, jack fruit, banana, and papaya (to name a few) growing here. Head to the beach for a quiet dinner at Gado Gado or Ma Joly in Tuban.
Day 4: Pamper Yourself
Book a spa outing a day in advance. Head to Desa Seni and start your day with a Pilates or yoga class. Enjoy a healthy light lunch of ingredients from their organic garden. For dinner, head to Bumbu Bali in Tangung Benoa where you will awaken out of your coma with spicy Balinese cuisine and a local barong dance with banging gamelans.
Day 5: Beach Bliss
Head to Geger Beach for the day to swim in the safe shallow waters, take a stroll down the beach to watch the seaweed farmers at work, and have a massage while you top off your tan.. For sunset supper, head to Jimbaran beach for the festive holiday-like atmosphere -- complete with mariachis.
Day 6: Give Back to Bali
Spend the day with JED (a local ecotourism mininetwork) at the traditional village Kiadan Pelaga in the central mountains. You will learn about the process of growing and making coffee, see dry rice paddy fields, and meet the members of a small community. The villagers will prepare a traditional Balinese feast for you. All proceeds go right back to the village.
Day 7: Last Minute Sun, Shopping & Spa
Don't get stuck at Ngurah Rai Airport buying your batik and baskets at 10 times the cost. Enjoy your last day as a shopping spree in Seminyak instead. And, be sure to soak up that last bit of sun or splurge on a final spa treatment to prepare you for your flight home.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
