Key Highlights: This is the second half of our 5-day, 4-night Bali travelogue, following the route Seminyak → Ubud → Seminyak. Must-visit spots worth bookmarking: Kilo Kitchen (restaurant) in Seminyak, Bintang Supermarket (souvenir shopping), Berry Amour romantic villa; Sangeh Monkey Forest in Ubud, Sun Sun Warung and Pak Malen’s Babi Guling (local cuisine), and Ubud Traditional Spa. For the first two days’ Jimbaran route and airport arrival, check out Part 1.
The following travelogue is adapted from a post shared by YiShawn Huang
If you haven’t read the previous post yet, I recommend starting with 《Bali 5-Day 4-Night Free & Easy (Part 1)》, which covers everything from arriving in Bali, airport entry, Jimbaran accommodation, food, beach sunsets, SPA, and the itinerary for the first two days—it’ll make for a more cohesive read.
Click here for Part 1: Jimbaran Four Seasons Stay Experience
The first part mainly followed the Jimbaran route, staying in a private villa, enjoying sea views, indulging in massages and specialty restaurants—a relaxed pace that truly kicked off this long-awaited Bali trip.
This part covers the second half of the journey.
We’ll move from Jimbaran to Seminyak, savoring many amazing specialty restaurants, shopping for souvenirs at Bintang Supermarket, and checking into a romantic private villa. Then we’ll head to Sangeh Monkey Forest for up-close monkey encounters, stroll through Ubud’s streets, taste authentic Indonesian cuisine, experience a SPA, and finally return to Seminyak to wrap up this 5-day, 4-night Bali free & easy trip perfectly.
If you’re planning a 5-day, 4-night Bali free & easy trip, or looking for itinerary inspiration for Seminyak, Ubud, food, villas, and SPA, I hope this travelogue offers some practical ideas.
Continuing our five-day, four-night Bali trip! 🌴
Day 3
We left Jimbaran and headed to Seminyak, a lively and stylish area. We didn’t pack the day with too many sights, instead focusing on food, shopping, and leisurely strolls to slowly soak up Seminyak’s unique charm, so different from other parts of Bali.
For lunch, we stopped at Kilo Kitchen, a well-known fusion restaurant that artfully blends European, Latin American, and Asian culinary elements. Every dish has its own distinct character.
Our favorite was the Crab Dumplings—thin, delicate wrappers with a sweet, bouncy shrimp-paste-like filling that was absolutely delightful; a must-order. The Beef Tongue Tacos were also memorable, with the tongue braised until incredibly tender and paired beautifully with the corn tortillas for a rich, layered bite. The Squid Ink Risotto was packed with intense seafood flavor, while the Rendang Beef Pasta cleverly combined Indonesia’s classic rendang spices with Italian pasta—surprisingly harmonious. If you enjoy trying different flavor profiles, I think Kilo Kitchen is well worth a meal.
After eating, we headed to Bintang Supermarket to pick up souvenirs. It’s a popular shopping spot recommended by many independent travelers, with a very comprehensive selection of goods—from snacks, coffee, and seasonings to everyday items, you can find almost everything here.
This time, we bought Woca chocolate, Indonesian beer, Marubali coconut chips, civet coffee, and Indonesian instant noodles, among other popular items. After browsing, our biggest takeaway was that if you’re short on time, you can grab most of your souvenirs in one stop here without having to run around to multiple places—super convenient for itinerary planning.
Next, we continued to Seminyak Village for some shopping. While it’s not a huge mall, the environment is comfortable and the brands have a nice, quality feel—perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
At Sensatia Botanicals, we picked up a facial scrub and cleanser. Their natural plant-based skincare line is highly recommended by many travelers and is a popular Balinese brand. After that, we browsed a few clothing stores and finally found a café to sit down, rest, enjoy a coffee, and cool off while sorting through our haul.
If you’re not looking for serious retail therapy, I think 1 to 1.5 hours at Seminyak Village is just right—enough time to browse the shops leisurely, grab a coffee, and soak up Seminyak’s relaxed yet stylish vacation vibe.
After exploring Seminyak, we moved on to one of the most anticipated parts of the day—checking into our second hotel!
This time we stayed at Berry Amour Romantic Villas, with a nightly rate of around USD$230. This villa is designed for a romantic getaway, making it perfect for couples, newlyweds, or honeymooners.
During check-in, the hotel arranged a small welcome ceremony full of ritual. The staff had us put bracelets on each other and even provided crowns for photos. It was a bit shy-making, but it added a special memory to our stay.
Once the formalities were done, a staff member drove us to our villa in a golf cart. From the moment we stepped inside, it felt like a secluded retreat away from the outside world.
The villa came with a private pool, a small kitchen, and a soaking tub for relaxation. What we loved most was that the bathroom was indoors, unlike our previous villa which had a semi-outdoor setup. No worries about wind, rain, or bugs—much more comfortable overall.
If we had to choose between the two villas on this trip, we personally preferred Berry Amour Romantic Villas. The layout, comfort, and romantic vibe all suited our tastes better.
Berry Amour Romantic Villas is a five-star rated romantic villa complex with 20 villas, accepting only couples and guests aged 16 and above. Here is a detailed introduction.
Berry Amour Romantic Villas rates & availability: Agoda Trip Booking
That evening, we didn’t go out again. Instead, we ordered delivery via Grab and enjoyed a relaxing dinner at the villa. We ordered pizza, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum soup. The delivery was fast, the prices were surprisingly affordable, and everything tasted great.
(Provided by Dr. Huang)
Editor’s note: You really have to try the pizza here in Bali — every place makes it delicious!
Sometimes travel doesn’t have to be about rushing from one attraction to another. Staying in a villa, swimming, eating great food, and just chatting while relaxing is also a wonderful way to vacation. For us, these laid-back evenings became some of the most relaxing memories of our Bali trip.
More Things to Eat, Drink and Do in Seminyak
Seminyak is a captivating area in Bali that seamlessly blends fashion with tradition, offering top-notch restaurants, boutique shops, and vibrant nightlife, making it a paradise for vacationers! Want to discover more about its exciting entertainment and dining options? Click here for more details!
Seminyak Accommodation Theme Guide
- Bali Accommodation Guide: Luxurious Themed Stays in Seminyak
- SeminyakPrivate Pool Villa Paradise: 22 Stunning Bali Villas in Seminyak
- 50+ Seminyak Eat Street Food Guide
- Seminyak Private Villas: 3/4/5/6+ Bedroom Family Villa Accommodation Recommendations
- Foodie's Must-Have: 8 Top Value Villas & Hotels Near Seminyak Eat Street
Day 4
On the fourth day, we arranged a full-day private car service to explore different spots in central Bali. But before heading out, we couldn’t miss the floating breakfast offered by the villa!
Although the breakfast at this villa wasn’t quite as much to our taste as the previous one, staying in a villa makes trying a floating breakfast highly recommended. Placing the tray on the pool while enjoying breakfast and snapping photos really adds a ceremonial touch to the vacation. That said, purely in terms of the food, we actually liked the congee the most — it was surprisingly good and really elevated the meal.
After breakfast, we officially kicked off our private car itinerary for the day.
Our first stop was Sangeh Monkey Forest.
When it comes to Bali’s monkey forests, most travelers immediately think of the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, but this time we specifically chose Sangeh Monkey Forest. Its biggest advantage is that it’s far less crowded, making for a more relaxed visit and better opportunities to interact with the monkeys.
As soon as we entered, a local guide accompanied us, handing out a bag of peanuts and leading us deep into the forest. He didn’t just show us around — he taught us how to properly feed the monkeys, explained their behavior, and shared many tips on how to interact with them safely.
The most fun part was when the guide would make specific sounds to attract the monkeys. Before long, they’d jump onto our shoulders, arms, or nearby trees, giving us plenty of chances to interact and take photos. The whole experience felt very natural, and you could tell the guide was quite familiar with the monkeys.
(Provided by Dr. Huang)
We really loved this experience. The whole tour lasted about an hour—not too long, but not rushed either. If you want to avoid the crowds at the Ubud Monkey Forest, this is definitely a great alternative to consider.
The entrance fee was about USD$10, and we also bought a souvenir photo taken at the park, plus a tip for the guide, which came to around USD$6. Overall, we felt it was well worth it and one of the most memorable spots on this trip.
After leaving Sangeh Monkey Forest, we continued on to one of the most popular areas on this trip—Ubud.
For lunch, we stopped at Sun Sun Warung, a highly recommended budget Indonesian restaurant. The setting is simple, but the food is excellent and very affordable.
We ordered their signature Crispy Duck (Bebek Goreng) and Mie Goreng, and both were satisfying. The crispy duck had a perfectly crunchy skin while the meat stayed tender, and it paired beautifully with Indonesian chili sauce. The Mie Goreng was packed with rich Southeast Asian flavors—savory and fragrant without being greasy. For two people, the total came to about USD$16, which is great value for Ubud. If you love authentic Indonesian food, this place is a must-try.
After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through Ubud’s lively streets, passing by the famous Ubud Palace along the way. The main road is lined with unique shops, artisan boutiques, and cafés, giving the whole area a wonderful vacation vibe.
However, the weather that day was scorching hot, so we quickly decided to find a place to cool down.
We stopped by Tukies Coconut Shop, a well-known spot specializing in coconut desserts. Although there’s no air conditioning, they offer a wide range of coconut-based drinks and sweets—perfect for a refreshing break on a hot afternoon.
We ordered coconut ice, a coconut lemon drink, and an American coffee. The icy coconut beverages were incredibly refreshing and instantly chased away the heat. If you’re wandering around Ubud and feeling sweaty, this is a great place to pop in for a drink and a rest.
After our break, we stumbled upon a shop selling Kopi Luwak (civet coffee). The best part? You can actually get up close and interact with real civet cats there!
The civet cats at the shop were much larger than I expected, weighing about 10 kilograms. The staff even let us hold them for photos, which was quite a unique experience.
Of course, since we were there, we also ordered a cup of civet coffee to try. It was incredibly smooth, with a mild bitterness, making it very easy to drink. It was a great way to check off one of those must-try experiences in Bali.
After walking around for a while, our feet started to protest, so we headed to the nearby Ubud Traditional Spa to relax.
This time, we chose the Rice Farmer Massage package, which includes a 60-minute Rice Farmer Massage plus a 30-minute foot massage, priced at about NT$800 (USD$26) per person.
(Provided by Dr. Huang)
The massage therapist’s pressure wasn’t as precise as the spas we visited earlier, but the overall service, ambiance, and price were great. For Ubud’s city center, the value for money is quite high. If you’re planning a full day of shopping and sightseeing in Ubud, ending with a relaxing massage before heading back to the hotel makes for a wonderfully comfortable itinerary.
【Highlights】Top-Rated Spas in Bali & In-Room Massage Guide: Organized by Area for Easy Browsing
More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
Accommodation Themes in Ubud
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: A Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreat Accommodation: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Spiritual Relaxation
- 18 Bali Resorts with Kids Clubs for Families: Best Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud for a Family Vacation
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
After wrapping up our time in Ubud, we headed back to Seminyak, ready to cap off this fulfilling day with a great meal.
For dinner, we chose Pison, a popular Western-style restaurant with a diverse menu and live band performances in the evening. The atmosphere was very relaxed, perfect for a leisurely dinner with friends or a partner.
Once seated, we ordered the restaurant’s signature drink, Avocado Espresso. I was a bit skeptical about the combination of avocado and espresso, but one sip was truly surprising. The creamy richness of the avocado paired unexpectedly well with the coffee’s aroma. I highly recommend giving it a try if you get the chance.
For our main courses, we ordered the Steak with Truffle Mushroom Sauce and the Truffle Carbonara Pasta—both were impressively well-executed. The truffle aroma was rich but not overwhelming, and the flavors had great depth. Paired with the live band performance, it made for an especially relaxing dinner and became one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
Day Five
Before we knew it, the last day of our Bali trip had arrived.
We didn’t pack much into the schedule. After checking out, we asked our driver Benny to take us to a local eatery he recommended: Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen.
This is a well-known suckling pig restaurant, and around noon it was nearly packed, clearly a favorite among both locals and tourists.
We ordered a signature roast suckling pig rice. At first glance, it reminded me of Taiwan’s Chiayi turkey rice—simple, with a plate of rice topped with sliced meat and sides. It cost less than USD$3 per serving, which was incredibly affordable.
However, the meat we got was a bit on the cool side, so the texture wasn’t as good as expected, and overall it didn’t blow us away. Of course, tastes vary, so if you’re in the area, it’s still worth stopping by to try this famous local spot.
On the way to the airport, Benny pulled out a traditional Indonesian liquor he highly recommended called Arak and offered us a taste.
Seeing it in a plastic bottle, our first reaction was a bit skeptical (laughs), but Benny explained that it’s a common homemade traditional spirit brewed by locals.
Arak is traditionally made from fermented and distilled coconut flower sap, among other ingredients. It had a subtle rice and alcohol aroma, somewhat reminiscent of Taiwan’s millet wine—smooth and not too harsh on the palate. Surprisingly, it was quite enjoyable, and it gave us a taste of another side of Balinese local culture.
This five-day, four-night Bali independent trip truly left us with so many wonderful memories.
Although we traveled during the December rainy season, we only encountered heavy rain for about one day, which didn’t affect our itinerary much. We didn’t cram each day full of activities but instead left plenty of time to relax, making the trip feel even more enjoyable.
Looking back, we only explored a small part of Bali in these five days, yet it was enough to make us fall deeply in love with this island.
The food here is so delicious you’ll crave it again, the SPA massages remain an incredible value, and the Monkey Forest and civet cat interactions were both a lot of fun. The two villas we stayed in each had their own unique charm and are highly recommended.
(Provided by Dr. Huang)
Finally, I’d like to give a special shout-out to our driver Benny, who accompanied us throughout the trip. Besides providing safe transportation, he shared many local cultural stories and life anecdotes, and recommended plenty of food and experiences known only to locals. His attentiveness and responsibility were evident throughout the journey, and we’ve since recommended him to several friends for private car hire, all of whom gave him great reviews.
Thank you all for reading to the end, and for joining us in reliving this five-day, four-night Bali travelogue.
If you’d like to see more real-life footage, feel free to check out our YouTube video, which fully documents the attractions, food, accommodation, and travel experiences of this trip. It captures Bali’s laid-back vacation vibe even better than photos, and I’m sure it will give you a deeper understanding of this journey.
I hope this travelogue inspires you as you plan your own Bali independent trip, and I look forward to exploring more of Bali’s beautiful corners together next time. 🌴
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