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Bali, Indonesia

3 days in Bali

3 days · 15 stops · Indonesia

Bali is the kind of place that makes it easy to slow down: rice-terrace mornings, surf afternoons, and sunsets that earn the long flight. It can feel lively in the beach towns and much quieter once you head inland, with a mix of easygoing cafés, temples, and small neighbourhood pockets that each have their own rhythm. It shines most when you leave room for both movement and rest, whether that means chasing waves, exploring green inland roads, or lingering over a long evening meal.

€494estimated for two — on-the-ground estimate, flights not included.

AI-estimated prices · Day 1 starts on a Wednesday · Check opening hours and closing days before you go

The 3-day plan, day by day

  1. Day 1 · Wednesday — South Bali temples and sunset coast

    Arrival day with sea temple views, a clifftop cultural park and a lively beach dinner area

    4 stops€110 in stops, for two

    Morning

    1. 09:00

      Transfer into south Bali

      Make your way into the south Bali coast and settle into the day before sightseeing begins.

      €10 per person

      TIPAllow extra time if traffic builds around Kuta, Seminyak and Jimbaran.

    2. 10:30

      Tanah Lot Temple

      This famous sea temple sits on a rocky offshore outcrop and is one of Bali’s most recognizable coastal sights. The setting is especially dramatic at high tide, when waves surround the temple base and the shoreline paths open broad views back across the coast.

      Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia€5 per person

      TIPArrive earlier in the day for easier walking and lighter crowds around the photo points.

    Afternoon

    1. 13:00

      Lunch in Canggu coastal area

      Pause in the Canggu coastal strip for an easy lunch among cafes and casual restaurants near the beach roads. It is a convenient stop between temple sightseeing and the Bukit Peninsula, with plenty of relaxed places for rice dishes, seafood and coffee.

      €12 per person

      TIPChoose a spot on the main roads so departure is simpler when traffic picks up.

    2. 15:30

      Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park

      This large cultural park is built around one of Bali’s most striking monumental landmarks, with broad plazas, sculpture-lined grounds and elevated viewpoints. It works well as an introduction to Balinese iconography while giving plenty of open-air space to walk.

      Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80364, Indonesia€8 per person

      TIPCarry water and sun protection because much of the site is exposed.

    Evening

    1. 18:00

      Jimbaran Bay beachside dinner area

      Jimbaran Bay is one of the island’s classic evening spots, with a long sandy shoreline and rows of seafood-focused dining areas facing the water. Sunset colors, sea breezes and a relaxed beach setting make it a memorable first evening stop.

      €20 per person

      TIPReach the bay before dusk if you want time for a beach walk before choosing where to eat.

  2. Day 2 · Thursday — Ubud temples, terraces and central streets

    A classic inland Bali day of monkey forest paths, rice-terrace scenery and central Ubud browsing

    6 stops€66 in stops, for two

    Morning

    1. 08:30

      Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

      This shaded forest reserve combines mossy temple structures, stone bridges and resident long-tailed macaques in a lush setting right by central Ubud. It is one of the island’s best-known cultural-nature stops, with atmospheric walking paths and frequent photo moments.

      Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia€6 per person

      TIPKeep sunglasses, phones and loose items secure around the monkeys.

    2. 10:30

      Ubud Palace

      Ubud Palace is a compact but elegant royal complex known for its carved gateways, traditional courtyards and central location. It gives a quick, accessible look at Balinese architectural detail and pairs naturally with the surrounding streets on foot.

      F7V7+72R, Jl. Raya Ubud No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, IndonesiaFree

      TIPCombine this stop with a short walk through the nearby center where traffic is slow and sidewalks can be narrow.

    3. 11:30

      Ubud Art Market area

      The streets around the market are lively with textiles, woven bags, woodcraft and small souvenir stalls that give central Ubud much of its character. Even a short browse is enjoyable for the atmosphere, color and people-watching as vendors set out local handicrafts.

      Free

      TIPHave small cash handy if you plan to shop, and expect bargaining at many stalls.

    Afternoon

    1. 13:00

      Lunch in central Ubud

      Central Ubud is packed with easy lunch choices ranging from simple warungs to modern garden cafes. It is a good point to slow down for Indonesian staples or lighter dishes before heading into the rice-terrace countryside.

      €10 per person

      TIPPick a place just off the busiest main road for a quieter meal.

    2. 15:00

      Tegallalang Rice Terrace

      These layered green terraces are among Bali’s signature landscapes, with palms, narrow paths and sweeping valley views that photograph beautifully through the afternoon. The area offers an accessible introduction to the island’s subak farming scenery and a calmer rhythm after town streets.

      Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia€3 per person

      TIPPaths can be uneven and slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip.

    Evening

    1. 18:30

      Dinner on Jalan Goutama

      Jalan Goutama is a pleasant central Ubud dining street with a compact run of casual eateries and a more intimate evening feel than the main road. It is ideal for a relaxed dinner and a final stroll through the lantern-lit center.

      €14 per person

      TIPGo on foot if staying nearby, since parking and traffic can be awkward in the center.

  3. Day 3 · Friday — East-central Bali scenery and a calm final evening

    Water temple gardens, artisan villages and a relaxed final sunset stretch

    5 stops€78 in stops, for two

    Morning

    1. 08:30

      Tirta Empul Temple

      Tirta Empul is one of Bali’s most important temple complexes, known for its spring-fed purification pools, carved shrines and active devotional atmosphere. Visitors can appreciate both the architecture and the sense of living ritual that makes the site especially compelling.

      Tampaksiring, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80552, Indonesia€4 per person

      TIPDress respectfully and bring or rent a sarong if required at entry.

    2. 11:00

      Celuk artisan village area

      Celuk is known as one of Bali’s traditional craft villages, with a concentration of workshops and storefronts focused on silver and jewelry. A walk through the main strip gives a feel for the island’s artisan heritage and a chance to browse pieces in many styles.

      Free

      TIPIf buying jewelry, compare a few shops before deciding.

    Afternoon

    1. 12:30

      Lunch in Sukawati area

      The Sukawati area has straightforward local dining stops that work well as a break between temple visits and the coast. Expect simple Indonesian plates, fresh juices and an unhurried midday atmosphere.

      €9 per person

      TIPA lighter lunch keeps the afternoon comfortable in the heat.

    2. 15:00

      Sanur beachfront promenade

      Sanur’s seafront path offers one of Bali’s gentlest coastal walks, with calm water views, fishing boats and a slower pace than the busier west-coast beach areas. It is an easy place to unwind, browse the shoreline and enjoy the final afternoon by the sea.

      Free

      TIPLate afternoon is the most comfortable time for a walk along the promenade.

    Evening

    1. 17:30

      Early dinner in Sanur beach area

      The beachfront and nearby lanes in Sanur have many relaxed dinner options suited to a final meal by the sea. The area balances easy walking, casual dining and a mellow evening atmosphere before departing.

      €16 per person

      TIPChoose a place near the promenade if you want one more short seaside walk after eating.

    2. 19:15

      Transfer onward from Sanur

      Head out from the beach area with enough buffer for evening traffic on the main roads.

      €10 per person

      TIPFriday traffic can build early, so leave with extra margin.

Where to stay

How many days do you need in Bali?

10 days is the right length for a first trip to Bali. The island is slow to cross, so split the time between Ubud's rice terraces and temples and a stretch of coast in the south. With fewer days you see the highlights at a brisk pace; with more, add a day trip to Nusa Penida.

See the 10-day Bali itinerary →

Bali, in a few questions

Is 3 days enough for Bali?

3 days in Bali gets you the headline sights at a brisk pace, with little room for a day trip. The plan below spends every one of them, morning to evening, with what each stop costs.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

Bali is pleasant year-round, but many travellers prefer the drier months for easier beach days and more predictable weather. If you do come in the wetter season, you can still have a great trip, especially if you stay flexible and mix in cafés, spas, and cultural visits.

Is Bali expensive to travel in?

Bali can be as budget-friendly or as comfortable as you make it. Local meals and simple stays can keep costs manageable, while beach clubs, villas, and private drivers can raise the total quickly.

How do I get around Bali?

Getting around is usually done by scooter, private driver, or ride-hailing in some areas. Distances can look short on the map but take longer than expected, so it helps to plan fewer bases rather than trying to see everything at once.

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