Indonesia · 2026 itinerary
Bali 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Bali: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Long, wide stretch of dark sand facing west. Best spot for a free sunset show—locals and tourists gather from 5.30pm. Surfers ride the waves as the sun drops.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Bring a sarong to sit on. The beach vendors sell cold Bintang beer for 15,000 IDR. Arrive by 5pm to secure a good patch of sand away from the noisy bars.
Hotels near Seminyak Beach Sunset →Iconic stepped rice paddies carved into a hillside north of Ubud. You can walk the irrigation paths for free. Local farmers ask for a small donation if you enter the heart of the paddies.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Free entry💡 Go at dawn (around 6am). You'll beat the crowds and tour buses. Bring sturdy shoes—the mud paths get slippery.
Hotels near Tegalalang Rice Terraces →Sari angung · ££
Coconut · ££
Deeper Into Bali
Forest sanctuary with three ancient temples and over 700 long-tailed macaques. Entrance fee is 80,000 IDR (about £4). Well-maintained paths through dense jungle.
🕐 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
💡 Remove loose jewellery and keep food hidden in a zipped bag. The monkeys grab anything shiny. Don't make direct eye contact—they see it as a challenge.
Active water temple in Tampaksiring where locals and tourists perform purification rituals in spring-fed pools. Entry fee is 50,000 IDR (about £2.50). Sacred but welcoming.
🕐 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
💡 Bring a sarong or rent one at the entrance for 10,000 IDR. If you want to do the purification, wear quick-dry shorts under your sarong. Go early to avoid long queues.
Queen's Of India
Banyubiru
Final Favourites & Departure
Ancient sea temple perched on a limestone cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Entry fee is 50,000 IDR (about £2.50). Dramatic views and a daily Kecak dance perf
💡 Watch out for the long-tailed macaques—they steal sunglasses and phones. Rent a sarong at the entrance. Book the Kecak dance online in advance; it sells out fast.
Pirates Bay
Starbucks
Getting Around Bali
Use Grab app for transparent pricing and avoid meter disputes. Bluebird is the official metered taxi; avoid unmarked cabs at airport.
Gojek app is safer than street hailing. Scooter rental ideal for experienced riders; wear helmet (mandatory). Parking widely available at hotels and venues.
Most economical for groups (3+ people) and full-day tours. Drivers know shortcuts and can negotiate better vendor prices. Negotiate daily rates for multi-day bookings.
Book airport shuttle online in advance. Kura-Kura Bus is tourist-friendly with hop-on-hop-off service; slower but budget-efficient for exploring Seminyak.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Bali?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Seminyak Beach Sunset and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
See our full best time to visit Bali guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include The Apurva Kempinski Bali, The Seminyak Beach Resort & Spa, Bambootel Sawah View. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.