Bali in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Three days give you the essence of Bali: one day in Ubud among rice fields and monkeys, one touring the temples and terraces of the interior, and a third on the southern beaches out to the Uluwatu cliffs. Distances look short on the map but traffic is slow: hiring a driver for the day is the most practical option.

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Day 1. Ubud, rice terraces and monkeys

  1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

    Bali's most famous rice terraces. Go first thing, before the heat and the tour buses.

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  2. Ubud Palace & Market

    The former royal palace with the craft market opposite. Traditional dance shows are held here in the evening.

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  3. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

    A forest with temples and hundreds of macaques. Hide your sunglasses, phone and food: the monkeys grab everything.

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  4. Campuhan Ridge Walk

    An easy walk along a ridge between palms and fields. Perfect at sunset.

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Day 2. Temples of the interior

  1. Tirta Empul

    A holy water temple where Balinese people purify themselves under the spouts. A sarong is lent to you at the entrance.

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  2. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan

    The temple that seems to float on Lake Beratan, up in the mountains. It's cooler here.

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  3. Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

    UNESCO-listed rice terraces, quieter than Tegallalang.

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  4. Tanah Lot

    A temple on a rock in the sea. Arrive before sunset to see it in the golden light.

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💡 It's a long day in the car. If you're an early riser, swap it for sunrise on Mount Batur, leaving Ubud in the small hours.

Day 3. Southern beaches and Uluwatu

  1. Seminyak

    Long beaches, cafés and beach clubs. Good for a slow morning.

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  2. Padang Padang Beach

    A small cove between rocks on the Bukit peninsula, with turquoise water.

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  3. Pura Luhur Uluwatu

    A temple perched on a cliff above the ocean. The kecak dance is performed here at sunset.

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Practical tips

  • Hiring a driver for the day is common and affordable, and the easiest way to move between areas.
  • You need a sarong to enter temples; most lend or rent one at the entrance.
  • Bali charges foreign visitors a tourist levy, which you can pay online before you arrive.
  • Don't drink tap water. If you travel in March, check the date of Nyepi: the whole island shuts down that day, airport included.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Bali?

For a first taste, yes: Ubud, the main temples and the southern beaches. With more days, add Nusa Penida, Mount Batur or the north of the island.

Where should I stay in Bali for 3 days?

Split your stay: two nights in Ubud for the rice terraces and temples and one in the south (Seminyak or Uluwatu) for the beaches. It cuts down time in the car.

How do I get around Bali?

There's no practical public transport. A driver for the day is the most comfortable option; for short trips, use the Grab or Gojek apps.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.