3 Days in Bali: A Day-by-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Day one is in Ubud, Bali's cultural heart: the Monkey Forest, the royal palace and a walk on the Campuhan Ridge. Day two heads into the hills for the Tegallalang rice terraces, the holy spring temple of Tirta Empul and a waterfall. Day three moves to the coast for Tanah Lot, an afternoon on Seminyak beach and the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu at sunset.
Good to Know
Estimated total per person: ₹7,700 to ₹14,000, excluding flights and hotel
Weather: Warm all year; the dry season from about April to October is sunniest, and the wet season brings heavy afternoon rain.
Pack:
A sarong and sash for temples (also lent or rented at the gate)
Swimwear and sandals
Insect repellent
Indonesia plug adapter (type C or F)
Local tips:
Foreign visitors pay a Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000, payable online before arrival or at the airport.
Hiring a car and driver for the day is the easiest way to get between sights.
Keep sunglasses and loose items away from the monkeys at Ubud and Uluwatu.
Booking tips:
Arrive at Uluwatu by about 5pm to get a seat for the sunset Kecak dance.
Visit Tegallalang early in the morning before the heat and the crowds.
Getting there (from India):
flight: Nonstop from some Indian cities, or one-stop via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok - About 6 to 9 hours including a connection
Ngurah Rai Airport is near Kuta; Ubud is about 1 to 1.5 hours away by car, depending on traffic.
Fares change daily with demand, so compare dates before booking.
Day 1: Ubud: Monkey Forest, palace and Campuhan Ridge
Bali's cultural town: the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace and the lotus-pond Saraswati temple, and a walk on the Campuhan Ridge in the late afternoon.
Sacred Monkey Forest (morning): Start at the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud, a jungle sanctuary of giant banyan trees, mossy temples and around a thousand long-tailed macaques. Paths and bridges wind through the ravine past three old Hindu temples. IDR 100,000 (about ₹530), foreign adult, weekdays; IDR 120,000 at weekends Why visit: Temples in a misty jungle ravine; Hundreds of macaques up close Know before you go: Do not carry food or loose items; monkeys grab them; Do not stare at or touch the monkeys
Ubud Palace (late morning): Walk up Monkey Forest Road to Ubud Palace, about 15 minutes, the home of Ubud's royal family. Its courtyards have carved stone gates and shrines, and the Ubud art market is across the road. Free Why visit: Carved gates and courtyards of the royal family's home; Ubud's art market across the road Know before you go: Evening dance performances are held here; buy tickets at the gate
Saraswati Temple (Water Palace) (afternoon): Walk a few minutes to the Saraswati Temple, dedicated to the goddess of learning. A path crosses a large lotus pond to the carved temple gate, especially pretty when the lotuses flower. Free Why visit: A lotus pond in front of a carved temple; A short, peaceful stop in central Ubud Know before you go: Wear a sarong to enter the inner temple
Campuhan Ridge Walk (late afternoon): Walk to the start of the Campuhan Ridge Walk, about 15 minutes, a paved path along a grassy ridge between two river valleys. In the late afternoon light, it is an easy, open walk with views of palms and jungle. Free Why visit: An easy ridge walk with jungle views; Golden light late in the day Know before you go: There is little shade; avoid midday; Cafés at the far end are a good rest stop
Eat: This Is Bali - A small Ubud restaurant serving Balinese dishes and desserts, near the palace.
Evening: Watch a traditional Legong or Barong dance at Ubud Palace in the evening; tickets are sold at the gate.
Budget for the day: ₹1,200 to ₹2,100 per person, excluding hotel
Day 2: Tegallalang, Tirta Empul and Tegenungan
The terraced rice fields of Tegallalang, the holy spring water temple of Tirta Empul, and Tegenungan waterfall in the afternoon.
Tegallalang Rice Terrace (early morning): Drive north of Ubud early to the Tegallalang rice terraces, about 30 minutes. Green steps of rice fields drop down a valley, watered by the traditional subak irrigation system. Walk the paths down and up, and rest at the cafés on the rim. IDR 25,000 (about ₹130), entry; farmers ask small donations along the paths Why visit: Bali's most famous rice terraces; The traditional subak water system at work Know before you go: Go before 8am for soft light and fewer people; The paths are steep and muddy after rain
Tirta Empul Temple (late morning): Drive to Tirta Empul, about 20 minutes, a water temple founded in the 10th century around a holy spring. Balinese Hindus bathe under the row of spouts in the pools to purify themselves; visitors may join respectfully. IDR 75,000 (about ₹400), foreign adult; sarong rental extra Why visit: A holy spring where Balinese come to purify themselves; One of Bali's most important temples Know before you go: Wear a sarong and sash; they are lent or rented at the gate; Bring a change of clothes if you join the bathing
Tegenungan Waterfall (afternoon): Drive south to Tegenungan Waterfall, about 40 minutes, a wide waterfall dropping into a pool in a jungle valley. Steps lead down to the river; it is a good place to cool off in the afternoon. Small entry fee at the gate Why visit: A powerful waterfall close to Ubud; Cool spray on a hot afternoon Know before you go: Many steps down and back up; Do not swim when the water is high after rain
Eat: Bebek Tepi Sawah - A restaurant set among rice fields, known for crispy Balinese duck.
Evening: Return to Ubud for dinner and a stroll along Jalan Hanoman's cafés and shops.
Budget for the day: ₹2,900 to ₹5,800 per person, excluding hotel
Day 3: Tanah Lot, Seminyak and Uluwatu
Tanah Lot sea temple on its rock, an afternoon on Seminyak beach, and the Kecak fire dance on the clifftop at Uluwatu at sunset.
Tanah Lot (morning): Drive to Tanah Lot, the sea temple standing on a rock just off the shore. At low tide you can walk to the base of the rock, where priests bless visitors with holy spring water. The clifftop paths give the best views. IDR 75,000 (about ₹400), foreign adult Why visit: Bali's most photographed temple, on a rock in the sea; A blessing at the holy spring Know before you go: Only Balinese Hindus may enter the temple itself; Check tide times if you want to walk across
Seminyak Beach (afternoon): Drive to Seminyak, about 45 minutes, and spend the afternoon on its long sandy beach. Beach cafés and clubs line the shore, and the waves are popular with surfers. Free Why visit: A long sandy beach with cafés; Relaxed afternoons by the sea Know before you go: Currents can be strong; swim between the flags; Beach clubs charge a minimum spend
Uluwatu Temple (sunset): Drive south to Uluwatu, about an hour, a sea temple perched on a cliff about 70 metres above the Indian Ocean. At sunset, the Kecak fire dance is performed in the open-air amphitheatre, with a chorus of men chanting as the Ramayana is told against the setting sun. IDR 200,000 (about ₹1,100), temple entry IDR 50,000 plus the Kecak dance IDR 150,000 Why visit: A clifftop temple over the ocean; The Kecak fire dance at sunset Know before you go: Monkeys here snatch glasses and phones; hold on to them; Arrive by 5pm for a Kecak seat
Eat: Made's Warung - A long-running Seminyak restaurant serving Indonesian and Balinese dishes such as nasi campur.
Evening: After the Kecak dance, eat grilled seafood on Jimbaran beach on the way back.
Budget for the day: ₹3,600 to ₹6,200 per person, excluding hotel
Want a Different Pace?
Mount Batur sunrise trek: A pre-dawn hike up Mount Batur volcano: Sunrise over the caldera and lake from the summit. (Trade-off: A 2am start and a steep climb; go with a licensed guide. - Costs more)
Nusa Penida day trip: A fast boat to Nusa Penida's cliffs and beaches: Kelingking Beach and dramatic coastline. (Trade-off: Rough roads and a long day. - Costs more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Bali?
A 3-day Bali itinerary like this one works well for First-time visitors, Couples, Travellers who like temples, nature and beaches. It's not the best fit if You want to stay in one place; this plan moves from Ubud to the coast or You are visiting in the wet season and want dry beach days.
How much does a 3-day Bali trip cost per person?
Budget about ₹7,700 to ₹14,000 per person for entry tickets, food and local transport on this 3-day Bali itinerary. Flights and hotel are extra.
What's the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is April to October.
How do I get to Bali from India?
Common options are flight (About 6 to 9 hours including a connection). Ngurah Rai Airport is near Kuta; Ubud is about 1 to 1.5 hours away by car, depending on traffic.
What are the must-see places in Bali in 3 days?
Day 1: Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple (Water Palace) and Campuhan Ridge Walk. Day 2: Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul Temple and Tegenungan Waterfall. Day 3: Tanah Lot, Seminyak Beach and Uluwatu Temple.
Which Bali attractions are free?
On this itinerary, Ubud Palace, Saraswati Temple (Water Palace), Campuhan Ridge Walk and Seminyak Beach are free to visit (some charge for special exhibitions or inside visits).
How much are entry tickets in Bali in rupees?
Sacred Monkey Forest: IDR 100,000 (about ₹530); Tegallalang Rice Terrace: IDR 25,000 (about ₹130); Tirta Empul Temple: IDR 75,000 (about ₹400); Tanah Lot: IDR 75,000 (about ₹400); Uluwatu Temple: IDR 200,000 (about ₹1,100). Prices are adult tickets, converted to rupees and rounded; check the official site before booking.
Do you have to pay a tourist tax in Bali?
Yes. Foreign visitors pay a one-time Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000 (about ₹800), payable online before you travel or on arrival at the airport.
How do you get around Bali?
Hire a car and driver for the day; it is the easiest and safest way to reach temples, terraces and beaches. Scooters are popular but traffic is heavy.
Where to Eat in Bali
Donna - ★4.8 - Jl. Monkey Forest No.67, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Pison Ubud - ★4.4 - Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud No.10X, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Suka Espresso [Ubud] - ★4.8 - Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud No.108, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Milk & Madu Ubud - ★4.5 - Jl. Suweta No.3, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Seniman Coffee - ★4.6 - Jl. Sri Wedari No.5, Banjar Taman Kelod, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Sun Sun Warung - ★4.7 - F7R6+PR8, Jl. Jembawan No.2, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Clear Cafe - ★4.3 - Jl. Hanoman No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
L'Osteria Pizza e Cucina Ubud - ★4.5 - Jl. Monkey Forest No.8, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Nightlife in Bali
Batubara Wood Fire - ★4.7 - Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud No.108, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Arcadia - ★4.9 - Jl. Raya Campuhan, Sayan, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
No Más - ★4.4 - Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia