How many days do I need in Bali?
Four to five days cover south temples, Ubud and one east or north day trip comfortably.
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Bali Travel Guide
Things to do in Bali — Explore Bali
Why visit Bali
Bali blends Hindu temple ceremonies, terraced rice paddies, surf beaches and wellness retreats across distinct regions — from Seminyak nightlife to Ubud's cultural heart and Uluwatu's clifftop temples.
Bali is a stop in Indonesia, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang (Mount Agung backdrop), Uluwatu Temple sunset and kecak dance, Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 70–150 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: April–October for dry season; May–June and September for fewer crowds. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
April–October for dry season; May–June and September for fewer crowds
Weather
Tropical — warm year-round; wet season roughly November–March with short heavy showers
Airport
Ngurah Rai International (DPS), near Denpasar / Kuta
Getting around
Private driver or scooter for flexibility; Grab/Gojek in south Bali; day tours for east and north temples
Experiences
Things to do in Bali
1
Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang (Mount Agung backdrop)
2
Uluwatu Temple sunset and kecak dance
3
Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud
4
Tanah Lot sea temple at golden hour
5
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
6
Tirta Empul holy spring temple
7
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan
8
Nusa Penida cliffs and snorkel spots
9
Mount Batur sunrise trek
10
Seminyak and Canggu beaches
11
Jatiluwih UNESCO rice terraces
12
Tirta Gangga water palace
Budget travel
Free things to do in Bali
Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang (Mount Agung backdrop)
Uluwatu Temple sunset and kecak dance
Tanah Lot sea temple at golden hour
Tirta Empul holy spring temple
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan
Mount Batur sunrise trek
Seminyak and Canggu beaches
Sidemen valley rice walks
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Bali itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
South coast temples
- Uluwatu Temple and kecak dance at sunset
- Padang Padang or Bingin Beach swim
- Seminyak dinner and beach walk
- 2
Day 2
Ubud culture
- Tegallalang rice terraces
- Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
- Tirta Empul holy spring temple
- Ubud art market browsing
- 3
Day 3
East Bali icons
- Pura Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven)
- Tirta Gangga water palace
- Optional Mount Batur sunrise trek
Prefer a full 7-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Bali itinerary guide.
Budget
Bali trip cost
Budget
USD 35–60
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 70–150
per person / day
Luxury
USD 200+
per person / day
Per person per day on the ground — guesthouses to villa stays; excludes international flights. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Bali
Estimated total (USD)
$2,040
≈ $1,020 per person · $291 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $80/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Bali mid-range ground costs (budget 35–60 · mid 70–150 · luxury 200+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Bali
Seminyak
Best for: Beach clubs and dining
Central south coast with strong restaurant scene
Ubud
Best for: Culture and wellness
Rice-field setting; slower pace than the coast
Uluwatu
Best for: Surf and clifftop views
Best with a scooter or driver for beach access
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
Balinese · Ubud legend for spicy chicken rice since the 1960s
- $
Pak Malen
Babi guling · Seminyak roast suckling pig — locals' pick
- $$
Made's Warung
Indonesian · Island institution since 1969 (Kuta / Seminyak)
- $
Sun Sun Warung
Balinese · Family-compound warung in central Ubud
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Ubud · Iconic riverside resort above the Ayung Valley
- $$$$
COMO Shambhala Estate
Ubud · Top-rated wellness retreat in the jungle
- $$$$
The Mulia
Nusa Dua · Beachfront luxury favourite for first-timers
- $$$
Potato Head Suites
Seminyak · Design beach club hotel — tourist favourite
Shopping
- Ubud Art Market
- Seminyak boutiques (Kayu Aya)
- Sukawati Art Market
- Beachwalk Shopping Center
Nightlife
- Seminyak beach clubs
- Canggu sunset bars
- Ubud live music cafés
Museums & culture
- Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
- Museum Puri Lukisan
- Blanco Renaissance Museum
Local foods to try
- Babi guling
- Nasi campur
- Bebek betutu
- Lawar
- Sate lilit
- Kopi luwak (taste carefully)
Hidden gems
- Sidemen valley rice walks
- Amed black-sand snorkeling
- Munduk waterfall loop
- West Bali National Park
Travel tips
- Dress modestly with a sarong for temple visits
- Book drivers the night before for sunrise temple runs
- Traffic from south Bali to Ubud can exceed 90 minutes at peak hours
In pictures
Bali gallery
Photos: Paskuu, LukeTriton, Jorge Franganillo, Grayswoodsurrey, Georgi Kovachev, Flickr user: tboothhk — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Bali travel FAQs
Is Bali safe for solo travellers?
Yes — tourist areas are well served, though scooter traffic and rip currents deserve caution.
What are the best things to do in Bali?
Top picks in Bali include Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang (Mount Agung backdrop), Uluwatu Temple sunset and kecak dance, Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud, Tanah Lot sea temple at golden hour. See the full list and itinerary on this Bali travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
April–October for dry season; May–June and September for fewer crowds.
Where should I stay in Bali?
Base yourself in Seminyak (Beach clubs and dining), Ubud (Culture and wellness), Uluwatu (Surf and clifftop views). Pick the area that matches your trip style, then book within walking distance of transit or main sights.
How much does a trip to Bali cost?
On the ground in Bali (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 35–60 per person per day, mid-range about 70–150, and luxury about 200+ (USD). Per person per day on the ground — guesthouses to villa stays; excludes international flights.
Keep exploring
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