Bali Indonesia 3 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

3-Day Bali Itinerary: A Taste of Paradise

This itinerary focuses on the southern part of Bali for its accessibility and variety of attractions.

Where to Stay:

Option 1 (Luxury): The Ritz-Carlton, Bali - Located in Nusa Dua, this resort offers stunning ocean views, luxurious villas, and direct access to a pristine beach.
Option 2 (Mid-Range): Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel, Kuta - A vibrant and social hostel with a beautiful pool and communal areas, offering both dorm beds and private rooms.
Option 3 (Budget): Local homestay or guesthouse in a village like Ubud or Canggu for a more authentic Balinese experience.

Day 1: Culture & Relaxation

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Uluwatu Temple, perched dramatically on a clifftop overlooking the ocean. Enjoy the breathtaking views and soak in the cultural significance of this ancient Hindu temple.
Afternoon: Head to Ubud for a traditional Balinese experience. Explore the vibrant art scene, wander through rice paddies, and visit local markets.
Evening: Witness a mesmerizing Kecak dance performance at the Uluwatu Temple while the sun sets over the Indian Ocean. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner of local cuisine at Warung Sopa, known for its authentic dishes and charming atmosphere.

Things to Know:

Entrance Fees: Ubud has various art shops and galleries. Be prepared for entrance fees at some locations.
Currency: The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the currency in Bali.
Bargaining: Bargaining is common practice in markets. Don’t be afraid to negotiate a better price, but always be respectful.

Day 2: Beach Bliss & Water Sports

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely morning at Canggu, indulging in a healthy breakfast at one of the many trendy cafes. Explore the vibrant beach scene and try out some surfing - it’s a great place to learn!
Afternoon: Relax on the beautiful beaches of Echo Beach or Batu Bolong Beach and soak up the sun while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere. You can also relax at one of the many beach clubs in Nusa Dua, Nusa Duas, where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail as you watch the waves roll in.
Evening: Treat yourself to a sunset dinner on the beach with your feet in the sand and fresh seafood on the menu.

Where to Eat:

Seafood:
- Jimbaran Bay Seafood Cafe, Jimbaran: Enjoy delicious seafood under the stars with stunning ocean views.
- Warung Mangi, Kuta: For a more budget-friendly option, this local eatery is known for its fresh and tasty Indonesian dishes.

Day 3: Adventure & Spirituality

Morning: Explore the beautiful rice paddies of Ubud, Bali. Enjoy a scenic hike through the lush green landscape, stopping to admire the cascading rice terraces and the serene atmosphere.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the local culture by attending a traditional Balinese dance performance at Ubud Palace.

Things to See & Do:

Surf Lessons: Enjoy a beginner’s surf lesson at one of Bali’s many surf schools.
Sunset Dinner: Experience a delicious and affordable meal while enjoying the stunning sunset over the rice paddies.
Beach Activities: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Bali, such as swimming, sunbathing, or surfing.

Things to Know:

Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen regularly, especially when participating in outdoor activities.
Weather: Be prepared for sudden changes in weather. Check the forecast and bring a raincoat for unexpected showers.
Respectful Attire: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples or religious sites.

Things to Do:

Visit the Monkey Forest: The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a popular attraction with playful monkeys roaming freely. Remember: Don’t make eye contact with the monkeys and keep your belongings close, they are known to be mischievous!
Explore the Rice Paddies: Take a bike tour or walk through the countryside and experience the traditional agricultural practices of Bali.

Things to Eat:

Babi Guling: Enjoy this delicious roasted suckling pig dish, a local favorite in Bali.
Warung: Try “Warung” (local restaurants) for authentic Balinese food like Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Nasi Campur (mixed rice), or Ayam Betutu (roasted chicken).
Local Snacks: Embrace the culinary diversity of the island by sampling traditional snacks like sate, nasi jinggo, and nasi kuning.

Remember:

Respect the Monkeys: While they are cute and playful, the monkeys in the Monkey Forest are wild animals.
Respect the Locals: Dress modestly when visiting temples.
Stay Safe: Be mindful of your surroundings and avoid bringing food into the monkey forest (unless it’s specifically for feeding them, and you’re at a designated feeding area).

Things to see:

Traditional Balinese architecture: Explore the intricate carvings and sculptures of the Balinese temples.
Ancient statues and artifacts: Discover ancient history and spirituality while admiring the majestic carvings and statues depicting Balinese mythology.
The natural beauty of Ubud: Immerse yourself in the lush rice fields and experience the tranquility of this artistic hub.

Things to Do:

Stay at a local homestay: This is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Explore the rice terraces: Take in the breathtaking views of the rice paddies and the natural beauty of the island.
Visit Ubud Market: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and browse local handicrafts, spices, and clothing.

Things to do (continued):

Learn about Balinese crafts:

Experience the traditional craftsmanship of Bali by observing local artisans at work or taking a workshop to learn the skills of carving, painting, or batik making.

Take in a cultural performance: Witness the beauty and artistry of Balinese dance and music.

Things to Do:

Enjoy the nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Bali’s towns with their lively bars and restaurants.
Visit the Tanah Lot Temple: A stunning sea temple perched on a dramatic rock formation, offering breathtaking sunset views.
Attend a local cooking class: Learn to cook traditional Balinese dishes like nasi goreng or mie goreng.

Remember:

Respect the local culture:

Always be mindful of the Balinese people and their customs.

Be mindful of your belongings: As mentioned before, monkeys are known for stealing things!

Bargaining Tips:

Start with a lower price: It’s generally expected that you will negotiate prices in markets.
Know what to pay:

Do some research on typical prices for the items you want to buy. Ask other vendors for their prices: This can give you an idea of what a fair price is and help you avoid being overcharged.**

Be polite:

Always smile and be respectful when negotiating. Remember, it’s a cultural tradition in Bali (and many other places) to haggle on the price.

Walk away: If you’re not happy with the price, don’t be afraid to walk away. The vendor may come down if they think they are losing a sale.

Start your journey early:

Enjoy the early morning market experience and the stunning views of sunrise over the rice paddies.

Walkthroughs: Explore local villages for a taste of authentic Balinese life.

General Tips:

Learn some basic Balinese phrases: A little effort goes a long way!
Check out the local markets: It’s a great place to find souvenirs and experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Bali.
Respect for the Gods:

Remember that Balinese people are deeply spiritual and hold their religion and traditions dear. Be mindful when visiting temples and dressing appropriately (covering shoulders and knees).

Things to Eat:

Warung Babi Guling: Try a traditional Balinese “Babi Guling” (suckling pig) meal, a must-try for any visitor.
Traditional Balinese Dishes: If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the local cuisine.
Fresh Fruit: Indulge in fresh and exotic fruit available at Ubud’s markets.
Warung Nasi Campur: Enjoy a variety of dishes like nasi campur (mixed rice) with different types of satay, grilled seafood, and fresh juices.

Things to Eat:

Babi Guling: Try the local “Nasi Campur” (mixed rice) - it’s a delicious and iconic Balinese dish.

Remember:

Respect for Nature:

Bali is known for its stunning natural beauty, so try and enjoy it responsibly!