South Bali | Indonesia Travel Guide

3 Days / 2 Nights in Bali Itinerary

Q: My family is planning to visit Bali for three days and two nights this Sept. if you can help us to plan places to visit. We have two children that are coming with us.
We appreciate your help. Thanks.
– Sheila

With only 3 days, one important tip is that you should consider hiring a driver and a car to take you around as Bali island itself is huge and would take quite a bit of time to get from one place to another. It would be serious moving around with children, so maybe you should consider choosing what you like among the must visit places in Bali. Also check out our Top 10 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Bali for some ideas.

If you want to stick to the tried and tested route, visiting the best attractions, here are our suggested itinerary for 3 days in Bali:

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, Bali Indonesia

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, Bali. Photo by melburnian

Day 1 – Arrival, Uluwatu and Tanah Lot Temples and dinner at Seminyak

Try to arrive early since you only have 3 days to visit this beautiful island, and stay in one of the strategic places in central or south of Bali. Hire a car in advance and use it to head straight to two of the most famous temples in Bali. First head to Uluwatu Temple and double back to Tanah Lot Temple, in time to enjoy the amazing sunset there. If you are also in time, catch the famous Kecak Dance here that is set against the backdrop of this beautiful temple. End the day with a good dinner at Ultimo in Seminyak.

Kecak Dance Performance at Uluwatu Temple, Bali Indonesia

Kecak Dance Performance at Ubud, Bali. Photo by Meru Muhammad

Day 2 – Ubud, rice fields, beach and seaside dining

Ubud is the place one must explore when in Bali. Walk around the city would be a delight, there are many boutiques to shop around, spas and massages to pamper yourself and art or attractions to visit. Next, head out to the north to the neighbor town of Tegalalang to find classic rice terraces of Asia. Many tourists also like to stay in Ubud * as it is quite central to many of the attractions around Bali and yet away from the crowd in Kuta. After visiting Ubud, choose one of the beaches in Bali and get some swim and tan, popular choices are Balangan or Padang-padang beach. At sunset, head to Jimbaran and enjoy a seaside romantic dining.

Rice fields terraces, Tegalalang, Ubud, Bali

Rice fields terraces at Tegalalang. Photo by Pandu Adnyana

Day 3 – Temple or shopping or beach

Depending on how much time you have left, you may squeeze in one of two more things before heading to the airport for your departure. If you still want to explore more of Bali’s amazing temples, then I would recommend the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a beautiful mirrored temple by the lake. Or if you would prefer to pack in some last-minute shopping, there are few shopping places in Bali. Or if you still have not enough of the beaches, you know where to find more beautiful beaches in Bali to hang out.

Best Accommodations in Bali

Booking.com is my favourite site to book a place when I am planning my trip to Bali. The main reason is that most of the bookings can be cancelled right up to the trip, allowing flexibility. Here are a few of the best accommodations that we recommend to stay in Bali:

Luxury (from 150 USD)

Oberoi Villa, Seminyak
For those who are looking for privacy and to splurge for a honeymoon or special occasions. With quick access to Seminyak beach, this Balinese inspired accommodation is built on 15 acres of tropical gardens. The Frangipani Cafe inside here is famed for its cuisine. Notable are their open-air massage pavilions and outdoor pool overlooking the ocean.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Tandjung Sari Hotel, Sanur
For those who appreciate traditional architectures and design. This hotel, built way back in 1962, encapsulates the Balinese style and spirit. Among the spacious gardens are thatched roofed bungalows, pavilions, sculptures and fish ponds. It also has direct access to the Sanur beach.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

-> See Best Luxury Hotels in Bali

Mid-range (50 – 150 USD)
Sri Ratih Cottage, Ubud

Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

Resort Courtyard by Marriott Bali, Seminyak
Marriott is a trusted brand for many and this one in Bali lives up to its name. This secured luxury is located just 5 minutes walk to Seminyak beach. A noted feature is its private terraces for relaxation, hence making it a favourite of couples.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

Budget (below 50 USD)

Nick’s Pension, Ubud
For those who are seeking a mixture of peace and action in the heart of Bali – Ubud. The rooms come with traditional Indonesia architecture and air-condition. There are also a swimming pool, restaurant, Wifi and parking provided.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *
Linda Villa, Sanur
For the budget conscious, this guesthouse in Sanur is a steal, featuring swimming pools, clean air-conditioned rooms and a simple breakfast. It is located at a quiet place with only 15 minutes easy walk to the beach. Prices starting from only 24 USD!
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

-> See Best Budget Hotels in Bali

-> For more read Top 10 Best Area to Stay in South & Central Bali

Where is the Best Place to Stay in Bali

Q: We (a couple with an infant) are planning to travel to Bali for 7 nights. We wish to do all/most of the places that you have recommended in Top 10 Must Visit Places in Bali.

Where (area, any hotel/resort/b&b) should we stay? We can either stay at one place or may be two places (3+4 nights).

Answer:
I would suggest looking around staying in these few areas that are quite in the middle of everything and where all the actions are. There are a variety of choices depending on your preferences, from vibrant Kuta to cultured Ubud to relaxing Sanur.

Take a pick at some of our recommendations below and you are good to go!

UMA by COMO at Ubud, Bali

Stay in Ubud for culture, nature, arts and markets

Ubud has plenty of places that tourists will enjoy staying at. There’s the Como Shambhala Estate, which is a health retreat deep in the rainforest. There’s the Hanging Gardens Ubud, which has a spectacular view and private pool villas. The Purist Villas & Spa is another popular place to stay in Ubud, as it’s a stylish boutique villa complete with meal and spa facilities. A popular boutique hotel is Uma by COMO, which is located on the hillside in Ubud.

W Hotel at Seminyak, Bali

Stay in Seminyak for luxury resorts and villas

Seminyak is perfect for those, who are prepared to spend whatever it takes just to enjoy themselves and make their visit to Seminyak memorable. In other words, you get what you paid for in Seminyak. There are great hotels and villas, which provide discounts or special deals during off-season when there are not that many tourists. The famous places to stay in Seminyak are W Retreat & Spa Bali, The Oberoi Hotel Bali and Amadea Resort & Villas Seminyak Bali. Sometimes renting for long term is cheaper than paying by the. The North Seminyak Home is one of the popular places for long term rental in Seminyak. As for the mid-range budget stay in Seminyak, you will find the popular Dash Hotel Seminyak.

Stay in Kutafor nightlife, fun and surfing

Kuta is the central party spot in Bali. Since it’s considered the most developed area in Bali, places to stay are everywhere. The Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel is quite a popular place to stay in Kuta, despite its price, which is justified as it’s a 5-star hotel. There’s also the Bali Bungalo Hotel and Febris’s Hotel and Spa, which are highly recommended by frequent visitors of this area. Suji Bungalow and Gemini Star Hotel are affordable places to stay for low-budget tourists.

Holiday Inn at Kuta, Bali

Stay in Sanur for a relaxing beach resorts

Sanur is well-known for its beaches. Due to the heavy flow of tourists in Sanur, there are plenty of places to stay during your visit. Some of luxurious hotels with kids club, pools, suites and interconnecting rooms are Sanur Paradise Plaza Suites and Peneeda View Beach Hotel. If you are looking something a little more moderate, there are the Besakih Beach Hotel and Griya Santrian Resort. While Kirana Homestay and Tari Bed and Breakfast are some of the finest budget hotels in Sanur.

Sanur Paradise Plaza, Bali

The above are just the main popular ones that I suggested. Check out our Top 10 Best Places to Stay in South and Central Bali to find even more choices.

Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar, Bali

Bali Arts Festival, which is held from June to July every year, including this year 2018 Bali Arts Festival (June – July ), is inarguably one of the most famous festivals in Bali, Indonesia.

People from far and wide will travel to Bali and visit Denpasar every year during this time to catch the Bali Arts Festival. It is consists of a full month of daily cultural performances, handicraft exhibitions and many more arts-related activities.

About Bali Arts Festival

Baris Tumbak Dance at Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia

Here is where you see the whole of Bali come together in Denpasar to showcase their love for arts in terms of music, dance and beauty.

You will get to see performances from all remote corners of Indonesia, almost forgotten ritual and village dances, food and offerings, classical palace dance and even contemporary dances from the schools of Denpasar.

Sample of classical dances are legong, gambuh, kecak, barong, baris, mask dances and even contemporary dance choreography derived from old village dances and activities.

Opening Ceremony of Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia

In history, the idea of Bali Arts Festival was conceptualize when the people of Bali want to promote cultural tourism. With the pride of the Balinese culture and the mantra of “tourism should not be for Bali instead Bali for tourism”, the culture and tourism organization further cultivate arts of Bali with opening of various schools of dance and arts.

Butha Kala at Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia

Usually, a cultural parade will mark the opening of the annual festival in Bali and will take place in the Niti Mandala Park in Renon, Bali.

This important part of the festival will bring thousands of performers to showcase their music and dance talents along the street parade while clad in colourful traditional Balinese costumes.

After the parade, the official ceremony will be held in the evening on the open stage of Bali Arts Center.

Besides the cultural performances and dances, visitors will find that the area is lined with food stalls, exhibitions, competitions, fashion, flower arrangements and handicrafts. Visitors who travel to Bali will be able to sample Indonesian food and even do some shopping as hundreds of local artisans will participate in the festival.

Omkara at Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia

Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar Bali

A huge stage will be set up in cultural complex of Bali’s capital city Denpasar, known as the Art centre. This place marks as the heart of the Bali Arts Festival. The Art centre is an epitome of classic local architectures with various designs and a lovely garden. It also houses museums of artifacts of Bali’s history. Those who travel to Bali are most welcomed to join in the festival in Bali if they are around here such as in Denpasar during the month-long Bali Arts Festival.

Kendang at Bali Arts Festival, Indonesia

All photo credits to Pandu Adnyana

-> Find the best hotel deals in Denpasar at Booking.com *