Introduction
So, you’ve got Bali in your sights but not much time on the calendar? No stress! The "Island of the Gods" can feel distant and complex, but with a good plan, three days are enough for a deep dive into culture, jaw-dropping landscapes and, of course, a slice of beach. This isn’t a guide to seeing everything in a sprint — it’s about feeling the real magic of Bali at a relaxed pace. Grab your sandals and let’s get to it!
Day 1: The Spiritual Heart of Ubud
Our first day is dedicated to Ubud, Bali’s cultural and spiritual centre. Get ready for a full immersion into nature and tradition.
- Morning: We start at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. More than just a place to see cheeky monkeys (watch your belongings!), it’s a complex of ancient temples in the middle of dense forest. The energy of the place is incredible.
- Afternoon: After lunch at one of the many warungs (local restaurants) with delicious, cheap food, head to the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The landscapes are exactly like the ones in the photos: an infinite, hypnotic green. You can walk the trails and, if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of the swings overlooking the valley.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Head back to central Ubud to explore the Ubud Art Market, ideal for buying local crafts and souvenirs. As night falls, watch a traditional Balinese dance performance at one of the local temples, like the Ubud Palace. It’s a unique cultural experience.
Day 2: Sacred Water and Volcanic Landscapes
Today we hire a car with a driver (the most practical way to get around) and explore the area around Ubud.
- Morning: First stop is the Tirta Empul Temple. This is a sacred place of purification for Balinese Hindus. Even if you don’t take part in the ritual of bathing in the sacred springs, watching the locals’ devotion is a powerful, moving experience.
- Midday: We head north towards Kintamani. The plan is lunch with a panoramic view of Mount Batur and its lake. This active volcano is one of Bali’s most striking landscapes. The food at the view restaurants might not be the best in the world, but the scenery makes up for everything.
- Afternoon: On the way back to Ubud, we stop at Goa Gajah Temple, or "Elephant Cave". It’s a fascinating 9th-century temple, with a carved cave entrance shaped like a demon’s mouth. It’s a smaller, quieter spot, perfect for ending the day.
Day 3: Southern Waves and Magical Sunset
On our last day, we swap the green of the jungle for the blue of the ocean and explore the famous Bukit Peninsula in the south of Bali.
- Morning/Afternoon: Pick one of the region’s beaches to unwind. Padang Padang is a small, famous cove (it appeared in the film "Eat Pray Love"), while Uluwatu and Bingin are surfer paradises. Pick your wave, lay out your towel and soak up the sun.
- Late Afternoon: Our final destination is Uluwatu Temple. Perched on top of a cliff over 70 metres high, this temple isn’t just spectacular — it also offers one of the best sunset views on the entire island. Get there early to grab a good spot.
- Evening: For a grand farewell, watch the Kecak Fire Dance, a dance and fire performance that takes place in the temple amphitheatre at sunset. The combination of the hypnotic chant, the fire and the ocean in the background is simply unforgettable.
What you should know before you go
- Visa and Tourism Tax: Portuguese citizens get a Visa on Arrival, which is paid. Since 2024, there’s also a mandatory tourism tax for all foreign visitors. You can pay it online before travelling to skip the queues.
- Transport: In Ubud, you can walk to explore the centre. For longer distances, the easiest and safest option is hiring a car with a driver for the day. It’s affordable, especially if you split the cost with others. Renting a scooter is common, but traffic can be chaotic, so only do it if you have experience.
- Cultural Respect: When visiting temples, you must wear a sarong (a cloth wrapped around the waist). Most temples provide one on site, but having your own is always a good idea. Remember you’re in sacred places.
Where Multipark fits in
We know that planning a trip, even a short one, can have its challenges. While you sort out flights and your backpack, leave the boring part to us. If you’re driving to the airport, remember your spot at Multipark is waiting for you. You arrive, you park, and we handle the rest. That way, your only worry is deciding which beach or temple to visit first. Simple, right?
Conclusion
Three days in Bali might sound short, but this itinerary proves that a rich, authentic and memorable experience is possible. You’ll go home with the memory of Ubud’s green landscapes, the spirituality of the temples and the sound of the southern waves. And you’ll most likely come back wanting to return and explore the rest of this magical island. Safe travels!
If you’re driving to the airport, remember your spot at Multipark is waiting for you.
