Bali's traffic is slow, so the biggest decision is where to sleep. Most trips work best with two bases: Ubud inland and the south coast of Bali (South Coast).
Five days
- Nights 1–2: Ubud. Rice terraces at Tegallalang, the Sacred Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul water temple and a Balinese dance performance.
- Nights 3–4: south coast. Uluwatu Temple at sunset with the Kecak fire dance, a beach day and a seafood dinner on Jimbaran Bay.
Arrive and start in Ubud while you are fresh; finish near the airport.
Seven days
Add one night to each base and one excursion:
- Nusa Penida day trip or overnight: Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach and manta snorkelling. An overnight on Nusa Penida lets you see the viewpoints without the day crowds.
- Or Mount Batur: an early-morning sunrise trek on an active volcano.
Where to stay on the south coast
- Seminyak: beach clubs, boutiques and restaurants.
- Nusa Dua: calm beaches and big resorts, good for families.
- Uluwatu: clifftop villas and surf beaches, ideal for honeymoons.
- Kuta: busy and good value, close to the airport.
Honeymoon variation
Choose a private pool villa in Ubud and a clifftop villa in Uluwatu. Add a floating breakfast, a couple's spa and a sunset dinner.
Family variation
Base yourselves in Nusa Dua and add water sports at Tanjung Benoa, a safari park and a day in Ubud.
Getting around
Private car and driver is the norm; daily rates usually cover about 8 to 10 hours. Scooters are popular but not recommended unless you are an experienced rider with the right licence and insurance.
Before you go
Bali charges a tourist levy for international visitors, and you should check current entry rules for Indian passport holders. See Best time to visit Bali: dry season, wet season and festivals and our Honeymoon packages page for itineraries.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go