Travel guides › Bali
Where should you stay in Bali?
For cliffside beaches and sunsets, choose Uluwatu or Jimbaran; for cafés and nightlife, Seminyak or Canggu are a good fit. If temples, rice fields, and forests are your focus, make Ubud your base. Bali’s gateway is Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), with direct flights from Incheon, South Korea.
Bali is an island where you can enjoy beaches, temples, rice fields, and forests all in one trip. Traffic jams are common, so on a short itinerary it’s best to focus on one area each day.
With a 3-night, 4-day trip, your actual sightseeing time is limited once arrival and departure days are included. A 4-night, 5-day trip gives you an extra day for either the southern beaches or Ubud’s culture and nature. If your flight arrives at Denpasar Airport in the evening or at night, plan only to check in on the first day. For a late-night departure, finish your daytime plans and then head to the airport.
Where should you stay?
Bali lacks an extensive public transport network that makes it easy for visitors to get around the whole island. Rather than changing hotels often, it’s more convenient to choose a base near the main focus of your itinerary.
Seminyak
Ideal for travelers who want restaurants, shopping, and nightlife close at hand. Bali has no train stations, so there is no nearby station; get around by ride-hailing service or private car. When traveling to the southern beaches or Ubud, account for traffic and plan one area at a time.
Canggu
A good fit if you enjoy surfing, cafés, beach clubs, and a remote-work vibe. There is no nearby station; get around with Grab, Gojek, or a car with a driver. The airport trip can take 45 minutes to 2 hours, so prioritize getting to your accommodation over going out on arrival day.
Kuta
Worth considering if airport access, relatively affordable accommodation, shopping, and lively nightlife are your priorities. There is no nearby station; travel from the airport to your accommodation by car. Typical travel times from the airport to Kuta are unavailable, so check the app’s estimate on arrival day.
Legian
A good fit if you want to focus on airport access, shopping, and lively nightlife, as in Kuta. There is no nearby station; get around by ride-hailing service or private car. On days with heavy traffic, it’s best not to add distant sights to the same day’s itinerary.
Jimbaran
A good choice if you’re after seafood dinners, sunsets, and a relatively relaxed family trip. There is no nearby station; get around by ride-hailing service or private car. Combine it with other southern areas such as Uluwatu, and plan Seminyak and Ubud for another day.
Uluwatu
A good fit for travelers drawn to cliffside scenery, surfing, and beaches. There is no nearby station; it’s best to explore the southern coastal sights by Grab, Gojek, or a car with a driver. Travel times between sights can vary with traffic, so focus on the south for the day.
Nusa Dua
Well suited to a family trip spent relaxing at a resort or a resort-centered vacation. There is no nearby station, and the drive from the airport takes about 20–40 minutes. Keep your plans simple on days when you visit other parts of the island, allowing for long drives.
Sanur
Consider it as a base if you’re looking for a quiet beach and a family-friendly atmosphere. There is no nearby station; get around by ride-hailing service or private car. If you plan to visit Nusa Penida, coordinate the boat schedule from Sanur with transport around the island.
Ubud
A good fit if you want to focus on Bali’s inland culture, natural scenery, and wellness activities. There is no nearby station, and the drive from the airport can take about 1–2.5 hours. Avoid traveling between the southern beaches and Ubud on the same day; group nearby Ubud sights by day.
How do you get from the airport to your accommodation?
The international arrivals terminal at DPS has a GrabCar lounge, and airport signs also point to a Gojek Customer Lounge. You can also take a taxi from the airport taxi counter. The times and fares below are approximate and can vary with traffic and ride demand.
| Route | Transport | Time · fare |
|---|---|---|
| DPS → Seminyak | Airport taxi | About 20–35 minutes · IDR 200,000–250,000 |
| DPS → Seminyak | Grab | IDR 100,000–180,000 · Travel time varies with traffic |
| DPS → Canggu | Ride-hailing service or taxi | About 45 minutes–2 hours · Check the fare in the app |
| DPS → Ubud | Airport taxi | About 60–90 minutes · IDR 350,000–500,000 |
| DPS → Ubud | Grab | About 90 minutes or more · IDR 300,000–450,000 |
| DPS → Nusa Dua | Ride-hailing service or taxi | About 20–40 minutes · Check the fare in the app or at the counter |
How do you get around Bali?
Bali lacks an extensive public transport network connecting the whole island, so it’s best to plan on getting around mainly by Grab, Gojek, or private car. You can use ride-hailing apps in places such as the south and Ubud, but some tourist attractions may have pickup restrictions.
- Grab and Gojek: Available in the south and Ubud. Check for designated pickup points at tourist attractions.
- Taxis: Available from the airport taxi counter. Check fares for your route at the counter.
- Private car and driver: An 8–10-hour rental is listed at around IDR 600,000–900,000 per vehicle. Check when booking whether fuel, parking, and extra time are included.
- Bus and walking: Buses are not practical as your main way to explore the whole island. You can walk between nearby places, such as in central Ubud.
Plan each day around the sights you want to visit
Road trips between regions in Bali can be slow, so focusing on one area per day is a practical approach.
Southern beaches and sunsets
Uluwatu Temple · Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a clifftop temple where you can watch the Kecak Fire Dance around sunset. The performance is listed for 18:00–19:00; the temple entrance fee of IDR 60,000 and performance ticket of IDR 150,000 are charged separately. Add Padang Padang Beach and Melasti Beach to the same southern route, then enjoy seafood and sunset at a beachside restaurant in Jimbaran Bay. For meals and cafés around Uluwatu, consider Suka Uluwatu or Masonry Restaurant; for dinner in Jimbaran, try Warung Jimbaran Garden, depending on your route. On a 3-night, 4-day trip, focus on the southern beaches and sunset; with 4 nights and 5 days, add another day to explore at a more relaxed pace.
Western temples and beaches
Tanah Lot Temple · Pura Tanah Lot is known for its temple on a rocky islet and sunset views. Admission for foreign adults is IDR 75,000, and depending on the tide, you may not be able to walk across to the rock. Pair this western route with Canggu or Seminyak beaches, cafés, and restaurants for the day. If you want to include a Canggu café or beach club, it’s best to set aside a separate day for the west on a 4-night, 5-day trip.
Forests and culture in central Ubud
Ubud Palace and Ubud Art Market · Puri Saren Agung; Pasar Seni Ubud are close to each other in the town center, making them easy to visit together. Continue to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary · Mandala Suci Wenara Wana to explore its forest paths and temple grounds. An early-morning or late-afternoon walk along Campuhan Ridge Walk · Bukit Campuhan also makes a lovely outing. Choose a meal at Sen San Warung or Donna in central Ubud, depending on your route.
Rice terraces and temples north of Ubud
After taking in the rice fields and Subak scenery at Tegallalang Rice Terraces · Terasering Tegallalang, visit Tirta Empul Temple · Pura Tirta Empul. These two sights north of Ubud are easy to combine with a driver; arrange your return ride in advance. Have breakfast in Ubud and spend the day in this area, rather than making a round trip to the southern beaches.
A day trip to the farther north, east, or another island
If you have an extra day on a 4-night, 5-day trip, choose one distant destination and plan a full-day outing. In the north, combine Ulun Danu Beratan Temple · Pura Ulun Danu Beratan on Lake Bratan with Jatiluwih Rice Terraces · Sawah Terasering Jatiluwih. In the east, visit Tirta Gangga · Taman Tirta Gangga and Lempuyang Temple · Pura Lempuyang. If you choose Nusa Penida, take a boat from Sanur and visit Kelingking Beach on an island vehicle tour. The boat to Nusa Penida takes about 30–45 minutes, and one-way fares range from IDR 110,000–270,000 depending on the operator. Give this itinerary a full day rather than combining it with another area.
When is the best time to visit?
Bali’s dry season is generally April–October, and its rainy season is generally November–March. The timing and intensity of rainfall can vary from year to year. Flights at Ngurah Rai Airport may be suspended for Nyepi, so check the airport notices for your travel dates.
What should you prepare before arrival?
South Korean passport holders can use the B1 Visa on Arrival (VoA/e-VOA). The fee is IDR 500,000, and the initial stay permit is for up to 30 days from arrival. One extension is allowed, for a total stay of up to 60 days. Apply for and pay for an e-VOA through the official Indonesian Immigration portal.
Bali’s foreign tourist levy is IDR 150,000 per person and can be paid electronically through Love Bali. The electronic customs declaration can be completed from 3 days before your expected arrival date; present the issued QR code on arrival.
Pick an itinerary by trip length
- 4 days3 nights, 4 days in Bali: Should you stay by the sea or in Ubud?
Compare Plan A, which takes you to southern beaches and sunsets, with Plan B, which explores Ubud’s temples and nature on a 3-night, 4-day Bali trip.
- 5 daysBali for 4 nights and 5 days: beach sunsets or Ubud’s culture and nature?
Here are two 4-night, 5-day Bali itineraries. Choose the one that best suits your travel style: southern beaches and sunsets, or Ubud’s culture and nature.
FAQ
Where should I stay in Bali for 3 nights and 4 days?
For beaches and sunsets, base yourself in Uluwatu or Jimbaran in the south; for cafés and nightlife, consider Seminyak or Canggu. Ubud is a good fit for a trip focused on culture and natural scenery.
How long does it take to get from Bali Airport to Seminyak?
It takes about 30–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Airport taxis are listed at around IDR 200,000–250,000 and Grab at around IDR 100,000–180,000, though actual fares may vary.
Can I get around the whole island with Grab or Gojek in Bali?
You can use them in areas such as the south and Ubud, but some tourist attractions may have pickup restrictions or designated pickup points. For a day trip to a distant area, booking a private car with a driver is convenient.
How long can South Koreans stay in Bali without a visa?
South Korean passport holders use a B1 Visa on Arrival or e-VOA, with an initial stay permit of up to 30 days. One extension allows a total stay of up to 60 days.
How should I prepare for Bali’s tourist levy and customs declaration?
The tourist levy is IDR 150,000 per person and can be paid electronically through Love Bali. Complete the customs declaration online from 3 days before your expected arrival, and present the issued QR code on arrival.
Official sources & check dates
- FlightConnections — Flights from Seoul to Denpasar · 2026-10-31
- Bali Wanderer — Getting Around Bali · 2026-10-31
- Investigation of Tourist Satisfaction with Public Transportation in Bali · 2026-10-31
- Visit Bali — Where to Stay in Bali: Best Areas Guide · 2026-10-31
- Bali.com — Bali Destinations · 2026-10-31
- SmartBali — Getting Around Bali · 2026-10-31
- I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport — Public Transport · 2026-10-31
- Amani Journeys — Getting Around Bali · 2026-10-31
- How to Get from Bali Airport to the City Centre: Transfer Options, Prices, and Journey Times · 2026-10-31
- How to Get from Ngurah Rai Airport to Bali — All Transport Options (2026) · 2026-10-31
- Bali airport (DPS) to Ubud, Canggu or Seminyak: taxi, transfer and prices · 2026-10-31
- Bali Private Driver Cost per Day: Prices & Inclusions · 2026-10-31
- Tiket Masuk Uluwatu 2026 dan Jadwal Kecak · 2026-10-31
- Bali Private Driver: 2026 Daily and Hourly Rates · 2026-10-31
- Pantai Padang-Padang — Kementerian Pariwisata · 2026-10-31
- Melasti Beach (Uluwatu): price, access by car, opening hours and tips · 2026-10-31
- Jimbaran Seafood Dinner on the Beach · 2026-10-31
- Menu — Jimbaran Seafood · 2026-10-31
- Tanah Lot Opening Hours & Fees · 2026-10-31
- Tanah Lot: Sejarah, Filosofi & Daya Tariknya di Bali · 2026-10-31
- Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung): Visit, Legong Dance, Hours · 2026-10-31
- Ubud Art Market: Opening Hours, Bargaining and What to Buy · 2026-10-31
- Opening Hours & Maps | Visit | Monkey Forest Ubud · 2026-10-31
- Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud: Start Point, Route and Timing · 2026-10-31
- Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud: Duration, Hours and Tips · 2026-10-31
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces FAQ · 2026-10-31
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Fees, Farmers · 2026-10-31
- Indonesia Travel — Pura Tirta Empul · 2026-10-31
- Gianyar Tourism Ticketing · 2026-10-31
- Kuta / Seminyak to Ubud: fares and times · 2026-10-31
- Tiket Masuk Ulun Danu Beratan Naik Mulai 1 Juli 2026, Segini Harganya · 2026-10-31
- How to Get to Jatiluwih from Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak & the Airport · 2026-10-31
- Daya Tarik Wisata Jatiluwih (Kementerian Pariwisata) · 2026-10-31
- Tirta Gangga, Taman Air di Bali Timur Peninggalan Kerajaan Karangasem · 2026-10-31
- Lempuyang Temple: The Gates of Heaven and the Mirror · 2026-10-31
- Pura Lempuyang: Gerbang Langit dan Pesona Spiritual Bali · 2026-10-31
- Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida (Kementerian Pariwisata) · 2026-10-31
- Entrance fees for tourists visiting Nusa Penida Island and Nusa Lembongan-Nusa Ceningan Islands · 2026-10-31
- Sanur to Nusa Penida Boat Prices 2026: All Operators, Schedules & Tickets · 2026-10-31
- Sanur to Nusa Penida Fast Boat · 2026-10-31
- World Bank Climate Change Knowledge Portal — Indonesia Climate Profile · 2026-10-31
- Nyepi Announcement — Ngurah Rai Airport Closure, 19 March 2026 · 2026-10-31
- ANTARA News — Ngurah Rai Airport operations during Nyepi 2026 · 2026-10-31
- Imigrasi Jakarta Pusat — B1 Visa Saat Kedatangan Wisata · 2026-10-31
- Bali Governor Regulation — Tourist Levy · 2026-10-31
- Bea Cukai — Electronic Customs Declaration · 2026-10-31
Site updated: 2026-10-31