by So you’re going to Bali Indonesia soon? You’ve come to the right blog! In this blog, I’ll tell you everything you need to know including where to stay in Bali, how to get around, best food to try, how to travel cheap and a complete Bali DIY itinerary & budget for 4 days!
Bali was my 2019 manifestation and a 2023 dream come true. I was able to validate with my own eyes the breathtaking beauty of Bali, Indonesia. Especially the countryside and its stunning islands. All I can say is this paradise is waiting for you!
Table of Contents
HELPFUL LINKS
Related Travel Guides
- BALI INDONESIA LIST OF TRAVEL GUIDES
- NUSA PENIDA DIY ITINERARY & BUDGET
- TRAVEL GUIDE TO SNORKELING WITH MANTA RAYS & DOLPHINS IN NUSA PENIDA
- GILI ISLANDS ITINERARY & BUDGET
- UNDERSTANDING GILI ISLANDS: GILI MENO, GILI AIR & GILI TRAWANGAN
Search For Discounted Flights to Bali
Book Hotel Accommodations on Agoda
Discounted Tours Via Klook
KLOOK DISCOUNTE CODE: JOANSFOOTPRINTS
- BALI FULL DAY CUSTOMIZED TOUR – choose from Ubud, Bedugul, Lempuyang, etc.
- BOOK UBUD SECRET WATERFALLS DAY TOUR ON KLOOK
- UBUD ALL INCLUSIVE DAY TOUR ON KLOOK
- BOOK BALI SWING PIONEER IN UBUD
Understanding Bali, Indonesia
Bali is the most popular and a favorite go-to destination in the Indonesian archipelago. It is home to indigenous people, colorful culture, crafts and arts, rich history, breath-taking mountains and islands, Indonesian cuisine and a perfect tropical weather. As a result, Bali is rated regularly as one of the best travel destinations in the world.
- Language – Bahasa Indonesian is the official language in Indonesia but English is widely spoken in the country so no need to worry about language barrier. Here are a few words to learn before you visit Indonesia: Halo = Hello, Terima Kasih = Thank You.
- People & Religion – Indonesia is a spiritually religious country. For instance, Hinduism and Buddhism are practiced up to this day with a fusion of animistic rituals and folklore. Roughly 90% of the population in Bali are identified as Balinese Hindu — the most predominant religion on the island.
- Currency – the official currency in the country is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). There are ATM machines and Money Changers around the country in case you need to withdraw cash.
How to Get Around Bali?
Not to scare you but with good reasons you have to know that traffic jam in Bali is really crazy. If you are city dweller, you know what I’m talking about. I even think it’s worst in Bali if you ask me because lots of tourists go to this place all year round.
Here are ways to get around Bali: (1) Gojek taxi, (2) hire a private taxi with driver and (3) rent a motorbike. The fastest and cheapest way to get to your destination is through renting a motorbike. If you don’t know how to drive a motorbike, you can book a Gojek taxi, just download the app. Word of advise, it is safer and cheaper to book a Gojek taxi compared to regular taxis. Don’t get scammed on overpriced taxis!
FAQ: what license do they accept? To legally drive in Bali, whether you’re planning to rent a motorbike (Category A) or a car (Category B), you must possess an International Driving Permit (IDP). But frankly speaking, it is very easy to rent a motorbike in Bali even without an IDP. Most motorbike rentals only require any Asian Driver’s License.
Where to Stay in Bali?
Accommodations around Bali, Indonesia are relatively cheap! You can score Php250.00/each for a decent room with swimming pool, parking, wifi, free water and other facilities.
BOOK ROOM/S AT TEGAR GUEST HOUSE FOR PHP441.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2
BOOK ROOMS AT OYO NUGRAHA STAY FOR PHP467.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2
ROOMS AT THE SANKARA SUITES AND VILLAS FOR PHP4,000.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2
BOOK ROOMS AT SANCTOO SUITES AND VILLAS FOR PHP3,500.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2
Where to Eat in Bali?
I highly recommend Babi Guling (roast pig) in Bali! It is one of the most popular cultural dishes in Bali and you can find it almost everywhere. The price starts at IDR25,000 which includes steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and a dollop of spicy Indonesian condiment known as sambal.
You can also try Nasi Goreng – a Southeast Asian fried rice dish, usually cooked with pieces of meat, egg and vegetables.
Sample 4 Days Bali DIY Itinerary & Budget
This itinerary is assuming that you are taking the earliest flight to and from Bali. We traveled and explored around Bali the DIY-way by renting a motorbike. For solo travelers who doesn’t know how to drive a motorbike, you have a choice to book joiners tour on Klook for a discounted rate.
Note: (1) the DIY itinerary & budget below excludes the flight and Philippine Travel Tax of PHP1,620 each and (2) the estimated budget per person depends on your spending for food, way of transportation and choice of accommodation.
Day 1: Ubud, Bali
Places to visit:
- Tegallalang Rice Terraces & Bali Swing – a UNESCO world heritage site which comprises a cascading rice fields. The Bali swing is also available here if you want to achieve that mandatory Bali swing shot for the ‘gram.
- Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation – explore luwak coffee and how it is made and processed at Bali Pulina. Luwak or civet cat is one of the most expensive coffee in the world
- Pura Tirta Empul – a water temple where one can bathe in a holy spring. This complex is a place of worship for the God Indra.
SEARCH FOR DISCOUNTED UBUD TOURS ON KLOOK
| 7AM | DPS Airport to Ubud accommodation via Gojek taxi | IDR238,000/PHP842/USD17 |
| 9AM | Early check in at Tegar Guest House Rest, freshen up | IDR124,556/PHP441/USD9 good for 2 |
| 11:30AM | Rent a motorbike | Rental: IDR80,000/PHP283/USD6 Gas expense: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 |
| 12NN | Lunch at a local eatery (Babi Guling) | IDR25,000/PHP88/USD2 each |
| 1PM | Visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces & Bali Swing | Entrance fee: IDR25,000/PHP88/USD2 Optional Bali Swing: IDR200,000/PHP700/USD14 |
| 2:30PM | Bali Pulina Coffee Plantation | Free entrance |
| 4:00PM | Tirta Empul | Entrance fee: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 Sarong for bathing: IDR10,000 Locker for things: IDR15,000 |
| 6PM | Early dinner in Ubud (Nasi Goreng) | IDR35,000/PHP123/USD2.5 each |
| 8PM | Back to hostel, rest | |
| DAY 1 TOTAL EXPENSES | PHP3,518 for 2 pax PHP1,759 EACH |
Day 2: Ubud, Bali
Places to visit:
- Ubud Monkey Forest – a sacred monkey forest sanctuary in the heart of Ubud, Bali. It is home to over 1260 long-tailed macaques.
- Ubud Market – a souvenir shop located in the center of Ubud. Although take note that there are lots of shopping districts and markets in Bali. Indonesians are very artistic and creative, don’t forget to a buy a piece for your home!
- Pura Taman Kemuda Seraswati – also known as the Ubud water palace. The Balinese Hindu temple is dedicated to the God Seraswati.
- Goa Gajah – also known as elephant cave. The temple is said to be built in the 9th century as a meditation sanctuary for monks.
- Tegunungan Waterfall – probably the most famous waterfalls in Ubud. It is nestled amidst the lush greenery village of Tegunungan Kemenuh, the best time to go here is early in the morning and at sunset.
SEARCH FOR DISCOUNTED UBUD TOURS ON KLOOK
| 7AM | Wake up time, prepare | |
| 7:30AM | Rent a motorbike | Rental: IDR80,000/PHP283/USD6 Gas expense: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 |
| 8AM | Breakfast at a local eatery | IDR25,000/PHP88/USD2 each |
| 9AM | Ubud Monkey Forest | Entrance fee: IDR80,000/PHP283/USD5.5 Parking fee: IDR4 Optional Monkey selfie: IDR50,000 |
| 11:30AM | Buy souvenirs at Ubud Market | |
| 12:30PM | Lunch in Ubud | IDR80,000/PHP283 good for 2 |
| 1:30PM | Pura Taman Kemuda Seraswati – water temple | Entrance fee with free use of sarong: IDR35,000/PHP123/USD2.5 |
| 2:30PM | Goa Gajah – elephant cave temple | Entrance fee: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 |
| 4:30PM | Tegunungan Waterfalls | Entrance fee: IDR20,000/PHP70/USD1.5 |
| 6PM | Early dinner at a local eatery | IDR25,000/PHP88/USD2 each |
| 8PM | Back at hostel, rest | IDR124,556/PHP441/USD9 good for 2 |
| DAY 2 TOTAL EXPENSES | PHP3,032 for 2 pax PHP1,516 EACH |
Day 3: Bedugul, Bali
Bedugul is like the Baguio City of Philippines because of its cold weather. Popular destinations includes botanical garden, strawberry farm and the famous Pura Ulun Danu Beratan.
Places to visit:
- Pura Ulun Danu Beratan – the temple you see in Bali postcards! It is both a picturesque landmark and a significant temple that sits on the Beratan Lake.
- Jungle Breaks – Located about 15-20 minutes drive from Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a restaurant cafe hidden in the lush mountains of Bedugul. The location is off the beaten path which is perfect for people who wants to get an overlooking view of the Beratan Lake but with fewer crowds.
- Handara Gate – this huge gate is located on the side of the road so it’s really hard to miss it when you’re driving around Bedugul.
- Wanagiri Hidden Hill – another famous destination in Bedugul on top of a hill with an overlooking view of the lake. The word “wanagiri” means “forest of monkeys.” This is also one of the best spots to get a Bali swing shot because of its overlooking view.
SEARCH FOR DISCOUNTED BEDUGUL TOURS ON KLOOK
| 6AM | Wake up time, prepare | |
| 6:30AM | Rent a motorbike | Rental: IDR80,000/PHP283/USD6 Gas expense: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 |
| 7AM | Breakfast at a local eatery | IDR25,000/PHP88/USD2 each |
| 8AM | ETD to Bedugul | |
| 9:30AM | ETA Pura Ulun Danu Beratan | Entrance fee: IDR75,000/PHP265/USD5.5 |
| 11:30AM | Lunch at Jungle Breaks | IDR150,000/PHP531/USD10.5 good for 2 |
| 1PM | Handara Gate | Entrance fee: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 (Optional) Drone: IDR200,000 |
| 3PM | Wanagiri Hill | IDR100,000/PHP354/USD7 |
| 5:30PM | ETD back to Ubud | |
| 7PM | Dinner in Ubud | IDR80,000/PHP283 good for 2 |
| 9PM | Back at hostel, rest | DR124,556/PHP441/USD9 good for 2 |
| DAY 3 TOTAL EXPENSES | PHP3,482 for 2 pax PHP1,741 EACH |
Day 4: Lempuyang, Bali
Lempuyang is a mountain slope and is approximately 2 hours away from Ubud.
Important note: if you are planning to drive a motorbike to Lempuyang, make sure to switch Google Maps to car route instead of motorcycle route. The route that Google Maps will show for motorcycle is very inconvenient. So make sure to use the route for cars instead. Trust me, been there done that!
Places to visit:
- Tirta Gangga – a water garden that is very touristy too! Lots of tourists go here as a side-trip to Lempuyang Temple.
- Wanna Grill – Located about 5 minutes drive from Lempuyang Temple is a peaceful and quiet restaurant in a rice field with Mt. Agung view. I highly recommend this place for lunch!
- Lempuyang Temple – it is not only the most popular gate in Bali but it is also one of the oldest and venerated temples in Bali. The legendary temple is also known as the “Gates of Heaven.”
SEARCH DISCOUNTED LEMPUYANG TOURS ON KLOOK
| 6AM | Wake up time | |
| 7AM | Breakfast at a local eatery | IDR25,000/PHP88/USD2 each |
| 8AM | Rent a motorbike, ETD to Lempuyang | Rental: IDR80,000/PHP283/USD6 Gas expense: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 |
| 10:30AM | ETA Tirta Gangga | Entrance fee: IDR50,000/PHP177/USD4 |
| 12NN | Lunch at Wanna Grill – rice field location with Mt. Agung view | IDR120,000/PHP426 good for 2 |
| 1:30PM | Lempuyang Temple | IDR100,000/PHP354/USD7 |
| 4:30PM | ETD back to Ubud | |
| 7PM | Dinner in Ubud | IDR120,000/PHP426 good for 2 |
| 8PM | Back at hostel, rest, prepare for early flight back to Manila tomorrow | DR124,556/PHP441/USD9 good for 2 |
| Early morning Gojek taxi to airport | IDR238,000/PHP842/USD17 | |
| DAY 4 TOTAL EXPENSES | PHP4,348 PHP2,174 EACH |
BUDGET FOR 4 DAYS & 4 NIGHTS (GROUP OF 2): PHP7,190.00 EACH excluding other personal miscellaneous fees, flights and Philippine travel tax.
Day 5: Nusa Penida
If you have another day to spare, I highly recommend a day tour in Nusa Penida island. But if you only have 4 days in Bali, you can choose to either change Day 3 or Day 4 to a trip to Nusa Penida. Bali is incomplete without going to Nusa Penida! Below are helpful guides to Nusa Penida:
For hassle-free tour, Klook offers Nusa Penida day tour trips! Choose pick up points from your hotel in Ubud or directly from the port.
- BOOK DISCOUNTED NUSA PENIDA DAY TOUR FROM BALI ON KLOOK HERE
- BOOK DISCOUNTED NUSA PENIDA DAY TOUR FROM SANUR HARBOR
Important Reminders & Tips From Joan’s Footprints
- Use a sarong to cover up your body when entering temples and maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere within the temple grounds. Drones are not allowed within the temple grounds.
- Avoid touching any religious offerings or artifacts inside the temples.
- Women during menstruation period are prohibited to enter the temples.
- Souvenir shops are literally everywhere. A word of advise, Indonesians love to bargain so don’t be shy and feel free to negotiate as low as you can. At times, sellers will start to give us IDR700,000 for 2 pieces of clothing, we haggled the price down to IDR50,000 and they gave it.
- Important applications to download: Gojek, Klook, Google Maps, Google Translate
- For cheap hotels, look for OYO hotels around Bali.
- Don’t forget to try local foods like Babi Guling and Nasi Goreng.
- For ATM withdrawals, always double check with your bank if international withdrawal is turned on.
| Help me improve my Bali DIY Itinerary & Budget article! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas. Drone shots by yours truly. Drone shots by Milo Quinantoto. Contact Us for paid promotions and link insertions. For proposals: email me at jpiann4@gmail.com |
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