Bali, Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam Multi-City Itinerary

Late Morning: Markets and Temple

After arriving in Ubud, settle your bags at your accommodation and aim to reach the center around 10:30–11:00am. Start at Ubud Art Market, where the covered lanes are good for browsing woven bags, sarongs, woodcarvings, and small handmade souvenirs. Bargaining is expected, but keep it friendly—offer roughly half the first price and settle somewhere comfortable. Allow about an hour, and carry small Indonesian rupiah notes; many smaller stalls do not accept cards.

Walk a few minutes through central Ubud to Saraswati Temple, known for its ornate entrance and lotus pond. The grounds are generally open from morning until evening, though access can be limited during ceremonies, and modest dress is required—a sarong is usually available at the entrance. Spend around 45 minutes here, taking care not to step into areas reserved for worship.

Afternoon: Campuhan Ridge

After lunch or a short rest, take a taxi or ride-hailing car toward the trailhead for Campuhan Ridge Walk—about 10 minutes from central Ubud, depending on traffic. The walk is free and takes roughly 1–1.5 hours at an easy pace, with the prettiest light usually from around 3:30pm onward. Wear proper walking shoes, bring water, and expect a mix of paved paths, steps, and uneven sections. The ridge is exposed, so a hat and sunscreen are useful; avoid starting too late if rain is forecast.

Early Evening: Balinese Dinner and the Palace

Return to central Ubud for dinner at Warung Biah Biah, a casual local favorite serving affordable portions of nasi campur, satay, vegetables, and other Balinese dishes. Expect about US$5–12 per person, with a possible wait during the dinner rush. Afterwards, walk to Ubud Palace, the historic royal compound on Jalan Raya Ubud. Visit before the evening dance performance begins—typically around 7:30–8:00pm, although schedules and ticket prices vary by night. Arrive 30 minutes early if you want decent seating; tickets are commonly sold around the palace and nearby hotels.

Morning: Ancient Shrines and Holy Springs

Start early with a private driver or scooter ride to Goa Gajah in Bedulu, ideally arriving around 8:00am before the heat and tour groups build up. Allow about an hour for the cave, bathing pools, and leafy temple grounds; the entrance fee is usually around IDR 15,000–50,000, and a sarong is required—one is generally available at the gate. From there, continue north to Tirta Empul Temple in Manukaya, roughly 25–30 minutes by car. Spend about 90 minutes exploring the courtyards and holy spring pools. Visitors may participate in the purification ritual, but use the designated bathing area and follow temple instructions; shoulders and knees should be covered. A driver is much easier than self-driving today because the sites are spread out and parking can be awkward.

Afternoon: Rice Terraces and Rock-Cut Shrines

Have lunch near Tegallalang Rice Terrace—Teras Padi Café or one of the smaller warungs along the ridge makes a convenient stop—then walk the terrace paths for about an hour. The entrance and walking contributions vary by access point, generally around IDR 25,000–50,000, and good shoes are useful because the paths can be narrow, steep, and muddy after rain. Continue to Pura Gunung Kawi in Tampaksiring, around 20–25 minutes away. The descent to the ten monumental rock-cut shrines takes effort, but the river valley and jungle surroundings are the real reward; allow 1–1.5 hours and keep some water for the climb back. Dress modestly and bring small cash for entry and local parking.

Evening: A Slow Ubud Dinner

Return to central Ubud for a break before dinner at Locavore NXT, a destination restaurant known for inventive menus built around Indonesian ingredients. Reserve well ahead and expect a multi-course meal lasting roughly two to three hours, with tasting menus commonly around US$60–120 per person before drinks. Arrange a car through your hotel or a trusted driver rather than relying on an on-demand ride late in the evening. This is a full day, so skip extra sightseeing afterward and enjoy the ride back through the quieter Ubud lanes.

Morning: Seminyak’s Shoreline

After arriving in Seminyak, drop your bags at your accommodation and head straight to Seminyak Beach for an easy introduction to the coast. Spend about 90 minutes walking the broad sand, watching the surf, and settling into Bali’s beach-club rhythm; early morning is cooler and less crowded, while the beach is generally accessible from sunrise with no admission fee. From here, a short ride north—usually 10–20 minutes by scooter or car, depending on traffic—takes you to Batu Belig Beach, where the atmosphere is more relaxed. Allow an hour for a barefoot shoreline walk, but be cautious around the stronger surf and avoid swimming near river outlets.

Lunch and Afternoon

Continue inland to Sardine in Kerobokan, a roughly 10–15-minute ride from Batu Belig. Its open-air dining room overlooks rice fields, making it a particularly pleasant break from the busy southern-coast roads. Lunch is usually around US$15–35 per person before drinks; reserve ahead if possible and check the restaurant’s current midday opening hours, as Bali venues sometimes adjust schedules. After lunch, take a short ride back toward Petitenget for Petitenget Temple, one of the area’s longstanding coastal shrines. Keep the visit to about 45 minutes, wear a sarong or clothing covering your knees and shoulders, and remember that active ceremonies take priority over sightseeing; a small donation is customary.

Sunset and Evening

Finish at Potato Head Beach Club, only a few minutes from the temple. Arrive by around 4:30pm to secure a good ocean-facing spot before sunset, especially in August when the west coast is popular in the late afternoon. There is no standard sightseeing admission, but seating may involve a minimum spend; budget roughly US$20–50 per person depending on drinks and food. Stay for the music and sunset rather than rushing on, and arrange a Grab, Gojek, or hotel car afterward—traffic around Petitenget and Seminyak can become very slow after dark. Keep valuables close on the beach, and use reputable transport rather than accepting unsolicited rides.

Morning: Marina Bay and the Civic District

After your morning arrival and hotel check-in, head to Merlion Park for Singapore’s essential first view: the Merlion facing the skyline, Marina Bay Sands, and the waterfront promenade. Allow about 45 minutes, ideally before the midday heat; the park is open around the clock and free. From here, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk across Esplanade Bridge toward the National Gallery Singapore, or take a short taxi if you have luggage. Spend roughly two hours inside the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, where Southeast Asian art is displayed alongside excellent views of the Civic District. General admission is often around S$20, with some exhibitions costing extra; check the museum’s current ticketing and opening hours before going, as galleries typically open from late morning.

Lunch and Afternoon: Hawker Food and Tropical Gardens

Walk or take a 10-minute taxi to Lau Pa Sat, the grand Victorian market in the Downtown Core, for lunch. Give yourself time to browse the stalls rather than choosing the first queue: expect about S$8–20 per person for dishes such as laksa, satay, or chicken rice. After lunch, a taxi or MRT ride via Orchard brings you to the Singapore Botanic Gardens in about 20–30 minutes; enter near Tanglin Gate and wander without trying to cover every path. The gardens are free and generally open from 5am to midnight, while the National Orchid Garden has a separate admission fee of about S$3 for adults and closes earlier. Two hours is enough for a relaxed walk through the rainforest, lakes, and orchid displays.

Evening: Chinatown Hawker Dinner

In the early evening, make your way to Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown, usually a 15–20-minute taxi ride from the gardens or around 30 minutes by MRT. It is busiest at dinner, so arrive around 5:30–6:00pm for easier seating and better stall choice; many individual vendors close once their food sells out. Try the famous chicken rice, then leave room for a chilled dessert or fresh juice—S$8–18 per person is realistic. After eating, take a gentle walk through Chinatown’s surrounding shophouse streets before returning to your hotel; Singapore’s MRT is efficient, but taxis are worthwhile tonight if you are tired after the flight.

Morning

Start at Gardens by the Bay around 9:00am, before the conservatories become busiest. Spend roughly three hours between Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, then walk through Supertree Grove. The outdoor gardens are free, while the two conservatories usually cost around S$32–S$35 for international adults; check the official website for the exact 2026 rate and timed-entry requirements. From central Singapore, take the MRT to Bayfront and use Exit B, or arrive by taxi and be dropped near the Marina Bay Sands side of the gardens. Bring water—the outdoor paths can feel hot even with the greenery.

Early Afternoon

Walk across to ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands for about 90 minutes. Its rotating immersive exhibitions change regularly, so book a timed ticket online rather than assuming every gallery is included; allow approximately S$20–S$35 depending on the exhibition. Have a light lunch at Rasapura Masters in the mall if you want speed and variety, then take the MRT from Bayfront toward Changi Airport. The journey to Jewel Changi Airport takes about 40–50 minutes, but leave extra time for the transfer and airport walking.

Late Afternoon and Evening

Spend two relaxed hours at Jewel Changi Airport, beginning with the Rain Vortex and the surrounding Shiseido Forest Valley. The public areas are free, although some upper-level attractions charge separately; the waterfall is especially atmospheric when the lights come on after 7:00pm. Return toward Chinatown by MRT or taxi—by car, allow roughly 25–35 minutes outside peak traffic—and arrive at Burnt Ends for your evening reservation. This is a compact, popular restaurant, so reserve well ahead and arrive on time; expect around S$80–150 per person before drinks. The menu focuses on wood-fired meats and vegetables, and sharing several dishes is the best way to experience it.

Morning: Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Park

Begin at Petronas Twin Towers around 9:00am, when the observation-deck visit is easiest to fit in before the crowds and afternoon haze. Allow about two hours for the skybridge and upper-level views; tickets are timed and commonly cost around RM35–100 depending on the package, so reserve through the official website rather than relying on same-day availability. From the towers, take the short pedestrian route into KLCC Park for a relaxed 45-minute loop beneath the skyline. The park is free and open from early morning; the shaded paths and water features make this a much better time for a walk than midday.

Lunch: Dewakan

For lunch, arrange a pre-booked car or Grab to Dewakan in Shah Alam, allowing roughly 35–50 minutes from KLCC depending on traffic. This is a destination meal rather than a casual stop: the Malaysian tasting menu usually runs around RM250–450 per person, and the restaurant’s location within the university campus means you should confirm the entrance and allow extra time for arrival. Expect inventive cooking built around indigenous Malaysian ingredients, with a long, unhurried meal—plan on two to three hours and avoid scheduling anything tightly afterward.

Afternoon and Late Afternoon: Merdeka Square and Central Market

Return toward the city centre by Grab, usually around 30–45 minutes, and spend the afternoon at Merdeka Square, where the vast field, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and historic flagpole offer a quieter contrast to the morning’s skyscrapers. Give yourself about an hour for photographs and a look around the surrounding colonial-era streets; late afternoon is cooler and gives the buildings warmer light. From there, walk or take a short ride to Central Market in Pasar Seni for about an hour of browsing batik, pewter, prints, and Malaysian handicrafts. It generally operates roughly 10:00am–10:00pm, though individual stalls vary; prices are more fixed than at street markets, making it a straightforward place for gifts, while the nearby covered walkways are useful if rain arrives.

Morning

Start early for Batu Caves, ideally leaving central Kuala Lumpur around 7:00am by Grab or train from KL Sentral. The KTM Komuter ride to Batu Caves takes roughly 30 minutes, while a car usually takes 25–45 minutes depending on traffic. Arriving by 8:00am gives you cooler temperatures for the 272-step climb and a better chance to enjoy the colorful staircase before tour groups arrive. Allow about two hours for the Hindu shrines, cave chambers, and temple grounds. Dress modestly—shoulders and knees covered—and keep food securely packed, as the macaques are bold. Entry to the main temple cave is generally free, though some smaller attractions may charge separately.

Continue by Grab to Thean Hou Temple in Robson Heights, allowing about 30–45 minutes in traffic. This ornate hilltop temple is especially atmospheric late in the morning, with carved dragons, red lanterns, and broad views toward the city. Spend around an hour wandering the courtyards and prayer halls; admission is free, but avoid blocking worshippers or photographing ceremonies too closely. From here, head toward Jalan Alor Food Street in Bukit Bintang—roughly 20–30 minutes by car—and arrive around noon before the street becomes crowded.

Afternoon and Evening

Have lunch along Jalan Alor Food Street, where you can graze rather than commit to one large meal: try grilled seafood, satay, char kway teow, or oyster omelets from the open-front stalls. Budget around RM20–50 per person, and check prices before ordering seafood by weight. After lunch, take a Grab or walk about 20 minutes toward Kwai Chai Hong in Chinatown. This restored lane is compact and best treated as a short, atmospheric stop—allow 45 minutes for the painted murals, timber balconies, and nearby coffee shops. It is generally free and most enjoyable before dusk, when the lanterns begin to glow. Finish at Heli Lounge Bar in Bukit Bintang, using a Grab or the MRT to Bukit Bintang and walking the final few minutes. Arrive around 5:00–5:30pm to secure a table before the helipad opens for sunset views; expect roughly RM40–100 per person, with a drink usually required. The outdoor helipad is weather-dependent, so keep the nearby Changkat Bukit Bintang area in mind for dinner if rain closes the rooftop.

Late Morning: Market Life in District 1

After arriving in Ho Chi Minh City, leave your luggage at your hotel and head to Ben Thanh Market, ideally around 11:30am. Give yourself about an hour to wander through the covered aisles of spices, dried fruit, coffee, textiles, and souvenirs; the food section is lively, but keep valuables secure and agree on prices before buying. It is an easy walk through District 1 from most central hotels, or a short Grab ride if the midday heat is intense. From here, walk roughly 10 minutes toward Nguyen Hue Street to reach The Café Apartments, the famous old apartment block filled with small independent coffee shops. Take the stairs or lift up and choose a balcony café for Vietnamese iced coffee—allow around an hour, and expect approximately ₫40,000–100,000 per drink.

Lunch and Afternoon Views

For lunch, walk or take a short Grab ride to Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa on Lê Thị Riêng Street. This legendary sandwich shop is known for generously filled bánh mì with multiple kinds of pâté, cold cuts, pickles, and herbs; one sandwich is substantial, usually around ₫50,000–100,000. It is typically busiest around lunch, so expect a queue and take your order away if seating is limited. Afterwards, continue by Grab—about 10 minutes depending on traffic—to Bitexco Financial Tower for the Saigon Skydeck. Spend about an hour looking across the rooftops, river, and rapidly expanding skyline; check the current timed-entry price, usually around ₫200,000–300,000, and aim for mid-afternoon when visibility is often better than at sunset.

Evening: Nguyen Hue After Dark

As the temperature drops, return on foot or by Grab to Nguyen Hue Walking Street and stroll the broad boulevard for an hour. The area becomes especially atmospheric after dark, with families, student groups, street performers, and the illuminated façades around the old Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building. There is no entry fee, and the central section is best enjoyed slowly rather than as a checklist. Keep some time afterward for a casual drink or dessert nearby, and use a reputable Grab car or walk back to your hotel rather than accepting unsolicited taxi rides.

Morning: War Remnants Museum

Start at the War Remnants Museum in District 3 around 8:00am, before the galleries become crowded and the heat intensifies. Allow about two hours for the exhibitions, including the courtyard displays of military aircraft and tanks; the material is powerful and sometimes confronting, so take your time rather than rushing. It generally opens from 7:30am to around 5:30pm, with a modest entrance fee of roughly ₫40,000. From central District 1, a GrabBike takes about 10–15 minutes, while a GrabCar usually takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.

Late Morning and Lunch: Independence Palace and Cục Gạch Quán

Walk or take a short Grab ride to Independence Palace, arriving around 10:30am. The former presidential residence is best experienced room by room—especially the command center, reception halls, and rooftop helicopter area—and you should allow about 90 minutes. It normally opens around 8:00am–3:30pm, with a separate ticket for the palace and occasional combined-ticket options. For lunch, continue to Cục Gạch Quán in District 1, ideally booking ahead or arriving shortly after noon; its restored old-house atmosphere and family-style Vietnamese dishes make it a calmer break from the busy streets. Expect approximately ₫250,000–500,000 per person, depending on how much you order.

Afternoon and Late Afternoon: Saigon Central Post Office and Jade Emperor Pagoda

After lunch, head to the Saigon Central Post Office, where you can admire the vaulted French-colonial interior, old telephone booths, maps, and working postal counters. Allow around 30 minutes, and remember it remains an operating post office, so avoid blocking the central aisles for photographs. Finish at Jade Emperor Pagoda, reached by a 10–15 minute Grab ride toward Đa Kao in District 1. Go in the late afternoon, when the incense-filled halls feel more atmospheric and the surrounding streets are slightly less frantic; allow about an hour. Dress modestly, keep your voice low, and avoid flash photography. The pagoda is usually open from morning until early evening and is free, though a small donation is welcome. Afterward, leave the rest of the evening unplanned—Đa Kao’s side streets are ideal for a slow walk and an iced Vietnamese coffee.

Morning: Hanoi’s Scholarly Heart

After arriving in Hanoi and leaving your bags at the hotel, take a Grab to Temple of Literature in Dong Da, aiming for around 9:30am. Allow about 1½ hours to wander through its five courtyards, stone steles, and shaded gardens—the former imperial academy feels especially calm away from the main roads. It is generally open from about 8:00am to 5:00pm, with admission around ₫70,000; dress respectfully, with shoulders and knees covered. From there, a 10-minute Grab ride brings you to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex in Ba Dinh.

Spend roughly 1½ hours around the mausoleum grounds, including the surrounding ceremonial square and memorial buildings. The mausoleum itself has strict visiting hours, security procedures, and occasional closures—especially on Mondays, Fridays, and during preservation periods—so check locally that entry is operating before committing to the queue. Modest clothing is essential, and large bags may need to be left at the designated security point. If the mausoleum is closed, the complex’s exterior grounds are still worthwhile, but keep the visit unhurried in the midday heat.

Lunch and Afternoon: Hanoi’s Difficult History

Head by Grab or taxi to Bún Chả Hương Liên in Hai Ba Trung, made famous by the Obama-Bun Cha visit. Order the house bún chả with grilled pork, rice noodles, herbs, and dipping sauce; lunch costs approximately ₫100,000–200,000 per person. Arrive around 12:30pm if possible, as the small restaurant gets busy and service is informal. After lunch, a 10–15-minute ride toward the Old Quarter takes you to Hoa Lo Prison Relic, usually open until around 5:00pm with admission near ₫50,000. Give the exhibits 1½ hours, and allow time to absorb the contrasting Vietnamese and French-colonial chapters of the site rather than rushing through the displays.

Evening: Around Hoan Kiem

Finish at Hoan Kiem Lake, a short walk from Hoa Lo Prison Relic through the southern edge of the Old Quarter. Walk the full lakeside loop for about an hour, pausing near Ngoc Son Temple and the red The Huc Bridge as the lights come on. The lake is most atmospheric from late afternoon onward, when residents gather for exercise and families stroll; on weekend evenings, surrounding roads are often pedestrianized, making the area easier and more pleasant to explore. Keep your phone and wallet secure in dense crowds, then choose one of the nearby Old Quarter cafés for a final Vietnamese coffee.