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Bali Travel Guide

Nowhere on the planet offers the same combination of surfing, spirituality and sun-kissed sybaritic pleasure as Bali. On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences. A stay here might mean tropical brutalism of The Slow in Canggu or mod-Balinese bamboo pods at Ubud’s Bambu Indah. It might mean kicking back with Canggu’s clean-living nomads, Seminyak’s style-conscious surfers, or Ubud’s smart crowd, who eat at Noma-ish Locavore and roll their eyes at the mention of Eat, Pray, Love . Either way, everyone and everything is welcome.

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12 things to know before going to Bali, Indonesia

Jan 18, 2024 • 8 min read

These top tips for visiting Bali can help you plan the perfect trip © Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images

The Indonesian island of Bali is a sun-soaked paradise that attracts every type of traveler, from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury jet-setters.

But – as with any destination – the vast majority of travelers (especially first-timers) will have a number of questions, whether it's "Can unmarried couples stay together in Bali?" (an increasingly common one in the light of recently-introduced new rules for tourists in Bali, which we'll get to later) or "What should I wear?"

Thankfully, Bali is one of the easiest destinations to explore, although its size – the island covers 5776 sq km (2230 sq miles) – means travelers should take the time to think about what they want to see and do relatively early on. For example, places such as Seminyak , with its beach clubs and five-star hotels, tend to become somewhat crowded during peak season, while more rural destinations, such as Ubud , might well require a longer taxi journey  but are absolutely worth the effort, especially for those keen to avoid the crowds.

It's also worth bearing in mind that Bali is one of Asia's safest destinations. As with any holiday hot spot, there are always going to be certain things we can do to ensure we stay safe while traveling, but crackdowns on petty theft and bad behavior have all helped transform the island into a wonderfully family-friendly destination .

Here are our top tips for anyone heading to Bali.

1. Check your vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to Indonesia

There are no mandatory vaccinations for visitors to Bali (barring the need for travelers arriving from countries with a high yellow fever transmission risk to carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate), although Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus are often recommended. Bali falls into the "low to no risk" category when it comes to malaria.

Rabies remains a big problem in Indonesia, and although it claims fewer lives in Bali than elsewhere (according to the World Health Organization, 11 people died from rabies in the first half of 2023), it still exists, and the rabies vaccination is worth considering. Working out what vaccinations you need for a holiday to Bali is mostly a personal choice, but if you have concerns, contact your local physician for the latest guidance.

2. Bring a reusable bottle

One of the most asked questions by tourists: "Is Bali's tap water safe to drink?" The short answer is "no." Stick to bottled water or, better still, bring a bottle with a built-in water filtering membrane. Purchasing bottled water – especially in restaurants – can quickly become expensive, which is another reason we're fans of reusable filtered ones, such as Larq and Lifestraw. These are also handy when it comes to purifying water used for cleaning fruits and vegetables. Additionally, try to steer clear of ice and use bottled water to brush your teeth.

3. Don't write off the rainy season

Having a rough idea of when dry and rainy seasons fall is undoubtedly something that is useful to know before heading to Indonesia . But bear with us – Bali's rainy season, which takes place between October and April, is a great time to visit. It's typified by short, sharp showers that often only last a few minutes. And in addition to the fact that prices for everything – from regional airfares to hotels – plummet, the island becomes wonderfully lush, the weather is still warm (typically hovering between 24°C/75°F and 29°C/85°F), and the main tourist attractions are blissfully crowd-free. You'll also find it easier to snap up places on excursions, such as snorkeling tours and guided hikes.

4. Buy some bug spray

To be clear, Bali doesn't have a major mosquito problem, but like anywhere in Southeast Asia, these pesky biting bugs love the occasional bloodsucking session – in the case of Bali, particularly during the rainy season between November and April. Lighten the load on your wallet by purchasing your repellent in Bali and opting for bug sprays made in Asia. Popular (and much cheaper) Asian brands you'll find throughout Indonesia include Soffell (snap up the surprisingly pleasant floral-scented version if you can).

5. Avoid traveling during peak times

Traffic in Bali can be horrendous – especially around busier spots such as Denpasar and Kuta – and estimated journey times on apps like Google Maps or Grab are notoriously unreliable. Peak times tend to be 6am to 8am (but roads often remain busy until 10am when day-trippers head out) and 4pm to 7pm. Allow plenty of time to get from A to B, especially when heading to the airport.

6. Pack clothes that will cover you up for when you're not on the beach

In Bali, skimpy swimwear is fine for the beach, but definitely not for trips to a supermarket or restaurant.

Men and women need to ensure their shoulders and upper legs are covered when visiting religious sites, although most of these places will have sarongs for visitors to borrow. Pack like a pro by taking a light cotton scarf that can double as a sarong if you visit a temple or other religious site, and a pair of light cotton trousers (bonus points if they've got a built-in mosquito repellent), which will protect you from bites while also providing enough coverage at sites where tiny denim shorts or a vest just won't cut it.

7. Behave respectfully

Various media reports might give the impression it's easy to get into trouble in Bali, but it's not. In reality, you just need to be sensible: don't do drugs (being caught with under a gram of cannabis will land you in prison), be respectful and dress appropriately at religious sites, don't ride a motorbike or moped without a helmet (Bali's police have recently started cracking down especially hard on foreign moped drivers), and treat locals with respect.

8. Locals will be keen to share their knowledge with you

Staying at a hotel with a concierge or a friendly receptionist? Feel free to grill them about the best local bar, beach or restaurant. The Balinese are incredibly proud of their island  – don't be surprised if the bartender at your favorite beach bar ends up inviting you to their home for dinner with their family – and love nothing more than telling visitors about their favorite beach, nature walk or temple.

9. Eat, drink, stay and shop locally

Don't be afraid to go local, whether this means eating at tiny family-run restaurants or opting for local drink brands. You'll pay less and enjoy delicious local dishes, and you'll be contributing directly to the local economy, too. These days, even the smallest restaurants, bars and independent hotels will be listed on online review sites such as Zomato (especially popular in Asia), and a quick glance should tell you whether the business in question is reputable or not.

10. Carry some loose change

Many businesses in Bali will take payment by card, but there are still plenty of places that only take cash. These include temples, smaller souvenir shops and beachfront masseuses (which, by the way, offer some of the best massages going). ATMs on the island can be unreliable and are also few and far between in some areas. Additionally, don't assume you'll always have the mobile data you'll need to book a ride-share taxi. If you need to hail a tuk-tuk or taxi from the side of the road, it's highly likely you'll need to pay in cash.

When using ATMs, opt for ones connected with major banks (in Indonesia, these include BNI, Bank Mandiri, BCA and CIMB Niaga) to avoid withdrawal fees and remember that Indonesian ATMs issue the cash first, so don't forget to wait for your card to appear.

11. Get around by moped (but always wear a helmet)

Mopeds are the cheapest way to get around Bali  and often – especially during rush hour in places such as Kuta – the quickest, too. They're also offered as a mode of transport by Grab and Gojek (Bali's most popular ride-sharing apps), and prices for journeys via mopeds are significantly cheaper than those made by car. Just remember to check the reviews of your chosen driver and always wear a helmet (the driver will typically provide one). Avoid hailing scooter taxis on the street – you won't be able to check their credentials, and, in reality, Grab and Gojek have so many scooter drivers (both identifiable for their bright green jackets) that there's simply no need.

12. There is a no-sex-before-marriage law

In December 2022, the Indonesian government brought in a new law that forbids sex outside of marriage. Technically, this law applies to visitors as well as locals.

At the time, it was announced that the legislation won't be introduced until late 2025. Since then, Bali's governor has said that the law – dubbed by some newspapers as the "Bali bonk ban"– won't apply to tourists and, additionally, guilty parties can only be reported by spouses, parents or children. In summary, the law represents a worrying development for human rights in Indonesia, but it's not one that is likely to affect tourists.

This article was first published May 2019 and updated January 2024

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Bali Travel Guide

Where rice terraces meet dramatic waterfalls; Bali is a true paradise where karma and honesty are culturally engraved.

Best time to visit Bali

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Bali's weather is fantastic for most of the year, particularly in the dry season, which runs from April to October with sunny days and great surf. The wet season is from November to March, bringing occasional rains and lush landscapes (and still plenty of sunshine in between!).

Unique experiences

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• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Rentalcars.com
• Find Flights to Bali via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Bali worth visiting?

Bali, a tropical paradise and spiritual haven, is home to stunning beaches, lush jungles, majestic volcanos, and plunging waterfalls. With such a variety of landscapes, it’s a dream come true for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities, cultural temple visits, or island-hopping adventures.

Is Bali cheap to visit?

Experience the tropical paradise of Bali without breaking the bank! Although there are some more luxurious (and expensive) spots on the island, you can still find mouthwatering street food for under $10 or stay in beautiful bamboo houses in Bali for under $50 a night, making it very accessible for those on a budget.

Can I drink tap water in Bali?

Drinking tap water in Bali is not recommended. However, there are plenty of other great options to stay hydrated! Choose an eco-friendly option, using a reusable water bottle with an in-built filter system or refilling at restaurants with filtered water.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Bali?

Great news! Travelers can explore Bali with a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for up to 30 days. And to make it even easier, you can now apply online beforehand. Cruise through customs and dive straight into Bali’s wonders!

Tip: Check your country’s entry requirements well in advance, as some places are subject to stricter visa rules.

What language do they speak in Bali?

In Bali, the language is the beautiful Bahasa Indonesia. Make your travel experience even more memorable by engaging with locals through words, offering a warm “Selamat Pagi” (good morning) as you explore this captivating island.

Do I need travel insurance for Bali?

Travel insurance is an absolute must in Bali! It protects you against unexpected events, whether that’s a flight cancellation, lost luggage, or medical care. Jump on that motorbike and explore the island worry-free!

Is Bali safe?

While Bali is generally safe, some petty crime does occur. It’s always good to exercise caution by leaving any valuables at home and keeping an eye on your belongings. However, in general, Bali’s warm hospitality means you can explore worry-free!

What power plug type does Bali have?

The plug standard in Bali is a two-pin plug for a socket, also known as plug type F and type C. Stay connected In Bali by purchasing an adaptor. Don’t worry if you forget; you can easily buy one at the airport or local stores on the island.

Why do people love Bali?

Bali is loved by people worldwide for its breathtaking diversity. Whether you’re looking for relaxed beach clubs in Seminyak, cultural markets in Ubud, or marine adventures in the turquoise waves of Nusa Penida, this island offers experiences for every traveler.

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‘Paradise’ is the word on every traveler’s lips as soon as they witness the picture-perfect scenery that Bali has to offer. There is some kind of wonderland for everyone on vacation in Bali, from world-famous surf spots and laidback beach bars to impressive waterfalls adjacent to luscious paddy fields.

How to Plan Your Trip to Bali

Follow our Bali travel guides to plan the ultimate trip! Whether you’re backpacking around the island and looking for affordable and lively destinations, or you’re on your honeymoon in Bali , we’ve got you covered with a variety of informative guides. Discover the best places in Bali, or check out our 7-day Bali itinerary .

Staying for longer? 3 Weeks in Bali provides the ultimate mix of culture, beach time, and adventure.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Planning your perfect Bali holiday? Find out about the weather in Bali to choose the best time to explore this enchanting island!

Dry Season (April-October): The best time to visit Bali is in the dry season (also the high season), which brings clear skies and sunny days. Although there may be more crowds during this time, it’s ideal for beach lovers and ocean adventurers, with the best surfing conditions, particularly on the west coast. During these months, you can also witness fantastic cultural festivals, like Galungan and Kuningan, which really bring the island to life.

Wet Season (November-March) : Although you can expect downpours, the rainy season is a beautiful time to visit Bali, when the island becomes its most green and luscious. It’s also an excellent time for budget travelers and backpacking in Bali, as it’s considered the low season, with fewer crowds and lower prices. Although it may rain most days, this tropical goodness only lasts a few hours, and you can typically expect sunshine again later in the day. What’s more, these rains mean you can see the rivers and waterfalls in Bali at their most powerful.

Best time to visit Bali for activities: If surfing is your thing, head to Bali between May and September when waves are at their best. Culture vultures should plan around the best festivals in Bali. For example, the Bali Kite Festival or the Arts Festival that take place in the summer months.

Whatever you’re looking for, every season in Bali has its charm, so whether you’re chasing waves, adrenaline adventures, or sunny beach days, you’ll find the perfect time to delve into Bali’s magic. Get ready to create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise!

Coastlines and Beaches in Bali

The vibrant, luscious greens of Bali’s jungles and paddy fields are beautifully complemented by its fantastic coastline and neighboring islands. Whether it’s the spectacular cliffs and crashing emerald waves of Uluwatu or the long beaches bouncing with live music in Canggu , there are plenty of beach spots to choose from on your vacation in Bali.

Head offshore to the incredible islands surrounding Bali to fulfill paradise dreams! Discover tiny islands with white sand and clear oceans. Some of the best places to visit in Bali are Gili Air or Gili Meno, where it’s easy to see turtles, colorful corals, and tropical fish. Here, experience the simple pleasures of a world without cars and only gentle walks through palm tree forests and fallen coconuts. For something a little more adventurous, experience the exhilarating island of Nusa Penida , an island home to extraordinary cliffs, swelling oceans, and mammoth manta rays.

Food, Culture, and Religion in Bali

Aptly named as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali showcases a unique sense of spirituality that’s deeply rooted in Hinduism among predominantly Muslim Indonesia. As such, different religions, cultures, and customs live happily side by side, always with a smile and a deep appreciation for the enjoyment of life. It is this joy, peace, and unique philosophy of life that makes Bali so special. Not only that but also the countless beautiful temples and colorful shrines, often surrounded by wonderful nature and wild monkeys. Places like Ubud are the ultimate jungle oasis of tranquility and calm.

Bali’s culinary scene is one of the best in the world, offering a mix of aromatic meat dishes and vegetarian delights. Enjoy delicious rice dishes like Nasi Goreng and Nasi Campur or succulent Satay skewers. As it’s a tropical island, you’ll also find plenty of fresh seafood and tropical fruits to snack on while you enjoy this beautiful paradise.

Why You Should Travel to Bali

It’s certainly easy to see how Bali has been elevated to its status as one of the best holiday destinations in the world. The island will steal hearts, captivate imaginations, and continuously tempt travelers to return for more, time and time again.

Its diversity is what’s most compelling, with adventures for every type of traveler. Some of the best things to do in Bali include exploring the crater’s edge and hiking epic volcanos, ziplining through gorges, and swimming with turtles.

When you’re done with activities on your Bali holiday, there’s plenty of relaxation to be had, whether that’s swinging in hammocks under coconut trees, enjoying healing Balinese spa treatments, or savoring candlelit dinners under the stars.

Safety and Travel Advice in Bali

Travelers who want to vacation in Bali, a magical island paradise in Indonesia, should take the necessary precautions to enjoy a safe trip. The following information, given by the government of Indonesia, helps visitors get the most out of their journey.

Natural Disasters: Although natural disasters happen infrequently in Bali, the island is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. Stay informed by registering with your embassy to receive emergency updates on your trip.

Crime and safety in Bali: While Bali is generally safe, petty theft can happen. Exercise caution by keeping valuables secure and leaving any important belongings at home. Like any destination, we recommend avoiding isolated areas at night and sticking to well-lit spots with more people.

Learn more about travel safety

Traffic in Bali: Traffic in Bali can be chaotic. The island’s infrastructure and population are rapidly growing, meaning there can be traffic congestion and queues. Although it’s very normal to use scooters and motorbikes, always wear a helmet and protective clothing, and ensure you have travel insurance. During the rainy season, be aware of road conditions, as the tarmac can be slippery.

Cultural Sensitivity: Bali is named ‘Island of the Gods’ for its rich culture and spirituality. Please make sure to always respect local customs, be that wearing appropriate clothing or asking permission to take photos of locals.

Travel Insurance: One of the most important things you need to do before your Bali holiday is purchase travel insurance. Although Bali itself is safe, there is potential for accidents – for example, an injury after surfing, a canceled flight, or lost baggage. Check out these best travel insurances .

The Ultimate Bali Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Trip To Bali

Planning a trip to Indonesia and looking for the best Bali itinerary? Whether you’re only spending 5 days, one week, 10 days, or two full weeks, I guarantee this Bali trip travel guide will be extremely helpful!

Bali is truly one of my favorite destinations in the world and a place I’ve called home several times. But planning a trip to Bali can be a bit intimidating as there really are so many amazing places to explore!

There’s no need to wonder why Bali has become one of the world’s most visited and popular vacation hotspots. It has jaw-dropping landscapes, lush rice terraces, stunning beaches, serene temples, cute monkeys, scenic waterfalls, wild nightlife, and unforgettable sunsets.

Bali really does have a little something for everybody, and I guarantee that if you follow this Bali travel itinerary, you will fall in love with this island just as much as I have!

While tourism in Bali has exploded in recent years due to the popularity of Instagram, it definitely lives up to the hype because there is a LOT more to this island than what you see on social media. Don’t let the annoying Bali IG couples + IG influencers deter you from planning a trip here because it is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia!

Tip: Add something unique to your Bali travel plan by choosing to go glamping in Bali  instead of staying at a hotel.

Check out my Instagram page  for more holiday inspiration!

Whether you’re only spending a few days, two weeks, or even an entire month, this Bali Itinerary guide will go into loads of detail about what to expect about visiting this island, the best things to do, what to pack for Bali, when to go, insider travel tips, and loads more.  

So without further ado, let’s get started!

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT BALI?

Bali is an incredible destination to visit year-round, and if you’ve only got limited time off work, I would say book that ticket no matter what! Being located in Southeast Asia, the weather in Bali is exceptionally tropical, so you can expect hot and humid temperatures pretty much every day, but there are two main seasons – the wet and dry months.

The rainy season in Bali is from October to April, and the dry season is between May – September.

That said, traveling to Bali during the rainy season is NOT an issue. I LIVED in Bali in December & January (known as the wettest months of the year), and I barely even noticed the rain.

Yes, some days were worse than others, but more often than not – every day was beautifully sunny blue skies and perfect beach weather.

According to Bali.com, “ The best time to come to Bali is April, May, June and September, just before and just after high season. It’s still the dry season, it’s slightly less humid, and room prices and villa rentals can be 30-50% cheaper than during high season. Many shops offer sales and promotions, restaurants are less crowded in those mid-season months, and in general, Bali is a bit more relaxed. October is not too bad either, still much less rain than November (usually, check the rainfall chart).”

I agree with that statement for sure, but traveling to Bali during Christmas time & New Year’s Eve can be an incredible experience. I spent Christmas Day lounging at a day club and absolutely loved it!  

IS BALI A DANGEROUS PLACE TO VISIT?

Absolutely not! Bali is completely safe to visit, and I’ve honestly never felt like I was in any danger while there. While just like a vacation to anywhere in the world, you want to make sure you’re traveling wisely and acting responsibly.

The only dangerous or unsafe behavior I’ve heard of is from “motorcycle thieves or purse-snatchers.” These are people that will try and grab purses or backpacks from people while riding on the back of a motorcycle. But as long as you pay attention to your belongings, nothing bad will happen.  

What I will  say in this section, though, is that you NEED to be extremely careful if you decide to rent a scooter in Bali. I’d say that’s actually the most dangerous thing on the island! I drive very cautiously when riding my moto , and I’ve never been in an accident (knock on wood), but I’ve had several friends end up in the hospital with serious injuries.

Nevertheless, I wouldn’t let that stop you from enjoying the feeling of exploring the island on two wheels. The scooter rides through rice terraces are one of my favorite things about living in Bali, and it’s a great, cheap, and efficient way to experience Bali. Just make sure the person driving is confident and skilled. You should also avoid driving during peak traffic hours.

Best Bali Trip Travel Insurance

I never travel anywhere without booking a travel insurance policy . This is essential for all Bali visitors!

So I’ll repeat…

Please, do NOT visit Bali WITHOUT Travel Insurance!

It’s unfortunately all too common that people come to Bali, get into a scooter accident, and end up needing a lot of medical attention. This, as you can imagine, is not cheap, and while the Bintangs and good vibes are, don’t expect medical treatment as a foreigner to also be of great value! These bills will add up, and sometimes they won’t even operate before they know you’re covered.

I’ve had at least 4 friends now get in serious accidents, but only half of them had travel insurance to cover their needs. Trust me – especially if you plan on driving or getting on the back of a moto (which you most likely will), you’ll want peace of mind to make sure you’re covered.

You also need to consider other issues that could arise, such as theft, boat sinking or water damage, or catching dengue. Trust me when I say these warnings aren’t to scare you, but real-life examples I’ve seen during my time in Bali.

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to its extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths. Their fair pricing and handy app allow you to manage any claims within the app and access free assistance online. This means you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill in Indonesia, where the charges are steep!

Nowadays, I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many of those (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travelers I’ve met. So, whether you need a single trip cover for two weeks in Bali or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel, knowing that HeyMondo has your back.

Still, planning your trip? You can always get a no-commitment travel insurance quote now, so you know how much extra to budget for your vacation!

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR A TRIP TO BALI? A BASIC PACKING LIST

One of the things I love about Bali is that you really don’t need to bring all that much — especially if you’re just on a quick 10-day or two-week holiday. Also, shopping in Bali is fantastic. You’ll want to bring back a separate suitcase filled with souvenirs and clothing.

Here are a few items I think are essential for your travels to Bali!  

• Clothing: You’ll want a couple of pairs of shorts, swim trunks, t-shirts, sandals, and comfortable adventure shoes. Add one or two fancier outfits for dinners or nightlife too. Everyone will have different styles or preferences, but my main clothing tip would be to keep it light. Quick-drying clothes will be helpful, mainly because you will sweat up a storm.  
• Portable charger: Anker PowerCore Portable Charger  is one of the smallest and lightest power banks available. I carry this with me everywhere I go because I’m using my iPhone a bit more than I care to admit! Well, when you’re exploring Bali, you’ll definitely want a portable charger.
• Microfiber towel: This Rainleaf MicroFiber Towel  is budget-friendly and stylish. Plus, a quick-drying towel is a must for visiting Bali. You’ll find yourself hiking, sweating, and swimming often – and you’re really going to want one of these. I just bought one of these myself, and it’s the #1 best seller on Amazon!
• Quality sunscreen: The sun is super intense in Bali, and you’ll be out in the sun often during this Bali itinerary. So, make sure you buy some decent sunscreen before you get to Bali because it costs SO much more out there for some reason. I personally use this Neutrogena Lightweight & Water Resistant SPF,  and I love it!
• Mosquito repellent: Unfortunately, mosquitos are flying all over the place in Bali. And you really want to protect yourself when you go on long adventures. I recommend this Mosquito Repellent Bracelet . If you’re just shopping around Seminyak or chilling in Canggu, I wouldn’t worry too much, but if you’re out in nature, definitely put some on!  
• Go Pro: The GoPro Hero 11 is my favorite adventure camera, and I’m truly blown away by the hyper-smooth stability that the GoPro Hero 11 offers. You can take some epic images with this, and it’ll also be perfect for all the underwater or snorkeling shots you’ll want. For the aspiring content creators out there, combine it with a TELESIN Dome Port  for some unique, fun, and creative shots!
• Waterproof phone case: No matter what kind of phone you have, you really want to protect it during your trip. This itinerary is pretty active, and if you don’t have a supportive phone case, like the JOTO Universal Waterproof Phone , I bet you’ll be paying for some phone repairs!  
• Power adapter: Last but certainly not least, this Universal Power Adapter  is just a basic travel essential that you’ll want to pick up one of these before your trip to Bali. I personally love this one and would definitely recommend it!  

THE ULTIMATE BALI TRIP ITINERARY | PLANNING A TRIP TO BALI

Alright, let’s dive into my guide for my extensive Bali holiday itinerary!

10 DAYS & TWO-WEEKS IN BALI ITINERARY

The way I’ve set up this 10-day itinerary is that it’s all focused on Bali. But if you have a full two weeks, I’ve included a trip to the Gili Islands too.

I think it’s best to do it this way because when you book round-trip boat transfers to Gili Trawangan, you can have them drop you off directly at the airport, depending on your schedule. You can book day trips or rent scooters to explore nearby attractions when you’re based in one place for a bit longer.

One thing I think is important about traveling around Bali is avoiding checking in and out of hotels and Airbnb’s every couple of days. That’s why I’ve put at least 3+ nights in each place, and you’ll get a better feeling for the area.  

The full itinerary is below, but here’s an overview of my recommended route so you can start planning:

• Uluwatu (3 Nights)
• Canggu (3 Nights)
• Ubud (4 Nights)
• Gili Islands (3-4 Nights for Two-Week Itinerary)

You might not have the time, energy, or money to do everything on this Bali itinerary, but I wanted to include as much information as possible. So without further ado, let’s get down to the day-to-day itinerary activities!!

BEST PLACES TO STAY ON THIS ITINERARY FOR BALI

Bali is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous luxury resorts and private villas but also has an extensive variety of mid-range hotels and backpacker hostels. It depends on your budget and how much you want to spend. I’ve compiled a fun selection of my top recommended accommodation for each destination on my Bali itinerary. I know you’ll enjoy your stay at any of the options below:

WHERE TO STAY IN ULUWATU

Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu : Consistently reviewed as one of the best values in Bali, get treated like royalty here without breaking the bank. There’s a gorgeous sun terrace with a swimming pool, extremely clean and comfortable rooms, and impeccable service!  

Six Senses Uluwatu : This brand new 5-Star Luxury Resort in Uluwatu will certainly provide an unforgettable stay, but rooms here are costly. Its cliffside location, delicious cuisine, and immaculate attention would make for an exceptional first hotel on the island.    

Home-Bience  Hostel : If you’re a backpacker on a tight budget in Bali, look no further than staying here at Home-Bience Hostel. While it has a shared kitchen and barbeque facilities, you can also get a varied breakfast at an affordable rate too.

WHERE TO STAY IN CANGGU

Theanna Eco Villa and Spa : Top-notch luxury at bargain prices! Once you step foot inside this eco resort, you’ll fall into a state of complete tranquility. It’s consistently rated and reviewed as the best hotel and resort in Canggu, with excellent value for money and world-class service.

Kosone Hostel | Alternative Beach : I was living in Canggu when this opened (early 2019), and I’d say it’s the best hostel in Canggu! It’s got a fabulous pool with a swim-up bar, DJs spinning music all day, delicious food, comfortable beds, and rooftop jacuzzis. Do I need to say anymore? Trust me – if you’re a backpacker in Canggu, stay here!  

WHERE TO STAY IN UBUD

Hanging Gardens of Bali | Ubud’s Premiere Luxury Resort : This is the jungle resort of your dreams! “Located just 30-minute drive from the Ubud’s town center and nestled deep in the heart of Ubud’s rich rainforest preserve, this enchanting five-star luxury resort on 3.2 hectares has 44 private suites and individual villas.”  

Visesa Ubud Resort : This best-seller luxury resort has fantastic prices for the comfort you’ll receive. The villas are absolutely stunning, the staff goes above and beyond, and it has pretty much everything you look for in a resort in Ubud. Delicious food, gorgeous views, shuttle services to the center, and a full spa await you.

Wayan’s Family Hostel Ubud : If you’re looking for an excellent but cheap hostel in Ubud, look no money than this charming family-run guesthouse. It has a magnificent backpacker atmosphere, is a beautiful property, and you’ll fall in love with the staff!

WHERE TO STAY ON GILI TRAWANGAN

Pearl Of Trawangan Resort : There are tons of beautiful resorts on the Gili Islands, but this is easily my favorite! It has an unbeatable beachfront location near the main promenade. The stunning property would be an excellent pick for your time in paradise!!

Gili Castle (formerly known as Gili Backpackers) : This is where I worked when I lived on Gili T, and I’ve got nothing but fond memories of this backpacker hostel! They organize awesome parties and pub crawls, which make it easy to meet fellow travelers. There is a pool with a rock climbing wall, and all the facilities are comfortable. I’d highly recommend staying here for young travelers on a budget.

BALI ITINERARY DAY 1: INTRODUCTION TO BALI = ULUWATU BLISS (3+ NIGHTS)

Honestly, there is no better place to begin your Bali vacation than down in Uluwatu , which is at the southern tip of the island!

It’s my personal favorite area in Bali, world-famous for its surf competitions, has a really fun nightlife scene, and is undoubtedly the best part of the island for watching the sunset. Uluwatu is a place that will certainly leave an impression and will keep you coming back for more! Here you can spend your days relaxing on the beach, swimming in infinity pools, lounging at day clubs, surfing gnarly waves, or riding a scooter along epic coastlines.  

It also has a perfectly relaxed atmosphere that I absolutely love, and I could easily see myself living in Uluwatu for a couple of months sometime in the future. There really is no shortage of amazing things to do in Uluwatu , which I’ve discussed for day 2. Since it’s your first day on the island, take the evening to relax at your resort, enjoy a lovely evening meal, and hopefully conquer any jet lag you’re feeling.  

If you’re up for it, you could enjoy dinner and cocktails your first evening having dinner soaking up the vibe. I recommend one of Jimbaran Bay’s cliffside restaurants or candlelit dinners on Jimbaran Bay, about a 15-20 minute drive from Uluwatu.

“Perched atop distinctive rock formations along Jimbaran’s pristine sunset coast, Rock Bar Bali is widely respected as one of the globe’s most popular sunset, cocktail, and entertainment venues. Showcasing unparalleled views from 14 meters above the Indian Ocean, Rock Bar is accessible via AYANA’s dramatic cliffside inclinator. Featuring a glamorous sunset vibe, and a seductive after-dark ambiance, listen to premier international DJs as they heighten your experience from a custom DJ booth carved directly into the cliff face”.

BALI ITINERARY DAY 2: ULUWATU BEACH EXPLORATIONS & NIGHTLIFE

Everyone will be different, depending on how you want to spend your Bali vacation. Do you want to treat this as a relaxing holiday, or are you more adventurous? Do you want to be surrounded by people and experience luxurious beach clubs, or do you prefer solitude and exploring quieter areas?

No matter what kind of traveler you are, I’ve listed a few of my favorite activities in Uluwatu and the south coast of Bali, and I’m sure this will keep you super busy.

ULUWATU HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Visit the Uluwatu Temple: “This one of six key temples believed to be Bali’s spiritual pillars, and is renowned for its magnificent location, perched on top of a steep cliff approximately 70 meters above sea level.”  After your tour of the Uluwatu Temple, I’d also suggest checking out the Kecak Fire Dance if you’re there simultaneously. It’s a unique cultural fire and traditional Balinese dance show that is definitely a superb experience.
• Watch the professional surfers at Uluwatu Beach: There are tons of different bars and restaurants to choose from, but sit back, grab a Bintang (local beer), and watch from above while these pros amaze you with their skills.  
• Explore all the beautiful beaches around Uluwatu: You’re spoiled for choice here with beaches like Suluban Beach, Padang Padang, Dreamland Beach, Bingin Beach, Melasti Beach, Green Bowl Beach, and Pandawa Beach.
• Never miss a sunset. Uluwatu is home to the most magical sunsets practically every evening, so make sure you plan accordingly! Find an infinity pool, rooftop bar, or restaurant terrace, and soak it up!
• Check out a day club: Sundays Beach Club, Finns Beach Club, OMNIA, Karma Beach Club, etc. Honestly, there are tons of epic places to spend a day, but they can be a bit pricey if you’re a backpacker on a budget!  
• Sunday nights at Single Fin: This is one of the most legendary parties on the island, but they only really happen on Sunday night. Don’t get me wrong, Single Fin is an awesome bar & restaurant every night of the week, but definitely, don’t miss the Sunday night party.  
• Spend Saturday nights at Padang Padang Beach: There’s a really cool beach party every Saturday night with reggae and electronic music, lively crowds, and a unique location!  
• Rent a moto to explore it all easily: Uluwatu is one of the best areas on the island to adventure around on a moto! You can rent one for as little as $4 per day, the roads never seem too busy, and it’s just a great feeling!  
• Enjoy a meal at Cashew Tree: This will always be one of my favorite restaurants in all of Bali! They’ve got deliciously healthy smoothies, a large menu, and affordable prices. It’s a backpacker favorite as well, located nearby Bingin’ Beach.  

Check out my article about the best things to do in Uluwatu for more information. All I know is that it’s simply a breathtaking area of Bali, and it might just be hard to leave.

BALI ITINERARY DAY 3: NUSA ISLANDS DAY-TRIPPING

Located just a short 20-30 minute speedboat ride off the coast of Bali are three idyllic islands: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida.

They are all absolutely gorgeous and have unbelievable beaches, landscapes, and some of the best snorkeling or scuba-diving in the country. I’ll talk about this at the bottom of this article, but a substitution would be spending several days on one of these islands if you care a lot about these water activities.

I think it’s a really fun and fantastic day trip since it’s just off the coast, and you can see a lot and still make it back to Uluwatu for sunset cocktails — that is if you have the energy!

There are tons of options, but here are a few of the best sellers. It really just depends if you’re more into beaches, viewpoints, swimming, or snorkeling.

BEST OF NUSA PENIDA PRIVATE FULL-DAY TOUR

Review: “Climb aboard a fast boat at Sanur Beach and cross the sea to Toyapakeh on the small island of Nusa Penida. Meet your local host on arrival and begin your private day tour. Visit the famous Kelingking Beach for the chance to take photos of the most beautiful spot on the island. Marvel at the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, and then continue to Pasih Uug (Broken Beach) and the natural pool of Angel’s Billabong. Experience the peace and quiet of one of the less visited spots on Nusa Penida before going to the popular beach at Crystal Bay, known for its great diving and snorkeling opportunities.”  

Price:   $33

Read Reviews & Check the Availability

FROM BALI: SNORKELING DAY TRIP TO NUSA LEMBONGAN

Review: “Discover an island paradise off the south coast of Bali and snorkel at 3 different spots around the islands of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida in the Indian Ocean. Marvel at the wide variety of tropical fish and live coral flora and fauna.”

Price:   $68

FULL-DAY SNORKELING TRIP TO NUSA PENIDA & MANTA POINT

Review: “Nusa Penida is a perfect spot for snorkeling and exploring marine life as you’ll see on this full-day trip. Spot the ocean sunfish, or mola mola and the great manta rays on some of the most amazing drift dives in Indonesia. Board the boat at Sanur Beach for the ride to Nusa Penida and your first snorkeling session of the day at Manta Point. Marvel at the majestic manta rays, which grow up to 6 meters in length. Take some time to enjoy a swim or to relax on the boat, before your second snorkeling session. Afterwards, savor a delicious lunch on the boat.”   

Price:  $132

Check out this epic YouTube Video about Nusa Penida for some travel inspiration!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 4: CANGGU CHILLIN & BAR HOPPING

In only a few short years, Canggu has quickly become popular and overthrown Seminyak as “the place to be”  in Bali. It’s changed drastically since my first visit in 2015. Since then, it has   become a digital nomad hotspot loaded with trendy cafes, co-working spaces, yoga studios, beach clubs, funky bars, surf camps, and thousands of people enjoying the Canggu lifestyle!   

I was fortunate to live in Canggu for a couple of months this year, and it really is a must-visit in Bali. Here’s what you should add to your Bali itinerary for 4 days.

CANGGU HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Eat at as many different cafes as possible: Canggu is easily one of the top “foodie hotspots” I’ve ever visited in my entire life. There are literally dozens of places you should try! A couple of my personal favorites are Milk & Madu, The Shady Shack, Motion Cafe, Peleton Supershop, Cinta Cafe, and Milu by Nook.
• Take a surfing lesson: If you’re new to the sport, Canggu can be an excellent place to learn the basics of surfing! While the waves can be a bit rough on some days, the surf camps are awesome in Canggu and will be a great way to spend a couple of hours. Take this tour  as an introduction to the sport.
• Watch the sunset every night on the beach: There are tons of different little local bars & restaurants along the beach, and they tend to put out bean bags and tables during the sunset. Grab a coconut and a beer, and watch the sky change colors to gorgeous orange and pink hues.
• Relax & swim at Alternative Beach Pool & Hostel: This venue is becoming super popular in Canggu. It’s got a perfect temperature pool, decent food options, and a nice sandy vibe hence the name.
• Spend a luxurious day at Finns Beach Club: If you’re not on the strictest budget, why not book a daybed at Finn’s for an easygoing day at a gorgeous venue?
• Stop by AMO Spa for one of their famous facials, relaxing massages, and an Epsom salt jacuzzi session: I’m sad I didn’t discover this place sooner because it ended up being one of my favorite spots in Canggu. The sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, and cold plunge circuit are an outstanding endorphin rush!
• Go Canggu nightlife bar hopping: There are plenty of places to visit whether you go for drinks at Old Man’s, cocktails at La Brisa, or find your way to the hidden bar in the supermarket along the  “Canggu shortcut.”  Other really awesome bars I enjoy are The Lawn (awesome pool included), Pretty Poison, and Deus Ex Machina! You can check out this article about the best bars in Canggu for more information on the nightlife!

Check out this epic YouTube video for some more Canggu Travel Information & Inspiration!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 5: SURF, EAT, REPEAT & TANAH LOT TEMPLE SUNSET

Spend another day exploring everything (mainly the cafes) that Canggu has to offer. Do some yoga, surf, hit a co-working space, cross-fit, join a beach clean up, and more!

For sunset, I’d recommend renting a moto and driving down the road (only 20-25 minutes) to the Tanah Lot Temple . It’s one of Bali’s most important landmarks, famed for its unique offshore setting and sunset backdrops. It’s an ancient Hindu shrine perched on top of an outcrop amidst constantly crashing waves.

There’s a small entrance fee of 60,000 IDR ($4 USD), and you can easily spend an hour or two walking around the coastline and enjoying the scenic views.  

BALI ITINERARY DAY 6: SEMINYAK SHOPPING, DAY CLUBS & NIGHTLIFE

Continuing on with this Bali trip planning, I’d recommend making the short drive from Canggu down to Seminyak for a day of shopping and beach clubs. Seminyak is one of the fancier and more developed regions on the island and is full of awesome things to do, places to eat, and fantastic souvenir shopping!  

Now, on this itinerary, I’ve only listed one day in Seminyak because the last time I visited, I felt it was starting to get a bit too overcrowded. Still, you could easily stay here for several days and explore everything this place offers.

SEMINYAK HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Souvenir shop til’ you drop: For me, I think the Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta area is the best for buying all your souvenirs in Bali. Just remember to haggle, or the locals will take you for a ride. Most prices in all the souvenir stalls are negotiable!
• Visit Potato Head Beach Club: I’ve visited the world-famous Potato Head several times, and it remains one of my favorite spots in Seminyak! It’s a gorgeous beachfront property, has tons of fancy daybeds and loungers, and the food is absolutely delicious! While Potato Head Beach Club is a bit costly (for Bali standards), it’s worth stopping by for a swim, a meal, and a beer. There’s a lively atmosphere, and it can be a great place to meet people – especially around the swim-up bar.
• Relax on bean bags and under umbrellas at La Plancha Seminyak: One of the most colorful bars & restaurants on the beach you’ll ever see. During sunset, they’ve got a fun DJ spinning, decent prices, and an overall fantastic vibe you’re guaranteed to love!
• Pool party at Mrs. Sippy: This is the largest saltwater pool and one of the best pool party hotspots in Bali! Sippy regularly has international DJs come to perform (I saw Pete Tong there earlier this year), and you’ll love watching people jump from the high platform all day long.
• Grab a cup of coffee at Revolver: If you’re a coffee snob, you have to try a cup from Revolver, known to be the best coffee in Seminyak!
• Party it up at the Legendary Nightlife: Kuta & Seminyak are two areas that are quite popular for their bar and nightclub scene. Here are a few of my favorite spots: Motel Mexicola, SkyGarden, Ku De Ta, Cocoon, Woobar, and JENJA.

SEMINYAK TOURS

Seminyak balinese cooking class & market tour.

Review:   “Learn how to cook authentic Balinese dishes with your friendly and experienced local chefs in Seminyak. Join this fun cooking course and bring back some Balinese recipes and newly acquired skills from this 4.5-hour cooking class.”   

Price:   $35.00

Read Reviews & Check the Availability  

BALI ITINERARY DAY 7: UBUD CAFES, MONKEYS, TEMPLES, AND YOGA

Now that you’ve gotten plenty of time to explore Bali’s popular beach areas, the time has come to make the hour’s drive up to the cultural and spiritual capital of Bali.

Many people plan a trip to Bali and immediately add Ubud to their itinerary. That’s because there is truly something magical in the air at Ubud. The minute you step foot in this town, you will slowly start to feel your stress & worries float away.

Ubud is also a fantastic jumping-off point for adventuring around the rest of the island.

UBUD HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

For your first day in Ubud, though, here’s what I would suggest crossing off your bucket list!

• Try out trendy cafes, vegan eats & smoothie bowls: Ubud is another incredible destination for food, and you could easily spend 3 days here eating at as many places as possible and still only scratch the surface. A few of my favorites you MUST TRY are ZEST, Sayuri Healing Food, Alchemy, KAFE, and Clear Cafe.
• Get up close and personal with monkeys: Well, strolling through the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is the best place to do it. Just be careful. The monkeys at this magical sanctuary  aren’t always as friendly as you’d hope! It’s centrally located in town, super cheap, and a super fun way to spend an hour.
• Legends of the Hidden Temples: Rent a moto, and explore as many of the beautiful temples in the Ubud area as possible. There are literally dozens, and all of them are gorgeous. A few top picks are Pura Tirta Empul, Pura Taman Saraswati, and Goa Gajah!
• Do some Y-O-G-A: There are some fantastic yoga studios in Ubud, and even if it’s not your thing, I’d recommend trying it out. My first experience with Bikram yoga was in Ubud, and it was a sweaty experience I’ll never forget.  
• Ubud Art Market and beyond: Strolling around downtown Ubud has some really fantastic shopping opportunities. You can find some awesome stuff from the traditional art market, souvenir stalls, and trendy fashion stalls here.

 UBUD TOURS

Ubud balinese cooking class at an organic farm.

Review: “Discover the culinary secrets of Bali at an exclusive cooking class at an organic farm in the lush tropics surrounding Ubud. Visit a local market and experience everyday life, before preparing a regular or vegetarian meal with the help of a chef.”  

BALI ITINERARY DAY 8: TEGALALANG RICE TERRACES, BALI SWING & CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK

Ubud still has so many places to teach you about Balinese culture and beauty, like the Tegalalang Rice Terraces and the famous swings that almost every influencer has taken pictures at while visiting Bali. These are all ideal for your second day here.

HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Visit the rice terraces: Located just a quick twenty-minute scooter ride from downtown Ubud is the Instagram-famous and undeniably gorgeous Tegalalang Rice Terraces . It’s one of the most stunning tourist destinations in Bali and will certainly impress you with its sprawling views of lush green valleys, rice paddies, and towering palm trees! It’s completely free to walk through, but I would bring money for any Bali swings you want to do, coconuts, cold drinks, meals, etc.

• Catch the rice terrace sunrises: If you’re willing to wake up early, watching the sunrise & witnessing the light rays shine through the palm trees is a sight you must see to believe! It’ll be one of the most peaceful ways to start your day, and then you can spend the next 3-4 hours exploring the area. If you head there around mid-day, though, expect big crowds and intense humidity (which can make for some sweaty explorations)!

When you’re done hiking around the rice terraces, I’d recommend picking one of the restaurants up at the top for a bite to eat! It’s a pretty epic place to enjoy a refreshing smoothie bowl & fresh coconut water!

• Terrace River Pool Swing: A few minutes from the main rice terraces is this super fun zip-lining and Bali Swing mini-amusement park called Terrace River Pool Swing . It’s also free to walk through and take photos, but you’ll have to pay if you want to do any of the activities. My friend Vanessa and I spent a good hour here and loved it!  

• Campuhan Ridge Walk: The Campuhan Ridge Walk is the best-known Ubud hiking trail and is a fantastic place to stroll during the sunset (or any time of the day, really). The sparse crowds and the aesthetically rich vistas will remind you why people worldwide come to Bali. The trail starts at the historical origin of Ubud, the confluence (or Campuhan) of the Wos Rivers. You’ll get some epic hilltop views as you stroll along the nice paved trail and will be surrounded by Ubud rice fields and a deep gorge with a river rushing through it. It’s only about 1.5 kilometers long, so it is popular as a place to work up a sweat. If you’re not too exhausted after exploring the rice terraces, I would say this is an absolute must-do in Ubud!  

Check out this video for a bit of travel inspiration and what to expect!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 9: MT. BATUR SUNRISE HIKE & SPA RELAXATION RECOVERY

Admire the panoramic view of the three volcanoes of Mt. Agung, Mt. Abang, and Mt. Rinjani in Lombok in the majestic sunrise over the clouds from the crater of Mt. Batur!

For adventure travelers, I’d highly recommend waking up super early and beginning the trek to the top of Mt. Batur to witness one of the most magnificent sunrises you will ever see!  

Fair warning, though, this hike is known to be a bit intense and is not for the faint-hearted. Unfortunately, this is one of the few main activities I haven’t gotten the chance to do myself yet, but everyone speaks so highly of it!

There are a few different tours to choose from, and it just depends on what piques your interest the most! Read through some of their itineraries, and browse through all their company reviews.  

• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with Breakfast
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek with Hidden Waterfall
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Hot Springs

“Head up the mountain along a less-crowded hiking trail that follows the volcano’s eastern slope. During the ascent, you’ll trek along a 3-kilometer-long trail. The trail is of moderate difficulty, and passes through lush tropical jungles. On reaching the top you’ll enjoy breakfast cooked by steam from the volcano. Sip hot tea or coffee at leisure while watching the magical sunrise. Afterwards, your trek continues to the main crater rim of the volcano, at 1,717 meters above sea level. Take a different route down the mountain, starting from the southwestern crater rim. The journey ends with a chance to soak in the crystal-clear waters of a hot spring to soothe away any aches and pains you may have.”  

UBUD SPA RECOVERY HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

After an early morning wake-up and a long day of climbing up a volcano, you will be ready for a little bit of #self-care and pampering! Ubud was the first time I booked a full-day spa package, and the overall experience blew me away.

I only paid $120 USD, but I received a body scrub, 60-minute massage, herbal bath, healthy lunch, manicure, and pedicure!! It was called DIVINE PAMPERING!!

• Relax at Tasku Spa: Countless different spas in Ubud would be perfect, but I went to Taksu Spa | Ubud’s Premiere Wellness Center  for my spa treatment. They didn’t pay me to say this or anything. I just loved my experience and would highly recommend it to fellow travelers! If you’re looking for something a bit cheaper, though, you can visit any of the smaller massage parlors spread around the town!

BALI ITINERARY DAY 10: HANDARA GATE, LAKE BATAN & ULUN DANU BERATAN TEMPLE & SEKUMPUL WATERFALL

Next up on this ultimate Bali itinerary is to book a day trip, hire a private driver, or rent some scooters and explore north Bali! There’s quite a lot to see up there, and it will definitely be a pretty solid day of adventures.  

NORTH BALI HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Handara Gate : Make a quick stop over at this iconic “Bali Gate,” which is actually the entrance to a golf course. It’s a perfect photo opportunity and is a breathtaking view of green scenery and the gigantic exotic traditional Balinese gate as your backdrop.

• Lake Beratan: This is where you’ll visit the majestic Ulun Danu Beratan Temple sitting on a small island on the lake, just as you’ve seen in the postcards and Instagram shots of Bali. This lakeside temple was constructed in honor of Dewi Danu, the lake goddess, formed by a volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago.

• Sekumpul Waterfall: Quite commonly called the best waterfall in Bali. It’s just a 40-minute drive from the lake and is the perfect place to spend a few hours! Just don’t forget your GoPro!  
• Banyumala Twin Waterfall: “This stunningly beautiful waterfall is perfect for a quiet and peaceful afternoon in the arms of Mother Nature. The natural pool is inviting with its translucent turquoise waters. Swim in tranquility, listen to the thunderous roar of cascading waters, and take in the sights of the vibrant greenery. Although no picture will ever do this natural wonder justice, that shouldn’t stop you from that perfect Instagram shot!”
• Rent a scooter: If you’re confident on a scooter, I would 100% recommend you explore by yourself. The roads are all really scenic, and I loved my experience just whippin’ around the North. It’s higher elevation, which means it’s less hot, and the way the clouds sit upon the hills is majestic!  

NORTH OF BALI TOURS

Northern charm: lake bratan, handara gate, waterfall & swing.

This tour company offers a trip that goes to most of these places and would be a great way to see everything with a professional guide. The price includes all entrance fees (which can actually add up) and has excellent reviews!  

HIRE A CAR WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER FOR 10 HOURS

I remember when I first visited Bali and discovered you could hire a car with a driver to take you anywhere you wanted to go for less than $50! It’s such a fantastic deal, especially if you’re traveling with a significant other or a group of friends!  

Price:   $45.00

BALI ITINERARY DAYS 11-14: EXPERIENCE PARADISE ON THE GILI ISLANDS

Now, if you’ve got more than 10 days in Bali, this is where I’d suggest sailing over to the Gili Islands — one of my favorite destinations in Indonesia! I actually spent a few months living on Gili Trawangan working at a party hostel back in 2015, and it was one of the highlights of my time backpacking through Southeast Asia.

A trip to the Gili Islands is a trip to paradise! The color of the water here will honestly leave you speechless, and I’m just obsessed with the fact that pretty much anytime you go snorkeling/ scuba-diving out there, you’ll be swimming with turtles. There is top-notch nightlife, incredible restaurants, a relaxed atmosphere, gorgeous villas, and the most jaw-dropping sunsets every night!!

Here is a quick breakdown of every island:

• Gili Trawangan = Party Island
• Gili Meno = Honeymoon Island
• Gili Air = Best of Both Worlds / Family Friendly

To get to the Gili Islands, you’ll need to talk to any travel agent in Ubud to organize the hotel pick-up and transfer schedule. You can pick various times, but I’d recommend doing the earliest one possible. It’s a couple hours’ drive to the port and then another couple of hours to the islands!

GILI ISLANDS HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

• Go snorkeling or scuba-diving every day: The water is crystal clear here, and you can see some pretty awesome marine life just off the shores of each of the three islands! For scuba divers, make sure you chat with some of the dive centers to discuss the best dive sites!
• Watch the sunset every night: Grab a cocktail or a coconut at one of the many beach bars, and watch while the sky dips beneath the horizon in the future and lights up the sky in pretty much every color of the rainbow.
• Party it up: Gili Trawangan is easily one of the best party islands in Southeast Asia , and you can find yourself bar hopping every night if you want to.
• Bike ride around the island: There are no cars on the Gili’s, so I’d recommend renting a bike for at least one day and riding all the way around the island!  
• Enjoy a psychedelic experience: You may or may not be interested in this, but you can buy magic mushrooms in Indonesia quite easily! They’re readily available at many beach bars and shops, and they’re a super fun way to spend a few hours!    

ARRIVAL AT BALI DENPASAR AIRPORT

Once you’ve landed in Bali, successfully made it through immigration and customs, and collected your bags – you’ll need to get your transportation sorted to your first hotel. I must warn you that Bali’s worst part is the Ngurah Rai International Airport !  

You will be harassed by countless people asking you for a taxi, which can be overwhelming after a long-haul flight. That’s why I’d strongly suggest booking a Bali Airport Private Transfer beforehand!   

There are tons of different Bali transfer companies, and most hotels will offer this service (but charge way too much), but I really love this one through Get Your Guide – Bali Airport Private Transfer ! I’ve personally used this service before, and for only $18, it’s a pretty fantastic deal!

It’s really nice to have this all handled before arriving at the airport because it makes for a stress-free arrival! Most Bali car drivers are super friendly and are happy to chat about their favorite things on the island, food, etc.

BEST ITINERARY FOR BALI SUBSTITUTIONS

Alright, so I know I just went over so much information, but now I’m offering up a few other possible Bali itinerary ideas! The truth is that every traveler is a bit different, and there is no right way to spend 10 days or two weeks exploring Bali!  

• Spend more time on the Nusa Islands: With fantastic marine biodiversity, rugged landscapes, and pristine beaches – taking the ferry over to the Nusa Islands and spending 3-4 days over here would be a great option.
• Book a few nights at Mt. Kintamani instead of Ubud: This is a really gorgeous part of Bali, and you wouldn’t believe some of the gorgeous resorts up there. It’ll also make the sunrise hike a lot easier, and you could even attempt to do it on your own to save money!

• Relax & slow down in Sanur: This sleepy coastal town was one of the very first places I visited in Bali, and I honestly loved it. While it may not have the gorgeous coastlines like in Uluwatu or the trendy cafes in Canggu, it’s definitely a comfortable spot with some lively resorts, beautiful white sand beaches, and a nice relaxing vibe. There’s great souvenir shopping, an awesome night market, and overall a solid place to spend a few days!  

BALI ITINERARY TRAVEL TIPS

Bring an international driver’s license.

Fair warning – there’s a good chance that you will get pulled over while driving around Bali! The local cops in Bali are, well… they can be rather CORRUPT. Not all of them, but there’s a huge issue with cops extorting cash from tourists!  

I’ve been harassed almost every time I drive around Bali (for longer-distance trips), but if you have the proper paperwork and an International Driver’s License , you shouldn’t have any problems. Most of the time, they are just security checkpoints on major roads.

If you do get pulled over and they are giving you a difficult time… just try and BRIBE THEM. Hand them over a 50,000 IDR bill, and then show them an empty wall! Simply drive off, and see if that works.

BE CAREFUL WITH THE MONEY EXCHANGE PLACES

They are notorious on the island for scamming tourists, so my recommendation would be to just use the ATMs to get your money. Also, make sure you bring a credit card with no international withdrawal fees! Most tour agencies, restaurants, and bars accept credit cards these days!

DON’T TRUST THE MONKEYS

If this is your first time traveling through Southeast Asia, you might not understand how evil monkeys can actually be! Don’t have any loose jewelry around them, don’t smile at them, don’t look at them directly in the eyes, etc. Just be super cautious with them!  

Check out these YouTube videos below for First Time Travelers to Bali!

HOW TO GET AROUND IN BALI

Use a rideshare app.

There are three main Rideshare apps in Bali: UBER, GOJEK, and GRAB! Download all three of these before landing, and you’ll always be able to find a ride. I’ve never had any issues using any of these platforms, and it is definitely the easiest way to get around. You can even call a MOTO GoJek, and they’ll offer you a helmet, and you sit behind them!  

RENT A SCOOTER

Scooters are an extremely popular way for travelers in Bali to explore the island. Especially around Canggu, Uluwatu, and Ubud – it makes a huge difference if you have your own moto !  

HIRE A PRIVATE DRIVER

For $40-$60 per day, you can Hire a Private Driver (depending on how long you hire for)! For example, if you’re booking a taxi from Uluwatu to Canggu, why not just hire the driver for the entire day, and go explore as much as possible? It really just depends on how you want to spend your days!  

INTERESTED IN SCUBA DIVING?

If you’ve found yourself with some more time to gallivant around Indonesia, I’d highly recommend booking a flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo. So you can visit the wondrous Komodo National Park  and experience some of the world’s most unbelievable marine biodiversity and scuba-diving.  

I’ve now visited Komodo two different times, and it is a remarkable destination that deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list! Komodo National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve!  

The color and clarity of the water are stunning, the landscape is completely gorgeous, and getting up close and personal with Komodo Dragons is an experience you’ll never forget. But the real magic begins when you strap on your fins and snorkel mask and start exploring the underwater scenery!

It really is the best snorkeling and scuba-diving I’ve witnessed in my life! It’s also one of the best places to do a liveaboard in Southeast Asia, as the prices are relatively affordable (compared to other popular scuba destinations).  

Check out these Komodo National Park liveaboards to view dates, prices, and availability to see if you can squeeze one into your Bali itinerary!

• Adelaar Liveaboard (Bali – Komodo)
• Moana Liveaboard
• Indo Aggressor (Komodo National Park)

PURCHASE THE BALI LONELY PLANET & POCKETBOOK

No matter how long your Bali vacation is, I’d also recommend picking up one of the Bali Lonely Planet Travel Guide Books ! They are honestly loaded with insider tips, restaurant recommendations, and fun day ideas! I know I’ve gone into a  lot of detail in this post (so maybe you should bookmark this for your trip), but these are always handy!  

PLANNING A TRIP TO BALI, INDONESIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA?

I’ve spent a lot of time backpacking around this marvelous region of the world, and I’ve written a rather large amount to help you figure out your ideal upcoming vacation! Look through some of my favorite articles below, and feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my Bali itinerary travel guide!

Further Reading:

• The Ultimate Ubud Itinerary | 3 Days In Bali’s Hidden Paradise
• Top 12 Music Festivals In Bali To Experience This Year
• The Ultimate Backpackers Guide to Gili Trawangan, Indonesia
• 17 Amazing Things To Do On Gili Trawangan
• The 7 Best Places to Eat on Gili Trawangan
• Komodo Island Trip Review | Sailing from Lombok to Flores
• The 5 Best Places to Trip on Magic Mushrooms in Southeast Asia
• The 15 Best Places to Party in Southeast Asia
• 20 Best Beaches In Malaysia | Beach Resorts & Islands
• The 20 Best Beaches In Vietnam | Epic Islands, Beach Resorts + Hotels
• The 20 Best Beaches in Sri Lanka
• Thailand Itinerary | 10 Days In The Land Of Smiles

THANKS FOR READING MY BALI ITINERARY TRAVEL GUIDE!!

Share this bali trip planner with your squad.

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Bali Travel Guide

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Bali Travel Guide

Bali Indonesia is travel heaven for luxury seekers and budget backpackers alike. There's something for everyone here.

Adventure lovers in Bali will have easy access to waterfalls , jungles, cliffs, volcanoes, and more. Or, if you're the more laid back type, Bali has beaches , temples , and rice terraces for you, along with an endless supply of good restaurants and massages.

If any of that sounds nice, then you will fall in love with Bali and its people. Read through this complete Bali travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Indonesian, Balinese & English

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Ngurah Rai International (DPS)

Visa free access or VOA for 160+ countries

Tropical; warm & humid year round. Dry season is April - Nov

Power Plugs

Grab , Go-Jek

Where Is Bali?

First things first -- where is Bali island on the world map?

Bali is a small island located in the country of Indonesia (in Southeast Asia). Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, and it's surrounded by Malaysia , the  Philippines , Papua New Guinea, and Australia.

Bali is a fairly small island, located just to the right of  Java , the 5th largest island in Indonesia. These two islands—Bali and Java—were connected by land in centuries past.

Location of Bali in Indonesia (© Wikimedia)

Bali island has a modern and efficient airport nowadays. In fact, it's one of my favorite airports in Southeast Asia! Based on customer satisfaction levels, the Bali airport was even rated the world's third best by Airport Council International in 2016.

The Denpasar International Airport (code: DPS) is also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport. It served more than 24 million passengers in 2019, but everything is operated quite smoothly so you'd never know the airport is that busy!

There are direct flights to Bali from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and other places around the world.

Unfortunately, there are still no direct flights from the United States to Bali, but American travelers can transit through places like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, or Tokyo first, and then hop on a connecting flight to Bali.

Shop Now: Bali flights at Skyscanner

Bali is a tropical island, so the weather is hot and humid year round.

It has a rainy season that runs from November to April, and a dry season that runs from April to November. It’s still very possible to visit Bali in the rainy season, but give yourself some buffer days in case of bad weather.

The best time to visit Bali depends on what you’re looking for. The nicest weather is during the dry season, when it's generally sunny and windy.

However, Bali is less crowded during the wet season, and the rain is mostly in the evenings or at night, so it's usually not too disruptive anyway.

The famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Ubud, Bali

Is Bali Safe?

Bali is a very safe place to travel. Violent crime is rare, and murders are almost unheard of. Drive-by phone snatchings do happen from time to time, so just remember to put away your phone when you’re by a busy road with passing motorbikes.

The biggest safety risks in Bali and Indonesia are probably motorbike accidents and natural threats. I’d stay away from motorbikes here unless you’re an experienced driver in Southeast Asia.

There are several types of venomous snakes in Bali , but they're not common to see in the tourist areas, even if you go hiking. If you see a snake, treat it with caution!

Bali was visited by more than 6 million people in 2019, making it the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia by a long shot (although there are lots of other great  islands and places to visit in Indonesia ).

The Balinese locals are known for their warmth, and they’re very friendly and welcoming to foreigners.

The Ulun Danu Bratan Temple on a lake is one of Bali's most iconic landmarks.

It's really easy to travel Bali on a budget, with hostels available from 75k Rupiah ($5 USD) and private hotels from 150k . Meals are also cheap, costing as little as 15k to 75k Rupiah ($1 to $5 USD) in some 'warungs' (little family owned restaurants).

Transportation in Bali is generally by motorbike or car, and these can be rented, but hiring a private driver is also cheap, safe, and convenient.

I'd also recommend downloading the transportation apps Grab and Go-Jek ; these are great for short taxi rides and getting around in town. You can even order food with the apps and have it delivered to your hotel.

The locals in Bali speak mainly the Indonesian and Balinese languages, although many of them are also fluent in English.

You definitely don’t need to learn Indonesian to visit Bali, although it’s polite and fun to learn at least a little bit of Bahasa.

Things To Do In Bali

There’s something in Bali for every kind of traveler.

Adventure lovers will have access to all kinds of hikes and scenery, with  waterfalls , jungles, cliffs,  volcanoes , and more. You can do rafting, ATVs, jet skiing, hot air balloons, and scenic helicopter flights.

Or, if you’re the more laid back type, Bali has  beaches , clubs, markets,  temples , and  rice terraces  for you, along with an endless supply of good restaurants and massages. The local food is amazing, and you can also find lots of western food as well.

Wildlife can be seen at places like the  Ubud Monkey Forest , the  Mason Elephant Park ,  Bali Zoo , Bali Bird Park,  Bali Butterfly Park ,  Bali Sea Turtle Society , and West Bali National Park. You can also go snorkeling or scuba diving and see all kinds of colorful fish and coral.

You can find a wide variety of nice handmade crafts in Bali like wood carvings, paintings, and rattan bags, and Bali is also known for coffee beans, spices, oils, lace, ceramics, and silverworks.

See the sections below for more ideas of what to do in Bali.

Waterfalls In Bali

Bali has dozens of nice waterfalls to see in every corner of the island, and many of them are easy to reach from popular areas like Ubud.

Some of the best waterfall hikes in Bali are well known tourist spots, while others are hidden gems with no people. North Bali has many of the biggest waterfalls on the island.

The most famous waterfall in Bali is Tegenungan Waterfall , but it's not really the greatest. Two of our favorites are Sekumpul Waterfall and Banyumala Waterfall.

Read More:  Bali Waterfalls Guide

Bali has dozens of nice waterfalls to see

Bali Beaches

In spite of what some people might say, Bali does have great beaches, but the very best beaches in Bali aren’t exactly obvious to the tourist crowds.

The really amazing ones are waiting in remote corners of the island, or hiding at the bottom of rocky cliffs, so you have to track them down and find them with some effort, but that’s all part of the fun.

The majority of Bali’s most spectacular beaches are in the Uluwatu area (far south coast) or on  Nusa Penida , a small island that’s considered part of Bali and  can be reached pretty easily on your own  or even  on a day trip .

Read More:  Bali Beach Guide

There are some beautiful beaches in Bali , especially in Uluwatu and Nusa Penida .

Bali Temples

In contrast to most of Indonesia, which is generally Muslim, Bali is a Hindu-majority island.

There are dozens of old Hindu temples to explore in Bali, and most of them are open to tourists as long as you're respectful.

The architecture and history behind some of these is pretty neat, so it’s a good idea to see at least a couple of them on your trip to Bali.

In my opinion, the most interesting temples are in Ubud and the surrounding area.

Read More:  Bali Temple Guide

Nusa Penida Island

The beautiful, exotic island of Nusa Penida lies just 25 kilometers from Bali.

This is a much smaller island than Bali, but it has some of the most amazing scenery in the entire Bali province (which it’s part of).

The island can be visited on a day trip from Bali (same day return), but I think it’s better to stay and spend at least a few days sightseeing. There are so many good photo spots, hikes, and other things to do in Nusa Penida!

Read More:  Nusa Penida Island

The T-Rex shaped Kelingking Cliff in Nusa Penida is one of the most famous views anywhere in Bali.

Areas Of Bali

Tourism in Bali is divided into a handful of main areas, each with their own vibe and personality:

• Kuta. The center of noisy mass tourism and overdevelopment. You won't find peace and quiet here, but it's a popular place for shopping and nightlife. • Canggu. The popular new hangout for young people and digital nomads. Canggu is known for surfing and all kinds of hip cafes and beach bars. • Seminyak. One of the most expensive areas of Bali. It's a west-facing beach area with nice sunsets, luxury hotels, villas, and spas, as well as high-end shopping and restaurants. • Ubud . The main cultural center and heart of the island. Ubud is full of interesting markets, palaces, jungles, and temples to see, and of course lots of great cafes, restaurants and comfy luxury hotels. • Sanur . A more laidback beachside town, which is known for being one of the most quiet and family friendly areas of Bali. Great sunrises. • Uluwatu . A scenic, hilly area in the southwest corner of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. It’s named for a famous temple perched on the cliffs. This area is known for its blue waves, white sand beaches, impressive sea cliffs, quality surfing, and fancy beach clubs. • Nusa Dua. A family friendly resort area in the far southeast corner of Bali. This area is known for fancy hotels and nice white sand beaches.

Destinations

Pick an area of Bali to start exploring!

Central Bali

Nusa penida, bali by drone, where to stay.

Some top hotel picks in Bali Indonesia

Bali is known for its hotel industry, with lots of comfy accommodation to fit every budget, from backpackers to luxury travelers.

Most tourists stay in the Kuta area for nightlife and shopping, Ubud for cultural sights and rice terraces, Canggu for hip cafes, and Uluwatu for beaches and surfing, while the Sanur area is known for being quiet and family friendly.

Here are some hotel recommendations for your first trip to Bali:

The Kayon Resort (Ubud)

Adiwana unagi suites (ubud), umah dajane guesthouse (ubud), tempekan hotel (uluwatu), green escape eco resort (uluwatu), villa santai (uluwatu).

This Bali travel guide contains affiliate links. Whenever you buy something through one of these, I may get a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I feel are high quality and helpful to my readers.

Nusa Penida Guide

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Bali Travel Guide and Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Bali Itinerary

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Traveling to Bali  was the main reason I visited Asia for the first time. The incredible photos I had seen of the green rice terraces instantly convinced me to take a  trip to Bali.

However, since I was traveling so far, I thought it would be a good idea to visit other countries and areas of Indonesia during my  trip to Southeast Asia . Ultimately, as time was limited, I spent  7 days in Bali,  following the advice Dan had given me after his  vacation in Bali  a few months before.

How to plan the perfect Bali Itinerary

To help you  plan a trip to Bali,  we have compiled everything you need to know before you go to this magical island of Indonesia.

This is our  Ultimate Bali Travel Guide  and the first Capture the Atlas post that you should read if you’re going to travel to Bali. From here, you’ll find links to other specific articles about Bali that we’ve written (you can see the full list at the end).

Additionally, we’ll share some  essential Bali travel tips  for first-time visitors. But before you start  planning a Bali itinerary , are you sure you want to go there?

Bali vacation – Why you need to travel to Bali

I can assure you that  Bali is still worth visiting  even if nowadays it’s very touristy. It’s a great destination for all kinds of travelers. I went  backpacking in Bali , but some friends went to  Bali on their honeymoon,  and we all came back delighted.

Without a doubt, the best thing about spending a  holiday in Bali  is experiencing a new culture, and Bali is the island of smiles; it’s impossible not to fall in love with its people and their way of life.

Holiday in Bali, the guide that helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Bali

  On the other hand, you should know that the influx of  tourists in Bali  has not stopped growing, and thanks to this, the Balinese live much better than locals in other, poorer islands of Indonesia. However, there are also some drawbacks to  tourism in Bali.  It’s important that we, who are lucky enough to travel to the Island of the Gods, practice  responsible tourism in Bali  so that we can all continue enjoying the island in the future.

Traveling to Bali  is simply a unique experience, and I hope to help you make it unforgettable with this  Bali trip planner.

How to plan a trip to Bali – The best Bali itinerary

Planning a trip to Bali  is not complicated, since you can book almost everything online, and there is a lot of information everywhere. In general, to  plan a trip to Bali , follow these ten steps:

• Things to do in Bali: Check out the best places to visit.
• Best Bali itinerary: Choose the best Bali itinerary according to the days you have.
• Best time to visit Bali: When to go to Bali depending on your interests.
• Cheap flights to Bali: Where to get the best deals.
• Hotels and Villas in Bali: Best areas and accommodations.
• How to get around Bali:  Scooter rental in Bali or private driver.
• Best tours in Bali:  Tours that will save you time and money.
• How much cost for a vacation to Bali:  Currency, prices, and money per day.
• Bali visa information:  Check that you have the necessary documentation.
• Safety in Bali:  Vaccines, malaria tablets and travel insurance.

In addition, at the end of this article, we’ll give you other  Bali Travel Tips : Internet access, restaurants, driving in Bali, and more.

Bali travel guide (Indonesia) –Essential Bali travel tips

In this Bali travel guide, we walk you through every step of planning your trip to Bali.  You’ll find a lot of useful tips based on our own experience, along with some anecdotes of our trips to Bali .

1. Best places to visit in Bali

There are so many places you can’t miss on the Island of the Gods that it’s difficult to choose. To help you out, we’ve written a list of  60 things to do in Bali , Indonesia, so you don’t miss a thing.

To sum it up, these are the most important attractions to visit during your trip to Bali.

Best temples in Bali

Without a doubt, there is nothing like  Bali temples,  so the first thing you have to do is pinpoint the most important ones.

First Bali Travel Tip: Don’t try to visit all the temples

• Besakih Temple: Mother Temple. The biggest temple in Bali.
• Ulun Danu Beratan:  The most photographed temple in Bali, on Lake Bratan.
• Pura Luhur Uluwatu:  Temple on a cliff. An ideal place to watch the sunset.
• Tanah Lot:  Bali’s most touristy temple, only accessible at low tide.
• Lempuyang Temple:  Temple of the Gates to Heaven.

There are more than 1,000 temples in Bali, so one of the most well known  tips for traveling to Bali  is not to get frustrated if you can’t see them all. Even so, I leave you with a slightly more extensive list of  temples in Bali that I recommend you visit.

Best rice terraces in Bali

The rice terraces are the best of Bali. Rice is the base ingredient in Balinese cuisine, and as such, rural life revolves around the cultivation of this cereal. If you choose the  best time to visit Bali,  you’ll be rewarded with green rice paddies and unforgettable landscapes.

Although there are many rice terraces in Bali, these are the best ones:

Bali Travel Guide (Indonesia): Visiting the Tegalalang is one of the main things to do in Bali

• Tegalalang:  The most popular rice paddies in Bali.
• Jatiluwih:  Considered a World Heritage Site by  UNESCO .

Best villages in Bali

The traditional villages are something you must visit in Bali because they are full of art and good vibes. While there, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to learn more about Balinese culture and traditions.

Ubud market, a must-visit in Bali  

• Ubud:  Bali artistic and cultural center. Check our complete list of things to do in Ubud.
• Penglipuran:  Traditional village ideal for learning about Balinese culture.
• Canggu:  Coastal town very popular for its perfect waves for surfing.

Best beaches in Bali

Taking a  trip to Southeast Asia  and not planning some time at the beach is a sin. Most of Bali’s best beaches aren’t found on the main island, but rather, on the small islands surrounding Bali. These are the beaches that you should not miss.

Kelingking Beach: don’t miss it on your trip to Bali

• Kelingking Beach:  You’ll find some of the best beaches in Bali on the Nusa Islands.
• Balagan Beach:  One of the many turquoise beaches in the Uluwatu area.
• Jimbaran Beach:  The best beach to eat fresh fish with incredible views.
• Pasut Beach:  Black sand beach where you will find a famous crooked palm tree.
• Kuta:  Popular surfing beach among Australian tourists. Party destination.
• Seminyak:  Very popular at sunset, with beautiful beach clubs.

Best volcanoes in Bali

Bali is a volcanic island that has a lot of activity. Additionally, the volcanoes of Bali are not just part of the landscape. The religion, customs, and traditions of the Balinese people are intimately linked with the volcanoes of the island.

Sunrise at Batur Volcano: Best tour to take in Bali

• Mt Batur:  From the summit, you can see the best sunrise in Bali.
• Agung:  Highest volcano in Bali. The last time it erupted was in 2017.

Best waterfalls in Bali

Visiting the waterfalls of Bali is the best way to get out of the stifling heat. You can even take a dip in some of them. Although most are far from the most touristy sites, on  this tour  you can see three of the most important Bali waterfalls.

Include at least one waterfall in your Bali itinerary

• Nung Nung:  Bali’s most popular waterfall, which is 230 ft tall.
• Tukad Cepung:  This waterfall is hidden in a cave.
• Banyumala:  It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali.
• Tegenungan:  The best waterfall to bathe in in Bali.

Other things to do in Bali

The list is endless! But below you will find the five best things to see in Bali.

Tips for traveling to Bali: Beware of Monkey Forest inhabitants

• Monkey Forest:  The best place to have fun watching the monkeys of Bali.
• Wanagiri Hidden Hill:  Place full of swings, and straw baskets overlooking the great lakes of Bedugul.
• Karang Boma Cliff:  Cliffs located south of Bali from which you can watch the sunset.

In addition, I advise you to use this  map of Bali   to help you figure out where the places we’re talking about are. With this map, you’re totally ready to  plan the best Bali itinerary .

2. Best Bali itinerary

To plan a  trip to Bali , once you know what you want to do and where the different attractions are located, it’s time to choose the  best Bali itinerary . Since the road conditions are not as good as  Google Maps  says, another of our  tips for traveling to Bali  is to leave plenty of time to travel from one place to another.

How many days do you need to visit Bali?

In my opinion, the  minimum number of days to spend in Bali  is four days. With this time and good planning, you can see most of the  essentials places to visit in Bali.  However, unless it’s impossible to book more days for Bali, I recommend you spend at least  one week in Bali.  If you don’t have that much time and still want to visit the landmarks, check out these  top-rated tours in Bali.

One-week Bali itinerary idea

This is  the best Bali itinerary  if you only have 7 days:

• Day 1: Arrive in  Ubud . Beginning of your 7-day Bali trip.
• Day 2: Tegalalang  rice terraces and Ubud surroundings.
• Day 3: Sunset hike at  Batur . The best of my one-week Bali tour.
• Day 4: Eastern Temples of Bali –  Besakih, Lempuyang  and  Tirta Gangga.
• Day 5: Ulun Danu Beratan.  Essential temple to visit in Bali in 7 days.
• Day 6: Taman Ayun Temple,  Tanah Lot  and Canggu.
• Day 7: Jimbaran  and  Uluwatu . End of your trip to Bali in a week.

Best Bali itinerary for one week

10-day Bali itinerary idea

If you only have 10 days, this it the  Bali itinerary I recommend  you do:

• Day 1:  Beginning of your trip to Bali in 10 days.
• Day 2: Batur  sunrise tour.
• Day 3:   Besakih,  Tirta Gangga,  Lempuyang  and Amed.
• Day 4: Tegalalang  and surroundings of Ubud.
• Day 5: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan  and Bedugul waterfalls.
• Day 6: Jatiluwih,  Pasut beach,  Tanah Lot  and Seminyak.
• Day 7: Nusa Lembongan  and Nusa Ceningan.
• Day 8: Nusa Penida.
• Day 9:  Uluwatu.
• Day 10: Jimbaran.

Best 10-day Bali itinerary

  I hope you find these  Bali itinerary ideas  useful !

3. Best time to visit Bali

Many people ask us  when to visit Bali,  and the answer always varies. It’s not the same for someone who’s very interested in seeing green rice paddies as it is for someone whose reason to travel to Bali is to surf, so we tell you in more detail about  the best time to go to Bali  in this article.

Best time to visit Bali if you want to surf

Most agree that  the best time to visit Bali  is from April to November, coinciding with the dry season. The  monsoon in Bali  is from the end of October until April.

What you should know about  the weather in Bali  is that, unlike other places in Southeast Asia, the monsoon on this island is quite mild, so you can consider any time a good time to visit Bali.

The  high season of Bali  is considered July, August, and also Christmas, when many tourists decide to spend the holiday season on this island .

4. Flights to Bali, Indonesia

Once you’re sure about the Bali itinerary you want to take, it’s time to book your  flights to Bali.

In my case, I usually book flights three months in advance, since it is statistically when they are cheapest.

The  Bali airport  that all international flights arrive at is the  Ngurah Rai International Airport,  which is very close to Denpasar, the capital of Bali.

Sometimes, you’ll find it difficult to get  direct flights to Bali.  Most of the time, you will need to make a connection at the Shanghai or Dubai airport.

I usually use Kiwi.com  to find the best combination, since you can activate an alert to be notified if the  price of flights to Bali  drops. The cheapest airline to travel to Bali is usually China Eastern Airlines, although sometimes cheap flights to Bali can also be found with Qatar Airways or Emirates.

In my case, I flew with Qatar but used the following  trick to find cheap flights to Bali .

Cheap flights to Bali

To get the cheapest flights to Asia from the US, you must know they arrive at the airports of Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur, so I recommend you take a flight from your home country to one of these airports and from there, take a local flight to Denpasar Airport,  since they are the cheapest connections to Bali.

In addition to getting a cheap flight to Bali, you can visit these cities.

In my case, I flew to  Singapore  before going to Bali and came back through  Kuala Lumpur , and although it was not the cheapest way to get to Bali since I took two one-way flights instead of one round-trip, it was worth it .

5. Where to stay in Bali

If you already know the exact dates of your trip and your Bali itinerary is ready, it’s time to book your  hotels in Bali.

My next  Bali travel tip  is that you stay in Ubud. Although there are plenty of accommodation options in Bali, Ubud is my favorite area if you plan to take some of the essential tours. For example, to  climb Mt. Batur  or visit the  eastern temples , this area is the best. These are my  recommended accommodations in Ubud  according to your budget.

PREMIUM OPTION

Ulun ubud resort.

Ulun Ubud Resort , located in Sanggingan, 3 miles from the Ubud temple, is the perfect hotel for even the most demanding guests. The rooms have a modern Balinese style and your  pool in the middle of the Bali jungle  will make you never want to return from your vacation.

Ulun Ubud Resort

ADIWANA MONKEY FOREST

Adiwana Monkey Forest is located 1 mile from the Ubud market. This hotel has 21 suites, which mix the charm of the Monkey Forest with the indigenous culture of the area.  Wondering where to stay in Bali ? If you want greater immersion in Balinese culture, this is one of the best hotels thanks to its healthy and traditional gastronomic offerings.

Adiwana Monkey Forest

STANDARD OPTION

B saya villas.

B Saya Villas is a complex that has simple, traditional-style villas with wooden furniture. Since it’s located among rice fields, you’ll have fantastic sunset views from your terrace. In addition, every morning, they organize yoga sessions. For me, it’s one of the  best accommodations in Bali , with prices starting at $40 per night.

B Saya Villas

LOW COST OPTION

Teja home stay.

Teja Home Stay is located near the Ubud art market. This family business is one of the  most popular hotels in Bali . It stands out for its garden surrounded by fountains, where you can see exotic birds. It offers rooms from $20 per night with continental breakfast included.

Teja Home Stay

In addition, in the surroundings of Ubud, you can find some of the  best villas in Bali,   at a lower price than you could imagine. If you’ve dreamed of sleeping in the middle of the jungle or enjoying breakfast in your private infinity pool, this is the best place.

Where to stay in Bali: there are luxury villas in Bali for less than $100

Another of the places where I recommend staying for a few days is in the southern area, in Uluwatu, where some of the best  hotels in Bali are located.  Additionally, you’ll get better access to other tourist attractions that are in this area, such as, for example, some of the  best beaches in Bali.  These are our four  recommended accommodations in Uluwatu:

ANANTARA ULUWATU BALI RESORT

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is one of the most exclusive accommodations in Bali and is located in a unique enclave near the Pura Uluwatu temple and Nusa Dua beach. The resort offers views of the Indian Ocean from all angles, as well as rooms and villas in a contemporary Balinese style with direct access to an infinity pool and a balcony with jacuzzi.

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort

RENAISSANCE BALI ULUWATU RESORT & SPA

This modern luxury resort in Bali is surrounded by hills. Both its rooms and the infinity pool have incredible views of the jungle and the ocean. At Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa staff can provide information about the history of the indigenous people in the area, and you can even relax with a spa session.

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa

TORAJA BAMBU BOUTIQUE HOTEL

As its name suggests, this eleven-room boutique hotel is built with bamboo. Toraja Bambu Boutique promises a totally immersive experience. Its rooms have traditional Indonesian interior and exterior finishes, and overlook the pool and jungle.

Toraja Bambu Boutique

PADANG-PADANG INN

Padang-Padang Inn is a three-star hotel that stands out for its proximity to Padang-Padang beach, famous for its slanting palm tree. A great low-priced option, it has an attractive pool, and car and bicycle rental service.

Padang-Padang Inn

Ubud and Uluwatu  are my two favorites, but there are other  areas to stay in Bali  that I recommend.

6. How to get around Bali

When planning a  trip to Bali,  one of the main concerns is usually the best way to travel around Bali. Here, we bring you four options that will depend a bit on your budget and interests.

Transfers in Bali

Booking  transfers in Bali  can be a good option to  go from Denpasar airport to Ubud  and other areas of the island. However, it can be difficult to book transfers in Bali. If that  is the case, you’ll need to rent your own vehicle or hire a private driver  directly for all the transfers you have to do during the day, which will save you some money.

Even if you plan to  rent a scooter in Bali,  I recommend you don’t do it at Denpasar Airport. It’s better to book a transfer from Bali Airport to Ubud or to the area where you’re going to spend the first day of your trip in Bali and familiarize yourself with traffic before driving.

We booked the first  transfer from Denpasar to Ubud   here,  since the price was the cheapest we found. In addition, we liked our driver so much that we hired him as a private driver for the next few days of our trip to Bali.

Scooter rental in Bali

Dan rode a scooter during his  trip to Bali  and wrote a guide with everything you need to know if you are  renting a motorcycle in Bali.  Some of the  tips for traveling to Bali  that he gives in that guide are:

• Learn how to ride a scooter before traveling to Bali
• Drive like the Balinese if you don’t want the police to fine you
• Take your international driver’s license with you
• Always wear a helmet
• Hire good  travel insurance to Bali

Another of the best Bali travel tips: Hire travel insurance

Car rental in Bali

Renting a car in Bali  is another option, which neither Dan nor I have tried, so we can’t tell you about our experience. However, in my case, I did look at this alternative when I was planning my trip to Bali, and it seemed quite expensive, so in the end, I ended up discarding it.

Also, you should keep in mind that Bali is made for scooters, and traffic jams can sometimes be horrible. If scooters are not your thing, I advise you to  hire a private driver  in Bali before renting your own car.

Private driver in Bali

It is, undoubtedly, the most comfortable option but also the most expensive. Normally you can  hire a private driver in Bali  for hours (10 hours) and during that time, they will take you wherever you need. We had booked a private driver  here,  but when we met our driver during the  transfer from the airport to Ubud , we liked him so much that we canceled the other reservation.

However, some friends, who went on a honeymoon to Bali a few months after my trip, hired the driver through that platform, and they told me the service was great.

GRAB – Uber in Bali

  Before traveling to Bali, Dan recommended I download an app similar to Uber or Lyft and told me that it worked pretty well in Bali for short journeys.

However, I tried to use it during my trip, and there were almost never any drivers nearby.

I could only use it once in Ubud, and the driver told me that  local taxi drivers had declared war on this application,  since the prices were much lower than those that the taxi drivers charged tourists. In any case, I encourage you to try it and tell me how it goes in the comment section.

Public Transportation in Bali

Although  there is public transportation in Bali,  it’s slow, and there is little information about it online. It’s true that it’s the best way to travel to Bali on a budget, but I don’t recommend it if you are going to spend a short time on the island.

The most common means of transport are the  Kura Kura,  small green buses, the  Bemo , a kind of van, and the  Trans Sarbagita,  conventional blue buses.

To know  how to get from one place to another in Bali via local transport , it’s best to check with your accommodation .

7. Best tours in Bali

My next  tip for traveling to Bali,  if you don’t want to rent a car or scooter or hire an expensive private driver either, is to book some tours, especially to those areas of Bali that are more inaccessible or where going with a local guide is mandatory. You will also need to hire tours or ferries to visit one of the archipelagos of paradise islands that surround Bali.

Visiting the Gili Islands   is probably one of the most popular excursions, so we’ve written a small guide to tell you the best things to do and which one to visit. We decided on  Gili Trawangan.

Visiting the Gili Islands is highly recommended during your vacation in Bali

In addition, in this article on the  best tours in Bali ,  I recommend 4 excursions with which you can visit the most important places in Bali in only four days. In summary, these are the Bali tours that I recommend:

• Sunrise on the Batur volcano:  The best tour I did during my trip.
• Ubud Surroundings:  Best tour to visit the rice terraces of Tegalalang and Goa Gajah.
• Pura Ulun Danu Bratan + Jatiluwih + Tanah Lot:  The most complete tour in Bali.
• Eastern Temples:  The tour that won’t miss the Pura Besakih and Pura Lempuyang temples.
• Uluwatu and Jimbaran:  Tour of southern Bali. Beaches, traditional dance, and seafood.
• Nusa Lembongan:  Round-trip speedboat to Nusa Lembongan with pickup at your hotel in Bali.
• Nusa Penida:  Round-trip speedboat to Nusa Penida with pickup at your hotel in Bali.
• Gili Islands:  Round-trip speedboat to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air with pickup at your Bali hotel.

8. Currency in Bali (Indonesia) – How much does it cost for a vacation to Bali

The currency in Bali (Indonesia)  is the Indonesian rupee, and currently, $1 is equivalent to 14,200 IDR. That means you will have to handle much higher figures than you’re used to. Even if everything seems expensive, once you make the currency exchange, it may be much less than you’d imagined.

A trick that I recommend you do is to make a note of the most common exchanges ($1 -14.2k IDR, $2 -28.3k IDR, $5 -70.8k IDR, $10 -142k IDR, $50 -709k IDR, etc.) In this way, over the first days of your trip, you can quickly learn  how much things cost in Bali.

I assure you that in two or three days you’ll have gotten used to Balinese currency and you won’t need to consult your notes anymore.

In most places, you can  pay with a debit/credit card in Bali,  although be careful because your bank can charge you extra for the currency exchange.

However, keep in mind that there are small shops that may not accept card payment. Therefore, it’s always advisable to carry some  cash in Bali.

Currency exchange in Bali

If you plan to ex change money in Bali,  I advise you to check how much the real exchange is before accepting any offer made to you by any  Bali money changers.

ATMs in Bali

There are many  ATMs in Bali , especially in tourist areas. Even if you travel to more remote places, such as the Gili Islands, you’ll still find ATMs on each island.

In addition, ATMs in Bali don’t charge a surcharge fee, so if you withdraw from any ATM in Bali, the only fee you need to pay is the one that your bank charges you.

Prices in Bali

Although it is a cheap country,  Bali is the most touristy island in Indonesia,  so you can find hotels from less than $10 to luxury villas for more than $1000 (there are also  very cheap villas in Bali ). To answer the question of whether  Bali is expensive or cheap  depends more on who answers it than on the island itself.

If you go  backpacking in Bali,  you can survive on less than $10 a day. However, if you’re planning a  honeymoon in Bali , plan at least $200 per person per day.

That’s why  Bali is such a popular tourist destination:  whatever your budget is, it’s a good option.

How much is a Bali vacation?

This table can give you an approximation of  how much it costs for a vacation to Bali.

Consider the  backpacking budget for Bali  if you’re traveling long-term and not spending much is essential for you. If you don’t mind staying in less comfortable hotels and you prefer to use local transport and reach the sights on your own without hiring any tours, your vacation to Bali will cost around $30 per day, plus flights.

The  standard budget  is the one for most travelers in Bali. If you’re visiting the island for a few days and want to see almost everything in a very short time, you’ll need to hire some tours. As for accommodation, if you prefer to book amazing hotels for a very low price that’s impossible to find in other parts of the world, plan $135 per day plus flights.

The  premium budget  is for those who are traveling for a special occasion, honeymoons in Bali, or for all those who can afford it. If you want to experience staying in one of the  best villas in Bali , hire  private tours in Bali  and of course, eat in the best restaurants, plan $270 per day plus flights .

9. Bali visa information

If you are from one of these  169 countries  and are only spending a  holiday in Bali (less than 30 days),  you have visa exception. Just check that your passport doesn’t expire in the next six months from when you enter the country and that you have a couple of blank pages so that they can stamp it and give you an  “admission permit.”

If you want to spend more time, you’ll need a visa for Bali.

Social cultural visa for Indonesia

If you plan to  stay more than 30 days in Bali,  the best option is to process a  social cultural visa for Bali  at the Indonesian embassy in your home country.

This visa will last 60 days, but you can extend it for up to 6 months. The price is $50 plus the renewal fee if you would like to stay for more than 60 days.

You can find more information on how to process your visa  here.

Visa on arrival (VOA)

If you think you’ll stay for less than 30 days in Bali but you aren’t sure, I recommend you apply for your visa on arrival (VOA) at the arrival airport. This visa only allows you to stay in Bali for 30 days, but, one week before it expires,  you can extend it for another 30 days . If you enter Bali without paying the VOA, you will not be able to extend your permit.

The price of the Bali visa on arrival is $35 and you can get it directly at the airport upon arrival. To renew it, you will have to go to immigration several times, so some travelers prefer to hire an agency directly to manage it, although it’s usually more expensive.

Another option, if you’ve run out of time for renewal or did not request your VOA upon your arrival in Indonesia, is to  leave and re-enter the country  (either with the visa exception to Bali or with the VOA). You can do it even on the same day, and you will have another 30 days in Bali, although this is perhaps the most expensive option. In addition, it is very likely that they will ask for your flight out of the country to verify that you don’t intend to stay in Indonesia longer .

10. Is Bali safe to visit?

Although when talking about  security in Bali,  you might think about  terrorist attacks, earthquakes, and tsunamis in Bali , the truth is that this is not what you should worry about.

Apart from natural disasters, which can occur virtually anywhere in the world,  Bali is one of the safest islands in Indonesia.  Even so, you always must take certain precautions.

Both Dan and I have had personal experiences with  accidents in Bali.

During my trip to Bali,  a monkey bit me  in the  Monkey Forest  of Ubud (it wasn’t a serious incident, but I got quite scared). There are also many tourists who have been robbed by these monkeys and those of Uluwatu. They have learned to get food by stealing and then giving back tourists’ belongings.

Be careful with the monkeys and follow our Bali travel tips

On the other hand, a friend of Dan had an  accident with a scooter in Bali . But, luckily, he had bought good  travel insurance to Indonesia  that helped him with everything.

We also have some friends who were robbed of some of the money they had left in their hotel room and others who had their backpack taken while they were eating in a warung (you have to be careful about  pickpockets in Bali ).

It’s also no wonder that you can get sick even if you have been careful enough to  drink bottled water in Bali.

Long story short,  Bali is not dangerous, but you must be careful. If you are traveling on a budget buy the cheapest travel insurance plan.

Bali travel insurance

Although  Bali is safe,  you can always experience unforeseen events, so if you want peace of mind, you should buy  travel insurance to Bali.

We recommend Heymondo , but first, compare the  best travel insurance companies  on the market.

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Vaccines in Bali

There are no  mandatory vaccines for Bali,  although the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  advise getting vaccinated for Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhus. In any case, I always advise you to go to your health center so they can give you some recommendations.

Malaria in Bali

There isn’t a high  risk of malaria in Bali,  although there is in some rural areas of Indonesia. Please share your itinerary with your doctor and check if you need to take malaria tablets for Bali .

Other Bali Travel Tips

Finally, here are some other  Bali Travel Tips.  If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section, so we can add them to this part of the article.

Where to eat in Bali

The best place to  eat in Bali  is in warungs, small family restaurants where you can try the delicious  cuisine of Bali.

Where to eat in Bali: You can’t miss the best warungs on the island

The best known Balinese recipe is  Nasi Goreng, fried rice with eggs and vegetables that can be accompanied by meat or seafood. I loved it!

The  best restaurants in Bali  that I tried during my trip are located in  Ubud.

Best SIM cards for Bali

It’s very easy to get internet connection in Indonesia . However, if you prefer having mobile data, I recommend you order one of these SIM cards for Indonesia .

Driving in Bali

Riding a motorcycle  is one of the  best options to explore Bali.  However, I recommend you not do so without first following our  advice to rent a scooter in Bali.

Additionally, it’s essential that you get an  International Driver ’ s License for Bali,  since, although you won’t need to show it when renting your scooter, the police can pull you over and fine you without it.

Supermarkets and shops in Bali

If you’re taking a long-term trip to Bali, you may want to cook instead of eating out every day. In this case, I recommend you go to the  local markets  that open in the morning and usually have fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, etc.

There are also  large supermarkets  where you can buy absolutely everything: from personal grooming items to drinks and food. The best known are Coco, Bintang, and Pepito.

You can also find  small local stores  where you can buy a snack or soda — some of these are  open 24 hours a day.

What is the religion in Bali?

Religion in Bali  plays a very important role in local Balinese life. Bali is the only island in Indonesia where  Hinduism is the main religion.  In most parts of Indonesia, most people are Muslims. In Bali, however, “Balinese Hinduism” is practiced, where Hindu and animist beliefs are mixed with the worship of Buddhist saints.

They believe in Karma,  and because of that, Bali is called the “Island of Smiles,” but if you want to learn more about the  culture of Bali,  I recommend  this tour.

Please  respect the religion of Bali and its customs.  You may be surprised at the beginning by the amount of  Canang  sari,  which you will find on the floor, in the temples, and even at the counters of stores and hotel desks.

These offerings are made daily with flower petals, rice, lime leaves, and incense. It is true that they usually attract insects and generate a lot of dirt on the streets of Bali, but they are really important for locals and much less harmful than the plastic waste that others leave.

What clothes to wear in Bali Temples

You don’t need to remove your shoes  before entering a temple in Bali. However, in some temples, you’ll be asked to  cover your legs with a Sarong , whether you are a man or a woman.

A curious fact is that if you are a woman, in some temples, there are signs that ask you not to enter the temple  if you are on your period.

What is the official language of Bali?

The  official language of Bali  is  Indonesian , although  Balinese  is also spoken. A large part of the population  also speaks English,  especially those whose jobs are related to tourism and hospitality.

Where should I stay in Bali?

Ubud  is one of the  best areas to stay in Bali.  In  Kuta  and  Seminyak , there are also many accommodation options, although the best area to stay in luxury resorts in Bali is  Nusa Dua.

Uluwatu  is also a good place to sleep in Bali and visit its best beaches, and other option would be  Bedugul,  to visit the most remote areas of the island.

Responsible tourism in Bali

Finally, I don’t want to end this article on  tips for traveling to Bali  without asking you to be a  responsible traveler.

Please, don’t hire tours in which animals are mistreated. Although there have never been elephants in Bali, it’s a shame to see how there are places with elephants in enclosures that are called “Sanctuaries.” This is done to attract tourists who, while thinking that they’re doing a good deed, are actually promoting a business that’s cruel to animals.

Elephant rides in Bali  are not fun. These poor animals have been tortured for years so that tourists can pay to get on their backs for a while. Any place where you can interact with wild animals is a place where  nature is not respected. Keep wildlife wild!

Please, there are a million  things to do in Bali .  You don’t need to add any activity that involves domesticated wild animals to  make your trip to Bali a unique experience.

Essential Map for your trip to Bali

That’s all! Here is a  map of Bali  that will help you figure out where the main attractions are.

I hope you find this article useful to  plan your trip to Bali , but before you go, here are the essentials for your trip to Bali.

Essentials to save on your trip to Bali

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Find the BEST DEALS for the top accommodation options in Bali .

Get a 5% discount on your travel insurance for Bali .

Check the best tours in Bali to make the most of your time HERE and HERE .

CHEAP FERRIES from Bali (hotel pick-up not included).

If you have any questions when planning a trip to bali, leave us a comment. See you soon!

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Ascen Aynat

8 replies on “ Bali Travel Guide and Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Bali Itinerary ”

I’ve found this information really useful. I cancelled a holiday here several years ago and went to Thailand instead, I absolutely love Thailand but would like to visit Bali after reading the information. It sounds like a week is enough to visit the most important cultural sites and would like to team it with another destination, any suggestions?

There are much more to see within Indonesia apart from Bali. I recommend checking Yogyakarta .

Let me know if you have any questions, Ascen

Great Article. Really useful. You have covered all the things for a perfect vacation.

thanks Raj! Have a nice trip to Bali!

Great article, thanks for sharing this! I visited Bali, Penida and the Gili Islands in February before quarantaine. Their are so much things to do and see on the Islands. I travelled the Islands with The 7 Holiday and they exceeded my expectations! I really had a wonderful and unique experience! The locals are so kind and helpful. I am curious to travel the rest of Indonesia as well.

Thanks for your message Ann, I’m happy you found our Bali travel guide useful!

As you said, there are so many things to do in Bali and surrrounding islands…if we speak about Indonesia you could spend months or even years visiting all the islands and wonders. We’d also love to travel back there and visit new islands, everything over there is so peaceful and beautiful 😉

Awesome article, strike to the point, thanks for sharing

Thank you! I hope you enjoy your trip to Bali 🙂

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Bali Travel Tips: 40+ Essential Dos & Don’ts for Bali & Indonesia!

I live in Bali , and I’ve been traveling the country of Indonesia for over 5 years – I have traveled all over the country, to every top tourist spot and most of Bali’s outer islands. Here’s my local guide to the best Bali Travel Tips: dos and don’ts you have to know before traveling to Bali & Indonesia in 2024!

✔️ Quick Guide – My Top 6 Bali Travel Tips

→ Know that you need an onward ticket booked to board your flight to Indonesia. → Buy a Telkomsel SIM card to have cell service. → Bali runs on cash – Take out Indonesian Rupiah at airport ATMs when you arrive. → Use bug spray every day to prevent Dengue Fever. → Download the Grab App , it’s Bali’s version of Uber and much cheaper than taxis off the street. → Don’t forget to explore Bali’s outer islands!

Bali Travel Tips: Arrival & Visas

1. know about the 500,000 idr visa on arrival fee + new 150,000 idr bali tax.

Indonesia permits visa-free entry to ASEAN countries but everyone else needs to buy a Visa On Arrival (VOA) at the airport. They don’t ask any questions to get a Visa on Arrival, you just need to pay a fee. They accept US dollars and Indonesian Rupiah, and you can pay by card. 

💰 Price of entry to Bali : Indonesia VOA is 500,000 IDR + 150,000 Bali Island Tax = 650,000 IDR ($40)

You have the option to extend your 30-day VOA. To do this you need to hire a visa service in Bali to extend your 30-day visa to 60 days. You need to do this while you still have at least 10 days remaining on your 30-day visa.

When I extended my VOA to two months it took 20 days and cost around 800,000 Indonesian Rupiah ($55). You can find a visa agency through your hotel, hostel, or guest house.

The cool thing is that you don’t actually have to be in one place for all 20 days to extend your visa. The second time I did a VOA extension I gave my passport to the visa company, got my fingerprints stamped at the immigration in Jimbaran on day 4, and then left for the outer islands!

I did a bunch of island hopping from Bali, the Gilis, Lombok, Flores, and the Komodo Islands without my passport – just my NY state ID, because I was traveling within Indonesia.

My hostel back in Canggu, Nyaman Hostel, received my passport with the visa extension stamp and held it for me until I was done with my travels.

Katie’s Tips ✶

Keep in mind that the Indonesian Visa on Arrival takes up a whole page on your passport! So make sure you have enough free space. 

2. Know That Bali’s Visa is for 30 Days, Not 1 Month! (+ The Cost of Overstaying is 1,000,000 IDR PER DAY!)

I’ve met so many travelers who overstay their visas in Bali because 30-days sounds like one month, but it’s not! You have 30 days from entering Indonesia to leaving, and for each day you overstay it’s a 1,000,000 IDR (around $70) fee.

3. Don’t Forget To Book Your Onward Ticket 

You’ll probably be asked for your onward ticket, which is your ticket out of Indonesia before you board your inbound plane. You need to have an outbound flight already booked, legally, to enter Indonesia. Don’t know when you’ll be leaving, or to where? No problem. 

You can use a service like Onward Ticket which books an outbound ticket for you and then cancels it within the next few days. This is completely legal and it’s just to meet entry requirements. I’ve used Onward Ticket more times than I can count, as a full-time traveler I’m not always sure where my next location will be! 

💰 Full Disclosure –  I’ve spent hundreds of dollars because I didn’t have onward tickets booked ahead of time. I advise you to book your onward ticket at least a few hours ahead of time before you’re at the airport because that’s where I always mess up when I leave it until the last minute!

Bali Travel Tips: Communication & Cell

4. link your number to a whatsapp account  before arriving in bali.

Everyone uses WhatsApp in Bali, from foreigners to locals. If you’re visiting Bali and don’t have WhatsApp yet, you should definitely download the app and link it to your phone number  before  getting to the island. 

If you link your phone number to your WhatsApp, it will work no matter which SIM you have put in! You can use WhatsApp in Bali to organize tours, book hotels, or talk to just about anyone.

5. Buy A SIM Card When You Arrive In Bali 

You should DEFINITELY buy an Indonesian SIM card when you arrive in Bali. You’ll need a local number for a lot of services, like ride-sharing apps, food delivery, etc. Local SIM cards and data plans are easy to get and affordable. You can purchase your SIM through most hotels or go to a “Telkomsel” store. 

Telkomsel is the most popular cell provider in Indonesia. You can top up your SIM card with more data whenever you need to in person at convenience stores like Indomaret, Circle K, and Alfamart. 

There’s a problem with people illegally importing smartphones to Indonesia. Because of this, Indonesia requires people to register all cell phones at the airport upon arrival if they’re staying longer than three months overall.

If you fail to do this, you need to pay a 40% tax on the value of your phone (for phones worth more than $450) or the government will shut your SIM card slot off after 3 months in the country. The 3 months leeway period is so the government doesn’t accidentally shut down tourists’ cell phones, but this allowance doesn’t reset when you exit and re-enter the country!

You need to have an unlocked phone to use a foreign SIM card.

6. D on’t Worry About the Language Barrier – There are Lots of English Speakers & Bahasa is Easy!

Almost everywhere you go in Bali you’ll be able to find someone who speaks a little bit of English or a foreigner who speaks a little Indonesian. Bahasa Indonesian is also an easy language for English speakers to pronounce. Everything is written phonetically, and it’s written in the Latin Alphabet, the same as English. So, if you use Google Translate, it will be very easy for you to read things in Bahasa and be understood if you need assistance.

7. Do Download Google Translate Offline  

Bahasa Indonesian is one of the languages available on Google Translate’s app for offline download. If you get a local SIM card you won’t have to worry about being offline very often, but it’s good to download the language offline just in case you wind up in a poor service area. 

Bali Travel Tips: Food 

8. don’t let fear of “bali belly” stop you from eating the local foods .

Bali Belly is the affectionate term foreigners have for travelers’ diarrhea in Indonesia. Foreign tourists are sometimes so afraid of Bali Belly that it keeps them from enjoying the island to the fullest! 

The local food is one of the best things in Bali! You’ll see local cafes, called “Warungs”, everywhere. The most popular local dishes are Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Mie Goreng (fried noodles), Nasi Campur (platter of different Balinese foods with rice), and Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig). 

9. Don’t Forget You Can Order Food For Delivery In Bali! 

Did you know you can order food 24 hours a day in most areas of Bali? Through Grab or Gojek (two very similar apps in Bali) you can order all types of food at any time of day. These apps came massively in handy when I crashed my scooter and couldn’t get out of bed for a week since you can also get items from the pharmacy delivered!

10. Don’t Fall For Tourist Traps 

This is a hard-to-follow piece of advice because unless you eat at 100% local Indonesian Warungs , you’re gonna fall for some tourist traps! Just today I paid 70K IDR (around $5), for a terrible “fresh juice” which was like 90% water. 

Basically, any place in Bali that sells Western-style food might be a tourist trap, it’s a bit of a coin toss and you just need to try a bunch of different places to find the best food. Also, always read the online reviews for cafes to know where to go. 

Bali Travel Tips: Shopping & Money

11. don’t assume everything will be “cheap” .

It’s just as easy to spend $100 (1,500,000 Indonesian Rupiah) on something in Bali as it is to spend $10. This is because things are priced for foreign tourists, who earn in Dollars rather than Rupiah. Depending on where you buy something you could be paying a wildly different price for the same item! 

12. Do Order Anything You Need Online 

While there’s no Amazon Prime in Indonesia, ANYTHING you want in Bali can be delivered! I take a lot of specific supplements for my health, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were all easily available with express shipping off of Indonesia’s version of Amazon, Tokopedia.  

13. Do Shop Locally 

It feels so good to shop in Bali because so many of the stores are locally owned and sell genuine handmade goods! 

14. Don’t Overpay With “Foreigner’s Price”  

If you know the correct local price for things then you’ll know how much to pay. Obviously, a coconut off the side of the road will be cheaper than a fresh coconut from a 5-star resort, but it’s a good metric to know how fancy a place is by how far the prices deviate from the norm. 

Knowing the local price particularly comes in handy with taxis. There are a lot of places in Bali where you can’t use Uber or Gojek (Indonesian Uber) due to the  Bali Taxi Mafia . In these situations, you’ll have to negotiate a price with a taxi driver off the street. You can open your Gojek or Grab app and see what the local price for the ride you’re going to take  should be , and use that as a jumping-off point for negotiations. 

You’re probably never going to get a taxi off the street as cheap as an Grab or Gojek, and there’s no point in stressing yourself out too much over a few dollars! 

15. Do Carry LOTS Of Cash On You 

Indonesia is a cash-first country! Although a lot of restaurants, hotels, etc will accept cards, a lot of them don’t. Expect tours, taxis, and meals to be paid for in cash. Sometimes they will accept cards, but when that happens it’s more like a pleasant surprise! 

16. Foreign Credit Cards Don’t Work for Everything – Use 3rd Party Sites that Accept Non-Indonesian Cards

While you shouldn’t have a problem at restaurants and hotels paying in person with foreign credit cards, most Indonesian websites only accept Indonesian credit cards. This is a recurring problem for foreigners who want to top off their Telkomsel SIM cards, pay their electricity bills, or book a train in Indonesia.

The sites I use the most for booking things online in Indonesia are Booking.com, HostelWorld, and Agoda for housing, and for activities, I use Klook and Viator. For transportation like buses, speed boats, and ferries, 12GoAsia comes in handy all over SE Asia!

If you do not have an Indonesian Bank Account, you will likely have to pay for things at a convenience store like Alfamart, Circle K, or Indomaret that would usually be purchased online.

A good example of this is when I need to pay my electricity bill. Since I don’t have an Indonesian bank account, I cannot use their online portal. Instead, I take a picture of my router and bring it to the nearest Alfamart – There’s one on practically every street corner.

There I can give the cashier my serial code, and then pay my bill in cash. You can use this system to pay all types of bills, as well as shop for things online.

When I buy things on Tokopedia, which is Bali’s version of Amazon, it gives me a code to bring to the local convenience store. I have 24 hours to give the cashier this code and pay my bill in cash, or the sale doesn’t go through.

17. Do Hang On To Small Bills 

People really hang on to their small bills in Bali, and it’s hard to get change a lot of the time. A few times I’ve been at a restaurant that only accepts cash and they have looked at me like I was crazy for needing cash for a 100K Rupiah bill! ($7)When you do get small bills, hang onto them for situations where you need change. 

18. Do Know About The Mandatory 15-20% Service & VAT Charges

In most restaurants that cater to tourists, it will say “all prices subject to mandatory service and tax” at the bottom, so you don’t have to worry about tipping too much in Bali because it’s added for you. The tax is 10%, and the service charge is usually 5-10%. 

19. Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle

Bartering (respectfully) is a part of Balinese culture. If you’re buying a service, whether it’s a taxi ride or a tour, the price is usually up for negotiation. I wrote a whole article you can read here on how to haggle in Egypt and it holds up pretty well for Bali as well.

Bali Travel Tips: Transportation 

20. do download gojek or grab apps (bali’s versions of uber).

Grab is the premier ride-hailing app in Bali. It’s the easiest way to get around, and the app also includes other services like food and package delivery. I use Grab multiple times a day, I really couldn’t live without it in Bali! 

Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Bali. That being said, Sometimes taxi and scooter rides are very inexpensive on Grab. Sometimes as low as 10K Indonesian Rupiah (around 50 cents) for a scooter taxi. I personally think, as someone who earns in dollars, that they should be getting compensated more for their effort, don’t you? 

If you get a very inexpensive Gojek please consider tipping a good amount, even 50-100%. The drivers will be very grateful!

21. Don’t Rely On Ride-Sharing Apps When Leaving City Centers 

It’s easy to hail a Gojek or Grab from the city center to a tourist destination a half hour away, but it’s not so easy to get one coming back! There usually aren’t any cars you can call off an app outside cities. If you want to visit a place more than 20 minutes from the city center of whatever town you’re in I recommend hiring a private driver instead of relying on Grab. 

22. Don’t Give In To The Bali Taxi Mafia 

The Taxi Mafia in Bali  is always a hot topic. Basically, a taxi mafia is when a bunch of taxi drivers get together, usually in popular tourist locations, and work together to push ride-sharing apps out so they can overcharge tourists. This is all fine, except for the fact that the Taxi Mafias usually resort to violence to meet their goals. I’m all for shopping local and supporting local economies but I don’t agree with giving in to taxi mafias. 

In Bali, you’ll see a lot of signs saying Gojek, Grab, and Bluebird, all popular taxi apps, are illegal. This isn’t true. Sometimes you’ll have to get picked up on a side street or outside of a tourist location if you’re using a ride-sharing app, otherwise, you risk getting harassed by the Taxi Mafia. 

23. Don’t Get Stressed Out By Street Harassment 

Walking down any street in a town or city in Bali you’ll hear “taxi? taxi? taxi? come into my shop? just looking?” over and over. and over. and over again. 

It’s annoying! And honestly, tourist harassment is part of the reason I always use ride-sharing apps in Bali, because I don’t want to encourage it, but it’s just people trying to make a living. They don’t mean any harm and a quick “no thank you” usually does the trick.

24. Don’t Worry About The Honks – People Honk the Horn a Lot in Bali, But It’s Not Aggressive  

Honking a car or scooter horn means something different in Indonesia than it does in America. In New York, honking at someone can be considered a big “F-You!”, but in Bali, it just means ‘hey, watch out – I’m here”. 

A lot of the time drivers honk lightly when turning a corner so if anyone is driving in the opposite direction they will know another car is there.  This is necessary because the streets are so narrow, so if you’re driving around tight corners remember to honk before turning!

Bali Travel Tips: Health & Safety

25. don’t drink the tap water.

You can’t drink the tap water in Bali – It’s not filtered. You can avoid Bali Belly by only drinking bottled water, or if you want to be more environmentally friendly you can invest in a  travel water purifier.  I have been using my GRAYL travel purifier for three years now, and it’s perfect for Bali. 

26. Don’t Forget Your Bug Spray – Mosquitos Carry Dengue Fever in Bali

There are mosquito-borne illnesses in Bali, particularly Dengue Fever makes its way through the tourist population a lot. To avoid Dengue, always keep your bug spray on you.  You can buy a bug spray called “Soffel” in any convenience store in Bali for around $1 – It works great, just remember to wear it every day!

27. Do Know About the Recommended Travel Vaccines Before Travel to Bali

Even if you had all your routine vaccines as a child, you’ll likely need additional travel vaccines to go to Bali. On my first trip to Indonesia, I received a Typhoid vaccine, a Tdap booster, and a Hepatitis A vaccine. Recently I was playing with a puppy on the beach and wound up having to get a rabies vaccine in Bali as well! Check the CDC guidelines and at your local travel clinic if you need any additional travel vaccines! 

28. Don’t Approach Stray Animals Due to the Risk of Rabies in Bali

I know, they’re cute! But rabies is a very real problem in Indonesia and a lot of tourists have their trip cut short by being bitten by some animal or another. I recently had to seek rabies post-exposure treatment after playing with a puppy on a Bali beach, it’s not fun!

29. Don’t Be Afraid Of Dogs Barking & Following You On the Street

If you walk anywhere in Bali, especially at night, you’ll probably be charged by a dog (or 10). Every house has a dog and they’re just doing their job when they bark at passers-by. Once you leave their owner’s territory they’ll leave you alone, so it’s best to just ignore them. 

30. Don’t Mess With The Monkeys – They’re Known to Randomly Bite & Attack 

In Bali, there are these famous open-air animal sanctuaries called  “Monkey Forests”  where tourists can go and interact with the monkeys in their natural habitat. Monkeys have a tendency toward being capricious and aggressive, and there’s a specific way you’re supposed to act around them. Sometimes tourists come and they don’t know how to act around a monkey, and they wind up getting bit (which is where your travel insurance will come in handy!).

31. Do Use Scooter Taxis Instead of Driving – Most of Bali Isn’t “Learner-Friendly”  

Most tourists come to Bali and think they need to rent and learn how to drive a scooter , but that’s not true! It’s much easier to just call a scooter taxi to get around. A scooter taxi is when a guy drives up on a scooter and you just hop on the back! It’s a lot safer than driving yourself because they’re professionals and know how to navigate the  crazy  Balinese traffic. You can call a scooter taxi from any major city in Bali through the Grab App.

Another bonus of taking a scooter taxi is that they’re incredibly cheap. If you only plan on going to one or two places per day, it’s probably more affordable to call a scooter taxi than to rent a scooter and drive yourself. 

32. Don’t Forget To Wear Your Helmet,  Always , When Riding A Scooter 

I see foreign tourists zipping around Bali on scooters in bikinis with no helmets and barely any clothes, it’s terrifying!!! These scooters aren’t toys, and you want to be as safe as possible especially if you’re a novice rider. It’s best to always wear a helmet, jacket, long pants, and close-toed shoes on a scooter. I don’t always wear full clothing while on a scooter, but I do always wear a helmet! 

If you call a scooter taxi from Grab or Gojek they’ll have a spare helmet for passengers, but sometimes you have to ask for it. 

33. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance! Healthcare in Bali is Expensive

Even if it’s not required for entry, I would always recommend signing up for travel insurance for a trip to Indonesia. So much can go wrong, and it’s important to be covered. Healthcare in Bali is also pretty expensive if you go to the foreigners clinics.

I’ve been using Safety Wing Travel Health Insurance over the past three years of full-time traveling because it caters to full-time traveling digital nomads like myself, but you can also use it for vacations and short trips. 

It’s one of the cheapest travel health insurance out there. You can buy a 1-month package starting at $45 and it covers most countries, whereas other brands I looked at charged over $100 for a 1-week trip. It’s just good to have peace of mind while traveling without having to think too hard!

34. Don’t Drink Things With Ice If You’re Off-The-Beaten-Track 

The only time I’ve ever gotten sick while traveling was from ice in a drink, and since then I’ve been very cautious. Most places know to serve tourists only filtered water, but there’s less vigilant about ice for some reason. If you’re off the beaten track at a local warung it’s best to skip the ice. Indonesians can handle the water better than foreigners can because they’re used to it. 

35. Do Be Aware Of Earthquakes! 

I was sitting at a cafe in Ubud  while I wrote this post  and all of a sudden the ground started shaking. Since the cafe shares a building with a yoga studio, at first, I thought maybe there was an intense exercise class going on but then everyone started running outside. It was an earthquake! 

It only lasted 15-20 seconds and then everyone went back inside after a few minutes. Later we learned it was a magnitude 5.8 earthquake! The earthquake magnitude scale goes out of 10, so it was quite high – but not high enough to cause damage. Bali is a high-risk area for earthquakes, so just be aware while you’re visiting.

Bali Travel Tips: Housing

36. do stay in a traditional guest house at least once.

After staying in a variety of hotels, Airbnb, and homestays in Bali I was pleasantly surprised that my favorite place to stay in all of Indonesia was the traditional homestays. Usually family-run, Balinese traditional houses are located in compounds, which are homes to small communities or extended families. 

💸 They’re cheaper 

🙋 The hosts (In my experience) are more attentive

🍳 Free homemade breakfast

👪 Supporting small businesses directly

🏠 Traditional Balinese architecture is  beautiful  

🐱 There are usually a ton of animals around 

For solo female travelers : I felt more safe located in a compound than in a stand-alone villa or apartment complex.

37. Don’t Stay In The Same Place For Your Whole Trip! 

Bali is a pretty tiny Island, you can drive the whole length of it in less than 5 hours, but all the different cities within it have a totally different vibe.  Canggu has become the digital nomad capital with lots of long-term tourists, Kuta and Seminyak are where people go surfing and partying, and Ubud is the spiritual yoga retreat center on the island. 

38. Don’t Be Afraid to Stay In Hostels If You’re Solo Traveling

Hostels are the best for making friends while solo traveling! If it’s your first time staying in a hostel, don’t be worried – the ones in Bali are world-class. Some hostels in Bali are even as nice (or nicer) than hotels. 

39. Do Treat Yourself To A Luxury Experience (Because It’s Cheaper to Do in Bali Than Anywhere Else)

Bali is world-renowned for its spas and luxury services. Even if you’re a budget traveler, having a luxury experience in Bali is something you shouldn’t miss out on! 

Bali Travel Tips: Tourism 

40. do be a respectful visitor .

While it’s okay to be a tourist, it’s not okay to disrespect the local culture. The Balinese people welcome foreigners into their temples and ceremonies from the goodness of their hearts. Since I started staying in Indonesia, I’ve been invited to two weddings, a cremation, and even a circumcision ceremony!

• Cover up in temples:  For men AND women. That’s one thing I love about Balinese culture is that it’s not just the women who are expected to be modest and respectful in houses of worship. You’ll also see men be asked to tie sarongs around their waists if they show up in shorts. 
• Don’t make fun of the culture:  You’d think that goes without saying, but all the time you hear about tourists getting in trouble, and even  banned  from Indonesia, for mocking Balinese culture. 
• Don’t step on the offerings:  You’ll see these sacred offerings all over, usually on the floor. Just because they’re on the floor doesn’t mean you should step on them! It’s considered to be extremely disrespectful to step on the offerings. 

41. Don’t Get Too Disappointed By “Instagram vs Reality”

A lot of “Influencers” in Bali make their living by selling the dream. While Bali  is  an amazing place, there have been a handful of times when I arrived at a popular location just to be let down! The photos online of a location completely didn’t match the reality. While that can be disappointing, don’t let it get you down! For every overhyped spot in Bali, there are three more hidden gems. 

42. Do Show Up Early & Beat The Crowds 

Planning on going to some amazing place you saw on Instagram? Well, so is everyone else! If you want to visit a popular tourist spot in Bali make sure to go first thing in the morning – Otherwise, your time at the attraction might be ruined by crowds. 

43. Do Venture Off The Beaten Track 

For every over-hyped thing in Bali, there are 10 secret gems that you can’t find on Instagram! I recommend going to Google Maps to find undiscovered spots. If you just zoom in on different locations you’re guaranteed to find a ton of waterfalls, temples, etc people don’t usually go to. 

44. Don’t Go During The Rainy Season (If You Can Help It)  

Bali doesn’t have Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall as North America does. Bali only has two seasons: the rainy season, and the dry season. The rainy season is between November and March, with the best (and dryest) time to visit Bali between May and September. It’s the worst in January and February.

45. Do Venture Outside Of Bali To Other Indonesian Islands! Java, the Gilis, & the Komodo Islands +

Craving adventure? You can climb Kawah Ijen acid volcano  and visit giant waterfalls like Tumpak Sewu on Bali’s neighboring island of Java. Or, if you’re more into relaxing you can swim on the white sand beaches at the  Gili Islands  east of Bali. There’s so much to do in Indonesia! If you have a week or more I recommend exploring other islands as well as Bali. 

46. Don’t Forget – It’s Bagus!

Bagus (pronounced bag-goose) means “good” in Indonesian but it’s used in a much wider context – Bagus is cool, Bagus is peace, Bagus is fun.

How’s Bali lately? It’s Bagus 🤙.

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

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Bali Travel Guide: Essential Tips To Help To Plan Your Trip

Planning to travel to Bali? I’ve got you covered with this handy guide. From the best places to see and experience to travel tips for making the most of your visit.

What could be better than a tropical island filled with beach days and adventures through forests? Bali tops most lists of top travel destinations – and for good reason. 

The island is also popular for the meditation and yoga retreats found in spiritual Ubud , or the laid-back vibes of coastal Canggu . The southern coastal city of Kuta is popular among tourists for its bustling nightlife, vibey bars and late-night parties.

And there are plenty of temples and cultural landmarks to explore throughout the island.

This Bali travel guide for first-timers (or even if you’ve been before) covers how to get there, where to stay and the best things to do. Plus a few handy tips to keep in mind. 

Where Is Bali? Why Should I Visit?

Bali is located in the Indonesian archipelago . The island is covered in lush, forested terrain, tranquil beaches and rice paddies that extend into the hills. 

Besides the volcanic regions, the entirety of the island is lush. And the ocean around Bali is warm with crystal clear waters. 

The island itself is quite large and home to around 4.22 million people. Many of the locals live throughout the countryside in small, quaint villages.

Add to that delicious food, cool hangouts, stunning beaches and plenty of places to try a new experience – whether that’s learning to make your own jewellery or hiking to the top of a volcano, and you’ll see the appeal.

Let’s look at some of the best of these attractions and activities to enjoy in Bali.

Top 5 Things To Do In Bali, Indonesia 

Visit pura tanah lot.

One of the most iconic in all of Bali, this temple is about 20km northwest of Kuta. For the Indonesian people of Hindu faith, this is one of the most sacred seaside temples.

Pura Tanah Lot was built way back in the 16th century and the building has stood strong for centuries since then.

Climb Mount Batur

Dominating the central highlands of Bali, Mount Batur stands at around 1,700 meters tall. It’s located an hour’s drive away from the town of Ubud and is a popular spot to hike in Bali .

The entire hike usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. At the top of the sacred mountain, panoramic views of the surrounding jungle are your reward.

Book a sunrise hike up Mount Batur for fascinating views.

Chill Out on Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach

This famous beach stretches along the coastline of Kuta and Seminyak.  It’s a beautiful place to rest and enjoy the warm ocean waters. There are surfing lessons found at the beach too for reasonable prices – ideal if you’d like to spend your time learning to shred the waves.

Enjoy the waters and book a beginner’s surf lesson.

Trek Along the Tegalalang Rice Paddies

Rice paddies are a big part of Bali’s charm, but these rice fields take that charm to a new level. The stunning views from the top as well as the iconic I Love Bali sign will add an elegant charm to your vacation photos.

Stop in at the cafes overlooking the paddies for some coffee and lunch. 

Spot Cheeky Monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest

There’s no doubt you’ll be running into your fair share of monkeys when in Bali – but the Ubud Monkey Forest is the best place to see them in their natural habitat.

The sanctuary is home to hundreds of Balinese long-tailed macaques. These mischievous and intelligent creatures roam freely within the forest, and you can watch them as they swing from tree to tree, interact with each other and forage for food.

Top Tip: These monkeys do not hold back and will steal your things. Keep an eye out for your bags and phones.

Hidden Bali – Unusual Things To Do

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, here are a few off-the-beaten-track ideas for you. 

Take an Indonesian Cooking Class

There’s little doubt that your time in Bali will lead to a full-on love affair with Indonesian food. So take the opportunity while you’re there and learn to make a few of these dishes ( check out the recipe for one here ). 

Book a Balinese cooking class on an Ubud organic farm.

Take a Dip in the Banjar Hot Springs 

Find these natural geothermal pools just outside of Lovina along the quiet northern coast of Bali. There are large stone pools with steaming waters known for their health benefits and rejuvenating properties.

Explore the Jatiluwih Rice Paddies

If you’ve been looking to get out of the city crowds for some fresh air, this locale will be absolutely perfect. This vast stretch of nature and rice paddies is a designated UNESCO world heritage site. 

Descend into Suluban Cave 

This particular cave is one of Bali’s most beautiful hidden gems. A long stairway from the top of the beach leads you down into the cave itself, which is concealed by large limestone rock formations. 

Peer Inside Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, AKA the Elephant Cave, is a must-visit site in Bali. This ancient temple holds great cultural and historical significance – not to mention it’s mildly terrifying to look at.

The entrance of Goa Gajah greets you with intricately carved stone figures and a menacing demon’s mouth. Step inside, however, and there’s a network of caves, courtyards and ancient structures waiting to be explored.

Things to do in Bali: Eating and Drinking

Restaurants in Bali range from authentic Balinese to American, Australian, and an eclectic mix. The traditional food is something everyone should try at least once. Here are a couple of top eateries to try. 

Chow Down at Locavore

Voted the best Indonesian restaurant in Ubud in 2017, you can’t go wrong with dinner here. Serving only local food, you’ll be treated to carefully crafted authentic meals. 

Snap a Photo at Crate Cafe

This Canggu bistro was designed to create an Insta-worthy experience. With its minimalist decor and furniture, the cafe draws in many tourists who enjoy the ambience. There’s a focus on breakfast and lunch meals, which are all healthy and picture-perfect.

Eat at a local Warung

These are small, local eateries run by families and serving traditional foods. Try out Warung Melati in Seminyak or Warung Damar in Kuta.

Sip and Party at a Beach Club

Heading out for a night of fun? Try these bars while you’re out.

• Potato Head Beach Club – Pair your cocktail with sunset views at this beach club in Ubud. It’s a popular spot among locals and visitors, and often hosts DJs providing perfect dancing jams. 
• Finns Beach Club – If you’re after premium nightlife in Canggu, this is the only place you need to be. The sunsets here are unimaginable, and there’s often live music to enjoy. A bit on the pricier side, but worth a visit. 
• Single Fin –  Located right on the cliffs overlooking the beach in Uluwatu, this is a popular spot for locals and visitors. It’s great for sundowner cocktails and partying the night away. 

How To Plan Your Travel To Bali: Before You Go

Planning ahead before your trip to Bali can really help make the trip go smoothly. Below, you’ll find some important tips to keep in mind while travelling to Bali.

Best Time To Visit Bali

The most popular months to visit this tropical getaway are from May to October as there are very few wet and rainy days. The island is quite lovely during this time with the sun being fairly warm and the weather dry and welcoming. 

October is right after the peak season and is often the cheapest month to visit Bali. October to April sees the monsoon season , but that doesn’t really affect the island’s appeal too much.

Many days still see hours of sunshine, and you’ll be travelling outside of the peak season so there’ll be fewer crowds and lower prices. 

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Bali

How To See The Best Of Bali For Free 

Looking to do Bali on a budget? You came to the right place. The island is perfect for the frugal traveller – which is why so many backpackers head to the island each year. 

• Head to the beach. Bali beaches are free to visit, and they’re usually the highlight of the trip.
• Visit the temples. Many of these are free to enter and they make for stunning photos. 
• Explore the natural landmarks. There are magnificent rocks, waterfalls, and other natural wonders that cost nothing to discover. 

Read Next: This 2-week Bali Itinerary will help you plan your time and not miss anything. 

Handy Resources for Getting To Bali

Visiting Bali is easier than it may seem. The island has its own airport and is a popular stop on cruises. Here are your main options when travelling to Bali. 

International flights to Bali land at Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar Airport). From here, you can easily catch a taxi to your hotel. The airport is about an hour’s drive from Ubud, and ± 30 minutes from the capital city, Denpasar. 

There are a lot of taxis waiting for people outside upon arrival. You’ll have no problem finding one. Or ask your accommodation to organize you one. Most places to stay are happy to do so for a fee.

Check flights on Skyscanner

By Sea 

If you’re arriving from any of the nearby Indonesian islands, a ferry may be easier and more affordable than a flight. Travelling from further destinations, such as Singapore, is also possible by boat – but it will take you much longer than flying. 

Where To Stay In Bali

Each of the regions throughout Bali has its own distinct feel and vibe. I love Seminyak for its beaches and resort town feel.

Another favourite neighbourhood among travellers is Ubud, and Canggu follows closely. The best area to stay in Bali will depend on your own itinerary and travel plans.

The island has many places to explore, but for an idea of the best places to stay in Bali , here are just a couple of options. 

High End – The Alila Seminyak

This 5-star resort is, in my opinion, the best hotel in Bali. It’s incredibly luxurious and offers world-class facilities. You have views of the ocean or the pools from your room, and the cocktail bar’s pool provides a splendid spot to chill and watch the sunset.

Check Rates and Availability

Mid-Range – Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa

This hotel is perfectly situated near the remarkable rice paddies and a short walk away from Ubud Monkey Forest. It offers activities like yoga, dance classes, and walks through the surrounding areas.

There’s a large, lush garden to wander through, and the rooms are pleasantly spacious yet cosy.

Packing For Your Bali Trip

Some of the most important things to pack on your trip to Bali are a decent hat and sunscreen. Remember to keep hydrated at all times and wear cool, breathable clothes on the hot days.

If you travel to Bali during the rainy season, then packing a raincoat can be quite helpful to avoid getting soaked. The weather is usually quite warm even when it rains so you won’t need insulated layers of clothing.

Read more about packing for a tropical holiday for more ideas. 

Day Trips From Bali

If you’re staying on the island for a longer period of time, the day trips from Bali are amazing. There are so many nearby islands worth exploring. 

• Nusa Penida – This paradise is a 90-minute ferry ride from Bali. It’s a largely untouched island, perfect for snorkelling and becoming one with nature.
• Gili Islands – For beaches that contend with Bali’s, the Gili islands are around 2 hours away and make a great day trip (although you really should try and stay longer if you can). Enjoy magnificent snorkelling and swim in between the colourful coral reefs. 

Visiting Bali Guide: Basic Tips And Tricks For Making The Most Of Your Stay 

Here are some final tips and titbits of information for your next trip to Bali. 

Top Bali Travel Tips 

• Dress for the tropical climate. Bali is hot and humid, you’ll only need to wear light layers, short clothing, and your swimming clothes. Don’t waste space in your bags with heavy jackets and jeans. 
• Respect the temples. If you’re visiting any of the temples (and I suggest you do), take note that both men and women should be covered up to their knees. 
• Planning on getting a SIM card in Indonesia? Check out this guide.

Tipping In Bali 

While not a strict requirement, tipping in Bali is always appreciated by the recipient. Balinese workers don’t earn much, so tips from travellers are graciously received. 

Waiters usually get from 5% to 20%, depending on their service. For housekeepers and porters at villas and hotels, the amount will vary depending on how long you’re staying, etc. Taxi drivers won’t always expect a tip, but if you’d like to add it, they won’t be offended. 

Facts About Bali 

• A Balinese calendar has just 210 days. The locals celebrate their new year different to the western world – with a Day of Silence.
• It’s common to find most people named either Wayan, Made, Nyoman and Ketut. These names are from the order of birth and mean first, second, third, and fourth born.
• Bali has stunning beaches with crystal waters and white sand. But they also have unique-looking black sand beaches. This sand is cooled off lava from the island’s volcanoes.
• Around 80% of the island’s economy is related to tourism. It’s such a hot spot for travellers that it generates much of the island’s income. Yay for travel. 

Handy Phrases For Travelling To Bali 

An important Bali travel tip is to learn a bit of the language. Locals in Bali speak Bahasa Balinese but throughout Indonesia the most common language is Indonesian. These basic Indonesian phrases will be handy on your visit. 

• Hai, apa kabar? (Hello, how are you?)
• Baik (Good/fine)
• Terima Kasih (Thank you)
• Siapa nama kamu? (What’s your name?)
• Nama saya…. (My name is…)

Bali Travel Map

Read More Bali Travel Tips

• 14-Day Bali Itinerary

16 Fabulous Things to do in Indonesia Beyond Just Bali

• Discover the Best of Canggu
• Balinese Food – What to Eat and Where to Eat it
• The Best Places to Stay in Bali

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I’m Julianna Barnaby - a professional travel writer and geek extraordinaire. I started The Discoveries Of to help you to discover the best of new destinations from around the world.

Discovering new places is a thrill - whether it’s close to home, a new country or continent, I write to help you explore more and explore differently.

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BALI IN 6 NIGHTS – THE ULTIMATE BALI TRAVEL GUIDE

When dreaming of Asian adventures, who doesn’t think of Bali? The island of Gods captures the hearts of many travelers, most of them returning a few times a year to soak in the island paradise’s energizing vibe. Whether you are a Bali regular on the hunt for inspiration outside your well known and beloved paths or planning your first trip to one of Indonesia’s most famous islands – you cannot miss our Ultimate Bali Travel Guide, outlining the perfect  6 NIGHTS IN BALI .

Time to get out your holiday notebook!

DAY 1 – UBUD

Welcome to Ubud! Bali’s jungle paradise promises an exciting mix of all things relaxing and outdoorsy. Whether you are the active type whose perfect holiday exists of hiking, cycling and water rafting or if you just want to leave the world behind and sink in a bathtub filled with flower petals – Ubud has you covered.

Once you’re settled in your hotel, go for a stroll around the city center – simply follow Jalan Monkey Forest, to soak in Bali’s enchanting smells for first impressions. Visit the ‘Monkey Forest’ located in a jungle setting with monkeys freely running around. Watch your belongings while venturing around or the jungle creatures will be the new owners of your beloved sunnies and jewels and quickly empty your water bottle.

Venture further to Ubud’s magical Tegallang rice terrace  to soak in the calming and mesmerizing views overlooking the jungle. To complete your first day you can’t miss out on venturing down the Campuhan ridge walk ! To make things easier, you can book an Ubud private tour online  and experience all the Ubud highlights hassle free. 

WHERE TO EAT:

LUNCH:  Folk Kitchen & Espresso  

Address:  Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud Contact:  +62 361 9080 888 Instagram:  @folkubud

When in Ubud, lunching at one of Bali’s best cafés , Folk Kitchen & Espresso, is mandatory! Think an Indonesian head chef with a passion for organic food, interior based on Balinese heritage pieces and a menu overflowing with mouth-watering goodness!

DINNER: Bird’s Nest at Kupu Kupu Barong

Address:  Jalan Kedewatan, Ubud Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @kupubarong

Spoil your loved one with this outstanding dining experience overlooking the lush rainforest of Northern Bali. ‘Bird’s Nest’ is sitting on the edge, making you feel like you are floating over the Ayung River Valley. Treat yourself to the mouth-wathering dinner menu featuring their famed salmon & sea scallops carpaccio, but also including plenty of vegetarian options.

WHERE TO SLEEP:

Budget:  Sri Ratih Cottages

Address:  Jl. Campuhan 1, Penestanan Kelod, Ubud Contact:  [email protected]

Nestled on the lush outskirts of jungle town Ubud lies Sri Ratih Cottages, a beautiful boutique hotel of 30 rooms with modern Balinese design, a surrounding calming rainforest atmosphere, and the warm hospitality of the staff. The spacious rooms are situated around the inviting waters of the swimming pool which sits at the centre of well-kept tropical gardens, offering a very welcome cool oasis in the tropical heat!

• Prices start from 77US$ per night for a double room including breakfast.

Luxe:  Bisma Eight

Address:  Jl. Bisma, Ubud Contact:  [email protected] Instagram:  @bismaeight

The luxury boutique hotel is set within the natural and cultural heart of Ubud. Rooted in the artisan heritage of central Bali, Bisma Eight is not your usual image of hotels in Ubud. Modern aesthetics of its 38 suites blend in seamlessly with the jungle surroundings – choose between Garden, Canopy and Forest for your enchanted stay. Indulge in Bisma Eight’s fine cuisine with homegrown herbs, veggies and fruits on their rooftop and laze by one of the world’s most tantalising infinity pools.

In-house complimentary activities include amongst others yoga, Balinese dancing classes, leisure cycling and a traditional Balinese cooking class. If you wish to explore more of Bali’s jungle, join their bespoke ‘The Bedugul We Love’ tour!

• Prices start from 217US$ per night for a Garden Suite including breakfast.

DAY 2 – UBUD  

After a night of blissful sleep to the sounds of the jungle, an action-packed day awaits you! Chasing waterfalls is a must-do while staying in Ubud. You are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing where to go but we have you covered. Browse this travel guide to Southeast Asia’s most stunning waterfalls  and have fun picking your favourite Bali ones!

A visit to Ubud wouldn’t be complete without taking part in a yoga class. The calming jungle surroundings and highly certified teachers coming to Ubud from all over the world make sure that passionate yogis but also beginners will have an unforgettable experience. Click  here  to discover the best yoga studios in Ubud.

If you’re after an experience off the beaten tracks, you should treat yourself to high tea at the luxury tents from  Escape Nomade . Being a showroom for their unique products (imagine being able to take one with you on your travels!), they also offer Picnic Lunch and Dining Within Tent experiences!

Never will you have felt more like a true explorer on a jungle safari!

LUNCH:   SARI ORGANIK

Address:  Jl. Subak Sok Wayah, Ubud Bookings:  +62 361 972087 Opening Hours:  Daily, 8am – 8pm

Right next to Café Pomegranate you can find another Ubud must-visit, Sari Organik. Head towards Campuhan bridge when coming from Ubud Palace. Just before the road turns into a green oasis with huge trees hanging over the road, you turn right up a road that looks more like a driveway.

Whether you’re a salad addict (there more than 10 different variations to be found in their extensive menu) or want to share a table loaded with tapa-like dishes, one of the best organic cafés in Bali will have you covered.

DINNER: Kubu at Mandapa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve

Address:  Jalan Kedewatan, Banjar Kedewatan, Ubud Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @kubuatmandapa

Named after the traditional huts used by Balinese rice farmers, Mandapa’s signature dinner-only venue Kubu is a must-visit if you’re looking for a dreamy setting next to the soothing Ayung river combined with state-of-the-art fine dining Mediterranean-European cuisine. You can choose between sophisticated a-la-carte options or specially tailored degustation menus. A must-try: their Wagyu beef rib eye with braised tongue, celeriac and truffle jus. Book a table early when you’re after being seated in one of their signature cocoons.

Budget:    Calma Ubud

Address:  Jl Tirta Tawar, Br Kutuh Kaje, Ubud Contact: [email protected] Instagram: @calma_ubud

Situated near a tranquil Balinese village only a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Ubud, this unique private resort sits effortlessly amongst nature, overlooking a lush valley, emerald green rice terraces and spectacular sunsets. Calma Ubud’s ten individually styled guest rooms and suites deliver a warm and welcoming family atmosphere. Contemporary tropical architectural features combined with Balinese craftsmanship and a careful attention to detail, make it your blissful home away from home!

• Prices start from 107US$ per night for a double room including breakfast.

Luxe:   Four Seasons Sayan

Address:  Jl. Raya Sayan, Sayan, Ubud Contact:  +62 (361) 977577 Instagram: @fsbali

If you are looking  to revitalize in a lush and intimate paradise in pure luxury, the resort’s 18 spacious suites and 42 private villas reflecting the island’s natural, serene beauty will have you covered. Each of Four Seasons Sayan’s suites and villas are a beautiful design blend of contemporary and traditional Balinese pieces. Get lost in their 7 hectare garden sanctuary where you can find up to 1,000 different bird species and join one of their Full moon yoga lessons –  purnama  is a sacred day in Bali, when Balinese-Hindus honor ancestral gods and thank them for their protection with offerings and ceremonies across the island.

• Prices start from 498US$ per night for a one bedroom suite.

Skip a busy night out and get an early night’s sleep – as you will have to get up at 2am the next morning!

It’s almost unforgivable to skip climbing one of Bali’s volcanoes. You can book a fully guided tour  including hotel pick up and drop-off, breakfast, flash lights and a dedicated personal tour guide. The ascent at  Mount Batur only takes between 1.5 and 2 hours and happens during the night – think fresh mountain air so don’t forget to bring along warm clothing.  Greet the new day with sunrise and a sparkle in your eyes!

Enjoy the scenic ride back to your hotel and take a well-deserved nap before venturing to hip and buzzing coastal town Seminyak.

DAY 3 – SEMINYAK  

Leave the quietness of the jungle behind and venture to Seminyak – one of Asia’s hippest food and shopping meccas located along Bali’s west coast.

Whether you decide to play it low and spend the day at one of Bali’s Best Beach Clubs or you shop up a storm along Jalan Oberoi and Jalan Raya Seminyak – the buzzing coastal town will have you covered.

Our MUST-DO’s on an afternoon in Seminyak:

1. It would be a crime to not go café hopping in Seminyak – click here to browse Bali’s 30 best cafés for never-ending inspiration!

2. A Bali holiday would also not be complete without shopping up a storm at the amazing Bali-based and brands the island has to offer.

Address:  Jl. Laksmana 54, Seminyak Opening Hours: Daily,   9.30am – 9.30pm Instagram: @beachgoldbali

This family-run resort wear brand with a garment history of over 25 years in Indonesia and focus on responsible, ethical and socially conscious practices, creates all designs and the pieces itself in Bali, supporting local garment and textile artisans. It’s very likely you might find yourself leaving the store with packed bags – as their chic yet casual pieces are easy-to-wear everyday wardrobe staples. Take the Bali holiday feeling home with you with their soft flowing hand printed voiles, crepes and locally spun fabrics which form the basis for all of their collections.

SANCERRE THE BRAND

Address:  Jalan Seminyak 2A (Corner of Kunti) ,  Jalan Kayu Jati 2A (close to Grocer & Grind) and  Jalan Batu Belig (next to Watercress) Opening Hours:  Daily,   9.00am – 9.00pm Instagram: @sancerre_bali

Sancerre brings the spirit of international, bohemian wanderlust into every day style, inspired by the creative and beautiful tropical lifestyle of their island home, Bali. Sancerre, which was born from a journey through France and a gift of a medallion, and offers high-quality but affordable style essentials – all using only the best materials showcasing the unique artistry of Indonesian craftsmanship. Their bright Seminyak shops provide a romantic setting to spend some time trying on hand embroidered kaftans or embellished dresses and tops perfect for casual wear or for dressing up on a night out. A must buy for many visitors are the bright and colourful Sancerre original Chandi bracelets sterling silver charms – the original Sancerre product and where the story begun.

Address:  Jl. Munduk Catu No. 1, Canggu (next to Gypsy Bali) Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 9pm Instagram: @les.basics

If you’re after a more sophisticated and trendy Bali souvenir than the usual, you cannot go past Les Basics store in Canggu. Founded by the Bali-based, French-Canadian babe Frédérique Lessard , you’ll find plain wardrobe staples (think linen, super soft cotton and bamboo fabric) and the iconic “The Sunday Life” print you’ll surely have come across when venturing around Canggu. Also stocking the island’s finest bikini, leather and jewellery brands, it’s a one-stop destination for stepping up your holiday wardrobe game.

Get a massage at SPRING SPA

Address:  Jl. Kayu Jati No.8, Seminyak Contact: Click here to book an appointment. Instagram: @spring_spa

Voted Asia’s Best Day Spa in the 2016 World Spa Awards, you can cannot go past this pamper paradise with its airy above-the-clouds feeling! Bring your best friend and take your mani-and-pedi appointment to the next level whilst indulging in one of their detoxing juices. You won’t help but Instagram the experience in their clean yet sophisticated interior!

Grab a sunset drink at THE LAWN CANGGU

Address: Click here for the exact location on Batu Bolong beach. Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @thelawncanggu

When venturing around the Gu, sunsets on  The Lawn  cannot be missed. Recently re-opened, it still has its signature beanbags and outdoor carpets on – well, the lawn – making it the perfect go-to place for a boho picnic, or simply lounging gracefully with a coconut in your hand.

Enjoy their delicious selection of lunch and dinner options (our favourite: truffled Mac’n’Cheese balls!) in their seated dining area or score a front row seat on their rooftop – prime views of the surf guaranteed!

WHERE TO EAT  

LUNCH: Milk & Madu  

Address:  Jl. Raya Pantai Berawa No.52, Canggu Instagram: @milkandmadu

Super Brekky Bowl for breakfast, Mexican Salad for lunch and a wood-oven fired pizza for dinner? Milk & Madu makes sure to deliver the goods for every meal of the day and has you covered with their savoury and generous plates made from the heart. Located in central Berawa it’s only a short drive from both Canggu and Seminyak.

Grab your friends and head to their newly opened venue  Ulekan  to indulge in mouthwatering Indonesian cuisine in a stunning interior setting just off Jalan Pantai Berawa in Canggu.

DINNER:    Barbacoa

Address:  Jalan Petitenget 14, Seminyak Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @barbacoabali

As soon as you step into this spacious warehouse setting, you will be inspired by its unique mosaic tiled floors and loft-style design. Try stopping in for lunch to enjoy the beautiful green backyard views! Located on Jalan Petitenget, Barbacoa specialises in BBQ wood fired and charcoal meats with a Mexican influence.  We advise to book a table in advance if you don’t want to miss out on an amazing dinner in a lively atmosphere!

Budget: Uma Karan

Address:  Jalan Bidadari III / 8, Seminyak Contact:  [email protected] Facebook: Uma Karan Seminyak

If a friend asked you to describe the unique boutique hotel Uma Karan in four words they would be chic, affordable, friendly and location. Earthy, natural materials blend in seamlessly with calming colours used around the property. A sun drenched bathroom with skylight roof, wide living spaces and a bed with high quality bedding and linen, make sure you have a blissful retreat in the heart of busy Seminyak.

• Prices start from 75US$ per night for a double room.

Luxe: One Eleven Bali

Address:  Jl. Pangkung Sari No.3, Seminyak Contact: [email protected] Instagram: @111resorts

Book yourself into one of these nine 1-bedroom villas located just off the main street in Seminyak at One Eleven Bali if you want to be close to all hotspots yet be able to retreat to your own spacious private villa with a pool and in-villa spa. Offering impeccable service in the surroundings of stunning interior design, you cannot go past One Eleven when looking for a place to stay with your loved one in downtown Seminyak.

• Prices start from 440US$ per night for a one bedroom villa with private pool including breakfast.

Browse more stunning villas in our  15 Best Seminyak Villas  list!

DAY 4 – SEMINYAK 

After indulging in breakfast – most likely consisting of mouthwatering smoothie bowls with a fresh coconut – discover the adventurous side in you and rent a scooter to beat traffic. Don’t worry – it looks more hectic than it actually is, think ‘organised chaos’.

The perfect day around Seminyak has to include:

• Relaxing at one of Bali’s famed beach clubs treating yourself to afternoon beachfront cocktails or retreat to your own private villa pool  to get lost in your latest novel.
• Venturing to the hip neighbouring surfer town Canggu offering a plethora of healthy cafés, beach bars and sunset spots. 
• Joining a yoga lesson – from Ashtanga to Bikram, Seminyak’s has some of  the island’s best yoga studios waiting for you to get bendy.
• Taking a beginners surfing lesson. Most of Bali’s west coast beaches along Seminyak and Legian offer great conditions for surf newbies. Simply ask a local surfboard rental to help you out!

BREAKFAST:   Elgin Avenue  

Address:  Jalan Mertanadi, Kerobokan Instagram: @elginavenue

Hop on your scooter and treat yourself to a meal at Elgin Avenue Café, just around the corner from famed Jalan Petitenget. Be prepared to find a well-thought-out menu with brunch classics as well as their signature Crispy Eggs Benedict (you’ll be spoilt for life) along with some of the best coffee you’ll have during your Bali holiday!

LUNCH: Saigon Street Bali 

Address:  Jalan Petitenget No. 77X, Seminyak Contact: Click here to book a table. Instagram: @saigonstreetbali

Situated in the heart of dining street Petitenget, Saigon Street Bali serves traditional Vietnamese dishes from the streets of Saigon and Hue with a never-seen-before twist. The healthy and light to-be-shared dishes will excite your taste buds whilst you soak up the 80ies vibe surrounded by the photogenic settings of the bright Saigon lights.

DINNER:   Urchin Raw & Grill 

Address:  Jalan Laksmana 22, Seminyak Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @urchin_bali

Located in the front of Seminyak institution The Colony Hotel, Urchin offers an innovative seafood menu (note: lobster roll), with beautifully crafted raw dishes. Its grilled meats are also sensational in appearance and on the palate. The restaurant features an inviting open kitchen, allowing you to sit back sipping your personal sommelier recommended wine while watching the master chefs in action.

Budget: Brown Feather

Address:  Jalan Batu Belig No.100, Seminyak Instagram: @thegalahotels

This unique, eco-friendly designed boutique hotel is located on up and coming shopping and dining strip Jalan Batu Belig, just around the corner from downtown Petitenget. Retreat from Seminyak’s hustle and bustle into the tranquil environment of this exotic location even while relaxing in your room. Take your relaxation to the next level with a warm bubble bath using the Brown Feather house-range amenities! A sandy brownstone exterior adorned with lush greenery and hints of vivid local flora welcomes you to this private boutique oasis in Seminyak.

• Prices start from 50US$ per night for a double room.

Luxe:    The Colony Hotel  

Address:  Jl. Laksmana No.22, Seminyak Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @thecolonyhotelbali

Located in a prime Seminyak location, a mere 120metres from the beach and only around the corner from busy Oberoi street, make The Colony Hotel Bali the perfect place to stay. Whether you decide to explore beach-side or go shopping crazy (no one blames you, it’s Bali after all!), you can always retreat to your heavenly sanctuary within a few minutes walk or cab ride. Choose from a large selection of different room types such as Superior Room and Grand Suite and treat yourself to a famed ‘Dancing Fingers’ within the boutique hotel after a long day!

• Prices start from 140US$ per night for a superior room.

DAY 5 – ULUWATU 

Pay a visit to your favorite Bali café  on your last morning in Seminyak – your body and mind will thank you later! H aul a registered BlueBird taxi or order your usual #Uber to venture down south to Bali’s Bukit peninsula. Beach paradise awaits!

Spend the rest of the day soaking in the dazzling clifftop views and watch the sun set on the endless horizon – find our two favourites for Bali’s best views below!

Coco & Poké at Single Fins 

Address: Single Fin, Pantai Suluban, Jl. Labuan Sait, Uluwatu Instagram: @cocopokebali

Located within iconic Single Fin, this newly added yumminess outlet serves traditional poke bowls, salad bowls and the world’s first vegan and bio-fermented coconut soft serve, CocoWhip. Grab your lunchtime favourite and enjoy the insane views over the soaring cliffs and blue waters of Uluwatu, pro surfers included!

Address:  Jl. Pantai Cemongkak, Uluwatu Contact:  +62 85100803416 Instagram: @elkabronbali

Perched 50 meters above sea level on the cliffs of Uluwatu, El Kabron Spanish Restaurant Cliff Club has one of the most secluded sunsets on the island of gods. Get ready to experience a truly Spanish atmosphere including Ibiza house music vibes and delicious seafood, paella and tapas dishes as well as a breathtaking 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean. With 365 days of astonishing sunsets, you cannot miss out on this exquisite Spanish dinner experience in one of Bali’s prime locations, and chill till late to international tunes.

Budget: Melali Bingin  

Address:  Jalan Melali, Gang Pirta, Bingin Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @melalibingin +

This hidden gem is only a short walk from beautiful Bingin Beach and offers two unique sunset suites as well as one private pool villa. When entering the boutique stay through its large Balinese wooden door, a lush tropical garden, an inviting pool and the warm smiles of their friendly staff awaits you. You shouldn’t miss their breakfast: with a large variety from smoothie bowls to smashed avocado. This will be one of your best Bali meals!

Tucked away on a local street, it’s the perfect place to relax, unwind and feel at home away from home.

• Prices start from 105US$ per night for a sunset suite.

Luxe:   Uluwatu Surf Villas

Address: Jalan Pantai Suluban, Uluwatu Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @uluwatusurfvillas

You have come to the right place if you’re after luxury Balinese style accommodation overlooking world class surf breaks and Indian ocean sunsets. The six villas (3- and 4-bedroom options) as well as their bungalow, loft room and two suit rooms leave plenty of choice for the perfect accommodation type – romantic getaway or surf trip with friends?

Treat yourself to delicious in-villa dining, hop in their salt water pools for a sunset swim after you climbed the private beach access back up, most likely with one of their free rental surfboards in hand. Must-Do: join their Morning Light Yoga class to fully relax and unwind.

• Prices start from 150US$ per night for a suite room.

DAY 6 – ULUWATU 

Be prepared for a full day of beach hopping, feasting and exploring! Hop on your scooter (don’t forget to wear a helmet!) and discover Bali’s white sandy beaches with glistening blue waters – you will be spoilt for choice with our 10 BEST BEACHES IN BALI guide.

MUST-DO’S IN ULUWATU:

1. Spend the day at Sundays Beach Club . Dreaming of Bali evokes pictures of white sandy beaches and glistening waters – a t one of Bali’s best beach clubs this dream becomes reality. The luxury beach front oasis offers the most picturesque backdrop for the perfect day out in Bali with a food menu to-die-for!

2. Go sun baking and for a swim at Thomas Beach for the ‘hidden gem’ feel and its picturesque shot from above. 

3. Take a beginners surf lesson at Bingin Beach  – for the non-surfers, rent snorkelling gear or a stand up paddle board.

4. Visit the ancient Hindu Uluwatu Temple.  Watch out for the cheeky monkeys!

5. Join the crowd at hip surfer hangout Single Fin’s for the incredible view and treat yourself to a cocktail while watching the sun set over the horizon.

Budget:   Le Yanandra Bali

Address: Jalan Pantai Balangan, Uluwatu Contact:  [email protected] Instagram: @le_yandandra_bali

Located a mere 300 metres from pictures Balangan beach, lies this bungalow accommodation paradise. Built with typically Balinese materials combined with a French touch, you’ll quickly feel at home when lounging on your private terrace over looking the pool. Their luxury bungalows accommodates up to 4 people, making it the perfect choice for a friends getaway! Sit back, relax and enjoy the prime sunset views from their lounge!

• Prices start from 113US$ per night for a bungalow.

LUXE:   THE UNGASAN CLIFFTOP RESORT

Address:  Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau. Ungasan 80362 Bali, Indonesia Bookings:  [email protected] Instagram:  @theungasan

The Ungasan Clifftop Resort offers one of the most stunning, undisturbed views over Bali’s mesmerising coastline and beyond. Offering a selection of 7 unique villas, tennis court, putting green, helicopter pad, 2 amazing restaurants, gym with a view, Vela Spa as well as one of  Bali’s best beach clubs   Sunday’s Beach Club  – this has to be your best choice when travelling to Bali’s south.

Get pampered by their dedicated personal service in a pure luxury setting within your private accommodation. Whether you are planning a family getaway, your wedding with the most stunning backdrop, or simply seek to unwind in discreet luxury by spoiling yourself with a stay in one of their 1-bedroom villas – The Ungasan will make sure your holiday in Bali will be unforgettable.

• Prices start from 550US$ per night for a one bedroom garden villa.

DAY 7 – ULUWATU 

Time flies when you are having fun! On your last day in Bali it’s all about soaking in the island’s best before bidding farewell!

• Treat yourself to a spa treatment at Senses Spa at La Joya Biu Biu . Must-Do and one of the most iconic Bali photo opps:  book 30mins in their stunning and famous jaccuzi atop the cliff.
• Go for a last dip in the ocean at picturesque Balangan beach with its photogenic row of palm trees offering the perfect backdrop for a last nostalgic snap.
• Have a smoothie, coffee or ice cold Bintang and watch the surfing at  Blue Point Beach .
• Treat yourself to one last Bali dinner at Di Mare restaurant at Karma Kandara . 

The best way to make the most out of your time in Bali is with Klook experiences . It’s your one stop tour shop for just about everything you can do in Bali for the best price and convenience.

HUNGRY IN BALI – THE ULTIMATE BALI DINING GUIDE WITH UNIQUE PRIVILEGES

Our guide directs you and your travel partners in crime to Bali’s 60 hottest must-visit venues as well as 3 heavenly spas that cannot be missed across Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and the Bukit Peninsula.

But the best is yet to come – each venue offers a unique privilege when presenting your  HUNGRY IN BALI   premium print hard copy  or  e-book  before ordering. Receive 2-for-1 main dishes and spa treatments, complimentary cocktails, free cake and ice cream (you heard right!) and many more unique privileges across Bali’s best restaurants, hippest cafes, trendiest beach clubs and most relaxing spas.

So we not only guide you to the hottest places in Bali – but we also help you to  save up to 10 00USD  on your Bali trip! Keep on reading for a sneak peek into  HUNGRY IN BALI ‘s unique privileges that will await you at the island’s most famed venues.

KEEP ON GETTING INSPIRED

THE BEST LUXURY VILLAS IN ULUWATU

THE BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANTS IN DUBAI

THE BEST WEDDING VENUES IN THAILAND

THE BEST SPAS IN BALI

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Personalized 7+ Days Guide for a Memorable Stay in Bali

Explore bali with an insightful travel guide immerse in culture, adventure, beauty, and food for an unforgettable 7+ day stay., $199.99 usd, $19.99 buy now.

Jonathan Menga

Over the last 18+ years, I've built business ventures that empowered me to travel. Currently, I'm a dedicated entrepreneur, pursuing my dreams, exploring the globe, and eagerly chasing sunrises. Rooted in artistry and lifestyle, I've curated a Bali guide— capturing my journey and assisting first-timers. Come along on this exploration, where I share tips for a personalized, memorable adventure. From cultural immersions to uncovering hidden gems, let's embark on this unforgettable journey together.

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Explore bali effortlessly with an insightful travel guide dive into culture, adventure, and beauty for an unforgettable 7+ day escape., cultural exploration, experience spiritual tapestry, vibrant energy, hospitality., nomad experiences, embark on bali's diverse culinary, fitness, and workspace spots., effortlessly navigate, effortlessly navigate bali with essential apps, budget planning, explore a budget planner, use a comprehensive workbook., awaken your senses in bali.

Welcome to our Bali Travel Guide—an immersive gateway to the island's charm. Uncover the secrets of Bali, from pristine beaches to cultural treasures, as you navigate through personalized recommendations for an unforgettable and tailor-made experience.

Culture & Traditions

Embark on bali's journey, where vibrant traditions, ancient rituals, and warm hospitality promise an unforgettable cultural adventure..

• Visit Ornate Temples
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Immerse in bali's charm with varied activities—adventures, cultural excursions, and laid-back escapes—for an enjoyable and personalized experience..

• Water Sports and Coastal Activities
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Indulge in bali's culinary scene, exploring local and international flavors at diverse restaurants and charming cafes for a delightful culinary experience..

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You’re personal guide that will help you to explore bali with top experiences.

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• Helpful Tips: Benefit from insider tips and hacks to make the most of your Bali adventure.
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Travel Experiences

Unlock insider guides and time-saving planners for your bali adventure. plan your bali trip effortlessly., the guide spilled all of bali's gems, making my trip a breeze. the aesthetics are nice with a load of info. i extend huge thanks for the effortless trip, i was planning a trip to bali with my partner and trying to figure everything out was challenging. there was a lot to do but i didn’t know where to start. this guy clearly knows this place. the planner was a nice touch., wow. i’m impressed with this guide. there’s lots of tips and a mix of activities that i enjoyed so much. i wish he had more guides for other big destinations., i was surprised at how much he wrote about nusa penida, its such a beautiful place. the views are out of this world and yeah lol be careful with those steps. this is a must have travel guide., have you seen the rice fields this place is insane. i took my girlfriend on walks and it was simply stunning. i like how he included the budget planner and itinerary. the example was nice, it gave me a clear idea. thanks dude, let me tell you. this bali guide was effortless. well written and packed with so much information that helped me on my solo trip. i am so thankful. big time saver, get your personal bali travel guide now​, discover bali's best-kept secrets, wonders, and insider tips for a stress-free vacation.

Bali Travel Guide

Frequently asked questions, let's clear things up for your epic bali trip uncover answers to your questions..

Ideally, the best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which typically runs from April to September. This period offers sunny weather and ideal conditions for outdoor activities. With climate change, things have shifted. You can now visit during winter months and experience summer weather (Plus 34 degrees celsius/93 degrees Fahrenheit) with occasional light rain once or twice during the week for 30 minutes.

In 2024, Bali has revised its entry policies, and as of now, vaccinations are no longer a requirement for travelers. However, it’s advisable to stay informed about any updates or changes in travel regulations.

If you’re planning your Bali vacation, I suggest spending around 7 to 10 days or more to explore the best things to do in Bali. From cultural sites to adventure activities, make the most of your vacation in Bali for an unforgettable experience.

Getting your Bali travel guide is a breeze! After purchasing, you’ll have immediate access to download the pdf file. Additionally, we’ll send you a link via email. Don’t forget to check your spam folder! This travel buddy is packed with travel tips, including insights on adventure sports, stays, places to stay and more. It’s your key to an amazing Bali experience.

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Inspired by artistry and lifestyle, I've crafted a Bali guide—documenting my journey and aiding first-timers. Join this exploration, where personalized tips ensure a memorable adventure. From cultural immersions to unveiling hidden gems, let's embark on this unforgettable journey together.

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

The Best of Bali – Indonesia in 9 Days | Travel Itinerary + Guide

Unveil the enchanting allure of Bali , where vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights converge to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our meticulously crafted 9-day Bali travel itinerary , covering some of the best places to visit in Bali and the best things to do in Bali , invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of this Indonesian gem, exploring diverse locales that range from the cultural haven of Ubud to the beachside bliss of Seminyak .

Indulge in exhilarating outdoor adventures, savour authentic Balinese and international cuisine, and bask in the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re trekking at dawn to witness the sunrise from the majestic Mount Batur , relishing the laid-back island vibes of Gili Trawangan , or catching waves during a surfing lesson on Kuta Beach , Bali promises an extraordinary journey filled with unforgettable moments.

Join us as we guide you through the best sights, activities, and dining experiences that Bali has to offer, ensuring that your Bali getaway is not just a vacation but a remarkable odyssey. Discover why Bali is often referred to as the “ Island of the Gods ” as you explore its wonders day by day in this 9 Day Bali Trip Itinerary.

Welcome to your Bali adventure of a lifetime!

PS – Before you head to Bali and discover the beauty of the Top Sights and Attractions in Bali , during your 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary , as  listed below, check out these 20+ Travel Hacks and Resources , that will help you plan better for a trip and ultimately elevate your Travel experience to a different level all together.

Day 1 – Arrival | Dive into the Culture in Ubud

Day 2 – ubud | rice terraces and countryside cycling, day 3 – ubud | sunrise atop mount batur, day 4 – gili trawangan | island paradise, day 5 – gili trawangan | island adventures, day 6 – seminyak | beachside bliss and partying, day 7 – nusa penida day trip | instagrammable locations, day 8 – kuta beach | surfing adventure, day 9 – departure | farewell to bali, top sights and attractions in bali, eat these local dishes in bali, where to stay in bali, things to buy in bali –  your bali shopping guide, ➡️ do indians need a visa for bali, ➡️ what’s the best time to visit bali, ➡️ what should i pack for bali, ➡️ what should i wear in bali, ➡️ is bali a safe destination for travellers, ➡️ what currency is used in bali, and where can i exchange money, ➡️ what are the must-visit attractions in bali, ➡️ is it safe to drink tap water in bali, ➡️ what’s the local language in bali, and do people speak english, ➡️ what are some of the most common terms and phrases in the local language in bali, ➡️ are there vegetarian and vegan food options in bali, ➡️ what are the best indian restaurants in bali, ➡️ what are the cultural norms and etiquette to follow in bali, ➡️ is bali an expensive destination for travellers, ➡️ can i use my credit card in bali, ➡️ how can i get around bali, ➡️ what should i do in case of a medical emergency in bali, 9 day bali travel itinerary – summarised, share this:, bali trip itinerary – 9 days in paradise.

• Morning: After landing at Bali Airport, make your way to Ubud. You can download GRAB or GoJek – the best travel planning mobile apps in South East Asia, and book your cheap taxi to Ubud from Bali Airport. After checking into your Ubud Hotel, you can Begin your Balinese adventure at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary . Wander among ancient temples and lush jungle while curious monkeys play around you.
• Afternoon: Dive into the heart of Ubud’s cultural scene by exploring its traditional markets, including the Ubud Art Market . Pick up unique handcrafted souvenirs and immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere.
• Evening: As the sun sets, head to the Ubud Palace for a mesmerising traditional Balinese dance performance.

Traditional Balinese Dance Performance at Ubud Palace ☑️

• Morning: Explore the breathtaking Tegallalang Rice Terraces . Stand in awe of the emerald green stepped fields that are iconic to Bali, and tick off the famous Bali Swing photoshoot here. Then make your way to a Coffee Plantation and try over 12 varieties of Coffee and Tea, including the World’s Most Expensive Coffee – Luwak Coffee, also known as cat poo coffee. You’ll also learn the different steps followed in the production of Luwak Coffee. The next stop will be for Brunch in Kintamani Bali overlooking the majestic Mount Kintamani Volcano.
• Afternoon: Post brunch, its time to feel the wind in your hair as you embark on a Bali Countryside Cycling Tour . Pedal through charming villages, lush rice fields, bamboo forests and meet friendly locals along the way. You will even get the chance to visit the village of Penglipuran , which has been rated as one of the Cleanest Villages in the World.
• Evening: Relish some free time for relaxation or choose to explore more of Ubud, perhaps visiting an art gallery or enjoying a spa treatment.

Get clicked at the Insta Famous Bali Swings ☑️

Bali Countryside Cycling Tour with a visit to Penglipuran Village and Bamboo Forest ☑️

• Early Morning: Begin your day with an adrenaline-pumping adventure – the famous Mt Batur Sunrise Trek . Watch as the sun paints the sky with vibrant hues while enjoying breakfast with a view.
• Late Morning: Descend from the volcano hike and return to your Ubud hotel for a well-deserved rest.
• Afternoon: If you’re up for more adventure, explore nearby attractions like the natural hot springs at Toya Devasya or go on the Tirta Empul Temple Tour by GetYourGuide.
• Evening: Head to the popular club – Cretya Ubud for an epic Sundowner and reflect on your incredible sunrise experience while enjoying a tranquil evening in Ubud.

Witness a glorious Sunrise from Mt Batur ☑️

• Morning: Travel from Ubud to Gili Trawangan by speedboat, where paradise awaits.
• Afternoon: On arrival in Gili Trawangan , make your way to your Gili Trawangan hotel, such as Gili Beachfront Suites , by walking or by hopping onto a cidmo *horse – drawn carriage). Post check in, take your time to soak in the beauty of Gili Trawangan. You can choose to just relax by the beach, or even jump into the crystal clear waters for a quick swim.
• Evening: Experience the island’s laid-back charm, vibrant night life and diverse cuisine at the Gili Trawangan night market or at any of the numerous lively Gili T bars and restaurants.

PS – The island of Gili Trawangan, is known as the Party Island, so be prepared to let yourself loose, and just party the night away.

Chill by the beach in Gili Trawangan overlooking pristine blue waters ☑️

Try out local Indonesian delicacies ☑️

• Morning: After a leisure breakfast go Scuba Diving in Gili Trawangan or hop on to a boat for the popular 3 island Snorkelling Tour . Don’t forget to check out the famous BASK Nest – the Gili Meno Underwater Statues.
• Afternoon: Explore the island’s charms on a bicycle, Indulge in more beach time or head towards the west side of Gili Trawangan for the best sunset vibes.
• Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife on Gili Trawangan. Dance under the stars and make new friends from around the world.

Scuba Diving in Gili Islands ☑️ | Finding Nemo ☑️

Sundowner in Gili Trawangan ☑️ | Shopping at Gili T Night Market ☑️

• Morning: Return to Bali by speedboat and head from Padang Bai to your Bali hotel in Seminyak/Kuta. Post check in, head to the beach and sink your toes into the golden sands and relax to the sound of the waves.
• Late Afternoon and Evening: Head to any of the popular and famous beach clubs of Bali such as Potato Head Beach Club. Soak into the vibes, enjoy the delectable dishes and craft fully concocted cocktails, as you enjoy a beautiful Bali Sunset. Post sundowner, the atmosphere of Potato Head Beach Club completely transforms, and becomes even more lively, making this one of the best things to do in Bali.

Sundowner at Potato Head Beach Club ☑️

• Morning: Get transferred from your hotel in Seminyak/Kuta to Sanur to embark on a thrilling ferry ride to Nusa Penida for the Nusa Penida Day Trip .
• Day Trip Highlights: Explore Angel’s Billabong – a natural infinity pool, Broken Beach – a surreal coastal formation, the mesmerising Kelingking Beach with its T-Rex shaped cliffs. and relax at Crystal Bay.
• Evening: Take the speedboat ferry back from Nusa Penida to Sanur, and Return to Seminyak/Kuta to enjoy a leisurely evening. Or you can head to the Seminyak Flea Market or the Kuta Beach Street to indulge in some shopping therapy.

Visit Kelingking Beach and other highlights of Nusa Penida ☑️

• Morning: Ride the waves with a surfing lesson at Kuta Beach . Bali is renowned for its surf culture, and Kuta is a fantastic place for beginners to catch their first waves.
• Afternoon and Evening: Use this time to just soak in the Bali vibes by the beach. Later in the afternoon head to another famous beach club of Bali – Finns Beach Club , for a couple of drinks and an epic Bali sunset. Party the night away on the last day of this Epic 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary, whilst enjoying the sumptuous food, and artisanal cocktails.

Party at Finns Beach Club – The Best Beach Club in Bali ☑️ | Photo by shawnanggg on Unsplash

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, consider some last-minute shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at the beach.
• Afternoon: Check out of your Bali hotel and head to the Bali Airport for your departure from this enchanting island.

After 9 beautiful days in paradise, this 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary comes to an end. And it’s time to bid adieu to Bali, and fly out with with bucketloads of memories.

Pin this Bali Travel Itinerary and Guide and SAVE it for your Epic 9 Day Bali Trip.

• Uluwatu Temple: Explore this clifftop temple with dramatic views and attend the Kecak Fire Dance at sunset.
• Tanah Lot Temple: If time permits, do visit this iconic sea temple during low tide and add it to your Bali Travel Itinerary.
• Ubud Art Market: Browse art, textiles, and handicrafts made by local artisans.
• Tegenungan Waterfall: Take a refreshing dip in the pools beneath this beautiful waterfall near Ubud.
• Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: Explore another stunning rice terrace area, known for its UNESCO World Heritage status.
• Besakih Temple: Known as the Mother Temple of Bali , it’s the largest and holiest temple on the island, and should definitely find a spot on your 9 day Bali Travel Itinerary.
• Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – The iconic temple on the shores of Lake Beratan.

The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – One of the Most Iconic Attractions of Bali | Photo by Guillaume Marques on Unsplash

Bali offers a diverse and flavourful culinary scene that combines traditional Indonesian dishes with international influences. And while you can get delectable dishes from International Cuisines, easily in Bali, in this Bali Travel Guide and 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary , we recommend you that you try the local Indonesian cuisine as well, and appreciate the local flavours and culture even more.

To make your life easy, here are some local dishes and delicacies you can relish in Bali, as experimenting local dishes is one of the Best Things to do in Bali :

1. Nasi Goreng (Balinese Fried Rice): Nasi Goreng is a popular Indonesian dish consisting of fried rice mixed with vegetables, egg, and a choice of chicken, shrimp, or seafood. It’s often garnished with prawn crackers and a fried egg. (Vegetarian option available.)

2. Mie Goreng (Balinese Fried Noodles): Mie Goreng is a delightful stir-fried noodle dish that includes vegetables, soy sauce, and your choice of protein. It’s a flavourful alternative to fried rice. (Vegetarian option available.)

3. Nasi Campur (Balinese Mixed Rice): Nasi Campur features a small serving of steamed rice accompanied by an array of side dishes, including vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and a protein of your choice. Presentation can vary widely. (Vegetarian option available.)

4. Ayam Betutu (Balinese Stuffed Chicken): Ayam Betutu is a Balinese specialty that involves stuffing chicken with a blend of traditional herbs and spices, wrapping it in banana leaves, and slow-cooking it to perfection.

5. Bebek Betutu (Balinese Stuffed Duck): Similar to Ayam Betutu, but duck is the star of this dish. It’s seasoned, marinated, and slow-cooked to create a rich and flavorful dish.

6. Nasi Padang (Sumatran Feast): While originally from Sumatra, you can find Nasi Padang restaurants in Bali. It’s a hearty meal consisting of rice served with a variety of small dishes, including meats, vegetables, and curries.

7. Sate (Balinese Skewers): Sate are skewered and grilled meats, often served with a delectable peanut sauce. Varieties include Sate Ayam (chicken), Sate Babi (pork), and Sate Lilit (minced seafood).

8. Lawar (Balinese Vegetable Mix): Lawar is a traditional Balinese dish featuring finely chopped vegetables, coconut, and minced meat or fish. It’s seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, creating a burst of flavors.

9. Babi Guling (Balinese Roast Pig): Babi Guling is a Balinese-style roast pig, usually reserved for special occasions. The pig is marinated with turmeric and spices, resulting in a flavorful and crispy skin.

10. Pisang Goreng (Balinese Banana Fritters): Pisang Goreng is a beloved snack made from deep-fried banana fritters, often dusted with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness. (Vegetarian)

11. Dadar Gulung (Balinese Green Pancakes): Dadar Gulung is a delightful dessert comprising green crepes rolled around a sweet coconut and palm sugar filling. It’s a visually appealing and delicious treat.(Vegetarian)

12. Kopi Tubruk (Balinese Coffee): Enjoy Balinese coffee, often served with palm sugar, known for its robust flavor and aroma, making it a must-try for coffee aficionados.

13. Es Campur (Balinese Mixed Ice): Satisfy your sweet tooth with Es Campur, a refreshing dessert that combines crushed ice with a medley of fruits, jellies, and sweet syrup.

Indulge in these mouthwatering Balinese dishes to savour the diverse and delectable flavours of this Indonesian paradise. Bali’s culinary scene offers a delightful blend of tastes and textures that cater to a wide range of palates.

Experiment with Local Flavours of Bali ☑️

Bali, which is one of the best solo trip destinations in South East Asia , is known for its rich culture and craftsmanship, making it a fantastic destination for souvenir shopping.

Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Bali, that we recommend in this Bali Travel Itinerary and 9 Day Bali trip guide:

• Balinese Handicrafts: Bali is famous for its intricate woodcarvings, stone carvings, and silver work. You can find beautifully carved masks, statues, and figurines that represent Balinese culture and mythology.
• Batik Fabric: Batik is a traditional Indonesian art of dyeing fabric. You can purchase batik clothing, sarongs, scarves, and tablecloths in vibrant colours and patterns.
• Jewellery : Bali is renowned for its silver jewellery. You can find exquisite silver necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings often featuring Balinese motifs and intricate designs.
• Traditional Balinese Paintings: Balinese artists create vibrant and colorful paintings that depict scenes from Balinese mythology, landscapes, and daily life. These make for beautiful wall art and souvenirs.
• Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets): Wayang Kulit are traditional Indonesian shadow puppets made of intricately carved leather. They are used in traditional performances and can be a unique and decorative souvenir.
• Traditional Masks: Balinese masks are not only beautiful but also have cultural significance. They are used in dances and ceremonies. A Balinese mask can be a striking decorative piece for your home.
• Luwak Coffee: Bali is known for its coffee, and Luwak coffee is a specialty. It’s made from beans that have been eaten and excreted by civet cats. The unique processing gives it a distinctive flavor.
• Spices and Seasonings: Balinese spices and seasonings, such as vanilla beans, cloves, and nutmeg, are of high quality and make excellent souvenirs for food enthusiasts.
• Traditional Balinese Textiles: Apart from batik, Bali also produces ikat and songket textiles. These can be purchased as fabric or in the form of clothing, bags, or accessories.
• Bali Fragrances: Bali is known for its fragrances, including incense, essential oils, and aromatic soaps. You can find unique scents like frangipani and sandalwood.
• Bali Coffee and Tea: Alongside Luwak coffee, you can buy a variety of locally grown coffee and tea as souvenirs. These come in attractive packaging and make for great gifts.
• Bali Bamboo Products: Bali is known for its sustainable bamboo products, including homeware, utensils, and even bamboo straws, which are eco-friendly and stylish.

When shopping for souvenirs in Bali, consider visiting local markets, art shops, and galleries to find authentic and high-quality items. Bargaining is common in markets, so don’t hesitate to negotiate the price to get the best deal.

Shopping in Bali ☑️

Bali Travel Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Answered

Travellers from India often have specific questions when planning a trip to Bali, given the cultural differences, visa requirements, and other considerations.

Here are some common FAQs related to Bali specially for Indian travellers:

Indian citizens can visit Bali with a Visa on Arrival for up to 30 days for tourism purposes. If you plan to stay longer, you may need to apply for a visa extension. You don’t need to show any documentation, you simply have to hand over your Passport along with the Bali Visa on Arrival (VoA) fees of 35 USD, at the Bali Immigration Counter.

Bali’s dry season, from April to September, is considered the best time to visit, with pleasant weather and lower chances of rain. However, Bali is a year-round destination, so the choice of when to visit depends on your preferences.

Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a universal power adapter, mosquito repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.

Bali is a tropical destination, so lightweight and comfortable clothing is recommended. Modest clothing is appreciated when visiting temples, and it’s important to pack swimwear for beach activities.

Bali is generally safe for tourists. Exercise the same caution as you would in any other tourist destination, such as safeguarding your belongings and avoiding poorly lit areas at night.

The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You can exchange money at airports, banks, or currency exchange offices in tourist areas.

Bali offers numerous attractions, including the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegallalang Rice Terraces , Uluwatu Temple, and stunning beaches like Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach. Check here for more of the Best Sights and Attractions in Bali.

It’s best to drink bottled water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Bottled water is readily available and affordable.

The official language is Bahasa Indonesia, but many Balinese people working in the tourism industry speak English. Learning a few basic Indonesian phrases can be helpful and appreciated.

When traveling to Bali, it’s helpful to know some common terms and phrases in the local language, which is Bahasa Indonesia. While many people in Bali also speak English, using a few local phrases can enhance your travel experience and show respect for the local culture. Here are some common terms and phrases:

• Selamat Pagi (seh-LAH-maht PAH-gee) – Good morning.
• Selamat Siang (seh-LAH-maht SEE-ahng) – Good afternoon.
• Selamat Sore (seh-LAH-maht SOH-ray) – Good evening.
• Selamat Malam (seh-LAH-maht MAH-lahm) – Good night.
• Apa Kabar? (AH-pah KAH-bar) – How are you?
• Baik (BAH-eek) – Good, fine.
• Terima Kasih (tuh-REE-mah KAH-see) – Thank you.
• Sama Sama (SAH-mah SAH-mah) – You’re welcome.
• Permisi (pehr-MEE-see) – Excuse me.
• Maaf (MAH-ahf) – Sorry.
• Tidak (TEE-dahk) – No.
• Ya (YAH) – Yes.
• Tolong (TOH-lohng) – Please.
• Sampai Jumpa (SAHM-pahy JOOM-pah) – Goodbye.
• Saya (SAH-yah) – I, me.
• Nama Saya (NAH-mah SAH-yah) – My name is…
• Bisa bicara Bahasa Inggris? (BEE-sah BEE-CHAHR-ah BAH-hah-sah ING-griss?) – Can you speak English?
• Di mana…? (DEE MAH-nah) – Where is…?
• Berapa harganya? (BEH-rah-pah HAR-gah-nyah?) – How much is it?
• Tolong bantu saya (TOH-lohng BAHN-too SAH-yah) – Please help me.
• Ini enak (EE-nee EH-nahk) – This is delicious.
• Boleh minta bon? (BOH-leh MEEN-tah bohn?) – Can I have the bill/check?

Learning and using these basic phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and make your trip to Bali more enjoyable. Indonesians generally appreciate when travellers make an effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a few words.

Yes, Bali offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan restaurants and menu options, especially in popular tourist areas like Ubud and Seminyak.

Travellers can find a variety of Indian restaurants in Bali, including in popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Indian cuisine is widely available, and many restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Here are our recommendations about The Best Indian Restaurants  in Bali – 

Ubud – Queen’s of India | Warung Ganesha | Ganesha Ek Sanskriti

Gili Trawangan – Pesona Lounge

Seminyak / Kuta – Indian Delites | Queen’s Tandoor | Kailash Parbat | Gateway of India | Spice Mantraa

Balinese culture values politeness and respect. It’s important to dress modestly when visiting temples, remove your shoes before entering someone’s home, and be mindful of local customs and traditions.

Bali is one of the most popular budget travel destinations in the World, and is quite affordable, specially for Indian travellers, especially when compared to some other international destinations. Accommodation, food, and transportation options vary, so budget-conscious travellers can find suitable options.

Credit cards are widely accepted in Bali, especially in tourist areas. However, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in more remote areas.

Transportation options in Bali include taxis, ride-sharing apps, rental scooters, and private drivers. Be sure to negotiate taxi fares before starting your journey. We recommend you to download the best travel planning app in Bali – GRAB or GoJek.

Bali has medical facilities, but it’s advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses. In case of an emergency, contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.

We hope that the FAQs, shared here in this Bali Travel Itinerary, should help everyone, specially Indian travellers plan a smoother and more enjoyable trip to Bali. It’s always a good idea to stay updated on travel advisories and guidelines, especially in light of changing conditions.

The Beauty of Tegallalang Rice Fields in Ubud | Photo by Frans Daniels on Unsplash

✴️ Day 1 – Arrival in Bali | Airport transfer from Bali Airport to Ubud | Check In at Ubud Hotel | Visit Monkey Forest Ubud and explore the traditional markets of Ubud including the Ubud Art Market

✴️ Day 2 – Visit Tegallalang Rice fields and tick off the Bali Swing experience | Enjoy brunch at Kintamani Bali overlooking the Kintamani Volcano | Bali Countryside Cycle Tour | Leisure time in Ubud

✴️ Day 3 –  Wake up at 2 AM to get picked up for the Mt Batur Sunrise Trek | Relax at the Ubud hotel | Optional visit to Tirta Empul temple | Sundowner at Cretya Ubud

✴️ Day 4 – Transfer from Ubud to Padang Bai Harbour | Speedboat transfer from Padang Bai to Gili Trawangan | Check in at hotel in Gili Trawangan | Day at leisure | Chase the famous Gili sunsets and enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Gili T

✴️ Day 5 – Go Scuba Diving in Gili Islands or do the 3 island Snorkelling Tour | Day at Leisure | Sundowner by the Beach | Visit the Gili Trawangan Night Market for local dinner.

✴️ Day 6 – Speedboat transfer from Gili T to Padang Bai harbour | Transfer from Padang Bai to your Bali hotel in Seminyak/Kuta | Check in at Hotel in Seminyak/Kuta | Day at leisure | Sundowner at Potato Head Beach Club

✴️ Day 7 – Transfer to Sanur from hotel | Speedboat from Sanur to Nusa Penida | Nusa Penida Day Trip | Return to Sanur and evening at leisure | Shopping at Seminyak Flea Market / Kuta Beach Road

✴️ Day 8 – Surfing lesson at Kuta Beach | Day at leisure | Evening at Finns Beach Club

✴️ Day 9 – Transfer from Seminyak/Kuta to Bali Airport | Departure from Bali by flight

This meticulously designed Bali trip itinerary combines cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and beachside bliss to make your Bali experience truly magical. Let Bali’s charm enchant you, leaving you with lasting impressions of this remarkable destination. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on the adventure of a lifetime – Bali awaits your arrival!

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Things to Do In Bali

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Known as the Island of the Gods , Bali is an island paradise that has much to offer its visitors. Lush  rice fields , ancient temples , magical sunsets, traditional villages , idyllic beaches and the best hotels in the world are some of the island's most remarkable attractions.

• Information
• What to See
• Getting to Bali
• Where to Stay
• What to Eat

Tourism in Bali

Despite what many people think, Bali is not just a holiday destination that offers paradisiacal  beaches , but it also has a lot more to offer its range of tourists. In Bali, you can enjoy the mountain as well as coastal landscapes, rich cultural heritage as well as many unique and fun activities!

Bali's main advantage is that it offers luxury hotels and private villas with swimming pools and spectacular views at an affordable price , making it a common choice among honeymooners and couples . Accommodation isn't the only place you'll find value for your money in Bali; on this incredible island, you can treat yourself to luxury massages and spa treatments whilst still staying within your budget.

Book Your Hotel in Advance

You can get up to 75% off the current rates when booking your accommodation in advance. Follow this link to check out the best deals:

• Hotels in Bali - Book online for the lowest price guarantee

Booking in advance not only comes with the advantage of securing your reservation but also offers the flexibility to cancel up until the day before your expected arrival. Plus, you won't need to worry about payment until you actually check in at the hotel.

top activities

On this unforgettable  private 4x4 tour of Mount Batur , you'll be driven through the most incredible landscapes under the light of the sunrise.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek + Hot Springs Delve deep into Bali's stunning beauty on this Mount Batur trek, with unforgettable sunrise views. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and relax in the hot springs.

Balinese Wedding Ceremony Get married in Bali! Celebrate your love through traditional Balinese rituals in this unforgettable romantic religious ceremony.

Lempuyang Temple Private Trip Pura Lempuyang , known as the Gates of Heaven, is one of the largest and most spectacular temples in Indonesia, with views you won't forget. 

Boat to the Gili Islands What's a trip to Indonesia without a visit to the paradise beaches of the Gili Islands? Get there quickly and comfortably with these boat transfers!

Uluwatu & Jimbaran Bay Private Tour Explore paradise on the southern tip of Bali  and visit the clifftop Uluwatu temple, one of the island's most beautiful places, and the stunning Jimbaran beach.

Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling Explore the underwater beauty of the waters of Bali with this Nusa Penida & Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling. An essential activity while you're visiting Indonesia.

Blue Lagoon Bali Snorkeling Make the most of this unique experience and  dive into the Balinese waters, discover marine fauna and snorkel around Blue Lagoon Beach in Padang Bai.

Eastern Bali and Pura Besakih Temple Tour Discover the unique local culture of different Balinese villages , visit Gianyar market, explore the Bamboo Forest & visit the sacred Pura Besakih temple.

Ubud, Goa Gajah and Central Bali Tour Be surprised by Ubud, the Tirta Empul temple, the Goa Gajah cave and Bali's other treasures , with this tour around the stunning centre of the island.

Ubud Guided Tour On this guided tour of Ubud, we'll discover the most interesting landmarks of this town in Bali, including the Royal Palace and the Pura Taman Saraswati temple.

Tanah Lot, the Nung Nung Waterfalls and Bedgul Be amazed by the power and majesty of the Nung Nung waterfall with this day trip which also takes in the temples of  Tanah Lot  and  Bedugul .

Balinese Massage Feel absolute peace and relaxation, and release tension, with an amazing Balinese massage. An essential experience if you are in Bali.

Bedugul and Tanah Lot Tour Explore the breathtaking temples of Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan and Taman Ayun , climb to the lakes of Bedugul and see the Jatiluwih rice terraces.

Rafting & Quad Biking in Bali Experience a true adventure in Bali  by exploring its dense jungle on a  quad bike and rafting  through its river rapids. You'll have a blast!

Mount Batur Sunrise 4x4 Tour Enjoy a magical sunrise on Mount Batur on this 4x4 tour that will take you on a drive through its volcanic landscapes at dawn. An unforgettable moment!

Bali Private Car Rental with Driver Do you want to tour Bali in a private vehicle with a driver just for you and your group? This car rental service will take you anywhere on the island!

Taman Ujung and Tirta Gangga Foating Palaces The village of Tenganan, the Taman Ujung floating palace, Bugubg beach ... Discover the wonders of eastern Bali with this tour in English.

Explore a hidden gem in the jungle of Bali  with this private hiking route through the Sekumpul waterfalls. You'll also visit the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple !

Boat to Nusa Penida & Gili Islands Island hopping in Indonesia is a must-do experience: discover the charms of Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands with this flexible boat transfer ticket from Bali.

Electric Bike Tour of Bali Rice Terraces Visit one of Indonesia's most beautiful natural sights: Bali's rice fields.  Discover a new side of the island on this tour of rural Ubud by electric bike .

Snorkelling in Nusa Penida Join us to discover the tropical paradise of Nusa Penida on this snorkelling trip and visit Manta Bay  and many heavenly beaches .

Balinese Cooking Class In this Balinese cooking class , you'll visit a local market, get to know the typical food of the island, and then taste your creations after!

Surf & Yoga Retreat: 3 Days in Nusa Lembongan Get away from Bali with this unforgettable three-day retreat on Nusa Lembongan. Learn to surf, relax with yoga classes, and enjoy snorkeling!

Bali Dinner Cruise Discover Nusa Lembongan on this dinner cruise from Bali. You'll enjoy a magical sunset, a delicious meal, a live show and go snorkelling!

Bali Safari and Marine Park Ticket Immerse yourself in nature and wildlife at the Bali Safari and Marine Park . You can check out all of the fascinating species that live in the area

Rafting in Bali Ride the rapids of the Ayung River and enjoy an unforgettable adventure rafting in Bali as you discover its magnificent landscapes.  

Pinggan Viewpoint + Batur Thermal Pools Tour This tour to the Pinggan viewpoint is the perfect option to admire one of the most beautiful sunrises in Bali . Then relax in the thermal pools of Batur .

Want to see the sunrise from the highest point of Bali?  Don't miss this private hiking route on Mount Agung - an experience you'll never forget!

Ubud Yoga Class Discover the most spiritual side of the island of the gods with this yoga class in the jungle of Ubud - the perfect place to reset your mind, body & soul!

Barong Dance and Kintamani Private Tour Traditional dance, luscious rice terraces, exotic scenery, beautiful temples and shrines - experience daily life in Bali and discover its incredible culture.

Bali Quad Bike Tour Rev your engines and feel the adrenaline course through your veins on this exciting  quad bike tour of Bali . Explore the Indonesian jungle in a new way! 

Ubud & Kintamani Bike Tour Cycle through rice paddies, coffee plantations, rural villages, mountains and lakes on our unforgettable bike tour of Ubud and Kintamani .

Uluwatu Temple Tour + Kecak Dance Complete your trip to Bali by visiting the Uluwatu temple and attending the kecak dance show , a typical Balinese dance in Uluwatu. It'll be unforgettable!

Trunyan Day Trip On this excursion to Trunyan , we'll see its gloomy open cemetery and learn about its legends. Plus, you'll get to relax in the hot springs of Lake Batur !

Scuba Diving in Bali Discover the magic of underwater life off the coast of Bali: enjoy scuba diving amongst the tropical fish, coral reefs and turtles of the Indian Ocean.

Bus Between Kuta & Ubud With a ticket for this bus in Bali , you'll be able to move comfortably between Kuta and Ubud , two of the main cities of this paradisiacal island of Indonesia.

Canyoning in Bali Step away from the beaches and let your adrenaline run wild with this  canyoning adventure  around the island's lesser-known natural scenery.

Bali Bird Park Ticket Visit Bali Bird Park and unlock a world of captivating fauna from Indonesia and around the globe. Immerse yourself in  flight exhibitions  during your visit!

Motorcycle Tour in Bali Experience the feeling of the open road and freedom with this motorcycle tour in Bali . Road motorcycles and off-road motorcycles are available to choose from.

Speedboat transfer to Nusa Lembongan Discover one of Bali's best-kept secrets with this speedboat transfer to Nusa Lembongan . White beaches, sun, and relaxation await you on this idyllic island!

On this 3-day tour to Mount Bromo and Ijen we'll discover the active volcanoes of Java, where you'll be amazed by the most impressive landscapes of the island!

On this excursion to Nusa Penida , we'll visit the most famous spots of this paradisical Indonesian island and enjoy crystalline waters and fantastic views!

Kecak Dance Show in Ubud No visit to the " Island of the Gods " is complete without witnessing a kecak dance show ! Sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most popular shows in Ubud .

Boat to Nusa Lembongan & Gili Islands Discover the hidden paradises of Indonesia with this flexible boat transfer to Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands from Bali. Pristine white sand beaches await!

Tamblingan & Buyan Lakes Trek Discover the breathtakingly wild landscapes of Bali's mountains with this trekking and canoeing tour around the Tamblingan and Buyan Lakes .

Devdan Show in Nusa Dua Theatre Discover Indonesian culture at  The Devnan Show , which showcases island dances , music , fire , and acrobatics in one thrilling evening.

Barong Dance in Batubulan Village Explore  Balinese culture with our Barong dance show . Delve into the rich history and mythology surrounding this ritual with spirits, dragons, and warriors

Snorkelling in Bali Bali is known for its amazing crystal-clear turquoise waters, making it the perfect place to snorkel and discover a wealth of incredible marine life.

Lombok Boat Trip from Bali Pristine beaches, spectacular waterfalls, a towering volcano... Discover the paradise Indonesian island of Lombok at your own pace with this boat transfer.

Speedboat Transfer to Nusa Penida Do you want to escape to a paradise island? Nusa Penida is the perfect place to spend a day sunbathing or enjoying a refreshing dip in the sea.

Best Beaches in Bali Tour The south of Bali has paradise beaches such as Geger, Green Bowl and other extraordinary sights sure to stick with you for life. Are you ready?!

Guided Tour of Denpasar Discover Denpasar, the capital and largest city in Bali. Experience its great contrast between tradition and modernity, visiting museums, markets and more.

Finns Day Passes Experience a day of both relaxation and fun at the fantastic Finns Beach Club . You'll enjoy the pool and the spa at  one of the island's top beach clubs

Introducing Bali

Introducing Bali  is a travel guide written by travellers who wish to use their personal experiences on the island to help future visitors make the most of their trip. We hope our guide helps you to enjoy Bali to the fullest and discover its best features.

The information and data in the guide were gathered in August 2022. If you come across any inaccuracies or you notice something that you think should be modified, let us know . 

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