travel reviews on bali

The Truth About Bali: Brutal Honest Review…

Hello and welcome back! I am glad that you found your way to my little blog. Today I want to talk about the time I spent in Bali and the things that I observed. Many of them were things I wasn’t happy to see, that brought me to write this post. And I think in order to pursue sustainable travel as much as I possibly can, I need to give an honest review of Bali.

To be clear about our trip: I visited Bali in 2018 together with my parents and boyfriend. We stayed in the Breezy Point Villas in Nusa Dua for a week. From Nusa Dua, we had day trips to Ubud, Seminyak and Changgu. We saw rice fields, ate seafood, sat next to the ocean…Long story short, we had nothing but an awesome time! What I want to discuss is at what cost did our lovely time come for the island?

What Is the Fuzz About Bali?

I can’t remember how it started but suddenly Bali was everywhere. Everyone wanted to go to Bali. Instagram was full of pictures of girls in flowy dresses on the famous Bali swing. Every digital nomad seemed to live in Bali and everyone who is traveling for one year spends at least one month there.

When we were planning our trip around Asia I didn’t want to go to Bali, as I usually try to avoid regions that suffer from overtourism but my boyfriend convinced me, that if that many people would like it, it has to be good. So we planned a vacation and were even lucky enough that my parents wanted to join so we would spend our time together.

Recommended: Mass Tourism all over the world . A collaboration with travel bloggers from all corners of our planet.

What Did I Expect?

Looking at all those beautiful social media postings about Bali, I expected wonderful sites, beautiful beaches with fine sand, and a place that sends out this peaceful vibe that I felt through social media and the tales of my fellow travel mates. So you might argue, that I had high expectations in advance but if you think it through, isn’t a clean & peaceful environment normal?

But What Did Actually Happen?

When we arrived we first got our expectations smashed as soon as we got in touch with Balinese traffic. It was simply horrible. When we found a cab and hit the road, we were welcomed by a symphony of people slamming their honks as if there is no tomorrow. Furthermore, the streets are just overcrowded so that moving further only happens very slow. Not so quiet and peaceful, hm?

Vromm vromm, motherf****r

The traffic problem haunted us the following days as well. For a route of 44km (from Nusa Dua to Ubud, to visit the rice terraces ) we drove solid three hours. One Way. The next day was kinda the same, so after spending almost half of our days in a car, we decided to skip the day trips and simply focus on Nusa Dua and the areas close by.

This traffic is a sign, that the island is currently struggling with the huge mass of tourists it has to deal with. Bali’s infrastructure is just not meant for the number of cars and bikes and I was very sad, that I was contributing to it.

A Plastic World?

The second, even bigger thing that shocked me, was the incredible amount of litter that was just lying around on the streets. And on top of that, it was also more than shocking to see the contrast between these littered streets and those beautiful, well taken care of, and breathtaking hotels that line the coastal streets. If this isn’t picturing humans at its finest, I don’t know. Cleans up their own space but dumps their waste outside of their area for others to clean up. Nice.

The same thing was shown at the beaches. Areas for tourists or the hotel’s private beaches were beautiful and clean, but guess what happens when you put one foot outside of the property of those hotels. Exactly, you would find yourself in a nasty mixture of sand, algae, and plastics.

Seeing this, really broke my heart. And again: I felt bad because I was contributing to it. The litter that I created would be there on the street or the beach sooner or later.

Planning a Trip to Bali?

So let’s come to the point: Is Bali still worth being your next destination? The answer is yes. The island is beautiful and even a bucket list destination. Yet we must understand that by traveling a place like Bali we also contribute to a problematic process that might tear this place apart. One option would be to skip Bali for now and visit a less crowded place instead. Traveling off the beaten path can be a lot of fun and you won’t regret not going, I promise!

If you still want to go to Bali I want to beg you, to do it in a very thoughtful way. Make sure to book an Eco-Stay, don’t make any road trips & follow my tips on how to travel more sustainably.

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of truth about Bali and that it helped you out. How do you think about this problematic situation? Do you care about it? Would you skip a Bali vacation and look for another alternative? Let me know in the comments!

This topic is a bit off the usual content I write about on this page but nevertheless, I want to raise awareness and sensitivity towards sustainable travel. It is important that we evaluate the way we travel and be aware of the effects it has on the places we visit. That’s why I want to ask you for the small favor of sharing this post and helping to raise awareness!

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

More More More

19 comments.

it all depends on the purpose of your trip.. nothing impressive. certainly not a place for a family trip. fleecing tourist. nothing worth mentioning about most of the beaches traffic conditions can be horrible, but this can happen even in developed countries… stressfull trips. if you have lots of $$$ to waste why not you do so in your country. don’t throw your hard earned money here. lots of gap between basic expectation and reality.. – very dissapointing.. some locals were very polite but certainly not all.. some tourists are thugs… they want to rob $ from other tourists. if they come to know you have currency ($), for sure they will try and trap you. don’t talk to any stranger who may enquire about food/hotels/your country etc….just because they pose to be from so called developed nations, talking pleasingly and posing to be staying in star hotels… don’t trust them(strangers). there is no safe tourist place in this world and this applies to Bali too your safety and security is in your hands.

It’s a developing nation so not sure what you expect really? Comparing it to Australia and the Daintree is like comparing apples with oranges. Australia is a rich country and although there is corruption it’s nowhere near as bad as Indonesia. Bali isnt as cheap as it used to be but it’s changed a lot. Social media has changed travel and now Bali is an insta-crowd attraction. The beautiful people (wannabes) flock here to stand around posing and be seen in lavish day clubs in their roped off VIP area sipping cocktails.

thank you for your comment! To be quite fair, I think my expectations were stained by the picture that Social Media paints of Bali. The most shocking part of that was the contrast between the resorts and nicely kept places and everything else behind the fence that surrounds the property.

I’m here right now in Feb 2024. I’ve been about 5 times mostly because it’s close to Australia and cheap. I see Bali as just a week away to enjoy some nice food and have some spa treatments but that’s about it. The beaches are average at best here and polluted. It’s very sad that the environment is being wrecked all for $$$. I visited the first time in 1985 and although it was very different the signs were all there about where it was heading.

We visited Bali for 3 weeks in March 2023. We were gobsmacked by the experience. The motorbike traffic is horrendous, we saw a family of 4 on a motorbike without helmets, many locals don’t wear helmets. South Kuta Beach was disgraceful, full of decaying rubbish, old trees, and thousands of unpaired flip flops/thongs. There are dogs everywhere, and in the countryside there are bags of rubbish and trash on the roadside. On one taxi tour I had to wait 4 hours to go to the toilet as there were no public toilets in that area, that is disgraceful. The worst part of Bali was the BEGGING, the market stall holders don’t leave you alone, they touched me for good luck, and kept nagging/begging me to buy things, nothing has a price, I got so sick of this, that I decided, no more markets. A big rip off is the VISA, we first arrived by cruise ship and had to pay for the visa, we decided to stay on the ship as we were coming back after visiting Singapore, we still had to pay for another VISA a few weeks later, just a big rip off. The roads around Sanur and South Bali are nice, the rest of the roads can be really bad. Its such a shame, as it is a beautiful place if you can put up with the filth. One expensive hotel had sewerage coming up in the bathroom floor. I got severe food poisoning at Movenpick which spoiled the holiday. The good part is the cheap taxi’s and noon check out. If you have mobility issues, you will find it extremely difficult due to lots of steps, and no kerb cut outs, just walking on undulating sidewalks is difficult, and a lot of shops have steep steps. I suggest Singapore, as it has a great system to get around the city, and the airport is really good, or Far North Queensland, Australia, beats Bali hands down, around Cairns and Port Douglas, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest. Bali isn’t as cheap as it used to be.

I have been to Bali sixteen times and sadly this will be my last. I have never felt so unsafe , I am travel smart travelled all over the world. Never wear lots of jewelry and keep my money safe. Sadly I was robbed in Seminyak my friend wanted to buy a batik serong the woman at the stall thanked us and gave us both an hug and strangely she wanted to hug me twice on doing so robbed me $150 AUD . Also clothes are now overpriced tops I would buy in Myers for $35 AUD are selling for equivalent to $70 AUD in Seminyak. A lot of the hotels are very tired need renovations but Sadly Covid has caused this. Last time to Bali

i have back from bali a week ago which is 16th march 2023, staying at seminyak. i have witnessed 2 incidents which is very popular phone snatching from a white couple, its happened very fast while the lady hold the fon follow google map. the couple was blurred just happened in a second. another incident next day a north indian couple on bike, and there are 2 person followed them behind and snatch her chain, i think they are newly married and shout at panicking. also cant do much they have flew. sincere advice dont wear your jewellery on the road in bali. just use grab car.

I do agree with this blog and would like to add some more. We just visited bali this holiday season for 12 days. Since we came from a country with similar setting, we are not as shock as others might be, but what we discovered in bali we wanted to share so anyone who wanted to visit this place should be aware. Traffic was not at its worst when we went to bali except for some areas. But what we experienced are the following:

– We were referred by a friend to a driver that he knew and we thought will assist us, but unfortunately gave us someone else whom he said was his team mate in a group. The one who pick us up in the airport speaks good english and very friendly. – Through our conversations, he found out that we booked activities with a person in the bali tourism site. The activities we booked consists of 5 activities amounting to 180 usd, when he heard this, he persistently told us that he can give us a better price with the same activities. Trusting him was a big mistake, only one activity did we enjoy and the rest are just dodgy places. The water tubing where he brought us was a sham, we are the only one there, it is like a big canal. The coffee plantation we went and buy products that amounted to a 150 aud were fake items. We are generous with him and yet he continously take advantage of us as tourist. Every place he brought us in, he always have a cut and later we realized that we have to get away from him and be on our own or else we will be broke before finishing our stay in bali. Some market shops will always overpriced items when they know you are a tourist. We asked a bali souvenir t-shirts price from a lady market vendor and she replied 250,000 we immediately left the store. We bought 2 Giordano polo shirts at 229,000 each, better buy Giordano than a bali souvenir shirt. Everytime you will buy from the market,they will overprice it. Also, don’t just ride a taxi that waves at you, you might get the surprise of your life with the price. As we are in a hurry to getaway from the crowded mall, we booked a grab taxi and the price was 12aud but since it was too far where its coming from we decided to ask a taxi and the asking price was 40aud, is it not obvious how they prey on tourist? We can very well understand that people in third world countries really needed money to survive but considering that tourism is the main source of their livelihood they should think about how to treat tourist going to bali. On the other hand, we would commend one customer in a mall who found the sunnies of my husband in the fitting room and surrender it to the salesperson who when asked gave it back to my husband. There is still some honest person. Lesson learned do not give too much trust. Be smartwise when going to bali. It is also true that you can see rubbish everywhere and beaches are not impressive. Anyway, we make it a point to still have fun and enjoy our first time in 4 years going overseas.

I entered Bali on the 26/12/22 at 00:55 and booked a flight to leave less than 16 hours later for the 27th. I was strip searched at the airport. A humiliating and degrading experience. They released me because I was not smuggling drugs. they had no good reason to suspect me of this anyway.

I found the locals o be pushy in Kuta and when I downright ignored touts and hasslers I started getting called a cockroach…sorry that I didn’t feel like being polite less than 24 hours after such a horrific experience at DPS.

Apparently, these strip searches have become more common now and happen often. Mostly to solo travelers.

I tried to overlook it and not let it tarnish my trip to bali but after ealing around Kuta I decided I no longer wanted to be here.

My trip had been ruined due to being treated like a dog by customs agents at DPS. The worst airport in the world from my experience.

I wouldn’t recommend Bali to anyone. It’s a hole. the roads are congested to f**k. the beaches I saw were disgusting.

I ended up back in Thailand where I find the people friendlier and more hospitable.

I will never return to Indonesia after such a degrading experience.

I am kind of interested in the fact that this is now 2022, almost 2023 and if the problems still exist. Some places I’ve been to, ie Playa del Carmen Mexico, have become more aware in the last few years of the concerns for the oceans and have become more eco friendly. They stop giving plastic water bottles and straws, etc. Also, I’d like to know is the traffic and trash you experienced was because you were there at high season or is it always like that? I strongly feel that tourist are the biggest problem when it comes to not disposing of trash properly. Anyway, I really want to visit but would like to travel out of Bali. Maybe outside of ali would be nicer, cleaner, quieter?

Karma Experience

It’s great reading your post about BALI. Good thing you’ve shared your experienced on this place. At least many of us could get an idea.

Cons: – Traffic was something else! – Shitty air quality from half the neighbors burning their trash. – The honking was super stressful, it’s so loud even when you’re at home or at a restaurant. – Many of the roads are really narrow which would’ve been fine if it wasn’t for the congestion; crazy number of people on the roads. – Beaches = dog shit on your shoes, every time. – Villas get robbed super often, you read about it happening all the time on the canggu fb page, but also saw it happen in the daytime. – Overpriced restaurants and supermarkets. – Staying in the overpopulated areas of Bali is necessary if you require good internet for work.

Pros: – Surf is obviously great, the line ups can get very busy though. – The locals are much friendlier than in Thailand (unless you plan on seeing a volcano, lol) – Cheap grocery deliveries from market vendors!

My initial reaction wasn’t great, but after a year I couldn’t wait to escape Bali.

Yes my mother’s villa at canguu was robbed. they walked out with the entire safe!

I visited Bali many years ago, and it was already a sought-after destination. From your story, it looks like the traffic got worse, and the number of tourists likely further increased. Having said that, while I fully agree that we should all be more responsible travelers, I also think that things are a little more complicated than that. Garbage is an issue not only in Bali, but in many other countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Tourism certainly contributes, but littering is sadly a cultural and economical problem (including a lack of infrastructures to take care of litter) in those countries. I don’t believe that the solution is to simply stop visiting Bali or similar countries. Instead, while we’re there we could do our best to spread awareness about the environment. Also, instead of visiting the most popular spots, why not venture off the beaten path? Just my two cents on two important issues like overtourism and littering, which are often much more complex than what we think at first.

RJ from Walkaboutmonkey.com

You are so right. I was so disappointed with the traffic congestion and plastic pollution. That’s why I headed to the East of Bali. The beaches there aren’t as pretty as in the Western part. Actually, they are black from volcanic sand. However, that side is beautiful from rice terraces and green mountains. There are still tourists of course, but much less and as a whole that side is more subdued. Traffic was light and (almost) no plastic, loved it! I would not stay on the Western part anymore, for my sake and for the sake of Bali.

I love posts like this! It’s so important to think about the impact we all have on our Earth.

Naomi Eat Love Explore https://eatloveexplore.com

Thank you for your comment!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for our newsletter

Pingback: 4 Extraordinary Restaurants in Bali You Need to Visit - La Vie En Marine on August 11, 2018

Pingback: Pursuing my Bucketlist: Visit a Rice Terrace - La Vie En Marine on August 11, 2018

Copyright 2018

Privacy Overview

Explore Bali

Plan your trip to bali: best of bali tourism.

Travel Advice

Essential bali.

Where to stay

Where to eat

My favourite street markets in Bali

Browse collections

Feeling fancy-ish.

Drinks with a view

Day trips around the island

Bali on a dime

Bali’s best beaches

For the wellness warriors

An extremely good time

Hang with wildlife

Beyond the beach

Explore Bali

Plan your bali holiday: best of bali.

Travel Advice

Essential bali.

Where to stay

Where to eat

My favourite street markets in Bali

Browse collections

Feeling fancy-ish.

Drinks with a view

Day trips around the island

Bali on a dime

Bali’s best beaches

For the wellness warriors

An extremely good time

Hang with wildlife

Beyond the beach

Bali Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing bali.

Yes, you do need to be careful crossing the road because the traffic can be crazy, however, I would have to be careful crossing a busy road near where I live.

Taxis are so easy to get all-around Bali, so don’t stress about that. You’ll need cash for them though unless you’re using an app like Grab which is really popular.

Do a lot of research but don't micro-plan every minute of your stay... it will all fall into place.

Surfing, scuba diving, great eats, and very friendly people are what Bali is all about to me. And, of course, you can't go to Bali without a massage.

Bali is a fantastic place for all travelers, young and old alike. I've been traveling to this fantastic tropical oasis for the past 30 years and I've seen a lot of changes in that time. It is my hope and wishes that you will find Bali to be one of your favorite places too.

Joannes Rhino

Beaches are Bali’s best asset, apart from its gorgeous cliff-side resorts, rooftop bars, and celebrity weddings. But have you ever heard of a beach with black sand, or one so exclusive you can find the rich and famous? This tropical island boasts many such secret places tucked away in its little corners, where you can enjoy the sun, sand, and sea far away from the crowd.

Sun, sand, tropical forests, luxurious resorts, heavenly spas, and a food lover's paradise — whether you're celebrating a wedding, honeymoon, anniversary, Valentine's day, or simply want to enjoy some quality time together away from the humdrum of day-to-day life, indulge in the best of what romantic Bali has to offer!

What is the best way to get there?

Bali is served by one airport: the Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), just 13 km (~8mi) south of Denpasar, the capital of Bali and the main gateway to the island. Flights from major international cities regularly fly in and out of DPS. It is also well connected to most of Indonesia and has regular domestic flights connecting it to major cities within the country.

Travelers can take a bus from Jakarta (the capital of Indonesia) to Bali, but only if you can brave the 23-hour bus journey.

Bali is quite a popular port for most cruise liners traversing through Southeast Asia. To get into Bali through the sea route, take a flight to Singapore, Sumatra or Java and take a ship for your onward journey to Bali. The information desks at the airport will guide you thoroughly.

Do I need a visa?

Visa Regulations are based on your passport and nationality. Over 160 nationalities need no Visa and have free entry for a maximum stay of 30 days. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months out from the day of your arrival. For more information and the list of 160 countries,  see here .

When is the best time to visit?

May to September: Bali’s tropical climate has two distinct seasons: dry (between May to September) and wet (between October to April). May, June, and July are generally considered to be the best time to travel to Bali in terms of the weather. That is when temperatures hover around 80 Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). However, depending on whether the traveler is a surfer or explorer, preferences may change. During the dry season, May to October, the western side of the peninsula creates some of the world's best waves. The best advice is to check the estimated weather during the time of travel and pack accordingly.

For more information on Bali’s weather and when to go, you can check out some tips  here .

Most travelers are satisfied with either a bemo (chartered vehicles with driver) or taxi (metered). Travelers will hear the words "bemo, bemo, bemo" or "transport, transport" all over Bali. If the vehicle has a taximeter, travelers should insist that the meter must be turned on. Otherwise, the driver will offer a fixed fare, or say the meter is broken. If the vehicle is a "private" bemo and has no meter, it is typical to bargain for the cost of the charter before taking the ride.

For adventurers, a motorbike is a quick, but often dangerous, way to get around town. Travelers need to purchase insurance and must have an international license. Wear a helmet at all times and keep your license on you.

A bicycle is an inexpensive and scenic way to travel through Bali. Many villages have a place to hire a bike for the day. When exploring the backroads in places like Ubud and around Lovina, travelers may find a bicycle an ideal form of transport. However, cyclists should keep on the smaller roads and plan out each trip since Balinese road conditions are not always suited to long bike rides, with its steep hills and thick traffic on some of the main roads.

Check out more tips on getting around Bali  here .

On the ground

What is the timezone.

WITA (Central Indonesian Time)

What are the voltage/plug types?

230 Volts / 50 Hz. In Indonesia, they typically use Type C and Type F plugs.For plug types, you can reference this  international guide .

What is the currency?

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted.

In some areas. Credit cards are usually accepted for larger purchases, accommodation (apart from smaller establishments), department stores, and larger restaurants. Always check though, as they are not accepted as widely as in Western Countries.

How much do I tip?

Tipping is not customary in Indonesia, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated. The exception is spa services. Most Indonesians give tips to their hairdresser or masseur after they complete the service. Just 5-10% of the bill is appropriate. Get more tipping tips  here .

Are there local customs I should know?

Spirituality.

The Balinese are extremely devout and spiritual. In Bali, there are more than 20,000 temples. The Balinese believe that good spirits dwell in the mountains and that the seas are home to demons. Therefore, most villages have at least three main temples: one of which is the Pura Puseh or “temple of origin,” is dedicated to the village founders and which faces Mt Agung — home to Pura Besakih the mother temple of Bali. Also, each home, rice field, or market can have several temples. Daily offerings are made at these temples in the form of food, cigarettes, sweets, and sometimes even money in order to honor the good spirits and satiate the evil spirits. Here’s a great overview of  culture in Bali .

Explore Bali

Plan your trip to bali: best of bali tourism.

Travel Advice

Essential bali.

Where to stay

Where to eat

My favourite street markets in Bali

Browse collections

Feeling fancy-ish.

Drinks with a view

Day trips around the island

Bali on a dime

Bali’s best beaches

For the wellness warriors

An extremely good time

Hang with wildlife

Beyond the beach

Getty Images

The mere mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a paradise. It's more than a place; it's a mood, an aspiration, a tropical state of mind.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

Central Mountains

Newly developed as a tourist attraction in early 2018, the falls here are among the best on Bali. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the car park; a 500m…

Agung Rai Museum of Art

If you only visit one museum in Ubud, make it this one. Founder Agung Rai built his fortune selling Balinese artwork to foreigners in the 1970s, and…

Sekumpul Waterfall

Sitting 18km southeast of Singaraja, some six or seven separate waterfalls – all fed by upland streams – pour up to 80m over cliffs in a verdant bamboo…

Pura Besakih

Perched nearly 1000m up the side of Gunung Agung, this is Bali's most important Hindu temple. The site encompasses 23 separate but related temples, with…

Pura Luhur Ulu Watu

Bukit Peninsula

This important temple is perched precipitously on the southwestern tip of the peninsula, atop sheer cliffs that drop straight into the ceaseless surf…

Neka Art Museum

Offering an excellent introduction to Balinese art, the top-notch collection is displayed in a series of pavilions and halls. Don't miss the multiroom…

Pura Taman Ayun

Don't miss one of the top temples on Bali, a serene place of enveloping calm. The huge royal water temple of Pura Taman Ayun, surrounded by a wide,…

Puri Agung Semarapura

Built when the Dewa Agung dynasty moved here in 1710, this palace compound was laid out as a large square, believed to be in the form of a mandala, with…

Top picks from our travel experts

The best of bali: top ways to find your own piece of paradise.

Byrdhouse Beach Club

With sun lounges, a swimming pool, a restaurant, bar and table tennis on-site, you could happily spend an entire day here by the beach. Check the club's…

14 free things to do in Bali for paradise without the price tag

Pura Taman Saraswati

Waters from the temple at the rear of this site feed the pond in the front, which overflows with pretty lotus blossoms. There are carvings that honour…

Ubud Market

The large Ubud Market is your one-stop shop for kitschy souvenirs, clothing and presents for back home. It's inside a large complex; stallholders set up…

Pura Gunung Lebah

This old temple, which sits on a jutting rock at the confluence of two tributaries of Sungai Cerik (campuan means 'two rivers'), has recently benefited…

Every evening beginning after 5pm, up to 20,000 big herons fly in to Petulu, a village about 2.5km north of Jl Raya Ubud, squabbling over the prime…

Pasar Sindhu Night Market

This market sells fresh vegetables, dried fish, pungent spices, various household goods and many tempting Balinese meals.

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

Plan the perfect trip to Bali with this advice on health, safety and etiquette.

Transportation

Bali is relatively small, but it can take a long time to travel around. Here are the best ways to get around on the “island of the gods.”

Money and Costs

Bali on the cheap? Most would struggle to spend a lottery jackpot here. If you do need to save some money, here's how.

Traveling with Kids

A growing number of travelers are booking family holidays on the island of Bali. Here are the best things to do there with kids.

Best Road Trips

Driving in Bali is not for the faint-hearted, but it offers ample rewards. Try these top road trips for a taste of Bali's beaches, jungles and mountains.

Latest stories from Bali

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Sustainable Travel

Feb 13, 2024 • 4 min read

Bali is introducing a new tourist tax starting February 14.

Jan 18, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Nov 1, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 31, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 30, 2023 • 4 min read

Oct 29, 2023 • 9 min read

Oct 28, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 27, 2023 • 7 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Bali

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Bali with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Bali and beyond

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

Best beaches to visit in bali, best places to visit in bali, tegalalang rice terrace at ubud, bali, batur natural hot spring, bali: a complete travel guide, 16 best things to do in canggu, bali, tips for the most beautiful places on nusa penida, bali, map of bali, weather in bali.

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

Homestay bali: experience local life of bali, indonesia, 8 best bamboo houses in bali to stay at, the 6 best waterfalls in bali (a 2-day route), snorkel at the underwater statues of gili meno, indonesia.

You have to see ...

12 top things to do in sidemen, bali, taman ujung: visit the beautiful water palace in bali, ubud monkey forest: complete guide bali’s sacred sanctuary, 10 things to do in gili air, lombok, 19 best things to do in nusa penida.

Popular destinations

9 best things to do in seminyak, bali, 15 best things to do in ubud, bali, 17 things to do in uluwatu, bali, 7 great things to do in munduk, north bali, 12 x things to do on nusa lembongan & ceningan, beaches in bali, 18 best beaches in bali: a must-visit list, diamond beach: most beautiful beach on nusa penida, bali, tips for visiting kelingking beach on nusa penida, best hotels in bali, how to get a visa for bali, tips for hiring a driver in bali.

• 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.

Food & Shopping

25 best cafes & restaurants in canggu (bali), 12 x best shopping in canggu, bali, 11 x best cafes to work in canggu, honeymoon in bali, bali honeymoon: romantic tips and ideas for newlyweds, travel to bali.

‘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 .

Asia Chevron

Indonesia Chevron

Bali Chevron

23 Best Hotels in Bali

By Juliet Kinsman and Chris Schalkx

With some 4,300 options to choose from, picking the best Bali hotels is no easy feat. The bar is set high: On this island blessed with postcard scenes around every bend, even the most basic Bali villas and bungalows offer dreamy views and innovative designs from bamboo and volcanic rock. There are countless hidey-holes dotting the jungles around Ubud, cliffside villas in Uluwatu, and clubby beach retreats lining the coast from Seminyak to Kuta, but only some manage to stand out with extraordinary settings, service, or amenities. From the classic big-hitters to whip-smart new arrivals, we've tried, tested, and whittled down the best hotels in Bali to book right now.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Bvlgari Resort Bali Arrow

Teetering on a cliff on Bali's rugged southern tip, Bulgari Bali is as splendid as you could expect from a brand known for its diamonds and gold. But that's not to say the look is all-out-opulent: the hotel's 59 villas, each with a plunge pool and gardens frothing with bougainvillea, tastefully blend sharp Italian design with Indonesian materials such as mossy volcanic rock, Javanese mahogany, and kaleidoscopic  ikat  weavings. It's all laid out like one of those small Italian cliffside villages, with cobblestoned pathways connecting the villas to the restaurants—chef Luca Fantin's fine Italian Il Ristorante, and international all-day diner Sangkar—spa, and frangipani-fringed infinity pool. There's even a wedding chapel, and, of course, a Bulgari boutique selling exclusive silks and swimwear. Down at sea level, the rocky beach (accessible via a hair-raising steep Inclinator) is a lovely spot to spend a few hours on the mattress-thick daybeds. Apart from the stunning Uluwatu temple, a 20-minute drive away, there isn't a whole lot to see or do in the area—but considering the hotel's hefty price tag, you might as well make every minute count.

Potato Head Suites & Studios Arrow

A sustainable stay in Bali might conjure up images of bamboo ceilings and rice field surroundings, but at Potato Head Suites , forward-thinking hotelier Ronald Akili takes a boldly different approach. As part of Desa Potato Head, an eco-minded creative village in the heart of glitzy Seminyak, this tropical modernist boutique hotel has sustainability embedded into its DNA. It shows everywhere: the facade from 1.8 million hand-pressed bricks, baked locally with only coconut shells; local textiles from plant-based dyes; and smart water and electricity system that helped the hotel gain an UN-approved Climate Neutral certification. Rooms are furnished with teak trimmings by local artisans and Akili's collection of mid-century modern furniture, plus wall-spanning cocktail stations to shake, muddle, and mix your own mojitos. As a guest, you'll have first dibs on daybeds at the hot-ticked Potato Head Beach Club, hidden behind a wall of recycled window shutters next door. Plus, access to the Desa's other features—including a jamu bar, eco-innovation lab, and a New Age-y wellness center with ice baths, sound healing experiences, and guided breathwork sessions.

Hoshinoya Bali Arrow

Remember 'The Dress'? That black-and-blue or white-and-gold brain-twister that sent the internet in a frenzy back in 2015? Hoshinoya Bali has a similar feel. Some will see this hotel, flanking a subak irrigation canal east of Ubud, as decidedly Balinese, with a swirling temple-like entrance and roofs from wooden shingles. Those familiar with the architecture of Hoshinoya's native Japan, though, will clock distinctively Japanese features: floor-to-ceiling windows inspired by shoji–screens, and futon-like beds in the two-storied villas lining three pools that cross the property like rivers. The food, similarly, is a delicious Bali-Japanese mash-up, with tasting menus blending the best of both cuisines and breakfasts (in birds' nest-like gazebos overlooking the valley) of furoshiki-wrapped picnic baskets with meticulously carved fruits, tiny Japanese bowls of gado gado, and coconutty red bean porridge. A free shuttle to downtown Ubud makes exploring the area a breeze, while a host of complimentary activities—from matcha-whisking workshops to batik-dyeing sessions—make staying within the resort's lush confines just as worthwhile.

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay Arrow

One of Bali’s most respected five-star all-villa retreats, and one of the first international chains to have arrived on the island, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay has been offering its own form of warm hospitality for more than three decades. After arriving at the open-air hilltop lobby, guests are gently ushered from the reception balé to a blessing from the resident Balinese Hindu priest—a completely magical welcome. Golf carts shuttle guests around the property, which is is more compact than the winding lanes convey, not to mention perfectly laid out.

Alila Seminyak Arrow

A slick, 240-room beachside complex, Alila Seminyak is where the cool kids come to play when they hit Bali. Its low-key, albeit high-luxe design—think clean lines, minimalist furniture, and a buzzy rooftop watering hole—helps it to fit right in with its surroundings. (The nearby neighborhood of Petitenget caters to a similar demographic, home to a cluster of top-line boutiques and trendy cafés). Start your day with one of the resort's daily, early-morning yoga classes or a session at the 24-hour gym, then hang back by one of the five pools until it's time to hit the seafood-driven Seasalt restaurant. —Betsy Blumenthal

Capella Ubud Bali Arrow

Anyone familiar with the work of eccentric hotel designer Bill Bensley knows that a stay at one of his projects is never a straight-line affair. But with Capella Ubud, a luxe tented camp 20 minutes north of Ubud, he takes his kookiness up a notch. Inspired by tales of European explorers poking around the Indonesian archipelago in the 19th century, he designed a whimsical base camp on a sloping patch of jungle where the 22 one-bedroom suites (with sprawling outdoor decks and private plunge pools ), reception desk, and fitness center each take over their own tents. All are furnished with Bensley's signature mix of clashing patterns—ikat-pillows, vintage trunks, and sofas upholstered in cowhide—and design quirks ranging from peek-a-boo windows in the showers to brass monkeys dotting the roofs. Dining options include Indonesian omakase-style menus at Api Jiwa, while breakfast-to-dinner Mads Lange dishes out comforting lobster wontons and crab tacos. Come nightfall, head to the campfire for marshmallows, hot cocoa, and vintage Indonesian flicks.

Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape Arrow

Bali has no shortage of glamping spots or back-to-basic bamboo bungalows, but none will bring you closer to nature than Banyan Tree's first Escape outpost . Trundling down the jungled Buahan Valley 30 minutes north of Ubud, the hotel's 16 villas mimic Balinese balé pavilions, with creaky floors and heavy pillars from reclaimed ironwood. Like the real deal, they have no walls. At night, only a gauzy curtain keeps the insects out and lets the sounds of the valley in—the white noise of a waterfall, or a chorus of crickets. That doesn't mean you're roughing it, though: A smart air-conditioning system keeps the bed cool, each balé comes with a private plunge pool, and their hand-hammered copper bathtubs are a great spot to soak up the valley views after a day of foraging for local herbs and honey with Buahan-born head chef Eka Sunarya.

Lost Lindenberg Arrow

Over the past decade or so, most of the boutique hotels in Bali have become a little predictable: the rattan lampshades, the swirling infinity pools, and the bamboo yoga shalas. This whip-smart new arrival wants none of that. After traveling through the rice fields and past the near-deserted beaches of Bali’s little-visited west coast to the sleepy backwater of Pekutatan, the last thing you’d expect is a Las Vegas-esque wall screaming “Holiday Fast” in flickering neon. Lost Lindenberg , which opened its doors in 2022, is the first international outpost of The Lindenberg, a small, Frankfurt-based hotel group of a similar ilk as, say, Soho House or The Hoxton, where guests aren't just guests, but a ‘collective,’ and hotels are referred to as communal living spaces.

The eight studio-like rooms take over the watchtowers in sets of two and are built just high enough to spot the Indian Ocean through the floor-to-ceiling windows that cover most of their wall surface. The bathrooms are practically open-air: their louvered walls let the sea breeze seep in but keep the neighbors from peeping. Dining is communal and completely plant-based, with hummus wraps and jackfruit baos served for lunch on a single, very-long table.

Tucked between the rice fields of Tabanan, a little-visited rural enclave on Bali's southwestern coast, Nirjhara feels like a hush-hush hideaway for the island's in-crowd. At the pool, overlooking the hotel's rambling waterfall, you'll find a stylish bunch of linen-clad expatriates, off-duty models, and high-society Indonesians on weekend jaunts from Jakarta. Between poolside sessions, they'll hop to the spa for flower baths or Ayurvedic marma-point massages, stop for yoga classes in the all-bamboo riverside shala, or venture out for trips to the nearby Tanah Lot temple on the complimentary guided bike rides. Nirjhara's lodgings—all straight lines, honey-hued woods, and Indonesian textiles—range from villas with balconies above the river to multi-bedroomed, private-pooled mansions with lush jungle views. If private pools are no priority, consider the Canopy Suites—these stilted treehouses surrounded by a palm grove come with brilliant rooftop decks overlooking the rice fields. And when Tabanan starts to feel a little too isolated, Canggu's buzzy bars and restaurants are just a short drive away.

Amankila Arrow

Even though this Ed Tuttle-designed classic on Bali's hushed east coast has been around for more than three decades, stepping inside its hilltop lobby still induces goosebumps. The view from here is dazzling: three travertine pools, cascading like Balinese rice paddies towards the crashing waves of the Lombok Strait below. There's a fringe of blushy bougainvillea and a backdrop of swaying palms, plus a small army of saronged staff serving satay skewers and passionfruit daiquiris to guests lounging at the poolside balés. The villas, connected by a stilted walkway cutting through the jungle, are spacious pleasure palaces with arched doors and floors from creamy terrazzo, vaulted alang-alang ceilings, and furnishing with mother-of-pearl-y coconut and seashell inlays. And while the two pools, that three-tiered stunner and a palm-fringed one at the beach club below, make it tempting to simply loll around all day, the sunrise breakfast in a hidden hilltop balé and the morning cruise with snorkeling tour on the resort's private outrigger is well worth the 5 a.m. wake-up call.

Six Senses Uluwatu Arrow

From the moment you arrive, you feel like you’re teetering at the edge of the earth. Six Senses Uluwatu is a fan-shaped property built into a high clifftop on Bali’s southern coast, behind which lies the pool to end all debates about the world’s best pool, with an infinity-edged blue swath of water that extends to meet sky and clouds. Six Senses is a wellness pioneer in the hospitality industry; given that Bali is a mecca for health-seekers, they bring their A-game here with a long menu of spa treatments , an Integrated Wellness Screening, and an organic kitchen garden. —Alex Postman

Hotel Tugu Bali Arrow

Walking into Hotel Tugu Bali instantly transports you to Indonesia of the past. In the dimly lit lobby, you suddenly realize you're standing under a massive carved wooden pagoda of sorts, which is in fact a 150-year-old sacred ceremonial hall that was transported piece by piece from a village in central Bali. It is one of literally thousands of priceless pieces that the owner, the biggest collector of Indonesian antiquities in the country, has installed here on the edge of Batu Bolong beach in Canggu. It’s all part of the intention to preserve Indonesia’s near-forgotten cultures (Tugu means “monument”). And it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Rooms are comprised of different villas, many of them based on Javanese wooden houses, and each of them utterly unique. (The Rejang Suite, on the upper floors of a Javanese house, for example, has rich antique wooden floors, a carved four-poster bed, a kind of rustic sun porch lined with wood-paneled windows of colored glass that overlook the garden.) —Alex Postman

Alila Villas Uluwatu Arrow

The striking latticework rectangles of Alila Uluwatu, an all-villa resort set high on a cliff on the Bukit Peninsula, has become an icon for contemporary Bali. This Indonesian island is less about the beaches, more about the balés—sure, you can find tempting stretches of sand, but you couldn’t do better than settling into a cabana by the infinity pool here to enjoy those Indian Ocean panoramas. And if you do need to dip your feet into the sea, it’s only 600 steps down the cliff-hugging stairway to get to it. Spacious stand-alone suites have inviting daybeds by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, which open out to private pools. Bathroom are outfitted with a large tub, his-and-hers toiletries, and all the amenities you could dream of. Service here is inspired; at check-in, you'll be asked whether you’d like it invisible or extra-attentive—categorized into "private," "discreet," or "indulgent." Your private butler is a tablet click away.

COMO Shambhala Estate Arrow

Christina Ong is much loved for introducing COMO’s flagship brand on 23 acres in Bali—and when she did, she launched her own sophisticated interpretation of wellness. Hindu water blessings and chakra healers are just as accessible here as spells in a sauna, steam room, or infinity pool. Eyebrow-arching views greet you as you arrive at the estate, a jungle-hugged designer health retreat perched on staggered hilltops above the Ayung River. For two decades, it has reigned as a five-star refuge for luxury travelers seeking to say farewell to stress and hello to spiritual development. East meets West at each of the five residences, which house a total 30 suites, each with its own pool. Stand-alone villas have private pools, and one-bedroom Retreat Villas have their own treatment rooms.

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana Arrow

It’s hard to believe the sprawling resort is only a 10-minute drive from increasingly tourist-clogged Ubud —once you’re there, it’s as though you’re in private a country estate miles from civilization. The hotel sits near the 9th-century Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave; as a tribute to this sacred temple, elephant statues line the winding driveway to the open reception area. The resort occupies what was once the family home of Hendra Hadiprana, a serious art collector and one of Indonesia’s preeminent architects. The resort boasts clear influences from its past life, starting with elaborate sculptures in the lobby. A big pond and a long, green-tiled pool (neatly flanked by a phalanx of sun loungers and parasols) nod to Balinese water palaces. The thatched open-air dining pavilion, which overlooks the paddy fields where the menu's rice is harvested, works for low-key lunches and special-occasion dinners alike. The resort's interpretation of Indonesian Rijsttafel, nine rice dishes with spicy sambals, is particularly great. We also loved lounging on triangular cushions and picnicking at the edge of the property's dazzling green-grass field.

COMO Uma Ubud Arrow

Because Bali is a tropical island, there's a misperception that it's all about beaches. Yet there’s little more dramatic than the magical tableau of Ubud's jungle scenes. At COMO Uma Ubud, coconut palms and banyan trees frame 46 rooms, suites, and villas, all designed by Koichiro Ikebuchi, offering an intimate, hyperlocal experience. At the heart of the resort is an 82-foot jade-green pool with rooms and eating areas staggered across the snug plot. Clever planning, fresh interior design, private courtyards, and infinity-edge plunge pools make the property feel modern—yet totally at home in Ubud.

The Legian Bali Arrow

The handsome and distinguished Legian Bali, a classic five-star hotel, gets repeat guests galore. Hendra Hadiprana’s architecture might seem a little hard-edged and dated when you very first arrive past the high gates, but step inside and you'll be taken with the elegant teak antiques, parquet floors, and captivating art, all mapped out by the late interior designer Jaya Ibrahim. With a prime beachfront position, a show-stopping split-level swimming pool, and rolling gardens with tropical flowers, the grounds are all-out incredible. The 67 suites, grand as ever, follow suit with huge marble bathrooms with his-and-hers sinks, tubs and showers, and Acqua di Parma toiletries.

COMO Uma Canggu Arrow

This modern, steel-and-glass hotel skews more South Beach than Bali, but it offers a sanctuary from scruffy Canggu, a magnet for the global bohemian set. At the COMO Beach Club, in a haute surf-shack setting, the music’s always playing, the palms are swaying, and people are chilling in batik-cushioned banquettes and swinging white chaises. The Beach Club’s surf school, run by Tropicsurf, offers guided surf lessons for beginners to veteran shredders on Echo Beach’s famous left break. Overall the hotel’s wellness focus comes through in its delicious Balinese “clean cuisine” and its outposts of COMO Shambhala’s Spa and Glow cafe. —Alex Postman

Bambu Indah Arrow

In 2005, jewelry makers John and Cynthia Hardy brought 11 antique Javanese bridal homes to Bali, lovingly restoring them and opening them as guest rooms to friends and family before opening them to all as this truly extraordinary eco-escape. Celebrating sustainability and nature in all its glory, Bambu Indah, a bamboo wonderland in Bali’s leafy center, lets the landscape do the showing off; nearly every room has breathtaking views over Sayan Ridge. Rounding out the experience are rickety walkways, dramatic soaring black bamboo, and the constant sound of the powerful Ayung River whooshing below.

Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve Arrow

When the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company bought an area of untamed land more than 10 years ago, it purchased twice the amount it needed to add another jewel to Bali ’s hospitality crown. The result is a sprawling hotel footprint across 25 acres surrounded by lush rainforest and rice paddies that dramatically cascade down hillsides. Luminous dragonflies buzz, butterflies flit their kaleidoscopic wings and doe-eyed frogs croak in the distance—rather than interfering with their surroundings, this property honors them. Forget rooms, there are 60 suites and villas here, ranging in size from substantial to palatial. Bathtubs for two are wrapped in rattan and scented with ginger-lily salts, large balconies offer panoramic views of the sunset-facing valley and villas have infinity pools. Days start with breakfasts of jewel-colored fruits and steaming Javanese coffee. Supper is served in Japanese Ambar Ubud Bar and Kubu at Mandapa, where Eka Sunarya delights diners over eight- and 10-course tasting menus that utilize all the landscape has to offer. Families are welcome, and little ones are catered for in the kids’ club, which favors activities in the open air over technological distractions. It’s just as well, as missing out on a treatment in the riverside spa would be nothing short of a crime. — Lee Cobaj

Bisma Eight Arrow

Follow a bumpy lane from Ubud’s center past little shops and spa outlets, and eventually you'll reach Bisma Eight, an all-suite hideaway that does little to let on that an infinity pool hangs over the valley or that a rooftop restaurant awaits. Once you’ve checked in at the reception desk, you’re led to your suite via an open outdoor corridor blooming with frangipani, pandans, and bamboo. The 38 spacious, stylish suites are home-like in feel. Amenities are designed for digitally savvy travelers, and furnishings blend painstaking craftsmanship with materials such as hessian, woven leather, and delicate basketwork and wicker.

The Purist Villas Arrow

The Purist Villas is a property full of indoor-outdoor spaces, wooden carvings, stone sculptures, primitive artefacts from all over the Indonesian archipelago, and bespoke furniture. Huge hunks of petrified wood and rough stone make elegant tables, and there are is so much rattan and wicker that you might nickname this place the Museum of Chair Weaving. Add to that chicken-coop lampshades, inscribed Timor stone and Sumbanese relics, and landscaped subak-irrigation channel running through the grounds, and there’s never a dull moment.

The Slow Arrow

This 12-room bolthole is all of  Canggu  distilled into an achingly cool cocktail of art, music, and interior design. Conceived by fashion designer George Gorrow and his wife Cisco, the hotel matches brutalist concrete with tropical teak wood and mid-century modern furniture, topping it off with a jealousy-inducing collection of works from Gorrow’s artistic friends. Downstairs, the restaurant dishes up comforting fare inspired by Balinese flavors and international classics, the caramelized half chicken with Sichuan salt and fermented chilli mayo is a must. On the shopping front, there’s a sleek boutique with edgy T-shirts under Gorrow’s Non-Type label and a wide collection of Cisco’s beautiful ceramic-and-wood tablewares.

Recommended

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Is Bali Worth Visiting In 2024? The Pros & Cons Of Visiting Bali

With its ever-growing popularity, you might be wondering if Bali is worth visiting. It’s considered one of the most beautiful places to visit, and since shooting to fame in Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Eat, Pray, Love, everyone has had Bali on their bucket list.

After living in Bali for half a year , we saw the good and the bad. It’s well-known for its endless rice paddies, breathtaking beaches, lush jungle terrain and pastel-coloured sunsets over the ocean.

However, the Island of Gods is a very popular holiday destination and with hordes of tourists arriving every day, certain areas are no longer as peaceful as they used to be. So, the question begs, is Bali still worth visiting?

In this post, I’m sharing the honest truth about visiting Bali—no sugarcoating. I’m telling you exactly what we think and including the reasons why you should and should not visit!

Is Bali Worth Visiting Or Not?

My honest opinion is that Bali is still worth visiting . However, I do think you need to consider the pros and cons and understand that you won’t have paradise for yourself.

South Bali has become very crowded and urbanised, attracting higher prices and pollution, which are the island’s biggest drawbacks. But that’s only one part of the island. There is hope, and if you’re up for an adventure, you can find authentic areas filled with natural beauty. This is why I still think Bali is worth visiting.

After spending six months in Bali, we came to realise that to experience an authentic Bali away from the crowds, we would need to explore further away than the popular areas of Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and Uluwatu.

So, we went on a road trip around the island . This is how we know that there are areas of natural beauty where you can experience the true Balinese charm.

However, if you’re not one for a road trip and are planning to visit the south, know that it will be busy. That said, even with the crowds, it’s still a fun place to visit. If you go prepared, you can easily plan the best time to visit Bali and what attractions to do on your holiday, so you won’t be disappointed.

⚠️ The most important takeaway: Don’t have unrealistic expectations. Bali is no longer a paradise oasis, but it is still going to be an incredible holiday filled with adventure and excitement.

Are you planning a trip to Bali soon? Here are useful links to begin planning!

Accommodations – I recommend Booking.com Flights – I recommend Skyscanner Travel Insurance – I recommend SafetyWing Tours/experiences – I recommend Get Your Guide Car rental – I recommend DiscoverCars These are all the sites I personally use to book my trips, and if you use them, some of them will earn me a commission at no extra cost to you . This helps reduce the ever-increasing costs of keeping my site up. Thanks!

Summary: Pros And Cons For Visiting Bali

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary for you . I’ll go into more detail on each point below .

• Reasons to visit Bali: It’s a stunning tropical island full of natural wonders and can be a very affordable destination to visit with a unique culture. The locals are welcoming and friendly, and you’ll find plenty of beautiful beaches and delicious food. It’s also a great spot for digital nomads, and the marine life is wonderful; the waters are filled with colourful little fishies.
• Reasons not to visit Bali: The urban infrastructure has ruined many areas, and you’ll find many of the main attractions are crowded. Over-tourism is leading to price hikes, especially in tourist hotspots, and tourist traps and scams are common. The biggest issue is pollution, which is a serious concern, although there are plenty of organisations trying to combat this. The island is filled with ex-pats, which some of you might not like, and it’s worth keeping in mind there are stray and malnourished animals everywhere, which can be quite upsetting.

Why Is Bali Worth Visiting – Pros

Now you know what to expect from Bali, here are the top reasons making Bali worth visiting.

1. The Waterfalls Are Amazing

I love waterfalls, I mean who doesn’t? When we living in Bali we visited a load of them, luckily for us it was a quite period post covid and we had most of them to ourselves, or at least, shared with few others.

This will unlikely be the same for you and although Bali is one of the best places to visit waterfalls, keep in mind they can be busy. However, the island is absolutely full of dreamy waterfalls, which, even if you’re visiting Bali for a short trip , have to be added to your itinerary.

There are many waterfalls to choose from, and depending on where you are, you’ll need to choose carefully to avoid the biggest crowds. A few of our favourites included Juwuk Manis (this is a really good one which sees fewer crowds), Gitgit Waterfall , Aling Aling Waterfall , Taman Beji Griya Waterfall , and Sekumpul Waterfall .

👉 Pro tip: Aling Aling Waterfall was one of our favourites, mainly because it’s possible to try cliff jumping into the natural pools and there is also natural waterfall slides. We also loved the Juwuk Manis waterfall pictured below.

2. The Ancient Temples Are Fascinating

One thing Bali is famous for is its temples, these aren’t any old temples either, these are ancient temples filled with a years of history and built on sacred ground. The whole island is full of magnificent temples built to worship their Gods, and with some being over 1,000 years old, it’s no wonder they have become huge tourist attractions!

While we were in Bali we visited so many temples that we became “templed out,” if that’s even a thing. We ended up missing a number in Thailand as we just couldn’t bear visiting another—imagine! However, they are all stunning, each with a unique story.

⭐ Pro tip >> One of the most revered temples in Tanah Lot , it’s dedicated to the Sea God and has become a must-visit location, especially to witness one of Bali’s breathtaking sunsets. Another popular temple is Pura Luhur Lempuyang (alias Heavens Gate) pictured below.

3. The Rice Fields Are Captivating

Another thing Bali is known for is rice paddies. I dunno about you but it’s the first thing that spring to mind when I think of Bali. The rice fields are part of Bali’s heritage and they definitely make the island worth visiting, if only to witness the traditional terraced fields.

Did you know that the Balinese invented a unique irrigation system, which has helped them farm their fields for centuries? Two of the main UNESCO World Heritage Sites are are Tegalalang Rice Fields ( Google Maps ) and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces ( Google Maps).

4. The Culture & Heritage So Interesting

The Balinese have a rich heritage and culture unique to the island . Their main religion is a mix of ancient Hinduism and Buddhism, which can be experienced all over, from daily offerings placed along the roadside, around temples to beautiful ceremonies.

Visiting Bali during one of these ceremonies is fun and educational, especially if you can get involved in a local celebration. While we were there, we were invited to attend the Galungan Bali Ceremony a local family. This was very unique experience and certainly makes Bali worth visiting!

5. The Beaches Are Wonderful

I don’t care what people say, I think Bali has some of the best beaches in the world. I agree some of the main ones aren’t so great but remember I said you have to leave the tourist hotspots to discover the best of Bali? Well this is one of the reasons why!

It’s a tropical island after all and there are still plenty of breathtaking beaches lined with coconut palm trees and soft, fluffy sand. In certain places, the jungle comes right to the shoreline, and if you’re lucky, you can feel totally lost in the world. 

The beaches vary, and not all are suitable for sunbathing and swimming. Decide what you want from your beach day, and then choose your beach. A few personal favourites include Bingin Beach and Nunggalan Beach in Uluwatu!

6. The Surfing Is Top-Notch

For the wannabe surfers out there, there’s no better place than Bali. Southwest Bali has the best waves for surfers: Canggu & Uluwatu. There are, of course, many other areas to surf, and you can use apps such as Magic Seaweed to find the best spots to surf for your level. There are also tons of surfing schools lining the beaches, so go ahead and take a lesson!

⭐ Pro tip >> One of the best places to learn to surf is Medewi. We spent a week or so here practicing our surfing. It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination which attracts surfers and those looking for a more authentic laidback vibe than south Bali. We really enjoyed Medewi and have written a visitors guide here.

7. The Yoga & Meditation Is Spot On

One of my top reasons for visiting Bali was that I wanted to improve my yoga practice. Bali is literally a spiritual haven for many people who are looking to do the same and met some wonderful people while experimenting with different styles of yoga.

The island attracts yogis in their thousands and places like Ubud have become known for its hippie yogi vibe. Where we were in Canggu, there was a yoga studio in every neighbourhood. You’ll find plenty of workshops, yoga courses, breathwork, and meditation classes.

⭐ Pro tip >> I really enjoyed the teachers and classes at Samadi Yoga & Wellness Center ( Google Maps ), and highly recommend this studio; however, I also tried a few others in Bali such as The Practice ( Google Maps ) and Guan Yin Yoga Shala ( Google Maps) which were also worth visiting.

8. The Snorkelling & Scuba In Unbelievable

The north and east coast of Bali (such as Pemuteran and Amed)are the best for snorkelling and diving . The waters surrounding the island have some of the highest marine biodiversity in the world, and it’s truly a wonder to dive into this marine environment. 

Bali is a great place to learn to scuba dive if you haven’t already. You could even try a DISCOVER Scuba before committing to a course. Many companies offer accredited PADI diving certificates , and since Bali is an affordable country you’ll be able to find a great deal ! 

⭐ Pro tip >> Since we LOVE the ocean and had a great time splashing around. We wanted you to have the best memories of your Bali holiday, too. Therefore, we’ve put together the ULTIMATE guide to snorkelling tours in Bali!

9. The Volcanoes Are Mighty

Bali and it’s volcanoes are something else. The Indonesian islands are literally over a hotspot and the whole country is made of thousands of island chains created by volcanic eruptions of the millions of years.

I think volcanoes are some of the most incredible natural wonders in this world, and being able to climb them is an opportunity not everyone gets, so we feel privileged to have the opportunity .

Bali’s most popular volcano for climbing is Mount Batur but the tallest is Mount Agung – both can be climbed, although the latter will take a multi-day hike and is more challenging. They are both stupendous!

👉 Related Post: Mt. Batur is the easiest to climb and can be visited during a day tour. Usually, a Mount Batur sunrise hike is the best option, and it’s a beautiful way to experience a Bali sunrise over the island. 

10. Island Hopping Is Bliss

Bali is, after all, an island, and where there is one, there is usually more! There are a few smaller islands close to Bali, such as the Nusa Islands and the Gili Islands. The next islands over from Bali are Lombok to the east and Java to the west.

I highly recommend planning a visit to the smaller Nusa isalnds or Gili islands to your itinerary as they are stunning. If you want to experience more of Indonesia, you should consider island hopping to Lombok, too. We really enjoyed Lombok ; it has a different vibe to Bali but it’s less developed and more rural.

👉 Related Post: We visited a few places in Indonesia. A few of our favourites were Nusa Lembongan and Bukit Lawang in North Sumatra . We also went to Komodo National Park near the island of Flores.

11. The Jungle Treks Are Rewarding

Ever wanted to hike through a jungle ? In Bali, you can! I’ll admit it’s not for everyone, and you’ll want to make sure you have a local guide, the right equipment, and plenty of bug spray. But the views can be especially rewarding, and you’re bound to see lots of wildlife.

12. The Sunsets Are Breathtaking

We finish on sunsets, and Bali sunsets, in particular, can be magical and totally make the island worth visiting. I reckon some people visit Bali just to capture those pastel skies, and with luck, you’ll get to witness one of the most stunning sunsets of your life too. 

You’ll need to get the best view to enjoy it, the beaches are popular but you’ll need to be on the west side of the Island. Canggu and Uluwatu are good spots, many people gather on the beaches. If you don’t fancy the beach, there are plenty of sunset bars dotted around the island; our favourite is Ulu Cliffhouse.

👉 Do you know what the national animal of Indonesia is ? Find out: What Is The National Animal Of Indonesia?

Why Is Bali Not Worth Visiting – Cons

I want to give you both the positive and negative reasons for visiting Bali. So, here are the cons and why Bali might not be worth visiting.

13. Infrastructure Is Taking Over Rice Fields

As Bali’s tourism industry continues to grow, the island’s stunning rice fields are gradually being replaced with modern infrastructure such as hotels, resorts, and shopping malls. This has led to a loss of the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, which is what makes it unique.

14. The Attractions Are Crowded

Bali’s natural wonders have become some of the island’s most popular tourist attractions, but many of these sites are now overrun with visitors, and their natural beauty has been compromised.

If you’re looking for a more peaceful and secluded experience, you’re going to have to venture off the beaten path. Head to the north, away from south Bali, and you’ll find hidden treasures.

15. Over-tourism/tourist traps

Bali has become a victim of its own success, as its popularity has led to a saturation of tourist traps and inauthentic cultural experiences. However, with the right planning and guidance, it’s still possible to find truly unique and authentic experiences on the island.

16. The Overpricing Is Getting Ridiculous

Despite being a relatively affordable place to live, Bali can end up being an expensive island, especially in popular tourist hotspots. You should be prepared to pay more for food, accommodation, and other amenities in these areas.

17. Scams Are Becoming Increasinly Popular

You need to be aware of this! Keep an eye out for potential scams, particularly when it comes to money. Fake tours and ATM scams are common on the island. Do your research and exercise caution before handing over any cash.

18. Pollution Is Everywhere

Bali is facing a serious pollution problem, with trash, noise, and air pollution all posing significant issues. Even the island’s most beautiful locations can be marred by litter, and you should be mindful of their impact on the environment.

19. Ex-pats Galore

Bali has become a popular destination for digital nomads and expats, leading to a vibrant social scene in some areas. However, this can also make the island feel crowded and busy, particularly in popular tourist areas.

20. The Strays Are Heartbreaking

Bali’s stray dog population is a heartbreaking issue that you need to be aware of. These dogs are often in poor health, and the island’s cultural attitudes towards animals can be distressing for animal lovers. Be careful around stray dogs and be mindful of your own safety.

Consider The Negatives Of Bali Tourism

I wanted to expand a little more on this topic because although I’ve listed 8 items above, from experience, there seem to be two major negatives stemming from tourism in Bali: pollution and over-tourism .

Pollution has always been a problem in developing countries, and Bali is no exception. Indonesia has a serious pollution problem, which originates from the lack of education and government involvement in managing and disposing of rubbish. 

There are charities and groups working hard to educate and clean up Bali. Some of which you can get involved in, including beach and river clean-ups. Sungai Watch is a great organisation to contact if you want to volunteer for the day.

Tourism, on the other hand, while having a great influence on Bali’s growth, also contributes to the pollution problem. Bali’s evolution over the years has meant the landscape has seen a significant change. Where rice fields used to be, there are now villas and restaurants.

The crowds gathering in south Bali are becoming an issue, mainly due to the lack of infrastructure on the roads. Traffic is terrible in areas like Canggu and Seminyak, and the once fresh, clean air now becomes thick with pollution . Rush hour isn’t a pleasant time to be in Bali!

OVERALL…

I mention this only to inform you but not to deter you from visiting . I’m sticking to my guns and still love Bali. We had an incredible time living there, and everyone I’ve spoken to since has said how much they loved it. So, Bali is still worth visiting.

Planning Your Trip To Bali

To help you plan your trip to Bali, I’ve put together a lot of information that I think will be crucial to helping you plan your perfect holiday. When I travel, I want to know which areas to visit, whether they’re safe, how expensive they’ll be, and when to go.

What Are You Looking For On Your Trip?

First, what do you actually want from your holiday in Bali? This is an important question that will help you decide where to visit.

Here are some more questions to ask yourself:

• Are you visiting Bali for the party vibe and social aspects? 
• Are you looking for a spiritual journey ?
• Do you like to go hiking and enjoy nature ?
• Are you a scuba diver , snorkeller or water baby?
• Are you visiting with a family, couple or friends?
• Do you enjoy fitness & health , is this why you’re visiting?
• Are you looking for Bali’s culture and heritage?
• Are you happy to move around or would you rather stay in one place ?

✔️ Best Bali Bike Rental: BIKAGO

If you want to rent a scooter in Bali as we did , you’re going to need a comfortable bike. We recommend BIKAGO , they are a popular Bali-based bike rental company.

Top-Rated Tours In Bali

There are some awesome day trips to take while visiting Bali. For the best holiday, you’ll want to combine some day excursions with self-exploration. Here are some of our favourites to consider:

• Full-Day Instagram Highlights Tour: Discover Bali on a customisable day trip to its most recognizable locations.
• Ubud’s Best Attractions: This group tour will take you to top visited sites , such as Tegallalang Rice Terrace, Tirta Empul (Holy Spring Water Temple), Bali Jungle Swing, Tegenungan Waterfall, and Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest.
• Ubud Private Tour: Explore the best of Ubud on this private tour , which includes visits to waterfalls, rice terraces, and a monkey forest.

Which Area Is Worth Visiting In Bali?

There are many different areas to stay in Bali depending on what you want, to help make your experience visiting Bali worth it, here are some suggestions.

Famous for its surf and stunning sunsets, Canggu is a very hip and happening place in Bali, but it’s also one of the busiest . It’s super crowded , especially during peak season. It’s a great place to head if you’re a social butterfly and want to meet people , surf and enjoy cocktails beachfront. But, don’t go here if you want a peaceful vacay!

One of our favourite places in Bali is Amed . It’s less busy and has fewer crowds. It’s a good place to head if you love the water; it’s sheltered in a bay and perfect for diving and snorkelling. It’s also a good place if you want to work on yourself, do yoga and enjoy a more traditional Bali.

✅ Here is our ultimate guide for Where To Stay In Amed . If you can’t get to Amed, Check out these amazing 13 Best East Bali Day Tours (Temples, Beaches & More!)

Even though Ubud is one of the top places to visit in Bali and gets very busy . This means that Ubud is still a good place for a spiritual cleanse and re-balance . Just don’t expect to be alone while you find yourself!

Are you going to Ubud? As busy as it is, we still enjoyed the atmosphere and think it’s definitely worth a day trip or two. We went a few times! Check out our Ubud guides :

✔️ Is Penglipuran Village Worth Visiting? The Honest Truth! ✔️ Campuhan Ridge Walk In Ubud: Visitors Tips & Guide ✔️ Kajeng Rice Fields Walk In Ubud: Visitors Tips & Guide

Ubud is surrounded by stunning scenery and one of the best ways to explore the Balinese countryside is to hop on a cycling tour. We’ve handpicked the best Bali Bike Tours and put together an easy-to-read guide here!

In the mountains of north Bali, Munduk much like Amed, is usually only visited on day trips but the area has so much more to offer. For one, north Bali is famous for its breathtaking waterfalls and jungle terrain. This is a great place to head if you want to get closer to nature.

How Many Days Should You Spend In Bali?

Depending on your reasons for visiting Bali and your budget , the amount of time you spend on the island will need to be considered. It is not uncommon to visit Bali during a backpacking trip around southeast Asia, in truth, Bali is usually on everyone’s itinerary. 

It’s also a very popular holiday destination where people visit anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks! There are a lot of activities on the island to make any holiday to Bali fun, exciting and relaxing. 

However, here are some suggestions for the number of days you should spend in Bali, depending on your type of trip.

• Backpacking trip – 5 days
• Beach holiday & Bali culture – 10 days – 2 weeks
• Adventure holiday – 3 weeks
• Road trip in Bali – 4 weeks

👉 Related Post: Are you thinking of visiting Bali for a few weeks? I’ve put together the ultimate 3 weeks in Bali adventure itinerary for those of you that love a thrill-seeking holiday.

When Is Bali Worth Visiting?

Depending on your reasons for visiting Bali, you will want to make sure you check the weather to make your trip worth it. Bali has two seasons: wet and dry.

Most people will agree that visiting Bali during the dry season is the best time. It’s true that you will get warm dry days with little to no chance of rain, great for beach holidays. However, due to this, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Bali. 

Hotels and tours are always more expensive and more likely to be booked up while popular sites are full of crowds. If you’re visiting Bali to escape the chaos you might want to consider visiting in the wet season or during the shoulder months .

✅ What are shoulder months? Should months are the months on either side of the wet season. In the case of Bali, they fall at the end of October/November and the end of March/April.

Bali’s wet season is from November to March. Even though it sounds like it will be wet all the time, it’s unlikely it will rain all day . Most days will only see a few hours of rain and then sunshine throughout the rest of the day. 

The thunderstorms in Bali are incredible and well worth visiting the island for at this time if only to witness them!

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

👉 Travel Insurance: SAFETYWING

Jack and I use SAFETYWING to book our travel medical insurance when we are overseas. It’s important to us as it ensures a safe trip. ✔️ Flexible, continuous coverage can be bought before you depart or at any point during your journey abroad. ✔️ Can be very affordable. (High-risk sports activities not generally included – Check out World Nomads instead)

Is It Expensive To Visit Bali?

Bali is a very affordable country (this post will provide some expense tables to help you budget) it is not expensive to visit and can be done on a budget. That being said, it is also very easy to spend in Bali. Since Bali has seen a huge influx in tourism over the last 20 years it has developed with this in mind creating luxury resorts, fine dining and extravagant entertainment venues. 

Keep this in mind if you’re visiting Bali on a budget , as it’s easy to overspend! One of the best ways to keep costs down during your trip to Bali is to rent a scooter to get around instead of using a taxi. This will also give you the freedom to visit other areas in Bali and make your trip worth it!

Is Bali Safe?

Speaking from our own experience, Bali is a safe place to visit in terms of violent crime. The most common crimes are petty theft and scams, both of which are not life-threatening.

Opportunistic crime is at its highest in Bali. The best way to avoid being targeted is to stay vigilant during your travels, never leave valuables lying around, and never wear expensive jewellery. Also, never flaunt cash, and keep an eye on the people around you.

Is Indonesia Worth Visiting?

With the above in mind, Bali is still somewhere worth visiting, but it’s also part of a larger country. Indonesia is a much less explored part of Southeast Asia, but it is a huge country! It’s made up of thousands of islands (over 17,000) and has one of the most unique cultures in the world. So, why is Indonesia worth visiting?

Is Bali Or Thailand Better?

We visited both Thailand and Bali (and Indonesia), and actually, we prefer Thailand as a whole. This is mainly because of the pollution we saw in Indonesia, which was really bad, but also because Thailand has had a lot more time to develop its tourism. 

The infrastructure in Thailand makes it super easy to travel around and the affordability is still very reasonable. It’s still got a traditional Thai charm which we enjoyed but we noticed (from visiting 15 years ago) that the country has cleaned up and developed in a positive way. 

Plus, the number of stray animals has also been managed better in Thailand. For us, the stray dogs in Bali (and Indonesia) were heartbreaking at times. 

On top of that, Thailand didn’t seem as overcrowded as Bali . Maybe because it’s not the newest destination anymore and we’re talking about the whole country rather than just an island but I think this has worked in its favour. That being said, Bali is still worth visiting! 

👉 Related Post: Why is Thailand worth visiting? Discover more reasons why we loved Thailand and everything else you need to know about making your holiday to Thailand.

The Verdict: Is Bali Worth Visiting?

By now, it’s probably safe to say that Bali isn’t the place to go if you want an untouched beach holiday. But it’s also clear that Bali is still worth visiting. Okay, so you won’t have paradise to yourself, but you will still get an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trust me.

Bali is worth visiting, you just need to know where to go and what to do to make it your perfect holiday. There are still places in Bali, off-the-beaten-path where you don’t have to share your sunset with crowds or waterfalls with hordes of people. 

You can also plan your visit during less popular times and go to the less visited attractions and sites. Bali is still full of wonderful districts which see fewer tourists, and if that fails, check out the rest of the country – it will be similar to Bali after all!

Explore & Discover More

Come and join our socials and keep up to date with the latest adventures. Find the latest travel photos and blog updates, ask questions and get travel inspiration. ✔️ FIND ON INSTAGRAM ✔️ JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Abigail Dalton is the owner and creator behind I’m Going On An Adventure, a blog which helps travellers find unique destinations worldwide. She focuses on budget travel and outdoor adventure, giving first-hand experiences to help her readers plan their perfect trips and make the best memories. She also helps travellers plan their dream holidays with bespoke travel services where she creates fun-packed itineraries. When she isn't writing about her travels you'll find her on long country walks foraging for mushrooms or enjoying a cool fruity white under the sun, toes tucked in the sand.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Destinations A-Z

Bali Is One of the Most Instagrammable Islands in the World, With Stunning Beaches, Emerald Jungles, and Luxury Villas

These are the best hotels, restaurants, and things to do in Bali.

• Best Hotels & Resorts

Things to Do

Best shopping, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, neighborhoods to visit, how to get around.

Matteo Colombo/Getty Images

As magical destinations go, Bali is definitely up there. There are the awe-inspiring temples in the tens of thousands — literally — and near-daily ceremonies: vivid, multi-sensory, and loud, accompanied by chanting and clanging gamelan . Add to that endless beaches trimmed in aquamarine surf, pulsing with relentlessly curling waves topped with dancing surfers. There are miles and miles of verdant rice paddies, terraced so immaculately they've become iconic. And don't forget canang sari , the prolific flower-laden offerings blessed and placed seemingly everywhere daily on the so-called "Island of Gods."

"From its pristine beaches to lush landscapes, cultural treasures, and thrilling adventures, Bali will resonate with every traveler," Giordano Faggioli, the general manager of Ayana Estate, told Travel + Leisure. "Guests can seek relaxation, exploration, spiritual rejuvenation, or adrenaline-pumping pursuits that harmoniously offer an unforgettable experience."

Bali has an energy about it that acts as a siren song to woo-woo wellness practitioners, design buffs, and carousing Gen Z-ers in equal numbers, along with stoked surfers, spiritual pilgrims, yogis, beach lovers, plus plenty of celebrities and influencers to boot. And the most fulfilling and thrilling Bali holidays include a few locations, so don't stress about picking just one vibe or scene — it's best to combine a few, or two if you're short on time.

"Guests can tailor their Bali experience based on personal preferences," Faggioli said. "My suggestion is to scale the heights of Mount Batur to witness a captivating sunrise over the island’s volcanic terrain. Immerse in the local community and Balinese everyday life at Sukowati market." Enjoy island time and the locals who are overwhelmingly generous, sweet, and genuine. All factors considered, it's nearly impossible not to leave Bali feeling far better — happier, healthier, and definitely more tan — than when you landed.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Four seasons resort bali at sayan.

It's obvious you're somewhere special right upon arrival at this John Heah–designed resort . The standalone villas (each with a private pool) and suites have slept everyone from the Obamas to Julia Roberts. River rafting, cycling, and other adventurous cultural tours are on offer, but the resort environment — with its pools, flavorful food, and entertainment — is so alluring it's tempting to just relax, too.

Capella Ubud

As resort concepts go, Capella Ubud, voted one of the best resorts in Indonesia in 2022 by T+L readers , is truly one-of-a-kind. Its 22 one-bedroom tented and batik-draped retreats, hand-painted Mads Lange restaurant, and even saltwater pool all float over the jungle floor — not one tree was cut as the whimsical Bill Bensley creations were constructed.

Katamama Suites at Desa Potato Head

An artisanal theme pervades this brick-clad Brutalist boutique hotel that manages to be a quiet respite in the heart of lively Seminyak. It all celebrates Indonesia's rich traditions of craft through a midcentury-esque lens. Tear yourself away from the long turquoise pool to hit the beach, just a few minutes away, or some of the hundreds of shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Como Uma Canggu

This airy modern beachfront resort occupies prime real estate in Canggu, easy walking—or scooting—distance to all the town's hot spots. Hopeful surfers should book lessons with the consummate professionals at Tropicsurf onsite, while the wellness-minded have their choice of Pilates, yoga, a Jungle Sports studio, and a comprehensive spa.

Uluwatu Surf Villas

If paradisiacal views are what you crave, Uluwatu Surf Villas has you covered. The legendary surfers' resort perched above those famously large waves (there's a set of private steps down) offers traditionally Balinese-designed thatched-roof cliff-front villas as well as a collection of newer architectural masterpieces, each one with its own unique tropical modern vibe.

Ayana Villas

Feel like you're the only one in Bali with a stay at Ayana Villas , a resort made up of 78 private villas, each with its own plunge pools. Ocean views, flowering gardens, and utter romance abound at this chic resort, making it an ideal spot for honeymooners to come to bask in that new love glow.

Read More: T+L Readers' 5 Favorite Resorts in Indonesia of 2023

Ride a Bike Through Rice Fields

There's no question about the iconic status of Tegallalang, the flawless and highly photogenic rice terraces curving around hillsides and irrigated by the subak system, which has UNESCO status. As good as that hot spot is, the more intimate way to experience the ubiquitous emerald paddies is by bicycle, which many Ubud hotels and tour companies offer led by local guides.

Try Surfing

Bali's reputation as a surf destination is well earned, thanks to its rich assortment of not only professional-grade waves (see the aquamarine behemoths rolling in like corduroy in Keramas and Uluwatu, where Kelly Slater surfs) but also beginner-level breaks like Baby Padang at Padang Padang Beach and Batu Bolong in Canggu. There are fantastic surf camps and instructors across the island.

Visit Hindu Temples

Bali's transcendent charm is rooted in its tens of thousands of Hindu temples, and there are many worth visiting for a dose of impressively ornate architecture and mystical ambiance. Some of the most iconic on the island are Pura Tirta Empul ( pura means "temple"), where you can bathe and bless yourself in holy spring waters spouting from carved stone; Pura Besakih, the largest and holiest of them all; and Pura Luhur Uluwatu, the clifftop sea temple where each sunset draws tourists for flashy yet authentic kecak (fire) dances.

Take a Yoga Class at The Yoga Barn

Ubud is associated with all things spiritual, and high vibe, and its multitude of yoga studios and movement centers are evidence. Practitioners can find more than 100 classes per week at The Yoga Barn , an epicenter of yin, vinyasa, Hatha, and kundalini, plus meditation, sound healing, and ecstatic dance.

Gaya Ceramic

The founders of this celebrated ceramic design studio are an Italian expat couple, but their ultra-skilled team of some 100 craftsmen are overwhelmingly Balinese. It's impossible to leave the showroom empty-handed, thanks to its proliferation of glamorous handmade dishes and decor.

Canaan x Rou

This petite shop packs a major punch with tightly curated and oftentimes collaborative goods made by Balinese artisans, think placemats, eye-catching brass cutlery, and a plant-dyed shibori clothing collection. Beautiful gifts — for yourself and also loved ones back home—include signature Canaan candles, artisanal fans from Yogyakarta, and Cisco & the Sun's wabi sabi–inspired ceramics.

Magali Pascal

Ethereal, elegant, and earthy womenswear can be found at this Canggu boutique . The eponymous label began on Bali in 2005 and marries an effortless French sensibility with a cool-girl palette ideal for island holidays.

You don't need to be a pro in the waves to embark on a spree at this beloved surf shop . A reclaimed joglo house holds dozens of slick, technicolor surfboards — finely crafted by sought-after shapers — along with Drifter's own brand of art-emblazoned tees, international bikini collections, original artwork, boho jewelry, ocean-themed books, and far more.

With a name meaning "tribe" in Bahasa Indonesia, Kaum is a concept born of its culinary team's deep exploration of Indonesia's super diverse archipelago and its tribes' cooking and catching methods (fishing and spear hunting to name a few adventures). A sampling of fiery sambals is a great way to start feasting on rich regional dishes made of specialty ingredients sourced as locally as possible.

It's not too extreme an exaggeration to call Ubud a mecca for vegans, and this plant-, root- and shoot-slinging destination is like the high temple in the lush jungle. Zest , the chic, plant-powered restaurant appropriately hugs a living frangipani tree and offers up colorful, organic fare from jackfruit steaks to pizzas and cassava fettuccini alongside a lively community and creative, island-grown cocktails and tonics.

Hujan Locale

Casually elegant and tucked away like a well-kept secret amid Ubud's busy streets, this eatery is a perfect blend of warung (a basic Indonesian cafe or small restaurant) and fine dining restaurant. Sit near one of many open windows for views of a classic Balinese neighborhood while sipping vibrant cocktails (think Carrot Mai Tais and Butterfly Pea Martinis).

Chef's Table at Sokasi

Intimate dinners at Sokasi — the curvaceous bamboo pavilion perched above the rushing Ayung River at the Four Seasons in Sayan — are all about preserving the island's time-intensive culinary heritage. Arrive early for a peek at the pig roasting over a coconut wood fire before tucking into rich, forgotten recipes featuring flavors like wild ginger and klengis (an extract from hand-making coconut oil).

Cuca Restaurant Bali

Tapas in Indonesia sounds random but dreamed up and prepared with quality produce and products sourced from the archipelago by chef Kevin Cherkas (whose CV includes several Michelin three-star restaurants), it's flawless. The nine-course tasting menu at Cuca is a favorite at this vegetarian-friendly fine-dining spot. And though its ingredients evoke Indonesia, the plates are all over the map: sticky eggplant sushi, BBQ octopus, Turkish meatballs, moussaka, and crispy fried chicken.

Daniel Gorostieta/Travel + Leisure

The best time to visit Bali is during both the summer holiday months and the local festive season.

The biggest holiday of the year is Nyepi , which happens in March and involves fantastical parades of men and boys hauling ogoh-ogoh (huge handmade demon dolls) the night before a 24-hour silent day, on which even the airport falls quiet, and planes don't take off or land, and the use of electricity and vehicles is forbidden. For that period, tourists must stay on the grounds of their accommodations, but it's a beautiful opportunity to experience Balinese culture as well as epic stargazing. Surfers will find the best waves on the west coast of Bali from May to October, at which point the winds shift and it improves on the eastern side.

"Being an equatorial getaway boasting a consistently delightful climate, this destination attracts globetrotters from across the world, regardless of whether it's the dry or rainy season," Faggioli shared. "Nevertheless, my ultimate preference rests with the period spanning from June to August. During these months, the sun graces the skies daily, and the weather is very nice."

Bali doesn't experience four seasons in the same way we do. Instead, there are just two: rainy and dry. When it rains, it really pours, but there can also be beautiful days during that humid period, from November to March. April to October tends to be far drier and equally hot, though nights can feel quite cool. Daytime temperatures hover in the high 70s and 80s Fahrenheit year-round.

Plane: Because Bali is an island, the practical to get there is by plane. Visitors will fly into its one international airport, Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport, which services flights from all over the world.

Ferry: There are also plentiful ferries that travel from the mainland of Indonesia to Bali. See all the available ferry terminals and times here .

Cruise: One more option is to book a cruise that stops in Bali as one of its ports of call. Several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises , make stops here.

This is Bali's most known beach neighborhood, and without a doubt, its busiest. There are literally countless places to shop, eat, and drink along its vibrant, crowded streets, not to mention hundreds of deluxe villas and many luxury hotels. Partying isn't contained to after-dark hours — beach clubs like Potato Head and Ku De Ta are popular at all times of day and night.

Think of Canggu as the newer Seminyak — super hip and, in recent years, where a burst of development has occurred, bringing this seaside beach town plenty of cool little boutiques. Plus, loads of eateries and bars are helmed by chefs from around the world, bringing not only international flavors but aesthetics.

Ever since Elizabeth Gilbert's " Eat Pray Love" threw Ubud (pronounced oo-bood ) into the spotlight, it's become almost every tourist's definition of Bali. That's ironic considering the island is known for its beaches, and this busy, sprawling town full of yoga studios, vegan cafes, shops, spas, and markets is a 30-minute motorbike ride from the nearest stretch of sand. Still, it's probably the most popular stop in Bali, a great jumping-off point for temple visits, hikes (Mt. Batur is lovely at sunrise), visits with healers, coffee ( kopi ) tastings, and a serious dose of culture.

If you surf, you've already heard of Uluwatu. Besides its epic waves, the southwesternmost tip of Bali is famed for Pura Uluwatu, the clifftop Hindu temple where monkeys cause mischief as sarong-clad visitors take in panoramic sunsets. Uluwatu and its neighboring surf towns of Padang Padang and Bingin are lower key than Canggu, with more dramatically beautiful beaches (most of which require a decent number of steps to access) and a laid-back but luscious restaurant and cafe scene.

Nusa Lembongan

This tiny island off the southeastern coast is technically part of Bali (along with the even teenier Nusa Ceningan and much larger but less developed Nusa Penida), but is about 20 years behind developmentally, which means it's a bit closer to the storied Bali of yore. Still, there are already plenty of Instagrammable hotels and eateries here, so if you're keen for some scuba diving, snorkeling, or more surf, it makes for a fun few-day spinoff (the fast boat from Sanur or Serangan takes about 30 minutes).

Motorbike : Bali does not have a public transit system in the Western sense — there are some buses, but not reliable or advised. Instead, the ubiquitous motorbikes that flood every street (and sometimes sidewalk) are the primary mode of transportation. There are plentiful rental services to assist in finding the bike for you. Taxi: If the idea of riding one stresses you out (and it should a bit, the experience is not for the timid), there are plentiful taxis for hire. Uber is not available in Bali, so go with a local service instead.

Private car: There are also abundant private cars with gracious Balinese drivers who will happily be on call to ferry you around the island, many of whom double as casual tour guides.

Rental cars: Almost every rental car service operates in Bali and is available from the airport. If you plan to see a lot of the area it is a good idea to rent your own car, or like the above, hire a private driver, to take you around.

Where is Mai

TRAVEL BLOGGER

Bali travel blog: Review my trip to Bali with PRO TIPS and itinerary for first-timers [2024]

Yessssssss, my trip to Bali had finally come. 

After so many years of dreaming about Bali island (Indonesia), I finally made my dream come true when I was 26.   

Bali island, known as the Island of the Gods, is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands, Indonesia. It is one of the most famous destinations in Indonesia thanks to its lush tropical landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. From its stunning beaches and iconic temples to its bustling markets and delicious cuisine, Bali is a destination that will leave you enchanted and refreshed.

In this blog post, I will review my trip to Bali and give you some PRO TIPS that I learned from my Bali travel experience throughout the post.

Useful links for your trip to Bali

• Buy Indonesian sim card – DPS airport pickup: Click here
• Buy ferry tickets from Bali to Nusa Penida: Click here
• Best budget-friendly hotels in Bali: D’Pande Kuta, Puri Clinton Bali, Rumah Roda
• Rent a motorbike at a cheap price: Click here
• Adventurous activity in Bali: ATV ride through the tunnel, rice fields, puddles
• Save money with Klook Pass (20 activities to choose from): Click here

Read more: Review Kecak fire dance in Uluwatu temple, Bali: its story, ticket price & pro tips

Table of Contents

1. Interesting facts about Bali, Indonesia

2. covid update , 3. best time to visit bali, indonesia, 4. how to get to bali, 5. where to stay in bali, 6. how to get around bali, 7. must-do things in bali, 8. how many days is enough for a bali trip, 9. bali itinerary 4 days 3 nights, 10. how much does the bali trip cost, frequently asked questions – faqs.

• Bali, along with Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi, is the largest producer of Kopi Luwak – the most expensive coffee in the world . This coffee costs up to 1300 USD/kg for the wild collected coffee beans. The production method of Kopi Luwak is very special in that the beans are collected after being digested by the Asian Palm Civet (Luwak). However, that also leads to a huge ethical issue since more and more wild palm civets are caught for Kopi Luwak farming.
• While 86% of the Indonesian population is identified as Muslim, Bali is an exception where the majority of the Balinese citizens (87%) follow Hinduism. Interestingly, Balinese Hinduism is distinct from Indian one as it has different beliefs and some unique Gods. 
• Bali is known as the Island of a Thousand Temples for a reason. In every Bali village, there are at least 3 temples which respectively worship the god Brahma, the god Vishnu, and the god Shiva. And the total number of temples on Bali island is over 20,000. That’s a huge number! 
• The island is famous for its white sand beaches. However, it’s only found in the south. In the north and west, you will see beaches with black volcanic sand instead.

During my trip to Bali in 2023, travelers are required to show my COVID-19 vaccination certificate. However, when I passed through immigration, they did not check it at all.

Additionally, I did not see many people in Bali wearing masks. I believe it may not be a requirement anymore.

Bali’s weather is divided into 2 seasons: the wet season and the dry season.

• The wet season starts from November to March. During this period, downpours might happen during the day, however, they won’t last long even in the wettest month (January). Therefore, you can still travel around when there is no rain. If you want to hunt for hotels and tours discount, this is the best time to do so. Furthermore, traveling to Bali during the rainy season will be much less crowded.

Regarding my trip to Bali, I traveled there in mid-February and yes, there were downpours every day but they didn’t take long. 

• The dry season in Bali runs from April to October with the driest month falling in August. These are the best months to visit Bali for all kinds of activities, especially snorkeling, and diving. Moreover, some Bali festivals also occur during this period such as the Bali Art Festival (mid-June to mid-July) and the Bali Kite Festival (July). However, bear in mind that traveling to Bali during this time is more expensive due to an increase in the price of all the tourism services.

The most convenient way to get to Bali is by flight.  

There is only one airport in Bali which is the Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport). It is located in Tuban, nearby the capital of Bali – Denpasar.

This airport is the second busiest airport in Indonesia operating both domestic and international routes.

Check out the flight ticket from your city to Bali: Click here

There are 6 main areas to stay in Bali, namely Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. Each suits different tastes and budgets. So my advice is that you should do research on what you want to do in Bali and choose your accommodation accordingly.

Below are the pros and cons of each area:

• Pros: plenty of affordable accommodations, and is a great spot for surfing, and partying, nearby the airport.
• Cons: has too many tourists, a lot of buildings, and contaminated beaches. 
• Pro tip: During my trip to Bali, I stayed in a hotel that was situated right in front of the beach. Unfortunately, the area was quite dirty, with a lot of garbage and sand from the beach. Therefore, if you plan to stay in Kuta, it’s best to avoid beachfront hotels.
• Best affordable hotels in Kuta (from 19 USD/night): D’Pande Kuta, Jepun Bali Hotel, Matahari Bungalow
• Pros: best place to watch the sunset, fantastic bars, and restaurants.
• Cons: a little congested, more expensive than other areas in Bali, and heavily commercialized.
• Best affordable hotels in Seminyak (from 17 USD/night): Dharma Guest House Seminyak RedPartner, The Visala Boutique Suites Seminyak, Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak
• Pros: cheaper accommodations, tranquil environment, nice view of the rice field, a great place to explore the local culture, many cool cafes, and beach clubs. 
• Cons: limited transportation options (scooters and bicycles are common)
• Best affordable hotels in Canggu (from 19 USD/night): Lilis Aksito Akusara, The Uma Guesthouse, Kent Beach House
• Pros: beautiful beaches, calm environment.
• Cons: farther from most of the tourist attractions, luxury resorts
• Best affordable hotels in Uluwatu (from 19 USD/night): Balangan Inn Surf Homestay, Rebels Point, The Ulus Klumpu
• Pros: an amazing place for sports activities, fewer tourists, easy to go to Nusa Penida.
• Cons: located farther from the tourist attractions.
• Best affordable hotels in Nusa Dua (from 19 USD/night): Pondok Agung Bed & Breakfast, Puri Clinton Bali, Green D’Mel Luxury Homestay
• Pros: stunning natural scenery with rice fields, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
• Cons: more expensive accommodations.
• Best affordable hotels in Ubud (from 19 USD/night): Rumah Roda, Junjungan Suite, Tri Dewi Residence by Pramana Villas

          Xem bài viết này trên Instagram                       Bài viết do maiii_travelog (@maiii_travelog) chia sẻ

From Ngurah Rai Airport to your hotel

The most convenient way is by car. There are a few options:

• Taxi: Always pick the Blue Bird Taxi (blue color) – it’s one of the most reliable brands in Bali. However, there are many scam taxis that are purposely painted blue (the same as the real Blue Bird brand). Therefore, you need to be really careful to check whether it is real or fake.
• Grab: Grab is very popular in Bali, and I used the app to book a car from Ngurah Rai Airport to Kuta for around 200,000 IDR. However, one drawback of using Grab is that the prices can double during rush hour. Unfortunately, this happened to me, and my journey ended up being more expensive than it should have been.

Pro tip : You can go to Grab Lounge to get assistance in booking the car. During my trip, I discovered that there is a Grab Lounge located just outside the airport. The staff there assist you in booking a ride, finding the car, and even carrying your luggage to the car. It was the first time I felt like a VIP as a Grab user. Haha!

Download the Grab app: Click here.

• Airport pick-up service: It’s also a great option. The price is stable and fixed. Check out THIS LINK to book the car. The fare is pretty affordable, for the trip to Kuta, it costs only 100.000 IDR for a 4-seater car.

Getting around Bali

Traveling around Bali by car is good if you accompany small kids and the elderly. However, the traffic in Bali is really bad, so be mentally prepared to be stuck in jam for hours.

Besides, you can rent a car/van for a whole day trip for your convenience.

During my trip to Bali, I rented a 4-seater car for the whole day at 700.000 IDR/day. But later on, I realized that renting a car online this only around 500.000 IDR for 12 hours… Hmmm, I should have checked the price online before confirming the booking. 

When taking a Grab car in Bali, most of the time the drivers will ask about your plans and offer you a day-trip rental. Based on my experience, I believe that their prices are not competitive compared to online booking.

Here is the link to rent a car at a very affordable price: Click here

By motorbike

Exploring the island by motorbike is one of the most common ways, especially for young travelers. In Bali, you can either rent a scooter or book a grab bike (an app to book motorbike rides). The scooter rental price is up to 100.000 IDR/ day (without petrol) and you can rent it at your hotel or at the rental shop.

On my trip to Bali, I rented a motorbike at 100.000 IDR/day from “Rent bike in Bali” ( location here ). The bike ran smoothly without any issues and the owners are super friendly. This shop is located in Kuta. So if you stay in Kuta, highly recommend it.

Besides, you can also rent a motorbike via THIS LINK at about 90.000 IDR/day (free delivery service in Seminyak).

Here are some interesting tours for your Bali trip:

• Ubud tour – Best of Ubud: Click here
• Klook Bali Instagram Tour: Click here
• ATV ride through the tunnel, rice fields, puddles : Click here
• Private full-day tour with photographer: Click here

Explore Tegalalang Rice Fields

The Tegalalang Rice Fields, also known as the Ceking terrace, or Tegallalang, is famous for its cascading rice field adorned with green coconut trees .

The best time to visit this place is during March, April, September, and October when the rice field is greenest and ready to be harvested.

There are many locations to enter the rice field. For my trip to Bali, I went to this location ( Google map link ). The entrance fee was 25.000 IDR/person. The rice field there is not so big, but it’s easy to walk and you won’t need to trek for hours.

The Swings is also offered in this rice field at the price of 150.000 IDR (free dress rental). Even though it’s cheaper than the famous Bali Swing (500.000 IDR for all activities and lunch buffet), for me, still a “nah nah”.

Pro tip : There’s a small café in this place that offers a view of the entire terrace field. Prices are affordable (40,000 IDR for a portion of stir-fried noodles). You can take a rest here and enjoy the view.

Visit Balinese Hindu Temples

As mentioned previously, Bali is known as the Island of Thousand Temples. Once you arrive on the island, you will see tons of temples everywhere you go. Additionally, Balinese Hindu temples have a totally different look compared to Hindu temples in other places. Thus, there is no excuse not to visit one of the Hindu temples in Bali to understand more about the religion.

Some of the most famous temples for tourists in Bali are Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Besakih Temple (Pura Besakih), Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, etc.

Note: It is advisable to wear long pants or a dress when entering Hindu temples. Otherwise, they will provide a free sarong for you to cover your legs.

Sunbath at the beach

Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, Balinese beaches are definitely perfect for sunbathing and water sports activities, especially surfing. 

Pro tip: Although Kuta is famous, you should not visit it because it’s already contaminated and overcrowded. Instead, you can go to other beaches such as Seminyak Beach, and Nusa Dua Beach

Discover the beautiful Nusa Penida

Undoubtedly, Nusa Penida is a must-visit destination in Bali. This small island, located southeast of Bali, is known for its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can marvel at the island’s dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters, making it a perfect destination for activities like diving and snorkeling.

There are many Instagrammable places to explore on the island, such as Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay. It’s recommended to spend at least two days on the island to fully enjoy its mesmerizing beauty. I learned this from my trip to Bali when I took a day tour from Bali to Nusa Penida. Unfortunately, the tour was rushed, and I was only allowed to spend 20-30 minutes at each place. In general, such a tour is only suitable for someone who has limited time in Bali.

To go to Nusa Penida, you have to take a ferry from Bali. You can buy the ferry ticket via THIS LINK . For further information, read my blog post “ Detailed guide: How to go to Nusa Penida from Bali by ferry”

If you don’t have time to organize your trip, consider these tours from Bali to Nusa Penida:

• Nusa Penida day trip from Bali (not recommended): Click here
• Nusa Penida multi-day trip from Bali: Click here

Have fun with Kecak Fire dance

Kecak Fire Dance is a traditional Balinese dance that is based on the Hindu epic Ramayana. It is the story of Prince Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sinta from the demon king Rahwana.

Interestingly, no musical instrument is used during the dance. Instead, the only sound you can hear during the whole performance is a choir of around 70 male dancers. And the name “Kecak dance” is actually based on the sound “cak-cak-cak” chanted by them.

This fire dance is one of the most significant traditions in Bali and is one of the unique things that you must see when traveling to Bali.

• Address: Uluwatu temple, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
• Show time: 6PM and 7PM
• Ticket price: 150.000 IDR/person
• You can get tickets at a cheaper price from THIS LINK . 
• The best seats are the ones in the middle, as the actors will face that area for most of the performance.

Wander around GWK Cultural Park

Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, also known as GWK, is a huge cultural park located in the hills of Jimbaran. It has 60 hectares of space and offers several impressive attractions, namely the Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, the Lotus Pond, the Garuda Cinema, and the Amphitheatre.

Personally, I love the Garuda Cinema the most because it played a 30-minute cartoon about the legend of Garuda. It was lively, and funny and helped me to easily understand a part of the Balinese culture. Highly recommended!

• Address: Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364, Indonesia
• Opening hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
• Ticket price: 125.000 IDR/person 
• Buying tickets online is cheaper via THIS LINK . 
• If you visit the park during lunchtime, the package including lunch is pretty worth it. You will pay an extra 75.000 IDR for a 100.000 IDR food voucher in Jendela restaurant. The food there is pretty tasty.

Bali is an interesting destination that has so much to offer. There are many areas to explore and each area has its unique features. 

Therefore, you can stay in Bali as long as possible (e.g. 1 month) to explore the fullest of this island.

If you don’t have that much time, it’s recommended to spend at least 4 days, and don’t try to cram your itinerary with too many activities/ places that are far from each other. Note that the street in Bali is narrow and traffic jam is veryyy common. 

Below is my itinerary for 4 days in Bali. It’s not the perfect Bali itinerary, that’s why I suggested some alternative options as well.

• Check into my hotel in Kuta
• Have lunch at Warung Indonesia. They serve really scrumptious Indonesian food
• Visit Uluwatu Temple and watch Kecak Fire Dance at the temple at 7pm
• Enjoy dinner at Gabah Restaurant & Bar – a fancy restaurant with traditional Balinese decor. The food is nicely decorated, but taste so-so
• Explore Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Tegalalang Rice Terrace (Not recommended to visit these 2 attractions within a day because of the far distance and traffic jam).
• Enjoy Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck) at Sawah Indah Resto Ubud

Take a day tour to Nusa Penida: Visit Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Crystal Bay (lunch included). If possible, I suggest you take the ferry to Nusa Penida on day 2 and stay overnight on the island. That way, your itinerary in Nusa Penida won’t be too rushed.

• Have dinner at Warung Babi Guling Bu Dayu Kencani (their signature dish is Babi Guling)
• Visit GWK Cultural Park and have lunch at the park
• Visit Melasti Beach
• Go to airport

Below is the cost of my trip to Bali for 2 people for 4 days (excludes flight tickets):

• 4-star hotel: ~ 3.000.000 IDR/ 3 nights
• Airport transfer: ~ 300.000 IDR for 2 ways ( 200.000 IDR to hotel, 100.000 IDR to airport)
• 4-seater car rental: 700.000 IDR/day
• Grab car: 400.000 IDR 
• Day tour from Bali to Nusa Penida for 2 people: 1.100.000 IDR
• Food (both local and high-end restaurants): 1.000.000 IDR
• Attractions (excludes the one in Nusa Penida tour): 

Uluwatu temple: 50.000 IDR/person

Kecak fire dance: 135.000 IDR/person

Pura Ulun Danu Bratan: 75.000 IDR/person

Rice field: 25.000 IDR/person

Melasti beach: 12.000 IDR/person

GWK Cultural Park: 125.000 IDR/person and 40.000 IDR/person for buggy service

• Motorbike rental: 100.000 IDR/day

To conclude, for my trip to Bali, I spent around 7,524,000 IDR for 2 people. To be honest, it was a bit expensive. I could have saved more money by checking the prices more carefully before the trip. Well, at least I am sharing my lesson in this post so that you won’t make the same mistake as I did.

So, that’s my Bali travel guide and some tips I’ve learned during my trip to Bali. I hope it’s helpful to you, and please feel free to ask any questions in the comment box below. Thank you for reading!

1. Can I use Uber in Bali?

No, you cannot.

Uber is not available in Bali, Indonesia. Instead, you can download Grab or Gojek to book a motorbike/car ride. 

2. Is Grab expensive in Bali?

No, it’s not. Grab is one of the cheapest ways to book a motorbike/car ride in Bali. 

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THE LATEST USEFUL TRAVEL GUIDES

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Share this:

• Share on Tumblr

You may also like...

My honest review of Koh Larn island day-tour in Pattaya [[2024 updated]

TOP 5 best countries to visit in Asia for less than 30 USD/day [2024 updated]

Explore 31 interesting places to visit in Ipoh, Malaysia [2024 updated]

(1) comment.

Bali is such an amazing destination where I have a very good time before affordable trips from nyc and that was a good experience for me.

Bình luận Cancel reply

Bali Travel: Recommendations & Review

Bali is one of the top travel destinations for many people, for good reason. This island in Indonesia is home to beautiful beaches, gorgeous landscapes, and a distinctive culture.

While the majority of Indonesia is Muslim, most Balinese residents practice their own form of Hinduism, aptly named Balinese Hinduism. Bali is well-known for its art, dance, and music. Some forms of architecture on Bali are also famous, notably the split gateways ( candi bentar ).

But is Bali worth visiting? This Bali travel review will help you decide for yourself and your own plans.

A split gateway at Gunung Kawi Temple

I spent six days in Bali in 2017 with my friend as part of a longer month-long trip around Southeast Asia. Because the island is so big and has so many places to visit, we were only able to see a portion of all that Bali has to offer. However, I still think that we were able to cover a good range of sites in our time there.

The first thing you should know about traveling around Bali is that it is a sizeable island: it’s 2,230 square miles/5,780 square kilometers. Driving between the south and north of the island will take over 3 hours, and driving between the east and west coasts will take 4-5 hours (or more depending on traffic, weather, and so on). This affects travel time and how you should plan your itinerary.

This post reviews my Bali trip, going over the itinerary and featuring tips and recommendations of where to go and what to do, as well as tons of photos of each spot.

Day 1: Ubud Monkey Forest

We stayed in Ubud, which is more towards the middle of the island, while the airport is in Denpasar, around Kuta in the south. Taking a taxi from the airport to our accommodation took about an hour and a half.

Our accommodation had a decent location within Ubud, as there were a number of restaurants, cafes, and a supermarket (which we visited almost daily for snacks and water) within close walking distance. Our accommodation provided breakfast, but had no hot water in the bathroom. Can’t win them all, I guess.

TIP : If you are going to avoid drinking the tap water (which is probably advisable if you’re not from the area, as you could feel ill doing so), it’s quite helpful if your accommodation is near some kind of store so that you can buy water for the next day on your way back to the hotel.

In addition, at every restaurant we went to, we had to purchase bottled water if we wanted to have any. So make sure to always have some water handy!

After arriving and freshening up (gotta love overnight flights and trying to sleep on layover in the Manila Airport in the wee hours of the morning), we ate lunch at the restaurant of a nearby hotel.

Our lunch view

After eating, we walked to the Ubud Monkey Forest . The normal entrance price is 80,000 Indonesian rupiah (about $5.50 USD). It is a sanctuary for the long-tailed macaques that live there, and features three Hindu temples.

Now, the monkey forest was an experience . As soon as we walked slightly past the ticket office, a monkey came from out of nowhere , landed on my friend’s back, and stole the hand sanitizer dangling from her backpack. It disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Shortly after that, another monkey tried to take her water bottle from the side pocket of her bag, but it was full of water and thus too heavy for the little thief.

Caught-in-the-act thief

Non-thief monkeys

TIP : The macaques around Bali are not afraid of humans, and will not hesitate to swipe anything hanging, dangling, or otherwise available on your person. As such, it is advisable to put any sunglasses, long earrings, keychains, and so on safely away in a bag. Hold on tight to your cameras and phones. One monkey teleported onto me and tried to pilfer my phone.

As we walked deeper into the forest, we could not always see the monkeys, but we could hear them rustling and moving amongst the trees. The fact that we could hear them but not see them, and one could leap out onto us at any time was a bit bizarre. It almost felt like being in a B-horror movie about tourists getting mobbed by monkeys. However, any macaques that landed on us didn’t hurt us. Even so, you probably won’t want to visit if you have a fear of monkeys.

A macaque with some fruit

There were people around the sanctuary that you could buy food like bananas from to feed the macaques. We saw plenty of people posing for photos with a monkey on their shoulder, head, et cetera while surrounded by a swarm of other monkeys. We decided against this, as the macaques could accost you if they think or know you have food.

The grounds of the Ubud Monkey Forest were absolutely gorgeous. The entire complex was lush with huge trees and other vegetation. While we could not go into the three Hindu temples on the premises, they were still fantastic to see from a bit further away.

One of the Hindu temples (thanks, zoom function!), some statues outside the temple

Deep in the forest is the Dragon Bridge, an ornate bridge spanning a sizeable ravine. Surrounded by thickets of vines, this bridge is an impressive sight. Definitely don’t miss this spot in the sanctuary!

The Dragon Bridge from different angles

It was super cool to be able to get so close to and see the macaques, especially the moms who had younglings hanging off of them. At one point, we saw a group of mothers with their babies, but one mom had a naughty kid who kept trying to run off, so she had to hold onto him by his tail.

Various macaques around the sanctuary

I would definitely recommend checking out the monkey forest if you have the time.

Day 2: Tanah Lot Temple, Kuta, and Uluwatu Temple

On our second day, we wanted to go see sights south of Ubud. One of the most common ways to get around Bali is by motorbike, but neither of us felt comfortable doing that. So we hired a driver to take us around. The reception at our hotel helped us find and hire a driver for the day. Payment to him included all the gas and his time, and cost around 600,000 rupiah (~$42.50 USD), plus tips from us.

Obviously, taking a motorbike would have been significantly cheaper. We still didn’t think the price of the driver and car was too terrible, especially if it could be split between a couple of people. We didn’t have to worry about motorbike safety, we got to travel in air conditioning and protection if it rained, and we could go exactly where we wanted, and the driver would simply wait for us until we were ready to move onto the next place.

TIP : You can save some money on transportation by minimizing the number of days you have to rent a motorbike or hire a driver. If you plan out your destinations (and even accommodation) a bit, you can cluster activities that are close together on the days you do need transportation; this is what we did.

Before leaving, we had breakfast on the little terrace for our room, a very enjoyable setting, then we set out for our first destination: Tanah Lot.

I mean, look at these views on the way to our first stop! Absolutely breathtaking. The relatively clear weather obviously made for some great photos. There were other temples in the area, including Batu Bolong Temple (pictured on the right), as well as stalls, restaurants, and other buildings.

Some buildings along the way

Tanah Lot is a famous rock formation perched in the water, with the famous sea temple on top (aptly named Tanah Lot Temple). It was a gorgeous setting for a temple. We could only see it from afar, as we went during high tide, with no good way to reach the temple.

It is also a famous spot to watch the sun set. The entrance fee to get into the temple is around 60,000 IDR (~$4.15 USD) for foreigners.

Tanah Lot Temple

Channeling my inner Ariel

We perused some stalls somewhere around Tanah Lot, all peddling souvenirs, snacks, or refreshments. We got some drinks at a stall on the way back to the car, and then drove to Kuta. We had lunch at a restaurant near the beach. I had chicken satay (chicken skewers usually paired with a peanut sauce), which came with rice and prawn crackers. It’s one of my favorite things to eat in Southeast Asia.

Some stalls, chicken satay lunch

After eating, we walked along Kuta Beach a bit, as that was all we had time for. However, the beach was quite underwhelming, especially compared to the beach we would visit the next day.

The main advantage of the beach at Kuta or the nearby Seminyak is that they are close to town, so there are many hotels, restaurants, and the like in the area. If you want a place to stay in Bali with easy access to beaches, shops, restaurants, and so on, you could consider staying in these areas, but they will also be pretty touristy.

Finally, we went to Uluwatu Temple, on the very southern tip of the island, to see the sun set. I’m not sure what we paid as an entrance fee at the time, but it cost around 30,000 IDR (~$2.00 USD) more recently. First, we explored the temple a bit, which was quite nice. There were numerous monkeys milling around; we saw one that had stolen someone’s sunglasses

More photographic proof of thievery

It is possible to watch a kecak dance show around 6 PM at the temple for an additional fee. We opted not to, but I will say that the amphitheater the show is performed in gives a very nice view of the sunset as well. You can see the amphitheater from far away in the picture below.

Gorgeous cliff views from many parts of Uluwatu Temple

Some of the decorations around the grounds of the temple

Uluwatu Temple offered us an absolutely stunning sunset. The setting itself was very striking, especially as the colors of the sky kept shifting, reflected in the endless expanse of water below it. It was truly one of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen. The cliffs also looked great at golden hour. Highly recommend.

Sunset scenes

It was a long haul back to Ubud, about a two and a half hour drive, because of traffic. With many popular tourist sites in the south and us needing to get back to central Bali, we spent a good amount of time waiting for our car to even move. In the end, we hit a lot of the major sites in the south of the island, but it was definitely a long day.

Definitely visit Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple if you are in the south of the island at all, but skip Kuta Beach if you can get to a better beach.

Day 3: Padang Padang Beach

As we ate breakfast at the hotel, we looked into options for getting to our next destination: Padang Padang Beach (also known as Pantai Labuan Sait ). This beach is on the southern tip of Bali, a few miles from Uluwatu Temple. It is a popular surf spot, but was also famously featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts. In the end, we decided to hire a driver again, as it was pretty far from Ubud, and a driver was more economical than two one-way taxis.

Breakfast on the terrace

It is a relatively small beach that requires going through a cool rock formation and down some steps to reach. We paid 10,000 IDR (~$0.70 USD) as an entrance fee.

The entrance to Padang Padang Beach

There were a few people offering a small selection of drinks and food at the beach, but we opted to eat lunch at a nearby restaurant down the road before settling down for the day at the beach. I had nasi goreng , a classic Indonesian fried rice dish that usually comes with a fried egg and prawn crackers.

Nasi goreng’s sister dish is mie goreng , a popular fried noodle meal. You can find both nasi goreng and mie goreng everywhere in Indonesia.

Nasi goreng

The beach throughout the day

Despite its small size, the scenery is very striking, with interesting rock formations and caves along the beach and water. The water was very clear and blue.

I loved taking photos of the water, moss-covered rocks, cliffs, and caves.

Some of the scenery at Padang Padang Beach

We stayed at the beach until the sun had almost set, and then made the long drive back to Ubud. The sunset was nice, but not as nice as the one we saw the day before.

[Did you know that East Asia has beaches that rival those of Indonesia ?]

TIP : If you are going to stay at a beach all day like we did, especially if it’s a bit remote, hit up a store and grab some snacks and water before you go. Food could be harder to come by and/or more expensive at these kinds of locations.

Sunset lighting

Padang Padang Beach is worth a visit if you would like to spend time at a picturesque beach in an interesting setting.

Day 4: Ubud (Tegenungan Waterfall, Gunung Kawi Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, and Tegallalong Rice Terraces)

Another packed day, this time in the Ubud area. We hired the driver from the day before to take us around.

First, we visited Tegenungan Waterfall. A lot of steps to get down to the waterfall, but it was quite beautiful. Great view of the waterfall from the top. The cliffs on both sides of the waterfall were emerald with vegetation from top to bottom. The waterfall itself was massive; those dots near the waterfall on the photo below on the left are people!

There was a sign in the water that read “Don’t worry, be sexy, but no naked.”

Scenes around the Tegenungan Waterfall

Next, we went to Gunung Kawi Temple, which was a very sizeable complex. This temple’s unique feature is the massive funerary monuments carved into the side of the cliff. The entrance fee is about 50,000 IDR (~$3.50 USD). Undoubtedly, this was one of the most memorable temples that we visited.

The funerary shrines of Gunung Kawi

Gunung Kawi Temple definitely felt distinctive among all the temples we visited due to the size of the grounds and the ancient shrines. There were numerous gateways, statues, and other temple features throughout the complex. There were even these very aged, worn-down buildings and doorways near the carved monuments.

Some of the temple ornamentation

We spent some time sitting by the small stream, eating some snacks we had brought along and enjoying the nature surrounding us.

We went up the stairs from the temple and needed to eat lunch. The only nearby restaurant was a bit of a haul through some rice terraces, a green and peaceful walk for us.

On the way to lunch

After that, we went to Tirta Empul, a temple with holy springs that people bathe in. The temple area was a bit small, but still offered many things to see. As we visited on the weekend, there were many people bathing, though we did not do so. The entrance fee was about 15,000 IDR (~$1.00 USD).

Tirta Empul Temple had a small pond with a rainbow of koi fish. It also had a number of cool shrines, statues, doorways, and other temple features. It was quite pretty to walk around.

Tirta Empul

Finally, we went to the Tegallalong Rice Terraces. We paid an entrance fee of 10,000 or 15,000 IDR (not sure which). Some people also wanted donations for passing by them.

We wandered up, down, and around the verdant slopes for a while and took a lot of photos.

The rice terraces were one of my favorite places in Bali. So many picture-perfect views!

Some views along the terraces

Of the day’s sites, I would recommend the Tegallalong Rice Terraces the most, followed by Gunung Kawi, and then Tegenungan Waterfall and Tirta Empul. All the places we visited were quite cool, but I thought that the rice terraces and Gunung Kawi were more impressive or unique. The waterfall and Tirta Empul are definitely worth visits as well though!

Day 5: Ubud Art Market and Kecak Show

As we had just had a long day, we stayed around Ubud, sleeping in and reading a bit in the morning. After getting lunch, we walked to the Ubud Art Market and did some browsing. We ended up buying tickets for a kecak show and fire dance at a nearby temple that evening. I’m not sure how much we paid though.

Outside Ubud Art Market

After eating dinner, we went to the show. The temple was a nice backdrop for the show, and the costumes were quite cool. We also had some Bintang, a very popular beer in Indonesia, before the show.

Our Bintang bottles

Kecak is a dance usually performed by men, based on the epic Ramayana , during which the men encircling the other performers all continually chant “chak.” As I was not familiar with Ramayana , the story was a little hard to follow. But we were given little leaflets that summarized the story.

Various performers of the kecak show

The fire dance involved a guy kicking around embers with a kind of bird costume, which was a bird head and tail on a stick held in-between his legs and over his shoulder. The show was definitely interesting to see.

The fire dance

Definitely take in a kecak show if you have some time and want to see a cool part of Balinese culture.

Day 6: Ubud Market and Palace

On our last full day in Bali, we also remained in Ubud. We had to spend part of the morning figuring out the ferry to the Gili Islands, our next destination.

We headed towards Ubud Palace and did some last-minute shopping at Ubud Art Market. I filled out postcards while we drank and ate dessert.

Inside Ubud Market

We saw a bit of Ubud Palace, and got some coffee afterwards. Ubud Palace was a pretty small complex, but free to look around. It features a number of ornate doorways and statues. It’s a great place to take some photos of traditional architecture.

Some of the doors around Ubud Palace

We bought snacks at the supermarket for our trip the next day, ate dinner, and packed up to leave early in the morning for the Gili Islands. Not a very eventful day, but not every day is when traveling for a month.

If you are visiting only Bali on your trip, you could easily fit seeing Ubud Palace into the previous day’s itinerary, and use your last day to visit another area.

Some of the other sights of Ubud Palace

If you are in Ubud, the market and palace are definitely worth a stroll through.

Overall Thoughts

So is Bali worth visiting?

Overall, I really liked Bali and would say it is worth a trip. It is obvious why it has become such a hot spot: lovely beaches with turquoise waters, great scenery, beautiful temples, and a unique culture. I would really enjoy going back for a few days to visit some parts of the island that we didn’t get to visit during this trip.

Some areas will definitely be overrun with tourists (looking at you, Kuta). You might still be able to find some places and times with fewer people (early morning? the off season? more remote areas?), but definitely don’t go to Bali expecting that everywhere will just be you, the ocean, and the palm trees.

That’s not the reality of Bali travel, so temper your expectations. If you are looking for a total off-the-beaten-path experience in Indonesia, it might be best for you to try another island.

Then again, the tourist infrastructure being so developed (e.g., the airport, transportation, tours, restaurants) might be an advantage for some people and types of travel. For example, Bali is very easy to get in and out of, even internationally, through Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.

For travelers with limited time or no desire to take many forms of transport to reach their final destination, Bali is a more accessible place to visit.

In addition, while the beaches of Bali were nice, I liked the beaches we visited on the Gili Islands and Lombok more. But there are many more beaches on Bali that we didn’t have a chance to get to, many of which I’m sure are totally lovely.

Bali is also so much more than its beaches, and I believe that Balinese culture alone can be worth the trip.

Travel the world from your inbox

All the latest travel guides, tips, and more, delivered straight to you!

Similar Posts

Buddha’s birthday in south korea.

Buddha’s Birthday in South Korea is a very bright and colorful holiday, celebrated with a multitude of lanterns, as well as a famous lantern parade in Seoul.

14 Helpful Tips for Solo Female Travelers

These are my tips for solo female travelers, learned though my own experiences, to help you feel more confident and less stressed while traveling alone.

3 Days in Dublin Itinerary: What to See & Do

This itinerary for 3 days in Dublin is a mix of the city’s major historical and cultural sites, and includes many of Dublin’s most iconic spots.

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival: Korea’s Biggest & Best Flower Festival

Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Korea, especially around Yeojwacheon Stream and Gyeonghwa Station.

Seollal in Korea: Celebrating Korean Lunar New Year

Curious about Lunar New Year? Learn all about the traditions, foods, greetings, gifts, and more of Seollal in Korea, otherwise known as Korean Lunar New Year.

6 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Seoul

This post covers some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Seoul, as well as when and why to visit Korea during cherry blossom season.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Please enter an answer in digits: 3 + nine =

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Privacy Overview

The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide for 2024

Bali bound and looking for the best Bali travel guide so you know what you can’t miss? This island paradise is one of my absolute favorite destinations right now for its vibrant culture, delicious food, UNREAL sunsets, amazing hotels and of course, its beaches.  I love it so much that I’m actually based there when I’m not traveling! I’ve made this amazing island my home-away-from-home because it’s not only un-bali-evably beautiful, but Bali is awesomely affordable. What you spend up front on airfare you’ll easily make back with savings on hotels, meals and transportation.

One of the best things about Bali is despite being fairly small, it has something for everyone. The yogis will flock to zen Ubud , the beach bums to dreamy Uluwatu , and the surfers to laid-back  Canggu . The spring breakers will seek out Gili T for its island nightlife and Bali honeymooners will seek out dreamy  Nusa Lembongan or secluded Gili Air . The families will hang seaside in Seminyak, and the adventurous will conquer  Nusa Penida . Whether you want waterfalls , beaches, jungles, monkeys, surfing, shopping, snorkeling with manta rays, or just relaxing on a bean bag in the sand with a piña colada in hand, Bali is your paradise.  

As you guys know if you follow me on instagram , I base in Bali about half the year, and have for the last 5 years, so I know this island like the back of my hand, and have planned so many trips for friends over the years. Which is why I’m so excited to help you!

Jetset Christina’s Bali Map

Let’s start with some of the most popular Bali Q&A’s I get:

What is the best time of year to go to bali.

The best time to travel to Bali is April through early November. The rainy season starts in November and goes until March. But, if you’re thinking about visiting during the rainy season, don’t worry about it too much. Like anywhere tropical, the rain is part of what makes Bali so beautiful! Yes, it rains a lot here, that’s why it’s so green! Bali’s rainy season is gorgeous in so many ways – but you definitely need to be prepared for some downpours. That being said, that doesn’t mean it’s going to rain all day every day, you’ll usually get plenty of sunshine too! You can often find less expensive prices in rainy season, and cheaper airfare too.

The driest time on the island, and least humidity, is during US Summer – June-September, however, this is usually also the most crowded time to visit. 

Is Bali expensive?

Bali is not an expensive destination – but that being said, there are definitely luxurious ways to do it! The bulk of what you spend in Bali will be on your airfare and your accommodation. Once you’re there, you’ll find food, transportation and all other expenses to be very, very affordable. Because there are amazing accommodation options at every price, Bali is an ideal destination for both the budget traveler and the luxurious traveler alike. 

What is the weather like in Bali?

It’s hot and humid! Bali is located in Southeast Asia near the equator and has a very a tropical climate, with an average year-round temperature of 86°F (30°C).

Should I worry about rainy season in Bali? Will I get any sun on my vacation?

Here’s all of the info about when rainy season is in Bali , and why you shouldn’t worry about rainy season in Bali.  

Table of Contents

What are the Best Areas to Visit in Bali?

Where to eat + drink in ubud:, sayan house.

This Japanese-Latin-Fusion restaurant serves up some of the best sunset views in all of Ubud. You can even see the Four Seasons Sayan across the way – which was recently ranked the #1 hotel in the world by Travel & Leisure! Watch the sunset colors paint the jungle as you sip on one of their delicious cocktails & munch on their sushi and innovative gourmet tacos. This is my very favorite date night spot in Ubud.

Naughty Nuri’s

Famous for their ice-cold martinis and barbecue pork ribs, Naughty Nuri’s is a must-stop for meat lovers in Ubud. One of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite Bali spots, Nuri’s will be sure to be a highlight of your trip. The restaurant casual, with a huge smokey charcoal grill outside flaming up some of the best ribs you’ll ever taste. Nuri’s comes with a lot of hype (and sometimes, a long wait) but I promise you, it’s worth it.

JETSET TIP: Order a side of Indonesia’s best Nasi Goreng (fried rice) or Mie Goreng (fried noodles) it’s so good here!

Bambu Indah Hotel

This gorgeous Ubud hotel is an ideal spot to stay in in Ubud or to just enjoy brunch or lunch at.  Bambu Indah is eco-luxe, green, tranquil, and embodies Ubud zen.

Think of Alchemy as Ubud’s hippy mecca. This raw food cafe and salad bar is the place to detox in Bali and has been the healthy-eating hot – spot in Bali for years. Whether or not you’re a vegan, their juices and delicious healthy salad bar (and smoothie bowl bar in the mornings) is worth checking out.

JETSET TIP: I order a juicy fruit juice almost every day – and I love their 3-7pm build your own soup bar – SO good. 

L’Osteria

Sometimes after sight-seeing around Ubud or hitting up the rice fields and waterfalls , you’re just craving a good ol’ pizza. L’Osteria is a super cute new restaurant in downtown Ubud that has pizza that will put even ITALY to shame. It’s sooo good, you guys. And a cute rooftop too! 

Photo via tripadvisor

Milk + Madu

If you’re looking for the best breakfast burrito in Bali, you’ve found it. Milk + Madu and their healthy-meets-comfort-food vibe is just what you want as an expat living in Bali. It’s my go-to for all-day breakfasts, and killer avo toast! They also have great burgers, pizzas and wraps as well.

SEE MORE: JETSET CHRISTINA’S ULTIMATE UBUD TRAVEL GUIDE

Where to stay in Ubud

C heck out airbnb’s in ubud here, or my hotel recs below.

FOR LUXURY, or for a Bali honeymoon :

Four Seasons Sayan Ubud

This resort was just ranked Travel & Leisure’s number one resort in the world and it’s easy to see why. It’s hard to beat the Four Seasons’ sixty-room stunning setting – a complete sanctuary cocooned in Ubud’s Ayung valley. Each villa is adorned in dark teak and Indonesian stone and many of the villas boast a private pool and outdoor living rooms. In the restaurant, you can dine on contemporary Indonesian cuisine on a picture-perfect terrace, or sip a passion fruit martini overlooking the valley at Jati Bar. Staying here is once-in-a-lifetime – perfect for a  Bali honeymoon .

Viceroy Ubud

The Viceroy is a jungle retreat high up in the mountains of Ubud. Each of its luxury villas comes with a picturesque private infinity pool looking out into the jungle and a super-spacious sanctuary-of-a-room that you’ll never want to leave.

Capella Ubud

If a luxe jungle retreat is the vibe you’re going for, famous architect Bill Bensley designed this luxury camp in Ubud.  This hotel was recently ranked by Travel & Leisure as the BEST in Bali, and with good reason. The ultra-luxury Capella Ubud is a fantastic hotel choice for a Bali honeymoon. As one of the Leading Hotels of the World, Capella Ubud is an ultra-luxurious tented camp set within dramatic jungle landscape and lush rainforest, rice paddy fields and the sacred Wos River, in an authentic Balinese artist village called Keliki.

How to get Jetset perks on your stay at Capella Ubud:

Fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book !) Perks for booking through us here include: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, daily breakfast for 2, complimentary 50-minute couples’ massage, and early check-in / late check-out.

Aman’s luxe Ubud resort is one of the best hotel choices for a luxury Bali trip. Serene gardens, lotus ponds, spacious rooms, and an ideal location, Aman is always a great move. At only 30 suites, it’s boutique and exclusive feeling, with signature Aman service.

photo via Booking.com

How to get Jetset perks on your stay at Amandari:

Fill out this contact form and be sure to use the referral code “JETSETCHRISTINA” if you use my referral, my agency partner will reach out with more information and can help book you with all kinds of fun perks (at no extra cost to you, and they don’t charge a fee to book !) Perks for booking through us here include: Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability, daily breakfast for 2, $100 resort credit, and early check-in / late check-out.

FOR BUDGET LUXURY

This quiet eco-lifestyle hotel tucked in Ubud defines modern jungle luxe.  Bambu Indah  is the perfect choice for the yogi couple or group of girlfriends looking for their zen in the jungle for a couple nights. It’s lush & green and its uniquely Ubud-calm defines serenity. Even if you don’t stay here, the restaurant is worth a brunch or lunch to check out the gorgeous hotel.

COMO Uma Ubud

COMO is a more affordable luxury resort option if you’re looking for the best private pool resorts in Bali, but don’t love the price tag of some of the ultra-luxury resorts. The COMO Uma is really centrally located, so a perfect base if you’re looking to explore around Ubud. COMO Uma Ubud also provides free scheduled downtown/area shuttles, free guided morning walks and free scheduled yoga classes with a yoga master!

Room rates $200-$300 per night. Book here .

What to do in Ubud

Tegalalang rice fields.

The Tegalalang rice terraces and their sweeping panoramic views of lush Ubud make for a perfect Bali exploration day.

The Monkey Forest

A beautiful jungle filled with wild monkeys that will climb all over you for a banana –  The Monkey Forest is an adventure, to say the least.

Photo: @Van_Taylan wearing Kenny Flowers – the best vacationwear brand made in Bali!

Get a Balinese massage

Balinese massages are the best part of any vacation to Bali – they’re relaxing, incredible, and  super  affordable compared to usual spa prices. And there’s  no better  place to have a spa day than in zen Ubud. I recommend you get your hotel front desk to call ahead.

Cantika Zest Spa

Cantika is an oasis of flower baths, Balinese massage treatments, and the most tranquil setting imaginable. It’s my favorite place to go every time I’m in Ubud. Did I mention an hour massage & flower bath treatment is only about $20? Welcome to Bali.

Campuhan Ridge Walk

I love running or walking the Campuhan Ridge Trek first thing in the morning, it’s also REALLY popular at sunset. It’s about an hour long and a pretty easy hike with gorgeous views. 

Tegenungan Waterfall

This gorgeous waterfall located just outside of Ubud is the perfect spot to head to cool off on a hot day. This is a must-do for first-timers to Bali, and somewhere I always go when showing visitors around the island. Check out my blog post on how to get there, what other waterfalls to go to, and how to do Tegenguan and The Tegallalang Rice Fields in the same day here .

JETSET TIP: It gets crowded, so go early in the morning and you’ll have the waterfall to yourself!

Kanto Lampo Waterfall

This less-discovered waterfall (also outside of Ubud) is one of my favorites to visit when I’m in Bali. It’s cascading rocks make for an incredible experience & one of the most fun ways to cool off on a hot day (not to mention laying on the rocks is an amazing back massage!!)

What to do in Uluwatu :

Thomas beach.

This locals-only “secret beach” in Uluwatu is hands down one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to, and a must-do on any trip to Bali.

Sundays Beach Club

Sundays Beach Club is a part of the Ungasan hotel but you can also get a day pass to swim, eat, relax, paddleboard and enjoy their gorgeous beach and water activities. They also do fun bonfires at sunset! It’s one of my top picks for the best beach club in Bali . 

Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach has unrivaled views of the Indian Ocean and fabulous waves that make it one of the most demanded surfing spots in Bali and the world. I recommend posting up at Kelly’s Warung for a perfect beach day.

Savaya cliff club

The beautiful Savaya is perched on the limestone cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu.  It features a swim up bar, a delicious restaurant, and VIP cabanas with their own glittering plunge pools. It’s the perfect place for a group of friends to spend the day.

Where to eat + drink in Uluwatu :

Rock bar at the ayana bali.

Rock Bar at the Ayana resort Bali reigns as “the best bar in Bali”, The Rock Bar is a bar unlike any other. Candle-lit tables, comfy lounges, signature cocktails, and a backdrop of waves crashing, and splashing, around you as you watch the sun set the sky on fire.

Single Fin Beach Club

Seeing a sunset at Single Fin is a MUST on any trip to Bali. It’s beautiful for sunset and dinner any day of the week, but if you’re looking for the best party in Bali – Sunday nights at Single Fin are world-famous – pretty much the whole island comes to Single Fin for a late night dance party every Sunday.

Kelly’s Warung

Where to stay in Uluwatu:

check out my full blog post on the best hotels in Bali here

Six Senses Uluwatu

The Six Senses is the newest luxury resort in Uluwatu – and it is one of the most stunning hotels. Located on its own clifftop that feels like your own end-of-the-world oasis, this is the ultimate Bali Honeymoon luxury resort. It’s also where I got engaged!! ( which you can read more about here 🙂

Bulgari Resort Bali

Photo courtesy of Bulgari Resort – Expedia

This ultra-luxury resort in Uluwatu is absolutely stunning, and worth the price, especially for a Bali honeymoon ! A roundtrip airport shuttle, a poolside bar, and a seaside terrace. Add in a private (breathtakingly beautiful !) beach, beachfront dining, and lots of places to relax in the sun, this hotel is the perfect romantic getaway in Bali. Treat yourself to a massage, a body treatment, or a facial at The Spa, the onsite spa. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 3 onsite restaurants, which feature international cuisine and ocean views. Yoga classes are offered at the 24-hour health club; the property also has designer stores on site, a garden, and a hair salon. 

Check rates here.

Karma Kandara

300 feet above the Indian Ocean, but with a private beach all its own, Karma Kandara is the epitome of Bali beachfront relaxation, and it’s an amazing choice for a hotel in Uluwatu. Their private villas are surrounded by tropical gardens and feature stunning views, and their beach club (that you have to take a cable car to get down to), is one of the best in Bali (so much so that lots of others besides hotel guests come for the day and pay for a day pass!).

Grand Cliff Villa Ungasan – Fabulous villa for groups in Uluwatu

Photo via grand cliff villa Ungasan

An awesome villa with a view in Uluwatu

Where to stay in uluwatu on a budget:, pink coco bali (around $120/night).

Pink Coco Bali is a great spot for the price! The location is great, right off of Padang Padang beach – one of my favorite beaches in Bali!

S Resorts Hidden Valley

Want to stay near all the famous luxury dayclubs but not shell out a fortune on an overnight there? I love this little hotel for its central location in Pecatu. It’s not coastal, but it’s very affordable, the rooms are nice, there’s a pool, and you’re within spitting distance of places like Omnia dayclub and Sundays beach club.

Where to eat, drink and party in Seminyak:

Motel mexicola.

Fiesta vibes in Bali? Yes please. One of the things people are most surprised by in Bali is the Mexican food – and being the Mexican food addict I am, I know everything there is to know about the Mex scene in Bali, and THIS is my favorite place to go on the whole island. Their margaritas are almost as good as my margarita recipe , but their tacos are definitely better. This spacious restaurant is my favorite spot for a group dinner in Bali. It has gooooorgeous colorful decor, delicious mexican food, to-die-for margaritas and lively mexican music on weekend nights. If you’re looking for a quiet dinner in Seminyak, look elsewhere, but if you’re looking for Cabo-meets-Bali, welcome to your new favorite spot.

La Favela Bali

If going out all night in one of Bali’s trendiest clubs is what you’re after, La Favela is your spot. This beautiful four-floor, Brazilian-themed indoor/outdoor club starts to get good around 11pm and the dancing doesn’t stop until 5am. It’s always a good time.

Shelter & Nalu Bowls

Shelter is an adorable cafe connected to my favorite smoothie bowl shop in all of Bali… Making it the absolute perfect place to start your day, or work from all day. Nalu bowls invented the smoothie bowl game, and they are the best smoothie bowls in Bali . They were the first on the scene and their delicious bowls use fresh Bali ingredients and homemade granola that they bake every day (and for all you that are traveling southeast asia with a nut allergy like me- it’s completely nut free!). Nalu now has locations in Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, Uluwatu and Berawa, so you can pretty much get them anywhere you go in Bali, but I love the breezy Seminyak Shelter rooftop garden location.

This is my go-to date night restaurant in Bali. Da Maria has Bali’s BEST Italian food. The delicious pizzas, homemade pastas, amazing apps (YES…. BURRATA IN BALI!!!) and amazing wine list make this such a perfect modern Italian restaurant in Seminyak.

Boss Man’s Burgers

My fave burgers (or late night) in Bali. BO$$ MAN is SO GOOD, YOU GUYS.  Their burgers are handmade made with the best ingredients in house from 60-day dry-aged chuck steaks, premium quality pork cooked low and slow over 18 hours until juicy and tender, as well as 100% homemade sauces. This place is seriously to-die-for. My go to is the Kim ‘Chi’ Un and the Loaded Fries.

Potato Head Beach Club

Potato Head’s beachfront bar and 500-square meter emerald lawn leads to a gooorgeous infinity pool right on the beach, making it the perfect spot for a sunset drink. The beach club is all housed inside a state-of-the-art amphitheater, with a giant lawn that often hosts festivals, concerts, and more.

La Plancha Beach bar

If you’re into a casual, no-frills sunset sesh on colorful beanbags, La Plancha is your spot.

Where to stay in Seminyak

The legian bali.

The Legian is laid-back Balinese luxury at its finest. The Legian features three tiers of infinity pools looking over Seminyak’s white sand beach, unparalleled 5-star service, and stunning, traditional Balinese decor. It’s one of my very favorite places to stay in Bali!

For budget luxury:

The colony hotel bali.

This beautiful hotel is located a few blocks from the beach, right next to Sea Circus Bali and just down the street from Motel Mexicola. It’s charming colonial architecture and chic poolside make it an ideal spot to base for a few days in Seminyak.

Cicada Luxury Townhouses Seminyak

A couple I know stayed here on their Bali honeymoon (inbetween some other resorts all over the island) and felt it was SO nice for the price. We hung out there – the rooms are huge, a nice common pool, and in the perfect area of Seminyak – definitely recommend for a good budget option!

Seminyak Villas

Having a private villa in busy and bustling Seminyak is a perfect way to enjoy Bali. Check out Bali Villa Escapes to search all kinds of luxury Seminyak villa s – all with their own private pool!

What to do in Seminyak

Get the best massage of your life at jari menari.

Jari Menari , which translates to “Dancing Fingers”, has won so many awards and accolades for their world-renowned massage technique, and you can only get the experience at their spa in Seminyak. Jari Menari’s all-male staff is trained in unique rhythmic, long-flowing strokes with firm and consistent pressure and their massages are unlike anything else in the world!

My favorite treatment is the “4 Hands Massage” – two gifted practitioners working together in harmony! With their life-changing massage technique and valuable spa prices, you’ll want to go to Jari Menari every day of your vacation in Bali!

Shop at Bali Boat Shed

The cutest clothing boutique in Bali, Bali Boat Shed has pretty islandey prints and adorable swimwear. Just try to go in and not walk out with a full bag of Bali goodies.

Where to eat + drink in Canggu

The lawn canggu.

The Lawn is one of my favorite places in Bali to watch the sun set! Go to the Lawn on Friday Nights for sunset and stay for their 7-10pm 2-for-1 drink specials. It’s LA-meets-Bali and it’s a vibe .

La Brisa Bali

Bali’s newest beach club in Canggu is sunset heaven and instagram candy. It’s a vintage-inspired beach club that feels a little like boarding a pirate ship to Neverland. With views of rolling waves and surfers shredding into the sunset, there’s no better place to go in Canggu.

The newest restaurant in Canggu that I’m obsessed with. It’s perfect for a fancier date night or a Bali honeymoon restaurant . I LOVED the food here. Definitely get the snapper – I’m still dreaming about it!

Book a reservation here

Old Man’s

Canggu’s staple beachfront bar has live and international band & DJs every night in the week. It’s fun every night, but Wednesday’s are their biggest nights of the week.

La Laguna Bali

La Laguna is a hip secluded beachfront sunset bar and restaurant with rustic-chic, gypsy-inspired decor. It’s my favorite spot to grab a frozen strawberry margarita and order some bomb apps with friends. It’s currently under construction but will be reopening late 2020 – and I can’t WAIT to see what it looks like then (because it was already so perfect!! excited to see how they could make it even better).

Peloton Supershop

This cute, vibrant vegan cafe is technically in Berawa (very close to Canggu) but it’s worth the trek – especially if you’re a vegetarian or vegan visiting Bali! I absolutely love their smoothie bowls and their dinner options as well! PRO TIP: save some room because right next door is Secret Spot Frozen Yogurt (also vegan and dairy free!).

Photo courtesy of Peloton Supershop

Ji Restaurant at Hotel Tugu

One of my favorite places for a fun group dinner in Bali! Hotel Tugu is an awesome place to stay if you’re in Canggu, or just go to their restaurant and order some sushi and some coco sexos before heading to Old Man’s or the Lawn!

This place is AMAZING. A must-do in Canggu. It’s a big, bright space and is ALWAYS packed with all of Canggu’s trendiest insta-models and surfers. Order the brekky burrito and a juice. So good.

Rollie’s Cafe

Rollie’s is my hidden-gem secret spot in Canggu. Their breakfast is TO DIE FOR!!! Order the Breakfast Bagel Burger or the avo smash. Also don’t miss out on their chocolate croissant – literally the best in the world. Tell them Jetset Christina sent you!

Photo courtesy of Rollie’s

Where to Stay in Canggu

For where to stay with a group in canggu, read this post, villa melissa .

If you’re traveling with a big group to Bali and looking for the ultimate place to stay – Villa Melissa is IT. With 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, a to-die-for beachfront location, and a double-layered infinity pool, Villa Melissa is the epitome of luxe. 3 of its 5 luxurious en-suite bedrooms overlook the ocean, and the whole villa is decorated in a blend of contemporary and antique Balinese furniture, making you feel at home and on vacation all at once.

Arnalaya Beach House , 5 Bedrooms

With a private chef, beachfront location, a drop-dead-gorgeous infinity pool right on the ocean, and 5 spacious bedrooms, it’s hard to beat Arnalaya Beach House f or a group villa in Bali. This villa has modern, contemporary interiors and sits on 4500 square meters of oceanfront land. It’s also located right near convenient stores and restaurants, and is within walking distance to Canggu’s most popular street – Batu Bolong. If you don’t feel like leaving the villa, just sit back and relax, as it comes with a professional team of 16 in house villa staff to take care of your every need. Does it get any better for a group visiting Bali??

On a budget:

If you’re looking for the best deal in the best location in Canggu – it’s the brand new super-chic Gu Village. This place is the perfect combo of being affordable, but has nice rooms, A/C, free breakfast & GREAT food (get their avo toast in the morning!), and an awesome pool area called Alternative Beach Canggu (it even has a waterslide!)

The hotel is also connected to Kos one hostel, too, if that’s more your vibe. The central pool area is called Alternative Beach and is a super fun, open to the public beach area that becomes a buzzing gathering for digital nomads and 20-somethings day and night.

All in all I loved the price, the location, the vibe, the crowd, and the FOOD the most about this place. It’s a perfect place to base from while exploring Canggu – and definitely a great spot if you’re looking for a longer stay or are a solo traveler wanting to meet people!

For luxury:

COMO Uma Canggu

This chic boutique hotel  in Canggu just opened last year and is one of my favorite spots for a Canggu weekend in Bali. There’s a beautiful lagoon, a chic beach club, an ultra-zen Bali spa, and seaside views. The hotel is also collaborated with TropicSurf, so guests can take surf lessons!!

Should you stay in Nusa Dua Bali? 

If you’re looking for an easy, resortey area of Bali, there is nothing wrong with Nusa Dua, however, it’s not where I usually recommend first-time visitors of Bali too because it is an area that looks like it could be ANYWHERE else in the world – and the resorts don’t feel as authentic BALI. It feels more like convention-center-ey if you know what I mean. That being said, there are some HUGE and awesome resorts there like the Mulia – that are worth checking out if big resorts are your vibe! 

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan island is located a quick 45 minute boat ride from Sanur and offers beautiful beaches, gorgeous views of the Mount Agung volcano, snorkeling with manta rays, and a seemingly undiscovered laid-back island that feels like Bali 30 years ago.

Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan

353 degrees north , nusa lembongan.

With views of the ocean and the volcano, 353 Degrees North is a stunning clifftop villa in Nusa Lembongan, and is one of my very favorite places I’ve stayed in Bali. It is secluded, quiet, tucked away, and a wonderful choice for a honeymoon. You can read more about my experience there in this blog post on Nusa Lembongan.

Aqua Nusa Lembongan Villas

Just a five-minute walk from the beach in arguably the best location in all of Nusa Lembongan, these villas may just have the best views in all of Bali, and make for a perfect honeymoon oasis.

Nusa Penida

Located only a 10 minute boat ride away from Nusa Lembongan , Nusa Penida is such a fun Bali adventure.  The roads are rough, the town is sleepy, and the whole island feels unfound. Even its most famous beaches and viewpoints are accessed only by climbing through steeeeeep hillsides and crazy rocks. Nusa Penida is everything your adventurous deserted island dreams are made of & definitely a must-see in Bali!

Where to stay on Nusa Penida

On my most recent trip to Nusa Penida we stayed at this ADORABLE 15-room boutique hotel on Nusa Penida. It is SO cute, and so affordable . Not to mention I loved the food!!!! Super fresh and delicious – wayyyy better than what I was expecting out in the islands. Can’t recommend this place enough if you’re looking for a good place to stay on Penida. Volcano views, chic pool, great spa, floating breakfast, what more can you ask for!?

The Gili Islands

Floating off of the coast of Bali are three tiny islands adorned with white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, swaying palms, horse-drawn carriages (yup, there are no cars or motorbikes!), and UNBALI-EVABLE sunsets. With a very relaxing sunny island atmosphere combining with a very lively party scene, the Gili Islands are the perfect paradise blend of buzz and bliss, and are a must-do if you have enough time to explore!

Gili Meno –  Only 2km long and 1km wide, Gili Meno is arguably the most peaceful and remote of the islands. Home to far fewer accomodations and restaurants, this island is most popular among those looking for a very remote escape.

Gili Air – If a quiet bungalow, a chill beach bar, and remote relaxation is what you’re after, Gili Air is the island for you. It’s known as the more laid-back Gili island and is a haven for ex-pats, honeymooners and those wishing for a contrast to Gili T’s wild reputation. Check out where to stay in Gili Air on this post here . 

Gili Trawangan  – Often dubbed “Gili T”, Gili Trawangan has some of the best partying in Bali, giving the island a Spring Break feel all year-round. With plenty of hotels and resorts, countless beach bars and delicious seafood shacks, this island is the most hopping of the three– paradise for sun-seekers looking for a good time.

What to do on the Gili Islands

Should you go to the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida in one trip? Read up on my 10 Mistakes Everyone Makes Traveling to Bali their First Time

Where to stay on gili trawangan, kelapa villas.

If you don’t mind being away from the beachfront, Kelapa Villas is a beautiful option. Their villas are gorgeous and big (so a great place to stay for large groups on Gili T )

Pearl of Trawangan

This spot is one of Gili T’s most famous, with its beachfront location, pool and swim up bar. It’s located right near the heart of town, where all the restaurants and bars are. And they have 1, 2, and 3 bedroom suites available on the property. 

Hotel Ombak Sunset

I stayed at Hotel Ombak Sunset on Gili T and it is a simple and wonderful relaxed island resort. From the huge pool (complete with amazing pillow floaties that made it hard to ever leave the hotel), to the amazing beach seafood buffets, to, of course, the famous sunset swings on the beach outside, this hotel is great for families, couples or groups of friends. The service was fabulous as well, with every member of the staff knowing us by name and saying hello at every corner.  (  Hotel Ombak Sunset, Gili Trawangan  )

Where to stay on Gili Air

Gili air sanctuary villa and resort.

By far and away the best place to stay on Gili Air’s paradise island. Each villa is 2 stories and gorgeous, and a 2 minute walk from the beach.

Where to eat, drink, and watch the sunset on Gili Air

Mowie’s gili air.

One of my favorite spots to watch the sunset in all of Bali ! 

Gili Lumbung Bar

For the iconic Gili Islands swing, definitely make your way to Gili Lumbung for sunset drinks.

Where to stay in East Bali for a remote, gorgeous AirBnB experience

This Bali Airbnb is one of Bali’s most famous, and most remote eco retreats. It’s stunning, and usually sold out. Check rates for your dates here.

The coolest eco retreat villas in Bali

Ulaman Eco Retreat in Tabanan is the perfect dreamy bamboo getaway just outside of Canggu. It’s brand new and STUNNING

Transportation in Bali

How to get around bali & how to hire a driver in bali.

The main modes of transportation in Bali are cars and motorbikes. While I’m way too scared to drive a motorbike on the windy Bali roads (but will gladly ride on the back of @KennyHaisfield ‘s!), a ton of people do and love it when they’re visiting Bali. It’s about $5 a day and you can ask your hotel where the closest rental is to you. 

If you have luggage or a big group, however, it’s essential you have a driver to get around! (Especially if you’re trying to see Ubud, Uluwatu , Canggu , the Gilis , and more all in one trip!) I recommend asking your hotel for a driver, or going to a driver stand (they’re all over Bali) and if you like them, using them for your trip! They communicate via Whatsapp, and you should always negotiate the rate because they’ll definitely try to give you a tourist price first. It should cost no more than $900,000 rupiah for a FULL day of driving (including waiting time, taking you from one area of Bali to the next, a full day of exploring). From the airport, it should cost about $350,000 to get from Denpasar to Ubud, or Uluwatu, or less if going to Seminyak or Canggu. 

Packing for Bali

What do you need to pack for bali .

Check out my full post on What to Pack for Bali here, but I’ll summarize the key things:

Medicines & vitamins

• Mosquito-repellant spray ( I like using Repel – it’s super-strength!)
• Any medicine you take in original packaging
• Any vitamins you take in original packaging
• Activated charcoal (I love bringing activated charcoal to Bali to help fight against “Bali Belly” & any indigestion/stomach issues that come up while traveling! This is the brand that I always buy , I’ll take a pill anytime my stomach isn’t feeling 100% and it instantly makes it feel so much better)
• Melatonin! I always travel with melatonin gummies to fight jet lag .  I’ll take them to sleep on the plane and then to adjust to the new time zone once I’m in Bali.

A power adapter !

If you’re coming from the US, you’ll need a power converter and adapter! I like this one  by Travel Smart by Conair because it also works for all my hair tools, and is a power converter and wattage adapter in one… and it comes with plugs for use all over the world!

Lots of swimwear!

You’ll be surfing, beaching, sunset lounging, and taking  lots  of instagrams. Such a perfect excuse for grabbing a bikini for each day of the trip! Here are some of my favorites:

Cute, loose, flowy dresses and cover-ups

Should I get travel insurance for Bali?

I’m always a fan of getting Travel Insurance for any big trip! Travel insurance  from WorldNomads.com is available to people from over  140 countries  and is designed for  travelers with cover for overseas medical, evacuation, baggage and a range of adventure sports and activities.

Airbnbs vs. Hotels in Bali

Should we stay in hotels or airbnb’s in bali.

Both!!! I love all the luxury resorts in Bali – but I also love all the beautiful villas that you can rent in Bali via Airbnb. There are some GORGEOUS (and affordable) Airbnb’s and VRBO’s in Bali (check out my post on the Best Airbnb’s in Uluwatu here). It depends on the size of your group, and what you’re looking for. Resorts in Bali are great because of all their facilities, beaches, restaurants, etc. But villas can be great if you want to just hang by yourselves, or have a group, and the nice villas often come with a chef! 

Also – if you have more questions on Bali, j oin the JETSETTERS secret facebook group to get & give travel recs to our Jetset Christina community and connect with other #JSCJetsetters!! Bali is always a popular topic.

More helpful blog posts on bali.

The ultimate Bali bucket list

The Biggest Mistakes People Make Traveling to Bali for the First Time : Mistakes to avoid in Bali for first-time travelers .

The Best Villas and Airbnbs in Bali

The Ultimate Gili Air Travel Guide

How to prevent Bali belly

The most overrated things to do in Bali, and where to go instead

The Ultimate Ubud Travel Guide

The best hotels in bali

Jetset Christina’s camera and photography gear

The 10 Best Trips to Take in Your 20’s with Friends

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Canggu, Bali

The ultimate bali honeymoon guide,   the most instagrammable places in bali, the 5 best smoothie bowls in bali, bali’s newest sunset spot: la brisa bali in canggu, the best bali day trip: rice fields and waterfalls in ubud, jetset christina’s guide to the gili islands, what to wear in bali.

What to Pack for Tuscany - Cute Tuscany Outfits & Italy Packing List

The 10 Best Matching Couples Swimsuits for Your Next Vacation

WRITTEN BY: Christina

Christina is a leading luxury lifestyle and travel blogger with over 2 million readers. Follow her on instagram @jetsetchristina.

RELATED POSTS

The 15 Best Places to Visit in 2024

What to Pack for a Honeymoon: The Ultimate Honeymoon Packing Guide

The Best Sun Hats for Vacation – the best floppy hats for the beach, fedoras, bucket hats, sun visors and more

This is the best guide to Bali! You hit all of my very favorite spots – and I’ve been living here for 3 years!

Hi thank you so much for this post! It was a huge help in planning our trip to Bali. We can’t wait!

mesa_kaylar

awesome post – so glad I found it and am so happy to have found you on Instagram now! your pictures and travels are so dreamy!

Angelina DiGiovanni

Awesome article, I love it so much! I put a link to this in my bali article, as well! thanks for all the awesome tips!

https://angelinaroundtheworld.com/bali/

Keep up the great work! Love, Angelina DiGiovanni

David Gandy

Oh god, your post about Bali is really detailed and your photos looks so charming and exotic. Thank you so much for your sharing and keep up with your good work!

sumit sharma

Hola Christina,

Love this brilliant guide featuring Bali. I need to go to all of these places on my next trip!

What an amazing place – I’m dying to visit. I really didn’t know much about this but after reading this post I will surely add it to my bucket list for one day. Thanks for sharing, Christina! You are my favorite travel blogger!

This is amazing. Although I already had fixed the places to visit in Bali, this article lead me to change those spots and visit those which are mentioned in this blog. I will write down my experience after visiting few of them . You rocked Christina.

Warm Regards.

Pat @ Travel ETA Australia

Awesome place and awesome guide shared, Thanks!

Tom Broughton

I’m glad you got to experience the ribs at Naughty Nuri’s! Best ribs I’ve ever had!

pilgrimagetour

Hi! nice post! next month I’ll spend 5 days in Bali, and i’m wondering if it’s possible to see the most of this beautiful island without changing accommodation. In case, where is best to stay? I definitively want to see waterfall, monkeys, rice terrace, cliffs… but I’m not really interested in shopping and partying. I also prefer to stay and eat with locals to better understand the culture. Thank you!

Christina Vidal

Hi! I definitely recommend staying in Ubud if you were to pick one place to base from, based on what you said you’re looking for. Ubud has the waterfalls, monkeys, rice terraces, and you can do a day trip to the beach/cliffs! Check out my ultimate Ubud guide for more info! XO

Queens Tandoor

This is such a helpful bali guide! the best one I’ve seen. Thank you, thank you!

Eric Wilson

I love this bali guide!

Pingback: Introducing the JetsetChristina swimwear line: Watercolors by Kenny Flowers - JetsetChristina

Pingback: what to wear to a summer wedding this summer - the best dressed wedding guest looks - jetsetchristina, pingback: getting engaged in bali all about how kenny proposed to me in our favorite place - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best luxury honeymoon resorts in the world - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate travel guide to uluwatu - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate jetset travel guide to the maldives - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate jetset travel guide to ubud, bali - jetsetchristina, pingback: a weekend in uluwatu at hidden hills villas bali - jetsetchristina, pingback: you're engaged now what 15 first things to do after getting engaged to start planning the wedding of your dreams - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate maldives honeymoon guide - jetsetchristina, pingback: what to wear to every type of wedding: dresses for destination weddings, dresses for fall and winter weddings, spring and summer weddings, and more - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best bali day trip: waterfalls and rice terraces in ubud - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate jetset santorini, greece travel guide - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best sunscreens: all my favorite face sunscreens, body sunscreens, reef-safe sunscreens, spray sunscreens, and more - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate bali honeymoon guide - jetsetchristina.

Adventourra

Well done, this is one of the most complete guide I ever read so far. The detail information and some pics just stunning! it’s help a lot. thank you

Pingback: Travel Tech : 5 Reasons Why I use TripActions to Book My Travel - JetsetChristina

Hi Christina – this is an awesome post. I’m going to Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu in a few weeks and will definitely follow your advice and go to as many of these spots as I can. Is there anything we need to do (in terms of dinner/activity reservations etc.) ahead of time? Just want to take care of any of those first. Thank you!

Hey Colin! I’d recommend reaching out to the restaurants or beach clubs you want to go to ahead of time to make a reservation just in case, but most don’t book up too far in advance, and in general you shouldn’t have a problem walking in! I’ve found that when I’m not in Bali, I can reach most of them via their facebook page, email or whatsapp and make a reservation that way.

Pingback: The Best Drunk Elephant Products I use Every Day - JetsetChristina

Pingback: napa vs. sonoma: where you should visit in california wine country between napa valley and sonoma county - jetsetchristina, pingback: indonesia – itinerary – jada simone, pingback: when is rainy season in bali the best times of year to visit bali, indonesia & why you shouldn't worry about the rain - jetsetchristina, pingback: what to wear to a destination wedding: 15 wedding guest dresses i'm obsessed with for 2019 & 2020 - jetsetchristina, pingback: 15 tips to be a better instagram husband, from an instagram husband - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best etsy finds for your wedding - unique, fabulous, chic etsy products every bride needs to know about - jetsetchristina, pingback: maldives vs. bali : which destination is right for your honeymoon - jetsetchristina, pingback: where to start when planning a trip to bali: the perfect bali 9-day itinerary - jetsetchristina, pingback: the 5 best smoothie bowls in bali - jetsetchristina, pingback: the 3 best luggage brands to give & get this holiday season that aren't away - jetsetchristina, pingback: travel in style: the best, stylish, & most comfortable flying outfits to wear on a plane - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate jetset travel guide to oaxaca, mexico - jetsetchristina, pingback: black friday flight deals 2019: here are the cyber week travel deals to watch out for - jetsetchristina, pingback: tips for flying on your first long flight : the best long flight tips - jetsetchristina, pingback: where to shop for bridesmaid dresses - the best online bridesmaid boutiques - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best luxury hotels and resorts in mexico - jetsetchristina.

Bali is a really amazing travel destination. Your travel guide will be really helpful to everyone. Thanks for sharing. The photos are so beautiful!

Pingback: The Best White Wedge Sandals & Comfortable, Chunky Block Heels for Your Wedding Shoes - JetsetChristina

Pingback: champagne getaway.

Wow, Bali is an absolutely beautiful place to visit. I am definitely adding Bali to my travel list now. What is the best possible way of travelling to Bali on a budget?

Manas Patil

I wrote a travel blog on Bali too!… but I have to say the pictures here are way better. Anyway, may I know if you visited Mount Batur? It would really help. Thank you!

India Calhoun

This is the best ultimate guide about Bali I’ve ever seen! All your photos, Instagram posts, and everything are beautiful. Thank you for sharing. We’ll use this blog as our reference.

Pingback: Custom Bali Honeymoon Itineraries by Jetset Christina - JetsetChristina

Pingback: here's what it's like to have to postpone your wedding and honeymoon because of coronavirus - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best beachwear and bikinis for summer 2020 - jetsetchristina, pingback: the 10 best gifts for a bride-to-be for her bridal shower, engagement, or wedding weekend - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best healthy snacks for working from home in quarantine - jetsetchristina, pingback: here's how to buy a charitable, fashionable mask that helps fight covid-19: kenny flowers face masks - jetsetchristina.

Love this!! recently went to Ubud and Uluwatu and LOVED all your Bali recs! You are the best!

Pingback: The Best Honeymoon Destinations in December, January and February - JetsetChristina

Pingback: us news & world report's ranking of the best honeymoon destinations for 2020 - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate hawaii honeymoon guide - jetsetchristina, pingback: the cutest fashionable face masks for this summer & for travel after covid - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate tropical beach vacation packing guide - jetsetchristina, pingback: the gili air guide - where to eat, what to do and where to stay in gili air - jetsetchristina.

What an amazing bali blog post! I live in Bali too and love all these spots!

Pingback: How to Travel to Bali With a Peanut Allergy Safely - tips from someone who lives there with a life-threatening nut allergy - JetsetChristina

Pingback: where to eat safely in bali with a peanut allergy - my favorite peanut-free restaurants in bali - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best villas to rent in uluwatu, bali - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best sun hats for every destination - the best floppy hats for beach vacations, fedoras, bucket hats, sun visors and more - jetsetchristina, pingback: jetsetchristina q&a : everything you ever wanted to know about me - jetsetchristina, pingback: how to celebrate your loved one's birthday in quarantine : lockdown birthday party ideas - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best groomsmen gifts - groomsmen gift ideas they'll actually use - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate san diego bachelorette guide - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best destinations in the united states - where to travel right now - jetsetchristina, pingback: the ultimate weekend in austin, texas travel guide - jetsetchristina, pingback: hawaii is opening to tourists - here's everything you need to know - jetsetchristina, pingback: the 10 best trips to take in your twenties - jetsetchristina, pingback: bali is opening to tourists this fall - here's everything you need to know - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best travel purses - the best travel crossbody bags, airplane totes, fanny packs, beach bags & more - jetsetchristina, pingback: roam vs. away luggage - which is better an honest opinion - jetsetchristina, pingback: the best bali bucket list - jetsetchristina, pingback: the 10 most epic luxury villas in bali - jetsetchristina.

wow, Thank you so much for writing about bali. I used to live there, but now I am back home to my home island to help my local village. Covid hurt tourism, so we are trying to tell people to come and support local villages. Thank you blessing. the village love it for tourists.

one of best destination in world. thanks for sharing your travel tips for Bali, Indonesia

Ryan Biddulph

This is one dazzling Bali guide. We have been there five times and love it more each time. But we need to return. The last time we visited Bali was in 2015. That’s way too long.

Hi! Do you have a travel agent/agency you would recommend for a customized Asia trip?

Arth rathore

Very useful article! It helped me a lot when I visited Bali and stayed at one of the villas that you recommended. It was amazing

Thank you for visiting and staying for several months in Bali. Bali is indeed interesting to visit, offering natural beauty, unique culture and friendly people. Jatiluwih, Ubud, Lempuyang, Lovina are interesting places to visit.

LEAVE A COMMENT Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Bali Travel Reviews: Resorts and Flights

Jyaga and Raymond have spent an excessive amount of time in Bali in recent years. We’ve stayed at many of the island’s hotels and resorts and have flown many of the airlines operating domestic flights to and from Bali. We dearly hope this list of Bali travel reviews might be helpful in planning any future trips to the island!

Hotel Reviews

Airport lounges, garuda indonesia, other airlines.

Looking for a hotel recommendation in Bali? Find reviews for hotels and resorts on the island of Bali below! We’ve personally stayed and reviewed each one listed.

All but two of the hotels and resorts reviewed have been awarded a five-star rating by the local authorities. However, since such hotels aren’t created equally, we’ve separated them into three categories corresponding to the style of each property.

Luxury Small resorts typically featuring private villas and exceptional service, with a price to match.

Upmarket Resorts typically operated by upmarket brands from larger chains, priced between luxury resorts and starter resorts.

Starter Resorts in the starting end of the spectrum, typically with the lowest prices between the three categories.

South Bali (Benoa, Canggu , Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, Uluwatu) This is where you’d find many of Bali’s popular beaches and stretches from the cliffs of Uluwatu to trendy Seminyak and quaint Sanur. Staying here is recommended for those looking for a beach vacation, not far away from the airport.

• Alila Villas Uluwatu
• Aman Villas at Nusa Dua
• The Balé Nusa Dua
• Jumeirah Bali
• Kayumanis Jimbaran
• Tandjung Sari
• The Legian Seminyak
• Grand Hyatt Bali
• Hyatt Regency Bali
• Le Meridien Bali
• Mövenpick Bali
• Platara n Canggu
• Renaissance Nusa Dua
• Sofitel Nusa Dua
• The Kayana Seminyak
• Aryaduta Bali
• Ayodya Resort Bali
• Kuta Paradiso
• Merusaka Nusa Dua
• Nusa Dua Beach Hotel
• Prama Sanur
• Royal Tulip Springhill
• Sakala Resort Benoa

Central and East Bali (Ubud and Candidasa) Ubud, in Central Bali, is the island’s cultural capital, and where you’ll find many places and events tied closely to Bali’s rich culture.

• COMO Shambhala Estate
• COMO Uma Ubud
• Kayumanis Ubud
• The Royal Pita Maha
• Tanah Gajah Ubud
• Komaneka at Bisma
• Komaneka at Monkey Forest
• Pita Maha Resort
• Rumah Luwih
• Jungle Retreat by Kupu Kupu Barong
• Ubud Village Hotel

Indonesian Airline Reviews

Looking for an airline recommendation for Bali or Indonesia? Find reviews for flights and airport lounges below!

International

• Garuda Indonesia Lounge (CGK )
• Plaza Premium Lounge (CGK )
• Singapore Airlines Lounge (CGK)
• Singapore Airlines First Lounge (CGK)
• Garuda Indonesia Lounge (CGK)
• Batik Air Lounge (CGK)
• Batik Air Lounge (HLP)
• Blue Sky Lounge T1 (CGK)
• Concordia Lounge (YIA)

Business Class

• (v.1) Airbus A330-300
• (v.2) Airbus A330-300
• Airbus A330-900neo

Economy Class

• Boeing 737-800
• Airbus A320-200
• Boeing 737-900ER
• Indonesia AirAsia

Other cabins

• Pelita Air Premium Economy
• NAM Air Golden Seat

Beautiful Bali

9 days | travel to bali and visit indonesia's beautiful island getaway.

Travel to Bali and discover Indonesia's beautiful island escape. Dotted with small, character-filled villages, smouldering volcanoes rising out of lush rich fields, idyllic beaches and colourful reefs, Bali is the perfect island getaway. Conquer the slopes of simmering Mt Batur, explore an underwater world in Bali Barat National Park, feast on delicious Balinese cuisine and enjoy moments of absolute peace in Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, a Hindu–Buddhist lake temple dedicated to the goddess of the waters. Fall in love with the warmth of the people, the ornate customs and welcoming culture that are synonymous with beautiful Bali.

Trip overview

• This trip will immerse you in Balinese culture; you'll eat street food, meet songket weavers, witness a traditional Kecak dance performance and visit a Hindu-Buddhist island temple.
• A guided hike to the summit of Mt Batur will provide you with dazzling sunrise vistas that stretch across the Lombok Strait, all the way over to the peaks of Mt Rinjani.
• The lovely, peaceful village of Undisan is nestled in the lush Balinese hills. This is the perfect place to escape the tourists, and the heat!
• Ubud is the artistic and cultural heart of Bali, enjoy a guided walk through the lush green surrounds and gain an insight into daily village life.
• With hiking, cycling and snorkelling, this trip is steeped in outdoor activities. But there's also plenty of time to relax; bathe in hot springs or laze on the beach.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation. Donations help expand their coral restoration project and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
• A good level of fitness is essential, as there are a number of physical activities included (cycling from Ubud, walking up Mt Batur at sunrise and snorkelling in Bali Barat National Park).
• There is one very early start – your sunrise climb of Mt Batur kicks off at 3 am. This means you'll be walking over some gravel and volcanic rock in the dark. Head torches, warm clothing and good walking shoes are a must. The view at sunrise is well worth the effort, especially if the weather's fine!
• We visit villages and small towns on this trip, where life is more conservative than in the tourist areas. You will need to bring clothes that allow your shoulders and knees to be covered for both men & women. At some hot springs you will need to wear a t-shirt and shorts over your swimwear.
• Bali is blessed with a consistent climate for most of the year. However, the rainy season (usually October–March) brings frequent downpours. The good news is that these rainy bursts don't last long, and it is usually still warm.
• You may also want to check out our Bali & Lombok Adventue (TISBC) or our Java & Bali Explorer (TISJC) if you have longer time to explore in region.

Om Swastiastu! Welcome to Ubud, Bali's largest Hindu town, and artistic and cultural heart. Your adventure officially kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you’ll meet your group leader and travel companions. If you arrive early, you might like to wander the traditional market stalls near the centre of town, pop into a local café or stretch out your muscles after your flight with a spot of yoga at one of the zen studios in town. After your Welcome Meeting this evening, perhaps head out to for a group meal at one of the delicious local restaurants.

• Resort (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

If you have prebooked an airport arrival transfer upon arrival at Bali please make your way to the Golden Bird Lounge after clearing immigration. After you exit customs walk to the Golden Bird Lounge which is on the right side (around 50 meters from where you exit customs). The Golden Bird lounge is before the area where all the drivers are waiting.

See our guide to Ubud here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-do-in-ubud-bali

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start the day with a guided walking tour around Ubud with your local leader (about 2.5 hours). Gain an insight into daily village life as you pass lush rice fields, an alang alang valley (type of wild grass used to make the roof of traditional buildings) and stop by a Balinese home for coffee and experience the traditional Balinese offering. The tour ends in central Ubud, where you'll have time to explore the many cafes, galleries and shops on your own. In the evening, sit down and enjoy a traditional Kecak dance performance. Driven not by musical instruments, but by human chanting, this fascinating theatrical performance is considered a highlight by many of our travellers.

• Ubud - Campuhan Ridge & Village walk
• Bali - Kecak Fire Dance
• Ubud - Home visit, local coffee & Balinese offering
• Ubud - Saraswati Temple Lotus Garden - Free
• Ubud - Whitewater rafting - IDR740000

Please note that when Kecak dance performance is not available, the dance will be replaced by other Balinese dance performance.

Today you’ll explore the area from a different angle – from the saddle of a bike. Enjoy a 2.5-hour tour through backstreets, villages and rice fields. It’s a relatively easy ride – much of the route is downhill – and there will be plenty of opportunities to stop for photos or a brief rest. You’ll also stop to check out some small, intricately carved temples, before concluding your bike tour back in Ubud. After refuelling with lunch, head for the hills to the village of Undisan, via private minivan. Set against a backdrop of Bali's highest peak, Mt Agung, the peaceful village of Sidemen is proof that Bali still has some pockets that are untouched by tourism.

• Hotel (1 night)
• Ubud - Bayung Gede (Kahyangan) Village to Tampak Siring cycling tour

Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours.

Bicycle helmets are included on your ride, and there is a support vehicle if the going gets too tough. Keep in mind, it's a little cooler up here, thanks to the elevation. You may need to pack some warmer clothes.

Take a morning walk (approximately 2 hours) around Undisan's rice terrraces, visiting the craftspeople of the traditional trade, village temples and enjoy a traditional 'bungkus' lunch with refreshing coconut. The walk is a great chance to take in the beautiful scenery before we bid a farewell to Undisan and make tracks to Sibetan Village . You’ll be given a special welcome by the chief of the village, then check into your homestay accommodation before enjoying some free time in the afternoon. You might like to explore the traditional village a little or simply just relax and take in the atmosphere here. Alternatively, you could take on an optional cooking class and learn the secret ingredients and spices of the traditional cuisine here. This evening, you’ll enjoy some time spent with the locals and be treated to a typical dinner of salak (snake fruit), prepared for you by the villagers.

• Homestay (1 night)
• Undisan - Village tour
• Undisan - Traditional Village Lunch
• Local community cooking class - IDR150000

Today’s driving time is approximately 30 minutes.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided walk through an ancient Salak Plantation with the opportunity to interact with the local community. Here, you’ll see cultural heritage plants – the remains of a white mango tree which was first planted in Sibetan in the 16th century as well as a Jaka Moding Plant (a type of palm tree) which is a relic plant. You’ll tuck into Tipat Blayag (Rhombus) for lunch; rice wrapped in young coconut leaves, combined with side dishes of chicken and vegetables. After some time exploring the village and surrounds on foot, you’ll take to four wheels for a journey higher into the mountains, driving along the crater rim road to a fishing village on the edge of Lake Batur. Volcanic Mt Batur (1717 metres/5633 feet) sits inside a stark and spectacular caldera and with Lake Batur below, it's a stunning sight. The lake supports the local fishing industry, while many of the villagers work as guides for the volcano climb. Your accommodation for the evening is in a great location to start tomorrow's early morning trek without extra travelling time.

• Local community Salak plantation walk

There are often mosquitos and bugs around Lake Batur, so be sure to pack your insect repellent. Long pants and sleeves will also be useful to protect from insects.

It’s a very early start today – you’ll wake bright and early at around 3 am to begin the 1.5 to 2-hour walk to the summit of Mt Batur in order to reach the top before sunrise. Trust us, it’s worth the effort. On a clear morning, it's possible to see all the way across the Lombok Strait to the peaks of Lombok's Mt Rinjani. The view of the gorgeous sunrise over the valleys of Bali may well be the most memorable part of your trip. Do keep in mind, however, that the weather can be unpredictable and sometimes the view is obscured by clouds. After descending the volcano, there's an option to soak in hot springs with fantastic views over the lake and caldera. Then make the journey from the mountains to the small coastal town of Lovina, made famous by its dolphins that patrol the coast. It's also a great spot for fine food, traditional massages and yoga – just what the doctor ordered after today’s epic mountain climb.

• Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb
• Mt Batur - Hot springs - IDR300000

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours.

The summit trail starts more easily, while heading to the crater it climbs steeply with switchbacks over volcanic rocks and gravel. A good level of fitness is required. The path can be slippery, particularly after rain so good shoes are essential. Please bring your headtorch and a warm layer to wear at the summit. The climb may be cancelled during heavy rain and unsafe conditions.

Explore a traditional market in the morning first and then enjoy a day of snorkelling amongst Menjangan Island’s coral reef, part of the Bali Barat National Park. On the way back from your undersea adventures, you’ll stop for a soak at Banjar Hot Springs, a small spring popular with locals. In the afternoon, stop in to enjoy a tasty cup of coffee with a difference at Global Kafe, a diner whose profits support the Global Village Foundation, providing wheelchairs and mobility aids for people with disabilities and assisting those with illnesses with their medical costs. Tonight, head to Ibu Wayan's to learn about Balinese cuisine before sitting down to a home-cooked meal.

• Lovina - Banjar Hot Springs
• Lovina - Global Kafe Visit
• Lovina - Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour
• Lovina - Seririt Market visit
• Lovina - Yoga class - IDR120000

You will travel 1.5 to 2 hours by road (each way) and then take a boat ride of around 20 mins into the National Park at Menjangan.

After a storm or erratic weather there can be a problem with rubbish in the water around Menjangan, and also throughout Bali's coastal areas. Intrepid does not support dolphin-watching trips as an optional activity, as there is little regulation of this activity. Previous travellers have raised concerns over many motorised boats pursuing dolphin pods.

This morning we’ll wave goodbye to Lovina and make our way to Sanur. Along the way, we’ll visit Gitgit waterfall and Lake Bratan before continuing to Sanur to enjoy some free time in the afternoon. Perhaps, enjoy a stroll along Bali's first beachfront walk, watch the fishermen in the shallows or kick back and relax at one of the beachside restaurants. Get a feel for the traditions and local customs which are well maintained here. Ancient temples are also easily accessible – just a short distance away from the beach.

• Bedugul - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
• Gitgit - Waterfall walk

Today’s total driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. You may like to stay on for a few extra days to make the most of your visit here. You may want to take a surfing lesson, bike tour or one of the many other activities on offer. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details.

• Balinese Massage - IDR150000
• Sanur - Yoga Lesson - IDR120000

Your beautiful Bali adventure comes to an end after breakfast today. If you’re not ready for the good time to stop rolling just yet, we can book extra accommodation for you (subject to availability).

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners

Local van, Private vehicle, Boat, Bicycle

Resort (2 nights) Hotel (5 nights) Homestay (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A Single Supplement to have your own room is available on this trip, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for more information.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Filter by rating

• 2 Weeks for Couple
• 2 Weeks for Family
• Thailand Lantern Festival
• Indonesia(Bali)
• South Korea
• China (HK, Taiwan)
• Itinerary Ideas
• Asia Highlights Travel Reviews
• Thailand Travel Reviews
• Vietnam Travel Reviews
• Cambodia Travel Reviews
• Japan Travel Reviews
• Myanmar Travel Reviews
• China Travel Reviews

Bali Travel Guide

Popular and customized itineraries for bali.

Experience the tropical outdoors in a well-organized and relaxing way, and meet the authentic Bali with no rush or worry.

Get inspired with a classic itinerary and tailor-make your own unique travel experience with your 1:1 travel advisor at Asia Highlights.

7-Day Private Bali Natural & Cultural Immersion

8-day private authentic bali discovery tour, 10-day family fun trip to bali, 12-day thailand, singapore, and bali tour, 13-day private singapore and bali journey of discovery, 16-day private vietnam and bali journey of relaxation.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

All You Need for Traveling in Bali

7 days in bali: top 5 itinerary ideas, 10 days in bali: top 5 itinerary ideas, 2 weeks in bali: top 3 itinerary ideas, best times to visit bali, how to plan a trip to bali, how to plan a trip to singapore and bali, how to plan a trip to thailand, singapore and bali, how much does a bali trip cost, bali tour map, other asian countries, get inspired with some popular itineraries.

At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty Program
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Beautiful Bali

Health Safety +

• This trip will immerse you in Balinese culture; you'll eat street food, meet songket weavers, witness a traditional Kecak dance performance and visit a Hindu-Buddhist island temple.
• A guided hike to the summit of Mt Batur will provide you with dazzling sunrise vistas that stretch across the Lombok Strait, all the way over to the peaks of Mt Rinjani.
• The lovely, peaceful village of Undisan is nestled in the lush Balinese hills. This is the perfect place to escape the tourists, and the heat!
• Ubud is the artistic and cultural heart of Bali, enjoy a guided walk through the lush green surrounds and gain an insight into daily village life.
• With hiking, cycling and snorkelling, this trip is steeped in outdoor activities. But there's also plenty of time to relax; bathe in hot springs or laze on the beach.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation. Donations help expand their coral restoration project and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

What's this trip about?

Travel themes.

• High Adventure
• Local Immersion & Homestays

Destinations

Attractions.

• Historic sightseeing

Trip includes

• Ubud - Campuhan Ridge & Village walk
• Bali - Kecak Fire Dance
• Ubud - Home visit, local coffee & Balinese offering
• Ubud - Bayung Gede (Kahyangan) Village to Tampak Siring cycling tour
• Undisan - Village tour
• Undisan - Traditional Village Lunch
• Local community Salak plantation walk
• Mt Batur - Sunrise volcano climb
• Lovina - Banjar Hot Springs
• Lovina - Global Kafe Visit
• Lovina - Menjangan Island Reef snorkeling tour
• Lovina - Seririt Market visit
• Bedugul - Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
• Gitgit - Waterfall walk

Popular Trips

Essential bali & gili islands.

Bali, Lombok & Gili Islands: Hike, Bike, Raft & Snorkel

Bali & Lombok Adventure

Bali Family Holiday with Teenagers

Jakarta to Ubud

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. You may like to stay on for a few extra days to make the most of your visit here. You may want to take a surfing lesson, bike tour or one of the many other activities on offer. Please speak with your tour leader about this for more details.

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:.

• You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
• Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics

Dates & Availability

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Intrepid Travel .

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Intrepid Travel Reviews & Ratings

It was a well organised trip with.

It was a well organised trip with the booklet explaining details.

The trip was organized very well, I

The trip was organized very well, I always felt comfortable. Great guide (Maman) and group! Very nice hotels and places to visit! Note: The only thing, I didn't l...

I think Intrepid combines a great travel

I think Intrepid combines a great travel experience (visiting the touristy and not so touristy places, good activities (treks, snorkelling, biking)) with social resp...

I had a brilliant holiday

We were very happy with our trip!

Other Intrepid Travel Reviews

We joined the intrepid “real italy food….

We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information....

Audrey Tavares

Central Asia Explorer

This was my third trip with Intrepid, and I'll continue to plan future trips with them. I choose Intrepid to travel to parts of the world where I don't feel comforta...

Do not book a tour with Intrepid

Do not book a tour with Intrepid. Their “policy” on deposits is unreasonable, inflexible and downright thieving. I booked a tour in India with them over seven month...

See all Other Intrepid Travel reviews

Tour Operator

Intrepid travel, the intrepid travel experience.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ve come to the right place. For the past 25 years, we’ve been taking small groups of travelers on unforgettable trips around the world. What makes them unforgettable? Take a look for yourself and discover the Intrepid experience.

Our travelers have three styles of tour to choose from: Basix, Original and Comfort. Each has a different level of inclusions and accommodation, but all have unforgettable real life experiences as part of the package. Travellers can also choose themed trips, such as Family, Sailing or Food, to suit their interests.

Our group size has an average of just ten travellers, which allows us to get off the beaten track, use local accommodation and transport, and really get to know the culture. It also ensures we are contributing to the local economy; by choosing local suppliers we were able to keep AUD 60 million in local economies in 2012. We’re also working hard to reduce our carbon footprint and were the first in our sector to introduce carbon offset trips. This, along with our many corporate sustainability activities, has meant we’re one of the travel industry’s leaders in responsible travel.

Why Intrepid?

•   Small groups - average of 10 people per trip
•   Sustainability - pioneers for the industry
•   Local leaders - authentic perspectives
•   Local transport - get close and personal
•   Local accommodation - experience real living
•   Intrepid travelers - like-minded companions 

Intrepid Travel has come a long way since its beginnings in 1989. From two university friends, a typewriter and a kitchen desk, it is now a proud member of The Intrepid Group, taking over 100,000 travelers every year.

Intrepid Travel is part of The Intrepid Group of companies, alongside leading small group adventure companies Peregrine, Urban Adventures and PEAK DMC.

Despite growing into a global business with over 1,000 staff based all over the world and over 800 different trips across every continent, we’ve remained devoted to the same grassroots values and responsible travel philosophies that we had at the very beginning.

On every trip we operate and in every interaction we have with a client, supplier or local, we live our core values everyday:

• Integrity – Doing the right thing
• Responsible – Think global, act local
• Growth – Stakeholders in our own success
• Innovation – Thriving on new ideas and embracing change
• Fun – It’s engrained into who we are and what we do
• Passion – We are inspired by the work we do and the trips we offer

Tweets by Intrepid_Travel

Associations

About Travelstride

Find your perfect trip, travel confidently, accommodation, transportation & flights, transportation & flights.

Finish point

• Bumi Ayu Bungalow
• Jalan Bumi Ayu no: 8X, Sanur
• Phone: +62 361289101

Become a member

• Save up to $700 per person
• Access members-only specials
• Personalize trip recommendations

Tour Companies

Things to do, itineraries.

ON THE PALAU SIREN!

Search form

• Best Scuba Diving In The World
• Best Diving in Asia
• Best Diving in Africa
• South Africa
• Zanzibar, Tanzania & Kenya
• African Land Safaris
• Tanzania Land Safari
• Australia Best Diving
• Great Barrier Reef
• Caribbean Best Diving
• British Virgin Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Dominican Republic
• Jardines de la Reina
• Roatan, Utila & Guanaja
• Saba, St Kitts & St Eustatius
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Tiger Beach
• Trinidad & Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• Best Diving in Costa Rica
• Cocos Island
• French Polynesia Best Diving
• Galapagos Islands
• Andaman Islands
• Indonesia - Top 10 Areas
• Cenderawasih Bay
• Derawan Islands
• Lembeh Strait
• Manado and Bunaken
• Raja Ampat Area
• Wakatobi National Park
• Best Scuba Diving in Mexico - Top 9
• Baja California
• Cabo San Lucas
• Guadalupe Island
• Isla Mujeres
• San Ignacio Gray Whales
• Sea of Cortez
• Socorro Islands
• Micronesia Dive Guide
• Bikini Atoll
• Truk Lagoon
• Saudi Arabia
• Southeast Asia - Top Areas
• Philippines - Top Areas
• Cebu and Bohol
• Malapascua Island
• Puerto Galera
• Papua New Guinea
• Solomon Islands
• Thailand Best Diving
• Similan Islands
• Best Diving in the USA
• Best Scuba Diving in Hawaii
• Catalina Island
• Southern California
• All 110 Destinations
• Best Liveaboard Destinations
• All Liveaboard Destinations
• Bahamas Liveaboards
• Belize Liveaboards
• Caribbean Liveaboards
• Cocos Island Liveaboards
• Galapagos Liveaboards
• Great Barrier Reef Liveaboards
• Indonesia Liveaboards
• Komodo Liveaboards
• Maldives Liveaboards
• Norway Liveaboards
• Palau Liveaboards
• Philippines Liveaboards
• Raja Ampat Liveaboards
• Red Sea Liveaboards
• Sea of Cortez Liveaboards
• Similan Island Liveaboards
• Socorro Liveaboards
• Tubbataha Liveaboards
• Turks & Caicos Liveaboards
• 170+ Liveaboards Worldwide
• Bali Dive Resorts
• Belize Dive Resorts
• Bonaire Dive Resorts
• Caribbean Dive Resorts
• Cayman Islands Dive Resorts
• Cozumel Dive Resorts
• Fiji Dive Resorts
• French Polynesia Dive Resorts
• Indonesia Dive Resorts
• Maldives Dive Resorts
• Mexico Dive Resorts
• Palau Dive Resorts
• Philippines Dive Resorts
• Raja Ampat Dive Resorts
• Roatan, Utila, & Guanaja Dive Resorts
• Sipadan Dive Resorts
• 200+ Dive Resorts Worldwide
• All Guided Group Trips
• swim with whales
• Off the beaten track
• African Safari Trips
• Bluewater Travel's 50 Amazing Adventures
• Secret Sale
• All Dive Travel Specials
• Best Of Articles
• All Articles
• Top 10 Lists
• Top Luxury Liveaboards
• Top Rated Liveaboards
• Travel Search
• Travel Insurance
• Terms of Service
• Leave a review
• Learn Underwater Photography
• Buy Underwater Camera Gear
• Get Scuba Certified

Bali Dive Travel Review by JennyH

I have done a lot of diving in Bali, over 850 dives covering every corner of the main island and its smaller outlying islands. Diving in Bali is suitable for all levels and offers many unique dive experiences, including wrecks, macro, reefs, walls, and raging currents. Menjangan Island is my favourite place to dive in Bali because of its spectacular coral walls and the dive sites are practically void of divers compared to other areas. The best dive sites at Menjangan are Eel Garden, Underwater Cave, POS 2, and Bat Cave and you can see sharks, electric clams, pygmy squid, seahorses, and tons of nudibranchs and fish. I have had great dives in other areas: Pemuteran, Secret Bay, and Puri Jati in the Northwest, Kubu, Tulamben, and Amed in the Northeast, Padang Bai and Candidasa, and Nusa Penida and Lembongan (though they are much too crowded for my taste). Bali's topside activities are many and varied, from river rafting to waterparks to temples and birdwatching. The people are wonderful, helpful, and friendly. The food is outstanding, especially if you like spicy food. Look for small streetside warungs busy with locals to find the best food in Bali. Be sure to visit some Hindu temples such as Uluwatu. If you surf, there's lots of action for you in South Bali.

BE THE FIRST TO GET NEWS AND SPECIALS

Sign up for the mailing list today

310-915-6677 [email protected]

• OUR DIVE TRAVEL EXPERTS
• TERMS OF SERVICE

Explore Bali

Plan your trip to bali: best of bali tourism.

Travel Advice

Essential bali.

Where to stay

Where to eat

My favourite street markets in Bali

Browse collections

Feeling fancy-ish.

Drinks with a view

Day trips around the island

Bali on a dime

Bali’s best beaches

For the wellness warriors

An extremely good time

Hang with wildlife

Beyond the beach