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Popular categories, the ultimate bali bucket list: 101+ awesome things to do.

By: Charlotte · Last updated 27. January 2024 · In: Bali , Indonesia , Travel

Are you looking for the top things to do in Bali ? Then you’ve come to the right place. After traveling in Bali for 14 years and moving here for six months, I have tried and tested my fair share of Bali attractions.

Bali is the top bucket list destination for many travelers these days and for good reason. With its rich culture, varied landscape and tasty local cuisine, the Island of Gods boasts something to do for everyone.

From the picturesque waterfalls around Ubud and ancient temples like Gunung Kawi , to Instagrammable cafés and black sand beaches. One thing is for certain, travelers are spoilt for choice. Some might even say there are too many awesome things to do in Bali .

So use this Bali Bucket List as inspiration and guide when putting together your perfect Bali itinerary !

🌟 Remember to always get insurance before you travel to Bali or anywhere else. SafetyWing is an affordable subscription travel insurance that you can purchase even after departure. Read my complete SafetyWing review here.

Article overview

🌟 Popular Bali tours

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Before we get stuck into this Bali bucket List and cover all the top things to do in Bali, I wanted to quickly talk about how to get around. While Bali is a relatively small island, it can take hours to get from point A to point B because of the crazy traffic. So plan your Bali itinerary strategically.

If you need help deciding where to stay, read my guide about all the different areas in Bali .

In the more touristy areas like Legian and Seminyak, taxis are everywhere and they’ll honk at you to show you that they’re free. If you don’t want to bargain, only use Bluebird taxis and tell the driver to put on the meter before you get in.

In Canggu, Ubud, south on the Bukit Peninsula and on the Nusa Islands, I always rent a scooter. Driving around by myself exploring is one of my favorite things to do on the island. Remember to drive on the left and make sure you have an international license so you’re covered by your travel insurance .

Don’t want to drive by yourself? >> For longer trips I usually book this full-day customizable tour with a driver. You choose exactly where you want to go!

Alternatively, if you don’t want to do any planning, I highly recommend this private iconic Bali tour .

The arrivals hall at Ngurah Rai Airport can be overwhelming, especially after a long-haul flight, with lots of private drivers, taxi drivers and companies pushing their services on you.

To make your arrival in Bali as smooth as possible, I recommend booking this driver in advance . They will wait for you with a sign in arrivals and they’ll know exactly where to take you.

The best time to visit Bali is from February to May, except for Easter, with my favorite month being February. That’s when everything is still green from the rainy season and the weather is mostly sunny.

The waterfalls, like the mighty Sekumpul Waterfall , are at their most powerful without being brown, during this time. It is also less crowded than June, July, August and December, which is considered high season.

The rainy season in Bali falls between November and March, peaking in January. I have visited Bali every month of the year several times, and the only month I have experienced continuous rain is in November.

The ultimate Bali Bucket List

1. Go tandem paragliding above Nunggalan Beach, fly up to 150 meters high and get a unique birds-eye view of the beautiful Uluwatu area.

2. Spend the day at Sundays Beach Club and remember to stay for the bonfire at sunset.

3.  Interact with the monkeys  and take in the breathtaking views at Pura Luhur Uluwatu ” the Monkey Temple”.

4. Shoot some photos in the amazing infinity pool (180-degree view of the Indian Ocean) at El Kabron Spanish Restaurant and Cliff Club. And eat lots of tapas!

5. Check out the abandoned plane close to Nusa Dua. Just search for abandoned aircraft Nusa Dua on Google Maps.

6. Book a stay with one of the many surf camps in the area and learn to surf.

7. Experience the traditional Kecak fire dance at sunset in Pura Luhur Uluwatu.

8. Enjoy a private sunset dinner on a pier in Jimbaran. Kisik Bar and Grill has been voted one of the most romantic dinner venues in Bali.

9. Go beach hopping, the Bukit Peninsula is where you’ll find all the best beaches in Bali . Check out Green Bowl, Melasti, Nyang Nyang and Padang Padang, just to name a few. Don’t feel like driving by yourself? No worries, join this full-day guided tour of the Bukit Peninsula which includes the best beaches and the Uluwatu Temple.

ULUWATU TEMPLE, BEACHES & SOUTHERN BALI TOUR 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

>> Check current price & availability here <<

“Definitely a highlight. We watched the sunset and stayed for the whole dance. Amazing experience!”

10. Explore Uluwatu cave and Suluban beach.

11. See the incredible view from the viewpoint on the north side of Balangan Beach. And if you can, stay for sunset. Balangan Beach is my favorite place in all of Bali to watch the sun go down.

12. Check out the old shipwrecks on Nunggalan Beach that have been turned into art by local and international artists.

13. Make your own perfume at one of L’Atelier’s studios in either Nusa Dua or Jimbaran.

14. Do morning yoga in the most amazing surroundings at Uluwatu Surf Villas. The view from this place is insane!

15. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at my all-time favorite Bali restaurant , La Baracca.

16. See the amazing view from the tall cliffs at Melasti Beach.

17. Explore the secret caves and have a bath in the natural “jacuzzis” at Tegal Wangi Beach in Jimbaran.

18. Spend a night or two (if you can afford it) in the Santorini Loft at Morabito Art Cliff , a little slice of Greece in Bali.

19. Enjoy the sunset over Seminyak Beach on horseback. This romantic activity is perfect if you’re in Bali with your partner and want to do something a little different.

20. Shop until you drop! This area is shopping heaven. Some of my favorite stores are Surfer Girl, Drifter Surf Shop, Bamboo Blonde and of course all the stalls.

21. Get your Mexican on at the super cool Motel Mexicola . This is also a great place for a little photoshoot and at night it usually turns into a big party.

22. Learn to surf. All along Legian Beach, you’ll see surfboards for rent and eager instructors waiting to teach you. You can also book a private surfing lesson with an instructor in advance here!

23. Watch the sunset and have dinner/drinks at gypsy-themed La Laguna . My mum’s favorite restaurant in Bali! (Located between Seminyak and Canggu, opening again in 2024)

24. Have a spooky dinner amongst different creatures and get your face painted (horror style) at Frankenstein’s Laboratory.

25. Have a smoothie bowl! Let’s face it, you can’t go to Bali without taking a photo of a smoothie bowl. Kynd community (below) is just one of maaany Instafamous cafés in Seminyak. Remember to get there early!

26. Visit the iconic Tanah Lot Temple. You can easily drive there yourself from Canggu.

27. Get a free tattoo with your tacos at  Deus ex Machina  every Tuesday.

28. Check out this surf lesson for beginners . Canggu is one of the best places in Bali to learn to surf.

29. Learn how to make traditional Balinese food. Yum! This popular cooking class includes a trip to a local market and Tanah Lot in addition to the cooking class itself. It is one of my all-time favorite experiences in Bali.

🌟 Balinese Cooking Class with market and Tanah Lot temple visit!

“BEST COOKING EXPERIENCE EVER!!”

30. Spend the day at the bohemian beach club, La Brisa. Lounge in the sun, sip on a cocktail and munch on some Spanish bites.

31. Another cool spot where you can hang out all day long is The Lawn. I love to go there for sunset as well, but get there early as it gets CROWDED!!

32. Put on your party pants and head to Old Man’s   at Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu on Wednesdays to compete in the beer pong tournament!

33. Check out the cool weekend markets in Canggu where locals and expats sell their handicrafts.

34. Cool down in the amazing jungle infinity pool at Jungle Fish, Ubud ‘s new no beach, beach club.

35. Explore the “real Bali” on a cycling tour through Ubud . One of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had in Bali!

36. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. This place is truly magical and one of the best places in Bali to see monkeys !

37. Go whitewater rafting on the Ayung River in Ubud. The perfect activity for the thrillseeker in you.

38. Swim in the amazing pool at Goya Boutique Resort overlooking treetops and volcanos. You have to see this place for yourself!

39. Enjoy a romantic dining experience on a small boat in a lagoon under lush trees and flickering lights at Kamandalu Ubud Resort , a spectacular 5-star resort you just have to see.

40. Buy some locally made handicrafts and souvenirs at Ubud Art Market .

41. Learn how to make your own silver jewelry. This silversmith class inside a traditional family compound was so much fun!

3-HOUR SILVER JEWELRY-MAKING CLASS IN UBUD

“We ended up with beautiful rings that we made with our own hands.”

42. Stroll along the picturesque Campuhan Ridge Walk (photo below) for sunrise or sunset.

43. Enjoy a hands-on immersion in Balinese art and craft in Pejaten Village. Learn about traditional techniques from a private instructor, and try your hand at the pottery wheel to create your own piece.

44. Bathe in the holy water at Tirta Empul Water Temple .

45. Go swimming in one of the world’s best infinity pools at Ubud Hanging Gardens. You have probably seen this place all over social media.

46. Chill out at the World’s First Organic Vegan Cinema, Paradiso.

47. Watch the morning light shine through the palm trees at Tegalalang Rice Terrace , a must on any Bali Bucket List. Have you even been to Bali if you don’t visit Tegalalang?

48. Visit my favorite temple in Bali, Gunung Kawi , early in the morning. It is one of those magical moments that everyone coming to Bali should experience.

49. Indulge in a floating breakfast at the incredible Padma Resort Ubud.

50. Chill on a floating bed above the river at Permata Ayung Private Estate Spa.

51. Camping, or should I say glamping, is now even more glamorous at Sandat Glamping Tents.

Popular Ubud tours

52. Go diving/snorkeling and explore the shipwrecks at Tulamben.

53. Uncover the Secret Gardens of Sambanganm, which is actually a series of waterfalls and pools.

54. Go on a boat trip in a traditional Balinese canoe at sunrise in Lovina and see wild dolphins.

55. Hike to the top of Mount Batur early in the morning and watch the sunrise from 1 717 m above sea level. You can read more about Mount Batur and 11 other incredible hikes in Indonesia here .

56. Explore Bali’s most beautiful waterfalls – Air Terjun Sekumpul and all the other waterfalls in the area. Banyumala Twin Waterfalls is my second favorite.

57. Watch a breathtaking Sunrise over Pinggan Village . This is one of my favorite things to do in Bali and should be included in any Bali Bucket List!

58. See the Marigold flower fields around Temukus Village.

59. Shoot some amazing photos at the iconic Handara Golf & Resort gate.

60. Bath with the locals at the magical hot springs “Air Panas” of Banjar, close to Lovina Beach.

61. Experience sunrise at Ulun Danu temple.

62. Have fun with your own private swing at Zen Hideaway.

63. Check out Munduk Moding Plantation ’s infinity pool where it looks like you’re swimming in the clouds.

64. Dive and discover the underwater temple garden at Pemuteran.

65. Visit one of Bali’s creepiest places, Trunyan cemetery where the dead are not buried.

66. Wander around the large and less-visited Jatiluwih Rice Terraces   (below) and go for a dip in Yeh Hoo Waterfall .

67. Indulge in some wood-fired pizza at Gong Jatiluwih Restaurant and Lounge and enjoy the incredible view.

68. Hike up Mende Hill in Subaya Village for some incredible views of the Kintamani region.

69. Stay in the Instafamous bamboo house at Hideout Bali.

70. Wander around and be amazed by the Hidden Canyon of Sukawati , also known as Beji Guwang.

71. Go explore Tukad Cepung Waterfall which is located inside a cave!! Tukad Cepung is included in this epic Instagram highlight tour of Bali !

72. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Charly’s Chocolate.

73. Have breakfast, lunch, or dinner in an abandoned plane at Keramas Aero Park.

74. Try on the Seawalker helmet to experience the underwater world of Bali.

75. Enjoy some peace and quiet at the Lotus Lagoon in Candidasa.

76. Dive into a pool with the most dramatic views of volcanoes and jungle at Villa Sidemen.

78. Discover Sanur’s abandoned amusement park: Taman Festival.

79. Explore Tirta Gangga, a former royal palace that was built in 1946 by the late King of Karangsem.

THE ULTIMATE BALI TEMPLE TOUR 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Immerse yourself in the ancient Balinese culture on this guided tour that includes Besakih, the Mother Temple, Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga!

80. Enjoy some incredible views from Bukit Asah (Hill) in Karangasem.

81. Wander around and explore the abandoned Bedugul Taman Rekreasi Hotel & Resort, also known as the Ghost Palace Hotel.

82. Learn about traditional Batik-making and weaving in Tohpati Village.

83. Eat and shop at Sanur Night Market also known as Pasar Malam Sindu.

84. Hike to Kuning waterfall, one of Bali’s hidden waterfalls.

85. Wander inside the caves at Goa Lawah Temple where hundreds of bats reside.

86. Learn about the Balinese culture, village life and farming with The Organic Farm Bali.

87. Explore the incredible grounds at Taman Ujung Water Palace, a former royal residence.

88. Enter the gates of heaven at Pura Lempuyang Temple complex (below), one of the oldest temples in Bali. Lempuyang Temple is included in this incredible Instagram highlight tour of Bali !

89. Drive through Bunut Bolong Tree (yes you read it right) in Manggisari village.

90. Unwind at  Menjangan Dynasty Resort , the most incredible glamping destination on the island. It’s so stunning! This is another place where you can have your breakfast floating in the pool.

91. Shoot some amazing photos at Pantao Yeh Leh also known as Boulder Beach.

92. Visit the Catholic Church in Palasari Village built in a Balinese/gothic style. Definitely, a strange sight you won’t see anywhere else on the island.

93. Drive around on a scooter, or a motorbike as the locals call them, and explore. Don’t be afraid to get lost, there’s no better feeling. You can read more about the things to know before renting and riding a scooter in my article about the most common Bali scams .

94. Try the traditional Balinese pork dish, Babi Guling. A favorite among many of the locals.

95. Have an ice-cold Bintang (Balinese beer) at sunset or at any time really.

96. Spend a lazy day at Dream Beach, one of the best beaches on Nusa Lembongan .

97. When you’re all beached out head to Devil’s Tears, a beautiful cave pool on Nusa Lembongan.

98. Go standup paddleboarding at Jungut Batu beach, I met some wild dolphins there!

99. Head up to the Mangrove forest and spend some time in one of the gorgeous warungs .

100. Daydream and, of course, shoot some photos in the picture-perfect Batu Molenteng treehouse on Nusa Penida.

101. Go snorkeling in Nusa Penida , a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you might even encounter the mighty Manta Rays.

102. Visit Pasih Uug (Broken Beach), a stunning arch and hole in the cliff filled with turquoise water.

103. Then go for a swim in the shallow water at Angel’s Billabong, which is included in this awesome tour of Bali & Nusa Penida !

104. Bathe in the cascading pools of Peguyangan Waterfall, Nusa Penida.

105. Have a photoshoot in front of Banah Cliffs of Nusa Penida.

106. Experience the incredible Atuh Beach on Nusa Penida. This place is especially beautiful at sunset!

107. Go cliff jumping at the Blue Lagoon on Nusa Ceningan.

108. Relax on the small but beautiful Secret Beach on Nusa Ceningan .

109. Go ziplining 18 meters above the ocean at Ceningan Island Resort.

Popular Nusa Islands tours

Popular bali travel guides.

• Don’t miss Gunung Kawi : My favorite temple in Ubud Bali
• Sunrise over Pinggan Village in Bali : An experience you can’t miss!
• Bukit Cinta in East Bali : The best sunrise viewpoint
• 29 things you should know before going to Bali!
• 17 things NOT to do in Bali : Common tourist mistakes to avoid
• Best time to visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces in Bali
• Top 11 unusual things to do in Bali!
• Discover the 14 Best Waterfalls in Ubud Bali (including map)
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace Ubud swing & sunrise photo spot
• Pura Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven) in East Bali: A first timer’s guide
• The Dark Side of Bali + How you can help break this tragic cycle
• Bali Budget Breakdown : How much do two weeks in Bali cost?
• The 11 most common scams in Bali + How to avoid them!
• The ultimate 2 week Bali itinerary (including Nusa Lembongan & Penida)

About Charlotte

Charlotte is the passionate traveler and online business coach behind Sunshine Seeker. She started working as a content creator on Instagram in 2014, before social media was even a thing, and as a travel blogger in 2015. Over the past 14 years she has explored 45+ countries and lived in Oslo, Kraków, Bali and Lombok. Every month she helps more than 50,000 people plan their adventures and learn how to create more freedom by working online.

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12 things to know before going to Bali, Indonesia

Jan 18, 2024 • 8 min read

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

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

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

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

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

Here are our top tips for anyone heading to Bali.

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

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

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

2. Bring a reusable bottle

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

3. Don't write off the rainy season

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

4. Buy some bug spray

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

5. Avoid traveling during peak times

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

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

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

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

7. Behave respectfully

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

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

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

9. Eat, drink, stay and shop locally

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

10. Carry some loose change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article was first published May 2019 and updated January 2024

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

Home | Travel | Asia | Indonesia | Bali | Bali Travel Guide and Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Bali Itinerary

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

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

How to plan the perfect Bali Itinerary

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

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

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

Bali vacation – Why you need to travel to Bali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bali travel guide (Indonesia) –Essential Bali travel tips

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

1. Best places to visit in Bali

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

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

Best temples in Bali

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

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

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

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

Best rice terraces in Bali

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

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

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

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

Best villages in Bali

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

Ubud market, a must-visit in Bali  

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

Best beaches in Bali

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

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

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

Best volcanoes in Bali

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

Sunrise at Batur Volcano: Best tour to take in Bali

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

Best waterfalls in Bali

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

Include at least one waterfall in your Bali itinerary

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

Other things to do in Bali

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

Tips for traveling to Bali: Beware of Monkey Forest inhabitants

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

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

2. Best Bali itinerary

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

How many days do you need to visit Bali?

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

One-week Bali itinerary idea

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

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

Best Bali itinerary for one week

10-day Bali itinerary idea

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

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

Best 10-day Bali itinerary

  I hope you find these  Bali itinerary ideas  useful !

3. Best time to visit Bali

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

Best time to visit Bali if you want to surf

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

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

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

4. Flights to Bali, Indonesia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheap flights to Bali

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

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

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

5. Where to stay in Bali

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

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

PREMIUM OPTION

Ulun ubud resort.

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

Ulun Ubud Resort

ADIWANA MONKEY FOREST

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

Adiwana Monkey Forest

STANDARD OPTION

B saya villas.

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

B Saya Villas

LOW COST OPTION

Teja home stay.

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

Teja Home Stay

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

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

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

ANANTARA ULUWATU BALI RESORT

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

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort

RENAISSANCE BALI ULUWATU RESORT & SPA

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

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa

TORAJA BAMBU BOUTIQUE HOTEL

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

Toraja Bambu Boutique

PADANG-PADANG INN

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

Padang-Padang Inn

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

6. How to get around Bali

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

Transfers in Bali

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

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

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

Scooter rental in Bali

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

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

Another of the best Bali travel tips: Hire travel insurance

Car rental in Bali

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

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

Private driver in Bali

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

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

GRAB – Uber in Bali

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

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

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

Public Transportation in Bali

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

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

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

7. Best tours in Bali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currency exchange in Bali

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

ATMs in Bali

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

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

Prices in Bali

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

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

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

How much is a Bali vacation?

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

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

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

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

9. Bali visa information

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

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

Social cultural visa for Indonesia

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

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

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

Visa on arrival (VOA)

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

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

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

10. Is Bali safe to visit?

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

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

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

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

Be careful with the monkeys and follow our Bali travel tips

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

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

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

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

Bali travel insurance

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

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

5% OFF your travel insurance

Vaccines in Bali

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

Malaria in Bali

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

Other Bali Travel Tips

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

Where to eat in Bali

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

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

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

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

Best SIM cards for Bali

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

Driving in Bali

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

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

Supermarkets and shops in Bali

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

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

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

What is the religion in Bali?

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

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

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

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

What clothes to wear in Bali Temples

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

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

What is the official language of Bali?

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

Where should I stay in Bali?

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

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

Responsible tourism in Bali

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

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

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

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

Essential Map for your trip to Bali

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

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

Essentials to save on your trip to Bali

Check the best no-foreign transaction fee credit cards .

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

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

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

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

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

Ascen Aynat

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

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

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

Let me know if you have any questions, Ascen

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

thanks Raj! Have a nice trip to Bali!

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

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

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

Awesome article, strike to the point, thanks for sharing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out my Instagram page  for more holiday inspiration!

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

So without further ado, let’s get started!

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO VISIT BALI?

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

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

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

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

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

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

IS BALI A DANGEROUS PLACE TO VISIT?

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

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

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

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

Best Bali Trip Travel Insurance

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

So I’ll repeat…

Please, do NOT visit Bali WITHOUT Travel Insurance!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE ULTIMATE BALI TRIP ITINERARY | PLANNING A TRIP TO BALI

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

10 DAYS & TWO-WEEKS IN BALI ITINERARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEST PLACES TO STAY ON THIS ITINERARY FOR BALI

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

WHERE TO STAY IN ULUWATU

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN CANGGU

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

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

WHERE TO STAY IN UBUD

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY ON GILI TRAWANGAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BALI ITINERARY DAY 2: ULUWATU BEACH EXPLORATIONS & NIGHTLIFE

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

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

ULUWATU HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

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

BALI ITINERARY DAY 3: NUSA ISLANDS DAY-TRIPPING

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

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

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

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

BEST OF NUSA PENIDA PRIVATE FULL-DAY TOUR

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

Price:   $33

Read Reviews & Check the Availability

FROM BALI: SNORKELING DAY TRIP TO NUSA LEMBONGAN

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

Price:   $68

FULL-DAY SNORKELING TRIP TO NUSA PENIDA & MANTA POINT

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

Price:  $132

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

BALI ITINERARY DAY 4: CANGGU CHILLIN & BAR HOPPING

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

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

CANGGU HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEMINYAK HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

SEMINYAK TOURS

Seminyak balinese cooking class & market tour.

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

Price:   $35.00

Read Reviews & Check the Availability  

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

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

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

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

UBUD HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

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

 UBUD TOURS

Ubud balinese cooking class at an organic farm.

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

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

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

HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UBUD SPA RECOVERY HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

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

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

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

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

NORTH BALI HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

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

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

NORTH OF BALI TOURS

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

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

HIRE A CAR WITH A PRIVATE DRIVER FOR 10 HOURS

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

Price:   $45.00

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

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

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

Here is a quick breakdown of every island:

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

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

GILI ISLANDS HIGHLIGHTS & THINGS TO DO

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

ARRIVAL AT BALI DENPASAR AIRPORT

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

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

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

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

BEST ITINERARY FOR BALI SUBSTITUTIONS

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

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

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

BALI ITINERARY TRAVEL TIPS

Bring an international driver’s license.

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

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

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

BE CAREFUL WITH THE MONEY EXCHANGE PLACES

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

DON’T TRUST THE MONKEYS

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

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

HOW TO GET AROUND IN BALI

Use a rideshare app.

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

RENT A SCOOTER

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

HIRE A PRIVATE DRIVER

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

INTERESTED IN SCUBA DIVING?

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

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

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

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

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

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

PURCHASE THE BALI LONELY PLANET & POCKETBOOK

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

PLANNING A TRIP TO BALI, INDONESIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA?

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

Further Reading:

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

THANKS FOR READING MY BALI ITINERARY TRAVEL GUIDE!!

Share this bali trip planner with your squad.

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Currently researching for a further trip…you’re info is amazing! Would love to continue the convo! Please reach out! Diana

Looking for sample itinerary on your trip to Bali? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox35Xqg55OI&t=755s

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Hi, I’m thinking of going this November, I know it’s “rainy season” but it’s not a terrible time to go is it?

Thanks, Lisa

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Hi! This guide has been really useful. But I would love some advice on how to book some of the hotels, trips etc, And can I do this with a flight included? I am a 53 year old female who will be travelling alone and as you may have guessed I have only ever been on package holidays before but would love to do Bali on a multi hotel basis to ensure I see as much as possible in either 2 or 3 weeks. Look forward to some replies – all advice welcomed xx

I agree that Bali is one of the best places to stay. I still have never been there. Hope to get there this year! Bali is definitely on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing!

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When we, as Australians can travel again (once our international borders reopen), we are planning on heading direct to Bali on our way through Asia. We have been to Bali many times but amazingly have never been to Uluwatu or Gili T. You have definitely sold us on both!

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Southeast Asia

• The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide for First Timers

To be honest with you I knew almost nothing about Bali before I visited. Sure, I’ve seen a million pictures of this dream island, I knew that every proper Instagrammer had been there at least once and I saw Eat, Pray, Love, but that was it.

If you are like me, I have some good news for you: this Bali travel guide for first-timers is everything you’re gonna need! In this post, I put together everything you need to know if you are traveling to Bali for the first time. So let’s dive in!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

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Table of Contents

Bali is located in the Indian Ocean, it’s by far the most famous of the more than 17,000 islands of Indonesia. The island sits east of Java (the most populous island in the world) and west of Lombok.

I know it seems like a tiny island on the map but actually, Bali is pretty big: the distance is 145 km from west to east and 85 km from north to south. Apart from the main island, the Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida) also belong to Bali.

Bali is home to more than 4.3 million people. About 90% of the population are Balinese, the other ethnic groups are Javanese, Baliaga, and Madurese.

The official language is Indonesian, but many people use the Balinese language in everyday life. English is widely used as well due to the high level of tourism.

Indonesia is the biggest Muslim country in the world, accounting for 13% of the world’s total Muslims. One of the most interesting facts about Bali is that it’s the only exception, as the island is the only Hindu island in Indonesia.

Actually, this is not the standard Hindu religion, it’s rather a Balinese Hinduism: it’s kind of a mixture of local beliefs and Hindu influences.

Balinese people live in a magic world of people, spirits, gods, and demons. I was so surprised to see how deeply religious they are! There are over 20,000 temples in Bali and you can’t go anywhere without seeing countless offerings to the gods and spirits.

They seriously believe in karma, that life is governed by a system of cause and effect, action, and reaction. Their religion and culture are really interesting so try to learn about them as much as you can while you are there!

Although Bali used to have a free visa if you were visiting for less than 30 days, unfortunately, it’s no longer available.

They have a new Visa on Arrival (VoA) in place, and more than 90 countries can apply for this type of visa. In case you are coming from another country, you will need to apply for a different visa so make sure to check this in advance.

This new VoA costs 500,000 IDR ($33 US) and you can stay with this on the island for a maximum of 30 days. The visa can be extended once for another 30 days (this has an additional cost of course).

You can purchase the visa online in advance which I would strongly recommend. One thing you need to be aware of is that the visa must be used within 90 days from the date of issue, so don’t buy it earlier than 3 months from your travel date. Also, make sure to only purchase from the official website !

Don’t worry, if you can’t buy the visa online (the website doesn’t always work properly), you will still be able to do it at the airport after arrival. You’ll just have to wait in line first for the visa before proceeding to immigration.

Money in Bali

The official local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR or Rp). The amounts in rupiah are usually very large because of all the zeros. $1 US is around 15,200 IDR.

Therefore the prices are often given with the thousands implied and left off of the end. So when someone says “one hundred”, they most likely mean 100,000 IDR (around $6.5 US).

Cash is the king in Bali, therefore you always need to carry around some cash in your pocket. You can generally pay with credit cards at most of the hotels and cafes in the urban area but you will need cash for everything else.

The largest denomination is the 100,000 IDR banknote so your wallet will always be stuffed with a lot of banknotes. Make sure you don’t bring your tiniest wallet with you!

You can easily find ATMs in the popular travel hubs but once you are out you will have a hard time finding a machine in the countryside. So it’s better to stack up on cash while you are in a more touristy area.

ATMs typically charge you a transaction fee for every transaction. Fortunately, it’s not that much but the bad news is that there is a daily withdrawal limit.

It can be different depending on what kind of ATM you use but it’s usually between 1.5-2.5 million IDR (around $100-170 US). So basically you have to pick up cash from an ATM almost every day (or you can use different credit cards if you have more).

Important note: Some ATMs deliver your cash first and your credit card after. If you are coming from a place that it’s the other way around you have to pay attention not to leave your card in the machine. Unfortunately, we managed to lose a credit card, most likely for this reason. So learn from our mistakes!

Of course, you can exchange all the major currencies into rupiahs at the airport or banks but you always have to pay a commission fee and the exchange rates are not always in your favor. Generally using an ATM is a better option but it’s really up to you.

Technically US dollars are not accepted in Indonesia, however, you can almost always use them in reality. You will always have to pay more in dollars (because you obviously can’t pay $1.2 US so you will pay 2), but it’s good to have a plan B if you accidentally run out of rupiahs.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali is located a few degrees south of the equator, therefore it has a tropical climate all year around. It means that the weather is always hot and humid and there are only two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.

Generally, the rainy season is between November and March but it can vary a bit from year to year. During this time it usually rains a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours in the afternoon so you can still have some rain-free hours during the day if you are lucky.

Nevertheless, I still wouldn’t recommend this period for traveling especially if you’re traveling to Bali for the first time.

Bali is always busy during holidays like Easter or Christmas. July and August are usually crowded too because of the national school holidays in Indonesia. So if you’re not a fan of mass tourism I would avoid these periods as well.

Based on all this, the best time to visit is May, June, or September. You will have pleasant weather with almost no rain and the beaches and famous sites will not be that crowded either.

October can still be a good time, we also visited at the end of October. We were really lucky with the weather because it only rained on our last day. On the other hand, our driver said that this time last year it was constantly raining all day long and it didn’t stop for days. So be careful with October, it can really be a hit or miss.

How Much Time Do You Need to Spend in Bali

Bali is one of the most breathtaking dream destinations in the world and you can easily spend months on the island without ever getting bored. If you’re traveling to Bali for the first time, it’s best to spend at least 2 weeks in Bali to be able to properly explore the island.

When we visited Bali for the first time, we spent 8 days on the island and it felt really short. We managed to cover all the famous sites but in exchange, we spent almost no time at the beach and we were extremely tired at the end. Needless to say, it was totally worth it!

How much time you need to spend in Bali also depends on what you want to see and do. If you are only looking for beautiful beaches and you wish to relax all day long, one week could be enough.

However, there are so many wonderful sites to explore and various activities to do, that you will need at least 2 weeks if you really want to see the best of Bali.

Luckily the cost of living in Bali is totally budget-friendly so if your time allows or if you’re a digital nomad, you can even make it your base for a few months.

Transportation in Bali

Public transportation.

Public transportation is basically non-existent in Bali. All right, this is not exactly true: there are some public minibuses called bemo. If you are in a really adventurous mode and you wanna try getting around like a local you can opt for a ride. But for real transportation, I wouldn’t consider this as an option.

Renting a bicycle is possible but Bali is far too big for biking around. However, if you wanna explore the countryside close to your accommodation it can be a great way to get around.

The cheapest and most popular way of transportation is renting a scooter. However, if you don’t have experience in scooter riding I wouldn’t recommend it.

Why? Because the traffic is crazy! Cars, scooters, chickens, dogs, all share the same lane and they are coming from every direction possible. No matter where you go, the streets are always full of scooters and the roads are often in a really bad condition.

Scooter accidents are not exceptional and trust me, you don’t want to spend your holiday lying in the hospital.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against scooters at all. I’m just saying you have to be really, really prepared and have a ton of experience before trying to get around this way. If you’re planning to drive a scooter, you might be interested in reading a comprehensive guide about scooter rental in Bali !

And please don’t forget about travel insurance! Unfortunately, accidents can happen anytime and it’s better to be prepared for that. After many hours of research, I decided to choose SafetyWing and I can honestly recommend them!

You can find a taxi practically anywhere and it works the same way as it does in Europe or America. In Bali, almost everyone is a taxi driver. Seriously. You will be constantly asked by the locals where are you headed and whether if you will need a ride. Everyone will be glad to take you anywhere.

There are two types of taxis in Bali: the Bluebird taxis and the rest. The Bluebird taxis always go by the meter and they are safe to use. They even have their own app which you can download and after registration, you can summon a taxi as you please.

The non-Bluebird taxis on the other hand are often corrupt and they usually play dirty tricks with the tourists, like claiming to have a broken meter or taking you on a long road to pay more.

Private driver

I think having a private driver in Bali is the best option ever, especially it will be your first time in Bali and you don’t have any experience in scooter riding. It is generally more expensive than renting a scooter but in exchange, it takes away all the stress and you don’t have to worry about transportation during your stay.

We also decided to hire a private driver and I’m so glad we did! I received a recommendation from another Hungarian girl and that’s how we found Putu . He is the sweetest guy ever!

I contacted him while we were still at home. As I mentioned before I’m a big planner so I’ve already planned most of our itinerary before we first spoke.

Therefore we only needed to finalize the program I had in mind and he helped me organize every little detail. So by the time we arrived in Bali we already had a perfect itinerary and everything was taken care of.

How does it work in real life?

To be honest I had no clue how does it work in real-life and I received many questions about it so I will share my experience. When we arrived at the airport Putu was already there, waiting for us. He took us to our hotel (since it was already late in the afternoon) and we agreed on which time he should pick us up the next day.

The next morning he picked us up as we agreed and from that point, he was always with us until he took us back to the hotel at the end of the day. He drove us from location to location and while we were away exploring he waited for us in the car or spent the time with other drivers (who were waiting for their clients as well).

Yes, even when we were out for hours! Sometimes he even joined us in exploring the area so he could tell us stories about the place and Balinese life in general.

He was really flexible with the timing as well. We wanted to do a lot of sunrise tours so he usually picked us up very early. And by that, I mean very, very early.

Like 1 am or 3 am. Yes, you’ve read it right! (I know, you must think I’m crazy. Wait until you see my sunrise pictures!) The only general rule is that they don’t work more than 14 hours a day which is totally understandable.

Long story short, I really can’t recommend enough to have a private driver. Everything was just so perfect!

What to Wear in Bali

Despite Bali being a very religious island, there is no strict dress code for tourists. The only exceptions are the religious sites where you always have to wear a sarong (and a scarf if your shoulders are not covered by your clothes). Don’t worry, if you don’t own a sarong you can always rent it for a small amount of money at every religious site.

As I mentioned before, the weather in Bali is always hot and humid. Therefore you will most likely stroll around in shorts and T-shirts or dresses. Try to pack lightweight cotton and loose clothes! A beach hat or baseball cap is also a good idea to protect your head from the sun.

Regarding shoes, you can almost always wear flip-flops or sandals. But having a comfy sneaker in your suitcase is a huge bonus if you wanna go for a hike. If you plan to hike Mount Batur you should prepare with some warm clothes too!

I know it sounds weird to pack a jacket and a warmer sweater for Bali, but trust me, you’re gonna need it.

Best Places to Visit in Bali + Where to Stay in Bali

There are just so many things do to and see in Bali that I can go on and on for hours without ever repeating myself. Since this is a Bali travel guide for first-timers I will give you a rough overview of the different areas of Bali including the best places to visit and the best places to stay in each area.

The southern side of Bali is the most touristy area on the island. Denpasar (the capital city of Bali) is located here together with the Ngurah Rai International Airport. South Bali is packed with beautiful beaches, posh cafes, fancy restaurants, and cool party places.

If you’re a foodie like me, you will love this list of the  best cafes in Canggu ! Bali is famous for its sunsets as well and the southern part is one of the best areas to find the best sunsets in Bali .

Best places to visit in South Bali: Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, Nyangnyang Beach, Nusa Dua Beach, Kuta Beach, Cabina Bali

Where to stay in South Bali

As I mentioned before the southern side of the island is the most touristy area so you will find a wide range of hotels to choose from. If you’re traveling to Bali for the first time I would recommend staying at either Seminyak or Kuta but Canggu , Uluwatu and Jimbaran could be a great option as well.

Best places to stay in Seminyak

LUXURY – The Legian Seminyak, Bali

This beachfront hotel offers beautiful rooms in a scenic setting as you’ll get stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The Legian Seminyak also has plenty of fantastic facilities including a three-tiered swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center.

MID-RANGE – Montigo Resorts Seminyak

Montigo Resorts is situated right next to Potato Head Beach Club so is in a great location. The hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the center of Seminyak, and there are two swimming pools on-site as well as a spa & wellness center. Not only that but Montigo Resorts also has a bar and fitness center

BUDGET – Bali Ayu Hotel & Villas

Bali Ayu Hotel & Villas is set in a great location as it’s just a 4-minute walk from the beach and it’s close to Petitenget Street. The rooms are very budget-friendly, and each one is spacious and features a balcony. Breakfast is available at the property, and there are two swimming pools.

Best places to stay in Kuta

LUXURY – The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali

This beachfront 5-star hotel is situated close to popular attractions within Kuta including Waterbom Bali and the Discovery Shopping Mall. With a large swimming pool, landscaped tropical gardens, and a spa & wellness center – this place has plenty to offer. There are also several restaurants on-site, a pool bar, and a private beach area.

MID-RANGE – Discovery Kartika Plaza Hotel

Located right next to Discovery Shopping Mall and the coast, this hotel is one of the best mid-range accommodation options in Kuta. There are plenty of fantastic facilities too including two swimming pools, a spa & wellness center, and a fitness center. There’s also a variety of room options and many of them offer views of the ocean.

BUDGET – The Kana Kuta Hotel

If you’re looking for budget-friendly accommodation then make sure you check out the Kana Kuta Hotel. With an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a fitness center, there are lots of amenities available for guests. All the rooms are spacious too and feature air conditioning, a seating area, and an ensuite bathroom.

Central Bali

The central area is the cultural heart of Bali and it is also the most picturesque side of the island. Central Bali is home to many beautiful temples, deep river gorges, unbelievably green rice terraces, and gorgeous waterfalls.

Best places to visit in Central Bali: Ubud Monkey Forest, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Tegalalang rice terraces, Jatiluwih rice terraces, Pura Tirta Empul, Tegenungan waterfall, Tukad Cepung waterfall , Kanto Lampo waterfall

Where to stay in Central Bali

If you want to explore the best places in Central Bali I recommend staying in Ubud. Ubud is the heart of Central Bali with many hotels to choose from and it’s packed with amazing restaurants and bars as well, so it’s worth spending at least 3 days in Ubud .

Below you can find some of the best hotels to stay in Ubud. If you’re looking for something more special, check out these private pool villas in Ubud or the best bamboo houses in Bali around the city.

Best places to stay in Ubud

LUXURY – Kamandalu Ubud

Kamandalu Ubud is one of the most luxurious hotels on the island. Offering stunning views of the Petanu River and the surrounding forest, this place is the best luxury stay in Ubud. The rooms are inspired by traditional Balinese decor and most units feature a daybed and a private pool.

MID-RANGE – The Udaya Resorts and Spa

This place has a lot to offer with striking views, spacious suites, and fantastic facilities. Guests will benefit from a swimming pool, a spa & wellness center, and a restaurant that serves delicious Indonesian dishes.

BUDGET – Gita Maha Ubud Hotel by Mahaputra

Ubud is full of budget-friendly accommodation options but not many are as beautiful as this place! Gita Maha Ubud Hotel is situated just a 5-minute drive from the Royal Palace and offers an outdoor swimming pool and an on-site restaurant. Each room at this hotel is incredibly spacious too, and many of them feature a private balcony.

East Bali is dominated by the largest volcano on the island: Mount Agung. This is a very active volcano with constant eruptions, therefore it is not allowed to visit.

But its little brother, Mount Batur (who is also an active volcano) is still safe and open for hiking. The nearby area is really beautiful and it is home to some of the island’s oldest villages.

Best places to visit in East Bali: Mount Agung, Mount Batur, Pura Luhur Lempuyang (Gate of Heaven), Tirta Gangga Royal Water Garden

Where to stay in East Bali

If you are traveling to Bali for the first time I would recommend you to stay either in South or Central Bali instead of East Bali. There are much more things to do in those areas and you can easily do some day trips from there to visit the best tourist spots in the east.

However, if you want to have a more unique Bali experience staying in East Bali can be great for you! You will find many amazing hotels in the area, the best places to stay are either Candidasa (close to the beach) or Sidemen (more inland with an amazing view over the volcanos).

If you’re looking for a more unique stay, you can also find the many magical bamboo houses in Bali , especially in this part of the island.

Best places to stay in Sidemen

LUXURY – Wapa di Ume Sidemen

If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, then stay at Wapa di Ume Sidemen. You’ll benefit from a variety of fantastic facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, and a bar. There’s also a garden and terrace area, and bicycles are free to use. 

MID-RANGE – Alamdhari Resort and Spa

With an outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lush forests, an on-site restaurant, and a bar – Alamdhari Resort and Spa has a lot to offer guests. Breakfast is included with your stay too, and there’s a garden area where you can relax. The rooms here are stunning and many of them feature a private balcony with amazing views.

BUDGET – Sawah Indah Villa

Sawah Indah Villa is just a 30-minute drive from Tirta Gangga and is surrounded by lush rice terraces and forested mountains. Offering an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant, and spa treatments this hotel has everything you could need and more! The staff at the hotel can also help with vehicle rentals and organizing excursions.

Best places to stay in Candidasa

LUXURY – Candi Beach Resort & Spa

Candi Beach Resort & Spa is located along a private beach and offers three swimming pools, a variety of water sports, and a spa & wellness center. There are also several on-site restaurants so you’ll have plenty of dining options. If that’s not enough to convince you, this hotel has two bars and a tour desk that can help with excursions.

MID-RANGE – Villa Barong

Villa Barong is just a 5-minute walk from the beach and is nestled within landscaped gardens and coconut trees. There are several villas available at the property and each one offers a private pool, a modern kitchen, and a terrace area. The villas sleep up to four people so are a great option for groups and small families.

BUDGET – Rama Shinta Hotel Candidasa

This is one of the best budget-friendly accommodation options in Candidasa. Set within tropical gardens, this hotel has plenty to offer with excellent facilities and spacious rooms. Guests will benefit from an outdoor pool, an open-air restaurant, and a bar during their stay too! Staff at the hotel can also help arrange rentals and excursions.

The northern side of Bali is really different from the rest of the island. The climate is more foggy and rainy, therefore you can see many cloudy lakes, misty mountains, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali you’ll ever see.

Best places to visit in North Bali: Munduk Moding Plantation, Wanagiri Hidden Hill, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, Banyumala twin waterfalls, Sekumpul waterfall , Handara gate

Where to stay in North Bali

If you want to explore all the beauty the northern part of the island has to offer I recommend staying at least one night in Munduk ! It will be a totally different feeling to stay there compared to the rest of the island and the area is really beautiful too.

Best places to stay in Munduk

LUXURY – Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa

Munduk Moding Plantation is easily one of the most beautiful hotels in Bali. It’s famous for its infinity pool that offers striking views of the surrounding rice terraces and mountains. There are also plenty of other facilities at the hotel including an on-site restaurant, a spa & wellness center, and a bar.

MID-RANGE – Nadira Bali Villa

If you’re looking for mid-range accommodation in Munduk then make sure you check out Nadira Bali Villa. With an outdoor swimming pool, a sun terrace, and an on-site restaurant – this place has so much to offer. The villas and suites are also stunning and many of them offer superb views of the surrounding mountains.

BUDGET – Atres Villa

Atres Villa is just a 20-minute drive from Munduk Waterfall so is set in a great location to explore the area. This hotel also has lots of excellent facilities including an outdoor pool, a spa & wellness center, and a bar. However, the highlight of this place has to be the surrounding rice terraces!

Nusa Islands

Local people say that the Nusa Islands (Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida) are the perfect place to see what Bali was like 20 years ago before it became a tourist hotspot.

And it’s really true: the Nusa Islands have such a raw beauty and they are (mostly) still untouched and not packed with tourists. If you’re planning to visit the Nusa Islands, you might be interested in reading my Perfect Nusa Islands Itinerary as well!

Best places to visit in the Nusa Islands: Kelingking Beach , Rumah Pohon treehouse, Peguyangan Waterfall , Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Devil’s Tear, Blue Lagoon

Where to stay in the Nusa islands

Most people choose to stay on Nusa Lembongan , however, I recommend staying on Nusa Penida . Nusa Penida is the biggest and most developed of the three Nusa Islands and there are so many places to visit there that you’re gonna need the most time for this island.

Best places to stay in Nusa Penida

LUXURY – Adiwana Warnakali Resort

Adiwana Warnakali Resort in Nusa Penida provides adults-only accommodation with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. Each accommodation at the 4-star resort has mountain views, and guests can enjoy access to a sun terrace.

MID-RANGE – Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida

Perched on the quiet hills of Nusa Penida, this hotel offers sweeping views of the island and the sea beyond. Guests can take advantage of the infinity pool or try traditional meals at the on-site Asian restaurant.

BUDGET – Surya Maha Bungallo

For a budget-friendly stay in Nusa Penida, take a look at Surya Maha Bungallo. Boasting a lush garden with a stunning outdoor pool, the property offers double or twin rooms either with a garden or pool view. A daily continental breakfast is also available.

Planning a trip to Bali?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Bali. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

Bali Travel Guides:

• The Ultimate 2 Weeks in Bali Itinerary for First Timers
• Top 13 Best Waterfalls in Bali You Can’t Miss
• 14 Best Cafes in Canggu, Bali – Canggu Foodie Guide
• The Perfect 3 Days in Ubud Itinerary for First Timers
• 13 Best Cafes in Ubud You Have To Try

Bali Hotel Guides:

• Where to Stay in Bali: 10 Best Areas & Hotels
• 11 Most Instagrammable & Unique Hotels in Bali
• 15 Magical Bamboo Houses in Bali You Can Actually Book
• 15 Best Private Pool Villas in Ubud for Every Budget
• Top 15 Best Airbnbs in Ubud, Bali
• Luxury Redefined: AYANA Villas Bali Hotel Review
• Romantic Getaway in Ubud: Kamandalu Ubud Hotel Review
• Hotel Review: The Udaya Resorts & Spa, Bali
• A Slice of Balinese Paradise: Wapa Di Ume Sidemen Hotel Review
• Hotel Review: Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort & Spa

Nusa Penida Travel Guides:

• The Perfect Nusa Islands Itinerary for 3 Days
• Top 16 Best Things to Do in Nusa Penida You Can’t Miss
• 21 Best Hotels in Nusa Penida for Every Budget
• Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida: Complete Guide & Tips for Visiting
• How to Visit the Famous Nusa Penida Treehouse: A Complete Guide
• Peguyangan Waterfall, Nusa Penida: All You Need to Know Before Visiting

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37 thoughts on “The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide for First Timers”

Breakfast in the pool? We’re in! 😉 Thanks for all of the great details! Bali somehow has not made it off of our Bucket List. Soon, though, and this is helpful!

Oh Bali is definitely the most magical place I’ve ever been to! I hope you can thick it off of your bucket list really soon 🙂

I’ve been daydreaming of Bali since Eat, Pray,Love! YouR beautiful photos have given me some serious wanderlust for the weekend! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you Anna! I really love that movie and everything it represents! Bali is still my favorite place on Earth and can’t wait to go back soon 🙂

Great and detailed guide, thanks, I will save it for future! Bali looks like a great escape from the chilly winter in Europe

Thank you Maria! Yes it definitely is 🙂 I’m also planning to go back soon, can’t wait!!

Just stunning! I so want to go to Bali and your pictures make me want to book a plane ticket right now! Love your comprehensive guide and all of your tips & hints!! They will definitely come in handy when I finally get to go 🙂

Your photos are incredible! This is extremely informative! I hope to be able to visit Bali soon, and use all of your useful tips.

Thank you so much! Bali is so photogenic, you simply can’t make a bad photo in Bali 🙂 I really hope you will be able to visit soon!

This is super useful and I just know someone heading over there, I will recommend reading this post. I have a love-hate relationship with Bali but I´m sure there are wonderful hidden corners of the island I had not yet discovered, so might be back one day. Thanks for sharing this informative post, x

Thank you so much for sharing it! Yeah I really get why you have a love-hate relationship with Bali, that’s why I usually try to wake up early in the morning and explore the places without the crowds or go to off the beaten path spots. It feels so much different this way! 🙂

Literally the best Bali Guide I have read! So much information and now I can plan my trip accordingly!

Thank you so much Dana! 🙂

O wow I wish I’d had this guide before my first trip to Bali! So well written, thank you for sharing! I will definitely refer back to this guide for my next trip 🙂

Thank you Ellie! Bali is really such a wonderful place 🙂

This is such a great guide and I love your writing style! Definitely saving this for a future trip and I love your advice about a driver!

Thank you so much Linnea, I’m so happy you liked it! 🙂

Bali looks so fun! Really hoping to visit there sometime this year ? love your photos!

Thank you Jen! Bali is such a wonderful place, I can only recommend!

Love this! Especially as I’m in Bali now! So detailed and helpful x

Aww thank you so much! I’m also in Bali now, love this island so much! 🙂

How much did you pay the driver each day to stay with you for the whole day? Or how much did you end up paying him in total and for how many days? I’m curious because I might do that too when I visit! It’s a great idea!

We typically paid around 600-800k IDR (42-56 USD) for one day depending on how far did we go from our hotel. It was a price per car so it would have been the same for 4 people but we were just the 2 of us. We were there first in October 2018 so these are the prices from that time. When we visited again in March 2020 we didn’t go for a trip so I don’t know the exact prices now but you can always ask our driver, Putu 🙂

Thank you! I am wanting to visit Bali for the first time this year and your guide is awesome!

Thank you so much for your lovely comment Julie! I hope your Bali trip will be amazing!

Thank you for this guide. Im celebrating my birthday in Bali and reading your blog is helping me to plan better. I am flying from Miami to Bali and the best deal its to one stop in Dubai for 7 hours. Do you happened to have a recommendation of what to do in Dubai for 7 hours? or better yet do you recommended a better route to get to Bali from the US? Thank you!

Hey! First of all, thank you so much for your lovely comment 🙂 Dubai is the biggest hub for travelers heading to Southeast Asia so I think that’s a great route. Honestly, since you are flying internationally, I’m not sure I would leave the airport. You need to be there at least 2-3 hours before your flight to Bali departs which leaves you a lot less time to explore, plus you need to stay on top of every regulation to be able to enter Dubai. That being said, since DXB is only a 15-minute drive from the Burj Khalifa, I’m sure I would pick that! You can go up to the top, or just stroll around the tower. You can also see the Dubai Fountain, the Wings of Mexico, and the Dubai Mall too because they are all in one place. Happy travels!

Thanks for the exhaustive guide. The longing to see this Paradise on Earth had been hidden deep in my heart for years. Might materialize this December when going to Thailand to attend a wedding. However, I am not so young or mobile now and wanted to ask you many many questions on how I should make the most of this long cherished dream come true. For instance, is there a lot of walking involved? What about people with limited mobility? Is there any way to talk to you or chat with you? How many days to keep? Will I be able to do it?? Thanks so much.

Hey! To be honest, Bali is not really a good place for people with limited mobility. For instance, most of the time there is no pedestrian walkway by the streets, most waterfalls are hidden deep inside a jungle and some beaches are also only reachable via stairs. That being said, you can still visit some incredible places that are easier to reach but you’ll definitely need to let go of many places. I recommend hiring a driver who can take care of your transportation and he can also help with questions about specific attractions.

hi , thank you sooo much for a very detail explaination. i am planning to visit bali in coming november. i am having few queries pls let me know 1. can i take my 3 yrs old child along with my wife? is it ok to travel with kid ? 2. if i planned to stay in candidisa – east bali — will it be long to go other places of bali ? will the travel time will be more ? 3. in november ending is it ok to travel ? u mentioned its rainy – is it rainy whole day ? 4. i am from india – can u give some more detail about currency usuage with indian rupees ?

Hey! Yes, you can take your kid, many people travel to Bali as a family holiday so it will be all good 🙂 Candidasa is quite far away from the main Bali attractions, it’s a great base to explore the east part of the island but I would recommend diving your time between Candidasa and one/two more central locations. Well, November is technically the start of the rainy season but it’s different each year so nobody can tell you how it will be this year. Normally it only rains a few times a day but it’s really a draw of luck. Sorry, I don’t have any experience with Indian rupees. Hope you will have an amazing trip!

Hi Your article for 1st timer is very useful. I am going in June 2023 as a 1st timer. I like the beach, so I will be staying in the southern part. I am thinking to hire a private guide for this trip as I prefer that way. My stay is about 5 days. Do you have any recommendation for me. If you have any suggestion for me, I really welcome to hear from you. Thank you

Hi Danny! I would recommend getting in touch with Putu, he works as a private driver on Bali and he is amazing! Here’s his Instagram where you can reach him: https://www.instagram.com/bali_travel_monkey/

Thank you Kriszti for the informative travel guide to Bali and for sharing amazing photos as well. Really helpful tips specially for first time travellers with family. I wonder if possible for you to share the contact details of Putu, the private driver you hired during your stay in Bali. I am planned to spend my holidays with my family in Bali next month. Thank you.

Hi Chona! Sure, you can find him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bali_travel_monkey/

hello ms kriszti,

thank you for sharing all these travel guides for first timers, its truly very helpful; my friend ( PWD ) is going to bali this oct and we plan to hire a driver . do you still have contact with mr PUTU or any one you can recommend.

Sure, you can reach him on his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bali_travel_monkey/

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Bali travel tips: things to know before you go

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
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written by Henry Fry

updated 7.06.2023

With its coral-speckled beaches, luscious green rice terraces and blissful azure seas, Bali has long been a haven for surfers , sun worshippers and yoga junkies alike. Whether you’re planning the adventure of a lifetime, a week of relaxation or a family holiday , here are Bali travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Head west for waves, east for snorkelling

2. be aware of the rainy season, 3. get the right visa, 4. order a tourist sim card in advance, 5. stick to bottled water - one of the most important bali travel tips, 6. bring bug spray with you, 7. embrace mopeds as your transport of choice, 8. don’t miss the gilis, 9. watch a fire dance at uluwatu, 10. take a trip to nusa lembongan, 11. be vigilant with money, 12. get a health kick in ubud, 13. or just eat everything.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok , your essential guide for visiting Bali .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Indonesia, created by local experts

6 days  / from 830 USD

Bali's Beaches and Temples

Experience Bali's brilliant beaches and temples with this stunning trip. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

10 days  / from 1600 USD

Rest and Relaxation in Bali and Lombok

This unique trip will take you to some of Bali and Lombok's most traditional places. Look forward to driving through tropical landscapes and spending time in villages nestled in scenic spots of traditional luxury with infinity pools and stunning vistas over the ocean.

10 days  / from 2100 USD

Royal Bali - Culture & Beaches

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This trip includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.

Tailor-made trips for   Indonesia

The surf in Bali is world-renowned. West Coast spots like Canggu and Kuta boast incredible waves, while the Rip Curl Surf School in Legian runs daily classes for novices. The calmer waters to the east are great for scuba diving and snorkelling, and headgear is readily available pretty much everywhere.

Experience Bali with this stunning tailor-made trip to Bali's Beaches and Temples. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

Sea turtle © Daniel Wilhelm Nilsson/Shutterstock

Just eight degrees south of the equator, tropical Bali has fairly constant year-round temperatures, averaging 27°C in Bali’s coastal areas and the hills around Ubud. Bali is hit by an annual monsoon, which brings rain, wind and intense humidity from October through to March.

The best time to visit is outside the monsoon season, from April to September, but you should be prepared to get rained on in Ubud at any time of year. However, the prospect of a daily rainstorm shouldn’t put you off: you’re far more likely to get an hour-long downpour than a day-long drizzle. Mountain climbing, though, is both unrewarding and dangerous at monsoon time

For most travellers, there are three main kinds of visas available. The free-entry visa is non-extendable, so if you think you might end up staying longer than 30 days you should pay for the extendable visa on arrival (US$35.00), or get a 60-day visa before leaving home.

Silhouettes of people at sunset on the beach of Kuta, Bali, Indonesia © Netfalls Remy Musser/Shutterstock

Most mobile phones will work fine in Indonesia. Virtually all travellers these days choose not to use international roaming (as costs can be prohibitive) but use a local SIM card, which will provide 3G or 4G mobile internet. A local SIM is very cheap. Mobile coverage is excellent in Bali and there are phone shops everywhere.

Staff may have to unblock your phone first and will also advise on the best SIM card for your needs, bearing in mind local and international coverage. Top-up cards are sold at mobile-phone stalls everywhere.

Related articles from the blog

One of the most important Bali travel tips is to not drink untreated tap water, as it is likely to contain disease-causing micro-organisms and cause a Bali belly (an upset stomach condition). Bottled water is available everywhere and refilling facilities are becoming more widespread (cutting down on plastic waste).

Or you can buy purifying tablets, water filters and water purifiers from travel clinics and specialist outdoor-equipment retailers. Note that in some losmen drinking water is often served hot in a Thermos indicating that it has been boiled. Indonesians are very much aware of the need to boil water before drinking it and generally water, tea or coffee served hot is safe to drink.

Watching dolphins in Lovina, Bali © Piotr Kala/APA

Bali is within malarial zones and you must seek medical advice at least a month before you travel. Malaria, which can be fatal, is passed into humans through mosquito bites (one is all it takes). The appropriate prophylactic drug depends on your destination but all are taken to a strict timetable beginning before you enter the malarious area and continuing after leaving.

However, none of the antimalarial drugs is a hundred percent effective and it is vital to try to stop the mosquitoes from biting you. So Bali travel tips in this case are to wear long sleeves and long trousers in infected areas, burn mosquito coils, and use repellent on exposed skin.

The most powerful repellents should be brought from home. DEET is effective but can be an irritant and natural alternatives are available containing citronella, eucalyptus oil or neem oil.

While initially daunting, particularly in jam-packed city centres, mopeds are cheap to rent and give you the freedom to explore the island’s more out-of-the-way attractions.

The Rough Guides to Indonesia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Make sure to check the tank, as they’re often left empty by the previous rider. If you do run low, petrol is easily purchased (usually in vodka bottles) from almost every roadside shop. And don’t forget to ask for a helmet.

Bali's mopeds © Shutterstock

Regarded as some of the best Indonesian islands , the three Gili Islands lie off the west coast of Lombok , and are less than two hours' boat ride from Bali. They are a laid-back haven for partying, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.

One of the top Bali travel tips is to rent a bike and head around the stunning white shoreline, stopping off to swim amid tropical fish and the occasional sea turtle. Boats run between the islands constantly, but make sure to catch a public one, rather than pay through the nose for a private speedboat.

Gili Meno © Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock

Traditional dances are performed everywhere, but none in so spectacular a location as the ancient cliff-top temple of Uluwatu, on the tip of the southern Bukit Peninsula. If you’re travelling by moped be aware that you’ll be returning in the dark, so make note of your route.

This tailor-made trip to the best of Bali will take you from modern-day Bali to the traditional one. Bali has many adventures to offer, tour the countryside with a Vespa or glide through the hidden canyons. You will also be able to enjoy visits to enchanting villages, where you can take in the local way of life.

Nusa Lembongan retains its village ambience – you can sense the island atmosphere as soon as you wade off the boat. Even the hawkers are half-hearted. Given Nusa Lembongan’s focus on diving and surfing, a trip into the mangrove swamps that fringe the northeast coast is one of the more unusual diversions on a visit.

It’s an eerie experience: boats are punted with bamboo, so there’s no engine noise to disturb the crabs and birds that inhabit the muddy forest floor. The trip is best at low tide when the roots are exposed.

Mushroom Bay on Nusa Lembongan Bali Indonesia © Shutterstock

Use ATMs as much as possible and try to avoid money-changers, as they can undercut you. If you have no other option, the best Bali travel tip is to do your own calculations and double-check theirs. Notes are large and some changers play on tourists’ confusion, giving you less than you’ve agreed on.

From your base on Bali's renowned beaches, you'll island-hop your way around glorious Hindu temples and heritage sites. See komodo dragons, partake in a traditional Balinese ceremony, meet with a Hindu High Priest and visit local villages: this tailor-made trip to Indonesia ticks all the tropical getaway boxes.

Ubud is Bali’s traditional cultural hub and now lies at the heart of the island’s holistic wellness movement – part of Eat, Pray, Love was filmed here. Head to one of the many classes at the Yoga Barn and stop off at The Seeds of Life , a raw food restaurant, for a detox.

One of the essential Bali travel tips is to take a Yoga class in Bali © zjuzjaka/Shutterstock

From the traditional famed babi guling (a whole spit-roast pig) to Japanese, Chinese, Thai and American fusion cuisine, there’s always something to fill your belly in Bali.

Try the Potato Head Beach Club in high-end Seminyak for some multicultural dining in an unusual horseshoe-shaped building, or head to Gili Trawangan for the night market, where you can sample grilled king prawns straight from the ocean. Make sure to order the Indonesian staple gado gado, a salad of boiled vegetables and eggs, at least once on your trip.

There is such a wide range of activities on offer in Bali, that it can be overwhelming. Whether your stay is long or short, let the Balinese spirit in chill out, breathe and enjoy the ride.

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This tailor-made trip to Royal Bali includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include the sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.

Denpasar market © Piotr Kala/APA

Where to stay in Bali

• For Ubud: Nau Villa Ubud
• For a romantic getaway: Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas
• For luxury: The Kayon Jungle Resort
• For tranquil stays: Villa D'Carik Bali

Find more accommodation options to stay in Bali

Ready for a trip to Bali ? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok .

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Bali without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image: Rice terraces in Bali © Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock.

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Bali Travel Guide: The Ultimate Guide For A First Time Visitor

Have you ever dreamt of visiting an island that has it all— stunning beaches, lush greenery, amazing food, and friendly locals? If so, Bali is a beautiful paradise to visit. Every part of this land is deeply rooted with rich culture and tradition. This Indonesian island has something for everyone, and is a great destination for a relaxing vacation or an adventurous getaway. If you have some dream places to visit in Bali , you can customize your  Bali trip package .

Bali is an Indonesian island located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands, lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Bali is 5780 km wide and features more than 10,000 temples and over 85 islands. It is one of the country's 33 provinces with the provincial capital at Denpasar towards the south of the island. Given its stunning natural surroundings and exotic beaches, the island draws up to 7 million foreign visitors each year.

Bali is a cultural melting pot, influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. This makes for a fascinating cultural experience, to gain an insight about different religions and traditions. Every temple in Bali, whether it is the sea temple of Tanah Lot, the beautiful Besakih temple, or the enchanting Uluwatu temple, demonstrates the strong Balinese cultural influence. Bali's culture is unique and fascinating, and it is definitely worth experiencing.

Also Read: How to Reach Bali

It is no wonder that this Indonesian gem is a beautiful island paradise, giving spectacular natural beauty with a calm way of life. The place is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. From the world-famous Kuta Beach to the secluded Lombok beaches, the beaches in Bali are simply breathtaking to witness. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and exciting attractions, Bali is an unforgettable destination that should never be missed. 

Come to Bali and have the time of your life. From exhilarating Mount Batur hiking to exploring the Monkey Forest, Bali is a hub to endless fun and entertainment. There is so much to do here, from surfing and scuba diving to exploring ancient temples and hiking through stunning rice terraces. And of course, don't forget about the amazing food and nightlife. With so many mouth watering cuisines to choose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you are looking for a relaxed vacation or an action-packed adventure, Bali has something for everyone. Last but not least, the people of Bali is incredibly friendly and welcoming. It's great if you are planning for a B ali family vacation !

Getting Around Bali

Public Transport

Traveling in bus is the best way to get around Bali. The tickets are cheaper and they are more reliable. It's a great choice if you're planning for cheap Bali packages . One of the popular bus service providers is Perama. They operate between all of the popular destinations in Bali and it is advised to book one day well in advance.

Taxi & Airport transfer

The most popular taxi service provider in Bali is Blue Bird Taxi. The cars are modern and they come with well-trained, decent English speaking drivers. For instant rides and advance bookings, call the company directly. Airport transfers are also offered by Blue Bird Taxis. Additionally, there is an air-conditioned bus service called Trans Sarbagita which helps in airport transfer.

Transport & city passes

Transport passes are the effective way to get around Bali at a cheaper price. The popular shuttle-service provider of Kura-Kura offers two types of passes: Kura Kura trip ticket and Kura Kura day pass. Based on your frequency of travel, you can choose between any of the two.

Driving & Car rental

Renting a car or a motorbike also allows you to explore Bali at your own pace. They are comparatively expensive than public transportation. And it is important to keep in mind the road rules and safety measures pertaining to Bali. Traffic in Bali is considered to be unpleasant and hence it will be wise to plan each day accordingly. Alternatively, you can hire a driver while renting the car.

Suggested Read: Best Things to do in Bali

What to Eat & Drink in Bali

Following the indigenous traditions, the Balinese Cuisine uses a lot of spices, fresh vegetables, meat, and fish. Though highly influenced by the Indonesian regional cuisine along with the Indian and the Chinese, the culinary traditions in Bali is a bit different from the rest of Indonesia.

Bebuk Betutu: Side Dishes are served in small portions before serving Nasi Padang, with rice prepared in different ways.

Mie Goreng: A spicy thin fried noodle dish with a combination of ingredients.

Arak: Balinese liquor made by distilling coconut palm wine, or wine made with black rice and coconut milk.

Teh Panas: A refreshing tea that is taken sans milk. Ask for the special ginger infused tea!

Pisang Goreng: Plantains covered in batter and fried deeply - consumed as an all time snack in Indonesia.

Bali Guling: Also known as suckling pig, it is stuffed of a spicy mix containing coriander seeds, lemongrass, pepper and garlic, and is roasted.

Balinese wine: A wine made from home-grown grapes in Bali - rose, red and white are popular varieties.

Kopi Bali: Finest of Indonesian coffee brewed to perfection. Great for when you need a caffeine hit. 

Check Out:   How to Reach Bali

Bali Travel Wisdom

Culture & etiquette.

Bali over the years has become a popular destination for travellers.Most places in Bali such as resorts and beaches do not have a strict dress code. Bali has predominantly a mix of Hindu and Muslim culture, that demands that visitors dress modestly in and around the temples and cultural centres. If you are dressed in shorts when visiting these places, ensure you carry a sarong or get one nearby.A namaste or greeting with folded hands is a most respectful way to greet people in Bali.

Major events & Public Holidays

The Bali Arts Festival is held in June, a must visit for the culture lovers for its performances and parades. Yet another festival you may catch a glimpse of in June and July is the Bali Kite Festival. Bali's most important festival is Galingan in April that will give a peek into their rituals.

Road rules and driving license

Indonesia follows left-hand side driving. Travellers require an International Driving License or a local Indonesian temporary license called SIM. While you can rent vehicles in Bali, the traffic conditions may not be very easy to drive in. Helmets are a must-have when riding two wheelers. If you are renting a two wheeler, remember that the Balinese don't like to honk! Check if your rental vehicle has been insured. While renting cars is possible, it is hassle free to rent a vehicle with a driver.

Know your Indonesian

Balinese and Indonesian are the languages spoken in Bali by the locals there. Owing to the wide expatriate and tourist community in Bali, the locals are quite comfortable with English which leaves no language barrier. Fun fact: Don't be surprised if are welcomed with ' Hey mate' as every year 600.000 to 700.000 Australians visit Bali as it's a popular tourist location among them! 

Welcome - Selamat Datang

Hello - Halo

Sorry - Maaf

Thank You - Terima kasih

How its going? - Bagaimana hal itu terjadi?

See you again - Sampai jumpa lagi

Bali Survival Guide

Electricity

• The power sockets in Bali are of Type C and Type F.
• The appliances used in India will require a power plug adapter for these socket types.
• The voltage here is 220 volts at 50 Hz and it is the same as that we have in India

Sim & Data Roaming

• When traveling to Bali, it is best suggested to bring an unlocked phone which is not bound to a single carrier.
• The major operators in Bali are Telkomsel (Simpati), Indosat, and XL.
• Get the Indosat Prepaid SIM Package at IDR 45.000 with 10 GB LTE Data Package.

Cash & Cards

• The local currency used in Bali is Indonesian Rupiah.
• A single meal cost for a person will be around 25500.00 Rp which is close to Rs 150
• Rp. 10, 000 - Rp. 50, 000 are sufficient for your daily transactions which includes your meal & other personal expenses
• We’d advise you to carry USDs while travelling to Bali. On reaching the Bali airport, you can exchange the USDs to IDRs.

Health & Insurance

• Although Insurance is not mandatory for Bali, it is advisable to carry one. While Bali has many clinics, the public hospitals are available only in regions like Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud, Nusa Dua and Seminyak.
• If purchasing medicines, prefer the Kimia Farma chain as they have fair prices and reliable stock.
• It is recommended you carry sunblock, wide brimmed hats and shades while stepping out in the sun. If you want to avoid the sun, avoid the beaches between 10 am and 2 pm - it is hottest then.
• Fair warning, there are many mosquitos in Bali. Protect yourself against them by carrying mosquito repellant.
• If you are bringing a sizeable amount of medicines, carry a doctor's certificate to avoid problems with the Customs.  

Emergency Contacts in Bali

Embassy of India in Bali

Jl. Raya Puputan No.163, Renon, Denpasar Sel., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80235, Indonesia

Ph no: +62-361-259502, Email: [email protected]

Police: 112, Ambulance: 118, Fire department: 113

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Bali Travel Tips – Everything To Know Before You Go

08/27/2023 by Kristin Addis Leave a Comment

The first time I visited Bali was in 2008, and that’s when the love affair with Indonesia began. Since then, I’ve visited 8 or so more times, spending a cumulative 4 months in the country. Bali has always been a mainstay for my Southeast Asian adventures, and there are so many delicious reasons why.

But there are some considerations to take in place before you go and while you’re there that can make your trip easier, safer, and better. These are my best Bali tips from almost two decades of visits:

Table of Contents

Before You Go to Bali

Immunizations

Before traveling in Bali and Southeast Asia , in general, it’s a good idea to visit a travel doctor and get some immunizations. The standard ones are typhoid and hepatitis A, and tetanus if you need a booster. Your doctor may also recommend the rabies vaccine. If you’re American and this is expensive, I often visit travel doctors abroad for my immunizations. Most recently I got mine in South Africa , but you can get them in Bali, too.

Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport. It’ll be valid for 30 days and costs around $30. You can use USD or most other major currencies to pay for it, or you can pay with a credit card and will be charged a fee.

If you need more time or want to be able to exit and return without buying another visa, you can obtain one ahead of time at an embassy either in your home country, or in the capitol city of any Southeast Asian countries.

Helpful Apps

Perhaps you use Uber at home to get around. In Southeast Asia, Grab is the similar company to use. You download an app, use a credit card to pay, and order rides just like you would using Uber or Lyft. You can also use it to order food or motorbike rides. I love how this app has simplified getting around Southeast Asia!

Staying Connected

Back when I started traveling in Solo in Southeast Asia , Esims were not a thing, and the Wi-Fi was atrocious. These days, you’ll find plenty of high-speed Internet in Bali, but I still always like to be connected with a Sim card. I used to just buy these upon arrival, but Bali Airport is particularly bad with Sim cards. They try to sell cards that have an obscene amount of data on them (think hundreds of gigabytes in some cases) just to jack the price up.

If you have an eSIM compatible phone, you can buy one ahead of time , or if you need a physical Sim card, I would wait and get one outside of the airport. Most convenience stores sell them.

Travel Insurance

Although routine healthcare is cheap on Bali, I have been to enough doctors in Indonesia to know that they are often limited with their access to tests and equipment. If you really need intensive care, it might be in your best interest to go to Singapore or your home country.

Many travel cards come with some kind of travel insurance. Just know that these have extremely limited coverage and don’t typically provide anything more than trip cancellation, so your medical bills will be on you. Medical evacuation is often not covered, and there have been some sad stories come out of Bali when tourists didn’t have adequate coverage. Check out Faye , a company I tested on my most recent trip to Japan this winter and had a good experience with. World Nomads is another popular option.

Indonesia can be one of the cheapest places to travel in the world , though out of all of the islands, Bali can be one of the pricier ones. If you’re staying in high-end resorts and eating foreigner food in foreign cafes and restaurants, it can cost just as much as a vacation in Europe .

But if you eat in local warungs, stay in hostels, and take local buses, it doesn’t have to be expensive at all.

Planning Your Trip

Planning Your Bali Itinerary

Bali is huge, and given the traffic, it can take HOURS to get across the island, or even just to get to the airport from Canggu. If you’re short on time, don’t try to do too much. This is always my advice when planning a trip. But if you’re rich in time, then I recommend spending time in Ubud for the hippie vibe and jungly feel, including some of the most famous rice terraces and temples, Canggu if you want to eat instagram food and learn how to surf , and the Nusa Islands , in particular Nusa Penida , for some of the most dreamy landscapes. You can always head to the Gili islands and Lombok from there. Many of the bucket list things to do in Indonesia are on Bali.

Bali is also a great place to SCUBA dive (as are Komodo and Raja Ampat ), stay for a while if you’re a digital nomad , and hike volcanoes. There’s truly so much to do there, I can understand why some people just move there!

Read Next: A Complete Bali Itinerary for 2 Weeks

All of that said, Bali receives more visitors per year than any other island in Indonesia. If you’re looking for private beaches and getting viewpoints and temples all to yourself, that’s not really typically possible in Bali, where queues to take photos at the popular spots are common. Here are some Bali alternatives if you’re looking for smaller crowds.

Where to Stay in Bali

I’ve stayed everywhere from budget backpacker accommodation , to mid-range resorts like Komaneka at Keramas , to the highest end resort in Bali at Capella Ubud . The great thing is, you can find anything to suit your price range and interests. I usually rely on booking.com to find hotels, and Hostelworld is great for shared budget backpacker accommodation.

Bali is also a great destination for retreats , whether it’s yoga, spirituality, or something else. The one I attended was hosted by someone I already followed online prior to going, but you can always rely on Google if you’re unsure where to start with finding one.

Bali Water Safety

There are two important things to consider when we talk about the water safety in Bali – water that you drink and water that you swim in.

On my most recent trip to Bali, I was so delighted to see that there’s a movement against plastic bottles and more restaurants in accommodation are providing purified water rather than plastic bottles. For this reason, I recommend bringing a refillable water bottle with you. You can’t drink the tap water in Bali without it being treated first.

Ocean-wise, don’t underestimate the waves and currents in Bali. Be SURE before you swim that it’s safe to do so, and don’t enter if the water is choppy or full of surf boards. I had a scary experience once, and I’m an ocean-loving freediver who considers herself a strong swimmer.

Bali Animal Safety

I have several friends who have had to cut their trip short because they got bitten by monkeys in Bali and had to return home for some very expensive rabies treatments. The macaques can be extremely aggressive, and I actually had a bad experience when climbing Rinjani on Lombok with one – or at least it could have been bad. My instincts told me to roar and bear my teeth and I managed to scare him away before he bit me.

If you see monkeys in Bali, just give them their space. They are aggressive, and you really don’t want to interact with a baby! The mom will bite. I don’t even have interest in the monkey temple because so many people have been bitten there.

Transport in Bali

I personally love Grab for getting around Bali. It’s so easy and simple to order. But keep in mind that you will need a Sim card to order them on the go. You could consider renting a motorbike and driving yourself, but just remember that traffic in Bali is kind of crazy. Even though I drive motorbikes on other islands, I won’t do it on Bali.

Solo Female Travelers

I’ve been to Indonesia many times as a solo female traveler (and have TONS of resources for Solo Female Travelers on this site!), and find Bali to be one of the easiest, friendliest places to travel alone as a woman in Southeast Asia.

READ NEXT: The Ultimate Solo Female Travel Guide to Bali

It’s helpful that Bali is very used to tourists, has plenty of tourism infrastructure, and their own religion that doesn’t require as much covering up from women. Overall I found it much easier to travel alone there than in East Java , which was my toughest solo experience in Indonesia .

Although Bali feels safe, it’s always important to use lockers in hostels, be aware of your surroundings, don’t be flashy, and don’t get too intoxicated.

Bali Weather

I am generally happy to travel in Southeast Asia in the rainy season . It’s cheaper, less crowded, greener, and although buggier, the waterfalls are pumping and I like not having to share the beaches and waterfalls with as many people.

That said, Bali can be VERY rainy. If visiting in December or January, it might rain every day. If you’re traveling long-term, Bali’s rainy season is the opposite of Thailand, for example (read my Thailand vs. Indonesia comparison ). Try to time things better so you don’t get rained out on both.

Packing for Bali

My general Southeast Asia packing list is light clothing like tank tops, flowing skirts, or light pants and shorts. I also like light dresses for some coverage from the sun and at temples. Thankfully modesty isn’t as required in Bali. Here’s a fabulous Bali packing list that is practical yet stylish!

When You Arrive

Navigating the airport.

I can’t think of many major airports in Southeast Asia where there isn’t some kind of scam or at least overpriced item. When withdrawing money from an ATM, make sure that you don’t agree to whatever their rate is if they were to translate it to your home country currency. Accept the local currency and let your bank set the rate.

As mentioned earlier, I would avoid buying any SIM cards at the airport because they are over priced and have way too much data on them.

Bali’s airport used to be the worst place to deal with transportation, but it’s gotten better. A private car to most destinations like Uber or Canggu will probably cost around 400-500k IDR. It used to be that Uber operated on Bali and you could get super cheap rides on it, but now Grab has its own waiting area outside of the airport and in a bid to agree with the local taxis, the prices aren’t as cheap as they use to be.

If you’re really looking to get a cheap ride, you can leave the airport and walk for a bit and then order a grab taxi. Otherwise, wait in the Grab area or get an official taxi from the airport. Avoid unmarked cars or bartering – the price will be crazy.

Bali Cultural Considerations

Bali has one of the most unique cultures in the world. There are frequent celebrations and holidays, and when visiting, it’s important to be a respectful tourist.

Be careful not to visit temples without at least your legs covered. Don’t touch or move any offerings in the temples. If they’re on the ground and it’s unavoidable to step over them, chances are they’ve already been used for a blessing and will be swept away later that day or the next.

Use your right hand to shake hands or give or take things in Bali.

Also, you’ll notice Balinese people are typically calm and friendly. It’s best to reflect this back to them, as outward expressions of anger are generally looked upon unfavorably. Isn’t this the case almost anywhere?

When it comes to your Bali vacation, there’s so much to do and such a unique style and culture, that it’s easy to fall in love with. There’s nowhere quite like it in the world.

About Kristin Addis

Kristin Addis is the founder and CEO of Be My Travel Muse, a resource for female travelers all around the world since 2012. She's traveled solo to over 65 countries and has brought over 150 women on her all-female adventure tours from Botswana to the Alaskan tundra.

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Bali Bliss 101

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa in Ubud, Bali.

--> BY Dimity Noble

Last updated . 21 April 2023

Blissing out in Bali is as spiritual as it is invigorating. Here, all the basics to begin planning a Bali escape of your own.

I’ve woken early hoping to check emails only to find my new Mac PowerBook covered in rice and bougainvillea petals.

After a momentary gasp, the penny drops. The ever-considerate Balinese villa staff placed an offering on the lid imploring the Gods to restore the internet connectivity which was down last night.

A warm glow emanates from within me manifesting itself in a wide grin. Sure enough, when I turn the computer on, the connection is restored. “Namaste”, I murmur, quickly bowing my head towards the device hoping the staff don’t witness my absurd western worship.

The sincere friendly service most visitors receive in Bali is the fundamental reason why many return, including myself and my young family.

That and the glorious beach sunsets, sublime taste sensations at cheap warungs (local eateries) and stylish semi-outdoor restaurants, body pampering on tap, plus verdant tropical landscapes. And above all, for the comfortable and sophisticated private villas and world-class resorts.

Very few island escapes tick all these boxes and more.

Bali’s Angels

Bali is a vibrant sanctuary of Hinduism nestled amongst thousands of Islamic islands making up the Republic of Indonesia.

A temple in Bali.

Temples and shrines are scattered throughout the villages and religion permeate every aspect of daily life. You’re guaranteed to encounter ceremonies with locals in traditional dress bearing offerings to the Gods and spirits of the land. Morning beach walks often involve weaving through large groups casting colourful gifts into the ocean.

As a sensitive visitor, the rituals and observations affect your consciousness, creating a sense of calm and openness.

A humble offering wafts past (to be placed in the shrine) as I relax in my villa pool. The fragrant burning incense stick is comforting. I can’t help but feel that my day ahead has been formally blessed and my wishes just may be granted.

Seminyak is the area we like to base ourselves for its cosmopolitan buzz. Fashion boutiques, antique shops and homeware stores line the busy streets, and the golden beaches fringed with palm trees are dotted with luxury beachfront resorts and villas. The area entices surfers and sunset drinkers alike. Jalan Petitenget (in northern Seminyak) is a winding coastal strip that has fast become the island’s new gourmet centre. Scents of fresh ginger, coriander, shrimp paste and tamarind emanate from the humble warungs, and restaurants offering complex flavours from around the globe have foodies flocking in.

After a hectic afternoon of shopping in Seminyak, retiring back to the idyllic grounds of a peaceful villa rental in either Kerobokan or the neighbouring Umalas neighbourhood does wonders for frazzled chakras. Both are just a 15-minute drive from Seminyak.

Nothing beats entering your villa through giant wooden Javanese gates covered in pungent jasmine into an oasis of happiness: kids splashing in the pool whilst the husband commends the kitchen staff on yet another perfect daiquiri muddled with fresh berries.

We sit under the thatched alang-alang lounge pavilion as the tangerine sun slowly disappears behind the property wall lined with flame-red heliconias.

Ubud is the cultural heartland of Bali and urban escapists head there for jungle tranquillity.

The forests in Bali.

The drive there from Seminyak weaves through hamlets as you ascend into spectacular landscapes of lush forests and sinuous ribbons of rice growing on green terraces that wrap around the hillsides. Despite its commercial efforts, the town centre retains a genuine charm with its wall-to-wall art galleries, cafés and shops selling local crafts and jewellery.

Exclusive resort properties are nestled in the folds of the valleys just outside town. Some outdoor enthusiasts use Ubud as a base for mountain-biking, white-water rafting down the Ayung River or trekking up Mount Agung, Bali’s highest volcanic peak. But I’m a fan of luxury lock-down: spending two days absorbing the panoramic views from the edge of an infinity pool that juts out precariously from the hillside. Choosing between an in-house four hands massage or a coconut body scrub becomes the most ‘stressful’ decision for the day.

The Sacred Moneky Forest in Ubud.

When driving back from the highlands I once asked my driver Wayan why so many scarecrows and flags filled the rice fields. He laughed replying, “Miss D, the flags are not to scare off the birds, they wave to the gods to give us good crop”. At the time I chuckled at the simplicity of their beliefs. Yet with each visit, I continue to marvel at the island’s bounty and convince myself that there is a greater force at play.

The details

Where to stay.

Villa rentals are a cost-effective way of vacationing with family or a group of friends. Most include a private chef and staff, whilst some offer use of a car and driver. Elite Havens provide one- to six-bedroom villas, ranging from shabby chic cottages to glamorous havens.

Bali Niksoma Beach Resort & Spa – has stunning poolside views of Legian Beach.

Address: Jalan Padma Utara, Legian Kaja

The Royal Beach Seminyak Bali – has a prime beachfront location and easy access to Seminyak.

Address: Jalan Camplung Tanduk, Seminyak

COMFORTABLE

Maya Ubud – set on hillside gardens cascading toward the river with the town centre just a five-minute drive away.

Maya, Ubud.

Address: Jalan Gunung Sari, Peliatan Ubud

The Dusun – you’ll find one to three-bedroom thatched-roofed private villas with plunge pools.

Address: Jalan Kayu Jati 8, Petitenget, Seminyak.

COMO Shambala Estate – a deluxe health retreat with villas perched on the mountain.

Address: Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan Gianyar, Ubud.

Alila Villas Uluwatu – is full of contemporary villas poised on cliff-tops offering ocean views. Ideal for honeymooners or couples seeking seclusion.

Address: Jalan Belimbing Sari, Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu.

Echo Beach : a surfing hot-spot in Canggu. The chilled cliff-top Beach House Restaurant, a Barbados-style café/bar, provides legendary sunset seafood BBQ’s.

Hotel Tugu Spa : a bespoke beachside paradise adorned with antique oriental furnishings. Signature treatments include hot stone massage and mantra chanting massage.

Hotel Tugu Spa.

Nammos Kandara at Karma Kandara Resort : an exclusive getaway in the south, modelled after the private beach resorts of the Greek islands. Day visitors lounge beachside and snorkel in the lagoon.

Desa Seni : a yogini’s tropical nirvana – salute the sun under a shaded pavilion. Several drop-in classes run daily.

Jari Menari : a Japanese zen oasis offering body massages with signature long stroke movements.

Espace Spa Bali : a tranquil day spa for reflexology, firm massages and deep cleansing facials.

Bogan-free Bali

Avoid Kuta like the plague (it’s congested with cheap holiday digs, shopping malls and nightclubs). If you’re hunting for affordable trinkets for the kids (imitation sunnies, watches and DVD’s) head to Jalan Padma, Legian. It’s loaded with all-day bars full of bum cracks peeping out of boardies, but better there than Kuta.

When should I go?

The dry season is from April to October and that’s an ideal time to travel. Average temperatures, of around 26°C make for a humid stay all year round.

Accommodation rates:

Low season –  mid January – late May / mid September – mid December

High season –  June – mid September (also Easter week)

Peak tourist season –  mid December – mid January & August

Six things you need to know

1. Australians must purchase 30-day travel visas (available on arrival for $23.70 cash). Departure tax is $14.80 per person and paid upon departure.

2. Expect long immigration queues on arrival (waits sometimes over one hour).

3. Never drink from a tap. Most hotels/villas provide free bottled water.

4. The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. ATM’s are located in all major tourist areas.

5. Pack the mosquito repellent, plus a light cardigan for Ubud.

6. Wine mark-up is steep. Cocktails are cheaper by the glass.

For the kids

Waterbom Bali : aquatic playgrounds and water slides set in tropical gardens for all levels of thrill seekers.

Rip Curl Surf School : Little Ripper classes for wannabe surfer dudes.

Bali Equestrian Centre : offers riding lessons for all ages. A highlight is the coastal sunset beach tour.

Elephant Safari Park Lodge : ride and play with Sumatran elephants with the option to stay overnight. These folks have been classified as having a Gold certificate for the Asian Captive Elephant Standards.

Where to eat

Métis Bali : dine on innovative French cuisine whilst overlooking rice paddies and lotus ponds.

The view from Métis is stunning

Biku : a comfy antique sanctuary. Swoon over the cake display (decent strong coffee too), or work through the Indo menu.

Sarong : works with Indian, Balinese, Thai, Sumatran, Vietnamese, and Malaysian flavours to create a distinct modern menu of excellent gourmet street food. The atmosphere is sultry-glam: chandeliers, candles and plush lounges.

Warung Ibu Oka : lunchtime crowds gather at this humble eatery across from Ubud’s Royal Palace for its signature dish: babi guling (roast suckling pig served with rice and sayur). Strictly bott’s on mats and no shoes!

Where to drink

Potato Head Beach Club : a beachfront amphitheatre-with-attitude. DJ’s spin day and night. Simple bar snacks through to French fine dining upstairs.

Party all day and night at the Potato Head Beach Club.

Ku Dé Ta : Indo meets Ibiza at this oceanfront institution. The bronzed and the beautiful lounge here all day, but it sizzles from 5pm when the sun melts into the ocean against a backdrop of cool tunes.

The Rock Bar : for those who like their drinks on the rocks (literally). Ayana Resort and Spa’s bar comprises a drinking platform poised just metres above the surf.

For your guide on all things Bali, head here to learn everything you need to know.

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Bali 101: List on What to Do in Bali Indonesia for First Timers

People often wonder what to do in Bali Indonesia as this island offers tons of interesting activities to experience. While some people come for its humble, unique traditions, some others are here for its luxurious pleasures. What is your first impression when you hear the word ‘Bali’? Do you think about its splendid tropical beaches? Well, Bali has so many gorgeous beaches indeed. But, being on beaches is not the only thing you can enjoy here. Below we sum up six things to do if you visit Bali .

Bali Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking

Where do you think the best place in Bali for couples ? You might say Nusa Penida or Tanah Lot are among the best ones. Well, that’s true. But, Mount Batur can also be a great place to spend time with your loved one. Mount Batur stands majestically in Bangli Regency, towering up to 1,717 meters above sea level. And, this Bali destination place is an active volcano with double caldera!

To tell you the truth, many people believe that the sunrise in Mount Batur is among the best, most romantic ones in Bali. The trail to the peak of Mount Batur is not so difficult and the hike is rather quick. It just takes you about two hours hike to reach the peak. But, still, you should prepare yourself well. And, it is a wise decision to hire a professional local guide to hike with you. For your information, the sun rises at around 6 a.m. and the exact time never goes too far from that. Thus, Bali Mount Batur Sunrise Trekking usually starts early, at around 3 or 4 a.m.

Related Product:

Bali Mount Batur : Sunrise Trekking and Hidden Waterfall

Bali Paragliding

Bali paragliding is one of the thrilling, adrenaline-rushing things to do in Bali 2018 . As you know, Bali has stunning landscapes and there are many ways to enjoy observing the beauty. People stroll along the coastlines or explore the jungle on ATV, bicycle, or even elephant! But, there is one more interesting way to fully see Bali. Yes. That’s Paragliding Bali. if you want to try this fun activity, you can drop by Timbis Beach. This exciting activity allows you to view Bali’s awe-inspiring topography. From the sky, you’ll see the green land meets the turquoise-colored ocean water and the azure sky. Gorgeous!

Visiting Tanjung Benoa Watersports

If you travel with children (or young adults), you might be considering about things to do in Bali with kid . Tanjung Benoa in Nusa Dua is a great Bali tourism object you can visit with the youngsters. There, you can try various water sports activities , from the speedy rides to the calming dives. You can go in groups and try the banana boat, flying fish, or the rolling donut. Or, you can have fun alone by fly boarding! Also, you can invite the kids to hop onto a glass bottom boat and go to the Turtle Island. There are breeding grounds of turtle, snake, hedgehog, and eagle to observe the animals and take pictures with them. Kids (and adults alike) will love this place!

Tanjung Benoa Bali Watersport

• Culinary Touring

Being in the island, you might wonder about what to eat in Bali . When visiting new place, most people (if not all) are excited to try local food and beverages. Are you one of them? If so, make sure you have culinary tour in Bali! There are lots of unique food, beverages, and snacks. Among them, nasi campur, lawar , satay, babi guling (suckling pig), and chicken or duck betutu is must-try ones. Also try local snacks like l aklak, bubur injin, dadar, pisang rai, and many others! Besides, you can head to Jimbaran and have a fancy seafood dinner. Jimbaran Beach is surely a romantic place to have dinner. It has outstanding sunset view, and dining on the beachfront under the moonlight is a pleasant thing to do with your honey-pie. There, you can also order the grilled fish in Bali that features a special sauce called sambal matah.

Related Produc:

Bali Jimbaran Seafood

Temple Hopping

Bali is also known as the island of thousand temples, a name it gets due to fact that there are indeed so many temples all over Bali. Many of those temples are very prominent and very popular ones. There are Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, Besakih Temple, Tirta Empul Water Temple, and many others. Among them, Uluwatu Temple (and its surroundings spots) can be seen as the best place to visit in Bali .

Uluwatu Temple is a temple at the edge of a cliff 70-meter above sea level, facing Indian Ocean. This temple is one of the seven prominent sea temples in Bali and has a magical sunset vista. Also, you can enjoy Kecak dance around the sunset. Because it is quite popular, make sure you book your seat if you’d like to watch the show. Near Uluwatu Temple, you can also find and wander around another interesting spot with mystical ambiance. It is Suluban Beach Cave. Suluban Beach is popular among surfers, and this mystical cave is a perfect place to rest.

Tirta Empul, Ubud, and Tanah Lot Day Tour

So far, you’ve got the picture of some fun things to do in Bali . But, don’t forget the souvenirs! Bali is where you can find unique arts. Its wood carvings and stone carvings are worldwide famous. If you love eccentric stuffs, you’ll find those fascinating! There are lots of traditional markets and modern malls all over Bali where you can shop those. For art shopping, you can stop by Ubud Art Market, Sukowati Market or Kuta Art Market. Also, Krisna Store is a well-known spot for souvenirs, fashion, and local snacks shopping. If you go to Legian Street or Kuta Beach, you’ll even find rows of street stalls here and there. One important note for you: before buying heavy/big souvenirs, consider carefully about the shipping cost and custom/tax regulation.

So, those are our list of six things to do if you visit Bali . But, six is too few as Bali offers a lot more activities to experience and places to explore. What is your favorite?

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10 Days in Bali: The Perfect 10 Day Bali Itinerary For Your First Visit

last Updated: March 27, 2024 bali gili islands indonesia

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Heading to Indonesia and looking for the best Bali itinerary out there? Well, my island-loving, sunset chasing friends, I’ve cooked up just the thing – the perfect 10 days in Bali to help plan your trip!

Don’t miss this ridiculously-detailed Bali travel blog! You may wanna grab a notebook and pencil – this thing is jam packed with necessary information (just saying).

Bali is full of lush, green jungle. Palm trees swaying in the wind. All the tropical fruit you want and large, inexpensive coconuts (with the most delicious coconut water).

Trendy beach clubs and cafes. Idyllic sunsets. Impressive infinity pools. I could go on and on. Bali’s a living postcard. That ultimate Indonesian fantasy-land you’ve been dreaming about for oh so long. And plus, you get a lot for your money, too!

I knew Bali was special (hey, there’s a reason why people go and never return). I just didn’t realize how special it was until I visited the island (and it’s surroundings) myself.

It seems as if every other travel blogger/instagrammer to walk the earth has already spent considerable time in the area, and I was determined to find out why everyone raves about it so dearly.

*I was also a tad worried the entire island would be overrun with “influencers” taking photo after photo of themselves for hours on end (it’s got a bad rep for that), but I was pleasantly surprised.

Yes, I encountered a few groups of this, but thankfully there is just SO much to explore on the island it’s easy to escape the intense mobs of photo takers.

So with that being said, if you’re planning your own trip to Bali, you’re in for a real treat.

And if you don’t wanna plan it yourself (truuuust me, there’s TONS to do and a crazy amount of places to see it all gets overwhelming in approximately .23 seconds), feel free to use my (ridiculously-detailed) Bali itinerary below.

It’s the exact one we followed this past July, and quite honestly, other than wishing we had a few more days, there’s nothing I would change. 

Got a bit less time? This 10 day Bali itinerary can easily be modified for a well-rounded 7 days in Bali if you’ve only got yourself a week. Sadly, take out the few days in the Gili islands and you’ve got yourself a 7 day Bali itinerary.

Have longer than 10 days in Bali? Well, lucky you! We had a little more than 2 weeks in Indonesia, so snuck in a few days over at Komodo National Park to see the dragons, bask on a pink sand beach, and snorkel with manta rays and sea turtles. I’ll be writing allllll about that experience soon, so keep your eyes peeled! EDIT: Read for the most amazing trip to Komodo.

But first, a pre-travel guide to Bali to learn a bit about the island and what to expect when you’re there.

MAIN REGIONS VISITED ON THIS ITINERARY:

• Ubud (3 days)
• Jimbaran/Uluwatu (2 days)
• Gili Islands (3 days)
• Seminyak/Canggu (2 days)

This Bali itinerary starts in Ubud (the farthest spot from the international airport – on purpose), heads south to Jimbaran/Uluwatu, a quick boat ride east to the Gili Islands (technically not part of Bali, but a wonderful addition to any Bali itinerary), and ends in Seminyak/Canggu.

There are so many different areas on the island to explore, but this 10 day Bali itinerary is a great mix of lush, jungly Ubud, trendy Canggu cafes, fire culture in Uluwatu, and a good amount of beach/pool time in Jimbaran and Gili .

Where in the world is Bali anyways, you ask?

Not to sound all textbook-ey, but Bali is an island located in the Indonesian archipelago, to the west of Lombok and east of Java. And nope, although many think it is, Bali is actually NOT a country – it’s part of Indonesia!

Many visitors who visit Indonesia only make it to Bali, so the whole country/island thing is kiiiinda understandable. But geography is important, so just remember that Bali is in fact NOT a separate country! 🙂

Currency and Exchange Rates in Bali and Indonesia in General

Bali (and Indonesia in general) uses the Indonesian Rupiah, with the exchange rate being approximately 15,600IDR = ~$1USD – or, which is even more confusing, 1IDR = ~$0.000066USD (as of February 2024).

I recommend using a currency converter (such as XE Currency on your cell phone or a currency converter on the web) to get the most up to date currency exchanges for all forms of currency. 

Converting prices in our head was confusing to say the least, but after a few days we got the hang of it quite quickly. I found it easy to think in 150,000s, since that’s approximately equivalent to ~$10USD (so therefore, 75,000 rupiah = ~$5USD).

You will notice that many locals/shop owners/restaurant menus simply leave off the thousand, and speak in hundreds. For example, 100,000 rupiah would be spoken/written as 100 (so if you see a meal of mie goreng for 75 rupiah, you won’t be paying 5cents, but $5.) 

Note that you may find that many ATMs are broken/don’t accept your bank card. Don’t fret – there are rows of ATMs from different companies in order to compensate for this. You’ll be able to find tons of ATMs in Bali’s most populated areas, and I bet at least one of them will work!

I read online to use caution when using the ATMs as some can be untrustworthy, but we had no issues with our bank cards.

Some restaurants and higher-end stores/shops take credit cards, but it’s wise to always have some cash available for market shopping, eating at local warungs, getting that spontaneous $7 massage on the street, etc.

How to get the best exchange rate: I always suggest you take out local currency at ATMs upon arrival and never ever through an exchange desk or beforehand in your home country. ATMs provide the best exchange rate, always.

I always take out cash at an ATM at the airport upon arrival in the new country I’m visiting. And if you want to avoid those pesky ATM fees every time you take out cash, simply look into a no-fee debit card, such as through Charles Schwab (which I have and love).

Language in Bali/Indonesia

First things first, English is widely spoken in Bali. We were surprised at just how many locals knew an impressive amount of English, and thus we didn’t need to use any Indonesian/Balinese during our 10 days in Bali at all.

Of course, since tourism is so prevalent, it’s understandable for Balinese to speak a level of English to communicate with tourists, but so many spoke rather advanced English as well. Coming from someone who only knows one language, I was quite impressed!

We met a few drivers who were keen on practicing their English, so you might run into some extra chatty ones!

Just so you’re aware, the national language is Indonesian, with many locals living on Bali speaking Balinese (and yes, they’re separately languages!). 

WHEN TO VISIT BALI:

Before planning a trip to Bali, it’s important to understand its weather patterns. Bali experiences two distinct seasons, the dry season (April to October) and the rainy season (November to March).

And since Bali is oh so close to the equator, you’ll find day time temperatures relatively constant year round, between the mid-80s and low-90s, making for decent sightseeing temps no matter the season.

If you’re looking for comfortable temperatures and little to no rain, I highly suggest you visit during the dry season, which is actually Bali’s winter. Don’t be put off by “winter”, as the temperatures are still in the 80s (and clear and sunny) almost every day!

However, this picture-perfect weather is high season (for good reason), causing hotel prices to rise, especially during July and August. For slight discounts on accommodations, try visiting just before/after high season in May-June/September-October.

And just for the record, my research states that Bali encounters a tremendous amount of rain during its rainy season, bringing high humidity and unrelenting mosquitos. My advice – just visit during Bali’s dry season and you’re good to go. 🙂

Top Tip #1: Regardless of the month you’re planning to embark on your 10 or 7 day Bali itinerary, the sun will set around 6-6:30pm. Since the island is so close to the equator, both sunrise and sunset times don’t vary much.

Because of this, plan to wake up early to take full advantage of the daylight. One benefit to an early sunset – you’ve got no excuse not to watch it every single night (which is oh so different to visiting Norway in the summer with sunsets past 10pm)!

Top Tip #2: If you’re planning on visiting other countries nearby, do keep in mind that the dry season is quite opposite from other Southeast Asian countries. Do your research ahead of time to avoid unpleasant wetness (with possible monsoons) in other areas.

Health and Safety in Bali

HEALTH : 

Water : Do note that you absolutely cannot drink the water in Bali; you’ll find that all hotels/restaurants provide fresh drinking water (either bottled or from large treated water jugs). Because of the unsafe water, Bali belly is quite common – which is just a fancy name for food poisoning.

I encountered some minor gastro issues during our trip (bloating, frequent bathroom visits – hey, just being real!), but it thankfully cleared up without any medication in 1-2 days.

You may want to ask your doctor for a prescription of Ciprofloxacin for serious travelers diarrhea in case you find yourself with any disturbing stomach issues. We always pack immodium as well, just in case.

Vaccinations : The CDC states that all travelers to Indonesia should be up to date on routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, chickenpox, pollo, flu shot). In addition, it’s also wise to get the Hep A, Hep B, and typhoid vaccination as well (some of these are good for years, so if you plan to do a lot of traveling to other undeveloped countries, you’ll probably need them there – might as well get them now and keep yourself protected always).

As always, talk to your doctor.

Malaria : Thankfully there’s no worry for malaria in Bali, but if you’re visiting Komodo National Park (like we did later on during our trip), you’ll need to consider taking malaria pills. Talk to your doctor about this first of course.

Travel insurance : Yes, you need this. I always recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. You never know what might happen (flight delays, lost baggage, illness), and travel insurance definitely helps with all of those unfortunate unexpectancies.

I highly recommend the company SafetyWing (which thankfully includes pandemic coverage) and ALWAYS buy a short term plan (depending on how many days/weeks we’ll be away) before we leave for any trip!

Even if you don’t end up using it, peace of mind is 100% worth it in my opinion. Find plan options and pricing here (and at only a few bucks a day, there’s no excuse not to!) I always say, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford your trip. It’s that easy.

Not convinced you should be using travel insurance? Check THIS out, I explain it in much more detail over there.

SAFETY : 

We felt safe the entire duration of our stay in Bali, and used the typical precautions we normally do (no flashing expensive items/electronics, stayed together at night, knew about possible scams). 

And while we’re talking about staying safe, keep in mind that driving in Bali is kinda crazy to say the least, so don’t plan on renting a scooter unless you’re extra confident and can call yourself an expert bike driver.

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Bali (and Indonesia in general) as long as a valid tourist passport and proof of onward travel is in possession, and you’re traveling to the country for 30 days or less.

How to Get to Bali

Most international flights arrive in southern Bali at Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport, airport code DPS), many with layovers in neighboring/nearby countries.

Our flight stopped in Taipei, Taiwan, which we would have decided to make into an extra long layover to explore the city if we hadn’t already done that on our previous trip to Thailand . Why not get some time in another country if you’re already there, am I right?

I like using Skyscanner and Google Flights to check for prices. For reference, we chose to fly premium economy (between regular economy and business class), and paid around $1,500 per person on China Airlines round trip from the West Coast USA during Bali’s prime season of July.

If your dates are more flexible (and your husband will put up with standard economy class) you can surely find cheaper airfare, although we did not have this luxury. For reference, I commonly see roundtrip economy flights from San Francisco for around $800, with flights as cheap as $550 occasionally! 

How to Get Around Bali

Although the island isn’t toooo large, it’ll still take a decent amount of time to get from place to place. What I initially didn’t realize is that there aren’t many roads from east to west on some parts of the island, so although two spots look relatively close on a map, you may need to first travel south in order to actually get north. 

And boy oh boy is that Bali traffic a thing – a few miles will mostly take the good portion of a half hour (or hour!), so plan accordingly and leave extra time if you have reservations anywhere/need to get somewhere at a certain time.

I’ll explain in more detail as I go day by day on our exact Bali itinerary below. However, if you’re on a bike/scooter you can bypass some of this traffic.

We originally thought we’d be able to use Grab (similar to Uber), and downloaded it ahead of time planning to use it to get around (between areas and within towns as well).

HOWEVER, we ended up only using the Grab app ONCE our entire trip, from the airport to Ubud (for about $28) our first day. Since it didn’t work in multiple areas (specifically within Ubud and Canggu), private drivers through WhatsApp were our saving grace.

We were able to use taxi stands on the street (bargain for a reasonable rate) when we didn’t have any numbers and/or just wanted to go short-ish distances. Do not rely solely on Grab as you’ll be thoroughly disappointed and frustrated. 

ELECTRICITY :

Bali uses a different type of electrical outlet as found in the USA – the round two-pin plug (type C/F), commonly found in parts of Europe. Get your worldwide travel plug adapter here (which you can use on other trips around the world as well).

It’s also important to understand that the amount of voltage is different and you’ll need a converter (different than an electrical adapter) to change the amount of electricity pushed to each device if you plan on bringing anything which uses an excessive amount of power (including hair dryers, curling irons, and/or straightening irons). 

If you don’t want to worry about this, I suggest you invest in dual-voltage devices made especially for travel like this dual-voltage blow dryer , dual-voltage mini straightener , and this dual-voltage curling iron .

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI: (MORE INFO ON EACH ONE THROUGHOUT ITINERARY BELOW)

Ubud : Komeneka at Tanggayuda and/or Maya Ubud Resort and Spa ( we stayed at both )

Jimbaran : Ayana Resort and Spa Bali

Gili Air : PinkCoco Gili Air

Seminyak : The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel

A note on Bali hotels, resorts, and hospitality in general: Bali is the place to go all out, because you can likely afford it here. While there’s accommodation of all price points, we found 5-star hotels for ~$250-300 a night, which is the same price we paid for a 3-star hotel night in Boston just a few weeks prior.

Many of these luxurious resorts include a whole slew of extras, making the price more than worth it (free breakfast, infinity pools, complimentary afternoon tea time, shuttle service, private plunge pools, etc). And oh, the people! Never in all our travels have we experienced such wonderful hospitality anywhere else in the world.

The authenticity and graciousness of those in Bali was an unexpected surprise, as we found everyone we encountered to be extra helpful, overly polite, and always cheerful with a smile on their face. 

WIFI AND STAYING CONNECTED

Although you will most likely have wifi at your accommodation, it’s a good idea to bring along a pocket-sized personal WiFi hotspot , to keep you connected during your time in Bali. WiFi hotspots are a cost effective option to ensure you can use GPS apps like Google Maps, check your emails, and catch up with friends and family while away.

With this portable device , you’ll have WiFi wherever you go (even if your phone doesn’t have service), unlimited internet (on up to five devices at a time!!!), and it’s fast and reliable. At less than $9 a day, this device can’t really be beat.

Note that some cell phone plans allow for international use, but many of these are costly. I accidentally turned on my phone service for LESS THAN 2 MINUTES and got charged $150 by my phone carrier! I desperately wished I had a personal WiFi hotspot with me then!

Find more information and plan options here . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially when you don’t speak the native language of the country you’re visiting. A true life saver.

Foods to try in Bali:

• snake fruit: kinda like an appley-tasting fruit, quite good!
• Balinese steamed cakes: made out of rice flour with a wide array of fillings, wrapped in a banana leaf 
• Mie Goreng : A classic Indonesian dish consisting of fried noodles, served with your choice of vegetables, chicken, shrimp or pork.
• Nasi Goreng: very similar to Mie Goreng, but fried rice instead of noodles.
• Sate : meat skewers, including chicken sate, fish, lamb. All with their famous peanut sauce (my favorite)
• Nasi Campur : mixed rice dish that comes with a simple selection of steamed rice and side dishes including steamed Long beans, meats, vegetables, peanuts, eggs, and fried-shrimp krupuk

• Balinese coffee: it’s quite strong and usually drank black!
• Babi Guling: suckling pig; a combination of crispy pork skin, pork blood sausage, pork roll, and fried pork meat and has a reputation for being Bali’s national dish.
• Bebek Bengil: crispy pig, literally translated to “dirty duck”, deep fried to a crispy finish.
• Prawn crackers : not my favorite, but they’ll be served at every meal so you’re bound to run into them on more than one occasion 
• Lemongrass and ginger drinks 
• Allll the fresh juices 
• Whole fresh coconuts : I had the best coconut water in Bali, in the largest coconuts I’ve ever seen, for the cheapest price (way larger than those I got in Panama, and for ⅓ the price!)

WHAT TO BRING TO BALI:

• Because of its hot, sticky climate, you’ll want light, airy clothing.
• Appropriate clothing for temples: Long pants, shoulder covered shirts, shawls. Do note that sarongs/shawls are provided (either for rent or for free) at all the temples we visited. Feel free to bring your own if you wish, although FYI, you still may be required to use one from the site.
• Comfy footwear- you’ll be walking ALOT! We both got basic black canvas tevas before our trip, and although I didn’t wear them much (husband wore them a lot), I can say when I did put them to use my feet were always well-protected and comfortable (I even went hiking in them in Komodo once on some pretty rough terrain [post coming soon]).
• Sandals/bathing suits for the islands
• Personal WiFi HotSpot Device

10 Day Bali Itinerary

In a nutshell: Ubud (3 days) → Jimbaran/Uluwatu (2 days) → Gili Islands (3 days) → OPTIONAL: Komodo National Park (3 days) → Seminyak/Canggu (2 days) → departure from DPS

This itinerary will supply a full 10 days in Bali, meaning that it’ll start on your first FULL day in Bali. Do note that for a full 10 days, you’ll most likely need a good 12 days or so for your trip, as the flight is quite long and you’ll be going over the international date line if you’re coming from the states. 

First off, FLY TO BALI (DPS)! 

The airport you’re looking for is Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport, airport code DPS). The flight is long from most parts of the world (a whopping 18 hours or so of flight time from the West Coast USA, and a bit less around 12-17 hours from Europe, depending where you’re flying from) without many inexpensive direct flights, but I promise you, a trip to Bali is well worth it! 

Psst – check out Skyscanner and set up price alerts to snag the best deal.

Do note that you’ll be crossing the international date line if you’re traveling west (USA to Bali), which means you’ll lose a full day, besides travel time (we actually lost the Fourth of July on our flight!). But dontchu worry – this just means you’ll arrive home the same day you depart when headed back home at the end of your trip, even with all those hours of travel.

Part I: 3 DAYS IN UBUD

*Where we stayed in Ubud: Komaneka at Tanggayuda and Maya Ubud Resort and Spa

There’s a million and 5 places to stay in Ubud – and each one looks amazing. Talk about difficulty choosing just one (and I’m already an indecisive gal)! Because of this, we decided to split our time in Ubud (4 nights) at two different hotels (at different locations near/around Ubud) for 2 nights each. And this ended up being the perfect decision.

Plus, I kinda thought staying at the same hotel for 4 nights would get kinda monotonous when there were so many others to check out. We adored both for different reasons, which I’ll share below:

Komaneka at Tanggayuda : To make things short and sweet, we loved absolutely EVERYTHING about this 5* boutique hotel. From breakfast overlooking the absolutely gorgeous infinity pool and complimentary afternoon tea, to the lush grounds of the resort and tropical fruit trees found just about everywhere, there’s not much we would change.

Upon first glance the resort doesn’t look to be all that, but trust me, as soon as you start wandering around you’ll see what I mean.

We opted for the 1 bedroom villa with a private pool and valley view which cost us roughly $300 per night (an absolute bargain for the place – you’ll see).

To be completely honest, we kind of wished we had stayed an extra night at the Komaneka as we didn’t allow for enough time to fully enjoy the resort (as we were out and about each day).

Do note that this luxe resort is located roughly 25 minutes north of Ubud center, so you’ll need to arrange for a driver/taxi if you want to head into town (which is why we chose to stay closer to town the next few nights, at Maya Ubud – more details below).

Also note that you’ll find other hotels within the Komaneka brand in other places near Ubud, so be careful when booking if you want to stay exactly where I did. I cannot speak to the service or grounds of the others (as we did not stay elsewhere), but if they’re on par with Tanggayuda, I bet they’re top-notch as well. Read reviews and check prices here.

Maya Ubud Resort and Spa : The Maya Ubud had suuuuch a different vibe than the Komenaka (not a good or bad thing, it was just different). For starters, it was oh so much larger, but also (possibly because of this) a bit more standard-hotel feely, but still wonderful nonetheless.

The gardens were magnificent, the infinity pools impressive, and the service impeccable. We were generously upgraded to a private pool villa (not exactly sure how that happened, but thanks!), and to say I enjoyed our private outside space at Maya Ubud is an understatement. 

Since the Maya Ubud is pretty close to Ubud Town (a tad east), there’s a complementary shared shuttle running throughout the day to the center of town (taking roughly 10 minutes or so).

We used it quite a bunch and found the service very convenient. If you miss the shuttle or don’t feel like waiting, the walk to Ubud Town is only about 20-25 minutes – but remember it’ll be hot out!

Although we loved most aspects of the hotel, the spa (and flower bath in particular) really did it for me. Imagine soaking in a tub full of rose and frangipani flowers with calming river views… I was obsessed after 5 minutes.

I’ll explain my experience in a bit more detail during the itinerary, but just know that I highly encourage any bath lover to give it a try! Read reviews and check prices here.

Day 0 | Arrival into Bali, and head to Ubud

Use this first day for arrival into Bali, as it’s very possible that you’ll arrive a bit later on in the day (depending on where you’re coming from of course). 

And if you decide to follow this Bali itinerary to a T (all heavily researched and 100% tested by us!), you’ll be heading straight to Ubud from the airport!

Thankfully we were easily able to use the Grab app to hire a driver/car to drive us straight to the Komaneka at Tanggayuda (where we stayed first near Ubud), which cost us roughly $28 for the 2 hour drive.

Since we didn’t land until 3pm-ish, and with a bit of that infamous Bali traffic, we arrived to our hotel near Ubud around 5:45pm or so. If you are lucky to have an earlier flight, I highly recommend hanging by the pool for a bit, watching your first Bali sunset, and enjoying dinner at the Komaneka.

I wouldn’t suggest heading into Ubud Town your first night if you’re staying where we did, as you’ll most likely be especially tired (and the food at the Komaneka is quite tasty!).

Where we slept: Komaneka at Tanggayuda 

Important Note on Day 1 and 2 : The traffic in and around Ubud (and Bali in general) can be horrendous. As you’ll notice on Day 2 of this Bali itinerary, we actually didn’t make it to all of our intended spots due to crazy amounts of unforeseen traffic.

Don’t be upset – it’s all wonderful and no reason to ruin your entire day/trip over. Just understand that you may need to be a bit more go-with-the-flow than normal.

→ Read Next: The Perfect 3 Days in Ubud

Day 1 | Day Trip to East Bali

It’s your first full day in Bali, so it’s time to wake up and explore! Use the jetlag to your advantage and plan for an early morning wake-up call (5AM to be exact) to head out to the eastern parts of Bali.

We chose to hire a private driver to take us to Lempuyang Temple, Taman Tirta Gangga, Tibumana waterfall, and Pura Tita Empul (in that order).

Note that we chose to book through AirBnB experiences , and were able to choose exactly where we wanted to go. Our guide took great photos of us and we had the best time with him.

And psst – if you sign up for AirBnB through my link , you’ll get $15 off any experience of at least $50 (so if two people go that discount will work!). If you choose the same spots as we did, just know that you’ll need to pay all entrance fees as they are not included (roughly $10 per person).

If you don’t feel like signing up for AirBnB (it’s not that difficult I promise), this tour is very similar and takes you to the famous Lempuyang Temple, water palace, a waterfall, rice fields, and ends with the famous Bali swing.

We got picked up by our driver before the sun even rose, getting an early start of 5AM. And since we traveled to the furthest stop first (roughly 2 hours away), we were able to sleep/rest a bit in the car!

Perrrrfect! I have to admit, it was oh so nice having a local drive us around, especially considering the roads seemed a bit confusing. We didn’t have to worry about a thing – and we loved it!

Oh right, breakfast! Since the Komaneka at Tanggayuda includes breakfast, they boxed up a to-go breakfast for us to enjoy on our tour to East Bali. We ate it during our time at Lempuyang Temple, while our guide waited on line for us (more info on that below).

Stop #1) Lempuyang Temple

First stop – Lempuyang Temple! I guarantee you’ve seen numerous photos of this Hindu temple, primarily due to it’s famous gates, the Gates of Heaven, with perfectly framed views of the Agung Volcano. It’s pretty iconic of Bali, and it’s absolutely gorgeous (especially with that early morning light).

The Lempuyang complex is actually comprised of 7 different temples (with TONS of steps), so just plan on doing the first and most popular one if you don’t plan on spending all day there. 

Lempuyang Temple, also known as Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang (yes, it’s a mouthful), is one of Bali’s oldest and most highly regarded temples in the entire country. Please be respectful and read below.

• Once you arrive, you’ll need to rent a sarong to wear (yes, no matter if you’re already wearing a long skirt or pants). Since Pura Lempuyang is a sacred place, sarongs are custom, so just wear one willingly and be respectful. Covering your shoulders is also required, so plan on bringing along an extra shawl, cardigan, or simply, just wear a tee shirt like I did.
• No kissing or close physical touch is allowed at the temple. My husband kept forgetting and I had to literally shoo him away! 

I’ll let you in on a little secret – the reflection is fake. Yup, those photos you see (here and elsewhere)- one lie after another. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t get the obligatory photo for ourselves – of course we did.

We’re just happy we didn’t actually wait on the horrendously long line (our guide thankfully did while we were off exploring other parts of the temple/eating our breakfast boxes).

Just another reason to take a tour; I’m guessing most tour guides stand in line for their guests. If you need to wait for yourself and arrive at the temple around 7am or so like we did, just know the line will probably take at least an hour. Plan accordingly. 🙂

*Note: Pura means temple. 🙂

Stop #2) Taman Tirta Gangga (water palace)

Tiered fountains. Stone sculptures of mythical creatures. Giant lily pads. Girls in flowy dresses. And all the hungry koi fish you can think of. Yes, we’re talking about Bali’s water palace – Taman Tirta Gangga. This former royal palace is one of East Bali’s most famous sights, and breathtaking it is.

Make sure to buy some fish food at one of the little stalls before the ponds (5,000IDR). 

Although we overall enjoyed this stop, it was pretty crowded already when we got there, and taking decent flattering photos without tons of other in the frame proved relatively difficult.

You’ll see what I mean with the stepping stones and people going opposite directions when you visit. Lots of people here to get that instagram shot.

Stop #3) Tukad Cepung Waterfall – or – Tibumana Waterfall 

Put on your bathing suit, because it’s waterfall time! There are a whole slew of waterfalls in and around Ubud, so you’ve definitely got a few to choose from.

I had originally wanted to head to Tukad Cepung, which I heard is really cool with sunbeams shining through a cave, but our guide warned us that it’d be exceptionally crowded.

He instead suggested Tibumana, which was actually on my list as well (for another day), so we agreed and are so thankful for his honesty! 

After an easy walk down on some bamboo bridges and stairs (took about 10-15 minutes or so), we were greeted with not only a beautiful swimming spot, but a crashing waterfall amongst so much lush greenery. And hardly any people, which makes sense considering it’s deep in the jungle. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves:

Stop #4) Pura Tita Empul (water temple) 

Not to be confused with the Water Palace, Pura Tita Empul (also known as the Water Temple), is a completely different thing, so don’t miss it during your 10 days in Bali! Being one of the largest and busiest water temples in all of Indonesia, you’ll want to do your part in being respectful by wearing a provided sarong within the complex. 

Forget about selfies here – take it all in, observe the rituals, and do yourself a favor and just watch. By visiting this Hindu Balinese water temple, you get to experience the culture firsthand by watching Hindu devotees purify themselves in a bathing ritual. And boy were the holy springs a sight to be seen. 

Visitors can bathe as well (and we saw a few do so), but since we are not believers of Hinduism, we didn’t feel right participating in the cleansing ritual. Note that there’s an additional charge for this as well, and you’ll need to be dressed from head to toe so bring an additional change of clothes if you plan to bathe in the holy waters.

Our guide showed us around the complex — it’s actually quite large; the purification pools are just one part!  We also saw a koi pond, the inner courtyard, and tons of Hindu shrines.

Back to the Komaneka (or your hotel of choice)

We got back to the Komaneka around 3ish or so, giving us a few hours of sunlight to enjoy the hotel’s luxurious infinity pools, have a late lunch and complimentary tea and snacks, and just relax from our first day of activities.

Remember, the sun sets around 6pm (every night no matter the season), so if you want some pool time, be sure not to cram in toooo much on this first day. We had some dinner before heading to the spa for our first (of many) Balinese massages.

Day 2 | Day trip to North Bali

Psst (logistics tip): If you’re following this itinerary exactly to a T (or switching hotels tonight like we did), be sure to put things in the trunk of your private car so you don’t need to go back to hotel #1 just to move your bags to hotel #2. We kept everything we brought to Indonesia with us in the trunk for the entire day and felt completely safe doing so.

Today’s another busy day, so wake up, grab some coffee and breakfast at the hotel, and hit the road! We decided to hire another private driver for the day to experience northern Bali (through the same AirBnB experience as the day before), and it was a great decision!

This Northern Bali private tour takes you to a bunch of the same spots if AirBnB’s just not your thing. 

→ Using AirBnB? Remember to sign up via this link to save $$$ off your first activity!

Although we didn’t get to visit all our intended spots (that traffic I tell ya, it’s the worst!), I’ll list them all out for you below. Hopefully you have better luck than we did!

Stop #1) Tegalalang rice terraces and Bali swing, coffee/tea tasting 

There’s a reason everyone visits Ubud , and the rice terraces are it. Ridiculously scenic, this terraced hillside is covered in rice paddies among rice paddies, as far as the eye can see. Do not miss it. I repeat – do not miss it.

As soon as we arrived, we couldn’t stop admiring all the greens – we were just wowed the entire time. Being surrounded by lush green rice terraces on all sides of you is just something you don’t forget. Ever. Our guide took us wandering throughout the fields, while explaining a bit about the process of harvesting the rice as well. 

Choose to visit early in the morning, as not only will the lighting be better for photos, but you’ll beat the crowds – there was hardly anyone else there when we visited around 8:30am! I honestly couldn’t believe it! 

We opted to do the famous Bali swing over here too, costly roughly $15 for fantastic views of the rice fields. There were other options to do the swings over near the area we stopped for coffee, which seemed much more crowded and I’m guessing costly.

We were unfortunately unable to visit the following due to Bali’s mad traffic, but here’s a bit of info I had researched ahead of time.

Stop #2) Lake Beratan Temple (Ulun Danu) 

This temple is located on an island completely surrounded by water, which makes it quite picturesque, especially with it’s manicured gardens nearby. And if you’re up for it, you can even take a boat out and view the temple directly from the water (I’ll be doing that next time I head to Bali). 

However, do note that since the lake is considered holy, you cannot swim in it (although renting a boat is fine). Some people say it’s kinda a tourist trap and filled with swarms of visitors, so research a bit more to decide for yourself if you wanna stop.

Stop #3) Handara Gate (Balour Balinese Gate of Handara)

It’s a gate you guys – a gigantic, exotic looking traditional Balinese gate, with lush, smoky green hills as it’s backdrop.

As such, it’s one of the most iconic photos you’ll see of Bali, with special thanks to instagram. Because of this, it gets rather crowded, so you’ll most likely need to wait in line to get THE photo.

Not many people realize this, but this gate, dubbed the pathway to serenity, is actually the entrance to a golf course! Yes, a golf course – the Handara Golf & Resort Bali to be exact! 

Stop #4) Banyumala Twin Waterfall

Like it’s name suggests, this ain’t just one stream of water – it’s a whole slew of falls in one. Girls we had met later on during our trip said the short hike down to Banyumala (10-15 minutes) was most definitely worth it, so be sure to add it to your Bali itinerary.

And make sure to wear/bring a bathing suit as you’ll most likely want to take a dip in the falls. We unfortunately missed out on this one! 

Stop #5) Wanagiri Hidden Hills

Yes, this stop at Hidden Hills is primarilyyyy for the cheesy IG photos, BUT if you’re following this day’s itinerary you’ll already be in the area – so might as well make a quick(ish) stop.

There are different sections within Wanagiri Hidden Hills, with each area having different set prices with different attractions. Most include a nest, a swing, and another type of bamboo lookout, with the bird cage and boat viewing post some of the more popular ones.

Once you’ve paid your entrance fee, you’re free to hang around for as long as you want taking photo after photo. Kinda cheesy, but hey, you’re in Bali – might as well take advantage and get some of those typical IG shots. And plus our tourism dollars help the locals make a living.

HOWEVER, you’ll find some of these photo opps at other attractions near Ubud. We saw a bunch earlier in the day at the Tegalalang Rice Terraces (where the above photo was taken) and then again at Leke Leke Waterfall, so don’t feel like you neeeed to stop at Hidden Hills if you’re not especially into it.

Because the traffic was SO bad, we didn’t make it to Lake Beratan, the Hadara Gate, Banyumala Twin Waterfall, and Hidden Hills. Yuuup, basically the rest on my itinerary.

We did however find a waterfall trek to do instead (Leke-Leke), which was a blessing since it got us outta the car for a while.

Since we missed out on so much of what the north has to offer, that’s definitely an area I’ll be visiting on my next trip to Bali (oh you better believe there’ll be a next time).

And I’d absolutely love to stay at Munduk Moding Plantation Nature Resort , which looks absolutely insane and beautiful all at once. Note that you can visit for lunch as long as you purchase a day pass in advance, but guests are not allowed on property otherwise.

If you have more time in the north, the Aling-Aling waterfall and Jatiluwih Rice Terraces all look worthy of your time. 

We spent the remainder of the day blissing out in our private pool at the Maya Ubud (after checking in of course) and stuffing our faces with fresh fruit juice and Balinese snacks.

Since we hadn’t checked out the restaurant scene in Ubud just yet (we had only really feasted at the Komaneka), we took the free shuttle into town and somehow got a table quite quickly at Hujan Locale for some innovative, modern Indonesian food.

So good and highly recommended, although it’s probably best to make a reservation in advance, as it was crowded and the restaurant is getting popular.

Where we slept: Maya Ubud

Day 3 | Wander around Ubud Town and Surroundings

Finally, a day to actually explore Ubud! After venturing east and then north, it’s about time we plant our feet and stick to the actual town!

Here’s how our day went – and I suggest you do the same as we hit up all the top places (IMO) in/near Ubud Town:

1) Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

I have to admit, after walking ⅞ of the way there, I almost backed out of visiting the Monkey Forest. You see, we came across monkeys in town before even getting to the sanctuary. Who knew the monkeys were everywhere surrounding the area?!

They were climbing on power lines above us, running on the sidewalk next to shops/restaurants, and were just waaaay too close for comfort in my opinion. But I faced my fears, kept on going, and in we went.

The actual experience (after calming myself down and giving myself a short pep talk) was a positive one, as the monkeys were thankfully very interested in their food and each other, and not us humans. And the babies! Quite possibly the cutest thing I’ve seen to date.

Keep your eyes wandering, as you’ll see monkeys above you in trees, running at your feet, jumping from here to there, etc. I was definitely on watch the entire time, constantly looking in all directions in order to keep myself aware of any nearby monkeys, as they just run around where they please.

Be sure to get past the beginning and into the actual forest – the grounds are so lush and beautiful, with a giant banyan tree over the river. Thankfully we didn’t see any monkeys jumping on people like I had heard about, but people we had met later on during this 10 day Bali itinerary said they lost sunglasses and hats, so be extra careful.

A few precautions when entering the monkey forest, as yes, they are wild animals and yes, there are a few ground rules to be aware of to protect yourself and everyone around you (including the monkeys):

• Leave your accessories behind; this includes sunglasses, hats, large earrings, etc. You never know – the monkey’s may snatch them!
• And on that note, if a monkey takes something of yours, its theirs to keep – aka, don’t attempt in getting it back. Monkeys will bite if they feel threatened.
• Forget feeding the monkeys, let alone bringing any food/water bottles into the park in general. The monkeys can smell food and will even open up bags/backpacks and go searching/stealing! 
• Never make eye contact with a monkey. They see this as a form of aggression, so never stare directly into a monkey’s eyes.
• Do not sit anywhere there are monkeys present. You’ll most likely find yourself with a monkey climbing on your shoulders (which I most definitely wouldn’t want).
• The baby monkeys are exceptionally cute; but just remember, wherever you see a baby, there’ll be a mama monkey nearby. Therefore, don’t get too close to the babies, as mamas may attack to protect their young. 

I was glad to learn that the Ubud Monkey Forest is more than just a tourist attraction. Apparently there’s tons of research (and conservation efforts) going on within the forest, mostly regarding the monkeys behavior and social interactions.

However, I’ve also read that some of the staff use possibly inhumane techniques in order to stop the monkeys from any bad behavior. Do your research ahead of time.

After congratulating myself for not getting eaten by a monkey, we made a pit stop at Habitat Cafe (so cute and trendy) for some well-deserved fresh juices and relaxation time.  

2) Ubud Traditional Art Market 

Color, clatter, commotion, chaos. That’s the market experience for ya! Anything you want to buy in Ubud, you’ll find at the market, that’s for sure.

The market specializes in traditional art and handicrafts, and I loved exploring the stalls tucked away in the little alleyways (get away from the main strip). Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, just wander and browse for a bit – it’s an experience (albeit rather crowded) in and of itself!

Although it’s quite chaotic, the alleyways of the Ubud market make for a fun time. Just be sure to haggle/bargain before purchasing! Even though I’m sure we paid a bit too much on several occasions, we would typically be able to get the shop owner to agree to less than half of their original asking price.

If they don’t agree to your price, just walk away, and they’ll quickly quote you less! They want your business – trust me , as there’s probably the same/similar items in the shop next door.

If you have an idea you’ll be buying a few items, it’s always cheaper to buy from the same stall – they’ll typically give you a multi-item discount. I say, browse a bit before buying anything, decide what in fact you want to buy, and find a stall that has everything you want. You’ll get the cheapest possible price that way.

I couldn’t leave the market without buying one of those trendy straw/rattan Bali basket bags – you know, the round ones you see all the influencers promoting on instagram?

Yup, the online companies sell them for $75-$85, but I got mine in Bali for $8. Can’t beat that. And another gorgeous handheld bamboo bag for $15ish (which I could have probably haggled down more).

But I always like to remember – the locals in the market make a living selling the products. An extra dollar or two (USD) doesn’t mean much to me, but it could get their family an extra meal or two. 

Things to buy: cotton sarongs, bamboo straws, the famous Bali bags, dream catchers, wood carvings, straw hats, crochet tops/bikinis, stackable storage boxes

LUNCH! We hit up Locavore To-Go for some meat sandwiches (a must!), Acai Queen for, you guessed it, acai bowls, and Frozen Yogi for a chilled dessert. We were on vacation – don’t judge us! 

3) Saraswati Lotus Temple, Ubud Centre

Next up, a quick stop at Saraswati Lotus Temple! We stopped by this temple for a few minutes, took a few pictures, and moved on with the show. It should be noted that tourists are not allowed to enter the temple, but it’s the stunning grounds that are the biggest draw for the crowds.

The main walkway was filled with lily pads on either side, although there were unfortunately no lotus flowers in the pond (which I heard there typically are).

4) Campuhan Ridge Walk at Sunset

After spending all day in the busy centre of Ubud, get outta there and into some nature! The Campuhan Ridge Walk is arguably Ubud’s best known trek, as it offers sweeping hilltop views and minimal crowds.

And plus, it’s not difficult at all – it’s more of a walk than a hike (I guess that’s why it’s called a ridge walk …). Anyone can do this lush, scenic trail, although there were a few steep steps at the very beginning and end.

If you aren’t planning on eating at The Sayan House (which you 100% should), I recommend walking the ridge walk just before sunset, which I believe would be absolutely gorgeous. We visited around 4:30, so the sun was already low in the sky making for some beautiful photos. And plus, it’ll be too hot to enjoy during the day.

Soooo we had a bit of trouble finding this place as we deliberately followed Google Maps like we always do – which got us to the general area, just a bit too far. We asked a worker in a nearby shop/hotel (I forgot) and they were able to direct us to the entrance – there’s no signs and the entrance is quite inconspicuous, so I’m not sure how others found it without help.

Sorry I can’t be of more assistance, 😉 But I promise, once you find it, it’s worth the hassle. It was about a 20 minute walk or so from the center of Ubud Town.

5) Dinner at The Sayan House 

This Japanese/Latin Fusion Restaurant is absolutely perfect for a date night (and ya gotta add in a few special nights to any Bali itinerary). :p 

Yes, it’s a little annoying to get to as it’s located a few minutes outta town (and not very walkable), but 110% worth it in my opinion. You’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the lush valley below, along with innovative cocktails, fresh fruit juices, and unusual dishes with unique flavor combinations.

Make a reservation for this place ahead of time (and ask for a table facing the sunset) because boy, it’s a showstopper. It’s wise to remember that the sun sets on the earlier side in Bali, so if you actually want to catch the sunset, you’ll need to arrive before/around 6pm.

We made a reservation for 6pm and ended up heading over early for sunset drinks at the bar area with breathtaking views of the rice terraces below as the sun was setting. Absolute perfection if you ask me.

6) Foot massages or Balinese Performance in town 

After getting massages in Thailand every single damn day, we made it our mission to repeat that in Bali. And while we didn’t meet the goal of alllll the days, we came pretty close. After dinner we ended up at Kristina Ubud Spa in town, and got foot massages for 80,000/ hr (which comes out to roughly $5.50USD). Can’t beat that price!

Note that you can opt to watch a traditional Balinese performance at the Royal Palace (Puri Saren) in Ubud Town if massages aren’t your thing (who are you?).

Since we were already planning on heading to Uluwatu Temple later on in the trip to see the Kecak Fire Dance, we skipped the performance in Ubud. (Starts at 7:30pm, costs 100,000IDR pp, length of 1 ½ hours).

Part II: 2 DAYS IN JIMBARAN/ULUWATU + (OPTIONAL) Day Trip to NUSA

*Where we stayed in Jimbaran: Ayana Resort and Spa Bali

I had originally wanted to spend our nights in Uluwatu (to take advantage of South Bali’s trendy beach clubs), but after booking ourselves at the Ayana , I’m glad we did.

Located in Jimbaran, about a half hour north of Uluwatu, it’s a bit more central to other spots in Bali and honestly, we didn’t need to leave the resort if we really didn’t want to.

The Ayana Bali has 4 pools (Ocean Beach Pool, River Pool, Upper Pool, and Lower Pool), numerous spots for sunset drinks, a whole slew of restaurants (albeit overpriced of course), a luxurious spa, and it’s own private beach club – Kubu Beach (which you need to take a gondola down to reach!).

I’ll explain in more detail below, since we happily spent a great deal of time at the resort. 🙂

Day 4 | Early Morning in Ubud, off to Jimbaran!

Teeeechnically you can head back into Ubud Town to finish exploring this morning if there’s more you wanna see, but we chose to enjoy some activities at Maya Ubud. 

Flower Bath at Maya Ubud

After a private breakfast by our pool, I headed to the spa for my flower bath. It seemed like the ultimate Bali thing to do, so I knew I couldn’t miss it during my 10 days in Bali. Yup, 30 whole minutes of pure serenity and relaxation, all with rose and frangipani flowers floating around me.

The flower bath was everything and then some – I could have stayed in there all day (minus the fact that my fingers were turning into a prune of course!). I honestly thought girls just did flower baths for the ‘gram, but I have to say, I left feeling super relaxed, hydrated, and tranquil. Didn’t hurt that I got a few cute pics outta it too. 🙂

Note that you can also make reservations ahead of time at Karsa Spa located near the Campuhan Ridge Walk if you want a flower bath experience and aren’t staying at Maya Ubud, which I definitely want to experience next time!

That morning, since my husband wasn’t participating in the flower bath, he headed to an early morning yoga class and then relaxed by the pool. If you’re staying closer to town, you can head to a class at the Yoga Barn which is apparently rather popular (although a bit overpriced I heard).

Head South to Jimbaran

After breakfast and activities at the resort (yoga, pool, spa), off to Jimbaran we went! Since we had taken a few taxi rides the previous day in Ubud, we managed to acquire a few WhatsApp #’s so scheduled for a pickup from Maya Ubud to take us to our next hotel – The Ayana Bali!

I don’t think Grab will work (the app didn’t work at all in Ubud at all), so definitely don’t count on that like we originally did. The trip took roughly 2 hours or so if I remember correctly, so plan to rest a bit in the car.

We used J Wayan at #+62 812-4608-156 to get from Ubud to Jimbaran. Tell him Jessica and Noah sent you!

We had originally wanted to stop at Bambu Indah for some lunch after reading some rave reviews, but I wasn’t feeling too hot (remnants of Bali belly, perhaps), so we went straight to The Ayana.

If you end up going, lemme know how it is! Bambu Indah is actually hotel known for its interesting architectural designs, completely made out of bamboo. Maybe next time we’ll decide to stay there!

Hang at Hotel/Sunset Drinks at Rock Bar

After an easy check-in process, go explore for a bit then head on down to Rock Bar for sunset drinks (psst – you’ll need to take the cliff-side gondola to get down)! Overlooking the Indian Ocean with the waves crashing onto the rocks, there’s really no better view for sunset, and because of this, it does get quite busy!

People who are not staying at the hotel are allowed to visit Rock Bar (with advance reservations), but if you’re a hotel guest of the Ayana , you’re VIP baby (you should get in just fine – no reservations needed)!

We headed down around 5pm for a 6:15ish sunset, got a bunch of drinks and appetizers, and just watched the sun set into the rolling ocean waves. I can see it being the perfect place for a romantic night out, especially if you snag one of the large plush beds like we did. 

If the Rock Bar doesn’t excite you (and ohhh, it should), I heard that Single Fin in Uluwatu is also great for sunset cocktails and dinner (but it’s 40 minutes away by car, so probably just easier to stay at the resort).

Where we slept: Ayana Resort and Spa Bali

Day 5 | Uluwatu/Jimbaran -or- Day Trip to Nusa Penida

Today’s choice day! Depending how you anticipate to be feeling (and if you booked yourself at a resort like the Ayana with tons to do), you can either:

→ 1) spend ½ day at the resort (beach/pool time) with a ½ day trip to Uluwatu Temple -or- 

→ 2) take a verrrry long day trip to Nusa Penida

If you think you’ll want a more relaxing day (after a few nonstop days of go-go-go), then trust me, take advantage of the resort pools and beach club, and leave Nusa for another trip.

However, if you can’t fathom coming all this way and not seeing Kelingking Beach, suck it up and head to Nusa Penida (I heard it’s gorgeous, yet the climb down/up is excruciating, especially in the heat). We had originally planned for the long day trip to Nusa (and even signed up for a tour ahead of time), but with my stomach acting up a bit and already feeling utterly exhausted, we desperately craved a beach day.

Use your judgement and think about what would be best for you. And if you’ve got an extra day, you could easily do both!

Choice 1: Resort Pool Day and Uluwatu Temple + Kecak Fire Dance

Pool + Beach Time

As mentioned, if you’re staying at a luxurious resort like the Ayana Bali, I can promise you’ll never find yourself bored. We got an early morning start at the Ocean Beach Pool, had breakfast overlooking the ocean, and loveddd the fact that no kids are allowed (sorry, kiddos, there’s other pools for you).

We then made our way to Kubu, Ayana’s private beach club for some more loungin’, before heading back to the room to get ready for our trip to Uluwatu Temple! You can also schedule some time at the spa for a treatment, play a bit of golf, or visit the ultra secluded (and hardly crowded during the day) River Pool, located near the private villas.

Trip to Uluwatu Temple

It’s not the temple itself per say that makes this place absolutely remarkable, it’s the magnificent location high up on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. The dramatic coastline of the Bukit Peninsula sure is something else. We could have stared at those rolling waves all day long. But you’re not just here for the views – you’ve got the Kecak Fire Dance awaiting you as well!

Since Uluwatu Temple is roughly 45 minutes away – without traffic, you’ll want to get picked up via private driver around 3:30pm to get there in time to purchase tickets and look around. Tickets to the Kecak Fire Dance performance go on sale at 5pm, and it gets crazy busy around this time.

Our driver graciously waited on line for us in order to get us tickets to the show so we could walk around the temple and admire the ocean and all those crazy waves. 

Do note that others have seen cheeky monkey’s at the temple – so just like in Ubud, be careful with your things as they are known to steal loose items from unsuspecting guests! We were surprised that we didn’t see a single monkey, especially considering how many people told us to watch out for them. But nevertheless, you’ve been warned!

Now, what is the Kecak Fire Dance you ask? Oh, it’s a whole lotta fun – with a huge cast of dancers and chanters interpreting the Hindu history in Bali, the show is quite funny (but I won’t give away any spoilers). I hiiiighly recommend reading the informational paper they hand out, as you’ll be wildly confused otherwise. 

This traditional Balinese dance show is performed every night at Uluwatu Temple as the sun is setting (at 6pm), which makes for an absolutely breathtaking evening. Since the temple is on a cliff directly facing the sun setting into the ocean, you can only imagine what a sight it’ll be.

And just FYI – the temple and performance area gets exceptionally crowded; don’t be one of the last to get seated or you’ll wind up sitting on the hard concrete floor (and trust me, they squeeze in as many people who buy tickets…).

*Note that if you hire a driver, make sure they stay during the show to take you back to your accommodation afterwards (you’ll have a hard time finding a ride otherwise). For reference, if I remember correctly, we paid 400,000 rupiah roundtrip for the two of us (excluding tickets to temple and show, which came out to be an additional 150,000 rupiah per person).

If you want to have it all planned out ahead of time, there’s a bunch of organized tours you can book before you land in Bali . If you don’t mind winging it a bit and leaving your luck up to chance, hire a private driver once you arrive (the day of or the day before).

Since we changed our plans last minute since I wasn’t feeling so hot, we didn’t have the option of booking in advance. Thankfully we had met a gal at lunch the day before who gave us her drivers WhatsApp number. If we didn’t have this number we probably would have unfortunately had to take an overpriced taxi from the hotel, and I would have wished we had booked an organized tour ahead of time. Check out private tours to Uluwatu and the Fire Dance here.

Choice 2: DAY TRIP TO NUSA

If you have your heart set on heading to Nusa Penida, today’s the best day on this Bali itinerary to do it! Just know it’ll be a verryyyyy long day regardless of who you book with, as you’ll first need to make your way to Sanur and then take a fast boat to the island.

Get ready for some rocky, bumpy roads, and possibly a sore back, as the roads are exceptionally treacherous on the island of Nusa Penida. 

But alas, the natural landscapes look breathtaking and I’ve heard the beaches are to die for (although you’ll have to work aka hike down…and then back up, for some of them)! However, coconut trees, sandy beaches, and turquoise blue water awaits!

On a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali, you’ll visit the following spots: Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay, and Sampalan Beach. All tours are very similar and visit the most popular spots. We booked a tour very similar to this one , although as mentioned, decided to cancel it. The tour does hotel pickup, brings you to the fast boat, then hooks you up with a private driver on Nusa Penida for the rest of the day.

Since we unfortunately missed this day trip, I’m thinking we’ll spend a few days on the Nusa Islands (there’s 3 in total!) to really get a feel for the islands next time we visit Bali (sooner than later, fingers crossed)!

Part III: 3 DAYS ON THE GILI ISLANDS

The Gili islands are full of white sandy beaches, curious sea turtles, coconut palms, and more puka shells you’ve ever seen; it’s absolute paradise and then some. And being so close to Bali, you’d be crazy to miss out on these little islands during your stay in Indonesia, which is why I included it on this 10 day Bali itinerary!

I promise you – after a few busy days in Bali, the Gili’s will feel like a breath of fresh air since you don’t have to do much to have a good ole time here. Think pool, beach, snorkeling, fresh fish, lots of cheap Bintangs, and 1 hour massages for $7.

*You’ll need to decide which island you want to base yourself on (outta 3 main ones). We chose Gili Air, and loved our decision. For reference, there’s Gili Trawangan (commonly called Gili T), which is the largest, liveliest, and most developed island, with tons of late-night beachside parties and lots of drinking (apparently).

Gili Air, where we stayed, is a bit more low-key, but there’s still a whole slew of restaurants, bars, and relaxed nightlife (think listening to live music on the beach in some bean bag chairs while sipping some Bintangs – the local beer).

And finally there’s Gili Meno, the smallest of the islands, for those who just wanna get away from it all (it’s by far the quietest of the bunch without much nightlife).

Read Next: The Complete Guide to Gili Air (everything you need to know before visiting)

Where we stayed: PinkCoco Gili Air

To say we fell in love with the Pink Coco is a huge understatement. There’s just something about it that we found ourselves drawn to immediately. From all the pink accents to the breakfast overlooking the beach, it was the perfect place to rest our heads while on Gili Air.

And plus – all the staff were especially helpful and accommodating (when we had a mishap with our bags). It didn’t hurt that our room was just steps from the scenic pool, which was covered in palm trees and where we spent the bulk of our time while on the islands.

Day 6 | Jimbaran in early morning, then off to the Gili Islands!

Hey, it’s your last day at The Ayana Bali , so take fulllll advantage!

We decided to hit up the instagram famous River Pool, where electronics (yes, including phones, cameras, etc) are not allowed between the hours of 9am – 5pm (which they’re surprisingly crazy strict about – there’s even lockers for your phone at the entrance to the pool)…. Hence the need to go early to snap a few photos, of course!

I must admit that this was not my proudest moment, queueing up in the pool for a bunch of photos, but the water was warm and thankfully not tons of people were out when we arrived at 7:30am. By 8:30am, the place was swarming with instagrammers getting their perfect shot – and that was our cue to head on off to breakfast! 

Transfer to Gili Air 

Finish that hearty breakfast, because it’s time to pack up — we’re heading to the Gili Islands! Yeah, yeah, yeah, the Gili’s are not techhhhnically part of Bali, but since they’re so close (near the northwest coast of Lombok), it’d be an absolute shame to miss out on them. 

There are a few different boat/ferry companies to take you to the Gili Islands, but I highly encourage you to book with Blue Water Express . They are a very reputable company, and after experiencing some pretty rough seas (I still can’t believe we went out – those swells were insane), I’m sooo glad we didn’t take the public boat.

Yes, Blue Water Express is obviously more expensive, but so worth it to me for the 2-3 hour boat ride (plus free pickup at your hotel if I recall).

Although there’s usually an early morning option, I’d opt for the later one around 11am, so you don’t need to rush for checkout (and plus, you’ll have enough time on the Gili’s if you follow this Bali itinerary, I promise). 

Arrival in Gili (around 2pm-ish)

Our first few hours in Gili were spent relaxing by the pool, wandering the cute little town, and taking photos at the famous swings (located all over the island and also at the PinkCoco – where we stayed), which are just perfect for your instagram feed.

Remember that the sun sets around 6pm, so you don’t have tonssss of daylight on this first day in Gili, but much of the appeal of Gili is to slow down and relax, so you’re fine. Make sure to find some live music, order a few fresh juices and/or Bintangs, and plop yourself down on a beach-side bean bag chair and just chillax. That’s the life right there.

Remember, I wrote a full detailed guide on all things Gili Air , so be sure to check that out!

Day 7 | Snorkeling the Gili Islands  

No trip to the Gili’s would be complete without exploring its vast underwater world, so today we’re off snorkeling! You can either pre-book or book once you get to the island (we were spontaneous and booked the day before while walking to our hotel).

Book ahead here if you’d like to ensure a spot and not get jammed in on a beat up boat like we were (with janky masks and snorkels as well).

Most snorkel tours visit Turtle Point (for you guessed it, turtle spotting), near Gili Meno to see the underwater statues, and another spot or two with coral gardens to see a wide array of tropical fish. I saw a few turtles (my favorite) as well as tons of colorful fish.

A quick note on turtles and underwater life in general: NEVER attempt to chase/touch/pet/feed turtles, as human contact can give them diseases and make them sick. Admire these beauties, (and get your photos), but NEVER at the expense of the animal. PLEASE keep wildlife WILD. 

The area near the statues was unbelievably crowded, as there were quite a few boats there when we were. However, if you know how to free dive (dive below the water without your snorkel), you can easily escape some of the crowds on the water’s surface.

Our boat left around 9:30am or so for snorkeling, stopped on Gili Meno for some lunch, and we returned back to Gili Air at our hotel around 3ish or so.

We spent the rest of the day at the Pink Coco pool, indulging in apps and drinks, and come night time, grabbed dinner on the beach and some lovely foot massages at a stand near our hotel (which we did every day while in Gili Air).

Where we stayed: Pink Coco Gili Air

Day 8 | Wednesday, July 17: Gili Islands, then transfer back to Bali!

Psst: Today’s mostly a travel day. But the Gilis are worth the hassle, I promise you!

Morning in Gili Islands

It’s your last (partial) day in Gili, so either take advantage of the island, or do absolutely nothing – your choice!

There are a few cooking classes in town, which usually happen before lunch, so you can definitely squeeze this in if that’s up your alley, get a massage (either at Slow Spa which I heard is marvelous for a Balinese massage or a simple one from a beach-side stand), spend time at the beach and/or pool, and head into town for breakfast and/or lunch!

We especially loved the smoothie bowls at Gili Bliss Gili Air, and enjoyed a hearty breakfast with some specialty coffee at Coffee and Thyme.

Back to Bali!

Time’s up on Gili Air unfortunately, and it’s time to head back to Bali! Again, like heading to Gili Air, I highly recommend you book with Blue Water Express ! We chose the 2:30pm sailing to Serangan Marina (east coast of Bali and closest to our next stop of Seminyak), which came out to about 870k rupiah per person (or approximately $60).

The sailing took a few hours and because there was crazy traffic upon arrival in Bali (hotel transfer included in our booking), we didn’t get to our hotel in Seminyak until roughly 7/8pm or so. It’s safe to say we passed out riiiiiight after dinner that night. No shame!

Where we slept: The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel

Part IV: 2 DAYS IN SEMINYAK/CANGGU + Go Home 🙁

Where we slept in Seminyak: The Elysian Boutique Villa Hotel

This boutique villa was the perfect spot to end our time in Bali, as we had our own private villa (bigger than our 3-bedroom condo I may add)! This stylish property is tucked away on a quiet street in busy, busy Seminyak, making you feel like you’re away from it all, when in reality, you’re only a few minutes walk to the hustle and bustle of town! 

The first-class attention to detail was phenomenal, food outstanding, public and private pools utterly fantastic, and our massages at the full-service spa were much needed. 

And because there are only 28 villas total at the resort (ALL with private pools), it never feels crowded in the common spaces, making for a very intimate, private experience. To say The Elysian is everything and then some is a complete understatement. 

I partially chose this location for our last stop in Bali as the Elysian is pretty close to the airport, (20 minutes or so without traffic), so I knew we’d be able to enjoy the hotel up until the last possible minute!

Book a few months in advance if traveling during the high season as this place books up fast (especially due to the small number of rooms).

Day 9 | Spend the day in Canggu

Relaxed Morning by the Pool

Because, well, we were utterly tired at this point and you probably will be too! Not to mention, the pool was absolutely beautiful and hardly crowded (we were actually the only ones taking advantage of it while we were there…. possibly because everyone has their own private pools, but it was also 9am when most were still sleeping).

We had our breakfast overlooking the pool, then brought the rest (they give you a whoooole lot, trust me) to nosh on at the pool.

Shopping and Cafe Hopping

Although we chose to sleep in Seminyak (one photo of the Elysian and I fell in love), we decided to spend part of the day in Canggu, only 30 minutes or so away.

Canggu is a super hip, trendy surf town, with tons of cute boutiques and countless colorful cafes, making it the perfect day trip from Seminyak. And all those hipster smoothie bowls and instagram photos? Yeahhh, they’re probably taken in Canggu.

After finding a taxi on the side of the road (again, we couldn’t get a Grab driver), we had him drop us off at Cafe Cinta on Pantai Batu Bolong Road. We used this as a drop-off spot so we could easily walk down this main road in Canggu to find local boutiques, well-known surf shops, and colorful hipster cafes.

If I were you I’d plan on hanging out Batu Bolong Road, getting lunch at The Loft (the poke dish was oh so good), grabbing ice cream at Mad Pops, exploring Love Anchor Canggu (a flea market type area with tons of stalls), and going shopping in the local boutiques and surf shops.

And whenever we got hungry/thirsty, there was always a coconut ready for drinking!

Sunset Drinks and Dinner

Once you’ve had your fair share of coconuts, fresh fruit juices, and smoothie bowls around town, head on over to The Lawn for some sunset drinks. Besides the fact that this beach lounge is located directly on and above the black sand beach of Canggu, there’s a pool. A POOL! So if you plan on hanging here for a while, be sure to bring your suit to go for a swim.

Do note that there are different sections at The Lawn, with a beach area, upper deck spot, day bed area, and small table/umbrella area on the actual lawn. If you want a specific spot, you definitely need to either reserve in advance or put your name down.

We enjoyed the lawn area and our cocktails, as it had such a fun vibe and we could feel the breeze from the beach.

Hungry?! I highly recommend heading to Fishbone Local for dinner afterwards as it’s right near The Lawn. We tried the beer-battered fish, fish tacos, and mini tuna tostadas, and loved them all! The garden in the back is so pretty – there’s string lights that just add to the overall ambiance.

Oh, and once we arrived back at The Elysian, we treated ourselves to 1-hour Balinese massages (which were just heavenly and the best way to -almost- end our trip).

Day 10 | Brunch in Seminyak; fly home!

Pink Walls and Chill Vibes at KYND Community

It probably definitely sounds extra millennial, but did you really go to Bali if you didn’t have brunch at Kynd Community? You know all those photos of girls holding up their gold-encrusted pineapple spoons about to indulge in a perfectly crafted acai bowl with BALI spelled out in fruit?

Yea, that’s the place. And I wasn’t ashamed one teeny bit to have this last Bali meal for myself (even if the photos are a bit cringe-worthy as everyone and their 235423 best friends have the same insta-worthy shot). :p 

The food? It was pretty damn good, as was the cool, tropical pink decor (there’s a reason why it’s so popular with instagrammers and bloggers). Psst: the place is vegetarian, just FYI, so don’t expect to find your regular bacon hamburgers on the menu.

We got there pretty early (around 8:30ish) and didn’t have to wait at all, but expect a line if you get there later, especially if you want to sit by the instafamous pink wall.

Extra Time Before Your Flight?

We had to get ready for our flight, but if you’ve got more time in Seminyak, there’s tons more to do. Other foodie spots to check out if your flight is a bit later: Sea Circus Bali, known to be the most colorful restaurant in all of Bali, and Motel Mexicola, which I’ve heard has absolutely scrumptious Mexican specialities and cocktails (not your average taqueria, that’s for sure).

Itching for one last massage? Head on over to Jari Menari for a new massage technique that you’ve probably never had before. Some even claim it’s the best massage you’ll have! I’ll have to be the judge of that next time I’m visiting Bali!

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Are you in the process of planning a 10 day Bali itinerary? If so, hope your 10 days in Bali is an absolute blast (can I come with you, pretty please?)

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August 7, 2020 at 5:28 pm

literally looking at bali next year for my bday cause of this haha !

August 7, 2020 at 6:06 pm

OMG Bali is incredible – it would perfect for a birthday! I can't wait to go back!

August 7, 2020 at 6:00 pm

Wow, this guide is incredible! Everything in Bali looks beautiful. I cannot wait to visit one day!

August 7, 2020 at 7:21 pm

Planning my third trip to Bali and although I've been there twice already I have to say Thank You, I learned a lot from this guide to look forward to for trip #3. I've had my eye on Ayana Resort for a while as it's a bit out of my budget but it looks worth it and it's good to see you recommend it too!

November 23, 2020 at 6:07 am

Bali is one of the best places for Indian tourists because there are lots of Hindu religious temples. I have read your article and I’m impressed with your article and you give full information for Bali.

May 29, 2022 at 10:15 pm

This guide was sooo very usefuly! Thank you so so much. Just booked our anniversary flight to Bali in September and it’ll be 10 days excluding 4 days of travel! Really excited and can’t wait!

June 22, 2022 at 7:33 pm

We are definitely going to follow this itinerary- thanks so much for sharing! I had a question for you – our flight arrives in Bali at midnight. Any recommendations on what we should do the first day? Thanks so much!!

November 5, 2023 at 3:41 am

Thank you for such detailed itierary, helps a lot with planning for a newbie! ♥

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Bali 101: Here’s what you need to know

You probably already know that Bali offers the best of many worlds: out-of-a-dream beaches, near-magical jungles and a rich and unique culture. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a trip to the Island of the Gods.

Ubud is the island's cultural center.

The great beaches of Kuta and Seminyak may be what put Bali on the map, but the inland city of Ubud is the island's main hub for traditional Balinese arts, like fire dancing and shadow puppetry. Both performances tell traditional Hindu and Balinese stories and should be considered a "must do." Fire dancing performances typically occur around sunset by a troupe of about 80 people, mostly men. It's a spectacular event, with nearly nonstop chanting and dancing. Shadow puppet shows are much more quiet and intimate—they’re essentially a one-man show with the puppeteer playing different characters. 

While Ubud's center is packed with people, markets, temples and shops, walk in any direction and you'll come across the quiet, soothing and very green rice-field scenery for which Bali is known. This is also one of the best areas to experience a Balinese massage and for a fraction of the price you might expect — a 60-minute treatment can cost less than the equivalent of $10 USD. For a splurge (but still a steal by U.S. standards), try Taksu Spa, a wellness oasis tucked into the jungle.

Luxury is surprisingly affordable in Bali.

Airfare to Bali may be expensive, but once you touch down, you'll find the island is almost shockingly affordable, from shopping and dining, spas and transit — and yes, even hotels. If you opt for the Viceroy, Raffles, or another luxe Bali outpost from a famous international luxury brand, the rates will be appropriately high. But search for independent, Balinese-owned properties, and you'll be surprised by just how far your dollar will stretch. This is because decades of inflation have greatly depreciated the value of the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Combine this with a huge influx of tourists, rampant development to accommodate those tourists and subsequently fierce competition, and you're left with prices that seem too good to be true (but don't worry, they're real). Truly, the biggest expense of your Bali trip will be the flight.

What about this new law regarding unmarried couples in Bali?

In late 2022, Indonesia announced sweeping legal changes, set to go into effect in three years. These include the outlawing of sex outside of marriage, which may give pause to unmarried travelers wishing to visit the country (and share a hotel room together). However, the Indonesian government has stressed that tourists in Bali are excluded from this new law. Indonesia consists of many, very different islands. While the main religion of its population is Muslim, Bali is over 85% Hindu with rather different rules than the rest of the country. If you're thinking of going, here are some news articles to check out.

• Reuters [video]
• The Guardian

Bali is generally considered very safe for tourists.

Bali is consistently ranked as one of the safest places to travel in Indonesia. Bag-snatching and other crimes against tourists are quite rare, though travelers should always exercise common sense. One of the biggest safety issues in Bali isn't crime, but poor infrastructure. Sidewalks in Ubud and Seminyak are so narrow that walking side by side may be a challenge, plus uneven surfaces, unmarked holes and deep irrigation trenches are everywhere. American travelers would do best to take taxis or hire a driver for the duration of the trip, and not attempt driving or motorbiking on the winding, traffic-choked and left-driving roads.

There are no direct flights from the U.S.

There are currently no direct flights to Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, airport code: DPS), so getting there is half the adventure. Some major carriers include Emirates (with stops in Dubai), Qatar Airways (stops in Doha), Singapore Airlines (stops in Singapore) and Eva Air (stops in Taipei), so depending on the length of your connection, you can visit other destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia on your way to or from Bali. For example, you might be able to find a flight with a 24-hour or 36-hour connection in Seoul on Korean Air, making your trip to Bali feel a bit like a two-in-one.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

The summer months make up the dry season, so June, July, and August are your safest bet for dry weather and sunny days. However, these months coincide with the Southern Hemisphere winter, so you'll find yourself sharing the island with large crowds of Australian tourists. The shoulder-season months of May and September are generally dry and sunny, but with lighter crowds — these months have our vote for when to go.

And even if you travel to Bali during the wet season (November through March), it simply means swapping beach activities for 30 minutes to an hour every day for temple tours, spa time, yoga classes (Ubud Yoga House is the holy grail for visiting yogis) and rice-field trekking. But, even in winter, you'll have mostly sunny days with plenty of time to enjoy Bali's extraordinary beaches.

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