travelling to bali

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

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

✔️ Quick Guide – My Top 6 Bali Travel Tips

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

Bali Travel Tips: Arrival & Visas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Katie’s Tips ✶

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

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

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

3. Don’t Forget To Book Your Onward Ticket 

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

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

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

Bali Travel Tips: Communication & Cell

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

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

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

5. Buy A SIM Card When You Arrive In Bali 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Do Download Google Translate Offline  

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

Bali Travel Tips: Food 

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

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

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

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

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

10. Don’t Fall For Tourist Traps 

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

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

Bali Travel Tips: Shopping & Money

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

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

12. Do Order Anything You Need Online 

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

13. Do Shop Locally 

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

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

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

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

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

15. Do Carry LOTS Of Cash On You 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

17. Do Hang On To Small Bills 

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

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

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

19. Don’t Be Afraid To Haggle

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

Bali Travel Tips: Transportation 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

23. Don’t Get Stressed Out By Street Harassment 

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

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

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

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

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

Bali Travel Tips: Health & Safety

25. don’t drink the tap water.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

35. Do Be Aware Of Earthquakes! 

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

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

Bali Travel Tips: Housing

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

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

💸 They’re cheaper 

🙋 The hosts (In my experience) are more attentive

🍳 Free homemade breakfast

👪 Supporting small businesses directly

🏠 Traditional Balinese architecture is  beautiful  

🐱 There are usually a ton of animals around 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bali Travel Tips: Tourism 

40. do be a respectful visitor .

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

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

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

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

42. Do Show Up Early & Beat The Crowds 

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

43. Do Venture Off The Beaten Track 

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

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

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

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

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

46. Don’t Forget – It’s Bagus!

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

How’s Bali lately? It’s Bagus 🤙.

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored North, Central, and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia for many years. Originally from New York, she shares travel insights from her experiences in the USA and around the world. Now residing in Bali, Katie specializes in Bali and Indonesia travel, aiming to assist her readers in traveling better and more frequently. Through her blog, she provides quality travel resources and firsthand accounts.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

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

• All Posts 39
• Latest Updates 7
• Entry & Exit Requirements 4
• Travellers Info 9
• Health & Safety 4
• Official Sites & Useful Links 6
• Campaigns 9

Recent Posts

Visa & entry requirements.

Latest update on visa requirements and how to apply to enter Bali, as of 14 February 2024

What you need to know

Here is a quick checklist that you need to prepare for.

Bali International Airport Auto Gates

Bali auto gates what you need to know.

About the information on this site

All information presented on Welcome Back To Bali is reviewed regularly by our editorial team to ensure content is up-to-date, accurate and from official sources. Updated February 14, 2024

Trending Now

E-cd customs declaration form.

Bali International Airport Customs Electronic Customs Declaration

CHSE Certified Hotels In Bali

Looking to book your stay in Bali with your favourite hotel?

What we all need to do to keep safe

Wear a mask.

Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others. Studies show that masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. You should wear a mask, if you are sick.

• Latest Updates
• Entry & Exit Requirements
• Travellers Info
• Health & Safety
• Official Sites & Useful Links

Share This Content

Please ensure that you carefully read and understand our disclaimer. 

This website is presented by the Bali Hotels Association[BHA]. It's purpose is to share travel advice and information with the public about Bali. BHA endeavours to provide up-to-date and accurate advice on this website, However, BHA does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material on this or any linked site. BHA accepts no legal liability arising from or connected to any material on this website or on any linked site. Welcome Back To Bali content The information on Welcome Back To Bali, is to help travellers to Bali to make informed decisions about traveling to Bali and staying in Bali. This includes information in official destination-specific travel advisories and general advice. All travelers need to take responsibility for their travel decisions. The information on Welcome Back To Bali isn't intended to be, nor should it be relied on, as a substitute for legal or other professional advice. Users should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. Articles are reviewed regularly by our editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date and accurate. Please return to the site as required and subscribe to updates to ensure you have the latest advice. Links and third-party content The material on this website may include the views or advice of third parties. It also includes links to external websites. These do not necessarily reflect the views of BHA

Due to the ever-changing nature of the regulations, we strongly advise that you check with your airline before you travel.

Bali   Travel Guide

Why Go To Bali

Known as the "Island of the Gods" for its devotion to Hinduism – best seen in its many temples, scattered across the whole island – Bali is something of a heaven on earth. Smoking volcanoes wrapped in green canopies, sandy shores fading into turquoise waters and cascading waterfalls surrounded by jungle make up the landscape here, and it rarely disappoints.

There's something for everyone in this lush, exotic paradise – from luxury travelers who come for the oceanfront resorts to adventurers looking to scale one of several volcanoes (including the famous Mount Batur, in Kintamani ). In the south, resort towns such as Kuta , Seminyak , Canggu and Uluwatu boast buzzing nightlife, trendy beach clubs and world-class surfing, while the north offers plenty for culture vultures and those looking to see less touristy spots.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

• # 5 in Best Summer Vacation Spots in the World for 2024
• # 5 in Best Honeymoon Destinations for 2024
• # 7 in Best Beach Honeymoons

See All 7 Rankings

Best of Bali

Best hotels in bali.

• in Komaneka at Tanggayuda
• in Viceroy Bali
• in Komaneka at Bisma

Best Things to Do in Bali

• # 1 in Kuta
• # 2 in Nusa Dua
• # 3 in Kintamani

Popular Tours

? Nusa Penida by Private Boat - Snorkeling 4 spots, Swim with Mantas + Land Tour

(2953 reviews)

from $ 107.81

All-Inclusive Ubud Tour

(9394 reviews)

from $ 90.00

ATV Quad Bike Bali with Waterfall Gorilla Cave and Lunch

(572 reviews)

from $ 36.00

Bali Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, during the dry season, when you can expect warm, sunny days and low humidity. The offseason (from November to March) can be a great time to travel if you want to escape the crowds; downpours are often heavy but short-lived. Thanks to Bali's location close to the equator, in the southern hemisphere, daytime temperatures hover around the low 80s year-round, with only humidity and precipitation patterns changing. The lack of rain during the summer season makes Bali more comfortable for beachgoers.

Weather in Bali

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Check out remote neighbors The Gili Islands are about a 90-minute speedboat ride from Bali's east coast and offer pristine sands and zero traffic. There are no motorized vehicles, so you can cycle around on two wheels or hop on a horse and cart to explore.

Know culinary favorites In southern Bali, seafood is king. In central Bali, the local specialty is babi guling , or suckling pig slow-roasted on an open fire. You'll also find nasi goreng (fried rice with chicken and egg), mie goreng (stir-fried noodles) and chicken sate (satay) with peanut sauce on almost every local menu.

Nyepi is Bali's most important Hindu holiday Nyepi, or the "Day of Silence", marks the Balinese New Year, which falls in mid-March. On the day itself, everyone stays inside and is expected to remain silent. Businesses, schools, roads and the airport close for 24 hours. It's a magical, spiritual experience, with exuberant parades and festivities throughout the island in the days leading up to it.

How to Save Money in Bali

Book a local guest house Bali's luxury resorts and big-name brands can be pricey, but local guest houses and homestays often offer excellent value for money, so it's worth widening your search.

Be prepared to barter If you're shopping at one of Bali's many markets, you can normally barter to get a good price.

Eat at warungs Bali has plenty in the way of fancy beach clubs and high-end restaurants (which still offer excellent value compared to the U.S.), but if you want to save a little more, look for warung s. These are small, family-owned cafes/restaurants that normally offer lower prices.

Culture & Customs

As an island in Indonesia, the official (and dominant) language in Bali is Indonesian. However, you'll still hear Balinese (a Malayo-Polynesian language) being spoken by some locals. Because international tourism plays a key role in Bali's economy, English is widely spoken in larger towns and cities. That means you shouldn't have a problem getting around, buying souvenirs or ordering food.

The currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah. Since the rupiah to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates,  be sure to check the current exchange rate before you go. For reference, $1 is equal to approximately 15,500 rupiahs.

In terms of religion, Bali is unique among the Indonesian islands, which are mostly Islamic. Hinduism is the predominant religion in Bali. Most of the temples found here are sacred Hindu sites, so be respectful of the customs you'll witness, such as praying in pools of water. To get a sense for the island's unique religion, it's well worth visiting some of Bali's temples.

What to Eat

Bali's cuisine scene is heavily Indonesian, with Chinese and Indian influences. Most dishes include rice, vegetables and meat or fish – and plenty of spice. Many meals feature base gede – a spice paste that usually consists of garlic, red chilies, nutmeg, turmeric, coriander, ginger, shrimp paste, coconut oil and bay leaves. There are several standout dishes that travelers should sample. Nasi goreng (fried rice with egg and chicken), mie goreng (fried noodles) and gado-gado (vegetables and tofu in peanut sauce) feature on almost every Indonesian menu. Order babi guling (turning pig) and you'll get a plate of tender roasted meat that's also crispy and caramelized. Bebek betutu is a spice-rubbed, slow-roasted duck often cooked in banana leaves. The satay (or sate ) in Bali includes strips of chicken, pork, fish or tofu placed on skewers and grilled over a hot flame, usually served with peanut sauce.

When it comes to restaurants, local warungs – family-run, affordable eateries – are the best places to find classic Indonesian dishes, while restaurants along the coast dish out casual meals with beautiful beach views. For upscale, international cuisine, there are plenty of great restaurants in and around the main resort areas – especially Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Uluwatu. Expect everything from Japanese and Indian to Mexican and Italian, with prices at a fraction of what you'd pay back home.

Getting Around Bali

The best way to get around Bali is by hired car or scooter. Hiring a car and driver grants you the freedom of roaming around the island without the hassle of having to drive yourself. Traveling by scooter is also very popular – but take care on the busy roads, and be prepared to weave through chaotic traffic (especially around the southerly resort towns of Kuta , Canggu and Seminyak ). Alternatively, car and scooter taxis are easy to come by and relatively cheap, especially in the south, and can be booked on the Grab or Gojek apps. If you're visiting neighboring islands such as Nusa Penida , Nusa Lembongan and the Gilis, there are speedboats and ferries from Bali ports including Sanur and Padangbai.

Most travelers arrive through I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), which is located between Kuta and Jimbaran on the island's southern tip. To reach your hotel, check in advance to see if there's a complimentary resort shuttle available. Some hotels also provide private transportation for a fee. If you plan to take a taxi, you'll prepay your fare at the airport's taxi counter. Fares range widely depending on your destination, but expect to pay around 120,000 to 150,000 rupiahs ($8 to $10) if you're going to Kuta or Seminyak and around 300,000 rupiahs (about $20) if you're going to Ubud.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least six months from when you enter the country and have at least two blank passport pages. You need a visa to enter Indonesia; you can get a 30-day visitor visa on arrival at the airport in Bali for 500,000 rupiahs (around $32). The temporary visa applies to tourist and short business trips only. If you are coming to Indonesia for more than 30 days, you either need to apply for a special visa prior to arrival, or extend the visa once in the country (local agencies in the main resort towns can arrange this). For more information, check out the U.S. Department of State's  website .

You'll enjoy peace and quiet, plus the gorgeous beach scene, at Nusa Dua .

Explore More of Bali

Things To Do

Best hotels.

You might also like

# 1 in  Best Places to Visit in Asia

# 1 in  Best Beaches in the World for 2024

# 1 in  Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific in 2023

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

44 Cheap Tropical Vacations That Feel Expensive

Holly Johnson|Alissa Grisler November 10, 2023

Getty Images

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

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfalls

Central Mountains

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

Agung Rai Museum of Art

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

Sekumpul Waterfall

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

Pura Besakih

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

Pura Luhur Ulu Watu

Bukit Peninsula

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

Neka Art Museum

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

Pura Taman Ayun

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

Puri Agung Semarapura

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

Top picks from our travel experts

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

Byrdhouse Beach Club

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

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

Pura Taman Saraswati

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

Ubud Market

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

Pura Gunung Lebah

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

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

Pasar Sindhu Night Market

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

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Things to Know

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

Transportation

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

Money and Costs

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

Traveling with Kids

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

Best Road Trips

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

Latest stories from Bali

Filter by interest:

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

Sustainable Travel

Feb 13, 2024 • 4 min read

Bali is introducing a new tourist tax starting February 14.

Jan 18, 2024 • 8 min read

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 16, 2024 • 8 min read

Nov 1, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 31, 2023 • 8 min read

Oct 30, 2023 • 4 min read

Oct 29, 2023 • 9 min read

Oct 28, 2023 • 7 min read

Oct 27, 2023 • 7 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Bali

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

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

Bali and beyond

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where Is Bali? Why Should I Visit?

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Things To Do In Bali, Indonesia 

Visit pura tanah lot.

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

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

Climb Mount Batur

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

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

Book a sunrise hike up Mount Batur for fascinating views.

Chill Out on Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach

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

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

Trek Along the Tegalalang Rice Paddies

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

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

Spot Cheeky Monkeys at the Ubud Monkey Forest

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

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

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

Hidden Bali – Unusual Things To Do

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

Take an Indonesian Cooking Class

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

Book a Balinese cooking class on an Ubud organic farm.

Take a Dip in the Banjar Hot Springs 

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

Explore the Jatiluwih Rice Paddies

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

Descend into Suluban Cave 

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

Peer Inside Goa Gajah

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

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

Things to do in Bali: Eating and Drinking

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

Chow Down at Locavore

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

Snap a Photo at Crate Cafe

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

Eat at a local Warung

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

Sip and Party at a Beach Club

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

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

How To Plan Your Travel To Bali: Before You Go

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

Best Time To Visit Bali

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

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

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

Read Next: The Best Time to Visit Bali

How To See The Best Of Bali For Free 

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

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

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

Handy Resources for Getting To Bali

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

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

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

Check flights on Skyscanner

By Sea 

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

Where To Stay In Bali

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

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

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

High End – The Alila Seminyak

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

Check Rates and Availability

Mid-Range – Plataran Ubud Hotel & Spa

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

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

Packing For Your Bali Trip

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

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

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

Day Trips From Bali

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

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

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

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

Top Bali Travel Tips 

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

Tipping In Bali 

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

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

Facts About Bali 

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

Handy Phrases For Travelling To Bali 

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

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

Bali Travel Map

Read More Bali Travel Tips

• 14-Day Bali Itinerary

16 Fabulous Things to do in Indonesia Beyond Just Bali

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

Love this? Save and Share on Pinterest!

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

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

Related Posts

The Best Hotels in Ubud: 18 Beautiful Places to Stay

17 Cool Things to do in Bali

2 Weeks in Bali: The Perfect Itinerary

Leave a reply cancel reply.

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

Follow me on Instagram for travel inspiration, tips, and guides.

• 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. *

No time to read now? Pin it for later!

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

Pin It for Later!

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/

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

• Accommodations

Latest Travel Regulations to Enter Bali as of 1 December 2022

You know what time it is? Yes, #ItstimeforBali! The President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, imposed new regulations for those who are planning to travel to Bali. Since 14 October 2021, Bali has been gradually opening its doors to international tourists. On 3 February  2022, the inaugural commercial flight of Garuda Indonesia Airline carrying international tourists landed in Bali from Narita, Japan. By relaxing the travel restrictions to Bali, the Indonesian Government hopes that this move will be able to revitalize the country’s tourism.

On 7 March 2022, the government also applied a quarantine-free trial period and a Visa On Arrival (VOA) program for 23 selected countries. The list of countries was then extended to 42 on 22 March 2022, 43 countries on 6 April 2022, 60 countries on 28 April 2022,  72 countries on 30 May 2022, and then 75 countries on 27 July 2022. There are currently 86 countries listed based on the update on 23 September 2022.

On 10 November 2022, the government also launched an Electronic Visa on Arrive (eVOA) program to provide foreign travelers with an easier entry process. According to the Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-0794.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Immigration Policy regarding Electronic Visit Visa Services, Visit Visa on Arrival Services, and Free Visit Visa to Support Sustainable Tourism during the Covid-19 Pandemic, as of 1 December 2022, there are 86 countries eligible for the eVOA program.

Another great news to be noted is that from 18 May 2022, no RT-PCR test results are required to be taken prior to departure from the country or region of origin . 

In addition, the government has also launched Second Home Visa , Immigration on Shipping (IoS) , and recently, Electronic Visa on Arrival (eVOA) , which was effective from 10 November 2022. 

The Indonesian Government will ensure to keep their utmost efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, namely by maintaining the  status as one of countries with the highest vaccination rates, as well as the country that consistently provides safety protocols for all visitors. As of 18 May 2022, Bali is one of the top 3 provinces with highest vaccination rates and also one of the highest numbers of CHSE certifications. 

1. Pre-departure Preparation

Before departing to Bali, you need to prepare yourself with the information about the Visa and requirements to enter Indonesia.

Entering with Visa on Arrival and Visa Exemption Facility

According to the Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-0708.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Ease of Immigration to Support Sustainable Tourism during the COVID-19 Pandemic effective from 23 September 2022, there are 86 countries that are eligible for VIsa on Arrival (VOA) program. 

In addition, according to the  Circular Letter of the Directorate General of Immigration No. IMI-0708.GR.01.01 of 2022 concerning the Ease of Immigration to Support Sustainable Tourism during the COVID-19 Pandemic effective from 23 September 2022, the Indonesian government has also implemented a Visa Exemption Arrangement facility to 9 countries.

More details about the eligible countries, updated rules, regulations, and ports of entries for Visa On Arrival and Visa Exemption Facilities can be read on this link and can be summarized as follows:

• Passport (diplomatic/official/ordinary) that is valid for a minimum of 6 (six) months,
• A return ticket or a pass to continue the trip to another country, and
• Proof of payment of PNBP Visa on Arrival of 500,000 IDR (in the case of applying for a Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose)
• The entry stamp on the granting of a Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose will be valid as a Visit Stay Permit with the certain period, as follows: a) Visit Visa Exemption: maximum 30 days and cannot be extended. b) Visa on Arrival: maximum of 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at the Immigration Office in the area where the foreign national lives. 
• Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose can also be granted for foreign nationals on official visit or government duties to attend international events, for which shall be applied additional requirement: to enclose an invitation letter issued by the Indonesian government to attend the international conferences/trials/meetings.
• The provision of Visit Visa Exemption or Visa on Arrival for Leisure Purpose as stipulated above applies to holders of diplomatic passports, service passports, or ordinary/general passports.

Entering with eVOA

You can visit this link to find out more information about eVOA, as well as this page to gather the details about eVOA registration .

2. Arrival protocols

When you have arrived in Bali, there are several measures you need to take before you can continue your trip. According to the Circular Letter of the COVID-19 Task Force Number 25 of 2022 concerning Health Protocols for International Travel during the COVID-19 Pandemic, as of 31 August 2022, all international travelers, whether they are Indonesian citizens or foreign nationals, should comply with all the detailed regulations on this link .

The protocols can be summarized as follows:

1. All foreign travelers (foreign nationals) who will enter the territory of the Republic of Indonesia shall adjust their travel documents to ensure compliance with the provisions regarding the foreign travelers allowed to enter the territory of Indonesia, which includes Covid-19 vaccination certificates, recommended health protocols, along with the use of  PeduliLindungi  application while in Indonesia. Provisions for RT-PCR examination and quarantine period are not required except under certain conditions.

2. Foreign travelers must show a card/certificate (physical or digital) proving that you have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine administered at least 14 days before departure.

Foreign travelers who undergo post-COVID recovery are allowed to continue the journey by attaching a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospital of the country of departure or the ministry that carries out government affairs in the health sector in the country of departure stating that the person concerned is no longer actively transmitting COVID-19 or the COVID-19 recovery certificate;

Foreign travelers with special health conditions or comorbidities that cause travelers to have not and/or unable to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, are allowed to continue the journey by attaching a doctor's certificate from the Government Hospital from the country of departure, stating that the person concerned has not and/or is unable to take part in the COVID-19 vaccination.

3. Upon arrival at the entry points, foreign travelers must undergo a COVID-19 symptom check, including a body temperature check, with the following conditions :

If there is no symptom of COVID-19 and body temperature is below 37.5 degrees Celsius:  no need to undergo RT-PCR examination upon arrival

If there is any symptom of COVID-19 or body temperature above 37.5 degrees Celsius:  must undergo RT-PCR examination upon arrival. 

4. As a requirement for domestic travel or departure abroad from Indonesia, international travelers with the status of Indonesian citizens aged 18 years and above must present a card/certificate (physical or digital) of receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine displayed through the PeduliLindungi application. You can check out this link to find out about the detailed regulations for domestic travel.

5. The provision regarding the period of isolation (quarantine) no longer applies. All foreign travelers without symptoms related to COVID-19 and whose body temperature is below 37.5 degrees Celsius are able to continue their journey. However, it is highly recommended to monitor their health independently.

6. Health protocols must meet these requirements:

Wearing 3 ply of fabric mask or medical grade mask, covering nose, mouth, and chin at indoor settings or any crowded situations;

Replacing the mask regularly within every 4 hours, and dispose the waste in the proper place;

Washing hands regularly with water and soap or hand sanitizers;

Maintaining social distance for a minimum of 1.5 meters and avoiding crowds; and

Keeping in mind that it is advised not to have one-way or two-way communication by telephone or in person throughout the trip using public transportation modes of land, rail, sea, river, lake, ferry, and air.

7. The above policies are temporary and will be readjusted according to global health developments.

Please make sure that you are tested by  the affiliated laboratories  so that the results will be directly connected to the PeduliLindungi app.

Furthermore, you can  visit here  to get a one stop service for your travel requirements in Bali. Kindly  click here  to browse all the accommodations and tourism destinations in Bali that have been granted the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) certification. Beside booking at your favorite accommodation among the listed hotels, villas, and resorts, come check out these  Live on Board  providers for new exciting experiences.

Remember to always comply with all the health protocols while enjoying the best of Bali again. Do keep yourself updated with the latest information about traveling regulations in Bali by checking out  this page .

Come follow our Instagram  @wonderfulindonesia , Facebook  @WonderfulIndonesia , Twitter  @wonderfulid , TikTok  @wonderfulid , and our Youtube  Wonderful Indonesia  to keep an eye out on the latest news about Indonesia’s tourism as well as awe-inspiring trip ideas.

*Disclaimer: This article was updated on January 16, 2023. Due to the dynamic nature of travel regulations, please stay updated and confirm your itinerary with your chosen travel providers.

Suggested for you

CHSE Certified Hotels in Bali for Safe Stays

How Bali Fights Against COVID-19

Getting Ready to Travel Again

6 Guides on Being A Responsible Traveler

List of Open Tourism Spots in Regards to COVID-19 Outbreak

Visit our other website

This is the official website of the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia. The contents listed on this website are intended for informational purposes rather than commercial. Any displayed sale is meant as a token of partnership and will always redirect you to our partners' sites.

Explore Bali

Plan Your Trip to Bali: Best of Bali Tourism

Travel advice, discover ayana’s dreamy hideaways for divine getaways in indonesia.

Essential Bali

Where to eat

My favorite street markets in Bali

How to do Bali in 3 days

Browse collections

Feeling fancy-ish.

Drinks with a view

Day trips around the island

Bali on a dime

Bali’s best beaches

For the wellness warriors

An extremely good time

Hang with wildlife

Beyond the beach

More Southeast Asian escapes

Bali Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing bali.

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

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

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

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

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

Joannes Rhino

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

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

What is the best way to get there?

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

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

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

Do I need a visa?

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

When is the best time to visit?

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

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

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

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

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

Check out more tips on getting around Bali  here .

On the ground

What is the timezone.

WITA (Central Indonesian Time)

What are the voltage/plug types?

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

What is the currency?

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted.

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

How much do I tip?

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

Are there local customs I should know?

Spirituality.

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

• The Pirates Bay Bali
• Natti's Indian Specialty Restaurant Bali
• Minoo Beach Club
• Bulls Head Steakhouse
• Queen's Of India - Ubud
• Mount Agung
• Batur Natural Hotspring
• Bluebird Taxi Bali
• West Bali National Park Forest
• Mas Carving Center
• Mount Agung Sunrise Trekking Tour
• Private Diving Experience in Nusa Dua with Hotel Pick Up
• The Russian Bathhouse (banja)
• Mount Agung Sunrise Trekking Private Tours
• All Inclusive Mt Batur Sunrise, Breakfast & Hot Spring

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.

Absolutely loved you article here. Thank you! <3

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

Indeed this content is really helpful and interesting. In line with that maybe you would like to consider as well the sample itinerary on my youtube channel :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ox35Xqg55OI&t=755s

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

This is a great Post, :) Love lots!

Wow what a detail itinerary plan dude. I like your Balinese outfit photos haha…so cool…

If you come to Bali again and plan to stay in Seminyak, dont forget to add eqUILIBRIAHOTELS.COM on your bucket list. it is a multi international awards winning of 5 stars one bedroom villa with private pool resort in Bali, located at “eat & dining street” Seminyak, close to the beach.

Love your Bali itinerary plan… If you ever come to Nusa Penida island again, check out the most affordable package which is included everything here

or may just would like to hire a private driver for tour in Bali island which cost only idr100k per hour? you can do so.

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!

Hey man, awesome in-depth post on Bali! Thanks for putting this one out there!

Nice blog Thank you so much

Bali is on my travel bucket list for a great vacation. I really appreciate this travel itinerary of Bali. This is very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing it. Looking forward to reading more of these blogs.

nice blog.really like

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!

good one thank you

Wow what a detail itinerary plan dude, Amazing

What great information!!Thank you!

greeting and Thank you for your amazing. please keep posting

Hey!! I hope you are all good. I read your blog and I found it very informative and I think you have a good knowledge traveling to Bali

Great article… Thanks for sharing with us

Very informative blog, thank you for sharing with us

Wonderful post. We are so keen to get back to Bali post the pandemic and this is a great starting point to plan a trip!

Killer Bali Itinerary Dave. Great blog. I’m sure many people will benefit from it. If you make it to Komodo, please look up Maika for Padar Tours.

Great post! Hoping to travel in Bali one day. I’ve heard so much amazing things about this wonderful place.

The Ultimate BALI Itinerary | The Best Places to Visit and Things to Do.

Love this Bali itinerary! Thanks so much for ALL the helpful info

Experience best of Morocco and the Sahara desert with our Morocco Desert camping tours in a supreme comfort and style in our beautiful 4×4 or minibus vehicles on our multi winning Morocco Desert camping tours

We at Our Morocco Tours organise Morocco private and shared excursions to the Sahara desert from main Moroccan cities.

Recently Analyzed

Love Bali and this post is really helpful for my next travel to Bali

greeting and Thank you for your amazing.

best blog ever thanks for sharing

amazing article full of value many thanks for sharing it with us! Can’t wait to visit with this Bali itinerary!

Thanks for taking your time and provide us with this helpfull content.

Thanks for sharing with us this great article which is full of information. Bali travel is the best!

great content thanks for the value

Thank you for the well detailed and informative post.

This is one of the most visited destinations where you can find all what makes your trip enjoyable! This Bali itinerary is what I’ll use!

This is one of the most popular sites where you may discover everything you need to make your vacation pleasurable! This Bali itinerary will be my guide!

This is one of the most visited islands. Bali travel is amazing

I had a thought of going to Bali, but I did not know how to travel. Thanks for informing about this.

Perfectly designed Bali Itinerary, Thanks for the stunning photos and these photos inspired me to travel Bali, Soon I’ll be there.

woow, thank you very much for the information .

i have been following you since a long time and i read all your tips about traveling especially to Bali, Thank you so much, i have been in Bali last Decembre, thanks to your information, i had a very nice experience.

Thank you for this information. It helps a lot to do this experinece, i will get back to you after i follow this steps and tell you about my trip.

Thank you so much, thats helpful

Wow! Incredible travel guide to Bali. I’m going next month and can’t wait!

amazing BALI TRIP GUIDE blog to read. i do really like it. thank u Jones Around the world

it is an amazing blog I have ever seen

this is one of the best destinations in southeast asia, especially for a honeymoon

Wonderful 👍😊 article full of value and info thank you so much for your sharing

Amazing Blog Thank you for sharing

wonderful blog full of info and so much value thanks for sharing

Amazing article thank you for sharing

nice Blog Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to go to bali

Have you been to the Nusa Islands? What did you think of them?

Awesome blog its really amazing thanks for sharing

wonderful keep up posting

Thank you for this information. It helps a lot to do this experinece, i will get back to you after i follow this steps and tell you about my tour. thanks

This is a great post thanks dude! Currently planning a trip to Bali and visiting a ton of these spots!

Great blog! Do you have any recommendations for the east side of Bali?

Thank u so much

thanks you for your post

thanks for sharing with us. really helpful for planning a trip to bali

Amazing article full of informations

Where else would you recommend to travel in Indonesia?

Your blog is so interesting and full of info. Thank you for these awesome things to do in bali

great blog will done !! Where is your favorite spot in Bali?

Did you book a day trip to Nusa Penida or just go yourself?

I want to express my sincere gratitude for this comprehensive article on planning the ultimate trip to Bali. Your detailed itinerary and practical tips have been incredibly helpful in envisioning my future adventure on this enchanting island. The suggested highlights and activities, from exploring the cultural treasures of Ubud to relaxing on the stunning beaches of Nusa Dua, have truly piqued my interest. The inclusion of lesser-known gems, such as the Tegalalang Rice Terrace and the sacred temples, has made me even more excited to immerse myself in Bali’s rich heritage. Your insightful recommendations on accommodations, transportation, and local cuisine have further equipped me with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions. I cannot thank you enough for curating such a valuable resource that will undoubtedly contribute to planning my perfect Bali getaway.

thanks for sharing

Very informative blog, thank you for sharing! Love traveling to Bali

great blog will done good job! Love traveling to bali

This is great info! Definitely visiting Uluwatu when I go to Bali

Incredible blog very much appreciated for this amazing article

Very informative blog! Thank you for these awesome things to do in bali

Amazing article!! I’m visiting Bali soon with friends and wondering if you recommend Lombok as well?

Your blog about Bali it’s interesting, keep going.

Your blog is amazing. Thank you Jones for sharing with us this info with your photos.

Thank you for this fantastic and detailed post, “THE ULTIMATE BALI ITINERARY: HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT TRIP TO BALI.” It’s like a roadmap to paradise! I’ve always dreamt of visiting Bali, and this itinerary is going to be my go-to resource. I appreciate the effort you put into crafting such a comprehensive guide, and I’m already feeling more confident about planning my dream trip. Your insights and recommendations are invaluable, and I can’t wait to explore all the hidden gems and soak in the beauty of this incredible island. Cheers to creating unforgettable memories! 🌴🌺🌄

Amazing blog. Thank you Jones for sharing with us this info with your awesome photos.

Hi there, Thank you for sharing its absolutely interesting. Canggu was my favorite!

The perfect one! I’m planning a trip to Bali and this was very helpful

Bali is one of the most magical places. I can’t wait to get there.

Wonderful blog. Thank you for sharing this with us. Can’t wait to visit bali

best blog for bali

I really enjoyed reading your article. Thank you

Thank you for this comprehensive guide; it’s packed with invaluable information

Wonderful itinerary! thanks for sharing.

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! Its an excellent post, thank you so much for sharing with us. I hope you keep sharing this types of informative posts

What an awesome post! Thank you for sharing this helpful content.

Awesome 👍😎 article thank you so much

Its an excellent post, thank you so much for sharing with us. I hope you keep sharing this types of informative posts

Wow amazing! Thanks for all your informations👍

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

[…] The Ultimate BALI Itinerary | The Best Places to Visit & Things to Do […]

[…] of delicious this S’mores cake, the first time I had S’mores was on a trip to Bali – that I paid for myself (as a student!). I loved the delicious, ooeey, goeey desseert, just […]

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

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

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

Photography Gear

Work With Me

Privacy Policy

Destinations

Music Festivals

Travel Itineraries

Inspiration

Travel Gifts

Southeast Asia

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

• How to Plan a Trip to Bali

If you are looking for a dream holiday destination, then Bali meets most people's expectations. From various luxury beach villas with infinity pools, rainforest hotels, and one-eighty cliff-clubs and bars, to the numerous beautiful beaches, rice-terraced fields, and top-class restaurants and food, Bali can fulfill all your holiday dreams.

Bali is also a favorite place for all kinds of water sports, including swimming, diving, surfing, snorkeling, and dolphin watching. As a sacred place of yoga and meditation, which draws people to experience it, Balinese culture was impacted greatly by Hinduism.

The below travel information will help you plan your dream trip to Bali.

Bali's Travel Policy and Restrictions

Entry policy: International travelers can visit Bali and the rest of Indonesia now, and most travel restrictions have been lifted. Travelers who are fully vaccinated do not need to undergo quarantine and can enter Indonesia without a PCR test before and upon arrival. Read more about Bali travel restrictions.

Visa policy: Nationals of many countries can obtain a visa on arrival (VOA), including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States .

Best Times to Visit Bali

Bali can be visited all year round. The weather of Bali can be divided into two seasons: wet season and dry season . The ideal time to visit Bali during the dry season, which is from April to October . July and August are the busiest times in Bali. So, if you don't want to join the crowds, just avoid these two months.

The dry season (high season): April to October, with less rainfall, is the best season for surfing, diving, snorkeling, mountain hiking, and bike riding. During this half of the year, there are many local festivals, which are good times to enjoy cultural activities. For example, the Bali Art Festival, held from mid-June to mid-July, is very attractive to visitors.

The wet season (off-season): November to March is the rainy season. Although there is much rainfall, humid air and many mosquitoes, most activities can be carried out except for the volcano hiking. As most of these five months are the off-season for tourism, flight and hotel prices are relatively cheap, and the price of tour products and activities is also be discounted. It is a good time to save money.

During the Christmas and New Year holidays and Chinese New Year, the number of visitors rises sharply. Hotel rooms are easily fully-booked in these two periods, and reservations need to be made 1–3 months in advance.

Read more about best time to Bali . With Asia Highlights, you enjoy no-risk booking, 100% refund policy! (up to 14 days before departure)

Best Places to Visit in Bali

With over 5,000 square kilometers (over 2,000 square miles), there are many places you can visit in Bali. In general, tourism in Bali can be divided into three regions: southern , northern/eastern , and central .

• The northern and eastern parts are good for mountain climbing, hiking, volcano adventures, and diving.
• Central Bali is well-known for its village scenery, terraced rice fields, arts, and cultural towns.
• Southern Bali has the best places for beach time, sunbathing, surfing, and various water sports.

You can choose which region to visit based on your interests.

Southern Bali (Nusa Duo, Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu)

The south of Bali is the top destination area for most visitors. It has charming sea views and plentiful water activities.

Nosa (Nusa) Dua — Honeymoons, Family/Kids-Friendly, Golf Courses

Located on Bali's southern shores, Nusa Dua is well known for its many kinds of beach resorts and clean white sand. There is an 18-hole golf course at Nusa Dua. Compared to other beaches of Bali, Nusa Dua is much quieter and safer for families with kids. The beach has less small coral and less gravel, which makes it a good spot for paddling, bare foot fun, and running.

Another top attraction in Nusa Dua is Pura Gegar temple. This Balinese temple is located on a cliff, and you need to walk up a small path to get to the temple. The temple is surrounded by trunk trees and it is a fantastic view point for overlooking the sea.

Spend a half day to go Shopping at Bali Collections. There are various souvenirs shops at Bali Collections, where you can buy all kinds of local arts and crafts at reasonable prices.

For honeymoon travelers, we recommend you have high tea at St. Regis. It is a gift to yourselves. Having some high afternoon tea and finger food, cakes, and dainty sandwiches in a top-class restaurant in Bali's most famous high-end resort can be a really romantic memory-making treat.

Seminyak — Beautiful Beach Sunsets, Luxury Resorts

Located on Bali's southern coast, Seminyak is well-known for its beautiful beaches, delicious food, and luxury resorts and villas. The night life of Seminyak is well-known, as there are many high-end clubs, bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. The beach sunset there attracts many photography lovers.

Learning how to surf from Seminyak or Double Six Beach is a rewarding experience. The inviting waves there make it a good spot to learn surfing. Join a class to become a surfer.

Joining a cooking class is another popular activity in Seminyak. Try to make Balinese favorites like satay, gado gado salad, and spicy salads with the local chef. It will be an unforgettable experience on your Bali trip.

To learn more about Indonesian culture and history in Seminyak, you can explore the Palace and Museum, including Puri Agung (the Palace of Amlapura), Budakling Village, Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace, and Lontar Museum.

Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu) — Snorkeling, Surfing, Rock formations

Located at the southernmost point of Bali, Bukit Peninsula is also known as Uluwatu, which is actually only part of the Bukit Peninsula. It is well-known for its world-class surf breaks and white sand beaches. On the beach of Uluwatu, you can see a stunning beach with unrivalled views over the Indian Ocean.

Uluwatu is also a good place for surfing and snorkeling lovers. At high tide, the waves can reach heights of 5–8 meters, which offers great conditions for professional surfing. The dramatic cliffs that plunge into the crystal blue waters make it a good place for snorkeling and swimming.

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

Canggu — Surfing, Sea Temple, natural scenery

Canggu used to be a fisherman village, and now it has become one of the most popular destinations in Bali. The laid-back town is surrounded by green rice fields. The picturesque views, various activities, and peaceful vibes are the highlights of Canggu. People come to Canggu for surfing, hiking the active volcano, enjoying the beautiful sunset, and tasting delicious food. Its easy-to-surf waves, and cheaper accommodation prices attract numerous backpackers.

Another must-visit attraction in Canggu is the Pura Tanah Lot Sea Temple. Built on a rocky islet and surrounded by crashing waves, the sea temple looks awesome with its spectacular seaside setting, especially at sunset. It is a one of the most sacred of all the island's sea temples for the Balinese people.

Central Bali (Ubud)

The top-visited region in central Bali is Ubud. There is a saying that those who don't visit Ubud are not really visiting Bali.

Ubud Town Area — Natural Scenery, Culture, History, and Art

Located in the center of Bali Island, Ubud is rich in natural resources and unique culture. The famous film Eat, Pray, Love was set near the rice terraces outside the Ubud Town. Besides the natural scenery, Ubud is also well known for its historical temples, ancient buildings, traditional local dancing, and hand-made arts and crafts.

Spend some hours to explore Sukarno Museum and the Pakerisan River Area to learn more about local culture and historical sites, where three ancient temples and monuments are located. The monuments and temples were recently listed as a World Heritage site.

Visit a Brahman in the house of the pedanda (high priest), where you will see how a large gebogan (flower, fruit, and cake offering) is carried to the temple to be blessed. The ancient village of Mas was a former royal residence. The rice terraced fields around the village are the top must-visit attraction in Ubud. Try to walk the small roads along the paddy fields and experience the quiet life there.

Spend half a day to explore Monkey Forest if you are traveling with kids. It is a funny activity to "explore" using paved pathways through the thick forests of giant banyan and other jungle trees.

The Ubud market is also a must-visit if you are traveling to Bali for the first time. There you can buy leather goods, clothes, handicrafts, musical instruments, local fruits, and many other souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Northern and Eastern Bali

Northern and eastern Bali are well-known for their rich natural attractions including hiking and volcano exploring. The Agung Volcano, the highest peak of Bali Island in the east, and the Jingdamani Volcano in the north are the favorite places for mountaineers who love adventure and excitement.

The most famous beach in the north of Bali is Lovina Beach, where you can have the opportunity to see rare wild dolphins.

How Long to Stay in Bali?

Different people may have different travel durations in Bali. It really depends on your travel budget, your interests, and your vacation time.

For most tourists coming to Bali, 5–8 days is a good length of stay to visit the highlights of Bali. For honeymoon tourists, such a trip deserves more days to enjoy the relaxed and romantic activities in Bali, which typically need 10–15 days. The following are some of the most popular tour arrangements.

5–8 days: Ubud (3–4 days), Seminyak (2–3 days):

Ubud: 3 days.

• Day 1: Explore the town and Monkey Forest
• Day 2: Trek through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and visit Tirta Empul Temple
• Day 3: Join a cooking class and wander the Ubud markets

Seminyak: 2 Days

• Day 1: Enjoy beach time and learn how to surf at Seminyak or Double Six Beach
• Day 2: Explore the palaces and museums, including Puri Agung (the Palace of Amlapura), Budakling Village, Tirta Gangga Royal Water Palace, Lontar Museum.

Uluwatu: 2 Days

• Day 1: Enjoy beach time on Uluwatu Beach and watch a sunset at Uluwatu Temple.
• Day 2: Surf or snorkel, then join in the Sunday Party at Single Fin.

Canggu: 2 Days

• Day 1: Relax on the beach and enjoy the nightlife at Old's Man, the main bar in Canggu.
• Day 2: Visit the Pura Tanah Lot Sea Temple

9–14 Days: Ubud (3–4 days), Seminyak (2–3 days), Uluwatu (3-4 days)

Southeast Asia Tour Including Bali

If you are visiting Southeast Asia for the first time, we recommend you cover some of the top destinations in Southeast Asia. 90% of our clients prefer 2 to 3 weeks for their first Southeast Asia trip. The most popular tour itineraries usually include Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket / Koh Samui), Vietnam, and Maynmar. Get some inspiration from our 15-Day Myanmar, Thailand and Bali Honeymoon Tour to Create Memories Together in the Best Honeymoon Destinations

For a trip of 20–30 days, you can enjoy an in-depth tour of the whole peninsula area (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos). Check our 28-Day Grand Indochina Tour for more info.

The above sample itineraries are just for your information. You are welcomed to contact your own experienced 1:1 tour consultant for a tailor-made itinerary .

How to Get to and around Bali

Getting to bali.

The most popular way to get to Bali is by flight. There is only one airport in Bali: Denpasar International Airport, which is also called Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Travelers from the USA are suggested to go Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Doha as stopover places before flying to Bali. It takes about 20–23 hours from NY or LA.

There are no direct flights operating between Bali and the main cities in Europe. Travelers from Europe are suggested to go to Singapore, Dubai, or Kuala Lumpur as stopover places before flying to Bali. For travelers from Australia, there are directs flights from Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney, which take about 3, 6, and 6 hours respectively.

Getting around Bali

Hiring a Private Car and Guide

There is not much public transport on Bali's islands. Local people rely on their scooters to travel around the island. If you are looking to have a comfortable travel experience, you'd better hire a private car, driver, and guide, who can give you the best travel advice in Bali. Contact us to arrange a private car service in Bali.

Hiring a taxi is the most expensive way to get around Bali. Blue Birds Taxis is the main taxi company in Bali.

By Renting a Scooter

If you are good at scooter riding and don't have too much luggage, then riding a scooter can be another option. It costs about 4–6 USD to rent a scooter per day. You can drive the scooter to the place you like in Bali.

Travel Costs for Bali

For most Western visitors, Bali is an affordable and reasonably-priced travel destination, typical of Southeast Asia. The travel costs in Bali greatly depend on personal preferences.

Bali offers everything from low priced homestays to luxury resorts, cheap street food to top-class restaurants. And many beaches and attractions are free to visit in Bali.

For tight budget or backpackers, 25–30 USD per day is a good amount to stay in a hostel, eat local street food, and travel by taxi or rent a scooter.

If you are planning to stay in an air-conditioned private room of a guesthouse, a cheap villa or hotel, and enjoy meals at sit-down Western restaurants, you need to spend 60–100 USD per day. On this budget, you can hire a private car or take a taxi to get around.

If you are going to spend over 100 USD per day, you can stay in hotels, nice resorts, and villas. Bali has some of the most luxurious hotels in the world. You can enjoy most of the top-class activities and services on the island with this budget.

Tour activity costs in Bali range from 10–20 USD. Entry tickets to temples or other historical sites range from 1–5 USD. A yoga class will cost you about 6–10 USD and cooking class will cost about 20 USD. Hiking on Mount Batur will cost about 20 USD.

Travel with Asia Highlights

As one of the leading tour companies in Asia, we have been providing travel services for more than 20 years to thousands of satisfied customers. Let us know your requirements and interests for a tailor-made a tour in Bali to fulfill your holiday dreams. Contact us now.

Why Asia Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

• Save Your Time:
• Less research, more enjoyment!
• Real-time 1V1 expert planning
• Maximize Your Flexibility:
• Personal local guide and ride
• Explore at your own pace
• Celebrate Your Journeys:
• Specially-crafted family adventures
• Celebrate milestones with style!
• 7-Day Private Bali Natural & Cultural Immersion
• 8-Day Private Authentic Bali Discovery Tour
• 10-Day Family Fun Trip to Bali
• 12-Day Thailand, Singapore, and Bali Tour
• 13-Day Private Singapore and Bali Journey of Discovery
• 16-Day Private Vietnam and Bali Journey of Relaxation
• 20-Day Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Bali Tour
• 5 Top Bali Itineraries for 10 Days 2024
• 2 Weeks in Bali 2024: 3 Diverse Itineraries
• How Much Does a Bali Trip Cost? (Prices for 2024/2025)
• Best & Worst Times to Visit Bali 2024 (First-Timer Guide)
• How to Plan a Trip to Singapore and Bali 2024/2025
• Bali Weather in January: Temperature and Best Places to Go
• Bali Weather February: Best Places to Visit
• Bali Weather in March: Best Places to Visit and Travel Tips
• Bali Weather in April: Best Places to Go & Travel Tips
• Bali Weather in May - Is May a Good Time to Visit Bali
• Bali Weather in June: Best Places to Go & Travel Tips
• Bali Weather in July: Best Places to Go & Travel Tips
• Bali Weather in August: Best Places to Go & Travel Tips
• Bali Weather in September: Temperature and Best Places to Go
• Bali Weather in October
• Bali Weather in November: Temperature and Best Places to Go
• Bali Weather in December: Best Places to Go & Travel Tips

Jessie was amazing ! Everything from her level of English to her understanding of what we valued .

We had a good time exploring the city with Selinda!

Our guide lele is a wealth of information, Lele is very professional and very attentive to our needs. Lele is amazing. Lele got everything spot on. It probably helps that Guilin is a brilliant place to visit so Lele has great material to work with but that doesn't take anything away from how much Lele helped make it a great trip.

Our guide for Beijing was super knowledgeable and experienced and able to help us to achieve as much as we wanted within the time given. We had a fun time guided by him as he is also super humorous and you can see how he interacts with the vendors and people whom he comes by. Thank you for a very enjoyable time in Beijing and accommodating to all our needs!

Our China Highlight guide. Michael, was attentive, thoughtful and knowledgeable. He narrated many interesting historical events about Chengdu while touring around the city and having afternoon tea with us. He was thoughtful to provide us with snacks during long hikes at Leshan or walks around the city.

She was very flexible and added extra time when we needed it and we felt extremely well taken care of. She also chose the best restaurants for us,

Our tour guide Helen, was excellent, she was very kind, professional and passionate for her work and she also loves Pandas! She will take you to take the best panda photos and to know more about Chengdu city. Our tour was great, she took us to all our destinations always with the best spots: Temples, pagodas, famous streets, theaters, pandas...you name it! Everything was great.

He picked up our pre-booked boat/other excursions tickets so we were able to avoid all the long lines and chaos. He is knowledgeable of the places we visited, courteous, fun to travel with and well-versed in Chinese classics.

Tom is the guide that will take you to where no other guide will. We pushed for the experience and Tom and the team delivered more than what we could have ever asked for. His English speaking ability and his Chinese history knowledge is second to none.

More reviews

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

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

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

Sign up to Our Newsletter

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

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Middle East
• African Safari

• Travel Agents
• Our Differences
• Privacy Policy

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

Search Smartraveller

Latest update

Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall due to security risks.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Indonesia (PDF 699.19 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.21 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire services, ambulance and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 110 or 112.

Tourist Police, Bali

Call (+0361) 759 687.

Tourist Police, Jakarta

Call (+201) 526 4073.

Advice levels

Exercise a high degree of caution in Indonesia overall.

Reconsider your need to travel to the provinces of Papua (Papua), Papua Highlands (Papua Pegunungan), Central Papua (Papua Tengah) and South Papua (Papua Selatan).

Reconsider your need to travel  to the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan due to the risk of serious security incidents or demonstrations that may turn violent.

• There's an ongoing risk of terrorist attack in Indonesia. Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Popular tourist areas may be the target of terrorist attacks.
• Public protests and events that draw large groups of people occur regularly and can turn violent with little notice. Expect traffic delays and restricted access to locations if there are protests. Avoid protests and demonstrations and monitor local media for the latest updates.
• Many of Indonesia's volcanoes are active and can erupt without warning. Adhere to exclusion zones around volcanoes, which can change at short notice, and follow the advice of local authorities. Domestic and international flights can be disrupted. Monitor Indonesia's  Volcano Observatory Notice  for the latest volcanic activity (Bahasa Indonesia and English),  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  and the  Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre  for updates. 
• There's been tension, including demonstrations and violence, in certain towns in the provinces of Papua,   Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan in recent years. Armed groups have stated that they're targeting foreigners, including Australians. Our ability to provide consular support in these provinces is limited. Armed groups have shot at aircraft, including commercial planes, in remote airports in Papua Pegunungan and Papua Tengah provinces.
• Petty and violent crime occurs in Indonesia. Opportunistic crime, such as pickpocketing occurs. Drinks may be spiked or mixed with toxic substances. Crimes involving taxis and taxi drivers occur. Solo women are at higher risk. Be alert in taxis, public transport, crowds, bars and nightclubs.
• Legal disputes over real estate are common, including in Bali. Before entering into an agreement or providing financial details, do your research and get legal advice.
• Natural disasters such as severe weather, floods, landslides, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis occur regularly. Weather conditions can change quickly during the wet season (October – April). Regularly check weather reports, monitor media and speak to your travel provider before continuing with planned activities. Follow the advice of local authorities.
• When undertaking adventure activities, ensure that functioning safety equipment is available, that you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for these activities.

Full travel advice: Safety

• The standard of medical facilities in Indonesia is generally lower than in Australia. Many regional hospitals only provide basic facilities.
• Some medications, including prescription medications, drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), all cannabis-based products including medicinal cannabis, cannabis-based oils and creams, hemp-based products, CBD, THC, hash and edibles, are illegal in Indonesia. Harsh penalties, such as arrest and jail time, can apply even if you have a prescription. Make sure your  medication is legal in Indonesia .
• Purchasing prescription medication online or over the counter in Indonesia without an Indonesian prescription is illegal. Ensure you provide a valid prescription from an Indonesian doctor before purchasing prescription medication and confirm that it's accepted by the seller before your purchase.

Full travel advice: Health

• Indonesia has revised its criminal code, which includes penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage. These revisions will not come into force until January 2026.
• Penalties for drug offences include heavy fines, long prison sentences and the death penalty. Police target tourist destinations. 
• Some medications are illegal in Indonesia. Harsh penalties can apply even if you have a prescription. It is also illegal to purchase prescription medications online or over the counter without an Indonesian prescription. Ensure you have a valid Indonesian prescription. See ' Health '.

The death penalty exists for some crimes in Indonesia.

• Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Indonesia. Learn about local customs. Take care not to offend.
• Aceh province upholds aspects of sharia law. Sharia law applies to everyone, including travellers. Inform yourself about the laws, and be careful not to offend or break local laws. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• The   Idul Fitri holiday period will take place from 10 April. Many people will travel across Indonesia until 22 April, with many expected to move in and out of the greater Jakarta area. This may impact traffic and public transport, including airports, seaports, highways, toll roads, train and bus stations across Indonesia. Airports are expected to be busy. Plan your travel carefully and prepare for significant delays. Contact your travel provider for up-to-date details.
• The Bali Provincial Government has introduced a new tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person to foreign tourists entering Bali. The tourist levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. Cashless payments can be made online prior to travel or on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali's airport and seaport. See the  Bali Provincial Government's  official website and  FAQs  for further information.
• If you're travelling to Indonesia for tourism, official government duties or business meetings, you can  apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)  online at least 48 hours before your travel to Indonesia. This also applies if you're transiting through Indonesia at international airports, seaports and land crossings. You can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at some international airports, seaports or land crossings.
• To apply for the e-VOA or VOA, you must have an ordinary (non-emergency) passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to enter (we also recommend having at least 6 months of passport validity from the date you plan to leave Indonesia, to avoid any issues for your departure or onward travel) and a return or onward flight booking to another country.
• You may need to apply for a visa in advance to enter Indonesia for purposes not covered by the e-VOA or VOA. Check the latest entry requirements with your travel provider or an  Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia  before travel. Entry, exit and transit conditions can change at short notice. Monitor media for the latest updates. 
• You'll be required to complete an  e-customs declaration  for arrival. You can complete this within 3 days of departure to Indonesia.
• Travel requirements may change at short notice, including travel to Bali and Jakarta by air, land or sea. Contact your travel provider and monitor media for up-to-date details.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help when you're overseas.
• For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy, Jakarta , the Australian Consulate-General, Bali , the Australian Consulate-General, Makassar or the Australian Consulate-General, Surabaya .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

The terrorist threat in Indonesia is ongoing. Attacks could happen anywhere and anytime. This includes places that foreigners visit.

Be alert to possible threats. Take official warnings seriously and follow the advice of local authorities. Remain respectful of religious and local customs.

Indonesian authorities continue to investigate and disrupt terrorist groups in Indonesia, including Bali.

Terrorist attacks are motivated by extreme beliefs. Both local grievances as well as events in other parts of the world could motivate extremists in Indonesia towards violence.

Recent terrorist attacks

In December 2022, an explosion occurred at a police station in Bandung, Jawa Barat, killing 2 and injuring 11.

In March 2021, 2 suicide bombers attacked a church in Makassar, injuring dozens.

In the past, police have said that terrorist suspects remain at large and may seek Western targets.

Indonesian security agencies continue to conduct operations against terrorist groups.

Terrorists in Indonesia may carry out small-scale violent attacks with little or no warning.

Be alert in places of worship, especially during periods of religious significance.

Terrorists have targeted places of worship in:

As well as places of worship, other possible targets by terrorists include:

• Indonesian government facilities, premises and symbols associated with the Indonesian Government
• police stations and checkpoints
• bars, nightclubs, cafes and restaurants
• cinemas and theatres
• shopping centres, public transport and transport hubs
• airports and airlines
• clubs, including sporting clubs
• tourist areas and attractions, tour buses and tour groups
• outdoor recreation events

Supporters have committed additional acts of violence in response to high-profile extremists being detained or killed.

To protect yourself during a terrorist attack:

• leave the area as soon as it's safe
• follow the advice of local authorities
• don't gather in a group after an attack
• don't gather in a group if you're evacuated from a building

Security remains at a high level at:

• the Australian Embassy in Jakarta
• the Consulates-General in Bali, Makassar and Surabaya

More information:

Civil unrest and political tension

Most events are announced before they happen; however, protests may occur with little or no notice.

Protests and events are often held near major government buildings and embassies in Jakarta, including the Australian Embassy.

Protests may also occur at any of Australia's Consulates-General in Surabaya, Bali and Makassar, at government buildings, or the offices of international organisations in Indonesia.

You can expect traffic delays and restricted access to locations if there are protests.

Phone or email ahead for an appointment before going to the Embassy or the Consulates-General (see  Local contacts ).

Demonstrations and acts of violence can happen when courts try and sentence extremists.

Conflict between different communities can sometimes occur, including in the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan. Our ability to provide consular support in these provinces is limited.

Local violence can also be directed at minority groups in other parts of Indonesia, including in Java.

If you're found to endanger security or public order, you may be prosecuted under Indonesia's Immigration laws, which may result in imprisonment or deportation.

To protect yourself from possible violence:

• avoid protests and demonstrations
• monitor local media for the latest security updates
• plan your activities to avoid potential unrest on significant dates
• be prepared to change your travel plans
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Armed conflict

The provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan experience regular violent clashes involving armed groups, civilians, Indonesian police, and the military. Armed groups have stated that they are targeting foreigners, including Australians. Our ability to provide consular support in these provinces is limited.

Many people have been killed and injured in clashes. This includes members of security forces, armed groups and civilians. Violent attacks have occurred in several areas of these provinces, including in and around Jayapura. There's a risk of more attacks.

On 23 February 2023, a riot broke out in Wamena, Papua Pegunungan, when a crowd attacked Indonesian security personnel following the arrest of two people accused of child kidnapping. 12 civilians and rioters were killed.

Violent attacks have occurred around the Freeport Mine in Papua Tengah.

Armed groups have:

• taken a New Zealand pilot hostage in Paro, Papua Pegunungan
• shot at aircraft, including commercial planes, at Beoga airport in Pupua Tengah province and Nop Goliat Dekai airport in Papua Pegunungan province. 
• killed people in attacks, including one Australian
• attacked vehicles using the road between Grasberg and Timika
• killed people in violent attacks in Puncak Jaya District, Papua Tengah
• more attacks are possible and could target infrastructure and national institutions.

A range of crimes, including violent crime, occur in Indonesia. Crimes can happen in popular tourist locations in Bali.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be aware of your surroundings
• be alert in crowds
• understand the potential crime risks

Theft, robbery  and bag and phone snatching have occurred. These crimes can sometimes involve violence. Opportunistic crime such as pickpocketing occurs.

Be careful of thieves:

• on motorcycles targeting pedestrians
• in upmarket shopping malls
• in crowded public transport
• at traffic lights targeting people in stopped cars
• at bars and nightclubs
• when entering accommodation, including villas in Bali

Keep bags and valuables out of sight in vehicles.

If you're travelling on foot, walk:

• on footpaths
• away from the curb
• with your bag held away from traffic

Sexual assault

If you're a victim of sexual assault :

• get immediate medical assistance. If you have any doubts about seeking medical assistance after a sexual assault, contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate in Indonesia (see  Local contacts ) as quickly as possible.
• make a full statement to local police, in person, so they can conduct a criminal investigation. You may wish to seek consular help before you visit the police station. Contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate (see  Local contacts ).

Local police can only investigate a crime after you've left Indonesia if you've reported it.

Your sworn statement, or statements by witnesses, can be used as evidence in criminal court proceedings.

You don't always need to be in Indonesia for trial. Neither do witnesses who live outside of Indonesia.

Counselling support

Should you wish to speak to a counsellor, you can call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate (see  Local contacts ). They can connect you to counselling hotlines and services.

• Reducing the risk of sexual assault

Bars and nightclubs

Be alert in bars and nightclubs. Drink-spiking and snatching of valuables may occur if you're not alert.

Drinks may be contaminated with drugs or toxic substances. See  Health .

Don't leave your food or drinks unattended.

Never accept drinks, food, gum, cigarettes, vapes or e-cigarettes from people you've just met.

• Partying safely

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card, online banking and ATM fraud occurs in Indonesia.

Check your bank statements.

Make sure your bank doesn't block your cards. Tell your bank you'll be visiting Indonesia.

Never let your card out of your sight. This includes when you pay in restaurants.

Shield your PIN from sight.

Some vendors install hidden cameras and use card skimmers.

Don’t click on unknown links in WhatsApp or mobile phone text messages, particularly if your phone is linked to mobile banking.

Use ATMs at controlled and secure places, such as:

• shopping centres

Scams and confidence tricks

Beware of scams and confidence tricks.

Only exchange money at authorised money changers. Authorised money changers can also be found on the  Bali Foreign Exchange website . Unauthorised money changers have been known to scam foreign tourists in Bali and elsewhere.

All types of gambling are illegal in Indonesia.

Australians have lost large sums of money in card game scams run by organised gambling gangs, particularly in Bali. See Local laws

Some tourists have been robbed or planted with drugs after taking new acquaintances back to their hotel rooms. In some cases, their drinks were spiked.

Legal disputes over the purchase of real estate are common, including in Bali, involving:

• holiday clubs and resorts
• timeshare schemes

Before entering into an agreement or providing financial details:

• thoroughly research the proposal
• get legal advice and know your rights, especially before you sign any documents

Using taxis

Only use licensed official metered taxis. Crimes involving unregistered taxis include:

• taxis departing before the passenger can take their baggage from the vehicle
• taxi drivers robbing or temporarily holding passengers, including in urban areas
• taxi drivers forcing passengers to withdraw money at ATMs before releasing them

Lone female travellers are at higher risk of crime.

If you're in an incident involving a taxi, leave the taxi and the immediate area if it's safe to do so.

To protect yourself from overcharging and scams:

• only travel in licensed taxis with signage, a "taxi" roof sign and meters working
• ensure the driver's identification card is visible
• book via your phone, on an official taxi company mobile app, from inside an airport, or at stands at major hotels

See Travel .

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

On 7 February 2023, a New Zealand pilot was taken hostage by an armed group in Paro, Papua Pegunungan.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Adventure activities

Many businesses don't follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes transport and tour operators, water sports providers, hotels, restaurants and shops.

It may affect adventure activities, such as:

• bungee jumping
• scuba diving and snorkelling 
• chairlift or gondola rides

In the past, Australians have been seriously injured or died while participating in adventure activities. If you require intensive care medical treatment, emergency surgery or medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you plan to do an adventure activity :

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• ask about safety, search and rescue procedures
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts
• check with your travel provider on vessel capacity limits before embarking on sea, land or air travel
• check weather and ocean conditions, and whether the vessel has had any mechanical issues, on the day and before continuing with water activities or sea travel
• check where the nearest medical facilities are

If proper safety equipment isn't available or you're unsure of the provider's safety or maintenance procedures, use another provider.

Trekking and climbing

Some mountain treks suit only experienced climbers. Travel with a guide and check the level of difficulty beforehand.

Many trekking options may be on or around an active volcano. Many of Indonesia's volcanoes are active and can erupt without warning. Volcanic and seismic activity may continue for some time. Adhere to exclusion zones around volcanoes, which can change at short notice, and follow the advice of local authorities. If you're planning to travel to an area near an active volcano, check with local authorities before climbing and check:

• Bureau of Meteorology  Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre  
• MAGMA Indonesia  (Bahasa Indonesia) for daily updates on status and alert levels
• National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB)  (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Swimming safety

People have drowned in coastal areas, including in Bali, due to rough seas, strong currents, or from swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving in areas where there is frequent passage of boats, resulting in collisions.

Local beach rescue services may not be of the same standard as in Australia.

Saltwater crocodiles are in rivers throughout Indonesia. Avoid swimming around river estuaries and seek local advice in other locations. 

If you plan to spend time in or on the water:

• regularly check weather reports as sea conditions can change rapidly
• take warnings seriously
• check media and local sources for information about potential dangers
• speak to your travel provider about safety equipment and weather conditions before continuing with planned activities
• take a friend or family member with you when you undertake swimming or water activities
• be careful when swimming, snorkelling or scuba diving near motor-powered boats or where there is frequent passage of boats
• ensure you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for planned activities

Ensure you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for planned activities.

Climate and natural disasters

Indonesia experiences natural disasters and severe weather , including:

• landslides and mudslides
• volcanic eruptions
• earthquakes
• storms resulting in turbulent sea conditions
• tsunamis and high wave events

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• always carry your passport in a waterproof bag
• keep in contact with family and friends
• check the media and local sources for information
• don't undertake sea, land or air travel if it's not safe to do so
• Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG)  (English and Bahasa Indonesia)
• BMKG Multi-Hazard Early Warning System app  (English and Bahasa Indonesia) 

Floods and mudslides

Floods , landslides and mudslides occur regularly during the wet season from October to April, with some severe events resulting in injury, displacement, death or damaged infrastructure.

Heavy rains can cause significant flooding in urban areas, including the greater Jakarta region, causing disruption to transportation. Monitor the local media for updates.

Walking and driving in flooded areas can be dangerous. Flood waters may hide uncovered drainage ditches.

Volcanic activity may escalate with little or no notice, leading to flight disruptions and airport closures, including in surrounding provinces. Contact your airline for the latest flight information. 

There are 147 volcanoes in Indonesia. 76 of them are active volcanoes and could erupt at any time.

Volcanic alert levels and exclusion zones may rise quickly. You may be ordered to evacuate at short notice. Volcanic activity can disrupt domestic and international flights. There are 4 volcano alert levels in Indonesia; 1 - normal, 2 - advisory, 3 - watch, 4 - warning.

Before you travel to areas that are prone to volcanic activity, monitor media and ensure you read the Indonesian Government's latest advice on current volcanic activity, including:

• Volcanic Activity Report  by Indonesia's Multiplatform Application for Geohazard Mitigation and Assessment (MAGMA) (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Volcano Activity and Observatory Notices  (English and Bahasa Indonesia)
• MAGMA Indonesia Map of Latest Volcano Levels and Climate Information  (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Bureau of Meteorology's  Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre

If there's volcanic activity:

• avoid the area
• take official warnings seriously and adhere to exclusion zones
• follow the instructions and advice of local authorities
• follow evacuation orders
• read our advice on Volcanic eruptions while travelling

Volcanic ash can cause breathing difficulties. The risk is higher for people with chronic respiratory illnesses, including:

Recent and frequent volcanic activity has included:

• Mount Ile Lewetolok in East Nusa Tenggara (Nusa Tenggara Timur)
• Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki in East Flores Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur
• Mount Marapi in West Sumatra
• Mount Anak Krakatau, to the south of Sumatra
• Mount Merapi, near Yogyakarta
• Mt Dukono in North Sulawesi
• Mount Semeru, near Malang, East Java
• Mount Agung in Bali
• Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra

Some trekking routes are on or near active volcanoes, including Mount Agung and Mount Batur in Bali, Mount Marapi in West Sumatra, Mount Merapi near Yogyakarta, Mount Rinjani in Lombok, Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen in East Java. See 'Trekking and climbing'.

If you're planning to travel to an area near an active volcano, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance and check if any restrictions apply.

If a volcanic eruption occurs:

• make a backup plan in case you're affected
• contact your airline or travel insurer to confirm flight schedules and get help
• keep in touch with family and friends
• Learn more about  volcanic eruptions  (Geoscience Australia)
• See practical advice and information about  volcanic eruptions  (US CDC)
• See worldwide  volcanic activity reports  in real-time (GDACS)

Earthquakes

Indonesia is in an active earthquake region. It has a high level of earthquake activity, that sometimes triggers tsunamis.

There are approximately 4,000 earthquakes across Indonesia every year. Around 70 to 100 of these are over 5.5 magnitude.

Earthquakes can cause death, injury and significant damage to infrastructure.

Strong earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. They are less common in Kalimantan and south-west Sulawesi.

To stay safe during an earthquake:

• know the emergency plans at your accommodation
• take precautions to avoid exposure to debris and hazardous materials, including asbestos
• MAGMA Indonesia  (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency  (Bahasa Indonesia) or BMKG Multi-Hazard Early Warning System app (English and Indonesia)
• Indonesia's Centre for Volcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation  (Bahasa Indonesia)
• US Federal Emergency Management Agency advice on what to do before, during and after an earthquake  (English)

Forest fires and smoke haze

During the dry season in April to November, widespread forest fires can cause smoke haze resulting in poor air quality across parts of Indonesia, particularly the Riau Islands, central Sumatra and Kalimantan.

Smoke haze could affect your health and travel plans.

Keep up to date with local information and seek medical advice on appropriate precautions.

• ASEAN Regional Haze Situation
• Smartraveller advice on Bushfires

Tsunamis and high wave events

The Indian and Pacific Oceans experience more frequent, large and destructive tsunamis than other parts of the world.

There are many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches.

High wave events can happen throughout coastal regions and between islands. They're caused by strong weather conditions and storms.

If you plan to surf, undertake water activities or travel by sea, check local conditions regularly.

If there’s a tsunami or high wave event: 

• don't travel by sea if it's not safe to do so
• Indonesia Tsunami Early Warning Centre  issues warnings when a potential tsunami with significant impact is expected
• Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency  with the latest list of earthquakes with a magnitude greater than 5.0 on the Richter scale (Bahasa Indonesia) or  BMKG Multi-Hazard Early Warning System app  (English and Bahasa Indonesia)
• US Federal Emergency Management Agency page  on what to do before, during and after an earthquake

Piracy occurs in the coastal areas of Indonesia.

The  International Maritime Bureau (IMB)  issues weekly piracy reports.

If you decide to travel by boat in these regions:

• check  IMB piracy  reports
• get local advice
• arrange security measures
• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise
• International Maritime Bureau

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including emergency treatment and medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Before you travel, confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away, including on all forms of transport you plan to take
• whether it covers medical evacuation in the event of hospitalisation or injury
• any exclusions to your policy

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are illegal in Indonesia.

If you plan to bring over-the-counter or prescription medication, check if it's legal in Indonesia by contacting the  Indonesian Embassy in Canberra  well in advance of your planned travel. Take enough legal medicine for your trip and carry it in its original packaging. Purchasing prescription medication online in Indonesia without an Indonesian prescription is illegal. Ensure you provide a valid prescription from an Indonesian doctor before purchasing prescription medication and confirm that it's accepted by the seller prior to your purchase.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• your required dosage
• that it's for medical treatment or use

If you're caught with illegal medicine, you could face detention, fines or harsher penalties. You could face charges even if an Australian doctor prescribed the medication.

Ask the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra for advice before you travel.

Medicinal cannabis and cannabis-based products

Cannabis-based products such as cannabis oil and creams, hemp, CBD, THC, hash and edibles remain illegal in Indonesia, including for medicinal purposes. A medical prescription does not make it legal. If you take such products to Indonesia or purchase or use them in Indonesia, you can be arrested and face imprisonment, fines, deportation or the death penalty.

• Medications

Health Risks

Critical care for Australians who become seriously ill, including in Bali, is significantly below the standard available in Australia. Medical evacuation may not be possible.

The Australian Government cannot guarantee your access to hospitals and other health services in Indonesia. 

Medical evacuation to Australia for medical conditions, is possible but is very expensive and may not be covered by travel insurance. Check your policy before you travel.

Ban on sale of liquid/syrup medication

The Indonesian Ministry of Health (MoH) has advised local health workers and pharmacists to stop selling liquid/syrup medication, including commonly used medications containing paracetamol and cough syrups. MoH and the Indonesian Paediatrician Association (IDAI) received reports of a sharp increase in cases of Atypical Progressive Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in children , especially under the age of 5 years.

Insect-borne illnesses

Insect-borne illnesses are common throughout the year.

To protect yourself from disease:

• research your destination
• ask locals for advice
• make sure your accommodation is mosquito-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Dengue  occurs throughout Indonesia, including Bali, Jakarta and other major cities.

Dengue is common during the rainy season.

Australian health authorities have reported an increase in dengue infections in people returning from Bali in recent years.

There are now two dengue vaccines, but they are not currently available in Australia. For further information, contact your doctor.

Zika virus  can occur in Indonesia.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

The  Australian Department of Health and Aged Care  advises pregnant women to:

• discuss any travel plans with their doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Malaria , including chloroquine-resistant strains, is widespread in rural areas, particularly in the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah, Papua Selatan, Papua Barat Daya, Papua Barat, Maluku and Nusa Tenggara Timur. There is no malaria transmission in Jakarta.

• Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Japanese encephalitis and filariasis

Japanese encephalitis  and  filariasis  occur in Indonesia, especially in rural agricultural areas.

Japanese encephalitis has been present in Australian travellers returning from Indonesia, including Bali.

Vaccination is recommended for certain groups of travellers. 

• Infectious diseases

Drink poisoning

People have been poisoned by alcoholic drinks contaminated with harmful substances, including methanol and arak (a traditional rice-based spirit). Locals and foreigners, including Australians, have died or become seriously ill from poisoned drinks.

Cases of drink poisoning have been reported in Bali and Lombok.

Contaminated drinks have included:

• local spirits
• spirit-based drinks, such as cocktails
• brand name alcohol

To protect yourself from drink poisoning:

• consider the risks when drinking alcoholic beverages
• be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks

Labels on bottles aren't always accurate.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning can be similar to drinking too much. However, they are usually stronger.

Symptoms of methanol poisoning include:

• vision problems

Vision problems may include:

• blindness, blurred or snowfield vision
• changes in colour perception
• difficulty looking at bright lights
• dilated pupils
• flashes of light
• tunnel vision

If you suspect that you or someone you're travelling with may have been poisoned, act quickly. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability.

Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the Indonesian police.

Magic mushrooms

Don't consume magic mushrooms. They're illegal.

Australians have become sick or injured after taking magic mushrooms.

Australians have been in trouble with local police after taking magic mushrooms, particularly in Bali.

Magic mushrooms can cause major health problems, including:

• erratic behaviour
• severe hallucinations

Rabies is a risk throughout Indonesia, especially in:

• Nusa Tenggara Timur, including Labuan Bajo
• South Sulawesi
• West Kalimantan
• Nias, off the west coast of Sumatra

To protect yourself from rabies:

• avoid direct contact with dogs
• don't feed or pat animals
• avoid contact with other animals, including bats and monkeys.

Talk to your doctor about getting a pre-exposure rabies vaccination. 

If bitten or scratched by an animal:

• immediately use soap and water to wash the wound thoroughly for 15 minutes
• seek urgent medical attention.

Rabies treatment in Indonesia may be limited, including the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin availability. If you're bitten, you may need to return to Australia or travel to another country for immediate treatment.

You're at risk of contracting rabies if you visit a market where live animals and fresh food are sold because:

• live rabies-positive dogs may be present
• rabies-positive dog meat may be sold as food

Selling dog meat for human consumption is a breach of government disease control regulations.

Avoid contact with monkeys, even in places where you're encouraged to interact with them. This includes:

• popular markets
• tourist destinations
• sanctuaries

Legionnaires' disease

Cases of Legionnaires' disease have been reported in people who have travelled to Bali. Travellers who are unwell with flu-like symptoms within 10 days of returning from Bali are advised to consult their GPs.

• Legionnaires' disease warning for Bali travellers  (Western Australian Government Department of Health) 
• Legionnaires’ disease  (Better Health Channel, Victorian Government Department of Health)
• Legionnaires' disease  (World Health Organization)

Cases of poliovirus (type 1) have been reported in the provinces of Papua, Papua Pegunungan, Papua Tengah and Papua Selatan. Poliovirus (type 2) cases have been reported in the provinces of Aceh, East, West and Central Java. There may be unreported cases in other provinces in Indonesia.

Ensure that you're vaccinated against polio.

• Factsheet on poliovirus types  (World Health Organization)
• Health emergencies information for Indonesia  (World Health Organization)

Periodic outbreaks of measles continue to be reported in Indonesia, including Bali.

You need 2 doses of vaccine 4 weeks apart to be fully vaccinated against measles.

If you have symptoms of measles, seek medical attention.

Measles is highly infectious. Call before attending a healthcare facility.

Nipah Virus and Yellow Fever

There are no cases of  Nipah virus  or  Yellow Fever  in Indonesia. You may be temperature checked on arrival at international and domestic airports. If you have fever symptoms, you may be referred to the airport clinic for further tests and asked to seek medical treatment. See your doctor or travel clinic before you travel to plan any vaccinations you need.

HIV/AIDS is a risk for travellers. Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are widespread. These include:

• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw food, such as salads

To minimise the risk of food poisoning, only eat meat from reputable suppliers.

Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Seafood toxins

You can become sick from naturally occurring seafood toxins, including:

• ciguatera fish poisoning
• scombroid (histamine fish poisoning)
• toxins in shellfish

Avoid temporary black henna tattoos. The dye often causes serious skin reactions.

Before you get any tattoo, check the hygiene and safety of your tattoo provider.

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of medical facilities in Indonesia is generally lower than Australia. Many regional hospitals only provide basic facilities.

Hospitals expect families to provide support to patients, including all financial support.

Psychiatric and psychological services are limited in Indonesia. Hospital staff may use physical restraints on patients.

When diving in Indonesia, there is a risk that you may experience decompression illness. An illness may occur when a diver ascends to the water surface too quickly and may have severe consequences. Understand the risks before you dive. 

Decompression chambers are available in various areas, including the following locations:

• Bali's Sanglah General Hospital
• Siloam Hospital in Labuan Bajo
• Hospitals in Jakarta, Balikpapan, Bintan, Medan, Makassar, Raja Ampat (Waisai), Maluku, Tual and Manado near popular dive sites 

Before admitting patients, hospitals usually need:

• guarantee of payment from the patient or their next of kin (family or friend)
• confirmation of medical insurance
• deposit payment 

There's no reciprocal healthcare agreement between Australia and Indonesia. 

The Australian Government cannot provide guarantee of payment, confirmation of medical insurance or a deposit payment for services.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive. Check your insurance policy before you travel. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs. It's best to check with your travel provider on the location and functionality of decompression chambers and other medical facilities available in the area before undertaking remote travel.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

Indonesian Parliament has passed revisions to its criminal code, which includes penalties for cohabitation and sex outside of marriage. These revisions will not come into force until January 2026.

Indonesia has signed into law revisions to the Electronic and Information Transactions Law (ITE Law). Tough penalties apply for defamation, hate speech, spreading hoaxes and uploading immoral content to the Internet. The law applies both within and outside Indonesia.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

• Arrested or jailed

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include the death penalty.

You may face heavy fines or jail for consuming or possessing even small amounts of drugs, including marijuana. Cannabis-based products such as cannabis oil and cream, hemp, CBD, THC, hash and edibles remain illegal in Indonesia, including for medicinal purposes. A medical prescription does not make it legal. If you take such products to Indonesia or purchase or use them in Indonesia, you can be arrested and face imprisonment, fines, deportation or the death penalty.

Some prescription medications that are available in Australia are illegal in Indonesia. Purchasing prescription medication online or over the counter in Indonesia without an Indonesian prescription is illegal. Ensure you provide a valid prescription from an Indonesian doctor before purchasing prescription medication and confirm that it's accepted by the seller before your purchase.

Magic mushrooms are illegal. Indonesian police work to prevent their distribution.

Police target illegal drug use and possession across Indonesia. Police often target popular places and venues in Bali, Lombok and Jakarta.

• Carrying or using drugs

Local labour laws can change at short notice. This can affect expatriate workers.

Under Indonesian law, you must always carry identification. For example, your:

• Australian passport; and
• Resident's Stay Permit (if applicable)

Gambling is illegal.

Property laws are strict, seek legal advice before acquiring property in Indonesia.

It's sometimes illegal to take photographs in Indonesia. Obey signs banning photography. If in doubt, get advice from local officials. See Safety .

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Local customs

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative in many parts of Indonesia. Take care not to offend.

Find out what customs apply at your destination.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

LGBTI information

Same-sex relationships are legal in Indonesia, except in the province of Aceh. Same-sex relationships in Aceh may attract corporal punishment. Visible displays of same sex relationships could draw unwanted attention.

Some laws and regulations can be applied in a way that discriminates against the LGBTI community, including for pornography and prostitution.

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan  is observed in Indonesia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during this time. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence and follow the advice of local authorities.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Aceh is governed as a special territory, not a province, and has a degree of special autonomy.

Some aspects of sharia law are upheld. This includes regulations and punishments that don't apply in other parts of Indonesia.

Local sharia police enforce sharia law.

Sharia law applies to anyone in Aceh, including:

• foreigners (expats and travellers)
• non-Muslims

Sharia law doesn't allow:

• drinking alcohol
• prostitution
• same-sex relationships
• extra-marital sex
• co-habitation before marriage

It also requires a conservative standard of dress.

Learn about the laws in Aceh. If in doubt, seek local advice.

Dual citizenship

Indonesia doesn't allow dual nationality for adults, and you may be prosecuted by Immigration authorities should you be found to hold valid passports of two nationalities. If you entered Indonesia on your non-Australian citizenship passport, Indonesian Immigration will require you to exit Indonesia on that nationality's passport.

A child of Indonesian and Australian parents can maintain citizenship of both countries until the age of 18 years. Before a dual Australian-Indonesian citizen minor travels from Indonesia, additional identity documentation may be required from Indonesian Immigration. Check with Indonesian Immigration or the  Indonesian Embassy in Canberra  well in advance of your planned travel.

• Embassy and Consulate of Indonesia
• Information on limited dual citizenship
• Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Bali Tourism Levy

The Bali Provincial Government has introduced a new tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person to foreign tourists entering Bali. The tourist levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. Cashless payments can be made online prior to travel or on arrival at designated payment counters at Bali's airport and seaport. Exemption from payment of the levy applies to transit passengers and certain visa holders. See the Bali Provincial Government's  official website and FAQs for further information.

e-Visa on Arrival and Visa on Arrival

You can  apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA)  no later than 48 hours prior to travelling to Indonesia if you are travelling for tourism, business meetings, purchasing goods or transiting only. Check the e-VOA requirements from Indonesian Immigration before applying.

You can still apply for a regular Visa on Arrival (VOA) at certain international airports, seaports and land crossings, including Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Makassar, Lombok, Batam, Medan, Manado, Aceh, Padang, Tanjung Pinang and Yogyakarta, if you do not apply for an e-VOA at least 48 hours in advance of your travel to Indonesia.

The e-VOA or VOA can be used for tourism, official government duties, business meetings, or to transit through Indonesia. You cannot transit in Indonesia without an e-VOA or VOA.

Additional requirements apply if you are travelling on government duties.

For the latest list of entry points for the e-VOA or VOA, refer to the  Directorate General of Immigration's list of land border crossings, international airports, and international seaports .

The e-VOA and VOA cost IDR 500,000 (approximately $A 50), with the e-VOA charging a small online processing fee.

For the VOA, some airports, including Jakarta's international airport, are only accepting cash payment. Card payment facilities are available at Bali's international airport. ATM facilities may be in high demand. Be prepared to pay in cash if required. 

The visa is valid for a 30 day stay and can be extended once (for a maximum of 30 days) by applying at an immigration office within Indonesia. Ensure you extend your visa within the initial 30 days to avoid an overstay fine and deportation.

To apply for a regular VOA, you must show:

• your ordinary (non-emergency) passport with at least 6 months of validity from the date you plan to enter (we also recommend having at least 6 months passport validity from the date you plan to leave Indonesia, to avoid any issues for your departure or onward travel) 
• a return flight booking to Australia or onward flight booking to another country

Contact your travel agent, airline, or your nearest  Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia  for details.

Other visas

If you're entering Indonesia from a port or airport that does not issue a visa on arrival, or you're visiting Indonesia for a purpose not allowed under the e-VOA or VOA conditions, you must apply for a visa in advance of travel. Check the  Indonesian Immigration  website for further information, or contact your nearest  Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia .

Overstaying your permit may result in fines, detention and/or deportation.

• check your visa and permit, and contact the Directorate General of Immigration (DGI) for advice specific to your needs
• if you use an agent to extend your visa or stay permit, use only reputable companies
• if you have specific enquiries on visas or stay permits, contact DGI's Customer Service team via WhatsApp on +62 821 1295 3298

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and entry rules.

You can't work or conduct research in Indonesia unless you have the appropriate visa. Fines of IDR1,000,000 (approx. $A 100) per day apply for the maximum 60 day overstay period.

If you breach Indonesian immigration regulations, you may face:

• deportation
• re-entry bans

You may not be allowed to enter Indonesia if you have a criminal record. This is regardless of how long ago the offence took place. If you're concerned, contact an Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia before you travel.

Indonesian Immigration and visa decisions are final. The Australian Government can't help you.

• Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia

Border measures

You'll be required to complete an  e-customs declaration for arrival . You can complete this within 3 days of departure to Indonesia.

Check entry requirements with your travel provider or the nearest  Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia  before you travel.

You may be temperature checked on arrival at international and domestic airports. If you have fever symptoms, you may be referred to the airport clinic for further tests and asked to seek medical treatment. See your doctor or travel clinic before you travel to plan any vaccinations you need.

Departure from Indonesia

Indonesia, including Bali, currently has an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease affecting animals. In preparing to travel to Australia, read Smartraveller's advice on  biosecurity and border controls . Measures include cleaning dirty shoes, clothing or equipment before boarding your flight to Australia and not packing meat or dairy products. On your Incoming Passenger Declaration, you must declare any meat, dairy or animal products and any of your travel in rural areas or near animals (e.g., farms, zoos, markets).

Other formalities

If you're staying in a private residence, not a hotel, register when you arrive with both:

• the local Rukun Tetangga Office
• local police

If you plan to be in Indonesia for more than 30 days:

• register with the local immigration office
• make sure you have the right visa
• Embassy of Indonesia in Canberra

Indonesia won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave Indonesia. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over. You can end up stranded or returned back to your previous port overseas at your own cost, if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months from the date you enter and the date you plan to leave Indonesia.

Indonesia does not accept entry with an emergency passport, even if it is valid for more than 6 months. Ensure you enter Indonesia on a valid ordinary, official, or diplomatic passport.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply these rules inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian Embassy, Consulate or High Commission.

Damaged Passports

Indonesian authorities have strict standards for damaged passports, and travellers have been refused entry into Indonesia with a damaged passport. Normal wear and tear, including water damage, minor tears or rips to the pages, can be considered damaged. 

It's important that:

• there are no tears or cuts in the passport pages, especially the photo page
• everything on the photo page is legible and clear
• there are no marks across your photo or in the Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) on the photo page
• no pages have been removed
• there is no alteration or tampering

If you're not sure about the condition of your passport, call the Australian Passport Office on 131 232 or contact your nearest  Australian embassy or consulate overseas . We may need to see your passport to assess it.

• Passport Services  
• Damaged and faulty passports  
• Using and protecting your passport  

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

Declare cash in excess of IDR100,000,000 or equivalent when you arrive and leave. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

IDR100,000,000 is worth about $A10,000.

Local travel

Idul fitri 2024.

The Idul Fitri holiday period will take place from 10 April. Many people will travel across Indonesia until 22 April, with many expected to move in and out of the greater Jakarta area. This may impact traffic and public transport, including airports, seaports, highways, toll roads, train and bus stations across Indonesia. Airports are expected to be busy. Plan your travel carefully and prepare for significant delays. Contact your travel provider for up-to-date details.

Travel Permits

You may need a travel permit or Surat Keterangan Jalan to travel to some areas of the Papua provinces.

Check if you need a permit with the nearest  Embassy or Consulate of Indonesia  or with your travel provider.

Mobile Phone Reception and Wi-Fi

Mobile phone reception and Wi-Fi are not always available, including in remote areas and some resort islands. 

If you plan to stay in Indonesia for more than 90 days and would like to use your mobile phone purchased overseas, you'll need to register your mobile phone IMEI number with  Indonesian Customs  within the first 60 days of your stay. 

If you plan to stay in Indonesia for less than 90 days, you can visit the local cellular operator/provider booth at the airport to get an access period to use the Indonesian cellular network, which is only valid for 90 days and includes data roaming.

A customs payment may be required, or a tourist SIM card can be purchased for short-term stays. You can use Wi-Fi networks without registration.

To stay in communication and avoid mobile service interruptions: 

• check mobile coverage with your service provider
• register your mobile device with  Indonesian Customs  on arrival if you plan to connect to the mobile network 

Driving permit

To drive in Indonesia, you need either:

• an Indonesian licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Check that your licence or permit is appropriate for the type of vehicle you're driving.

Your Australian licence isn't enough.

Your travel insurer will deny any claims you make if:

• you're unlicensed
• you don't hold the correct class of licence

Road travel

Traffic can be extremely congested.

Road users are often unpredictable or undisciplined.

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Indonesia than in Australia. Drive defensively. Some traffic incidents can escalate into violent disputes quickly.

Consider hiring a taxi or a driver who is familiar with local roads and traffic conditions.

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Motorcycle accidents have killed and injured foreigners, including Australians. This includes in tourist areas, particularly Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands.

If you're riding a motorbike and there's an accident, you'll often be assumed to be at fault. You may be expected to compensate all parties.

If you hire a motorbike:

• make sure your insurance policy covers you
• check if any policy restrictions apply, for example if you're not licensed to ride a motorcycle in Australia

Always wear a helmet.

Public transport

Buses, trains and the metro rail can be crowded, particularly:

• around public holidays
• during peak commute times

Safety standards may not be observed.

• Transport and getting around safely

Only use licensed official metered taxis. 

• only travel in licensed taxis with signage, a "taxi" roof sign and meters
• book via phone or an official taxi company mobile app

You can book licensed official metered taxis

• on the taxi company's official mobile app
• from inside airports
• at stands at major hotels

Unofficial operators can have taxis that look similar to those run by reputable companies. Make sure the taxi meter is working before you get into the taxi. 

See  Safety .

Rail travel

Inter-city rail networks operate on the islands of Java, Sumatra and Sulawesi.

Commuter trains operate in Java, including Jakarta.

Trains can be crowded, particularly:

• during peak commuter times

Travel between islands

Travel by ferry or boat can be dangerous.

Passenger and luggage limits aren't always observed.

Equipment may not be properly maintained, and they may not have GPS or emergency communications equipment.

There may not be enough life jackets. It's unlikely that the crew will have life jackets for children.

In March 2024, a ferry sank in the Thousand Islands off the coast of Jakarta, resulting in one death, and a liveaboard boat caught fire and sank in Raja Ampat, Papua Barat Daya, requiring several passengers to be rescued.

In August 2023, two crew died after a boat carrying passengers sank in the Banyak Islands, Aceh, and three people went missing after a ship sank in the Thousand Islands off the coast of Jakarta.

In July 2023, 15 people died after a ferry sank off Sulawesi Island.

In January 2023, 23 passengers and 6 crew were rescued after an inter-island ferry sank while returning from Nusa Penida to Sanur Beach, Bali.

In May 2022, 19 people died after a ferry sank in the Makassar Strait.

In June 2018, a ferry sank on Lake Toba in Sumatra and 100s of people died.

If you plan to travel by sea between islands:

• make sure any ferry or boat you board has appropriate safety equipment, GPS and communication equipment, and life jackets
• wear a life jacket at all times
• take enough life jackets for all children travelling with you
• ask your tour operator or crew about safety standards before you travel
• check sea, weather conditions and forecasts before embarking on boat or ferry travel, and delay travel if conditions are not safe

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Avoid travelling by water after dark unless the vessel is properly equipped. Avoid travel during wet weather or storms.

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Indonesia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that have operating bans or restrictions within the EU. See the  EU list of banned airlines .

Australian travellers should make their own decisions on which airlines to travel with.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Search and rescue services

Medical emergencies and ambulance.

SMS 1717 for Jakarta Police

Police Stations in Bali

Refer to the Bali Tourism Board’s list of  police stations in Bali

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australian Embassy, Jakarta 

Jalan Patra Kuningan Raya Kav. 1-4 Jakarta Selatan 12950

Phone: (+62 21) 2550 5555 Email: [email protected] Website: indonesia.embassy.gov.au Facebook: Australian Embassy Jakarta, Indonesia X: @DubesAustralia Instagram: @KeDubesAustralia

Make an appointment online or call (+62 21) 2550 5500 or (+62 21) 2550 5555.

Australian Consulate-General, Bali

Jalan Tantular 32 Renon Denpasar Bali 80234

Phone: (+62 361) 2000 100 Email: [email protected] Website: bali.indonesia.embassy.gov.au X: @KonJenBali Instagram:  @konjenbali

Australian Consulate-General, Makassar

Wisma Kalla Lt. 7 Jalan Dr Sam Ratulangi No. 8 Makassar South Sulawesi 90125

Phone: (+62 411) 366 4100 Email: [email protected] Website: makassar.consulate.gov.au Facebook: Australian Consulate-General, Makassar, Sulawesi X: @KonJenMakassar Instagram:  @konjenmakassar

Australian Consulate-General, Surabaya

Level 3 ESA Sampoerna Center Jl. Dokter.Ir. H. Soekarno No. 198 Klampis Ngasem, Sukolilo, Surabaya

Phone: (+62 31) 9920 3200 Email: [email protected] Website: surabaya.consulate.gov.au Instagram: @KonJenSurabaya

Check the websites for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Indonesia?

Sign up to get the latest travel advice updates..

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

Bali Travel Regulations

Bali entry requirments and regulations.

Stay updated with the official government regulations regarding Bali Entry Requirements .

General Travel

General travel requirements to Bali include Customs, Covid Vaccination status, plus more.

Below we will answer all the questions you may have about your eligibility to enter Bali.

Visa Regulations

Bali Visa regulations relate to how long you plan to stay in Bali, Visa on Arrival, B211a, Valid and expired passports etc.

You may find on our Bali Visa Page .

Bali Quarantine and Travel Requirements

Are there international flights to bali.

ABSOLUTELY. The number of flights to Bali may be lesser than before. Still, airlines are gradually including it again in their schedules, with airfares increasing significantly due to the pandemic – Singapore Air, KLM, Qatar, and Jetstar are among them. However, they aren’t as frequent anymore.

Do I Need a Visa to Enter Bali?

Depending on your nationality, the purpose of travel and the duration of stay, you can find out what documents are required for your visit. Please click the button below to check which visa requirements apply to you.

Bali Visa Regulations.

Do I Need a B211A Visit Visa?

If your country is not included in the list of visa-free and Visa on Arrival to Bali countries, or if you are planning to stay for more than 60 days, then a B211A Visit Visa is necessary. It’s worth noting that the original Visa on Arrival has been improved, so it now covers business meetings, sourcing and purchasing goods, transit activities, and government duties.

Can I Visit Bali Now?

Exciting news for international travellers! Indonesia has relaxed most of its travel restrictions and visa requirements, enabling visitors to explore the country’s gorgeous landscapes. However, specific steps still need to be taken to enter Indonesia safely and hassle-free; let this page guide you through these crucial details so your trip is smooth sailing!

Covid Requirements for Travelling to Bali?

Travellers who are fully vaccinated DO NOT need to quarantine and can now travel into Indonesia without a PCR test.

After receiving two (or more) doses of Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, or other approved COVID-19 vaccinations , travellers can confidently enter Bali, Indonesia with peace of mind that they are safe from any potential risk of catching it more in Bali than anywhere else in the world. 

Unvaccinated

For the unvaccinated, entry into Bali/Indonesia is possible; however, only with a Medical Exemption Letter. Your doctor should provide this letter and explain any comorbid diseases or other conditions that would prevent you from receiving vaccinations.

However, this will not apply if you remain unvaccinated due to personal choices rather than medical reasons – in which case entry will unfortunately not be permitted.

If you have already recovered from Covid-19 and only received one dose of the vaccine, a recovery certificate will be required to travel to Bali. This document proves that you are no longer an active transmitter of Covid-19. Without this certificate, entry into Bali is strictly prohibited.

Proof of Vaccination

To travel to Bali, Indonesia, you must present a valid digital or printed proof of Covid Vaccination with the final dose taken 14 days prior. Although officials may not check your status upon arrival in Indonesia, airlines typically verify this requirement when checking in. Therefore, you must meet this criterion for entry.

Date of Vaccination (Expiry)

Currently, Indonesia does not have an expiration date for vaccinations; instead, it simply monitors the number of vaccinated people.

At this moment, no other quarantine conditions are necessary. You will be qualified to enter Indonesia following the abovementioned regulations, or you won’t be able to make your way into the country. 

Regulations can often fluctuate, and different airlines may enforce the rules more strictly than others. Unfortunately, some carriers might even struggle to stay up-to-date with changing regulations and could ask for documentation that is no longer necessary. Consequently, verifying your airline’s requirements before you travel to Indonesia is essential to avoid any unnecessary complications during your trip.

What Other Documents Do I Need for Bali?

Accelerate your arrival in Bali by completing the ONLINE Customs Declaration Form: E-CD (Electronic Custom Declaration).

Airlines and immigration authorities may require you to have a return ticket within the time frame of your visa validity.

Also, ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from arrival, or they will deny entry! Finally, fill out all paperwork BEFORE you arrive to save time in airport customs when visiting Bali.

It is essential to ensure your passport has an empty page before embarking on any international journey.

Additionally, please be aware that Emergency Passports and Temporary Travel Documents are no longer acceptable forms of travel documentation.

To assist with a smooth transition amid this pandemic, we strongly recommend downloading a “Travel Health App” before travelling abroad for all necessary health advisories and updates.

Bali Travel Regulations FAQs

Those under 18 years of age typically don’t require vaccinations; however, if they apply for a B211A Visa (not the one issued upon arrival), they must provide a medical statement indicating why vaccination is impossible.

Following January 2023, the President officially abolished all COVID-related travel limitations (PPKM measures), such as testing and mask-wearing. As a result, the situation is entirely under control, with so many millions of people now vaccinated.

Forget about the dreaded PCR Test when entering Bali / Indonesia; all travellers must be fully vaccinated unless they have a medical exemption stating otherwise.

With multiple medical insurance providers available with a simple Google search, finding coverage for your trip to Bali is easier than ever. However, it’s important to note that travel medical insurance isn’t required. Here’s our top-rated Bali insurance provider .

It depends on where you are flying from; however, if you don’t have the funds to fly direct to Bali, no worries! You can still get a ticket from Jakarta at an affordable 50-150 USD rate. In addition, airlines such as Citilink, Batik Air, Air Asia, Lion Air and Garuda offer regular flights that make this journey possible easily. So if the direct flight is too expensive for your budget, it might be well worth considering a domestic flight.

To ensure compliance with local regulations, please refrain from bringing more than the equivalent of IDR 100,000,000 (ca. AUD 10,000) cash into the country. 

Travelers to Bali need at least one COVID-19 vaccination. For air travel, a PCR test no older than 48 hours is mandatory. For other transports, an antigen test within 24 hours is sufficient.

Visitors need a valid visa and an undamaged passport. Additionally, certain forms and apps are required upon arrival, and transit rules apply.

Tourists must stay in registered hotels and villas. Unlicensed accommodations like certain Airbnb rentals are not permitted.

International travelers must complete an Indonesia e-CD form, applicable to all parts of Indonesia, including Bali.

Travelers should be up-to-date with routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, and influenza before visiting Bali.

Australians need a valid passport with six months’ validity and at least one blank page. Temporary passports are not accepted.

Australians require a passport with at least 6 months validity, a return or onward flight booking, and proof of COVID-19 vaccinations.

Foreign travelers must undergo a health check upon arrival in Indonesia, including body temperature checks.

A new law prohibiting cohabitation and sex outside marriage is set to come into effect in three years, potentially impacting tourism.

Australian passport holders need a visa to enter Bali, available upon arrival at Indonesian airports for certain stay durations.

Bringing more than IDR 100 million (around $6,500 USD) requires declaration at customs.

Travelers are allowed to bring 1 liter of alcoholic products per person. Excess amounts are subject to fines or confiscation.

It’s a mandatory form for declaring personal or excess goods for tax purposes, to be completed before arrival.

Mosquitoes can be prevalent in Bali, so it’s advisable to use repellents and take precautions, especially during the rainy season.

Bali is generally safe for tourists, with only a few experiencing problems. Common sense and awareness are key to a safe visit.

The Visa on Arrival for Bali costs around AUD$50 (IDR 500,000).

Consult with a healthcare provider for specific advice. Commonly recommended items include pain relievers, antihistamines, and medications for stomach ailments.

Yes, it’s important to consider travel insurance for Bali to cover unforeseen medical and travel-related incidents.

Bali’s governor has stated that tourists’ marital status will not be checked under the new law, which is not yet in effect.

The Visa on Arrival costs approximately USD $35, valid for 30 days and extendable for another 30 days at a local immigration office.

While new laws criminalizing sex outside marriage are pending, tourists are currently not charged under these laws.

Australian drivers need both their national license and an international permit for proper insurance coverage and legality in Bali.

Cash is generally preferred in smaller towns and rural areas, while cards are widely accepted in larger cities.

You can use your phone in Bali by getting an Indonesian SIM card, provided your phone is unlocked.

Most Australian debit cards, especially those affiliated with Mastercard or Visa, are widely accepted in Bali. Before traveling, inform your bank of your trip to avoid unexpected card cancellations.

Travelers to Indonesia are allowed to carry a reasonable amount of perfume, along with specific allowances for tobacco and alcohol, adhering to the customs regulations.

Declare all purchased items, gifts, and business-related goods at customs. This includes duty-free purchases and items received as gifts or for business use.

Australians require a tourist visa for visits up to 30 days in Bali, effective from May 2022.

The Bali visa-on-arrival fee can be paid in several currencies, including AUD, at designated airport counters.

Bali’s departure tax is now included in the airline ticket price, eliminating the need for separate payment at the airport.

Ibuprofen and similar over-the-counter medications are generally allowed in Bali, but prescription drugs should be accompanied by a doctor’s note, especially if they contain controlled substances like codeine.

Australians traveling to Bali need a valid passport, visa, EVOA application, and compliance with COVID-19 health measures, including the PeduliLindungi app.

While holding hands is common, more intimate gestures like kissing are generally not practiced in public in Bali, in line with local customs.

Despite laws against cohabitation and extramarital relations, unmarried tourists commonly share rooms in Bali without legal issues.

Pre-arranging a visa online is recommended to avoid long queues at the airport, allowing more time for vacation activities.

Tourists can bring up to IDR 100 million (around US $6,500) without declaring it. Amounts exceeding this limit must be declared.

Two men can share a room in Bali without issues, though public displays of affection are generally discouraged.

Moderate public displays of affection like hugging are acceptable in Bali, especially among friends, but overtly sexual behavior is frowned upon.

Australians can stay in Bali for 30 days with a Visa on Arrival, with the possibility of a 30-day extension through specific agencies.

32 Brutally Honest Tips Before Visiting Bali For First Timers 2024 Guide

Thinking of visiting Bali for the first time and unsure if it’s going to be a holiday for you? We were in the same boat too. Having lived in Australia for over 11 years now, I can’t say I’ve ever heard good things about visiting Bali in Indonesia.

But, with Bali being so close to Australia, we decided it would be a good time to visit the notorious Indonesian island and see it for ourselves over the Christmas holidays in the rainy season.

While we were there, we made loads of notes of things that stood out for us that we wish we knew before exploring Bali. So, we hope our Bali travel tips come in handy for you before visiting this South East Asian island.

We 100% recommend getting travel insurance when visiting Bali because it’s not uncommon that many travelers need to visit a doctor or the hospital. We always book Cover More Insurance which covers us for everything.

Table of Contents

Best things about visiting Bali

In this Bali travel guide, we’re going to start off by sharing the pros for visiting Bali. The natural beauty of the island, combined with the local cuisine and yoga studios dotted around the jungle, it’s no wonder many people have an amazing time when they visit Bali Indonesia.

1. No jet lag!

One of the best things that stood out for us when visiting Bali is how close it is to Australia. Obviously we all know that, but sitting on a flight for just six hours and there being only a 2 hour time difference is absolute gold dust for anyone living in Australia. This meant we could start our trip straight away as soon as we landed as Ngurah Rai International Airport without feeling a bit delirious when we landed.

2. Accommodation is hard to choose because it’s all amazing

We are big travellers and have visited many countries around the world. But we often don’t stay in really nice places because we want our money to stretch far on our trips. But, when it comes to Bali, the accommodation is honestly on another level.

We found it really hard to decide where to stay in Bali because all of the accommodation really is incredible. On our first night, we stayed at Maya Sayang in Seminyak and we couldn’t believe it that we had an entire villa to ourselves. We had a big private swimming pool, kitchen and lounge room with an ice cold bedroom which was beautiful.

With that in mind, make sure you check that your hotel room comes with air con because one of the final hotels we booked had more expensive rooms without aircon. We thought that was kind of weird, so just check to make sure.

The places we booked in Bali which were all amazing were the following:

Seminyak: Maya Sayang

Canggu: Villa Kano

Ubud: Menzel Hotel

Uluwatu: Gravity Hotel (adult’s only)

3. Pre-book a taxi to your accommodation

I strongly recommend booking a taxi from the airport to your accommodation before you arrive in Bali. Your hotel will be happy to book but will most likely cost more than a taxi. We booked our via Booking.com for about $12 AUD from the airport to Seminyak.

The taxi drivers are really efficient in Bali and will get in touch with you via Whatsapp the day before you arrive and in the hours leading up to when you arrive. When you get to the airport, they will be waiting outside the arrivals with a sign with your name on it.

4. Understanding the how to hire a driver for the day

If there’s one thing everyone said to me when I mentioned we were going to Bali, everyone had a driver we could contact. Firstly I just didn’t understand what a driver really is. But, what they mean is a taxi driver. I’m not sure if public transport is something that many travelers do in Bali, but it seems everyone gets around using motorbikes or drivers.

The taxi driver who picked us up from the airport gave us a story about how he’s desperate for work, and of course we paid him more than double to take us back to the airport the following morning for our flight to Flores. In hindsight we should have bargained with him, but we had just landed and I totally wasn’t in the mood to haggle $10 or so.

5. Download Grab and Gojek

I had heard people talking about Grab and Gojek before, and they are basically Indonesia’s version of Uber but much more. You can get a motorbike taxi or order a car taxi from both. If you order a motorbike taxi, each person in your holiday will have to order a motorbike taxi too (you can’t order for multiple people). This means your motorbike taxis won’t turn up at the same time.

It’s also worth mentioning that you need to be careful when typing in the address of the place you want to go to. We tried to visit a temple but because there are many with almost the same name, we lost each other for about 1h30m while we ended up at different sites.

Also bear in mind that there are certain no go places in Bali for Grabs and Gojeks because of the local taxis. So if your Grab or Gojek ask you to walk a bit for them to pick you up, it’s because you’re standing next to the local taxis and they can’t pick you up from there. Gojek by the way is the cheaper one to order taxis from.

I personally wouldn’t hire a car to drive around Bali myself as we saw some tourists crash and also you have to watch out for the motorbikes. I also wouldn’t recommend hiring a motorbike unless you’re a super confident motorbike driver.

6. Buy a SIM card from Telkomsel not from XL

When we arrived at Denpasar airport, we ended up buying a mobile sim card from XL because they had no line. There’s a reasons why Telkomsel had a line because they are the most popular network to go with. XL didn’t work in Ubud or Sumba for us.

One thing to note is to get way more internet data than you think you’ll need. I tried to top up on the XL app but it wouldn’t accept any bank cards. So, on our final day, one of the staff from our hotel helped me do it and I gave her the cash.

It’s also worth noting that buying a SIM at the airport will cost you 350,000 IDR ($35) for 25GB. Our driver told us we paid $10 more than we should have for this.

7. It’s not as hot as other Indonesian islands

We were expecting Bali to be super hot, but it’s actually not as hot as even Cairns is at Christmas. Sumba and Flores were way hotter and of course Ubud was hotter than by the beach areas. We were told by locals that it gets hotter in the dry season when it’s sunny.

It also surprised us not to see that much pollution in Bali. The air is much cleaner than we were expecting.

8. More Europeans than Australians visiting Bali now

I was expecting to see mostly Australians in Bali, yet we just heard mostly Europeans and Brits there which definitely surprised us! Maybe it’s true the Aussies are all heading to Europe now instead?!

9. Prebook restaurants

We were surprised that you have to pre-book some restaurants in Bali, especially if it’s the weekend. If you’ve been to Thailand or Vietnam, Bali isn’t the same with the restaurants having plastic kids chairs out on the street. Expect to see fully Westernised restaurants in Bali which are home to healthy food, you might think you’re back in Australia!

When we were in Uluwatu, we had to wait about 1h30m to get a table at a restaurant so it really helps to plan where you want to eat out.

I feel like the food is better in Bali than in Australia, tasting fresher and better dishes. Expect to pay around $40 for breakfast for 2 and about $80 for dinner in Bali. Unsurprisingly, it’s not that easy to find proper local restaurants in the touristy areas.

10. Flower baths are absolutely amazing 

One thing we just loved about Bali are the flower baths. It might sound random but they are the most relaxing thing ever. I watched the woman put the flower petals in the bath and she literally threw them in, there didn’t seem an art to the one we got in. She also nailed the perfect temperature for the bath as well.

But, it’s not only the flower baths, the actually bath tubs in Bali are just incredible and feel like you’re in a sunken rowing boat. Honestly, it’s the best thing in the world!

11. Book a visit to Karsa Spa

Talking about flower baths, you have to book a visit to Karsa Spa in Ubud. Our friends told us about this place and just wow – I think it was our favourite thing we did in Bali. This is also one of the best spas in Bali for a reason. We paid $40 each for the best one hour massage we’ve ever had, a body scrub and flower bath and it was absolutely amazing.

Be prepared to randomly pay $5 for your taxi driver to take you down to the spa. The village where the spa is, is currently charging cars to drive through. When you reach the spa, it’s in the most beautiful rice paddies. Honestly, this place is just incredible!

12. The jungle in Ubud really is incredible

I knew Ubud would be beautiful but the jungle is exceptional here. I felt like I was walking in an ancient rainforest all the time around this area and can see why expats live here. There’s a super peaceful energy about the jungle vibes here, just a shame about the crazy traffic in the town.

13. Head to Uluwatu for the beach not Canggu

If you’re looking for a beach holiday, stay away from Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu and head to Uluwatu as this is the area you’ll want to be in. We heard the beaches aren’t great in Bali, but wow… we visited Canggu beach and it had dirty brown sand, and wasn’t inviting in the slightest.

14. Bata Bolong for buying stone Buddha statues 

When we travelled back down from Ubud to the airpot, we passed by Bata Bolong which is home to the famous buddha statues you can buy for your home. We would have loved to spent a bit of time looking at these shops as they are pretty amazing.

15. Cover up at temples

Might seem obvious, but cover up when you visit Bali temples. You’ll need to have your knees and shoulders covered, but most of the entrance fees will include a sarong to borrow while you’re there.

16. Beach clubs are fun

We wanted to check out one of the beach clubs because Bali is home to the biggest beach club in South East Asia. While we visited the one next door called Finns Beach Club, it’s not as intimidating as you might think. What surprised me was seeing everyone party here, including families with their grandparents!

17. Choose where to spend New Years Eve wisely

If you’re visiting Bali over New Years like we were, I would choose where to spend New Years Eve wisely. Originally we were going to go to Finns Beach Club in Canggu or Sundays Beach Club in Uluwatu but we decided that logistically it made more sense to spend it in Ubud.

When people asked us where we were spending New Years, I could tell everyone had that look of ‘oh Ubud’ like a ‘poor you’. And to be honest, they were probably right. When we went out, the bars were dead. We found one bar that had a good live band that we had fun in the end. But if we had really known, we probably would have spent it by the beaches if we were up for partying.

We found a YouTube page called Online Bali Driver & Tours so we could get a bit of an understanding about the areas in Bali. It’s just a guy driving around on a motorbike, but I like how authentic his videos are – none are edited.

18. It’s an easy toned down version of India

Bali is a brilliant little island to introduce you into the South East Asia because there are so many westernised places here. While many people feel Bali is spiritual, especially in the area of Ubud, it’s a great place to start with, with more of the luxuries you’ll get back home, like food and accommodation.

The not so good things about Bali

In this guide to Bali, we’re also sharing the not so good things to know because there are quite a few that stood out for us even though it is a beautiful island.

19. Bali belly is indeed a big thing

You may have heard about Bali belly and unfortunately it really is a thing. Within 16 hours of being back in Bali after our trip to Flores Island, I got severely ill with really bad stomach cramps and had to spend a few days in bed. I thought it was from ice at the beach club, but it turns out the bars have to import the ice in so it could have been from a restaurant.

And while the ice has to be imported, make sure you brush your teeth with bottled water and never drink tap water. I personally wouldn’t drink hot drinks as Steve had a coffee in Sumba island and he ended up in bed for a couple of days too.

Although the food in Bali Indonesia tastes so fresh, we actually spent pretty much the entire trip eating nasi goreng (fried rice) because we thought it would be better to eat Indonesian food than western food considering how ill we got.

Tip – since we recently returned from Bali, we met a couple who lived there for two years and avoided getting Bali belly the entire time. I couldn’t believe it considering I got it within 16 hours of being there. They took dukoral before they landed in Bali and again a few weeks later and swear that was the reason they never got sick!

20. It’s like being in an Instagram shoot all day long

The main problem we found with visiting the touristy areas of Bali is that it felt like we were gatecrashing everyone’s Instagram shoots. It felt like this from the moment we got up until the moment we went to bed and it definitely took away the excitement travel usually gives us. Be prepared because it is really full on, much more than we personally saw in Italy and Greece months beforehand.

21. But the Balinese culture is evident

And even though the tourists in Bali are probably the worst part about visiting Bali, the culture is evident. I loved seeing beautiful temples hidden down laneways in Ubud. I also loved seeing the offerings everywhere on the streets throughout Bali and the culture definitely isn’t something that is hidden away from you.

When you see offerings on the floor, please do not step on them so just be careful where you’re walking.

22. Everywhere takes longer than Google Maps will tell you

When you’re planning your trip to Bali no matter if it’s in the rainy season or dry season, don’t take Google Maps as gospel. While the distance between Canggu and Ubud for example doesn’t look that far, the traffic will add on extra time when visiting this Indonesian island. That 1h15m drive actually took us 3 hours simply because we were sat in traffic for so long.

But, there is a way to get around it. Book a driver for first thing in the morning and you’ll cut the time down significantly because it seems the traffic doesn’t build up until after 10am.

When we were visiting Uluwatu in Southern Bali, it took us only 40 minutes to get there from the airport because we arrived early, but we had to give ourselves at least 1hr-1h30m to get back because of the traffic. Many tourists end up heading over to Gili Islands to go snorkelling or scuba diving, and Nusa Dua, Sanur Beach and Nusa Penida are super popular destinations.

You’ll also notice a trend with Bali taxi drivers. They will ask you the same questions, all trying to poach you to give them extra work. After a while it will become exhausting.

23. It’s not quite as cheap as you think it will be

As we’ve spent a fair bit of time in Southeast Asia, we were expecting the food to be super cheap in Bali. To be honest, it’s not. While it’s obviously cheaper than Australia, the cost of eating out isn’t that cheap. We spent $40 on breakfast at a Westernised restaurant, and about $80-$100 on dinner. While you can eat local food away from the touristy areas, we didn’t expect touristy areas to be that expensive.

If you’re looking to drink alcohol, cocktails are around $12 and wine can be as expensive as $17 for a small glass of Australian wine.

24. And floating breakfasts are hard to eat 

When visiting Bali, you have to buy into the floating breakfasts because it is the ultimate Bali experience! The funny thing is they are really hard to eat at! Because the breakfast is floating on water, it’s near to impossible to eat with cutlery because the breakfast is floating. Order fruit and toast and you should be alright!

25. Always carry toilet paper around with you

It’s a no brainer, especially given how bad Bali belly is, but always carry toilet paper with you when you’re on a road trip to Bali. You may need to stop off in the middle of nowhere to run to the toilet so bring some toilet paper with you.

When we visited the nearby Sumba Island, we struggled to find toilet paper because they just don’t use it.

26. It’s not very walkable

It really surprised me how Bali Indonesia is actually not that walkable. While I was expecting areas to be a bit like Koh San Road in Bangkok with a strip of bars, restaurants etc, most of the places in Bali are spread out. This means you have to order taxis or hire a motorbike to get around.

It you’re especially visiting Uluwatu, you will need to hire a cab or bike to go everywhere because it’s all spread out. In Canggu, there’s no footpaths so you have to share the path with so many travelers on motorbikes which isn’t a very enjoyable walk. We gave up in the end and hailed down a cab.

27. How much do things really cost?

It’s also kinda hard to know how much everything costs because they also add on 21% onto food and drinks at bars and restaurants. Read the fine print on the menu as it should say whether the tax is included in the price or not.

28. Tegallalang Rice Terrace feels like a theme park

We were looking forward to seeing the famous rice terraces, and while we only visited Tegallalang Rice Terrace, it really did feel like a theme park, no matter how beautiful it is. With the ‘Love Bali’ sign, the endless amount of big swings at every restaurant lining the rice terrace, it just felt like a theme park for us and we didn’t stay too long.

Some friends of ours told us about Tis Cafe where you can use their infinity pool over looking the rice terrace when ordering food or drinks here. The pool is beautiful but get here early to secure a sun lounger.

29. Be aware of the monkey forest

I had heard about the infamous monkey forest, but be careful if you go because some of our followers told us about how they got bitten and had to go to hospital to get a rabies jab. As I said, make sure you get travel insurance from Cover More here before you go.

Weirdly I was expecting to see monkeys everywhere in Ubud, yet they seem to stay in one place from what we saw.

30. Rainy season actually means rain

We decided to visit Bali in the wet season which is also one of the high season too because it was at Christmas, but it rained a lot. I was expecting a shower in the afternoon but it’s like a monsoon when it rains and everywhere floods.

Looking back on this, I would have booked in the dry season instead.

31. Expect people smoking or vaping at outdoor restaurants

If you’re reading this Bali travel guide from Australia, you’ll probably find it weird to see a lot of people smoking in restaurants. Don’t worry too much, people only smoke in outdoor restaurants, but it surprised us as we never see smokers much anymore where we live.

32. What about the sex before marriage law?

If you’re concerned about the sex before marriage law, don’t worry too much. It doesn’t impact tourists as it’s a law for local people, no matter how crazy it really is.

We hope this guide to Bali has helped prepare you for your trip to this Indonesian island! If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below!

Thank you for sharing your Bali experience. Very helpful information as we are visiting there in 3 weeks.

Thank you for sharing! I am taking a few pointers. It will be our first visit to any part of Asia. Very excited however want to go with my eyes open. Also thank you for being really about Bali belly. Everyone says ‘don’t worry about it’, but I rather want to be prepared. We will be heading over in Sept 24.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Get your FREE Sydney E-Guide

I consent to the terms and conditions

29 Tips to Read Before You Travel to Bali

Welcome to Bali, Indonesia’s most famous island. Known for its volcanic scenery, rice terraces, vibrant arts scene, and numerous temples, it’s a place where traditional and modern life coexist. Bali vacations bring millions of travelers from all over the world every year.

Bali Vacations—What To Know Before You Go

Whether partying on Kuta beach, unwinding in Seminyak or Nusa Dua, or finding your dharma in Ubud, there’s something for every traveler in Bali. If you’re a family, going on your honeymoon, or just want to unwind with daily massages and great food, these are 29 must-know Bali travel tips before you go.

Tip 1: Understand Balinese Culture

Balinese culture is deeply influenced by Hinduism. When visiting temples, wear a sarong and sash, which are often provided. Respect religious ceremonies and processions and avoid walking in front of people praying.

Tip 2: Know Your Temple Etiquette

At Hindu temples, women on their menstrual cycle are advised not to enter. Also, avoid touching sacred objects or structures.

Tip 3: Get Jabbed

Bali has a tropical climate, so protecting against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever is essential. Before traveling, check if any vaccinations are recommended or required.

Tip 4: Buy Travel Insurance

Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and unexpected trip changes. If you plan on doing anything a little risky like jet skis, hang gliding, extreme sports, riding a motorbike, or any adventure activities, double-check (then triple-check) that you are covered by your insurance if you have an accident.

Tip 5: Stay Hydrated and Sun-Safe

One of the major drawcards of a trip to Bali is its tropical climate, but the downside is that it’s also easy to get sunburnt. Avoid sunstroke and dehydration by staying hydrated, in the shade as much as possible, and slap on 50+ SPF sunscreen multiple times throughout the day.

Tip 6: Don’t Drink the Tap Water

Only drink bottled water, and that includes brushing your teeth. Nobody wants to be hugging the toilet bowl while they’re supposed to be enjoying themselves.

Tip 7: Take Taxis, but Don’t Get Taken for a Ride

Meter tampering and unregistered taxis can be an issue. Use reputable taxi companies like Blue Bird. Confirm that the driver uses the meter or agrees on a fare before starting your journey. Consider using a ride-hailing app like Gojek and Grab. They are often more reliable and cheaper than traditional taxis.

Tip 8: Find Your Dharma

Looking for an enlightening travel experience, a la Eat Pray Love ? Head inland to the idyllic greenery of Ubud. The lush inland town is a wellness hub, offering numerous yoga studios and retreats. Immerse yourself in the world of personal growth with daily affirmations, healthy food, and participating in yoga or meditation. Classes are a great way to experience Bali’s spiritual side and meet like-minded people.

Tip 9: Don’t Get Bali Belly

Let’s be honest—Bali Belly is far too cute of a name for vomiting and diarrhea. If you’re prone to tummy upsets, consider skipping out on street vendor meats and avoid pre-cut fruits and veggies (that may have been washed in tap water) to minimize the risk of violent bodily functions.

Tip 10: Ride Scooters at Your Own Risk

Renting a scooter is a common way to explore Bali. Yes, it’s a lot of fun. Yes, they are widely used. And yes, there are a lot of accidents. If you plan to use a scooter, get an international driving permit, always wear a helmet, and ensure your travel insurance covers scooter accidents. There have been cases where families have been out of pocket for hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of hospital bills after serious scooter accidents because it was an exclusion on the insurance policy. Check the fine print, or don’t take the risk.

Tip 11: Eat at a Warung

Have an authentic dining experience at one of the tiny local restaurants or shops known as Warungs. They often sell traditional Balinese noodles or rice dishes like Pisang Goreng, Nasi Goreng (fried rice), and Mie Goreng (fried noodles).

Tip 12: Choose Your Own (Accommodation) Adventure

Bali offers a range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget hostels and guest houses. There can be some great deals and unique accommodation options to be had. Don’t book the first thing you see; research to find the perfect choice for your activities and budget. Check forums for recommendations.

Tip 13: Rent Your Own Private Villa

Get your own slice of luxury for your vacation. Not only are these more spacious and private than hotels, but many have their own kitchens. These can also be economical for families or big groups.

Tip 14: Get a Nanny

Need a break from parenthood? There are trusted nanny agencies all over Bali who can watch your bundle(s) of joy for a half day, day, or even full-time for the entire stay. Some resorts also employ nannies or have kids’ clubs. Even young children and nursery -age babies can be taken care of. Just leave them with the baby essentials and enjoy some rare quiet time. Make sure to book well in advance and only book via reputable agencies.

Tip 15: Get Comfortable Bartering

Bartering is standard practice in Balinese markets. Start at about half the asking price and negotiate with a smile—keep it light and fun. Remember that sometimes, what sounds like a big difference in the local currency can be very little in your home currency. Sometimes, it’s worth paying a tad more to save time and support the Balinese locals.

Tip 16: Dig on Vegan Food

Bali has an incredible plant-based food scene, especially in Ubud. You can easily find substitutes, fine dining, brunch, and even raw burgers. Be sure to try some vegan culinary wonders there—you might be surprised at how good they taste!

Tip 17: Don’t Be a Litterbug

Bali struggles with plastic pollution and littering. Public trash cans might not be available everywhere, so do your part and take your trash with you. It feels good to do your part and keep Bali beautiful.

Tip 18: Protect the Reefs

Avoid touching or stepping on coral reefs, and use reef-safe sunscreen when snorkeling or diving.

Tip 19: Don’t Feed the Monkeys

The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a must-visit in Bali. Many people do feed the monkeys, but here’s the thing—if you go with food, be prepared to get approached (and possibly climbed on) by monkeys. I know that sounds cute, but do you want a monkey climbing on you? They carry diseases and have surprisingly gnarly teeth!

If you want to take food, I would advise against it. The monkeys can get aggressive and may bite. Trust me, they are good at finding food. They have been known to rummage through backpacks and grab it out of your hands. They are bold critters!

Tip 20: Support Animal Welfare

Sadly, some attractions exploit animals. Be selective, do your research, choose ethical wildlife experiences, and prioritize animal welfare.

Tip 21: Take Advantage of Free Wi-Fi

Bali has good Wi-Fi availability, especially in tourist areas. Cafes and restaurants often offer free Wi-Fi to customers, so if you’re only visiting for a short time, you might not need to buy a SIM card.

Tip 22: Learn Some Lingo

Learning a few simple phrases in Indonesian or Balinese is a great way to improve communication and show respect to the local community. For instance, “Terima Kasih” means “thank you.”

Tip 23: Mind Your Money

The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). As of this article’s publishing date, 100,000 IDR was equivalent to USD 6.50. Those big numbers can get confusing! Familiarize yourself with the exchange rate and work out a simple shorthand conversion rate in your head so you can think in real terms when negotiating prices.

Tip 24: No Cash? No Problem

Don’t get me wrong—you do need cash in Bali. The good news is that it’s easily accessible as ATMs are widely available. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid issues with your credit card.

Tip 25: Get off the Beaten Path

Bali is very tourist-friendly, sometimes a little too tourist-friendly. Popular areas like Seminyak and Kuta can get crowded during peak season. For a more authentic experience, explore less-visited areas like Munduk, Sidemen, or Pemuteran for quieter local travel.

Tip 26: Hire a Guide

Hiring a private local guide is a great way to get deeper insights into Bali’s hidden gems and cultural nuances. Be sure to research your guide thoroughly if you want an authentic experience, as some private guides take set routes to attractions where they earn a commission.

Tip 27: Skip the “Excrement” Coffee

Yes, you read that right. Kopi Luwak is a coffee made from coffee beans digested by a wild civet cat. It has been declared ‘the world’s most expensive coffee’ and has become a bit of a tourist trap. Drivers will take you to a farm to view the animals, you sample the coffee and then are encouraged to buy the over-priced coffee to take home. My advice? Leave the excrement coffee off the itinerary.

Tip 28: Don’t Lose Half Your Day in Traffic

Although Bali is a small island, it can take a long time to get between places because of road conditions, speed limits, and traffic congestion. Plan your travel outside peak hours to avoid traffic.

Tip 29: Shop for Local Souvenirs

Get locally made crafts like batik, wood carvings, and silver jewelry. Ensure they are ethically sourced and support local artisans. There are so many beautiful souvenirs to celebrate Bali and remember your vacation.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks . 

Liz Douglas is a former product developer and food buyer turned plant-based foodie influencer, recipe developer, writer and podcast host. After developing food products for some of the world’s largest retailers like Coles and Kaufland, she now applies her recipe development skills to wholesome plant-based twists on classic comfort foods. She shares recipes, plus wellbeing, productivity and lifestyle content on her website Glow Diaries: a conscious guide to good living. Her work has been featured in Herald Sun, Instyle Mexico, PETA Australia, Channel 10 Australia and Nourish Magazine.

Similar Posts

Think Luxe Sint Maarten Is Out of Reach? Here’s How This Caribbean Island Can Be Surprisingly Affordable

15 Affordable Things to Do in Merida Mexico From Someone Who Lives There

A Guide To The Blue Lagoon Iceland: A Wonder of the World Says National Geographic Magazine

When’s The Best Time to Visit Greece? Here’s 3 Answers Based on What’s Important to You

10 Can’t Miss Things to Do in Seville Spain

20 Exciting Things to Do in Barranquilla Colombia

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.

Related Offers

Browse our collections, more deals & tips.

• Trending Deals
• Last-Minute Deals

Your location

Where are you.

Create an account.

Just one more thing..., check your inbox., create your password..

• Access to exclusive travel, entertainment, and lifestyle experiences
• Hand-picked offers, personally reviewed by our global team of deal experts, delivered to your inbox
• Dedicated club-member customer support

Sign in to your account.

Enter your password.

Please accept this confidentiality pledge:

I agree to maintain the strict confidentiality required to access Travelzoo’s confidential offers. I will not reveal details of these confidential offers publicly, which includes not posting about it on social media. I will not attempt to purchase a confidential offer for anyone else. I understand that violating these conditions can result in my access being revoked.

To view confidential offers, we require that you sign a confidentiality agreement.

Don’t know password?

You're all set, join travelzoo, sign in to unlock, don't miss out, our deal experts have negotiated member exclusive rates for people like you., and you’re in..

Welcome, Travelzoo Member . You now have access to confidential offers. To access Confidential Offers in the future, you can use the link from your email, or the link under My Account on the Travelzoo website. This page is only accessible to Confidential Offer members.

You now have access to all our deals.

Here are the details of the deal you were interested in.

Sign in to save and manage your deal alerts

Sign in to save this deal to favorites., already a member, not a member yet.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to support British nationals in making informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Areas where the FCDO advises against travel

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

Mount Marapi, Western Sumatra

FCDO advises against all travel to within 3km of the crater of Mount Marapi in West Sumatra.

Mount Sinabung area, Karo Regency

FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of the Mount Sinabung crater in Karo Regency, North Sumatra.

Mount Semeru area, Lumajang Regency

FCDO advises against all travel within 5 km of the crater of Mount Semeru in Lumajang Regency, East Java. FCDO also advises against all travel to the southeast area of Mount Semeru along the Besuk Kobokan river (approximately 13 km from the crater). You should stay at least 500 m from the Besuk Kobokan riverbank.

Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and potential expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

• Travel Insurance

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Travel Insurance For Indonesia: Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Apr 4, 2024, 12:32pm

Table of Contents

Travel insurance for indonesia, what does travel insurance for indonesia cover, does travel for indonesia cover all emergencies, will an insurer cover me if i have a medical condition, cost of travel insurance for indonesia, how do i compare travel insurance for indonesia, frequently asked questions (faqs).

While Indonesia may be most famous for its tourist hub, Bali , the archipelago, as a whole, has grown in popularity in recent months. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported Indonesia replacing New Zealand as the top destination for short-term trips overseas by Australians last year—the first time since the Bureau started collecting travel records nearly 50 years ago.

Roughly 1.37 million Australians visited Indonesia in 2023. While some 86% took a holiday there, 7% visited friends or relatives. Whatever your reason for visiting the country, you’ll want to make sure you’re safeguarded against common mishaps that can arise while away, and even in the lead up to your holiday. Travel insurance for Indonesia can provide this protection, paying out should you fall ill or get injured and need treatment during your stay, if you lose your baggage or belongings or need to cancel your trip. Find out exactly how travel insurance for Indonesia works, what it covers and does not cover below.

If you’re sticking solely to Bali and its associated islands, then you can read more in our guide to travel insurance for the island of the gods.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

If you’re planning to visit Indonesia, you’ll need travel insurance specifically for the destination. There are three main types to choose from:

• Single trip: for a one-off trip in the space of 12 months to Indonesia
• Annual multi-trip: for more than one trip in the space of 12 months to Indonesia or various destinations. This type of cover can work out more cost-effective than buying multiple single trip policies but not always so it’s best to compare both types of cover.
• Long-stay/backpacker: for an extended stay in Indonesia, of typically 60 or 90 days, or 12 or 18 months. Cover for 24 months may be available, from certain providers.

Depending on the insurer, and the type of policy you choose, you may have the option to take out cover for Indonesia alone, Asia or worldwide destinations. Note that insurers usually offer worldwide policies that include the US and destinations such as Canada, Greenland Mexico and the Caribbean, and worldwide policies that exclude them, depending on where you’re going, as medical costs are extremely high in this part of the world.

A good travel insurance policy will cover emergency medical costs should you fall ill or injure yourself while away. This may also extend to medical rescue, and repatriation costs, for severe cases where you need transporting to a hospital or back to Australia.

Cover for personal liability should you injure someone or damage another person’s property, and trip cancellation for reasons such as falling ill before the trip or suffering a bereavement should also be included as standard. You should also be able to claim for loss or theft of your luggage and belongings. Note that there’s typically a total limit on the amount you can claim for your possessions, as well as an individual limit for each type of item.

A policy may additionally include a number of other forms of cover, such as:

• Personal money: the amount that can be claimed if your money is lost or stolen
• Missed departure: covers the cost of additional accommodation and travel should an emergency cause the policyholder to miss their journey
• Travel delay: pays out if your scheduled transport is late by typically a least 12 hours
• Company insolvency: compensates you if your airline or hotel goes bust
• Personal accident: pays out if an injury causes permanent disability or death

Insurers usually offer basic policies with few benefits and low cover levels and comprehensive policies that provide their widest range of cover and higher cover levels. They may also have one or more mid-level policies for anything in between.

Shopping around will allow you to find the best policy to suit your needs and budget. For help with finding a comprehensive policy, we’ve conducted in-depth research to find what we believe are the top 10 available .

It may be impossible for travel insurance for Indonesia to cover everything that can go wrong with a holiday, but it can cover a wide range of common scenarios, particularly if you opt for comprehensive cover. A policy’s product disclosure statement (PDS) sets out the specifics of what it does and does not cover. You should be able to access this on the insurer’s website, and read it before making a decision on whether it’s right for you.

Bear in mind that most insurers won’t cover a holiday where you’ve travelled to parts of Indonesia that the government’s Smartraveller website has on its “do not travel” list. To avoid this type of problem, it’s best to check the website for updates on Indonesia before purchasing a policy, and before departure. Smarttraveller will also advise if you should travel with caution, warning of risks, such as acts of terrorism, civil and political unrest and natural disasters.

Insurers will also likely reject claims resulting from intoxication from alcohol or drugs, and disorderly behaviour. If you’ve partaken in any sports and activities while away, it’s likely an insurer will only accept related injury claims if you wore the appropriate safety gear, such as a helmet, or harness.

Having a medical condition won’t necessarily hinder your chances of finding suitable cover for Indonesia, but you may find you’ll have to shop around a little more.

Only some insurers provide cover for what they term “pre-existing medical conditions”. These are conditions that you had before taking out the policy. Those that do provide this type of cover usually raise their premiums to do so, owing to the heightened risk that you’ll make a medical-related claim while away. The policy premium—the price of the policy—will often rise with the severity of a condition. This means cover for a heart condition will be more expensive than for diabetes, for example.

When running quotes on the sites of insurers that provide pre-existing medical cover, you’ll be taken to a medical screening section of the application. Make sure to state what conditions you have and answer the questions about them. This ranges from whether, and how often you take medication, to when you last saw a practitioner concerning your condition. If you later make a claim relating to a condition that you did not declare or detailed inaccurately, an insurer could refuse it.

Insurers refer to a number of factors when calculating how much you must pay for cover. This includes the number of people travelling, and the holiday destination and duration.

More mature travellers and those with pre-existing conditions will likely be charged more than younger travellers and those without conditions, as insurers deem them as high-risk travellers that will likely need to claim while away.

We used the profile of a family of four, aged 42, 40, 14 and 12, spending 13 to 26 May in Indonesia, and assumed they have no pre-existing conditions, (although these providers do offer cover for pre-existing conditions should you need it).

We found basic cover ranged from around $106 to $241, while comprehensive cover started at around $226, with the most expensive policy costing just under $324.

Running quotes on travel insurer websites will allow you to make side-by-side comparisons of their policies based on the types of cover they offer, the various cover levels and prices. Looking through the offerings of a number of insurers can help with finding a deal on the cover you need.

When running a quote you will need to enter details about yourself, anyone else travelling with you and your trip. This includes your name, the age of all travellers, your holiday destination and duration. If pre-existing cover is available, you will also be taken through a medical screening, so the insurer can build a medical profile on each traveller.

Is travel insurance mandatory for Indonesia?

Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for travelling to Indonesia. However, it is recommended by Smartraveller, which advises taking out a comprehensive policy that covers all emergency medical costs, including emergency treatment and medical evacuation. Without it, you could be faced with bills for thousands of dollars, which the Australian government will not pay.

What is required to enter Indonesia from Australia?

Australians visiting or transiting through Indonesia should apply for an e-Visa on arrival , at least 48 hours before travelling. You can alternatively get a Visa on Arrival at some international airports, seaports or land crossings.

To apply for an e-Visa on arrival or the Visa on arrival, you need to have an ordinary (non-emergency) passport that will remain valid at least six months after your arrival in Indonesia. Smarttraveller also advises ensuring your passport has a minimum six months validity from your departure from Indonesia, to avoid any issues with leaving the country or with an onward or return flight. You’ll also need to complete an e-customs declaration within three days of departure to Indonesia.

The Bali Provincial Government has introduced a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 ($14.56 AUD) per person for foreign tourists visiting Bali. The levy is separate from the e-Visa on Arrival or the Visa on Arrival. You can pay the levy online before you travel or on arrival at a designated payment counter at Bali’s airport and seaport. Further detail can be found on the Bali Provincial Government’s website .

What is ‘excess’ in travel insurance?

An excess is a set amount you’ll be expected to pay on each approved claim. It’s usually levied per person on the policy, per event, per claim, but you can check the PDS for the specifics concerning your insurer. You usually can pick from a range of excess amounts, from $50 – $250 on average, when taking out a policy.

The more you choose to pay in excess, the lower your policy premium typically will be, while paying less in excess will raise the cost. An excess is usually deducted from a claim amount, so you won’t need to pay for it out of pocket. However, it’s still crucial that you ensure you can afford it. Some insurers may also offer an excess waiver if you pay an extra premium.

• Best Comprehensive Travel Insurance
• Best Seniors Travel Insurance
• Best Domestic Travel Insurance
• Best Cruise Travel Insurance
• Best Family Travel Insurance
• Travel Insurance Cost
• Pregnancy Travel Insurance Guide
• Travel Insurance Cancellation Cover
• Travel Insurance For Bali
• Travel Insurance For Fiji
• Travel Insurance For The USA
• Travel Insurance For Thailand
• Travel Insurance For New Zealand
• Travel Insurance For Japan
• Travel Insurance For Europe
• Travel Insurance For Singapore
• Cover-More Travel Insurance Review
• Fast Cover Travel Insurance Review
• Travel Insurance Saver Review
• Allianz Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• 1Cover Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review
• Australia Post Comprehensive Travel Insurance Review

More from  

Fast cover comprehensive travel insurance review: pros and cons, our pick of the best domestic travel insurance for australians, travel insurance for singapore: the complete guide, the new travel document aussies will need to visit europe, our pick of the best comprehensive travel insurance providers in australia, our pick of the best cruise travel insurance.

I have been writing for newspapers, magazines and online publications for over 10 years. My passion is providing, in a way that is easily accessible and digestible to all, the knowledge needed for readers to not only manage their finances, but financially flourish.

Indonesian authorities are preparing to enforce a new visitor levy after catching tourists behaving badly

Australians in Bali for holidays have been left confused by a new $15 tourism tax and efforts by police to enforce payment.

The levy, which is intended to help the island cope with millions of visitors each year, was announced last year after a series of incidents involving visitors desecrating holy sites and behaving badly.

It came into effect on February 14 and could bring in more than $80 million of revenue a year in Bali, which the government says will go towards cultural preservation and environmental measures — such as beach clean-ups.

But most holiday-makers are not paying it, with 60 per cent of tourists in the first month not forking over the money for the levy.

Staff are not forcing arrivals at the airport to pay the fee up-front, and some Australians the ABC spoke to were unaware of how to pay for it.

"I knew about the tourist tax, but nobody asked us to pay it — $15 is not much and if it goes to good use, it's fine to pay," said Rachel Fisher, who regularly travels to Bali.

Another regular visitor, Damien Tout from Melbourne, paid the tax online in advance but was surprised nobody checked the receipt when he entered at the airport.

"It could be another $50, we wouldn't care. We'd still come to Bali," he said.

But others weren't so ambivalent about the fee. On the first day of random spot checks by tourism police at the famous Uluwatu temple, some visitors were left visibly angry by the shakedown for money, as many others walked by.

Among them were families with children who had to stump up $15 for each person.

The ABC observed some tourists struggling to connect to a payment app to pay the fee, while many visitors showed officers their visa-on-arrival receipt, unaware of the separate fee.

The new levy comes after authorities introduced a "dos and don'ts" list at the airport last year , designed to remind visitors to be more respectful towards the island's predominantly Hindu culture.

Bali's plan to crack down on badly behaved tourists

The "dos and don'ts" list told visitors not to climb sacred trees, misbehave in public or wear inappropriate clothing around religious places.

The list was announced after authorities deported a Russian influencer for dropping his pants at a sacred mountain and a Russian woman for posing naked on a 700-year-old sacred tree.

A German woman was also placed in a medical facility after she roamed around naked and busted in the doors of a temple during a traditional dance performance last year.

Australians have also been accused of bad behaviour, with a woman caught on camera berating a local police officer who stopped her for not wearing a helmet while riding her motorbike.

An Australian man was also caught stealing a box of erectile-dysfunction medication from a pharmacy, while more recently, two Australians were hospitalised after they were involved in a vicious street brawl in Kuta.

The measures to improve tourist behaviour are also targeting visitors overstaying their visas or running businesses in breach of the rules.

Many are Russians who have flocked to the island since the beginning of Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, with Indonesia a relatively welcoming destination for them.

"[For bad behaviour] we have the list on what tourists can do and what they cannot do in Bali," said I Ketut Yadnya, the head of promotions for the Bali government's tourism office.

"But the levy is different. We want our tourism to be sustainable, and to sustain it, we need to conserve the culture.

"So for that, we need, of course, some money."

New levy designed to help Bali cope with influx of visitors

The gentle rollout of the new levy has been designed not to spook foreign tourists from coming.

Before the COVID pandemic, Bali received more than 6 million foreign tourists in 2019. Post-pandemic, the numbers are creeping back up, with 5.25 million arriving in 2023.

Domestic visitors from other parts of Indonesia last year numbered more than 9 million.

Tourism officials want the economic boost of more visitors, even though locals on the island say it worsens traffic and the amount of garbage washing up on the famous beaches.

"Tourists of course [increase] rubbish, but a clean destination is part of what draws them to Bali in the first place," said Wayan Puspa Negara, a local politician who volunteers with a beach clean-up group.

"So the more rubbish that washes up on the beaches means our destination is less appealing."

To better manage the tourism influx, Ketut Yadnya from the tourism office says the levy will help fund programs like beach clean-ups, including buying better beach cleaning equipment, so that volunteers don't have to do it by hand.

"There's no fine if you don't pay, and tourists can still leave Bali at the airport, there's no problem," he said.

"We just need their awareness when they come to Bali, they have to know that Bali needs something to protect their tourism."

With the scheme still in its infancy, tourism police are offering some leniency to those who have failed to pay.

They have facilitated instant payment for visitors who have not paid, and even allowed them to pay later if they can not provide the cashless payment on the spot.

Locals fear the fee will deter travellers

Some Bali locals dependent on the tourist trade oppose the levy, believing it sends the wrong message.

Hamid Isnaini, a vendor in Kuta, believes $15 a person on top of a 500,000 rupiah ($50) visa-on-arrival fee might drive some visitors to rival destinations.

"They should let people come to Bali for free," he said, as a handful of tourists idled past his store, which displays Bintang beer singlets and boardshorts.

"Before the COVID pandemic, many tourists came to Bali because it was free to enter, but after the borders reopened, they introduced a visa-on-arrival fee."

He believes a second levy on top of that might deter a full rebound of pre-pandemic tourist numbers.

"We should be like Thailand, where tourists can enter without paying a fee," he said.

Other vendors selling clothes nearby agreed with him.

Mr Yadnya acknowledges there have been some teething problems with the new levy, but says the troubles are all part of "socialising" the idea of the fee.

The hope is that in the future, people coming to Bali will know about the fee and be willing to pay it.

"We need their awareness that they also have to be involved in conservation to preserve our culture," he said.

"If in future tourists come to Bali and the culture's been ruined, they won't see anything."

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Travelling to bali this year a new tourist tax means you'll pay an extra $15 for your getaway.

Bali tourists to receive 'dos and don'ts' card on arrival as part of crackdown on unruly behaviour

Bali is fed up with badly behaved Russians who fled Putin's war. Now they're calling for a crackdown

• Community and Society
• Tourism and Leisure Industry
• Travel and Tourism (Lifestyle and Leisure)

• Travel Updates

Tourists warned about big Bali scam

Aussies have been warned about a Bali scam after a woman was deported for committing the act on ATM machines across the island.

‘Stay alert’: Urgent warning for Bali tourists

‘Two seconds’: Girl attacked by dingo

Fresh warning for Aussie travellers

A woman was deported from Bali for installing skimming devices on ATMs across popular resorts, with Aussie tourists warned to stay cautious when using cash machines.

The 35-year-old Ukranian woman, identified by her initials BK, was sentenced to two years and 10 months in prison and fined IDR 100,000,000 – about $10,000 – by the Denpasar District Court in 2022.

She was deported from the island last week to Poland over the skimming case, according to The Bali Sun.

A skimmer is a device installed on card readers that collects card numbers which are then replicated into counterfeit cards.

“The BK case is a clear example of the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights’ commitment to maintaining state sovereignty and protecting the public from law violations,” Pramella Y. Pasaribu, head of the Bali Regional Office of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights told the publication.

“We will continue to improve co-ordination with related agencies and strengthen supervision of the presence of foreigners in the Bali region.”

It comes as the latest deportation figures reveal 318 foreigners were denied entry into Bali with 132 not having an Indonesian visa.

Following the ATM skimming device scam, Aussies and tourists alike have been advised to use machines that are within banks or trusted spaces and where possible, avoid using ATMs that are placed on the street.

Travellers should look out for telltale signs such as of tampering or additional readers being stuck on top.

“Look for signs of tampering or features that don’t fit with how the rest of the ATM looks, such as if the keypad is overly raised or looks too shiny and new,” Finder advises.

“Also look out for tiny cameras that could be planted anywhere around the machine (which may be used to capture your PIN as you enter it).

“If you notice any of these suspicious signs at the ATM, do not use it.”

Last year, a tourist revealed how a fraudster had placed a handwritten “broken” sign over the card slot of an Commonwealth Bank machine in an attempt to lure people to use a nearby ATM that was reportedly fitted with a card-skimming device.

“Three or four people came through and went to go use the next ATM over, but I told them the ATM was fine, so they could use the Commbank one,” the traveller wrote in a Facebook post.

“The [man] kept on watching me like he was angry; as soon as I walked away, I watched him put another sign on it.”

Aussies have also been warned about other scams targeting tourists including a “coin scam” .

A woman took to a travel group for Australians visiting Bali on Facebook explaining how a known family, not local to the island, would go around asking Aussies if they can look at their money in an attempt to steal their wallets.

Angus Kidman, travel expert at Finder, said no matter where you’re travelling, being cautious with your wallet and cash was essential.

“Pickpocketing and theft are always a risk in any popular tourist area,” he told news.com.au.

“If someone asks to see your Australian money, an easy response is ‘not carrying any mate – don’t need Aussie currency here.’

“Don’t ruin your trip with paranoia – just exercise sensible basic precautions.”

More Coverage

According to Cover-More, other common travel scams in Bali include taxi drivers and monkey thieves at popular temples.

“Don’t negotiate fares with unofficial taxi drivers as they may use tactics like a broken metre, take a longer route, or charge far above the going rate. Take a reputable, official taxi instead,” Cover-More advises.

Currency exchange scams are also common with Cover-More advising to be aware of “official” looking money exchanges that will advertise a great rate, but offer the wrong change, miscount your money or handover invalid banknotes.

Aussies who are currently holidaying in Bali or plan to visit the holiday hotspot have been given a warning for the next few days.

Visitors to a popular holiday spot are being warned to stay alert for dingoes after a young girl was attacked while her parents turned away for “two seconds”.

A new travel alert has been issued for Aussies visiting this country, warning protests and rallies are “likely to occur” as one massive event takes place.

Local news:

Sign up to the 7NEWS newsletters

Card skimming warning for australians using atms in bali.

Tourists are being warned to remain vigilant about ATM scams in Bali after a woman was this week deported for using credit card skimmers.

Fresh alerts have been issued for travellers to be on the lookout for skimming devices and other signs of scams — including makeshift signs declaring ATMS are out of order.

Tourists are also warned to be careful about which ATMS they use, with authorities recommending machines attached to banks over those in small shops.

Balinese authorities told The Bali Sun card skimming remains an ongoing problem on the Indonesian island which is a popular destination for travellers from across the world, particularly from Australia.

It comes as a 35-year-old Ukrainian woman was this week deported and banned from returning to Bali, after serving a two-year jail sentence for credit card skimming offences in 2022.

Card skimming involves installing hardware onto an ATM or EFTPOS machine to steal a person’s credit card information and PIN to create fake cards and steal funds.

“The ... case is a clear example of the Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights’ commitment to maintaining state sovereignty and protecting the public from law violations,” Bali Ministry of Law and Human Rights head Pramella Y. Pasaribu said.

The Australian government’s Smartraveller website warns petty and opportunistic crimes such as card skimming regularly happen in Indonesia.

Card skimming is one of the most common tourist scams in Bali and has been reported in Canggu, Kuta and Uluwatu, according to Southern Cross Travel Insurance.

The ease with which card skimming devices can be used was demonstrated in a recent TikTok video which shows a woman remove a false cover — identical to the one used on the machine — from an ATM card slot in Rome.

The woman said she was alerted when she saw a white chip on the inside of the fake card slot. “I couldn’t believe I actually found one — be careful,” she warned.

Consumer comparison website Finder has also advised travelled to beware of similar devices.

“Look for signs of tampering or features that don’t fit with how the rest of the ATM looks, such as if the keypad is overly raised or looks too shiny and new,” it warned online.

“Also look out for tiny cameras that could be planted anywhere around the machine which may be used to capture your PIN as you enter it.”

Southern Cross Travel Insurance also advised people to regularly look over their bank account history to identify fraudulent activity.

Stream free on

• Latest News
• Emergencies
• Ask the Law
• GN Fun Drive
• Visa+Immigration
• Phone+Internet
• Reader Queries
• Safety+Security
• Banking & Insurance
• Dubai Airshow
• Corporate Tax
• Top Destinations
• Corporate News
• Electronics
• Home and Kitchen
• Consumables
• Saving and Investment
• Budget Living
• Expert Columns
• Community Tips
• Cryptocurrency
• Cooking and Cuisines
• Guide to Cooking
• Art & People
• Friday Partner
• Daily Crossword
• Word Search
• Philippines
• Australia-New Zealand
• Corrections
• From the Editors
• Special Reports
• Pregnancy & Baby
• Learning & Play
• Child Health
• For Mums & Dads
• UAE Success Stories
• Live the Luxury
• Culture and History
• Staying Connected
• Entertainment
• Live Scores
• Point Table
• Top Scorers
• Photos & Videos
• Course Reviews
• Learn to Play
• South Indian
• Arab Celebs
• Health+Fitness
• Gitex Global 2023
• Best Of Bollywood
• Special Features
• Investing in the Future
• Know Plan Go
• Gratuity Calculator
• Notifications
• Prayer Times

From Bangkok in Thailand, to Bali in Indonesia, to Boracay in the Philippines on a single visa? Unified ASEAN visa similar to Schengen in the works

• Living In UAE
• Magical Dubai
• The Kurator

‘One Destination Visa’ for the ASEAN, unified travel document akin to Schengen pushed

Manila: A single-visa for the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), similar to Schengen?

It's  the most ambitious project yet for the region, home to 670 million people. It’s much talked about, yet achieved not much headway, so far.

This may change soon.

The ASEAN Unified Visa Scheme is a bold idea. Though not new, the joint-visa programme akin to the Schengen visa model (which covers 29 countries in Europe), is the ultimate goal of the Asian neighbours.

Here’s the lowdown on the unified ASEAN, Schengen-type visa proposal:

What is the name of the visa scheme?

Various names have been proposed at different times:

• “One Destination” ASEAN Visa
• Unified ASEAN Tourist Visa
• ASEAN Single Visa Scheme
• Common ASEAN Visa
• Video: UAE President arrives in Riyadh, leading delegation to GCC-ASEAN Summit
• Australia’s ASEAN outreach is a strategic shift

What’s the big idea behind it?

The aim is to bolster the bloc’s travel trade – by attracting more long-haul and high-spending travellers to the region. What’s unclear, given the years the idea has been discussed, is how the states would like to get there.

The ultimate goal: facilitate the movement of non-ASEAN nationals across the region, turning the wide and diverse area into a premier tourist spot. The concept has been under consideration for sometime, deliberated upon at summits and various ministerial meetings.

When did the idea start?

The idea has been on for decades. It gained momentum during the 2016 ASEAN Tourism Forum in the Philippines, where ASEAN member-states officially launched the ASEAN Tourism Strategic Plan (ATSP) 2016-2025.

What’s changed since then?

Recently, Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin reignited the initiative. The Thai leader’s proposal has garnered broad regional support.

The region's tourism sector has welcomed the proposal. If approved by member-economies, it would create a seamless Schengen-like mobility experience.

Which ASEAN members will be covered initially?

Under the current proposal, it would initially cover the six geographically contiguous mainland Asian countries: Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam (CLMMTV).

Last year, these six countries collectively welcomed 70 million tourists, with Thailand and Malaysia leading, generating approximately $48 billion in tourism dollars.

Thailand's tourism industry plays a crucial role, employing 20 per cent of its workforce and contributing 12 per cent to its $500 billion economy. With aspirations to welcome 80 million tourists by 2027, Thailand has streamlined entry for visitors from diverse nations and diversified its tourism offerings with events.

While it won’t directly rival Europe’s Schengen visa, the ASEAN visa could create the world’s second-biggest area of free movement, and represent one of the most culturally diverse regions on the planet.

Which ASEAN countries are not included in the proposed joint visa programme?

As it stands, the proposal does not include other non-mainland member economies:

• The Philippines,
• Look: Fair winds boost cruise tourism in the Philippines
• Soon, you could travel from Kerala to Dubai on a cruise ship

How likely is a “unified” ASEAN visa to happen?

It remains under discussion with no set timelines. So it probably won't happen tomorrow. One major challenge: harmonising different immigration apparatuses, and databases. This is the biggest hurdle so far.

Here's why: unlike business or tax regime harmonisation, for example, harmonising immigration policies would be virtually impossible — without creating something akin to the European Union (EU), where countries are almost like one country in all but name. It’s currently hard to imagine how ASEAN could get to that point.

There are other challenges – such as coordinating approvals and establishing standard tourist criteria among participating nations.

Additionally, unlike continental Europe, the fragmented nature of ASEAN and its immigration database pose further hurdles.

Moreover, factors hindering the scheme's realisation include security concerns, internal sharing mechanisms, border control support, visa issuance synchronisation, human resource development, and infrastructure upgrades.

The success of the ASEAN joint-visa programme depends on how fast the states overcome bureaucratic hurdles and garner sufficient support from all participating nations.

Why should the Philippines sign up to the Unified ASEAN Visa scheme?

For one, the Philippines is a prime mover of this drive and is a founding member of the group. More broadly, it will strengthen institutional cooperation within the region. Windfall tourism from neighbouring countries would give other members net benefits.

The scheme also promises to enhance ASEAN security governance by fostering closer inter-agency and regional cooperation, thereby improving border management capabilities, fostering greater ASEAN security governance.

And despite the challenges, the Philippines’s Bureau of Immigration (BI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and embassy officials anticipate the scheme’s overall benefits for the Philippines and the ASEAN region, according to a 2018 study.

The full-member economies of APEC include Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, mainland China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Why is a ‘scaled-down’ unified ASEAN visa more possible?

A scaled-down “unified ASEAN tourist visa” scenario involving initially the mainland Asian countries – say, for a limited period of 90 days – is more likely to be adopted, observed Ben Hart, Managing Director of Integrity Legal based in Bangkok.

This is because of the initiatives already in place. All member economies are pushing tourism Thailand has been pursuing various tourism drives, including reciprocal visa waiver deals and temporary visa waivers for travellers from key markets such as China and India.

Moreover ,Thailand has set lofty goals for itself – to elevate its status as a tourism hotspot as well as an aviation and logistics hub.

As a group, the 63-year-old ASEAN group aims to move forward with multiple areas of economic cooperation, technical and human resources, among others.

Still, the task is not easy given the challenges of having different foreign policies and disparate rules.

What happens next?

If countries in the region do embark on a common visa, it will mark heightened institutional collaborations within the region, help build greater integration towards a common ecosystem for their citizens and the wider world.

By allowing tourists to travel to any country in the region on one travel document, it will likely add more economic value and spur tourism.

Though it may not come very soon, ultimately, we may see a sort of pan-ASEAN visa coming to fruition at some point in the future.

More From Special-Reports

Flying? New rules to avoid fire risks from batteries

New to investing? How to best use online platforms

How driverless trucks will transform UAE road freight

Flying? Be ready for more weather-driven delays

From Bangkok, to Bali, to Boracay on a single visa?

UAE allocates $15m to 'Amalthea Fund' supporting Gaza

Gujarat end rajasthan's winning streak in ipl thriller, tesla chief elon musk to meet modi in india, biden mulls australian plea to drop assange prosecution, eu parliament adopts contentious asylum law reform.

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.