bali tourism plan

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.

Where to Stay on GIli Trawangan - Bali Itinerary

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.

Kecak Fire Dance - Uluwatu, Bali Itinerary

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

Nusa Penida Day Trip - Bali Itinerary 2019

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

Nusa Islands - Bali Itinerary Snorkeling

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

NUSA PENIDA (4K) - MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN BALI

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!

Canggu, Bali: What To Know Before Going 4K

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!

CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK in UBUD, Bali - Best Hike in Bali, from the Centre of Ubud!

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.

Gili Islands Sunset - Planning a Trip to Bali

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!

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 […]

The hunt for the next Bali: Inside Indonesia's plan to save its tourism industry by minting 5 new hubs for international travelers

Land of holy temples, age-old traditions, beaches and jungles — and hordes of influencers in flowing white clothing .

The vacation hotspot is one of 17,000 islands that makes up Indonesia, the largest archipelago in the world. Its verdant rice terraces and Hindu temples define its landscape and make it catnip for the Instagrammers and tourists who flock to the island every year.

In 2019, Indonesia welcomed 16.1 million foreign tourists, according to data from the country's central bureau of statistics. Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport saw 6.23 million foreign arrivals that year, the most of any airport in the country. While some would argue that tourism has "ruined" Bali, it has become an indispensable part of the island's economy: An estimated 80% of Bali's economy is tied to travel.

The pandemic, of course, ground tourism to a halt globally, and Indonesia was no exception. In April 2020, foreign arrivals in Bali dropped by more than 93%. In the same month, the government announced the pandemic was forecast to wipe out $10 billion from its tourism revenue by the end of the year. By November, Indonesia announced it was in its first recession in 22 years.

Now, the government is trying to kick start tourism with a series of proposed measures that include travel bubbles between several of its islands and nearby Singapore, and a five-year visa targeting business travelers and digital nomads.

It's also planning to spend $275 million on 108 infrastructure projects this year to mint a series of "new Balis," a sweeping initiative that aims to bring tourists to new parts of the vast country.

But all that development comes at a cost. Insider spoke with economists as well as tourism and Southeast Asian development experts to understand what kind of downsides a new surge in tourism could create. Some of those experts expressed doubt that the appeal of Bali can be replicated in the first place — while others are concerned about the impact widespread tourism will have on the country's people and environment.

One of those experts, Jaeyeon Choe O'Regan, who has a Ph.D. in tourism management and focuses on sustainable community development and poverty alleviation in Southeast Asia, told Insider the project raises a series of red flags.

"I'm concerned about replicating the idea of Bali in these provinces because they have characteristics, resources, heritages, and people that are totally different from Bali," Choe O'Regan said.

Indonesia launched its plan to replicate the success of Bali years before the pandemic.

President Joko Widodo described the plan to a group of businessmen during a trip to Hong Kong in May 2017: "You all know Bali, our famous island paradise? With improved infrastructure, we will launch a program called 10 New Balis."

Last year, the government narrowed that list down to five "super priority" locations, which were selected based on their accessibility, their viability as tourism destinations, and the presence of a pre-existing tourism scene to build on.

The list includes:

Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, which dates back to the 8th century. It was restored in the 1970s, and is located in South Java.
Mandalika, a resort area that was designated a Special Economic Zone in 2014. It's located on Lombok, an island that neighbors Bali, and is set to be the host of the Grand Prix Motorcycle race ( MotoGP ) later this year.
Labuan Bajo, a fishing town that's known as the gateway to the home of the Komodo dragon.
Lake Toba, a large lake in North Sumatra that sits in the caldera of a volcano.
Likupang in North Sulawesi, a popular diving and snorkeling site.

Luh Putu Mahyuni, a Balinese associate professor of management accounting at Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (a private university in Bali) and a Ph.D. in sustainable business and economy, told Insider that Indonesia's approach to selling each location as a tourism destination will likely vary.

"The central government will sell Lake Toba for the beauty of its nature — they will sell eco-tourism," she said. "In Borobudur, they will sell the temples, so it's historical and cultural tourism."

She also pointed out that even with the natural and cultural resources across these destinations, not all elements of Bali are replicable — particularly when it comes to religion. While Hinduism is practiced by less than 2% of Indonesia's total population, it's practiced by almost 87% of people in Bali, per data from the country's central bureau of statistics.

Bali is also home to more than 20,000 temples, according to a 2014 paper called "The Readiness of Bali as Spiritual Destination" released by a team of French and Indonesian universities. Between its myriad temples and its many wellness clinics and yoga retreats, the island has become a magnet for tourists who like a little spirituality with their vacation.

"Basically, the 'new Balis' are dependent on natural beauty and some history. But Bali is known for richness of culture — in Bali, you can find a living culture that is closely related to religious practices, which you will hardly find in other areas in Indonesia," Luh Putu said. "This is the one that is missing in the 'new Bali' [scheme]."

In a 2019 report for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) focusing on Indonesian tourism, economists Patrice Ollivaud and Peter Haxton laid out the government's tourism goals. Those goals focused on getting as many people to visit as possible.

"Initially [the government] was focusing on attracting more and more tourist numbers," Ollivaud told Insider on a phone call. "That gradually changed."

A representative for the Indonesian government told Insider the strategy for 2021 is not tied to the number of visits, but instead prioritizes "tourists who have a high income."

But even as the program's focus shifts away from mass tourism, the locations may still collectively have their work cut out for them, as indicated by the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2019 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness report.

When it comes to tourism infrastructure and as compared to Asia Pacific nations, Indonesia ranked in the bottom 40% of the WEF report. And while it scored high on the WEF's ranking of price competitiveness (No. 6 of 140 countries total) and prioritization of travel and tourism (No. 10), the county is lagging in tourist service infrastructure (No. 98) and in environmental sustainability (No. 135).

In other words: It's an inexpensive country to visit, and the government is focused on tourism — but the infrastructure to receive those tourists is weak, and the government's environmental regulations to protect natural resources are very weak.

As the authors of the 2019 OECD report put it, "Infrastructure needs are enormous compared to government funding capacity."

Closing the accessibility gap

So, what does it take to turn an area into a "new Bali?"

For one thing, there's the matter of physically getting to each location.

"The government is currently focused on infrastructure, because the connectivity from Bali and Jakarta to these five new Bali destinations is very bad," Luh Putu said. "That's the biggest challenge."

Both the island of Lombok (on which Mandalika is located) and Labuan Bajo have small international airports, but Luh Putu said the roads linking the airports to their destinations need to be improved. Borobudur is a two-hour drive from the closest airport in Jakarta, a city where the traffic has been described as a " nightmare ," while Lake Toba is a four- to five-hour drive from the closest airport.

Likupang, known for its snorkeling and diving, is the area that faces the biggest developmental challenges due to limited infrastructure and tourist attractions, as well as the lack of good internet access, the representative for the Indonesian government said.

Bali, on the other hand, is home to Indonesia's second-biggest airport by airline count: Ngurah Rai International has two terminals and receives direct international flights from hubs including Beijing, Singapore, and Sydney. The airport is a 40-minute drive from tourist hotspot Ubud and a 10-minute drive from the Bali party town of Kuta.

To fill the accessibility gap between Bali and the would-be Balis, the government said in an April press release that it would be allocating part of its spending on connectivity. In the case of Mandalika, for example, part of the area's budget is being used to connect Mandalika to Lombok airport. In Lake Toba, part of the budget is going towards road and bridge upkeep, and in Borobudur, it will be used for flood control infrastructure.

But, as Choe O'Regan, the Ph.D. who focuses on sustainable community development, said, "It's not just the roads and the airports."

Ollivaud echoed the same idea: "Transportation is an important part of the deal. But there's also all this other environmental infrastructure that's very important and often lacking in Indonesia."

At the core of the plan to replicate Bali as a tourism model is a basic and pervasive problem: Succeeding could be harmful to local people and local environments, both Ollivaud and O'Regan said.

"Pollution is becoming a huge problem for Indonesia, not only plastic but also having proper water is an issue," Ollivaud said.

"Replicating Bali is a bit of a dangerous idea," said Choe O' Regan. "Bali has serious issues — water shortage, garbage management, people pushed out of villages and homes because of fancy resort development."

In December 2017, the island declared a "garbage emergency" and three-and-a-half miles of beach were deemed an emergency zone because they were so overrun with plastic waste. (The government representative said Indonesia is targeting a 70% reduction in marine debris by 2025.) It's also experiencing a water crisis that's driven in part by its popularity as a tourist destination.

Development plans in Mandalika — which, as a Special Economic Zone, is attracting foreign investment in addition to government investment — in particular, have raised red flags overseas. In March, UN human rights experts urged the Indonesian government to respect human rights after sources found local people were forced off their land without compensation. The Indonesian government representative told Insider it rejects the UN's concerns, calling them "false and hyperbolic."

Ollivaud and Choe O' Regan also both pointed to the importance of developing vocational training programs in the new tourism areas so that locals can find employment, and not only in low-income positions.

"Local people usually get hired for cleaners, receptionists, drivers. These developments generally make low-income jobs for local people," Choe O' Regan said.

Luh Putu, the Balinese professor, is more optimistic. She said the new locations are being developed with Bali's issues in mind: "The government learned a lot from the case of Bali tourism. They realized mass tourism generates a lot of negative impacts on the environment."

She went on to note that Bali's model of tourism is evolving, too, and pivoting towards a village-tourism model in which income is generated in and kept among the local communities.

"If you come to Bali right now, there's a lot of tourism based around villages that's more sustainable in terms of the environment and the culture," Luh Putu said. "Tourists are invited to experience living like a villager to interact with the local culture."

Emerging from the pandemic

Some indicators show the initiative was succeeding in drawing tourists into the new locations before the pandemic struck.

Borobudur and Lake Toba, for example, emerged as new tourism destinations in Indonesia in recent years, per the OECD report. Construction projects including zoning, road construction, and waste management have been ongoing throughout the pandemic in all five locations, the government representative said.

But while the initiative is riding on Bali's international renown to attract tourists, the question still remains whether the island's innate appeal will rub off on other Indonesian destinations.

"Even though they have marketing plans, I don't know how they will actually attract tourists to these locations," Choe O'Regan said. "I think people will still prefer to go to Bali."

And independent experts and government officials alike acknowledge that the stakes are high with this latest tourism push. Luh Putu said that success across the new destinations would bring some much-needed stability to Indonesia's tourism sector.

"Currently, most of Indonesia's tourism income comes from Bali," Luh Putu said, referencing pre-pandemic information. "If the five destinations are a success, it will improve the resilience of tourism because the country won't only be dependent on Bali for income."

On the flip side, Basuki Hadimuljono, Indonesia's minister of public works and public housing, identified what's at stake should the program fail.

"For tourism, first the infrastructure must be repaired, then amenities and events, then a massive promotion," Hadimuljono said in an April press release. "If that's not ready, tourists come once and won't come back again."

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.

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

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

Why Asia Highlights

Where can we take you today.

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

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

How to Plan the Perfect Bali Itinerary (7 Days-3 Weeks)

By: Author Taylor Lorenz

Posted on Last updated: 10/25/2023

How to Plan the Perfect Bali Itinerary (7 Days-3 Weeks)

Bali is an idyllic island with a name so famous that many people often think that Bali is a country. It’s actually one of many islands that make up the incredibly diverse country of Indonesia and acts as a great jumping-off point for further travels to Lombok and Flores .

Bali is by far the most popular island, and where I called home multiple times during my travels. drawing The beaches, iconic rice terraces, jungle-covered volcanos, unique culture and heartwarming people are just a few of the Island of Gods perks.

Whether you’re a luxury traveler or a backpacker, this Bali itinerary guide will serve you well. I’ve detailed multiple options for you to pick and choose what serves your Bali vacation best. There’s no one-itinerary-fits-all here.

Planning a trip to Bali can be really daunting as there’s no set route or place or place to start. This Bali travel guide will tell you what to do in Bali, the places you must visit in Bali and the top things to do in Bali. It’s the ultimate Bali trip planner from someone who knows Bali well.

Table of Contents

Bali Fast Facts

Currency in Bali: Indonesia Rupiah Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) which is spoken throughout Indonesia and Balinese Population: 4.2 million Religion: Balinese Hinduism (a mix of Buddhism and Shivaism)

Recommended Bali Tours

Skip planning your trip yourself with these top-rated tours around the country.

Wanderlands Bali – 8 Days
Bali Bucket List Boutique – 10 Days
Bali One Life Adventures – 12 Days

Bali Itinerary

Creating a Bali itinerary can be very difficult because it really depends on what a person is looking for. Below I’ve created mini itineraries for each place recommending how long to stay and the top things to do. Unfortunately, there is no best itinerary for Bali as it really depends on what you want to do.

Bali Trip Itineraries by Length

Follow the order that each itinerary is listed in and you’ll have yourself a route! These itineraries move at a decent place so if you plan on relaxing more then drop one of the locations. If you want an itinerary for 4-5 days I recommend picking one or two spots maximum.

7 Day Itinerary

Ubud (2 days)
Uluwatu (2 days)
Canggu (2 days)
Nusa Penida (day trip)

10 Day Itinerary

Ubud (3 days)
Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan & Nusa Penida (3 days)

2 Week Itinerary

Seminyak (1 day)
Amed (day trip from Ubud)
Gili Islands (2 days)
Nusa Islands (3 days)

3 Week Itinerary

Seminyak (2 days)
Munduk (2 days)
Lovina (2 days)
Amed (2 days)
Extra day to spend wherever you like!

Breakdown of my Bali Trip Itinerary

Ubud: 3-4 Days

Though easily a week could be spent in Ubud if you love wandering around, this cultural hub can be fully explored in just 3-4 days. Ubud is where you’ll do most of your Bali sightseeing.

DAY ONE: Spend the day exploring around town. Hit up the Monkey Forest and make your way up Monkey Forest Road (watching out for the monkeys of course) where you can poke in and out of shops full of jewelry, souvenirs, local art and more. By the end of the road you’ll hit the Ubud Market where you can easily spend an hour or more.

After the market make sure you make it over to the Campuhan Ridge Walk for sunset over the green fields. Grab some food, there are lots of options nearby and head back to your accommodation.

DAY TWO: Today is full of temple hopping and some waterfalls. Hire yourself a scooter, get a driver or do a tour. The first stop before it gets busy is Tirta Empul where you’ll get into the water and bless yourself under the holy water. Gunung Kawi is close by and is very Balinese with beautiful rice terraces surrounding it. Next are the stunning and most famous rice terraces on the island, Tegallalang Rice Terraces where you can spend some time taking pictures and trekking through the terraces.

After, make your way to Tibumana Waterfall, a pretty but simple waterfall that is easy to get to but not very touristy. The next waterfall, Tegenungan Waterfall, is big and powerful but touristy. On your way back to Ubud stop at Goa Gajah, also known as the Elephant Cave, another temple which I’m sure you’ve seen pictures of before.

DAY THREE: Day three is the day to spoil yourself. Get yourself into a spa where the low prices will have you getting multiple treatments. Indulge in a yoga class. The most famous yoga studio in all of Bali is located in Ubud, the Yoga Barn. I can vouch that the classes and spaces are excellent! In the morning or afternoon squeeze in a cooking class so you can try multiple dishes from traditional Balinese cuisine.

DAY FOUR: Get up early and hike Mount Batur for sunrise . The second half of the day is either for sleeping or getting in some extra sightseeing. Some suggestions are visiting the Bali swing, stuffing your face with more great food, visiting the Bamboo Forest which is excellent for Instagram-worthy shots or watching a traditional Balinese dance.

READ MORE: 21 Incredible Things to do in Ubud & Where to Stay in Ubud

Bali itinerary | Bali guide | Bali trip itinerary | Bali trip | Bali vacation | Bali travel guide | 2 weeks in Bali | Visit Bali | Things to do in Bali | Bali sightseeing | Bali attractions | What to do in Bali | Places to visit in Bali | Places to see in Bali | Where to go in Bali

Canggu: 2-3 Days

Canggu is a major chill out zone but it is easy to get caught here, there’s just something about the place that makes people want to stay longer.

DAY ONE: Do what Canggu is best known for, hang out on the beach. If you can’t sit all day then catch a surf lesson or hit up a yoga class. Spend your evening at Old’s Man, the main bar in town or party at one of the nightly hot spots. Make sure you catch sunset on the beach. Most hostels will have a schedule up of when to go to Pretty Poison, Sand Bar and more for the best party.

DAY TWO: Hit up the beach again or check out a beach club where you can live a little luxury without spending a fortune. Eat at some of the best spots in the area (the food here seriously does not disappoint) and do a mini shopping trip at the Love Anchor Market. For sunset visit the famous Tanah Lot just outside of Canggu, but we warned it will be busy. Then catch sunset on the beach.

DAY THREE: Another day to relax, do another surf or yoga lesson and party. Find yourself on a rooftop pool, at a spa or back at the beach. Don’t forget to catch sunset again, Canggu seriously has the best sunsets!

READ MORE: 30 Cool Things to do in Canggu & Where to Stay in Canggu

Seminyak: 1-2 Days

If you’re not planning a relaxing holiday for a week then I would move through Seminyak quickly as the luxe lifestyle here has prices that add up quickly.

DAY ONE: Today is a fun day, basically spend your time eating your through Seminyak at all of the trendy cafes and drinking at the stylish bars. Check out Bali’s very first speakeasy bar, Baker Street Social. But if you don’t just want to eat all day (who doesn’t?) then chill out with some massages. At night you can party at Sky Garden that’s open until 5AM and is often host to world famous DJ’s.

DAY TWO: Hit the beach or a beach club. Potato Head is one of Bali’s most famous beach clubs and it is fabulous. If you’re at the beach you can try your hand at a surfing lesson. If you need some more activities while in Seminyak then try a little retail therapy or visit the escape room or Museum Art Trick 3D. End your night at another hot spot to party at and don’t forget to enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach!

READ MORE: 13 of the Finest Things to do in Seminyak & Where to Stay in Seminyak

Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu): 2 Days

DAY ONE: There is nothing better to do in Uluwatu than beach hop . You have so many choices, the most famous ones being Dreamland Beach, Padang Padang Beach (where a scene from Eat, Pray, Love was filmed and also some of the best parties) and Uluwatu Beach. However, my personal favourite is Melasti Beach and Nyang Nyang Beach is also awesome. Spend your evening at one of the most famous Bali attractions: Uluwatu Temple where you can see the sunset as you watch a Kecak dance, otherwise known a as a fire dance. Beware of the monkeys here.

DAY TWO: Get active and get surfing or spend another day beach hopping. If you happen to be in Uluwatu on a Sunday then don’t miss the party at Single Fin. Even if you’re not here on a Sunday it’s worth a visit to Single Fin to watch sunset or to see the surfers during the day on the epic waves. There are also lots of pools that you can hang out at if you buy something or pay an entrance fee.

READ MORE: 10 Fantastic Things to do in Uluwatu & Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Nusa Dua: 2-3 Days

If you’re up for a quick visit as a globetrotter, 3 days is plenty, but this little paradise could easily be where to stay for a week if you want more of a holiday.

DAY ONE: Visit the beaches where you can also eat and drink. The top ones to check out are Nusa Dua Beach and Geger Beach. Off of Nusa Dua Beach is a great snorkelling spot. Another water activity is witnessing the water blow, where water literally blows from a rock formation. In the evening you can catch a Cirque d’Soilel like show at Devdan Show .

DAY TWO: Day two is for exploring. If you’re a shopping lover than stop at Bali Collection for a mix of stores. If you like culture then visit Puja Mandala, a religious monument with temples, mosques and more. Or if you want to be active then join a cycling tour. In the evening you can stroll along the Nusa Dua Promenade.

DAY THREE: Feel like a real-life pirate and visit Pirates’ Bay, get back into the water for some water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Nusa Dua is full of entertainment! Lastly, you can check out the Surf n’ Turf park that has practice waves and instructors waiting for you.

READ MORE: 15 Awesome Things to do in Nusa Dua & Where to Stay in Nusa Dua

Nusa Islands: 1-5 Days

This group of three islands are absolutely stunning. Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan can be visited as day trips or you can choose to spend time on each island. I recommend spending more time on Nusa Penida (2-3 days) and less on Nusa Lembongan (1-2). Nusa Ceningan is so small it can be visited as part of your time on Nusa Lembongan as it’s connected by a yellow bridge which is a short walk or drive.

I have detailed itineraries for each island:

Nusa Lembongan (most visited)
Nusa Ceningan (smallest)
Nuda Penida (largest and most scenic)

Kuta: 1-2 Days

Kuta is a love or hate kind of place. You either want to spend some time here or avoid it like the plague.

DAY ONE: If you want some water entertainment for the day that doesn’t involve a beach then make your way to Waterbom Bali or Circus Waterpark. If that’s too western for you then head to Kuta Beach where you can also catch one of Bali’s best sunsets.

DAY TWO: Day two is another day packed with entertainment. You have the option to visit Kuta Theater which has a magic show, Dream Museum Zone which has immersive life scale paintings, try the 5GX “reverse bungee’, get your surf on at Amanda Flow House, Upside Down World Bali (self-explanatory, I think), or Pandora Experience Bali.

READ MORE: 11 Entertaining Things to do in Kuta & Where to Stay in Kuta

Munduk: 2-3 Days

Munduk is great to do as a couple day trip from Ubud or as a trip from Canggu to Ubud. There is a lot of driving involved but the scenery is beautiful! Grab a bike or a private driver and you’ll love the nature here.

DAY ONE: You’ll spend a good chunk of today driving to the Munduk area but once there you can stop at some stunning waterfalls such as Munduk Waterfall, Gitgit Waterfall, Aling-Aling Waterfall, Banyumala Waterfall (if you only visit one, make it this one!) and Melating Waterfall. Spend the night in Munduk, trust me you’ll be tired.

DAY TWO: If you choose to spend 3 days exploring Munduk then this is your hiking day. Get up early before the clouds roll in to see the epic views over the rolling hills and mountains. Guided tours are available.

DAY THREE: This is the day you head back to Ubud or move onto Ubud from Canggu. Get up early again so you can get to the hot spots before the crowds appear. Stop at the Twin Lake Wanagiri Spot (that’s the name on Google Maps) for an Instagram heaven with a swing that has a view over one of the lakes.

Next visit some beautiful gates that are really only gates to a golf course (Handara Golf & Resort Bali). They’re still awesome though. Lastly, stop at one of the most famous temples on the island, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple that sits along a lake with the mountains in the background. There are also lots of viewpoints to stop at along the drive through the lakes.

READ MORE: 8 Magical Things to do in Munduk

Amed: 2 Days

Your time in Amed really varies depending on what you want to do. If you’re not diving then 2 days in fine to explore the basics, but if you want to spend more time in the water then budget time accordingly. You can also get scuba certified here.

DAY ONE: Amed is small to explore so spend the day in the water or along the beach. Go snorkeling or free dive at the top sites. Chill out on the beach, pop your head into the few shops or enjoy some yoga. In the evening make your way to the best viewpoint in town, Jemeluk viewpoint for sunset and a tasty dinner or a few drinks.

DAY TWO: Day two involves a mini day trip to the most Instagramable spot on the entire island: Lempuyang Luhur Temple . It’s famous for having the ‘Gates to Heaven’ that frames Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest volcano, in the background. It will take about half the day and the second half you can do activities from day one that didn’t get to.

Lovina: 1-2 Days

Lovina is worth a quick visit or can even be worked in as a stop on a trip to Munduk.

DAY ONE: Hangout on the black sand beach. Visit any waterfalls between Lovina and Munduk and hop into the freshwater springs or the Banjar hot springs…or both!

DAY TWO: Go on a dolphin spotting tour , take a cooking class, visit Brahmavihara (a Buddhist temple) or spend even more time on the beach.

Best Time to Visit Bali

While Bali can be visit year-round there is definitely a best time to travel to Bali . Bali experiences only two seasons: wet season and dry season. The wet season, November to March, brings heavy rains but it never rains all day, mostly just showers for an hour or two during the day. The dry season, April to October has some rain but it is minimal and it is not uncommon to have dry days for weeks.

The temperature is consistent year-round with temperatures reaching as low as 23°C and highs of 34°C.

The busiest time of the year to visit in July and August so if you want to avoid crowds then the best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons April-June and September-October. It’s a treat to visit in the spring as it’s just after the wet seasons has finished and the island is covered in lush greenery.

Bali Trip Budget

Bali can be a budget destination or it can be a luxury destination. The island has it all and you can choose how much money you want to spend. Though I found it slightly more expensive than other countries in Southeast Asia , I found Bali to be very flexible when it came to budgeting for accommodation, food and transport.

If you want to be tight $25USD day will get you by no problem but if you’re looking to be on a budget but with some wiggle room plan for $35-45USD a day. This is if you’re staying in hostels (100,000-150,000 a night), eating local food (15,000-50,000 per meal) and using budget apps to find transport which varies widely. Activities will fit into this budget but not daily.

If you want to live more comfortably, perhaps staying in a guesthouse, a cheap villa or hotel plan to spend $60-100USD per day. Accommodation in this range will cost you 300,000-600,000 per night.

On this budget you can eat all western food and enjoy the fancier restaurants with meals ranging from 100,000-350,000. Cocktails will run you anywhere from 70,000-200,000. You can also afford to take taxis or hire private drivers. You can also afford to do activities daily.

Activities range but typically cost between 100,000-300,000 with some costing more or else. Entering a temple is anywhere between 15,000-60,000, a yoga class is 100,000-130,000, a cooking class 300,000 and hiking Mount Batur 300,000.

Anything above $100USD a day you’ll be able to stay in hotels, resorts and enjoy the totally luxe things on the island. Though know that Bali is home to some of the most expensive hotels in the world!

How to Get to Bali

There are 3 ways to get to Bali: plane, boat and bus. The most popular way to get to Bali is by plane, flying into the Ngurah Rai International Airport or Denpasar International Airport. There is one Bali airport (two names) that serves Bali and is located in Denpasar.

By boat is also an option with the most common route being from Java, which is a common way for travellers to travel between the two major islands. Lastly, you can take the bus from Java’s capital of Jakarta which takes 23 hours.

Travelling Around Bali

Getting around Bali is easy and you have a few options. Unfortunately, there is no public transport in Bali so you will have to rely on private drivers and apps to find you drivers or drive a scooter.

Luckily it never takes more than 2 hours to get between destinations unless you are planning on travelling far across the island which shouldn’t be the case as there is plenty to see and you’ll want to make stops and stay in more than one or two areas.

To get from the Bali airport to where you are staying

It is best to have a transfer booked ahead of time before you get to Bali. Private airport transfers are very affordable which can be booked online. Many accommodations also offer transfers too.

To get from destination to destination

The cheapest way to move between different areas is to hire a Grab, Uber or Go-Jek (the Indonesian version of Grab/Uber). A price will be shown, however, drivers will always try and negotiate. This is normal so get your bargaining skills ready.

I recommend booking private drivers between destinations which are very affordable and less of a hassle.

The most expensive way is to hire a taxi, Blue Bird taxis are the main and trusted taxi company. Of course, if you’re comfortable driving a scooter with your baggage then you can hire a scooter and drive wherever you please.

There are some shuttles available, mostly from Ubud that are a cheaper shared option. If you’re taking a boat to the Nusa Islands, Lombok or the Gili Islands then transportation is usually organized and included in the price.

Getting around in an area

You can continue to hire cars or taxis or you can rent a scooter to scoot around to all of the highlights. Scooters cost 50,000-80,000 per day. Driving in Bali can be challenging because of traffic and I highly recommend only driving if you have experience . If you do not then either choose not to drive or practice somewhere quiet first. Through Go-Jek you can hire drivers to take you on a scooter which is a fraction of the price and extremely affordable.

READ MORE: 11 Common Southeast Asia Travel Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Travel Insurance

READ MORE: 51 Tips for Backpacking Southeast Asia

Where to Go in Bali

A quick overview in map form of where to go in Bali with more detailed descriptions of each place below.

This is the big question and often the most difficult part of travelling in Bali for people. It’s a large island, over 5,000 sq. km and there are many places to see in Bali. Below I’ve listed the highlights of the best places to visit in Bali and where to stay in Bali to help you decide which area or places you want to spend your time in. These are listed in no particular order.

Ubud is the most famous area in Bali and it’s here that you’ll recognize the rice fields from Eat, Pray Love . Ubud is a town located in the centre of the island and is most known for its culture and abundance of yoga studios and yoga retreats in Ubud . A stop here is in order if you want to see temples, traditional dancing and crafts and to shop. Just outside of Ubud are the most famous rice terraces and some of the islands most famous scenery.

READ MORE: 11 Best Yoga Retreats in Bali

Canggu is a digital nomad hub with lots of westerns living here permanently or spending a few months on the southern coast. Canggu has a distinct backpacker vibe as there are no resorts in the area (though it’s considered an up and coming resort area). It’s busy but also has black sand beaches and it’s easy to find a party. The areas biggest draw are its easy surfing waves, cheaper accommodation prices and Australian style cafes. It’s very common to find yoga here as well.

Seminyak is an area on Bali’s southern coast, next to Canggu that is known for its high-end luxury Bali resorts, villas and spas. There isn’t much to do in Seminyak as it’s an area to hang out and relax in. High-end shopping, excellent restaurants, beach clubs, bars and beach sunsets are most common as it’s popular for Bali nightlife. Surfing is also popular here. But don’t forget your wallet if you plan on visiting here!

Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu)

The southern tip of Bali, Bukit Peninsula, is often referred to just as Uluwatu which is only one area of this area. It’s different from the rest of Bali because of its dramatic cliffs that plunge into the bluest waters found on the island. The area is well-known for its world-class surf breaks and white sand beaches, in which there are plenty to choose from. Travellers here most commonly stay at higher-end resorts or villas but it’s not hard to find cheaper accommodation and places to party with a high or low budget.

Nusa Dua is another resort area on Bali’s southern shores close to the Bukit Peninsula and opposite Uluwatu. It’s famed for its all-inclusive beach resorts which boast white sand and an 18-hole golf course. Shopping and relaxing are the main activities here but some cultural things can be done here too. It’s an excellent area for families.

Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan)

The Nusa Islands are not considered a part of Bali as they are actually three separate islands off of Bali’s southeast coast that make up the Nusa Penida District. They are extremely common to visit during a Bali trip because it takes only half an hour by speedboat to reach these stunning islands.

Nusa Penida is the largest with dramatic scenery and vibrant blue waters. Nusa Lembongan is the most popular and much smaller in size but is popular for diving and surfing. Nusa Ceningan is the smallest but is equally as beautiful.

Kuta was Bali’s first main tourist development and has since turned into a popular spot for partying and beach resorts. Travellers of all sorts come here to be entertained and catch the easy waves that are ideal for beginners. Located in central Bali, Kuta is often looked down upon from some travellers as being too touristy but it has all of the attractions that families, backpackers and luxury travellers could ever want.

Denpasar is the islands capital and often a place skipped by visitors. It’s a packed and chaotic area where over 1 million locals call home. On the east side you’ll find Sanur beach and in the centre you’ll find a hub of politics but also authentic restaurants, shopping and parks. Denpasar is also where the airport is located.

Munduk is a spot in central Bali that often goes unnoticed in travellers Bali itinerary. This mountain village is popular for its trekking through the hills and jungle surroundings. A trip to Munduk will ensure that you see waterfalls, visit lakes and escape from the sometimes overpowering heat.

Amed is made up of a long strip of local fishing villages along Bali’s less popular northern coast. If snorkelling and diving are you thing then make sure you check out the marine life off of Amed’s shores. Still relatively unknown, Amed is slowly making it’s spot on travellers radar, becoming more developed but still hanging onto its traditions. Stunningly clear waters, a beach, small town feels and the beginners of a yoga hub are all here.

Lovina is a very relaxed resort area in northern Bali that is too made up of a string of villages like Amed. It’s less touristy and quiet. A spot here is in order if you wish to get away from it all. Here you can spot dolphins, chill out and soak up the sun on the black sand beaches.

How Long to Spend in Bali?

On average, people who are vacationing in Bali spend 1 week and those who are travelling spend 2 weeks in Bali. I recommend this as the bare minimum. You will not be able to see all the places listed in this guide in 2 weeks, which is fine because some places are similar.

Have fun planning your Bali trip, I hope you fall in love with the island as much as I and so many others did!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small commission from and are at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure policy for details. Thank you for supporting my small business!

Disclaimer: Taylor’s Tracks is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.Com and affiliated sites.

SIMCards / eSIMS

Staying in Bali for more than just a holiday

Animal Welfare
Green Traveling

Hotels, Resorts, Villas & Holiday Rentals

Bali's no. 1 Travel Guide

Don't Forget:

Things to Do in Bali

With our BaliCard, Bali's Digital Discount Card & Tourist Pass, you save 10% and more

What's on Bali

Events at W Bali Seminyak

Events at Desa Potato Head

Events at AYANA Bali

Events at MRS SIPPY

Your Most Reliable

Bali Travel Guide

Bali – Island of Gods

Bali is unique, Bali is unmatched

There is no other place like Bali. A magical blend of a colourful culture, friendly people, stunning nature, countless activities, tropical weather, culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful accommodation. Bali is rated regularly as one of the best travel destinations in the world – for very good reasons. There is something great for everyone to explore and discover.

Bali.com is fully dedicated to make your travel planning easier. Explore reliable & helpful tips about Bali so you can enjoy the best experience.

Plan your Bali Trip

Visa Regulations

Entry Requirements

Discount Card

Bali Quick Guide

Hotels, Villas & Travel Guide

Internat. Driving License

SIMcard & Internet Data

Scooter & Motorbike Rental

Airport Transfer & Private Taxi

Bali Things to Do

Activities & tours, eat & drink, body & soul.

The Ultimate Quick-Guide to Bali in 3 minutes

On our website you will probably find more information about Bali, than in a printed Travel Guide Book. Bali is a small island, but complex due to the sheer amount of things to do and different places , which can be quite overwhelming. If you have not been to Bali yet and want to get a brief overview, then this little Travel FAQ will help you to start your travel planning.

Bali - Must Know & Facts

Travelers from 90+ countries can now obtain a simple Visit Visa (B1, or also known as VISA ON ARRIVAL (VoA) - get it online or upon arrival)

Travelers from other countries or if you intend to stay longer than 60 days , or travel with a business purpose, then you need to apply for 211A Visit Visa before you arrive.

Click for updated VISA regulations per country

TRAVEL REGULATIONS

There are several travel requirements that are necessary to be aware of which apply to ALL travelers

Click for updated TRAVEL regulations

Bali is so diverse and like any foreign country there are often different rules and regulations to be aware of. These are the things we suggest you do before booking flights and hotels:

Check the Visa Regulations that apply to your nationality - Visa Regulations
Check the general travel regulation & requirements you must follow before your arrival - Travel Regulations
Choose the season and best month for you to visit Bali - Weather Guide
Become aware of the different destinations and what they offer. Each region is very different (nature, climate, hotels, "crowds", prices, transportation facilities, suitable for families, etc) - Destination Guide
Get familiar a bit with the unique culture and customs - Culture Guide
Book hotels and Villas that are well located according to your needs. Always check the map and understand walking distance to beach, attractions, restaurants etc). What looks nearby might not be, and an hotel calling itself X Seminyak, might not be really in Seminyak - Book Hotels & Book Villas
Make a list of what you would like to do and experience. Bali offers hundreds of things to do, visit and explore and see how far these attractions and sites are away from your hotel location. Understanding how to get from A to B can make or break a holiday. Check out our Transportation Guide and plan beforehand - Transportation Guide
Rent a scooter if you can drive one, which would male it much more easy to get from A to B - Scooter Rental
Make sure you get online in Bali and get a Data package - SIM & e-SIM cards
Browse through our travel guide and find out more about Bali and how to get ready - Travel Guide
Last but not least: Get good deals and choose quality experiences - BaliCard Selection and Discounts on 100 villas, plenty of activities.

Starting 14Feb 2024 every International traveler needs to pay IDR 150,000. More information and where and how to pay the levy: Bali Tourism Tax

May, June, September are the very best months to visit Bali.

In general, best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the weather is sunny and dry with little chance of rain, making it ideal for a tropical holiday.

More about best time to travel to Bali, the Weather per month and the overall Climate & different Seasons

Glad you asked 😉

Yes, we have launched our balicard that entitles you to 10% discount or more on an awesome selection of villas, hotels, restaurants and numerous activities. .

Discounts on Accommodation, Rafting, Canyoning, Cooking Classes, Jewelry Making Classes, Car Rentals with Driver, Motor Scooter Rentals, SIMCard and Data top-ups, Jetski, Trekking, Scuba, Tours, Escape Rooms... and more

Purchase your BaliCard here granting discounts for up to 5 people

Something for everyone

Check out our destination guide to get a clearer overview about what each destination and region in Bali is famous for and what you can expect there. Your holiday experience will depend greatly on choosing the right region and location that matches your preferences.

Tropical Climate

The climate in Bali is warm, humid, and tropical characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Bali has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March.

During the dry season, temperatures typically range between 80-90°F (27-32°C) and humidity is relatively low. This is the most popular time for tourists to visit Bali, as the weather is sunny and dry with little chance of rain.
During the wet season, temperatures are still warm but the humidity is higher and there is more rainfall. The island receives most of its annual rainfall during this time, and it can be quite heavy at times. Even though it's the rainy season, it doesn't rain all day, usually there are short spells of rain that might last an hour or two in the afternoon.
The highlands and mountains are significantly cooler than the coastal areas
The best time to visit would be during the dry season if you want to enjoy sunny and dry weather, but the island is a popular destination year-round and offer many activities to do even in the rainy season. Very best months to visit: May, June, September.
You should pack light, comfortable clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or sunglasses. It's also a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella for the occasional rain shower.

More details and facts about Bali Weather, Climate, Temperatures, Rainfall & Seasons

As long as you can.

If you visit Bali from further away than 6-8h by plane, a solid 2 or 3 weeks is what you should aim for, so you have some time to adjust a potential jetlag and also time to explore and then relax.

Bali is a destination, that offers in general great value for money, whether you are traveling on a budget, or if you are the luxury traveler only seeking the best .

Accommodation USD 15-30 per room per night / a meal USD 2-4 / scooter rental per day USD 3-6

Mid-Segment 3 to 4*

Accommodation USD 80-120 per room per night / a meal USD 6-10 / scooter rental per day USD 3-6 / Car Rental per day USD 35-45

Luxury Segment 5* (Bali-Lux)

Accommodation USD 170-400 per room per night / a meal USD 12-20 / scooter rental per day USD 10-15 / Car Rental per day USD 60-100

The Bali-Supreme Experience - The Best of the Best

Accommodation USD 400+ per room per night / a meal USD 30-60 / scooter rental per day USD 10-15 / Car Rental per day USD 60-100

Imported Wines & Spirits are rather expensive compared to most other countries, due to an additional taxed imposed. A cocktail in a nice bar will cost you around USD 8-12.

Amazing Accommodation Options
Endless Summer
The wonderful people of Bali
Beaches of all styles and colours & Waves for Surfing
Sightseeing
Wellness, Health / Spirituality
Art & Culture
Family & Kids Friendly
Culinary & Nightlife
Scuba Diving

Want to know more why this island is so magical and special?

Bali has literally hundreds of places to visit and things to do - many hidden treasures. If we would have to pick 5, then that's our list:

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple with Kecak Dance before Sunset, and on the way back fresh BBQ seafood dinner on the beach in Jimbaran.
Daytrip to the Rice Field Terraces (e.g. JatiLuwih ) and a stop at the temples Tirta Empul or Goa Gaja, closing the day with a traditional Dance performance in Ubud with a dinner in one of the many amazing restaurants in Ubud .
Hit one of the amazing Beach Clubs in Canggu , such as the FINNS Beach Club or La Brisa for the day, and if you are up for it, stay till after sunset, when some of the coolest DJs get to work their art.
Visit the Artist Villages of Mas or Celuk , and experience first hand how these masters are carving and creating the most amazing artworks.
The Mountains - Climb Mount Batur or if this is too difficult join for an e-bike tour through the villages and highlands of Bali.

Of course there is more, scuba diving, golfing, trekking, canyoning, rafting, the animal parks, countless temples and religious sites, hundreds of amazing restaurants, bars, and clubs...the list is endless... that's why so many travelers come back.

If you are up to it, the best and easiest way to get around within a certain area, is if you rent a scooter (wear a helmet, and take it easy, bring an international driving license (or get one online here) .

The Gojek App ( Android , Apple ) allows you to call for a scooter taxi or a car taxi, like Uber), which is very affordable and easy to handle. You can also rent a car with a driver for a full day (8-10h) for ca USD45, which is a great way to go for tours or to manage larger distances.

if you get a cab, make sure you get a BLUEBIRD, the drivers are the most friendly, the most reliable and will take you from A to B without detours and usually switch on the meter without you having to ask.

We suggest strongly, get Internet Connection on your phone. To handle the map apps and navigate with google maps or Waze we suggest to get a Tourist SIMCard with data package (can be ordered here online).

More about Transportation in Bali

To rent a motorized scooter or motorbike of up to 150cc (more than enough) you will need to bring your national CAR driving license AND an international driving license, which is now mandatory in Bali. If you can't get an international driving license (IDP) in time, you can get one online by following the link below, that is accepted by the Indonesian authorities.

International Driving License Online Application

Simply put, the most wonderful people. It's difficult to find a more tolerant, easy going and welcoming culture in the world. Travelers feel it, there is something special about the Balinese, something, one must experience something unique and authentic, that has not been lost even though tourism has been part of Bali since more than 50 years now.

More about the people and the culture of Bali

The main language is Bahasa Indonesia, but with English you will have absolutely no problems in Bali. The Balinese speak their own local language among each other (Bahasa Bali). Bahasa Indonesia is fairly easy, and if you manage to remember only a few words, you will open hearts and doors.

Basic Bahasa Indonesia Vocabulary

Yes, you can visit Bali's Mountains and climb Volcanos. You might have heard in the news, that Bali's former Governor Koster issued a decree, forbidding climbing Bali’s mountains. This came as a response of several social media posts, were tourists gravely misbehaved, disrespecting the holy sites and Bali's cultural integrity overall. Yet, this decree has not been enforced and as it turned out, was not based on legal ground. There is no ban on visiting the mountains and volcanos. Some mountains might be temporarily closed at times, but the reasons will be usually weather conditions, volcanic activities, or ceremonies.

Trekking Tours to Bali's Sacred Mountains

Travel Itinerary Suggestions for visiting Bali for the first time

A few days in Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua , easy arrival and chill.
Then Ubud to discover the culture and natural sites of central and north Bali (Tours, Chilling, Health, Yoga).
Hop over to Lembongan and Ceningan Islands for the tropical and more simple life style as Bali offered 30 years ago (and great diving).
Conclude your trip with some going out, party, shopping, sunset chills in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak or Canggu .

With that set of choices you will discover a lot…in 2 or 3 weeks…and when you come back to Bali…there is more, much more to discover and explore. Travelers have been coming to Bali for decades and return every year; they still discover new things and gain new experiences.

Yes, Bali's nightlife is a real treat. Kuta's reputation among the young and wild, mostly coming from Australia, is legendary. In high season and in November Kuta feels at times like a spring break fantasy. Seminyak offers the widest range of places to go out, also more upbeat and classy, while Canggu is catching up, even though the vibe in Canggu is more relaxed and less "crazy".

More on Bali's Nightlife, Clubbing and Party Scene

Yes, Bali has issued an official tourist guideline on hoe to behave when visiting the island of Gods. This came as a response to several incidences that blew up in social media, where tourists disrespected the laws, regulations and culture in Bali.

Bali's Guide to How to Behave and Cultural Guidelines

Depends on how one defines a paradise

Let's start with the challenging aspects. For one, Bali is not a paradise like the picture postcards of Maldives or the Bahamas suggest. The beaches of Kuta up to Canggu are quite stunning, and wide, and with fun waves to surf, but less tropical than one might expect. Mass tourism has left its mark on some places n the south, such as Kuta, Seminyak, and even Ubud. But many travelers love this aspect of Bai, because it comes with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, shops and with lots of accommodation options. Traffic can be a problem in the dense areas, such as Seminyak and Canggu,. where development was faster than roads were constructed,. IN peak season such as Christmas, traffic can be quite challenging overall. ...that's all not matching the idea of a paradise.

But, in many aspects Bali is and still is a paradise, and one of the best destinations in the world. Why? Because it is tolerant and inviting and lets you be who you want to be. It has an incredible variety of almost everything any traveler wishes to explore or experience. It offers great value for money, and an art and culture that is unique in this world, authentic, and alive. If you want to leave the mass tourism behind, all you need is a short drive and you will enter a Bali that has almost not changed in decades. There are countless areas and sites that are absolutely remote, quiet and almost untouched, where magnificent nature shows her beauty.

Bali is a paradise because of the whole package it offers, and not because it looks like a "white sandy beach coconut tree postcard" wherever you go.

Yes, for sure it's safer than other places. And single women can travel freely and safely. Of course, like everywhere else in the world, where there is tourism, there is crime and scam. But if you keep a normal level of common sense and don't fall into the traps of senseless drinking and drugs, you should be fine. The biggest threat is probably when untrained drivers rent a scooter and overestimate their skills and underestimate the complexity of the traffic.

Bali Destination Guide - Where to Stay in Bali

These are the most popular and best areas to stay and visit in Bali. Each destination in Bali is quite different and unique. It's good to get familiar with these areas before booking your hotel and choosing your itinerary.

Overview & Maps Get to know the main areas in Bali to visit and what they have to offer for a perfect holiday

Canggu & Berawa The best mix of Everything Bali has to offer - surfing, party, yoga, restaurants & cafes

Seminyak & Petitenget Luxury villas, great hotels, beach & surf, nightlife, amazing shopping & food

Kuta & Tuban Bali’s party place for the young and wild. Bars, Shopping, Beach Life & Party

Ubud Bali’s cultural center. Blend of art, spirituality, lifestyle, & culinary delights.

Nusa Dua & Benoa International 5star Resorts and golf courses for the luxury traveler

Legian Good mix of family friendly and going-out options

Sanur Quiet beaches, family friendly, beautiful restaurants & hotels

Uluwatu & Pecatu Deep in the south of Bali, great surf, amazing resorts, and villa estates & beach clubs

Ungasan & Kutuh Most southern coast of Bali. Cliffs and stunning nature.

Jimbaran & Kedonganan Family-friendly beach resorts and best seafood on the beach

Amed & Tulamben Quiet villages with some of the best diving and snorkeling spots

Bedugul, Puncak & Baturiti Mountain area with an iconic water temple & three lakes

3 Nusa Islands Lembongan, Ceningan, Penida - Diving, Nature, B lue Sea, White Beaches. Paradise

Sidemen The hidden Gem of Bali. Spectacular Rice terraces and landscapes

Batukaru A stunning Region in North Tabanan in the Highlands of Bali

Padangbai & Harbour Small, quiet coastal town with good diving. Ferry terminal and speed boats to Lombok, Gilis

Lombok Island next to Bali with stunning nature, volcano and surf spots

Gili Islands Paradise without cars, Party on Trawangan, Meno & Air are quiet.

Visa & Entry Regulations
Bali Tourist Tax
Bali DISCOUNT Card
Hotels, Resorts, Villas
Buy SIMCards & eSim
Int. Driving License (mandatory)
Airport Shuttle
Scooter & Bike Rental
Car Rental & Driver
Reliable Medical Insurance
Destinations | Where to Stay
Going Out & Nightlife
Weather & Seasons
Complete Travel Guide
Weddings & Getting Married
Things to Do
What’s-On Calendar
Events @ W Bali
Events @ Potato Head
Events @ Rock Bar
Living in Bali

No products in the cart.

Return to shop

Username or email address *

Password *

Remember me Log in

Change Location

Find awesome listings near you.

Magical of Bali

There is no other place like Bali in this world. A magical blend of culture, people, nature, activities, weather, culinary delights, nightlife, and beautiful accommodation. Bali is rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world by countless websites, review portals, and travel magazines each year – for very good reasons. Whatever your age, background, budget or interest, there is something great for everyone to explore and discover. And that’s a promise.

DISCOVER BALI

Flora & fauna.

Just like common tropical islands, in Bali you will find a wide variety of plants by surprise

Bali’s population of over 3,000,000 souls spread over the whole island, including those in the smaller islands of Nusa Penida

Bali has a long chain of history from the ice-age era (pre-historic time) to modern, global civilization era

Among 17,500 islands across the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is one of the 33 provinces of the Republic of Indonesia

1000+ Temples

100+ gods/godies, 1000+ destinations, latest releases.

Persyaratan sebagai Hotel Isolasi bagi International Arrival

Latest Updates

Bali's Airport has re-opened for selected nationalities

Tanah Lot temple bali, data indonesia internet

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

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a 5% discount on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

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

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

How to plan the perfect Bali Itinerary

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

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

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

Bali vacation – Why you need to travel to Bali

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bali travel guide (Indonesia) –Essential Bali travel tips

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

1. Best places to visit in Bali

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

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

Best temples in Bali

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

lempuyang temple bali indonesia planning a vacation

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

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

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

Best rice terraces in Bali

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

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

tegalalang rice fields best bali attractions

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

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

Best villages in Bali

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

Ubud market, a must-visit in Bali

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

Best beaches in Bali

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

how to travel to bali simple itinerary beachs

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

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

Best volcanoes in Bali

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

Sunrise at Batur Volcano: Best tour to take in Bali

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

Best waterfalls in Bali

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

traveling to bali for the first time itinerary

Include at least one waterfall in your Bali itinerary

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

Other things to do in Bali

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

Tips for traveling to Bali: Beware of Monkey Forest inhabitants

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

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

2. Best Bali itinerary

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

How many days do you need to visit Bali?

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

One-week Bali itinerary idea

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

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

one-week bali trip itinerary infographic

Best Bali itinerary for one week

10-day Bali itinerary idea

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

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

Best 10-day Bali itinerary

I hope you find these Bali itinerary ideas useful !

3. Best time to visit Bali

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

when is the best time to plan a trip to bali

Best time to visit Bali if you want to surf

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

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

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

4. Flights to Bali, Indonesia

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheap flights to Bali

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

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

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

5. Where to stay in Bali

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

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

PREMIUM OPTION

Ulun ubud resort.

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

Ulun Ubud Resort

ADIWANA MONKEY FOREST

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

beautiful hotel in bali with bath tub at the bedroom

Adiwana Monkey Forest

STANDARD OPTION

B saya villas.

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

best cheaps accommodation to travel in a group to bali

B Saya Villas

LOW COST OPTION

Teja home stay.

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

Teja Home one of the best places to stay in Bali

Teja Home Stay

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

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

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

ANANTARA ULUWATU BALI RESORT

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

Are there any overwater bungalows in Bali?

Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort

RENAISSANCE BALI ULUWATU RESORT & SPA

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

Luxury resorts in Bali that you book for your Renaissance vacation

Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa

TORAJA BAMBU BOUTIQUE HOTEL

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

The most luxurious hotels in Bali Toroja Bambu, an essential place to stay in Bali

Toraja Bambu Boutique

PADANG-PADANG INN

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

Hotel in the middle of the jungle in Bali area with more options to stay in Bali

Padang-Padang Inn

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

6. How to get around Bali

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

Transfers in Bali

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

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

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

Scooter rental in Bali

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

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

plan a itinerary for a bali vacation holidays

Another of the best Bali travel tips: Hire travel insurance

Car rental in Bali

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

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

Private driver in Bali

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

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

GRAB – Uber in Bali

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

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

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

Public Transportation in Bali

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

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

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

7. Best tours in Bali

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

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

plan trip to bali itinerary gili trawangan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currency exchange in Bali

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

ATMs in Bali

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

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

Prices in Bali

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

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

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

How much is a Bali vacation?

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

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

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

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

9. Bali visa information

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

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

Social cultural visa for Indonesia

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

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

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

Visa on arrival (VOA)

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

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

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

10. Is Bali safe to visit?

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

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

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

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

Be careful with the monkeys and follow our Bali travel tips

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

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

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

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

Bali travel insurance

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

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

5% OFF your travel insurance

Vaccines in Bali

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

Malaria in Bali

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

Other Bali Travel Tips

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

Where to eat in Bali

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

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

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

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

Best SIM cards for Bali

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

Driving in Bali

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

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

Supermarkets and shops in Bali

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

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

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

What is the religion in Bali?

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

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

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

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

What clothes to wear in Bali Temples

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

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

What is the official language of Bali?

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

Where should I stay in Bali?

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

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

Responsible tourism in Bali

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

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

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

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

Essential Map for your trip to Bali

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

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

Essentials to save on your trip to Bali

Check the best no-foreign transaction fee credit cards .

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

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

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

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

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

Don't miss a 5% discount on your HeyMondo travel insurance

and the only one that pays all your medical bills upfront for you!

Ascen Aynat

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

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

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

Let me know if you have any questions, Ascen

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

thanks Raj! Have a nice trip to Bali!

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

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

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

Awesome article, strike to the point, thanks for sharing

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

Indonesia is looking to create 10 new Balis to boost tourism

Aug 16, 2019 • 1 min read

A temple on the water in Bali in Indonesia

When it comes to visiting Indonesia , travellers tend to favour Bali , attracted by its beautiful beaches, rich culture and amazing temples. In an effort to encourage visitors to check out other destinations, the country's president, Joko Widodo, wants to progress an ambitious plan to diversify Southeast Asia's largest economy.

The plan is called "10 New Balis," and it includes upgrading provincial airports, the construction of new amenities and improving access to the chosen destinations. There are 18,307 islands in Indonesia, and the government is hoping to transpose the success Bali has enjoyed to several corners of the country. The '10 New Balis project' will work hard on convincing visitors to check out the attractions other areas have to offer. More than 40% of visitors, or six million people, visited Bali last year and the project is not meant to devalue this destination.

Instead, the plan to grow the tourism sector complements the country's broader strategy for more infrastructure development, particularly in relation to enhancing connectivity. The destinations chosen under the '10 New Balis' plan for further development include Lombok Mandalika and Labuan Bajo in Nusa Tenggara , Borobudur Temple, Bromo Tengger Semeru and Tanjung Lesung Beach in Java , Lake Toba in North Sumatra , Thousand Islands in Jakarta, Tanjung Kelayang Beach in Banten, and Wakatobi and Morotai Island in North Maluku.

The shore of Lake Toba on the Sumatra Island, Indonesia

The Borobudur Temple complex, a Unesco World Heritage site, and nearby Yogyakarta are among the places the country aims to make more easily accessible to travellers. To get the ball rolling, Yogyakarta is getting a second airport that is due to open later this year, which will surely help to attract more visitors there.

Explore related stories

Tips & Advice

Apr 29, 2024 • 6 min read

Explore Indonesia’s diverse culinary landscape across the world's largest island nation, from satay to the globally renowned beef rendang.

Apr 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Boat at Sunset in Gili Islands, Indonesia

Apr 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 20, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 16, 2024 • 12 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 8 min read

Kimpton-Maa-Lai-Bangkok-as-being-part-of-IHG-Hotels--Resorts-luxury-and-lifestyle-collection.jpg

Mar 8, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 4, 2024 • 8 min read

BALI TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

When I think of Bali, the first word that comes to mind is “honeymoon”.

After all, in the book and movie “Eat Pray Love,” Bali represents love. And in many other films and TV shows, it is depicted as a romantic setting. Growing up, I always imagined it as a destination mainly for special celebrations. Back then, there were no direct flights from where I’m from to this Indonesian paradise. At least, no low-cost flights. A trip to Bali was a trip that you prepare for, you save a lot for. Of course, a lot has changed since.

Today, most of us know that Bali is not just a lover’s paradise. The island has something for travelers seeking nature, culture, and adventure. It is also an ideal choice for family trips, solo travels, group holidays, and even company incentive tours.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING BALI

Bali is Indonesia’s most famous tourist destination. The tourism industry is the province’s main source of income, fueled by tourism-related businesses like hotels and resorts, tour agencies and operators, etc.

Aside from making up the majority of the province’s economy, tourism also led to the development of more sophisticated arts and crafts. It also revived some of the traditional dances and customs that are otherwise left buried and forgotten. Natural attractions also abound in Bali — both on land and underwater. Rice terraces, mountains, islands, beaches, jungles, caves, waves, and marine life are the draw for the adventurous. All these and more propelled Bali to rise as one of the world’s top destinations.

Essential Information:

Language: The most widely spoken languages are Indonesian/Bahasa Indonesia and Balinese. Most people understand and speak English too.
Religion: Over 80% of the residents practice Balinese Hinduism, which is unique in Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country. It is important to be respectful of their way of life, especially when visiting spiritual sites like temples. The island also observes Nyepi Day (Day of Silence), which we will discuss below.
Time Zone: GMT+8 (Central Indonesia Time). Bali is in the same time zone as Manila, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur; and an hour ahead of Jakarta.
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp). USD 1 is around IDR 14,000; PHP 1 is around IDR 278; EUR 1 is around IDR 15,500 (as of November 2019)
Modes of Payment: Most of the stores and restaurants transact in Rupiah, but major credit cards are accepted by most hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and souvenir shops. I noticed that quite a number of establishments have large signs that say they prefer Mastercard. Others like Visa and American Express are accepted too.

WHERE TO STAY IN BALI

Bali Province is composed of Bali Island and other smaller islands clustered on the southeast portion, namely Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan. The city of Denpasar is the provincial capital.

Bali has the most diverse options in Indonesia when it comes to accommodations. There are guesthouses, inns ( losmens ), hostels, budget hotels, high-end hotels, resorts, and villas.

The island can be split into four regions: South, North, Central/East, and West Bali. Although it is possible to stay in other regions, the southern portion is the most popular tourist hub. The majority of the accommodations, restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping areas, and attractions are located here.

As you can see on the map, most of the island’s tourist attractions can be found in the South. Most visitors choose to stay in the south because of the tourist-friendly services and amenities. Furthermore, it’s accessibility makes it a good base and jump-off point to other tourist destinations in Bali. For me, the most ideal places to stay in the south are the following:

Seminyak. Seminyak is located further north of Kuta. It is like the high-end version of Kuta. Seminyak has plenty of luxury hotels, villas, and spa resorts.
Legian. Legian is a suburb located between Kuta and Seminyak. It offers the best of both worlds — budget and luxury. This area is tamer compared to both Kuta and Seminyak.
Kuta. Kuta District in Badung Regency has the highest concentration of accommodations in Bali. Although there are high-end hotels here, the town is known for its budget- and backpacker-friendly accommodations.

But if you’re after peace of mind or a more cultural experience, Ubud in Central/East region is also a great choice. It’s not as accessible as the beach towns, but it offers a relaxing Balinese getaway.

We’ve discussed these areas in detail in a separate article: BEST AREAS TO STAY IN BALI!

Top Budget Hotels in Kuta

Cara Cara Inn. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
H-Ostel Bali. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Praba Guesthouse. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Kuta Beach Stay. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Yans House Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
D Beds Hostel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Top Budget Hotels in Seminyak

Balinea Villa & Spa. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Semimpi Basecamp. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Room & Vespa Suite 2. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Ibis Styles Bali Petitenget. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Arana Suite. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
Seminyak Square Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Bali Hotels!

How to get to bali.

The primary gateway to Bali is Ngurah Rai International Airport, also known as Denpasar Airport or Bali Airport. It is situated in the southern part of the island near the capital, Denpasar, and located between Kuta and Jimbaran. The airport is one of the busiest in Indonesia and connects to major cities and airports, both domestic and international.

Manila is directly connected to Bali. The travel duration between Manila and Bali is approximately four (4) hours.

Travelers arriving in Bali are requested to fill out two forms: Custom Declaration Form and the yellow Health Declaration Form . No need for Arrival Card. If you are arriving as a family, you need to fill out only one Custom Declaration Form. Our forms were given to us onboard.

Bali Airport to Kuta, Legian, Seminyak or Canggu

A majority of tourists choose these four areas as their bases: Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu. All of them are located north of the airport on the southwest coast of Bali. Estimated travel duration:

To Kuta – 30 minutes
To Legian – 1 hour
To Seminyak – 1 hour
To Canggu – 1.5 hours

Here are your options for the mode of transportation from the airport to any of these tourist areas:

Arranged Transport Services (Example: hotel service and tour operators)
Airport Taxi
Metered Taxi
Ride-sharing Apps
Public Transportation (Example: Angkot/Bemo and Trans Sarbagita)
Tourist Shuttle (Example: Kura Kura Bus and Perama Bus)
Online Booking

For the detailed post on how to get to Bali and its tourist centers, we created a separate article for that. You may read it here: Bali Airport to the Tourist Centers.

If you’re a group, a convenient option to consider is a private transfer. An indication that it’s one of the most trusted airport transfer options is the significant number of Klook-affiliated drivers waiting at the Arrival Lobby. All of them, wearing the orange Klook uniform, are clustered in one area. Some transfer packages on Klook also include data SIM cards.

HOW TO GET AROUND BALI

There are choices aplenty for the modes of transportation to get around Bali. Here are your options:

Joining a group tour. Most tourists prefer to join group tours to get to famous attractions. These tours are offered by hotels, travel agencies and tour operators. You can also book the tour ahead online through Klook. We will tackle more of this later on the Things to Do in Bali section of this guide.

Tourist Shuttle. Well, from the name itself, this option is more tourist-friendly than the regular public buses in Bali. These shuttles cover the main tourist destinations in Bali. Kura Kura Bus and Perama Bus are popular among tourists. To contact them, you may check their official websites and social media accounts. Kura Kura Bus has a mobile app too!
Regular Bus. Trans Sarbagita is Bali’s bus rapid system that serves mainly Denpasar and the southern Bali area. It has fixed routes but no fixed schedule. Other regular buses normally cover long-distance routes. The fare depends on your destination. However, this is not recommended to take if you are pressed for time.
Bemo or Angkot. These are local minivans. They are normally open and non-airconditioned. They look like vans but they work like Philippine’s jeepneys.
Taxi. For short-distance travel, tourists hop on a taxi. Taxis are relatively cheap in Bali compared to other countries. The meter starts at IDR 7,000 (PHP25/USD.50/EUR.45) and IDR 6,500 (PHP24/USD.46/EUR.42) per succeeding kilometer. As a rule of thumb, always insist on using the meter.
Ride-Sharing App. Or a ride-hailing app. This should be the most convenient option BUT it’s a bit tricky to use ride-sharing apps like GoJek and Grab in Bali. There are certain streets that don’t allow these vehicles to pass and certain hotels that discourage their guests from hailing a ride using the app.
Motorcycle or Car Rental. Some travelers who like to be in total control of their time and itinerary opt to rent a car or a motorcycle. A motorcycle is the main mode of transportation used by both locals and tourists. The tourist hubs are bombarded by lots of motorcycle-for-rent ads/signboards. The rental rates range from IDR 70,000 (PHP250/USD5/EUR4.5) to IDR 150,000 (PHP540/USD11/EUR10) per day, depending on the type of motorcycle.

Learn more about the rules when driving a car or motorcycle in Bali and other important details here: HOW TO GET AROUND BALI!

POCKET WIFI RENTAL & LOCAL SIM IN BALI

There are many available local SIM and pocket WiFi rentals in Bali. You can also get your SIM card or pocket WiFi from Klook!

Having a reliable internet connection while traveling is beneficial. It will help you save time and money as you explore. You can access Google Maps, a language translation app, and the currency conversion app. And should you decide to book tours or private car with a driver, you can communicate with the local drivers, tour operators, and tour guides via online messaging apps.

THINGS TO DO IN BALI

The good news is, Bali has a lot to offer. A LOT. You’ll never run out of things to do and places to discover even if you stay for weeks. I have friends who are now based in Bali and they still haven’t explored many parts of the island.

The bad news is, well, Bali has a lot to offer. With so many options, it can be quite challenging to pick attractions and activities, especially if you have limited time. If you’re building a Bali itinerary, it will help to look at them as tour packages. Many tours bundle tourist sites according to proximity (attractions closer to each other) or according to your interests. You’re in Bali to see the temples? There are tours for that. Food? There are tours for that. Beaches and waterfalls? There are tours for that. Instagrammable spots? You bet there are tours for that, too!

Important! If you’re booking multiple pre-arranged tours, compare itineraries first and check if there are repetitive items. You probably don’t want to visit the same attraction twice.

Bali Instagram Tour

For Instagrammers, Bali is the promised land. Its every nook and cranny has an Insta-worthy spot. No wonder a lot of Instagram tours have sprouted over the past few years. If you’re the type who always wants the most memorable photos from your trips, this may be for you.

Klook offers a tour that will take you to the island’s most Instagrammable spots with a professional photographer to ensure you have pictures worth sharing. The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver, entrance fees, parking fees, and service fee for the photographer. My only request is, take some time to appreciate each of the spots you will visit and experience them fully, not just as a backdrop.

Anyway, you can choose between BALI IG TOUR, NORTH BALI IG TOUR, and UBUD IG TOUR.

Lempuyang Temple and East Bali Tour

You might recognize Lempuyang Temple by its iconic, Instagram-worthy Gate of Heaven , which frames the majestic Mt. Agung in the background. But this temple, more formally called Pura Penataran Agung Lempuyang, is definitely more than just a selfie spot. Standing on the slope of Mount Lempuyang, it is one of the six holiest places in Bali, which are believed to maintain the spiritual balance in the island.

If you want to take the photo at the Gate of Heaven, prepare to wait for a long time, unless you’re visiting early. You can book a private SUNRISE TOUR on Klook, which also includes a stop at Virgin Beach and Asah Hill. Sunset tour is also available.

If you’re not the early morning type, you can also book a regular DAY TOUR with stops at Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung water palaces. Join-in and private options are available for this.

Important! If you’re also going to book the BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR (see above), these tours might feel repetitive because they both make a stop at Lempuyang Temple. It’s best to choose just one.

Ubud and Central Bali Tour

Ubud is the heart and soul of Bali. Although it has become busier as more tourists flood in over the years, it remains the island’s cultural core. It has a lot to offer: breathtaking scenery, nature, temples, and the traditional Balinese way of life. Although it is possible to stay in Ubud, most tourists visit only on a day tour. Klook has a lot of Ubud offers, but the two with the best itineraries are the following: a join-in shuttle service and a private tour package .

JOIN-IN SHUTTLE SERVICE The shuttle service includes only the transfers for the full day, driver fee, and insurance, but NOT the entrance fees. It does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You will need to meet up with the driver. There are meetup locations in Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Ubud, and Sanur. This is a join-in tour, so you will be sharing the vehicle with other tourists.

Here are the stops and the corresponding entrance fees (which you will need to pay for at the site).

Tegenungan Waterfall – IDR 15,000
Sacred Monkey Forest – IDR 80,000
Ubud Art Market or Ubud Royal Palace
Tegalalang Rice Terrace – IDR 20,000
Swing at Alas Harum – IDR 150,000 to 300,000

PRIVATE TOUR PACKAGE This is a private tour that includes hotel pick-up and drop off, transfers and driver fee, all entrance fees, and a bottled water. What’s not included is the optional swing fee. The places to be visited are the same as the shuttle service but with additional stops at Tirta Empul Holy Springs and Elephant Cave (Goa Gajah). Here are the usual stops:

Tegenungan Waterfall
Elephant Cave
Tirta Empul Holy Springs
Tegalalang Rice Terrace (optional jungle swing experience)
Ubud Monkey Forest
Ubud Art Market

Because it’s a private tour, the price per person depends on how many you are in the group.

Nusa Penida Tour

Nusa Penida is a breathtaking island off the southeastern coast of Bali. It is best known for the dinosaur-shaped Kilingking Beach, which is just one of its many spectacular sights. Nusa Penida tours are categorized into three: West, East, and South. Here are the main stops per tour:

West Tour: Kilingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay
East Tour: Teletubbies Hills, Thousand Island viewpoint, Tree House, Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach
South Tour: Tembeling Beach, Banah Cliff

If you don’t know how to drive, you have two options. You can travel on your own to Sanur Harbor, where you’ll catch the boat to Nusa Penida. Once on the island, you can charter a private car with driver. You can book with Klook. See link below.

The second option is to join a group tour from your hotel in Kuta, Denpasar or Seminyak. They will pick you up at your hotel, transfer you to Sanur Harbor, get you on the boat to Nusa Penida, tour you around the island, and take you back to the hotel at the end of the day. It’s more expensive but hassle-free because you don’t need to worry about anything.

If you do know how to drive and you have a license, you can also rent a motorcycle or car on the island.

Uluwatu Temple

Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a Hindu sea temple that sits atop a cliff. It is one of the six key temples that make Bali’s spiritual pillars. The main temple is open only to worshipers. However, visitors are treated to a spectacular view of the sea from outside the temple.

The temple ground is visited by monkeys dwelling in the forest that surrounds it. These monkeys are known to snatch things from visitors so take care of your belongings, especially your accessories like sunglasses. There’s a cliffside pathway also that gives visitors different viewing points of the Indian Ocean, the tides, and the sunset. You need to wear sarong and sash to enter the temple ground. These are provided at the temple for free. The best time to go is early afternoon, just before the crowd thickens, as it is one of the best places to see the sunset on the island. In fact, the famous Kecak Dance, a Balinese art form, is performed daily starting at dusk, affording the audience to watch two beautiful masterpieces — the dance and the sunset.

At around 6 PM, Kecak (pronounced “ke-chak”) Dance is performed daily on a cliffside open-air venue within the temple grounds of Uluwatu Temple. It is based on the epic Ramayana, focusing on how Rama and his brother rescued his abducted wife, Sita, with the help of the monkey king and his troops.

Kecak Dance is characterized by the chanting and dancing of 75 men while the performers re-enact some of the scenes from the epic tale. It is recommended to go there early at least an hour ahead to secure a good spot. You can purchase your ticket in advance too.

Admission Fee: IDR 30,000
Kecak Dance Fee: IDR 100,000
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM; 24/7 for worshipers
Kecak Dance Schedule: Starts at 6:00 PM daily

Lines can be too long. But you can book your ticket in advance through Klook. You can also join a tour which includes a Kecak Dance ticket via Klook. The tour package includes roundtrip transfers (hotel pick up and drop off). If you’re a private group, the itinerary also includes a stop at Padang-Padang Beach .

Ulun Danu Beratan, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, and Tanah Lot Tour

This tour features three of Bali’s most iconic sites:

Ulundanu Beratan Temple. Located on the shores of Lake Bratan in Tabanan, this is a major Hindu Shaivite water temple. Just like the other water temples Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, Ulun Danu Beratan offers a dreamy tableau when the tide is high and the lake water borders the temple on all sides.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces. Bali’s map is striped by a lot of terraced hills, but this is one of the best representations of Bali’s Cultural Landscape, which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tanah Lot. One of the icons of Bali, Tanah Lot is a temple perched on an islet, 300 meters off the coast of Beraban, Kederi in Tabanan. The actual temple is open to worshipers only, but visitors can enjoy the scenic setting. Best enjoyed at sunset!

Bali Food Tour

One of the ways to immerse yourself in the culture of the place is through the local cuisine. Indonesian food is generally spicy; Bali is not an exception. Here are some dishes to dig into when in Bali.

Ayam/Bebek Betutu. This is a spicy smoked chicken or duck seasoned with bumbu betutu (spicy paste) served with mixed veggies, rice, and sambal.
Bebek Bengil/Goreng. This is a crispy duck marinated in Indonesian spices, then steamed, and finally fried.
Sate. Pork satay or chicken satay are common, but lamb satay is also available.
Babi Guling. This is like Philippine’s lechon . Also called Balinese suckling pig, Babi Guling is usually served with stewed vegetables, rice, crispy pork skin, and pork sausages. The pig is seasoned with local spices so it’s spicy.

You can join organized food tours not just to have a taste of Balinese food but also learn about them. There are 2 foodie tours available on Klook: a more general food tour and a street food tour.

Other Places to Visit in Bali

Here are other tourist attractions in Bali.

Seminyak. Seminyak is Kuta’s less popular but cleaner, calmer and classier seatmate. It is lined with high-end shops, chic bars, and trendy spots. Like Kuta, it is a surfer’s paradise. It’s also located along the same coast, so they share the same view of the sunset.
Kuta Beach. Also called Sunset Beach, it has fine cream-colored sand where tourists laze around or watch the sun go down. It’s also a popular surfing place and the epicenter of the island’s vibrant nightlife.

Taman Ayun Temple. Taman Ayun means “Garden Temple in the Water”. The living legacy of the Mengwi Empire, this family temple is also one of the six royal temples in Bali. Admission Fee: IDR 20,000 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
Saraswati Temple. Located in Ubud, Pura Taman Saraswati is another Hindu water temple. The most prominent feature is the foyer with lotus ponds. During the evening, a traditional dance performance is held at the open stage. Admission Fee: FREE Dance Performance: 7:30 PM, IDR 80,000/pax Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Di Kubu Strawberry. A fruit farm in Tabanan Regency, where you can pick your own strawberries. The place also has a relaxing ambiance and presents a view of the lake too. Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sukawati Art Market. Locally called Pasar Seni Sukawati, it is said to be the most established art market in the island. It is where both locals and tourists shop; locals for their everyday needs, tourists for souvenirs. Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

If you want to see more places to visit or learn more about each item above, we created a separate, more detailed post for it. READ: PLACES TO VISIT IN BALI!

SAMPLE BALI ITINERARY

This is a sample 4-day 3-night Bali itinerary with budget breakdown.

As always, feel free to make necessary adjustments to match your flight schedules, hotel location, and preferences.

Easy Itinerary for 2 Pax

This is a comfortable itinerary that entails booking organized tours with Klook. It assumes you’re a group of 2 pax , splitting the cost of transportation and some tours. The costs indicated below are per person .

For this itinerary, we set the food budget to Rp 100,000 per meal per person. In reality, you can easily find dishes at a much lower price. A meal from a warung (local food stall) can go as low as Rp25,000. But we want it to be more flexible. You can use the leftover money as your budget for your snacks that day or breakfast the next day.

DAY 1 – ULUWATU TOUR 07:50 am – Arrival in Bali 09:00 am – Taxi/Grab to hotel, Rp35,000/pax 09:30 am – Baggage drop or check-in (if possible) 10:00 am – Explore Kuta Beach 12:00 pm – Lunch, Rp100,000 01:00 pm – Walk back to hotel 02:00 pm – Uluwatu Tour, Rp390,000 08:30 pm – Dinner, Rp100,000 10:00 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 2 – INSTAGRAM TOUR 04:00 am – Wake up call 05:00 am – Bali Instagram Tour, Rp605,000 + Lunch, Rp100,000 + Swing, Rp150,000 06:30 pm – Back to hotel, freshen up 07:30 pm – Dinner, Rp100,000 09:00 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 3 – NUSA PENIDA TOUR 06:00 am – Wake up call 07:00 am – Nusa Penida Tour, Rp610,000 + Lunch, Rp100,000 06:00 pm – Back to hotel, freshen up 07:00 pm – Dinner, Rp100,000 09:00 pm – Back to hotel, pack

DAY 4 – DEPARTURE 03:30 am – Wake up call 04:30 am – Hotel check out 05:00 am – Airport transfer, Rp35,000/pax 05:35 am – Flight check in 08:35 am – Fly out

If you’re able to book a twin/double room at a hotel for Rp360,000 per night, the itinerary above will cost you Rp3,300,000 (USD236, EUR213, SGD320, PHP12,000) per person, excluding airfare, travel tax and tips, but including some allowance to cover incidental expenses, future price movements, and other possible expenses we might have missed.

Note that you can significantly reduce this further if you’re part of a bigger group or if you’re willing to rent a motorcycle instead of joining tours.

Budget Itinerary for 4 Pax

This itinerary is best for friends traveling together because it assumes you’re a group of four.

If you’re traveling solo, you can form a group with other backpackers and split the cost of transportation.

For this itinerary, we lowered the food budget to only Rp70,000 per meal, which can still afford you a full meal from a warung (local food stalls) and other cheaper establishments.

DAY 1 – SEMINYAK & KUTA 07:50 am – Arrival in Bali 09:00 am – Taxi/Grab to hotel, Rp20,000/pax 09:30 am – Baggage drop or check-in (if possible) 10:00 am – Taxi to Seminyak, Rp15,000/pax 12:00 pm – Lunch, Rp70,000 02:00 pm – Continue exploring Seminyak 03:00 pm – Taxi to hotel, Rp20,000/pax 03:15 pm – Hotel check in, freshen up 04:30 pm – Explore Kuta 05:40 pm – Watch sunset from beach bar + Food & drinks budget, Rp200,000 08:30 pm – Back to hotel

DAY 2 – UBUD TOUR 07:00 am – Wake up call 08:00 am – Walk or taxi to meet up point, Rp15,000/pax 08:30 am – Ubud Sightseeing Shuttle, Rp105,000 + Lunch, Rp70,000 + Tegenungan Waterfall – Rp15,000 + Sacred Monkey Forest – Rp80,000 + Ubud Art Market or Ubud Royal Palace + Tegalalang Rice Terrace – Rp20,000 + Swing at Alas Harum – Rp150,000 06:00 pm – Back to Kuta 06:30 pm – Dinner, Rp70,000 07:30 pm – Walk back to hotel 08:00 pm – Rest

DAY 3 – EAST BALI 05:00 am – Wake up call 06:00 am – Start Private Car Tour, Rp125,000/pax 08:10 am – Lempuyang Temple, Free entrance + Sarong rental: Rp10,000/pax + Donation, Rp10,000/pax 10:30 am – Drive to Tirta Gangga 11:00 am – Tirta Gangga, Rp30,000 11:45 am – Lunch, Rp70,000 12:30 pm – Drive to Tukad Cepung Falls 02:00 pm – Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Rp10,000 04:00 pm – Drive to hotel 05:30 pm – Back to hotel + Tip driver, Rp20,000/pax 05:45 pm – Rest, freshen up 07:30 pm – Dinner, Rp70,000/pax 09:30 pm – Back to hotel, pack

DAY 4 – DEPARTURE 03:30 am – Wake up call 04:30 am – Hotel check out 05:00 am – Airport transfer, Rp20,000/pax 05:35 am – Flight check in 08:35 am – Fly out

If you are able to book a dorm bed for Rp140,000 a night, the itinerary above will set you back Rp1,900,000 (USD138, EUR125, SGD187, PHP6,900) per person, excluding airfare and travel tax, but including some allowance to cover incidental expenses, future price movements, and other possible expenses we might have missed.

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

Try a warung in your area for authentic and delicious but budget-friendly meals. A warung is a local food stall, usually serving traditional Indonesian cuisine. You can have a tasty dish for only Rp15,000. Some dishes are more expensive, some are cheaper.
When paying using credit cards, note that most have 3-5% surcharge. Always check with the restaurant or the business establishment you are transacting with.
Indonesians are friendly and hospitable. Most can speak and understand English, so don’t hesitate to ask if you get lost.
Have enough cash on hand, especially if you are traveling to remote areas or the southeastern islands. You might have a hard time finding ATMs or even transact using your credit card when you go to these far-flung places.
Purchase travel insurance. As we always recommend our readers, this is something you won’t need to use but you’ll be grateful you did in case something happens.
If you are staying in Ubud, keep in mind that some taxis will charge big because, by certain regulations, they are not permitted to pick up passengers, only drop them off. Also, ride-sharing service is not allowed in Ubud. You might want to book your airport transfer to and from Ubud through Klook.
Always insist on using the meter when riding a taxi.
It’s best to carry small bills with you should you decide to take the taxi so you can pay the exact fare and not fall for the rampant no-change excuse.
Wear sash and sarong inside the Hindu temples. These are normally provided by the temple management.
Strict observance of Nyepi Day. Nyepi Day or Day of Silence is an important public holiday in Bali, celebrated every Saka New Year. It is observed by fasting and meditating and doing less or nothing at all. The observance period is 6AM – 6AM (the next day). During this time frame, locals AND tourists are expected to follow the restrictions such as no working, no lighting of fires, no lights (or used rarely), no traveling, and no entertainment. For some, they can even go with no talking. Even Bali Airport is closed the entire day. No one is allowed outside the streets except the security people and when there’s an emergency. Nyepi Day usually happens in March.
Galungan. It happens twice per year (every six months). It is characterized by bamboo poles with offerings attached at the end.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BALI

When is the best time to go to bali.

April, May, June — just before the peak season.

The peak or high season is from July to early September. These are driest months. But it’s also the busiest, most crowded. It coincides with Australian winter, and many of them escape the cold to Bali. Late September is also a good time to visit, when the crowds start to thin.

Christmas and New Year seasons (December-January) are also busy months for Bali. Expect airfare, hotel rates, restaurants, tours, and other services to skyrocket.

Lean months are February to June and October to November. Prices are cheaper and the tourist attractions are less crowded, but these months also record the highest rainfall.

Bali has a tropical climate; hot and humid all year round, especially in the coastal and low areas. Elevated and mountainous Central Bali area has a cooler temperature.

Do I need a visa to visit Bali?

Indonesia is one of the most open countries in terms of visa policies. Citizens of 170 countries and territories, the Philippines included, can visit Indonesia VISA-FREE for stays of up to 30 days.

To be sure that your country is included in the visa-exempt countries, check the website of the Indonesian Embassy where you are or contact them.

Do I need polio vaccine to visit Bali?

Recently, Indonesia has required a Polio Vaccination certificate from certain nationalities who wish to travel to Indonesia.

For travelers from the Philippines, you only need to secure a Polio Vaccination Certificate IF you are planning to stay for FOUR WEEKS or longer. If you fall under this category and you don’t have said immunization requirement, Indonesia’s Port Health Office at the port of entry will give you polio vaccination. A fee of Rp45,000 (PhP165) will be charged.

What plug type is used in Bali?

Types C and F. Most establishments have two-pin round plugs at 220 V and 50 Hz.

Where can I exchange my money in Bali?

Our preferred method of securing local currency is by withdrawing from the ATM. Most ATMs, however, have a withdrawal limit of Rp2 million to 2.5 million.

For tourist hotspots like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud, money exchange kiosks in Bali are plenty. You can also exchange at banks. Some hotel fronts also have money exchange stalls installed.

If you transact with money changers, check their online reviews first and check the rates carefully because some establishments have records of scamming tourists.

Where can I find ATMs in Bali?

ATMs abound in Bali, particularly the most visited areas. Choose the safest place to transact, usually well-lit areas like malls and commercial complexes or those attached to the bank establishments. Bank Central Asia (BCA), Bank Mandiri, and Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) are some of the most trusted ATMs to withdraw money from. Other shopping malls provide international ATMs like HSBC.

ATMs in Bali dispense Rp50,000 and/or Rp100,000 notes. The withdrawal limit is usually Rp2 million or 2.5 million.

Is it safe in Bali?

It is generally safe in Bali. Just like in other foreign countries, there are scams so you need to be aware of the correct rates and prices. Be mindful of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings as always. Bali also has world-class yet relatively inexpensive hospitals and medical services. Know the local emergency services contacts such as the ambulance, the fire department, and the police.

Additional words by Yosh Dimen Additional photos by Kara Santos, Glenn Ituriaga, and Klook

2019 • 12 • 22

More Tips on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️

Is this post helpful to you?

GILI ISLANDS ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary
How to Get to Gili Islands from Bali or Lombok Airport
12 Asian Destinations for FIRST-TIME SOLO BACKPACKERS
YOGYAKARTA ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary
TRAVELING WITH KIDS: 10 Asian Destinations for the Whole Family
21 BEST THINGS TO DO IN BALI
BALI AIRPORT TO KUTA, SEMINYAK, LEGIAN & Other Tourist Centers
WHERE TO STAY IN BALI: Best Areas and Top Hotels

Recent Posts

2024 STILTS CALATAGAN Beach Resort Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget - 7 April 2024
TOKYO SKYTREE TRAVEL GUIDE: Know Before You Visit! - 30 March 2024
37 BORACAY TOURIST SPOTS & Things to Do (with Prices!) - 6 November 2023

thanks for this best and useful Bali guide also the pictures are looking good.

I think that this blog better and detailed guide for our adventure trip Bali.Thanks for the blog

Very colorful pictures and detailed description

Amazed to read the blog. That is interesting and very amazing.

Thanks for this wonderful article

Great article, will try after the pandemic.

Hey, I have been to Bali and it proved out a bit costly to me. Next time i visit the same place again i will make sure i follow your post. Thanks

once this corona time is over. Bali is 1st on my list.

I just say your blog, very good! Thank you so much for writing about bali. It was 4 years ago, I used to live there, but now I am back home to my home island to help my local village. Covid hurt tourism, so we are trying to tell people to come and support local villages. Thank you blessing.

Thank you, this is very helpful. I wish to visit Bali in the future, for now, just doing Google walk of one of the itineraries you have provided.

Hi there, We were in Bali Nov 2019, it was our last international trip before everything shut down :( I love the suggested itinerary and I love how you included a guide on the electric plugs – I’ve never seen that before. Nikki

Featured On

https://www.thepoortraveler.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ft-time.png

We heard you!

Your comment is now queued for moderation! We’ll try to get back to you soonest. While waiting, follow us on these channels.

Subscribe on Youtube! Follow us on Instagram!

Balinese woman carrying basket of flowers

How to plan a trip to Bali, Indonesia

As the world’s largest archipelagic nation, Indonesia encompasses thousands of geographically diverse destinations, but for culture, nature, adventure and relaxation, Bali stands out.

The tropical Indonesian island of Bali has enticed travellers for over a century with its coralline seas, sacred volcanoes, mist-shrouded lakes and vibrant living heritage. A favoured holiday destination for antipodeans, Bali's irresistible beaches beckon backpackers, surfers and families alike. The south-coast areas of Seminyak, Kuta and Canggu, close to the airport, are where most visitors flock to, but it’s even better when you roam a little further.

Flowers in the foreground with rice paddies and a mountain in the background

Best for: culture Straddling a series of river valleys at the base of Bali’s central highlands, Ubud was once a cluster of villages with an eclectic art colony that drew writers, painters and filmmakers from distant lands. Today, its museums house sprawling collections by the island’s most revered artists and dozens of small galleries exhibit contemporary works, such as Purga Artspace , attached to the endearing library cafe, Littletalks Ubud . Listen out for the exuberant polyphony of gamelan (traditional ensemble music) emanating nightly from the temples. Ubud also hosts a celebration of contemporary artists, Ubud Open Studios , and Southeast Asia’s largest annual literary event, Ubud Writers and Readers Festival .

Be sure to visit one of Bali’s best independent bookstores, Ganesha Bookshop , and one of the nation’s leading traditional textile conservationists, Threads of Life . Delve further into Ubud’s cultural past and present and see a host of archaeological treasures on a walking tour led by Ubud Story Walks . After a culture-packed day, refresh in a secluded bungalow and the natural stone pool at Rumah Semanggi . For a culturally immersive stay, Gayatri and Honeymoon Guesthouse both preserve Bali’s ornate architectural style, while an edifying introduction to Indonesia’s diverse regional cuisines can be found at Warung Pulau Kelapa , Nusantara and Hujan Locale .

Flowers in the foreground with a Hindunese temple on a lake in the background

Best for: nature The crisp air of Bedugul, a horticultural district in the undulating hills of central Bali, is a welcome reprieve from the dense humidity of the south. Overlooking Lake Beratan — said to have been Bali’s largest lake until an earthquake split it into three — lies Indonesia’s biggest botanical garden, Kebun Raya Bali. Established in the late 1950s, it contains 2,400 species from across the archipelago, including a giant ficus thought to be over 100 years old whose towering, Tolkienesque roots have tangled into awe-inspiring arches. A stroll east past ancient cycads is one of the island’s most picturesque picnic spots: a grassy slope fringed by the saffron blooms of flame trees before the duck-egg blue lake beyond.

Visitors can wake to this view at Kebun Raya Bali's onsite Guesthouse Etnobotani or take a 20-minute drive along the northeastern shore of neighbouring Lake Buyan to Giriwood , a boutique hotel with villas enveloped by the Wanagiri forest. Around one mile north is the trailhead to Banyu Wana Amertha, an ensemble of four exquisite waterfalls. When it’s time to refuel, the bebek timbungan — tender, aromatic duck cooked in bamboo — at Secret Garden Village is a delicious option.

Villages along a coastline with a mountain in the background

Best for: adventure Against the backdrop of majestic Mount Agung, Bali’s tallest and most sacred volcano, Amed on the island’s northeast coast is as enchanting below the water as it is above. A string of seven fishing villages fanning out from black sand shores, its usually calm seas and fertile volcanic soils have created a haven for weird and wondrous creatures. From otherworldly nudibranchs (soft-bodied marine molluscs) to mind-boggling mimic octopuses, the critters lurking in Amed’s silty depths have secured its reputation as a global hotspot for macro diving — a style of diving named after the kind of lens photographers use to capture such colourful marine life. Meanwhile, just over nine miles northwest in the shallow waters of Tulamben lies the coral-draped skeleton of the USAT Liberty , one of the most accessible wreck dive sites in the world.

If you prefer snorkelling over scuba diving, keep an eye out for hawksbill sea turtles gracefully gliding over the reefs fringing the coast. One of the healthiest reefs is just over 300ft west of The Kampung , two collections of charming wooden seafront bungalows and a spacious villa for up to ten guests. You can order in hearty Indonesian meals from Warung Agung (try the fragrant pepes ikan — fish steamed in a banana leaf) or sample the superb Spanish omelette from Zaitun.

Aerial view of a white-sand beach with traditional Balinese boats anchored

Best for: relaxation One of the island’s oldest tourism areas, Sanur’s gentle charm and relatively minimal traffic make it popular among visitors seeking Bali’s more serene side. In contrast to the southwest’s barrelling swells, Sanur’s southeast coast is an almost constantly calm tidal lagoon protected by distant reefs. At sunrise and sunset when the wind is low, the lagoon glows like a vast mirror, glassy and luminescent, reflecting the celestial hues of the changing sky. On clear dusks and dawns, the silvery silhouette of Mount Agung soars above the horizon.

A paved path — the first beachfront walk in Bali — stretches across the sand from Sanur Beach to Mertasari Beach around four miles south. Recently doubled to designate pedestrian and cycle lanes, it’s lined with clothing stalls, cafes, seafood restaurants and resorts, such as the boutique Tandjung Sari . Established in the early 1960s, the luxury heritage hotel has an open-air restaurant that serves refined Indonesian dishes and international favourites beneath the curving limbs of towering trees adorned with lanterns. Families looking for a relaxing getaway will enjoy the miniature water park at Prama Sanur Beach Bali and appreciate the creative comfort food at Soul on the Beach and Shotgun Social .

How to plan a family summer trip to the Swiss Alps

The big trip: how to plan the ultimate Silk Road adventure through Central Asia

For hungry minds.

10 of the best hotels in Bali, Indonesia's spiritual island heartland

How new flights to Akureyri are opening up northern Iceland

Indiana Jones and archaeology in Sicily: how to plan a walking tour of Syracuse

How to plan a weekend in Stavanger, where Norway's fjords collide with urban charm

How to make travel more accessible to the blind

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Your US State Privacy Rights
Children's Online Privacy Policy
Interest-Based Ads
About Nielsen Measurement
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Nat Geo Home
Attend a Live Event
Book a Trip
Inspire Your Kids
Shop Nat Geo
Visit the D.C. Museum
Learn About Our Impact
Support Our Mission
Advertise With Us
Customer Service
Renew Subscription
Manage Your Subscription
Work at Nat Geo
Sign Up for Our Newsletters
Contribute to Protect the Planet

International edition
Australia edition
Europe edition

Bali is reopening to tourists, but nervous locals wonder what the future will bring

The pandemic has prompted a rethink of tourism’s role on the island as some call for only ‘quality’ visitors

After being shuttered for 17 months, the upmarket Hujan Locale restaurant in the Balinese town of Ubud is slowly coming back to life.

Outside, staff greet a box truck driver who delivers fresh vegetables and stacks of lemongrass, ginger flowers and kaffir lime leaves. Kitchen workers are busy preparing for the day ahead. A chandelier above a stairway is once again casting a warm yellow shimmer across the walls.

Before the pandemic, Hujan Locale was a thriving business that served local dishes – including bebek goreng, Balinese fried duck with mango chilli sauce, and tongseng kambing, central Java’s slow-braised lamb wrapped in cabbage – to foreign tourists. Covid, and a ban on foreign travellers introduced late March 2020, destroyed its income. The restaurant used to employ 50 staff members; now there are just 15.

There are, however, some signs of hope.

On Thursday, Bali is due to reopen to travellers from several countries including China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates. Visitors will be required to follow certain regulations – they need to be fully vaccinated and take two PCR tests, both before their flight and on arrival. They will also need to quarantine. Initially, officials said people must do so for eight days on arrival, but a last minute announcement this week reduced the requirement to five days.

“Everyone’s been waiting for this. Tourism is the backbone of Bali,” said Hujan Locale’s manager, Kadek Miharjaya.

Bali, Indonesia’s main tourism hotspot, drew more than 6 million travellers in 2019. But since the start of the pandemic, the streets in Ubud, which would normally be filled with tourists, have been empty. Many businesses are closed, and the area is peppered with “for rent” signs.

A man sets up sea-side loungers at a beach in Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

The plan to partially reopen Bali is a first step towards reviving the tourism industry, which contributes more than 50% of the island’s income , according to the UN World Tourism Organisation.

‘We do not want backpackers’

The pandemic has prompted a debate about the role of tourism in Bali, with some arguing the island should become less dependent on the sector and instead develop other areas of the economy. Reports of foreign tourists who remained on the island during the pandemic but refused to follow health protocols has added to such sentiments. This week, Bali’s governor said that tourism had benefited “a handful of people, especially foreign investors”, but not the general public. He said he instead planned to promote areas such as cultural crafts, agriculture and fisheries.

Government officials have spoken of the need to alter the tourism sector to focus on attracting “quality” tourists. Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister for maritime affairs and investment, said last month that the authorities would “filter” tourists. “We do not want backpackers,” he said.

Bali Tourism Agency head I Putu Astawa says the island is hoping to receive travellers who will spend more money, stay longer and have a better attitude.

He pointed to foreigners who have not complied with Covid guidelines, who have abused their tourist visas by working illegally, or broken the law in other ways. “Those are parasites that we need to put in order and keep an eye on,” Putu Astawa said.

Bali has fully vaccinated 80% of the eligible population, according to president Joko Widodo – ahead of much of the country. Cases have fallen from a peak of about 1,000 a day in July . On Monday, there were 37 new cases and seven deaths.

Many residents who work in tourism say they aren’t expecting a boost in business any time soon. Some worry that few tourists will want to undergo quarantine. Others fear the government strategy, which seems to focus on attracting the wealthiest visitors, will only benefit certain types of businesses.

“What about smaller businesses such as homestays? Who’s going to stay there?” said Kadek Kerta Rusmana Yasa, 33. He used to work as a resort manager in Ubud and, at one point, could make 10m rupiah ($700) a month. As the pandemic hit the island, the resort eventually closed for business and he began to work as a moto-taxi driver for ride-hailing firm Grab. He is married with two children, including a baby born during the pandemic, but now can only make about 50,000 rupiah ($3.50) a day. The minimum wage in Bali in 2021 is about 2.5m rupiah ($175) a month.

“Travellers from middle classes will find it difficult to afford quarantines,” Yasa said. “Many foreigners who come here for honeymoons are not exactly rich people. In fact, rich people rarely tipped – based on my experience.”

Yasa hopes the government will stop referring to “quality tourists” altogether. “Those with more money can also do crime and disrespect the island. What’s more important is the law enforcement,” he said.

Arie Yuniarti, 43, who is originally from Surabaya, East Java, and worked as a travel consultant in Sanur, Bali, is also feeling pessimistic. “I don’t want to get my hopes up,” said Arie. She has since opened a small grocery store.

“Only people who really, really need to come to Indonesia who will come to Bali,” she said. She agrees that, given the barriers to tourism, there are other sectors that should be developed. “But it will require brilliant ideas and time to change the mindset of the people,” she added.

Many of the staff at Hujan Locale resorted to other means to make ends meet – from selling snacks online to returning to their villages to become farmers.

Miharjaya said the restaurant has had virtually no income since the start of the pandemic. Management could only just manage to pay for the remaining staff members’ universal healthcare.

“[Staff] lived without a monthly salary, but we tried to at least cover their insurance including their families’ insurance as well,” Miharjaya said.

Back at the restaurant, which reopened on 1 October, a trickle of customers slowly arrive through the doors. “I can’t believe this place is open again. I was so sure they would be out of business and never coming back [after] a year-and-a-half closed,” said one diner, Jared Collins, an artist from New York.

But as it is for many businesses in Bali, Hujan Locale’s future is uncertain. Before the pandemic it would serve as many as 100 diners each day. Since reopening, it typically attracts between 10 and 20 people. “We’re still in a grey area whether we’ll open long term or short term,” said Miharjaya.

Coronavirus
Asia Pacific

Comments (…)

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 stay

Where to eat

How to do Bali in 3 days

My favorite street markets in Bali

Browse collections

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

Explore Bali

Plan your trip to bali: best of bali tourism.

Travel Advice

Essential bali.

Where to stay

Where to eat

My favourite street markets in Bali

Browse collections

Destination Highlight

Labuan Bajo

Tanjung Kelayang

Subscribe and Get Free Travel E-Book

Thank you for subscribing to our travel guide newsletter. we know you will enjoy it, travel inspiration.

Wonderful.Indonesia

See the Destination

Travel Guide

InDOnesia CARE

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy introduced InDOnesia CARE, a symbol of support for Indonesia’s strong effort in implementing the cleanliness, health, safety, and environment protocols across the tourism industry as mandatory precautions. All to assure travelers that InDOnesia CARE for your safety, health, hygiene and comfort.

Make sure to learn about all the immigration requirements that should be fulfilled before visiting Indonesia, including e-passport and e-visa.

General Information

Find everything you need to know about how to get here, what regulations that should be noted, and many other things vital in arranging your travel plan to Indonesia.

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.

Waterbom Bali sets goal to hit net zero by 2033

Words: Bea Mitchell

| 2 min read

Waterbom Bali has been working with environmental consultants

Waterbom Bali aims to become the world’s most sustainable water park and has set a goal to hit net zero by 2033.

To achieve its net zero goal, Waterbom Bali will reduce 90 percent of absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by reducing, substituting and mitigating.

Initiatives include improving the efficiency of water pumps, using energy-efficient water heaters, switching from gas to electric kitchen appliances, sourcing more sustainable consumables, and increasing the on-site production of renewable energy.

Waterbom Bali CEO Sayan Gulino said: “We will be upgrading our ambitions and targets, as Waterbom aims to be the first Asian tourism business and the first water park in the world to be net zero by 2033.

“Our energy sources will be 100 percent renewable, and our business will also be removing more carbon from the atmosphere than we emit.

“Throughout this process, we will keep ourselves accountable and provide transparent data and results to the public.”

Last year, Waterbom achieved a 93.3 percent recycling rate, and reduced its waste to landfill to just 6.7 percent.

In September, the park opened its new Oasis Gardens expansion . The 1.3-hectare area was designed and built using sustainable methods.

World’s most sustainable water park

Additionally, Waterbom is transforming its fleet of staff vehicles to electric.

Since 2016, Waterbom Bali has been working with environmental consultant Eco-Mantra. The company has collaborated with the park to develop the net zero plan.

“The energy reduction pathway, renewable energy strategies, and sustainable supply chain strategies we laid out are going to be a technically complicated and costly investment over the next five years,” said Maitri Fischer , CTO of Eco-Mantra.

“Waterbom Bali’s journey to net zero is of high integrity and a showcase for responsible corporate climate action and a leader in the tourism industry.”

Images courtesy of Waterbom Bali

Water slides
Water Parks
Water park design
Sustainability
Water park suppliers

Want more articles  like this for FREE?

Get the latest attractions industry  news direct to your inbox,  every day.

Blooloop daily
Blooloop weekly

Bea Mitchell

Exploring sustainability, innovation & more at Surf Park Summit 2023

The world's top 33 water thrill rides

Next-gen cruises: finding the best floating theme park, 13 best new water park additions for 2023.

The industry returns to IAAPA Asia 2023

A SEA change in the Middle East? The Saudi Entertainment and Amusements Expo 2023

Enjoying this article.

Horniman museum appoints Gordon Seabright as new chief executive

Legoland Windsor unveils Woodland Village creatures ahead of opening

Great Wolf's new resort in Webster, Texas gets opening date

super nintendo world universal epic universe

Universal's Epic Universe theme park unveils Super Nintendo World

wiegand.waterrides helps attractions prepare for the outdoor pool season

RocketRez invests in features for water parks

RocketRez announces focused investment in water park offerings

What to expect at SEA Expo 2024

greenloop 2024 - final speakers revealed

Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site.

TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Destinations
Jakpost Guide to
Newsletter New
Mobile Apps
Tenggara Strategics
B/NDL Studios

Archipelago
Election 2024
Regulations
Asia & Pacific
Middle East & Africa
Entertainment
Arts & Culture
Environment
Work it Right
Quick Dispatch
Longform Biz

Korean nationals deported for illegal TV shoot in Bali

The foreigners had held unlicensed shooting for a reality TV show involving 31 Korean nationals and one Indonesian national.

Share This Article

Change size.

Korean nationals deported for illegal TV shoot in Bali

wo South Koreans have been deported by immigration authorities after conducting an illegal film shoot in Bali. The foreigners, identified by their initials, YJC and NJ, had been shooting a reality TV show involving a total of 31 Korean nationals and one Indonesian national.

“YJC dan NJ were deported on Saturday on a Malaysia Airline flight heading for Seoul via Kuala Lumpur,” I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport office head Suhendra, told journalists on Sunday.

YJC, a 49-year-old man, and NJ, a 33-year-old woman, are also blacklisted from entering Indonesia for several months.

Suhendra explained that YJC and NJ had been found guilty of misusing tourism visas to work on the island.

“They violated the Indonesian Immigration Law and failed to show their permit for film production involving foreigners in Indonesia,” Suhendra said.

Morning Brief

Every monday, wednesday and friday morning..

Delivered straight to your inbox three times weekly, this curated briefing provides a concise overview of the day's most important issues, covering a wide range of topics from politics to culture and society.

By registering, you agree with The Jakarta Post 's Privacy Policy

for signing up our newsletter!

Please check your email for your newsletter subscription.

Crew members for the Pick Me Trip in Bali production have been in Bali since April 21 for shooting in several places across the resort island. All crew members have been allowed to leave the country without being sanctioned.

Suhendra said the immigration authority started the investigation based on a report from the Culture Directorate General of the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry.

The producers had applied for a filming permit through the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, but failed to follow up on a number of recommendations from the embassy. (dre)

Undoing the sweet aftermath of Eid festivities

Indonesia may offer dual citizenship to attract overseas workers

Indonesia may offer dual citizenship to attract overseas workers, minister says

Related articles, golden generation, china, japan, south korea must get closer to the muslim world, 'lame duck' s. korean president reels from election debacle, bali airport swamped with travelers ahead of idul fitri, man found dead on bali’s mount agung, related article, more in indonesia.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (second left), then-vice president Jusuf Kalla (left), Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri (center), then-vice president-elect Ma’ruf Amin (second right) and Gerindra Party chairman Prabowo Subianto attend the opening ceremony of the fifth PDI-P congress in Sanur, Bali, on Aug. 8, 2019.

Prabowo mulls setting up presidents' club

Ash from the eruption of Mount Ruang volcano is seen on the ground on Tagulandang Island in Sitaro, North Sulawesi on May 2, 2024. Eruptions at a remote volcano forced more than half a dozen airports to close with ash spreading as far as Malaysia, officials said on May 1, while authorities rushed to evacuate thousands due to tsunami fears.

Residents fear for safety as Mount Ruang volcano erupts

Schools, universities prone to corruption: KPK survey

States doing less to support press freedom: Watchdog

Say it with flowers, cards: Pressed-flower cards belonging to Malang, East Java, journalists lie on the floor along with flower offerings during a ritual to mark World Press Freedom Day at the city’s square on May 3, 2023. During the event the journalists expressed their concern about the rampant violence they faced.

Democracy needs its free press

Passengers want better service amid plan to increase Commuter Line fares

Idx composite rises 0.24% despite declines in most asian bourses, indonesia’s protectionist policies could contravene oecd membership, indonesia turns to australian sugarcane to boost sugar, bioethanol production, govt announces hydrogen pilot project for transportation, rafah operation could be a 'slaughter', un official says, bitterness at ucla as gaza protest cleared, heatwave swells asia's appetite for air-conditioning.

Jakpost Guide To
Art & Culture
Today's Paper
Southeast Asia
Cyber Media Guidelines
Paper Subscription
Privacy Policy
Discussion Guideline
Term of Use

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.

IMAGES

Bali 7-day itinerary
Large Bali Maps for Free Download and Print
Cartes et plans détaillés de Bali
Large Bali Maps for Free Download and Print
Carte de bali » Voyage
Geography of Bali

VIDEO

Bali's Tourism Tax
Required Travel Documents for Bali trip ✈️
Indulging in Bali's Flavors II Travel in Bali
the Most Visited Destination in Indonesia
March 21, 2024
Bali Bound

COMMENTS

The Ultimate Bali Itinerary: How To Plan The Perfect Trip To Bali
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.
Inside Indonesia's $275 Plan to Mint '5 New Balis' and Boost Tourism
At the core of the plan to replicate Bali as a tourism model is a basic and pervasive problem: Succeeding could be harmful to local people and local environments, both Ollivaud and O'Regan said.
12 things to know before going to Bali
Lighten the load on your wallet by purchasing your repellent in Bali and opting for bug sprays made in Asia. Popular (and much cheaper) Asian brands you'll find throughout Indonesia include Soffell (snap up the surprisingly pleasant floral-scented version if you can). 5. Avoid traveling during peak times.
How to Plan a Trip to Bali, Your Complete Guide is Here!
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.
How to Plan the Perfect Bali Itinerary (7 Days-3 Weeks)
How to Get to Bali. There are 3 ways to get to Bali: plane, boat and bus. The most popular way to get to Bali is by plane, flying into the Ngurah Rai International Airport or Denpasar International Airport. There is one Bali airport (two names) that serves Bali and is located in Denpasar.
Bali Best Travel Guide
A magical blend of a colourful culture, friendly people, stunning nature, countless activities, tropical weather, culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful accommodation. Bali is rated regularly as one of the best travel destinations in the world - for very good reasons. There is something great for everyone to explore and discover.
Selamat Datang
A magical blend of culture, people, nature, activities, weather, culinary delights, nightlife, and beautiful accommodation. Bali is rated as one of the best travel destinations in the world by countless websites, review portals, and travel magazines each year - for very good reasons. Whatever your age, background, budget or interest, there is ...
Bali Travel Guide and Tips: How to Plan the Perfect Bali Itinerary
In general, to plan a trip to Bali, follow these ten steps: Things to do in Bali: Check out the best places to visit. Best Bali itinerary: Choose the best Bali itinerary according to the days you have. Best time to visit Bali: When to go to Bali depending on your interests. Cheap flights to Bali: Where to get the best deals.
Newest Updates: Bali Reopening for Tourism
1,006 Tourism Businesses in Bali Has Been Granted InDOnesia CARE Certification. Read 15/04/2021. 3 Green Zones in Bali are Being Prepared for International Tourist. Read 05/05/2021. Bali Speeding up to Vaccinate 3 Million for Tourism Recovery Plan.
Indonesia is looking to create 10 new Balis to boost tourism
The plan is called "10 New Balis," and it includes upgrading provincial airports, the construction of new amenities and improving access to the chosen destinations. There are 18,307 islands in Indonesia, and the government is hoping to transpose the success Bali has enjoyed to several corners of the country.
BALI TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary & Budget
A motorcycle is the main mode of transportation used by both locals and tourists. The tourist hubs are bombarded by lots of motorcycle-for-rent ads/signboards. The rental rates range from IDR 70,000 (PHP250/USD5/EUR4.5) to IDR 150,000 (PHP540/USD11/EUR10) per day, depending on the type of motorcycle.
How to plan a trip to Bali, Indonesia
Plan your trip. The shortest travel time from the UK to Bali is with Emirates via Dubai at just over 17 hours, while Garuda Indonesia clocks in at just over 18 hours with a stopover in Jakarta ...
Bali's Tourism Boom: What You Need To Know Before You Go
And how do you plan a perfect Bali getaway? This is the first part of a two-part series on tourism in Bali. Part two explores Bali's seemingly endless supply of luxury hotels.
Bali is reopening to tourists, but nervous locals wonder what the
A man sets up sea-side loungers at a beach in Kuta, Bali. Photograph: Made Nagi/EPA. The plan to partially reopen Bali is a first step towards reviving the tourism industry, which contributes more ...
Bali Government Tourism Office
Some Important Points on the Opening of Bali Tourism. 21 October 2021. The Indonesian Government together with the Bali Provincial Government have decided to open International tourists, on good day according to local Balinese Wisdom, Thursday (Wraspati Pon, Wariga), October 14, 2021 …. Read More.
Bali: All You Must Know Before You Go (2024)
In between your island adventures, select from a slew of fine dining establishments to refuel at. Relish unforgettable meals while soaking in the sunset's sorbet hues for a trip to remember. Sponsored by AYANA Hospitality. 2024. Ayana Resort Bali. 5,053. from $211/night.
Sustainable Tourism Strategy
Ministry of Tourism; the local government of Bali Province and the five regencies of Badung, Bangli, Buleleng, Gianyar, and Tabanan; academics; local NGOs; and community representatives at the WH site - to develop a Sustainable Tourism Strategy and Action Plan for its subsequent implementation. Facilitated by UNESCO using the
'Reached its tipping point': Tourism and sustainability in Bali aren't
In 2017, the Indonesian government designated Munduk as an eco-focused "tourism village," along with six others. But in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jakarta laid out an even more ambitious tourism plan that prioritized attracting millions more tourists and transforming rural villages and ecologically sensitive areas into tourist hot spots like Bali.
Bali Tourism: All You Need to Know Before You Go (2024)
Frog Market. 11. Pasar Kodok (a.k.a. Frog Market) is Bali's best-kept secret for thrifters. Explore the block and a half of stalls and you'll discover both vintage and contemporary second-hand clothing from all over Central Asia. While you won't need to fight off other tourists, you will need to sift through racks and racks of clothing ...
The Official Website of Indonesia Tourism
Explore Indonesia's diverse beauty, culture, and adventure on Indonesia Travel. Plan your journey to this tropical paradise gb-en Global Global (English) ... Bali. Raja Ampat. Morotai. Tanjung Kelayang. Jakarta. Subscribe and Get Free Travel E-Book. ... The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy introduced InDOnesia CARE, a symbol of support ...
PDF Digitized Records of the Bali Tourism Project
development in Bali, [and] included a 310 [hectare] tourism estate at Nusa Dua, facilities for hotel training, an access road from the airport, road improvements outside Nusa Dua […], and technical assistance for implementing the project and the master plan for tourism in Bali" (Indonesia: Bali Tourism Project, Project Completion Report).
Waterbom Bali sets goal to hit net zero by 2033
Waterbom Bali CEO Sayan Gulino said: "We will be upgrading our ambitions and targets, as Waterbom aims to be the first Asian tourism business and the first water park in the world to be net zero by 2033. "Our energy sources will be 100 percent renewable, and our business will also be removing more carbon from the atmosphere than we emit.
Korean nationals deported for illegal TV shoot in Bali
Mon, April 29, 2024. People enjoy a sunset at Kuta beach near Denpasar, Bali, on April 15, 2024. (AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka) T. wo South Koreans have been deported by immigration authorities after ...
Sustainable tourism strategy: Cultural Landscape of Bali ...
The Cultural Landscape of Bali Province inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2012 The Cultural Landscape of Bali Province inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2012 Sustainable Tourism Strategy Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy JAK/2016/PI/H/9This publication presents strategies for better management and longer term ...