Bali, the Island of the Gods, enchants with emerald rice terraces, volcanic peaks, ancient temples, and world-class surf. From Seminyak’s chic boutiques to Ubud’s spiritual heart, this guide helps you navigate Bali’s diverse regions, book transformative tours, and uncover the island’s most memorable experiences.
Where to Stay
Choosing the right base lets you tailor your Bali adventure:
Seminyak & Canggu
– Vibe: Trendy beaches, beach clubs, upscale dining, and yoga studios.
– Luxury: The Legian Bali – oceanfront suites and a three-tiered infinity pool.
– Mid-Range: Dash Hotel Seminyak – colorful design steps from the beach.
– Budget: Kos One Hostel – rooftop bar, café, and social dorms in Canggu.
– Insider Tip: In Canggu, rent a scooter to explore hidden cafés and black-sand beaches at dawn.
Ubud & Central Highlands
– Vibe: Rice terraces, art galleries, wellness retreats, and sacred temples.
– Luxury: COMO Uma Ubud – jungle-perched suites, holistic spa, and cooking school.
– Mid-Range: Bisma Eight – design-forward rooms overlooking the Campuhan Ridge.
– Budget: Poppies Bali – charming cottages amid tropical gardens near Ubud Palace.
– Insider Tip: Book a private villa with a plunge pool overlooking rice fields for sunrise yoga in seclusion.
Uluwatu & Southern Cliffs
– Vibe: Dramatic clifftop vistas, surf breaks, and sunset temples.
– Luxury: Bulgari Resort Bali – cliff-edge villas with private butlers.
– Mid-Range: La Joya Biu Biu Resort – boho chic rooms just steps from Dreamland Beach.
– Budget: Balian Tree House – rustic bungalows and river rafting nearby.
– Insider Tip: Catch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at golden hour, then dine on seafood at Jimbaran Bay.
Best Tours
Experience Bali’s culture and landscapes with expert guides:
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek & Hot Springs
– Route: Depart at 2 AM for a pre-dawn summit. Witness the sun rise over the caldera lake and Mount Agung. Descend to soak in natural hot springs beside the lake.
– Duration & Cost: ~7 hours; IDR 600,000–800,000 (includes guide, breakfast, and entry fees).
– Tip: Wear layers—summit winds can be chilly—and bring a headlamp for the trail.
Ubud Sacred Temples & Rice Terrace Tour
– Highlights: Tirta Empul purification ceremony, Tegallalang rice terraces, gunung Kawi cliff-shrine, and a Balinese cooking class in a village home.
– Duration & Cost: ~8 hours; IDR 700,000–900,000 per person.
– Tip: Pack a change of clothes for the water temple cleanse and modest attire for temple visits.
East Bali Cultural & Waterfall Adventure
– Highlights: White-sand Virgin Beach, Tukad Cepung waterfall grotto, Pura Lempuyang “Gateway to Heaven,” and a traditional salt-farming demonstration in Amed.
– Duration & Cost: Full day; IDR 800,000–1,000,000.
– Tip: Start early to avoid long queues at the Lempuyang gates and bring waterproof gear for waterfall swims.
Nusa Islands Snorkel & Beach Hopping
– Route: Speedboat to Nusa Lembongan → snorkel at Mangrove Point and Crystal Bay → beach BBQ on Nusa Ceningan → swim in the Blue Lagoon → return.
– Duration & Cost: ~9 hours; IDR 1,000,000–1,200,000.
– Tip: Book a small-group tour for flexible timing and advanced snorkeling instruction.
Where Is Bali?
Bali lies east of Java in the Indonesian archipelago. Roughly 153 km from Java’s eastern tip, the island spans 5,780 km² of beaches, jungles, and rice terraces—part of the Lesser Sunda chain.
How to Get There
- By Air: Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in southern Bali receives direct flights from major Asian hubs and domestic services from Jakarta, Surabaya, and elsewhere.
- By Ferry: Fast ferries connect Bali to Lombok (Padang Bai to Lembar in 1.5–2 hours) and Java (Gilimanuk to Ketapang in 30 minutes) for flexible overland journeys.
How to Get Around
- Scooter Rental: IDR 60,000–80,000/day; the most flexible way to explore rural roads and hidden beaches—always wear a helmet.
- Private Driver: ~IDR 600,000–700,000/day for a car and driver, ideal for full-day tours without navigation stress.
- Blue Bird Taxis & Ride-Hailing: Reliable metered taxis in Denpasar and Kuta; Grab and Gojek cover scooters and cars island-wide.
- Bemos (Minivans): Local share-ride vans run set routes in central areas—IDR 10,000–20,000 per trip.
Best Things to Do
Sunrise Trek Mount Batur
Summit by 6 AM for a panoramic sunrise over the volcanic rim and return to soak in nearby natural hot springs.
Tirta Empul & Tirta Gangga Water Palaces
Participate in a purification rite at Tirta Empul’s spring-fed pools, then wander the ornate water gardens of Tirta Gangga.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Stroll or swing high above the famous stepped paddies; visit a local cooperative to learn organic farming practices.
Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance
Explore the clifftop shrine at sunset and witness the hypnotic Kecak fire dance as waves crash below.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Wander Ubud’s verdant monkey forest to see ancient temples entwined by banyan roots and playful long-tailed macaques.
Waterfall Circuit
Chase Instagram-worthy cascades: Tegenungan, Tibumana, and Sekumpul each offer unique swimming spots and jungle hikes.
Coffee Plantation & Luwak Tasting
Tour a Bali Aga plantation to sample kopi luwak (civet coffee) alongside locally grown arabica and robusta blends.
Beach Clubs of Seminyak
Lounge at Potato Head or Ku De Ta, sipping cocktails under flowing palms as DJs spin sunset sets.
Snorkel in Menjangan Island
Part of West Bali National Park, Menjangan’s coral walls teem with colorful reef fish and sea turtles.
Cycle the Campuhan Ridge
Enjoy a 4 km saddle-back trail above Ubud’s river valley; stop at art galleries and hidden cafés along the way.
Best Beaches
- Seminyak Beach: Sunset glamour and surf lessons.
- Echo Beach (Canggu): Boho vibes and world-class breaks.
- Nusa Dua: Calm waters and five-star resorts.
- Padang Padang: Small cove with barrelling waves, famous from “Eat Pray Love.”
- Blue Lagoon (Amed): Glassy water perfect for snorkeling.
Map & Navigation Tip
Download the offline “Maps.me” app and cache Bali before arrival. Mark your hotel location and key sites; rural areas often lack data coverage.
Best Sunrise & Sunset Spots
- Sunrise at Mount Batur Summit
- Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple (advance tickets recommended for front-row views)
- Sunset at Uluwatu Cliffs (pair with seafood dinner at Jimbaran Bay)
Other Tips
- Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples; sarongs and sashes rent for IDR 10,000.
- Stay Hydrated & Use Sunscreen: Bali’s equatorial sun can be intense.
- Respect Offerings: Avoid stepping on small bamboo canang sari placed on sidewalks.
- Cash & Card: ATMs are widespread, but some small warungs (cafés) accept only cash.
Is Bali Safe?
Generally safe for travelers. Watch for scooter traffic in busy areas, secure valuables at the beach, and avoid unlicensed drivers offering tours.
Bali on a Budget
- Accommodation: Guesthouses from IDR 200,000/night; private villas from IDR 500,000.
- Food: Local warung meals (nasi campur, mie goreng) for IDR 20,000–40,000.
- Transport: Scooter rentals and bemos are highly affordable; day-driver hire spreads cost among travelers.
- Attractions: Temple entry fees (IDR 30,000–50,000) and waterfall access (IDR 10,000–20,000) are minimal.
How Long to Stay
Seven to ten days allows you to balance beach relaxation, cultural exploration, and inland adventures without rush.
Sample 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Seminyak → Beach club sunset at Potato Head
Day 2: Seminyak surf lesson → Spa treatment → Dine in a beachfront café
Day 3: Mount Batur sunrise trek → Hot springs → Ubud Monkey Forest
Day 4: Ubud temples (Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi) → Cooking class
Day 5: East Bali day tour (Lempuyang, Tukad Cepung, Amed)
Day 6: Nusa Lembongan snorkel & beach hopping → Return by dinner
Day 7: Tanah Lot sunset → Last-minute shopping → Depart
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (Apr–Sep): Sunny days, calm seas, ideal for beaches and trekking.
- Wet Season (Oct–Mar): Afternoon showers, lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower rates.
Hotels
Luxury: The Mulia Bali, Four Seasons Resort Sayan, Alila Villas Uluwatu
Mid-Range: The Ubud Village Resort & Spa, Lv8 Resort Hotel, The Haven Suites Bali Berawa
Budget: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel, The Farm Hostel, M Boutique Hostel
Explore More of Indonesia
- Java Cultural Highlights
- Lombok & Gili Islands Guide
- Yogyakarta Temples & Volcanoes
- Komodo & Flores Adventure
This comprehensive Bali travel guide ensures you experience the island’s cultural depth, natural beauty, and culinary delights—crafting memories to last a lifetime.
