Overview

Bali Indonesia offers a wide variety of options for luxury seekers and budget backpackers.

In Bali, there are numerous options for adventure like waterfalls, jungles, cliffs, and volcanoes. Alternatively, for those who prefer a more relaxed experience, Bali has beaches, temples, and rice terraces. There are also plenty of good restaurants and opportunities for massages.

If any of those details are appealing, you may find yourself enamored with Bali and its inhabitants. Explore this comprehensive guide on Bali travel for more information on what you can anticipate.

简要事实

Indonesian, Balinese & English

Religion

Hinduism

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Airport

Ngurah Rai International (DPS)

Visa

There are over 160 countries that allow visa-free access or offer visa on arrival. The climate is tropical with warm and humid weather all year round, with the dry season occurring from April to November.

Where Is Bali?

To begin, let’s locate the island of Bali on the world map.

Bali is one of the thousands of islands that make up Indonesia, a country located in Southeast Asia. Indonesia is surrounded by Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.

Bali is a small island located to the right of Java, the fifth largest island in Indonesia. In the past, these two islands were connected by land.

Bali is located in Indonesia.

Flights

The airport in Bali island is considered to be modern and efficient. It has been ranked as the third best airport in the world by Airport Council International in 2016, based on customer satisfaction levels.

The Denpasar International Airport, also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport, served more than 24 million passengers in 2019, and operates efficiently despite its high volume of traffic.

Bali is accessible via direct flights from various global regions including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and other locations.

Currently, there are no direct flights available from the United States to Bali. However, American travelers have the option of transiting through cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, or Tokyo and then taking a connecting flight to Bali.

Bali flights at Skyscanner

Climate

Bali is a tropical island known for its hot and humid weather throughout the year.

Bali experiences a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from April to November. It is still feasible to visit during the rainy season, but it is advisable to allocate additional days to account for potential inclement weather.

The optimal time to visit Bali varies depending on individual preferences. The region experiences the most pleasant weather conditions during the dry season, characterized by predominantly sunny and windy days.

During the wet season, Bali is less crowded, and rain tends to occur mainly in the evenings or at night, causing minimal disruptions.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

Is Bali Safe?

Bali is generally considered a safe destination for travel, with a low incidence of violent crime and rare occurrences of murder. However, it is important to be cautious of drive-by phone snatchings in areas with heavy motorbike traffic and to secure your phone.

The primary safety concerns in Bali and Indonesia are motorbike accidents and natural hazards. It is advisable to avoid riding motorbikes unless you possess experience driving in Southeast Asia.

There are various species of venomous snakes in Bali, although they are not frequently encountered in tourist areas, even during hiking excursions. If you happen to come across a snake, it is advised to approach it with caution.

In 2019, Bali received more than 6 million visitors, making it the top tourist destination in Indonesia. Additionally, Indonesia has numerous other islands and places worth visiting. The locals in Bali are known for their friendly and welcoming nature.

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

One of Bali’s most iconic landmarks is located on a lake.

Budget

Traveling on a budget in Bali is straightforward, with affordable accommodation options starting at 75k Rupiah ($5 USD) for hostels and 150k for private hotels. Dining is also economical, with meals ranging from 15k to 75k Rupiah ($1 to $5 USD) at local ‘warungs’ (family-owned restaurants).

Transportation in Bali is typically done by motorbike or car, which can be rented. Additionally, hiring a private driver is a cost-effective, secure, and hassle-free option.

I recommend downloading transportation apps like Grab and Go-Jek. They are useful for getting around town, especially for shorter taxi rides. These apps can also be used to order food for delivery to your hotel.

Language

The locals in Bali primarily speak the Indonesian and Balinese languages, with a significant number also being proficient in English.

Learning Indonesian before visiting Bali is not necessary, although it is considerate and enjoyable to have some knowledge of Bahasa.

A list of activities to consider in Bali.

Bali offers various options for every type of traveler.

Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy a wide range of hiking trails and scenic landscapes, including waterfalls, jungles, cliffs, volcanoes, and more. In addition, activities such as rafting, ATVs, jet skiing, hot air balloon rides, and scenic helicopter flights are available.

Bali offers a variety of attractions such as beaches, clubs, markets, temples, rice terraces, and a multitude of dining options including local and western cuisines. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for relaxation and indulgence, including massages.

Wildlife can be observed at various locations in Bali, such as the Ubud Monkey Forest, Mason Elephant Park, Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park, Bali Butterfly Park, Bali Sea Turtle Society, and West Bali National Park. Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities are also available, offering sightings of diverse marine life including vibrant fish and coral.

Bali offers a diverse range of handmade crafts, including wood carvings, paintings, and rattan bags. Additionally, the region is renowned for its coffee beans, spices, oils, lace, ceramics, and silverworks.

Refer to the sections below for additional options on what to do in Bali.

Waterfalls In Bali

Bali offers a wide range of waterfalls, scattered throughout the island, which can be easily accessed from popular areas such as Ubud.

North Bali is home to both well-known tourist spots and hidden gems, offering some of the best waterfall hikes on the island, including many of the largest waterfalls.

The most well-known waterfall in Bali is Tegenungan Waterfall, however, there are other notable ones such as Sekumpul Waterfall and Banyumala Waterfall.

Bali Beaches

Contrary to certain opinions, Bali does indeed boast beautiful beaches, though the best ones may not be readily apparent to typical tourists.

The amazing ones can be found in remote corners of the island or at the bottom of rocky cliffs. It may require some effort to track them down, but that’s all part of the fun.

Bali Temples

Unlike the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim, Bali has a majority Hindu population.

In Bali, there are numerous old Hindu temples available for exploration, most of which are open to tourists as long as proper respect is shown.

The architecture and history of these attractions are interesting, so it is recommended to visit a few of them while in Bali.

The temples in Ubud and the surrounding area are widely regarded as the most interesting.

Bali Temple Guide

Nusa Penida Island

Nusa Penida island is located just 25 kilometers from Bali.

This island is smaller than Bali but it boasts breathtaking scenery within the Bali province.

Nusa Penida can be visited on a day trip from Bali, with a same day return. However, it is recommended to stay for a few days to fully enjoy the various sightseeing activities, photo spots, hikes, and other attractions on the island.

The T-Rex shaped Kelingking Cliff in Nusa Penida is widely renowned as one of the most famous views in Bali.

Areas Of Bali

Tourism in Bali is organized into several distinct areas, each with its own unique atmosphere and character.

Kuta is known for its bustling tourist activity and extensive development. It may not be the ideal destination for those seeking tranquility, but it is popular for shopping and nightlife.

Canggu is a popular hangout for young people and digital nomads, known for its surfing scene, hip cafes, and beach bars.

Seminyak is a beach area in Bali known for its beautiful sunsets, luxury hotels, villas, spas, high-end shopping, and restaurants. It is considered one of the more expensive areas of Bali.

Ubud is considered the main cultural center and heart of the island. It offers a variety of interesting markets, palaces, jungles, and temples for tourists to explore, as well as a selection of cafes, restaurants, and luxury hotels.

Sanur is a serene beachside town in Bali, widely recognized for its tranquil atmosphere and family-friendly environment. It offers stunning sunrises.

Uluwatu is a scenic, hilly area in the southwest corner of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. It gets its name from a renowned temple situated on the cliffs. This area is famous for its blue waves, white sand beaches, impressive sea cliffs, excellent surfing, and upscale beach clubs.

Nusa Dua is a resort area located in the southeast corner of Bali, known for its luxury hotels and beautiful white sand beaches.

Bali By Drone

Experience Bali from a different viewpoint.

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Where To Stay

Bali is well-known for its hotel industry, offering a range of comfortable accommodations to suit all budgets, from backpackers to luxury travelers.

Tourists typically choose to stay in different areas of Bali based on their preferences. The Kuta area is popular for its lively nightlife and shopping options. Ubud is known for its cultural sights and picturesque rice terraces. Canggu is favored by those looking for trendy cafes, while Uluwatu attracts visitors who want to enjoy the beaches and go surfing. On the other hand, the Sanur area is recognized for its tranquility and suitability for families.

Here are some hotel recommendations for your upcoming trip to Bali.

The following accommodations are available in different locations in Bali: Adiwana Unagi Suites in Ubud, Umah Dajane Guesthouse in Ubud, Tempekan Hotel in Uluwatu, Green Escape Eco Resort in Uluwatu, and Villa Santai in Uluwatu.

This Bali travel guide includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission, without any additional cost to you.

As an affiliate, I recommend products and services that I believe are of high quality and useful to my readers.

Nusa Penida Guide

Please read the comprehensive travel guide for Bali’s blue paradise island.

Read More

Tours

Bali offers a variety of tours and activities.

This is a map of the top 20 waterfalls near Ubud, Bali.

Ubud is known for its cultural sites and temples, but it also offers several beautiful waterfalls. Many of the top waterfalls in the area can be found in Ubud.

Get In Touch

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any travel inquiries, feedback, or recommendations.