Bali Travel Guide
The Island of Gods is a well known travel destination with so much to offer and we are going to tell you everything you need to know about Bali. Every year this Indonesian island welcomes millions of tourists and this hardly surprises us!
This magical island offers something for everyone and it is easy to see why honeymooners, surfers, couples, families, influencers and backpackers alike all flock to this island.
When planning your trip to Bali it is important to take into consideration when to visit in order to make the most of your time and enjoy this exotic paradise.
- The local language is Balinese or Indonesian, however English is spoken frequently and if you are ever struggling translation apps will help.
- The currency used is Indonesia Rupiah – IDR and you will hear a lot of prices like 10K, this means a thousand so 10K = 10,000 IDR – Read More: Currency in Bali
- Power sockets are type C/F so you will most likely need an adapter for your appliances
- Bali is a very safe place to travel but there are a few things you should be aware of – Read More: Dangers in South East Asia
- Bali has quickly become a well known tourist destination and many areas are now clearly Westernised; this means quite a lot of crowds at popular tourist destinations
- Motorbikes are the most common way to get around but if you are not a confident driver then stick to taxis or Gojek (Indonesian Uber). Download the app before travelling to Indonesia.
- Selamat pagi (seh-lah-mat pah-gee) = Good morning
- Terima kasih (teh-ree-mah kah-see) = Thank you
- Apa kabar? (ah-pah kah-bar) = How are you?
- Sampai jumpa (sahm-pai joom-pah) = Goodbye
- Permisi (per-mee-see) = Excuse me / I’m sorry
Similar to a lot of Southeast Asian countries, Bali’s climate is hot all year round but its seasons are divided into two; the rainy season and the dry season.
The Dry Season: April-October
During this season there are average temperatures of around 29°C and the weather stays mostly dry, this is the most popular time to visit Bali. Tourism peaks around July and Bali is extra crowded during this season
The Rainy Season: November - March
In the rainy season there is a lot more rain – makes sense, right! But do not let this put you off; the rain usually doesn’t last long, maybe only a few hours and then the sun is out again. This season is known to be more humid however so temperatures can feel even hotter.
We recommend May for anyone looking for a tropical island getaway with great dry conditions perfect for most activities. If you want to avoid the crowds; the rainy season is a great time to visit too.
For more in depth information about the climate in Bali, check out the following blog post:
The Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads
Bali benefits from many international flight routes and with more tourism comes easier ways to access this island. The flights land in Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar which is only 1 hour from Canggu and 1.5 hours from Ubud. Take into account Bali traffic and always add extra allowance for your travel time.
From Australia or Asia you can grab a direct flight which will be around 5-6 hours. If travelling from further away you should expect to make at least one stop usually in Malaysia or Dubai.
Making stops will usually decrease the price of your flights but longer layovers can become very tedious very quickly. Sometimes the money we have spent stuck in airports waiting for connecting flights has been equal to what we would have paid extra to get a direct flight.
Between both of us we have spent around six months backpacking through Bali so by now we know what to include in your bag for this awesome island.
Clothing:
No matter the time of year you’re going to want lightweight breathable clothes; for men vest tops, t-shirts or shorts are really all you need to worry about and for women all of the before mentioned plus a few extra dresses will be more than enough.
If you’re in Bali the chances are that you will end up at the beach so remember your swimming costumes too.
Rain jackets and dry bags are a must for Bali as the weather can change quickly from blue skies to rain. It is good practice to keep these on you at all times especially if visiting in the rainy season.
Flip-flops are great to pack as many shops or hotels will expect you to remove your shoes before entering as this is a local custom in Bali. On top of this it is always good to bring a sarong or clothes that will cover your shoulders and ankles for visiting temples.
Toiletries:
After packing your clothes you are going to want to stock up on toiletries. Many of the prices of these are inflated on the island such as sun tan lotion or after sun which we have seen offered for more than double the price of back in England. Make sure to pack all of your normal toiletries plus mosquito spray and sunscreen which you will use a lot of.
People sometimes forget travel essentials like first aid kits but they are very important for any emergencies you might have.
Technology:
We highly recommend a camera to capture the amazing memories that you are sure to make and we love our GoPro Hero 9 as it’s waterproof and films 4K at 60fps which is perfect for any videos you want to record.
Aside from these tips we think packing for Bali is pretty easy and there are many stores that sell anything you may have forgotten. Just be aware of what you can fit in your bag and how easy it is going to be when moving around. Our best ever backpacking bags are Osprey Farpoint 40 which fits the standard cabin bag allowance or Osprey Farpoint 55 if you have more gear.
Most of our time in Bali has been spent in and around Canggu which we think is a great area as it has the beach, restaurants and most of the other amenities that we need.
There are many other amazing areas to explore in Bali too and choosing which to visit can be challenging, here we give a quick insight into each area.
Canggu
Since post-pandemic travel has begun again it seems that Canggu is now one of the busiest areas in Bali. Canggu has everything you might need to enjoy your time in Bali; like beach clubs, tasty restaurants, quirky cafes, hippy hostels as well as luxury hotels and villas.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu has been growing steadily in popularity and is a beautiful calm area surrounded by some of the best beaches in Bali. This area attracts surfers and travellers who want a little more relaxation during their stay. There are many great sea-view hotels to accommodate you here or if you are staying further away from the coastline and still want to catch a glimpse then there are so many viewpoints to watch the sunset. Single Fin is the original sunset drinking spot and it holds its reputation as one of the busiest bars in the area. We found a quieter tucked away and free spot called Jaran Hill which had views that impressed us without having to pay.
Ubud
Ubud, up in the mountains, is famous for its quieter and hippy atmosphere. However from 2022 it has changed into a rather busy tourist spot with more of a family feel with great restaurants and bars that accommodate people of all ages. It is a great place for exploring waterfalls – more on those below. Plus there are some awesome markets and shops to pick up handmade souvenirs and gifts. We loved the Campuhan Ridge Walk just outside of the main town which took you over hills and allowed you to take in some of the best sights we’ve seen in Bali.
Kuta
Kuta was the first place that tourism really took off so you can expect to find amazing hotels and villas sure to blow you away. The hustle and bustle that Kuta once had has seemed to move further up the coast so if you’re visiting from 2022 then expect Kuta to be a little quieter. Still there are many great things to do in Kuta like shopping or dining out.
Seminyak
Another great bustling area is Seminyak which has many high end hotels and villas which offer serenity inside of this busy area. There is also a vast collection of places to eat, relax or party, depending on what type of trip you are planning.
North Bali
Places like Lovina in the north of Bali are great areas to visit if you want a more laid back trip. These areas are home to smaller communities and you will find a more traditional way of living here, with less of the westernisation that is obvious in the south.
Now you are settled into Bali and ready to make the most of everything Bali has to offer
Surfing
Surfing is by far one of the most popular things to do in Bali and you will see many locals and visitors heading to the beach from the early morning all the way to sunset to catch some waves. Even if you have never been on a board before there are lessons and courses for you to try. We highly recommend our friend Jule who is a great teacher. Check out his instagram here!
If surfing is not for you then you can always pick one of the many beaches in Bali and watch the pros from the shore.
Beaches
When most people think of Bali they picture the beaches. It is no lie that there are amazing beaches all around Bali but we have a few favourites: Berawa beach in Canggu and Pedang Pedang in Uluwatu. Another great thing to do is to head to the beach around 4pm and wait to watch the mesmerising sunsets which light up the sky with amazing colours. After the sun has set many people head to the beach bars that line the coast and parties often spill out onto the sand.
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is a magical Hindu temple which is located on a small island just off the coast of Bali. In low-tides you can walk all the way to the temple and take in the atmosphere of this beautiful scene. The water washing up onto the shore creates an amazing backdrop for sunset pictures and lots of people visit trying to get the perfect picture at sunset.
Read More: Tanah Lot Temple Guide
Markets
There are many bustling markets where you can find handmade products such as clothing, souvenirs and ornaments. Ubud Market and the streets of Kuta are great places to head to if you want to do a bit of shopping. Or you can try some tasty street food at Pasar Rakyat Krening in Denpasar, the biggest market in Bali. Remember that haggling is part of the culture in Bali and you should always try to agree on a reasonable price that is good for you and the person selling the goods. Remember to have cash for the markets.
Mountains
Mount Batur has become a very well known attraction here in Bali and for good reason; the sunset hikes guarantee amazing views and a good physical challenge if you are looking for it. You can expect an amazing sunrise on this well-known active volcano but be prepared that many other people are also there trying to get the same sights as you. However, many tourists do not know about the many other mountains that pop up all over Bali. We trekked Mount Trunyan for sunrise and could see 360° views of the valleys, including epic clear shots of Mount Batur.
Monkey Sanctuaries
There are many sanctuaries around Bali where you can get up close and personal with the Indonesian Macaque monkeys. You can see free roaming monkeys which can be a little daunting but it is a definite must-see when here in Bali. If you are feeling really brave then you can even get a selfie with a monkey sat on your lap.
Read More: The Ubud Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Rice Terraces
All you have to do is drive around any area of Bali and you will find amazing rice terraces cascading down hills and spanning across wide areas. There are many cafes and restaurants which sit overlooking vast rice paddies which you can visit for some epic views too. Tegalalang in Ubud is the most famous in Bali and offers amazing green scenery for you to take in. There’s also the famous Bali swings which influencers love for the pictures that you can take there.
Temples
Bali’s population is mostly Hindu so there are many ornate Hindu Temples scattered all around the island. You can learn a lot about the Balinese culture and Hindu religion whilst touring these temples and they are a great way to delve deeper into Bali and its history. Many of these Temples are open for the public to explore and tourist favourites are Tanah Lot near Canggu or Uluwatu Temple.
Waterfalls
Another item not to miss off your itinerary is visiting some of the many amazing waterfalls that occur naturally in Bali. Many of these waterfalls are situated in the North of Bali and can be easily accessed by scooter and short walking trails. You should check out Kroya, Gitgit and Banyumala Waterfalls for mesmerising views and lush landscapes. There are also a cluster of waterfalls only a short 30 minute drive from Ubud and we recommend Taman Sari, Suwat and Tibumana for some great swimming and even cliff jumping.
There are many tours to choose from which will take you on day trips to these beautiful waterfalls or (like we did) you can rent a bike and explore at your own pace.
Nightlife
After surfing or exploring temples, when night sets, many visitors head to the many popular clubs or bars in Bali. Kuta and Seminyak are littered with large clubs which stay open and busy until the early hours of the morning such as La favela, Ku De Ta and LXXY. Canggu is catching up with these areas and Old Man’s is becoming a very trendy place to party. Or in Ubud you can catch some great live music in most bars. On top of this there are beach bars all along the coast which have extravagant parties with some famous DJs and musicians.
Food in Indonesia is full of flavour and you might be surprised how much you enjoy the local dishes. There are many warungs; meaning small eateries, dotted around every street. They serve many cheap and delicious meals or snacks and there are a few staple dishes that you must try:
- Mie Goreng – Fried Noodles
- Nasi Goreng – Fried Rice
- Nasi Campur – White rice with a mix of vegetable and meat accompaniments
- Sate Ayam – Grilled chicken skewers
- Babi Guling – Slow roasted pork
If you want a taste of home then there are many Western options too: from Italian to Mexican to Burgers or Sushi. The price of these dishes will be more expensive than the local cuisine so try to incorporate a mixture of both styles if you are travelling on a budget.
There are hundreds if not thousands of Cafés throughout Bali which serve amazing coffee and small treats. In the daytime there are usually a lot of digital nomad workers scattered in these places too.
Bali has become a place where it is very easy to eat even with dietary requirements. Most places serve vegetarian, vegan, gluten free or lactose free alternatives.
Read More: Best Local Indonesian Dishes
Here is our recommended itinerary for visting Bali. We recommended 2 weeks to explore the entire island!
Days 1-3: Ubud
Waterfalls, Cafes, Rice Terraces, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Cretya
Days 4-5: Mountain Climbing
Choose a mountain and climb it for sunrise, you will not be disappointed
Day 6: North Bali
Explore quieter North Bali such as Lovina
Days 7-10: Canggu
Beaches, Tanah Lot Temple, Nightlife, Surfing, Beach bars
Days 11-12: Kuta
Shopping, Restaurants, Beach Clubs
Days 12-13: Seminyak
Beaches, Nightlife
Days 13-14: Uluwatu
Surfing, Yoga, Sunsets
Of course there is so much more to do when you visit this wonderful island. Use the above to guide with creating your own plan for how you wish to explore the paradise, of which Bali is!
TRANSPORT
TOURS
POSTS
Tanah Lot Temple: The Best Guide 2023 Tanah Lot Temple in Bali – Everything you need to know MUST READ before visiting!
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