In a nutshell
- Bali is simply stunning. With its waterfalls, sandy beaches, rice terraces and lush jungle, the island is an incredibly diverse destination. Almost every house looks like a temple and seems to carry a special meaning. Something we’ve rarely experienced anywhere else.
- The best time to do a two to three week round trip through Bali is between April and October. April, May, September and October are our favorite months to travel.
- In this travel guide for Bali, we share all our tips for traveling to Bali based on our own experiences.
Bali Travel Guide at a Glance
- Best time to visit: April – May and September – October
- Dry season: April to October
- Visa: valid for 30 days, can be extended once for another 30 days (visa on arrival or apply online in advance)
- Transportation: taxis (Grab and Gojek) or scooter rental
- Costs: depends on your budget and travel style
- Safety: very safe, even for solo female travelers
- Places to visit in Bali: Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Gembleng Waterfall, Mount Batur, Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Diamond Beach, Aling Aling Waterfall, Sekumpul Waterfall, and more.
Best Time to Visit Bali
For us, Bali is one of the best destinations in April, May, September and October.
The dry season runs from April to October. Expect warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
During peak season (June to August), the island can get very busy. There are still plenty of hidden gems in Bali, but visiting at the start or end of the dry season gives you a more relaxed vibe.
In the rainy season, Bali is still warm, but you’ll likely get a few hours of rain most days and higher humidity.
The shoulder months of March and November are also great for a trip to Bali. You might get a little more rain than in the dry season, but the island is much quieter. It’s a great tip for traveling to Bali without the crowds.
Arrival and Entry to Bali
Bali has just one airport, Denpasar, where all international flights arrive.
Most flights from Europe and the USA include a stopover. That’s a great opportunity to add a short city break to your Bali itinerary.
You can easily compare flight prices and routes on Skyscanner to find the best deal.
To enter Bali, you need a valid passport and a visa.
Most travelers get a Visa on Arrival, which is issued directly at the airport. If you prefer to save time, you can also apply online for an eVisa. The visa is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days.
Since February 2024, Bali introduced an additional tourism fee. You can pay this in advance on the Love Bali website or via their app. After payment, you’ll receive a QR code to present on arrival. You can also pay the fee at the airport.
Before entering Indonesia, you must also complete a customs declaration. You can do this directly at the airport or conveniently online in advance. A QR code will be generated for you to show on arrival.
Please note: since August 2024, all travelers must fill out a health form before entering Indonesia to help prevent the spread of Mpox. It’s best to complete this before your flight. You’ll receive a QR code at the end as well.
Accommodation in Bali
There’s a huge variety of accommodation in Bali, especially in the island’s most popular regions. To make things easier, we’ve put together our best hotel tips for Bali by category. You’ll also find a selection of our absolute favorite hotels in Bali.
Hotel tips by accommodation type:
Beach hotels in Bali
Jungle hotels in Bali
Boutique hotels in Bali
Honeymoon hotels in Bali
Family hotels in Bali
Hotel tips by region:
Where to stay in Ubud
Where to stay Uluwatu
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
Getting Around Bali
The easiest way to get to your next stop on your Bali trip is by taxi. You can book rides quickly using the Grab or Gojek app. Just enter your starting point and destination, and you’ll see the price right away. Your driver will come straight to you. Taxi rides are generally affordable.
Our tip: download both apps so you can compare prices, especially for longer routes.
Another great option is to rent a scooter in Bali to explore the surrounding area. This works best in Ubud, Lovina, and Nusa Penida. Outside the bigger towns, the traffic is usually calm and easy to handle.
Our tip: rent your scooter directly from your accommodation. They usually offer good prices and well-maintained scooters. They want you to be safe on the road.
Please note: you’ll need an international driving permit to ride a scooter in Bali. Keep in mind that traffic drives on the left, but you’ll get used to it quickly.
If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can also hire a private driver for your excursions. You can plan an individual route with them to suit your itinerary.
Cost of Your Bali Trip
Bali is still a relatively affordable destination, and in terms of costs, you can roughly compare it to Thailand.
The flight is usually the most expensive part of your trip.
There’s a wide range of accommodation to choose from – from simple guesthouses for backpackers to luxury hotels with stunning ocean views. You’ll also find plenty of excellent mid-range options at fair prices.
Food is very budget-friendly, and renting a scooter to explore the island won’t break the bank either. Activities and tours in Bali are generally very affordable, and entrance fees for temples and waterfalls are usually just a small amount.
Depending on your travel style, daily costs can vary widely, but Bali remains a destination where you can enjoy a lot for relatively little.
Currency in Bali
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
One of our best travel tips for Bali in Indonesia is to always carry some cash. You can pay by card in many places, but market stalls, local warungs, and some waterfalls still only accept cash.
You’ll find ATMs in most towns and villages. They often have a withdrawal limit, so if you have a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees, it’s easy to just withdraw what you need without paying extra.
Please note: ATMs on Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are scarce and sometimes run out of cash. It’s best to withdraw enough money on the main island before heading there.
Tipping isn’t expected in Bali, but if you’re happy with the service, it’s always appreciated.
Safety in Bali
Bali is considered a very safe destination. Serious crime is rare, and locals are warm and welcoming. Many solo travelers, including women, feel very comfortable here.
However, it’s important to be aware that earthquakes and tsunamis can occur. Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is prone to seismic activity. Early warning systems are in place to alert people, giving you enough time to move to safety.
Traffic is another thing to keep in mind when traveling to Bali. Scooter traffic can feel hectic at first. If you want a more relaxed ride, it’s best to avoid the big cities and explore the countryside, where traffic is much calmer.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for entering Bali. Hepatitis A is recommended for most travelers, and for longer stays, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and dengue fever might be advised. It’s best to check with your doctor before your trip.
Communication in Bali
Most Balinese speak Indonesian. But the local language is actually Balinese, which is different from Indonesian.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to learn a new language before your trip. You can easily get by with English in most places. Locals are very used to welcoming travelers from all over the world.
How to Behave in Bali
- Always wear a sarong when visiting temples. It’s a simple cloth wrapped around your waist. Bring your own or borrow one at the entrance.
- Never offer anything with your left hand. In Bali, it’s considered impolite.
- Remove your shoes before entering a Balinese home.
- Haggling is part of the culture. The first price is often higher than what locals expect to get.
- Locals may offer you rides or try to sell you something. If you’re not interested, a polite “No, thank you” works just fine.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter.
Food and Drink in Bali
In Bali, rice is the star of the plate. Which makes sense with all the lush rice terraces around. The most famous dish is Nasi Goreng, fried rice with vegetables, egg and sauce, often topped with chicken.
You can order most dishes with noodles, too. In that case, “mie” replaces “nasi” on the menu.
Another classic is sate, grilled skewers usually made with chicken. You can also find versions with fish, lamb or tofu, often served with delicious peanut sauce.
You’ll spot smoothie bowls on menus everywhere, especially in the island’s many cozy cafés.
Local warungs – small, family-run eateries – are found on almost every corner. They’re perfect for trying authentic Indonesian food and a few Western snacks at great prices.
If you prefer international cuisine, you’ll have no problem finding Western-style restaurants serving Italian, Mexican, Greek, and more.
One of the most common things to know when traveling to Bali is the infamous Bali Belly. It’s basically an upset stomach that some travelers experience due to the change in food and hygiene standards. Symptoms usually include stomach cramps or diarrhea, but for most people, it passes after a few days, and not everyone gets it.
Internet, SIM Cards and Sockets
Mobile coverage in Bali is generally very good. You can buy a SIM card at the airport or get an eSIM in advance. Several providers operate on the island, with Telkomsel offering the best coverage.
We used XL Axiata and had no issues at all. The connection was fast and reliable for navigation, messaging, and even uploading photos.
To buy a SIM card, you’ll need to show your passport and have your phone registered on the spot.
In Bali, European sockets of type C and F are used. If you have other plug types, you should get a travel adapter.
Ceremonies in Bali
Bali is a deeply spiritual island. Faith is part of everyday life, with daily offerings, home temples, and countless ceremonies.
Most ceremonies take place in Hindu temples, and there is usually one happening somewhere every day. The Balinese love to share their traditions. If you are invited to a ceremony by your hosts, make sure to accept. It’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the culture for a few hours.
During the ceremony, traditional clothing is worn, dances are performed, and music accompanies the rituals. A key ritual takes place at the end. To help you participate respectfully, here’s a brief summary of what to expect:
- Place a bowl of flowers and a stick of incense in front of you. If you don’t have one, you can usually borrow from someone nearby.
- Fold your hands into a lotus shape and close your eyes for each of the six prayers. To form the lotus, place both thumbs and your right index finger together and wrap your left hand around your right.
- Hold your folded hands to your forehead for each prayer. For the second, third, and fourth prayers, place a flower between your thumb and forefinger. After each prayer, tuck the flower into the back of your hair.
- At the end, a priest will walk around with consecrated water and rice.
- Hold your palms up until the priest sprinkles you with the water.
- Then place your left hand under your right hand. The water is poured into it six times. The first three times you sip it, the last three times you pour it over your head.
- Finally, take rice from the priest’s bowl and place it on your forehead.
- If you’re unsure, you can always ask someone nearby for guidance.
Ceremonies offered on GetYourGuide are often very touristy. In comparison, the ceremony we attended with our hosts had only a few tourists, making it a much more authentic experience.
That was our Bali travel guide
Have you been to Bali and have your own travel tips to share? What are your must-know tips for visiting Bali? Tell us in the comments!