Getting Your Bearings
Bali is an island and province in Indonesia, roughly twice the size of Saarland. It also includes several smaller islands, such as Nusa Penida.
Bali is divided into eight districts plus the capital city of Denpasar.
Don’t let the size fool you — despite being a relatively small island, Bali has become the top tourist destination in Southeast Asia, and it’s easy to see why.
Most visitors head to the south, where you’ll find the best beaches and the liveliest towns. The north is still much quieter and rewards you with seriously beautiful natural scenery — worth the extra travel time if you want to escape the crowds.
Our Review of Bali
-
Flair
Exotic, deeply spiritual, and seriously well set up for travelers.
-
Travel Season
May through September is the sweet spot — dry, sunny, and ideal for exploring.
-
Trip Length
Plan two to three weeks to really soak in everything the island has to offer.
-
Price Level
Affordable to moderate — your budget goes a long way here, even if you want a bit of luxury.
-
Food
Order Nasi Campur whenever you see it — it's the best way to sample a range of Balinese dishes in one go.
-
Getting Around
Rent a scooter for flexibility, or hire a private driver — both are super affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to pack for Bali?
Bali packing is pretty similar to any other Southeast Asia trip. We’ve put together a detailed Southeast Asia packing list with everything you’ll need to throw in your suitcase.
Is Bali safe to visit?
Honestly, yes — Bali is a very safe destination. The Balinese are a genuinely peaceful people, and the growth of tourism over the years has made the island even more visitor-friendly.
The usual common sense applies: watch out for pickpockets at busy hotspots and don’t let yourself get overcharged at tourist-facing spots. But that’s true anywhere in the world.
Even solo female travelers consistently feel comfortable and welcome here.
How expensive is Bali?
Bali is an incredibly affordable destination once you get there.
A double room in a decent mid-range hotel can cost as little as 25 euros a night. Eating out is cheap too — international dishes run under 5 euros, and local warungs charge as little as 1 euro for a full meal. Most attractions have admission fees of just 1 to 2 euros.
The real cost is the flight, which can range anywhere from 400 to 1,300 euros depending on when and where you book.
What language do people speak in Bali?
The local languages are Balinese and Indonesian. Outside of remote rural areas, English gets you surprisingly far — most people working in tourism speak it well.
How do you pay in Bali?
The currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR) — you get close to 15,000 IDR per euro.
The easiest way to get cash is to exchange at your hotel. Steer clear of the unofficial street exchange booths, even if their rates look attractive — the owners have a well-practiced trick of making a few notes vanish during the count.
Paying by card is even simpler wherever it’s accepted. Just make sure you use a travel-friendly card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
How long should you stay in Bali?
The flight alone takes at least a full day in each direction, so a Bali trip really only pays off if you stay for at least two weeks.
Longer is always better, of course — the island has seriously more to offer than most people expect.
