Visiting Bali is on top of many travelers’ bucket lists but is this corner of South East Asia really worth visiting and if so? Where should you go? What should you see?
Our fully comprehensive guide will ensure that you visit Bali and enjoy the stunning beaches, Indonesian food, rice fields, and much more in the style that you choose.
Is Bali Over? Overtourism And Pollution – The Reality
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Before we take a look at Bali, it’s important to address two concerns people have before they visit Bail because of recent coverage in the press.
Firstly, is Bali over? Are there so many tourists that travellers can’t find a spot in central Bali to enjoy the terraced rice fields without a million others for the company? Is it true that beach lovers can’t find one of the beautiful beaches on the island and stake out a comfortable spot on the sand?
No. It’s not. While Bali is a popular destination year-round, the island is not always overflowing with visitors, and even at the busiest times of the year, you can enjoy lush landscapes, rice paddies and beaches without enduring crowds.
Of course, this means being discerning about where you spend your time, you can expect Tanah Lot Temple or Kuta Beach to have plenty of tourists when you visit them, but head to North Bali and you will find that you can enjoy incredible sights all to yourself, for example.
As for pollution? There’s no doubt that plastic pollution is a concern and this is particularly true during the rainy season when plastic washes up on the beaches due to the ocean returning waste from across the Indonesian archipelago on Bali’s shores.
However, there are teams of people who clean up this waste every single day and for the most part, beach lovers will enjoy soft, warm sand in a dream destination without being forced to tramp across plastic bottle mountains to get there.
Bali is a one-of-a-kind destination and you could visit every other foreign country on Earth and never find a place quite like it. Is it perfect? No. But it’s one of the world’s most popular destinations for good reasons. And the best time to visit Bali is always as soon as you can.
Where Is Bali?
![SEA FINNS BALI MAP](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ASIA-FINNS-BALI-MAP-1024x724.jpg)
Bali is part of the Indonesian archipelago and it sits next to the island of Java in the Indian Ocean. It’s a tropical island famed for its temples, surfing beaches, affordable accommodations, local food and much more.
If you’d like to better understand the geography of the island, we have an article on where Bali is on a map.
What Are The Best Parts Of This Tropical Paradise To Explore On Holiday?
![Female with a pink dress standing at Temple gates at Lempuyang Luhur temple in Bali](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/female-with-a-pink-dress-standing-at-temple-gates-2023-11-27-04-59-48-utc-1024x683.jpg)
If you’re going to visit Bali then you’re going to need somewhere to stay and that means choosing between some of the best parts of the island.
The good news is that you can always dive straight in and book somewhere in Bali because there’s nowhere on the island that isn’t worth staying and you can almost always take a day trip or two to the rest of the island if you want to experience some of the other neighbourhoods and what they have to offer.
The Most Stunning Beaches In Bali
![Aerial view of T rex beach, Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/aerial-view-of-t-rex-beach-nusa-penida-bali-ind-2024-06-18-17-17-04-utc-1024x768.jpg)
Bali has plenty of amazing beaches to enjoy and if you want to book a spot within walking distance of an awesome beach, there are a few locations you might want to consider before you come to Bali:
Nusa Dua
Canggu
Seminyak
Kuta
Uluwatu
Sanur
Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Lembongan)
Canggu
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Canggu is a popular beach destination with accommodation options for all budgets and travellers. We love Canggu, not just because it’s the home of FINNS Beach Club, but because it’s the best spot in Bali for a little of everything.
There are beaches, rice paddies, entertainment options, shopping, nightlife and much more! Canggu is currently the most popular part of Bali and we think it’s for good reason.
You can also get easily from Canggu to Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Uluwatu, Sanur and Ubud, so if you want to see other parts of Bali, you don’t have to go too far.
Our complete guide to Canggu will help introduce you to this awesome area in more detail.
Seminyak
![Exotic palms on sandy beach during beautiful sunset over sea](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/exotic-palms-on-sandy-beach-during-beautiful-sunse-2023-11-27-05-09-41-utc-1024x683.jpg)
Seminyak is popular with the younger crowds, mainly, and it has a reputation as a place to see and be seen.
The beach area is very pleasant though it can get quite crowded during the peak season and there are a lot of high-end resorts and nightlife as well as fine dining in the area.
This isn’t an area people typically tackle on a budget but it’s an interesting place and while not everyone may want to stay here, most people will want to visit.
We have a great guide to Seminyak on the site to help you learn more about this part of Bali.
Kuta
![Kuta beach in Bali](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/kuta-beach-in-bali-2023-11-27-05-30-55-utc-1024x683.jpg)
Kuta was the earliest tourism hotspot in Bali and unfortunately, the area is looking a little tired now, though there’s still an enormous amount to do in the area and if you like days out, Kuta is a great place to be.
The beach is often unfairly tarnished by YouTubers but remains one of the prettiest sunset spots on the island too.
However, the area’s reputation for loud and relatively cheap nightlife is fair and you may find that you want to stay a little further from these places if you want a good night’s sleep.
If you’re not sure whether to visit Kuta or Legian, this guide will help.
Legian
![Legian Beach](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Legian-Beach.jpg)
Legian is Kuta’s sleepier (though not by a lot) twin and it’s very popular with middle-income families seeking a balance between culture, nights out and affordable accommodation options.
It’s also fairly close to the airport, which makes it super convenient as a first stop on a longer holiday or as a place to stay before you leave Bali.
The beach is nice and it’s a little quieter than the beach in Kuta too.
We’ve got an awesome in-depth guide to Legian.
Uluwatu
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Uluwatu has some excellent beach spots and it’s a top destination for surfers in Bali as the breaks are among the best on Earth.
It’s a challenging place to get around without transport though as everything is spaced out and the Grab and Gojek services aren’t always reliable.
Uluwatu Temple, however, is a must-see destination and the monkeys here are truly unique.
If you’re curious about this destination we have a guide to Uluwatu, Bali too.
Nusa Dua
![Aerial symmetric shot of beach umbrella rows at the Nusa Dua beach in Bali, Indonesia](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/aerial-symmetric-shot-of-beach-umbrella-rows-at-th-2023-11-27-05-23-48-utc-1024x682.jpg)
Nusa Dua is Bali’s most upscale resort town. It’s popular with families who want a beach holiday and don’t intend to move far from the comfort of their hotel.
The white sand beaches around Nusa Dua are often considered to be the best in Bali but you don’t have to stay in the area to take advantage of these beautiful beaches.
Our Nusa Dua guide is full of useful info about this part of Bali.
Ubud
![Woman at Tegalalang rice terrace in Bali](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/woman-at-tegalalang-rice-terrace-in-bali-2023-11-27-05-08-32-utc-1024x684.jpg)
Ubud features heavily in the popular book and film Eat Pray Love and it’s often considered to be the spiritual heart of the island.
However, it’s been getting a lot of development in recent years and you might find it’s more crowded than you expect, but if you want an endless procession of yoga studios and amazing temples, you can’t really go wrong in Ubud.
Ubud is super popular with many visitors to Bali and our Ubud Guide can really help you decide if you want to leave the beaches behind and enjoy the heart of the island.
Sanur
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Sanur is often referred to as “snore” by expats, but the area’s been developing nicely in the last few years and while its nightlife won’t compete with Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta or even Ubud, there is some nightlife now.
We think Sanur is the perfect place for a beach holiday with a young family on a lower budget than those in the 5-star resorts of Nusa Dua.
Sanur may have a sleep reputation but we think it’s a great place to visit – check out our Sanur guide for the lowdown.
North Bali
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North Bali is off the beaten path but if you don’t mind black sand beaches, it’s a great place for diving and snorkeling.
Singaraja is Bali’s second biggest city and it’s in North Bali and the biggest draw to the area is the chance to go dolphin watching off the coast.
The most popular place in North Bali is Lovina, check out our guide to Lovina to find out why.
The West Coast
![west bali national park](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/west-bali-national-park.png)
The West Coast is the least explored part of Bali and that’s a shame because it’s home to some of the most naturally beautiful places here.
If you like waterfalls, diving and rice fields, you’re going to love this part of Bali and for now, you can have it nearly to yourself too.
Most people visit this coast either for the West Bali National Park or to use the port in Gilimanuk.
The East Coast
![Top view of Amed beach and volcano Agung at sunset Bali, Indonesia](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/top-view-of-amed-beach-and-volcano-agung-at-sunset-2023-11-27-05-21-33-utc-1024x683.jpg)
The East Coast is starting to get a little attention from tourists but for now, the beach towns of this area area are cheaper than the main beach towns and just as lovely.
You can also find some incredible diving and snorkelling spots in these areas.
The East Coast has several interesting places to visit including Amed, Amlapura and Candidasa.
Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan)
![Blue Lagoon Nusa Lembongan 23050066 Valensia Sugiarto](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Blue-Lagoon-Nusa-Lembongan-23050066-Valensia-Sugiarto-1024x683.jpg)
Bali is a province, not just an island and the rest of the province includes the three Nusa Islands.
These are very pleasant places with a relaxed vibe and some incredible scenery. If you want to really get away from it all, a few days in the Nusa Islands can be amazing.
We’ve got great guides to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan too.
How Much Money Do You Need To Enjoy Bali?
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It very much depends on what you intend to do and where you intend to stay. If you’re intending to stay in a high-end resort in Nusa Dua, you might need $500 or more a day.
Bali has more $1,000 (or more) a night hotel rooms than anywhere else on Earth.
However, you don’t have to spend a fortune and it’s easy enough to have a good time on $1,500 a month (or even less if you’re great with your money).
Check out our Bali Cost of Living guide to get a better idea of what you might want to budget for your holiday in Bali.
What’s The Weather Going To Be Like In Bali?
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Bali is in the tropics and thus, there are only two seasons in this tropical paradise. The wet season or rainy season and the dry season.
While the rainy season is wetter than the dry season, we’d point out that it doesn’t rain every day, and on average, there are 8 hours of sunshine a day in the wet season.
It is more humid overall though and the island feels hotter in the wet season.
The dry season sees a pleasant onshore breeze and humidity drops and the weather is considered to be about optimal for most people.
Most of the dry season is peak season, though, and you will normally find that hotels, resorts, flights, etc. are more expensive at this time of year.
When Should You Visit Bali?
![Amazing warm orange sunrise over famous Jatiluwih rice terraces](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/amazing-warm-orange-sunrise-over-famous-jatiluwih-2023-11-27-05-22-18-utc-1024x683.jpg)
A lot depends on what you want to do. If you want to find the mola-mola fish (the giant sunfish) at Manta Point, for example, this fish is only around in April and May.
However, if you just want the magical experience of a holiday in Bali and to visit sights like Uluwatu Temple, the Ubud Monkey Forest, the rice terraces, Tanah Lot Temple, etc. then you can come at any time of year.
In fact, you may find that you enjoy being on the island more in the wet season because there are fewer crowds and queues and it’s easier to get a reservation at that small restaurant that you’ve had your eye on.
However, the most popular time to visit Bali is during the Christmas to New Year period and you will find that things get very expensive at that time.
We’d also advise that you use common sense if you want to come during this period and book up a long way in advance.
It’s not the best time to visit Bali if you just want to turn up and wander around hotels, as many of them are fully booked.
Important Dates In Bali
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The most important date in the Balinese culture is Nyepi. This festival takes place in March or April each year and sees the entire island shut down for a single day.
On Nyepi, it is expected that everyone stays at home and that they spend the day in silent meditation. All attractions on the island are closed, the airport closes for the day and if you’re caught on the streets you may be arrested and deported.
Some people love the chance to take part in Nyepi, others would prefer to come at a different time of year.
Another important set of holidays is Galungan and Kuningan which take place every 210 days.
You can also find a full list of public holidays in Bali and festivals in Bali on our site.
What Language Do They Speak In Bali?
![Young cheerful female in casual summer wear talking on phone](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/young-cheerful-female-balinese-language-on-phone-1024x606.jpg)
The official language of Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia (Bahasa means “language”). Nearly everyone in Bali speaks Bahasa Indonesia and Bahasa Bali (the Balinese language is dying out to some extent).
You will also find that in the yoga studios, beach clubs, resorts, etc. that English is widely spoken as Bali is very much focused on a tourism market where most guests will speak, at least a little, English.
However, if you get off the beaten path and into some of the more remote corners of the island, you may find that it’s harder to locate an English speaker.
Being able to use English in most everyday interactions makes Bali a much more accessible destination for Australian, British, American and Canadian visitors.
What Do You Need To Get Into Bali?
One of the first challenges of getting into any foreign country is making sure that you’ve got your paperwork in order. Getting onto the island is, fairly easy, but you do need:
Passport
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Your passport must be in good condition (Indonesia is one of the very places on Earth where people are refused entry for having a damaged passport).
It must also have a minimum of 6 months validity from your date of entry into Indonesia and ideally, 6 months validity from the date of your proposed departure too.
Visa
![applying for b211a visa](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/applying-for-b211a-visa-1024x768.jpg)
You can’t enter Indonesia without a visa. There are two ways to go about getting a tourist visa:
You can apply online before you come. As long as you use the official Indonesian government portal for this – it’s no more expensive and it means you get to skip immigration and use the e-gates to enter the country.
You can buy a visa on arrival. This is fine but it means you may need to queue for long periods of time, both to buy the visa and to enter Bali. You can’t use an e-gate with a visa-on-arrival.
For the latest information on visas check our blog post on visa regulations.
Tourist Tax
The visa fee is paid to the Indonesian government, but the tourist tax is paid to the local government.
You need to either:
Pay online for the tourist tax.
Or pay at the booth when you arrive at the airport. Again, this might mean queuing for a long period of time and we’d recommend that you pay online and get the paperwork out of the way before you come to Bali.
For full details on the current tourist tax process see our blog on Bali Tourist Tax.
Customs Declaration Form
Then, you also need to complete a customs declaration form. You can do this online either in advance (but only three days before you fly) or online at the airport but you cannot pass through customs without the QR code that this process generates.
Learn all about the customs declaration here.
Return Or Onward Flight Details
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Then, there’s just one more thing you need to enter Bali, proof that you intend to leave when your visa expires. This must be in the form of either a return ticket to wherever you came from or an onward ticket to a place outside of Indonesia (you can’t offer a ticket to Java, for example).
It’s not uncommon for airlines to refuse to board passengers without this proof and you could end up stranded in your departure airport if you don’t have a ticket to hand.
How Do You Get Around Bali?
Not everything in Bali is within walking distance and if you want to see everything that the island has to offer, you’re going to need some transport while you’re here.
The good news is that there are several great options for getting around the island and they won’t cost you a fortune.
Ride-Sharing And Taxis
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Most people on a visit to Bali will opt for the ride-sharing apps of Grab and Gojek. You can easily order a car at any time of day to visit any other part of the island.
The cars tend to be clean and well-maintained and the drivers operate on a fixed-fee basis as specified in the app. You can even connect a card to the app to ensure you don’t need to deal with cash.
Mostly we recommend that you avoid taxis as some drivers aren’t exactly straightforward and it’s all too easy to get to your destination to find you’re expected to pay much more than you initially agreed as a fare.
However, Blue Bird Taxi is an exception to this rule and you can hail a Blue Bird Taxi through their app or even hail one on the street (though we should note, there are fake Blue Bird vehicles out there – so you must be confident that you can recognise the real thing) and expect to get to your destination without too much hassle.
Private Car And Driver
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If you want to get around the island on a bigger scale and have a plan to visit several Bali areas and their attractions on a single day, then a private driver and car can make a lot of sense.
You can rent a car and driver, with all gas included for around 500,000 IDR for 8 hours (that’s about $35 USD or $50 AUD). That’s extremely cheap and many drivers will also act as local guides in the destinations you visit too.
This is much easier and safer than trying to follow Google Maps around the island in your own transport and it’s often not much more expensive too.
Renting A Scooter Or A Car
![scooters in bali](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/scooters-in-bali-1024x768.jpg)
We don’t recommend that you drive yourself around the island at all and while many Bali travel guides try to push scooters as a romantic option – we would note that real life isn’t Eat, Pray, Love and there are some real problems with scooter rental including:
To be road legal, you must have a current international driver’s permit (IDP), AND a current driving license from your own country WITH a motorcycle endorsement AND you must wear a helmet AND you must be completely sober
If you’re not road-legal, you cannot be insured – even if you have travel and/or health insurance, it will not pay out if you’re in an accident
Accidents are very common on Bali’s roads – and medical treatment can get very expensive, this Australian needs to raise $750,000 AUD for his treatment!
If you must rent a scooter in Bali – we have a guide to scooter rental in Bali, but we cannot stress enough that we don’t recommend that you rent a scooter.
You can rent a car with a current international driver’s permit (IDP) AND a current driving license from your own country and this is safer but it’s still extremely stressful – the roads are in terrible condition on a lot of the island, there are very few local driving standards and parking is often in short supply.
It’s best to use ride-shares or rent a car with a driver and save yourself the hassle.
Walking In Bali
![Young beautiful woman walking on Campuhan Ridge way of artists,](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/young-beautiful-woman-walking-on-campuhan-ridge-wa-2023-11-27-05-13-03-utc-1024x683.jpg)
You can walk in Bali but it’s not always safe or convenient to do so. The pavements/sidewalks are often very difficult to navigate and scooter drivers may use them as shortcuts.
Walking on the road can also be very unpleasant, particularly at rush hour when the streets are overflowing with traffic.
However, if you are only travelling a short distance or don’t mind walking very early in the morning, you can get around on foot, if you’re careful.
Money In Bali
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The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and businesses, apart from money changers, are legally prevented from accepting any other currencies.
That means you cannot pay in USD, AUD, GBP, etc. you must pay in IDR. While you can pay for many things in Bali using a card such as the bill for a hotel or private pool villa, there are occasions when you will need cash.
We’d always recommend carrying a couple of million IDR (about $120 USD or $200 AUD) in small bills to cover any expenses you need to cover in cash.
We have a great guide to currency and money in Bali if you want to know more.
ATMs vs Money Changers
![money changers in bali](https://finnsbeachclub.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/money-changers-in-bali-1024x576.jpg)
There are ATMs all over Bali but we’d strongly encourage you to use ATMs that are inside banks, supermarkets or malls rather than those in the street.
That’s because ATM skimming is somewhat common here and you don’t want to visit an ATM and find that the next visitor just emptied your bank account.
You can also use money changers here to get a decent rate for your foreign currency. However, you need to find a good money changer and avoid the scammers (easily spotted with rates that are too good to be true) to get the best value for your money.
Apps You Need In Bail
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Google Maps is always helpful when it comes to getting around somewhere new, but there are surprisingly few “must-have apps” for Bali we’d recommend that everyone get these three:
Grab AND Gojek
If you want to get the most out of your trip to Bali, you’re going to need transport and the best apps for that are Grab and Gojek.
We recommend that you download both apps before you come to Bali and that you check prices on each app before you book a ride or order food.
Most of the time, the two apps can be pretty similar but every now and again, there’s a huge advantage to using one over the other.
It seems like everywhere on Earth uses a different app for day-to-day communication and here in Bali, they have chosen WhatsApp as the common communication tool.
When you want to find Indonesian friends, they’re always on WhatsApp.
If you’re single, you may also find that these Bali dating apps come in handy.
We’d also note that Instagram is very handy if you want to find out about special offers and events as most businesses in Bali seem to have an Instagram presence even if they don’t have a website.
Four Vital Things To Know About Bali
There is a small handful of things that everyone who visits Bali should know before they come and they are:
Taking Care Of Your Things
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There is almost no violent crime in Bali and any trouble you do encounter is likely to be with other tourists in bars and nightclubs.
However, petty theft is a real issue and we’d strongly advise you to keep an eye on your possessions at all times. Petty theft is a crime of opportunity, if you don’t give people an opportunity to steal your bags, they won’t.
Taking Care Of Yourself
You should always lock the doors and windows in villas and apartment complexes on the island.
If you’re staying in a posh security-controlled resort in Nusa Dua you can ignore this but burglary is a real risk and it’s best to ensure that people can’t get into your home, rather than watch them run away with your stuff through the rice paddies.
There Is No Tipping Culture, But You Can Tip
Yes, it’s true, there’s no tipping culture here and you should know that in Bali most restaurants have a service charge and tax added to the bill.
So, if you’re in a Nusa Dua resort hotel and you pay for lunch, you’ve already tipped. If you want to increase the tip, you can, but the service charge is paid to the service staff, so you don’t have to.
Outside of the restaurant and hotel industry, tips are entirely optional and if you want to reward a taxi driver or hairdresser for an amazing experience, you are free to do so, but you don’t have to.
Given that most Balinese don’t make huge wages, tips are always appreciated and you won’t offend someone by offering a tip. We have a full guide to tipping in Bali.
Plastic Is A Problem
Everyone recognizes that Indonesia has something of a plastic problem and Bali is trying to tackle that.
So, you may find that if you buy something in a store, they don’t offer a plastic bag for you to take it home in – you will either be expected to have your own bag or to buy a reusable one.
We think this is a positive thing.
We also love the fact that you don’t need to buy bottled water in Bali as long as you have a reusable water bottle, there are free water fountains at nearly every business on the island and you’re welcome to use them whenever you want to.
Staying Healthy In Bali
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Bali has decent healthcare services and if you need a doctor or a hospital (and can pay for it either with insurance or cash) you don’t need to worry about falling ill.
However, there are a few things you can do to reduce the chances of needing healthcare in the first place and they include:
Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are everywhere in Bali and they can make you seriously ill if you get bitten. While Malaria is very rare in this part of Indonesia, Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis are not.
It’s best to use bug spray in the early morning and the evenings to keep the mozzies away and ideally, to cover up your arms and legs at these times of day too.
Bali Belly
We’ve got an in-depth guide to Bali Belly but in a nutshell, it’s a form of traveller’s diarrhea and the easiest way to deal with it, is to avoid getting it in the first place.
Don’t drink the tap water, don’t even brush your teeth with it. Make sure you eat well-cooked food and don’t eat stuff that’s raw or has been left to cool in the sun for a while.
Nobody can guarantee you won’t get Bali Belly but you can certainly improve your odds of not getting it.
Sun Screen And Sun Protection
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The sun here in Bali can also get pretty overwhelming at certain times of day. We’d recommend using a high SPF sunscreen when you’re out in direct sunlight and also using sunglasses, a sun hat and other sun protection as needed.
Sunburn and heat stroke aren’t very pleasant and can really spoil your holidays, so it’s best to take precautions.
Food In Bali
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There’s much more to food in Bali than just nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice, which is quite yummy) and you will find there’s a rich food culture here.
Perhaps, the most famous dish they serve on the island is babi guling (a roast suckling pig) which is served alongside rice and vegetables.
However, there’s much more to Balinese food than that and coming to the island can ensure you get an amazing tour of the local cuisine.
You might like the food in this part of Indonesia so much that you opt to join some cooking classes to cook with a taste of paradise at home too.
Top Activities In Bali
There are a lot of things to do in Bali but there are a few things that nobody should miss out on while they’re on the island and these include:
Temples
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The island of Gods is a one-of-a-kind experience for those who love the lush landscapes around temples and you will find an amazing number of temples in Bali.
Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple (the mother temple of the island), Lempuyang Temple and so many more offer travelers a chance to explore the spiritual nature of this paradise and it’s always the best time to visit Bali if you want to explore its temples.
Rice Terraces
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Bali is also home to some of the most incredible rice terraces in the world (as you can see in our guide to the best rice paddies in Bali).
They are all part of the world-famous Subak irrigation system which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, though the place most intimately connected with the Subak system is the gorgeous Jatiluiwh Rice Terraces.
The best time to visit the rice fields of Bali is during the rainy season before the harvest when the fields are in full bloom.
Mountains
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As Bali is in the ring of fire it has some incredible volcanoes and mountains for people to explore. The Mount Batur sunrise hike is extremely popular and you will find it mentioned in nearly every travel guide to Bali.
But there’s much more to the landscape of the island than just Mount Bature and these 10 mountains in Bali will provide climbers and hikers with challenges and thrills galore.
Scuba Diving
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Bali also has some of the best scuba diving in the world and while the best time to visit Bali for diving is going to, generally, be the dry season as it means you get the clearest views of the underwater paradise around the island, it’s worth noting that you may need to come at a specific time of year to see certain creatures.
Beach Clubs
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Bali is inexorably associated with beach clubs and the world’s best beach club is FINNS Beach Club which is based in Canggu, Bali.
If you want to enjoy amazing views of the beach and the Indian Ocean at sunset, while splashing around in an infinity pool and enjoying incredible food, drink and entertainment, you need to spend some time at FINNS.
1 in 8 people who visited Bali in 2023 came to FINNS and it’s a beach sensation that cannot be equalled anywhere else on Earth.
Balinese Culture
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Bali is also famous for its incredible culture and we’d strongly encourage you to read our guide to Balinese culture.
From the Hindu influences to the Kecak Dance at the Uluwatu Temple to wayang kulit shadow puppetry, this is a place with a truly unique culture and the more you get to know it, the more you will fall in love with it.
However, we’d also recommend reading up on the etiquette in Bali as there’s no doubt that while the locals are tolerant of a fault, tourists can sometimes really rub people up the wrong way by accident.
Waterfalls
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Bali is also home to some of the most amazing waterfalls on Earth and places like Tegenungan Waterfall, Sekumpul Waterfall and GitGit Waterfall are all worth visiting while you’re here.
The true paradise of Bali is found off the beaten path, away from the beaches in the heart of the island where its best waterfalls are found.
Don’t forget to take a camera as places like Tegenungan Waterfall are very photogenic.
Museums
In among the yoga studios and scuba diving sites, Bali is also home to some excellent museums and if you like to broaden your mind when you travel, you won’t be short of places to visit.
ARMA, the Agung Rai Museum of Art, is generally considered to be the best museum on the island but there are many more museums to visit in Bali and we’d recommend checking them all out, at least, once.
Markets
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Bali is a great place for shopping and one of the best ways to shop is to enjoy the Sunday Markets, Markets and Night Markets on the island.
If you want a more sanitized experience then you can always visit the shopping malls here in Bali too as there are plenty to choose from.
Water Sports
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Bali is also a place where you can participate in water sports and they tend to be cheap, easy to learn and very safe.
Our guide to the 28 watersports in Bali should help you get started with having some fun on the waves of the Indian Ocean.
Digital Nomads And Bali
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We should also mention that digital nomads love Bali and that the island is often considered to be one of the big stop-off points of the nomad trail in Southeast Asia.
With places like Canggu and Ubud being top destinations for nomads, there’s plenty of coworking and coliving to go round. Even Nusa Penida has places for nomads if they’re willing to risk the occasional power or internet outage.
Our guide to digital nomads in Bali will help you decide whether Bali is the right place for you to work remotely.
FAQs
How Many Days Are Needed In Bali?
Many people who’ve visited Bali come back year after year because they know that it takes a lifetime to truly explore Bali.
However, if you’re on your first trip to this beautiful island, you will probably find that 2-3 weeks is an ideal way to get familiar with some of the highlights.
After you’ve worked out just what you like about Bali, you can start planning to visit a few locations on your next trip. However, if you don’t have a ton of time, you can certainly have an amazing time in this tropical paradise over a long weekend too.
What Are The Best Months To Visit Bali?
We think there’s no bad time of year to visit the paradise that is Bali. But if you want to get the best weather without too many crowds then the “shoulder season” (the time when the wet and dry seasons run into each other) is off-peak and still has incredible weather.
Where Is The Best Place To Stay In Bali For The First Time?
It really depends on your needs, but we think the best place to stay in Bali is Canggu. That’s because it’s the most varied area in terms of amenities and local culture and it’s home to the amazing FINNS Beach Club.
It’s a short drive from the other beach towns and Ubud too, which means you can really get out and explore Bali without having to travel too far.
Can I Travel To Bali, Indonesia, Right Now?
Yes! There’s no time like the present to visit Bali and the island is open for business all year round with the single exception of Nyepi, the Balinese holiday of silence.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a ticket today (or contact the Bali Res Centre and have them book everything for you).
Final Thoughts On Visiting Bali
Bali is an amazing place and whether you opt to head to the West Coast and the unexplored side of the island or head to the beach towns of Canggu, Seminyak, etc., to the heart of the island in Ubud, or if you go offshore to Nusa Penida, you’re going to have a great time here.
Our guide will help you make the right decisions for your holiday planning, but we have no doubt at all that you will have an unforgettable time in Bali.