Our Bali travel guide shares all our secrets and tips from over 20 years of travelling to the islands of gods! To some, Bali is solely a vacation destination, but it has some insanely rich culture waiting to be explored!
The welcoming nature of the Balinese, the incredible value for money, the vibrant atmosphere, and the year-round pleasant climate make Bali a popular haven for all types of travellers. Whether you want to Surf in Uluwatu or retreat in Ubud, this Bali travel guide will cover everything you need to know before planning your trip to Bali!
As the most popular destination in Indonesia, Bali is loved by adventure and solo travellers, yogis, families, honeymooners, and digital nomads! Head up to the mountains of Ubud and do some soul searching, or grab a board and ride some waves in Uluwatu!
Related: 10 Amazing this to do in Sulawesi, Indonesia
The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide For First-Timers
Plan your Bali Trip
Things you should know about Bali
Population: 4.22 million
Capital: Denpasar
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (Rp)
Exchange Rate: As of 22/09/2018 it was 10,400RP to $1.00 AUD
Language: Bahasa Indonesia, with their own Balinese dialect.
Religion: Religion is a very important part of the culture in Bali. 85% of Balinese are Hindu and around 10% Muslim. The remaining five 5% practice Buddhism or Christianity.
Related: 10 Tips for Travelling to Asia
Getting There
Jetstar often have sale fares to Bali and takes around 5.5 hours from the East Coast of Australia. If you are coming from someone other than Australia I would recommend using Garuda (Indonesian’s owned airline) and searching for your desired dates via Skyscanner.com
On Arrival
You will arrive at Denpasar International Airport. Walking out of the airport you may initially feel overwhelmed as there is often a mass of people (usually men) that are waiting to give you transport. I highly advise organising a shuttle with your hotel, alternatively, there is a Taxi rank when you exit to your right that is fixed priced; from memory, it is around 120,000 rp to Seminyak area which is about 20-30 mins away depending on traffic.
Getting Around
Although Bali is not huge, there are a lot of locations to visit and several ways you can reach them!
To get to your next destination: The cheapest way to get to your next destination is to hire a Go-Jek (the Indonesian Uber). This works great when Ubers are allowed to operate in that area. There has been a lot of outrage by the communities banning the use of Uber in areas allowing for local driving to set the price. For example, I was able to get a Go-Jek from Seminyak to Ubud for 100,000 rp the equivalent of $10. I then thought I would be able to get an Uber again to the airport from Ubud. This wasn’t the case, no Uber drivers would pick me up resulting in me paying 300,000 rp for a private local driver to the airport. This is also the case around Uluwatu.
The next option and the most expensive way is to hire a taxi, Blue Bird taxis are the main and trusted taxi company as they stick to the metre. If you are happy to bargain a good price feel free to choose a different taxi company.
Another option is to book a shared shuttled. There are varying degree of price points, Perama and Kura Kura are great if you are on a strict budget. I used them from Legian to Ubud one trip and the price was 60,000 rp around $6. The downside of using a shuttle service is they leave at certain times which might not suit your itinerary and you might need to get yourself and luggage to a specific departing place.
Getting around in an area: Hiring a motorbike is an option – although I am never game. I usually get around by organising a local driver for day trips or for going longer distances. For shorter distances, I either walk or use “Blue Bird” taxis.
Cost of Travelling to Bali
The Bali travel guide wouldn’t be complete without discussing the budget! The cost of traveling to Bali can vary greatly depending on your travel style, but overall, Bali remains one of the best-value destinations in the world.
Bali on a budget ($50-$100 per day)is easily achieved if you plan and research ahead, stay at hostels or guesthouses, eat at local warungs and don’t travel around too much. Although the island is small travelling to each hot spot can get expensive especially if you are solo or getting a private driver.
Mid-range travellers should budget around $250 -300 per day, which covers comfortable hotels, a mix of local and Western dining, activities like spa treatments and surf lessons, and occasional private transport.
For those seeking luxury, Bali offers high-end resorts, private villas, fine dining, and premium experiences that can push costs to $350+ per day.
Flights vary based on seasonality, with round-trip tickets from major cities like Sydney or Los Angeles ranging from $600–$2000. Additional costs like travel insurance, SIM cards, entrance fees to attractions, and optional splurges (such as private tours or yacht charters) should also be factored into your budget.
Best time to visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali will depend on the type of trip you are taking. For most Australians looking for a relaxing beach-type getaway July, August and December are classed as the peak season. Flights and accommodation are more expensive at this time.
Dec-March is the wet season. If you don’t mind the short rainstorms, visit Bali between November and April. There are still plenty of things to do, and it’s the cheapest time to go! My favourite would be anytime! Just remember during the wet season the prices are down but the rubbish on the beaches rises!
When is the worst time to travel to Bali?
The worst time to travel to Bali depends on your priorities, but generally, the peak tourist season (July–August and December–early January) and the wet season (November–March) come with significant downsides. During high season, Bali is at its busiest, with beaches, temples, and popular attractions packed with tourists. Accommodation and flights are also at their most expensive, making it harder to find good deals.
On the other hand, the wet season brings heavy rainfall, high humidity, and rough seas, which can impact outdoor activities like hiking, island-hopping, and even surfing due to strong currents. While some travellers enjoy the quieter vibe of the rainy season, frequent downpours and occasional flooding in areas like Ubud and Seminyak can be inconvenient.
Additionally, Nyepi (Balinese New Year, usually in March) is a day of silence where the entire island, including the airport, shuts down—something to keep in mind if your travel dates overlap.
Bali Resources
BALI ITINERARY
BALI BUCKET LIST
Where to stay in Bali
In our Bali travel guide, we want to share a little bit about each location in Bali to make your decision on where to stay a little easier. Bali measures around 5,600km, so not too overwhelming in size, but with numerous hotspots, it’s hard to choose where to stay. During our recent 3 week trip, we spent 3 or 4 nights in each location.
Uluwatu
Located at the very south of Bali on the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is most famous for its stunning cliff-top temple and epic surf break! The hilly limestone region is home to scenic luxury villas and resorts, popular for weddings that overlook the Indian Ocean and amazing sunsets. The cliff-fringed coastline is also home to hidden beaches and world-class surf breaks, a mecca for wave riders from the world over. Bingin, Dreamland and Padang Padang are some best beaches in Uluwatu and should be a top consideration if you’re looking for a stay that is away from the common crowds of Bali. We stayed at a gorgeous eco resort in Bingin during our time. 3 days in Uluwatu is the perfect amount of time to explore this region.
Seminyak
I always stay in Seminyak when I come, there are so many cheap gorgeous villas that you can rent long term or stay at for a couple of nights. Although getting busier every time I visit, it has all my favourite cafes that I just love working from! Seminyak has everything including designers boutiques, Bali’s famous beach clubs, Spa’s to fit every price range and fine dining restaurants. Try Alam Bidadari if you are after a Villa or D’djabu if want a budget option!
Related: “Top Seminyak Accommodation for under $200“
Canggu
Another beach town but with a cooler edge thanks to the surf scene. The town is surrounded by rice paddies which makes Canggu very beautiful. In town, there’s an array of organic restaurants and cheap gorgeous villas and hotels. Try Bali Dream Villas or Fella Villas via Air BnB for some luxe for less. Or the very cool Pineapple House for an amazing surf and yoga retreat!
Join Air BnB with this link to save $45 AUD on your first booking!
Nusa Dua
Up until last year I had never stayed at Nusa Dua, the 5-star resorts always put me off. On our most recent trip, we were working with Merusaka Nusa Dua and fell in love with Nusa Dua. Our beachfront hotel had pristine ocean views and an array of things to do.
Although Nusa Dua can be very expensive, it’s also extremely beautiful and has an incredibly calming atmosphere! I had a look at Ayodya whilst I was there, as I am planning on staying here next time! Amazing beach front location, colourful bean bags and doesn’t break the bank!
Sanur
A quieter and more relaxed coastal area. Around 30 mins from the airport, it sits on the opposite side of the island to Kuta. A long stretch of beach that offers shallow blue waters. The main street Jalan Tamblingan is home to restaurants, shops and hotels. We stayed at Wirasana Bali on the main street for under $30 a night!
Ubud
Ubud to me is the cultural hub of Bali, located about an hour’s north of the airport, up the in mountains. It is surrounded by rice paddies and lush rainforest, making it a breath of fresh air. A lot of people come here to recharge, meditate and take part in yoga classes. The calming atmosphere, amazing restaurants, incredible landscapes and culture make Ubud a must stay location! Our accommodation was absolutely magical. Suarti Boutique Village is located just out of Ubud’s city centre, with impressive gardens, stunning rooms and free daily activities!
Jimbaran
Just around the corner from the airport, Jimbaran is famous for their fresh seafood beach restaurants! The long stretch of beach offers calm waves and fishing boats. We stayed at Watermark Hotel and Spa which is around $150 and has a great selection of facilities including 3 restaurants, gym, two pools and Liang Spa. Jimbaran is also home to a bunch of luxury 5-star resorts like Ayana and the famous Rock Bar.
Related: Watermark Hotel and Spa Review
Kuta & Legian
Once the most popular areas of Bali, these neighbouring towns are known as the city centres. They are the busiest and touristy part of Bali. Literally drowning with Restuarant, Shops and Hotels. I usually avoid staying around here, except I found a gorgeous villa on the outskirts of Legian that was just wonderful. Check it out here.
Off the beaten path….
Candidasa
A two hour drive from Kuta is the charming beach town of Candidasa. Sitting on the edge of a lagoon is where you will also find local villages steeped in tradition and Balinese culture. Visit nearby Karangesam Palace and the stunning Tirta Gangga Water Temple. A perfect base for snorkelling, diving and island day trips – take the walking trail along the headland for breathtaking views and secluded beaches. And don’t miss amazing photo opportunities at Bukit CInta and Lahangan Sweet where you get amazing views of Mt Agung.
Munduk
Often overlooked by most tourists, the town of Munduk is located 2 hours from Seminyak up in the cooler climate of the mountains.
Trekking is the big call card here and hikes like Waterfall Bonansa Trek and Twin Lake view point are reasons enough to add Munduk to your next Bali Itinerary. Although thanks to instagram more people are adventuring here to get the famous photos of Temple Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and the ‘golf’ gate.
With the myriad of trails through the rainforest to local villages, amazing waterfalls and the coffee and cocoa plantations the amazing Munduk is a must do on your Bali travel guide.
Lovina
Located on the northern tip of Bali you will find the laid back beach of Lovina. The 12 km of coast strectches West of Singaraja in North Bali and is a welcome break from the bustle of the South.
Where to eat in Bali
Most Bali travel guides seem to skip over ‘where to eat’ in Bali. Let’s face it though eating is my favourite thing to do and Bali is a foodie heaven! You will be absolutely spoiled for choice, with a great range of cafes, restaurants, warungs and beach clubs in each location. Here are some of our favourites.
Rainbow Toast from Kynd Cafe
Dumpling and Taco Bowl from Warung Sopa
Nasi Campur from Warung Metta Catering
The Melville Breakfast from Crate Cafe
Nasi Campur from Biku Bali
Chicken Banh Mi and Vietnamese Coffee from Bo & Bun
Fritters from The Corner House
Vegan Nasi Campur from Peleton Supershop
What do in Bali
Our Bali travel guide wouldn’t be complete without showcasing the best things to do whilst in Bali. There’s so much to discover in Bali, with a mix of family-friendly activities, cultural spots, beach clubs, great surf and amazing cuisine its no wonder people are flocking here in the masses.
This diverse, eclectic island is just waiting for you to discover it – no matter what kind of traveller you are. Whether you’re here for a backpacking trip, a Bali honeymoon, a relaxing vacation or for a wellness retreat there is lots for you to do on this amazing Indonesian Island!
Below is a short list to get you inspired, but because there is so much, we wrote an Ultimate Bucketlist, 50 + things to do in Bali!
Shop in Seminyak
Try the local Indonesian Cuisine
Stay in a Private Villa
Learn to Surf
Surfing in Bali is on everyone’s Indonesia bucket list, there are waves for everyone whetherer you’re just learning to surf or you have been surfing since you could walk.
Our favourite spots for the experienced surfer are Keramas, Airports – also know as Kuta Reef, impossibles and Bingin.
If you are just starting out I learnt to surf at a retreat in Canggu but there are a couple of good spots in Uluwatu as well.
Do a Cooking Class
Enjoy the Beautiful Beaches
Have romantic seafood dinner at sunset on Jimbaran Beach
Appreciate the Gorgeous Daily offerings given to the Hindu Gods
Visit the Rice Fields
There are many beautiful rice fields all over Bali, the most iconic are the Tegallalang Rice Fields and Kajeng Rice Field Trail which are both located in the Ubud area. You could also visit the Campuhan Ridge Walk, which is right in town In Ubud.
Visit Uluwatu Temple and See Kecak Dance
The Kecak Fire Dance is one of Bali’s most iconic art performances and is mentioned in most Bali travel guides, famous for its dominant use of human vocals in place of gamelan instruments to accompany the dance-drama at its core. Your visit to the island won’t be complete without seeing a show, and the best place to do so is at the cliff-top amphitheatre located just south of the Uluwatu Temple on Bali’s southern Bukit peninsula… and at sunset for added drama.
Indulge with Spa Days
Enjoy Cocktails Daily
Try the Weird and Wonderful Exotic Fruits
Do Yoga in Ubud
Day trip to Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a biggest of the three Nusa islands located off mainland Bali. You can get to Nusa Penida by boat and takes around 20 mins. There are many places to organise a day trip in Bali. There are beautiful waters and beaches to visit but the most iconic reason made famous by Instagram is to see Kelingking point!
Shop at the Famous Ubud Markets
Go Snorkeling or Diving
Visit the Surrounding Islands
The surrounding islands of Bali have all the paradise without the crowds. Head to the Gili Islands, Nusa Islands or Lombok. Or adventure a little further and discover the wonders of Flores and Komodo.
That’s our Bali Travel Guide! If you have any questions or need help planning your Bali Trip comment below or email us!
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35 Responses
Woow. This definitely looks like an ultimate guide to Bali. I have been reading quite a lot about Bali recently and your blog seems to have all the details one would look for. Love the pictures. Especially those of the semanyak beach. The beach looks so inviting with all the colors.
This is such a comprehensive & colourful post on Bali, it’s so helpful to travellers, especially Australians like me haha! There’s heaps to do, it’s a place you can keep going back to, especially with cheap Jetstar flights 🙂
Amazing that you have been to Bali 25x! I wish I could go at least once in my lifetime. It looks like a great place to bring the family, relax on the beach and eat good food together.
While I myself am a Hindu, I never knew that Bali was a Hindu majority place. You have such gorgeous pics from your travel. The seafood look mouth watering. Adding Bali to my bucket list right away 🙂
Thanks for this extensive guide, definitely will come in handy when we will eb traveling around, hopefully this year! Great inspirations!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am planning a two week trip to Bali in April and all the information I gained from here is valuable! Having been to Bali so many times, I was wondering if you could answer to some of my questions I have. Would it be doable to stay in Ubud and go to the dentist in Kuta every few days? Is it an hour drive or could it be more depending of the traffic? (Going to the dentist is my main reason for visiting while I also want to see and do as much as I can.) Is there any good scuba diving locations besides in Gili? How expensive is it to climb Mt. Batur? I am trying to find accommodation at the moment too and there is just way too much choice! I am going to go through you suggestions too. Pinned as well! Thanks!
I am surprised you’ve visited Bali 25 times and intend to visit regularly. Must be a real wonderful place for you! Truth be told I have never been to Bali. I would love to go there with my sister. Thanks to this blog I could familiarize myself even before I could check the plane tickets. This guide to Bali is indeed the ultimate!
Wow! I cannot believe you’ve visited Bali 25 times — you are so lucky to get to call it a second home! It certainly has always felt like a vacation destination so far out of reach to me, but you are making me so eager to go! I definitely would love to indulge in some beach time, but the off the beaten path ideas sound so much more amazing to be able to dive deeper into the culture there! The Ubud markets look so pretty and colorful and I’d love to shop there! I’m totally going to save this post for whenever I visit, since you are so familiar with the region!
Wow 25 times is dedication! I love returning to a favorite place though, so I totally understand.
I fell so in love with Bali when I visited. The people were so kind and the food was amazing. My favorite part of Bali had to be Ahmed. They had some of the most beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling and we stayed in a private villa for $15 dollars in the off season!
You had me cracking up at that first/introductory paragraph! You must love Bali so much to go back that many times! And with that much time in Bali, I think you are the perfect guide to write this down. I love that you can do so many things and it’s clear why tourists love Bali so much! Coincidentally, we just featured a travel film on Bali on our blog. We love the culture in Bali, as much as you do!
You visited Bali the 25th time!! You must love the place so much. Although I must say, I have been reading your posts on bali and some other posts also, bali does look like a very very interesting destination. I will also love to visit here
I’d definitely climb Mt Batur and visit the rice fields. I’m sure I’d get great photos! The daily cocktails sound great too whilst watching the sunset. The food looks good but I would be craving a burger!
Bali is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go, so jealous you’ve been 20-odd times! There’s nothing wrong with going back somewhere time and time again, especially if it starts feeling like home. The Melville Breakfast looks amazing!
I’ve always wanted to visit Bali…and you’ve already been there 20 times!! that’s crazy. I’m jealous! 🙂 I’d love to go there for my honeymoon (whenever that time comes). It definitely has the atmosphere for it. And the meals looks so yummy in your photos! Food is a big part of traveling, in my opinion, and with a breakfast like that – how can you go wrong 😀
Bali has been on my list of places to go for YEARS! Thank you so much for creating this guide! I hope I can use it this year, fingers crossed!
I haven’t been to Bali yet but it’s nice to know there are several options of where to stay and that each one is different. I think I would spend a ridiculous amount of time shopping in Ubud!
I also have a friend whose favorite place is Bali. Like you, she always returns, sometimes 2 to 3 times a year. She also considers it as her second home. She attributes it more to the people, they are very kind she said.
I haven’t been there yet, I lost a chance to go last year because the trip was too long and my superiors at work didn’t allow me to go. But I do wish to go there myself. I love discovering new culture and I can see that Indonesia is a country whose cultural identity is very much intact. I cannot say for my country unfortunately, we are too westernized.
All the pools look amazing I bet they were needed to refresh in. I love the idea of hiring a local driver to get around rather than a motorbike I will definitely look into this when I go
I was on Bali last summer and loved it!
Stayed in Legian and Ubud (and the Gili’s)and although it was a bit crowded, it was not that bad.
x
Loved reading your travel guide for Bali and loved being reminded of the fantastic time we had , thanks darling for a great read.
Loved your posts on Bali, I am a huge fan and been coming since 1997. Its nice to read a post that isn’t bagging Bali. Australia is so blessed to have a place like Bali so close, even closer for us in Perth 🙂
Hi Lovely, thanks for your comment. Glad our post was helpful!
How many times do you need to go to the dentist? Ubud is about 1 hour and 15 mins from Kuta but yes traffic can easily change this to make 2 hours! Perhaps you could start your trip in Sanur or Seminyak which is a little closer to Kuta then head up to Ubud for a few nights then go to Jimbaran which is also close to Kuta? There are tons of good scuba diving sites, including Padang Bai (which is where you get the boat to Gili), Ahmed/Candi Dasa, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and up north at Lovina!
Mt Batur is about $40-50 USD per person but can be cheaper if you book whilst in Bali.
What is your budget for Accom? There are so many amazing places for any budget! The easiest way is to first plan your itinerary then have a look into accom. Feel free to email me if you need further help with itinerary/ accom etc! My email is info@kelanabykayla.com
xx
Loved this post on Bali – been 10 times but always something new to discover. warm hospitality!
That is a very comprehensive post on Bali, now I realise how little of Bali I have seen 🙂 Time to visit again I guess
my second home too – lots of good tips here for first timers
Thanks lovely! Do you have any tips I could add? Also where do you love to stay when you go? x
Thank you so much! What did you love most about Bali when you visited? x
Thank you! Oh yes such kind people ! I am still finding new places to explore! Crazy how such a small island can have so much to do and see!
Thanks Lyn! Oh I envy your 2 hour flight! I would be going on weekends haha! x
Thanks Mum! Cant wait to go back with my favourite Bali buddies <3 xx
Its always fine as well if you stay in the back streets which is still close to everything yet far enough from the crowd! Glad you loved it Steph! xx
Hahah yeh motorbikes scare me! Drivers are fantastic plus they always give you extra knowledge of Bali and the culture!! x
I love the unique temples in Bali, and you shouldn’t miss Kecak Dance performance 🙂
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