Destinations · Indonesia
Updated June 2026Bali Travel Guide
Beaches and surf, rice terraces and temples, world-class food and some of the best value in Asia. Everything you need to plan the perfect Bali trip — in one place.
Bali packs a lot into one small island — surf beaches and clifftop temples in the south, jungle, rice terraces and waterfalls inland around Ubud, and easy day trips to the Nusa islands. It’s also genuinely affordable, which is why it stays at the top of so many lists. This guide covers the lot: what to do, when to go, where to stay, a ready-made itinerary, costs and the safety bits worth knowing.
In a nutshell: visit in the dry season (April–October), give it 7–10 days, base yourself in Ubud for culture and the south (Canggu, Seminyak or Uluwatu) for beaches, and pre-book a scooter or driver to get around. Sort an eSIM and travel insurance before you fly.
When to go
The best time to visit Bali
Bali is warm all year — daytime highs sit around 30–32°C and nights around 23–24°C whatever the month. What really changes is the rain. The dry season runs April to October and is the best time to go; the wet season (November–March) brings humidity and short, heavy downpours (often in the afternoon).
The sweet spot is the shoulder months — April–June and September — when you get dry-season weather without the July–August peak crowds and prices. The wet season isn’t a write-off either: it’s greener, quieter and cheaper, and rain often clears within an hour.
| Month | Season | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Wet | Hot, humid, frequent rain | Low |
| February | Wet | Wettest month, humid | Low |
| March | Wet | Rain easing, lush & green | Low |
| April | Dry | Warm, sunny, fresher air | Building — great value |
| May | Dry | Sunny, lower humidity | Moderate — ideal |
| June | Dry | Warm, dry, breezy | Getting busy |
| July | Peak | Dry, sunny, cooler nights | Busiest — book ahead |
| August | Peak | Dry, sunny, breezy | Peak |
| September | Dry | Sunny, dry, calmer seas | Moderate — ideal |
| October | Dry | Warming up, odd shower | Moderate |
| November | Wet | Rain returns, humid | Low |
| December | Wet · peak hols | Humid with rain | Spikes at Christmas / New Year |
Temperatures are typical ranges; check a current forecast close to your trip.
Fares to Bali move a lot by season — compare flights early.
What to do
The best things to do in Bali
You could spend weeks here, but these are the experiences worth building a trip around — a mix of Ubud’s culture, the south’s beaches and surf, and a day or two island-hopping.
Ubud & the rice terraces
The cultural heart: the Tegalalang rice terraces, the Sacred Monkey Forest, the Campuhan Ridge walk, temples, yoga and great cafés.
Book Ubud tours →Beaches & surf
Learn to surf at Canggu or Kuta, hit the beach clubs of Seminyak, or watch the pros on the clifftop breaks at Uluwatu.
Book a surf lesson →Iconic temples
Sunset and the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu, the sea temple at Tanah Lot, and the famous “Gates of Heaven” at Lempuyang.
Book a temple tour →Nusa Penida day trip
The T-Rex-shaped Kelingking cliff, Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach — plus some of Bali’s best snorkelling.
Book Nusa Penida →Mount Batur sunrise trek
An early-hours hike up an active volcano to watch the sun rise over the caldera and lake — Bali’s classic adventure.
Book the trek →Waterfalls
Chase the multi-tier Sekumpul in the north, or the easy-to-reach Tegenungan and Tibumana closer to Ubud.
Book a tour →Where to base yourself
Where to stay in Bali
Bali isn’t a one-base island — most people split their stay between Ubud (culture and jungle) and the south (beaches). Here’s how the main areas compare so you can pick what fits your trip.
Ubud
Rice fields, temples, wellness and cafés. The cultural base — calm, green and central for day trips. Suits all budgets.
Find places in Ubud →Canggu
Surf, hip cafés and a big digital-nomad scene. Young, lively and walkable-ish. Great for first-timers in their 20s–30s.
Find places in Canggu →Seminyak
Stylish beach clubs, boutiques and the island’s best dining. More upmarket and polished than nearby Kuta.
Find places in Seminyak →Uluwatu
Dramatic clifftops, luxury villas, sunset bars and serious surf. Quieter and more spread out — best with a scooter or driver.
Find places in Uluwatu →Sanur
Calm, flat and family-friendly with a gentle beach and easy boats to the Nusa islands. A more relaxed, low-key base.
Find places in Sanur →Nusa Dua
Big resorts, manicured beaches and calm water. The pick for an easy, all-in-one family or honeymoon resort stay.
Find resorts in Nusa Dua →A ready-made plan
The perfect 7-day Bali itinerary
A week is enough to see the best of Bali without rushing. This route splits the trip between Ubud and the south, with a couple of big day trips. Got 10 days? Add two nights on the Nusa islands or the Gilis.
Arrive & settle in Ubud
Land at Denpasar, take a pre-booked transfer to Ubud, and ease in with a walk along the Campuhan Ridge and dinner in town.
Ubud highlights
Tegalalang rice terraces at sunrise, the Monkey Forest, a temple or two and the market — then a spa or yoga class to recover.
Volcano & waterfalls
Mount Batur sunrise trek (or a relaxed jeep tour), a coffee plantation, and a waterfall like Tibumana on the way back.
Head south to Uluwatu
Transfer to the Bukit Peninsula. Clifftop beaches by day, then Uluwatu temple and the Kecak fire dance at sunset.
Beaches & surf
A surf lesson at Canggu or a beach-club day in Seminyak, with the island’s best dinner to finish.
Nusa Penida day trip
Fast boat across for Kelingking viewpoint, Broken Beach and snorkelling — back to Bali for the evening.
Slow morning & fly home
A last beach, a massage or some shopping, then a transfer back to the airport.
Getting around
How to get around Bali
There’s no useful public transport, so you’ve got three main options — and most travellers mix them:
Scooter
The cheapest, most flexible way around — but Bali’s traffic is chaotic. Only ride if you’re experienced, always wear a helmet, and carry an International Driving Permit (your insurer will want it).
Rent a scooter →Private driver
Hire a driver for the day for temple runs and far-flung sights — affordable, comfortable and stress-free, especially for groups.
Compare car & driver →Airport transfer & ride-hailing
Pre-book a transfer from the airport so a driver’s waiting; around towns, ride-hailing apps work in many (not all) areas.
Book an airport transfer →What it costs
Bali on a budget: typical costs
Bali stretches a long way whatever your budget. Here’s roughly what a day looks like at three levels.
| Style | Per day | Stay | Food & getting around |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | ~$30–45 | Hostel / guesthouse | Warungs, scooter, the odd tour |
| Mid-range | ~$75–150 | Private villa / boutique hotel | Mix of cafés & restaurants, driver days |
| Luxury | $250+ | 5-star resort / cliff villa | Fine dining, private driver, spas |
To keep costs down: eat at local warungs, travel in shoulder season, book villas with a kitchen, and rent a scooter rather than taking a driver everywhere.
Stay safe
Is Bali safe?
Yes — Bali is generally very safe for tourists, including solo and female travellers. The risks are mostly practical rather than personal:
- Scooters are the #1 risk. Accidents are common — ride only if experienced, wear a helmet, and make sure your insurance covers you (most need a valid licence + IDP).
- “Bali belly.” Drink bottled or filtered water, and ease into street food and ice for the first day or two.
- Petty theft. Bag-snatching from scooters happens — keep bags on the far side and valuables out of sight.
- Monkeys & the sea. Don’t carry loose food or sunglasses near the monkeys, and swim only where it’s flagged — some beaches have strong rips.
Make sure your policy covers scooters and medical evacuation before you go.
Before you fly
Sort these before you go
Five quick wins that make the trip smoother — set them up before you leave home:
FAQ
Bali travel FAQs
How many days do you need in Bali?
Seven to ten days is ideal — enough to combine Ubud, the southern beaches and a day trip or two without rushing. Five days is the practical minimum for a first visit; with two weeks you can add the Nusa islands or the Gili Islands.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season, April to October, is the best time to visit. April–June and September are the sweet spot — dry-season weather with fewer crowds than the July–August peak. The wet season (November–March) is greener, quieter and cheaper, with short afternoon downpours.
Is Bali safe for tourists?
Yes, Bali is generally very safe, including for solo and female travellers. The main risks are practical: scooter accidents (ride only if experienced, with a helmet and the right insurance), stomach upsets from food and water, and occasional petty theft. Use normal travel common sense and you’ll be fine.
How much does a trip to Bali cost?
Bali suits most budgets. Backpackers can travel comfortably on roughly $30–45 a day, mid-range travellers on about $75–150 a day for a villa and a mix of dining, and luxury resorts run from $250 a day upwards. Flights are usually the biggest single cost.
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Most visitors, including Indian passport holders, can get a Visa on Arrival for a 30-day stay, which can be extended once. Rules, fees and eligibility change, so always check the latest requirements for your nationality before you travel.
Keep planning
Ready for Bali?
Lock in your dates, sort the essentials, and the island does the rest.
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