Bali – Island of Gods

Bali is unique, Bali is unmatched

There is no other place like Bali. A magical blend of a colourful culture, friendly people, stunning nature, countless activities, tropical weather, culinary delights, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful accommodation. Bali is rated regularly as one of the best travel destinations in the world – for very good reasons. There is something great for everyone to explore and discover.

Bali.com is fully dedicated to make your travel planning easier. Explore reliable & helpful tips about Bali so you can enjoy the best experience. 

Bali Tourist Tax Update

 


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quick guide to bali

Bali Quick Guide

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Hotels, Villas & Travel Guide

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Bali Things to Do

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The Ultimate Quick-Guide to Bali in 3 minutes

On our website you will probably find more information about Bali, than in a printed Travel Guide Book. The sheer amount of things to do and places can be quite overwhelming. If you have not been to Bali yet and want to get a brief overview, then this little Travel FAQ will help you to start your travel planning.

Bali - Must Know & Facts

VISA

Travelers from 90+ countries can now obtain a simple Visit Visa (B1, or also known as VISA ON ARRIVAL (VoA) - get it online or upon arrival)

Travelers from other countries or if you intend to stay longer than 60 days, or travel with a business purpose, then you need to apply for 211A Visit Visa before you arrive.

Click for updated VISA regulations per country


TRAVEL REGULATIONS

There are several travel requirements that are necessary to be aware of which apply to ALL travelers

Click for updated TRAVEL regulations

Bali is so diverse and like any foreign country there are often different rules and regulations to be aware of. These are the things we suggest you do before booking flights and hotels:

  • Check the Visa Regulations that apply to your nationality - Visa Regulations
  • Check the general travel regulation & requirements you must follow before your arrival - Travel Regulations
  • Choose the season and best month for you to visit Bali - Weather Guide
  • Become aware of the different destinations and what they offer. Each region is very different (nature, climate, hotels, "crowds", prices, transportation facilities, suitable for families, etc) - Destination Guide
  • Get familiar a bit with the unique culture and customs - Culture Guide
  • Book hotels and Villas that are well located according to your needs. Always check the map and understand walking distance to beach, attractions, restaurants etc). What looks nearby might not be, and an hotel calling itself X Seminyak, might not be really in Seminyak - Book Hotels & Book Villas
  • Make a list of what you would like to do and experience. Bali offers hundreds of things to do, visit and explore and see how far these attractions and sites are away from your hotel location. Understanding how to get from A to B can make or break a holiday. Check out our Transportation Guide and plan beforehand - Transportation Guide
  • Rent a scooter if you can drive one, which would male it much more easy to get from A to B - Scooter Rental
  • Make sure you get online in Bali and get a Data package - SIM & e-SIM cards
  • Browse through our travel guide and find out more about Bali and how to get ready - Travel Guide
  • Last but not least: Get good deals and choose quality experiences - BaliCard Selection and Discounts on 100 villas, plenty of activities.

Starting 14Feb 2024 every International traveler needs to pay IDR 150,000. More information and where and how to pay the levy: 
Bali Tourism Tax

May, June, September are the very best months to visit Bali.

 In general, best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This is when the weather is sunny and dry with little chance of rain, making it ideal for a tropical holiday.

More about best time to travel to Bali, the Weather per month and the overall Climate & different Seasons

Glad you asked 😉

Yes, we have launched our BaliCard that entitles you to 10% discount or more on an awesome  selection of Villas, Hotels, Restaurants and numerous activities. 

Discounts on Accommodation, Rafting, Canyoning, Cooking Classes, Jewelry Making Classes, Car Rentals with Driver, Motor Scooter Rentals, SIMCard and Data top-ups, Jetski, Trekking, Scuba, Tours, Escape Rooms... and more

Purchase your BaliCard here granting discounts for up to 5 people

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Tropical Climate

The climate in Bali is warm, humid, and tropical characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Bali has two distinct seasons: the dry season, which runs from April to October and the wet season, which runs from November to March.

  • During the dry season, temperatures typically range between 80-90°F (27-32°C) and humidity is relatively low. This is the most popular time for tourists to visit Bali, as the weather is sunny and dry with little chance of rain.
  • During the wet season, temperatures are still warm but the humidity is higher and there is more rainfall. The island receives most of its annual rainfall during this time, and it can be quite heavy at times. Even though it's the rainy season, it doesn't rain all day, usually there are short spells of rain that might last an hour or two in the afternoon.
  • The highlands and mountains are significantly cooler than the coastal areas
  • The best time to visit would be during the dry season if you want to enjoy sunny and dry weather, but the island is a popular destination year-round and offer many activities to do even in the rainy season. Very best months to visit: May, June, September.
  • You should pack light, comfortable clothing, a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or sunglasses. It's also a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella for the occasional rain shower.  

More details and facts about Bali Weather, Climate, Temperatures, Rainfall & Seasons

As long as you can

If you visit Bali from further away than 6-8h by plane, a solid 2 or 3 weeks is what you should aim for, so you have some time to adjust a potential jetlag and also time to explore and then relax.

Bali is a destination, that offers in general great value for money, whether you are traveling on a budget, or if you are the luxury traveler only seeking the best .

Backpacker

Accommodation USD 15-30 per room per night / a meal USD 2-4 / scooter rental per day USD 3-6


Mid-Segment 3 to 4*

Accommodation USD 80-120 per room per night / a meal USD 6-10 / scooter rental per day USD 3-6 / Car Rental per day USD 35-45


Luxury Segment 5* (Bali-Lux)

Accommodation USD 170-400 per room per night / a meal USD 12-20 / scooter rental per day USD 10-15 / Car Rental per day USD 60-100


The Bali-Supreme Experience - The Best of the Best

Accommodation USD 400+ per room per night / a meal USD 30-60 / scooter rental per day USD 10-15 / Car Rental per day USD 60-100


Imported Wines & Spirits are rather expensive compared to most other countries, due to an additional taxed imposed. A cocktail in a nice bar will cost you around USD 8-12.

  1. Amazing Accommodation Options
  2. Endless Summer
  3. The wonderful people of Bali
  4. Beaches of all styles and colours & Waves for Surfing
  5. Sightseeing
  6. Wellness, Health / Spirituality
  7. Art & Culture
  8. Family & Kids Friendly
  9. Culinary & Nightlife
  10. Scuba Diving 

Want to know more why this island is so magical and special? 

Bali has literally hundreds of places to visit and things to do - many hidden treasures. If we would have to pick 5, then that's our list:

  1. Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple with Kecak Dance before Sunset, and on the way back fresh BBQ seafood dinner on the beach in Jimbaran.
  2. Daytrip to the Rice Field Terraces (e.g. JatiLuwih) and a stop at the temples Tirta Empul or Goa Gaja, closing the day with a traditional Dance performance in Ubud with a dinner in one of the many amazing restaurants in Ubud.
  3. Hit one of the amazing Beach Clubs in Canggu, such as the FINNS Beach Club or La Brisa for the day, and if you are up for it, stay till after sunset, when some of the coolest DJs get to work their art.
  4. Visit the Artist Villages of Mas or Celuk, and experience first hand how these masters are carving and creating the most amazing artworks. 
  5. The Mountains - Climb Mount Batur or if this is too difficult join for an e-bike tour through the villages and highlands of Bali. 

Of course there is more, scuba diving, golfing, trekking, canyoning, rafting, the animal parks, countless temples and religious sites, hundreds of amazing restaurants, bars, and clubs...the list is endless... that's why so many travelers come back.

If you are up to it, the best and easiest way to get around within a certain area, is if you rent a scooter (wear a helmet, and take it easy, bring an international driving license (or get one online here).

The Gojek App (Android, Apple) allows you to call for a scooter taxi or a car taxi, like Uber), which is very affordable and easy to handle. You can also rent a car with a driver for a full day (8-10h) for ca USD45, which is a great way to go for tours or to manage larger distances.

if you get a cab, make sure you get a BLUEBIRD, the drivers are the most friendly, the most reliable and will take you from A to B without detours and usually switch on the meter without you having to ask.

We suggest strongly, get Internet Connection on your phone. To handle the map apps and navigate with google maps or Waze we suggest to get a Tourist SIMCard with data package (can be ordered here online).

 

More about Transportation in Bali

To rent a motorized scooter or motorbike of up to 150cc (more than enough) you will need to bring your national CAR driving license AND an international driving license, which is now mandatory in Bali. If you can't get an international driving license (IDP) in time, you can get one online by following the link below, that is accepted by the Indonesian authorities.

International Driving License Online Application

Simply put, the most wonderful people. It's difficult to find a more tolerant, easy going and welcoming culture in the world. Travelers feel it, there is something special about the Balinese, something, one must experience something unique and authentic, that has not been lost even though tourism has been part of Bali since more than 50 years now. 

More about the people and the culture of Bali

The main language is Bahasa Indonesia, but with English you will have absolutely no problems in Bali. The Balinese speak their own local language among each other (Bahasa Bali). Bahasa Indonesia is fairly easy, and if you manage to remember only a few words, you will open hearts and doors.

Basic Bahasa Indonesia Vocabulary 

Yes, you can visit Bali's Mountains and climb Volcanos. You might have heard in the news, that Bali's former Governor Koster issued a decree, forbidding climbing Bali’s mountains. This came as a response of several social media posts, were tourists gravely misbehaved, disrespecting the holy sites and Bali's cultural integrity overall. Yet, this decree has not been enforced and as it turned out, was not based on legal ground. There is no ban on visiting the mountains and volcanos. Some mountains might be temporarily closed at times, but the reasons will be usually weather conditions, volcanic activities, or ceremonies.

Trekking Tours to Bali's Sacred Mountains

Travel Itinerary Suggestions for visiting Bali for the first time

  • A few days in Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua, easy arrival and chill.
  • Then Ubud to discover the culture and natural sites of central and north Bali (Tours, Chilling, Health, Yoga).
  • Hop over to Lembongan and Ceningan Islands for the tropical and more simple life style as Bali offered 30 years ago (and great diving).
  • Conclude your trip with some going out, party, shopping, sunset chills in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak or Canggu.

With that set of choices you will discover a lot…in 2 or 3 weeks…and when you come back to Bali…there is more, much more to discover and explore. Travelers have been coming to Bali for decades and return every year; they still discover new things and gain new experiences.

Yes, Bali's nightlife is a real treat. Kuta's reputation among the young and wild, mostly coming from Australia, is legendary. In high season and in November Kuta feels at times like a spring break fantasy. Seminyak offers the widest range of places to go out, also more upbeat and classy, while Canggu is catching up, even though the vibe in Canggu is more relaxed and less "crazy".

More on Bali's Nightlife, Clubbing and Party Scene

Depends on how one defines a paradise

Let's start with the challenging aspects. For one, Bali is not a paradise like the picture postcards of Maldives or the Bahamas suggest. The beaches of Kuta up to Canggu are quite stunning, and wide, and with fun waves to surf, but less tropical than one might expect. Mass tourism has left its mark on some places n the south, such as Kuta, Seminyak, and even Ubud. But many travelers love this aspect of Bai, because it comes with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, shops and with lots of accommodation options. Traffic can be a problem in the dense areas, such as Seminyak and Canggu,. where development was faster than roads were constructed,. IN peak season such as Christmas, traffic can be quite challenging overall. ...that's all not matching the idea of a paradise.

But, in many aspects Bali is and still is a paradise, and one of the best destinations in the world. Why? Because it is tolerant and inviting and lets you be who you want to be. It has an incredible variety of almost everything any traveler wishes to explore or experience. It offers great value for money, and an art and culture that is unique in this world, authentic, and alive. If you want to leave the mass tourism behind, all you need is a short drive and you will enter a Bali that has almost not changed in decades. There are countless areas and sites that are absolutely remote, quiet and almost untouched, where magnificent nature shows her beauty.

Bali is a paradise because of the whole package it offers, and not because it looks like a "white sandy beach coconut tree postcard" wherever you go.

Yes, for sure it's safer than other places. And single women can travel freely and safely. Of course, like everywhere else in the world, where there is tourism, there is crime and scam. But if you keep a normal level of common sense and don't fall into the traps of senseless drinking and drugs, you should be fine.
The biggest threat is probably when untrained drivers rent a scooter and overestimate their skills and underestimate the complexity of the traffic. 

More on safety and health in Bali

Bali Destination Guide - Where to Stay in Bali

These are the most popular and best areas to stay in Bali. Each destination in Bali is quite different and worth a visit.

map bali best destinations

Destination Overview
Get to know the main areas in Bali to visit and what they have to offer for a perfect holiday

canggu party

Canggu & Berawa
The best mix of Everything Bali has to offer - surfing, party, yoga, restaurants & cafes

seminyak W resort

Seminyak & Petitenget
Luxury villas, great hotels, beach & surf, nightlife, amazing shopping & food

Kuta & Tuban
Bali’s party place for the young and wild. Bars, Shopping, Beach Life & Party

ubud monkeyforest

Ubud
Bali’s cultural center. Blend of art, spirituality, lifestyle, & culinary delights.

nusa dua geger beach

Nusa Dua & Benoa
International 5star Resorts and golf courses for the luxury traveler

legian beach sunset

Legian
Good mix of family friendly and going-out options

sanur beach

Sanur
Quiet beaches, family friendly, beautiful restaurants & hotels

uluwatu pura kecak

Uluwatu & Pecatu
Deep in the south of Bali, great surf, amazing resorts, and villa estates & beach clubs

ungasan beach

Ungasan & Kutuh
Most southern coast of Bali. Cliffs and stunning nature.

jimbaran beach bali

Jimbaran & Kedonganan
Family-friendly beach resorts and best seafood on the beach

amed

Amed & Tulamben
Quiet villages with some of the best diving and snorkeling spots

bedugul temple

Bedugul, Puncak & Baturiti
Mountain area with an iconic water temple & three lakes

nusa penida

Nusa Island
“Sister” islands of Bali. Diving, Nature, blue sea, white beaches. Paradise

sidemen ricefields

Sidemen
The hidden Gem of Bali. Spectacular Rice terraces and landscapes

batukaru ricefileds

Batukaru
A stunning Region in North Tabanan in the Highlands of Bali

lombok surfing

Lombok
Island next to Bali with stunning nature, volcano and surf spots

gili meno guide

Gili Islands
Full moon parties & snorkeling off the coast of Lombok