Planning your first Bali trip doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide covers everything you need to know to create an unforgettable experience on this enchanting Indonesian island.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season (April to October), with April to June and September to October being ideal for fewer tourists, better hotel rates, and comfortable weather. During these months, you can fully enjoy popular destinations like Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Tegallalang rice terraces without the peak season crowds.

The wet season (November to March) brings afternoon showers and higher humidity, but also lower prices. Rain typically doesn’t last all day, allowing you to plan activities around the weather.

For specific interests:

  • Surfing: April to October offers the best waves
  • Diving: Excellent year-round, with slightly better visibility in the dry season
  • Cultural festivals: Major celebrations like Galungan and Kuningan often occur between March and October

Choosing Where to Stay

Each region of Bali caters to different preferences and budgets:

  • Ubud: Perfect for culture lovers and spiritual seekers, featuring jungle settings, yoga studios, and art galleries
  • Seminyak: Attracts trendy travelers with upscale beach clubs, boutique hotels, and fine dining
  • Kuta: Ideal for surfing and nightlife with affordable accommodations
  • Jimbaran Bay: Known for seafood restaurants and luxury resorts with pristine beaches
  • Uluwatu: Dramatic cliff settings with world-class surf spots
  • Canggu: Popular with digital nomads for its co-working spaces and hip cafes
  • Northern/Eastern regions: Peaceful destinations like Lovina or Amed offer seclusion, lower prices, and authentic experiences

For first-time visitors, focusing on Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud is recommended since these areas have well-established tourism infrastructure, English-speaking locals, and plenty of accommodation options, from villas to hotels.

Must-See Temples and Attractions

Bali’s sacred temples and monuments provide glimpses into the island’s rich spiritual heritage:

  • Tanah Lot: Iconic temple on a rocky outcrop, best visited at sunset for spectacular views. This “Land in the Sea” is the most visited tourist attraction in Bali, with surrounding markets and parks.
  • Ubud Monkey Forest: Combines nature, spirituality, and wildlife (keep belongings secure from the monkeys!)
  • Uluwatu Temple: Dramatically positioned on cliffs above the Indian Ocean with traditional Kecak fire dance performances at sunset. This is the second most visited attraction in Bali, with over 1.7 million visitors in 2015.
  • Tirta Empul: Water temple with sacred purification pools
  • Besakih Temple: Known as the “Mother Temple” located on the slopes of Mount Agung. This is the largest, oldest, and holiest Balinese Hindu temple on the island. The temple is a massive complex of shrines offering spectacular views of Mount Agung and the surrounding countryside
  • Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: Often called “The Floating Temple,” this iconic site sits on Lake Bratan’s shore in the mountains near Bedugul, giving the illusion of floating on water

Additional attractions worth visiting include:

  • Banyumala Twin Waterfall: An impressive 26-meter waterfall that’s less crowded than others, perfect for swimming and photography
  • Tirta Gangga: Beautiful water gardens with fountains and stepping stones, though it can get very crowded with photographers
  • Waterbom Theme Park: Bali’s biggest water park with rides for all ages.

Transportation Options

Transportation is one of the most important aspects of trip planning in Bali since there’s no comprehensive public transportation system and each area is different. How you get around can truly make or break your trip.

Your 4 best options to get around in Bali:

  1. Scooter/Motorbike Rental: The most flexible and affordable option at $8-15 per day. This is simply the best way to get around for short distances (beach, shopping, restaurants) as you can skip most traffic jams and use small pathways. International driver’s license required. Always rent from reputable businesses rather than “hole-in-the-wall” shops to ensure good safety standards.
  2. Ride-sharing Apps: Grab and Gojek provide reliable and affordable transportation services similar to Uber (which is no longer available in Bali). These apps allow you to order both cars and motorbike taxis with transparent pricing. The apps also offer food delivery services.
  3. Taxis and Private Drivers: Bluebird is the most reliable metered taxi company in Bali but operates mainly in Southern Bali up to Ubud. For day trips or longer tours, hiring a private car with a driver is highly recommended when visiting tourist attractions.
  4. Public Transportation: Limited options exist but aren’t always convenient for tourists:
    • Perama: Tour and travel company offering longer-distance transport
    • Kura-Kura: Tourist shuttle with predetermined routes hitting main attractions in southern Bali, with prices ranging from Rp 100,000-160,000

Important transportation tips:

  • Download offline maps before your trip
  • At tourist attractions, local driver cartels often monopolize transport, meaning ride-sharing apps won’t pick you up. Expect to pay IDR 350,000 or more for rides back to areas like Seminyak
  • Plan extra travel time for congested areas like Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu
  • Airport transportation: Pre-arrange an airport shuttle to avoid chaos and potential scams
  • Car rental: Driving a car in Bali is challenging due to heavy traffic, chaotic driving, limited parking, and frequent police checkpoints. Accidents are common, and insurance may not fully cover damages. Hiring a private driver is a safer and more convenient option.

Money and Budgeting

Smart financial planning will enhance your Bali experience:

  • Most places accept cash only, so keep Indonesian Rupiah on hand
  • Skip airport currency exchanges; visit authorized money changers in Seminyak or Kuta for better rates
  • Budget approximately $30-60 daily for budget travel or $60-100 for mid-range experiences
  • Negotiate prices at markets and with taxi drivers—it’s expected
  • Keep small bills handy for daily purchases and street food
  • For security, divide money between your room safe and day bag

Note that imported wines and spirits are relatively expensive in Bali due to additional taxes. Expect to pay around $8-12 USD for a cocktail in a nice bar.

Local Customs and Etiquette

Respecting Balinese traditions will greatly enhance your experience:

  • Dress modestly at temples and homes (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces or homes
  • Greet locals with “Om Swastiastu” while pressing palms together at chest level
  • Never touch anyone’s head (considered sacred)
  • Use your right hand when handling money or gifts
  • Don’t step over religious offerings (“canang sari”) on the ground
  • Keep public displays of affection minimal

Essential Packing List

For Bali’s tropical climate, pack:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothes that dry quickly
  • Multiple swimsuits
  • Light rain jacket
  • Strong sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Sarong or scarf for temple visits
  • Comfortable walking sandals
  • Universal power adapter
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Basic medications
  • Money belt for important documents

Don’t overpack—you can purchase most basics in Bali and will want space for souvenirs.

Food and Dining Guide

Bali’s diverse food scene offers options for every budget:

  • Local delicacies to try: Nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), satay lilit (minced fish satay)
  • Must-try experiences: Babi guling (suckling pig) in Ubud, sambal matah (spicy relish), bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck), and fresh seafood at Jimbaran Bay
  • Dining tips: Choose busy restaurants with high food turnover, drink only bottled water, and avoid ice in street stalls

Health and Safety

Prioritize your well-being with these precautions:

  • Secure comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies
  • Check vaccination requirements well before departure
  • Stay alert in crowded areas and keep belongings close
  • Follow traffic laws when riding motorbikes—always wear a helmet
  • Stick to bottled water and food from reputable establishments
  • Use mosquito repellent, especially during rainy season
  • Carry basic medicines and know the location of nearby medical facilities

Booking Accommodations and Flights

Secure the best travel arrangements with these tips:

  • Use flight comparison websites and book 3-6 months ahead for ideal prices
  • Consider flexible dates to find better deals
  • Choose accommodations near your planned activities
  • Book directly with hotels when possible for better rates and perks
  • Arrange airport transfers through your hotel for a hassle-free arrival
  • Keep offline copies of all bookings
  • Consider booking just your first few nights, then exploring other options once you’ve arrived

Suggested Itineraries

For a 1-week trip to Bali:

  • 3 days in Ubu: Take one morning to hike Mt. Batur at sunrise, followed by relaxing in the hot springs
  • 2 days in Sanur: Rent a scooter and explore the east coast, possibly seeing dolphins in Lovina
  • 2-3 days in the Nusa archipelago: Relax on pristine beaches in paradise

For a 2-week trip to Bali:

  • 4 days in Ubud: Explore cultural sites, rice terraces, and take a sunrise hike up Mt. Batur
  • 1 day in Uluwatu or Canggu: Learn to surf
  • 3-4 days exploring East and North Bali: Starting from Sanur, rent a scooter to visit secluded beaches and see dolphins in Lovina
  • 3 days in the Nusa Islands: Enjoy the untouched island paradise
  • Final days in Lombok: Experience Bali’s neighboring island

For first-time visitors, another recommended itinerary includes:

  • A few days in Sanur, Jimbaran, or Nusa Dua for an easy arrival and relaxation
  • Move to Ubud to explore central and north Bali’s culture and natural sites
  • Visit Lembongan and Ceningan Islands for a glimpse of what Bali was like 30 years ago
  • Finish your trip in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, or Canggu for shopping, sunset beach clubs, and nightlife

By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared to experience everything Bali offers, from sacred temples and pristine beaches to vibrant culture and delicious cuisine.