Bali Travel Guide
Updated February 2024, Bali Travel Guide was originally written in December 2015
Bali, the island of the gods, and a huge bucketlist destination for many travelers. With countless beaches, surreal green rice terraces, massive volcanos, gushing waterfalls, fascinating culture, and amazing restaurants and cafes, Bali is a traveler’s dream.
Bali offers up countless adventures and activities and has accommodations to fit every budget from the broke backpackers to the luxury traveler.
But, parts of Bali can feel overrun by Instagrammers tourists these days, especially in the peak season. With all that said, it’s not to fear: Bali is a big island offering plenty of off the beaten path options for those of you trying to escape the crowds.
Plus, if you’re not bothered muscling through the crowds of selfie sticks and Instagram boyfriends the popular spots are worth seeing because they are beautiful after all.
Read on to learn everything you need to know in this Bali travel guide.
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Bali Quick Tips
- Visas: Most nationalities can enter Indonesia visa-free for 30 days.
- Weather: Bali is a year-round destination, though the weather tends to be drier June-August. December-January see a peak thanks to the school breaks in Australia and Europe. If you don’t mind a little rain November and February-April can be a great time to visit with smaller crowds.
- Language: Officially Bahasa Indonesian is the language spoken on Bali, though the Balinese do have their own unique dialect. Getting by on only English isn’t a problem here as most everyone that works in tourism knows some degree of English.
- Money: The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency of the country. As of February 2024, the current exchange rate is $1 USD = 15,700 IDR. There are ATMs in cities and major towns in Bali.
How To Get To Bali
- By Flight: Bali is connected to several international destinations via Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar Airport). The airport is located about 13 km from Denpasar and 4 km from Kuta. A taxi should cost about 70,000-80,000 IDR to Kuta and 125,000-150,000 IDR to Denpasar.
- By Road: Bali and the island of Java are connected by car ferry, making it possible to visit both islands by bus, car, or motorbike. The ferry is open 24 hours a day.
- By Boat: Bali is connected to Lombok, the Gili Islands, and Java by regular speed boat and ferry service.
Shop Bali tours here
Where To Go In Bali
Amed
Head to Amed to escape the crowds and to explore Bali’s off the beaten path north coast. Amed is a series of coastal fishing villages and is known for its reefs and epic diving.
Where To Stay In Amed
Budget
Amed Stop Inn
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Kirana Homestay
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Mathis Lodge Amed
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Canggu
At one point in time Canggu was mostly known for its surf, but in recent years has become digital nomad Mecca.
Where To Stay In Canggu
Midrange
Gong Vanka Guesthouse Canggu
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
ZIN Canggu Bali
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |
Denpasar
Denpasar is the capital of Bali. Most tourists skip over the chaotic city, but there are a few monuments worth visiting if you’ll be stopping over at any point there.
Where To Stay In Denpasar
Budget
Bali Kunti Munggu
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Surfer Garden
| Booking.com |
Splurge
Villa Niketan
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Gili Islands
The Gili Islands aren’t part of Bali but are a common addition on many Bali itineraries. The Gilis are known for their great beaches, snorkeling, and diving.
Plan your visit to the Gilis with my Gili Islands Travel Guide
Where To Stay In The Gilis
Midrange
Belukar
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Jali Resort
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Kuta
Not very pretty, but never a dull moment either. Kuta Beach and its neighbor to the north, Legian are the epitomai of a tourist trap, but that’s not necessarily the worst– its got all the trappings for budget backpackers and those looking to party. I only came to Kuta to surf for a couple of days and that was plenty enough time there for me.
Where To Stay In Kuta
Budget
Captain Goose
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Ida Inn Kuta Bali
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Bali Garden Beach Resort
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Munduk
Munduk is the perfect jumping-off point for anyone looking to do some trekking in Central Bali.
Where To Stay In Munduk
Budget
Guru Ratna
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Lesong Hotel
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Sanak Retreat Bali
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Nusa Penida, Lembongan & Ceningan
The Nusa Islands are three islands off of the southeast coast of Bali, reachable by a speed boat in about 90 minutes. Nusa Lembongan is renowned for its surfing and diving, Nusa Penida is known for its Insta-famous snapshot.
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida, Lembongan & Ceningan
Budget
Candy Hostel Ceningan
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Lempeh Jungle Cottage
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Pemuteran
Escape the bustle of southern Bali and head up to Pemuteran. Located about 4 hours drive from Denpasar in the northwest of Bali, the area boasts amazing snorkeling/diving and is flanked by a beautiful mountainous backdrop.
Where To Stay In Pemuteran
Budget
Asih Guesthouse
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Pondok Shindu Guesthouse
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Kuda Laut Bungalows
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Sanur
Sleepy Sanur is a welcomed change from the other chaotic hotspots in the south of Bali. Don’t miss the sunrise on the beach and the nightly market. Sanur is a good launching off point to explore the offshore Nusa Islands.
Where To Stay In Sanur
Budget
Prasanthi Sanur Bedrooms
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Pondok Narita
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Akaya Bali
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Seminyak
Seminyak is a higher-end resort area situated just north of Kuta and Legian.
Where To Stay In Seminyak
Budget
Gelatik B&B
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
The Haven Bali Seminyak
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Double-Six Luxury Hotel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Ubud
I get why people come to Ubud, Ubud and its surroundings are absolutely gorgeous. Ubud was really the only place I felt enamored with on my first trip to Bali in 2013, even with the onslaught of people trying to have their own Eat Pray Love moment. I’ve heard that Ubud has gotten miserably crowded in the last couple of years though.
Where To Stay In Ubud
Budget
Arta Garden Hostel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Tanah Merah Art Resort
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Daryana Villa
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Uluwatu
With dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches, and world-class surfing Uluwatu is a popular destination on many Bali tourists itineraries.
Where To Stay In Uluwatu
Budget
SOS Sultans of Swell
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Midrange
Padang Padang Inn
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |
Splurge
Pink Coco Bali
| Booking.com | Hotels.com | Agoda.com |
Check out the Gili Trawangan Travel Guide
What To Eat
In major towns and cities in Bali, you can find everything from local Balinese restaurants to international cuisine. Here is a list of local foods to try in Bali.
- Nasi/Mie Goreng
- Sambal
- Babi Guling
- Sate Lilit Ikan
- Nasi Campur
- Gado Gado
- Bebek Betutu
- Balinese Kopi (Coffee)
What To Pack
- Swimwear
- Sarong
- Shorts
- Tanks/Tees
- Dresses
- Microfiber Towel
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Camera/Phone
- Dry Bag
Safety
- In general, Bali is a safe destination to visit for solo travelers, couples and friends.
- Petty theft does happen and violent crime is pretty rare.
- Avoid drinking locally made arak and be cautious ordering hard liquor at not well-known bars as there have been cases of bars diluting booze with fake, homemade alcohol that has resulted in illness and even death.
- Indonesia has strict drug laws and police to pose as dealers, so its best to avoid any drugs, period.
- Bali has some crazy reef breaks and if you aren’t very experienced it can be quite dangerous. If you are a beginner I highly recommend taking a few lessons. Check out this post for five best beginner surfer spots in Bali.
Have Any Questions About This Bali Travel Guide?
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Hey there!
I love your blog and your unique no-BS, straight-to-the-point style of writing. I especially loved your Tajikistan blogs. Gotta say you’re one brave adventurer! Someday I’ll grow enough balls to travel to the “stans” or kindly ask you to borrow yours lol! Keep writing please (and traveling).