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Traveling to Bali was the main reason I visited Asia for the first time. The incredible photos I had seen of the green rice terraces instantly convinced me to take a trip to Bali.
However, since I was traveling so far, I thought it would be a good idea to visit other countries and areas of Indonesia during my trip to Southeast Asia. Ultimately, as time was limited, I spent 7 days in Bali, following the advice Dan had given me after his vacation in Bali a few months before.
How to plan the perfect Bali Itinerary
To help you plan a trip to Bali, we have compiled everything you need to know before you go to this magical island of Indonesia.
This is our Ultimate Bali Travel Guide and the first Capture the Atlas post that you should read if you’re going to travel to Bali. From here, you’ll find links to other specific articles about Bali that we’ve written (you can see the full list at the end).
Additionally, we’ll share some essential Bali travel tips for first-time visitors. But before you start planning a Bali itinerary, are you sure you want to go there?
Bali vacation – Why you need to travel to Bali
I can assure you that Bali is still worth visiting even if nowadays it’s very touristy. It’s a great destination for all kinds of travelers. I went backpacking in Bali, but some friends went to Bali on their honeymoon, and we all came back delighted.
Without a doubt, the best thing about spending a holiday in Bali is experiencing a new culture, and Bali is the island of smiles; it’s impossible not to fall in love with its people and their way of life.
Holiday in Bali, the guide that helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Bali
On the other hand, you should know that the influx of tourists in Bali has not stopped growing, and thanks to this, the Balinese live much better than locals in other, poorer islands of Indonesia. However, there are also some drawbacks to tourism in Bali. It’s important that we, who are lucky enough to travel to the Island of the Gods, practice responsible tourism in Bali so that we can all continue enjoying the island in the future.
Traveling to Bali is simply a unique experience, and I hope to help you make it unforgettable with this Bali trip planner.
How to plan a trip to Bali – The best Bali itinerary
Planning a trip to Bali is not complicated, since you can book almost everything online, and there is a lot of information everywhere. In general, to plan a trip to Bali, follow these ten steps:
- Things to do in Bali: Check out the best places to visit.
- Best Bali itinerary: Choose the best Bali itinerary according to the days you have.
- Best time to visit Bali: When to go to Bali depending on your interests.
- Cheap flights to Bali: Where to get the best deals.
- Hotels and Villas in Bali: Best areas and accommodations.
- How to get around Bali: Scooter rental in Bali or private driver.
- Best tours in Bali: Tours that will save you time and money.
- How much cost for a vacation to Bali: Currency, prices, and money per day.
- Bali visa information: Check that you have the necessary documentation.
- Safety in Bali: Vaccines, malaria tablets and travel insurance.
In addition, at the end of this article, we’ll give you other Bali Travel Tips: Internet access, restaurants, driving in Bali, and more.
Bali travel guide (Indonesia) –Essential Bali travel tips
In this Bali travel guide, we walk you through every step of planning your trip to Bali. You’ll find a lot of useful tips based on our own experience, along with some anecdotes of our trips to Bali.
1. Best places to visit in Bali
There are so many places you can’t miss on the Island of the Gods that it’s difficult to choose. To help you out, we’ve written a list of 60 things to do in Bali, Indonesia, so you don’t miss a thing.
To sum it up, these are the most important attractions to visit during your trip to Bali.
Best temples in Bali
Without a doubt, there is nothing like Bali temples, so the first thing you have to do is pinpoint the most important ones.
First Bali Travel Tip: Don’t try to visit all the temples
- Besakih Temple: Mother Temple. The biggest temple in Bali.
- Ulun Danu Beratan: The most photographed temple in Bali, on Lake Bratan.
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu: Temple on a cliff. An ideal place to watch the sunset.
- Tanah Lot: Bali’s most touristy temple, only accessible at low tide.
- Lempuyang Temple: Temple of the Gates to Heaven.
There are more than 1,000 temples in Bali, so one of the most well known tips for traveling to Bali is not to get frustrated if you can’t see them all. Even so, I leave you with a slightly more extensive list of temples in Bali that I recommend you visit.
Best rice terraces in Bali
The rice terraces are the best of Bali. Rice is the base ingredient in Balinese cuisine, and as such, rural life revolves around the cultivation of this cereal. If you choose the best time to visit Bali, you’ll be rewarded with green rice paddies and unforgettable landscapes.
Although there are many rice terraces in Bali, these are the best ones:
Bali Travel Guide (Indonesia): Visiting the Tegalalang is one of the main things to do in Bali
- Tegalalang: The most popular rice paddies in Bali.
- Jatiluwih: Considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Best villages in Bali
The traditional villages are something you must visit in Bali because they are full of art and good vibes. While there, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to learn more about Balinese culture and traditions.
Ubud market, a must-visit in Bali
- Ubud: Bali artistic and cultural center. Check our complete list of things to do in Ubud.
- Penglipuran: Traditional village ideal for learning about Balinese culture.
- Canggu: Coastal town very popular for its perfect waves for surfing.
Best beaches in Bali
Taking a trip to Southeast Asia and not planning some time at the beach is a sin. Most of Bali’s best beaches aren’t found on the main island, but rather, on the small islands surrounding Bali. These are the beaches that you should not miss.
Kelingking Beach: don’t miss it on your trip to Bali
- Kelingking Beach: You’ll find some of the best beaches in Bali on the Nusa Islands.
- Balagan Beach: One of the many turquoise beaches in the Uluwatu area.
- Jimbaran Beach: The best beach to eat fresh fish with incredible views.
- Pasut Beach: Black sand beach where you will find a famous crooked palm tree.
- Kuta: Popular surfing beach among Australian tourists. Party destination.
- Seminyak: Very popular at sunset, with beautiful beach clubs.
Best volcanoes in Bali
Bali is a volcanic island that has a lot of activity. Additionally, the volcanoes of Bali are not just part of the landscape. The religion, customs, and traditions of the Balinese people are intimately linked with the volcanoes of the island.
Sunrise at Batur Volcano: Best tour to take in Bali
- Mt Batur: From the summit, you can see the best sunrise in Bali.
- Agung: Highest volcano in Bali. The last time it erupted was in 2017.
Best waterfalls in Bali
Visiting the waterfalls of Bali is the best way to get out of the stifling heat. You can even take a dip in some of them. Although most are far from the most touristy sites, on this tour you can see three of the most important Bali waterfalls.
Include at least one waterfall in your Bali itinerary
- Nung Nung: Bali’s most popular waterfall, which is 230 ft tall.
- Tukad Cepung: This waterfall is hidden in a cave.
- Banyumala: It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Bali.
- Tegenungan: The best waterfall to bathe in in Bali.
Other things to do in Bali
The list is endless! But below you will find the five best things to see in Bali.
Tips for traveling to Bali: Beware of Monkey Forest inhabitants
- Monkey Forest: The best place to have fun watching the monkeys of Bali.
- Wanagiri Hidden Hill: Place full of swings, and straw baskets overlooking the great lakes of Bedugul.
- Karang Boma Cliff: Cliffs located south of Bali from which you can watch the sunset.
In addition, I advise you to use this map of Bali to help you figure out where the places we’re talking about are. With this map, you’re totally ready to plan the best Bali itinerary.
2. Best Bali itinerary
To plan a trip to Bali, once you know what you want to do and where the different attractions are located, it’s time to choose the best Bali itinerary. Since the road conditions are not as good as Google Maps says, another of our tips for traveling to Bali is to leave plenty of time to travel from one place to another.
How many days do you need to visit Bali?
In my opinion, the minimum number of days to spend in Bali is four days. With this time and good planning, you can see most of the essentials places to visit in Bali. However, unless it’s impossible to book more days for Bali, I recommend you spend at least one week in Bali. If you don’t have that much time and still want to visit the landmarks, check out these top-rated tours in Bali.
One-week Bali itinerary idea
This is the best Bali itinerary if you only have 7 days:
- Day 1: Arrive in Ubud. Beginning of your 7-day Bali trip.
- Day 2: Tegalalang rice terraces and Ubud surroundings.
- Day 3: Sunset hike at Batur. The best of my one-week Bali tour.
- Day 4: Eastern Temples of Bali – Besakih, Lempuyang and Tirta Gangga.
- Day 5: Ulun Danu Beratan. Essential temple to visit in Bali in 7 days.
- Day 6: Taman Ayun Temple, Tanah Lot and Canggu.
- Day 7: Jimbaran and Uluwatu. End of your trip to Bali in a week.
Best Bali itinerary for one week
10-day Bali itinerary idea
If you only have 10 days, this it the Bali itinerary I recommend you do:
- Day 1: Beginning of your trip to Bali in 10 days.
- Day 2: Batur sunrise tour.
- Day3: Besakih, Tirta Gangga, Lempuyang and Amed.
- Day 4: Tegalalang and surroundings of Ubud.
- Day 5: Pura Ulun Danu Bratan and Bedugul waterfalls.
- Day 6:Jatiluwih, Pasut beach, Tanah Lot and Seminyak.
- Day 7: Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
- Day 8: Nusa Penida.
- Day 9: Uluwatu.
- Day 10: Jimbaran.
Best 10-day Bali itinerary
I hope you find these Bali itinerary ideas useful!
3. Best time to visit Bali
Many people ask us when to visit Bali, and the answer always varies. It’s not the same for someone who’s very interested in seeing green rice paddies as it is for someone whose reason to travel to Bali is to surf, so we tell you in more detail about the best time to go to Bali in this article.
Best time to visit Bali if you want to surf
Most agree that the best time to visit Bali is from April to November, coinciding with the dry season. The monsoon in Bali is from the end of October until April.
What you should know about the weather in Bali is that, unlike other places in Southeast Asia, the monsoon on this island is quite mild, so you can consider any time a good time to visit Bali.
The high season of Bali is considered July, August, and also Christmas, when many tourists decide to spend the holiday season on this island.
4. Flights to Bali, Indonesia
Once you’re sure about the Bali itinerary you want to take, it’s time to book your flights to Bali.
In my case, I usually book flights three months in advance, since it is statistically when they are cheapest.
The Bali airport that all international flights arrive at is the Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is very close to Denpasar, the capital of Bali.
Sometimes, you’ll find it difficult to get direct flights to Bali. Most of the time, you will need to make a connection at the Shanghai or Dubai airport.
I usually use Kiwi.com to find the best combination, since you can activate an alert to be notified if the price of flights to Bali drops. The cheapest airline to travel to Bali is usually China Eastern Airlines, although sometimes cheap flights to Bali can also be found with Qatar Airways or Emirates.
In my case, I flew with Qatar but used the following trick to find cheap flights to Bali.
Cheap flights to Bali
To get the cheapest flights to Asia from the US, you must know they arrive at the airports of Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur, so I recommend you take a flight from your home country to one of these airports and from there, take a local flight to Denpasar Airport, since they are the cheapest connections to Bali.
In addition to getting a cheap flight to Bali, you can visit these cities.
In my case, I flew to Singapore before going to Bali and came back through Kuala Lumpur, and although it was not the cheapest way to get to Bali since I took two one-way flights instead of one round-trip, it was worth it.
5. Where to stay in Bali
If you already know the exact dates of your trip and your Bali itinerary is ready, it’s time to book your hotels in Bali.
My next Bali travel tip is that you stay in Ubud. Although there are plenty of accommodation options in Bali, Ubud is my favorite area if you plan to take some of the essential tours. For example, to climb Mt. Batur or visit the eastern temples, this area is the best. These are my recommended accommodations in Ubud according to your budget.
PREMIUM OPTION
ULUN UBUD RESORT
Ulun Ubud Resort, located in Sanggingan, 3 miles from the Ubud temple, is the perfect hotel for even the most demanding guests. The rooms have a modern Balinese style and your pool in the middle of the Bali jungle will make you never want to return from your vacation.
TOP OPTION
ADIWANA MONKEY FOREST
Adiwana Monkey Forest is located 1 mile from the Ubud market. This hotel has 21 suites, which mix the charm of the Monkey Forest with the indigenous culture of the area. Wondering where to stay in Bali? If you want greater immersion in Balinese culture, this is one of the best hotels thanks to its healthy and traditional gastronomic offerings.
STANDARD OPTION
B SAYA VILLAS
B Saya Villas is a complex that has simple, traditional-style villas with wooden furniture. Since it’s located among rice fields, you’ll have fantastic sunset views from your terrace. In addition, every morning, they organize yoga sessions. For me, it’s one of the best accommodations in Bali, with prices starting at $40 per night.
LOW COST OPTION
TEJA HOME STAY
Teja Home Stay is located near the Ubud art market. This family business is one of the most popular hotels in Bali. It stands out for its garden surrounded by fountains, where you can see exotic birds. It offers rooms from $20 per night with continental breakfast included.
In addition, in the surroundings of Ubud, you can find some of the best villas in Bali, at a lower price than you could imagine. If you’ve dreamed of sleeping in the middle of the jungle or enjoying breakfast in your private infinity pool, this is the best place.
Where to stay in Bali: there are luxury villas in Bali for less than $100
Another of the places where I recommend staying for a few days is in the southern area, in Uluwatu, where some of the best hotels in Bali are located. Additionally, you’ll get better access to other tourist attractions that are in this area, such as, for example, some of the best beaches in Bali. These are our four recommended accommodations in Uluwatu:
PREMIUM OPTION
ANANTARA ULUWATU BALI RESORT
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is one of the most exclusive accommodations in Bali and is located in a unique enclave near the Pura Uluwatu temple and Nusa Dua beach. The resort offers views of the Indian Ocean from all angles, as well as rooms and villas in a contemporary Balinese style with direct access to an infinity pool and a balcony with jacuzzi.
TOP OPTION
RENAISSANCE BALI ULUWATU RESORT & SPA
This modern luxury resort in Bali is surrounded by hills. Both its rooms and the infinity pool have incredible views of the jungle and the ocean. At Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa staff can provide information about the history of the indigenous people in the area, and you can even relax with a spa session.
STANDARD OPTION
TORAJA BAMBU BOUTIQUE HOTEL
As its name suggests, this eleven-room boutique hotel is built with bamboo. Toraja Bambu Boutique promises a totally immersive experience. Its rooms have traditional Indonesian interior and exterior finishes, and overlook the pool and jungle.
LOW COST OPTION
PADANG-PADANG INN
Padang-Padang Inn is a three-star hotel that stands out for its proximity to Padang-Padang beach, famous for its slanting palm tree. A great low-priced option, it has an attractive pool, and car and bicycle rental service.
Ubud and Uluwatu are my two favorites, but there are other areas to stay in Bali that I recommend.
6. How to get around Bali
When planning a trip to Bali, one of the main concerns is usually the best way to travel around Bali. Here, we bring you four options that will depend a bit on your budget and interests.
Transfers in Bali
Booking transfers in Bali can be a good option to go from Denpasar airport to Ubud and other areas of the island. However, it can be difficult to book transfers in Bali. If that is the case, you’ll need to rent your own vehicle or hire a private driver directly for all the transfers you have to do during the day, which will save you some money.
Even if you plan to rent a scooter in Bali, I recommend you don’t do it at Denpasar Airport. It’s better to book a transfer from Bali Airport to Ubud or to the area where you’re going to spend the first day of your trip in Bali and familiarize yourself with traffic before driving.
We booked the first transfer from Denpasar to Ubud here, since the price was the cheapest we found. In addition, we liked our driver so much that we hired him as a private driver for the next few days of our trip to Bali.
Scooter rental in Bali
Dan rode a scooter during his trip to Bali and wrote a guide with everything you need to know if you are renting a motorcycle in Bali. Some of the tips for traveling to Bali that he gives in that guide are:
- Learn how to ride a scooter before traveling to Bali
- Drive like the Balinese if you don’t want the police to fine you
- Take your international driver’s license with you
- Always wear a helmet
- Hire good travel insurance to Bali
Another of the best Bali travel tips: Hire travel insurance
Car rental in Bali
Renting a car in Bali is another option, which neither Dan nor I have tried, so we can’t tell you about our experience. However, in my case, I did look at this alternative when I was planning my trip to Bali, and it seemed quite expensive, so in the end, I ended up discarding it.
Also, you should keep in mind that Bali is made for scooters, and traffic jams can sometimes be horrible. If scooters are not your thing, I advise you to hire a private driver in Bali before renting your own car.
Private driver in Bali
It is, undoubtedly, the most comfortable option but also the most expensive. Normally you can hire a private driver in Bali for hours (10 hours) and during that time, they will take you wherever you need. We had booked a private driver here, but when we met our driver during the transfer from the airport to Ubud, we liked him so much that we canceled the other reservation.
However, some friends, who went on a honeymoon to Bali a few months after my trip, hired the driver through that platform, and they told me the service was great.
GRAB – Uber in Bali
Before traveling to Bali, Dan recommended I download an app similar to Uber or Lyft and told me that it worked pretty well in Bali for short journeys.
However, I tried to use it during my trip, and there were almost never any drivers nearby.
I could only use it once in Ubud, and the driver told me that local taxi drivers had declared war on this application, since the prices were much lower than those that the taxi drivers charged tourists. In any case, I encourage you to try it and tell me how it goes in the comment section.
Public Transportation in Bali
Although there is public transportation in Bali, it’s slow, and there is little information about it online. It’s true that it’s the best way to travel to Bali on a budget, but I don’t recommend it if you are going to spend a short time on the island.
The most common means of transport are the Kura Kura, small green buses, the Bemo, a kind of van, and the Trans Sarbagita, conventional blue buses.
To know how to get from one place to another in Bali via local transport, it’s best to check with your accommodation.
7. Best tours in Bali
My next tip for traveling to Bali, if you don’t want to rent a car or scooter or hire an expensive private driver either, is to book some tours, especially to those areas of Bali that are more inaccessible or where going with a local guide is mandatory. You will also need to hire tours or ferries to visit one of the archipelagos of paradise islands that surround Bali.
Visiting the Gili Islands is probably one of the most popular excursions, so we’ve written a small guide to tell you the best things to do and which one to visit. We decided on Gili Trawangan.
Visiting the Gili Islands is highly recommended during your vacation in Bali
In addition, in this article on the best tours in Bali, I recommend 4 excursions with which you can visit the most important places in Bali in only four days. In summary, these are the Bali tours that I recommend:
- Sunrise on the Batur volcano: The best tour I did during my trip.
- Ubud Surroundings: Best tour to visit the rice terraces of Tegalalang and Goa Gajah.
- Pura Ulun Danu Bratan + Jatiluwih + Tanah Lot: The most complete tour in Bali.
- Eastern Temples: The tour that won’t miss the Pura Besakih and Pura Lempuyang temples.
- Uluwatu and Jimbaran: Tour of southern Bali. Beaches, traditional dance, and seafood.
- Nusa Lembongan: Round-trip speedboat to Nusa Lembongan with pickup at your hotel in Bali.
- Nusa Penida: Round-trip speedboat to Nusa Penida with pickup at your hotel in Bali.
- Gili Islands: Round-trip speedboat to Gili Trawangan or Gili Air with pickup at your Bali hotel.
8. Currency in Bali (Indonesia) – How much does it cost for a vacation to Bali
The currency in Bali (Indonesia) is the Indonesian rupee, and currently, $1 is equivalent to 14,200 IDR. That means you will have to handle much higher figures than you’re used to. Even if everything seems expensive, once you make the currency exchange, it may be much less than you’d imagined.
A trick that I recommend you do is to make a note of the most common exchanges ($1 -14.2k IDR, $2 -28.3k IDR, $5 -70.8k IDR, $10 -142k IDR, $50 -709k IDR, etc.) In this way, over the first days of your trip, you can quickly learn how much things cost in Bali.
I assure you that in two or three days you’ll have gotten used to Balinese currency and you won’t need to consult your notes anymore.
In most places, you can pay with a debit/credit card in Bali, although be careful because your bank can charge you extra for the currency exchange.
However, keep in mind that there are small shops that may not accept card payment. Therefore, it’s always advisable to carry some cash in Bali.
Currency exchange in Bali
If you plan to exchange money in Bali, I advise you to check how much the real exchange is before accepting any offer made to you by any Bali money changers.
ATMs in Bali
There are many ATMs in Bali, especially in tourist areas. Even if you travel to more remote places, such as the Gili Islands, you’ll still find ATMs on each island.
In addition, ATMs in Bali don’t charge a surcharge fee, so if you withdraw from any ATM in Bali, the only fee you need to pay is the one that your bank charges you.
Prices in Bali
Although it is a cheap country, Bali is the most touristy island in Indonesia, so you can find hotels from less than $10 to luxury villas for more than $1000 (there are also very cheap villas in Bali). To answer the question of whether Bali is expensive or cheap depends more on who answers it than on the island itself.
If you go backpacking in Bali, you can survive on less than $10 a day. However, if you’re planning a honeymoon in Bali, plan at least $200 per person per day.
That’s why Bali is such a popular tourist destination: whatever your budget is, it’s a good option.
How much is a Bali vacation?
This table can give you an approximation of how much it costs for a vacation to Bali.
DAILY COST | BACKPACKER | STANDARD | PREMIUM |
|---|---|---|---|
Accommodation | $10 | $50 | $100 |
Transport | $5 | $20 | $40 |
Food | $10 | $20 | $40 |
Tours | $0 | $30 | $60 |
Others (drinks, shopping, etc.) | $5 | $15 | $30 |
Total per day approx. | $30 | $135 | $270 |
How much is a Bali Vacation? |
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Consider the backpacking budget for Bali if you’re traveling long-term and not spending much is essential for you. If you don’t mind staying in less comfortable hotels and you prefer to use local transport and reach the sights on your own without hiring any tours, your vacation to Bali will cost around $30 per day, plus flights.
The standard budget is the one for most travelers in Bali. If you’re visiting the island for a few days and want to see almost everything in a very short time, you’ll need to hire some tours. As for accommodation, if you prefer to book amazing hotels for a very low price that’s impossible to find in other parts of the world, plan $135 per day plus flights.
The premium budget is for those who are traveling for a special occasion, honeymoons in Bali, or for all those who can afford it. If you want to experience staying in one of the best villas in Bali, hire private tours in Bali and of course, eat in the best restaurants, plan $270 per day plus flights.
9. Bali visa information
If you are from one of these 169 countries and are only spending a holiday in Bali (less than 30 days), you have visa exception. Just check that your passport doesn’t expire in the next six months from when you enter the country and that you have a couple of blank pages so that they can stamp it and give you an “admission permit.”
If you want to spend more time, you’ll need a visa for Bali.
Social cultural visa for Indonesia
If you plan to stay more than 30 days in Bali, the best option is to process a social cultural visa for Bali at the Indonesian embassy in your home country.
This visa will last 60 days, but you can extend it for up to 6 months. The price is $50 plus the renewal fee if you would like to stay for more than 60 days.
You can find more information on how to process your visa here.
Visa on arrival (VOA)
If you think you’ll stay for less than 30 days in Bali but you aren’t sure, I recommend you apply for your visa on arrival (VOA) at the arrival airport. This visa only allows you to stay in Bali for 30 days, but, one week before it expires, you can extend it for another 30 days. If you enter Bali without paying the VOA, you will not be able to extend your permit.
The price of the Bali visa on arrival is $35 and you can get it directly at the airport upon arrival. To renew it, you will have to go to immigration several times, so some travelers prefer to hire an agency directly to manage it, although it’s usually more expensive.
Another option, if you’ve run out of time for renewal or did not request your VOA upon your arrival in Indonesia, is to leave and re-enter the country (either with the visa exception to Bali or with the VOA). You can do it even on the same day, and you will have another 30 days in Bali, although this is perhaps the most expensive option. In addition, it is very likely that they will ask for your flight out of the country to verify that you don’t intend to stay in Indonesia longer.
10. Is Bali safe to visit?
Although when talking about security in Bali, you might think about terrorist attacks, earthquakes, and tsunamis in Bali, the truth is that this is not what you should worry about.
Apart from natural disasters, which can occur virtually anywhere in the world, Bali is one of the safest islands in Indonesia. Even so, you always must take certain precautions.
Both Dan and I have had personal experiences with accidents in Bali.
During my trip to Bali, a monkey bit me in the Monkey Forest of Ubud (it wasn’t a serious incident, but I got quite scared). There are also many tourists who have been robbed by these monkeys and those of Uluwatu. They have learned to get food by stealing and then giving back tourists’ belongings.
Be careful with the monkeys and follow our Bali travel tips
On the other hand, a friend of Dan had an accident with a scooter in Bali. But, luckily, he had bought good travel insurance to Indonesia that helped him with everything.
We also have some friends who were robbed of some of the money they had left in their hotel room and others who had their backpack taken while they were eating in a warung (you have to be careful about pickpockets in Bali).
It’s also no wonder that you can get sick even if you have been careful enough to drink bottled water in Bali.
Long story short, Bali is not dangerous, but you must be careful. If you are traveling on a budget buy the cheapest travel insurance plan.
Bali travel insurance
Although Bali is safe, you can always experience unforeseen events, so if you want peace of mind, you should buy travel insurance to Bali.
We recommend Heymondo, but first, compare the best travel insurance companies on the market.
Vaccines in Bali
There are no mandatory vaccines for Bali, although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise getting vaccinated for Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhus. In any case, I always advise you to go to your health center so they can give you some recommendations.
Malaria in Bali
There isn’t a high risk of malaria in Bali, although there is in some rural areas of Indonesia. Please share your itinerary with your doctor and check if you need to take malaria tablets for Bali.
Other Bali Travel Tips
Finally, here are some other Bali Travel Tips. If you have any other questions, leave them in the comments section, so we can add them to this part of the article.
Where to eat in Bali
The best place to eat in Bali is in warungs, small family restaurants where you can try the delicious cuisine of Bali.
Where to eat in Bali: You can’t miss the best warungs on the island
The best known Balinese recipe is Nasi Goreng, fried rice with eggs and vegetables that can be accompanied by meat or seafood. I loved it!
The best restaurants in Bali that I tried during my trip are located in Ubud.
Best SIM cards for Bali
It’s very easy to get internet connection in Indonesia. However, if you prefer having mobile data, I recommend you order one of these SIM cards for Indonesia.
Driving in Bali
Riding a motorcycle is one of the best options to explore Bali. However, I recommend you not do so without first following our advice to rent a scooter in Bali.
Additionally, it’s essential that you get an International Driver’s License for Bali, since, although you won’t need to show it when renting your scooter, the police can pull you over and fine you without it.
Supermarkets and shops in Bali
If you’re taking a long-term trip to Bali, you may want to cook instead of eating out every day. In this case, I recommend you go to the local markets that open in the morning and usually have fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, etc.
There are also large supermarkets where you can buy absolutely everything: from personal grooming items to drinks and food. The best known are Coco, Bintang, and Pepito.
You can also find small local stores where you can buy a snack or soda — some of these are open 24 hours a day.
What is the religion in Bali?
Religion in Bali plays a very important role in local Balinese life. Bali is the only island in Indonesia where Hinduism is the main religion. In most parts of Indonesia, most people are Muslims. In Bali, however, “Balinese Hinduism” is practiced, where Hindu and animist beliefs are mixed with the worship of Buddhist saints.
They believe in Karma, and because of that, Bali is called the “Island of Smiles,” but if you want to learn more about the culture of Bali, I recommend this tour.
Please respect the religion of Bali and its customs. You may be surprised at the beginning by the amount of Canang sari, which you will find on the floor, in the temples, and even at the counters of stores and hotel desks.
These offerings are made daily with flower petals, rice, lime leaves, and incense. It is true that they usually attract insects and generate a lot of dirt on the streets of Bali, but they are really important for locals and much less harmful than the plastic waste that others leave.
What clothes to wear in Bali Temples
You don’t need to remove your shoes before entering a temple in Bali. However, in some temples, you’ll be asked to cover your legs with a Sarong, whether you are a man or a woman.
A curious fact is that if you are a woman, in some temples, there are signs that ask you not to enter the temple if you are on your period.
What is the official language of Bali?
The official language of Bali is Indonesian, although Balinese is also spoken. A large part of the population also speaks English, especially those whose jobs are related to tourism and hospitality.
Where should I stay in Bali?
Ubud is one of the best areas to stay in Bali. In Kuta and Seminyak, there are also many accommodation options, although the best area to stay in luxury resorts in Bali is Nusa Dua.
Uluwatu is also a good place to sleep in Bali and visit its best beaches, and other option would be Bedugul, to visit the most remote areas of the island.
Responsible tourism in Bali
Finally, I don’t want to end this article on tips for traveling to Bali without asking you to be a responsible traveler.
Please, don’t hire tours in which animals are mistreated. Although there have never been elephants in Bali, it’s a shame to see how there are places with elephants in enclosures that are called “Sanctuaries.” This is done to attract tourists who, while thinking that they’re doing a good deed, are actually promoting a business that’s cruel to animals.
Elephant rides in Bali are not fun. These poor animals have been tortured for years so that tourists can pay to get on their backs for a while. Any place where you can interact with wild animals is a place where nature is not respected. Keep wildlife wild!
Please, there are a million things to do in Bali. You don’t need to add any activity that involves domesticated wild animals to make your trip to Bali a unique experience.
Essential Map for your trip to Bali
That’s all! Here is a map of Bali that will help you figure out where the main attractions are.
I hope you find this article useful to plan your trip to Bali, but before you go, here are the essentials for your trip to Bali.
Essentials to save on your trip to Bali
Check the best no-foreign transaction fee credit cards.
Find the BEST DEALS for the top accommodation options in Bali.
Get a 5% discount on your travel insurance for Bali.
Check the best tours in Bali to make the most of your time HERE and HERE.
CHEAP FERRIES from Bali (hotel pick-up not included).
I’ve found this information really useful. I cancelled a holiday here several years ago and went to Thailand instead, I absolutely love Thailand but would like to visit Bali after reading the information. It sounds like a week is enough to visit the most important cultural sites and would like to team it with another destination, any suggestions?
There are much more to see within Indonesia apart from Bali. I recommend checking Yogyakarta.
Let me know if you have any questions,
Ascen
Great Article. Really useful. You have covered all the things for a perfect vacation.
thanks Raj! Have a nice trip to Bali!
Great article, thanks for sharing this! I visited Bali, Penida and the Gili Islands in February before quarantaine. Their are so much things to do and see on the Islands. I travelled the Islands with The 7 Holiday and they exceeded my expectations! I really had a wonderful and unique experience! The locals are so kind and helpful. I am curious to travel the rest of Indonesia as well.
Thanks for your message Ann, I’m happy you found our Bali travel guide useful!
As you said, there are so many things to do in Bali and surrrounding islands…if we speak about Indonesia you could spend months or even years visiting all the islands and wonders. We’d also love to travel back there and visit new islands, everything over there is so peaceful and beautiful 😉
Awesome article, strike to the point, thanks for sharing
Thank you! I hope you enjoy your trip to Bali 🙂