Bali Travel: Everything You Need To Know For An Amazing Trip

The Indonesian island of Bali is one of the most captivating holiday destinations on earth. It’s the perfect place to refresh your body and mind with loads of cool things to do and nothing to worry about.

 

Bali Travel: Everything You Need To Know For An Amazing Trip 

We’ve put together this Bali travel guide to help you make the most of your trip.

Weather

Bali is located close to the equator, which means it has a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons in a year and an average year-round temperature of around 27℃.

From May to September it’s the dry season where it’s less humid. The rainy season from October to April is known for its tropical rainstorms and very high humidity. A lightweight rain jacket is useful if you’re going during the wet months. If you want more tips on what to take with you on your holiday, check out our Bali packing list.

Getting Around

Landing at Ngurah Rai airport and finding your way around Denpasar can be overwhelming at first. It’s a good idea to arrange a transfer from the airport to your accommodation when you arrive in Bali. This will help you get to your destination comfortably and give you time to soak in the magical madness going on around you. Most hotels, homestays, and bungalows offer this airport transfer service for a low fee.

Once you feel settled in, you can rent a scooter for between 30 000 IDR and 60 000 IDR per day. This is the cheapest and most convenient way to explore all the sites the island has to offer. Wear a helmet and get an international driver’s license before you leave your home country to avoid trouble with the traffic police.

If riding a scooter is not your thing, ask your hosts to arrange a taxi or use the Kura-Kura shuttle bus, which connects to popular tourist areas in Bali. For 250 000 IDR, you can get a 7-day pass and travel between places like Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Kuta, and Jimbaran.

Visas

If you plan on staying for less than 30 days and you’re from one of the 140 countries on this list, you’ll get a free 30-day non-extendable visa. If your country isn’t listed, you’ll need to apply for a visa with your local Indonesian Embassy or Consulate. Remember that your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day of arrival in Bali.

A Quick Guide To The Island

Denpasar

This is the first place you’ll see when you arrive in Bali by airplane. It’s the island’s largest city and has a surprising amount of culture and history to explore. There are beautiful museums, historic temples, and opulent palaces to give you a glimpse into the rich heritage of the island. You can also shop for silk, gold jewellery, clothes and local crafts in Denpasar’s many markets and shopping complexes.

Canggu

Canggu is well-known as a neighbourhood for expats who’ve traded their busy lives back home for relaxed island living. You’ll spot many modern villas in the area surrounded by rice fields. These make for excellent accommodation if you plan on staying for a while. Along Canggu’s 5 km stretch of black coastline, you’ll find Echo Beach, Berawa and Batu Bolong, three surf spots that offer something for everyone.

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Seminyak

Seminyak is a popular upmarket beach resort area in Bali with world-class waterfront hotels. The vibe here is more relaxed than Kuta. But there are many restaurants and clubs to enjoy at night and designer shops and art galleries to explore during the day. It’s also known as the high-end spa capital of Bali where you can experience the best Balinese massage of your life. The beach here can get quite crowded, so check out our article on the best beaches in Bali for more peaceful options.

Nusa Dua

Unlike most beaches in Bali, the white sandy coastline of Nusa Dua is a great place to swim. The area is perfect for a family holiday with kids, as there are many resorts and beachfront hotels with kids programs to entertain the little ones while you enjoy some time in the sun. Other attractions in the area include an 18-hole golf course and the beautiful Pura Geger stone temple.

Ubud

Ubud has earned the reputation as the cultural heart of Bali with art, history, and craftsmanship overflowing onto its leafy streets. Around every corner, you can find top-notch yoga classes for around 100 000 IDR, delicious healthy food and fascinating temples to explore. You could visit the food market, take a cooking class or say hi to the macaques living in the Monkey Forest. If you plan on spending a few days here, check out our a full guide on the best things to do in Ubud.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is a world-class surfing spot with five incredible breaks for intermediate and advanced surfers to choose from. If you’re not ready to take on its big waves, the cliffside cafés and warungs at Uluwatu still reward you with incredible views over the surrounding blue. Be sure to visit the eleventh century Balinese Hindu temple here and watch the traditional Kecak fire dance performance at sunset.

Sanur

Sanur was the first place in Bali to be developed into an upscale resort area. Despite all the development, it still has a sleepy and relaxed atmosphere. It’s perfect to visit on a day-trip or to go on a scuba diving expedition, as the island’s most established diving operators are based here. If you’re keen to try traditional Balinese cuisine, check out the Pasar Sindhu Night Market for a host of affordable local treats like chicken satay, nasi goreng, and freshly squeezed juice.

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Jimbaran

Jimbaran has earned the title of the Beverly Hills of Bali because of the luxury villas and resorts along its shores. The calm water in the bay makes it an excellent place for swimming. You can enjoy sundowners at the iconic Ayana Resort Rock Bar and indulge in a grilled seafood dinner on the beach.

Balian & Medewi

If you want to experience the other side of Bali, check out the quiet villages of Balian and Medewi about two hours from Denpasar. This area is known as the mecca for surfers in west Bali and has a calm atmosphere with friendly locals. The area also offers affordable yoga classes and retreats for those who want to break away for a few days to reset.

Candidasa

This relaxed seaside town sits on the eastern side of Bali along a freshwater lagoon. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere on the black sand beaches or use it as the starting point for your sunrise trek up Mount Agung. Candidasa is at the heart of Bali’s famous diving sites, and divers often spot the famed Mola Mola or Oceanic Sunfish here.

 

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Conclusion

We hope this guide has given you useful tips and ideas to make your trip to Bali a memorable one for all the right reasons.

Once you’ve experienced the island’s incredible surf, cool beach clubs, delicious food and rich history you’ll want to come back year after year.