Bali is a must go destination for most of travellers around Southeast Asia, apparently everybody easily falls in love with The Island of Gods.
Let’s see why! Among places to see in Bali, in this guide we include the beaches in Uluwatu and Seminyak, the nature and temples of Ubud, the north-east of Bali, Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands.
We’ll also answer the most asked questions like how long to stay in Bali, how to exchange and withdraw money, and how to get a visa to Bali.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Why to visit Bali?
- How to get a Visa to Bali
- Money – exchange and withdrawals
- E-sim and travel apps
- Airport transfer
- What to see in Bali
- Itinerary and map
- Hotels – where to stay in Bali
- How to get around
- Ferry to the islands
- Best seasons and months
- How many days in Bali
- Conclusions and links
1. WHY TO VISIT BALI?
We were curious and wanted to see what the excitement is all about and guess what… We fell in love too!
Bali is much more than a place for partying and enjoying the beach, its deep Hindu culture and stunning inland nature will steal your heart.
At first, you’ll be overwhelmed by how crowded some places are in Bali. However, be careful not to fall for the tourist trap! Go the extra mile and move away from the chaotic spots, and you’ll be rewarded with dream views and peaceful locations.
2. HOW TO GET A VISA TO BALI
First things first, you need to get a visa for Bali. Or we should say, to Indonesia.
Please don’t confuse Bali and Indonesia! Bali is not an independent country, but a special region within Indonesia. Therefore, you always need to get a visa and find out about any restrictions or travel advice for Indonesia.
Citizens of most nationalities can enter Indonesia with a 30-day-long tourist visa. There are also other visas of varying durations if you intend to stay in Indonesia for a longer period, such as the 60-day visa extendable up to 180 days for tourism, or 1-year visas for expats and digital nomads.
We explain all the details in our post Bali online visa costs and how to get it.
As for Bali, recently the Balinese government introduced a tax called Love Bali. It costs 150,000 rupiah, about 10$, with the aim of using the funds to improve services on the island. Oddly enough, the fee is not mandatory at the moment, meaning it’s not a requirement to enter Bali. However, checks are reportedly increasing to verify that tourists adhere to the Love Bali initiative, more info on the official website.
3. MONEY IN BALI – EXCHANGE AND WITHDRAWALS
Arriving at Bali Denpasar Airport, you need to change or withdraw money.
The national currency is the Indonesian Rupiah, IDR. 1€ is worth about 17,000 IDR or 1$ is 16,000 IDR in 2025. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, sometimes they may charge a 3% surcharge. You’ll need cash in Bali at local markets, to eat and drink in warungs, for local guesthouses and short-term rentals, as well as for all entrances to temples, waterfalls, etc.
We use our Revolut and Wise cards to withdraw IDR rupiahs at ATMs without commissions and with the real exchange rate. Some ATMs at the airport do not charge commissions and allow withdrawals of 2.5 million rupiahs at a time (about 160$), and it’s possible to withdraw multiple times. The rates at currency exchange counters are as always less advantageous at the airport.
In the rest of Bali we recommend withdrawing from banks like BCA, BNI, or Mandiri that have zero commissions, in other banks they vary between 2-5$. Usually there’s a limit of 3 million rupiah per transaction, so you may have to make several consecutive withdrawals.
Yes, in Bali you will immediately become a millionaire after the first withdrawal of Indonesian rupiah!
4. E-SIM AND TRAVEL APPS
To surf online and use apps in Bali you’ll need a localSim Card or E-sim, available at the airport or online, we suggest Airalo. For a short stay an E-sim is a convenient solution, alternatively we recommend getting a local Sim with Telkomsel.
You can get 15% off Airalo sims with our code UNLIMITED, or 10% off Airalo as an existing customer with code AIRALOESIM10.
Since prices of sim cards at the airport are higher, you could start with an E-sim with data, and look for a local shop once you have settled in the hotel.
Among various useful Apps in Bali, in addition to Google Maps and Airalo for the sim, there’s transport apps like Grab for iPhone/Android and GoJek (iPhone/Android). These work like Uber, to get a car or motorbike taxi for your transfers in Bali.
To keep bookings and tickets at hand, the sites GetYourGuide and Klook are among the most used for excursions in Bali, offering trips and services of all kinds: from airport transfers to tickets for the Kejak Dance at Uluwatu Temple.
5. BALI AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Once you’ve exchanged money and activated the E-sim on your phone, head to your hotel. From Denpasar International Airport in Bali, there are a few options for transfers:
- Grab, the Indonesian Uber, allows you to call a driver or a motorbike taxi at low prices, around 100,000-200,000 rupiah, 7-15$, for a 30-60 minute ride. Download Grab for iPhone/Android, or alternatively GoJek.
- A taxi (IDR 200k-400k) is more expensive, but if you’re a family or a group of 4, it can be more convenient and doesn’t require an app or phone.
- Book a direct transfer to the hotel with a private driver, info and prices here.
- A scooter is the most convenient option to get around in Bali, but it can’t be rented directly at the airport. As mentioned, Grab also allows you to call motorbike taxis, if you’re traveling light with a backpack.
6. BALI ATTRACTIONS AND AREAS
Bali is a destination for all types of travellers and budgets. There are very commercial and trendy areas along the coast like Seminyak and Uluwatu, the spiritual part around Ubud, and the lush nature in the North East of Bali.
Don’t miss the temples, prayer rituals and Balinese dances, part of the many cultural aspects, to be paired with the natural attractions of Bali.
From impressive waterfalls to mountain lakes, from volcanoes to black sand beaches, and the cliffs and islands in the east of Bali.
If you want to plan a trip during one of the major Balinese festivals, read more in our article Bali ceremonies, culture and festivals.
7. BALI ITINERARY AND MAP
Here’s our itinerary guide to Bali, Indonesia.
DENPASAR/GILIMANUK
These are the first destinations you’ll hear about, depending on how you are reaching Bali.
If you are flying into Bali, Denpasar Airport will welcome you. Get a taxi or Grab/GoJek to reach your hotel.
If coming from Java by ferry, Gilimanuk is the port city you’ll dock at. You can get a public bus to Denpasar bus terminal or other areas for around 4$. Or you can get a ferry+express bus ticket from Java to Bali. The trip will last 2-3 hours. More info about buses in Bali here.
KUTA AND SEMINYAK
On the central west coast of Bali, the three most popular areas are Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu.
Kuta was the first area to develop for tourists in Bali. Today it’s very suitable for hanging at trendy restaurants and beach clubs. It’s an area where you can find everything, but not really characteristic of Bali, if you skip it you won’t miss much.
A bit further, Seminyak is a good starting point to familiarise with the island, although it’s not so different from Kuta, or from any touristy beach location in Southeast Asia.
This is the most expensive area in Bali, as most businesses are owned by westerns. Local warungs to find inexpensive food are further inland. Among the most famous Indonesian dishes are the classic Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng, but also specialties such as Nasi Campur and Gado Gado, which we talk in detail in our post What to eat in Bali: 10 typical Indonesian dishes.
Thus, we recommend to stay in the tourist area for a couple of nights only, to enjoy the wide beach and lovely sunsets.
CANGGU
Past Seminyak, Canggu is more of a laid back and alternative area. Still not as developed as the previous, even though lately it’s been almost embedded in the tourist hub.
Pronounced “Chan-ggu” with a soft C, Canggu is also closer to famous Tanah Lot Temple.
Restaurants and clubs are plenty here too, but the beachside looks more natural and less crowded, ideal for surfers.
For its relaxed vibe and a good balance of locals and foreigners, many expats choose Canggu for longer stays. More authentic areas can be found beyond Canggu or on the other side of the highway inland.
Tip: you can stay in either Seminyak and Canggu and move easily between them by scooter or taxi, but watch out for busy peak hours!
UBUD
If you’re looking for a place to stop and stay for 4-5 days or more, make it be Ubud!
In and around Ubud you’ll find all those Bali landscapes you are dreaming about: waterfalls, Hindu temples, palm tree jungles, monkeys, rice terraces, Balinese dances, and excellent cheap local food.
Clearly many people go to Ubud, so it’ll be crowded as well. But it’s enough to walk off the main roads to find paths through the rice paddies, and to go on day trips and get your own space.
In Ubud you can stay in many types of accommodation, from bungalows with swimming pool for 20$/night, as at Chez Ida, or at resorts deep in the jungle just outside town, like at The Pesaren Ubud.
You can ride your scooter around in absolute freedom among local villages, while being close to multiple attractions as Tegenungan Waterfall, Tegallalang or Jatiluwih rice fields, the Monkey Forest, up to the further Wanagiri Hidden Hill, Lempuyang Temple or Mt. Agung.
Tip: if you ride a scooter, definitely stay out of a town to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
READ MORE: What to see and do in Ubud in 5 days
BEDUGUL
One of the highest towns in Bali at over 1,000m above sea level, Bedugul can be kind of cold for being in Indonesia! Its Twin Lakes are a stunning attraction which are best appreciated from above at the famous Wanagiri Hidden Hill, a crest high point that often becomes hidden among misty clouds.
The most visited place is Pura Ulun Danu Temple, seemingly floating on Lake Beratan. Not far, the Handara Golf Resort, aka the Bali Gates, has become a (too) popular Instagram photo spot, despite not being a real temple.
Bedugul is good to stay a few days if you like outdoor activities as kayaking, mountain-biking, hiking and enjoying the views over Batur Volcano and Mt Abang. Alternatively, the lakes area is also reachable on a day-trip from Ubud or Lovina.
LOVINA
For a quiet beach getaway in Bali, Lovina volcanic black sand beach is your go to place. Some consider Lovina too quiet, we like to think that a peaceful place doesn’t make it boring at all.
There’s actually plenty of daily activities to take up: dolphins watching at dawn, superb waterfalls to be found in the area like massive Sekumpul Waterfall, and also volcanic hot spring waters. Other than taking in the lovely sunsets by the beach.
Hotels and resorts in Lovina are cheaper than in the south. You can get pretty good deals when staying in Lovina, check for example The Hamsa Lovina.
NORTH EAST BALI
Definitely traditional and still local, north-eastern Bali hosts some of the most important places of the island, religiously speaking.
Pura Lempuyang, Besakih Temple and Tirta Gangga Water Palace all rise on the sides of majestic Mt. Agung, the tallest volcano in Bali at over 3,100mt.
In the north-east corner, enchanting Amed offers quiet bays between fishing villages, with the green Balinese mountains behind them. Come here to escape the crowds and immerse yourself in nature.
ALSO READ: North East Bali, the real and authentic Bali
SANUR – PADANG BAI
The east coast of Bali is characterised by natural inlets and ports. From here you can depart for the Gili Islands, Nusa Penida and Lembongan off Bali.
Sanur is the busiest tourist centre in the east, an area popular with families, couples and older visitors, in contrast to Kuta and Seminyak. From Sanur, fast ferries to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan leave daily (30-45 minute crossing, we recommend the Ekajaya company).
Further up, Padang Bai is the biggest port on the east coast. Ferries depart from Padang Bai for the Gili Islands and Lombok several times a day, there are several companies and the choice is wide.
Shuttle minivan + ferry tickets are sold everywhere up to Ubud and Kuta, starting from 200k rupiah (15$) in low season, but can go for more than double in high season. We recommend booking in advance online to avoid surprises.
ULUWATU
In the far south of Bali are the seaside areas most loved by surfers, where the long waves of the Indian Ocean crash on the scenic cliffs. The Bukit peninsula is divided into some more or less popular “neighbourhoods”.
To the west is the famous area of Uluwatu. Here stands the temple of the same name, from which you can admire unique shows and sunsets over the sea. On the coast of Uluwatu, the cliffs alternate with small bays and beaches, as beautiful as they are crowded.
The other interesting areas in Bukit are Jimbaran, closer to the airport, and Ungasan, in the south-central part of the peninsula, while to the east Nusa Dua is known for its luxury resorts.
Find more info on the beaches of Uluwatu in our article The best beaches in Bali by region.
GILI ISLANDS
The Gili Islands are a couple of hours away from Bali by ferry, in fact they’re actually just off the coast of Lombok.
These 3 little islands are quite special, as there are no sealed roads, nor motor vehicles here, which makes them relaxing and heavenly.
Gili Trawangan is the biggest and known as the party island, Gili Meno the smallest and ideal for couples, Gili Air is quiet but has many bars and restaurants along the beach.
The Gilis are under Lombok administration, so you’ll find mosques here rather than Hindu temples.
Tip: don’t have time enough to visit them all? Join a snorkeling boat tour in the morning to be dropped off around each of the Gilis! You can spot sea turtles and the famous underwater statues just off Gili Meno shore.
NUSA PENIDA
The other island destination is Nusa Penida, a much larger area compared to the Gilis. Along with nearby Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, Penida’s southern shores showcase spectacular cliffs with breathtaking views, similar to Uluwatu.
Nusa Penida’s most famous sights are at Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach and Atuh Beach. Here again riding a scooter is key, otherwise be prepared to face the bumpy unpaved roads in a car.
Although it’s possible to join Nusa Penida daily tours from Bali, we recommend to spend at least two nights on the island to see all its natural beauties. Nusa Penida is Hindu again, as Bali. Go and visit the wonderful Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple, situated within a 300-m-long cave, for a unique experience!
Read more about the Sea and islands near Bali: Nusa Penida and Gili Islands.
8. HOTELS – WHERE TO STAY IN BALI
As for the attractions, hotels in Bali vary a lot depending on the areas of interest. In the tourist hubs are large chains and luxury hotels, whilst in the interior there’s more family-run guesthouses or bungalows. In the surroundings of Ubud you can find houses and resorts immersed in nature.
If possible, we recommend staying a few minutes outside the urban centres, to enjoy a stay in the greenery of Bali and away from the crowds. Below you’ll find some hotels that we loved in Bali.
OUR FAVOURITE STAYS IN BALI:
- SEMINYAK: GrandMas Plus Hotel Seminyak: located at walking distance from Seminyak Beach, GrandMas is the ideal mid-budget hotel where to start your Bali holiday. GrandMas have also other hotels in Legian Kuta and at Denpasar Airport with restaurant and spa before your return flight.
- CANGGU: Udara Bali Yoga Detox & Spa: the perfect retreat for yoga lovers. Daily free yoga classes, beachfront location, excellent healthy food, plus spa, pools, jacuzzi, steam&sauna.
- UBUD: Pondok Prapen Guest House: a nice family run guesthouse, in a quiet area at walking distance from Ubud town.
- LOVINA: Lovina Haven Boutique Resort: great location to admire the sunsets in Lovina, or The Hamsa Resort Lovina to stay on the hillside: cottages and bungalows, two large infinity pools with tropical views.
- SANUR: Naksa Homestay Sanur: stay in a Balinese house by Sanur beach, on the east coast of Bali.
- ULUWATU: The Room Padang-Padang: excellent position in Uluwatu, next to Padang-Padang Beach. Alternatively check out Open House Jimbaran Bali, seafront in Jimbaran and close to the airport, for your first or last night in Bali.
- GILI MENO: Les Villas Ottalia Resort: private villas with swimming pool, immersed in the island silence. Ottalia also have another location in Gili T: Les Villas Ottalia in Gili Trawangan.
READ ALSO: Detailed information on hotels in each area of Bali in our post Where to stay in Bali, best hotels and areas.
9. HOW TO GET AROUND
The best way to get around Bali is by motorbike, to quickly escape the city traffic and enjoy the cool air in the nature. Alternatively, a rental car or a private driver are a solution too, although you’ll sometimes find yourself stuck in traffic during rush hour.
A taxi ride can cost between 100,000 and 250,000 rupiah (7-15$) depending on distances, a car with a private driver between 600k and a million rupiah (45-65$) for the day. Download the Grab app to save on fares and use the convenient moto-taxis for shorter trips (always wear a helmet).
Virtually every hotel or guesthouse can rent you a motorbike in Bali. Prices start from 100k rupiah per day (7$) for basic models.
Remember to apply for the IDP International Driving Permit online if you plan to drive a car or scooter in Bali and abroad. Travel insurance does not cover accidents abroad if you don’t have an IDP.
The International Drivers Association offers an online service to apply for the digital + paper version of the license even if you’re already traveling, accepted in over 150 countries. More details on the official website.
10. HOW TO BOOK A FERRY IN BALI
The other necessary means of transport in Bali are ferries to reach the Gili Islands and Nusa Penida.
Tickets to the Gili Islands can be purchased through many hotels or agencies, from 250,000 rupiah in low season, up to 500,000 in high season. To avoid last minute inflated prices, enter your dates and check the prices below. The ferry takes a couple of hours depending on sea conditions.
You might consider buying a return ticket soon if you have specific dates, as you could get “ripped off” once you get to the Gili Islands: you are on a small island, the ferry is the only way out, and prices are non-negotiable! Find the timetable and prices for ferries to the Gili Islands here.
Nusa Penida and the small islands of Lembongan and Ceningan can be reached from both Sanur and Padang Bai with several companies, we recommend Ekajaya. The journey from Sanur is shorter, about 45 minutes to Nusa Penida. Info on ferries to Nusa Penida here.
For any ferry it’s always advisable to book in advance, as well as leaving a gap day before your outbound flight, in case of cancellations or delays due to bad weather.
11. WEATHER – WHEN TO GO TO BALI?
Bali and Indonesia are located just south of the equator, the climate is warm all year round with temperatures between 24°C-30°C. There’s no shortage of seasonal rains, especially between November and March.
The best season for a trip to Bali is summer, hot and dry, which coincides with the greatest number of tourists. Pay particular attention to the period from June to August, with the most of European and American visitors, together with the Australian neighbours escaping from their winter.
Some areas in the centre and north, such as Ubud, are rainier and greener due to the proximity to the high volcanoes that attract rainfall. A storm here is always around the corner, often at night, but it doesn’t last long and the sun dries and shines again quickly.
We recommend visiting Bali in the months of April-May or October-November, if possible. We discuss in detail the pros and cons month by month in our article Best seasons and months to visit Bali.
12. HOW MANY DAYS IN BALI?
We recommend spending at least two weeks in Bali, possibly 15-20 days. For example, you could divide your stay like this:
- 3 days between Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu: getting used to Bali and the beaches.
- 4-5 days in Ubud, the heart of Bali: temples and waterfalls.
- 2 days in Lovina or Amed: relaxation and tranquility.
- 4-5 days between Gili, Nusa Penida, Lembongan: islands and sea.
- 3 days between Uluwatu or Sanur: last nights before returning to the airport.
Bali is not a small island, but not excessively large either: it’s possible to reach every point in a couple of hours by road, if you’re prepared to face heavy traffic, the biggest problem in Bali.
Due to the hundreds of rivers and canals that cross the island, Balinese roads are narrow and often very crowded, especially in the chaotic south. That said, taking a scooter ride through the rice fields is one of the best feelings in Bali!
13. CONCLUSIONS AND USEFUL LINKS
Our guide to Bali ends here. You can read more information in the related articles, or ask us questions in the comments below.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO BALI!
ALSO READ:
What to see&do in Ubud in 5 days
Bali ceremonies, culture and festivals
Sea and islands near Bali: Nusa Penida and Gili Islands
Bali online visa costs and how to get it
Guide to seeing Komodo Dragons and Padar Island
ONLINE IDP – INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT
We recommend getting an International Driving Permit online if you’re planning to drive a vehicle abroad. The International Drivers Association offers a reliable online service that allows to get a digital+physical licence even if you’re already travelling, valid and accepted in 150+ countries worldwide.
More info on the official website (use code IDAAMILLIONTRAVELS10 for 10% off).
Here you can compare car rental prices in the country you are travelling.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
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