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About this guide

With mesmerizing Southeast Asian horizons, Bali offers an enchanting escape for travelers looking for a colorful and culture-filled trip. This a popular destination known for steadfast traditions, breathtaking beaches, and lush landscapes. The island's history, heritage, and spirituality become even more evident in its blend of adventure and relaxation experiences. From markets and historic temples to rice terraces and luxury resorts, Bali caters to travelers in culture, connection, and comfort.

  • Best time to travel: June to August and December (peak season), November to March (off-season), April to May and September to October (shoulder season) 
  • Time zone: Central Indonesia Time Zone (WITA)
  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
  • Language: Balinese and Indonesian
  • Noteworthy: Nyepi Day of Silence (March), Bali Spirit Festival (May), Bali Arts Festival (June to July), Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (October)
  • Best for: Luxury Island Getaways and Beach Adventures, Honeymoon and Couples Trip, Sustainable Nature Enthusiasts

Get Away: Getting To And Around Bali, Indonesia

By Air 

Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar has major airlines with direct flights to Bali from international destinations. Additionally, connecting flights from major hubs like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta give travelers convenient access to the island.

By Car

Renting a car in Bali, whether a driver or self-driving, allows travelers to navigate scenic roads comfortably and conveniently. Consider taking private tours with a local driver for more flexible navigation among the island’s unfamiliar terrain and diverse landscapes. 

By Public Transit

Navigating Bali by public transit involves using a combination of buses, bemos (minivans), and taxis. While limited, Trans Sarbagita buses operate in Denpasar and surrounding areas. However, there are more flexible ride-hailing apps and private services.

Explore Bali, Indonesia On Foot

Bali can be an intimate and immersive experience when exploring the Southeast Asian island's charm with every step. Make sure to pack comfortable shoes to walk through traditional villages, rice fields, hidden waterfalls, spiritual temples, and lush jungles.

Quick facts

Central Indonesia Time Zone (WITA)

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Balinese and Indonesian

Good For

Luxury Island and Beach Getaways

Southeast Asian History Buffs

Honeymoon and Group Trips

Sustainable Culture and Nature Enthusiasts

Keep in mind

  • Nyepi Day of Silence (March)
  • Bali Spirit Festival (May)
  • Bali Arts Festival (June to July)
  • Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (October)

Gourmet

Gourmet: Places To Eat In Bali, Indonesia

AKAR By K Club Ubud

Billed as one of Bali’s top restaurants, AKAR By K Club Ubud serves guests in an upscale two-floor building with separate bars and a main kitchen. The diverse menu includes dishes like seared scallops, Spanish Patanegra, BBQ Balinese pork ribs, and a decadent Chili Chocolate Lava dessert.

The Grumpy Butcher

The Grumpy Butcher serves mouth-watering sea, surf, and sweet delights with a full bar of specialty cocktails, wine, and beer. The Smokehouse BBQ spot serves succulent beef brisket, housemade sausages, BBQ ribs, burgers, and seafood specialties.

Ivy Cafe 

For a refreshing brunch and dinner spot, the Ivy Cafe has a cozy island vibe with fresh and healthy options, including burgers, pasta, salads, pizza, and sandwiches. The brunch menu offers diverse dishes like classic pancakes, eggs Benedict, smoothie bowls, and smoked salmon avocado toast.

Sleeping Gajah

Sleeping Gajah has a relaxed dining vibe with exclusive experiences like Balinese cooking classes, romantic starlight dinners, and a floating breakfast in a private villa. Dishes include Thai prawn salad, Balinese yellow curry, chicken and shrimp satays, and coconut sticky rice with mango.

Boy'N'Cow

Bali's one-and-only 'Meat Boutique,' at Boy'N'Cow grills dry-aged ribeye, Tomahawk, Wagyu striploin, and more steaks on a charcoal gaucho grill. There are also non-beef options including grilled chicken, salmon, lobster, and octopus with classic side dishes.

Dapur Usada

Dapur Usada showcases the culinary fusion of Indonesia's finest ingredients and Ayurvedic principles of the Indo-Vedic culture. Plant-based menus range from breakfast and lunch to dinner and desserts like Sweet Potato Rosti, Banana Flower Stew, Masala Dosa, and Lontar Pisang Goreng.

Play

Play: Things To Do In Bali, Indonesia

ATV Quad Bike Bali At Waterfall Gorilla Cave 

For adventurers who don't mind getting messy, the ATV quad bike excursion offers an exhilarating off-road drive through picturesque countryside. At the Waterfall Gorilla Cave Ride, guests enjoy lunch and then ride through rice paddies, plantations, and jungles.

Subak Balinese Cooking Class and Market Tour

For foodies who want to explore true Southeast Asian cuisine, the Subak Balinese Cooking Class and Market Tour stand out. Guests learn to create nine classic Balinese dishes with expert guidance with a morning trip to a local market like a local.

Uluwatu Sunset, Kecak Dance, and Dinner At Jimbaran Beach

There’s a captivating seaside private experience unique to Bali with a gorgeous backdrop of the Uluwatu cliffs. This includes a delectable fresh seafood dinner on Jimbaran Beach and a mesmerizing cultural Kecak Dance performance by the sea.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary

Home to over 1,260 semi-free-ranging long-tailed macaques, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary has an enchanting aura in its temple complex. Guests can witness monkeys play in their natural habitat with firm guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tegalalang Rice Terrace has sunrise and sunset visits to walk along the cascading fields of rice at the Bali Pulina plantation. There are mountain-edge swings with the greenest views of Bali during peak and shoulder seasons.

All-Inclusive Batur Volcano Sunrise, Breakfast, And Hot Spring Tour

This all-inclusive sunrise, volcano, and hot spring tour starts in the early morning at the Batur Volcano in Bali with a guided ascent to the summit. After enjoying breakfast with a view, visitors relax in the hot springs and taste local luwak coffee at a local plantation.

Swim In The Blue Lagoon And Four Amazing Falls

Join friendly guides to explore and swim in the Blue Lagoon, one of five stunning North Bali waterfalls including  Aling-Aling, Kroya, Kembar, and Pucuk. Visitors enjoy the three-hour trek through rice terraces, farms, and villages before making their way to local fruit farms.

INKA Spa 

INKA Spa offers relaxing massages, high-end facial treatments, and exceptional manicure and pedicure services. Inspired by the Mediterranean and South American spirit, the warm and tranquil ambiance serves as the perfect spot to unwind.