Bali travel tips: things to know before you go

With its coral-speckled beaches, luscious green rice terraces and blissful azure seas, Bali has long been a haven for surfers, sun worshippers and yoga junkies alike. Whether you’re planning the adventure of a lifetime, a week of relaxation or a family holiday, here are Bali travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok, your essential guide for visiting Bali.

1. Head west for waves, east for snorkelling

Experience Bali with this stunning tailor-made trip to Bali's Beaches and Temples. Marvel at ancient temples like Tanah Lot and Pura Besakih, soak in stunning sunsets, stroll bare-footed along the best beaches in Bali and haggle at local markets – experience all of this, and much more, with this unique trip!

2. Be aware of the rainy season

The best time to visit is outside the monsoon season, from April to September, but you should be prepared to get rained on in Ubud at any time of year. However, the prospect of a daily rainstorm shouldn’t put you off: you’re far more likely to get an hour-long downpour than a day-long drizzle. Mountain climbing, though, is both unrewarding and dangerous at monsoon time

3. Get the right visa

4. Order a tourist SIM card in advance

Staff may have to unblock your phone first and will also advise on the best SIM card for your needs, bearing in mind local and international coverage. Top-up cards are sold at mobile-phone stalls everywhere.

5. Stick to bottled water - one of the most important Bali travel tips

Or you can buy purifying tablets, water filters and water purifiers from travel clinics and specialist outdoor-equipment retailers. Note that in some losmen drinking water is often served hot in a Thermos indicating that it has been boiled. Indonesians are very much aware of the need to boil water before drinking it and generally water, tea or coffee served hot is safe to drink.

6. Bring bug spray with you

However, none of the antimalarial drugs is a hundred percent effective and it is vital to try to stop the mosquitoes from biting you. So Bali travel tips in this case are to wear long sleeves and long trousers in infected areas, burn mosquito coils, and use repellent on exposed skin.

The most powerful repellents should be brought from home. DEET is effective but can be an irritant and natural alternatives are available containing citronella, eucalyptus oil or neem oil.

7. Embrace mopeds as your transport of choice

Make sure to check the tank, as they’re often left empty by the previous rider. If you do run low, petrol is easily purchased (usually in vodka bottles) from almost every roadside shop. And don’t forget to ask for a helmet.

8. Don’t miss the Gilis

One of the top Bali travel tips is to rent a bike and head around the stunning white shoreline, stopping off to swim amid tropical fish and the occasional sea turtle. Boats run between the islands constantly, but make sure to catch a public one, rather than pay through the nose for a private speedboat.

9. Watch a fire dance at Uluwatu

This tailor-made trip to the best of Bali will take you from modern-day Bali to the traditional one. Bali has many adventures to offer, tour the countryside with a Vespa or glide through the hidden canyons. You will also be able to enjoy visits to enchanting villages, where you can take in the local way of life.

10. Take a trip to Nusa Lembongan

It’s an eerie experience: boats are punted with bamboo, so there’s no engine noise to disturb the crabs and birds that inhabit the muddy forest floor. The trip is best at low tide when the roots are exposed.

11. Be vigilant with money

From your base on Bali's renowned beaches, you'll island-hop your way around glorious Hindu temples and heritage sites. See komodo dragons, partake in a traditional Balinese ceremony, meet with a Hindu High Priest and visit local villages: this tailor-made trip to Indonesia ticks all the tropical getaway boxes.

12. Get a health kick in Ubud

13. Or just eat everything

Try the Potato Head Beach Club in high-end Seminyak for some multicultural dining in an unusual horseshoe-shaped building, or head to Gili Trawangan for the night market, where you can sample grilled king prawns straight from the ocean. Make sure to order the Indonesian staple gado gado, a salad of boiled vegetables and eggs, at least once on your trip.

14. Relax!

Enjoy a luxurious stay in Bali, with hand-picked 5 Star Hotels. This tailor-made trip to Royal Bali includes privately guided tours as well as leisure time, ideal for families with kids. Highlights include the sea temple Tanah Lot, Jatiluwih rice terraces and Uluwatu temple with its famous Kecak dance.

Where to stay in Bali

• For Ubud: Nau Villa Ubud
• For a romantic getaway: Munduk Heaven Luxury Villas
• For luxury: The Kayon Jungle Resort
• For tranquil stays: Villa D'Carik Bali

Find more accommodation options to stay in Bali

Ready for a trip to Bali? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Bali & Lombok.

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Bali without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

We may earn commission from some of the external websites linked in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image: Rice terraces in Bali © Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock.