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.
The surf in Bali is world-renowned. West Coast spots like Canggu and Kuta boast incredible waves, while the Rip Curl Surf School in Legian runs daily classes for novices. The calmer waters to the east are great for scuba diving and snorkelling, and headgear is readily available pretty much everywhere.
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!
Sea turtle © Daniel Wilhelm Nilsson/Shutterstock
Sitting just eight degrees south of the equator, Bali enjoys fairly constant temperatures year-round, averaging 27°C along the coast and in the hills around Ubud. However, from October to March, the island experiences its annual monsoon, bringing rain, wind, and intense humidity.
If your trip planning to Indonesia includes Bali, the best time to visit is during the dry season (April to September). That said, Ubud sees rain year-round, so an occasional downpour is always possible. Don’t let that discourage you, though—rain showers are usually short but intense, rather than lingering all day.
One key exception: mountain climbing during the monsoon is both dangerous and unrewarding, so it’s best to avoid high-altitude treks in the wet season.
For most travellers, there are three main kinds of visas available. The free-entry visa is non-extendable, so if you think you might end up staying longer than 30 days you should pay for the extendable visa on arrival (US$35.00), or get a 60-day visa before leaving home.
Silhouettes of people at sunset on the beach of Kuta, Bali, Indonesia © Netfalls Remy Musser/Shutterstock
Most mobile phones will work fine in Indonesia. Virtually all travellers these days choose not to use international roaming (as costs can be prohibitive) but use a local SIM card, which will provide 3G or 4G mobile internet. A local SIM is very cheap. Mobile coverage is excellent in Bali and there are phone shops everywhere.
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.
One of the most important Bali travel tips is to not drink untreated tap water, as it is likely to contain disease-causing micro-organisms and cause a Bali belly (an upset stomach condition). Bottled water is available everywhere and refilling facilities are becoming more widespread (cutting down on plastic waste).
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.
Watching dolphins in Lovina, Bali © Piotr Kala/APA
Bali is within malarial zones and you must seek medical advice at least a month before you travel. Malaria, which can be fatal, is passed into humans through mosquito bites (one is all it takes). The appropriate prophylactic drug depends on your destination but all are taken to a strict timetable beginning before you enter the malarious area and continuing after leaving.
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.
While initially daunting, particularly in jam-packed city centres, mopeds are cheap to rent and give you the freedom to explore the island’s more out-of-the-way attractions.
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.
Ready to explore Bali? Plan your transportation with our in-depth guide.
Bali's mopeds © Shutterstock
Regarded as some of the best Indonesian islands, the three Gili Islands lie off the west coast of Lombok, and are less than two hours' boat ride from Bali. They are a laid-back haven for partying, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving.
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.
Looking for even more options for travelling? Check out our selection of the best holiday destinations from around the world.
Gili Meno © Luciano Mortula - LGM/Shutterstock
Traditional dances are performed everywhere, but none in so spectacular a location as the ancient cliff-top temple of Uluwatu, on the tip of the southern Bukit Peninsula. If you’re travelling by moped be aware that you’ll be returning in the dark, so make note of your route.
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.
Rough Guides tip: To have a chance to explore everything that you are interested in in Bali read our guide on how many days are best to spend here.
Nusa Lembongan still feels like a true island escape — you’ll sense it the moment you wade off the boat. Even the hawkers seem in no rush. While most visitors come for the diving and surfing, a trip into the mangrove swamps on the northeast coast offers something different.
It’s an eerie yet peaceful experience. Boats are punted with bamboo, gliding silently through the tangled roots without the hum of an engine to disturb the crabs and birds below. Low tide is the best time to go, when the exposed roots create an otherworldly scene. If you're wondering how long to stay in Bali, consider adding a couple of nights here — Nusa Lembongan is worth more than just a day trip.
Any journey doesn't start until you get to your destination. Find out about how to get to Indonesia.
Mushroom Bay on Nusa Lembongan Bali Indonesia © Shutterstock
Use ATMs as much as possible and try to avoid money-changers, as they can undercut you. If you have no other option, the best Bali travel tip is to do your own calculations and double-check theirs. Notes are large and some changers play on tourists’ confusion, giving you less than you’ve agreed on.
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.
Ubud is Bali’s traditional cultural hub and now lies at the heart of the island’s holistic wellness movement – part of Eat, Pray, Love was filmed here. Head to one of the many classes at the Yoga Barn and stop off at The Seeds of Life, a raw food restaurant, for a detox.
One of the essential Bali travel tips is to take a Yoga class in Bali © zjuzjaka/Shutterstock
From the traditional famed babi guling (a whole spit-roast pig) to Japanese, Chinese, Thai and American fusion cuisine, there’s always something to fill your belly in Bali.
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.
There is such a wide range of activities on offer in Bali, that it can be overwhelming. Whether your stay is long or short, let the Balinese spirit in chill out, breathe and enjoy the ride.
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.
Looking to relax and rejuvenate? Discover the perfect hideaway in our guide to 20 of the most relaxing holiday destinations.
Denpasar market © Piotr Kala/APA
Find more accommodation options to stay in Bali
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Top image: Rice terraces in Bali © Dudarev Mikhail/Shutterstock.
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting Indonesia
