Bali Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit, Beaches, Prices & Local Tips

1. Why Visit Bali

Bali is one of the most iconic travel destinations in the world — famous for its lush rice terraces, volcanic mountains, sacred temples, stunning beaches, traditional villages, and vibrant spiritual culture. The island offers the perfect mix of nature, adventure, relaxation, healthy food culture, and beach life.

Bali is ideal for:

  • Couples and honeymoons

  • Yoga and wellness retreats

  • Digital nomads

  • Adventure travelers

  • Families and long stays

Here, you can start your morning with a sunrise hike, spend the day at a beach club, and finish with a sunset above endless rice fields.


2. Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

Season Months Weather Notes
Dry Season Apr–Oct Sunny, low humidity Best for beaches & hiking
Wet Season Nov–Mar Rain showers, humid Fewer tourists, lower prices

For perfect weather → June–September.
For budget travelers → February–April.


3. How to Get to Bali

Most travelers arrive via Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) near Kuta.

Transportation from the Airport:

  • Taxi / Grab / Gojek: 150,000–350,000 IDR depending on distance

  • Private Driver: 400,000–700,000 IDR per day (popular choice)

  • Scooter rental: 70,000–120,000 IDR/day (only if experienced)


4. Best Areas to Stay in Bali

Area Best For What to Expect
Ubud Culture, nature, wellness Rice fields, temples, yoga, retreats
Canggu Digital nomads, surf, cafés Trendy, beach bars, co-working, sunsets
Seminyak Comfort & shopping Chic resorts, restaurants, beach clubs
Uluwatu Cliffs, surfing, dramatic views World-class beaches & waves
Nusa Dua Families, luxury Safe, calm beaches and 5★ resorts

Quick tip:
If it’s your first time → stay Ubud (3–4 nights) + Canggu/Seminyak or Uluwatu (3–5 nights).


5. Best Things to Do in Bali

1) Sacred Monkey Forest (Ubud)

A unique temple complex with friendly (and curious!) monkeys.

2) Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Iconic layered rice fields — best at sunrise.

3) Waterfalls

Top picks:

  • Tegenungan

  • Sekumpul

  • Gitgit

4) Uluwatu Temple + Kecak Fire Dance

Cliffside views + traditional cultural performance at sunset.

5) Mount Batur Sunrise Hike

Early wakeup → unforgettable sunrise above the clouds.

6) Island-Hopping

From Bali, you can easily visit:

  • Nusa Penida (famous Kelingking Beach)

  • Gili Islands (relaxed, no cars)

  • Nusa Lembongan (quiet escape)


6. Best Beaches in Bali

Bali beaches differ a lot depending on region.

Beach Region Features
Padang Padang Uluwatu Small, beautiful, great for photos
Bingin Beach Uluwatu Cliffside cafés, surfing vibe
Melasti Beach Uluwatu White sand, Instagram spots
Canggu Beach Canggu Surfing, sunsets, beach bars
Nusa Dua Beach Nusa Dua Calm water, perfect for kids

Insider Tip:
For turquoise water → Uluwatu beaches.
For golden sunsets → Canggu.


7. Where to Eat: Bali Food Culture

Bali is known for healthy cafés, smoothie bowls, vegan restaurants, seafood, and Indonesian classics.

Must-Try Local Dishes:

  • Nasi Goreng (fried rice)

  • Mie Goreng (fried noodles)

  • Sate Ayam (chicken skewers with peanut sauce)

  • Babi Guling (roast pork — Bali specialty)

  • Fresh tropical fruit juices

Trendy Food Areas:

  • Canggu: café culture + beach bars

  • Ubud: vegan + organic restaurants

  • Jimbaran: seafood dinner on the beach


8. Nightlife & Social Scene

Bali has a lively but relaxed nightlife vibe.

  • Canggu → Bars, parties, sunset beach clubs

  • Seminyak → Trendy cocktail bars & lounges

  • Uluwatu → Cliffside night events and DJ sets

Popular beach clubs:

  • Finns Beach Club

  • Potato Head

  • Single Fin

  • Savaya


9. Prices & Budget

Estimated daily budget (per person):

Traveler Type Budget/Day Notes
Backpacker 300,000–600,000 IDR Hostels + street food
Mid-range 800,000–1,800,000 IDR Hotels + tours
Luxury 2,000,000–8,000,000+ IDR Villas, spa, beach clubs

Typical Costs:

  • Local meal: 30,000–80,000 IDR

  • Restaurant dish: 120,000–250,000 IDR

  • Massage: 120,000–350,000 IDR/hour


10. Suggested 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Ubud → Monkey Forest → Rice Terraces
Day 2: Waterfalls → Campuhan Ridge Walk → Spa
Day 3: Move to Uluwatu → Uluwatu Temple → Sunset
Day 4: Beach day (Melasti / Padang Padang) → Cliff bar evening
Day 5: Day trip to Nusa Penida
Optional: Add Canggu for nightlife & cafés


11. Safety & Local Etiquette

  • Don’t touch offerings on the ground (canang sari).

  • Wear modest clothes when visiting temples.

  • Monkey areas → no sunglasses/jewelry (monkeys take them).

  • Always check surf conditions (strong currents).

  • Scooter driving requires confidence — if unsure → hire driver.


12. FAQ

Is Bali safe for tourists?
Yes, Bali is generally safe, especially in tourist areas. Just use common-sense travel awareness.

How many days do I need in Bali?
5–10 days is ideal to see multiple regions.

Do I need a visa?
Most travelers receive Visa on Arrival (VOA). Check your passport rules before arrival.

Can I drink tap water?
No. Drink bottled or filtered water only.

Is Bali expensive?
It can be very budget-friendly or ultra-luxury — depending on staying area and style.