Bali Travel Guide
With beaches you can only dream of, tropical nature that you can explore for days on end, and mouth-watering cuisine found at every corner, it’s no surprise Bali is increasingly popular year after year. With such an incredible amount of sights to see it can be hard to know where to start your journey.
This ultimate Bali Travel Guide has been made to show you how to get the most out of your trip and give you many tips and tricks including the perfect Bali itinerary to help you navigate your way around this paradise.
From world-class diving and relaxing in Gili T to sunsets that will melt your heart in Uluwatu. Dive on into the guide and find out where to go and how to make your Bali adventure the most easeful trip possible.
Table of Contents
Arriving to Bali
Flying into Bali you’ll be landing at Denpasar airport. You’ll be eager to get to your accommodation as soon as possible but there are a few steps to go through before then.
Immigration
Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD)
There are 2 options for submitting the required forms on arrival in Bali
1. Online before departure – https://ecd.beacukai.go.id/
You can fill in your ECD on the Indonesian government’s website 2 days prior to departure to Bali. No later than this.
This can save you a bit of time on arrival
2. Online On arrival
On arrival, you can connect to the Wifi at the airport and submit your ECD on the government website. After the form is finished you will receive a QR code to present to the customs official before the security screening
Visa Details
Visa requirements for Bali depend on your nationality and the length of your stay
You can obtain a visa on arrival at Bali’s international airport for a fee of $35 USD or $50 AUD. this visa is valid for up to 30 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days
For a Visa extension if you want to stay in Bali for more than 30 days you can extend your visa at the immigration office in Bali. You must apply for the extension at least 7 days before
if your visa expires, the extension fee is around $50 USD / $75 AUD
Perfect Bali itinerary
Day 1 - 3 Southern Bali
The first stop on your Journey will be taking you to Southern Bali. Exploring the bustling life in Seminyak, Legian, and Canggu. With an incredible amount of different areas to explore from stunning white sand beaches to Beach clubs going until the early hours of the morning, it’s convenient that these locations are only a short walk or drive between each other. Perfect for your first few days.
Seminyak
On Bali’s western coast, Seminyak is a well-known beach resort town. It is located close to the north of the well-known Kuta and Legian neighborhoods and is famous for its upscale and luxurious ambiance. Due to its abundance of luxurious hotels, spas, villas, and restaurants, Seminyak is a popular choice for tourists seeking a more upscale and laid-back Bali experience.
If staying nearby Seminyak, It is only a short walk to discover a variety of entertainment options available for guests:
Countless pubs, clubs, and beach clubs make up Seminyak’s thriving nightlife. That attracts young travellers from around the world.
Seminyak’s beach is well-known for surfing and sunbathing, and there are lots of beachside cafes and restaurants where guests may take in the breathtaking ocean views.
Seminyak provides visitors looking to experience the finest of Bali’s beach culture and luxury lifestyle with a unique and entertaining experience.
Legian
Legian is a popular beach town resort located on the west coast of Bali, it is just above the famous Kuta area and north of the Seminyak area. Legian is known for its beautiful sandy beach, neat dive bars, and wide range of accommodation options from guest houses at a very affordable price to luxury resorts. If a drink in hand on a lounger watching the sun go down on the beach sounds good to you, Legian has many options for you. Double six beach is one of our favourites.
What to do
The beach at Legian is popular for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. There are many beachfront restaurants, cafes, and bars where visitors can relax and enjoy the ocean views with some beautiful locals to help with your every need.
If you’re looking for your shopping fix in Bali, Legian is also a popular destination for shopping with many markets and vibrant boutiques offering a wide range of goods from souvenirs to designer clothing
Overall Legian offers a lively and exciting experience for travellers looking to experience the best of Bali’s beaches, shopping and surfing
Canngu
Canggu is an increasingly popular tourist destination located on the southwestern coast of Bali, it is known for its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, clubs, and bars for every night of the week. Canggu has become very popular in recent years as a destination for digital nomads, surfers, and yoga enthusiasts. But if you’re not one of those there’s still so much for you to see
What to do
Canggu’s beaches are beautiful and diverse and major attraction for many tourists.
The most popular beaches to see include Echo Beach, Batu Balong Beach, and Berawa beach
Tanah Lot Temple is a beautiful and historic temple located just a short drive away.
The Canggu markets are a very popular market and sell a wide range of goods from clothing to souvenirs, Just remember to practice your bartering beforehand.
Restaurants
Canggu is also home to some of the best restaurants in Bali, offering a wide range of dining options, from incredible local cuisine on the beach to an abundance of trendy cafes catering to a large variety of tastes. Canggu will not leave you hungry and disappointed.
Nightlife
If you want nightlife, you’ve got it in Canggu. The ever-growing nightlife in Canggu has incredible bars, nightclubs, and beach clubs to keep the party going all night. From parties at the back of a pizza shop to raves on the beach until 3 in the morning, Canggu will give you something for every night of the week.
Overall Canggu offers a unique and relaxed experience for travellers looking to experience the best of Bali’s beach culture, surf scene, and wellness offerings. It is a great destination for those chasing a more laid back and social Bali experience
Day 3 - 5 Ubud
The second leg of your Bali adventure will be taking you to Ubud in the uplands of central Bali. Ubud is a must-see as it is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant artistic community, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and travellers looking for an authentic Bali experience.
Things to do
See the surrounding lush green rice fields and rice paddies at Tegallalang rice terraces.
Spend a morning at the Ubud art market
Jump on a scooter and ride up north through the dense forestry, and towering Mountains to find Mount Batur, a towering Active volcano you can hike and see the most stunning views of Bali from above.
For our animal lovers, you can’t miss the Ubud monkey forest to see all the monyets in their natural habitat. Ubud most definitely has something for everyone.
If you have enough time, Ubud is the perfect midpoint for a day tour to many places. Only a short trip away on a scooter or with a local guide is any of the 3 Unesco world heritage sights in Bali that will blow you away.
Along with this, you can see Pura Tirta Empul, Bali’s sacred water temple. One of the most popular temples and is considered to contain the holiest water in Bali.
For accommodation, the City centre is the busiest part of Ubud by far. For a quieter experience, consider finding accommodation on the outskirts of Ubud.
Ubud is a great break from the bustling city and best way to dive into the true nature of Bali. You will not be disappointed on this trip.
Day 5-6 Uluwatu (Bukit peninsula)
After your escape away in Ubud you’ll continue your journey by heading south to the Bukit Peninsula in the southernmost part of Bali commonly known as Uluwatu.
Uluwatu is a laid-back, breath of fresh air located on the southwestern tip of Bali and a personal favourite of ours. Known for its stunning coastal scenery of limestone cliffs, rock formations, and world-class surf breaks, it calls to all beach lovers and anyone looking to unwind.
A 1.5-2 hour journey from Ubud or make it into a day trip and stop along many beautiful sights along the way such as the stunning Tibumana waterfall.
Things to do
There’s no better place to sit and enjoy a Bintang atop a cliff at sunset while watching the crowd of surfers cruise below than at Single fin.
For sun chasers, Beautiful beaches to relax by are in abundance in Uluwatu. Head to Padang Padang beach to sunbathe or have an attempt at surfing the fun beginner waves at the break if it’s your first time on a board. There are plenty of surfing guides to help you out.
Or if surfing isn’t your thing, Uluwatu is home to the famous Uluwatu temple which is placed on top of a rugged limestone cliff with breathtaking views overlooking the Indian ocean. P.s. Make sure to keep your possessions close by here as the local monkeys are quite the sneaky thieves.
After your tours and looking for a place to unwind, No other place will you find the expanding scene of Bali’s amazing Restaurants and Bars than in Uluwatu. Between local Warungs on the sand and Live music on the cliffside Uluwatu satisfies every travellers desires in Bali.
Look into our in depth Uluwatu Travel Guide for more tips and the best places to see in Uluwatu.
Day 7 - 9 Nusa islands
Starting your Nusa island journey you will be departing from a town called Nusa dua, a town right on the southern coast of Bali known for its beautiful beaches like no other and Insta-worthy landscape.
Getting to the Islands
Speedboat / Ferry
To get to the Nusa islands you will need to take either a speed boat or ferry from Sanur harbor. The drive from Nusa Dua to Sanur harbor will take approximately 30-45 minutes. Once you have arrived at the harbor you can purchase your ticket.
Operators that I would recommend include:
Maruti express
D’Camel Fast ferry
Crown fast cruise.
Booking your tickets online is a very good option if you want to do a day trip as these usually include a private driver to take you on a personal tour around Nusa Penida. The journey in the boat takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes by speed boat and 90 minutes by ferry.
The stunning island Nusa Penida is a small island located southeast of Bali, it is part of the Nusa islands which also include Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
The stunning coastline of Nusa Penida, which includes rugged cliffs, unexplored beaches, and crystal-clear waters, is one of the island’s key attractions. Broken Beach, Diamond Beach, and Mushroom Bay are three magnificent coves surrounded by cliffs that are popular with tourists.
Nusa Penida is home to Crystal Bay, a stunning beach, bright blue seas, and fantastic snorkeling. Along with this, there’s a large diversity of animals, including the Bali Starling, and manta rays hand turtles which all may be found on Nusa Penida.
To take the iconic Instagram photo Kelingking Beach is the place to go with its distinctive T-rex-shaped rock formation.
The Thousand Islands Viewpoint, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and shoreline, is another well-liked destination on the island.
Day 10 - 12 Gili Islands
Next leg of the trip we’ll continue the island life by taking a fast boat from Nusa Lembongan to Gili island. Exploring Gili Trawangan or more commonly known as ‘Gili T’. One of three small islands including Gili Air and Gili Meno, Gili T is located off the northwest coast of Lombok. A popular spot for backpackers and travellers looking for a relaxed and laid-back experience, Gili T’s crystal-clear waters, buzzing nightlife, and friendly locals will capture your heart and leave you wishing you had more days to stay.
Surrounded by a diverse range of marine life and stunning coral reefs, Snorkelling, and Diving are a large part of tourism in Gili T. You’ll have no trouble finding a tour company willing to take you for a day or two.
There is no motorised transport on the Island, so a Bicycle or walking will be your transport of choice here, but don’t worry you can cycle the Island just in under 2 hours.
Apart from biking a fun way of getting around the island is the horse-drawn carriage ride. These are available to take you anywhere with a road all day on the Island.
When finished with your activities for the day, perch up on sunset beach and end your day right watching the sun disappear into a stunning pink blaze over the horizon and join up in the local drum circle nearby after.
For such a small island there’s plenty to do on Gil T. A must-do for anyone on their Bali adventure.
For a complete Guide on Gili T Click Here
Day 13 - 14 Keramas
Coming to the end of your trip you’ll be arriving in the beautiful beachside village located on the eastern coast of Bali called Keramas.
Known for its black sand beaches made from volcanic rock and great surf break due to its strong waves and currents, Kermas is a great destination for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more natural side of Bali to end your trip.
What to do
Nearby you’ll find the main attractions including the Bali safari and marine park or even check out markets at the local villages and have a chat with the locals that will give an insight into the rich history and culture Bali has to offer.
Keramas is also only a short distance to the Denpasar Airport around a 30-minute drive making it very convenient to end your amazing Bali adventure.
Transport - Best way to get around
Ridesharing Apps
Easy to download and use, Ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are a great way to get around and most of the time the cheapest way. When a 10-20 minute ride on the back of a scooter to the markets or beach only costs around $2 (20,000 IDR), It’s hard to turn down this option.
A larger car or minivan will cost around $4 (40,000IDR) If traveling with a larger group.
Ridesharing will save you a lot of time and hassle in your long travels.
Scooter and Car Rental
A personal scooter is the easiest way to get around in Bali and the best option for solo travellers or couples. The roads around Bali, especially in the city can be highly congested and busy, so this is also best for experienced riders.
For travelers in larger groups or with lots of luggage, it can be worth it to accept the extra cost of a car rental. This is a much more comfortable way to get around the island and if you also aren’t ready to navigate the busy roads you can hire a private driver to take you for day trips to any attractions and beaches you wish.
Cost
Scooter rental: ($7) 70k – ($10) 10k IDR / day
Private Driver: minimum 600k IDR ($60)
On the street
Bluebird are the main option for taxis on the street. If walking down the street you will be able to find a taxi in no time if they don’t find you first. These can be a little more pricy than ridesharing apps as you barter for the price, yet most of the drivers are honest and reliable. Just make sure you agree on a price for your destination before you get in the taxi.
Best time of Year to go
The best time to visit Bali is in the dry season, which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is mostly sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as surfing, snorkeling, hiking, and exploring the island
The Wet Season in Bali runs from October to April with the heaviest rainfall occurring from late December to February. Whilst the island is still beautiful during this time the weather in the rainy season can be very unpredictable with frequent rain showers and high humidity.
Bali is a popular destination all year round, so it can get crowded in the High season, if you’re looking for fewer crowds and the lowest price, you may want to visit during the shoulder seasons of April to June or September to November.
Ultimately the best time to travel to Bali depends on your personal preference and travel goals.
Sim Card
Several mobile network operators in Bali offer prepaid sim cards for travellers our favourite options are
Telkomsel – Telkomsel is the most popular mobile network operator in Bali and offers a good range of sims and deals, you will be able to find Telkomsel at the airport on arrival, make sure they download the app for you if you are staying for an extended amount of time so you can top up yourself.
XL Axiata – XL Axiata is another popular network that offers a prepaid sim card that has good coverage across the island and offer various data packages at affordable prices
When purchasing a sim card in Bali, make sure to bring your passport as it is required for registration. You can purchase a SIM card at the airport or any mobile network operator’s kiosk or store across Bali. Just ensure you use a reputable store and check your data works before leaving the store.
Money
The official currency of Bali and Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). The rupiah is a non-convertible currency which means it cannot be exchanged outside of Indonesia. As exchange rates fluctuate it is always best to check the current exchange rates at the time of your travel it is approximately
1 AUD = 10,733 IDR
1 USD = 14,457 IDR
Money Changers
There are many money changers in Bali, but it is important to be cautious when exchanging money to avoid scams and fake currency. Here are some tips to help you find a reliable money changer in Bali
- Choose a reputable money changer: look for a money changer with a good reputation or one that was recommended by your hotel or reliable tour guide. These money changers just take a small commission on your exchange included in your rate.
- Check the exchange rates before exchanging your money to make sure you are getting a fair rate
- Count your money: make sure you always count your money before leaving the money changers office to ensure you have received the right amount.
- Avoid street money changers: it’s best to avoid street money changers as they sometimes offer an unfair exchange rate or try to scam you.
ATM’s
When traveling to Bali it’s important to be cautious when the ATMs to avoid scams and skimming some of the best tips we picked up are
- Use the ATMs that are inside the banks or popular shopping areas rather than standalone machines these are generally more secure
- Choose a bank with a good reputation such as BNI, BRI, or Mandiri
Make sure that before traveling to Bali you notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with your card being blocked
It’s always a good idea to do your research and check your bank’s fees and exchange rates for using international ATMs to avoid any surprises
A banking card that we recommend and use daily is a Wise travel banking card. It is a type of debit or credit card that is specifically designed for international travellers to make their life as easy as possible when traveling. These cards offer several benefits such as
- No foreign transaction fee allowing you to make purchases and withdraw cash in a foreign currency without incurring foreign transaction fees
- Competitive exchange rates which means you get more money from the local currency for every dollar you spend
- Multiple currencies Wise banking lets you load multiple currencies onto the card so you can use it in different countries without having to worry about the currency exchange
- Advanced security features such as fraud protection and chip and pin technology help protect against fraud and unauthorized transactions
Helpful apps
Several apps can be useful for travelers when visiting Bali, some of our favorite apps were:
GoJek – Gojek is a ride-hailing app that allows you to book a Motorbike or car ride, food delivery, and other services including services like massage and laundry it is a very popular app used throughout Bali and can be very convenient and a safe way to get around Bali
Grab – Grab is another ride-hailing app that operates in Bali and offers similar services like booking a car or motorbike and amazing food and a competitive price, We recommend getting both of these apps to get the best price as they can both change a lot depending on traffic
Google maps – Google maps is a useful app for navigating Bali, it provides directions and information on public transportation, traffic conditions, and local businesses
Google translate – Google translate is an amazing app where you can download several languages to translate anything you need on the go. Amazing features include the camera detector where you can translate any writing or sign
Cost Break down
The average cost of 2 weeks in Bali for a couple is around $1800- $3000 usd on a smaller budget and around $3000-$4000 usd for a slightly larger budget. (This not including flights).
Food and beverage, Accommodation, transport, and activities are going to be where the largest amount of your budget in Bali is going to be spent
Depending on where you’re staying in Bali also comes into account with the average price of goods. More popular areas such as Canggu and Uluwatu have higher prices for accommodation and most restaurants. You’ll find cheaper meals found in more locally owned restaurants.
Accommodation
Hostels or Guesthouses
$7-$20 USD /night for dorms
$15-30 USD /night for private rooms
Villas
Midrange
$30 – $100 USD/night
Food
Restaurants and Warungs ( Locally owned )
$2-$5usd /meal
Mid-range / western restaurants
$5-$15usd /meal
Transportation
Taxis
$5-$15 USD/day
Scooter rentals
$7 USD/day
Private driver
$40usd/day
Tours and Activities
Budget Activities
$1-15/day
Mid-range
$15-$40 USD/day
Daily Spend
On average you can expect to pay $40-$60usd /day when travelling on a tighter budget and around $60-$120 USD/day when you’re willing to pay a bit more for the finer things in Bali. This would largely change depending on many factors of your travel preference from how many tours you do and how much you’re willing to spend on certain things. This gives you an idea of an average day for both budget and midrange travellers.
Enjoy!
After this we hope you have a better idea of where to start your next journey. It can be a lot of time and stress going into planing a journey. With this ultimate travel guide and perfect Itinerary tweaked to suit your style, you should be better equiped to experience all the magic Bali has to offer.
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