If you don’t know where to start or being overwhelming in planning a trip to Bali, this ultimate Bali guide might be useful and helpful for your planning.
Planning a Trip to Bali
When planning a trip to Bali, you might want to consider this ultimate Bali guide and information.
- When to Visit
All year long is good except during the rainy season at the end of the year. - Bali weather
March and April are usually very hot, but when June starts to be windy till September. The rainy season is generally happening around the end of November till the end of February. - Currency and money
The official Indonesian currency is Indonesian Rupiah, and here’s everything you need to know and prepare about Bali currency and money changers in Bali. - Language
The official language in Bali is the Indonesian language, but most of the Balinese can speak English due to the established tourism industry in Bali. - Bali airport
Ngurah Rai Bali international airport serves over 24 million passengers each year, making it become one of the busiest airports in the country. Here’s the Bali airport guide to prepare for your trip, so you’ll know what to do upon your arrival. - Wi-fi, phone, and internet
Overall, Bali has a good internet connection, and here’s the ultimate Bali guide regarding the wi-fi and phone in Bali, including about where you can buy the SIM cards to stay connected. - Getting around
In Bali, you can get around the island by car or motorbike rental, meter taxi, or online transportation services. Here are more details about the best Bali transportation to get around the island, and tips on renting the scooter in Bali.
Things to do in Bali
Bali definitely has everything for everyone. Here is the ultimate Bali guide about things to do in Bali.
- Visiting temples
Going to see the best of Bali temples is something you should do during your visit to Bali, as some of those are very magnificent and magical to see. Besides, find out about Tanah Lot facts and legend that make this temple special. - Surfing
Besides Canggu, Bali also has Uluwatu as one of the best surf spots in the world, which is visited by many surfers from around the world. One of the spots, named Padang-Padang (left), is also hosting the annual international surfing event of Rip Curl. - Water sports and water play
Besides getting wet in some fun water play in Bali or doing some water sports in Tanjung Benoa, you can also do snorkeling and diving in best Bali’s dive spots, or simply watch the dolphins in its natural habitat in Lovina. This island is surrounded by water, so the options are endless. - Discover some waterfalls
Bali has some of the best waterfalls you can visit around the island, particularly near the Bedugul and northern areas of Bali. Depending on the topography, these waterfalls can be suitable for kids and adults. - Beach and island life
Beaches in Bali never fail you. Visit the sister islands of Bali in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan, or chill on the best beaches in Nusa Dua. - Spark the romance
If you are coming to Bali with your partner, there are tons of ways to spark the love and romance in Bali as one of the top wedding and honeymoon destinations in the world. Here are the best romantic things to do in Bali for couples, and the best things to do for honeymooners in Bali. - Get to party
If you are the nightlife fans, Bali has Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, which are packed with some best of Bali’s nightlife and clubs to party. - Pampering yourself
Pampering yourself during a vacation is definitely worth it. Find the best spa and wellness in Bali you shouldn’t miss, including the unique Bali spa treatments you should try, and bring some best Bali spa products back home to cure your missing-the-holiday mood. - Visit the happening bazaar
In Canggu, there are some famous markets and bazaar you shouldn’t miss. Besides Canggu, Ubud and Seminyak also have a few bazaars happening once in a few months. - Visit the festivals in Bali
All year long, many festivals take place in Bali, such as the Sanur village festival and international and Bali kite festival in Sanur, lights festival in Nusa Dua, Ubud writer, food, jazz, and spirit festivals. These lively festivals can be appealing to visit if the time suits you. - Learn about the culture
Besides the silence day or Nyepi day, Bali also has Galungan and Kuningan, which tell a lot of unique stories about the beliefs on this island of paradise. In addition, there are unique Bali cultural experiences to witness in Bali, which can be a great opportunity for kids to learn about different cultures. - Shopping in Bali
It can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to shop. Seminyak has some high-end boutiques and shops, while Ubud is famous for its art market. In other areas, souvenir shops are lining along the road, but it can be tricky if you don’t know the fair price. However, there are some convenient shopping places in Bali at affordable prices. - Other things to do in Bali
Besides specific activities you can do above, you can also see things to do in each destination in Bali, including:- Must things to do in Ubud
- Best things to do in Bedugul with kids
- Amazing things to do in Nusa Dua with Kids
- Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Lovina Bali with Kids
- 7 Incredible Things to Do in Nusa Penida Bali
- Kids-Friendly Activities in Nusa Lembongan Bali
- 10 Incredible Things to Do in Denpasar Bali
- Top Things to Do in Seminyak for Travelers
Eating and drinking in Bali
Generally, Bali has all kinds of food if you are looking for international cuisines or just missing your home-country food. Meanwhile, you can also try these suggestions to enjoy authentic food of Bali:
- Try the local food
Bali has authentic food around the island, so make sure to try some Bali’s best authentic food and cuisine or local food that only the locals know. You might also want to visit Bali night markets to try local delicacies. - Cook the Balinese cuisine
If you want to cook Balinese cuisine by yourself, you can do some cooking classes in the area where you’re staying at, or learn about the Balinese herbs and spices used for cooking. - Enjoy the fresh seafood
Enjoy a lovely evening in seafood restaurants by the Jimbaran beach, or simply buy your own fresh seafood in Kedonganan Jimbaran Fish Market Bali. - Tap Water
Bali and Indonesia tap water is not drinkable. You can buy the mineral water which is available in gallons or bottles; otherwise, you can cook the tap water till boiled before drinking it.
Where to stay in Bali
Bali offers a wide range of accommodations from the budget, mid-range, to luxury hotels and private villas around the island. Most budget and mid-range hotels can be found around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. While if you are looking for luxury accommodations, they are widely available in Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Seminyak. For more relaxing options, you can find ones in Sanur or Ubud.
Etiquette and customs in Bali
It is very important for tourists and visitors to know and respect some basic etiquette in Bali, to get the most out of your Bali trip. Here are some helpful hints for Bali first-timers, and Bali etiquette tips.
How to stay safe when traveling in Bali
To stay out of trouble during your Bali trip, make sure to know these annoying scams in Bali that tourists should know and tips on how to stay safe in Bali while traveling.
