Things To Do
in Bali
Bali, Indonesia, is a stunning island known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and beautiful beaches. It boasts a rich array of Hindu temples, traditional dance performances, and art markets that reflect its unique cultural heritage. The island is also famous for its wellness retreats and luxury resorts, attracting tourists seeking relaxation and adventure alike.
Bali's diverse ecosystem includes rice terraces, volcanic mountains, and coral reefs, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a sunrise yoga session on the beach. Afterward, enjoy a healthy breakfast at a nearby café overlooking the ocean.
Spend your afternoon sunbathing and swimming at Seminyak Beach. Don't forget to grab a refreshing drink from a beachside bar.
As the sun sets, head to a beach club for some live music and dancing. Enjoy a delicious seafood dinner while watching the waves.
Explore the stunning art and architecture of Ubud's temples, starting with the iconic Tegallalang Rice Terraces. Experience the tranquility of nature while taking in the breathtaking views.
Visit the Ubud Art Market and pick up some unique souvenirs crafted by local artisans. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Balinese restaurant for an authentic meal.
Attend a traditional Balinese dance performance at the Ubud Palace. Savor dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on the culture you experienced.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with beaches, rice terraces, and volcanoes
- Rich cultural heritage and traditional ceremonies
- Variety of outdoor activities like surfing, diving, and hiking
- Welcoming and friendly locals
- Affordable accommodation and food options
- Thriving arts and crafts scene
- Well-developed tourist infrastructure
- Warm climate year-round
- Overcrowding in popular tourist areas
- Traffic congestion, particularly in tourist hotspots
- Environmental concerns, including pollution and deforestation
- Temporarily high levels of humidity and seasonal rain
- Cultural misunderstandings due to tourist influx
- Reliance on tourism can impact local economy and culture
- Higher prices in tourist-centric areas compared to local pricing
Best Activities in Bali
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Bali is famous for its surf spots, with waves suitable for all levels. Popular locations include Kuta, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.
Take a guided sunrise trek up Mount Batur for breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
Explore Bali's vibrant underwater world at locations like Amed, Tulamben, and Nusa Penida.
Join a cycling tour through Bali's picturesque rice paddies, local villages, and scenic landscapes.
Experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Ayung River or Telaga Waja River.
Participate in yoga and wellness retreats set against the backdrop of Bali's serene nature.
Discover Bali's stunning waterfalls like Tegenungan, Gitgit, and Sekumpul, perfect for swimming and photography.
Explore Bali's rich culture by visiting temples, traditional markets, and participating in local ceremonies.
Tours
Uncover the best of Bali with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Bali
Visit one of these nice places.
Perched on a cliff 70 meters above the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple offers breathtaking sunset views and a stunning backdrop for photographs.
Famous for its beautiful staggered rice paddies, Tegallalang offers a picturesque landscape that's perfect for capturing the essence of Bali's natural beauty.
Hiking Mount Batur at sunrise provides exhilarating views of the sunrise above the clouds and the surrounding valleys.
This iconic sea temple is known for its stunning ocean views and is especially beautiful during sunset, making it a popular spot for photography.
A lush tropical forest with ancient temples and playful monkeys, Ubud Monkey Forest offers unique photo opportunities amidst nature and wildlife.
A short boat ride from Bali, Nusa Penida features dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beaches like Kelingking Beach, perfect for photos.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jatiluwih boasts expansive rice terraces with sweeping views of Bali's lush countryside.
This scenic walk offers panoramic views of the lush hills and valleys in Ubud, making it an ideal spot for photography and enjoying nature.
Famous for its vibrant sunset views and surfing culture, Kuta Beach is a lively location for capturing the essence of Bali's beach life.
The Bali Swing offers thrilling swings over lush jungles and stunning views, creating an adrenaline-filled photo opportunity.
Food in Bali
Bali Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famous Indonesian fried rice dish typically served with vegetables, eggs, chicken, or prawns, often garnished with a fried egg and prawn crackers. You can find it at Warung Nasi Goreng in Seminyak.
Must-Try!
A traditional Balinese dish of roasted suckling pig, marinated with a blend of spices and herbs. A must-try is Babi Guling Ibu Oka in Ubud.
A traditional salad made with vegetables, coconut, and minced meat, typically served as a side dish. You can enjoy this dish at Warung Lawar in Ubud.
A spicy meat dish slow-cooked in coconut milk and various spices, it's a rich and flavorful must-try available at Rey Pierre Restaurant in Canggu.
A salad of boiled vegetables served with peanut sauce dressing. Vegetarians will find Gado-Gado at Nalu Bowls in Seminyak.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Bali better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can find an array of local foods, snacks, and traditional dishes. Great for sampling fresh fruits, pastries, and the famous Balinese rice cakes.
Known for its seafood dining venues, the beach is lined with restaurants serving fresh grilled fish and prawns. Dining on the beach while watching the sunset is an unforgettable experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting temples or traditional ceremonies, wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It's important to show respect for the local customs and traditions.
In Balinese culture, the right hand is considered clean and is used for eating, giving, and receiving. Try to use your right hand for these activities to show respect.
Be mindful of local ceremonies, rituals, and daily practices. Observing and following local customs, such as not interrupting ceremonies or stepping over offerings, is crucial for respectful interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Bali with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Bali
Ensure a smooth experience
In Bali, tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated, especially in the tourism sector. It is common to leave a small amount of change or a percentage of the bill for good service in restaurants, and it is customary to give tips to hotel staff, tour guides, and drivers. A general guideline is to tip around 10% of the bill, but this can vary depending on the level of service and the type of establishment.
In Bali, payment can be made using cash or credit cards. While major hotels, restaurants, and shops typically accept credit cards, cash is preferred in smaller establishments, markets, and for transactions in rural areas. The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are widely available, and it’s advisable to carry some cash for tips and smaller purchases.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Bali.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Bali, as the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities like beach outings, hiking, and exploring temples. Expect crowds, especially in popular tourist areas.
During this time, Bali experiences higher humidity and frequent rain, especially from November to February. While the rain typically comes in short bursts, it can affect outdoor plans. The advantage is fewer tourists and lower prices on accommodations.
These months are transitional periods between the wet and dry seasons. You can expect pleasant weather with fewer crowds than peak season. This is a great time for travelers who want to avoid the high tourist season but still enjoy mild temperatures.
Bali at Night
Hiking in Bali
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination known for its stunning sunrise views, Mount Batur offers an easy to moderate trek with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding lakes and volcanic landscape.
A scenic hike that is perfect for those looking for a more leisurely stroll. The Campuhan Ridge Walk features beautiful rice fields and lush greenery, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists.
The highest volcano in Bali, Mount Agung provides a challenging hike for experienced trekkers. The trek rewards climbers with spectacular views from the summit and is often undertaken for both adventure and spiritual experiences.
This hike takes you through dense jungles and past stunning waterfalls. The trek is moderately challenging, leading to one of Bali's most beautiful waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip.
While not a traditional hiking spot, visitors can walk through the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and enjoy the beautiful landscape. The area offers picturesque views and a chance to learn about local rice farming.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Bali through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Bali by plane.
Located in Bali, this is the main airport serving the island and one of the busiest in Indonesia.
Located in Surabaya, East Java, approximately 70 km from Bali. It's a significant hub for flights to and from Bali.
Located in Jakarta, Java, roughly 1,000 km from Bali. It's the main international gateway to Indonesia.
Located in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, approximately 800 km from Bali, serving several international flights.
Located in Medan, North Sumatra, around 1,500 km from Bali, it's one of the largest airports in Indonesia.
Located in Batam, Riau Islands, approximately 1,600 km from Bali; it serves various international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous ethnic group of Bali, known for their rich cultural traditions, including dance, music, and religious ceremonies.
People from the neighboring island of Java, many of whom have migrated to Bali for work and tourism-related opportunities.
An ethnic group from Lombok, also neighboring Bali, with a small but significant presence in Bali due to migration and economic opportunities.
A minority group in Indonesia, including Bali, primarily involved in trade and business.
People from the western part of Java who may have settled in Bali for various reasons including economic opportunities.
An ethnic group from Sulawesi, some of whom have moved to Bali for economic reasons and have contributed to the island's cultural diversity.
The Soul of Bali
Discover the essence of Bali through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Bali is renowned for its world-class surf spots, attracting surfers of all skill levels to its beaches, particularly in areas like Kuta, Uluwatu, and Canggu.
Bali offers numerous diving sites, including the famous USS Liberty wreck in Tulamben and vibrant coral reefs around Nusa Penida, making it a popular destination for divers.
With its serene landscapes and wellness retreats, Bali is a hub for yoga enthusiasts from around the world, offering various styles and training programs.
The clear waters surrounding Bali provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling, particularly in areas like Amed and Menjangan Island.
Football is a popular local sport, with many amateur and professional teams, and community leagues playing an important role in the culture of the island.
Pencak Silat is a traditional Indonesian martial art practiced in Bali, with various schools teaching techniques that emphasize agility and self-defense.
Bali's lush landscapes and mountainous terrain offer excellent trekking opportunities, with popular trails leading to Mount Batur and the rice terraces of Ubud.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Bali.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Bali caters to vegetarians with various restaurants offering meat-free dishes. Local dishes like Gado-Gado, Tempeh, and Tahu (tofu) are widely available.
Numerous cafes and restaurants in Bali specifically cater to vegans, providing plant-based menus featuring fresh produce, smoothies, and tasty bowls.
Many restaurants in Bali are able to accommodate gluten-free dietary needs. Traditional dishes such as Nasi Goreng can often be made gluten-free upon request.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Bali with these cultural adventures.
