Introducing Bali
Bali, administratively known as the Bali Province, is located in central Indonesia, slightly south of the equator (8 degrees south latitude), in the Southern Hemisphere. Bali is larger than typical Southeast Asian resort islands, covering an area roughly the size of Shanghai.
Bali is a world-renowned tourist destination, so famous that many people "only know Bali, but don't realize it's part of Indonesia." Bali is renowned not only for its pristine waters and white sands, rich artistic atmosphere, and unique Hindu cultural landscape, but also for its visa-free policy.
Bali's most popular destination is the south, where the ocean views are the best and tourism resources are concentrated: Nusa Dua is home to world-class hotels, Kuta Beach is a renowned surfing destination, and the seaside Tanah Lot Temple represents a mysterious religious culture. In addition, Bali also offers elegant art centers, majestic volcanoes, and exciting diving spots worth visiting.
Nusa Lembongan, an outlying island located in the southeast of Bali, has the cleanest water and beaches, suitable for various water sports.
Climate and best time to travel
Bali is located on the equator and has a typical tropical rainforest climate. It has high temperatures throughout the year, with the highest temperature between 30-35 degrees Celsius. The temperature difference between morning and evening is small, and it is divided into dry season and rainy season.
April-September: Dry season, with little rainfall, is the best time for surfing, diving, hiking, and cycling. Festivals abound during this period, making it a great time to enjoy the cultural landscape. The Bali Arts Festival, held from mid-June to mid-July, is a major draw for tourists.
October to March: Rainy season: Heavy rainfall, humid air, and frequent mosquitoes, but most activities are possible, with the exception of volcano hiking. These five months are largely off-season, with lower airfares and more discounted travel products. However, the two weeks following December 25th are the Western Christmas and New Year holidays, and tourist numbers surge during the Chinese New Year holiday. Hotels tend to be fully booked during these two periods, so reservations should be made one to three months in advance.
Recommended number of days and locations for visiting
Recommended travel time: 5-7 days
Most Popular FAQs for Bali
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its Hindu culture, vibrant arts, and spiritual traditions. It has been a center of Hinduism in Indonesia since the 9th century and holds cultural significance through its temples, rituals, and festivals, making it both a spiritual and tourist hub.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Location: Bali, Indonesia, in the Lesser Sunda Islands.
- By air: Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) connects to major international destinations.
- By taxi/ride-hailing: Widely available for traveling between attractions.
- By scooter or car rental: Common for independent exploration.
- Walking: Feasible within resort areas or small towns like Ubud.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Temples and attractions generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best time to visit: April to October during the dry season for sunny weather and outdoor activities.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
- Temple entrance fees: Typically 20,000–60,000 IDR per temple.
- National parks or nature sites: 50,000–100,000 IDR per person.
- Tickets can be purchased on-site; some popular attractions offer online booking via official websites or travel platforms.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
For popular sites like Uluwatu or Mount Batur sunrise tours, booking 1–3 days in advance is recommended. Less crowded temples can be visited without prior booking.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
7–10 days are recommended to experience beaches, cultural sites, temples, and nature hikes fully.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua beaches.
- Ubud town, rice terraces, and Monkey Forest.
- Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, and Besakih temples.
- Mount Batur and surrounding volcanic landscapes.
- Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan islands for snorkeling and diving.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are widely available in English, Indonesian, and other languages for cultural, adventure, or nature experiences. Audio guides are less common but offered in some major attractions.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Mount Batur sunrise viewpoint.
- Rice terraces in Tegalalang, Ubud.
- Cliffside temples like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.
- Beaches during sunrise or sunset.
- Waterfalls such as Tegenungan and Gitgit.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Day 1–2: Seminyak/Kuta beaches and nightlife.
- Day 3–4: Ubud cultural sites, rice terraces, and Monkey Forest.
- Day 5: Temple tour (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Besakih).
- Day 6: Mount Batur sunrise hike.
- Day 7: Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan island day trip.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
- Evening Kecak dance performances at Uluwatu temple.
- Night markets and cultural events in Ubud.
- Night beach visits and seafood dinners in Jimbaran Bay.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Peak tourist season: July–August and December–January.
- Least crowded: March–April and September–October weekdays.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
Most tourist areas have public toilets, cafes, restaurants, water stations, souvenir shops, and rest areas. Beaches and temples often provide basic facilities.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
Some temples and hiking areas have stairs and uneven paths. Beach resorts and city attractions are generally accessible, but mobility limitations may require planning for certain sites.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Cash (IDR) is widely used, especially for small purchases, markets, and temple donations.
- Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and some tourist sites.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Beachfront cafes in Seminyak, Kuta, and Nusa Dua.
- Traditional Balinese restaurants in Ubud.
- Seafood restaurants in Jimbaran Bay.
- Coffee shops and smoothie bars across tourist areas.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, particularly in Ubud. Halal restaurants are also available, mostly in tourist centers and cities.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Luxury resorts in Nusa Dua and Seminyak.
- Budget hotels and hostels in Kuta and Ubud.
- Villas and boutique stays in Ubud and coastal areas.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan island trips.
- Waterfalls such as Tegenungan and Sekumpul.
- Balinese cultural villages and markets in Ubud.
- Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples for half-day trips.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Handicrafts, batik fabrics, wooden carvings, and jewelry.
- Balinese artwork, paintings, and traditional masks.
- Local snacks, coffee, and spices.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or ride-hailing apps like Grab for city transfers.
- Car or scooter rentals for island exploration.
- Ferries to nearby islands such as Nusa Penida.
- Domestic flights from Ngurah Rai International Airport to other Indonesian destinations.
