Bali is stunning, but honestly, I don’t recommend going in June because.......

Bali In-Depth Travel Guide: From Sacred Temples to Island Paradise, Unlock the Romance and Wildness of the "Island of the Gods"
Bali, Indonesia’s "Island of the Gods," is famous for its magical landscapes woven from volcanoes, terraced rice fields, temples, and turquoise seas. It’s not only a paradise for surfers and a sanctuary for yoga practitioners but also the ultimate honeymoon destination. From the surfing waves of Kuta to the jungle secrets of Ubud, from the cliff wonders of Nusa Penida to the ancient legends of Uluwatu, here is a comprehensive guide covering classic routes, must-visit spots, unique experiences, and practical tips to help you efficiently plan your trip and feel the soul of Bali.
1. Best Travel Time and Seasonal Highlights
Dry Season (April–September): Clear weather, ideal for diving, surfing, and outdoor activities; also the peak tourist season with higher hotel prices.
Rainy Season (October–March): Frequent showers, fewer tourists, more affordable prices, suitable for budget travelers but be aware of slippery roads and possible cancellations of some activities.
2. Recommended Classic Routes
Southern Beaches and Cultural Exploration (4 days 3 nights): Kuta → Jimbaran → Uluwatu → Seminyak.
Highlights: Kuta Beach: A beginner surfer’s paradise with vibrant nightlife, perfect to experience Bali’s energy.
Jimbaran Beach: A world-class sunset viewing spot, recommended to enjoy seafood BBQ by the sea at dusk.
Uluwatu Temple: A cliffside temple with a must-see Kecak fire dance performance at sunset.
Seminyak: A trendy hotspot with many popular restaurants, cafes, and designer boutiques.
Central Culture and Nature Tour (3 days 2 nights): Ubud → Tegallalang Rice Terraces → Tirta Empul Temple → Bali Swing.
Highlights: Ubud Palace and Traditional Market: Experience Bali’s art and culture, great for buying handicrafts.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces: Filming location of Jay Chou’s "Rice Aroma" MV, best lighting in early morning or late afternoon.
Tirta Empul Temple: Experience the traditional Balinese holy water purification ritual.
Bali Swing: Famous jungle swing, perfect for photos.
Northern and Off-the-Beaten-Path Secrets (3 days 2 nights): Lovina → Gates of Heaven → Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
Highlights: Lovina Dolphin Watching: Early morning boat trip to encounter wild dolphins.
Gates of Heaven (Pura Lempuyang): With Mount Agung as the backdrop, it looks like the gate to paradise.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple: A temple on the lake with stunning reflections.
Island Hopping (2 days 1 night): Lembongan Island → Nusa Penida.
Highlights: Lembongan Island: Great for snorkeling and diving, the Devil’s Tear viewpoint is breathtaking.
Nusa Penida: Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, and Kelingking Cliff, perfect for hiking and photography.
3. Must-Visit Attractions and Experiences
Kuta Beach Activities: Surfing, skateboarding, Balinese dance performances.
Tips: Strong winds and high waves make swimming unsafe but great for thrill-seeking youth.
Jimbaran Beach Activities: Sunset watching, honeymoon relaxation, seafood dining.
Tips: The BBQ atmosphere is more impressive than the taste; prices are high, so book and bargain in advance.
Uluwatu Temple Activities: Temple visits, Kecak fire dance shows.
Tips: Sarongs are required to enter the temple; women on their period should avoid the holy spring.
Ubud Palace and Traditional Market Activities: Experience Balinese art and culture, buy wood carvings, batik, silver jewelry, and other handicrafts.
Tips: Remember to bargain, starting from 10% of the price, with 20% being a common deal.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces Activities: Hiking, photography, trying civet coffee.
Tips: Best lighting in early morning or late afternoon, ideal for capturing rural scenery.
Bali Swing Activities: Swinging over the cliff, overlooking jungle and rice fields.
Tips: Tickets include swings and bird’s nest photo spots; wear bright clothes.
Lovina Dolphin Watching Activities: Early morning boat trip to see wild dolphins.
Tips: Book in advance and choose a reliable boat operator.
Lembongan and Nusa Penida Activities: Snorkeling, diving, hiking, photography.
Tips: The Devil’s Tear on Lembongan Island has dangerous waves; keep a safe distance. Nusa Penida’s cliffs require hiking; wear comfortable shoes.
4. Recommended Local Foods
Roast Suckling Pig (Babi Guling) Recommended Spot: Ibu Oka in Ubud, about ¥50-80 per person.
Bebek Betutu (Spiced Duck) Recommended Spot: Bebek Betutu Restaurant, about ¥60-100 per person.
Seafood BBQ Recommended Location: Jimbaran Beach, about ¥100-200 per person.
Tropical Fruits Recommended: Mangosteen, durian, rambutan, etc., cheaper when bought fresh at markets.
Civet Coffee (Kopi Luwak) Recommended Experience: Coffee plantations in Ubud, about ¥30-50 per person.
5. Accommodation Recommendations
Budget Hostels or Guesthouses in Kuta: About ¥50-100 per night, suitable for backpackers.
Mid-to-High-End Jungle Villas in Ubud or Pool Villas in Seminyak: ¥500-2000 per night, suitable for families or couples.
Luxury Resorts in Nusa Dua like Bulgari and Ayana: Private beaches, cliff pools, about ¥2000-5000 per night per person.
6. Transportation Guide
External Flights: Direct or connecting flights from China to Bali, economy round-trip about ¥3000-10000.
Visa on Arrival: $35 USD, no need to apply in advance.
Island Transportation Car Rental: About ¥200 per day, suitable for groups.
Motorbike Rental: About ¥25 per day, requires an international driver’s license, safety first.
Boat Tickets: Fast boat tickets to Lembongan and Nusa Penida should be booked in advance.
7. Practical Tips
Religious Etiquette: Sarongs are required to enter temples; women on their period should avoid the holy spring.
Do not touch children’s heads or feed monkeys; monkeys in tourist areas can be mischievous.
Sun and Mosquito Protection: Tropical UV is strong; bring high SPF sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
Tipping: Hotels usually expect about 10,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about ¥5) per day.
Cash Payment: Some attractions only accept cash; exchange enough Indonesian Rupiah.
Safety Tips: Beware of rip currents at the beach; hiking volcanoes requires a guide.
When renting motorbikes, check the vehicle and road conditions, and always wear a helmet.
8. Suggested Itinerary (7 days 6 nights)
Day 1: Arrive in Kuta, try surfing for the first time, nightlife in Seminyak.
Day 2: Sunset at Jimbaran, seafood BBQ.
Day 3: Ubud Palace, traditional market, Tegallalang Rice Terraces.
Day 4: Bali Swing, Tirta Empul Temple.
Day 5: Dolphin watching in Lovina, volcanic hot springs.
Day 6: Snorkeling in Lembongan, Devil’s Tear.
Day 7: Uluwatu Temple, return trip.
Conclusion
Bali’s charm lies in its diversity—whether it’s beach vacations, cultural exploration, or adventure activities, it can satisfy different travelers’ needs. Plan your trip in advance, avoid peak tourist seasons, respect local customs, and may every journey in Bali be a deep dialogue with nature and yourself.