Overview
Bali's appeal is its mix: Hindu temple ceremonies, terraced valleys around Ubud, cliff-top beaches in the south and a huge choice of villas and guesthouses. Beyond Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands are a short hop away, Java offers the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, and Komodo National Park is reachable via Labuan Bajo.
Best time to go
The dry season, roughly April to October, is the most popular time, with July and August the busiest. The wet season from about November to March brings short heavy downpours, greener landscapes and lower prices. Surf conditions vary by coast and season.
Top places in Bali & Indonesia
Ubud
Bali's cultural heart: rice terraces, craft villages, dance performances and yoga retreats.
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula
Cliff-top temple at sunset, surf breaks and beach clubs.
Seminyak and Canggu
Restaurants, cafés, shopping and sunset beaches.
Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
Dramatic coastlines and manta-ray snorkelling, by fast boat from Bali.
Lombok and the Gili Islands
Quieter beaches, Mount Rinjani treks and car-free islands.
Yogyakarta (Java)
Base for Borobudur and Prambanan, both UNESCO World Heritage temples.
Getting there
Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) has direct flights from many Asian and Australian cities. From Europe you typically connect once via the Gulf, Istanbul, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. Jakarta is the gateway for Java.
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Where to stay
Compare hotels, guesthouses and apartments with our accommodation partner. Check the total price including taxes, and the cancellation terms, before you book.
Tours & activities
Day trips, guided walks, tickets and multi-day tours from established activity marketplaces. Read recent reviews and check what is included.
Visa & entry
Many nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or an electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA) for tourism in Indonesia; check eligibility and apply through the official Indonesian immigration portal. In addition, Bali charges foreign tourists a tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person, payable once per visit, according to the Bali Provincial Government's official Love Bali site.
Official sources:
Budget tips
- Stay inland (Ubud, Sidemen) or in quieter beach areas for better value than the trendiest strips.
- Hire a driver for a full day of sightseeing rather than paying per trip.
- Eat at local warungs for authentic Indonesian food at low prices.
- Pay the Bali levy only on the official government site; avoid third-party sites that add fees.
Before you go
- Travel insurance.
- An eSIM for mobile data from the moment you land.
- A pre-booked airport transfer for a late arrival.
- Car rental and hotel search.
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