← All Destinations

GoFarGuide.org

Bali Indonesia

Tropical paradise known for forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs.

AprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptember

Weather & Climate

Tropical monsoon

Jan

30° / 24° 345 mm

Feb

30° / 24° 274 mm

Mar

31° / 24° 234 mm

Apr

31° / 24° 88 mm

May

31° / 24° 89 mm

Jun

30° / 23° 67 mm

Jul

29° / 23° 45 mm

Aug

29° / 23° 26 mm

Sep

30° / 23° 48 mm

Oct

31° / 24° 97 mm

Nov

31° / 24° 192 mm

Dec

30° / 24° 302 mm

Transportation

  • Airport

    Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) · 13 km south of Denpasar

  • Transfers

    Taxi (20-40 min to Seminyak/Kuta, 60-90 min to Ubud, IDR 150,000-400,000 ($10-27)) · Ride-hailing (Grab/Gojek) (20-40 min to Seminyak/Kuta, 60-90 min to Ubud, IDR 70,000-250,000 ($5-17)) · Private Transfer (20-40 min to Seminyak/Kuta, 60-90 min to Ubud, IDR 200,000-500,000 ($13-34))

  • Transit

    Trans Sarbagita Bus, Kura-Kura Bus, Bemos (minivans)

  • Tips

    Rent a scooter for ultimate flexibility (must have international license) · Grab/Gojek ride-hailing apps are cheap and convenient · Traffic can be very heavy, especially in Seminyak/Canggu · Hire a driver for day trips (around IDR 500,000/$34 per day)

  • Walkability

    moderate

Culture & Etiquette

  • Language

    Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) and Balinese

  • Currency

    Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

  • Customs

    Remove shoes before entering temples and homes · Dress modestly when visiting temples - sarong and sash required · Use right hand for giving/receiving items · Head is sacred - don't touch people's heads · Many ceremonies and offerings daily - be respectful

  • Etiquette

    Smile and be patient - Balinese are very friendly · Negotiate prices at markets but be fair · Learn basic Indonesian phrases - locals appreciate it · Don't point with your index finger, use thumb instead · Respect temple ceremonies - ask before entering

Practical Basics

  • Visa

    Visa on arrival ($35 USD) for 30 days, extendable once. Many nationalities. Check requirements.

  • Power

    220V, 50Hz · C, F

  • Healthcare

    Private hospitals in Denpasar/Sanur good. Travel insurance essential. Pharmacies widespread. Watch for dengue fever.

  • Safety

    SAFE · Watch for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas · Be careful with strong ocean currents · Beware of scooter bag snatchers · Only use official taxis or ride-hailing apps · Watch your drinks in nightlife areas · Use sunscreen - sun is very strong

  • Emergency

    Police 110 · Ambulance 118

Neighborhoods

Seminyak

expensive

Upscale beach area known for beach clubs, high-end restaurants, boutique shopping, and vibrant nightlife. Trendy and sophisticated.

Best for Beach clubs, Fine dining, Shopping, Nightlife, Luxury resorts

Canggu

moderate

Laid-back surf town that's become digital nomad central. Great cafes, coworking spaces, surf breaks, and rice paddies. Younger vibe.

Best for Surfing, Digital nomads, Hip cafes, Yoga, Beach life

Ubud

moderate

Cultural heart of Bali in the jungle. Rice terraces, temples, art galleries, yoga retreats, monkey forest. Spiritual and artistic center.

Best for Culture, Temples, Art, Yoga, Nature, Wellness

Uluwatu

expensive

Dramatic clifftop area in south Bali. World-class surf breaks, stunning clifftop temples, beach clubs carved into cliffs. Spectacular sunsets.

Best for Surfing, Cliff views, Beach clubs, Temples, Sunsets

Sanur

moderate

Quieter beach town popular with families and older travelers. Calm beaches, sunrise views, laid-back vibe. More traditional and relaxed.

Best for Families, Relaxation, Sunrise, Quiet beaches, Traditional

Kuta & Legian

budget

Original tourist area, bustling and crowded. Great for budget travelers. Surf lessons, shopping, nightlife. Very touristy but convenient.

Best for Budget travel, Surfing beginners, Shopping, Nightlife

Restaurants

Locavore

Modern Indonesian/European

Asia's 50 Best Restaurant. Innovative tasting menus using local ingredients. Fine dining experience. Advance reservations essential.

Must-try: Tasting menu, Herbivore menu, Wine pairing

Warung Biah Biah

Balinese

Tiny local warung in Sanur serving authentic Balinese food. Incredibly cheap and delicious. Hidden gem.

Must-try: Nasi campur, Babi guling, Sate lilit

Mozaic Restaurant

French-Indonesian Fusion

Award-winning fine dining in romantic Ubud garden setting. French techniques with Indonesian flavors. Exceptional service.

Must-try: Tasting menu, French wine selection, Desserts

La Plancha

Spanish/Tapas

Iconic beach club on Seminyak beach with colorful bean bags. Perfect for sunset drinks and Spanish tapas.

Must-try: Paella, Sangria, Sunset views

Naughty Nuri's

BBQ/Grill

Famous for the best ribs in Bali and strong martinis. Always packed. Multiple locations, original in Ubud.

Must-try: BBQ ribs, Martinis, Grilled sausages

Crate Cafe

International/Healthy

Canggu favorite for healthy bowls, burgers, and great coffee. Popular with digital nomads. Excellent brunch spot.

Must-try: Acai bowl, Avocado toast, Flat white coffee

Itineraries

Best of Ubud in One Day

1 day

Experience Ubud's cultural highlights, rice terraces, and temples in one packed day

  • Day 1: Ubud Cultural Experience

    Sunrise at Tegalalang Rice Terraces · Coffee plantation tour & tasting

Ultimate Bali Experience

3 days

Three days exploring Bali's beaches, culture, and natural wonders from Ubud to the coast

  • Day 1: Ubud Culture & Nature

    Tegalalang Rice Terraces · Tirta Empul Holy Water Temple

  • Day 2: Temples & Beaches

    Drive to Tanah Lot Temple · Head to Seminyak beach

  • Day 3: Uluwatu & South Bali

    Breakfast in Canggu · Drive to Uluwatu

Day Trips

  • Nusa Penida Island

    45 km southeast (by boat) · Full day (10-12 hours)

    Stunning island with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and Instagram-famous viewpoints like Kelingking Beach

  • Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

    50 km north of Ubud · Early morning (2am-11am)

    Active volcano trek to watch sunrise from 1,717m summit with breakfast cooked by volcanic steam, stunning views over Lake Batur

  • Tirta Empul & North Bali Temples

    30-50 km north of Ubud · Full day (8-10 hours)

    Sacred water temple with holy spring pools, plus Gunung Kawi temple complex and Tegalalang Rice Terraces

  • Lempuyang Temple (Gates of Heaven)

    75 km east · Full day (10-12 hours)

    Famous temple gates with Mount Agung backdrop, Instagram sensation, plus Tirta Gangga water palace and Taman Ujung

  • Jatiluwih Rice Terraces

    48 km northwest of Ubud · Half to full day (6-8 hours)

    UNESCO World Heritage rice terraces, most expansive and beautiful in Bali, traditional subak irrigation system, mountain backdrop