Bali is a lot of islands in one: emerald rice terraces, temples wrapped in incense, surf breaks, cliff-top sunsets and some of the friendliest people anywhere. The secret to a great trip is choosing the right area for you, and not trying to see it all from one base. Traffic is real.
- Arrival card
- Fill in the free All Indonesia arrival card online within 3 days before you fly
- Visa
- Many nationalities buy a visa on arrival (IDR 500,000), online in advance (e-VOA) or at the airport
- Tourist levy
- A separate IDR 150,000 Bali levy per visitor, paid online or on arrival
- Currency
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cards work in many places, but carry cash for warungs and markets
- Getting around
- Grab or Gojek apps, or hire a driver for the day
- Temples
- Cover shoulders and legs; sarongs are usually provided or rented at the entrance
- Water
- Don't drink the tap water
- Time zone
- UTC+8
Heads up: Bali's entry steps (arrival card, visa and levy) are separate. Use the official Indonesian immigration sites, and beware of look-alike sites charging extra fees.
Where to stay in Bali
- Ubud: the cultural heart. Rice terraces, yoga, art, temples and jungle views. Best for culture, wellness and a slower pace.
- Canggu: cafés, coworking, surf, beach clubs and a buzzy social scene. Popular with digital nomads.
- Seminyak: stylish restaurants, boutiques and beach clubs, a little more polished.
- Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula: dramatic cliffs, white-sand coves, world-class surf and the best sunsets.
- Sanur: calm and family-friendly, and the boat port for Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
- Sidemen and Amed (east): quieter, rural Bali. Rice valleys, Mount Agung views, snorkelling and diving.
Must-see Bali
- Tegalalang Rice Terraces near Ubud. Go early, before the crowds and the heat.
- Uluwatu Temple on a sea cliff, with the Kecak fire dance at sunset.
- Tanah Lot, a temple on a rock in the sea, best at sunset (from the shore at high tide).
- Mount Batur sunrise trek: an early start for breakfast above the clouds.
- Nusa Penida: a day trip or overnight for Kelingking's "T-Rex" cliff and swimming with manta rays.
- Besakih, Bali's "mother temple," on the slopes of Mount Agung.
A 7-day Bali itinerary
7 days in Bali
- Days 1–3UbudRice terraces, temples, a cooking class, Campuhan Ridge walk; optional Mount Batur sunrise trek
- Day 4Nusa PenidaEarly boat from Sanur: Kelingking cliff, Crystal Bay snorkelling
- Days 5–7Uluwatu or CangguBeaches and surf, Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak dance at sunset, a beach club to finish
Tip: Group your days by area and start early. Bali's roads are narrow and slow, and a 30 km drive can take well over an hour.
Getting around
- Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) are cheap for cars and scooter taxis, though some areas restrict pick-ups.
- A private driver for the day is affordable and the most relaxing way to sightsee.
- Renting a scooter? Only if you're experienced. You'll need an international driving permit for motorcycles, and a helmet, always.
Respect and etiquette
- Dress modestly away from the beach, and especially at temples.
- Don't step on the small offerings (canang sari) on pavements and doorsteps.
- Ceremonies and processions are part of daily life. Give way and be patient.
- Nyepi (the Day of Silence) shuts down the whole island for 24 hours each year, including the airport. Check the date if you're travelling in March.
Stay healthy
- Drink bottled or filtered water, and be cautious with ice and raw food early in your trip.
- Use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Get travel insurance that covers scooters if you plan to ride.
Staying connected in Bali
From Grab rides and driver chats on WhatsApp to maps, menus and boat tickets, you'll lean on your phone a lot. An Indonesia eSIM gets you online as soon as you land at Ngurah Rai airport. Island-hopping around Southeast Asia? An Asia eSIM covers more on one plan.
Before you fly, run through our travel connectivity checklist, and see how eSIMs compare to roaming and local SIMs.
When to visit
- Dry season (April to October): sunny days and the best conditions for beaches, treks and diving. July and August are the busiest.
- Shoulder months (May, June and September): great weather with fewer crowds.
- Wet season (November to March): short heavy showers, lush green landscapes, fewer visitors and better prices.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Many nationalities can buy a visa on arrival (IDR 500,000), either online in advance as an e-VOA or at the airport. Some countries are visa-free, and others need a visa beforehand. Check Indonesia's official immigration website for your passport.
What is the Bali tourist levy?
It's a separate IDR 150,000 fee per international visitor, used to protect Bali's culture and environment. You can pay online before travel or on arrival.
Where should I stay in Bali for the first time?
Split your stay: a few nights in Ubud for culture and scenery, then a beach base in Uluwatu, Canggu or Seminyak.
Will my phone work in Bali?
Most unlocked phones from 2019 onwards support eSIM and work on Indonesian networks. Check yours on our compatible phones page.