The magical island of Bali has so much to offer, from rice fields to volcanoes, to waterfalls, to beautiful beaches, to temples, and amazing restaurants and bars. Traveling to Bali for the first time requires some proper planning because the island itself is huge and it’s hard to choose which area to stay in to fit everything you want to do during your tropical vacation.
After several trips to Bali, I’ve put together an informative Bali travel guide to help you choose where to stay and eat, along with the top activities not to miss in Bali. The good news is that you can travel Bali on a budget and still enjoy an affordable luxury vacation.
Bali Travel Guide (updated for 2020)
When to Visit Bali
Bali has warm weather year-round with 2 main seasons, the dry season (April to September) and wet season (October to March). During the wet season, it rains almost every day, but usually for a couple of hours, after which everything looks even more green. It does, however, get very hot and humid as well.
Avoid a trip to Bali in February, because it rains heavily every day and it can ruin some of your outdoor activities.
The high season is July/August which is the peak of the dry season, but the island gets extremely overcrowded and hotel prices surge pretty high compared to other months. The best months to visit Bali are May, June, and September where you can enjoy the beautiful weather without the crowds.
More info about the weather in Bali here.
Traveling in Bali
Currency
The main currency in Bali is Indonesian Rupees (IDR) and it’s best to always have cash with you because lots of places don’t accept credit cards (mainly in the markets). More upscale restaurants and boutiques do accept credit cards, but a lot of them might charge you a 3% fee for paying with your card.
You don’t need to carry a lot of cash while travelling to Bali. There are loads of ATMs on almost every street. You can also find them in most 24 hour supermarkets.
How to avoid money exchange scams in Bali
Make sure to exchange your money only in “authorized” money exchanges that have cameras installed inside, because there are loads of unauthorized places that can scam you right in from of your eyes. The exchanges all look similar, but authorized ones have cameras and will always give you a receipt.
There is a very popular money scam in Bali, where the person in the exchange would be counting your money in front of you, but secretly throwing a few bills into their drawer. They do it so fast that you cannot see it.
It has happened to me before and thankfully I realized what they had done right after I left. I came back to the exchange and demanded my money back. After half an hour of arguing, I dialed the police number on my phone and they were so scared that they gave me my money back.
What to do in case you get scammed on your Bali trip: take a local with you back to the money exchange. It could be a driver or someone from your hotel that can speak the language. Demand to get your money back and tell them that you will call the police. In case this doesn’t work, you can file a report at the station.
Travel to Bali safely with these resources
1. Watch this video to see how the unauthorized exchanges try to trick tourists while traveling in Bali.
2. Read this article to avoid other tourist traps on your Bali vacation.
Language
Indonesian is the main language in Bali, but lots of people speak English in the tourist areas. It’s generally very easy to communicate with the locals, especially because they are so welcoming and helpful.
Transportation
Motorbikes and Scooters
Bali is a very crowded island and traffic jams are unbearable sometimes. The best and most affordable way to get around is on the back of a scooter. There are several transportation apps that you can download and the best ones are: Go-Jek and Grab. Both of these have the option of ordering a scooter. The driver will arrive and give you a helmet to wear. Rides normally cost around only 1$!
You can also rent a scooter if you feel confident enough to drive in the madness. Scooter rentals cost 50,000 IDR ($3.3).
Taxis in Bali
There are 3 different types of taxis:
a) Local taxi drivers: these are drivers that you can find pretty much on every crowded street. They will try to charge you a very overpriced fixed fee, which you can negotiate most of the time. do not like the transportation ap
b) Transportation apps: Go-Jek and Grab both have taxi options, but local taxi drivers do not like the online apps and have banned them in a lot of areas such as central Canggu or Seminyak. The online apps are so much cheaper (usually 1/3 of the price), so you might see signs in different places saying “No Grab or Go-Jek”. You can still try ordering the taxi but the driver might call you and tell you to avoid looking at your phone when he’s picking you up so that the local drivers don’t notice what you’re doing.
2020 update: Some of the drivers might call you and ask for an additional fee (on top of the rate you see on your phone). If they do that, cancel your ride and order a different car.
c) Metered taxis: these are blue cars that you can find on the street with the name “Bluebird”. Just make sure the drivers turn on the meter, because a lot of them will try to ask for a fixed price which is usually much more than what you would pay for a metered fare.
Where to Stay in Bali
This is the most confusing part for first-time visitors, because each area offers a completely different experience than others. First I will give you a quick overview of the top areas, followed by my recommendations on how to divide your time during your Bali vacation.
Best Areas to Stay in Bali
1. Kuta – for surfers & party lovers
Kuta has become the most popular beach area in Bali and one of the first parts of the island that started development for mass tourism. The area is especially famous for surfing, with several long stretches of beaches and perfect waves year-round. It’s also heaven for party lovers, because it’s filled with lots of bars, clubs and beach clubs that throw some amazing parties.
Positives: great place for surfing, partying and finding affordable backpacker style accommodation
Negatives: overcrowded with tourists, lots of construction and beaches have become quite polluted
2. Seminyak – for sunset beach bars, luxury restaurants, and shopping
Seminyak is a great area to be based in, because it’s very central and has great beaches, some of the best restaurants in Bali, beautiful sunset beach bars and loads of accommodations options ranging from budget to luxury. It also has an amazing shopping area with very hip boutiques selling everything from typical souvenirs to trendy clothing, accessories, and beachwear.
Positives: the perfect place for affordable luxury accommodation, amazing bars & restaurants, great shopping
Negatives: a bit overcrowded, pricier than other areas, very commercialized
3. Canggu – for laid-back boho-chic beach lovers
Canggu is the new kid on the block. It’s an up and coming area located next to Seminyak and has officially become my favorite area to stay in the South of Bali. It’s still not swarming with tourists vs. the neighboring areas of Seminyak and Kuta, but is very central at the same time. The area is home to surfer beaches, cute and stylish cafes, rice fields, and gorgeous villas.
Read also: 30 Best Canggu Cafes – The Ultimate Bali Cafe Guide
Positives: stunning views of rice fields, affordable private villas, great cafes & restaurants, not too commercialized
Negatives: a bit calmer than other area and online taxis or bikes are not allowed
4. Uluwatu – upscale clifftop resorts and beach clubs
This area is famous for the Uluwatu clifftop temple and has several luxury resorts and beautiful beaches. It is much calmer than other areas and is perfect for spending a night or two.
Positives: Amazing luxury resorts with views of the Indian Ocean, great beaches, peace, and serenity
Negatives: secluded and an hour drive from the main area in Seminyak, pricier than other areas
5. Ubud – for serenity, stunning nature and peaceful getaways
Ubud is by far one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in my travels. It’s also the cultural hub of Bali with so many artists and local craftsmen. It’s the kind of place that will give you a sense of serenity like no other.
In Ubud, you will come across endless rice fields, monkeys, temples, waterfalls, and volcanoes. You’ll see locals dressed in their colorful prayer clothes with baskets on their heads which are offerings to their Gods. They are the friendliest and kindest locals you can ever meet.
My advice is to rent a scooter and get lost in the area. Don’t just stick to the main tourist areas, but just take a map and chase some of the lesser-known waterfalls and temples.
Positives: one of the most peaceful places you can visit, rice fields, temples, monkeys, waterfalls, kind locals
Negatives: 2 hours away from the beach areas, not much to do at night
6. Nusa Dua – for family getaways and water sports
Nusa Dua is the perfect place for a family getaway with loads of all-inclusive resorts. It’s also one of the best areas for water sports and activities, such as diving, snorkeling, and parasailing.
Positives: a great family spot and perfect for water sport lovers
Negatives: far from the main areas in Bali and more difficult
7. North Bali – for a quiet escape surrounded by stunning natural landscapes
If you’re looking to discover the less touristy areas of Bali, then North Bali is heavenly. The most beautiful waterfalls, rice fields, and volcano views are actually in North Bali. The locals are even nicer in this region and there are really affordable hotels with private pools. I highly recommend staying in Munduk and visiting Sekumpul Waterfall.
Read more about North Bali here: North Bali Travel Guide
Positives: Untouched nature, friendly locals, little to no tourists
Negatives: Far away from everything else
8. Sanur – for a relaxing beach getaway
Sanur has some very relaxing beaches that are great for families. There isn’t much to do in the area other than hanging out in your beach resort. The town itself is pretty small, but you can still find lots of spas and restaurants.
Positives: Relaxing atmosphere
Negatives: Not much to do other than laying on the beach
Jetsetter recommendations on where to stay in Bali:
Spend 4 to 5 nights in either Seminyak or Canggu, followed by 3 to 4 nights in Ubud.
Seminyak & Canggu are located right next to each other and from these 2 areas, you can visit Kuta, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua.
Ubud is quite far from everything else, so it’s best to spend a few nights there instead of just doing a day trip, because there is so much to see and do in the area. The best waterfalls and the most stunning temples are closer to Ubud, so it would be easier to base yourself there to discover other areas on your Bali trip.
North Bali is great if you have more than 10 days in Bali and have the time to spend at least 2 nights there. It usually takes around 2-3 hours to get there from either Ubud or Canggu/Seminyak.
Bali Hotel Guide
The next big decision is which hotel to stay in Bali, but don’t worry I’ve done the research for you and I’ve put together the best hotels to stay in Bali with a private pool for under $150 a night.
You can travel Bali on a budget and take advantage of the affordable accommodation options. Enjoy the luxury life without paying the high rates in other destinations.
For more Bali hotels check out: Where to Stay in Bali with Stunning Views
Where To Go in Bali
Best Temples in Bali
Tannah Lot, Uluwatu, Saraswati (Ubud), Purah Besakih (The Mother Temple), Ulun Danu Beratan, Tirta Empul Temple
Tanah Lot
Most Beautiful Rice Fields in Bali
Tegallalang Rice Fields Ubud, panoramic views from Mahagiri Restaurant, Jatiluwih, Belimbing
Tegelalang rice terraces
Top Waterfalls in Bali
Tegenungan (Ubud), Secret Waterfall (Tukad Cepung), Aling Aling, Gitgit, Sekumpul
Tegenungan Waterfall
Yoga classes
The Yoga Barn, Radiantly Alive (try the swing yoga here), Seminyak Yoga Shala
Shopping Areas in Bali
Seminyak is great for trendy boutiques and stylish finds. Ubud Market has an amazing selection of local arts, crafts, souvenirs, and cheap finds for clothing and accessories.
Massages
You can get cheap massages literally everywhere in Bali. There are loads of spas on every street and prices start from as low as $8 for a 1-hour massage.
Monkey Forest Bali
Get ready to be surrounded by hundreds of adorable monkeys! You do however need to be very careful, because these little cuties are very cheeky and can get quite aggressive if provoked.
Here’s a quick monkey forest survival guide:
a) Remove all food and drink from your bag
b) Don’t touch the monkeys
c) Don’t look them in the eye
d) If you see them fighting don’t get close to them
e) If you decide to feed them bananas (which you can purchase inside) they will most probably climb on you, so don’t touch them. Just let them eat their banana and leave.
f) If they sit on you there is a slight chance they might pee (it happened to me!), so go with an open mind and enjoy!
2020 update: you are no longer allowed to feed the monkeys inside. The number of monkeys you can see is significantly lower than before. If you’re looking for that perfect photo with a monkey on your shoulder, it is not even more difficult to get it. Because the food supply is now much lower, monkeys have become quite aggressive. Enter the forest with caution and follow all the rules to stay safe.
Volcano trekking in Bali
Watching the sunrise from Mount Batur is an incredible experience. The hike will take approximately 2 hours uphill and another 2.5 hours downhill, but it’s well worth it. You will also have to wake up in the middle of the night at 2 AM to start your journey and catch the sunrise on time. It’s best to book a tour ahead of time.
Top beaches in Bali
Kuta, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak, Jimbaran, Benoa Beach (for water sports)
Bali Beach Clubs
Potato Head Beach Club, Finn’s Beach Club, Sundays Beach Club, Kudeta, The Lawn
Bali Swing
There are 2 spots where you can ride a swing with epic views in the background and both are located quite close to each other in Ubud.
There’s one located in an Airbnb property called Zen Hideaway and you will have to message them directly to make sure you can pay a visit on your chosen day, because if the property is booked, they don’t allow outsiders to come inside just for the swing. The other one is called Bali Swing and there’s a small entrance fee of $2 plus a $20 fee to try 3 different swings. It’s quite pricey, but definitely a cool experience. Here’s some more info.
2020 update: there are now swings pretty much everywhere in Bali, including the Tegelalang Rice Terraces (several swings) and a really nice one in Tegenungan Waterfall.
Join Airbnb with this link and get $25 off your first booking.
Bali Food Guide
Bali breakfast spots & cafes
Revolver, Sea Circus, Nalu Bowls, Bali Bowls, Strawberry Fields, Milk & Madu, Livingstone, The Loft
Bali’s Best Lunch Spots
Nook, Peloton Supershop (Vegan), La Finca, Deus Ex Machina, Betelnut, The Bistrot, Sari Organik, Cafe Pomegranate
Top dinner restaurants in Bali
Mamasan, Bambu, Merah Putih, Sardine, Ginger Moon, Motel Mexicola (book in advance for these popular dinner spots)
Sunset bars
La Laguna, Woobar, Old Man’s, Rock Bar, Single Fin, Seminyak Beach (several beach bars with bean bags).
Read more travel blogs Bali: “Best spots to watch the sunset in Bali”
Others: Tukies Ice Cream shop in Ubud for the best coconut ice cream, Anomali Coffee for coffee blends from all over Indonesia
What to Pack for Bali
Waterfall, Beach & Suncare Essentials:
Stylish Finds:
