If you’re planning to travel to Bali, you’re not alone. This Indonesian island has become one of the world’s most sought-after destinations thanks to its breathtaking beaches, emerald rice terraces, dramatic volcanoes, and deeply spiritual culture. Whether you’re dreaming of surfing in Canggu, exploring temples at sunset, hiking Mount Batur at sunrise, or unwinding in a jungle villa in Ubud, Bali offers an experience that feels both exotic and surprisingly accessible.

Located in Indonesia between Java and Lombok, Bali blends natural beauty with affordability, making it ideal for honeymooners, solo travelers, digital nomads, and families alike. You can enjoy luxury villas with private pools, world-class dining, and unforgettable adventures—often at a fraction of the cost of other tropical destinations.

But before you book your flight, there are important things to know:

• When is the best time to visit?
• How much does a Bali trip actually cost?
• Do you need a visa?
• Which area should you stay in?
• Is Bali safe for travelers?

This complete Bali travel guide answers all of those questions—and more. You’ll find everything you need to plan your trip confidently, including budget breakdowns, neighborhood comparisons, a 7-day itinerary, safety tips, and insider advice to help you avoid common tourist mistakes.

If you’re ready to plan the perfect trip to Bali, let’s dive in.

Why Travel to Bali?

What Makes Bali Unique

When people decide to travel to Bali, they’re not just booking a beach vacation — they’re stepping into a destination that blends nature, spirituality, affordability, and lifestyle in a way few places can match.

Unlike many tropical islands that offer only resorts and beaches, Bali delivers incredible variety within a small area. In a single week, you can:

• Hike a volcano at sunrise
• Swim beneath jungle waterfalls
• Relax on white- and black-sand beaches
• Explore ancient temples
• Stay in a private pool villa for less than a standard hotel elsewhere

Bali feels immersive rather than commercial — which is exactly why so many travelers return again and again.

Culture & Spirituality

Bali is the only Hindu-majority island in Indonesia, and spirituality is woven into daily life.

You’ll see:

• Colorful offerings placed on sidewalks each morning
• Temple ceremonies with traditional dress
• Sacred sites like cliffside temples and jungle shrines
• A deep respect for balance, gratitude, and nature

Even popular tourist areas retain a sense of ritual and tradition. This cultural richness makes Bali more meaningful than a typical sun-and-sand destination.

Beaches, Jungles & Volcanoes — All in One Trip

One of Bali’s biggest advantages is landscape diversity.

You can:

• Surf in Canggu
• Relax in Seminyak
• Explore rice terraces in Ubud
• Chase waterfalls in the north
• Hike Mount Batur
• Take a boat to Nusa Penida

Few destinations offer this much variety without requiring domestic flights.

Who Is Bali Best For?

Digital Nomads
Canggu and Ubud are global remote-work hubs with co-working spaces, strong Wi-Fi, and affordable long stays.

Honeymooners & Couples
Private villas, jungle resorts, sunset dinners, and luxury spas make Bali incredibly romantic.

Backpackers
Hostels, scooter rentals, and cheap local food keep daily budgets low.

Luxury Travelers
Five-star resorts and high-end beach clubs provide world-class experiences at competitive prices.

Bali works because it scales — you can visit on $30 a day or $500 a day and still have an unforgettable trip.

Best Time to Travel to Bali

Timing your trip correctly can dramatically improve your experience — and save you money.

Dry Season (May–October)

This is the most popular time to travel to Bali.

• Sunny days
• Lower humidity
• Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities
• Best visibility for diving and snorkeling

If you want perfect weather, this is your window — but expect higher prices and more crowds, especially in July and August.

Wet Season (November–April)

The rainy season doesn’t mean constant rain. Showers are often heavy but short, usually in the afternoon or evening.

Benefits:

• Fewer tourists
• Lower hotel prices
• Greener landscapes
• Easier restaurant reservations

If you don’t mind occasional rain, this can be a smart budget-friendly option.

Cheapest Months to Visit

Generally:

• February
• March
• November

Flight prices and hotel rates tend to drop during these months, especially outside holiday periods.

Peak Tourist Periods

• July–August (European summer)
• December–early January (holiday season)
• Easter week

During these times:

• Prices rise
• Beach clubs and tours book out early
• Traffic increases significantly

Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Surf Season

Bali is a world-class surf destination.

• West coast (Canggu, Uluwatu): Best May–September
• East coast: Better during wet season

Even beginners can find gentle breaks year-round with surf schools widely available.

Monthly Weather Overview

Month	Season	Rainfall	Crowds	Prices
Jan	Wet	High	Low	Low
Feb	Wet	High	Low	Low
Mar	Wet	Medium	Low	Low
Apr	Transition	Medium	Medium	Medium
May	Dry	Low	Medium	Medium
Jun	Dry	Low	High	High
Jul	Dry	Very Low	Very High	High
Aug	Dry	Very Low	Very High	High
Sep	Dry	Low	Medium	Medium
Oct	Transition	Medium	Medium	Medium
Nov	Wet	Medium	Low	Low
Dec	Wet	High	High (holidays)	High

For a detailed month-by-month breakdown with temperature charts, crowd analysis, and budget guidance, see:

👉 Best Time to Travel to Bali (Detailed Breakdown)

Bali Entry Requirements & Visa Guide (US Travelers)

Planning to travel to Bali? Here’s what US passport holders need to know before arrival.

Visa on Arrival (VOA)

US citizens can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Bali’s main airport (Denpasar).

• Valid for tourism purposes
• Paid on arrival
• Can be extended once

For full step-by-step instructions, required documents, and extension rules, see our detailed Bali Visa Guide.

Length of Stay

• Standard Visa on Arrival: 30 days
• One extension available: +30 days
• Overstays result in daily fines

If you’re planning a longer stay (digital nomad or slow travel), explore alternative visa options in the full Bali Visa Guide.

Passport Requirements

• Must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date
• At least one blank page
• Proof of onward travel may be requested

Customs & Health Rules

• Declare high-value electronics
• Strict drug laws (zero tolerance)
• No fresh food or plant imports
• Follow local regulations regarding prescription medication

Health-wise:

• No routine vaccination requirements for entry
• Travel insurance strongly recommended

Travel Insurance Advice

Medical care in Bali is affordable, but serious issues may require evacuation to Singapore or Australia.

Look for policies that include:

• Medical coverage
• Emergency evacuation
• Trip cancellation
• Scooter accident coverage (important)

🔗 For more details, see our complete Bali Visa Guide.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel to Bali?

One reason Bali remains popular is affordability. You can travel comfortably at multiple budget levels.

Cost Breakdown

Expense	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$15–30	$50–120	$300+
Food	$5–15	$20–40	$80+
Transport	$5–15	$20–40	$100+
Activities	$10–40	$50–150	$300+

Daily Budget Estimate

• Backpacker: $35–60 per day
• Mid-range traveler: $90–180 per day
• Luxury traveler: $500+ per day

1-Week Total Cost

• Budget: $400–700
• Mid-range: $900–1,500
• Luxury: $3,500+

Flights not included.

Ways to Save Money

• Visit during wet season
• Eat at local warungs
• Use Grab or Gojek
• Book tours locally instead of online
• Avoid peak July & December travel

For a deeper breakdown including real itinerary budgets, see the Bali Travel Cost Guide.

Where to Stay in Bali

Ubud – Jungle & Culture

Best for:

• Nature lovers
• Wellness retreats
• Rice terraces & waterfalls

Located inland, Ubud offers yoga studios, temples, and scenic landscapes.

Canggu – Digital Nomad Hub

Best for:

• Remote workers
• Surfers
• Café culture

Trendy beach town with coworking spaces and sunset surf breaks.

Seminyak – Luxury & Nightlife

Best for:

• Upscale villas
• Beach clubs
• Fine dining

Perfect for couples or travelers wanting stylish accommodations.

Nusa Dua – Family Resorts

Best for:

• Calm beaches
• Gated resorts
• All-inclusive stays

Ideal for families seeking comfort and security.

For hotel comparisons and area deep-dives, visit our full Where to Stay in Bali guide.

Top Things to Do in Bali

4

Visit Rice Terraces

The Tegallalang rice terraces are iconic and photogenic.

Explore Temples

Cliffside and jungle temples showcase Bali’s spiritual heritage.

Hike Mount Batur

A sunrise volcano hike is one of Bali’s most memorable experiences.

Chase Waterfalls

North Bali is filled with dramatic waterfalls worth exploring.

Snorkeling & Diving

Coral reefs and manta rays await offshore.

Island Hopping (Nusa Penida)

Dramatic cliffs and turquoise water make this a must-do day trip.

See our complete list of experiences in Things to Do in Bali.

7-Day Bali Itinerary

Here’s a balanced first-time route:

Day 1–2: Ubud
Rice terraces, temples, waterfalls

Day 3: Mount Batur
Sunrise hike + hot springs

Day 4–5: Canggu
Surfing, beach clubs, cafés

Day 6: Uluwatu
Cliff temples and sunset views

Day 7: Nusa Penida
Island adventure day trip

For the full daily breakdown, read our detailed 7-Day Bali Itinerary.

Is Bali Safe for Travelers?

Overall, Bali is considered safe for tourists.

Crime Level

Low violent crime; petty theft can occur.

Common Scams

• Inflated taxi prices
• ATM skimming
• Rental scooter damage claims

Road Safety

Scooter accidents are common. Wear helmets and avoid riding without experience.

Health Tips

• Drink bottled water
• Use mosquito repellent
• Choose reputable clinics

Solo Female Travel

Bali is generally safe for solo female travelers, especially in popular areas.

Read the full safety breakdown in Is Bali Safe?

Getting Around Bali

Scooter Rental

Most flexible option (~$5–10/day).

Private Drivers

Affordable for full-day hire.

Grab/Gojek

Ride-hailing apps widely available in major areas.

Airport Transfers

Pre-book or use official taxi counters at Denpasar Airport.

Bali Travel Tips for First-Timers

ATM & Currency Tips

Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Notify your bank before travel.

SIM Cards

Buy at airport or local stores for cheap data packages.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect offerings and religious ceremonies.

Temple Dress Code

Wear a sarong and cover shoulders.

What Not to Do

• Don’t step on offerings
• Don’t disrespect sacred sites
• Don’t ignore traffic rules

For destination comparisons, see Bali vs Thailand Comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bali expensive?

No — Bali is affordable compared to most tropical destinations.

How many days do you need?

7–10 days is ideal.

Do I need a visa?

Most US travelers use Visa on Arrival. See the Bali Visa Guide.

Is Bali good for couples?

Yes — romantic villas, sunsets, and spa culture make it ideal.

Can you drink tap water?

No. Always drink bottled or filtered water.