Bali
Island of the Gods — temples, rice terraces & surf culture
State / Region
Bali Province
Best Time
April – October
Daily Budget
USD 30–60 (budget)
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah
About Bali
Bali is Indonesia's most beloved island — a spiritual and artistic paradise where ancient Hindu temples rise above emerald rice terraces, world-class surf breaks meet luxury wellness retreats, and every sunset feels like a painting.
Top Things To Do
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Budget-friendlyWalk through UNESCO-listed cascading rice paddies near Ubud — iconic Bali scenery.
Tanah Lot Temple at Sunset
Budget-friendlyWatch the sun dip behind this dramatic sea temple perched on a rocky outcrop.
Surfing at Kuta or Canggu
ModerateTake a surf lesson or ride the waves at Bali's legendary beginner-friendly breaks.
Ubud Monkey Forest
Budget-friendlyWander through a sacred forest sanctuary home to 700+ long-tailed macaques.
Traditional Balinese Cooking Class
ModerateVisit a local market, then learn to cook 5–7 authentic Balinese dishes.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
ModerateHike an active volcano at 4am to catch a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds.
Where To Stay
Affiliate disclosure: Some hotel links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps keep MyTravelTip2U free.
Kuta Paradiso Hotel
USD 35–65 / nightGreat location near Kuta Beach, pool, and free breakfast included.
Check Availability on Booking.comBisma Eight Ubud
USD 50–90 / nightStunning jungle valley views, infinity pool, and excellent Ubud location.
Check Availability on Booking.comCOMO Uma Ubud
USD 350–700 / nightRainforest villas, world-renowned COMO Shambhala spa, and private plunge pools.
Check Availability on Booking.comAmandari Ubud
USD 800–2,000 / nightLegendary Aman resort perched above the Ayung River gorge with private pool villas.
Check Availability on Booking.comTravel by Style
Romantic Getaway
- 1Ubud is Bali's most romantic base for couples — the jungle valley setting, the rice terrace walks, and the extraordinary density of world-class spas make it ideal for a slow, intimate trip. Stay at least three nights.
- 2Book a couples massage at COMO Shambhala or Komaneka Spa in Ubud — both are among the finest spa experiences in Asia. A 90-minute treatment followed by a private pool villa afternoon is a perfect Bali day.
- 3Watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset — the clifftop setting above the Indian Ocean, the hypnotic chanting, and the fire performance make it one of the most atmospheric cultural experiences in Southeast Asia.
- 4Hire a private driver for a full day and design your own romantic circuit: Tegallalang rice terraces at dawn, a cooking class in Ubud, and Tanah Lot temple at sunset. A private driver costs approximately RM 150–200 for the day.
- 5The Alila Villas Uluwatu and Amandari both offer private cliff-edge dining experiences — a table for two on a private terrace above the ocean or the Ayung River gorge, with a set menu prepared by the resort chef. Book at least a week in advance.
Family Travel
- 1The Ubud Monkey Forest is a genuine highlight for children — 700 long-tailed macaques roam freely through a sacred forest. Keep food hidden and bags closed, and supervise young children closely around the monkeys.
- 2Bali Safari and Marine Park near Gianyar is one of the best family attractions on the island — a tram safari through African and Asian animal enclosures, a water park, and animal shows. Allow a full day.
- 3Waterbom Bali in Kuta is one of Asia's top water parks — excellent for families with children aged 5 and above. The lazy river and family slides are perfect for younger children; the extreme slides satisfy teenagers.
- 4A traditional Balinese cooking class in Ubud is a wonderful family activity — most operators welcome children aged 8 and above, and the market visit at the start of the class is fascinating for curious young travellers.
- 5Sanur is the most family-friendly beach area in Bali — calm, shallow water protected by a reef, a flat beachside cycling path, and a relaxed atmosphere without the party scene of Kuta or Seminyak.
Shopping Guide
- 1Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) is the best place for Balinese handicrafts — woodcarvings, silver jewellery, batik, woven baskets, and traditional paintings are all available at negotiable prices. Bargain to 40–50% of the first asking price and walk away if needed.
- 2Seminyak is Bali's best area for boutique fashion and homewares — the strip along Jalan Raya Seminyak and Jalan Oberoi is lined with independent boutiques selling resort wear, handmade jewellery, and Balinese-inspired homewares at prices well below what you would pay in KL or Singapore.
- 3Sukawati Art Market in Gianyar is the best wholesale craft market in Bali — two floors of stalls selling woodcarvings, masks, paintings, and textiles at the lowest prices on the island. Arrive early and bargain hard. Popular with Balinese traders buying for resale.
- 4Kuta and Legian are the best areas for surf wear and beach fashion — Rip Curl, Quiksilver, Billabong, and Volcom all have large outlet stores selling genuine products at significant discounts. The Beachwalk Shopping Centre in Kuta has the best selection.
- 5Silver jewellery from Celuk village (the silver-working village near Ubud) is the best quality and best value in Bali — the workshops are open to visitors and you can watch the craftsmen at work. Prices are lower than in the tourist areas and the quality is higher.
Insider Travel Tips
- 1Always carry a sarong — required to enter temples.
- 2Negotiate prices at markets; starting price is usually 3× the fair price.
- 3Hire a private driver for day trips — much cheaper and easier than taxis.
- 4Respect local ceremonies; if a procession blocks the road, wait patiently.
- 5Drink only bottled or filtered water — tap water is not safe.
How to Get There
By Air
Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Singapore (SIN), international
Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar) is Bali's main gateway. AirAsia, Batik Air, and Garuda Indonesia fly daily from KL. The airport is in the south near Kuta — a 15–30 min taxi to most resorts.
By Taxi / Grab
Ngurah Rai Airport to hotel
Use the official airport taxi counter (fixed rates) or Grab for cheaper rides. Avoid touts outside arrivals. Ubud takes about 1.5 hours; Seminyak and Kuta are 20–30 min.
By Ferry
Gilimanuk (from Java / Lombok)
If travelling overland from Java, take the ferry from Ketapang (Banyuwangi) to Gilimanuk in west Bali. From Lombok, ferries run from Padangbai to Lembar.
Read Our Bali Guides
Halal TravelHalal Bali Travel Guide: How to Enjoy Bali's Magic as a Muslim Traveller
Bali is predominantly Hindu, but it is more Muslim-friendly than most travellers expect. This complete guide covers halal food in Seminyak, Ubud, and Kuta, prayer facilities, Muslim-friendly resorts, alcohol-free options, and how to experience Bali's extraordinary beauty without compromise.
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Destination GuidesBali Travel Guide: Everything First-Timers Need to Know
Temples, rice terraces, surf beaches, and some of the best food in Asia — your complete guide to Bali with budget tips, best areas to stay, and when to visit.
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