- CountryIndonesia
- RegionAsia
- Best time to goApr–Oct
Bali is Indonesia's lush 'Island of the Gods,' a tropical mix of emerald rice terraces, clifftop sea temples, world-class surf, and a deeply spiritual Hindu culture that pulls travelers back again and again.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is the dry season from April to October, with sunny days and lower humidity. July and August are the busiest, while the wet season from November to March brings warm afternoon downpours and fewer crowds.
Top things to do in Bali
Tap any experience for photos, a little history, and practical tips.
See the sea temple at Tanah Lot
Bali's most photographed temple, perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea and surrounded by crashing waves, especially magical at sunset.
- History
- Pura Tanah Lot was founded in the 16th century by the priest Nirartha and is one of seven sea temples ringing Bali's coast, each within sight of the next, dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea.
- Insider tip
- Arrive a couple of hours before sunset to beat the tour buses and walk the cliff path for different angles. At low tide you can cross to the base, though only Hindu worshippers may enter the temple itself.
- Good to know
- Entry is a small fee of around 60,000 Rp. About an hour from the south by car or scooter, and busiest at sunset.
Watch the kecak dance at Uluwatu
A dramatic clifftop temple high above the Indian Ocean, famous for sweeping sunset views and a fiery evening kecak fire dance.
- History
- Pura Luhur Uluwatu sits on a sheer cliff some 70 metres above the sea and, like Tanah Lot, is one of Bali's sacred directional sea temples, believed to protect the island from evil spirits.
- Insider tip
- Come for the sunset kecak performance, where dozens of chanting men enact a Ramayana story, and hold tight to bags and sunglasses, as the resident monkeys are notorious thieves.
- Good to know
- Temple entry is around 50,000 Rp, with the dance ticketed separately. On the Bukit Peninsula in the far south. Wear a sarong, provided at the gate.
Walk the Tegallalang rice terraces
Postcard-perfect emerald rice paddies carved into a steep valley near Ubud, sculpted into elegant curving terraces.
- History
- These terraces use the centuries-old 'subak' irrigation system, a cooperative water-sharing method recognized by UNESCO that reflects the Balinese philosophy of harmony between people, nature, and the gods.
- Insider tip
- Go early morning for soft light and fewer crowds, walk down into the paddies rather than just photographing from the road, and expect small donations at some viewpoints and swings.
- Good to know
- A small entry and parking fee applies. A short drive north of Ubud, and best in the morning before tour groups arrive.
Meet the monkeys in Ubud
A lush jungle sanctuary in the heart of Ubud, home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and three moss-covered Hindu temples.
- History
- The Sacred Monkey Forest is part of a 14th-century temple complex and remains an active place of worship, where the macaques are considered sacred guardians of the temple grounds.
- Insider tip
- Keep a tight hold on glasses, hats, and phones, don't bring food or plastic bags, and avoid direct eye contact with the monkeys. The forest pairs well with a wander through Ubud's art markets.
- Good to know
- Entry is around 80,000 Rp. In central Ubud, walkable from the main market and palace.
Hike Mount Batur for sunrise
A pre-dawn trek up an active volcano, rewarded with a glorious sunrise over the caldera, lake, and distant peak of Mount Agung.
- History
- Mount Batur is an active volcano within a vast ancient caldera. Its repeated eruptions and the sacred lake below make the Kintamani region one of Bali's most spiritually and geologically significant areas.
- Insider tip
- The climb takes around two hours and starts in the dark, so go with a guide, wear layers, and bring a headtorch. Many tours include breakfast eggs cooked in volcanic steam at the summit.
- Good to know
- Guided treks run from around 400,000 Rp. In the Kintamani highlands, with very early pick-ups from the south or Ubud.
Island-hop to Nusa Penida
A rugged island off Bali's southeast coast, famed for the dinosaur-shaped Kelingking cliff, turquoise coves, and snorkelling with manta rays.
- History
- Long isolated and used as a place of exile, Nusa Penida stayed wild and undeveloped, which is why its dramatic limestone cliffs and clear waters remain so pristine compared with mainland Bali.
- Insider tip
- Book a fast boat from Sanur and a driver for the day, as roads are rough. The viewpoints involve steep stairs, so wear good shoes and start early to dodge crowds at Kelingking and Angel's Billabong.
- Good to know
- Fast boats run from Sanur in about 45 minutes. A long but rewarding day trip, or stay overnight to see more.
Purify at Tirta Empul
A sacred water temple where Balinese Hindus and visitors bathe in a spring-fed pool, moving along a line of carved fountains in a cleansing ritual.
- History
- Founded around 960 AD around a holy spring, Tirta Empul is dedicated to Vishnu, and its waters are believed to have been created by the god Indra. Balinese have come here to purify body and spirit for over a thousand years.
- Insider tip
- Rent a sarong, follow the ritual order under each spout, and treat it as a place of worship rather than a photo stop. Bring a change of clothes and a dry bag for valuables.
- Good to know
- Entry is around 50,000 Rp, with sarongs and lockers available. Near Tampaksiring, close to the Tegallalang terraces.
Surf and unwind on the southern beaches
Bali's south is one big beach scene, from the long surf breaks of Kuta and Canggu to the trendy beach clubs and sunsets of Seminyak.
- History
- Bali earned its global reputation in the 1970s when surfers discovered the reef breaks of the Bukit Peninsula, and the south coast has been the island's tourism heart ever since.
- Insider tip
- Beginners should learn on the gentle beach breaks at Kuta or Canggu, while experienced surfers head to Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Stay for sunset cocktails at a beach club in Seminyak or Canggu.
- Good to know
- Beaches are free; surf lessons and board hire are cheap. Watch for strong rip currents and swim between the flags.
Know before you go
Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the official language, with Balinese widely spoken locally. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
The Indonesian rupiah (Rp). Bali is inexpensive by Western standards, though beach clubs and upscale resorts in Seminyak and Canggu can be pricey.
Carry cash for warungs (local eateries), markets, and temples, as smaller spots are cash-only. Cards work at hotels and bigger restaurants. Use ATMs attached to banks to avoid skimming.
There is no real public transport, so most visitors use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek), private drivers, or rent a scooter. Traffic in the south is heavy, and journeys take longer than the map suggests.
Type C and F plugs, 230V / 50Hz, the standard European two-pin. UK and US visitors need an adapter.
Bali is generally safe, with the main risks being scooter accidents, petty theft, and rip currents at surf beaches. Drink bottled water, watch your drink on nights out, and ride scooters carefully with a helmet.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bali?
A week to ten days is ideal, enough to combine a few days in the cultural heartland around Ubud with beach time in the south and a day trip or two to Nusa Penida or a volcano. Many visitors happily stay two weeks or more.
Is Bali worth visiting?
Absolutely. Bali blends stunning scenery, rich Hindu culture, great surf, and excellent value in one tropical island. The south can feel crowded and built-up, but Ubud, the highlands, and the quieter coasts remain magical.
Is Bali expensive?
Bali is inexpensive for most Western travelers. You can eat well at warungs for a few dollars and find comfortable rooms from around €25–60 a night, though Seminyak villas and upscale beach clubs cost much more.
What is the best area to stay in Bali?
It depends on your style. Ubud suits culture, rice fields, and wellness; Seminyak and Canggu are best for beaches, dining, and nightlife; Uluwatu has clifftop luxury and surf; and Sanur or Ubud's outskirts are calmer and family-friendly.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season from April to October offers the best weather, with July and August busiest. The wet season from November to March is greener, cheaper, and quieter, with warm afternoon showers rather than all-day rain.
Do you need a visa for Bali?
Many nationalities, including the US, UK, and EU, can get a visa on arrival for tourism, valid for 30 days and extendable once. Rules change, so check current requirements and ensure your passport has at least six months' validity.