Discover Bali travel guide essentials from planning your trip to enjoying culture, food, nature, and practical tips for 2025. This island offers sun, spirituality, affordability, and unforgettable experiences.
Bali travel guide: When to Visit
The best time to explore Bali is during the dry season—May, June, and September—for clear skies, scenic views, and outdoor fun. Visiting during off-season (November–March) delivers lush scenery, lower prices, and fewer crowds, but be ready for occasional rain and humidity.Festivals like Nyepi (Day of Silence, March 29 2025) offer cultural immersion—but expect transport and stores to pause for the day.
Visa & Entry
You can get visa on arrival or apply online—many nationals get 30‑day entry. Make sure your passport has at least six months validity. Travel insurance is essential; Bali Belly is real—stick to bottled or filtered water.
Transport & Getting Around
Most scooters ride Bali’s roads—always wear a helmet. Online services like Grab and Gojek handle rides and food delivery—even in remote areas. Telkomsel sim cards offer wide coverage; expect around 24 GB for ~200k IDR. Bali is building its MRT system; lines from the airport to Cemagi and Nusa Dua are set to open around 2028‑2031.
Bali travel guide: Staying Options
From budget hostels to luxury resorts, Bali suits every style. Seminyak and Nusa Dua offer upscale beachfront hotels like the St. Regis Bali Resort.Ubud is perfect for wellness seekers, surrounded by rice terraces and serene retreats.
Bali travel guide: Top Regions & Highlights
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Ubud & Central Bali: Explore Tegallalang rice terraces, serene yoga centers, artisan markets, and nearby waterfalls.
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South Bali (Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu): Great surf breaks, beach clubs, sunset temples. Uluwatu is a global surfing hotspot since the 1970s.
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East Bali (Amed, Karangasem, Virgin Beach): Less touristy, ideal for snorkeling, tranquility, and cultural immersion.
Bali travel guide: Culture & Etiquette
Respect temple rules: wear a sarong or cover shoulders when entering, use your right hand for exchanges, and avoid public displays during Nyepi.Daily offerings (canang sari) and temple rituals frame Balinese life.
Bali travel guide: Food & Cuisine
Eat at warungs—small local eateries—for budget and authentic flavours: nasi goreng, gado gado, tempeh, sate ayam, rendang.In upscale resorts, expect gourmet menus with seafood, spa cuisines, and fusion fare.
Bali travel guide: Attractions & Activities
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Temples: Ulun Danu Beratan, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Tirta Gangga (water palace), and hidden village temples.
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Nature & Adventures: Hike Mount Batur for sunrise, raft through jungles, jungle swing over rice terraces, visit secluded waterfalls like Nungnung near Ubud.
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Wildlife & Relaxation: Bali Safari & Marine Park blends Balinese culture and wildlife experiences.
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Wellness Escapes: Popular yoga studios include Yoga Barn and Alchemy in Ubud.
Bali travel guide: Sample 10-day Itinerary
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Arrive at Ngurah Rai, settle in Seminyak or Canggu, sunset at the beach clubs.
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Ubud: culture, rice terraces, cooking class.
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East Bali day trip to Tirta Gangga, Relax at Virgin Beach.
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Mount Batur sunrise hike and hot springs.
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Nusa Penida excursion: beaches and cliffs.
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South coast: Uluwatu surfing, temple and kecak dance.
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Wellness day at yoga retreat in Ubud.
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Waterfall chase (Nungnung, Banyumala), local lunch.
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Leisure shopping and spa day.
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Departure or continue exploring lesser-seen north coast.
Budget and Costs
Bali remains one of the world’s most affordable island destinations. According to 2025 data, budget travellers can enjoy meals from USD 2, villas for USD 10–20 per night, and scooter rentals for cheap.Booking during off-season yields even better deals.
Safety & Health
Carry a change of clothes—mud, beach dip, rain can surprise you. Stick to bottled water, avoid street ice, and pack mosquito repellent. Limited nightlife beyond midnight; most venues close by 12 AM.Rent scooters carefully or hire drivers; unfamiliar roads can be hazardous. Always wear helmets.
Sustainability & Local Challenges
Bali faces environmental stress: plastic waste, overtourism, and drying rivers. Local bans on single‑use water bottles (under 1 L) are in effect in 2025.Authorities have begun demolishing structures at places like Bingin Beach to enforce planning laws and preserve culture.Travel responsibly: minimize waste, support local businesses, and respect traditions.
Conclusion
This Bali travel guide covers essential aspects of visiting the Island of the Gods in 2025—from timing your trip and understanding culture, to practical tips and safe travels. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, spiritual calm, or local flavor, Bali offers a rich and varied journey. Be respectful, stay curious, and enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer.
