Bali Travel Guide

Our EPIC travel guides, written by locals & experts who love the island of Bali, Indonesia.

Why We Love Bali. Known for its majestic jungle-covered volcanic landscapes and sprawling white sands of tropical beaches, Bali is a world-famous destination that combines adventure and relaxation along its exotic shores. A relatively small island within the Indonesian Archipelago, Bali packs many attractions and activities within its 5,780 square kilometers. Bali’s coastline is lined with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, perfect for unwinding in the tropical sun.

Meanwhile, the island’s interior is riddled with tropical jungles, towering volcanic landscapes, and sweeping valleys of rice terraces. And scattered throughout the breadth of the island are over 10,000 Hindu temples tucked away along the coastal cliffs and volcanic monasteries. While Bali’s coastal havens tend to receive most of the island’s international acclaim, Bali as a whole is a pristine tropical escape that combines a surreal beach holiday with a daring exploration of the region’s exotic Hindu culture.

Best-Places-To-Visit-in-Bali-Indonesia
  • Kuta – Enjoy the nightlife & surfing in the tourist mecca of Bali.
  • Ubud – Immerse in the traditions of Bali’s cultural center.
  • Seminyak – Embrace Bali’s top shopping centers, fine dining restaurants, and beachside bars.
  • Lovina – Escape the island’s tourism center in Kuta and enjoy a more immersive experience of the traditional side of Bali.
  • Nusa Dua – Enjoy the luxurious amenities of Bali’s most exclusive neighborhood.

Explore all places to visit in Bali.

  • Surf in Kuta – Catch your first waves at Bali’s most celebrated white sand beach.
  • Hike Mount Batur – Enjoying breathtaking views from the top of Bali’s most picturesque volcano.
  • Visit Chase Waterfalls – Visitors can hike, bike, or drive to dozens of gorgeous waterfalls scattered across Bali.
  • WW2 Shipwreck Dive – Explore the exotic sea life inhabiting the USS Liberty shipwreck.
  • Nightclubs in Kuta – Let loose at Bali’s world-famous nightclub hot spots for a vibrant party scene.

Explore all the things to do in Bali.

Things To Do In Bali Indonesia
Nusa Dua resort in Bali Indonesia
  • Kuta – Best Area to Stay in Bali for Nightlife and Surfing.
  • Seminyak – Best Area for Luxury Accommodations, Shopping, and Dining
  • Canggu – Best Area for Laid Back Beach Vibes and Surfing.
  • Ubud – Best Area for Culture, Art, and Yoga.
  • Jimbaran – Best Area for Seafood Dining and Beach Relaxation

Explore the areas & places to stay in Bali.

Sunset at Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach

Kick back and relax or learn to surf at Bali’s most famous beach.

Seminyak

Seminyak Beach

Enjoy a cocktail at a laid-back beach club at Bali’s social beach.

Nusa-Dua-Beach-Bali

Nusa Dua Beach

Enjoy the sprawling white sands of one of Bali’s most picturesque coastal hot spots.

Blue-Point-Beach-Bali

Blue Point Beach

Hike to a hidden beach and live your tropical island dreams.

Go-Dolphin-Spotting-in-Lovina

Lovina Beach

Spot dolphins from the Bali’s famous volcanic black sand beach.

Explore all the best beaches in Bali.

clouds covering the top of mount batur central bali

Bali is an island paradise that promises a tropical climate of year-round warm temperatures.

  • Dry Season (Apr to Oct) – Plenty of sunshine, warm temperatures, and comfortable weather conditions for exploring
  • Rainy Season (Nov – Apr) – An off-season trip can often be met with heavy rainfalls and high humidity levels.
  • Shoulder Season (Apr-Jun and Sep-Oct) – Boasts the pristine weather conditions of the peak season with the low-traffic and discounted prices of the off-season.

🚌 Getting Here & Around

As a relatively small island, Bali is fairly easy to traverse, with most visitors opting to rent a scooter or use Indonesia’s rideshare services.

  • Airports – Most international visitors arrive in Bali through the Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). The airport is the only one on the island and is located in Denpasar.
  • Ferries – Beyond flying, the only other way to reach Bali is via one of the ferry services that connect it to other nearby Indonesian islands, such as Java and Lombok.
  • Driving – This is the most popular method of traversing the island. While cars are available, most international visitors opt to rent a scooter.
  • Taxis – Taxis are abundant in Bali and perfect for visitors uncomfortable with driving in a foreign environment. Bluebird Taxis are the main cab service.
  • Public Transport – While not as popular thanks to the low costs of private transportation, Bali does feature several bus networks connecting all major tourist centers.
  • Rideshare – Another common way tourists get around Bali is by using the region’s rideshare services, such as Gojek and Grab.
  • Biking – Cycling is another excellent way to get around Bali’s coastal regions. However, the island’s interior volcanic landscape can prove challenging and tiresome.
  • Walking – Walking is a great way to explore Bali if you plan to stay within a single tourism center.

ℹ️ Bali Travel Tips

  • Avoid Tourist Traps – Popular tourism centers such as Kuta and Seminyak can often be crowded. Instead, try visiting the island’s lesser-visited neighborhoods.
  • Tour a Temple – Bali boasts over 10,000 Hindu temples. It would be a shame not to visit at least one during your trip.
  • Hike a Volcano – There are two active volcanos on Bali, and both offer some of the most breathtaking sunrise views of the island.
  • Dress Appropriately – Bali is a profoundly religious destination. And while swimwear is welcome at its coastal hot spots, it is also frowned upon in town and sacred sites.

🧳 What To Pack

  • Sunscreen – Bali’s a tropical destination. Sunscreen is crucial to protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays.
  • Swimsuit – From surfing to swimming at the beach club, you are definitely going to want your swimsuit in Bali.
  • Hiking Shoes – Hiking one of Bali’s volcanoes is a must. But it also isn’t something you can do in your sandals.
  • Evening Outfits – Swimsuits have their time and place. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing for going out at night or visiting a temple.

Bali Travel Guides

Meet Our Bali Travel Expert

Picture of Kurt Norris

Kurt Norris

A Canada-based freelance writer, Kurt acquired his bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Windsor. Upon graduating, Kurt left the courtside media desk behind and began venturing the globe. Throughout his journeys, Kurt enjoys partaking in slow travel and loves to explore the histories and cultures of each destination, which he shares with others through his writing.

Read Kurt's Articles

ℹ️ Facts & Info

  • Population – 4.3 million
  • Capital – Denpasar
  • Largest Areas – Singaraja, Tabanan, Negara, Kuta, Ubud
  • Time Zone – Central Indonesia Time (UTC +8 hours)
  • Airports – Denpasar International Airport (DPS)
  • Nickname – The Island of the Gods
  • Demonym – Balinese
  • Country – Indonesia

🗺️ Bali Map

Join our list

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.

Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox

🔒 We don’t spam or sell emails. see our privacy policy
Picture of WayToStay

WayToStay

WayToStay.com was founded in 2021 by Lewis Ogden. After being frustrated by the lack of a dedicated resource for epic travel guides and finding unique hotels with a difference, he decided to create one!

Read More From WayToStay