Bali Travel & Vacation Guide

Bali Bird Park is home to around 250 bird species—some native, others from as far as South America and Africa. There’s also a small reptile section, including a Komodo dragon. It’s a good stop if you're into wildlife or visiting with kids.

Bali Zoo is the island’s first zoo and home to over 600 animals from around 70 Indonesian species. It’s set in a tropical garden where you can get close to wildlife, including feeding sessions, animal shows, and even night safaris.

Campuhan Ridge Walk is a 2 km trail just outside Ubud, running above rice fields and palm trees with open views across rolling hills and plenty of greenery. It’s a simple way to escape the town buzz without heading far.

In Bali, dance isn’t just for show—it’s how stories are told, spirits honoured, and traditions passed down. You’ll see hypnotic Legong and Joged dances, the dramatic Barong show (good vs. evil, Balinese-style), and scenes from the Ramayana brought to life through movement and gamelan music. For a classic experience, head to Batubulan for open-air Barong performances each morning. Wayang kulit (shadow puppet theatre) still pops up at art centres and during special festivals. Many hotels also host traditional shows most evenings—so it’s easy to catch one without much planning.

Jatiluwih is where you go to really take in Bali’s rice terrace landscapes—without the crowds. These terraces cover over 600 hectares and are part of the island’s traditional subak irrigation system, which got them UNESCO-listed back in 2012. You can walk, cycle, or just sit with a view and a coffee. In 2024, it was also named one of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism.

You’ve probably seen Kelingking Beach plastered all over Bali ads and Instagram—and there’s a reason for that. This Nusa Penida spot, approximately a 40-minute boat ride from Bali, is renowned for its T-Rex-shaped cliff and the breathtaking views it offers. The beach below is gorgeous, with white sand and turquoise water, but getting there means tackling a steep trail. It gets quite busy, especially midday, but still one of those places you don’t want to skip.

Explore the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud, where more than a thousand long-tailed macaques roam the paths like they own the place (because honestly, they kind of do). It’s not just monkeys, though—the forest is full of towering trees, mossy temples, and stone statues slowly being taken over by roots and vines. Just keep your belongings zipped up, as the monkeys will try to snatch anything they think looks interesting.

Head to Seminyak if you're after an upmarket beach scene. The area’s full of high-end villas, boutique hotels, and sleek restaurants. The beaches—Seminyak and Petitenget—are long, west-facing, and decent for surfing. Sunset is the main event here. Bars and beach clubs fill up fast, especially along the sand.

Black Sand Brewery is one of Canggu’s most popular hangouts for craft beer and casual dining. Just off Batu Bolong, it’s a spacious venue with a grassy outdoor area, big communal tables, and a rotating lineup of house-brewed beers. The food menu is bigger than you’d expect from a brewery, covering everything from burgers and brisket to pizzettas, tacos, and desserts. There’s a relaxed buzz most nights, especially when live music is on, and it tends to draw a mix of locals, expats, and visitors looking for something easygoing but well put together.

One of Seminyak’s originals, Ku De Ta has been serving up oceanfront drinks, food, and DJ sets since the early 2000s. By day, it’s all loungers and chill vibes. Come sunset, the energy picks up fast. The menu combines modern Australasian flavours with local touches, and the crowd is a mix of expats, travellers, and well-dressed locals.

Motel Mexicola is a loud, colourful and one-of-a-kind spot in Seminyak famous for its party energy and Mexican comfort food. The space is packed with retro decor, neon lights, and bursts of music that only get louder as the night goes on. Early in the evening, it’s all about tacos, tostadas, and spicy cocktails — but by 9pm, tables turn into dance floors and the whole place feels more club than restaurant.

One of Bali’s most popular beachfront hangouts, Potato Head Beach Club lets you swim in the infinity pool, sip house-infused cocktails, and catch world-class DJs spinning from day into night. The menu features internationally inspired dishes made with local ingredients, and the whole place feels like a non-stop good-time spot for chilling and dancing.

Built into the cliffs of Jimbaran Bay, Rock Bar is all about the view. You ride a cliffside inclinator down to a sleek terrace set 14 metres above the waves, where the sunset steals the show. It is part of the Ayana Resort, so do expect posh vibes, decent cocktails, and a crowd dressed for the occasion — there is a dress code, so no beachwear. This will come with a steep price tag, but if you’re after that Bali sunset shot with a drink in hand, this is the place to come.

The Goat in Seminyak is a lively sports bar just off the main strip, known for big screens, loud energy, and pub food that does exactly what it needs to. Burgers, schnitzels, loaded fries and cold beers come out fast, and the place fills up quickly, especially when there’s a match on. There are two other locations on the island, both following the same formula.

Woobar is a standout beachfront venue at W Bali Seminyak, offering a vibrant atmosphere that transitions seamlessly from day to night. By day, it's a relaxed spot to enjoy the ocean breeze, savour crafted cocktails, and take a dip in the tiered pools inspired by Bali's iconic rice terraces. As the sun sets, the energy picks up with live DJs and an upbeat crowd, making it one of Seminyak's top nightlife destinations.

In the heart of Denpasar, Pasar Badung is Bali’s oldest and largest market — a sprawling, open-air space packed with fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs. Locals come here to shop, and you’ll find street food stalls dishing up proper Balinese flavours along the way.

Right across from Kuta Beach, Beachwalk is one of Bali’s chicest malls, with big international brands, a decent food court, and a leafy, open-air layout. It’s a comfortable stop for browsing, cooling off, or grabbing a meal between beach sessions.

Discovery Mall is a big beachfront shopping centre in Kuta, right across from Waterbom Park. You’ll find a mix of international brands, local shops, pharmacies, and restaurants. The back opens out to the beach, with a decent spot to watch the sunset or sit down with a coffee by the sea.

Right across the river from Pasar Badung in Denpasar, Kumbasari is a four-storey market packed with local traders selling batik, wood carvings, silver jewellery, and rattan bags. It’s mostly aimed at locals, so prices tend to be lower than in the beachside shops — just expect to haggle, and don’t rush.

Seminyak Village is a bright, modern mall with two floors of boutiques and a rooftop spa. It’s a good spot for stylish beachwear and local designer labels alongside some international names. Just nearby, Seminyak Square is a smaller, two-level mall with casual dining, shops selling souvenirs, clothing, and local gifts. Both spots are easy stops if you’re after a mix of shopping and food in Seminyak.

One of the oldest and most well-known art markets in Bali, Sukawati is where visitors go for souvenirs, handmade crafts, and traditional Balinese art. You'll find everything from wood carvings and paintings to sarongs, bags, and trinkets. If you’re willing to haggle, you can walk away with a good deal.

The Ubud Art Market is a two-floor, covered indoor market brimming with a rich array of local crafts and souvenirs—from beautiful silk scarves and shirts to statues, handmade woven bags, baskets, and traditional Balinese wood carvings. Be sure to warm up your bargaining skills before visiting to get the best deals.

Ubud Monkey Forest Road offers a calmer shopping scene compared to Bali’s busy markets. The main street and nearby side streets are dotted with shops selling Balinese handicrafts, antiques, textiles, and more.

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. Days are generally sunny, humidity is lower, and the sea is calm—ideal for beach lounging, diving, and temple-hopping. July and August are the busiest months, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. For a quieter trip with pleasant weather, aim for the shoulder months, such as April, May, or September. The wet season runs from November to March and brings short tropical downpours, but it’s still warm. For a cultural experience, consider planning your visit around major festivals, such as Galungan or Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence—a rare and peaceful moment when the entire island comes to a standstill.

Indonesia offers various ways for travellers to enter the country depending on their nationality, residency, and length of stay. The most common options are visa exemption, visa on arrival (VOA), and consular visa. Each option has its own conditions and required documents. Visa Exemption applies to nationals from select countries, such as Brunei, Cambodia, Colombia, East Timor, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, and Turkey. These travellers can enter Indonesia for tourism without paying a visa fee, but the stay is limited to 30 days and cannot be extended. The following documents are required: a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, payment of the Bali tourist tax (if visiting Bali), and completion of the SATUSEHAT health declaration. Entry is allowed by air, land, and sea. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to citizens of around 75 nationalities. It allows travellers to enter Indonesia for up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending the stay once. VOA can be obtained at the airport or applied for online prior to travel. It comes with a fee. Required documents include: the visa itself (VOA or eVOA), a valid passport, proof of departure (return or onward ticket), payment of the Bali tourist tax (if applicable), and the SATUSEHAT health declaration. This option also permits entry via air, land, or sea. Tourist Visa (B211A) is needed for nationalities that are not eligible for visa exemption or VOA. It is a consular visa obtained either online or through an Indonesian embassy, and allows travellers to stay up to 60 days. Travellers must present a valid passport, a visa, a return or onward ticket, payment of the Bali tourist tax, and the SATUSEHAT health declaration. This option suits travellers who require a longer stay or come from countries not listed in the other categories. For Indonesian nationals, travel is straightforward: only a valid passport and the SATUSEHAT health pass are required. For foreign residents of Indonesia, permanent residence proof must be shown along with the passport and health pass. Travellers are encouraged to complete the SATUSEHAT form before departure to avoid delays upon arrival. If visiting Bali, make sure to pay the tourist tax online or through a registered provider. Although yellow fever vaccination isn’t commonly required, it may be requested if entering from a country listed as at-risk by the WHO.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), also known as Denpasar Airport, is Bali’s main international gateway. It lies around 12 km from central Denpasar and typically takes 30–45 minutes by car, depending on traffic, to reach major tourist areas, such as Kuta, Seminyak or Nusa Dua. Travellers can use airport-authorised taxis available via a desk near the arrivals area, or Blue Bird taxis, which are metered and widely trusted. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also allowed, though pickups are usually arranged at designated points just outside the terminal. Hotel shuttles and private transfers are another common option.

Public transport in Bali is quite limited and not the most convenient option for tourists. While the Trans Sarbagita bus service does operate on a few routes around Denpasar and southern Bali, coverage is sparse and schedules can be unreliable. Instead, most visitors get around the island by scooter rental—the most popular choice, especially in areas like Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Renting a scooter gives you flexibility, but remember you need an international driving permit, and it's best to wear a helmet—the traffic and roads can be chaotic. Ride‑hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also widely used for short hops.

Taxis in Bali are easy to find in most towns and tourist areas. The most reputable operator is Blue Bird, known for its light blue cars and reliable, metered service. You can book one using the My Bluebird app or by calling their hotline. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also widely available and often more convenient, with upfront pricing and various vehicle options. In some areas, you may need to meet your driver at a designated pickup point due to local restrictions. Just be cautious of unofficial drivers offering rides outside the apps.

Indonesia operates on a 230V voltage and 50Hz frequency. The power sockets are Type C and Type F, which are the same types commonly used in most European countries.

Pharmacies in Bali—known locally as apoteks—are widely available in major towns and tourist areas, such as Denpasar, Ubud, Seminyak and Kuta. Common chains include Kimia Farma, Guardian, and Watsons, which offer a range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as toiletries and health products.

Bali's main post office is located in Denpasar (Kantor Pos Renon). It handles international mail, parcels, EMS (Express Mail Service), and money transfers. You’ll also find smaller branches in towns like Ubud, Sanur, Kuta, and Seminyak, but service hours and efficiency can vary.