Updated October 2025
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BALI TRAVEL INFO
LANGUAGES | INDONESIAN, BALINESE (English is also widely spoken)
CURRENCY | INDONESIAN RUPIAH
POPULATION | 4.4 million people live on Bali
INTERESTING FACT | Bali is the only Hindu majority Island in all of Indonesia.
After years of dreaming and months of planning, and an erupting Mount Batu, we finally made it to the legendary island of Bali. With warm tropical weather, golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes, it was everything we’d imagined and more.
We’ve now visited Bali twice, and both times for over a month, giving us an in-depth understanding of the island that we share with our guides. From Ubud to the northern waterfalls, Amed to Uluwatu, we’ve explored the highlights, hidden gems, and everything in between.
For first-time visitors, stepping off the plane, navigating visas, and finding your way to your hotel can feel overwhelming. That’s why this Bali travel guide for first-timers is designed to help you make the most of your trip. Inside, you’ll find things to do in Bali, where to stay, the best places to eat, how to get around, and the best time to visit, all backed by our personal experiences.
Whether you’re planning a solo adventure, a honeymoon, or a family holiday, this ultimate Bali travel guide 2025 includes maps, itineraries, and insider tips to explore the island like a local.
Where is Bali?
Bali is one of 17,000 islands in Indonesia, located between Java and Lombok. Often called the Island of the Gods, Bali is famous for its stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, active volcanoes, and vibrant culture.
As a top destination in Southeast Asia, Bali offers something for everyone, from adventure and surfing to wellness retreats and cultural experiences.
READ NEXT | Looking to explore nearby islands? Check out our guides to Lombok and Gili Islands for more adventures, only a short trip from Bali.
WHEN is the best time to VISIT?
Bali’s dry season is from April to October, is generally considered the best time to visit. However, the island is a fantastic destination to visit all year round, offering something for everyone.
Discover the perfect time to plan your Bali trip with our month-by-month guide. See what each month has to offer, whether you’re looking to surf, enjoy a wellness retreat, go on a family holiday or honeymoon. Our detailed guide breaks down Bali’s seasons, weather, crowds, prices and activities, helping you choose the best time to visit.
READ | Month by Month Best Time to Visit Bali Guide
We spent December on the island and experienced mostly dry weather, although Ubud had five straight days of rain. While this might affect travel plans, the rain makes the waterfalls come alive, creating some of the island’s most spectacular scenery. If you’re only visiting for a couple of weeks, this could influence when you choose to go.
READ | Everything you need to know when visiting Bali in December
How to get a Visa for Bali?
Save time when you arrive at the airport in Bali by getting an Electronic B1 Visa on Arrival (e-VOA), which lasts 30 days. You can apply online before arriving in Bali, which allows you to skip the queue when others buy a Visa on Arrival (VoA).
On our first time arriving in Bali, we spent a long time queuing in the visa queue, and if we’d known about the e-VOA, we would’ve done that to avoid the wait times on arrival, and it is a much more convenient process.
It’s also possible to extend your visa if you decide to extend your stay in Bali or explore more of Indonesia.
How to apply for your e-VOA for Bali
You must apply 48 hours before arriving in Bali
Visit the Official portal website to apply for an B1 e-VOA
Ensure you have the following when applying
A passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date
A recent passport photo
A return flight ticket
Pay a visa fee of IDR 500,000 (£23)
You will receive the visa by email within 24 hours
HOW TO GET AROUND Bali?
By scooter
Scooter are a popular way to get around Bali, offering freedom, flexibility and affordability. Daily rental prcies are around IDR 50,000–70,000 per day (£2.50–£3.50). However, you must be a confident riding a motorbike, and have previous experience.
Bali roads can be chaotic, especially around the airport, Canggu, Depensar and Kuta. Be prepared for any potential hazards on the road and stick to these safety tips:
Look out for stray animals and people crossing the roads
Always wear a helmet and drive defensively
Avoid riding in the dark or during heavy rain.
Check your bike before setting off (brakes, lights, and tyres)
Not confident riding a scooter? Don’t risk it! There are plenty of other safe ways to get around Bali, which we cover next.
By Gojek or Grab
Booking a Gojek or Grab is now much easier than in previous years we visited Bali. Gojek is essentially a scooter taxi, with drivers usually wearing Gojek jackets, making them easy to spot. It’s affordable, convenient and ideal for short trips.
For airport transfers, we booked a Grab when we landed, which saved the hassle of negotiating with local taxi drivers after a long flight. There’s a dedicated Grab lounge just outside the main arrival area so you can sit and wait for your ride to arrive, super easy and stress-free!
If you want to book your private taxi before you land, then consider a private transfer for a relaxing ride to your accommodation.
By guided tour
If you’d prefer not to hire a scooter or Gojek, a guided tour is an excellent way to explore Bali while benefiting from the knowledge of a local guide. Tours range from full-day excursions to multi-day adventures, covering highlights such as temples, waterfalls, rice terraces, beaches, and cultural experiences.
You can choose between private tours, small-group tours, or activity-focused experiences. One of the best ways to see multiple highlights is a private customised tour, which allows you to pick and choose the sites you want to visit most, making your Bali experience tailored to your interests.
WHERE and what TO EAT in Bali?
Bali is a foodie’s paradise, with something for everyone. From traditional Indonesian dishes to vegan options and international cuisine.
We found the best thing to do was just to walk around, look at what was popular and try lots of different dishes and don’t be afraid to ask what the staff would recommend!
Must try dishes in Bali:
Nasi Goreng/Mie Goreng - Popular street food, and is one of Indonesia’s famous fried rice or noodles with a fried egg
Satay - Grilled meat skewers with a delicious peanut sauce, which is also a favourite street food snack
Sambur - if you love spice, then this one’s for you! A chilli paste that comes as a side to most dishes and varies from area to area, so make sure to try each one if you move around Bali.
For budget-friendly travellers looking for a quick snack or ingredients to cook meals, you’ll find most things in minimarkets like 7-Eleven or Circle K, which are on most streets. Grab a Beng Beng bar or a cold Bintang beer and keep exploring.
Try eating at a traditional warung, usually a family-owned restaurant serving affordable meals full of authentic Balinese flavours. Ask the staff for recommendations and don’t be afraid to try something new, you might just discover a new favourite.
Meals range from £1–£3 at warungs up to £5–£10 in mid-range restaurants, making Bali perfect for any budget.
Best Things to Do in Bali
South Bali – Beaches & Surf
Canggu
Known for its laid-back vibe and surf-ready beaches, Canggu is a mix of rice fields, boutique shops, cafés, and bars. We loved strolling to the beach at sunset to watch the surfers before enjoying a drink at one of the many beachfront spots. The streets are full of swimwear and beach clothing stores, giving it that quintessential Bali feel.
Canggu has changed a lot since our first visit, with rapid development replacing many of the surrounding rice paddies. It’s now a foodie hotspot, with options ranging from local warungs like Varuna and Ji Restaurant to popular spots like Luigi’s Pizza and the Shady Shack.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu sits on Bali’s southern tip, known for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and relaxed surf culture. The area is famous for the iconic cliff-top Uluwatu Temple, breathtaking sunsets, and hidden beaches tucked between rocky headlands.
In the last few years, it has grown in popularity. Uluwatu can still offer quieter spots for surfing and swimming. It’s a perfect base for travellers seeking a mix of cultural experiences, scenic beauty, and laid-back beach vibes.
ULUWATU TEMPLE
Perched on a cliff above the Indian Ocean, the iconic Uluwatu temple with sea views is one of Bali’s most famous landmarks. We loved this temple at sunset, with its big open complex and peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy the traditional Kecak fire dance which you can book tickets. Explore the grounds of the temple and watch your belongings around the monkeys!
BALANGAN BEACH
We loved Balangan for its beautiful cliff-top views across the beach and its laid-back surfer vibe. The turquoise water, soft golden sand and perfect location for memorable sunsets make this beach a winner.
DREAMLAND BEACH
A popular beach amongst surfers, with dramatic views from the cliffs above. We preferred Balangan and Bingin Beach over dreamland as they are quieter especially in the case of Bingin.
However, Dreamland has a large luxury resort being built and will be open late 2020. Jumeirah resort Bali does look incredible but will totally change this beach forever. Despite this, you will love dreamland if you love your surfing and is a good spot to learn to surf.
PADANG PADANG BEACH
Reasonably quiet with rest facilities nearby make this an easy beach to get to and enjoy despite a few steps down to the beach itself. The tsunami warning signs as you walk down the stairs make you feel like you would have very little time to escape up if you needed to. Once on the beach though you can enjoy the shallow water and soft golden sand. Be careful though as there are large slab like rocks in the shallows which can be very slippy.
BINGIN BEACH
The journey to Bingin beach is not an easy one, navigate small alleyways and many many slippy steps down. Eventually, you are rewarded with breathtaking views out across the Indian Ocean and some of the best surf in the world.
Bingin boasts 5 star waves and is a hot spot of surfers. We stayed in a traditional Balinese beach house with the waves crashing underneath at night. We really felt like we had escaped modern life and were enjoying a much simpler set up. There are limited places to eat on the beach, but enough to avoid the long journey back up the steps.
Central Bali / Ubud – Culture & Nature
UBUD
Surrounded by jungle and rice fields, Ubud is located more centrally on the island away from the coast and beaches. Ubud is very much what you think of when you see pictures of Bali. The weather can be more unpredictable compared to the coastal areas and you often feel like you are living in a rain forest. Many high end Balinese resorts are located in the Ubud region and it is the ideal place for a wellness escape or a honeymoon.
TEGENUNGAN WATERFALL
Big, beautiful, powerful and close to Ubud. Tegenungan is popular as it is easy to get to and one of the biggest waterfalls in Bali. We have to admit that we visited when it was raining and it kept the crowds away.
The whole town surrounding the waterfall is geared towards tourists and felt very commercialised. If you can ignore that though and are prepared to wait a while to get a decent photo then it is worth a visit. You can then have lunch in one of the many warungs located nearby.
NUNGNUNG WATERFALL
When you think of Bali you might think of waterfalls, and when you think of waterfalls in Bali this is exactly what you imagine. Nungnung was our favourite waterfall. We arrived early so that we could have the place to ourselves. Feeling the power of the waterfall and the spray hitting you is incredible. We loved it here, be careful though as the rocks are extremely slippy.
TUKAD CEPUNG WATERFALL
Considered sacred and located in a cavern. After a beautiful scenic walk along a rocky path, you eventually find what you are looking for. The contrast of the white water of the falls lighting up from the day light against the black rock is beautiful.
It does get busy and very crowded here. most people seem respectful though to allow people a turn to get a photo and enjoy the water falling on your back.
AIR TERJUN TIBUMANA
Another very iconic Balinese waterfall. Erosion recently has caused some of the sides to cave in, so please be careful when close to the falls as another landslip could happen. The refreshing pool is great on a hot day to float about in and surprisingly if you are lucky you can get the place all to yourself.
THE SACRED MONKEY FOREST
Home to over 1000 Balinese Long Tail Monkey and set in a beautiful jungle sanctuary. We loved spending a couple of hours exploring the Monkey forest and watching the cheeky monkeys get up to all sorts of trouble.
We found a back way into a secondary car park which we could ride into down some very small sketchy paths on our motorbike. We then managed to park right by an entrance and get into the forest.Make sure everything is hidden in your bag as the monkeys are very clever and quick at stealing everything not tied down.
TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACE
Yes it is a very touristy spot, but get up early enough and you can explore the entire place to your self and watch a beautiful sunrise over the rice fields. We did get the sense that this entire place was kinda just set up for tourists. It is still worth the visit though if you do the morning and spend an hour or so walking around and then leaving before it gets busy.
East Bali - Snorkelling and quiet beaches
Amed
Escape to Amed, a peaceful fishing village on Bali’s east coast. With black sand beaches, sheltered bays, and stunning sunrises, it’s perfect for a laid-back break away from the crowds.
Snorkel or dive around shipwrecks and vibrant marine life, watch fishing boats set sail at dawn, and enjoy fresh seafood while soaking up the slower pace of life.
READ | Our complete guide to Bali’s snorkelling paradise in Amed
WHERE TO STAY?
There is so much choice of accommodation on Bali. You can find a place to suit every budget. Check out our guide of where we stayed to get an idea of what the island has to offer.
