Guillaume Marques, Unsplash License, Source

Bali

Tropical beaches, vibrant culture and adventure

Bali presents volcanic mountains, rice terraces and beaches with calm waters. The island’s culture centers on temples where ceremonies happen regularly. Local markets sell fresh fruit, spices and handmade crafts. Travelers can walk through villages known for weaving or watch dancers perform traditional stories. Rice fields rise across hillsides in patterns shaped by centuries of farming. Coastal towns provide quiet spots to swim or try surfing during certain seasons. Bali balances busy tourist areas with quieter rural spaces where daily life continues at a slower pace.

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Region in Indonesia

$$$

$	Cheap
$$	Medium
$$$	Expensive, upscale
$$$+	Very expensive, luxury

See price details

Safety: 5.6

General Safety:	7
Health & medical:	5
Accessibility:	2
Tap water:	1

Read details

4/5

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. In rural areas, communication can be more challenging, but basic English is still common.

Highlights Attractions Getting there Hotels Tips Travel costs Safety Articles

Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Bali Summary

These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.

‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.

‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.

‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.

Read how our scores work

Excellent for tropical culture and nature. Visit temples, relax on beaches, hike volcanoes, explore rice terraces and enjoy wellness retreats.

Place score

8.2

Best at:

Yoga

Islands

Luxury

Religious sites

Traditional culture

Personal score

Suited for

👶 7

Families

🧓 6

Seniors

❤️ 9

Couples

💻 9

Digital Nomads

Indonesia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) £1 ≈ IDR 24,141.20
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in urban areas of Indonesia, particularly in larger cities. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like GoPay and OVO are widely accepted in many establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Indonesia. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not commonly seen in Indonesia. Alcohol is consumed mainly in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, shopping centres, and public transport.

Independence Day (17 August)	A national holiday with celebrations and ceremonies
Nyepi (March/April)	The Balinese Day of Silence, celebrated with unique rituals and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps:	GoJek, Grab
Other:	Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. It is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Best times to travel

The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.

Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.

Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.

Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.

Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.

for Bali, Indonesia

🌦️

Jan

🌦️

Feb

🌦️

Mar

🌦️

Apr

🌦️

May

🌤️

Jun

🌤️

Jul

🌤️

Aug

🌤️

Sep

🔥

Oct

🌦️

Nov

🌦️

Dec

High season:	May - Oct.
Shoulder season:	Jan., April, Nov. - Dec.
Crowdedness:	8 (Very crowded)

Tap on a month for more info Hover over a month for more info

Climate details

Dry season is April to October; wet season November to March brings daily downpours but quieter sights and lower prices

Nyepi (Day of Silence), in March or early April: airport, roads and shops fully closed for 24 hours, tourists must stay in their hotels

Surf coasts differ by season: Uluwatu and the west coast are best April to October, Sanur and the east coast November to March

Mount Agung volcano activity can occasionally disrupt flights

Don't miss

🌋 Watch the sunrise over Mount Batur volcano
💦 Swim beneath the cascading Tegenungan Waterfall
⛪ Visit Uluwatu Temple perched high on a seaside cliff
💃 Experience traditional Balinese dance in Ubud Palace
🍹 Relax on Seminyak Beach and enjoy a sunset cocktail
🌾 Explore rice terraces in Tegallalang’s lush hills

You've been here?

Why travel to Bali?

Bali has an energy like nowhere else. The beaches range from golden party spots to hidden black-sand escapes. You can visit breathtaking waterfalls, hike a volcano at sunrise and be surrounded by traditional Balinese culture. The food scene is incredible, from cheap and tasty warungs to high-end restaurants. If you're into wellness, this place is packed with yoga retreats and relaxing spas. Plus, the nightlife is legendary!

🏙️Cities & Regions

1 Ubud
A cultural heartland where terraced rice paddies meet ancient temples and vibrant arts scenes. Visitors find yoga retreats, traditional markets and lush forests offering hiking, cycling and meditation in a serene tropical setting and spiritual atmosphere.
2 Denpasar
A vibrant hub on Bali’s southern coast, Denpasar offers a mix of traditional markets, colonial architecture and modern amenities. The city serves as the main gateway to nearby beaches, cultural sites and the island’s bustling nightlife.
3 Nusa Dua
An island off Bali's southern coast, Nusa Dua offers pristine white-sand beaches and luxury resorts. The area features well-maintained promenades, golf courses and a calm marine environment ideal for snorkeling and family‑friendly activities and.
4 Seminyak
A former oil refinery turned eco‑resort, this coastal enclave offers quiet beaches, lush mangroves and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can explore nearby coral reefs, enjoy fresh seafood or unwind in boutique accommodations overlooking the Indian Ocean.
5 Canggu
Vibrant surf culture meets modern cafés and yoga studios in this coastal town. Lush rice terraces and nearby temples offer cultural depth, while boutique shops and beachfront restaurants cater to travelers seeking a blend of relaxation and activity.
6 Nusa Penida
Off Indonesia’s southern coast lies Nusa Penida, an island known for dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and iconic viewpoints such as Kelingking Beach. Visitors can explore sea caves, snorkeling spots and local villages while enjoying a relaxed, less crowded atmosphere.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Uluwatu Temple
2 Bajra Sandhi Monument
3 Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
4 Goa Gajah
5 Tirta Empul Temple
6 Tanah Lot Temple
7 Ubud Palace
8 Besakih Temple
9 Garuda Wisnu Kencana

🎡Places for activities

1 Lembongan dive adventures
2 Ayung Dewata Rafting Start Point
3 Campuhan Ridge Walk
4 Bali Safari & Marine Park
5 Alpha Ubud Swing
6 BMR Dive & Water Sports

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Munduk Tutub Waterfall
2 Gitgit Waterfall
3 Tegallalang Rice Terraces
4 Mount Batur
5 Sekumpul Waterfall
6 Lake Beratan
7 Ceningan Cliffs Restaurant
8 Bali Botanic Garden
9 Menjangan Island

🛍️Shopping

1 Bali Collection
2 Sukawati Art Market
3 Art market
4 Seminyak Village
5 Kuta Art Market
6 Krisna Oleh-Oleh (Bali Bypass)

🎈Events

Nyepi (Balinese New Year)
Galungan Festival
Bali Arts Festival
Ubud Writers & Readers Festival
Bali Kite Festival
Sanur Village Festival
Nusa Dua Light Festival
Bali Spirit Festival
Purnama Full Moon Celebrations
Makepung Buffalo Races

Explore on map

Open map view

Knowledge before you go

Avoid tap water; drink only bottled or properly filtered water.
Traffic can be extremely congested; plan extra travel time between south Bali, Ubud and popular temple sites.
Respect temple etiquette: wear a sarong, cover shoulders and avoid entering during ceremonies if you’re unsure of protocols.
Explore beyond Canggu and Kuta – north and east Bali offer quieter villages, cheaper stays, better cultural immersion and less crowded waterfalls.

How to travel to Bali

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar is the main entry point, with flights from major international hubs. Ferries connect Bali to nearby islands like Lombok and Java. Domestic flights are available to other Indonesian destinations.

Access summary

From Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS): Taxi or shuttle to Kuta, about 20–40 minutes.
From Jakarta: Numerous daily direct flights to Bali, usually around 1.5–2 hours.
From Lombok: Popular fast-boat ferries to Bali, typically about 1.5–3 hours.

Check your route from anywhere

Where to stay in Bali

Bali has everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts. Seminyak is great for upscale stays, Ubud is perfect for nature and culture, Canggu is popular with surfers and digital nomads and Uluwatu offers clifftop views and laid-back vibes.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Prama Sanur Beach Bali Hotel

8.7

The Apurva Kempinski Bali

Explore more accommodations

How to get around Bali

Renting a scooter is the most popular way to explore, but traffic can be chaotic. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab are reliable. Private drivers are affordable for day trips. Some areas have public transport, but it's not widely used by tourists.

Budget snapshot

Costs compared to home

We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.

To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.

-64 %

Daily expenses in Bali are around 64% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.

Exchange rate trend

The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.

-20 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to IDR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Travel costs

To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.

Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.

Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.

Daily cost summary

Travel style categories explained:

Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.

Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.

Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.

	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation	£25	£58	£161
🏨 Accommodation per night, per person	£11	£30	£75
🍝 Food per day	£13	£26	£80
🚕 Transportation per day	£1	£2	£6

Notable additional fees: Tourist levy IDR 150,000 (£6.21) per person, once per entry, via the Love Bali app or on arrival at the airport. Keep the QR code; it is spot-checked at some sites.

Food & Drink

🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person	£11
🍛 Lunch Set, per person	£2.20
🍟 Fast food combo	£3.20
🍝 Preparing your own food, per day	£5
☕ Cappuccino	£1.70
🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l	£2.10

Transportation

🚌 Public transport ticket	£0.20
🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi	£3.70
⛽ Petrol, 1 l	£0.55

Other

🎞️ Cinema ticket	£3.40
👩‍⚕️ Doctor's consult	£14
🤧 Cold medication	£1.60
💇 Basic haircut	£2.50

Safety information overview

General safety

Bali is generally safe, but petty theft and scams exist, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious with money changers, avoid unlicensed taxis and be aware of traffic hazards if riding a scooter.

Health & Medical

Medical facilities are good in major areas, with international hospitals in Denpasar. Tap water is not safe to drink and mosquito-borne illnesses exist, so use repellent. Travel insurance is recommended.

Accessibility

Bali has limited accessibility for travelers with mobility issues. Some resorts offer wheelchair-friendly access, but sidewalks and public transport are often uneven and challenging.

Tap water

Tap water is not drinkable. Stick to bottled or filtered water, which is widely available. Many cafes offer free refills if you bring a reusable bottle.