🗺 Tourism Information
Bali is often called the “Island of the Gods,” one of Southeast Asia’s most famous travel destinations, combining tropical landscapes, dramatic volcanoes, beaches, rice terraces and a remarkably vibrant Hindu culture. The island is particularly well known for its temples, colourful ceremonies, traditional dances, handicrafts, wellness retreats, surfing, nightlife and distinctive cuisine, making it appealing to both first-time visitors and long-term travellers.
If it's your first time to Bali, don't miss exploring Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of the island, where visitors can discover the Tegallalang rice terraces, Monkey Forest, art galleries, traditional performances (Kekac Dance) and the peaceful countryside.
Bali’s history is closely connected to Hinduism, ancient kingdoms, agriculture and community traditions, with religious practices remaining an important part of everyday life. The Subak irrigation system, which has shaped the island’s iconic rice terraces for centuries, was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage cultural landscape in 2012.
Bali’s history is closely connected to Hinduism, ancient kingdoms, agriculture and community traditions! Bali is also remarkably easy to reach with many Asian airlines connecting through their main hubs as well as Australian and Middle East Airlines flying directly into the Ngurah Rai International Airport near Denpasar.
Bali has become increasingly famous also for wellness, yoga, digital nomad culture, cafés, boutique accommodation and Instagram-famous landscapes, while continuing to attract visitors through its unique combination of culture, nature and hospitality. The nature of Bali is waiting for you to be explored!
Bali has a tropical climate year-round, with warm temperatures, high humidity and relatively little seasonal variation. The island has a dry season from around April to October and a wetter season from November to March. Daytime temperatures generally stay around 27–33°C, while evenings are typically around 22–26°C, although mountain areas can be considerably cooler.
During the summer dry season, June to September usually brings more sunshine, lower rainfall and better conditions for beaches, hiking, sightseeing and outdoor activities. Winter, particularly December to February, is wetter, with frequent tropical showers and thunderstorms, although rain often comes in short, heavy periods rather than lasting all day. The wet season also produces greener landscapes and can be quieter for tourism.
Bring, light, breathable clothing, together with comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat and strong sunscreen. A compact umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is useful during the wet season, while a light jacket is recommended for early-morning trips to higher areas such as Mount Batur. Visitors should stay well hydrated and protect themselves from the strong tropical sun. For temples, clothing covering the shoulders and knees or a sarong is appropriate.
Overall, April to October is generally the most reliable period for outdoor activities, while November to March offers lush scenery but a greater chance of rain.
❗Attention: Bali has a significant earthquake risk because it lies in an active tectonic zone. Earthquakes can occur around the island, with hazards including strong ground shaking, landslides and, for some offshore earthquakes, tsunamis.
Visitors should familiarize themselves with emergency exits and follow local authorities' warnings. During an earthquake, move away from windows and unstable objects, and after strong shaking avoid damaged buildings and potential landslide areas. If staying near the coast move inland or to higher ground if a strong or prolonged earthquake occurs.
Overall, April to October is generally the most reliable period for outdoor activities in Bali! Although Bali is not the capital of Indonesia, it offers numerous flights direct from Asia, Australia and the middle East, thanks to its tourism boom in the last decades. If flying, the main airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, located about 13 km from Denpasar city. Getting from the airport to the hotels and accommodations is generally done by private transfer or taxi. Since there are no public transportation options available at present. The APPs you can use for airport transfers are Grab and Gojek services, with dedicated airport pick-up areas. Once at the airport, you will need to patient, Bali and its surrounding areas are extremely busy, and road traffic can make journeys from the airport surprisingly slow.
For travelling around the island, public buses are available through Trans Metro Dewata, a government-supported network serving major areas including Denpasar, Kuta, Ubud and other tourist destinations. Fares are generally inexpensive, with electronic payment methods used on the bus; however, routes and payment requirements can change, so checking the latest information before travelling is recommended.
Taxis, app-based Grab and Gojek, and motorbike taxis are often more practical than buses for tourists, particularly when visiting beaches, temples or rural areas outside the main routes. Motorbike rental is also extremely common, although visitors should be confident riding in heavy traffic.
Bali has no railway system, so road transport dominates. Traffic congestion is one of the island’s biggest transportation challenges, particularly around Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Denpasar. An important exception is Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, when virtually all transport stops for approximately 24 hours and even the airport closes. (Around March time)
❗Attention: Traffic in Bali can be extremely congested and chaotic, so if you decide to rent a car or ride a motorcycle, take extra care! There are hundreds of motorcycles on the roads, and many riders frequently swerve between lanes or drive unpredictably. Some people also ride without helmets. If you are taking a motorcycle ride, always ask for a helmet, as the driver should provide one.
When renting a vehicle, you may sometimes be allowed to do so without showing a license, but that does not mean you are legally permitted to drive. If you are stopped by the police, you could face heavy fines. Also, be prepared for Bali's many narrow roads and one-way streets, which are often poorly signposted or not marked at all! Speed-limit signs are also uncommon, and the lack of clear signage can make navigation confusing, especially for first-time visitors.
If you are not experienced with driving in busy, unpredictable traffic conditions, then, using a car with a driver through official ride-hailing apps such as Grab or Gojek is a much safer and more convenient option.
Roads in Bali are very narrow and often are congested in the city and tourist areas. As well, observe there is a lack of signage and speed limits. Bali is a highly versatile destination that combines cultural tourism, beach holidays, nature and adventure, wellness, nightlife and increasingly popular digital-nomad travel. It attracts a wide range of visitors, from backpackers and budget travellers to couples, families, luxury tourists, surfers, yoga enthusiasts and remote workers.
When visiting for the first time, Hindu temples, rice terraces, volcanoes, beaches, diving, traditional arts and distinctive food, should be all listed on your to-do-list!
Bali’s popularity has grown because it offers relatively affordable accommodation and dining, excellent international connections and a large choice of activities in a compact island environment. Its combination of tropical scenery, welcoming hospitality, established expat and digital-nomad communities, and strong social-media presence has helped make Bali one of Southeast Asia’s most recognisable and accessible holiday destinations! Are you ready to explore further? Below are some of the highlights which Bali has to offer!
You can make Bali your perfect relaxing holiday by the beach or you can keep busy by the many tours and activities offered around the island! The choice is yours! Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance: Perched about 70 metres above the Indian Ocean, around 30 km from Denpasar, this one of the iconic places to visit when in Bali. You can explore the temple grounds and clifftop pathways, enjoy breath-taking ocean views and sunset, watch the resident monkeys, and experience the famous Kecak Fire Dance, a traditional Balinese performance telling part of the Ramayana through rhythmic chanting, dancing and fire against the sunset backdrop. The foreign adult entrance fee is IDR 60,000, while the Kecak performance is a separate IDR 150,000 per adult and usually begins at 6:00pm; arriving around 5pm is recommended to explore the cliffs and secure a good seat.
About the Kecak Dance:
The Kecak and Fire Dance is one of Bali’s most distinctive cultural performances, combining traditional dance, chanting, drama and spectacular fire elements. Rather than using a gamelan orchestra, the performance is accompanied by a large group of male performers who create rhythmic chants of “cak.” The dance has roots in the traditional Sanghyang trance ritual and later incorporated stories from the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana.
The performance tells the story of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and the demon king Ravana. After Rama is drawn away while trying to capture a magical golden deer, Ravana tricks and kidnaps Sita, taking her to his kingdom of Alengka. Rama then begins a journey to rescue his wife, assisted by the powerful monkey warrior Hanoman.
The story unfolds through five acts, featuring Sita’s abduction, Rama’s meeting with Hanoman, Hanoman’s journey to find Sita, and his dramatic escape after being captured and set on fire. The final act culminates in a battle between Rama and Ravana, ending with Ravana’s defeat and the reunion of Rama and Sita.
For visitors to Bali, the Kecak and Fire Dance offers a memorable way to experience Balinese culture and storytelling. The combination of dramatic costumes, energetic chanting, traditional mythology and fire creates a captivating performance, particularly when experienced at an atmospheric open-air venue such as Uluwatu Temple at sunset.
Beware of the monkeys!
⚠️ Visitor Alert: Be careful of the monkeys at Uluwatu Temple, as they are known for grabbing loose belongings from visitors. Keep a firm hold of your phone, hat, sunglasses, glasses, jewellery and other valuables, and avoid leaving anything unattended or easily accessible. The monkeys can be very quick, so stay alert and keep your belongings away while exploring the temple and cliffs. If the monkey does take your stuff, alert a member of staff instead of chasing the monkey as they can become aggresive.
Uluwatu Temple and Kecak Dance Photo Gallery
Ubud, located in central Bali, is widely regarded as the island’s cultural and natural heart, offering a combination of traditional Balinese temples, lush jungle, rice terraces, rivers and spectacular waterfalls. One of the most important cultural attractions is Pura Tirta Empul, in Manukaya. It is famous for its sacred springs and traditional purification rituals; entrance is approximately IDR 75,000 for adults.
About Pura Tirta Empul
The temple is one of Bali’s most iconic Hindu temples and one of the island’s most fascinating cultural attractions. Built around a sacred natural spring, the temple has been an important spiritual site for centuries, with its name meaning “holy water spring.” The crystal-clear spring feeds a series of bathing pools where Balinese Hindus come to perform Melukat, a traditional purification ritual believed to cleanse the body, mind and spirit and restore spiritual balance. For travellers, visiting Tirta Empul provides an opportunity to experience Balinese Hindu culture beyond simply sightseeing. The temple complex itself is also worth exploring, with ornate shrines, traditional Balinese architecture and tranquil courtyards surrounding the sacred pools.
The Experience: first you need to change into an appropriate sarong and sash, which are required when entering the sacred bathing area, but you can still wear your swimwear underneath. The ritual traditionally begins with prayer and an offering (need to pay donation), before participants enter the purification pool and queue at the individual water spouts. Moving from one spout to the next, the participant places their head or face beneath the flowing spring water while praying or focusing on personal intentions. Two of the fountains are reserved for specific religious and funerary ceremonies and should not be used by visitors. Queues can vary significantly depending on the day and time. Arriving early in the morning, ideally around 8:00–9:00am, generally provides a quieter experience, while busy periods can involve 15–60 minutes or longer of waiting, particularly around weekends, full moons and important Balinese religious ceremonies. Allow at least 1–2 hours for the complete Tirta Empul experience, including changing, exploring the temple and waiting for the purification ritual.
Pura Tirta Empul Photo Gallery
After the temple, you can also explore the nearby Ulu Petanu Waterfall, where a short jungle walk leads to a beautiful waterfall, natural pool, sacred spring and the historic Muntig Petanu Cave; entrance is around IDR 30,000, with the cave costing approximately IDR 10,000 extra.
Ulu Petanu Waterfall and Muntig Petanu Cave Photo Gallery
Further south is, Tegenungan Waterfall, another impressive waterfall, with lush surroundings, river scenery, a club bar where to enjoy unlimited drinks and viewpoints; admission is approximately IDR 20,000 to view the waterfall only.
The entrance to the Blangsinga Waterfall cost 20K IDR. 
Around the waterfall there is lush vegetation and shade. 
You can swim when you reach the waterfall as well! 
Only swim in the designated areas. 
For those staying longer, there is a club bar with pool access and unlimited snacks and drinks. 
Another way to see the waterfall is crossing the sky bridge (extra charge) Beyond these highlights, Ubud is also worth visiting for the Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Goa Gajah, traditional dance performances, art galleries and local cafés, making it an excellent destination for travellers interested in combining culture, spirituality, nature and adventure in one area.
Jatiluwih, located in the cool highlands of central Bali, is ideal for nature, culture and rural tourism. Famous for its UNESCO-listed rice terraces, the area offers beautiful mountain scenery, traditional irrigation landscapes and peaceful walking routes through the countryside. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces have an entrance fee of around IDR 100,000 for adults.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces Photo Gallery
Afterwards, you can combine your tour to visit Ulun Danu Beratan Temple and Lake Beratan. Foreign visitors pay IDR 100,000. You can enjoy a traditional Luwak Coffee here as well whilst admiring the views across the lake.
Access to the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple costs 100K IDR 
Enjoy scenic walks, great views and picture opportunities! 
Views across Lake Beratan. 
The Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is today more a tourist spot than a place of worship. 
Whilst here, enjoy a cup of Luwak Coffee! (for 75K) 
The grounds of the temple feature two areas to relax, enjoy coffee or lunch. Other highlights around the area, include the photogenic Handara Gate at Pancasari, a traditional Balinese split gateway surrounded by lush mountain scenery, with an entrance fee of IDR 50,000 for the standard photo stop. A little further away, is Ulun Danu Buyan Temple, where you can enjoy views of Lake Buyan, one of Bali’s scenic twin lakes, as well as nearby viewpoints, forests and waterfalls.
Handara Gate 
Taking photos of the gate is free, but you need to pay 50K for photos of you with the gate! 
The gate is actually the entrance to a golf resort behind. Tanah Lot should be combined when taking a tour in Bali and do not miss to do it for sunset time! Famous for its Hindu temple dramatically perched on an offshore rock, Tanah Lot offers a beautiful combination of spirituality, coastal scenery and Balinese culture. You can explore the surrounding temples, walk closer to the main temple when the tide is low, visit the local art market and enjoy spectacular sunset views, which are the main highlight of the destination. For foreign visitors, the entrance fee is IDR 75,000.
The temple offers spirituality, coastal scenery and perfect sunsets! 
The main temple on the rocks is only for prayers. 
Most people come to Tanah Lot for the evening sunset! Beaches: Bali is not the same without a day or two exploring and relaxing by its beaches! Kelingking Beach, Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach offer three very different coastal experiences for travellers visiting Bali. Kelingking Beach, on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida, is famous for its spectacular T-Rex-shaped cliff, turquoise sea and dramatic viewpoint, making it one of Bali's most photographed attractions. Kuta Beach, in southern Bali near the airport, is a lively and accessible destination known for its long sandy shoreline, beginner-friendly surfing and spectacular sunsets. Beach walks, surf lessons and sunset watching are the main activities.
Kuta Beach is known for its long sandy shoreline! Seminyak Beach, just north of Kuta in the popular Seminyak area. It is combining a broad sandy beach with spectacular sunsets, surfing, beachfront restaurants and stylish beach clubs.
In Seminyak beach you can find beachfront restaurants and stylish beach clubs. Apart from the places mentioned, there are numerous other places to discover around Bali, which need some extra time. Day trips and organised tours in Bali are a popular option to leave the comfort of your hotel and venture further out to explore all that the island has to offer! Tours can also combine major sights such as Ubud, rice terraces, temples, waterfalls and volcano viewpoints, allowing visitors to cover more ground in one day. A local guide can also provide useful information about Balinese history, religion and traditions, while transport, entrance arrangements and sometimes meals are included. Ask the tour operators before booking to find out what are the extras to pay as often this cna be overlooked.
✔️Tip: Self-driving offers more freedom, but Bali’s congested roads, unfamiliar routes and varying road conditions can make journeys tiring. For longer excursions to places such as Nusa Penida or Mount Batur, package tours can also simplify transfers and coordination, often making the experience more comfortable and efficient.
Below are some of the best tours out of the main tourist hotspots:
Besakih Temple, located around 65 km from Denpasar, is Bali’s largest and most important Hindu temple complex, located on the slopes of Mount Agung. Its spectacular mountain setting and centuries-old religious traditions make it a major cultural excursion. Public transport options are limited, so an organised tour or private driver is generally the easiest choice.
Nusa Penida , located around 45 km from Denpasar to the island by direct ferry route, is renowned for dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and spectacular beaches such as Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach. Fast ferry boats from Sanur provide the main public transport connection, with the crossing taking roughly 30–45 minutes. Once on the island, local taxis, drivers or organised tours are recommended because public transport is very limited.
Mount Batur is an active 1,717-metre volcano in the highlands of northern Bali, about an hour from Ubud. Is one of the island’s most popular destinations for adventure and nature tourism. Mount Batur attraction is the sunrise trek to the summit, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Batur, the surrounding caldera and nearby mountains. You can also explore the volcanic crater, visiting the Batur Geopark, and relax in hot springs after the hike. The cost varies depending on the arrangement: guided trekking packages commonly start around IDR 375,000 per person, while the Kintamani area entrance charge is IDR 50,000 for foreign visitors.
Bali has a varied nightlife scene, ranging from sunset beach clubs and relaxed bars to late-night clubs, live music and traditional dance performances.
Seminyak is known for stylish bars and clubs, Canggu for a younger surf and digital-nomad atmosphere, Kuta and Legian for lively budget nightlife, and Ubud for quieter bars, live music and cultural performances.
Bali also has a well-established LGBT nightlife scene, particularly around Seminyak, with gay-friendly bars, clubs and drag shows.
Cinemas and other evening entertainment are available mainly in the larger southern tourist areas. Most beach clubs finish around midnight, while some nightclubs continue until 03:00–04:00.
There is no limit on the amount of bars to be found in Bali to start off your night! 
Party into the night at the many nightclubs dotted around Seminyak and Canggu. There is no extensive late-night public transport network, so Grab, Gojek, taxis or pre-arranged drivers are the practical options after dark.
For safety, avoid riding scooters after drinking, use reputable transport, keep valuables secure and never leave drinks unattended. Indonesia also has extremely strict drug laws, while methanol-contaminated alcohol is another reason to choose reputable venues.
Bali has a vivid night scene around the popular tourist areas like Seminyak, Legian and Kuta. 
After sunset, relax in many of the beach-front snack bars around Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta or Jimbaran Beach. Shopping in Bali ranges from traditional markets and artisan workshops to modern malls, independent boutiques and luxury retail. For traditional crafts and souvenirs, Ubud is one of the best areas, with the Ubud Art Market offering sarongs, batik textiles, woven bags, wooden carvings, paintings, jewellery and decorative items.
Sukawati Art Market is another popular choice, particularly for affordable souvenirs and larger quantities.
Seminyak and Canggu are better suited to contemporary shopping, with fashion boutiques, surf brands, jewellery, homewares and locally designed products along streets such as Jalan Kayu Aya and Jalan Raya Seminyak.
Seminyak Square is a good starting point for shopping, quality items and souvenirs. 
There are also traditional markets like this flea market in Seminyak. For a modern mall experience, Beachwalk Shopping Center in Kuta offers international brands and entertainment, while Seminyak Village focuses more on fashion, lifestyle and boutique shopping.
Typical purchases include Balinese silver jewellery from Celuk, wood carvings from Mas, batik, woven baskets, handmade clothing, paintings, ceramics, natural skincare, spices, coffee and other local food products. Be prepared for haggling at traditional markets where usually prices are inflated for the tourists, usually expect bargaining and reduce costs by 40-50%.
It's usual to find tourist markets and shops after many of the popular tourist attractions like this one in the Pura Tirta Empul (Water Temple). The first thing to consider when coming to Bali, is that Bali is the island rather than a single city, so choosing the right area is important for accommodation. For first-time visitors, Seminyak is a convenient all-round base for beaches, restaurants and nightlife; Ubud is best for culture, rice terraces and nature; Canggu suits surfers, cafés and digital nomads; while Sanur offers a quieter, more relaxed base. Uluwatu is ideal for dramatic cliffs and beaches, while Kuta and Legian are generally better for budget travellers.
Beach front hotels from major brands can be found in Seminyak. 
Expect to pay premium prices when staying at beach front hotels. In recent years, a typical good-quality mid-range hotel costs roughly US$60–150 per night, although prices vary substantially by area and season. Budget guesthouses and hostels can start around US$15–40, with examples including The Farm Hostel and Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel in Ubud, and Clandestino Hostel in Canggu.
Bali also has extensive villas, serviced apartments and private apartments available through platforms such as Airbnb and other booking sites, making longer stays particularly flexible.
❗Attention: When booking, use reputable platforms and check recent reviews, the exact location and cancellation conditions. Be particularly cautious with unusually cheap private rentals or requests for direct cash payments. Also photograph the room on arrival and keep valuables secured to reduce the risk of disputes or scams. Its also recommended to close luggage and bags when leaving the hotels and draw blinds/curtains in daytime or leave a light on, if out at night to avoid robberies or scams.
A stay of 7 days is ideal for a first trip to Bali. This gives enough time to experience the island’s main cultural sights, beaches, rice terraces and natural scenery without spending the entire holiday travelling between locations. A week also allows time to relax and enjoy Bali’s food, cafés and nightlife.
Don't miss these highlights in Bali!
Ubud & Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Uluwatu Temple
Tanah Lot
Mount Batur sunrise
Besakih Temple
Nusa Penida & Kelingking Beach
Tirta Empul Temple
A Balinese cultural performance
