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Bali

Bali travel guide · Asia

ContinentAsiaLanguageBalinese / IndonesianCurrencyIDRLocal specialtyBabi Guling (suckling pig)Free to read

Bali, the 'Island of the Gods', is Indonesia's most iconic destination, blending lush rice terraces, volcanic mountains, and pristine beaches with a deeply spiritual Hindu culture. Its world-class surfing, diving, and vibrant arts scene attract visitors from backpackers to luxury travelers. The island's unique Balinese Hinduism permeates every aspect of daily life, from intricate temple ceremonies to traditional dance performances.

01

Best time to visit Bali

junejulyaugustseptember

The dry season from June to September brings low humidity, minimal rainfall in coastal areas, and cooler evenings, making it the most comfortable time to explore the island.

02

What to see in Bali

01temple

Uluwatu Temple

A dramatic cliff-hanging Hindu sea temple perched 70 metres above the Indian Ocean on the southern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, offering breathtaking ocean views and nightly Kecak fire dance performances.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistorynature & outdoors
02park

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Stunning UNESCO-recognised cascading rice terraces north of Ubud, shaped by the traditional Subak irrigation system and offering iconic Balinese landscape scenery.

Paid entryAbout 60 minnature & outdoorsculturehistory
03park

Ubud Monkey Forest

A sacred nature reserve and Hindu temple complex in the heart of Ubud, home to over 700 long-tailed macaques roaming freely among ancient moss-covered temples.

Paid entryAbout 75 minnature & outdoorsculture
04temple

Besakih Temple

Known as the 'Mother Temple of Bali', this is the largest and holiest Hindu temple complex on the island, dramatically situated on the slopes of Mount Agung.

Paid entryAbout 120 minculturehistoryreligion
05temple

Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

A picturesque water temple dedicated to the goddess of Lake Bratan, appearing to float on the lake's surface surrounded by misty mountain scenery in Bedugul.

Paid entryAbout 60 minculturehistorynature & outdoors
06other

Mount Batur

An active volcano in the Kintamani highlands offering popular pre-dawn trekking with stunning panoramic views over the caldera lake and surrounding mountains.

Paid entryAbout 300 minnature & outdoorsadventure
07temple

Tanah Lot Temple

One of Bali's most photographed landmarks, this ancient Hindu shrine sits on a rocky outcrop in the sea, accessible at low tide and especially spectacular at sunset.

Paid entryAbout 90 minculturehistorynature & outdoors
03

Where to eat in Bali

01Modern Indonesian

Locavore

Award-winning fine dining restaurant in Ubud championing locally sourced Balinese ingredients, offering creative tasting menus that reinterpret Indonesian flavours with contemporary techniques.

Price $$$Must trySeasonal tasting menu

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04

Things to do in Bali

Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple

showPaid entryAbout 60 min

A nightly spectacular performance of the Kecak monkey dance staged at the clifftop Uluwatu Temple at sunset, with up to 250 chanting dancers and a dramatic fire finale against the ocean backdrop.

Surf Lessons at Kuta Beach

sportPaid entryAbout 120 min

Kuta Beach is Bali's most popular spot for beginner surf lessons, with dozens of certified surf schools offering instruction on the consistent, gentle beach breaks.

Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

hikePaid entryAbout 300 min

A guided pre-dawn hike up the active volcano Mount Batur to witness a spectacular sunrise over the caldera and Lake Batur, one of Bali's most rewarding outdoor experiences.

Diving at Tulamben (USAT Liberty Shipwreck)

sportPaid entryAbout 180 min

One of Indonesia's most famous dive sites, the USAT Liberty shipwreck at Tulamben lies just 30 metres from shore and is accessible to divers of all levels, teeming with marine life.

Tirta Empul Temple Holy Spring Purification

otherPaid entryAbout 90 min

A sacred Hindu water temple near Ubud where visitors can participate in a traditional Balinese purification ritual by bathing in the holy spring water fountains.

Ayung River White Water Rafting

sportPaid entryAbout 150 min

A thrilling white water rafting experience along the Ayung River near Ubud, passing through lush jungle gorges, rice terraces, and carved stone cliff faces.

Balinese Cooking Class at Paon Bali

workshopPaid entryAbout 240 min

A hands-on traditional Balinese cooking class in Ubud that begins with a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients before learning to prepare authentic dishes.

Snorkelling at Nusa Lembongan

boatPaid entryAbout 360 min

A day trip by fast boat to the island of Nusa Lembongan for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters with vibrant coral reefs, manta rays, and diverse tropical fish.

05

Where to go near Bali

Lombok

Ferry 5h30

Bali's neighbouring island to the east, offering pristine beaches, the iconic Gili Islands, world-class diving, and the majestic Mount Rinjani volcano trek.

Nusa Lembongan

Ferry 30min

A small, laid-back island off Bali's southeast coast known for excellent surfing, snorkelling, diving, and a relaxed atmosphere far from the mainland crowds.

Nusa Penida

Ferry 45min

A rugged and dramatic island southeast of Bali, famous for its wild clifftop scenery, iconic Kelingking Beach, and exceptional diving with manta rays and mola mola.

Gili Islands

Ferry 2h

Three tiny car-free islands off the northwest coast of Lombok, renowned for their turquoise waters, coral reefs, sea turtles, and relaxed beach party atmosphere.

Yogyakarta

The cultural heart of Java, home to the magnificent Borobudur and Prambanan temple complexes, traditional batik crafts, and the royal Kraton palace.

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