Bali, also referred to as the island of Gods, has unexpectedly become my second home this past year.
I’ve been visiting this beautiful island since I was young. Lucky for me, I was born in Indonesia and I speak Bahasa Indonesia fluently. Thanks to that, I am able to understand some cultures and nuances in a way that foreigners can’t. So, I want to bridge that cultural gap and impart all the knowledge I’ve accumulated about Bali! Keep on reading!
Here are some content shortcuts to help you navigate this post.
- Overview of Bali
- Best places to stay in Bali
- Where to go in Bali: Overview of Areas
- Entering Bali
- Transportation in Bali
- General tips for traveling in Bali
- What to eat in Bali: Local Food and Drinks
- What to do in Bali: Day Trip and Activities Ideas in Bali
1. Overview of Bali
Bali needs no introduction – the island has become a dream destination for decades, starting with the tourism boom in the 1980s. Bali tourism has gone through some rough patches, with the rise of drug-related crimes and two terrorist bombings in the mid-2000s that claimed the lives of a staggering 202 victims – to the tourism revival through Eat Pray Love in the 2010s. The book (and movie) has arguably led to what Bali is known for in the present day – wellness and spiritual healing, along with the beautiful beaches and nature.
With the rise of remote working, Bali has also become very popular with digital nomads, so you might meet foreigners who are staying in Bali semi-permanently.
Bali is part of Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country that does not eat pork. However, Bali stood out with 83% of the island practicing Hinduism, and one of their best-known local cuisines is actually a pork dish – Babi Guling, which is a spit-roasted pig often served in the form of Nasi Campur (mixed rice).
Although Balinese adheres to Hinduism, the religion found in Bali is different than the rest of the world. Balinese Hinduism is a combination of the core beliefs of Hinduism as we know that originated from India, mixed with Bali’s own traditional beliefs. This is perhaps why Bali is popular with domestic and foreign tourists alike – it is unique and very different from other places in the world.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali is great to visit all year round. The monsoon season (mid-December to March) brings rain, but isn’t too severe – the rain comes only a few hours during the day. After the rain, it’s more pleasant to wander around since the temperature would have been cooled down.
In recent years, several eruptions were observed at Mount Agung – the tallest volcano in Bali. This spurred some flight cancellations, although it didn’t lead to anything more serious than that since Mount Agung is far from residential and tourist areas. There had also been earthquakes from the neighboring island of Lombok, but Bali did not sustain major damage.
Public Holidays and Important Dates in Bali
Bali celebrates a number of Hindu holidays. As a visitor, you don’t have to worry too much about these holidays affecting your plans… except for Nyepi, which I’ll talk about more shortly. Nevertheless, it’s always good to know about these holidays as an insight into the Balinese culture. I think their strong connection to the Hindu religion is what makes Bali such a magical island.
Bali operates on two calendar systems called Pakuwon, which contains 210 days, and Saka, which is based on the phases of the moon. It’s very possible that some Balinese holidays are held twice a year on the global Gregorian calendar system. Here are two of the most important holidays:
1. Nyepi – Day of Silence
I highlighted this holiday first because this one will affect your travel plans as a visitor. Nyepi marks the new year according to the Saka calendar. Nyepi is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation for the Balinese. It stems from the word “sepi”, which in Indonesian means “quiet”.
For 24 hours from 6 AM until 6 AM of the following morning, everyone is forbidden to go out, entertain themselves or perform any duties. Balinese believe that by staying quiet, the evil spirits will believe that the island is deserted and will not bother them for the rest of the year. Thus, they are required to stay indoors and stay quiet.
Tourists are also forbidden to be outside, but you can do whatever you want inside your hotel room – quietly, of course. If you are staying in a resort, you can still use the facilities, provided that you stay within the resort grounds.
2. Galungan and Kuningan – Triumph over Evil
I was lucky to be experiencing Galungan and Kuningan firsthand in one of the many times I visited Bali. Galungan is a Balinese holiday celebrating the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). While the holiday is unique to Bali, it is related to Diwali, a major Hindu holiday celebrated around the world.
Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremonies. The spirits of deceased relatives who have died and been cremated return to visit their former homes. The current inhabitants have a responsibility to be hospitable through prayers and offerings. The spirits return after ten days, in a celebration called Kuningan.
During Galungan, the Bali island is made extra festive by the presence of “Penjor” – tall bamboo poles decorated with dried coconut leaves with offerings suspended at the end. These are installed by the side of roads everywhere in Bali by each home and business.
2. The Best Places to Stay in Bali
The best places to stay in Bali for first-timers are Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu. However, depending on your requirements, you might want to consider other areas as well. You can read about my review of areas in Bali here.
In terms of accommodations, here are your options:
Five-star Luxury Resorts ($$$$)
These resorts are the best of the best five-star accommodations in Bali, known for their outstanding hospitality and luxury. They are often the accommodation of choice for couples on honeymoon.
- Ayana Resort in Jimbaran – They are well known for the Rock Bar, a famous spot for sunset. Read my review of staying in Rimba by Ayana resort here.
- Mulia Resort in Nusa Dua
- Anantara Resort in Seminyak
- Alila Resort in Seminyak
- W Bali in Seminyak
- Anantara Resort in Uluwatu
- Alila Villas in Uluwatu
- Goya Boutique Resort in Ubud
- Hanging Gardens of Bali in Ubud
- Kamandalu Resort in Ubud – made famous on Instagram for their floating breakfast, where they serve your meal on a floating tray in the pool
Private Villas with private pool
Aside from the five-star resorts, you won’t be short of options for private villas, especially if you are traveling with a group of friends. For booking villas in Bali, I use Booking.com or Airbnb – they are both great for finding all types of accommodations in Bali, from villas to regular hotels. Here’s how to find the villas using these sites:
- Booking.com – They’ve made it so easy by having a dedicated search page for Villas. Alternatively, you can perform a search as usual but filter the property theme to “Villas”.
- Airbnb – To find these villas on Airbnb, simply filter your search to “Entire Place” under home type. Note that Airbnb is commercialized in Bali – you won’t stay in someone’s house, rather it’s a private villa the owner has built with the sole purpose of renting it out to tourists.
Here are some villas that I’ve personally stayed in:
- Secret River Villa in Canggu – 5-bedroom villa on the outskirts of Canggu. The villa was very spacious and beautiful, great for a big group of friends and family. There are three caretakers in the villa from 8 am – 4 pm every day. They will keep the place clean and run errands for you, such as light shopping and laundry. The only negative part is the difficulty in getting transport – your best bet would be to arrange a car ahead of time with the caretaker.
- Mule Sayana Villa in Ubud – (Update: unfortunately I can’t find a place where they can be booked online anymore) Their one-bedroom villa was around US$80 a night. Everything was exactly as pictured – a private villa with an attached spacious bathroom and private pool, a small shed in the garden where you can chill while looking out to the vast rice fields that surrounded this villa. However, the downside (or added benefit?) is that it’s very secluded – it takes about 15 to 20 mins by motorbike to the central part of Ubud each way. It might not seem like much now but if you have to do this every day, it gets a bit old. But still, I loved my stay at the villa and still remember it fondly years later.
Hotels in Bali
- Uma Karan in Seminyak – around US$50 a night. My go-to hotel in Bali when I’m visiting with my boyfriend. It’s located close enough to the Seminyak / Petitenget area, about 15-minute walk. The hotel is a small property with only 10 rooms, but it’s clean and modern. The staff is amazing.
- The Akasha Boutique Hotel – Located right on Batu Belig Road and a 2-minute walk to the beach! It’s a small hotel with good facilities.
- Casa Bidadari in Seminyak – As a budget condotel, this place is very affordable – it can be as cheap as US$26-30 a night. The staff is very friendly and accommodating and breakfast was right on time. The rooms are slightly outdated but very spacious. It’s basically a 1 bedroom with a living room and a small kitchen area. Lights could be updated to be brighter though.
- Bali Mystique Hotel in Seminyak – around US$42 a night. Also a slightly older hotel, but the location is really good – right in the heart of Seminyak and you can pretty much walk everywhere. The room was also very spacious.
- Lloyd’s Inn in Seminyak – if you prefer to stay in a beautiful, modern boutique hotel that isn’t too pricey, this is a great option. Rooms start at US$70. The best selling point is their location – you can walk to Double Six beach from here. I haven’t stayed here, but there is a Lloyd’s Inn in Singapore and I’ve heard great things about them.
3. Where to go in Bali: Overview of Bali Areas
Bali is a huge island, so there are many areas you can consider visiting depending on what you’re interested in. Below I’ve picked out areas that are convenient for visitors to stay in.
For first-time visitors, I recommend sticking to Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. All the infrastructure that caters to tourism is already well established at these locations – locals speak fluent English, there are plenty of accommodation options from villas and hotels, lots of activities to do, and places to visit. and various meal choices from vegan organic cafes to authentic local Balinese food.
1. Seminyak (3-4 Days)
Seminyak is where I usually stay when I go to Bali, and it’s a great introduction to the massive island that is Bali. The area has the most concentration of foreigner-friendly restaurants, cafes, beach clubs, and an active nightlife. Locals all speak English here so you won’t encounter any language issues.
I have tons of recommendations in Seminyak, so check out that post if you need places to go.
2. Ubud (4-5 Days)
If you are sick of the beach, you can check out Ubud. Located in the mountainous region of Bali island, Ubud is known as the center of arts and crafts in Bali. Ubud is hardly “new” or undiscovered – in fact, it is a haven for visitors. The costs are also still relatively affordable compared to Seminyak. You can expect to find a quieter and slower life here, and a lot more cultural and natural activities.
And again, I’ve written a separate guide to Ubud so be sure to check that out for ideas of what you can do there.
3. Canggu (2-3 Days)
Canggu, located only half an hour north of Seminyak, is currently the trendiest area in Bali. It’s similar to Seminyak but much more relaxed. Canggu has been hailed as the down-to-earth Brooklyn to upscale Seminyak’s Manhattan and called the Bohemian surfer paradise by Vogue. This is probably what Seminyak looked like ten years ago when all the visitors were still staying in Kuta.
And yup, you bet I have my own guide to Canggu too! Here you can find a list of my favorite places in Canggu.
4. Other popular locations
The following locations are famous among Bali tourists, but I personally don’t know too much about them since I have not been spending time in these areas. Here are little snippets that could give you an idea of what you can find there:
- Kuta & Legian – nestled between Seminyak and the Ngurah Rai airport, Kuta was the place to be when Bali tourism first picked up in the 1980s. Nowadays it’s just known as a very commercialized and dirty area.
- Jimbaran – where all the high-end resorts are. Usually, people come here to stay at Ayana or something similar, but they rarely leave the resort grounds. It is still known for a good seafood BBQ by the sea.
- Nusa Dua – like Jimbaran but located on the eastern coast of Bali, Nusa Dua also houses the most high-end resorts like The Hilton, St Regis, etc. It’s also known as the launchpad of water sports activities.
- Sanur – located just north of Nusa Dua, Sanur was one of the first tourist destinations to come to life on the island in the 1920s. Nowadays it attracts backpackers and divers since Sanur Beach is where most diving boats take off from
- Uluwatu – a surfer’s paradise located in the far south of the island. It houses some of the most exclusive private villas and beach clubs.
- Kintamani – located at the foot of Mount Batur and next to a lake, this area is great if you’re looking for a mountain getaway.
5. Lesser Known Locations
If you are looking for something quiet and further away from the throng of tourists in Bali, you might want to consider the following areas:
- Candidasa – This area located on the east side of Bali is very popular with domestic tourists. It’s one of the civilization areas closest to Mount Agung. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the volcano towering over Bali.
- Munduk Village – This village is located in the central north of Bali, on a mountain area with a cooler climate and access to some of Bali’s best waterfalls.
- Lovina – This is a resort beach located far north of Bali. You can do both beach activities and nature walks to waterfalls here.
4. Entering Bali
There are three things you can do before your arrival in Bali to make things smoother:
- Apply for an electronic visa on arrival (if you need a visa to enter Bali)
- Complete the Indonesia customs declaration form
- Pay the Bali tourist levy
I’ll cover them one by one here:
1. Entry Visa for Bali / Indonesia
Starting in March 2022, foreigners are required to pay for a visa to get into Indonesia, including Bali. The gist of it is that there are two types of visas to enter Indonesia depending on the passport you have – Visa Exempted or Visa on Arrival. You can check which one your passport country falls under.
- If your passport country falls under visa exemption, then you don’t need to do anything – just turn up and go through immigration like a local Indonesian. PS: Passport holders of ASEAN countries fall under this category.
- If your passport country falls under Visa on Arrival (VOA), then you’ll need to pay the VOA fee of Rp 500,000 in cash per person. More on this below!
- Else, if your passport country does not fall under the above categories, then you’ll need to apply for a visa online before arriving in Indonesia.
Apply for Bali Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) online
Starting November 2022, you can apply for a Visa on arrival online, before you actually arrive! Provided you hold a passport from one of the approved countries. This could potentially save you some time from having to queue up to pay for a Visa on arrival at the airport.
Indonesia e-VOA: If you qualify for e-VOA, I have written a detailed step-by-step on what you need to do, and how to troubleshoot some known errors.
Bali Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport
For those of you whose passport falls under the Visa on Arrival category, make sure to bring cash in Indonesian Rupiah currency to pay the visa fee. There are ATMs in the airport and ways to pay with a credit card, but I have heard stories when the credit card machine failed and the ATM ran out of money. So as much as you can, try to prepare the money in cash beforehand!
2. Fill out the customs form online
You can pre-fill your customs form online before you land in Bali. When you get to the airport, just show the QR code and you’re good! It saves so much time.
3. Pay Bali Tourism Tax
If you’re entering Bali on or after 14 February 2024, you will need to pay a tourism tax of Rp 150,000 per person (US $9.60 at the time of writing). There is a way to pay it online but I’ve seen reports of credit cards being compromised after paying the tax online, so I will not be recommending online payment at the time. You can pay when you arrive in Bali, if asked.
5. Transportation in Bali
So you got yourself to Bali. What are your options to get around? Here I’ve outlined every possible way you can transport yourself within Bali. Read on!
Can I use ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab in Bali?
Online ride apps – the likes of GOJEK, Grab, and Blue Bird taxi – are available in Bali, while Uber has been defunct in South East Asia after being acquired by Grab in early 2018. So the short answer is, yes you can, but not everywhere in Bali. Ride-sharing apps have certain areas they are allowed to operate from. Usually, tourist areas like temples and certain beaches don’t allow ride-sharing apps by car. Booking a motorbike is still okay, which is what I usually end up doing.
How to get into Bali from the Airport
Okay, so you’ve landed at Ngurah Rai Airport. How do you get to where you need to go in Bali? There are quite a few options:
- (BEST option) Pre-book your airport transfers online – This is probably the best and cheapest option. You can pre-book airport transfer here for a very fair price here. Alternatively, you can arrange an airport transfer with your accommodation, but they will normally charge Rp 200,000 – 300,000 depending on where you stay.
- Online taxi apps like GOJEK or Grab. They used to not be allowed to operate in airports, but now it is legal. You can book airport transfers via Gojek or Grab!
- Getting a taxi is still an option if you’re up for it. How to get a Taxi from the Ngurah Rai Airport:
- Ngurah Rai Taxi – In Bali airport, there is only one taxi operator with an official booking system: Ngurah Rai Taxi. Simply stop by their counter just before the duty-free exit. I am not sure about the price but should be in the Rp 250,000 area.
- Haggle with the normal taxi drivers after you get out of duty-free. This is pretty fun if you enjoy haggling. They will quote you some outrageous number – but just have a hearty laugh, offer them half of their quote, and calmly walk away. Someone else will take you up quickly. For a ballpark of what to pay – I always get offered Rp 500,000 to Seminyak right off the bat, which is just crazy. I always haggle the price down to about Rp 150,000 – 200,000 to Seminyak. The price really depends on my mood to haggle and whether it’s peak or low season.
- Walk out of the airport and catch a Blue Bird Taxi outside – Blue Bird Taxi is the most trusted taxi operator in Bali and the rest of Indonesia. Unfortunately, they don’t operate from the airport. Getting a Blue Bird taxi probably will yield the cheapest fare, but I have never done this. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth all the effort just to save a little bit of money.
Getting Around in Bali
- Private Car Driver – you can hire a private car with a driver to drive you around for US$33/day. These cars are usually minivans that can take up 5 people, so it’s ideal for those who are traveling in a group or just can’t be bothered planning around transportation. If you have lots of touristy areas to visit, this is the BEST way since you don’t have to think about the transport back.
- Rent a Motorbike – this is what locals and Bali expats do. You just get further and faster on a motorbike since most of Bali’s roads are too narrow for cars. You can rent a motorbike for Rp 70,000 a day or Rp 700,000 a month (haggle the price down). Of course, not everyone is comfortable with riding a motorbike, so please don’t force yourself if you can’t. I’ve included some tips on driving motorbikes in Bali below.
- Call a Motorbike with GOJEK or Grab – while online taxi apps are frowned upon in Bali, hiring a motorbike is still okay. Simply download the GOJEK App and select “Go-ride” from the options – the icon is a motorbike carrying a passenger.
- Blue Bird Taxi App – As I said before, Blue Bird Taxi is the most trusted taxi operator in Bali and the rest of Indonesia. To book with Blue Bird, simply download their app. It works the same as other taxi apps.
- Online Taxi App (GOJEK and Grab) – Taking a taxi booked from online apps could get pretty dicey, but they still can operate in certain neutral areas. You just have to take the gamble. Your rides might be canceled multiple times before you find a taxi driver who’s willing to accept the job. If your job gets canceled more than once, it’s time to give up and look for other options.
Tips for driving a motorbike in Bali
So you’ve decided to rent a motorbike in Bali. Good for you! This is probably the best way to get around Bali. Just take notes of the following and you’ll be fine.
- Safety First – ALWAYS wear a helmet even if you are a confident driver, even if you are just a passenger, even if you are only driving for a short period, and even if you think they look silly. You never know what’s going to happen on the road – it might not even be your fault but someone else could hit you and cause injury. So wear those helmets!
- Watch out for your belongings – There have been cases of people getting their purses or phones snatched off while riding a bike by another pair of people who are also a bike. These people are called “Jambret” which means “snatcher” in Indonesian. Usually, when foreigners are riding a motorbike, the passenger acts as a navigator of the bike and they’ll often have their phones out while navigating. This makes them an easy target for the jambrets. The jambrets normally would attack a quiet street since it’s easier for them to run away – so always be on alert and hold on to your stuff. I’ve personally seen someone get attacked while driving on Drupadi Street, which is right in the heart of Seminyak.
- Don’t wear anything loose – Scarves, loose pants or long flowy dresses should not be worn since they might obstruct other biker’s way or get caught on something. The alleys in Bali can be pretty narrow sometimes.
- Use Google Maps “walking” route for better biking routes – If you’re confident with your motorbiking skills, the Google Maps walking route can often point you to alleys that can actually be accessed by motorbikes. You’ll often find shortcuts this way, but you might also come across dead end sometimes because Google’s road inventory in Bali is not always up to date.
6. General Tips for traveling in Bali
Here are a few things I’ve learned about Bali after years of visiting. Knowing them will make your visit easier!
‼️ Money Changer – Only go for legit money changers!
There are plenty of money changers around the touristy area in Bali, but most of them WILL try to scam you. I’m talking about the ones on the side of the street. They are usually not legit and you’ll know this because they will advertise rates that are too good to be true, but the catch is that they charge hidden “commissions”. Or worse, they’ll swipe some of your notes away while pretending to count the bills using various tricks, and you might not realize it until you’ve left the place.
So to be safe, only change your money at legitimate places like the bank, or a real money changer that looks like a shop (usually with a glass door front), or is located inside convenience stores. And always look up reviews before you visit!
I have had great experience with the following money changers:
- Prasarana Money Changer – They have a few locations in Bali. In Seminyak, I only know their one location inside Circle K here.
- MBP Money Changer – One location in Seminyak here
- Amandana Money Changer – Locations in Canggu, Seminyak and Sunset Road
Apps & Connectivity
- Make sure you have Data SIM – You can pre-purchase a 4G XL SIM Card here to be picked up at the Bali airport for US$7. It includes 6GB of data. You could buy SIM card once you are in Bali, but it is hard to find an honest one that will not sell you expensive SIM cards.
- Download WhatsApp to communicate with locals – This is the messaging app of choice in Indonesia. Almost everyone has a WhatsApp, often colloquially abbreviated to “WA”. You can even make a booking, ask questions, and communicate with businesses via WhatsApp. I’ve booked for massages and checked whether a place is open by simply WhatsApp-ing the number listed on their Google listing.
- Download GOJEK app – GOJEK is the holy grail app and I proudly support them because they are an Indonesian company. Aside from the car and bike service, GOJEK provides a bunch of other services such as food delivery, concierge delivery service, massage, shopping, etc. I’ve gotten someone to deliver me drinks from a convenience store when I didn’t feel like going out.
Safety & Cultural Norms
- Watch out for your belongings – Bali is generally a safe place, but use your common sense and be alert. Be careful of your belongings – Jambret aka “bag snatcher” is a thing in certain areas. As I’ve mentioned in the motorbike riding tips above, they usually ride as a pair on a motorbike for easy escape and snatch your purse/bags/phones if you aren’t careful.
- Always lock your doors even if you are inside your accommodations. Again, Bali is a safe place. But crimes still happen. A few years ago, an elderly Japanese couple who had been living in Bali for seven years was robbed and murdered after leaving their front gate unlocked. While this is not a common occurrence, you just never know when you’re going to encounter someone evil.
- Tipping is not mandatory. I personally do not tip at restaurants or cafes, but if I’m getting something service-based such as massages or villa caretaker, then I’ll leave them something. For massage or services that takes 1-2 hours, I tip Rp 20,000. For a villa caretaker, you can tip depending on how long you stay, what services they provided and how many people are in the villa – I recommend Rp 50,000 per person for a 4-day stay.
- No plastic bags available. Since Dec 2018, the government of Bali has banned single-use plastic bags to be given out by businesses. This is due to the amount of plastic trash that has covered the island. So, it’s a good idea to bring always have a spare shopping bag with you.
Health
- Buy a mosquito repellent – Mosquitoes come out at night in Bali. If you are loved by mosquitoes like me, Autan is the best! You can get this as a lotion or a spray at any convenience store in Bali.
- If you get sick in Bali – For Bali belly (food poisoning) buy activated charcoal tablets – Norit brand is the most popular – to get rid of toxins from food poisoning. If you are feeling nauseous, you can try getting Tolak Angin, a trusted herbal medicine. These are available at any pharmacy or Guardians store.
- Always have a thin cotton scarf/sarong wrap with you – I love this because they are so versatile! can wear it around your neck and shoulder to protect yourself from the sun, but can also double up as something to sit on while you are at the beach.
- Always put on sunscreen, at least SPF 50 one! Skin cancer is not sexy. In Bali, you can find sunscreen sold at pharmacies like Guardians or Kimia Farma – they are not sold at normal convenience stores.
Living for an extended time in Bali
- Laundry – There are plenty of laundry places around Bali, especially in the touristy area. And by this, I don’t mean a laundromat – I meant a full-service laundry where you just drop off your clothes and they will come back clean and folded! They charge a very affordable rate per weight (kg) – Rp 12,000 / kg. Typically the laundry will be done in 1 day, but I have encountered busy times where the laundry is done in 2 days. Keep in mind this is a very basic laundry service, not a dry cleaner. I wouldn’t drop off expensive clothing or clothing that requires complicated cleaning, but your usual everyday clothing (like a T-shirt or cotton pants) should be fine.
- Extended motorbike rental – You can always negotiate your motorbike rental to be monthly and it’s MUCH cheaper than renting daily. You should only pay Rp 600,000 – 700,000 for a monthly bike rental.
Useful Indonesian Phrases
While everyone in Bali speaks english well, I still think learning local key phrases is important when you travel. Indonesians roll their “r”s and pronounce “d”s and “b”s hard, so don’t be afraid to enunciate those letters!
Indonesian Phrases For Everyday Use
| Terima Kasih | Thank you. You can abbreviate this to “makasih” as locals do. |
| Selamat Pagi | Good Morning, used anytime before noon |
| Selamat Siang | Good Afternoon, used from 12-3pm |
| Selamat Sore | Greetings used from 3-6pm |
| Selamat Malam | Good Night, used anytime after the sun has set |
| Berapa? | How much is this? |
| Dimana? | Where? |
| Pak (Male) / Bu (Female) | To address someone with respect. |
| Mas (Male) / Mbak (Female) | To address someone of the same age, peers. |
Indonesian Food Phrases
| Nasi | Rice, usually white rice |
| Mie | Noodles |
| Ayam | Chicken |
| Sapi | Beef |
| Babi | Pork |
| Sayuran | Vegetables |
| Goreng | Fried |
| Bakar | Grilled / Roasted |
| Sambal | Chili sauce |
| Cabe | Chili |
Indonesian words for Roads & Navigation
| Jalan (often abbreviated as Jl) | Road. If there is a “raya” in the name (eg Jalan Raya Seminyak), that indicates a major road. |
| Gang (often abbreviated as Gg) | A small alley. Mostly for pedestrians and bikes, though sometimes in Bali you still see cars trying to squeeze their way in because why not? |
Emergencies phrases in indonesian
| Tolong | Help |
| Sakit | Sick, also used to describe pain |
| Tolong panggil Polisi | Please call the police |
| Tolong panggil Doktor | Please call the doctor |
| Rumah Sakit | Hospital |
| Tolong bawa saya ke rumah sakit | Please bring me to the hospital |
7. What to eat in Bali: Local Food and Drinks
Due to the diversity of tourists in Bali, there are plenty of options for food on the island. Most cafes would cater to various dietary requirements, especially healthy options like vegetarian food, vegan bowls, smoothie bowls, etc. I’m fairly sure I don’t have to explain Avocado toast to you, so I’ll explain the local options instead! Indonesian food is my FAVORITE and they tend to be cheaper than foreign cuisines.
Alright, let’s get started-
Balinese Food
Nasi Campur – This means “mixed rice”, and that’s exactly what it is – white rice with random side dishes, usually contains at least one meat side dish with a bunch of vegetable sides. It could be spicy since Indonesians love their chilis.
Babi Guling – Although Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country and most people do not eat pork, that is not the case with Bali. Their main dish is called Babi Guling, which is a spit-roasted pig. The pork meat is then served with rice and other side dishes, in Nasi Campur style.
Tipat Cantok – This is a dish made of boiled veggies, rice cake, and tofu in peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce. It’s local Balinese food, although it’s similar to Gado-Gado that can be found elsewhere in Indonesia.
Indonesian Food in Bali
Bakso – my FAVORITE! Bakso is a meatball noodle dish that is very popular in Indonesia and can be found throughout the country.
Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng – This is Indonesia’s favorite carb dish – fried rice (nasi) or fried noodles (mie). Usually mixed with vegetables and chicken, but you can always have meatless too. Served with one sunny-side-up egg. We can have this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Satay or Sate – Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce. Usually, chicken (“ayam”) is used as the meat portion, but I’ve seen pork and mutton too.
Soto Ayam – Indonesian shredded chicken soup, usually served with rice or vermicelli and boiled eggs. Don’t be put off by the yellow color – it’s turmeric and it’s very good for your body.
Drinks in Bali
Avocado Juice – If you see Avocado juice on the menu in Bali, don’t think. Just order them – you won’t regret it. In Indonesia, Avocado juice is more like smoothies where they add condensed milk and chocolate sauce (sometimes black coffee, to cut the sweetness of the milk). It’s not a healthy drink by any means but it sure is a delicious one!
Jamu – “Jamu” is an Indonesian traditional herbal drink I had been drinking since I was young. There are many types of Jamu, but the most common one is “Kunyit Asem” – consisting of turmeric, tamarind, and cinnamon. Indonesians believe Jamu has health benefits, especially for women, so my mom would force me to drink Jamu every day. As a child I hated the taste but as an adult now? I love it!
Loloh Cemcem – This is a local Balinese herbal concoction, which tastes fresh and slightly sour. It’s believed to be good for blood pressure and aids in digestion.
8. What to do in Bali: Activities and Day Trip Ideas
Bali is filled with many different things to do. There is something for everyone!
1. Nusa Penida Day trip
Nusa Penida is a relatively undeveloped island southeast of mainland Bali. You won’t find all the snazzy beach clubs, organic cafes, or trendy restaurants that have become synonymous with Bali here. However, it does house some of the most photogenic sights in Bali.
Nusa Penida Day Trip Guide: I’ve written an extensive guide on how to get to Nusa Penida here.
2. Mount Batur Trekking
I wrote an entire post about my experience trekking to the summit of Mount Batur, but to sum it up: This is what I would call a high ROI hiking – the hike was short and not that difficult but the view from the summit is amazing. Mount Batur is right next to Mount Agung, so on a clear day, you can see the still-smoking Mount Agung, which makes for an amazing picture. And because you start so early you’re basically done climbing a volcano by 9 am!
Mount Batur Trekking Guide: Read my personal experience climbing Mount Batur here
3. Canyoning in North Bali
We booked this canyoning tour from a Bali canyoning enthusiast group. I was a little skeptical about this since I had never done canyoning before, but it ended up being so much fun, and quite beginner-friendly.
Want to know more? You can read more about canyoning in my Ubud post.
4. SCUBA Diving Trips
There are tons of cool diving spots in Bali. Nusa Penida hosts some of the best spots, namely Crystal Bay and Manta Point. If wreck diving is your thing, there is a cool shipwreck (called USS Liberty) in Tulamben. I have not been to Amed (North Bali) and Padangbai yet, but I heard the corals are good there too.
Bali diving spots are also known for sightings of Mola-mola, aka the giant ocean sunfish that are so round and flat that they resemble a plate. But don’t hold your breath on seeing Mola-mola, they are very rare to spot.
I booked my diving trip in Bali with a dive shop called Nico Dives Cool. Highly recommend this dive shop! Their dive equipments are in great condition and the dive boat is well-maintained. Diving in Bali typically costs about US$60-85/dive per person with transportation, equipment rentals, and lunch included. The price depends on the destination and how many dives you want to do.
5. Visit Bali’s Famous Temples
The most famous temples in Bali are the Tanah Lot Temple and Uluwatu Temple. These two temples are famous as they are beautiful and easier to reach from where most tourists are staying, but as a result, they will be inundated by tourists.
If you want something a bit quieter but further away, you can check out the following temples – keep in mind these temples are further away from areas like Seminyak and Kuta:
- Lempuyang Luhur Temple – Famous for a view of Mount Agung in the east of Bali.
- Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – A temple on a lake located in the center of Bali.
- Tirta Empul Temple – Known for its natural hot spring. Balinese believe the water in this temple holds a holy power. I recommend visiting this while you are in Ubud.
6. Waterfalls in Bali
Bali is also home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls. Most of them will be a day trip since some are located in the mountainous North Bali, but there are some that can be accessed from Ubud as well.
Here is a list of waterfalls you can consider visiting:
- Aling Aling Waterfall in North Bali
- Banyumala Twin Waterfall in North Bali
- Gitgit Twin Waterfall in North Bali
- Sekumpul Waterfall in North Bali
- Tukad Cepung Cave Waterfall in East Bali (1 hour drive from Ubud)
- Kanto Lampo Waterfall in Ubud
- Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud (25 minutes drive)
7. Rice Terraces
Rice is a staple food in Bali. Okay, let me correct that – rice is a staple food in all of Asia – Bali, and Indonesia are no exception. We love rice as much as Europeans love bread, and a meal is not complete without rice. As such, Bali is a big rice farmer and there are plenty of rice terraces in Bali. Some of them have become iconic due to the lush green view of the rice terraces in the area.
Here are two rice terraces you can check out:
- Tegallang Rice Field in Ubud – There are plenty of rice terraces in Bali but the ones here are special because the rice fields are located on a cliff which makes for an amazing photo location.
- Jatiluwih Rice Field in Tabanan, Central Bali – The dramatic landscape of this rice terrace dates back to the 9th century. It’s harder to get to and there isn’t much around the area, so there will be fewer tourists here.
8. Kecak Fire & Trance Dance Performance
Kecak is a traditional Balinese dance involving fire and the Hindu Ramayana story. The dance is usually performed at a temple at night, making it a very picturesque and dramatic performance.
There are various Kecak performers with different show schedules and locations around Bali. The most famous Kecak performance is probably the one in Uluwatu and Melasti. The Kecak dances here are performed at a breathtaking location, at a temple over a cliff by the ocean.
However, Uluwatu is not a convenient location (unless you’re already planning to visit Uluwatu temple). I recommend just finding one that suits your schedule. Here are a few that you can book online:
- Uluwatu Temple Sunset and Kecak Fire Dance – this link is for a Sunset tour that includes transport. Uluwatu is located in the far south of the island so it’s a good idea to have transport arranged. It also includes admission to Uluwatu.
- Kecak Fire Dance Ticket in Uluwatu or Melasti – If you don’t require transport and would like to just get the ticket, you can do so here. Note that the ticket does not include admission to Uluwatu or Melasti Beach. They perform every day at 6:00 PM.
- Kecak Dance in Ubud – The Ubud Kecak dance is performed every Sunday and Tuesday at 7:00 PM.
- Kecak Fire Dance in Puri Agung Peliatan in Ubud – This Kecak dance is performed every Thursday at 7:00 PM.
I would recommend reading the story ahead of time (the event booklet will have this info) as the entire story portion of the dance is performed in Balinese – I speak Indonesian fluently and I still didn’t understand a word.
To end off the night, there will be a trance performance called Kuda Lumping, where a performer in a trance will step all over burning coal without getting hurt.
TL;DR? Prefer to dive straight into the details? Here are all my blog posts about Bali!
- Mount Batur Hike: My Experience Climbing an Active Volcano in Bali
- Nusa Penida Travel Guide: What You Need to Know Before Visiting
- Seminyak Guide: Where to eat, shop and get a massage in Seminyak
- New Year’s Eve in Bali: My experience celebrating NYE, Where to stay and go
- Ubud Travel Guide: Things to do in Ubud, where to stay and what to eat
- Bali Travel Guide for First-Timers From a Veteran Visitor
- Canggu Guide: All My Favorite Places to Eat, Shop and Chill in Canggu
- Indonesia e-VoA: How to apply from the OFFICIAL website
- RIMBA by AYANA Bali: A Family Getaway with a Toddler
PS: Want to reference this post later?
Click on any of the images below to pin to your Pinterest board!
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Okay, that might have been the longest post I’ve ever written in the entire history of this blog, but I hope you find it useful!
Let me know in the comment below what you think of the article, and if there is anything missing.
See you in Bali! 🏝️
Hi! Thank you for the in-depth guide. I would like to know your affordable recommendations on where to stay in Nusa Dua that has an access to the beach, or any resort in Bali near the public beach. I’ve read on some sites that not all beaches are swimmable though. I hope you can help me out. Will be going to Bale in April 2025 with my husband. Thanks!
Hi. Let me introduce myself, my name is Denny from Bali. Maybe I can suggest you some hotel or resort locations in the Nusa Dua area that have direct access to the beach. 1, The Ritz-Calton Bali. 2, The Ampurva Kempinski Bali. 3, Hilton Bali Resort and there are many more in the Nusa Dua area, most of the hotels or resorts have direct access to the beach. and for the beaches in Bali, most of them can be visited by the public
Thanks for the help Denny! I totally missed this comment.
I really appreciate this in-depth post!
Thanks Uni, hope you have fun in Bali 🙂
Is it ok to travel with someone of the opposite sex and stay together in the same room?
Yes, no one will check 🙂
Finally, I found the best sharing info about Bali as I am preparing my trip with my family this coming September. Going to make Bali a place to visit several time in the futures as I just realize 4 full days trip is not enough to explore Bali. I’m still planning which area to visit for this 4 days trip in Bali. As I’m staying at Kuta area near Kuta Beach, my first though would be at Uluwatu, Tanah Lot/Seminyak, & Ubud. Glad if you can share any suggestion(s) best on your experience there. Extra information, we are planning to see the cultures, & natures plus beautiful sunset. Not much of a sea activities for this first trip.
Hey Raph, I have a separate Ubud travel guide which you can find here: https://girleatworld.net/ubud-bali-travel-guide/
However, if you’re only in Bali for 4 days, I recommend sticking to Uluwatu, Tanah Lot and Seminyak. Ubud is a bit further away from Kuta. It is doable though, if you’re willing to dedicate an entire day for it and leave early.
Hi Melissa
love your sharing, i really like it!
Honestly, I’ve been to Bali once and indeed Bali is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions!
I think the most beautiful places in Bali are Seminyak and Canggu. I will come back to Bali if I have time
Cheers!
Hey Melissa, saya orang Indonesia, tinggal di UK. Nyari-nyari articles di Google yang bisa suggest buat trip di Bali buat first timers, ya ampun susahnya, sampe akhirnya nemu website ini. Honestly, THE BEST there is. Sangat informative, ngga ribet, honest, beberapa suggestions di kasih hyperlink, yang bikin browsing makin gampang. Makasi banyak Mel.
Kita rencananya ke Bali bulan Juli, ber-enam, 2 teenagers, 16 taun cewek pula haha. Pengen trakking ke Gunung Batur, tapi ngebayang harus bangunin 2 bocah-bocah jam 2 pagi kok kayaknya nyari gara-gara banget yah. Makasih ya Mel.
Mel, kalo sempet or kalo bisa, please bikin itinerary buat perjalanan dr Ngurah Rai Airport ke Ubud. Kayaknya belum banyak or even belum ada yang bikin.
Hey Dania, makasih for your kind comment. Gunung Batur trekking menurut aku sih must-do ya kalo fisik nya mampu dan cuaca baik. Tapi ya emang habis itu the entire day would be wasted b/c you’d probably want to rest after. One thing I must add, Bali has become even more popular these days so be mindful of traffic! Especially if you’re planning to go to Canggu and Seminyak. Soalnya disitu jalan-jalan nya kecil dan infrastructure sebenernya masih tidak bisa akomodasi orang sebanyak itu, tapi banyak banget yang mau ke Bali.
In one word to explain you,
SUPERWOMAN
I love your writing and thoughts. Want to connect with you when we are in Bali. I am coming with my family, wife and two children, aged 14&9 years for 6N7D in June, 2024.
Your thoughts on our visit would be highly appreciated.
Keep writing and yes, keep eating 🏆🏆👍👍
Hey Melissa. Amazing article. Will be going to Bali for 5 weeks. First visit. Why am I going there? because many people talk about a visit there. I shall be in or on Bali in August September 2024. Where am I going to stay and what I am going to do,? I dunno. Reading your article has helped a lot.
Thanks so Much Michael
Hello Melissa
Your blog is very informative. Your suggestions, small tips which help in a big way and attention to detail helped make our trip thoroughly enjoyable especially saving time and making the entry process into Indonesia very smooth. Getting the evisa earlier, online customs declaration with relevant ,authentic links , guide to taxis helped us navigate fast between flights without any problems.
Thank you very much for your super helpful blog.
Best wishes and Regards
Hi Ashish, thank you for taking the time to leave this comment. It makes everything I do worth it 🙂
Thanks for taking your time to provide us with this very helpful post.
Thanks Melissa. Will definitely act on your suggestion.
One more query – Is Seminyak or Cangu better than Kuta for staying and exploring?
Hey Shailesh, I used to like Seminyak and Canggu but I think they’re overrun by tourist now. If you’re unlucky you’ll be stuck in traffic there. Also the crowd tend to be younger digital nomad place. They do have some of the best cafe and restaurant scene in Bali though!
Hi Melissa,
Your blog is superb – very informative.
We (Me and my wife – in our late fifties) are first time visitors to Bali, planning to be there around mid May. The tour agent has given an itinerary of 3 nights in Kuta (with a candle light dinner at Bintang Bali), 2 nights in Nusa Dua (with Tanah Lot, Uluwatu temple and Kecak Dance) and 3 nights in Ubud (with Kintamani Volcano, Tirta empul temple and Tegunungan waterfalls).
Can you give your views on the above – especially since I read that Kuta is now a commercialized and dirty place?
We can extend our stay by a day or two and replace few areas, based on your inputs.
Just to clarify – we are not the adventurous type – no snorkeling, scuba diving etc. Would prefer a quite holiday with nature, however, would not prefer to stay in unknown places with less comfort in a foreign country.
Any suggestions from you are welcome as we are finalizing our itinerary.
Read about Munduk – Would Munduk village (with coller climate and best waterfalls) be good for a stay? Are good, comfortable options available for staying there?
Hey Shailesh, Kuta and Nusa Dua both have similar vibe, so I would advise to cut down one of the days and extend stay in Ubud. I think you would like it more than the other two places.
I haven’t been to Munduk but i’ve heard about it. It’s quite out of the way so I would advise to save that for your later visits.
Excellent blog!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights and experiences.
I’m planning to spend my 50th Birthday in Bali in April and your blog has helped me to understand much more about the island, what to do, where to go and what to eat. I’m also very keen to learn a few basic words/phrases that you posted. I love travelling and immersing myself into a new culture, so I can’t wait!
Hey Valerie, thank you for leaving this comment! I am happy the post is useful for you. Have fun in Bali!
Thank you for the kind comment! Have fun in Bali 🙂
Hi:) Very useful guide, Thank you:) I`ll be in Malaysia first, and just have 4,5 days on Bali, first visit. Trying to decide what to do;)
Thinking of taking our three kids and their spouses to Bali this April and would like to stay away from crowds where possible. Ubud seems to be a must regardless of the number of tourists but where would one go for a lazy few days on a beach?
Thanks
Hi I am going to Bali next march fr 9-14, and one of the days happens to be neypi day 😅. Appreciate any advice that I will be able to still have an enjoyable holiday for the 6 days despite probably being confined to hotel just, and also to experience the Balinese big day . Thinking of staying in cangku and Ubud, 2-3 days each. Thks
Hi Melissa,
Can I use gojek/grab without an Indonesian phone number? Or do I have to have a local number?
you can use it with non-Indonesian number
thanks for taking your time and provide us with this helpful posts. So my question is where do you think I should spend more days in Bali.
Hi,
first of all thank you for shearing all this information. I wanted to ask about beaches for swimming, can you recommend me which is the best about low tide. I have heard that Nusa Dua especially Gregrer beach somehow doesn’t has any impact with high and low tide? What do you think about Melia Nusa Dua beach?
Thank you author for your blog post. Keep it up.
Also, you offered great suggestions from the Ubud area. However, I’ll be spending my first week in Uluwatu. You did mention the temple, but are there other things that are in that general area of the island that would be smart to do from that area specifically? I’m thinking I might hire a driver for any days that I do activities from there, because it’s a little more remote I think. Then, I would get a motorbike in Ubud to get around. Do you think that that’s a good idea, or would it be better to have a motorbike in both areas?
Hey Jensen! Uluwatu is, as you have observed, more remote. It is mostly known for the temple, Kecak dance, surfing beaches and beach clubs. I haven’t personally spent much time in Uluwatu aside from visiting the temple, that’s why it’s missing from my blog 😅 However I think even though it’s more remote, if you’re a confident bike rider it’s still ok to get around on a bike. My only concern would be finding a rental place for the bike that’s convenient, unless you pre-book from Klook which I linked in my post.
Thank You so much for putting together this practical & informative blog post! Sooooo thankful stumbled upon this just a week before leaving for Bali for 3 weeks! I’ll be sure to take advantage of some of your suggestions 🙏💞
Hey Melissa!
Your guide is super helpful and informative. Thank you for putting it together.
My husband knows how to drive a motorcycle/bike but I sit passenger. If we rent a motorbike, is there enough room for a driver and passenger? I would prefer to not drive the motorbike.
Thanks again!
yes, that should be fine. This is what we did whenever we visit Bali since I don’t drive motorbike as well.
Great information thanks so much for writing it – in August 2023 we are staying in a villa 5 km west of Lovina Beach, have you any recommendations for things to experience (we are retired and like more sedate things, love culture etc. and experiencing life like the locals)? We may also go in April 2023, not sure yet as there are so many other places to visit, however it looks so glorious, thank you
Hey Karen, I have not been to Lovina yet, but I might go there in November so i’ll keep you posted. But if you truly want to experience life as local then Lovina should be good. There are less of the rah-rah party style there and locals live in Singaraja which is a short drive from Lovina. Have you considered Ubud or Candidasa?
Very Nice! Thanks For Sharing..
Thanks for taking the time to write this super detailed post! One thing I haven’t been able to figure out is if Bali is easy to spontaneously explore with no plans, or if its better to make detailed plans before visiting.
My husband rides motorcycles so I think for the most part we will get around this way – planning to visit Canguu, Ubud, Sideman, and the Nusa Islands.
I guess my question to someone who has frequented the areas, can we just ride around and find random things to do and places to eat? or it better to be very planned out prior to arriving with specific restaurants and activities to do.
Thanks!
Hey Natasha. I think it’s find to just ride around without specific plan! This is what we did when we go to Bali. I find it easier if you have saved some recommended places on google maps. Then, you can just refer to the map of the area and see what is nearby, which will help you narrow down where to go.
If you are planning to visit Nusa Penida be sure to check out my guide: https://girleatworld.net/nusa-penida-bali-guide/
we will be visiting Bali first time next month. we are staying in nusa dua area family of 4 , wondering best way to book car for whole 6 nights while we are there. bookmarked your page. its wonderful information you provided. Thanks.
Hey Sam, the easiest way is to book a private car charter through Klook
First timer here to visit bali,is bali garden beach resort is a good place to stay?is it near in the city or can you recomend me which we are going to stay near in restaurant a nice place but cheapest one.
Hey Cheryl, I have written some hotel recommendations in the article. please check.
Bali is one of my favorite destinations. I’m planning on a trip to Bali very soon. Your blog was very informative, I have bookmarked it, which will be very helpful on my trip to Bali.
Keep sharing such informative blogs!!
What a wonderful guide! I’ll definitely have to re-read before I go!
Just read this post, very informative especially for those of you who are first timer come to Bali. thank your for sharing.
Great article. Thanks for the detailed information. Your blog is by far the best source I’ve found. Thanks!
Thanks a lot.. do you mind if i share this?
I really like seeing articles and posts from this site, because It was able to share very clear information to readers, honestly I am amazed by the structuring of content from this website. continue to develop in order to add information for tourists who will plan to visit Bali.
So grateful for this post. I just came back from Bali and this helped a lot in making my trip with 70 year old mother a smooth one. Thanks to you I…
– discovered klook
– got the smartfren SIM with 15 gb data and a few call and text credits
– got the back and forth airport transportation
– got the apps “my blue bird”, gojek and grab which really made going around so easy with mobile data and ordering food for times we didn’t want to go out and not spend on costlier hotel food
– booked our tour from klook although in hindsight there are cheaper offers from drivers/restaurant staff that we encountered
– got to use the Indonesian phrases and saw how they light up people’s faces when I used them
It was my first time in Bali and we stayed in Nusa Dua mainly because I wanted a calmer beach (no big waves) for my 70 year-old mother and I only had to rely on what I read at the time. True enough it was calm and the surrounding wasn’t busy as Kuta. I definitely recommend Nusa Dua if you’re more of a chill traveller and just want to relax and be refeshed.
❤🧡💛💚💙💜
hey Winnie! So happy to hear this! I hope you get to go back to Bali and enjoy other parts of the island too! I really miss Bali 🙂
Hi Melissa,
Nice write up.
I am heading there for 4 nights. Staying in Legian with my wife, a 9yr old and a 1yr old.
I am from Malaysia so I think I can survive there :p. Almost the same lingo. Its like Malaysia except the word babi which is like a taboo in Malaysia.
Based on your advice;
– Getting a data card
– Getting GoJek/Grab
– Booking a transfer from Airport to Hotel to-n-fro with Klook
Food, looking forward for the babi guling, bakso etc.
Can you give some tips for the below;
– If I say buffet food, what comes to your mind in Bali ?. Something local rather hotel buffets ?
– A place where i can bring the kids for a days trip, tempted for zoo but kinda worried about safety.
– Is there a Mall there with retail outlets and food courts ?
– Are there 7-elevens everywhere ? Like in Bangkok ?
– I know we can also order food through GoJek ?
– A place for Balinese massage for my wife or simple foot massage ?
– Night markets near Legian (walk or gojek ?). Also concern coming back with Gojek, can I get one on the way back ?
I am still trying to check through your site, it is quite real and updated, so thanks for that.
Cheers
Gan
Hey Ganesh,
– sorry I don’t know much about buffet in Bali – probably hotel buffet!
– how old are your kids? I think they might enjoy a day at the beach either in Uluwatu or Tanah Lot. No one really visits the zoo in Bali.
– yes, in Denpasar there are malls
– 7/11 and local indonesian equivalent is available everywhere
– yea you can order food with Gojek. its super easy.
– for massage recommendations it depends on where you stay. Look at the Bali tag in my blog – I have recs for Seminyak, Ubud and Canggu.
Hi Melissa, we are new to Bali and are travelling there from Java, is it difficult to get a cab in Gilimanuk to Legian Beach?
Hey Fiona, sorry I have never been to Gilimanuk, but any port in Bali usually you can get a cab easily – you might have to bargain the price though.
Hi, Melissa
Regards from India, I am first timer to Bali, actually I have some questions regarding the trip
1. Should I take Nusa pelida 1 day or 2 day trip.
2. Are Gili islands trip worth, and if worth how many day trip.
3. Canggu or Seminayak, which place to stay for party.
Hi Piyush
1. Nusa Penida – day trip if you just want to see the famous spots, or 2 day 1 night is good if you want to explore the entire island. You can check my guide: https://girleatworld.net/nusa-penida-bali-guide/
2. Gili Island – I personally loved it but it depends when you are going. check the weather. here is my Gili guide: https://girleatworld.net/gili-trawangan-guide/
3. Seminyak is more lively than Canggu, so I think it’s better.
Hi Melissa!
Love your post! I’ve been to Bali a couple of times but never been around the New Year period.
I’m bring my friends who’ve never been there during the eve of New Year , for a about a week.
I’m staying in Legian area for the first time, you reckon it’s a good walking distance to get to Seminyak or Kuta ? or better off using taxi
I was wondering as well, if you know places ( cafes/shops ) will be close on the New Year (1st Jan) ?
Cheers!
hey Mairah, from Legian to Seminyak or Kuta it will be quite a walk (30-40 mins depending where in Legian you are staying) so it would be best to hire a taxi or a motorbike.
Most businesses will operate on 1st Jan, so no worries there!
Hi Melissa, We are in our late 60’s, active, travel a lot to interesting and out of the norm touristy places and looking to make a first trip to Bali. Your blog has really helped answer many questions as well as suggestions for where to stay, food, nature & cultural experiences. An acquaintance was in Bali in 2012 and complained that there was trash & plastic everywhere, especially in the water. She also suggested that the beaches were not so nice. Would love to hear your current response as I haven’t heard this before & thought her comments were overdramatic. Your style of writing seems very authentic & honest, so I look to hear what you have to say on this topic (& anything else you’d like to let me know about!!!). We’re looking to go late November-early December for 9 days…can we expect mostly dry weather? Thanks so much in advance!
Hey Helissa (funny how our names are only off by one letter!) – regarding the trash issue, i did not notice it as much in my trips in 2017-2019. But I do know the trash issue in Bali was more severe in the year 2012-2013 ish. I think they are more aware of it. As of 2019, the Bali government has attempted to address the plastic trash issue by banning single use plastic bag, so I hope that helps. I myself was there in January and I think it was relatively ok.
Re: weather, November to December should be good. The rain season usually starts late December to early January.
Thanks Melissa
Hello, Melissa.
Thank you very much for this detailed article. I haven’t visited Bali for years and was concerned about my transport options from the airport as I intended to use ride-sharing. Thanks for clarifying the situation.
Hi lee, you are awesome, my boyfriend was planning to travel there . He was planning to go with g adventures tour, but after review the tour . I considered it’s really expensive. I am just wondering how carry a lot of cash . Do you have a tip about it . Thanks
Hi Melissa,
is Grab application (like Uber) widely use in Bali? in Malaysia, it’s cheaper than local taxi and I want to use it in Bali
Hey Alvin, I addressed this point in the article above:
https://girleatworld.net/bali-travel-guide/#taxi
I visited Bali last month and I can use Grab, but the driver ask me to walk away from the international terminal to parking building,it’s okay because it’s not that far.
yup, there are safe zones where Grab or Gojek can operate from.
Hi Melissa,
I got to say your posts are really detailed and exciting to read! I have been wondering if you could recommend some unique places with nice scenery and with very little crowds; it is for a surprise proposal to my girlfriend. Also, do you have any travel photographer to recommend for the surprise proposal? Looking to visit Bali (as first timer) perhaps during Mid-September period. Appreciate you kind advice, please 🙂
Hello Melissa, thank you so much for this detailed post! After searching through this forum and changing my original focus, I landed on your post and decided on Bali for mid-August this year. I am about to buy tickets now, and yet conflicted hearing news of earthquakes and unrest… is it safe (as far as you know) to still book my flight and follow this itinerary? I appreciate your response!
Hey Senait! Bali is generally safe from earthquakes. Even the one that happened a few days ago did not close the airport, and there has not been much reports after that. Natural disasters are unpredictable and if that stops us from traveling, we’ll never go anywhere! So I think it’s still okay to go.
Oh just make sure you have a good travel insurance, so in the event that something does happen you can change your trip arrangement without losing money
Thank you for responding Melissa! “… if that stops us from traveling, we’ll never go anywhere! So I think it’s still okay to go.” Thank you!
Flight booked! Will arrive on August 22nd with my 10-year-old daughter! I will be following your suggestions above. 3 Weeks in Bali 🙂 Thank you again!
Hi Melissa
Loved your blog!!
I am planning to take my parents to Bali for holiday. It would be our 1st time in Bali.
Given their age (60+) , do you think, it’s a good idea!?
Hey Saby, yes its a great destination for all age especially if they are in good health. Your parents probably wont be able to take the motorbike, so maybe you can charter a private car for the day – I have details on this post.
Hi there! Really enjoyed reading your blog and thank you for the many details regarding Bali. May I ask if we travel to Bali during the first few days of Galungan, will anything be affected? Such as transport availability and shops opening and closing periods. Really worried if it will affect our initial plannings as its our first time going to Bali. Thanks!
Hey Calvin. You will be fine for Galungan! Tourism will remain open.
nice bali travel guide, recommended!
Thanks for a very comprehensive guide to all things Bali! Ian looking at going to Bali soon. We are quite active people and don’t really Luke busy crowded places. I don’t really want to chop and change where we stay so will only choose one place. Could you recommend r
The perfect place!
Hi Helen, you probably would like staying in Ubud more. It’s quiet and closer to the nature side of Bali! You also might want to look into climbing Mount Batur if the weather is good. Here are my guides on both places:
Ubud – https://girleatworld.net/ubud-bali-travel-guide/
Mount Batur – https://girleatworld.net/mount-batur-bali-sunrise-trek/
Wow, this is incredibly helpful! I just booked a trip for July and can’t wait! We’ll be splitting the time between Ubud and the beach. You pretty much answered all my questions here. 🙂 Thank you!
thank you for taking the time to comment Jane! hope you enjoy Bali as much as I did
Hi Melissa
Thank you for your amazing blog about Bali, it is wonderfully informative and I’m so glad I came across it!
We have visited Bali a few times before, this year we have decided to visit over Christmas. I was wondering if you have visited at Christmas or know of what is on Christmas Eve in terms of celebrations, fireworks on the beach etc. We have found some great looking venues for Christmas lunch but would be interested in any recommendations you have also.
Thanks
Belinda 🙂
Hey Belinda, Bali is predominantly Hindu but if you go to Seminyak or Kuta then you can still see some celebrations and lights. I’m not sure if there would be fireworks, but on the days leading to NYE there are usually some fireworks by the beach (either double six or Kuta beach).
Thank you!
Hi again Melissa, I have a couple more questions for you 🙂 We were very keen to visit Nusa Penida during our stay in December, however have been advised by friends due to the wet season it is not a good time to visit the island. Similarly, that travel to Lombok is not a good idea as the sea is extremely rough. I was wondering if you can offer any advice on this? Thanks so much 🙂
hmmm i am not sure about Nusa Penida, but i took the boat to Gili Trawangan in Lombok from Bali this past December (on the 26th) and it was fine. I think you should just plan when you get there and see how the weather will be like this year. December is historically the start of raining season but sometimes the heavy rain doesn’t actually start til January.
I have a blog post on Gili Trawangan and Nusa Penida too if you are interested in that btw!
Gili Trawangan
https://girleatworld.net/gili-trawangan-guide/
and Nusa Penida
https://girleatworld.net/nusa-penida-bali-guide/
Thank you so much, I think that’s what we’ll do! Great news about Lombok too, and I will definitely check out your blog 😊
Hi!
Thank you for this amazing blog.
My BF and I are coming in Sept for only a total of 4 days. Our goal is to spend 1 or 2 nights in Nusa Penida. However, we also want to visit some Temples on the main island, and my heart is set on Lempuyang. So, my question…. Is it worth the 2 hour drive to Lempuyang? Are there any good stops on the way there we should make?
We plan to hire a driver/car for each day.
Or– is the volcano hike a better plan with some Temple visits nearby?
Just need some guidance on this and logistics. Would appreciate it!
Hey Tiana, I never bothered going to Lempuyang as I feel it is an Instagram trap these days. I think the volcano hike is a much better plan I did the Mount Batur hike and it was amazing – you can read about it here: https://girleatworld.net/mount-batur-bali-sunrise-trek/ . Where are you planning to stay?
You so much for your reply. Thank you for confirming that, I also felt like it looked like people would be in line for their Instagram shots. I do not know yet where we are staying on the island of Bali. The Mount Batur hike sounds amazing and right up our alley.
I am looking at Sunrise Penida Hill for one or two nights on Nusa Penida.
Thoughts on that??
And…I was looking at hiring a driver/car. Do they really charge $30 for the entire day?!
Tiana
Hi, It’s really important for me to know about these details as I’m planning my Bali trip in this Jul. But still I wonder what to do and where to visit after reading so many travel blogs. Anyway thanks for these details and will be in touch with other posts related to Bali. Cheers.
hello, I really enjoyed reading your blog I’m going to Bali in May this year and just have a few questions if you could help me. I’m starting my trip in Bali for 3 nights staying in the Udaya hotel and they are collecting me from the airport. I would then like to go to Uluwata, Canggu, Seminyak and the Nusa islands but not sure what order to do this in. Obviously i would like to end up back close to the airport and also do it a good order so im not travelling lots in taxis.
Thanks Sam
Hey Sam, is Udaya the one located in Ubud? if so, it will be hard to visit Uluwatu, Canggu and Seminyak in one day as Ubud is quite far away from these places. I would recommend just visiting areas that are in Ubud. You can see my guide here: https://girleatworld.net/ubud-bali-travel-guide/
Thank you so much for this very thorough post! I’m bringing two 18 year old girls there, for 2 weeks in June. In what order should we do the cities you recommended? I know they will want to get picks from the swings and waterfalls too Your recommendations are going to be my guide!
Hey Kelly! I recommend Seminyak -> Ubud -> Canggu. That way you get to see all the different sides of Bali. I would stay in Seminyak for 4 days since it’s an easy intro to Bali. You can do trips to the must-do touristy things like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu, and enjoy the cafes there. Then I would go to Ubud, where the swings and waterfalls are for about 4-5 days. Then you can go back and stay in Canggu, which is more of a trendy area in Bali. I would also recommend to check out Nusa Penida in one of those days as a day trip, or if you are up to it, perhaps a trek to Mount Batur Summit (requires an early start of the day and some level of fitness). Nusa Penida and Mount Batur are doable from all of these cities!
Here are some posts on each location that can help you (if you haven’t seen it already!)
Seminyak – https://girleatworld.net/seminyak-bali-recommendations/
Ubud – https://girleatworld.net/ubud-bali-travel-guide/
Canggu – https://girleatworld.net/canggu-bali-recommendations/
Nusa Penida – https://girleatworld.net/nusa-penida-bali-guide/
Mount Batur – https://girleatworld.net/mount-batur-bali-sunrise-trek/
You’re my new Super Hero. Thank you!
Hi Miss Hie. I am a recently-retired, 62-year old senior citizen who’s visiting Bali this weekend for the first time. I have difficulty walking medium-to-long distances and I have a heart condition that forbids me to climb stairs beyond the second floor. Can you recommend to me senior-friendly sites to visit/tour? Thanks 🙂
Hey Gilbert!
I have to caution that you might not be able to visit popular sites like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu as it requires walking and some stair climbing. That said, it isn’t too strenuous of a walk as the path is mostly flat.
I recommend visiting the beach like Double Six and Batu Bolong as there are carparks nearby. Ubud is great to visit for you too since it does not require much walking if you have a car. You can view my Ubud Guide here. Tirta Empul temple and the rice terrace can be visited by car. On that note, I also recommend chartering a car for your stay there so that you can be comfortable!
Additionally, definitely try the spa and massages while you are there. I recommend Sundari Spa in Seminyak but make sure you book ahead of time as they are quite popular.
Hi there! Love reading your blog. Me and my bf are planning to visit Bali for the first time. Thinking of spending 3 days in Ubud and 3 days in either Canggu or Seminyak. Which place would you recommend for first timers canggu or seminyak? Thanks
I think Seminyak is better for first timers, since there are more things and restaurants to do. That said, it depends on the type of traveler you are – do you like crowds or are you looking to go somewhere quiet? Canggu is more quiet and the central area is smaller than Seminyak.
Love your sharing for Bali first timers!!!
Will it be a big miss for Bali first timer to skip uluwatu trip.
I’ll be arriving hotel probably 2-3 in the afternoon,considering whether should take half day trip to uluwatu or hang around hotel or the places within seminyak
Hey Lee, to me personally I don’t think Uluwatu is worth the trip if you are staying in Seminyak, unless you really want to see the temple. It’s beautiful for sure, but it takes a while to go down south. Tanah Lot is closer to Seminyak btw.
Thanks! This is very informative. We’re visiting the Island for this first time soon so really looking forward to it!
Which is the best beach for swimming? I read that Canggu is great for surfing, and Kuta and Legian isn’t the cleanest. So would the Seminyak beaches be better?
Hey Nathan, for Bali main island itself, I think Berawa or Double Six beach would be good. Megada Beach near la brisa is also great (in Canggu). I wouldn’t say it’s completely free of trash, but it was clean enough for me to go swim in. If you’re after clear water, your best bet is to head to Nusa Penida https://girleatworld.net/nusa-penida-bali-guide/