Spending a vacation on a tropical island is never out of date among travelers. That’s why many people started looking for a Bali travel guide to help them explore the island more easily. This island is popular because it uniquely blends astonishing natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage.
This island is ranked first among other places in Indonesia as a favorite among tourists. After decreasing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the number of foreign tourists has continued to increase yearly. There were 2.1 million visits in 2022 and 5.3 million visits in 2023.[1] Last year, there were around 6,3 million visits.[2]
Are you ready to explore this place more deeply? Here are essential tips and helpful guides, including Bali travel requirements, the best time to visit, transportation options, accommodations, recommended activities, traditional cuisine, cultural etiquette, and health tips.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Indonesia has no red-list countries, so that all nationalities can enter Bali. Bali visa requirements are also relatively easy. There are two types of visas:
1. VoA
Currently, 97 countries are eligible to receive the VoA.[1] This visa can be obtained upon arrival at the airport and can be processed simultaneously for up to 5 people. You can also apply for an e-visa online to get it faster.Ā
VoA holders can stay for 30 days. Some can extend their stay for an additional 30 days if they have a sponsorship in Indonesia. To obtain it, you must pay IDR 500,000 (approximately USD 29.78). You can pay by card, but it is best to bring cash to make the process easier.Ā
2. Regular Visa
If your country is not eligible for a VoA, you can apply for a regular tourist visa before coming to the island. You can apply online through the e-visa system, and you can expect a response within a maximum of 5 working days.Ā
For regular tourist visa holders, the maximum stay is 60 days, which can be extended or converted to another visa. But, make sure to use the visa within 90 days from the date of issue. To obtain it, pay IDR 1.5 million (USD 89.28). Additionally, ensure you have USD 2,000 for living expenses, along with proof.Ā
Best Time to Visit Bali
Another essential Bali travel guide for first-timers is about time. You can pick it based on season or special events.
1. Season
This place consists of seasons: wet and dry. The wet season typically occurs from April to October, while the dry season takes place from November to March.Ā
Here are comparisons between the two.Ā
| Wet Season | Dry Season |
| Raining more frequently can interfere with outdoor activities | Little to no rain, making it suitable for those who love the outdoors. |
| Quieter, perfect for people who want a honeymoon or staycation | More crowded, usually peaking in July and August |
| Cheap airfares and hotel rates | Expensive airfares and hotel rates |
| More humid | More dry |
| Best for: honeymoons, staycations, visiting temples and traditional villages, enjoying the view of rice fields, yoga retreats, and spas. | Best for: beach tourism, diving, snorkeling, island hopping, visiting temples and traditional villages, yoga retreat, spa |
2. Special Events
Another best time to visit Bali is during the special events.Ā
There are a lot of annual festivals, such as:
- Ubud Food Festival: May
- Bali Spirit Festival: May
- Denpasar Festival: December
- Balinese Arts Festival: June – July
- Nusa Penida Festival: October
- Ogoh-Ogoh: March
- Sanur Village Festival: October
There is also the worst time to visit Bali, which is during Nyepi Day, because you can’t do anything for the entire day. It happens at a different time each year, so make sure to check the date before your trip.Ā
Transportation Options in Bali
To get around Bali destinations, you can pick one or more transportation options below!Ā
- Scooter rental is probably the most popular one. The costs start from IDR 50,000 (USD 2.97) per day or IDR 1 million (USD 59.43) per month.Ā
- Private drivers & ride-hailing apps: Gojek or Grab.Ā
- Taxi, but don’t forget to agree on the fare first and keep the GPS on to avoid scams.Ā
- Walking and biking in certain areas, such as Ubud.Ā
Accommodation Options in Bali
Another travel guide to Bali that you can’t forget is the accommodation options. You can find villas, hostels, and hotels on the island. The rates vary, ranging from affordable to luxurious. The costs range from around IDR 80,000 (USD 4.75) to IDR 54 million (USD 3,209.41).
Aside from budget, you can also pick your accommodation based on area and vibe, for example:
- Canggu: Surfing & digital nomad
- Seminyak: Shopping & nightlife
- Ubud: Nature & culture
- Uluwatu: Cliff views & luxury resorts
- Nusa Dua: Family-friendly
Recommended Activities in Bali
This place is a paradise, offering a wealth of activities to enjoy in Bali. According to the current trend, here are a few recommended activities!Ā
- Visiting temples (Tanah Lot, Uluwatu)
- Surfing & beach hopping
- Yoga retreats
- Visits to rice fields and traditional villages
- Snorkeling & diving
- Spa
- Hiking to Batur Mountain
- Staycation at Kintamani
Food & Drink Options in Bali
This island has a rich array of gastronomic options. Here are some of the examples!
- Traditional cuisines: nasi campur, babi guling, ayam betutu, lawar, sate lilit.
- Vegan-friendly restaurants: Tasty Vegan, Circle Point Vegan Friendly, Alchemy Bali
- Halal restaurants: Warung Makan Nikmat Halal, Grill & Canai, Nuah Nusantara
- International foods: burger, pizza, sushi, ramen.Ā
- Street food: kue pukis, terang bulan, mie ayam bakso, mochi
Cultural Tips & Etiquette in Bali
Stay respectful and follow the local customs and ethics, such as:
- Wear modest attire in the temple
- Use a saban (sarong) when you’re participating in the traditional ceremony
- Neatly style your hair
- Don’t touch people’s heads
- Respect local customs and prohibitions
Safety & Health Tips in Bali
To explore the island and return to your home safely, you can follow these tips:
- It’s better to be vaccinated, especially against diphtheria, polio, tetanus, and COVID-19.
- Avoid eating raw food and drinking tap water to prevent Bali belly.
- Wear a helmet when riding a scooter and follow traffic signs.Ā
- Don’t forget to add your emergency contacts.Ā
Discover Rare Birds at Bali Bird Park
Another activity that you can’t forget when vacationing on this island is visiting Bali Bird Park. Here, you can meet hundreds of exotic birds from Indonesia and around the world. This activity is educational and suitable for all ages.Ā
You can also participate in maintaining the survival of endangered birds, such as Bali Starling, Salmon-crested Cockatoo, Lesser Bird-of-Paradise, etc. So, to end this Bali travel guide, make sure to book a ticket to the Bali Bird Park now!
