In this guide
Bali is an Indonesian island of rice terraces, surf beaches, volcanoes and more than ten thousand temples. Where you stay shapes your trip more than almost anything else, so this guide starts there, then covers transport, money and the local customs worth knowing before you land.
The best areas to stay in Bali
Seminyak is polished and convenient: boutique hotels, restaurants, shopping and sunset bars on a long sandy beach, about 30 minutes from the airport. Good for couples and first-timers who want comfort.
Canggu is younger and more relaxed: surf schools, cafés, co-working spaces and black-sand beaches. Traffic on its narrow lanes can be heavy, so pick a stay within walking distance of what you want.
Ubud sits inland among jungle and rice fields. It is Bali's cultural heart, with the Sacred Monkey Forest, traditional dance shows, yoga studios and easy trips to the Tegallalang rice terraces. There's no beach, so most visitors combine it with a coastal area.
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula in the south have dramatic cliffs, clear water and some of Bali's best surf. Beaches such as Padang Padang and Melasti are spectacular, but you'll need a scooter or driver to get around.
Sanur on the east coast is calm and family-friendly, with a beachfront path for walking and cycling and gentle water for swimming. It's also the departure point for fast boats to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.
Nusa Dua is a gated resort area with large hotels and very calm, clean beaches. Ideal if you want a resort holiday more than local life.
Getting around
Bali has almost no public transport that visitors use. Most people rely on:
- Ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek for cars and motorbike taxis. Some areas have local driver groups that restrict app pick-ups.
- A private driver for the day, a popular and good-value way to do sightseeing. Agree the price, hours and stops first.
- Scooters, which are cheap to rent, but only ride one if you're experienced and properly licensed for motorbikes, and always wear a helmet. Check that your travel insurance covers it.
Allow plenty of time: traffic around Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta is slow, and short distances can take an hour at busy times.
Money and costs
The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cards work in many hotels, restaurants and shops, but carry cash for small warungs (local eateries), markets, temple donations and parking. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centres where possible.
Typical costs vary a lot by style. A simple guesthouse or homestay can cost from around 15–30 US dollars a night, mid-range hotels with a pool often 40–100 dollars, and private pool villas from about 100 dollars upwards. A local meal can cost just a few dollars. Our Bali trip cost guide breaks this down day by day.
Culture and etiquette
Most Balinese follow a unique form of Hinduism, and you'll see small offerings (canang sari) on pavements and doorsteps every day: step around them.
- Wear a sarong and sash at temples (often available to borrow or rent at the entrance) and cover your shoulders.
- Don't point your feet at shrines or climb on temple structures.
- Use your right hand for giving and receiving.
- Check the date of Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence (usually in March): the whole island, including the airport, shuts down for 24 hours.
Practical tips before you go
- Entry rules: check the latest visa and entry requirements for your passport before you book. Indonesia also charges a tourist levy for visitors to Bali, payable online or on arrival.
- Health: drink bottled or filtered water and consider travel insurance with medical cover.
- Connectivity: an eSIM or local SIM makes maps and ride-hailing much easier.
- Weather: the dry season (roughly April to October) is the most popular; the wet season brings short, heavy showers and lower prices. See the best time to visit Bali.
Where to go next
Bali is a great base for nearby islands: the Nusa islands by fast boat from Sanur, or Lombok and the Gili Islands to the east. Read our Lombok and Gili Islands guide, then compare cheap flights to Bali from your city.
Frequently asked questions
Which area of Bali is best for first-timers?
Seminyak or Sanur are the easiest first bases: both are close to the airport, have plenty of restaurants and are good for day trips. Add 2–3 nights in Ubud for rice terraces, temples and culture.
How many days do you need in Bali?
Seven to ten days lets you combine a beach area with Ubud and one or two day trips without rushing. With five days, pick one beach base plus Ubud.
Is Bali expensive?
Bali can be very affordable. Guesthouses and local food are cheap, while private villas, beach clubs and tours add up quickly. See our Bali budget guide for daily costs.
What is the airport in Bali?
Bali's international airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in the south of the island, about 20–40 minutes from Kuta, Seminyak and Sanur outside rush hour.
Prices are estimates and can change. Check entry rules, opening times and safety advice before you travel. Some links are partner links: if you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
