About Bali
Bali is Indonesia's most visited island for good reason — Hindu temples cling to cliffs, emerald rice terraces cascade through Ubud's hills, and surf breaks line the Bukit Peninsula. From quiet village ceremonies to Seminyak sunsets, it mixes deep culture with easy beach days.
Best time
April–October (dry season); May–June and September are sweet spots with fewer crowds
Weather
Tropical — warm year-round; wet season roughly November–March with short heavy showers
Airport
Ngurah Rai International (DPS), near Denpasar / Kuta
Getting around
Rent a scooter if confident, or hire a driver by the day for temples and day trips
Experiences
Things to do in Bali
1
Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang (Mount Agung backdrop)
2
Uluwatu Temple sunset and kecak dance
3
Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud
4
Tanah Lot sea temple at golden hour
5
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud
6
Tirta Empul holy spring temple
7
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan
8
Nusa Penida cliffs and snorkel spots
9
Mount Batur sunrise trek
10
Seminyak and Canggu beaches
11
Jatiluwih UNESCO rice terraces
12
Tirta Gangga water palace
Budget travel
Free things to do in Bali
Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang (Mount Agung backdrop)
Uluwatu Temple sunset and kecak dance
Tanah Lot sea temple at golden hour
Tirta Empul holy spring temple
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan
Mount Batur sunrise trek
Seminyak and Canggu beaches
Sidemen valley rice walks
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
South coast temples & beach
- Uluwatu Temple & kecak dance
- Padang Padang or Bingin beach
- Seminyak sunset
- 2
Day 2
Ubud culture
- Tegallalang rice terraces
- Sacred Monkey Forest
- Tirta Empul
- Warung dinner
- 3
Day 3
East Bali icons
- Gates of Heaven at Pura Lempuyang
- Tirta Gangga water palace
- Optional Mount Batur sunrise
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
Balinese · Ubud legend for spicy chicken rice since the 1960s
- $
Pak Malen
Babi guling · Seminyak roast suckling pig — locals' pick
- $$
Made's Warung
Indonesian · Island institution since 1969 (Kuta / Seminyak)
- $
Sun Sun Warung
Balinese · Family-compound warung in central Ubud
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
Ubud · Iconic riverside resort above the Ayung Valley
- $$$$
COMO Shambhala Estate
Ubud · Top-rated wellness retreat in the jungle
- $$$$
The Mulia
Nusa Dua · Beachfront luxury favourite for first-timers
- $$$
Potato Head Suites
Seminyak · Design beach club hotel — tourist favourite
Shopping
- Ubud Art Market
- Seminyak boutiques (Kayu Aya)
- Sukawati Art Market
- Beachwalk Shopping Center
Nightlife
- Seminyak beach clubs
- Canggu sunset bars
- Ubud live music cafés
Museums & culture
- Agung Rai Museum of Art (ARMA)
- Museum Puri Lukisan
- Blanco Renaissance Museum
Local foods to try
- Babi guling
- Nasi campur
- Bebek betutu
- Lawar
- Sate lilit
- Kopi luwak (taste carefully)
Hidden gems
- Sidemen valley rice walks
- Amed black-sand snorkeling
- Munduk waterfall loop
- West Bali National Park
Travel tips
- Dress modestly at temples — sash and sarong are usually provided at major sites
- Respect Nyepi (Day of Silence) — the island shuts down for 24 hours each year
- Scooter insurance and a helmet are essential; traffic is chaotic near Kuta
- Dry season is busiest — book popular restaurants and drivers ahead
In pictures
Bali gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
