Bali, the “Island of the Gods,” captivates with its breathtaking landscapes and enchanting atmosphere. Between mystical temples, vivid green rice terraces, and paradisiacal beaches, this Indonesian island is a true invitation to escape. Whether you’re heading there for a relaxing getaway or an immersive adventure, careful planning is essential. What to do in Bali? How long should you stay? When is the best time to avoid the rain? Which means of transport should you prioritize? What experiences are absolutely unmissable? Here are all our practical tips to make the most of your stay on the Island of the Gods.
Practical Tips for a Successful Trip
How much time do you need to truly enjoy Bali?
To explore Bali and fully appreciate its richness, plan for at least 2 weeks. This allows you to discover several regions without rushing and to soak in the island’s unique atmosphere. With three weeks or more, you can dive deeper into your exploration and include excursions to nearby islands, such as the Gili Islands or Lombok.
When is the best time to visit?
The dry season (April to October) is ideal for enjoying the beaches and outdoor activities. To avoid crowds while enjoying pleasant weather, May, June, and September are perfect. During the rainy season (November to March), the island is less crowded, but showers can be longer and more intense.
Getting Around Bali: How to Travel?
The scooter is the most practical and economical way to get around, with rentals starting at €5/day. However, traffic in Bali can be chaotic and dangerous. If you’re not used to driving in Asia, exercise extra caution. Always check your insurance before driving in Bali. Make sure to wear a helmet and check whether an official translation of your driver’s license is needed. It’s not strictly required, but authorities may ask for it during a check or in case of an accident.
If you prefer more comfort and safety, several alternatives are available:
- Private drivers: Ideal for stress-free island exploration, with daily rates around €40–50.
- Grab & Gojek: These ride-hailing apps are perfect for short city trips and are much cheaper than traditional taxis. They also provide a fare estimate before the ride, avoiding unpleasant surprises.
- Official taxis (Blue Bird): Recommended to avoid scams; always ask for the meter to be turned on.
In Bali, it’s common for drivers to approach you on the street offering their services. Many of them are unofficial and charge arbitrary rates. Using apps like Grab and Gojek allows you to book a secure ride and get an idea of standard prices.
Depending on your budget and confidence in driving, you’ll find the option that suits you best!
What Budget Should You Plan for a Trip to Bali?
Bali caters to all types of travelers, whether you’re on a tight budget or looking for a luxurious escape. Here’s an idea of daily budgets depending on your travel style:
Backpacker (€25–35/day)
Perfect for budget travelers: stay in hostels, eat at local warungs, rent a scooter, and enjoy low-cost activities.
Comfort (€60–100/day)
A good balance between comfort and authenticity: mid-range hotels, varied restaurants, and slightly more expensive activities.
Luxury (€150+/day)
For a high-end experience: private villas, gourmet restaurants, private drivers, and personalized services.
Our Must-See Spots
Uluwatu: Between Surfer’s Paradise and Tourist Buzz
During our first visit in 2018, Uluwatu charmed us with its wild atmosphere, majestic cliffs, and hidden beaches. Today, the area has become more touristy, with trendy cafés, bohemian shops, and rising prices. Traffic can also be heavy, especially in high season.
Despite these changes, Uluwatu remains a must-visit spot for surfers, drawn by its legendary waves. Single Fin, a bar perched on the cliff overlooking the ocean, is perfect for watching surfers while sipping a cocktail. Higher up on the cliff, the Uluwatu Temple offers breathtaking ocean views and is a key religious site not to miss. Be careful with the monkeys—they won’t hesitate to steal sunglasses and phones! At sunset, the Kecak dance performance promises a unique cultural immersion.
Uluwatu is also full of beautiful beaches. Padang Padang, Suluban, and Bingin are perfect for relaxing between surf sessions, or simply enjoying Bali’s paradisiacal setting.
It’s a great destination for meeting people and enjoying nightlife, with lively beach clubs and spectacular sunsets. However, if you’re looking for peace and authenticity, it might be better to look elsewhere.
Ubud: Rice Terraces, Temples, and Spirituality
Ubud is a true gem of Bali. Temples, terraced rice fields, and yoga classes come together to create a serene atmosphere perfect for disconnecting. However, with the influx of tourists in recent years, traffic can get heavy, and some streets become very crowded, especially during high season.
The Tegalalang Rice Terraces, just outside Ubud, are a must-visit. They offer a stunning landscape, though they are now heavily developed for tourism, with swings and paid photo spots, which can make the experience feel more commercial. For a quieter and less crowded alternative, the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are an excellent choice. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, they are about an hour and a half from Ubud, offering vast, peaceful panoramas—perfect for escaping the crowds while enjoying breathtaking scenery.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is another great way to explore the Ubud surroundings. This easy trek, best done early in the morning, winds through lush hills and offers spectacular views of the natural landscape, far from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The Monkey Forest is also worth a visit, but be cautious: the monkeys are used to tourists and can be quite curious! It’s a pleasant spot for a walk, but keep an eye on your belongings.
Finally, don’t miss wandering around the Ubud Market. You can also explore hidden waterfalls nearby. To end the day, treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage to relax and unwind.
Sidemen: Discover Authentic Bali and Its Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for a wilder, more peaceful side of Bali, Sidemen is a true gem. This charming village, surrounded by rice terraces, offers breathtaking landscapes and an atmosphere far from the tourist crowds. It’s the perfect place to recharge and enjoy accommodation immersed in nature. Don’t miss the Sidemen Rice Terrace hike: a roughly one-hour walk that takes you right into the heart of the terraced fields’ beauty.
The area is full of natural treasures, such as the Gembleng Waterfall, a still-pristine cascade where you can swim in natural pools while enjoying stunning valley views.
To explore this idyllic region, rent a scooter. The winding roads provide spectacular panoramas of rice fields and mountains, and you can also discover authentic villages where time seems to have stood still.
After a day of exploration, treat yourself to a traditional massage at Sweet Home Spa, a peaceful haven perfect for relaxing amidst nature.
Amed: Snorkeling, Temples, and Hidden Beaches in East Bali
Amed is a true escape from time, far from Bali’s tourist crowds. This small fishing village, known for its black sand beaches and tranquil atmosphere, is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Just a few meters from the shore, you can admire vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. The Liberty shipwreck in Tulamben is a must-see, though it can be crowded. From the beach, the view of Mount Agung, especially at sunrise or sunset, is spectacular.
Local life: the fishermen’s return
One of the most authentic experiences in Amed is witnessing the fishermen returning at dawn. Traditional boats, called jukungs, come back from a night at sea, offering a peaceful glimpse into local life.
Exploring East Bali by scooter
Amed is also an excellent base for exploring East Bali by scooter. Discover untouched landscapes and traditional villages. Among the highlights, Virgin Beach features a beautiful white sand beach, perfect for a swim in crystal-clear water.
Spectacular viewpoints
The surrounding panoramas are breathtaking: from Cinta Pangi viewpoint, enjoy stunning views of Mount Agung, while Lahangan Sweet offers another spectacular lookout. Be cautious, though, as the final part of the scooter ride can be tricky.
Temples and water palaces in East Bali
For temples, Tirta Gangga with its royal pools and Taman Ujung, a stunning water palace, are definitely worth a visit. We chose to skip the very touristy Penataran Agung Lempuyang and its famous Gates of Heaven.
After a day of exploration or diving, enjoy a meal at one of the seaside warungs. Warung Pondok, with its tasty dishes and warm beachfront atmosphere, is a must. For seafood lovers, Warung Segara, offering reasonable prices and fresh catch of the day, is another excellent choice.
Nusa Penida: Between Paradise and Over-Tourism (My 2024 Perspective)
Located off the coast of Bali, Nusa Penida is accessible by fast boat from several ports, including Sanur, Kusamba, and Padang Bai. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes, with multiple daily departures. Once on the island, scooter travelremains the most convenient way to get around, but caution is advised: some roads are in poor condition, and traffic can be challenging.
Back in 2018, when we first explored Nusa Penida, the island immediately captivated us with its wild and untouched charm. Every scooter ride felt like an adventure, and the spectacular landscapes offered a rare sense of freedom.
However, in 2024, the situation has changed dramatically. Mass tourism has taken over the island. Iconic sites like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong are now crowded attractions, complete with swings and artificial photo setups. The installation of an elevator at Kelingking Beach has further reduced the raw, natural appeal of the location. Getting around by scooter has become more difficult due to intense traffic and deteriorating roads, and the massive influx of tourists is putting pressure on the island’s fragile environment.
Fortunately, some areas remain preserved. The Goa Giri Putri temple, hidden inside a massive cave, offers a unique spiritual experience, accessible through a narrow passage leading to an impressive underground temple. Suwehan Beach, still relatively untouched, reveals a spectacular setting with steep cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Be mindful of the rising tide, which can make access tricky and waves particularly strong.
Nusa Penida remains a beautiful island, but it has lost some of its magic. If you decide to visit, start early in the morning to avoid crowds, and don’t hesitate to explore lesser-known spots to recapture a bit of its former charm.
Nusa Lembongan: A Peaceful Getaway off the Coast of Bali
Nusa Lembongan, neighboring Nusa Penida, is a small island located just 30 minutes by boat from Bali. Accessible via fast boat from Sanur, it can also be reached from Nusa Penida through shorter crossings. Less wild than its bigger sister Nusa Penida, Lembongan offers a more tranquil atmosphere, making it perfect for a relaxing escape away from Bali’s hustle and bustle.
With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the island is a little paradise for swimming and snorkeling. It’s also famous for its diving spots, particularly Manta Point, where you can swim alongside majestic manta rays. The laid-back vibe extends to its local cafés and seaside bungalows, many of which offer breathtaking ocean views.
If you want to explore Nusa Lembongan in more detail, we’ve written a complete guide where we share our favorite spots and tips to make the most of your visit.
Bali, an Island of a Thousand Faces
Bali is much more than just a tourist destination; it offers a true immersion in culture, nature, and spirituality. Each visit, the Island of the Gods surprises us with its ability to reinvent itself while maintaining its authentic charm. Today, Bali has become a popular, “Instagrammable” destination, attracting hordes of travelers, yet the locals have adapted by creating experiences that cater to this new demand. Still, the soul of Bali—the one that enchanted us from our very first visit—is very much alive, provided you take the time to venture beyond the main tourist spots.
By exploring the island, whether on a scooter through breathtaking landscapes or discovering remote villages, you will come across authentic places where locals welcome you with genuine smiles and warmth. These villages are a living testament to Balinese spirituality and traditions. Even though Bali is now more modern and frequented, it is still possible to experience a deep, intimate connection far from the crowds and the hustle.
Sure, Bali has changed, but it remains a captivating and otherworldly destination. Every corner of the island, every encounter, immerses you in a unique and enchanting atmosphere. To discover this more hidden side of Bali, away from the tourist frenzy, all it takes is to step off the beaten path. We would be delighted to help you create a tailor-made trip, perfectly suited to your desires and pace.
So, are you ready to write your own story in Bali?
Manon – Trip Completed in October 2024
