The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Bali: What to Know Before You Go

Visiting Bali is a dream for many travellers, and for good reason. This Indonesian island blends natural beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality into a destination that suits every type of visitor. Whether you’re into lush jungles, serene beaches, spiritual healing, or buzzing nightlife, Bali has something for you.

But planning a trip to Bali goes beyond booking a ticket and choosing a hotel. To help you make the most of your experience, here’s a practical guide covering everything from where to go and what to do to how to move around the island with ease.

Understanding Bali: A Snapshot

Bali is a province in Indonesia, best known for its Hindu traditions, volcanic mountains, terraced rice paddies, and welcoming locals. It’s often referred to as the "Island of the Gods" due to the deeply spiritual culture you’ll encounter in temples, ceremonies, and even daily offerings placed outside shops and homes.

Though Bali is part of a Muslim-majority country, around 80% of the island’s population practises Balinese Hinduism. This adds a distinct flavour to everything from the food (think roast pork or babi guling) to the colourful festivals.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Bali is a year-round destination, but the dry season from April to October is generally considered the best time to visit. The weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking, surfing, or beach-hopping. The wet season (November to March) brings brief rain showers but also fewer crowds and greener landscapes.

If you’re planning cultural experiences, consider visiting during Nyepi (Day of Silence) or Galungan, a festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Where to Stay in Bali

Seminyak: Style and Sophistication

Seminyak is ideal for first-time visitors. It offers trendy cafes, boutique shopping, beach clubs, and plenty of accommodation options from luxury resorts to stylish villas. It’s perfect if you want to be close to nightlife and popular beaches like Double Six and Petitenget.

Ubud: Culture and Nature

For a more relaxed, spiritual atmosphere, head to Ubud. Surrounded by rice terraces and rainforest, it’s the cultural heart of Bali. Expect yoga studios, art galleries, traditional markets, and wellness retreats. Stay in a private villa or a cosy guesthouse for a slower pace of life.

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Canggu: Surf and Social Life

Canggu is Bali’s creative hub, popular with digital nomads and surfers. The area has a youthful vibe with cool beach bars, coworking cafes, and surf-friendly shores. It’s slightly more laid-back than Seminyak but still lively.

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Other Notable Areas

Uluwatu is best known for its world-class surf breaks and stunning cliffside views, making it a favourite among surfers and sunset seekers. Sanur offers a quieter beach town atmosphere, ideal for families with its calm waters and relaxed pace. 

Nusa Dua is home to luxury resorts and pristine beaches with gentle waves, perfect for a more upscale and laid-back holiday. Kintamani, located in the highlands, is great for volcano trekking, with dramatic mountain views and the added allure of natural hot springs to unwind after a hike.

Getting Around Bali

From the Airport

Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the main entry point. Arrange an airport transfer through your hotel or use a ride-hailing app like Grab or Gojek. You can also take an official Ngurah Rai Taxi from the airport counter.

Daily Transportation

Private drivers are best for day trips, offering flexibility and local insight, with rates typically around IDR 500,000–600,000 per day. Scooter rentals are an affordable and convenient option, especially for solo travellers or couples looking to explore at their own pace.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek work in most areas, though some popular tourist spots restrict their use; motorbike taxis are generally more accepted than cars in these zones. Bluebird Taxi is a trusted local taxi company, known for reliable service and transparent fares, and it also has a dedicated app for easy booking.

Must-Do Experiences in Bali

Explore Bali’s Nature

Take in the lush beauty of Bali by visiting the iconic Tegalalang Rice Terrace in Ubud, known for its dramatic landscape and layered green fields. Catch a breathtaking sunset at Tanah Lot Temple, perched on a rocky outcrop above the sea. 

For the more adventurous, hiking Mount Batur in the early morning rewards you with stunning sunrise views over the surrounding mountains and lake. Cool off with a swim in one of Bali’s picturesque waterfalls, such as Tibumana or the more remote Sekumpul, both offering a refreshing escape into nature.

Discover Local Culture

Experience the richness of Balinese traditions by attending a Barong dance performance, where myth, music, and movement come together in a captivating show. Explore the island’s spiritual heritage with a visit to revered temples like Ulun Danu Beratan, set on a lake, or the majestic Besakih Temple on the slopes of Mount Agung. 

For a hands-on cultural experience, join a Balinese cooking class and learn how to prepare local dishes while gaining insight into the island’s culinary roots.

Embrace the Wellness Scene

Bali is a wellness haven. Try a yoga class in Ubud, book a Balinese massage, or unwind in a floating flower bath. Many resorts also offer detox retreats and meditation sessions.

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Food and Drink: What to Try

Don’t leave Bali without trying:

• Nasi Campur: A plate of rice with various small portions of meat, vegetables, and sambal

• Babi Guling: Balinese roast pork

• Mie Goreng: Stir-fried noodles

• Lawar: A spicy mix of vegetables, coconut, and minced meat

• Es Cendol: A refreshing dessert with coconut milk and palm sugar

Vegan and vegetarian options are easy to find, especially in Ubud and Canggu. Many cafes focus on organic, locally sourced ingredients.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bali

Money and Payments

Use authorised money changers with transparent rates. Avoid those on the street advertising unrealistically high exchange rates. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but carry some cash for local markets or rural stops.

Connectivity

Buy a local eSIM or physical SIM card for affordable data. Apps like WhatsApp are used by nearly every local business, so it's handy for making reservations or getting directions.

Health and Safety

Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike in Bali, even for short distances. It’s not only a legal requirement but also a crucial safety precaution, given the island’s busy roads and varying terrain. Protect yourself from mosquito bites by applying repellent, especially in the evenings when mosquitoes are most active. This is particularly important in areas where dengue fever is a risk. 

If you’re spending time outdoors, bring or buy a strong sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher to shield your skin from Bali’s intense tropical sun. Lastly, stick to bottled water to stay hydrated and avoid digestive issues, and be mindful when trying street food if you have a sensitive stomach.

Ready to Start Your Bali Adventure?

Visiting Bali is more than a holiday; it’s an experience that blends relaxation, adventure, and cultural discovery. From bustling beach clubs to serene temples, there's a slice of paradise here for every kind of traveller.

Planning ahead can make all the difference. Choose the right area to stay, know how to get around, and don’t be afraid to go beyond the usual tourist spots. Bali rewards those who slow down and soak it all in.

Looking for a place to stay? Whether you're planning a short getaway or a longer stay, Red Lotus Bali Property offers a wide range of beautiful luxury villas and rentals across Bali. Visit our website to find your ideal home with villas rental or you can buy our villas and property on our website.