Bali Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Time to Visit

Bali offers a remarkable mix of spiritual culture, nature and beach life on a single island.

• Ubud — Explore the island’s cultural heart, with its palace, art markets, dance performances and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
• Tegallalang rice terraces — Walk among the sculpted green terraces north of Ubud, shaped by Bali’s traditional subak irrigation.
• Uluwatu Temple — Watch the sunset from this clifftop sea temple, often paired with a Kecak fire dance performance.
• Tanah Lot — See the famous temple perched on a rocky outcrop in the sea, especially atmospheric at dusk.
• Mount Batur — Join an early-morning guided trek up this active volcano to watch the sunrise over the caldera lake.
• Tirta Empul — Visit the water temple where Balinese Hindus come to bathe in holy spring-fed pools.
• Beaches of the south — Surf, swim or relax at Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua or the cliff-backed beaches of the Bukit Peninsula.

Bali is warm all year, with a dry season from around April to October and a wet season from November to March. The dry months bring sunny days and lower humidity, ideal for beaches, trekking and diving, with July, August and the year-end holidays being the busiest periods.

The wet season usually brings short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, along with lush landscapes and fewer visitors. Note that on Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence in March or April, the whole island shuts down for 24 hours, including the airport, and visitors must stay in their accommodation.

I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport sits in the south of the island near Tuban and Kuta, around 13 km south of Denpasar and close to the main beach resorts.

There is no rail connection, so most travellers use official airport taxis booked at counters in the arrivals hall, pre-arranged hotel transfers or private drivers. Ride-hailing apps can be used from designated pick-up areas. Journey times vary greatly with traffic: the southern resorts can be close, while Ubud typically takes one to two hours. Allow extra time in the late afternoon and during holidays.

Where you stay in Bali shapes your trip, from lively beach towns to quiet jungle retreats.

• Seminyak and Canggu — Suit travellers looking for beach clubs, cafés, surf and a vibrant dining scene.
• Ubud — Best for culture, yoga and wellness retreats, rice-field views and cooler evenings.
• Nusa Dua and Sanur — Ideal for families and relaxed stays, with calmer beaches and large resorts.
• Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula — Great for surfers and couples seeking clifftop views and secluded coves.

• Money: Cards are accepted in hotels and many restaurants, but carry rupiah for markets, small warungs and temple donations; use bank ATMs where possible.
• Getting around: Hire a driver or use ride-hailing apps for longer trips, as roads are narrow and traffic heavy in the south.
• Temple etiquette: Wear a sarong and sash at temples (often available to borrow or rent), and do not step on small offerings on the ground.
• Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use sun protection and mosquito repellent.
• Safety: Swim between the flags on beaches with lifeguards, as currents can be strong.