A Complete Bali Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Before we get into our Bali travel guide, it’s first important to know a bit more about the destination itself. Bali is a province in Indonesia and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Island. The capital of the Bali province is Denpasar, the most populous city in the entire Lesser Sunda Islands. However, the town of Ubud is considered to be Bali’s cultural centre.

Bali is the only Hindu-majority province in Indonesia and it’s renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, music, and more. Many cultural events are held on the island each year, including the Indonesian International Film Festival.

Part of the Coral Triangle, Bali is renowned for its incredible biodiversity of marine species, especially fishes and turtles. What’s more, Bali is home to the Subak Irrigation System, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Located west of Lombok and east of Java, the province includes the island of Bali, along with some smaller offshore islands. The most notable of those are Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.

Bali’s central mountains include several peaks over 2,000 metres in elevation and active volcanoes, including Mount Batur. The highest mountain is Mount Agung, with a peak of 3,031 metres and it’s also an active volcano.

The island is surrounded by coral reefs, with beaches in the south typically featuring white sands, while those in the north and west have black sand.

As it sits only 8 degrees south of the equator, Bali has a fairly even climate all year round. The average temperature stands at around 30°C and the humidity levels are usually around 85%.

When planning your Bali itinerary, you should keep in mind that there are two main seasons: dry and rainy. Lasting from April to September, the dry season is ideal for hiking, snorkelling, diving, and lounging on a beach. However, the dry season coincides with the high season, which peaks in June and July. During this period, the prices for accommodations and hotels are typically steeper.

If you’re looking for lower prices and fewer tourists, the best time to travel is during the rainy season, which lasts from October to March. However, keep in mind that the island can experience heavier rains and strong winds during the rainy season, especially from January to April.

Even though it might not be the best weather for surfing or snorkelling, the rainy season is the perfect time to visit temples in Bali, take classes, and explore the jungles and rice fields.

As part of our Bali travel guide, we’re going to give you our top tips for your travel itinerary before moving on to the best attractions, destinations, and accommodations.
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Entering Indonesia
Since March 2022, all foreigners are required to pay for a visa to get into Indonesia and there are two types of visa to apply for. The type of visa you need depends on the passport you have and you can fall under Exempted or Visa on Arrival. You can check the visa application guidelines for Indonesia at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights Directorate General of Immigration site.

Once you have your visa sorted, you will also have to fill out the customs form and pay the Bali Tourism Tax. Luckily, you can do both online ahead of your trip to avoid any hassle when you get to the airport.
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Transportation in Bali
There are many ways to travel around Bali, including private cars, motorbikes, taxis, and online taxi apps. If you decide to explore the island using motorbikes, which is a popular choice, make sure you’re always wearing a helmet and keeping an eye out for your belongings.
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General Tips and Safety Precautions
Bali is generally a very safe place, but you should still be careful when travelling, especially on motorbikes. Be wary of bag snatchers who might take your things if you’re not attentive. Also, make sure to lock your doors when inside your accommodations.
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Tips Aren’t Mandatory
Tipping isn’t mandatory anywhere in Bali, but whether or not you’d like to give and how much is, of course, up to you.
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No Plastic Bags Available
Since 2018, the Bali government has banned single-use plastic bags due to the amount of trash that has covered the island. If you go out shopping, make sure you have a spare bag on you.
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Taking Care of Your Health
Due to the thriving nature of Indonesia, there are plenty of mosquitos at night, so make sure you buy a repellant. Also, the sun can be pretty harsh, so keep a good SPF on you at all times. If you get a Bali belly or food poisoning, try activated charcoal tablets or seek medical help.

To ensure the best and most unforgettable holiday, we’ve made sure our Bali travel guide has something for everyone. From the top destinations across islands to hidden paradise beaches and vibrant underwater worlds, here are the best ways to experience Bali for the first time.
Depending on your affinities, budget, and duration of the trip, you’ll have your pick of things to do when you go to Bali.
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Part of Indonesian cuisine, Balinese food seamlessly blends indigenous traditions and Chinese and Indian influences. Heavily featuring fish, fresh vegetables, spices, and meat, Balinese food is unlike anything you can try anywhere else.

Rice accompanies most dishes, including pork, chicken, seafood, and vegetables and you can find many delicious dishes in restaurants, food stands, and night markets. The national dishes gado-gado, nasi goreng, and satay are must-tries for anyone visiting Bali.

A relatively undeveloped island southeast of mainland Bali, Nusa Penida arguably has some of the most beautiful sites in Indonesia. Mostly known for Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong, the island is an incredible mix of scenery and spirituality.

Scattered across the island, travellers can visit temples where, according to legend, a dark spirit is worshiped and kept at bay. You can get around the island by booking a day tour, renting a motorbike, or chartering a private car. Either way, it’s not a spot you want to miss on your holiday.

The next must-do activity on our Bali travel guide is climbing an active volcano. Luckily, Mount Batur offers the perfect opportunity and makes a great addition to your itinerary. The 700-metre elevation gain is relatively easy to cross, especially if you’re in good shape. However, keep in mind that there are some steep points which require a bit more stamina.

The best time to go trekking on Mount Batur is during the dry season as there is a smaller chance of clouds that could obstruct your view.

Scuba Diving
Famous for its scuba diving sites, Bali will leave even the most experienced divers absolutely charmed. Scattered around the island, there are many incredible dive spots, offering a variety of experiences.

On the eastern coast, the best places to go diving are Tulamben, Amed, Candidasa, and Padang Bay, while the northwest is home to Secret Bay and Menjangan Island. Diving, especially during the dry season, you’re likely to see sharks, manta rays, and ocean fish, and you might even catch a glimpse of the Mola Mola, the elusive sunfish of Indonesia.
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Exploring Waterfalls
Bali is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls, the majority of which are perfect for a day trip. You can access some of the waterfalls from Ubud, but most are located in the mountainous North Bali.

Some of Bali’s best and most beautiful waterfalls include:

• Aling Aling
• Banyumala Twin
• Gitgit Twin
• Sekumpul

Visiting Rice Terraces
A staple food in Balinese cuisine, the island features many rice terraces, some of which have become iconic thanks to the incredible lush green views. The two most popular rice paddies are the Tegalalang Rice Field in Ubud and the Jatiluwih Rice Field in Tabanan.

The Tegalalang Rice Field has become famous thanks to its location on a cliff and the opportunity for the perfect picture. On the other hand, dating back to the 9th century, the Jatiluwih Rice Field is a bit less crowded but still incredible to see.
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Seeing a Kecak Fire Dance Performance
Kecak is a traditional Balinese dance, which involves the Hindu Ramayana Story and Fire. Also known as the Ramayana monkey chant, the Bali Kecak Dance portrays the story based on a Sanskrit epic.

Even though there’s no use of musical instruments in the performance, you will see dancers chanting and moving rhythmically. You can experience the dance in the Uluwatu Temple Sunset or Ubud.

During your Bali adventure, you’ll likely be drawn all over the island and feel like there’s never enough time to see everything. To put your mind at ease, our Bali travel guide includes some of the most popular locations all across the island.
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Located in the mountains region of Bali, Ubud is known as the arts centre of the island. A haven for visitors, the infrastructure here caters to tourists and many of the locals speak English. There, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options, including villas and hotels, and tons of activities to try out.

In Ubud, you can check out the Goa Gajah Cave, take the Campuhan Ridge walk, or visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Ubud is also home to many waterfalls, swings, and temples.

Seminyak lies on the west coast of Bali, only 30 minutes away from the Nguari International Airport in Denpasar. There’s so much to do there, including scuba diving, horse riding, getting a massage, taking a class, shopping, and exploring famous temples. However, keep in mind that as it’s Bali’s most famous beach neighbourhood, it’s also the busiest.

Dubbed as Bali’s bohemian surfer paradise, Canggu has seen incredible development in the past decade. Alongside the idyllic beaches perfect for water sports, Canggu is also where you’ll find trendy restaurants, beach clubs, and boutiques.

Canggu is also home to Tanah Lot, an incredible rock formation and the site of the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple. Dating back to the 16th century, Tanah Lot is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.

Uluwatu is home to some of the best surf breaks in Bali and is one of the most sought-after reef breaks in the world. Located on the south of Bali, on the western cliffs of the Bukit Peninsula, you will also find the Pura Luhur Temple. What’s more, like Canggu, Uluwatu is famous for its exclusive hotels and trendy restaurants.

Here are some of the top attractions that no Bali travel guide can be without.
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The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary in Ubud is a nature reserve and temple complex, and home to over 1260 long-tailed macaques. A visit to the forest provides a wonderful opportunity to watch these animals in their natural habitat. However, make sure to follow strict guidelines when you’re there, avoid physical contact with the animals, and don’t feed them.

If you love nature and want an insight into the wonderful flora of Bali and Indonesia, consider a trip to the Bali Botanic Garden. It is the largest botanic garden in Indonesia and a centre of botanical research, conservation, and recreation.

As one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bali, Pura Lempuyang Luhur is a popular tourist destination. It’s one of the nine directional temples, which are the holiest of worship places in Bali.

The last thing left on our Bali travel guide is considering where you’re staying while on your trip to paradise. The ever-charming and all-inclusive Club Med Bali resort is located in Nusa Dua and welcomes first-time and experienced travellers. At Club Med Bali, guests can dive into the outdoors and take in all the incredible nature the island has to offer.

With three room types, six bars and restaurants, childcare service, and 34 included activities – Club Med Bali has something for everyone. Book your stay today to learn more about what this wonderful all-inclusive resort has to offer.