1. Know before you go to Bali
Introduction to Bali
Bali, located just south of the equator in the Indian Ocean, is one of Indonesia’s most famous vacation spots. I fell in love with Bali the moment I arrived.
Part of Bali Province, it’s home to 8 regencies and 1 city, with Denpasar as its capital. Famous for its stunning beaches and lush mountains, Bali is often called the “Island of the Gods” or “Island of Paradise.” With easy visa requirements and affordable prices, it’s no wonder Bali is a top destination for travelers worldwide. Ready to pack your bags?Trust me, you’ll want to pack your bags after reading this! Let’s dive in and explore together!
Charging Your Devices
Don’t forget to bring a plug adapter! Indonesia uses the two-pin round plugs, similar to the ones used in Europe. But if you forget, no worries! You can easily grab one at any convenience store around Bali (such as Circle K) for a very reasonable price.
What is Bali Belly?
If you’re heading to Bali, be warned—Bali Belly is real! I experienced it firsthand, and trust me, it’s not something you want to go through. It’s essentially traveler’s diarrhea caused by things like unfamiliar water, unclean food, or bacterial infections. Symptoms include constant trips to the bathroom, stomach cramps, nausea, dizziness, and even fever.
To avoid it, don’t drink tap water (avoid having ice cubes, always use bottled water), and stay at clean hotels. Avoid street food, especially raw items, and steer clear of ice-cold drinks. Before heading to a restaurant, check reviews on Google Maps for keywords like “poison,” “diarrhea,” or “sick” to be safe. Trust me, taking these precautions will save you from an unpleasant experience!
What to Do if You Catch Bali Belly (Super Helpful Tips!)
If, unfortunately, you end up with Bali Belly, don’t panic—I’ve been there! Here’s what worked for me:
- For diarrhea, Entrostop is a go-to local remedy (you can even get it delivered via Grab!).
- Smecta is great for soothing your stomach and protecting your gut.
- I also recommend heading to a convenience store to pick up some coconut water or Pocari Sweat for electrolytes—both help you recover quickly!
Useful Apps in Bali
When I first landed in Bali, I quickly realized how helpful a few apps could be to make my trip smoother. Here’s my personal recommendation list:
- Agoda for booking hotels—it’s reliable and has great options for every budget.
- Gojek is your go-to app for taxis (much cheaper than Grab!).
- Grab is a fantastic option for ordering food delivery (more food option than Gojek!).
- Klook is perfect for booking tours and activities—it made planning my adventures a breeze!
- Google Maps—essential for navigation, especially in Bali’s sometimes tricky streets.
- WhatsApp—the main way to stay in touch with locals, guides, and even your hotel. It’s how everyone communicates in Bali, so get familiar with it!
These apps made my Bali trip so much easier and stress-free. Trust me, you’ll want to download them before you go!
Useful Balinese Phrases
Learning a few simple Balinese phrases can really enhance your experience and help you connect with the locals. Here are some useful phrases that will make your trip even more enjoyable and show respect for the local culture!
| Good Morning! | Selamat Pagi! |
| Good Afternoon! | Selamat Siang! |
| Good Evening! | Selamat Sore! |
| Good Night! | Selamat Malam! |
| Thank you | Terima Kasih |
| To eat | Makan |
| Spicy | Pedas (if don’t want spicy, say Tidak pedas) |
| I would like one plate nasi goreng | Saya mau nasi goreng satu piring |
| Delicious! | Enak! |
| How Much | Berapa |
| Can I have the bill please? | Bisa Minta bon? |
2. Planning your Bali trip
Entering Bali – is a Visa required?
Countries Whose Citizens Do Not Need a Visa to Enter Bali
The Indonesian government has made it easier for travelers from certain nations to explore Bali and beyond. Citizens from ASEAN countries like Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and even a few non-ASEAN countries like Colombia, Hong Kong, Suriname, and Timor Leste, can skip the visa hassle and head straight to paradise!
One little tip I learned along the way—if you’re eligible for visa-free entry, you can use the autogate at immigration. It’s such a time-saver! Just scan the QR code, register your details, and you’ll breeze through the process, skipping the long manual queues. It’s one of those small hacks that made my Bali arrival even smoother!
Countries Whose Citizens Require a Visa to Enter Bali
For those of you whose home countries aren’t part of the visa-free list, don’t worry—getting a visa for Bali is pretty straightforward. You can either apply for one in advance through the official immigration website [Apply here] or, if you prefer the easy route, you can get a visa on arrival once you land in Indonesia.
Now, a little tip from me—if you’re going for the visa on arrival, it’s a good idea to exchange some Indonesian Rupiah or US dollars before you arrive. You can pay on the spot, either in cash or by card (though note, there’s a 1.95% processing fee if you use a card). Just don’t exchange money at the airport—it’s a classic tourist trap with a pretty bad exchange rate! The visa will cost IDR 500,000 per person, and you’ll be all set to start your Bali adventure. Trust me, it’s super easy once you’re there!
Entering Bali – Immigration Declaration
To make your arrival in Bali smooth and hassle-free, fill out the immigration declaration online before you land by scanning a simple QR code. Once completed, you’ll receive a QR code that you can save on your phone. After picking up your luggage, just show the code at immigration, and you’ll breeze through—no long queues! It’s a quick and easy way to save time and get your Bali adventure started stress-free.
If you’re eligible for the autogate and have your immigration declaration QR ready, you’ll breeze through customs in under 20 minutes—quick and easy!
How many days should I spend in Bali?
For me, the decision on how long to stay in Bali comes down to two things: flight time and how much you want to immerse yourself in the experience.
If you’re flying from nearby places like Singapore, Australia, or Malaysia, 4-5 days is perfect for a quick recharge and a fast-paced exploration. It’s like a weekend getaway, but with more adventure!
But if you’re coming from further away (like a long-haul flight of 8+ hours), I’d recommend spending 10-14 days. That gives you time to adjust, shake off jet lag, and truly soak in the island’s relaxed vibe without feeling rushed. Trust me, you’ll want that extra time!
Getting out from the airport
As a self-proclaimed travel budgeter, I’m all about finding the most cost-effective yet reliable transportation. In Bali, I found ride-hailing apps to be the best way to get around. The two big players here are Gojek and Grab. After comparing prices in real-time, I found that Gojek was usually 30-50% cheaper than Grab—making it my go-to choice every time!
One thing to keep in mind, though: when you’re at the airport, there’s no Gojek car waiting for you. Instead, you’ll need to follow the signs to the Gojek center, just a few hundred meters away. Once there, the friendly Gojek staff will assign you a driver. It’s a bit of a walk, but trust me, it’s totally worth it for the savings and ease!
Seasons in Bali: When is the best time to visit Bali?
Bali’s weather is a key factor when planning your trip, and trust me, you’ll want to pick the right season to make the most of your time there.
Dry Season (April – October)
This is when Bali really shines—think lots of sunshine, low humidity, and calm seas, perfect for beach days, trekking, and water sports. It’s the most popular time to visit, so expect higher prices and busier hotels, especially during peak months. But if you’re looking for a picture-perfect Bali experience, this is it!
Wet Season (November – March)
I’ve been to Bali during the wet season, and while it brings a lush green landscape and fewer tourists, expect some afternoon or evening downpours (I’ve had a few!). I even tried sunrise hiking once during this season—unfortunately, the clouds hid the sunrise after an exhausting hike. 😅 But the upside? You’ll get off-peak rates and much more space in resorts.
How to Choose
For the best weather, aim for the heart of the dry season (May–September). But if you’re looking to save some cash while still enjoying good weather, the shoulder months (April–June, September–October) are perfect—better rates, fewer crowds, and still plenty of sunshine!
Costs in Bali: How much does a trip to Bali cost?
| Category | Budget (per pax, per day) | Luxury (per pax, per day) |
| Food | $1–3/meal, for streat stall food$5-$20/meal, for restaurant | $60–$100 – Upscale restaurants and resort dining (multi-course meals, cocktails) |
| Stay | $10–$25 – Hostels, guesthouses, budget homestays | $150–$350 – Luxury hotels or private villas |
| Transport | Scooter rental (~$4/day)GoBike (~$1/trip)Public buses Bali | $60–$80 – Private car with driver |
Rough Totals
- Budget traveler: $30–$50/day covers basic meals, a simple room, and scooters/local buses travel thru
- Luxury traveler: $270–$530/day allows for fine dining, high-end accommodation, and private car hire.
3. Bali itinerary, what to do and where to go
The 5 days itinerary
- Day 1: [South area] Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park (1 hour) → Melasti Beach (0.5 hours) → Malini Uluwatu → Uluwatu Temple → Kecak Uluwatu Fire Dance
- Day 2: [Ubud Area] Mount Batur Trekking & Sunrise → AKASA Café → Coffee Tasting → Ubud Palace → Ubud Traditional Market
- Day 3: [Ubud Area] Ayung River Rafting → Bali ATV Ride → The Sayan House Restaurant
- Day 4: [Nusa Penida] Snorkeling → Kelingking Beach → Angel’s Billabong → Broken Beach
- Day 5: [Kuta] Beach Surfing → Matahari Department Store → Dinner at Jimbaran Beach
Day 1: Explore South Area
[South area] Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park (1 hour) → Malini Uluwatu (lunch) → Uluwatu Temple → Kecak Uluwatu Fire Dance
🗿 Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park
Marvel at Indonesia’s tallest statue, standing at 121 meters (the world’s 4th tallest statue!), depicting the Hindu god Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. This iconic monument symbolizes the pursuit of the elixir of life, Amrita, and took over 25 years to complete.
💴 ticket price: IDR 145,000 per person
🕒 Duration: 1 hour
🚗 Travel to next stop: Approximately 15 minutes (6 km)
🍽️ Malini Uluwatu (Lunch)
Savor a delightful meal at Malini Uluwatu, offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean! This restaurant combines traditional Balinese flavors with a modern twist, providing a memorable dining experience.
🕒 Duration: 1 hour
🚗 Travel to next stop: Approximately 10 minutes (3 km)
🛕 Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)
Perched atop a 70-meter cliff, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s six key temples, believed to protect the island from evil sea spirits. Dating back to the 11th century, it offers breathtaking sunset views over the Indian Ocean.
🕒 Duration: 1 hour
🚶 Travel to next stop: Short walk within the temple complex
🔥 Kecak Fire Dance Performance
Experience the mesmerizing Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu Temple, where a chorus of chanting men narrates the epic Ramayana tale. This unique performance, created in the 1930s, combines traditional Balinese music and dance with dramatic fire elements.
🕒 Duration: 1 hour (starts at 6:00 PM)
Day 2: Explore Ubud Area
Mount Batur Trekking & Sunrise → AKASA Café → Coffee Tasting → Ubud Palace → Ubud Traditional Market
🌋 Mount Batur Trekking & Sunrise
Climb under a blanket of stars to reach the summit of Mount Batur and watch the sky burst into color at sunrise — a truly magical, soul-stirring moment. The panoramic views of misty mountains and lake are unforgettable!
💴 Entrance Fee: Around IDR 150,000–200,000 (guided tours usually required)
🚗 Travel to AKASA Cafe: 20 minutes (about 10 km) 🕒
☕ AKASA Cafe
Perched on the mountain’s edge, AKASA Cafe is the perfect spot to unwind after your trek, serving up steaming coffee, hearty breakfasts, and stunning volcano views that stretch for miles.
💴 No entrance fee (pay for food and drinks)
🚗 Travel to Coffee Tasting: 10 minutes (about 5 km) 🕒
🌱 Coffee Tasting (Santi Argo Wisata Coffee)
Dive into Bali’s rich coffee culture with a plantation visit, where you can sip famous Luwak coffee + many different styles of coffee, and learn how beans journey from farm to cup — all surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
💴 Entrance Fee: Free (tasting usually free, but special coffees like Luwak may cost extra)
🚗 Travel to Ubud Palace: 1 hour (about 35 km) 🕒
🏯 Ubud Palace
Step into Ubud’s royal heart at this beautifully ornate palace, where intricate stone carvings and traditional architecture keep Bali’s ancient elegance alive.
💴 Entrance Fee: Free (entrance to courtyard); Dance show ticket: IDR 100,000+ (optional)
🚶 Walk to Ubud Art Market: 3 minutes (150 meters)
🎨 Ubud Art Market
Wander through a colorful maze of handcrafted goods at Ubud Art Market, where every turn reveals batik fabrics, woven bags, and wooden sculptures perfect for bringing a piece of Bali home.
💴 Entrance Fee: Free
Day 3: Explore Ubud Area
Ayung River Rafting → Bali ATV Ride → The Sayan House Restaurant
🚣♂️ Ayung River Rafting
Get your adrenaline pumping as you navigate the Ayung River’s thrilling rapids, surrounded by lush jungle, hidden waterfalls, and stunning stone carvings along the riverbanks. Perfect for adventure lovers and nature seekers!
💴 Entrance Fee (Rafting Package): around IDR 250,000–400,000 (~USD 16–26, includes guide and equipment)
🕒 Activity Time: Morning (2-3 hours including preparation)
🛵 Bali ATV Ride
Roar through muddy tracks, dense forests, rivers, and traditional villages on a powerful ATV — an exhilarating way to explore Bali’s wild side and hidden gems!
💴 Entrance Fee (ATV Package): around IDR 300,000–500,000 (~USD 20–33, includes guide and gear)
🕒 Activity Time: ~2 hours
🍽️ The Sayan House Restaurant (Sunset Dinner!)
Tucked among the lush jungles of Ubud, The Sayan House offers breathtaking river valley views and a delicious fusion of Japanese and Latin flavors — the perfect spot to unwind and watch a magical Bali sunset.
💴 No entrance fee (meal cost: around IDR 200,000–500,000+ depending on your order)
🕒 Recommended Stay: about 1.5–2 hours to relax, dine, and enjoy the sunset
Day 4: Explore Nusa Penida
Snorkeling → Kelingking Beach → Angel’s Billabong → Broken Beach
🤿 Snorkeling at Nusa Penida
Dive into crystal-clear waters and swim alongside colorful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and (if you’re lucky) majestic manta rays — Nusa Penida’s snorkeling spots are some of Bali’s most breathtaking underwater treasures!
💴 Snorkeling Tour: around IDR 300,000–500,000 (~USD 20–33, includes boat, guide, and gear)
🕒 Activity Duration: about 2–3 hours
🚗 Travel to Kelingking Beach: about 20 km
🏖️ Kelingking Beach
Famous for its dinosaur-shaped cliff and jaw-dropping ocean views, Kelingking Beach looks like a scene straight out of a dream — and it’s one of the most photographed spots in Bali!
🚗 Travel to Angel’s Billabong: about 2 km
🕒 Drive Time: around 10 minutes
🌊 Angel’s Billabong
Nature’s own infinity pool, Angel’s Billabong shimmers with crystal-clear waters flowing over smooth rocks — a surreal and beautiful spot perfect for photos (and a quick dip if conditions are safe).
💴 Entrance Fee: Free (covered by Kelingking or Broken Beach ticket)
🚗 Travel to Broken Beach: short walk (about 5–10 minutes)
🌉 Broken Beach
Step into a natural wonder where the sea has carved a giant hole into the cliffs, creating a stunning arched gateway — Broken Beach feels like walking inside a secret, otherworldly cove.
💴 Entrance Fee: Free (same ticket area as Angel’s Billabong)
Day 5: Explore Kuta
Beach Surfing → Matahari Department Store → Dinner at Jimbaran Beach
🏄♂️ Kuta Beach Surfing
Kuta Beach is Bali’s most iconic surf spot, known for its long sandy stretches and ideal waves, perfect for surfing enthusiasts of all levels. Whether you’re catching waves or just soaking up the sun, the beach offers an energetic vibe that captures the essence of Bali.
🕒 Time: 2-3 hours
🛍️ Matahari Department Store
For a shopping fix, head to Matahari Department Store in Kuta, offering a range of fashion, accessories, and home goods at great prices. It’s an excellent stop for picking up souvenirs or treating yourself to something special.
🕒 Time: 1-2 hours
🍴Dinner at Jimbaran Beach
End your day with a breathtaking seafood dinner by the beach at Jimbaran Bay, famous for its fresh catches and stunning sunset views. Enjoy grilled seafood on the sand while the waves gently crash nearby – a quintessential Bali dining experience.
🕒 Time: 2-3 hours
4. Last Words
Whether you’re chasing adventure, soaking in stunning views, or immersing yourself in Bali’s rich culture, each stop offers a unique experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the island. Bali’s magic lies in its ability to surprise and delight at every turn, and I hope this guide helps you make the most of your unforgettable journey. Happy travels, and may Bali’s beauty inspire your next adventure! 🌴✨
Need more Bali tips? Check out my personal guides below:
- [Ubud] Top Must-Do Experiences in Ubud That Will Steal Your Heart
- [Nusa Penida] Top 5 Things You’ll Love Doing in Nusa Penida, Bali
- [Canggu / Seminyak] How to Explore Canggu & Seminyak Like a Bali Insider
- [Kuta] Ultimate Kuta Escape: 6 Must-Do Things to Try Now
- [Bali SIlent Day] The Sacred Magic of Bali Silent Day: What to Know
- You’ll Love These Inspiring Coworking Spaces in Canggu, Bali (Perfect for Digital Nomads)
- Final Hours in Bali: 5 Amazing Things to Do Before Takeoff
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