Bali: Tips & Essentials for Your Dream Trip

Bali remains a true paradise – and we know this from personal experience, as we've visited the island multiple times.
You’ll find endless green rice fields, mystical and colorful temples, exotic wildlife, stunning sandy beaches, warm locals, and an abundance of fresh, delicious food.
In this guide, we’ve compiled all the essential information, general advice, and tips you should consider before and during your trip to Indonesia’s most famous island.

BALI IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR YOU IF...

1. THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO BALI

Bali can be visited year-round, so the best time to go depends on your personal preferences.

During the dry season from May to September, you can expect the best weather for a perfect beach vacation or an active holiday.
Rainfall is minimal, and temperatures remain consistently high. However, the dry season also means peak season.

Our trips to Bali each took place during the rainy season, which lasts from October to April. During these months, rainfall is significantly higher, but the intensity of showers is unpredictable. Anything from constant rain to brief but heavy tropical downpours is possible. For us, it typically rained once a day or at night, briefly but heavily.
Fortunately, we avoided days of continuous rain.

So, in our view: although it’s often said that the dry season is the best time to travel to Bali, this isn’t necessarily true. Statistically, it rains less during this period, but that doesn’t automatically make it the best time. However, it is the most expensive and popular season, often leading to crowded beaches, bars, and congested streets.
Despite the low season, Bali’s warmth between Christmas and New Year’s attracts many visitors from Europe and Australia, making it a busy time of year.

2. THE CLIMATE IN BALI

Bali has a tropical monsoon climate, which means you can expect warm average temperatures of about 30°C year-round. At night, temperatures drop to a pleasant 23-25°C.
The sea also remains warm year-round, with water temperatures between 25°C and 28°C. Humidity on the island is always high, usually around 84%.

3. THE IDEAL LENGTH OF STAY FOR BALI

Like the best time to visit, the ideal length of stay depends on your personal preferences. Many tourists spend about two weeks in Bali, which is usually enough for a relaxing vacation. However, if you want to see and do a lot, you may find yourself rushing from one highlight to the next, with little time to relax.

We therefore recommend planning three weeks to enjoy the beauty of the island at a relaxed pace. Generally, the longer,the better.
We personally spent 3.5 weeks in Bali each time and are convinced we could have easily filled another three weeks with new experiences.

GOOD TO KNOW

For your trip to Bali, you’ll need a power adapter, as plug types A and B are used. These are different from the plug types commonly used in many countries around the world.
You can find a suitable adapter here: Travel Adapter for Bali.

4. THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language in Indonesia is Bahasa Indonesia. However, many Balinese speak Balinese among themselves, a local language that differs significantly from Indonesian.
They also use their own script, while Bahasa Indonesia uses the Latin alphabet.

Thanks to the high volume of tourism, many locals, especially in the tourism industry, speak basic to good English. This means you can generally communicate well in English.
However, the further you venture into the countryside, the less English is spoken.

Therefore, it’s worth learning a few basics in Indonesian, not only to facilitate communication but also to win the hearts of the locals. Here are a few useful phrases:

• Good day: Selamat siang! (Used in late morning and afternoon)
• Good morning: Selamat pagi! (Used until around 10:00 am)
• Goodbye: Sampai jumpa! (Formal; for informal goodbyes, use "Daag" or "Sampai nanti")
• Please: Tolong! (When asking for help; for "please" in the sense of offering, use "Silakan")
• Thank you: Terima kasih! (Polite and widely used)
• Yes: Ya
• No: Tidak (In informal settings, "Enggak" or "Nggak" is more common)

5. THE TIME DIFFERENCE

The time difference between Bali and other countries depends on whether daylight saving time is observed. Bali operates on UTC+8 and does not observe daylight saving time.
For example, Bali is 8 hours ahead of London during standard time, but only 7 hours ahead when London switches to daylight saving time.
This means when it’s 12:00 pm in Bali, it’s 4:00 am in London during winter and 5:00 am in London during summer. Adjustments for other locations depend on your local time zone.

6. RELIGION

Indonesia is predominantly Muslim; however, most people in Bali practice Hinduism, specifically the Hindu Dharma religion. The Balinese believe in both white and black magic.
There are about 20,000 temples on the island, where an average of 90 temple festivals are celebrated daily. So, the chances of experiencing such a festival during your stay are high.

During your trip, you will see numerous offerings on the ground and in temples daily. These are meant to appease evil spirits and honor the good ones.
Religion, along with its associated rituals, ceremonies, and festivals, plays a central role in daily life for the Balinese.

The holiest festival is Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, which is celebrated each year on the first new moon according to the Balinese Saka calendar, usually in March.

7. CURRENCY & PAYMENT METHODS IN BALI

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR or Rp). With common credit cards, you can usually withdraw cash from ATMs without any issues.
The fees vary depending on the bank. Credit cards are also widely accepted in restaurants, bars, and hotels.

It’s a good idea to bring two credit cards, as most ATMs have a withdrawal limit of 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 Rupiah (around 100 to 200 dollars) per day.
If you withdraw multiple times at the same ATM, your card may be blocked.

A sticker showing 50,000 or 100,000 Rupiah on the ATM doesn’t indicate the maximum withdrawal amount but rather the denominations of notes the ATM dispenses.
It’s also helpful to have small bills (1,000 to 20,000 Rupiah) for local vendors or as tips.

In larger cities, you can easily exchange money at banks (such as Citibank, BDNI, Mandiri) and reputable exchange offices.
The exchange rates are usually similar, but it doesn’t hurt to compare a few offers.

Our tip: Never exchange your money at one of the exchange booths at the airport, as the rates there are unfavorable.
If you urgently need cash at the airport, it’s better to withdraw from an ATM – the exchange rate is significantly better than that of the booths!

8. ARRIVAL & ENTRY

For stays of up to 30 days, many nationalities are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This visa can be applied for online in advance (recommended) or obtained directly at the airport.
Some countries may qualify for visa-free entry, but it’s important to check the specific visa requirements for your nationality on the official Indonesian immigration website.
For longer stays, ensure you are aware of the relevant visa regulations.

You’ll also need proof of a return or onward ticket to demonstrate that you’ll be leaving Bali within the allowed time.
Additionally, you’ll need to fill out an entry form, which is provided on-site via QR code, before leaving the airport with your luggage.

The flight duration to Denpasar varies depending on your location. From major hubs in Europe, it takes about 17 hours on average, while flights from Australia are typically 6 hours.
From North America, expect flights to take between 20 to 24 hours with layovers. You can find suitable flights on portals like skyscanner.com.

9. GETTING AROUND IN BALI

To get from A to B, there are various ways to reach your destination on the sometimes well-maintained and sometimes less well-maintained roads.

BY SCOOTER

The most common mode of transportation in Bali is the scooter or motorcycle. If you enjoy flexibility and want to explore Bali on your own, you should consider renting a scooter.

In our article “Renting a Scooter in Bali - Helpful Tips and Information” we’ve compiled the key points to consider when renting a scooter.

BY TAXI & OTHER SERVICES

No matter how small or remote the places in Bali are, you’ll always find at least one taxi, GRAB, or GO-JEK.
Prices are very affordable compared to Western countries, which makes taxis popular with tourists.

Official Blue Bird taxis, recognizable by their light blue color and the blue bird logo on the roof, are equipped with a taximeter.
Rides without a taximeter or with the taximeter turned off are not allowed in Bali. Be sure to check before starting your ride that your taxi driver has a functioning taximeter!
If the driver claims the meter is broken, it’s advisable to negotiate the fare for the route in advance to avoid misunderstandings at the end of the ride.
The trip usually starts with a base fare of 7,000 IDR (around $0.50). Taxis can be ordered by phone or via the My Blue Bird app.
Tips for taxi rides are not customary in Bali but are gladly accepted.

GRAB and GO-JEK are Asian alternatives to Uber. Whether by scooter or car, drivers can also be ordered via app and will pick you up anywhere on the island to take you to your desired destination.

BY BUS

Local buses are a popular form of transportation among backpackers and locals. They run between larger cities and towns.
You must buy a ticket at the counter next to the bus stops before boarding.Although there are bus schedules, these are rarely adhered to.

For shorter distances between towns, taking a Bemo is recommended. Bemos, often called Colts, are minibuses or converted delivery vans with benches installed in the cargo area.
Due to the low fares, this mode of transport is the second most common after scooters or motorcycles.

For those from Western countries, riding in a Bemo can be quite an adventure. Schedules typically don’t exist, and the vehicles often carry more passengers than seats.
If you want to get off, call out "kiri" or tap on the vehicle roof. Payment is made in cash to the driver or their colleague before exiting.

10. HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

The range of hotels and accommodations in Bali is extensive and extremely diverse.
From homestays (accommodations in private homes), hostels, and low-budget hotels to affordable mid-range hotels to luxurious all-inclusive resorts, there is something for every taste.
In addition to the many hotels, there are also plenty of other lodging options, such as houses or self-catering villas.
On platforms like Airbnb or booking.com, you’re sure to find the right accommodation for you.

During our last 3.5-week round trip, we stayed in a mix of hotels, homestays, and villas with private pools.
Here’s a quick overview of the best and most beautiful accommodations we experienced:

• ‍Emocean Beach Boutique Resort in Amed
• The Akasha Boutique Hotel in Seminyak
• Kayumas Seminyak Resort in Seminyak‍
• Gypsea Bali in Uluwatu‍
• Villa Diola 2 in Canggu‍
• Taman Amartha in Ubud‍
• Madara Ubud Villas in Ubud‍
• Villa Bedauh Ubud in Ubud
• Pandawa Village in Lovina

11. FOOD & DRINK

Warungs are authentic, mostly family-run, and very affordable street restaurants and food stalls in Bali. Whether you go to a warung or a fine dining restaurant, one thing they all have in common is that noodles or rice, called mie and nasi in Indonesian, are essential parts of almost every traditional main dish.

Typical dishes you’ll find everywhere in Bali include grilled sate skewers (usually chicken with peanut sauce), mie goreng or nasi goreng (fried noodles or rice with vegetables and soy sauce), as well as tempe goreng (fried, fermented soybeans), often served as a side dish or topping.

Pork lovers should look for dishes with the word babi guling on the menu, as this means pork. Bali, being a predominantly Hindu Island, eats pork, unlike the rest of Indonesia.
However, you will find little to no beef on the menus, as cows are sacred in Hinduism.

No matter what dish you choose, all are refined with a variety of exotic, local, and/or imported spices that provide an unparalleled taste and aroma.
Common spices include ginger, cardamom, turmeric, nutmeg, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, chili, lemongrass, tamarind, garlic, turmeric, and pepper.

By the way, Bali does not have an everyday communal dining culture as commonly seen in Western countries.
Meals are often eaten individually or at different times. On holidays, however, elaborate feasts are even more important.

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t be disappointed in Bali! Anyone looking for dessert should try the sweet sticky rice cakes jajan, the popular pisang goreng (fried bananas), or the delicious dadar gulung (pandan-flavored crepes with sweet coconut filling). You can also find Instagram-hyped bowls, and other trendy foods on every corner.
However, these have little to do with traditional Balinese sweets and arrived on the island with mass tourism.

As for drinks, you should try the many fresh and refreshing fruit juices. The island offers juices made from fruits such as papaya, starfruit, passion fruit, dragon fruit, banana, longan, pineapple, mangosteen, and many others. They’re often no more expensive than a bottle of water and can be found at bars, restaurants, and street stands all over the island.

Alcoholic beverages are not widely consumed in everyday life among the Hindu community. Alcohol is mostly used only for ceremonies or special festivals.
Men often share a glass, which is refilled repeatedly with arak or tuak – both locally produced spirits made from the sap of palm or lontar trees.

For tourists, however, there is an exception, and you can get almost any alcoholic drink in Bali. The most popular beers on the island are Bintang (from the Heineken group) and Bali Hai. However, industrially produced and imported alcoholic beverages are usually significantly more expensive than in Western countries due to high taxes and customs fees.

12. SPECIFIC VACCINATIONS FOR BALI

Although Bali is a tropical destination, no specific vaccinations are required for most travelers. However, some vaccinations are recommended, especially for those visiting rural areas. These include standard vaccinations such as tetanus and hepatitis A, as well as possibly Japanese encephalitis, typhoid, and rabies.
For more information, consult your country's health advisory or travel health website.

13. VENOMOUS ANIMALS IN BALI

The only truly venomous animal in Bali is the king cobra. However, the likelihood of encountering one or its relatives is very low, so there’s no need for panic!
Although there are other species of snakes in Bali, most are harmless and non-venomous to humans.

What can pose a bigger problem, however, are mosquito bites, which can transmit diseases such as dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, or malaria.
Effective mosquito protection is therefore essential to protect yourself.

You should also be cautious around monkeys and stray dogs. Bites from these animals can cause serious problems, as they may carry rabies or other infections.
In the event of a bite, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

14. LOCAL SIM CARD OR WIFI?

Getting a local prepaid SIM card in Bali is a recommended option, especially if you plan to leave the hotel frequently or go on a round trip.
This will allow you to easily access important information on the go, like restaurant or store hours, or order a ride with GRAB or GO-JEK.
You can also use Google Maps for navigation and social media like WhatsApp or Instagram anywhere. In emergencies, you can also quickly reach someone.

You can get tourist prepaid SIM cards at Telkomsel stores (the largest and best provider in Bali) or directly at the airport. You will always need to show your passport.
SIM cards start at around 150,000 Rupiah, and prices increase depending on data volume.

Important: If your trip lasts longer than three months, your phone must be registered upon entry to use unlimited Indonesian SIM cards.

15. TRAVEL INSURANCE

HEALTH INSURANCE

Costs for medical treatments in Bali are not covered by most public health insurance plans. Therefore, taking out private international health insurance is essential.
Some credit cards include private international health insurance.
If that’s not the case for you, we recommend comparing options on well-known portals like Check24 and finding the best one for you.
The insurance usually costs a small amount per year, and in an emergency, it’s worth every penny.

Our tip: Make sure your insurance provides full coverage without a cap and includes repatriation in case of a serious illness! Also, keep all receipts for medical treatment and medication for which you paid upfront, to claim reimbursement with your insurance or as proof.

TRAVEL LUGGAGE INSURANCE

Unfortunately, it can occasionally happen that a piece of luggage or individual valuables go missing during a trip.
For this reason, we took out additional travel luggage insurance for the duration of the trip, especially due to our expensive (tech) equipment, like our camera, drone, etc.
These insurances also usually cost only a small amount per trip or year and are always worth it in an emergency.
Find and compare the best travel luggage insurance for you on check24.de.

Our tip: Make sure to get full coverage without a cap, especially for expensive equipment!

Are you planning a round trip across Bali and its well-known neighboring islands? Then you might find our following posts interesting:

• Amed – A Diver's Paradise in Eastern Bali
• Traveling Bali with a Baby - Tips, Essentials & Our Experiences
• Ubud - 6 Tips & Highlights
• Ubud & Surroundings in 4 Days: Highlights and Tips
• Gili Air – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Island Paradise
• Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan – Highlights & Tips for the Indonesian Islands

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Find affordable Transfers with 12Go.com
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Discover the best accommodations
• The best Travel Guides for Bali
• Unique Excursions to Experience in Bali
• Experience Wonderful Dives around Gili Air
• Rent a Scooter at Bikago

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.