Bali is great value and offers something for everyone: culture in Ubud, surf in Uluwatu, sunsets in Canggu and snorkelling on nearby islands. Plan at least a week and split it between two or three areas.
Top things to do in Bali
- Ubud — rice terraces at Tegallalang, the Monkey Forest and traditional dance shows.
- Uluwatu Temple — cliff-top temple with a Kecak fire dance at sunset.
- Tanah Lot — a temple on a rock in the sea — most beautiful at sunset.
- Mount Batur sunrise trek — an early start rewarded with views over the volcano and lake.
- Nusa Penida — a day trip for dramatic cliffs and snorkelling with manta rays.
- Waterfalls — Tegenungan, Tukad Cepung and Sekumpul are among the most beautiful.
The most popular sights sell out in high season, so check skip-the-line tickets and guided tours in Bali a few days before you go — most can be cancelled for free.
Where to stay in Bali
Choosing the right area makes a big difference. Here are our favourite neighbourhoods — whatever your budget, compare hotel prices in Bali and pick a room with free cancellation.
- Ubud — green, cultural and calm, ideal for yoga and food.
- Seminyak — beach clubs, shopping and restaurants.
- Canggu — surf, cafés and digital-nomad vibes.
- Uluwatu — cliffs, surf and spectacular sunsets.
- Sanur / Nusa Dua — calm beaches, perfect for families.
Getting around
There are no trains and little public transport. Use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek), hire a driver for the day, or rent a scooter only if you are experienced and have the right licence. Traffic can be slow, so do not plan too many areas.
Before you go
- Flights: prices usually rise as the date gets closer — compare flights to Bali and use the whole-month view to find the cheapest days.
- Insurance: medical care abroad can be very expensive, so get travel insurance before you leave.
- Internet: install an eSIM for Indonesia before you fly to be online as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
Practical tips
- Foreign tourists pay a tourist levy (IDR 150,000) — pay online before arrival.
- Wear a sarong and sash in temples (usually provided or rented at the entrance).
- Drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Travel insurance that covers scooter accidents is strongly recommended.
Plan your trip to Bali
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
