Bali Travel Guide
Rice terraces, sea temples and world-class wellness
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Bali is a small Indonesian island with a lot packed in: green rice terraces and waterfalls in the highlands around Ubud, clifftop sea temples in the south, surf beaches along the west coast and quiet fishing villages in the north and east. Daily life is shaped by Balinese Hinduism, so you will see offerings on pavements and ceremonies in the streets.
It works for very different trips. Some visitors come for a week of yoga and spa treatments, others for surf, diving and beach clubs, and many combine a few bases (for example Ubud, a beach area and a smaller island) in 8 to 14 days.
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Search stays in BaliWhy go
Wellness depth
Yoga studios, spas, healing traditions and retreat centres are concentrated around Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu.
Variety in a small area
Mountains, rice terraces, beaches and temples are often within a few hours of each other by road.
Strong value for most budgets
Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to private pool villas, so couples and solo travellers can both find a fit.
Culture you can see
Temples, dance performances and festivals are part of everyday life, not staged for visitors.
Easy to build a trip around
Flights land in Denpasar (DPS) and most areas are reachable by private driver or ride-hailing.
Where to stay
Ubud
The cultural and wellness centre, surrounded by rice terraces, with yoga studios, cafes, art markets and the Sacred Monkey Forest. See stays in Ubud
Canggu
A relaxed surf and cafe area on the west coast, popular with remote workers and younger travellers. See stays in Canggu
Uluwatu
Dramatic limestone cliffs, surf breaks, clifftop resorts and the Uluwatu Temple. See stays in Uluwatu
Seminyak
Beach clubs, boutiques and restaurants, with a more polished feel than Canggu. See stays in Seminyak
Sanur
A calmer east-coast beach town with a long seafront path, often suited to families and older travellers. See stays in Sanur
Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
Small islands off the southeast coast reached by boat, known for cliffs, snorkelling and diving. See stays in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan
Top sights and things to do
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Layered terraces north of Ubud. Go early for softer light and fewer people.
Tirta Empul Temple
A Hindu water temple where worshippers take part in purification rituals. Dress respectfully and follow the temple’s guidance.
Uluwatu Temple
A sea temple on a cliff edge, known for sunset kecak dance performances.
Mount Batur
A volcano where sunrise treks start before dawn, usually with a guide.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
A forest and temple complex in Ubud. Keep food and loose items out of sight of the monkeys.
Waterfalls near Munduk and Sekumpul
Cooler highland scenery in the north, best in or just after the dry season.
Take a yoga or meditation class
Many studios in Ubud and Canggu accept drop-in guests.
Book a traditional Balinese massage or spa treatment
Widely available and typically much cheaper than in Europe or North America.
Join a cooking class
Often includes a market visit and covers Balinese dishes.
Watch a temple dance performance
Kecak and legong shows are held at several temples, mostly in the evening.
Surf or learn to surf
Beginner-friendly breaks around Kuta, Canggu and Sanur, with advanced breaks around Uluwatu.
Snorkel or dive
Popular sites include Nusa Penida, Amed and Menjangan Island.
Tours and skip-the-line tickets in Bali
Small-group tours, entry tickets and day trips, most with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
See activitiesDay trips from Bali
Compare guided excursions by reviews, duration and price.
Browse day tripsPractical tips
- Check visa and entry rules before you go, including any visitor levy, on the Indonesian government’s official sources. Rules change.
- Dress modestly at temples; a sarong and sash are usually provided or rented at the entrance.
- Traffic can be slow, so allow extra time between areas and avoid packing too much into a day.
- Choose bottled or filtered water, and use reef-safe sun protection if you snorkel or dive.
- Rent a scooter only if you are experienced and properly insured, and always wear a helmet. A private driver is a safe, affordable alternative.
- Stay in two or three bases rather than moving every night.
Shop the trip
FAQs
How many days do I need in Bali?
Seven days works for one or two bases. Ten to fourteen days lets you add a small island and a highland stop without rushing.
When is the cheapest time to visit Bali?
The wet season, roughly November to March, usually has lower accommodation prices apart from the Christmas and New Year period.
Is Bali good for a wellness retreat?
Yes. Ubud and the surrounding area have one of the largest concentrations of yoga, meditation and spa options in Asia, for beginners and experienced practitioners.
Is Bali good for a honeymoon?
Many couples choose it for private pool villas, spa treatments and a mix of beach and jungle settings.
Do I need a guide for Mount Batur?
Local rules and the pre-dawn start mean most visitors go with a registered guide, which is also safer.