A complete, honest guide to Bali, Indonesia — where to go, what to eat, how to get around and the day trips worth your time. Rice terraces, temples & the world's most photographed beaches..
Bali is a highlight of Southeast Asia, and Bali blends emerald rice terraces, surf beaches and a deeply spiritual Hindu culture into one of Asia's most loved islands. Whether you have a long weekend or a full week, this guide helps you plan a trip that balances the must-sees with the moments that make a place stick.
Top things to do in Bali
These are the sights most first-time visitors build their trip around. Tap each one to add it to your shortlist — it saves as you browse.
Perfect 2–3 days in Bali
A simple, unhurried plan you can shape around your own pace.
The essentials
Hit the headline sights first — Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Uluwatu Temple. Break for lunch and try babi guling, then spend the evening soaking up the atmosphere of Ubud.
Go deeper
Go beyond the highlights: see Tanah Lot and Sacred Monkey Forest, then explore Seminyak & Canggu at a slower pace. Leave time to sit in a café, browse a market and eat where the locals do.
Beyond the city
With a third day, head out of town — Nusa Penida (dramatic cliffs and snorkelling by fast boat) is the easy favourite, or swap in Mount Batur (a sunrise volcano hike).
Ready to book? Turn your Bali shortlist into reality
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours and day trips for the sights you've saved — booked through Viator (a Tripadvisor company). We may earn a commission.
Book Bali experiences →Bali on a budget — costs & money tips
Bali is very affordable by global standards. Here’s roughly what to budget, per person per day, by travel style — these are indicative estimates to plan around, not fixed prices, and they exclude international flights. Use the currency selector near the top of the page to convert.
dorms/hostels, street food, public transport, mostly free sights
private room or 3★ hotel, a mix of cafes and restaurants, a few paid attractions
4★ hotel, restaurants, taxis when handy, tours and tickets
What things cost in Bali
- Accommodation£8–£45 / night
- Food£6–£20 / day
- Local transport£2–£8 / day
- Typical attraction£3–£12 / entry
See how Bali compares with 126 other cities →
Saving money in Bali
- Street food and local markets are both the cheapest and often the best meals — eat where locals queue.
- Trains and shared local transport cost a fraction of taxis; agree fares before you ride where meters aren’t used.
- Many of the best experiences here are low-cost — temples, markets, walking the old quarters.
Estimates assume mid-2020s prices and a typical exchange rate; high season, festivals and last-minute booking push costs toward the upper end.
Local intelligence — Bali at a glance
A quick orientation for Bali. Sunrise and sunset are live for today; connectivity and nomad-friendliness are Wander360 estimates to set expectations, not precise scores.
Staying safe in Bali
Most visits are trouble-free. Use the same street sense you would in any busy city: keep an eye on belongings in crowds and on transport, use licensed taxis or a rideshare app, agree fares in advance where meters aren’t used, and be wary of unsolicited “help” at ATMs or stations. For up-to-date, authoritative guidance always check your own government’s travel advisory (UK FCDO · US State Dept) before you travel.
For getting around Bali specifically, see the Getting around section on this page.
Where to stay & neighbourhoods in Bali
Bali is really a collection of distinct districts, and where you base yourself shapes the whole trip. Here’s each main neighbourhood — what it’s like and who it suits:
Ubud
Culture, yoga and rice fields.
Seminyak & Canggu
Beach clubs, surf and cafés.
Uluwatu
Clifftop beaches and surf.
Once you’ve picked an area, you can book tours & tickets in Bali further down the page.
Food & drink in Bali
Balinese cooking is fragrant and fresh — try babi guling, nasi campur and smoky satay lilit.
Build your Bali food list — tap the dishes you want to try:
Getting around Bali
Renting a scooter is popular but risky; private drivers and ride-hailing are the easiest for visitors.
🚇 Public transport
Usually the fastest and cheapest way around Bali. Grab a rechargeable travel card or use contactless where supported, and download the local transit app for live times.
🚶 On foot
The centre of Bali is best explored on foot — it’s how you stumble on the small things. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a map app handy.
🚕 Taxis & rideshare
For late nights, luggage runs or awkward cross-town hops, ride-hailing apps are usually cheaper and clearer than flagging a cab. Confirm the car and plate before getting in.
✈️ From the airport
Check the official airport transfer options before you land — there’s almost always a train or express bus into Bali that beats a taxi on price.
Best time to visit Bali
The dry season (April–October) is best; expect rain and humidity the rest of the year. Prices and crowds tend to follow the weather, so the shoulder seasons often give the best value.
Highlighted months are the sweet spot for visiting Bali.
Day trips from Bali
When you’re ready to venture beyond the city, these make for rewarding day trips:
- Nusa Penida — dramatic cliffs and snorkelling by fast boat
- Mount Batur — a sunrise volcano hike
Practical tips for Bali
🧭 Where to base yourself
For a first visit, Ubud is a smart base — culture, yoga and rice fields. If that’s not your style, Seminyak & Canggu works well too (beach clubs, surf and cafés).
🍽️ Eat like a local
Don’t leave Bali without trying babi guling, nasi goreng, satay lilit or fresh young coconut. Skip the obvious tourist spots and eat where you see locals queueing.
✨ Don’t miss
Make time for Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Uluwatu Temple. With a spare day, Nusa Penida (dramatic cliffs and snorkelling by fast boat) is well worth the trip.
💰 Money & payments
Cards and contactless are widely accepted in Bali, but carry some local cash for markets, small cafés and tips. Tell your bank you’re travelling and check foreign-transaction fees.
📶 Staying connected
A local eSIM or SIM is cheap and makes maps, transport and translation effortless across Bali — set it up before you arrive or at the airport.
🛡️ Stay aware
Keep an eye on your belongings in crowds and on transport in Bali, as you would in any busy city, and keep a digital copy of your passport.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bali?
Three to four days is enough for Bali’s highlights — the main sights plus time to wander Ubud — with an extra day for a trip to Nusa Penida if you can spare it.
What is the best time of year to visit Bali?
The dry season (April–October) is best; expect rain and humidity the rest of the year.
What food is Bali known for?
Balinese cooking is fragrant and fresh — try babi guling, nasi campur and smoky satay lilit.
Where should I stay in Bali?
Ubud is a great first-time base (culture, yoga and rice fields). Seminyak & Canggu is another good option for beach clubs, surf and cafés.
What are the best day trips from Bali?
Two rewarding day trips are Nusa Penida (dramatic cliffs and snorkelling by fast boat) and Mount Batur (a sunrise volcano hike).
How do you get around Bali?
Renting a scooter is popular but risky; private drivers and ride-hailing are the easiest for visitors.
