Bali travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

April to October is the dry season, with sunny days and lower humidity. July and August and the Christmas to New Year weeks are the busiest. November to March is the wet season, with warm weather and heavy showers, often in the afternoon.

Nyepi, the Day of Silence, is usually in March. The whole island stops for 24 hours. Flights at the airport are suspended, streets are empty, and visitors must stay inside their hotel. Plan around it. Galungan and Kuningan are also holy periods with many ceremonies.

How many days you need

Five days works for a first visit: two in the south (Uluwatu or Seminyak), two in Ubud and one for a temple or volcano trip. Seven days allows a visit to Nusa Penida or Sidemen.

Distances look short on the map but are slow. The trip from Canggu to Ubud can take 1.5 hours in busy periods.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS) is in the south. There is no train. Use the official prepaid taxi counter, a pre-booked transfer or a hotel pickup. Ride-hailing apps may be limited at the terminal and often use a set pickup spot nearby.

Typical times in normal traffic: Kuta 15 to 30 minutes, Seminyak 30 to 45, Uluwatu about 45, Canggu 45 to 90, Ubud 1.5 to 2 hours. Read the signs and ignore drivers who offer rides inside the arrivals hall.

Getting around

Public transport is limited. Visitors use private drivers, taxis, ride-hailing apps and rented scooters. A driver for the day is common for Ubud and the east.

Walking works inside Ubud centre, Seminyak and Sanur, but pavements are narrow. Scooters are cheap, but accidents with tourists are frequent. A valid licence with a motorbike class is needed, and insurance may not cover you without it.

Where to stay

Seminyak and Canggu suit beach clubs, cafes and nightlife. Uluwatu suits surfers and cliff views and is quieter. Ubud suits rice terraces, yoga and culture, and is inland.

Sanur suits families and slow mornings, with calm shallow water. Nusa Dua suits resort stays. Choose an area first, because moving daily is tiring.

What to book in advance

Book popular sunrise treks and boat transfers to Nusa Penida in the peak season. Mount Batur sunrise treks need a local guide. Popular beach clubs and temple dance shows sell out on weekends.

Most temples and rice terraces need no advance booking. The Foreign Tourist Levy applies once per trip to most international visitors. Pay only through the official Love Bali website (lovebali.baliprov.go.id), the app, or the partners listed on that site. Avoid other websites.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not drink tap water. Do not underestimate travel time and plan more than two bases a day. Do not use unofficial money changers with very good rates, because some short-change customers. Use banks or authorised changers.

Do not enter temples in swimwear. Cover shoulders and knees, and wear a sash. Do not touch ceremonial offerings on the ground. Do not climb on shrines for photos.

Do not feed the monkeys at Uluwatu and Ubud, and keep glasses and phones secure.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the Indonesian rupiah. Cards work in hotels and bigger restaurants. Small shops and warungs need cash. Use ATMs inside banks or malls to reduce card skimming risk.

Tipping is optional. Many restaurants add a service charge, so check the bill. Plug types C and F are used, at 230 volts. Check official government sources for visa rules, the levy and any arrival forms.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Bali