Bali Travel Guide 2024
Temples, waterfalls, food, photo spots, Nusa Penida, Gili Islands & more
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. Understanding Bali's weather helps you plan the perfect trip.
Dry Season (Best)
April – October
- Best beach weather
- Clear skies & low humidity
- Perfect for outdoor activities
- Peak tourist season
- Book early (Jul–Aug busy)
Wet Season
November – March
- Daily rain showers (1–2 hrs)
- Lush green landscapes
- Lower hotel prices
- Fewer tourists
- Great surfing (big waves)
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | 🌧 Rainy | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mar–Apr | 🌤 Transition | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| May–Jun | ☀️ Sunny | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jul–Aug | ☀️ Peak | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sep–Oct | ☀️ Sunny | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nov–Dec | 🌦 Wet start | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Top Things To Do in Bali
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
UNESCO-listed emerald terraces in Ubud. Best visited early morning. Traditional irrigation systems visible throughout.
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Hike 1,717m active volcano at 2am to reach summit by sunrise. Stunning views over Lake Batur and Mount Agung.
Sacred Monkey Forest Ubud
700+ Balinese long-tailed macaques in an ancient forest sanctuary. 3 holy temples and jungle atmosphere.
Surfing at Kuta & Canggu
World-class beginner waves at Kuta Beach. Advanced surfing at Uluwatu and Padang Padang. Lessons from ₹1,500.
Snorkelling & Diving
Crystal-clear waters at Amed, Tulamben, Menjangan Island. USAT Liberty shipwreck. Mola-Mola season Jul–Oct.
Kecak Fire Dance at Uluwatu
100+ performers in trance with dramatic fire dancing at cliff-edge temple every evening at sunset.
ATV Quad Bike Ride
Off-road adventure through rice fields, jungle trails and rivers in Ubud and Kintamani. From ₹2,000/person.
Tirta Empul Temple Bath
Sacred purification ritual in holy spring water. One of Bali's most unique cultural experiences. Sarong provided.
Tanah Lot Sunset
Iconic sea temple on rocky outcrop. Most photographed sunset spot in Bali. Visit 2 hours before sunset.
Famous Temples in Bali
Bali is called the "Island of 10,000 Temples." Here are the most magnificent ones every visitor should see.
Tanah Lot Temple
Built on a rocky outcrop in the sea. Most iconic sea temple. Beautiful at sunset.
- Best time: 4–6pm (sunset)
- Entrance: IDR 60,000
- Area: Tabanan, West Bali
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur)
Cliff-edge temple 70m above the ocean. Kecak dance every evening at sunset. Watch for monkeys!
- Best time: 5–7pm (Kecak)
- Entrance: IDR 50,000
- Area: Bukit Peninsula
Besakih Mother Temple
Bali's most important temple complex on Mount Agung slopes. Over 23 related temples. Spiritual centre of Balinese Hinduism.
- Best time: Morning
- Entrance: IDR 60,000
- Area: Karangasem
Tirta Empul Temple
Holy water temple for purification rituals. Participate in melukat (water blessing) ceremony. Bring a sarong.
- Best time: Early morning
- Entrance: IDR 50,000
- Area: Tampaksiring, Ubud
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Stunning water temple on Lake Bratan. Pagoda appears to float on misty mornings. Iconic photography spot.
- Best time: Early morning
- Entrance: IDR 75,000
- Area: Bedugul
Pura Lempuyang (Gates of Heaven)
Famous "Gates of Heaven" photo with Mount Agung. 1,700 stone steps to summit. Arrive before 7am.
- Best time: 5–8am
- Entrance: IDR 100,000
- Area: Karangasem, East Bali
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave)
Ancient 9th-century cave temple with carved stone demons. Shiva lingam and Ganesh statue inside.
- Best time: Morning
- Entrance: IDR 50,000
- Area: Ubud
Pura Taman Ayun
Royal temple of Mengwi Kingdom surrounded by a wide moat. UNESCO World Heritage. Beautiful gardens.
- Best time: Morning
- Entrance: IDR 20,000
- Area: Mengwi, Badung
Pura Kehen
Ancient Bangli kingdom temple with 38 stone steps. Large banyan tree in the courtyard. Less crowded.
- Best time: Morning
- Entrance: IDR 30,000
- Area: Bangli
Famous Waterfalls in Bali
Bali's lush jungle interior hides some of the world's most stunning hidden waterfalls — many still off the tourist radar.
Sekumpul Waterfall ⭐ Best in Bali
7 waterfalls cascading through jungle. 45-min trek through lush greenery. North Bali, near Singaraja.
- Trek: 45–60 minutes
- Entrance: IDR 30,000
- Tip: Bring trekking shoes
Tegenungan Waterfall
Most accessible waterfall near Ubud. Powerful cascades into a large pool. Only 12km from Ubud centre.
- Trek: 5 minutes (easy)
- Entrance: IDR 20,000
- Tip: Visit early morning
Gitgit Waterfall
Tall 40m waterfall in North Bali. Cool swimming pool at base. Twin waterfalls also nearby.
- Trek: 20 minutes
- Entrance: IDR 20,000
- Area: Sukasada, North Bali
Nungnung Waterfall (Hidden)
Off-the-beaten-path 50m waterfall requiring 500-step descent. Mist and rainbows in the morning.
- Trek: 500 steps (moderate)
- Entrance: IDR 20,000
- Area: Petang, Badung
Tibumana Waterfall (Hidden)
Magical lesser-known twin waterfall in a gorge near Tampaksiring. Crystal-clear water, swimming possible.
- Trek: 15 minutes
- Entrance: IDR 20,000
Kanto Lampo Waterfall
Photogenic "curtain waterfall" with water over geometric mossy rocks. Extremely Instagrammable.
- Trek: 10 minutes
- Entrance: IDR 20,000
- Area: Gianyar, near Ubud
Banyumala Twin Waterfall
Stunning twin waterfalls in North Bali near Munduk. Cold, crystal-clear water. Perfect swimming spot.
- Trek: 20 minutes
- Entrance: IDR 25,000
- Area: Munduk, North Bali
Leke Leke Waterfall
Hidden twin waterfall deep in Antosari jungle. One of Bali's most secret spots. Very peaceful.
- Trek: 40 minutes
- Area: Antosari, Tabanan
Best Photo Spots in Bali
Gates of Heaven – Lempuyang
Frame Mount Agung through split temple gates. Arrive before 7am. Queue 1–2 hours on busy days. Most iconic Bali shot.
Tegalalang Rice Terraces
Golden hour shots of emerald terraces. Bali Swing here has spectacular background. Early morning light is magical.
Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida)
T-Rex dinosaur shaped cliff — Bali's most dramatic viewpoint. 500m hike down to the beach. Jaw-dropping views.
Tanah Lot Sunset
Classic Bali sunset over sea temple. Golden hour 5–6pm. Arrive 2 hours early for best position.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Floating temple on misty mountain lake. Arrive before 8am for best fog and reflection shots.
Tegenungan Waterfall
Powerful waterfall with swing photography. Hire local photographer for ₹500. Long exposure shots stunning.
Bali Swings – Complete Guide
Bali swings have become iconic Instagram experiences. Here are the best ones, ranked by views and experience.
Bali Swing (Original) – Ubud
The original and most famous Bali Swing over Ayung River jungle valley. Multiple swing heights. Nest, bird's cage, and giant swing.
- Price: IDR 150,000–350,000
- Height: Up to 78m high
- Location: Jl. Dewi Saraswati, Ubud
- Best: Early morning
Zen Hideaway Swing – Ubud
Rustic swing surrounded by bamboo forest and rice terraces. Less commercial, more intimate experience.
- Price: IDR 200,000
- Views: Rice terrace panorama
- Location: Tegalalang area
Aloha Ubud Swing
Multiple swings at different heights over lush jungle. Very photogenic. Nests and hammocks available.
- Price: IDR 150,000
- Views: Ayung Valley
- Location: Payangan, Ubud
Kintamani Sky Swing
High altitude swing with views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur. Combine with volcano sunrise trek.
- Price: IDR 200,000
- Views: Mount Batur panorama
- Location: Kintamani
Tips for Bali Swings
- Wear bright coloured dress
- Go at 8–9am (softer light)
- Hire photographer: IDR 100k
- Avoid Saturdays (most crowded)
- Book in advance via WhatsApp
Nusa Penida – Complete Guide
Bali's most dramatic island — raw, rugged, and breathtakingly beautiful. A must-visit day trip from Bali.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
- From Sanur Beach: Fast boat (45 min) – IDR 150,000 one way
- From Padang Bai: Slow ferry (1.5 hrs) – IDR 55,000
- Boats depart 6am–3pm daily
- We include Nusa Penida in our packages!
Kelingking Beach
Bali's most photographed spot. T-Rex shaped cliff with turquoise bay below. 30-min steep hike to beach.
Angel's Billabong
Natural rock pool carved by sea waves. Swim at low tide for unforgettable photos. Very slippery — be careful!
Broken Beach
45-meter circular bay formed when a sea cave collapsed. Waves crash dramatically through the arch.
Crystal Bay Snorkelling
Famous diving spot where giant Mola-Mola visits Jul–Oct. Excellent coral reefs, sea turtles, tropical fish.
Recommended Day Trip Plan
- 7am: Depart Sanur by speedboat
- 8:30am: Kelingking viewpoint
- 10am: Angel's Billabong + swim
- 11am: Broken Beach photos
- 1pm: Local lunch (IDR 50,000)
- 2:30pm: Crystal Bay snorkelling
- 4:30pm: Return boat to Sanur
Gili Islands – From Bali
The three Gili Islands near Lombok are a popular extension to a Bali trip. No motorised vehicles — just bicycles and horse carts.
Gili Trawangan (Gili T)
The largest, most vibrant Gili island. Famous for nightlife, beach bars, and underwater statue garden.
- Vibe: Party & social
- Activities: Diving, snorkelling
- Stay: Backpacker to mid-range
Gili Meno
The most romantic and peaceful island. Pristine beaches, fewer tourists. Perfect for honeymoons.
- Vibe: Romantic, secluded
- Famous: Underwater turtle garden
Gili Air
Best of both worlds — relaxed with some nightlife. Excellent snorkelling with sea turtles right off beach.
- Vibe: Balanced, relaxed
- Best: Sea turtle spotting
Getting to Gili Islands
- Fast boat from Serangan: 1.5–2 hours
- Cost: IDR 350,000–600,000 one way
- Book 2 days ahead in peak season
- We arrange Gili day trips from Bali!
Best Indian Restaurants in Bali
Homesick for Indian food? Bali has excellent Indian restaurants, especially in Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud.
Saffron Indian Restaurant
Location: Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua (multiple branches)
Best Indian restaurant chain in Bali. Authentic North Indian — dal makhani, butter chicken, naan, biryani. Air-conditioned, family-friendly.
- Budget: IDR 100,000–200,000/person
- Vegetarian: Excellent options
Bollywood Restaurant
Location: Kuta, near Discovery Mall
Popular with Indian tourists. Full range — Rajasthani thali, South Indian dosas, tandoor items. Live Bollywood music on weekends.
- Budget: IDR 80,000–150,000/person
- Speciality: Dal baati churma
Ganesha Vegetarian Restaurant
Location: Ubud, near Monkey Forest Road
Pure vegetarian and vegan Indian food. Jain-friendly options. Authentic Gujarati thali, samosas, fresh lassi.
- Budget: IDR 80,000–130,000
- Speciality: Gujarati Thali
Tips for Indian Food Seekers
- Most restaurants use cooking oil (not ghee)
- Ask specifically for "no MSG" if sensitive
- Zomato works in Bali for delivery
- Indian grocery: Circle K or Hardy's
- Carry some Maggi sachets from India!
- Coconut-based Balinese food is often veg
Essential Bali Travel Tips
Currency & Money
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- 1 INR ≈ IDR 178
- Carry USD for VOA fee
- Change at Money Changer (not banks)
- Avoid airport exchange (worst rates)
- ATMs charge IDR 50,000 per withdrawal
SIM Card & Internet
- Get Telkomsel/XL SIM at airport
- Cost: IDR 50,000 with 10GB data
- Coverage excellent throughout Bali
- Download offline Google Maps
- Grab app works for taxis
Getting Around
- Scooter rental: IDR 80,000/day
- Private car + driver: IDR 500,000/day
- Grab (Uber equivalent) — safest option
- Gojek — cheaper for short distances
- Avoid metered taxis (rip-off)
Health & Safety
- Drink only bottled water
- BIMC Hospital is best (English-speaking)
- Buy travel insurance before trip
- Sunscreen essential (SPF 50+)
- Bali Belly common — carry ORS, Imodium
Shopping Tips
- Always bargain at markets (start at 30%)
- Ubud Art Market: Handicrafts, batik
- Sukawati Market: Cheapest souvenirs
- Seminyak: Designer boutiques
- Krisna: Best souvenir shop chain
Cultural Etiquette
- Say "Suksma" (Thank you in Balinese)
- Use right hand for passing items
- Dress modestly in villages
- Don't disturb religious ceremonies
- Always wear sarong at temples
- Nyepi Day: Island completely shuts down
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