Welcome to the Island of Gods, home to pristine beaches, lush rice terraces, and ancient temples that people from around the world admire. Our comprehensive Bali Travel Guide covers everything you need to plan a trip to this paradise while exploring Bali Travel Packages.
Discover practical essentials like Bali trip cost, visa requirements, transportation options, budget planning, a curated list of must visit places in Bali, and more, with the tourist attractions Bali travel guide for an unforgettable experience.
Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, family vacation, or solo adventure, we’re sure you'll experience the magic of Bali while staying within your budget. Let’s get started exploring Bali right away!
Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands. Bali is in the western part of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands. "Bali" refers to both a province and an island. The province includes the main island of Bali and several smaller islands.
Popular islands in Bali province include Bali itself, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan. These islands are located east of Java and west of Lombok.
Peak Season (July-August, December)
- If you enjoy being around lots of people and don't mind crowded beaches, visit Bali in July-August or during Christmas-New Year — These are the busiest times in Bali.
- July-August has nice weather with some rain and mostly sunny days.
- December in Bali brings more rain — with about 90mm of rainfall across the island.
Shoulder Season (February, May, June, October-December)
- Many experts think that the best time to visit Bali is between May, June, and September. During these months, the weather is still good but there are fewer tourists.
- You can enjoy great weather at lower prices.
- You can visit famous temples and tourist spots without dealing with large crowds.
Low Season (January-March)
- After the New Year celebrations end, Bali becomes quieter during the first three months of the year.
- It rains a lot during this time, so you need to carry an umbrella or raincoat when going out.
- However, hotel prices are lower and there are fewer tourists, which makes the early year the best time to visit Bali.
Bali Climate
Dry Season - April To October
- Temperature: 27°C - 30°C
- Ideal For: Beach activities, and outdoor exploration
Wet Season - November To March
- Temperature: 25°C - 27°C
- Ideal For: Canyoning, white water rafting, exploring tourist attractions rather than surfing/snorkelling as beaches might not be in the best condition.
How To Reach Bali From India?
- India To Bali Distance: About 5,000 km
While this long-distance might seem difficult to travel, you can easily fly between India and Bali, which takes just a few hours instead of having to travel the entire distance by other means.
India To Bali By Flight
Wondering how to reach Bali from India? You can fly to Bali's main airport, Ngurah Rai International Airport from many big Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai by either direct flights or connecting flights based on your preference.
There are 2 direct flights options from India — Delhi, and Bangalore.
New Delhi To Bali - Direct Flight
Bangalore To Bali - Direct Flight
If not direct flights, below are some of the connecting flight options you may consider:
Bangalore To Bali - Connecting Flight
Chennai To Bali - Connecting Flight
- Airline: AirAsia Berhad AK, 12
- Starting Point: Terminal T2, Chennai, India
- 1 Layover Stop: Terminal T2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Duration: 4 hours
- Connecting Airline: AirAsia Berhad AK, 374
- Boarding Point: Terminal T2, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Ending Point: DPS Bali Airport, Denpasar Bali, Indonesia
- Duration: 3.5 hours(from Kuala Lumpur to Bali)
- Total Duration: 7- 8 hours
- Tickets: Start from ₹15,625/- per person
Airlines That Operate From India To Bali
When flying from India to Bali's Denpasar Airport, you can choose airlines like
- Air India
- SpiceJet
- Garuda Indonesia
- Malaysia Airlines
- Thai Lion Air
- SriLankan Airlines
- Indonesia AirAsia
- Batik Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Silkair
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Biman
- Flydubai, or
- Malindo Air
Most connecting flights stop in Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand before continuing to Bali.
Bali Visa, Passport & Tax For Indian Citizens
Explore Bali Visa Guidelines below for a hassle-free travel experience:
1. Visa: You can enter Bali using two visa options -
a. 30-day Visa On Arrival (VOA): Available right at Bali airport when you land. It costs ₹11,772/- per person.
b. E-Visa: This is recommended as the better choice. You need to apply for it online before your Bali trip, which makes your arrival process easier and faster.
Both visa types can be extended for an additional 30 days if you want to stay longer in Bali.
2. Passport:
a. You need to have 6 months of passport validity after you enter Bali.
b. You also need to have proof of your hotel/ stay booked in Bali and a confirmed return ticket.
3. Bali Tourism Tax: ₹795/-
Every International tourist needs to pay the Bali tourism tax.
Do you need a SIM card in Bali? Yes, it's highly recommended! With a local SIM, you will be able to:
- Use the internet anywhere in Bali
- Make local calls
- Use maps and ride-sharing apps
- Avoid expensive roaming charges from your home country
While you could rely on public Wi-Fi, it's not always available or secure, especially in remote areas of Bali.
Best SIM Card Providers In Bali
Bali SIM prices range from about ₹300/- to ₹863/- depending on the provider and plan.
1. Telkomsel
- Indonesia's largest provider
- Best coverage, even in remote areas
- Slightly more expensive
- Tourist SIM: 25GB data + 25 minutes of voice calls for about ₹836/-
2. XL Axiata
- Good coverage in tourist areas
- Competitive prices
- Plans start around ₹212/- for 60.5GB, valid for 30 days
3. IM3 (Indosat Ooredoo)
- Budget-friendly options
- Less coverage in rural areas
- Plans from ₹139/- for 4GB up to ₹557/- for 100GB
Where To Buy A SIM Card
- At Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) Airport: Convenient but more expensive
- At official provider stores in Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud for better prices and more options
- At convenience stores like Indomaret or Alfamart; quick and affordable
E-SIM Option
The easiest option is to consider getting an eSIM for Indonesia. Benefits include:
- Buying online before or after arrival
- No need to swap physical SIM cards
- No need to visit a store
- More secure than public Wi-Fi
- No IMEI registration required
E-SIM Cost: Between ₹430/- to ₹1,553/-
Suggested Read: Unique Experience In Bali: 12 Must-Try Adventures
- Indian currency is denoted by Rupee (₹ or INR).
- In Bali, which is part of Indonesia, they use the Indonesian Rupiah (Rp or IDR).
- Indonesian Rupiah comes in different denominations (1,000 to 100,000) and coins (1 to 1,000).
- When visiting Bali, you must use the Indonesian Rupiah.
- It's best to bring US dollars or Australian dollars to exchange in Bali. Many hotels in Bali even show their prices in US dollars.
- You can also bring British pounds or Euros, but you won't get as good exchange rates. If you're travelling from India, it's easier to first change your Indian Rupees to US dollars before your trip, then exchange those dollars for Indonesian Rupiah once you're in Bali.
Conversion Rates
It's best to carry cash when you're in Bali because many remote places don't accept credit/debit cards. Here are some currency exchange rates you should know about. Prices may be subject to change.
- 1 INR = 191.68 IDR
- 1 USD = ₹86.3/-
- 1 USD = 16,543.60 IDR
- 1 AUD = ₹54.65/-
- 1 AUD = 10,473.18 IDR
- 1 GBP = ₹111.97/-
- 1 GBP = 21,470.77 IDR
- 1 EUR = ₹93.94/-
- 1 EUR = 18,027 IDR
Where To Convert Money
Indian Banks/Forex Services: The best choice is to exchange your money at banks or forex services in India before your trip.
If You Can't Exchange Before Your Trip:
Explore the below options for currency exchange in Bali:
- Bali Banks: These are safe places to exchange money, but their rates might not be as good.
- Local Money Changers: You can use these, but make sure they are legitimate businesses.
- Airport: Good for changing small amounts of money for immediate needs, like paying for a taxi.
- ATMs: You can withdraw Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) from ATMs. You'll need an international debit or credit card that works for foreign transactions.
Rent A Moped
Renting a moped is the easiest way to explore Bali if you know how to drive and have an International Driving Permit(IDP) and a driver's license from your country. Also, strictly follow Bali traffic rules!
Prices:
- Fuel is cheap: ₹175/- per day
- Daily Rates From Local Vendors:
- Honda Scoopy/Vario: ₹277/- to ₹555/-
- Yamaha Nmax: ₹555/- to ₹830/-
Mopeds From Rental Companies:
- Weekly Rental Rates:
- New Scoopy: From ₹609/- per day
- Nmax: ₹1,272/- per day
- Monthly Rental Rates:
- Scoopy: ₹500/- per day
- Nmax: ₹775/- per day
- Insurance: Extra ₹1,714/- per day
Use Ride-Hailing Apps
Grab and Gojek are the most affordable ride-hailing apps you can book for getting around Bali.
All visitors to Bali can download these apps on Android and Apple devices irrespective of any mobile network.
- Grab: Stars from ₹150/- depending on the location, duration, and peak hours.
- Gojek: Starts from ₹140/- depending on the location, duration, and peak hours.
Hire A Car With A Driver
For couples, a group of family, or friends looking to get around Bali for longer trips, hiring a car with a driver is the best choice.
- Grab: From ₹8,656/- per day
- Klook: From ₹1,818/- per day
- Bali Car Rental Cheap: From ₹2,369/- for 10 hours
Other Options
Bali Private Tour Packages:
Bali Tour packages handle all your trip planning and transportation from start to end. It includes perks like entry tickets, snacks, or even meals.
Bali Trip Cost
By Bus:
Kura Kura buses connect main tourist areas like Kuta, Sanur, and Ubud. You can buy tickets at Kura-Kura booths or directly on the bus. You can check complete route information and schedules available on their website for easy trip planning.
- Kura-Kura Bus Ticket Cost: ₹526 one-way, ₹841 round-trip (₹105 extra for luggage)
Renting A Car:
Just like a moped, you need to know driving and carry an IDP + Driver’s License from your country to rent a car in Bali. However, driving a car on your own in Bali is not recommended due to traffic rules, traffic congestion, and safety reasons.
- Self-Drive Car Rental: ₹789/- to ₹2,628/- per day
Walking:
- Seminyak and Kuta are good for walking, but Canggu and many areas lack sidewalks.
- Avoid walking where there are no sidewalks. Speeding motorbikes and traffic make this dangerous.
- If you must walk on roads without footpaths, stay far left and remain alert, some scooters may even use sidewalks during traffic jams.
Suggested Read: 15 Interesting Facts about Bali-Known and Unknown
General Expenses In Bali: Breakdown
Food
Street Food At Warungs
- Local Dishes (Sate, Babi Guling): ₹175/- to ₹350/- per meal
- Western Options (Fries, Chicken): ₹430/- to ₹700/- per meal
Restaurant Dining
- Regular Meal With Nice View: ₹1,300/- to ₹1,800/-
- Drinks: ₹435/- to ₹900/-/- extra
- Bottle Of Wine: ₹1,300
- Small Bottled Water: ₹100/-
- Healthy Options: Smoothie Bowl (₹450/-), Poke Bowl (₹470/-)
Popular Dishes To Try In Bali
Below are some of the best dishes to try in Bali
- Vegetarian Dishes
- Coconut milk-based curries
- Gorge on tempeh
- Tofu-infused dishes
- Rice preparations and dips made of galangal and other spices.
- Non-Vegeterian Dishes:
- Fish Head Soup
- Babi Guling
- Nasi Campur
- Jaje Bali
- Nasi Jinggo
- Sate
- Bakso
- Terang Bulan
- Pisang Rai
- Mie Goreng
- Pisang Goreng
- Ayam Pelalah
Tipping In Bali
Tips are welcome in Bali but not required. When eating at restaurants:
- You can simply round up your bill to the next whole amount
- Or leave about 10% of your total bill as a tip
Activities
- Hiking to waterfalls: Free
- Most beaches: Free entry
- Local markets (Kuta, Sukawati): Free to explore
- Souvenirs: ₹100/- to ₹4,000/- (remember to bargain!)
- Religious and cultural shows: Often free
- Most temples: Free entry
- Typical Donation: ₹100/- to ₹300/-
- Sarong Rental (at a few temples might cost): ₹30/- to ₹50/-
- Water sports (jet skiing, banana boats, surfing, parasailing, snorkelling): ₹2,000/- to ₹5,000/-
Stays
- Cheap Hostels: ₹600/- to ₹1,300/- per night
- Mid-Range Hotels & Airbnb: ₹2,600/- to ₹4,500/-per night
- Luxury Private Villas: ₹4,500/- to ₹2,61,000/-per night
Learning the Bali Language is always an added advantage. It’s great to interact with locals while you’re in Bali. Here are a few basic phrases:
- Halo - Hello
- Permisi - Excuse me
- Terima kasih - Thank you
- Sama-sama - You’re welcome
- Ya - Yes
- Tidak - No
- Oke - Okay
- Tolong - Help
- Maaf - Sorry
- Apa ini? - What is this?
Important Festivals In Bali
- Visitors should note Nyepi (Day of Silence) when everyone must remain indoors for 24 hours as Balinese observe quiet meditation. During this time, tourists must stay in their accommodations, though resort guests can use on-site facilities.
- Galungan celebrates good triumphing over evil when spirits of ancestors visit their former homes. The island becomes decorated with colourful bamboo poles called "Penjor" along roadsides. Ten days later, Kuningan marks the spirits' departure.
- Bali follows two calendar systems: 210-day Pakuwon and moon-based Saka, meaning some holidays may occur twice yearly.
Bali’s Culture & Tourist Etiquette
Though Indonesia is mostly Muslim, Bali is mainly Hindu. This means Indian Hindus will see many familiar traditions. Everyone in Bali is free to follow their own religion. Bali's culture mixes Hinduism with Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
Here are some Important Things to know if you’re planning a Bali trip
When Visiting Temples:
- Don't wear shorts or short skirts
- Mostly, free sarongs are available at entrances to cover up
- Return the sarong when you leave
About Food:
- Most Balinese people don't eat beef
- Don't insist on beef if it's not on the menu
When Shopping:
- Feel free to bargain at street markets
- End your bargaining in a friendly way
Clothing:
- You can wear what you want in most places
- Beach clothes are fine at beaches and nearby cafés
- Cover up and dress respectfully when visiting churches
- Locals usually wear formal clothes to church
Best Places To Visit In Bali
Ubud
Ubud feels like stepping into a peaceful haven away from busy tourist areas. You'll love strolling along the streets filled with art galleries and cute cafes. Make sure to eat at Babi Guling Ibu Oka— the food is amazing!
Spend time watching the playful monkeys swinging through ancient temples at Sacred Monkey Forest. Most importantly, visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces at sunrise. Try the Bali swing for an incredible thrill and perfect photos. After a day of adventures, treat yourself to yoga or a massage.
Ubud never fails to capture the magic of Bali.
- Must-See Attractions: Ubud Art Market, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Saraswati Temple, Goa Gajah, and Ubud Royal Palace.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Bali Swing, Sacred Monkey Forest, ATV rides, White water rafting, cycle tour, Campuhan Ridge Walk, and spa treatments.
- Where To Eat & Drink: Babi Guling Ibu Oka, Watercress, Monkey Cave Espresso Ubud, Pison Ubud, Galle Club, The Elephant, Seniman Coffee Studio
- Nightlife Hotspots: CP Lounge, and Titi Batu Ubud Club.
- Where To Stay: COMO Uma Ubud, The Royal Pita Maha, and Uddhara Ubud Villa.
Kuta
Kuta is a budget-friendly hotspot, perfect for backpackers and party lovers. From catching the wave at Kuta Beach, to splashing around at Waterbom Park, and exploring Kuta Art Market there are endless options.
You can also enjoy delicious food at Warungs without emptying your wallet — one of the best things to do in Bali. From Kuta, you can even visit the magical Tanah Lot Temple!
Get ready to dance away the night, as the Kuta offers the best nightlife scene. From sipping cocktails, and dancing to live performances and more, the excitement stays all night long.
- Must-See Attractions: Kuta Beach, Legian Beach, Poppies Lane, Kuta Night Market, Ground Zero Monument, Vihara Dharmayana Kuta, Waterbom Bali, Upside Down World Bali
- Unforgettable Experiences: Shopping, Kite flying, surfing, enjoying food, water sports, sunbathing, sunset watching, horse riding
- Where To Eat & Drink: Hard Rock Cafe Bali, Stark Craft Beer Garden, ENVY Bali Bar and Restaurant, and Club Havana Bali.
- Party/Nightlife Hotspots: Engine Room, Paddy’s Pub, Bounty Discotheque, and Boshe VVIP Club.
- Where To Stay: Eden Kuta Bali, Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Bali Dynasty Resort, Ramayana Suites and Resort, Amnaya Resort Kuta
Seminyak
Seminyak is one of the best places to visit in Bali that offers a perfect mix of fun and immersion. Enjoy sipping sunset cocktails at Potato Head Beach Club, explore chic boutiques, treat yourself to incredible meals, and dance the night away at upscale bars.
You can also discover ancient traditions at Pura Petitenget Temple. Overall, Seminyak is a perfect spot for everyone from backpackers to luxury travellers.
- Must-See Attractions: Purpa Fine Art Gallery Seminyak, Seminyak Square, Eat Street, The Flea Market Seminyak, Seminyak Village, Buddha Gallery, Pura Petitenget Temple, Jalan Laksmana, Nyaman Gallery, Seminyak Beach, Double Six Beach, and Petitenget Beach.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Swimming, shopping, trying incredible seafood, couple yoga and spa treatments, surfing, exploring flea markets
- Where To Eat & Drink: Mera Putih Restaurant, Sardine Restaurant, Motel Mexicola, Ryoshi, SugarSand, La Favela Tropical Themed Restaurant, and Infinity Beach Club.
- Party/Nightlife Hotspots: Seminyak Beach Resort, Ku De Ta, Potato Head Beach Club, Mirror Bali Lounge and Club, and Double-Six Rooftop.
- Where To Stay: Woobar W Bali, Kanvaz Village Resort Seminyak, Pelangi Bali Hotel & Spa, Horison Ultima Seminyak Bali, and THE HAVEN Bali Seminyak.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu is the best place to stay in Bali for first timers! Watch the sunset into the ocean from the ancient Uluwatu Temple while Kecak dancers perform their mesmerising fire dance against the stunning backdrop.
You can ride perfect waves at Uluwatu Beach, explore hidden caves at Balangan Beach, or simply take in the breathtaking views from Karang Boma Cliff.
When night falls, the fun continues at spots like Ulu Cliffhouse, La Baracca, and Hatch Bar & Restaurant.
- Must-See Attractions: Uluwatu Temple, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Bingin Beach, Padang Padang Beach, Dreamland Beach, Pandawa Beach, Suluban Beach, Green Bowl Beach, Melasti Beach
- Unforgettable Experiences: Surfing, sunset watching, snorkelling, cliff paragliding, swimming, and photography.
- Where To Eat & Drink: Suka Espresso, The Cave, The Cliff Bar, Mana Restaurant, The Loft, Bukit Cafe, DiVino by Casa Asia, La Baracca, and Nourish.
- Party/Nightlife Hotspots: Ulu Cliffhouse, Single Fins, El Kabron
- Where To Stay: Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, The Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa
Gili Islands
Gili Islands are a combination of three unique islands - Gili Air, Gili Meno & Gili Trawangan.
- Gili Air is peaceful with no cars/bikes allowed on the island: Perfect for snorkelling in clear waters.
- Tiny Gili Meno offers empty beaches, mangroves, a salt lake, and underwater statues.
- Gili Trawangan ("Gili T") is a fun island to swim with the turtles and cycle around all day! At night you can enjoy cafes and beach parties.
All islands are car-free with beautiful beaches and clear waters, each offering its own special experience.
- Must-See Attractions: Gili T Swings, sea turtle conservation sites, Gili Trawangan Hill View Point, traditional Sasak villages, underwater sculptures, and Gili Meno Bird Park.
- Unforgettable Experiences: Snorkelling, scuba diving, cycling, island hopping, sunset viewing, partying, horse riding, spa retreats, shopping night markets, and exploring underwater sculptures.
- Where To Eat & Drink: Kayu Cafe and Restaurant, The Banyan Tree, Coffee & Thyme Gili Trawangan, Casa Vintage Beach, Pachamama Cafe + Cantina, Diana Cafe, Sharkbites, New Sasak Cafe, Mama Pizza Gili Air
- Party/Nightlife Hotspots: Jiggy Bar, Lava Bar, Sama Sama, The Jungle Bar, Pearl Beach Lounge, Paradise Sunset
- Where To Stay: Akasia Villas, Island View Bar & Bungalows, Ponte Villas, Pondok Santi Estate Gili Trawangan, MAHAMAYA Gili Meno, Kaleydo Villas, Desa Dunia Beda Beach Resort, and Cocana Resort.
Nusa Penida
Craving for quiet beaches, dramatic views, and underwater wonders? Nusa Penida is your paradise just a short boat ride from Bali!
You can Snorkel or dive to see colourful coral reefs and fascinating sea creatures.
Visit Kelingking Beach with its famous T-Rex-shaped cliff and white sand.
Explore Broken Beach's natural stone arch and the rolling green hills of Teletubbies Hill.
- Must-See Attractions: Teletubbies Hill, Banah Cliff, Goa Giri Putri Temple, Rumah Pohon Tree House, Peguyangan Waterfall, Korawa Beach Viewpoint, Toyapakeh Dive Site, Seganing Waterfall, Mundi Hill, Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Kelingking Beach, Crystal Bay Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Suwehan Beach
- Unforgettable Experiences: Snorkelling, swimming, sunset watching, diving, mountain biking, and trekking.
- Where To Eat & Drink: Secret Penida, Amok Restaurant and Sunset Bar, Warung Tu Pande, Mambo Beach Restaurant, Penida Espresso, Papila's Coffee House Nusa Penida
- Party/Nightlife Hotspots: Eleven Penida Sunset Beach Club, The Penida Project, and Amok Sunset.
- Where To Stay: Pramana Natura Nusa Penida, Ocean Terrace Suite And Spa Luxury, Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida
Our tourist attractions Bali travel guide recommends the below travel tips to consider for an amazing experience in Bali:
- Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees). Learn basic greetings in Bahasa Indonesia and understand the importance of the right hand for giving and receiving items.
- Health Precautions: Drink only bottled water and be cautious with street food. Pack mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and basic medications. Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
- Getting Around: Rent a scooter only if you're experienced, and have IDP + Driver’s license. Otherwise, use ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab, or hire a private driver for day trips. Traffic can be chaotic, so plan accordingly.
- Money Matters: ATMs are widely available but may charge high fees. Many places accept cards but keep cash for small businesses and markets. Bargaining is expected in markets - start at half the asking price.
- Digital Connectivity: Purchase a local SIM card for affordable data. Save offline maps before exploring remote areas. Consider downloading useful apps like Google Translate and XE Currency.
- Seasonal Awareness: One of the most important travel tips for Bali is to visit during the dry season (April to October) for the best weather. The rainy season (November to March) offers fewer crowds but potentially a few activities.
- Safety First: Be careful of drinking in popular nightlife areas. Secure your belongings, especially in crowded places. Be cautious of wildlife, particularly monkeys who may grab belongings.
- Environmental Consciousness: Bring a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. Choose eco-friendly tour operators and accommodations. Avoid single-use plastics whenever possible.
- Cultural Responsibility: Learn about Balinese holidays and ceremonies that might affect your plans. Respect natural sites when enjoying things to do in Bali.
- Pace Yourself: Don't overschedule! Bali's charm is best experienced at a relaxed pace. Allow time to truly experience the best places to visit in Bali.
