Planning a dream trip to Bali? This tropical paradise offers stunning beaches, ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and vibrant culture. From budget-friendly options to luxury experiences, Bali has something for everyone. But do you know how to plan a Bali Trip? No worries, if you don’t! The Bali travel guide has got you covered. From the essential requirements to plan a Bali trip to where to stay in Bali, you are guided every step of the way! Why wait? Let’s get started!
Essential Bali Travel Guide - Know Before You Go
Step 1: First, learn the essential requirements to enter the Island of Gods - Bali!
1. Visa: You can enter Bali using two visa options -
- 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA): Available right at Bali airport when you land. It costs ₹11,772/- per person.
- E-Visa: This is recommended as the better choice. You need to apply for it online before your 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: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you enter Bali. You also need to have proof of your hotel/ stay booked in Bali and a confirmed return ticket.
3. Bali Tourism Tax: Every International tourist needs to pay the Bali tourism tax of ₹795/-
Bali uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) as its currency. It's a good idea to have cash with you, especially if you visit countryside areas where many places don't use credit cards. Keep in mind that when changing your money to Rupiah, exchange rates can vary. Hence, exchange money at trustworthy money changers only.
If you are planning a trip to Bali, using your regular Indian SIM card will cost you a lot of roaming charges. You have two better options:
1. Physical SIM Card: You can buy one at Bali's airport (Ngurah Rai) from companies like Telkomsel or XL Axiata. Just bring your passport for registration.
Pro Tip: Carry cash to buy a sim card, as there will be long queues with people using credit cards/ debit cards to buy sims.
2. E-SIM: This is the easier choice. You can get one online. Your phone will connect automatically when you arrive. No waiting in lines at the airport or switching SIM cards anymore.
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?
Plan Your Budget For A Bali Trip
Step 2: Planning your budget is the key! Your lifestyle, accommodation choices, and activities in Bali will decide your budget! Hence, if you’re travelling from India, it's crucial to explore a wide range of customised itineraries like the Budget Bali Tour Package 5 Days 4 Nights that suit your preferences and budget.
- 7-Days Bali Trip Cost From India: Starts from ₹47,000/- to ₹50,000/- on average
Step 3: Plan your Visit! When is the best time for you to visit Bali? April to October, the dry season. During these months the weather is ideal to explore the tourist attractions and enjoy beach and water activities. After all, we plan a trip to Bali to make the most of our tour(Not to be affected by rain!).
How To Reach Bali From India
Now you know when to reach Bali. But, how to reach Bali?
Step 4:
- The easiest way to reach Bali from India is by flight. You can take a flight from all international airports in India to reach Bali.
- You need to fly from India to Singapore first, then catch a connecting flight to Bali.
- After you land, you can take either a bus or taxi from the airport to get to your hotel.
- For additional information, you can check How to reach Bali from Mumbai, and Delhi.
It’s important to understand the transportation in Bali, your step 5: Below are the best options to get around in Bali:
Renting Scooters/Motorbikes
- It's easier to use a scooter in Bali because the roads are narrow.
- Hence renting a scooter is an option to travel in Bali, provided you should have an International Driving Permit, along with your regular driver's license.
- Plus you need to know the traffic rules of Bali.
- On average, scooter rental can cost approximately ₹500/- per day.
Ride-Sharing Apps
- Gojek and Grab are the best alternatives to get around Bali affordably.
- Once you book a pickup, the price will be set and you will know how much it will cost.
- Plus you don’t have to worry about driving through narrow roads.
- These apps will cost you around ₹80/- per trip.
- However, these charges may get higher during peak times.
Car Rentals With Drivers
- It’s the best option to sit back and get around Bali conveniently.
- You can explore the popular spots at your own pace.
- For expert guidance and hidden gem recommendations, consider Tropical Getaway - 5 Days Bali Trip Package.
- No license headaches, or dealing with traffic.
Step 6: Understand how to make the most of your Bali tour with the best beaches to visit in Bali.
Canggu is a relaxed beach town that still feels laid-back despite becoming popular with digital workers and foreigners living in Bali. The area features beautiful new villas alongside traditional rice fields. The beach itself has dark black sand and strong waves that surfers love. You'll find small local shops everywhere selling cold drinks and snacks.
- Famous For: Black sand, surfing waves, relaxed atmosphere
- Places To Eat: Old Man's, The Lawn, Local warungs (small shops/eateries) on every corner
- Places To Stay: Holiday Inn Resort Bali, Aston Canggu Beach Resort, Eastin Resort
Seminyak is a popular beach in Bali is famous for its lively atmosphere, where you can spend the day relaxing at beach clubs, swimming, enjoying drinks, food, and music.
- Famous For: Sunsets, ocean views, beach clubs, water sports, sunbathing, beachfront dining
- Places To Eat: Ku De Ta, La Plancha, Potato Head Beach Club
- Places To Stay: Potato Head Beach Club Hotel
Jimbaran is a beautiful beach on the southern coast and is famous for amazing sunsets and delicious seafood. The calm water makes this beach great for new surfers, and kids often play here until sunset. At night, the restaurants put tables right on the beach, and you can smell the delicious seafood cooking as you enjoy dinner by the ocean.
- Famous For: Sunsets, surfing, Sundara beach club, seafood beachfront restaurants, nightlife
- Places To Eat: Menega Cafe, Jimbaran Beach Cafe, and White Sands Beach House
- Places To Stay: Four Seasons Jimbaran Bay (with Sundara Beach Club)
Nusa Dua is one of Bali's most prestigious beach destinations, known for its pristine shoreline, upscale resorts, and well-maintained tourist facilities. Nusa Dua features a two-mile stretch of very soft sand and big waves perfect for surfing. This area is popular with families for luxury stays with private beaches.
- Famous For: Jet skiing, Wakeboarding, parasailing, surfing, kayaking
- Places To Eat: The Apurva Kempinski
- Places To Stay: The Apurva Kempinski, The Ritz-Carlton
Kelingking Beach is a beautiful spot on Nusa Penida island, just a 45-minute speedboat ride from southeast Bali. This beach is famous for its amazing rock formation that looks like a T-Rex head with beautiful blue water and white sand below. Getting down to the actual beach requires a difficult hike down a steep, narrow path, so wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. Though the climb is challenging, the beautiful scenery makes it worth the effort.
- Famous For: Hiking, sunsets, snorkelling, beach cave exploration, photography
- Places To Eat: BTM Penida Bar And Restaurant, Lumbung Mesari, and Kelingking Bar & Restaurant
- Places To Stay: Kelingking Tatakan Bungalow, Kelingking Mesari Villa and Spa, Kelingking Parama Resort
Must-Visit Places In Bali
Step 7: Explore the must-visit places in Bali. Apart from beaches, Bali has many hidden gems that reflect its culture and traditions. Also, there are many entertainment options other than water sports alone!
1. Uluwatu Temple - Best Sunset & Scenery
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu) is situated on a high cliff about 70 metres above the ocean. It's one of Bali's 6 most important spiritual temples. Like Tanah Lot Temple on Bali's west coast, Uluwatu offers beautiful sunset views. Every day, there are Kecak Dance shows performed at a nearby open-air theatre.
It is one of the best temples in Bali and features traditional Balinese building designs, decorative gateways, and old carvings that make it special to visit.
- Address: Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
2. Tegallalang Rice Terraces - Lush Greenery
These are rice fields built like steps on hillsides in the Tegalalang area of Bali. Tegalalang Rice Terraces look beautiful and give great views of the area around them. Farmers water these rice fields using an old Balinese system called "Subak." UNESCO has named this system a World Heritage Site.
- Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
3. Mount Batur - Best Sunrise Hike
Mount Batur is one of the most popular volcanoes in Bali. Many people climb it early morning to see the sunrise from the top. It’s home to Lake Batur, which is beautiful to see. People who like adventure and nature can hike up to this mountain.
- Location: Jalan Raya Kintamani, Desa Batur Selatan Kintamani Bali
The Ubud Art Market (Pasar Seni Ubud) sells lots of Balinese crafts and souvenirs like paintings, sculptures, textiles, and items made from wood, stone, and shells.
Shoppers can look around the stalls, buy unique gifts, watch local artists making things, and learn about Bali's traditional crafts. The market is open every day and both tourists and locals like to visit. You can also explore Kuta Art Market for the traditional shopping experience.
- Address: Jalan Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali
5. Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - To Spend In Nature
The Monkey Forest has many long-tailed macaques that local Balinese people consider sacred. You can watch the monkeys living naturally, take tours, and learn how people are working to protect the monkeys. The forest also has old temples that are sacred to locals.
- Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Take one day from your itinerary to visit Garuda Wisnu Cultural Park. This big park has many human-made attractions and is famous for its sculptures and cultural shows.
You can enjoy food and fun activities here too. The park's main attraction is a huge 120-metre statue showing Lord Vishnu riding the mythical bird Garuda. The statue shows amazing craftsmanship and represents the local values and beliefs of Bali.
- Address: Uluwatu St, Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80364
7. Bali Swing - Instagrammable Spot With Adrenaline
If you need adrenaline amid nature, you can’t miss the 5-Day Bali Adventure with Bali Swing Experience. Bali Swing in Ubud is a famous Instagrammable spot where tourists can swing on giant bamboo swings over beautiful rice fields and valleys.
The swings hang from 10 to 78 metres high, giving amazing views. Visitors get safety harnesses before swinging. The place also has other photo spots like bird's nests and ziplines.
- Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
8. Sekumpul Waterfall - For Ultimate Refreshment
The Sekumpul Waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Bali that takes you down many stairs and through rice fields. Located in Sekumpul village, it's seven different falls flowing together.
They're surrounded by thick green plants and fall from very high cliffs. It’s the most loved waterfall by many tourists. After you finish the hike down, you can swim in the pool at the bottom. The beautiful scene will make you want to jump right into the water!
- Location: Sekumpul, Lemukih, Sawan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali
9. Bali Safari And Marine Park - Wildlife Encounters
Bali Safari and Marine Park is a great family spot with lots of animals like lions, elephants, and orangutans. The best part? You can do special night safari tours to observe the animals in their natural habitat. Or enjoy Elephant Back Safari and special shows at the park.
- Address: Jl. Bypass Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra Km. 19,8, Serongga,Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar,Bali 80551,Indonesia.
10. Waterbom Waterpark - Exciting Water Rides
Waterbom Waterpark is a fun place for the whole family in Bali. It has many water slides and rides for all ages. You can enjoy exciting slides like Python and Boomerang that make your heart race, or relax on the Lazy River. The park also has beautiful gardens and places to eat. Waterbom Waterpark is a must-visit to beat the heat!
- Address: Jalan Kartika Plaza, Tuban, South Kuta 001
Here we‘re with travel tips to keep in mind when in Bali - The final step!
- Respect Local Culture: Bali is Hindu while Indonesia is mostly Muslim. Cover up your knees and shoulders at the temples and take off your shoes when entering homes.
- Stay Alert: While Bali is mostly safe, watch your belongings and avoid walking alone at night.
- Drink Lots Of Water: Bali is hot and humid. Stay hydrated.
- Use Sunscreen Often: The sun is intense especially if you're swimming. Hence don’t forget sunscreen.
- Protect Nature: Don't litter and don't bother wildlife.
- Pack Your Medicines: Make sure your vaccines/medicines are up to date for tropical areas.
- Use Bug Spray: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
- Buy Travel Insurance: Always prioritise health care needs and buy appropriate travel insurance.
- Carry Cash With You: It is highly recommended, especially in remote areas where ATMs or credit card payments are unavailable.
- Always Wear A Helmet On Scooters: Roads are dangerous and accidents happen often.
- Bargain When Shopping: Most prices can be negotiated at markets, for tours, and taxis.
- Don't Drink Tap Water: Stick to bottled water to avoid getting sick.