Ultimate Bali Travel Guide 2025 🏝️🌺

Bali is one of those destinations you never forget. This complete Bali travel guide will help you plan your trip—whether you’re looking for paradise beaches, sacred temples, endless rice terraces, volcano hikes, or simply relaxing in a spiritual atmosphere.

When I first traveled to Bali, I didn’t expect it to surprise me so much. The Balinese culture, its incredible nature, and above all, the kindness of its people made this trip so much more than just tourism. One of my favorite memories? Our driver, who became a friend during the trip, invited us to his home for dinner. We shared a homemade Balinese meal, learned about local customs, and experienced something authentic you won’t find in any guidebook. That’s exactly the magic of Bali.

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📌 Travel guides

🌤️ Best time to travel to Bali
🌺 Bali travel tips

🌺 Complete Bali travel guide

Before you dive into island life, make sure you’ve got the basics covered: flights, visa, travel insurance, currency exchange, internet, and transportation. With these sorted out, your trip will be smooth and stress-free.

✈️ Flights to Bali: How to find the best deals

Flying to Bali from the U.S. usually involves one or two stopovers. Popular airlines include Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines. We flew with Emirates and had a layover in Dubai.

💡 Personal tip: Book as early as possible to lock in the best prices. Long-haul flights often include meals, checked baggage, and carry-on, so don’t get tricked by low-cost airlines that charge extras.

Time difference → Bali is 12–13 hours ahead of New York (depending on daylight savings). Jet lag is real, but the onboard meals help adjust your body clock.

🏨 Where to stay in Bali

Accommodation in Bali is surprisingly affordable. You’ll find everything from private villas with pools to boutique resorts, beach hotels, and budget-friendly hostels.

Since traffic can be heavy, I recommend splitting your stay between at least two areas.

Best areas to stay in Bali:

Ubud: Cultural heart, temples, rice terraces. Stay 4–7 days.
- Samkhya Villas
- Alaya Resort Ubud
- Govala Ubud Villas & SPA
Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta: Surf, beach clubs, nightlife. 2–3 days.
Sidemen: Authentic village vibe, rice fields, quiet. 2 days.
Uluwatu: Cliffs, beaches, temple sunsets. 2–3 days.
Gili Islands: White sand, crystal-clear water. 2–3 days.

🛵 Getting around Bali

Here’s the truth: public transport doesn’t really exist in Bali. Your options are:

Car with driver (recommended): Safer, stress-free, and you’ll get local tips. We hired a driver who ended up becoming a friend and truly enriched our trip.
Scooter rental: Cheap and practical, but only if you’re experienced and have an international license. Traffic is chaotic.
Car rental: Possible, but not recommended unless you’re very confident.
Taxis & apps: Use Blue Bird for cars or Gojek for motorbike taxis. Always agree on the price beforehand.
Airport transfer: Booking online in advance is usually cheaper than arranging at the airport.

📶 Internet in Bali

Staying connected is essential for maps, translations, and ride apps. Skip local SIM hassles and get an eSIM with unlimited data from Holafly. We used it for 15 days without a single issue.

🌍 Travel Insurance for Bali

Don’t skip this. Medical costs can be high. We used IATI insurance, which covers up to €80,000 and includes adventure activities. Totally worth the peace of mind.

💰 Bali travel budget

Bali is very budget-friendly. On average, expect to spend $30–$50 per day depending on your travel style.

Meals: from $5 at warungs (local eateries).
Hotels: private villas from $40 per night.
Transfers: $10 for 30–60 min rides.
Tours: from $20–$50 per person.

💡 Money tips:

Exchange cash little by little (the rupiah has huge denominations).
Use reliable exchange houses like BMC.
Avoid sketchy exchange shops.
Carry some cash—many small shops don’t take cards.
Consider no-fee travel cards like Revolut or N26.

📑 Visa & Entry requirements

Visa on Arrival (VOA): $35, valid for 30 days. Pay in cash (IDR or USD).
Customs form: Fill out online before arrival; you’ll get a QR code.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.

🎟️ Best tours & excursions in Bali

To really dive into Balinese culture, I recommend booking at least one guided tour. Some highlights:

🗺️ Suggested Bali itineraries

Based on my trips, here are flexible itineraries that balance culture, nature, and relaxation:

7 days in Bali

Day 1–3: Ubud → Rice terraces, Monkey Forest, temples.
Day 4–5: Uluwatu → Beaches and sunsets.
Day 6–7: Canggu → Surf and nightlife.

10 days in Bali

Day 1–4: Ubud (culture + day trips to waterfalls).
Day 5–6: Sidemen (quiet rice terraces and village life).
Day 7–8: Uluwatu (cliffs, beaches, temples).
Day 9–10: Seminyak or Canggu for beach clubs.

15 days in Bali

Day 1–4: Ubud.
Day 5–6: Sidemen.
Day 7–9: East Bali (Amed for diving/snorkeling).
Day 10–12: Uluwatu.
Day 13–15: Gili Islands for beaches and snorkeling.

💉 Vaccines for Bali

Mandatory: COVID-19
Recommended: Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid

💡 Insider tips for Bali

Don’t step on the offerings you’ll see on the ground. They’re part of daily Balinese rituals.
Treat yourself to a Balinese massage—it’s cultural and heavenly.
Ask politely to enter family courtyards; locals often welcome you.
Mosquito repellent with DEET 50% is a must.
Always carry a sarong to enter temples.
Pack light clothes, a rain jacket (Nov–Mar), and a portable charger.
Sun protection is essential—the sun is strong all year.
Apps I recommend: Gojek (rides + food delivery), Grab (alternative taxi app), Traveloka (cheap flights and hotels).
Health tip: “Bali belly” (digestive issues) is common. Stick to bottled or filtered water, avoid ice in street stalls, and carry rehydration salts.

❓ FAQs about traveling to Bali

When is the best time to visit Bali?
Dry season (April–October) has the best weather. For a full month-by-month breakdown, check my [best time to travel to Bali] guide.
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Yes, most travelers need a Visa on Arrival ($35) valid for 30 days.
How much does a trip to Bali cost?
About $1,200–$1,800 per person for two weeks, including flights, hotels, food, and activities.
Is Bali safe?
Yes, it’s very safe. Just be cautious with traffic and scooters.
Can you drink tap water in Bali?
No. Always drink bottled or filtered water.
Do I need vaccines for Bali?
Recommended: Tetanus, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid.
Is Bali expensive compared to Thailand?
Bali can be slightly more expensive in touristy areas, but overall still very affordable.

✅ Final thoughts on this Bali travel guide

Bali is not just a destination—it’s an experience. From spiritual temples to surf beaches, from quiet rice terraces to lively nightlife, this island offers something for everyone.

Plan the essentials, but leave space for surprises—that’s where the true magic of Bali often appears ✨.

👉 Keep planning with these guides: