top of page
Search

Bali Travel Guide: Best Places, Things to Do & 3-Week Itinerary 🇮🇩

Bali is one of those destinations that truly has it all. From lush rice terraces cascading down green hillsides to ancient temple ceremonies that appear unexpectedly along quiet village roads, the island offers a unique mix of culture, nature, and relaxation.


While Bali has become incredibly popular over the years, it’s still surprisingly easy to find quiet beaches, authentic villages, and hidden gems, if you know where to look.


This Bali travel guide will give you everything you need to plan your trip: the best places to stay, the top things to do in Bali, island-hopping adventures, local food to try, and a suggested 3-week Bali itinerary.


Bali Quick Facts


✈️ Best time to visit: April – October (dry season)

🌡 Average temperature: 26–32°C (79–90°F)


💰 Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)Approx. 1 EUR ≈ 16,500 IDR

🛂 Visa: Visa on Arrival – valid for 30 daysCost: about 500,000 IDR (~€30)


⏰ Time zone: Central Indonesia Time (UTC +8)

✈️ Flight time from Europe: approx. 14–18 hours


Best Areas to Stay in Bali

Ubud – The Cultural Heart of Bali

Ubud is widely considered the cultural center of Bali. Surrounded by rice terraces, temples, and lush jungle landscapes, it’s the perfect place to experience traditional Balinese culture.

Why stay in Ubud:

  • Rice terrace walks

  • Yoga retreats

  • Traditional markets

  • Temple ceremonies

  • Balinese cooking classes

Perfect for travelers looking for culture, nature, and a slower pace.


Seminyak & Canggu – Trendy Bali

These coastal towns represent Bali’s modern lifestyle scene.

Expect stylish boutique hotels, beach clubs, and world-class restaurants.

Highlights:

  • Finns Beach Club

  • Potato Head Beach Club

  • Surf beaches

  • Trendy cafés and nightlife


Uluwatu & Nusa Dua – Cliffs and Luxury Resorts

Located on Bali’s southern peninsula, these areas offer dramatic ocean views and luxury resorts.

Why visit:

  • spectacular sunsets

  • white sand beaches

  • cliff-top temples

  • high-end resorts


Sidemen & Amed – Hidden Bali

For travelers looking for authentic Bali away from crowds, Sidemen and Amed are fantastic options.

Sidemen offers untouched rice terraces, while Amed is known for:

  • snorkeling

  • diving

  • black sand beaches

  • fishing villages


10 Best Things to Do in Bali

1. Tegallalang Rice Terraces

These famous rice terraces near Ubud are one of the most photographed places on the island.

Visit early in the morning for the best light and fewer tourists.


2. Explore Bali’s Most Beautiful Temples

Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, and temples play a central role in Balinese culture.

Some of the most impressive temples include:

Ulun Danu Beratan Temple – a stunning water temple on Lake BeratanGunung Kawi Temple – ancient shrines carved into the cliffsTirta Empul Temple – famous for its sacred purification poolsPura Agung Besakih – Bali’s largest and most important temple


3. Mount Batur Sunrise Trek

Climb an active volcano and watch the sunrise over Bali and Lombok.

The hike begins around 4 AM and takes about two hours.


4. Snorkeling at Nusa Penida

Crystal-clear waters and colorful coral reefs make Nusa Penida one of the best snorkeling locations in Indonesia.

At Manta Point, you may even swim alongside giant manta rays.


5. Ubud Market & Monkey Forest

Ubud Market is perfect for shopping local crafts and souvenirs.

Nearby you’ll find the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, home to hundreds of macaques.


6. Tanah Lot Temple at Sunset

One of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, built on a rock formation in the ocean.

It’s especially beautiful during sunset.


7. Relax at Bali’s Famous Beach Clubs

Spend an afternoon at Bali’s legendary beach clubs.

Top options include:

  • Potato Head Beach Club

  • Ku De Ta

  • Finns Beach Club


8. Take a Balinese Cooking Class

Learn to cook traditional dishes such as:

  • Nasi Goreng

  • Satay Lilit

  • Balinese curry

Many cooking schools begin with a visit to a local market.


9. Coffee Plantation Experience

Visit a plantation and learn about Indonesia’s famous Kopi Luwak coffee.

Choose plantations that promote ethical treatment of animals.


10. Discover Bali’s Hidden Waterfalls

Bali is home to dozens of incredible jungle waterfalls.

Some of the best include:

  • Sekumpul Waterfall

  • Tegenungan Waterfall

  • Banyumala Twin Waterfalls


Traditional Balinese Food You Must Try

🍖 Babi Guling – Balinese roast pork with spices.

🍛 Nasi Goreng – Indonesia’s famous fried rice dish.

🥜 Satay Lilit – minced fish or chicken grilled on lemongrass sticks.

🥗 Gado Gado – vegetables served with peanut sauce.

☕ Kopi Luwak – one of Indonesia’s most famous coffees.

🍌 Pisang Goreng – fried bananas served with palm sugar or chocolate.


Island Trips From Bali

Nusa Islands

Travel time: 45–60 minutes by speedboat from Sanur

Highlights include:

  • Kelingking Beach

  • Angel’s Billabong

  • Broken Beach

  • Snorkeling with manta rays


Gili Islands

Travel time: 1.5–2 hours by speedboat

Gili Trawangan – lively island with nightlifeGili Meno – quiet and romanticGili Air – relaxed island with great snorkeling


How to Get Around Bali

Most travelers use ride-hailing apps, private drivers, or scooters.


Ride-hailing apps

The most popular are:

  • Grab

  • Gojek

Typical prices:

Short ride: €1–3Long ride: €5–15


Private drivers

Hiring a driver for the day is common.

Typical cost:

€40–60 per day


Scooter rental

Typical price:

€4–8 per day

Only recommended for experienced riders.


How Much Does Bali Cost?

Backpacker budget: €25–40/day

Mid-range traveler: €60–120/day

Luxury travel: €200+/day

Bali remains one of the most affordable tropical destinations.


Best Time to Visit Bali

Dry season (April–October)

Best weather for beaches, surfing and sightseeing.


Rainy season (November–March)

Fewer tourists and lower prices, but occasional tropical rain showers.

Best months overall:

May – September


Bali Travel Tips

💰 Cash is still widely used in smaller places.

🚗 Use Grab or Gojek for transportation.

💧 Only drink bottled water.

🛕 Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.

📱 Buy a local SIM card or eSIM

Internet access is extremely useful when traveling around Bali.

Typical price: €8–€15 for 20–40 GB of data

Recommended providers:

  • Telkomsel

  • XL Axiata

  • Indosat


Tourist Traps to Avoid in Bali

  1. Unofficial airport taxis charging inflated prices

  2. Extremely cheap tour packages with hidden stops

  3. Animal attractions with poor welfare

  4. Heavy traffic areas in Canggu and Seminyak

  5. Overpriced souvenirs in tourist markets

  6. Beach vendors charging tourist prices

  7. “Free” temple tours asking for large donations

  8. Currency exchange scams

  9. Fake tour tickets near attractions

  10. Overcrowded Instagram photo spots


3-Week Bali Itinerary

Days 1–3

Ubud – rice terraces, temples, cooking class

Days 4–6

Seminyak & Canggu – beach clubs and surfing

Days 7–10

Uluwatu & Nusa Dua – beaches and cliff temples

Days 11–15

Nusa Islands – snorkeling and island exploration

Days 16–20

Gili Islands – turtles, coral reefs and white sand beaches

Day 21

Return to Bali for departure


FAQ About Visiting Bali

Is Bali expensive?No, Bali is one of the most affordable tropical destinations.


How many days do you need in Bali?10–14 days is ideal, but 3 weeks allows time for island hopping.


What is the best time to visit Bali?April to October during the dry season.


Is Bali safe for tourists?Yes, Bali is considered a very safe destination.


Ready for Bali?

Check our latest hotel deals in Bali with up to 50% off.

👉 See the best deals here See offers here

Comments

bottom of page