Bali Travel Guide 2026
Rice terraces, temples, surf breaks, and a wellness scene that made Ubud a household name.
Search flightsWhy Bali
Bali packs an unusual range into one island — Ubud’s rice terraces and yoga scene, Uluwatu and Canggu’s surf breaks, and temple complexes like Tanah Lot that feel genuinely spiritual rather than staged. It’s Indonesia’s most developed tourist infrastructure by far, which makes it an easy first Southeast Asia island trip.
What to know before you go
Most Western passport holders can get a visa on arrival (extendable) or apply for the e-VOA in advance. Bali is Hindu-majority, distinct from the rest of Muslim-majority Indonesia — temple etiquette (sarongs, modest dress) matters here specifically.
Best time to visit
April-October is the dry season and generally the best window, with June-August being peak (and busiest/priciest). The wet season (November-March) still has plenty of sun between shorter, heavier downpours.
Getting there
Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) is well connected across Asia and Australia, with increasingly direct long-haul routes from Europe.
Getting around
A scooter is the classic way to get around for confident riders; otherwise, drivers/Grab (ride-hailing) cover everything affordably. Traffic around Canggu and Seminyak can be heavy at peak times.
Where to stay
Ubud for rice terraces and wellness culture, Canggu for surf and a young digital-nomad scene, Uluwatu for cliffside beaches and a quieter pace.
eSIM & connectivity
Coverage is strong in the main tourist areas (Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu); expect it to thin out in more rural parts of the island.
Travel insurance for Bali
Worth getting cover that includes scooter riding specifically, since many standard policies exclude motorbike injuries unless added.
Everything else for your trip
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Get an eSIMWhat to Pack for Bali
The non-obvious stuff people forget, plus what genuinely helps.
Don’t forget
- Modest clothing (sarong helpful) for temple visits
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics for the humidity
- A helmet if planning to ride a scooter (often provided but worth checking fit)
- Universal power adapter (Type C/F sockets)
Nice to have
- Reef-safe sunscreen for coastal areas
- A dry bag for beach/waterfall days
- Mosquito repellent, especially in Ubud’s rice-terrace areas
- Cash — many warungs and markets don’t take cards
Not Sure When to Go?
What a Day in Bali Actually Costs
Real per-day cost ranges based on our destination research, broken down by travel style. Your total will vary, but this gives you a realistic starting budget.
| Per day | Budget | Mid-range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 | $32 | $90 |
| Food | $6 | $14 | $30 |
| Local transport | $4 | $10 | $22 |
| Activities | $5 | $15 | $40 |
| Total / day | $27 | $71 | $182 |
Practical Info: Culture, Currency & Electricity
Top Attractions
- Tanah Lot and Uluwatu sea temples
- Ubud’s rice terraces and monkey forest
- Mount Batur sunrise trek
- Seminyak and Canggu beach clubs
- Nusa Penida day trip
Culture & Etiquette
Balinese Hinduism shapes daily life — small offering baskets (canang sari) appear on sidewalks everywhere; step around them, don’t step on them. Temples require a sarong and sash (usually provided/rented at the entrance) and menstruating women are traditionally asked not to enter. Public displays of anger are considered a loss of face.
Currency & Exchanging Money
Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Bali has a well-documented history of rigged exchange counters advertising huge rates then shortchanging tourists with sleight-of-hand counting. Stick to bureaus that are members of PVA Bali (look for the official sticker) or exchange at a bank; count your money in front of the teller before leaving. Bank ATMs (BCA, Mandiri) are the simplest safe option. Converting large-denomination currency (EUR/USD 50s and 100s) generally gets a better rate than small bills.
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Electricity & Adapters
Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
Plug type: C and F (European 2-pin round)
If your home plug type doesn’t match, bring a universal travel adapter — it’s the one item worth packing regardless of destination.