Bali · 27 Places · Best April-June, September-October
Bali is Indonesia's Island of the Gods, a tropical paradise renowned for its terraced rice paddies, ancient Hindu temples, vibrant arts scene, and world-class surf breaks. The island seamlessly blends spiritual tradition with modern luxury, offering travelers everything from serene yoga retreats in Ubud to electric beach clubs in Seminyak.
Bali is Indonesia's most celebrated island destination, drawing millions of visitors each year with its lush volcanic landscapes, intricate Hindu temples, and legendary hospitality. The island is divided into distinct regions — cosmopolitan Seminyak and Canggu in the south, the cultural heartland of Ubud in the centre, and quieter escapes like Amed and Lovina in the north and east. Whether you seek surf, spirituality, cuisine, or simple relaxation on pristine beaches, Bali delivers an experience unlike anywhere else in the world.
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
The 27 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
One of Bali's most iconic landmarks, Tanah Lot is a sea temple perched dramatically on a rocky offshore islet. The temple is particularly spectacular at sunset when the sky turns golden behind the silhouette of the shrines. Sacred sea snakes are said to guard the temple from evil spirits.
Among Bali's most photographed landscapes, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces showcase the island's ancient subak irrigation system, recognized by UNESCO. The stepped green paddies cascade down a dramatic river valley north of Ubud, with swings, viewpoints, and cafes dotting the ridgeline.
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is one of Bali's six key temples, perched 70 metres above the ocean on dramatic cliffs at the Bukit Peninsula's southwestern tip. The temple hosts a nightly Kecak fire dance performance at sunset, one of Bali's most mesmerizing cultural experiences. Watch for mischievous macaque monkeys.
Set in the heart of Ubud, this lush nature reserve and Hindu temple complex is home to over 1,000 Balinese long-tailed macaques living freely among ancient temples and towering banyan trees. The sanctuary covers 12.5 hectares of dense tropical forest and is one of Bali's most visited attractions.
Mount Batur is an active volcano (1,717m) set within a vast ancient caldera, home to the spectacular Lake Batur. The pre-dawn sunrise trek is one of Bali's most popular adventures, rewarding hikers with panoramic views over the caldera, Lake Batur, and on clear days, Mount Agung and Mount Rinjani.
Tirta Empul is one of Bali's holiest temples, built around a sacred natural spring that Balinese Hindus believe has purifying powers. Pilgrims and visitors wade through the temple's purification pools, immersing themselves beneath stone-carved spouts to receive a ritual blessing. The temple dates to 962 CE.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
One of the world's most celebrated luxury resorts, the Four Seasons Sayan is perched dramatically above the Ayung River gorge. Entered via a canopy walkway over a lotus pond, the resort features private pool villas, an iconic elliptical rooftop pool, world-class spa, and exceptional Balinese cultural programming.
Check rates on Booking.comThe original Aman resort in Bali, Amandari sits on the edge of a river gorge near Ubud with sweeping views over terraced rice paddies. Designed as a traditional Balinese village, its thatched-roof suites and villas each have private outdoor spaces. The resort is famous for its exquisite infinity pool and impeccable service.
Check rates on Booking.comThe Bulgari Resort Bali is perched on a dramatic 150-metre cliff over the Indian Ocean at Uluwatu, offering some of the most stunning views in all of Bali. The resort features Italian-Balinese-designed villas with private pools, a clifftop Balinese-Italian restaurant, a private beach club accessible by funicular, and an exquisite Bulgari Spa.
Check rates on Booking.comMandapa means 'sacred temple' in Sanskrit, and this Ritz-Carlton Reserve lives up to its name. Set along the Ayung River in the Ubud jungle, the resort features private villas and suites with dedicated butlers, a spiritual wellness program rooted in Balinese Hindu tradition, river views, and one of Bali's finest dining experiences.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Locavore has been named one of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants and is widely considered Bali's most celebrated fine dining experience. The concept is simple but brilliantly executed: local ingredients, Indonesian flavors, European technique. The tasting menu changes with the seasons and showcases the island's finest produce.
Sardine is one of Seminyak's most romantic restaurants, set in an elegant open-air pavilion surrounded by a private rice paddy. The daily-changing menu is built around the freshest seafood from Jimbaran market, elevated with European technique and Indonesian spice. The setting — rice fields, fish pond, fairy lights — is pure Bali magic.
Merah Putih ('Red White' in Indonesian, the colors of the national flag) is a magnificent dining space housed under an extraordinary vaulted bamboo ceiling. The menu celebrates dishes from across Indonesia's 17,000 islands, including Balinese babi guling, Sumatran rendang, and Javanese sate, beautifully presented in a modern setting.
Cuca is a celebrated Jimbaran restaurant by acclaimed chef Kevin Cherkas, focusing on innovative tapas-style dishes built around Balinese and Asian ingredients. The menu features bold flavors, creative combinations, and an excellent cocktail program. The open-air design and tropical garden setting make every visit memorable.
Mozaic is one of Ubud's most celebrated fine dining experiences, helmed by chef Chris Salans. Set in a romantic candlelit garden, the menu blends French culinary technique with Indonesian and Balinese ingredients. A fixture on Asia's best restaurant lists for over two decades, Mozaic remains one of Bali's most prestigious dining addresses.
Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, Ibu Oka's warung is the most renowned place in Bali to eat babi guling — Balinese spit-roasted suckling pig stuffed with turmeric, lemongrass, and galangal. The warung opens each day only until the pig runs out, so arrive early. A plate of crispy skin, tender pork, lawar, and rice is pure Bali.
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Bali has no comprehensive public bus network for tourists. The island is best explored by scooter rental, private driver, or ride-hailing apps (Grab and Gojek). Traffic in southern Bali (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) can be severe, especially during peak hours. Budget extra travel time for inter-region trips.
Daily spend by tier in IDR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10-20 | $40-80 | $200-500 |
| Food (per day) | $8-12 | $20-40 | $60-150 |
| Transportation | $5-8 | $15-25 | $50-100 |
| Activities | $5-10 | $15-25 | $50-100 |
| Daily total | $30-50 | $80-150 | $300-800 |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Indonesia.
Use Blue Bird taxis or ride-hailing apps instead of unmetered taxis
Keep valuables secure in bags and hotel safes
Wear a helmet when riding scooters
Respect temple dress codes and bring a sarong
Stay updated on Mount Agung volcanic activity alerts
Drink only bottled or filtered water
Apply sunscreen and rehydrate regularly in the tropical heat
Entry requirements follow Indonesia rules. Many nationalities receive a free 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) or can purchase a 30-day extendable VOA for approximately USD 35 at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Bali: Balinese, Indonesian. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
