Tanah Lot Temple
Iconic sea temple perched on a rocky outcrop, best visited at sunset
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About Bali
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.
- Capital
- Denpasar
- Largest city
- Denpasar
- Population
- 4.3 million
- Languages
- Balinese, Indonesian
- Currency
- Indonesian Rupiah
- Time zone
- Asia/Makassar (WITA, UTC+8)
Explore Bali by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Bali
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
UNESCO-listed terraced rice paddies north of Ubud
Uluwatu Temple
Clifftop Balinese sea temple with nightly Kecak fire dance
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary
Lush forest sanctuary in Ubud housing hundreds of Macaque monkeys
Mount Batur
Active volcano with a legendary sunrise trek and caldera lake views
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Bali Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Bali, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Bali
- Days 1-2Bali city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Bali
- Days 1-3Bali comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Bali, departure
Where to stay in Bali
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget $30-50
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range $80-150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury $300-800
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
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.
Amandari
The 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.
Bulgari Resort Bali
The 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.
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Mandapa 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.
Where to eat in Bali
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Locavore
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
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
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 Restaurant
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 Restaurant
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.
Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka
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.
Getting around Bali
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.
Budget breakdown
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 to visit Bali
Essential travel tips
- Rent a scooter or hire a private driver for maximum flexibility
- Book villa accommodation for better value than hotels
- Carry small IDR notes for markets and warungs
- Download Grab and Gojek apps before arriving
- Visit temples in the morning before tour groups arrive
Safety information
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
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bali?
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.
What currency is used in Bali?
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.
What language is spoken in Bali?
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.