Often touted as the ‘Island of Gods’, Bali is one of the most picturesque destinations to visit in the world. The island is not just known for its spiritual attractions, but romantic beaches and tropical atmosphere as well. There are so many hidden gems in Bali and you should explore them all. It is a perfect hideout to savor exotic landscapes and vibrant volcanic peaks. Far away from the chaotic day-to-day life, Bali is a tropical paradise for all the travelers from across the globe. There is so much to do and explore on this island that 10 days in Bali doesn’t seem like enough so you should plan a trip to Bali for a month. That’s right! Living in Bali for a month isn’t challenging at all. I mean, how could it be? It has everything to satiate your needs and wanderlust. If you are a first-time traveler in Bali, all you need is a perfect Bali guide that could help you out with all the important information about tourism in Bali. Hence, I present you with this guide to help you make your time a memorable one. So, without further ado, let’s start the guide!
Table of Contents
Before You Leave for Bali
Before you leave for your trip to Bali, make sure you organize for a few essentials. These are your visa, passport, travel insurance, and all other important documents for one month in Bali. I would suggest you do proper research on travel essentials to take for a Bali trip.
The Best Month To Visit Bali Indonesia
The island of Bali has four major seasons. These are summer, winter, spring, and fall.
Bali Summer Months
The season of summer in Bali begins in the month of June and ends in July. These are the best months to visit Bali. If you are fine with the hottest month in Bali, then it is the perfect time for you to visit the island. Though Bali summer months witness occasional rains, nothing as monsoon seasons.
Bali Winter Months
The winter season in Bali kicks in the month of December. Despite being the winter season, the humidity during this time remains high. The season ends in the month of February. However, January is considered to be the coldest month in Bali with the temperature being as low as 21-degree celsius. Bali in December remains prone to be the rainy months in Bali.
Spring In Bali
Commences in the month of March, spring season is an ideal time to visit Bali for surfing. The season ends in the month of May. For tourism, the spring season is the lowest of all seasons and the cheapest month to fly to Bali. Hence, these are the cheapest months to visit Bali as you can find great deals and discounts on hotel booking during this time. For us, this is the best month for Bali
Fall In Bali
The fall season in Bali starts in the month of September and ends in the month of November. During these months, the weather in Bali remains dry, however, you can still find a considerable footfall of tourists. Bali in October is a popular time for all the beach lovers as the weather remains pleasant to enjoy time at the beach. October is also considered to be the shoulder time to visit Bali.
Where To Stay In Bali Indonesia
Below we go into a full break down of all the top things to do in each region of Bali. Most of the top things to do are in the Southern part of the island minus Ubud and Munduk. What I would highly suggest you do is to rent a place to stay in either Canggu, Kuta, or Seminyak for the first half of your trip and on your way up to Munduk stop in Ubud for 4-5 days and finish your trip in Munduk. This way you can make your way up the island while renting only three different places to stay. When we travel Bali we use two options when looking for accommodations, either Airbnb or Booking.com. They both have great options to choose from at a very affordable price. One of the best things about Bali is the incredible and cheap villas you can find all over the island so make sure you enjoy them while you can! We personally love All the places in Ubud, Canggu, and Munduk. These are our three favorite places to stay when in Bali
Booking.com
Best Food to try in Bali
Babi Guling
When it comes to Indonesian delicacies, Babi Guling is counted as one of the top dishes to try in Bali. Also known as suckling pig, this is one of the most flavorful delicacies to eat in Bali. It is served with rice, pork, sayur urap, and sausage. In this delicacy, spice-rubbed and spit-roasted meat are cut into pieces. Along with that, Babi Guling also includes crunchiest and crispiest pork skin.
Places to eat
Babi Guling Candra, Warung Ibu Oka, and Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen
Satay
Often touted as Sate, Satay is yet another iconic delicacy to eat in Bali. It is basically the grilled slices of goat, chicken, pork, beef skewed on sticks. This dish is the unique creation of Bali. It is prepared by marinating chicken and meat with coconut milk and other spices. This is more like a snack that you can savor while on strolling or walking on the streets. Stay lilit (wrap) is served with a combined taste of spicy, sweet, and savory.
Places to eat
Warung Ari and Warung Mertha Sari
Bebek Betutu
A dish that you cannot afford to wish to miss while on the trip to Bali is Bebek Betutu. However, this is only for meat lovers. Bebek Betutu is a smoked duck which is prepared by marinating with a mix of spices. While preparing this dish, the duck is wrapped in banana leaves and is cooked in an underground pit for 24 hours. Since it is cooked for an entire day, the meat becomes soft and succulents, and it tastes extremely delectable.
Places to eat
Bumbu Bali Restaurant & Cooking School and Bebek Bengil
Bubur Mengguh
Bubur Mengguh is a porridge that traces its history from Buleleng, Bali. Whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian, this is the dish that is a must-have for all. It is considered an important delicacy for locals in Bali. This is because it is a compulsory dish in traditional festivals and ceremonies. This porridge includes a liquid mixture which is made from shredded chicken, spices, celery, and roasted peanuts. Lastly, the dish is served with a vegetable salad known as urab. Bubur Mengguh is a perfect breakfast dish.
Places to eat
Warung Mengguh, Warung Loaota, and Restaurant Locavore.
Sambal Matah
Indonesia is said to have more than 300 variants of Sambal Matah. This is dish can be savored in Bali. The island has its own version of Sambal Matah. It is a spicy and delicious staple for any Balinese dish. Sambal Matah is prepared by chopping lemongrass, raw shallots, chili, garlic, and lime. Then al the ingredients are kneaded together with hot oil, sugar, shrimp paste, and salt. You can also enjoy this dish with chicken or fish.
Places to try
Echo Beach House and Warung Cahaya
Getting Around in Bali
Bali is an island by name, but in reality, it is more like a developed destination on the land. It’s huge. Though the island has limited transportation options available for tourists, traveling within Bali is easy and hassle-free. There are mainly two transportation options.
Hiring a Taxi
If you prefer a comfortable means to travel within the Island then consider hiring a taxi. However, it is an expensive means. You can find taxi drivers waiting in every nook and corner of the island, be it Ubud center, Canggu, or any other region.
Renting a Scooter or Car
The next best way to get around Bali is the scooter or car rental. I would personally recommend you to hire a scooter because of the heavy traffic. Besides, riding a bike has its own experience. However, if you are traveling with family or in a group, then consider hiring a car. Though be very careful as there are higher chances that you will be doing any damage to the car. Also, inspect it carefully before hiring. Make sure you have a valid license to ride a scooter or car in Bali. Many people try driving without them and this is a big no for Bali. The cost of hiring a scooter in Bali ranges between 50-80k IDR for a day. Whereas, car rental costs around 300k IDR per day.
Getting a Visa For Bali
Getting a visa for Bali is pretty easy if you are a national of one of those countries applicable for Visa on Arrival. What you need is a valid passport and round trip tickets. Make sure to book a return flight within 30 days of your stay. Once you are at Bali Airport, arrive at immigration to apply for a 30 days visa. You will be asked to pay for VOA. It would cost you somewhere around USD 35. After you are done with the paperwork, you will get your Bali visa on arrival.
How to Stay Safe in Bali?
When it comes to it, is Bali safe? Well, the answer is yes. Bali is pretty safe to travel. However, you are still required to take several precautions. Though the island remains prone to natural disasters. Volcano eruption is one natural disaster that remains common in Bali. Petty theft, taxi scams, and sexual assault are also some common dangers in Bali.
Top Places to Visit in Bali
You will find plenty of Bali guides with top tourist sites. But what I believe is, in order to plan a hassle-free tour to Bali, you need information on each popular neighborhood and their tourist sites. Hence, I have included the top neighborhoods and places to explore in Bali.
Seminyak
One of the most upscale places in Bali, Seminyak offers a high-end experience of everything it has. From lavish resorts and hotels to designer boutiques to fine-dining restaurants, this neighborhood area has everything to provide a lavish lifestyle in Bali. It also has a coastline that is dotted with cafes and bars, most of which remain operated until late night. If you are looking for an ultimate shopping experience in Bali, well, this is the place for you to be. Some of the top tourist sites and things to do in Seminyak that you should look to explore and experience are:
Nyaman Gallery
Horse Riding on the Beach
Surfing
Pura Petitenget
Ku De Ta
Yoga Shala
Pura Masceti
Shopping on Jalan Laksmana
Double Six Beach
Theatre Art Gallery
Kuta
Kuta is yet another mainstream destination in Bali that you cannot afford to ignore. In recent times, this neighborhood area has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. There are shops, restaurants, and hotels to make your time in Kuta indelible. Not just this, there is also a beach that extends to a few km inland. If you are an adventure buff, then this place offers an opportunity to surf in the pristine waters of the ocean. However, if you are a rookie, there are also various surf schools. You can enroll in any of them and indulge in the activity. The famous Kuta Beach is a not-to-miss attraction in the town of Kuta. Along with that, there are also traditional markets that offer you the ultimate opportunity to indulge in a shopping experience. Some of the best things to do in Kuta are:
Waterbom Bali
DMZ Bali
Beachwalk Shopping Center
Kuta Beach
Vihara Dharmayana Kuta
Kuta Theatre
Kuta Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Centre
The Bali Bombing Memorial
Kedonganan Beach
Kuta Night Market
Kuta Square
Pura Petitenget Temple
Karma Beach
Tanah Lot Temple
Canggu
The best thing about Canggu is that it holds a pristine charm of being both a popular tourist destination as well as a semi-rural coastal town. You can experience it with sights of green rice fields along with imposing modern architecture in Canggu town. Along with that, the streets of the town are adorned with contemporary art which is a key highlight of Canggu. You can expect to see the stunning murals at every nook and corner of the city. Shopping in Canggu is one of the most popular things to do. Besides, it is also a prominent surfing destination in Bali. Whereas, the pristine beaches in Canggu are dotted with some amazing restaurants, cafes, accommodation, and whatnot. You can even plan a day tour to Ubud center. Reaching Ubud from Canggu is pretty easy and convenient as well.
What to expect in Canggu
If you are looking to spend your time in Canggu, Bali, here are some tourist attractions and fun activities that you should indulge in:
Surfing
Dojo Bali
Batu Batong Beach
Sunday Market Shopping
Canggu Club
Street Art
Indonesian Massage
Horse Riding
Samadi Bali
La Laguna Gypsy Market
Pura Tanah Lot Temple
Echo Beach
Pererenan Beach
Rice Paddies
- The Lawn
Berawa Beach Sunset
Old Man’s Market
Ubud
While vacationing in Bali, you cannot leave the most popular neighborhoods, Ubud, on the island. It is often touted as the educational and cultural hub of Bali. Surely, it is one of the highly-developed regions on the island. But this is not the only reason why a huge crowd of tourists flock to this particular area. Ubud is also known as the dwelling land of many attractions including museums, temples, galleries, workshops, restaurants, and more. But the key highlight is the Ubud waterfalls like Tukad Cepung that are not-to-miss attractions in the region. Talking about tourist attractions in Ubud, well, they can be found on those little streets, by the pristine Ayug River, or lush green spaces. Not just this, Ubud center also attracts a huge footfall of travelers seeking a spiritual experience as there are numerous wellness centers and yoga shala.
What to expect in Ubud
Some of the most popular tourist attractions and must things to do in Ubud are:
Komaneka Fine Art Gallery
Ubud Monkey Forest
Tirta Empul Temple
Ubud Art Market
Tegenungan Waterfall
Amed Beach
Pura Taman Saraswati Temple
Royal Palace Cultural Night Performance
Ubud Celuk Village
Puri Lukisan Museum
Blanco Renaissance Museum
Bali Bird & Reptile Park
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is yet another highly developed region on the island of Bali. However, if you are looking to book a lavish beachside accommodation, well this is the place to consider. There is Nusa Dua beach on the show of which there are many resorts and hotels to enjoy an indelible time in Bali. Even if you don’t want to book your stay in this region, a visit to Nusa Dua is still a must thing to do in Bali because of the range of amazing activities this place has for you. If you are wondering what all sorts of activities are here in Nusa Dua, well, here is the list:
Camel Ride along the beach
Admire Water Blow
Pura Gegar sightseeing
An Insightful tour at Pasifika Museum
Tour to Serangan Island
Shopping
Religious tour at Puja Mandala
Water sports like banana boat rides, parasailing, jet-skiing, kiteboarding, parasailing, flyboarding, and more.
A day tour at Pirates Bay
Spa massage
A walk along Nusa Dua Promenade
Snorkeling at Nusa Dua Beach
Sea walking
Uluwatu
If you are a religiously inclined person, then the Uluwatu region is a must-visit for you. The neighborhood is known as the home of numerous religious attractions of Bali. This is a culturally-rich spot on the island of Bali. Besides having a sacred significance, this place is also known as a popular hideout for surfers as it offers amazing surfing opportunities to adventure buffs. Talking about that, there are many beaches in the Uluwatu region that makes it a popular tourist destination amongst travelers, especially the beach lovers. Along with that, Uluwatu also has plenty of amazing resorts, restaurants, cafes and Hidden Gems of Bali to make your stay a memorable one here in this region.
What to expect in Uluwatu
Some of the most popular attractions in Uluwatu are:
Uluwatu Beach
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Suluban Beach
Nyang Nyang Surfing Beach
Tari Kechak
Pandawa Beach
Green Bowl Beach Melasti Beach
Uluwatu Temple
Balangan Viewpoint
Pantai Tegal Wangi Cave
Ulu Cliffhouse
GWK Cultural Park
Karang Boma Cliff
Munduk Bali
Now after you visit all these places you will be tired. But before you go soak up all the sun on the beach we highly suggest you head to one last place. Munduk Bali is one of our favorite places to visit. With Tons of waterfalls, Twin lakes, cliff jumping and even Wanagiri Hidden hill, Munduk Bali is really a place you shouldn’t miss. If you want to read more about all the things to do in Munduk Bali make sure you check out our Munduk Guide.
What to expect in Munduk
Considering the pristine beauty of Bali, I would personally request you to be a responsible tourist on your stay to this beautiful island. Make sure to follow the don’ts in Bali. Also, do not leave any carbon footprints. It is the land of the abundance of natural beauty, so let’s just be the guests of it and not try to spoil it. That’s it from this Bali guide!
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