Planning your very first Bali getaway and feeling a little overwhelmed? After spending six months each year on this island for the past five years, I’ve learned exactly how to turn Bali’s magic into a seamless adventure, no guesswork required.

Bali is famed for its emerald rice terraces, ancient temples, world‑class surf breaks, and a café scene so vibrant you’ll be sipping flat whites at dawn (trust me, Blacklist in Canggu is my go‑to). You’ll explore Ubud’s jungle retreats, Seminyak and Canggu’s trendy beaches, the clifftop drama of Uluwatu, and the quiet serenity of East and North Bali.

Wondering when to go? Aim for the shoulder months (late April through early July is my reco) for sunlit days, lush landscapes, and fewer crowds. Not sure how long to stay? I’ll walk you through 3‑, 7‑, and 10‑day itineraries, plus the best ways to zip around, whether you choose a scooter, driver, or ride‑hail app.

Top 5 Things Bali Is Known For

1. Rice Terraces and Jungle Landscapes

Bali’s iconic emerald rice paddies (think Tegallalang and Jatiluwih), are more than just Insta‑worthy backdrops. These centuries‑old subak irrigation systems showcase traditional Balinese ingenuity. I still remember climbing through those verdant steps with my bestie at sunrise, the air cool and sticky and every corner revealing another photogenic vista, we ended up being there for hours!

2. Ancient Temples & Ceremonies

From the cliff‑perched Uluwatu Temple to the water‑blessed Tirta Empul, Bali’s temples are everywhere. You’ll often stumble on colourful processions: women balancing flower offerings on their heads, gamelan musicians setting the soundtrack, and incense smoke curling skyward. It’s living culture in motion. Plan to pause, watch, and join respectfully when you can.

3. World‑Class Surf Breaks

Whether you’re a pro chasing Uluwatu’s legendary reef break or a newbie learning at Kuta Beach, Bali’s waves pull you in. I’ll never forget my first surf lesson in Canggu, face‑plants included, followed by that epic moment when I actually stood up on the board and smoothly took a left. Surf culture here is inclusive, social, and utterly addictive.

This is one of the reasons why my husband and I keep returning.

4. Wellness & Spa Culture

Bali practically invented the wellness retreat. Open‑air yoga pavilions set above rice fields, Ayurvedic massage rituals scented with frangipani and juice bars pouring green elixirs. This island rejuvenates the body and soul. While living in Canggu every year I make sure to languish in Balinese massages on a weekly basis.

5. Vibrant Café & Creative Scene

Beyond the beaches, Bali’s cafés are culinary playgrounds. Picture smoothie bowls topped with edible flowers, artisan coffee brewed from local beans (Blacklist is my fave!), and fusion dishes that marry Balinese spice with global flair. For me, Canggu and Pererenan are the epicentre of modern Balinese, fusion and global cuisine and brims with designers, digital nomads and artists.

Bali Regions at a Glance

Ubud: Heart of Culture and Jungle Retreats

Ubud is Bali’s cultural soul. Nestled amid emerald rice terraces and jungle-clad hills, it’s where you’ll find world‑class yoga studios, traditional dance performances, and artisan workshops. I fell in love with the Campuhan Ridge Walk at sunrise, just me, dew‑tipped grass, and that soft morning light.

The Monkey Forest Sanctuary adds playful wildlife encounters, while the nearby Tegallalang terraces showcase the ingenious subak irrigation. Foodies will delight in the bustling Ubud Market and farm‑to‑table cafés like Kismet, where I sipped turmeric lattes after a pottery class.

While Ubud has definitely been overrun by tourism, making way for more serene valleys like Sidemen to become the new hot spot for serenity seekers, Ubud is still worth a visit for its origins alone.

Seminyak, Canggu & Pererenan: Trendy Beaches & Café Culture

Seminyak and its neighbours Canggu and Perenenan are Bali’s style capitals. Think chic beach clubs with daybeds, rooftop bars pouring signature cocktails at sunset (my husband and I always go to SKOOL Kitchen for date night), and cafés dishing up modern Australian fare. I spent afternoons hunting street‑art murals on my scooter, then unwound at a surf‑side bar in Canggu as live DJs spun tropical house.

Boutiques here stock boho‑chic fashion and homeware crafted by local designers, perfect for souvenir scouting.

Uluwatu & Jimbaran: Clifftop Temples & Worldclass Surf

Down south, Uluwatu Temple perches dramatically on limestone cliffs, offering panoramic Indian Ocean views. I timed my visit for the Kecak fire dance at dusk, incense smoke, chanting men, and that fiery sunset made it unforgettable.

Uluwatu is famed for its world‑class reef break: towering tubes roll in over coral shelves, challenging even seasoned surfers. I’ll never forget watching pros dropping into that perfect barrel at sunrise, then paddling out again as the cliff‑top temple silhouette glowed in the golden light.

East Bali (Amed, Sidemen): Serenity Off the Beaten Path

East Bali feels like a different world: quieter beaches, traditional villages, and Mount Agung’s viewpoints. In Amed, I snorkelled over Japanese shipwrecks and found black‑sand coves all to myself. Sidemen’s terraced hillsides are perfect for motorbike loops through rural landscapes, every turn reveals another patchwork of rice fields and remote temples.

Sidemen is where I stay for a peaceful break from the south coast.

North Bali (Lovina, Munduk): Waterfalls & Dolphin Dawn Patrol

North Bali trades surf for serenity. Lovina’s calm waters host early‑morning dolphin tours, spotting those sleek silhouettes against pastel skies was pure magic. Munduk, tucked in the central highlands, tempted me with hidden waterfalls like Munduk and Melanting, reachable via shaded jungle hikes (which can be slippery or closed in the rainy season!).

Spice plantations and clove‑scented air add a sensory layer that’s totally distinct from the South Coast’s beach vibes.

Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida): Island Escapes

Just off Bali’s southeast coast, the Nusa Islands feel like a mini‑archipelago paradise. Nusa Lembongan’s mellow surf and sea‑weed farms, Nusa Ceningan’s iconic Blue Lagoon swing, and Nusa Penida’s dramatic coastal cliffs (Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong) each deliver postcard moments. I spent a day snorkelling with manta rays off Penida, an experience I still can’t stop talking about.

Nusa Penida is my favourite place to stay for adventure.

Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Gili Meno): No‑Car Beach Bliss

While technically a part of the island of Lombok the Gili Islands are just a short fast‑boat ride from Bali. The Gili trio offers powder‑white sands and turquoise lagoons without a motorized vehicle in sight.

Gili Trawangan pulses with nightlife and beachfront yoga, Gili Air blends chill‑out vibes with excellent snorkelling, and tiny Gili Meno is pure romance; think candlelit dinners on the sand. My favourite? Cycling around Gili Air at sunset, salty breeze in my hair.

Best Time to Visit Bali

Dry Season (Mid-April – End of September)

• Weather & Temperatures: Sunny days, minimal rain, 24–31 °C (75–88 °F).
• Crowds & Costs: Peak in July–August; book accommodations early. Shoulder months (April–June, September) offer fewer crowds and better rates.
• Surf Conditions: Consistent offshore winds on the west coast breaks (Uluwatu, Canggu).
• Insider Tip: I loved May in Ubud, rice terraces were at their greenest, and I scored a last‑minute deal on a unique villa.

Wet Season (October – Mid-April)

• Weather & Temperatures: Brief afternoon showers, high humidity, 23–30 °C (73–86 °F). Mornings are often clear.
• Crowds & Costs: Lower tourist numbers, discounted rates, especially November–February.
• Surf Conditions: Onshore winds switch, favouring east coast breaks (Amed, Keramas).
• Cultural Highlights: Galungan and Kuningan festivals showcase Balinese ceremonies, so plan around temple processions for an immersive experience.

My Recommendation: Aim for late April to early July for the best balance of sun, surf, and manageable crowds. I usually arrive in Bali in May every year and I love taking morning beach walks with a coffee, practically having the beach to myself. You can also find some great

How Many Days to Spend in Bali

Your ideal Bali trip length depends on how deeply you want to explore. Here are three sample itineraries to match different time frames:

• 3–4 Days: Quick Highlights
  • Day 1: Ubud’s rice terraces, Monkey Forest, and a farm‑to‑table dinner
  • Day 2: Temple tour (Tirta Empul, Goa Gajah) and yoga session at sunrise
  • Day 3: Beach time and surf lesson in Canggu or Seminyak; sunset at Tanah Lot
  • (Optional Day 4: Spa morning + shopping in Seminyak boutiques)
• 7 Days: Classic Loop
  • Days 1–2: Ubud immersion – Campuhan Ridge, Tibumana waterfall and a cooking class
  • Days 3–4: East Bali adventure – snorkel Amed, explore Tirta Gangga, rice‑terrace drive in Sidemen
  • Days 5–6: South‑coast chill – surf or sunbathe in Canggu, clifftop dinner at Uluwatu, Kecak dance
  • Day 7: Leisurely brunch, last‑minute shopping, and airport transfer
• 10–14 Days: In‑Depth Exploration
  • Days 1–3: Deep Ubud – waterfall hikes, wellness retreat, and local village visits
  • Days 4–5: North Bali – dolphins at Lovina, Munduk waterfall trek, coffee plantation tour
  • Days 6–8: East Bali – Mount Agung viewpoint, traditional weaving in Tenganan, Amed diving
  • Days 9–11: South Bali – beach clubs in Seminyak, surf in Uluwatu, Jimbaran seafood feast
  • Days 12–14: Hidden gems – Nusa Penida day trip, waterfall canyoning in Tabanan, farewell dinner

Insider Tip: Please note that traffic volumes have increased substantially over the last few years, especially in the southern region of Bali. Take that into consideration when planning your Bali itinerary.

Bali Travel Guide FAQs

Is Bali safe for solo female travellers?

Yes. Bali is welcoming and generally safe. I’ve travelled solo through Ubud and Canggu without incident. Stick to well‑lit areas at night, dress modestly when visiting temples, and use reputable transport services.

Can I drink the tap water?

No, stick to bottled or filtered water. I carry a refillable bottle and use water filter stations at my villa to reduce plastic waste.

What currency should I use, and where do I exchange?

The Indonesian rupiah (IDR) is used everywhere. Withdraw from ATM machines at banks (look for BCA or Mandiri) to avoid high fees. I skip airport exchanges and hit a downtown BCA ATM for better rates.

Do I need a visa before arrival?

Many nationalities get a 30‑day visa free on arrival. If you plan to stay longer, apply for a visa extension at a local immigration office around day 25.

What should I wear at temples?

Cover shoulders and knees. Most temples offer a sarong and sash rental at the entrance. I keep a lightweight scarf in my daypack for quick coverage.

How much should I tip?

Tipping isn’t mandatory but always appreciated. Rounding up small bills or leaving 10% at restaurants and for drivers shows gratitude without breaking the bank.

Getting Around Bali

Getting around Bali feels part of the adventure and a bit like joining the local rhythm. Here’s how I navigate the island whenever I visit:

Scooter Rental

• Why choose it: Ultimate freedom to explore hidden roads, rice‑field back lanes, and surf breaks on your own schedule.
• Insider tip: Rent from a shop that provides a well‑maintained bike, spare helmet, and local SIM‑topped data so you can use Google Maps. I found a reliable Canggu spot for about IDR 70K/day.
• Safety note: Always wear a helmet, avoid night riding on unlit roads, and carry an international driving permit. If you are carrying a phone on your scooter make sure to keep it close to your body as theft can happen.

Private Driver

• Why choose it: Stress‑free door‑to‑door service, local insight, and flexible stops.
• Cost: Around IDR 600K–800K for an 8‑hour day, split between friends and it’s a steal.

Ride‑Hailing Apps (Grab & Gojek)

• Why choose it: Cheap, cashless, and available in major hubs (Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta, Ubud).
• Best for: Short hops—cafés to beaches, market runs, or airport transfers.
• Pro tip: Download both apps; sometimes one has better coverage or surge rates than the other. Note that during downpours of rain, drivers can become sparse.

Practical Tips & Safety Hacks

• Stay Connected: Grab a local SIM (Telkomsel or XL) at the airport for reliable data. You can also opt for an eSIM on Airalo so you can connect right when you land.
• Cash and Cards: Carry some rupiah in small bills for warungs and tip jars. Use ATMs at major banks (BCA, Mandiri) to avoid skimming and high fees. I always withdraw in one go rather than multiple small transactions.
• Protect Against Mosquitoes: Dawn and dusk are prime bite times. Wear long sleeves on jungle walks. Many villas supply mosquito nets, use them.
• Temple Etiquette: Keep a sarong and sash in your daypack for spontaneous temple visits. Always cover shoulders and knees; avoid pointing feet at shrines.
• Street‑Food Safety: Stick to busy stalls where locals eat. I judge by turnover. If the satay stand has a queue, I’m first in line.
• Sun and Hydration: Tropical sun is intense. I carry a refillable water bottle with a filter and reapply reef‑safe sunscreen every two hours.
• Scam Awareness: Agreed fares only. Confirm the scooter rental price upfront and check the metre on Grab rides. If a tuk‑tuk driver “knows a shortcut,” politely decline and stick to your route.
• Emergency Numbers: Save “112” (general emergency) and your villa/guesthouse contact in your phone. I also screenshot my hotel address for quick taxi drops.

All Bali Travel Guides