I am sitting in my Bali villa, deep in the heart of Uluwatu on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. I can hear the gentle roar of the ocean and taste the salt on the air which is carried by the gentle breeze as I write the Bali Travel Guide. Before me are dancing palm fronds and endless blue skies. It is paradise.
I want to share this paradise with you. So I have created the Bali Travel Guide which will tell you absolutely everything you need to know to make your stay in Bali the best trip of your life. I keep coming back again and again, and soon you will want to too!
Table of Contents
When to Go to Bali
Bali’s weather is divided into the wet season, and the dry season. November to late March is usually the wet part, and March to November is much drier. The peak holiday periods fall between December to January and June to August, which coincide with the big international summer holidays.
Our favourite time to visit Bali is between March and May. In March you may get the tail end wet season weather, but this is usually defined by a short sharp shower of rain in the evening after a lovely sunny day. In May you have a better chance of clear skies, and the best sunsets.
Read This for all the details: Bali Weather
Planning a Trip to Bali? Read This Next – Do I Need Travel Vaccinations for Bali?
Getting There
From Australia, you have a choice of direct Virgin or Jetstar flights from most major capital cities. Jetstar have sadly recently ceased the cheap flights out of Townsville. Indirectly, flying AirAsia from such
Ngurah Rai Airport is the island’s only International airport and it is massively busy with hundreds of flights from just about every airline in and out daily. Check out Skyscanner for the best deals. Use the ‘whole month’ feature to find the cheapest day to fly.
Arriving in Ngurah Rai International Airport
The airport is located in Denpasar. When you touch down, you are often guided to an airport shuttle bus which will take you to the main terminal building.
This is an impressively imposing structure and has
Find out if you need a visa to visit Bali or if you are eligible for the visa waiver program, read this.
For Australians, British and Americans we get a free 30 day stamp. If you want to stay longer than the standard 30 days, you can pay for a visa on
The Arrivals Hall
We have typically had really long waits at the luggage carousels. Just be patient, you are in Bali now. Your luggage will be coming directly. Surfboards and other oversized items are dumped unceremoniously at the end of the carousel rows.
There are toilets located before the immigration desks, and after the luggage carousels. Exit through the customs clearance by handing them your form and you are good to go.
Hot tip: With small
kids you are often shown through a ‘family line’ and get to skip the queue at immigration.
Without kids to help you get VIP status, you can actually pay for a VIP Fast Track pass to help you clear customs and immigration faster! Click on the link to find out more!
Once you have cleared immigration and customs and retrieved your luggage, you wander through a hall where you can buy a Bali Sim Card, and change money. You will find an ATM here too. For more details on money in Bali, what to use and how to find it, read this:
It is always advisable to have some Indonesian Rupiah on you when you leave the airport. Otherwise, get your taxi or driver to stop at an ATM en route. They can be found at just about every convenience store.
Getting An Airport Transfer
Hot tip: Book your airport transfer before arriving.
You can do this through your accommodation, or by booking through GetYourGuide using the link. It is so good not having to run the gauntlet of taxi drivers all trying to take you for a ride – both literally and figuratively.
An airport transfer to most places in Bali should cost between 200,000IDR and 350,000IDR. These are nice large and comfortable airconditioned vans and can fit a large family with luggage. We always fit a surfboard in too, no worries!
Watch out for helpful guys trying to carry your bags, they are porters and will expect you to pay them a small amount at the end.
Bluebird Taxi, Grab and Gojek
To catch a Grab (the Asian version of Uber) you will need to go over to the Domestic Terminal as they are not allowed at the International. Be aware that Grab and Gojek (motorcycle taxi) are not allowed in many tourist
Gojek and Grab will also deliver food and you can pay online using the app. Get the apps here before you go:
Getting Around Bali
Taxis
Bluebird Taxi service is the most prevalant company in areas such as Seminyak, Legian and Kuta. You can download the app here which makes it easy to order a car.
- My Bluebird App on Google Play
- My Bluebird App on iTunes
Bluebirds are rarer in Canggu, Uluwatu
Private Car
A private car and driver is the way to go. You negotiate a daily rate, or excursion rate, they pick you up from your door, and are with you all day. You can even organise to hire the same driver for your entire stay if you like them! Rates can vary greatly. Expect to pay roughly 200,000IDR to 350,000IDR for a one way trip, or around 400,000IDR+ for a whole day.
We loved taking a car for a
Motorbikes
Hiring a motorbike may not be for everyone, but it can be the ultimate way to travel within Bali. Just make sure your travel insurance is up to scratch. World Nomads have great international policies. Check here for an instant quote:
You are supposed to have an International Driver’s Permit to hire a bike,
Take it slow, wear a helmet and don’t drink and drive. Keep to the left and let faster vehicles past. Be ready for anything, including chickens and dogs! I like hiring motorbikes in quieter areas like Uluwatu and
Bali for Families
Read This Now – Is Bali Safe?
We keep coming back to Bali over and over again with our 4 kids. It is such a great place to visit with little ones! The people are so friendly and helpful at every turn.
There is no such thing as car seats in Bali. Often you won’t even find seatbelts at all. And if you plan on riding motorbikes with your kids, bring your own
You can find
If you have fussy eaters, the food at The Joglo will appeal to everyone. You can find Western style food on most menus, and popular fast food restaurants in the main tourist areas.
You can find medical
Where to Stay in Bali
There are so many different regions in Bali. From sand and surf, to partying all night long, and country mountain vistas, Bali has it all. I hope this Bali travel guide will help you decide how to make the most of your trip.
Uluwatu
[mappress mapid=”16″]Uluwatu and surrounds are a surfer’s paradise. Kids love it too. Most of the beaches, however, are down steep pathways, and through rocky cliffs.
The sand is beautiful at Bingin Beach with its gorgeous sunsets and steep stairs.
Balangan Beach is super atmospheric with wooden warungs overhanging the white sand.
Padang Padang can get pretty busy with tour groups, but you will have it all to yourself before 9am and it is perfect for swimming and surfing.
Uluwatu is home to the stunning clifftop Pura Uluwatu temple with nightly fire dances, incredible sunsets and some of the best surf in Bali.
Getting Around
Riding a motorbike around here is pleasant thanks to smooth quiet roads. Or else you can get a private taxi from the multiple transport stands dotted around the place. Alternatively, ask your villa host or accomodation reception to organise you a lift. Get your driver to wait for you rather than a one way ride, as negotiating a different lift back you will probably pay more.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Budget ($10 – $100)
Mid-Range ($100 – $500)
Luxury ($500+)
Where to Stay in Uluwatu For a Family
- Puri Pandawa Resort – Private pool villa sleeps 4 $178 per night includes breakfast
- Hillstone Villas Resort – 2 bedroom ocean view pool villa including breakfast, sleeps 4 $277 per night
- The Eyes Villas – 2 bedroom villa, sleeps 6 including breakfast $135 per night
- The Brothers Villa – 3 bedroom with private pool, sleeps 6, walk to Padang Padang $182 per night
- Karma Kandara – 3 bedroom pool villa sleeps 6 $1,100 per night includes breakfast
- Bulgari Resort – 2 bedroom mansion sleeps 4, $4241 per night including breakfast
Eat
- Ulu Cliffhouse – Amazing infinity pool overlooking the ocean
- Despacito – Low key
spanish style with pool - Bukit Cafe – Western Food
- Buddha Soul – Organic
- Brothers Warung – Awesome Indonesian
Kuta
More the scene of groups of partying backpackers, hens parties and stag do’s, Kuta has a great nightclub scene, excellent markets
Buy your tickets before you go and save on entry!
Where to Stay in Kuta
Legian and Seminyak
Staying in Legian or Seminyak means you are close to everything and there are some incredible villa options to be found. Walk out your front door directly to awesome dining and shopping. Visit the popular and world-famous beach clubs Potato Head and Ku De Ta (kids day on Sundays starting
Where to Stay in Legian/Seminyak
Budget (under $50)
Mid-Range ($50+)
Luxury (over $250)
Where to Stay in Seminyak For a Family
- Villa Kemuning – Sleeps 6, in a 3-bedroom private pool villa $158 per night
- Villa Kayana – Sleeps 4, 2
bedroom private pool $158 per night - Kori Bali Kubu – sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms with a private pool – $170 per night – awesome location
- Daha Mansions – 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8 with a private pool $561 per night
Best Restaurants in Seminyak
- Naughty Nuri’s
- Maybe Tony
- Bamboo
- Bikini
- Bali Pearl
- Duck Duck Goose
- Sea Salt
Getting Around
Kuta, Seminyak and Legian are best served by Bluebird Taxis and private cars.
Canggu
Canggu is our family’s favourite place to stay in Bali.
Best Blog Read Now: Ultimate Family Canggu Travel Guide
It is so easy to get around by motorbike and private car. There are beautiful huge fully staffed private villas here which are so nice to stay in with your own private pool. The dining options here are amazing and you can find cheap eats, smoothie bowls, Indian, and everything in between in classy settings.
Where to Stay in Canggu
The best areas to stay in Canggu and main street names are listed here:
- Berawa Beach (Jalan Pantai Berawa)
- Batu Bolong Beach (Jalan Pantai Batu Bolong)
- Echo Beach (Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan)
- Pererenan (Pererenan Beach Street)
The neighbourhoods get progressively quieter as you go down the list, heading west. When searching for your accommodation, anything along these main streets, and on the beach side of Jalan Raya Canggu will be great.
- Villa Kassike – $250AUD per night for a 3 bedroom pool villa
- Dea Villas – so good for families or big groups with interconnected villas that can be booked altogether or separate
- Canggu Beach Apartments
- Beach Club Villa Bali – 3 bedrooms, fully staffed only $490 per night Beachfront!
- For a luxury stay check out COMO Uma Canggu.
Best Restaurants in Canggu
- The Joglo
- Warung Dandelion
- The Piring Daun
- JL Restaurant Bali
- The Shady Shack
- BB52 Burgers
- Lupe Canggu
- Lola’s Shaking All Day
What to do in Canggu
Definitely check out Finn’s Rec Club if you come to Canggu. It is such an epic day out for all the family. Tamora Gallery offers great kid’s activities on Sunday’s especially. La Laguna is super
Read our review here of Finn’s Rec Club including Splash Waterpark and Bounce Trampolines!
Nusa Dua and Sanur
If you are looking for an
Where to Stay in Nusa Dua
Popular Resort Choices
- Novotel Bali Nusa Dua
- Grand Hyatt Bali
- Hilton Bali Resort
- The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
- Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
Top Picks for Big Groups in Nusa Dua
- Vinila Villas – sleeps 6 with free breakfast, free airport transfers and private pool $686
- The Asmara Nusa Dua – sleeps 10, free breakfast and private pool $782 per night
- Ulu Segara Luxury Suites & Villas –
3 bed private pool oceanfront villa, sleeps 6 with breakfast included for $2215 per night
Find More Accommodation in Nusa Dua
Where to Stay in Sanur
Ubud
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Although it is only an hour from the hub of Seminyak, you feel like you are worlds away. Many of the activities in Ubud can be enjoyed via
Best Blog Read Now: 16 Things to do in Ubud
Make sure you try White Water Rafting down the Agung River when in Ubud! It was such a fun day! For our whole review, including how to book, Read This.
Where to Stay in Ubud
Budget (Under $20)
Mid-Range
Luxury
Where to Stay in Ubud For Families
- The Amerta – 2 bedroom pool villa, sleeps 4 $89 per night
- Pondok Naya – sleeps 6 in a 3 bedroom villa $149 per night
- Bidadari Private Villas and Retreat – sleeps 8 in 4 bedroom Presidential Villa $1138 per night with breakfast
- Villa Puri Tupai – 4 bedrooms, sleeps 8 with a pool and tennis court $691 per night including breakfast
- Komaneka at Bisma Ubud – sleeps 6 in a 3 bedroom pool villa including breakfast for $1593 per night
Where to Eat
- Grandfather’s
- Bittersweet
- Folk Ubud
- D’Tukad River Club
- Green Kubu
- Cinta Bar and Grill
Getting Around
Motorbikes would be fine to use here as the roads are not too hectic. Otherwise private taxis are available on every street corner, or can be arranged by your accommodation.
Keramas
If you are into surf then pay a visit to Keramas on the East Coast for a very nice wave indeed. The peeling right-hander breaks on a glittering black volcanic sand beach. There is a perfect spot to chill here at Komune Resort where you can have a beer in a pool while watching the waves roll in.
Where to Stay in Keramas
Amed
For
Find out More Including Where to Stay : Amed Paradise
How to Get to Amed
A private taxi cost us 800,000IDR for a whole day one way trip from Sanur which included stopping in at Keramas for lunch and a surf.
Getting Around
We hired motorbikes here. The road is so quiet and winds up and down scenic hills and past azure bays.
Sidemen
Lush green valleys covered in farmland is the order of the day in Sidemen. Try a cooking class and a farm tour, or just relax and enjoy the incredible views.
Best Blog Read Now: How Sidemen Stole Our Hearts
Lovina
The main activities in Lovina include dolphin spotting cruises, (note there are fewer dolphins between
Best Blog Read Now: Finding a Bali Villa Using Airbnb
Stay in Lovina
Stay in Lovina For Families
- Villa on Tulip – sleeps 10, beachfront for only $544 per night
- The Lovina Villas – sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms with a private pool $1006 with breakfast
- Joglo On the Beach – 3 bedroom villa including breakfast, sleeps 6 for $223 with a pool
- Lovina Beachouse Villas – 3 bedrooms, with a pool for $168
Getting Here
A private driver to Lovina will cost around 800,000IDR from Seminyak, and takes close to 3 hours. Not really good for a day trip, but perfect for a few days away from it all.
Visiting the Islands Near Bali
There are a handful of islands a short boat or plane ride from Bali. These can be visited as day trips, or you can stay a while.
Gili Islands
The Gili Islands consists of 3 perfect tropical island paradises. Havens for surfing, snorkelling, diving and simply relaxing on these beautiful white sand beaches. Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno are all very different from each other and feel like worlds away from Bali.
Gili Trawangan is known simply as Gili T and it is the most popular and built up of the 3. There is heaps to do on Gili T but snorkelling and diving are the main activity. The shallow waters and reef surrounding the island are abundant with marine life and coral, including sea turtles.
Gili Air is the closest to Lombok and is like a smaller version of Gili T with a great range of accommodation and dining options.
Gili Meno is the quietest of the 3 with super tranquil white beaches for chilling on. They literally have a ban on late-night partying and loud music!
Where to Stay on Gili Islands
Booking.comGetting There
There are regular fast ferries between Bali and Gili Air. Book your tickets here:
Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a dreamy island easily accessible from Sanur. Day trips are a popular way to see the island, or you can easily stay a while too. If you are into surfing, snorkelling or relaxing with endless ocean views then this is the place to you
Getting There
Find day trips, tours and transfers to Nusa Lembongan on GetYourGuide.
Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Penida
A perfect place for a day trip, Nusa Penida will have you in awe of it’s spectacular beauty. Home of the famous Manta Ray Bay, Angel’s Billabong and the Instagram worthy Kelingking Beach. You can snorkel with manta rays here in stunning surroundings away from the busy crowds of popular Bali beaches.
Lombok
Lombok deserves a post all to herself, but it is just an addition to this one for now. They say Lombok is like the ‘old’ Bali. With less infrastructure and nicer, less crowded beaches, it is certainly getting a name for itself and gaining more popularity as an alternative destination. The surf here is amazing too. Go now, before it gets too popular.
Getting There
A short flight, or speed boat transfer is the best way to get to Lombok. Compare prices below:
Food in Bali
The food in Bali is delicious! If you don’t know what to order, here are some our favourite dishes:
- Nasi Goreng (Fried rice)
- Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)
- Ayam Betutu (Slow cooked chicken with salads and sauces)
- Nasi Campur (amazing selection of meats and sauces)
- Rendang (local Indonesian curry with tender beef)
- Bebek (Duck)
- Ayam (Chicken)
How to Communicate in Bali
There is wifi available in every single hotel, guesthouse, villa, cafe, restaurant and bar which makes communication a breeze.
The local language is Bahasa. Here are some commonly used phrases:
Selamat Datang – Welcome
Terimah Khasi – Thank you
Staying Safe in Bali
As with all of southeast Asia, you need to be careful of the food you eat, and do not drink the water out of the tap. Bali Belly is common, and is basically a mild gastro bug that many travellers get within a week of arriving. Watch out for dehydration by using Gastrolyte or something similar.
Use SPF 50+ sunscreen at all times to avoid overexposure to the sun.
Avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in Bali. Cover up during dawn and dusk especially, use repellant and mosquito netting where appropriate.
Be aware of your personal safety. Although the absolute huge majority of Balinese are beautiful people, you still need to take care of yourself.
Watch out for random holes in the street, we have seen some epic ones that would cause a broken leg if you weren’t looking where you were going. That kind of thing would really ruin a trip.
Don’t ride motorbikes drunk. Make sure your travel insurance covers ‘at risk’ activities. Don’t do stupid things.
Watch out for monkeys.
What to pack for Bali
Not much. Bring cool breathable clothing, swimwear and flip flops. Buy a locally made sarong once you arrive, and that will be your uniform for your stay. It is easy to get your laundry done, just ask at your hotel reception. Save plenty of room for shopping!
If you have any questions about Bali, please get in touch! We love to hear from you! Drop us an email kris@gadsventure.com and we will do your best to help.
The Gadsventure tribe is currently in Thailand but we will be back in Bali before too long. To follow our South East Asian Adventure, check out our Instagram!
Long Road Trip Tips
Dear Kris and Brian and Co,
Being a traveler your post means a lot to me because Bali is on my list for a while. Thanks for the Great inspiring and informative post! This has to be motivating, not only for me but also for many others who are interested to visit Bali.
You have covered in-depth details and for sure this is a travel guide for Bali covering everything. Thanks for the images you shared its a treat to my eyes and while reading your article I felt like I am in Bali, indeed its a paradise. Nice article, I really enjoyed the content and in the manner that you presented.
I am planning to visit Bali next year March-May. Thanks a lot for the great advice on travelling in a private car compared to other options. Information on “Where to Stay” is very helpful. I am bookmarking your article for future references. Great information, you have really given a lot of value here. Terimah Khasi!
Best wishes to you, your family and your success,
Warm Regards,
Paul
Glad I could be of assistance and hope I have covered most topics for you!
Bali is worth visiting any time of year, but the best time for the best weather is between May and September but this is when the crowds are at their worst.
Try the shoulder times and grab some great deals online, this will save you a load of money!
Thanks.
That is a really thorough guide to Bali indeed. Your descriptions and photos really make me want to go there now. I only went to Bali airport for a stopover and had a rather interesting experience with one of the immigration officers who told me he wanted $50 from me because I wanted to go to his country.
It took a moment to explain again and again that I didn’t want to go there as I was just there for a stopover. Eventually he let me continue. Have you ever experienced that or is it a rare thing? It also took a long time to finally be seen at a counter. There was only one person for a very long queue. Is that normal? And more importantly, is it worth it going there? From your photos and descriptions I’m guessing your answer might be yes….?
Yes! It is one of the best countries in the world and we have travelled a lot.
Don’t be discouraged by the airport staff, they are always the most unfriendly people in any country.
I am Australian so I get a free 30day Visa on arrival, which is the same as most countries for tourist matters only.
Bali people are some of the friendliest people on earth and Bali has some amazing places to visit, so make sure you check it out one day!
Cheers.
Hey Kris,
This is an informative and useful article I must say. I appreciate your deep research on how can a person or a family travel it easily and comfortably without any harassment. I was thinking to visit a new place with my family on my next vacation. And here I found the place through your article. Bali is a great place to have fun and acquire the freshness of nature apart from the monotony of city life. I liked that you have given a full guideline on it that will help me by saving a lot of my time. I liked the places of have suggested to stay in Uluwatu with family. I will keep all of your tips in mind.
Thank you for writing this helpful article.
Uluwatu is amazing! So much to see and do in the surrounding area. Beaches are really cool and you can stay in some sweet spots! This place is a definite must on your next vacation.
Kris, Brian and Co, Well you’ve certainly taken the bull by the horns. I think you may well be the envy of many who come to your website. I admire you courage to undertake such a huge ‘adventure’. It would hard enough as a couple but with four young children…outstanding. Back to Bali. We have four children of our own and have only managed one ‘overseas’ holiday as a family…That was two weeks in Spain…could we have done it better, for sure and a guide like yours would have been a huge helP. Remembering everything on your own list is hard enough…it’s all the things you don’t think of. Having all the links to useful Apps would be more than welcome. When I first looked at the prices, my jaw dropped, until I did a currency conversion…It’s like the old Italian Lire used to be. Daily rates for taxi/driver services sees to be a true bargain..no worries about going past the same building twice, if you’ve hired someone for the day.
Accomodation prices seem to vary and I wonder how that manifests as to what you actually get ? The thing that has made your guide relevant is that you are giving advice and guidance through the eyes of a family the same size of mine…just trying to find somewhere to stay for ‘six’ without needing another mortgage is no easy task.
Yes, you are right it is very hard to find places to stay with a family of six! Everything is built to suit couples and small families. But with a little creativity and know how you can do it for cheap! We only spend around $50 dollars a night but this is done by staying in homestays through Airbnb.
There are also a lot of options by staying at guesthouses, they can accommodate families by bringing in more beds than a room provides for the same price as one room.
Next time you holiday look into Airbnb, booking.com and just good old fashioned rocking up on the doorstep and asking for a deal!
Hope our post can help!
This quite lengthy article but I enjoyed reading it. You made me feel like I’m already there and enjoying the place like a tourist. And it seems like you’re not only enjoying your visit, but also loving the place already!
You may have mentioned this already in this article but due to its length, I may have missed it. My question is, in most Asian cities like Bangkok or Manila, the common problem is the traffic jam. Slow movement of vehicles is horrible! How is it in Bali? What’s the average miles per hour movement of cars? Is the traffic jam there heavier or lighter than Manila?
Nevertheless, I think it is a more attractive destination than Phuket in Thailand. Since it is not far from here (Philippines), the next time my family take a holiday, our destination will be that place.
There can be a lot of traffic in Bali at certain times. The roads are so narrow and can become congested, this is why scooters are the best on the island.
Bali is way better than Phuket, cheaper and hip. You also have many accommodation options that can suit any budgets.
Follow our guide and you will have the best time in Bali!
Cheers.
What a great comprehensive guide to travel in Bali. I’ve only visited once and it was a short trip of 5 days. We planned poorly and the private guide ended up taking us to the touristy shopping spots that we didn’t really like. He wasn’t very happy either when we didn’t buy stuff from those places. We were just fresh out of college back then and our budget was really tight. So…yeah.
Anyways, we would love to visit the island again and hope to go somewhere quieter, just to enjoy the view. You have given some good tips here and I hope to follow through when the holiday planning comes for us end of this year. Thank you.
There is so much to Bali, we too used to go to the tourist hotspots and thought that was Bali.
This last trip we toured a lot of the island and discovered a whole new world!
Definitely check out other spots in Bali like Amed, Gili islands and Lombok for a totally different holiday!
Thanks!