Bali is a terrific location for luxury seekers and budget tourists alike. There's something for everyone on this island in Indonesia.

Adventure fans in Bali will have easy access to waterfalls, rainforests, cliffs, volcanoes, and more. Or, if you're the more relaxed back kind, Bali offers beaches, temples, and rice terraces for you, along with an infinite supply of superb restaurants and spas.

If any of it sounds lovely, then you'll fall in love with this island and its people. Read through this entire Bali travel guide for more insight on what to anticipate!

Where Is Bali?

First things first -- where is Bali on the globe map?

Bali is a tiny island located in the nation of Indonesia (in Southeast Asia). Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, and it's surrounded by Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.

Bali is a rather tiny island, lying immediately to the right of Java, the 5th biggest island in Indonesia. These two islands—Bali and Java—were joined by land in years past.

Flights

Bali island boasts a modern and functional airport currently. In fact, it's one of my favorite airports in Southeast Asia! Based on customer satisfaction ratings, the Bali airport was even named the world's third best by Airport Council International in 2016.

The Denpasar International Airport (code: DPS) is also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport. It serviced more than 24 million people in 2019, however everything is handled pretty well so you'd never realize the airport is so busy!

There are direct flights to Bali from Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and other countries across the world.

Unfortunately, there are currently no direct flights from the United States to Bali, but American passengers may transit through countries like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, or Tokyo first, and then get on a connecting aircraft to Bali.

Climate

Bali is a tropical island, thus the weather is hot and humid year round.

It has a wet season that goes from November to April, and a dry season that runs from April to November. It’s still extremely viable to visit Bali in the rainy season, but leave yourself some buffer days in case of terrible weather.

The greatest time to visit Bali depends on what you’re searching for. The finest weather is during the dry season, when it's often bright and breezy.

However, Bali is less popular during the rainy season, and the rain is generally in the evenings or at night, so it's typically not too bothersome anyhow.

Is Bali Safe?

Bali is a very safe destination to go. Violent crime is infrequent, and homicides are nearly unheard of. Drive-by phone snatchings do happen from time to time, so simply remember to put away your phone while you’re near a major road with passing motorcyclists.

The main safety dangers in Bali and Indonesia are undoubtedly motorbike accidents and natural threats. I’d steer clear from motorbikes here unless you’re an experienced driver in Southeast Asia.

There are various varieties of venomous snakes in Bali, although they're not usual to observe in the tourist regions, even if you go hiking. If you spot a snake, treat it with caution!

Bali was visited by more than 6 million visitors in 2019, making it the most popular tourist destination in Indonesia by a long distance (although there are dozens of other fantastic islands and locations to visit in Indonesia).

Budget

It's incredibly simple to tour Bali on a budget, with hostels accessible from 75k Rupiah ($5 USD) and premium hotels from 150k. Meals are also inexpensive, costing as little as 15k to 75k Rupiah ($1 to $5 USD) in certain 'warungs' (small family owned eateries).

Transportation in Bali is normally by motorcycle or vehicle, and these may be leased, but hiring a private driver is also affordable, safe, and convenient.

I'd also recommend installing the transportation apps Grab and Go-Jek; they are helpful for short taxi trips and moving around in town. You can even order meals via the apps and have it delivered to your hotel.

Language

The natives of Bali speak mostly the Indonesian and Balinese languages, however many of them are also competent in English.

You absolutely don’t need to learn Indonesian to visit Bali, however it’s courteous and entertaining to learn at least a little bit of Bahasa.

Things To Do In Bali

There’s something in Bali for every style of traveler.

Adventure seekers will have access to all types of walks and sceneries, including waterfalls, rainforests, cliffs, volcanoes, and more. You may do rafting, ATVs, jet skiing, hot air balloons, and spectacular helicopter flights.

Or, if you’re the more relaxed back kind, Bali offers beaches, clubs, marketplaces, temples, and rice terraces for you, along with an infinite supply of superb restaurants and spas. The native food is fantastic, and you can also get tons of western food as well.

Wildlife may be viewed at areas like the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Mason Elephant Park, Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park, Bali Butterfly Park, Bali Sea Turtle Society, and West Bali National Park. You may also go snorkeling or scuba diving and see all types of colorful fish and coral.

Read Also: 7 Tips For Visiting Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Waterfalls In Bali

Bali offers hundreds of wonderful waterfalls to view in every part of the island, and many of them are simple to access from famous destinations like Ubud.

Some of the greatest waterfall climbs in Bali are widely known tourist locations, while others are hidden gems with no tourists. North Bali boasts many of the largest waterfalls on the island.

The most renowned waterfall in Bali is Tegenungan Waterfall, however it's not exactly the finest. Two of our favorites are Sekumpul Waterfall and Banyumala Waterfall.

Areas Of Bali

Tourism in Bali is separated into a number of key sectors, each with their own atmosphere and personality:

• Kuta. The hub of loud mass tourism and overdevelopment. You won't find peace and quiet here, but it's a popular spot for shopping and nightlife.

• Canggu. The trendy new hangout for young people and digital nomads. Canggu is famed for surfing and all types of fashionable cafés and beach bars.

• Seminyak. One of the most expensive locations of Bali. It's a west-facing beach location with magnificent sunsets, luxury hotels, villas, and spas, as well as high-end shops and restaurants.

• Ubud. The primary cultural hub and heart of the island. Ubud is full with intriguing markets, palaces, rainforests, and temples to explore, and of course many of fantastic cafés, restaurants and cozy luxury hotels.

• Sanur. A more easygoing coastal town, which is recognized for being one of the most calm and family friendly locations of Bali. Great sunrises.

• Uluwatu. A picturesque, mountainous location in the southwest part of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. It’s called for a renowned temple located on the rocks. This location is recognized for its blue waves, white sand beaches, spectacular sea cliffs, superb surfing, and luxury beach clubs.

• Nusa Dua. A family oriented resort location in the extreme southeast portion of Bali. This location is known for luxury hotels and lovely white sand beaches.