The Indonesian island of Bali is located between the islands of Java and Lombok, and belongs to the Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago. Bali is known for its beautiful beaches, vast rice terraces, stunning waterfalls, volcanoes, and countless Hindu temples. It’s a destination that certainly has a lot to offer. If you’re considering a trip to Bali or have already decided to go, a few general tips may come in handy.
- When is the best weather on Bali?
- Where can I find the cheapest flights?
- What is the best travel insurance?
- What type of visa is required for Indonesia?
- Is vaccination necessary for Bali?
- Where and how to find cheap accommodation?
- How does public transport and taxi service work on Bali?
- What is needed to ride a scooter?
- Where are the most beautiful beaches on Bali?
- What currency is used in Bali and how to pay?
- Is tap water safe to drink in Bali?
- Is an adapter/plug needed for sockets in Bali?
- Where and what SIM card should I buy?
- Where to buy the most affordable fast boat tickets?
When is the best weather on Bali?
Bali enjoys relatively stable weather, so you can visit at any time of the year. If you enjoy warm weather, Bali is a perfect choice, as it lies in the tropical zone, just 8° south of the equator. The temperature is relatively stable, around 30°C. Bali experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. It’s also important to consider the part of the island you’re in. The highest peak on Bali, Mount Agung, rises over 3,000 meters, and in this area, as well as in higher altitudes, temperatures can drop to 15–18°C. This makes it a great option if you want to escape the heat for a while.
Dry Season
The dry season lasts from April to October. During this period, temperatures near the ocean are up to 30°C. It’s called the dry season, but it doesn’t mean it never rains. Showers are usually brief, less intense, and often occur at night. Another advantage is that the ocean is much cleaner during this time. However, since it’s also the high season for tourism, prices for flights, accommodation, and rentals may be higher. July and August, coinciding with European summer holidays, are the busiest months. Experienced surfers will enjoy this time as the waves are bigger and the western side of the island provides ideal conditions. If you’re a beginner, conditions won’t matter as much since you’ll mostly be learning near the shore.
Rainy Season
The rainy season runs from November to March, with temperatures often rising above 30°C, sometimes even up to 35°C, and the ocean is warmer. Higher temperatures combined with frequent rain lead to increased humidity. If you visit during this season, it’s important to check and air your clothes regularly. In addition to heavier rains, you’ll likely notice more debris on beaches and in the ocean. Fewer tourists visit during the rainy season, which means cheaper prices and fewer crowds at popular sites.
Where to find the cheapest flights?
The range of flights and airlines is quite broad, and prices change quickly depending on demand. For initial searches, we recommend using Google Flights. Here, you can find a flight that suits you best, and then complete the purchase directly on the airline’s website.
What is the best travel insurance?
Travel insurance for a trip to Bali is essential for ensuring a safe and worry-free vacation. It covers medical expenses, which is especially important given the varying quality and cost of healthcare in Indonesia. Insurance policies also typically include coverage for lost luggage, trip cancellations, liability for damages, and assistance in case of unforeseen events. You can easily purchase it online from various providers, with packages tailored to the length of stay and types of activities planned. Make sure to check if the insurance also covers adventure sports like diving or surfing, which are popular in Bali.
For affordable and reliable travel insurance, consider the following providers:
- World Nomads – Well-known for covering adventure activities. They offer flexible and affordable plans for travelers. World Nomads Travel Insurance
- Allianz Travel – A reputable global company that offers comprehensive coverage, including medical, luggage, and trip cancellations. Allianz Travel Insurance
- SafetyWing – Offers budget-friendly plans and is popular among digital nomads and long-term travelers. Their coverage includes medical emergencies and travel disruptions. SafetyWing Travel Insurance
It’s recommended to compare these options and choose the one that best fits your travel needs.
What visas are required for Indonesia?
For tourism, most visitors get a 30-day visa, which can be extended once for another 30 days. You can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) upon entering the country at the airport or apply online. A longer 60-day visa (B211A), which can be extended up to 180 days, is available if you plan to stay longer.
Is vaccination necessary for Bali?
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Bali, but some are recommended, including vaccines for rabies, typhoid, and hepatitis A and B. A newer vaccine is available for dengue fever, a disease common in tropical regions.
How to find affordable accommodation?
For accommodation searches, we recommend using apps like Booking, Agoda, or Airbnb. When it comes to accommodation, Bali offers a wide range of options, from the cheapest shared rooms, homestays, hostels, and hotels to top-notch resorts. Availability is indeed vast, so it’s up to you to decide what kind of accommodation you prefer.
From personal experience, we highly recommend that you don’t stay in one place for the entire duration of your stay on Bali. While the distances between different destinations may not seem overwhelming, the roads are often congested, and daily commutes for sightseeing could become unnecessarily exhausting. Instead, divide the island into several regions, find accommodation in each, and use it as a base to explore the area’s attractions.
How does public transportation and taxis work on Bali?
Buses do run on Bali, but the truth is that, due to traffic jams, it’s rather difficult to rely on them. If you’re here on vacation and don’t feel comfortable renting and driving a scooter, there are several options for getting around the island. It always depends on your current plans.
You can use taxis (BlueBird), but there are also cheaper transport options. Just as people in Europe commonly use Uber and Bolt, similar apps exist here, such as Grab and GoJek. Be sure to download them to your phone. These apps also offer scooter transport. Solo travelers will likely find this useful, especially for short distances and without large luggage. If you need to travel a longer distance, with more people, or with bulky luggage, you can also order car transport through these apps.
However, if you’re planning a trip with several stops, the best option is to hire a driver who can not only take you to your desired locations but also wait for you while you finish your sightseeing.
What do you need to drive a scooter on Bali?
Most websites at this point tell you what driving license you need, and don’t worry, we’ll get to that as well. But first, we want to warn you about some challenges you might not expect, which you may only discover once you’re on the island. The first important thing is that they drive on the left side here. Some people end up preferring this, while others find it hard to get used to. Also, keep in mind that most roads here are very busy, so the traffic can seem quite chaotic. Additionally, the condition of the roads often resembles a battleground, and when you add sand and gravel on the road surface along with stray dogs running around, it’s clear that driving here isn’t for everyone. That’s why we recommend that you only decide to drive a scooter if you have at least some experience with it.
If you’re not comfortable with it, the good news is that transportation here is generally affordable. It’s definitely a better option than dealing with the consequences of any potential accidents.
If you’re an experienced driver or up for a bit of an adrenaline rush, we want to advise you not to choose a rental provider based solely on the lowest price. While you might save a few bucks, you could also end up with a machine in poor technical condition. There are plenty of places to rent a scooter, practically at every turn. If you’d like to arrange your vehicle in advance, we’d be happy to help you find the best balance of quality and price.
To drive motor vehicles in Indonesia, you need an international driving license under the Vienna Convention. Simply visit the traffic office in your country, bring your driver’s license and a photo, and you’ll get the license on the spot. Once you have this document, you shouldn’t expect any trouble with the police (at least regarding your license). The issue could arise in the event of an accident, where your insurance company might closely examine whether you were riding a motorcycle for which you have the proper documentation.
Although you’ll see many locals riding without helmets, such riding is not only illegal but also a reckless risk to your health. Therefore, we strongly urge you, for your own safety, to always wear a helmet.
Where are the most beautiful beaches on Bali?
This is indeed a tough question. Bali has beautiful beaches almost everywhere, so it’s important to think about what exactly you’re expecting from a beach. Are you interested in snorkeling? Calm waters for swimming? Surfing? Let’s break down the beaches based on these criteria.
Swimming and calmer waters
For swimming in calmer waters, we recommend three beaches in the south of the island: Nusa Dua, Padang Padang, and Jimbaran. These beaches not only tend to have smaller waves, but they are also purely sandy, making swimming more pleasant and safer. On the northern side of the island, you can find calmer beaches in the west near Amed or in the east near Menjangan Island.
Surfing
Surfing is a chapter of its own. It’s essential to determine whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wave rider. In the first case, we recommend the beaches in Kuta, Canggu or Uluwatu, while for the more advanced, it’s wise to check the current surf conditions. Generally speaking, during the dry season, it’s better to focus on the beaches on the west side of the island, and during the rainy season, the east side
Snorkeling and diving
Snorkeling and diving go hand in hand, and if you’re heading to Bali, you definitely shouldn’t miss visiting Amed or Menjangan, where you’ll find the most coral reefs and other fascinating underwater sights. Another place worth mentioning is Nusa Penida, about a 30-minute boat ride from Bali, where you can often spot manta rays, and during certain periods, the rare sunfish (mola mola). Another destination not to overlook is the Gili Islands. They are located near Lombok but are still easily accessible from Bali and are a frequent destination for visitors. Around Gili Meno, you’ll find an underwater statue installation, and around all three islands, there are coral reefs and a high chance of encountering turtles.
Sand color
You’ll mainly find yellow beaches in the south of the island, while the beaches in the north are predominantly black.
Cliffs and viewpoints
Bali has many cliffs and viewpoints. However, the most famous one, which you likely know from travel brochures, is not located on Bali but on the previously mentioned island of Nusa Penida. It is commonly known as T-rex Beach (Kelingking beach).
Restaurants and sunsets
Sunsets on Bali are often an unforgettable experience. On the west side of the island, you’ll find many places where you can enjoy them. Here are just a few examples: Tanah Lot Temple, the cliffs above Dreamland or Balangan Beach, Kuta Beach, Canggu, and of course, Jimbaran Beach. In Jimbaran, in addition to the largest fish and seafood market, there are countless restaurants offering set menus featuring fresh seafood. The tables are often placed directly on the beach, allowing you to enjoy both the sunset and delicious food.
Danger of currents
Lastly, we’d like to mention the potential danger of strong ocean currents, which can be quite powerful in some areas. It’s important to remember that you’re at the ocean, not the Mediterranean Sea. If you decide to swim in a place where no one else is around, please don’t do so alone. Unfortunately, we must state from personal experience that in some areas, even a strong swimmer who can still touch the bottom might struggle against the current. Please approach swimming with caution and respect.
What currency is used on Bali and how to exchange money?
Currency
The official currency of all of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Like in many countries, the currency is divided into coins and banknotes. Coins come in denominations of 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 IDR, while banknotes range from 1,000 to 100,000 IDR.
Exchange offices and rates
A common question is whether to bring euros or dollars for your holiday. Exchange rates fluctuate, so it’s hard to say which currency is more favorable. Whichever you choose, we strongly recommend using larger exchange offices, ideally ones with a camera system inside. These offer minimal risk of being scammed. Avoid small, tucked-away kiosks labeled as exchange offices. While the exchange rate may be tempting, counting the exchanged money can be tricky, especially since the highest denomination banknote is small.
ATM withdrawals
Generally, withdrawing cash from ATMs on Bali is not a problem. If you don’t want to carry a large amount of foreign currency to cover your entire trip, using ATMs is an ideal solution. We’ve had the best experience with the blue ATMs of Mandiri Bank (maximum withdrawal of 2,500,000 IDR) or the yellow ATMs of Commonwealth Bank (maximum withdrawal of 3,000,000 IDR). If you need to withdraw a higher amount, you can make several withdrawals in a row. Even if you plan on using ATMs, we still recommend bringing a small amount of cash (either euros or dollars), just in case your card or nearby ATMs aren’t working. Before heading on vacation, contact your bank and inform them that you’re going to Indonesia. Otherwise, your card might be temporarily blocked. It’s better to handle these matters in advance than to deal with them from abroad (especially considering the cost of phone calls).
Is tap water drinkable on Bali?
DEFINITELY NOT. Please take this advice seriously and be aware that the water from the tap in Bali is only utility water. You can use it for washing clothes, bathing, brushing your teeth, washing dishes, or cooking, but you should definitely not drink it. Even the locals do not drink tap water.
You can buy water on almost every corner, and most accommodations offer refilling your bottle from a gallon for free or for a fee. If this option isn’t available at your accommodation, you can typically purchase bottled water there. If you have rented an entire property, it’s likely that you’ll find full (or empty) gallons on-site. These can be exchanged for full ones at any store for about 25,000 IDR.
Do you need a plug adapter on Bali?
No, the plugs on Bali are the same as in most European countries, but occasional power outages may occur. Bringing a power bank can be useful.
Where and what kind of SIM card should I buy?
It’s not an effective solution to buy overpriced data packages from your operator. Trust me, it’s not worth it. A much cheaper option is to buy a SIM card from a local operator. It’s also good to know that the very popular WhatsApp app can remain linked to your original phone number, so your family, friends, and contacts won’t be confused by messages coming from an unfamiliar foreign number.
From personal experience, we recommend using the operator TELKOMSEL. You can buy a SIM card immediately after landing and going through customs at the airport, but we don’t recommend that. There, you’ll pay much more for fewer data. SIM card stands are available almost everywhere. When buying a SIM card, make sure to bring your passport and the phone in which you’ll use the SIM card. You’ll typically be able to communicate in English at these stands.
TIP: If you download the Telkomsel app, you will find better data packages.
Where to buy the best fast boat tickets?
If you plan to visit nearby islands like Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands, you can find good deals on fast boat tickets through services like www.speedboatbali.com.
Since we cooperate with one of the largest boat ticket providers, you will find tickets with us at truly the lowest prices. Additionally, you can compare prices and reviews of all the companies offered.
Basic Information about Bali
- Capital: Denpasar
- Area: 5,780 km²
- Population: 4.22 million
- Languages: Indonesian, Balinese
- Religion: Balinese Hinduism (over 90%), Islam, Christianity, Buddhism
- Time Zone: CET +7 (winter), +6 (summer)
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Calling Code: +62
- Highest Mountain: Mount Agung (3,142 m above sea level)
