Bali, Indonesia: things to do, when to go & how long to stay

Overview

The Hindu island that anchors Indonesian tourism. Ubud covers culture, rice terraces and wellness; Canggu and Seminyak the café and surf scene; Uluwatu the cliffs and breaks; the east and north are much quieter.

Plan & book

Stays, activities and transport for Bali will be bookable here soon.

Where to stayComing soon

Curated stays by area and budget will appear here once hotel partners are connected.

Tours & activitiesComing soon

Bookable experiences will appear here once activity partners are connected.

Car rentalComing soon

Rental pickup options will appear here once car partners are connected.

Why go to Bali

Ubud's rice terraces and temples
Surf from beginner beach breaks to Uluwatu reef
Enormous range of stays and food
Easy hops to Nusa Penida and the Gilis

Budget

Bali is affordable by Indonesia standards. Across Indonesia, mid-range travellers typically spend about $55–$100 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Indonesia budget breakdown.

Practical information

South Bali traffic is heavy — group activities by area
Nyepi closes the whole island for 24 hours, flights included

When to go to Bali

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 5–10 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

Domestic flights are the practical way to move between island groups and are frequent and inexpensive
Fast boats link Bali with the Nusa islands, the Gilis and Lombok — sea conditions can cancel them

Suggested itineraries

Bali and neighbours
12 days
An island base plus boat trips to Nusa Penida and the Gilis.
Route: Bali → Nusa Penida → Lombok & the Gili Islands
Java overland
10 days
Temples, cities and two volcano sunrises by train and road.
Route: Jakarta → Yogyakarta → Mount Bromo & Ijen → Bali
Islands and dragons
14 days
Bali, east Java volcanoes and a Komodo boat trip.
Route: Bali → Mount Bromo & Ijen → Komodo & Flores