Bali trip planner

Bali Holiday Planning Guide

A province of Indonesia, the island of Bali remains one of the world's top tourist destinations thanks to its beaches, diving spots, and resorts. Take a trip to Bali to discover the island's smiling and famously hospitable locals--perhaps the biggest treasure of this tropical paradise. More than just another fun-in-the-sun getaway, Bali also reveals a rich history and varied geography of mountains, rugged coastal areas, sandy beaches, thriving rice terraces, and stark volcanic hillsides that seem transported from another planet. A Bali tour uncovers some of the world's best surfing spots, as well as a deeply spiritual local culture and globally significant archeological attractions.

Places to Visit in Bali

Cities in Bali

Denpasar: The island's capital serves as the main port of entry for Bali holidays, with plenty of beaches to escape the often chaotic streets, and excellent onward connections to tourist-friendly destinations.

Kuta: Bali tourism centers around this fishing village turned party destination, which offers picturesque beaches by day and non-stop, raging parties after the sun goes down.

Ubud: Seemingly a world away from the hectic party scene of coastal Bali, this inland town offers an insight into the island's more traditional lifestyle, with plenty of historical and natural attractions nearby.

Seminyak: Known for its impressive sunsets, the west-facing coastal town of Seminyak offers some of the island's finest beaches, with less of a dizzying party scene than nearby Kuta.

Popular Bali Tourist Attractions

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary: Scores of monkeys inhabit this historic temple complex and the surrounding forest--the cheeky creatures love to snatch snacks and shiny objects from unsuspecting tourists.

Waterbom Bali: This water park features an abundance of slides, pools, and half pipes, making it one of the most popular Bali attractions for family travelers.

Tanah Lot Temple: Religion, architecture, and spectacular natural scenery come together at this Hindu temple, perched on a rock off the coast and holding an important place in many Balinese hearts.

Uluwatu Temple: Overlooking the ocean from atop dramatic cliffs, this holy temple makes an excellent spiritual addition to any Bali itinerary.

Kuta Beach - Bali: Humming with tourist energy, this beach serves as a popular spot for surfing and family outings, with Kuta's abundance of restaurants and bars just a stone's throw away.

Bali Safari & Marine Park: Majestic animals roam the grounds and inhabit the water features of this expansive wildlife complex, known in particular for its excellent night safari tours.

Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Admire the tiered paddies of this famous Ubud rice terrace, which attracts tourists looking to get a sense of the island's traditional agriculture during their Bali holiday.

Sanur Beach: Easily accessible from the island's main airport, this expansive beach offers white sand and warm water, providing perfect conditions for families with young children.

Nusa Dua Beach: You'll feel particularly safe when swimming, jet-skiing, or sailing at this popular beach, which offers the added security of lifeguards patrolling during busy times.

Beachwalk Shopping Center: Take home some souvenirs to remember your trip to Bali by at this open-air mall, which features some well-known international brands alongside a museum dedicated to traditional Balinese clothwork.

Planning a Bali Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit in Bali with Kids

Bali tourism caters extremely well to families, with plenty of child-friendly destinations and an abundance of family-appropriate accommodations to choose from.

Ease into your Bali holiday by heading to the beach at Seminyak, where kids can have a ball splashing about and frolicking in the warm water.

To give the kids a more traditional taste of the island, head inland to Ubud to explore lush forests and monkey-riddled temples.

Bear in mind that the party district of Kuta, perhaps the most popular place to visit in Bali, can get quite seedy at night and might not be ideal for young kids outside of daylight hours.

Quieter spots, such as Sanur and Nusa Dua, might offer better alternatives.

Things to Do in Bali with Kids

Your kids will feel like they're in paradise during a Bali vacation, with the island offering an abundance of activities catering specifically to the little ones.

Introduce them to some of Indonesia's most interesting animals with a night safari at Bali Safari & Marine Park, or let them cool off with a splash at Waterbom Bali.

Don't worry about your kids getting bored while visiting some of the more cultural attractions in Bali--the distinctive temple complex at Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is as interesting for its primates as for its religious significance.

If you run out of ideas to keep the children entertained, simply head to the nearest beach and let them make their own fun.

Tips for a Family Vacation in Bali

The biggest potential danger during a family trip to Bali comes from the traffic, with poorly maintained roads and erratic driving leading to risky situations on the road.

Pay extra attention to your kids when crossing main roads, and consider hiring a professional driver to get your from place to place on your Bali itinerary.

Don't be surprised if Balinese people pay special attention to your little ones--children are almost revered in the local culture, and it's considered polite to enquire about other people's kids and family when you meet.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday in Bali

Cuisine of Bali

Spicy, fragrant, and extremely tasty, the local cuisine stands out as one of the major draw cards for tourism in Bali.

Rice-based dishes dominate the menu, with garlic, ginger, chili, turmeric, and cumin all featuring heavy as seasonings.

Head to coastal destinations like Seminyak to try a range of fresh seafood dishes cooked using traditional spices and techniques.

You should also make it a priority to try bebek betutu--spiced duck cooked in a barbecue pit--during your Bali vacation. Keep in mind that the island's majority Hindu population would almost never cook or serve beef, even to foreigners.

Shopping in Bali

The massive popularity of tourism in Bali has led to a large industry for traditional souvenirs and Western-style shopping on the island.

You can buy an incredible range of summer clothing--both top brands and knockoffs--at beachside hotspots, particularly Kuta.

For more traditional souvenirs--such as delightfully intricate batik fabrics and distinctive topeng masks--visit markets like Beachwalk Shopping Center and go on the hunt for a bargain.

Don't be afraid to haggle during your Bali holiday, as you'll likely be offered an inflated tourist price before working your way down to a better deal.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Bali

Interesting Facts About Bali

● In contrast to the rest of Indonesia, a largely Muslim nation, the majority of Balinese people practice Hinduism

● The island features two volcanoes, both of which remain active

● Tourism in Bali represents around 80 percent of the island's economy

● According to the island's traditional pawukon calendar, each year has 210 days

Holidays & Festivals in Bali

The island's rich selection of culturally significant festivals can add a touch of intrigue to any Bali itinerary.

If you visit Denpasar between mid-June and mid-July, you can catch the Bali Arts Festival, during which elaborate parades and performances dominate some of the city's main squares.

Around the same time, the Bali Kites Festival sees thousands of locals flying handmade paper kites to mark the beginning of the windy months.

If you vacation in Bali during March, you can participate in a surreal celebration of the lunar new year. Instead of throwing a raucous party, Balinese locals observe the occasion in complete silence.

Useful Bali Travel Tips

Climate of Bali

Bali's tropical climate is, for the most part, quite consistent and predictable.

No matter what time of year you plan your Bali holiday, expect hot, humid weather, with daily highs hovering around 32 C (90 F) and lows rarely dipping below 23 C (73 F).

The dry season--between April and September--offers the best conditions for a trip to Bali, while the wet season runs from October to March and sees tropical deluges most days.

If you need some respite from the heat, head to central towns like Ubud, where the higher altitude creates a slightly cooler climate.

Transportation in Bali

Navigating the public transport options can cause a major headache during a Bali vacation.

Poorly maintained roads, hair-raising driving, and the lack of a formalized transportation network make it difficult to plan a Bali itinerary without arranging private transport.

Within major destinations, such as Denpasar and Kuta, you can get around fairly easily and affordably using metered taxis.

To go between towns, however, you might have to endure a long, hot, bumpy ride in a cramped minibus known as a bemo. By far the easiest way to organize your Bali vacation is to hire a professional driver to take you and your family from place to place.