Planning a trip to Bali: travel tips, a guide for the tourists

The mention Bali, many people imagine beautiful beaches and think that it is something special place. For someone, the Bali trip is unusual and fairy. The island is rich in unusual sights worth visiting: various complexes and temples, volcanoes, amusement parks, and museums.

From the article you can learn what to see in Bali and what to do, you find a detailed description of the top 10 best places on the island where you can go during your trip to Bali.

Planning a trip to Bali: general information about the island and attractions

Bali is between Lombok and Java, in the Malay Archipelago. The summit of Mount Agung is its highest point. The island coast is washed by the Indian Ocean in the south and the Bali Sea in the north.

The waters of the northern and eastern parts (Lovina, White Saint Beach) are quite calm, and the south is famous for big waves (Nusa Dua, Kuta, Jimbaran, Seminyak), which is especially attractive for surfers.

The sand on southern Bali is of the usual yellow color, and on the eastern and northern Bali beaches, it is gray and black, which was facilitated by volcanic rock.

Bali is inhabited by about 3 million people, the official language is Indonesian, but you can also hear Balinese and some local dialects here. Most of the payments are made in the local currency – the Indonesian rupiah. It is preferable for the trade than foreign money. But sometimes you can still pay in euros or dollars.

The island climate is tropical and has two seasons:

• arid – from the second half of May to the end of October;
• rainy – from November to March-April.

The high humidity of 75-80% significantly complicates the tolerance of heat.

Bali is famous all over the world for its diversity and uniqueness. Among them are various temples, antiquities, museums, and cultural parks. From all the variety, one can single out the most attractive places for tourism. If you want to know, how do I plan an itinerary in Bali, below is a list of attractions to visit on this amazing island.

Jatiluwih – rice terraces

The green heart of the island is in its center. Since 2012, rice terraces have been considered protected sites by UNESCO. They are in the region of Mount Batukaru. The area abounds with walking paths, from which you can admire the beauties of the rice terraces and the views of the volcano.

At the entrance to Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, there are small local markets with souvenirs and cafés. All paths come down to the central path, so it is quite difficult to get lost here. But for greater confidence, you can purchase a detailed map with illustrations at the entrance and make the best Bali itinerary from the first day.

Bali itinerary to Volcano Agung (Gunung Agung)

The sacred mountain for the Balinese, which has a conical shape and is the highest island point – 3142 m above sea level. The crater is 200 m in diameter, and a salt lake has formed in its center. During the calm period, climbing the mountain was available. Agung has been active since 2017, and last erupted in June 2019.

Currently, it is closed for climbing and the beauty of the giant can only be observed from afar.

Bali itinerary to Goa Goja – Elephant Cave

It is located near Ubud, in the settlement of Bedulu. The building dates back to the 11th century, and it is believed that it was built by the ancient inhabitants – of Bali Aga. The name comes from the Hindu deity Ganesh, depicted with an elephant’s head.

The entrance is made in the form of the head of a sinister spirit, near which there is a sanctuary with three gods. Many figures have lost their appearance over time, but the Balinese continue to bring offerings to them.

Trip to Bali to water places Tirtagangga and Ujung

Both buildings were erected by the last ruler of Karangasem. Soekasada Udjung (Ujung Water Palace) was built in 1921 and was the residence of the king. The building was almost destroyed as a result of the Agunga eruption in 1963. But the local government managed to restore it.

Tirta Gangga Palace is a labyrinth of pools, various fountains, and pavilions surrounded by lush gardens. Construction began in 1948, but the awakening of Agung caused significant damage to the building, as did the subsequent penetration of looters into it.

The royal couple had no more money to complete the building and work was suspended. Only in 1979, the restoration of the Tirtagang Palace began thanks to donations, and restoration continues to this day.

Bali itinerary to Waterfall Munduk

It is near the village of Bedugul. You can see the waterfall by going down to the lake along the path in the mountains for 450-500 m. Its height is 15 m, and the maximum fullness is reached from November to early April.

On the way to Munduk, there are thickets of spices and coffee plantations.

You can also buy these products on a beautiful island at the shop at the entrance.

Visit Lake Beratan during the trip to Bali

The Balinese name Beratan means “lake of holy water”. It is in the Chatur crater and is revered by the locals, and is also used as a source of fresh water and for irrigating rice plantations. According to legend, swimming in the lake at sunset gives longevity and good health.

Here stands the famous temple Pura Ulan Danu Bratan with a pagoda of 11 tiers, dedicated to Devi Dan, the goddess of the original water. By renting a boat, you can take a walk on the water and admire nature.

Temple Pura Goa Lawah

The name of the temple is translated as “cave of bats”. It was built in the 11th century in honor of the spirits of the ocean and the sea. Many bats inhabit the cave. According to legend, it was connected to the Agung volcano by a tunnel stretching for many km.

During the eruption in 1963, clouds of smoke and ash came out of the cave. But then there was a collapse, and the tunnel was blocked. Near the cave are a sanctuary and a ritual platform where ceremonies are held with gifts to the sea gods and prayers, which are also interesting to look at.

Bali itinerary to the monkey forest in Ubud

This wooded area is inhabited by a large number of monkeys, which can be observed or treated. But you should be careful not to provoke animals. Before visiting, it is better to hide jewelry and small items – the monkeys are not averse to assigning the things they like to themselves.

Here you can visit Pura Dalem Agung Padang Tegal – the temple of the dead, where the ashes are delivered for burial. The Balinese believe that the sanctuary is inhabited by evil spirits, so they bring generous offerings to it and arrange ceremonies.

Why do you need to go to the Neka Art Gallery when you visit Bali

The museum is in the central part of Ubud. It is named after the local artist Sutej Neka, who dreamed of collecting a collection of paintings and introducing the people of Bali to art. The museum exhibits over 400 works created by both local and visiting European artists, inspired by the beauties of the island.

There are quite a few places like this in Bali. Of the popular ones, one can single out the Pacifica Gallery, which consists of 11 rooms with paintings by various painters. It also hosts master classes in Balinese painting and mobile exhibitions.

Pacifika Museum in Bali

You must write this place in your Bali trip planner. The Pacifika Museum is a one-of-a-kind collection of Pacific cultural artifacts. There are no other museums in Nusa Dua, which further fuels interest in the Pasifika Museum. Built-in a distinctive Balinese style, the Pacifica Museum was founded in 2006 and is in the Nusa Dua Tourism Development Centre.

The project was organized by the wealthy Indonesian Moretaryanto and the famous French collector Philippe Auge, having found support from Balinese artists.

Pasifika Museum consists of 11 extensive galleries dedicated to either one of the geographical regions with its ancient traditions, or a separate movement in art. In total, the museum has collected more than 600 works of art. More than 200 authors from 25 countries of the world presented their works here.

So, if you want to see these amazing places, you must go to Bali. How much would a trip to Bali cost? It is most profitable to fly to rest for a long time, then, based on one day of rest, it is not too expensive.

Compare for yourself, tours for two for one week cost from $2,000, and for three weeks – from $3,500 with travel insurance. And these are average cheap flights. Thus, you can already answer the question for yourself, how many days should I plan for Bali?

At the same time, all tours include flights on regular flights with at least one connection (most often in Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur). Tours with one connection are usually $800 more expensive than those with two.

Trip to Bali: attractions of the main districts. What to see in the southern part during the trip to Bali?

Bali is one of the most popular islands. It is divided into 8 municipalities, which include administrative and tourist areas. When planning a Bali vacation, it is useful to familiarize yourself with them.

The southern tip of the island is famous for its many entertainment venues, so it is an ideal place for lovers of holidays, beach clubs, and nightlife. The famous temple of Pura Tonah Lot is in the southwestern part of Bali. Here are the most elite hotels in Bali.

Nusa Dua

One of the favorite resort areas among tourists. The resort has gained popularity due to the turquoise water and white sand. The beach area of ​​the island is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful places. Ideal for family holidays.

Attractions on Nusa Dua in Bali:

1. Dewdan Show is a national theater that is famous for its large-scale, colorful performances.
2. The Pacifika Museum is the only museum in the area.
3. Square of the Five Temples – symbolizes the unity of faith. All temples are currently active.

Advantages:

• highly rated hotels (4 and 5 stars);
• a large number of shopping centers and shops.

Flaws:

• few establishments open at night;
• you can visit the Nusa Dua beach only according to the low tide schedule.

Kuta

The area is visited in search of entertainment. Kuta beach is especially popular with surfers. Local beaches boast the highest waves in Bali. You can also rent surf equipment here.

Attractions Kuta for your perfect Bali itinerary:

1. Museum Cartoon Indonesia is a museum of cartoons.
2. Vihara Dharmayana Kuta is a Buddhist temple of Vihara Dharmayana Kuta. One of the oldest temples on the island, where Buddhist holidays are celebrated.
3. Waterbom Bali is the largest water park on the island with 12 water slides.
4. Upside down world Bali – cool attraction where everything is turned upside down.

Advantages:

• acceptable cost of living;
• extensive surfing opportunities.

Flaws:

• a large number of people on the beaches;
• high risk of fraud;
• high traffic congestion;
• the roar of aircraft due to the proximity of the airport.

Canggu

More calm area. Here, no one interferes with the rest. The resort is famous for its rice fields, Balinese-style houses, and hotels.

Canggu Club is an active recreation center. There are:

• trampolines;
• bowling;
• water park and children’s center here.

Pros:

• lots of yoga centers.

Flaws:

• street activities that migrate around the area and can interfere with a relaxing holiday;
• lack of streets for pedestrians.

Sanur

Mostly wealthy tourists rest here, so accommodation is not cheap. There is a Sanur port with a ferry. An ideal place to relax with children. Sanur will appeal to lovers of a relaxing pastime: the sea without big waves, and beaches with yellow sand.

Attractions for the Bali itinerary:

1. Museum Le Mayeur is a museum of the famous artist Le Mayeur. Especially this attraction is worth a visit to lovers of impressionism.
2. Pee Ka Boo is an entertainment center for children. Equipped with many rides and games rooms.

Advantages:

• calm sea;
• wide opportunities for diving.

Flaws:

• strong tides;
• no nightlife.

Bali itinerary to the Seminyak

Elite area with exquisite hotels (the best is Potato Head beach club), beach resorts, and branded boutiques. Seminyak appeals to lovers of designer clothes. A popular place is Nyaman Gallery – an art gallery, which presents not only paintings by famous artists, but also jewelry, street art, and clothing.

Advantages:

• many spas;
• beautiful beaches.

Flaws:

• high traffic congestion;
• high cost of living;
• inflated prices in markets and shops.

Bali itinerary to the Kerobokan

The peculiarity of the resort is dark volcanic sand. Although the local sea is not suitable for just swimming, it is perfect for surfing. Kerobokan is the perfect place for lovers of Indonesian cuisine.

But shopping lovers are not delighted because there are few boutiques here. But the area is the center of arts and crafts.

Attractions:

1. Purpa Fine Art Gallery is a unique collection of works by contemporary and emerging artists. Exhibitions are held regularly.
2. Petitenget Temple is Bali’s main centuries-old temple.

The main advantage is the low cost of housing.

The disadvantage is the underdeveloped infrastructure.

Bali itinerary to the Jimbaran

If you visit Bali, you can find housing affordable. The resort is famous for its excellent white sand swimming beaches, many entertainment options, and local restaurants.

Attractions:

1. Jimbaran Fish Market is a fish market famous for its variety of fresh seafood. The chefs can immediately prepare the acquired fish in the restaurant.
2. Garuda Wisnu Kencana – Garuda Vishnu Park is a great place to relax, where you can see the famous Balinese dances.
3. Pura Luhur Uluwatu is an ancient temple on a cliff. Locals and tourists love to visit it because of the magnificent view from the mountain.

Advantages:

• beautiful beaches;
• ample opportunities for a comfortable stay.

The disadvantage is that it is near Bali airport (Ngurah Rai international airport), so the roar of planes can interfere with the rest.

Tanjung Benoa

Initially, the area was a small fishing village, but now it is a resort with great recreation opportunities. Mostly middle-class hotels, and many surf schools.

Attractions:

1. Satria Coffee Plantation – coffee plantations where you can treat yourself to coffee and see the process of extraction of rare varieties of grains.
2. Pura Segara Rupek is a temple by the sea. Dedicated to the sea gods. Here you can often meet fishermen who, before going to the sea, ask for blessings from the deity.

Advantages:

• nearby are the beaches of Nusa Dua;
• a wide range of housing at affordable prices.

Cons: The beaches are quite dirty. Many tourists get sick in Bali belly because of unsanitary conditions.

Kedongana

Beach area is near Kuta. It has a cleaner coastline. One of the most popular areas in Bali, so there are a lot of both locals and tourists. Mid-range and luxury hotels, as well as budget hostels. Kedonganan Beach – the area does not have many attractions, so you can only see the beach here.

Advantages:

• affordable housing;
• beautiful sunsets;
• many outdoor restaurants.

Flaws:

• crowded, especially during the beach season;
• high cost of seafood in restaurants.

Bali itinerary to the Serangan

It is near the southern coast, not far from the capital – Denpasar. Also, the area is called “turtle island” because there is a turtle breeding center.

Attractions for your Bali trip:

1. Bali Dolphins is a unique dolphinarium where you can not only watch dolphin shows but also communicate with these amazing mammals.
2. Turtle Conversation & Education Center is a turtle breeding center. Here you can watch the birth of turtles and their development.
3. Sakenan Temple is a temple complex dedicated to death. One of the oldest temples.

Advantages:

• wide opportunities for surfing;
• clear water;
• 10 km from the capital.

The downside is the strong current.

Legian

There is an ideal place for beginner surfers. The area is reminiscent of the resort of Kuta but more peaceful. There are many night beach clubs, surf schools, and boutiques. Local attraction Dream Museum Zone is a unique 3D museum where you can take amazing photos. That’s why it’s worth bringing your tripod.

Advantages:

• inexpensive housing;
• great tourism opportunities.

The downside of this place for your Bali vacation, it’s crowded in the summer.

Best Bali itinerary to the central, east, and north regions

The most popular tourist resorts are here. People come here to see the real life of the island. Traditional Indonesian holidays are often in the center.

Ubud

The cultural capital of Bali is home to many craft villages, workshops, and museums.

Great place to experience the life of the locals.

Attractions:

1. Celuk Village – the village of Celuk, which is home to masters of jewelry. You can get acquainted with the technology of making jewelry.
2. Ubud Traditional Art Market is a traditional Balinese art market where handmade goods are presented.
3. Tirta Empul Temple is a temple where you can dive into the sacred waters and perform a purification ceremony.
4. Sacred Monkey is the sanctuary and natural habitat of the Balinese long-tailed monkey.
5. Gunung Kawi – royal tombs are in the rocks. Also, here you can see rice areas, a Hindu temple, and Buddhist caves.

Advantages:

• many attractions for a day trip;
• affordable housing.

The disadvantage is the distance from the beaches.

Tabanan during the Bali trip

It borders Canggu. The area is mainly agricultural. Suitable for those who want visiting Bali and plunge into the traditional atmosphere of the villages on the island.

Attractions:

1. Jatiluwih Green Land – rice terraces where you can walk.
2. Pura Luhur Batukau is a temple on Mount Batukaru. Locals believe that it protects the island from harm.
3. Bali Treetop Adventure Park is a rope park equipped with trails of varying difficulty.

Advantages:

• suitable for lovers of a relaxing holiday;
• the beaches can be accessed by bike.

Flaws:

• tourism infrastructure is not developed;
• the ray volcanic sand on the beaches.

Candidasa

A distinctive feature of the eastern resorts of the island is the abundance of temples and local villages with their traditional flavor. There are no noisy crowds and nightly entertainment, but there are ample opportunities for diving.

Suitable for a relaxing holiday and lovers to enjoy the sea. There are many expensive hotels, despite the unsuitability of the beaches for swimming.

Attractions:

1. Pura Goa Lawah – temple of bats. More than a thousand of these mammals live here.
2. Uforia Chocolate Factory is a chocolate factory where you can learn about the process of making treats and treat yourself to them.
3. Pura Gumang is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Of the advantages – a relaxing holiday. The disadvantage is a completely flooded beach during high tides.

Bali itinerary to Amed

An ideal place for lovers of fishing and diving. Rice fields and picturesque bays will not leave anyone indifferent.

Attractions:

1. Taman Sukasada Ujung is one of the unique water palaces where you can enjoy plenty of silence.
2. Taman Tirtagangga is the second water palace. Previously, there was a royal residence.

Advantages:

• wide beach area;
• developed tourism.

Flaws:

• a small number of shops;
• there are a lot of pebbles on the beaches.

The beaches in the north of Bali are unsuitable for swimming, the tourist structure is poorly developed. But this is an ideal place for lovers of “wild” nature and contemplative relaxation.

Bali itinerary to Pemuteran

Expanse for diving. Swimming in the local seas is not recommended, but you can look at sunken ships and the remains of cities.

Attractions:

1. Pulaki Temple is a complex of seven temples, considered a true sea shrine.
2. Atlas South Sea Pearl Farm is a pearl farm where you can see how pearls are grown in the tissues of the largest sea pearl, as well as watch the breeding of oysters.

The advantage is a quiet holiday. The disadvantage is the small opportunities for tourism.

Perfect Bali itinerary to Lovina

Good for holidays with kids. There is no chic nightlife here, but there is an opportunity to enjoy a harmonious rest.

Attractions:

1. Pura Ulun Danu is a temple dedicated to the goddess of water. Part of the building is on the water. You can take a boat ride on the lake.
2. LovinaDolphin Tour is a dolphinarium that you can visit by boat.
3. Bali Strawberry Farm & Restaurant is a strawberry farm where you can not only admire the local beauties but also pick berries.

Advantages:

• many spas;
• variety of attractions;
• family holiday.

The disadvantage is that the beaches are not suitable for swimming.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many beautiful places in Bali besides famous beaches. If you want to fly away on vacation, plan the right time. What is the best month to go to Bali? The best month to visit Bali is April, May, September, and October. And then you can get the maximum pleasure from your holiday in a fabulous place.