Bali travel guide.

When to go

Bali’s dry season runs April to October, with July and August as the busiest and most expensive weeks alongside the December to early January holiday peak. The November to March wet season brings afternoon downpours rather than washed-out days, and hotel prices drop meaningfully outside the holiday window.

The shoulder months, April to June and September to October, combine dry-season weather with lighter crowds and softer prices, and are the best-value windows for most itineraries. The exact cheapest months are broken down on our Bali trip cost page.

Picking a base

Canggu and Seminyak anchor the beach-club and cafe scene on the west coast; Uluwatu on the Bukit peninsula has the island’s best surf and clifftop sunsets; Sanur and Nusa Dua run calmer and suit families. Ubud, inland among the rice terraces, is the base for temples, jungle and the island’s wellness scene.

Most first trips split nights between one coastal base and Ubud rather than commuting: island traffic is slow, and a Canggu to Ubud transfer commonly takes 1 to 2 hours by car despite the short distance.

Getting in and around

All international flights land at Denpasar (DPS) in the island’s south. Visa on arrival covers stays of up to 30 days for most passports and can be extended once, as of August 2026; verify your passport against the Indonesian immigration site before flying.

There is no rail network and public transit is minimal, so travelers move by ride-hailing apps (Gojek, Grab), metered taxis, scooter rental, or a private driver for full-day sightseeing, typically US$35 to US$50 per day as of August 2026. Fast boats from Sanur and Padangbai serve Nusa Penida, Lembongan and the Gili Islands.

Airports

• DPS. I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport

Do I need a visa to visit Bali?

Most passports qualify for Indonesia’s visa on arrival, covering stays of up to 30 days and extendable once, as of August 2026. Check the official Indonesian immigration site for your passport before booking.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

April to October is the dry season. July, August and the year-end holidays are peak; April to June and September to October offer the same weather with lighter crowds and lower prices.

How much does a Bali trip cost per day?

About US$40 to US$70 per day for budget travelers and US$80 to US$160 per person for mid-range couples, as of August 2026. Our Bali trip cost page breaks this down by traveler type and trip length.

Where should I stay in Bali for a first visit?

Split nights between a coastal base and Ubud. Canggu or Seminyak for beach clubs and cafes, Uluwatu for surf and cliffs, Sanur or Nusa Dua for calm family beaches, and Ubud for temples, rice terraces and wellness.

How many days do I need in Bali?

Five to seven nights covers one beach base plus Ubud comfortably. Ten nights adds Nusa Penida or the Gilis without rushing.

How do I get around Bali?

Ride-hailing apps and taxis for short hops, scooters for confident riders, and a private driver for full-day tours, typically US$35 to US$50 per day as of August 2026. There is no rail and little public transit.

Is Bali safe for tourists?

Bali is one of Southeast Asia’s most visited destinations and routine tourism is straightforward. The practical risks are traffic and scooter accidents, strong surf on unpatrolled beaches, and drinking tap water, which visitors should avoid.

Wet season or dry season, how different are they?

The November to March wet season means humid days with afternoon downpours rather than constant rain. Sightseeing continues, seas run rougher for boat trips, and hotels price well below dry-season peaks outside the holidays.