Our comprehensive Bali Travel Guide featuring the city’s must-visit tourist spots, recommended hotels, must-try restaurants and more!
Bali, Indonesia is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The island of Bali is known for its picturesqzenue rice paddies, white sand beaches, and forested volcanic mountains. It boasts of its stunning religious sites and temples with remarkable Balinese architecture. So, wherever you are in Bali, you are assured that you will have something to see and do. Here’s our comprehensive Bali Travel Guide for your reference.
VISA REQUIREMENTS TO BALI, INDONESIA
Philippine passport holders can visit Bali, Indonesia without applying for a visa as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) for a period of not more than 30 days. To know if you need a visa or a visa on arrival (VOA), you may check out the Indonesian Immigration website.
HOW TO GET TO BALI FROM MANILA, PHILIPPINES
Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia have direct flights to Bali from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Some cheaper flights have a layover in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can check for cheap flights now or search below.
HOW TO GET TO YOUR BALI HOTEL FROM BALI AIRPORT (DENPASAR)
After clearing the immigration and picking up your luggage, you may proceed outside the arrival hall and take a fixed-rate taxi going to your hotel in Bali. If you want convenience and cheaper rates, you can book a private Bali Airport Transfer here. The car can fit up to four (4) people and rates depend on where you stay in Bali. Check rates and book now. It is also highly recommended to get connected to the internet while in Bali so you can easily find your hotel/villa just in case your driver is not familiar with it. You may rent pocket wifi and pick it up at Bali Airport.
HOW TO GET AROUND BALI
There are quite a lot of options to get around Bali. When I was there the first time, I was with a group of friends so we rented a car to save costs. This is highly recommended especially when you are traveling with a group. Check rates and book. If you are a solo traveler, you may also rent a scooter or motorbike and drive yourself around Bali. If you do not know how to drive, you can take a taxi or book a Grab or Uber. Please take note that some areas banned the operation of Grab in Ubud. For me, the best way to enjoy Bali is to book a tour especially if you do not know how to drive or if you are traveling with a group. Here are some of the best activities you can enjoy and experience in Bali.
MUST-DO BALI TOURS
BALI FOR BEGINNERS TOUR
This tour is ideal for first time visitors to Bali as this gives an overview of the Balinese culture and a look of Bali’s famous tourist spots like the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, Tirta Empul Temple and Holy Springs, Gunung Kawi Royal Monument, Mas Village (wood carving), Celuk Village (gold & Silver smiths) and Batubalan with Kintamani for lunch with a view of Mt. Batur. CHECK RATES AND BOOK THE BALI FOR BEGINNERS TOUR HERE.
MT. BATUR VOLCANO SUNRISE TREK
If you are a morning person or if you like hiking or chasing sunrise, this is highly recommended for you. Standing at 5,633 feet, Mount Batur is an active volcano located at the center of two concentric calderas north west of Mount Agung on the island of Bali, Indonesia. Its first documented eruption was in 1804 and the most recent was in 2000. Witness a stunning sunrise when you visit Bali! CHECK RATES AND BOOK YOUR MT. BATUR SUNRISE TREK HERE.
ATV QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE IN BALI
Explore the challenging tracks of Bali and discover its picturesque landscapes, rice paddies and jungles on a two-hour ATV Quad Bike adventure. You may prefer to go solo or in tandem, either way you will be treated to breathtaking sights of Bali’s natural beauty as you drive around an extensive track. CHECK RATES AND BOOK YOUR ATV QUAD BIKE ADVENTURE HERE.
BALI SACRED TEMPLE TOUR
Forget about the usual tourist trails and opt for a spiritual trip. Learn more about Bali’s religious side – visit Besakih Temple, the largest and the holiest Hindu Temple in Bali and explore the Lempuyang Temple at Gamongan Karangasem’s summit for a chance to experience its eight sacred temples. CHECK RATES AND BOOK YOUR BALI SACRED TEMPLE TOUR.
TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES AND MONKEY FOREST TOUR
Explore the natural beauty of the Tegallalang Rice Terraces and Play with the monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest! The Ubud Monkey Forest is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bali. It is estimated to receive around 10,000 tourists every month according to its website. It lies within the village of Padangtegal, which actually owns it. The village’s residents consider the Monkey Forest as an important educational, economic, spiritual, and conservation center for the village. Aside from the hundreds of monkeys (approximately 700) living in this forest, you can also see different species of trees and enjoy a breath of fresh air. CHECK RATES AND BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE.
TOP BALI TOURIST ATTRACTIONS, BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN BALI
SEMINYAK BEACH
Address: Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Entrance Fee: Free
MOUNT BATUR
Address: South Batur, Kintamani, Bangli Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open All day but it’s most popular for sunrise trek
Entrance Fee: Tour costs Php1,458 / USD27
ULUWATU TEMPLE
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 9AM to 6PM
Entrance Fee: IDR40,000 / Php142 / USD2.7
TANAH LOT TEMPLE
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 7AM to 7PM
Entrance Fee: IDR60,000 / Php213 / USD4
UBUD MONKEY FOREST
Address: Jalan Monkey Forest – Padangtegal – Ubud – Gianyar- Bali
Opening Hours: Open Daily at 08.30 AM – 06.00 PM
Entrance Fee: IDR50,000 / Php177 / USD3.3
NUSA DUA BEACH
Address: Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES
Address: Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours but stores open at around 9AM to 6PM
Entrance Fee: Free / Minimal fee if you walk around the terraces
KUTA BEACH
Address: Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
Entrance Fee: Free
TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE
Address: Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open Daily at 9AM to 5PM
Entrance Fee: IDR15,000 / Php53 / USD1
Tirta Empul Temple is one of the top tourist spots in Bali you shouldn’t miss.
BATUAN TEMPLE
Address: Jl. Raya Batuan, Batuan, Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open daily at 9AM to 6PM
Entrance Fee: Donation
PURA TAMAN SARASWATI TEMPLE
Address: Jl. Kajeng, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open daily at 7AM to 5PM
Entrance Fee: FREE
Pura Taman Saraswati Temple is one of the most accessible tourist spots in Bali.
UMA PAKEL AGRO TOURISM AND SWING
Address: Jalan Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80561, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open daily at 8am to 7PM
Entrance Fee: IDR20,000 / Php71 / USD1.33
HANDARA ICONIC GATE
Address: Desa Singaraja-Denpasar, Pancasari, Sukasada, Pancasari, Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81161, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open all day
Entrance Fee: IDR30,000 / Php107 / USD2
This is one of the iconic tourist spots in Bali, Indonesia.
LEMPUYANG TEMPLE / PURA LEMPUYANG LUHUR
Address: Bunutan, Abang, Seraya Bar., Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Open Daily at 9AM to 5PM
Entrance Fee: IDR30,000 / Php107 / USD2
ACCOMMODATIONS IN BALI: Where to Stay in Bali?
Bali has a lot of accommodations to offer depending on your budget and preference. You can stay in cheap and affordable hotels, comfortable private villas or luxurious resorts. If you want to stay close to the beach then Seminyak, Kuta and Nusa Dua areas are highly recommended. If you want closer to nature and culture, then Ubud is a perfect place.
Villas in Bali
If you are traveling with friends and family and you want some sort of privacy, then I recommend staying in a villa just like what we did when I visited Bali for the first time. We stayed in the Seminyak area since we want closer to the beach and eat street. Recommended villas in Bali.
Glamping Tents in Bali
If you want an exclusive stay in the green fields of Bali away from the busy district, then Sadat Glamping Tents might be the right fit for you. It’s a boutique hotel that offers exclusive hospitality in the middle of the rice fields making it a very charming place. Check rates and availability.
Budget Accommodation in Bali (Less than Php1,000 / US$20)
Bulan Bali Homestay
Umah Dajane Guest House
Pangkung Sari Ubud
Kailash Bali
Mid-Range Accommodation in Bali (Less than Php 4,000 / US$80)
Nur Guest HouseTaman Rahasia Tropical Sanctuary & SpaTevana Seminyak
Luxury Hotels & Resorts in Bali
Sheraton Bali Kuta
Four Points by Sheraton Bali Kuta
INAYA Putri BaliGrand Hyatt BaliThe Ritz-Carlton BaliMulia Resort Nusa DuaThe St, Regis Bali Resort
RESTAURANTS IN BALI: Where to Eat in Bali, Indonesia?
Bali is not just about beaches and temples. It’s also about food! A food trip is something a traveler should do while in Bali. Here are some of the must-try restaurants in Bali that we tried.
Bebek Tepi Sawah Beachwalk Kuta
Have a taste of Bali’s famous deep-fried duck at Bebek Tepi Sawah in Beachwalk Kuta. The set meal includes a quarter of deep-fried duck, sauteed beans and a variety of spicy sauce. Definitely a must-try when in Bali.
Location: Beachwalk Shopping Center Lt. 3, Jalan Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Warung Babi Guling at Ibu Oka
Another famous food in Bali is Babi Guling, a Balinese style whole roasted suckling pig. It’s like lechon in the Philippines. It’s basically unique to the island as the rest of Indonesia are predominantly Muslim where consumption of pork is prohibited. Ibu Oka is probably the best place in Ubud to enjoy a serving of Babi Guling.
Location: Several stalls in Bali
Livingstone Cafe & Bakery
If you are looking for a cozy place to eat in Seminyak area where East meets West, then we highly recommend Livingstone Cafe & Bakery. They offer local food like Nasi Goreng, pastries such as croissants and cakes, healthy juices and a whole lot more. The food is good and the ambiance is perfect to relax and chill. We had our breakfast here when we’re in Bali and we liked the food and the minimalist feel of the restaurant.
Location: Jl. Petitenget No.88X, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Sawah Indah Resto
Sawah Indah Resto is a relaxing place to dine in the middle of the rice fields. The location is quite far from the town center and going there was a bit challenging since the road is a bit narrow. Food is good and reasonably priced but the serving is quite small. Overall, something that you should try in Ubud especially if you are looking for a traditional Balinese cuisine.
Location: Jalan Raya Goa Gajah, Peliatan, Ubud, Peliatan, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
La Sicilia Bali
La Sicilia offers traditional and authentic Italian fare and intimate dining ambiance right at the heart of Seminyak. The food is really good and reasonably priced. The staff were friendly and were always there to assist the customers. Highly recommended to try in Seminyak’s Eat Street!
Location: Jl. Laksamana no. 151, Oberoi, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Char Char Bar & Grill
Char Char Bar & Grill is probably the best place in Bali to do people watching situated in Seminyak’s Eat Street. Their bar area is placed practically on stairs, with small tables facing the narrow road. Definitely worth a try!
Location: Oberoi, Seminyak, Jl. Kayu Aya, Kerobokan Kelod, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
SAMPLE BALI ITINERARY AND EXPENSES
Day 1 Bali Travel Guide Itinerary – Off to Bali
4am – ETD Manila to Bali via Cebu Pacific Php 3,600 / USD68
7:50AM – ETA Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar). Airport transfer to Kuta Php321 / USD7.
10AM – Left things at the hotel
10:30AM – Explore Kuta Beach
12PM – Lunch at Bebek Tepi Sawah Beachwalk Kuta
2PM – Check in at a hotel in Kuta Php1,000 / USD19
2:30PM – Explore Seminyak
6PM – Dinner at La Sicilia Bali in Seminyak Eat Street Php1,500 / USD39
8PM – Chill at Char Char Bar & Grill Php500 / USD10
10PM – Back to the Hotel and Sleep
Day 2 Bali Travel Guide Itinerary – The Bali Tourist Trail (Tour costs Php1,922 / USD36)
8:30 – Hotel Pick up
9AM – Start of Bali Tour (Batubalan for Barong Dance Performance, Celuk Village and Mas Village.
12NN – Kintamani lunch with Mount Batur views
1PM – Continuation of Bali Tour (Tirta Empul Temple & Holy Springs, Gunung Kawi Royal Monument and Tagalalang rice terrace views)
6PM – End of Tour / Back to the Hotel
7:30PM Dinner at the hotel Php500 / USD10
8:30 – Bed time (preparing for next day’s early sunrise trek)
Day 3 Bali Travel Guide Itinerary – Sunrise Trek to Mount Batur Php1,458 / USD27
2:00AM – pick up at the hotel
3:30AM – short safety briefing on site
4:00AM – start of Mount Batur sunrise trek
7:00AM – Breakfast in Mt. Batur
8:00AM – Leave Mt. Batur
11:00AM – Visit a coffee plantation
12:30PM – drop off to the Hotel
3PM – Visit Nusa Dua Beach / Late lunch (not part of the tour) Php1,000 / USD19
6PM – Dinner in Jimbaran Php800 / USD15
Day 4 Bali Travel Guide Itinerary – Bye Bali!
BALI TRAVEL TIPS
- Bring USD or at least buy some Indonesian local currency from the airport. If you change Php in Bali the conversion is relatively low.
- You can withdraw local currency from your ATMs with visa/MasterCard logo
- Dress properly especially when you visit a temple.
- Bring your own sarong if you can as some temples require both men and women to wear sarong before you can enter.
- Make sure to only use authorized money changers if you want to change your USD
BALI SIDE TRIP
Nusa Penida is the most popular side trip destination from Bali. Experience the scenic island of Nusa Penida when you are visiting Bali. Avoid the hassle, book a Nusa Penida Full Day Tour.
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Glen Nomad is a travel blogger and the founder of Escape Manila, one of the top travel blogs in the Philippines. He has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines and has explored 53 countries across Asia, North & South America, East Africa, Europe, and Australia. Follow him on IG at @escapemanila