Loading...

Bali travel guide

Bali is synonymous with blissful escape, whether it’s the relaxing beach vibe that lures you, the nightlife, the zen-like mountainside retreats, the welcoming and friendly people – or all of the above. Kuta, Nusa Dua, Legian, Seminyak… Bali has many different neighbourhoods, each with its own personality and loyal fans. With an ever-changing kaleidoscope of bars, hotels and things to do, one visit to Bali is just never enough.  If you’re planning a visit, explore our Bali travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time in one of Australia’s best-loved travel destinations. We’ve collected the best tips from our travel experts, and have all sorts of suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay in Bali, how to get around, and more. We even have a handy guide to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.

Where to stay

Some Bali locations are famous for their beaches, others for their luxury, and further still for their arts. When it comes to deciding where to stay in Bali, the truth is you’re spoiled for choice. ...

Things to do

You can do as little or as much as you like in Bali, and therein lies its charm. Apart from the countless beaches and famous nightlife, Bali woos travellers with its abundance of water sports, hiking trails, waterfalls and ancient temples. This is also a destination known for its culture, arts and shopping, with plenty of opportunity to pick up some local handicrafts. Of all the things to do in Bali, make sure you also make time for a little pampering — the spas here are something else.

Travel tips

As a popular location for western travellers, Bali is a friendly destination for tourists seeking a home away from home. However, there are a few Bali travel tips that can make this unique island experience even more enjoyable.  As with many travel destinations, you need to ensure your vaccinations are up to date, and heed the relevant Bali travel advice issued at the time of your intended visit. Meanwhile, visas are no longer required for stays of less than 30 days, and there are few language barriers with many Balinese speaking fluent English.

Getting Around

Sometimes chaotic, often frenetic and regularly congested, Bali transport has a unique personality of its own. Arguably the best way to navigate local precincts is on foot or via the readily available Bali taxis. If you have great confidence in your driving ability and navigational skills, car and scooter hire are also potential methods of getting around Bali....

Where to eat

Depending on your location, Bali food and drink can vary from standard western fare to more exotic and traditional Balinese delights. A short stroll from the creature comforts of Kuta and its resorts, adventurous options beckon, while the villages and bustling night markets provide an insight into traditional Indonesian cuisine and the more authentic flavours on offer. ...

Shopping

A bargain hunter’s paradise is perhaps the best way to describe Bali shopping. Thriving shopping malls, village markets, and roadside stalls all cater to your every retail whim. Destinations like Kuta offer western fashion and accessories at discount prices. Handicrafts, clothing, homewares, and jewellery are also readily available....

Best time to travel

Although warm and tropical year-round, the weather in Bali features two distinct seasons: the dry and the wet. The dry season runs from May to September and these months are considered the best time to travel to Bali. ...

Beaches

The striking element of Bali beaches is their diversity. From pristine white sands to unforgettable black sea shores, from calm waters to the ultimate surf break, water lovers of all persuasions will find the perfect scene in which to indulge, enjoy, and embrace the temperate waters on offer. While you may know it primarily as a surf destination, Bali is equally acclaimed for its isolated and pristine beachfronts. Snorkelling and diving locations are a feature, along with spectacular vistas where the cliffs descend dramatically into the sea. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure,...