Bali, Indonesia, is also known as the island of the Gods. The minute you hear the word Bali, you think of beautiful beaches, amazing food, Balinese massage, floating breakfasts, and resorts that are located between the ocean. Bali is a must-visit destination for people who wish to experience it all while being close to nature. From walking on tranquil beaches and witnessing lush rice terraces to exploring majestic temples and staying in luxury resorts, travelers will find a wealth of experiences that cater to relaxation, culture, and adventure.
Best places to visit in Bali
Popular among global tourists, Bali is a destination that feels like a dream come true. If you’re visiting Bali for the first time, we have curated a Bali travel guide for you that covers everything you need. Along with the best places to visit in Bali, we have included the best time to visit, must-visit spots, where to stay, and what to eat, to help you plan your perfect getaway. So, without any further ado, let’s have a look!
1. Seminyak Beach
Seminyak Beach is a popular upscale beach in Indonesia known for its wide shore, beautiful sunsets, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a great destination for activities like surfing and horse riding, as well as enjoying a relaxing sunset. Seminyak traffic can get heavy during the day, so it’s best to plan transfers early in the morning.
- Top Attractions: Seminyak Beach, Petitenget Temple, Eat Street (Jalan Kayu Aya), Double Six Beach, and Potato Head Beach Club
- Where to Stay: Prefer staying in resorts and villas along the coastline.
- What to Eat: Enjoy brunch at Sisterfields, sunset dinner at Motel Mexicola, and local nasi goreng at small local eateries.
- Ideal For: Couples, luxury travelers, and digital nomads.
2. Nusa Dua
Known for its white sand, clear blue waters, and calm seas, Nusa Dua is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing. It boasts a beautiful public beach walkway connecting the resorts. Enjoy swimming and water sports in calm waters, watch massive waves crash against limestone rocks, and explore the pristine white-sand beach perfect for sunbathing while you are here. Although the beaches in Bali are public, they are often managed by hotels or private organizations. So, it’s best to use resort entrances for access to clean facilities.
- Top Attractions: Nusa Dua Beach, Water Blow, Museum Pasifika, Geger Beach, and Devdan Show
- Where to Stay: High-end resorts
- What to Eat: Enjoy beachfront dining or international buffets in resort restaurants.
- Ideal For: Families, honeymooners, and beach lovers.
3. Uluwatu
Uluwatu is home to a famous Balinese Hindu sea temple located on a cliff top in Bali, Indonesia. It is one of the island’s six spiritual pillars, known for its spectacular sunset views, dramatic cliffside location, and the nightly Kecak fire dance performances. You must visit Uluwatu Temple by 4 PM if you wish to secure good seats for the Kecak Dance performance. Famous water sports to try in Uluwatu are water rafting, scuba diving, jetpacks, ATV adventures, snorkeling, and parasailing.
- Top Attractions: Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu), Kecak Fire Dance, Padang Padang Beach, Suluban Beach, and Bingin Beach
- Where to Stay: Luxury clifftop resorts or surfer lodges near Bingin
- What to Eat: Dine and enjoy ocean views at El Kabron and savor local seafood at beach warungs.
- Ideal For: Surfers, couples, photographers, and adventure lovers.
4. Ubud
Ubud is Bali’s spiritual and cultural heart, featuring world-famous stepped fields, Balinese architecture, and scenic walking trails, perfect for a refreshing dip. You’ll trade beaches for jungle views, temples, yoga classes, and monkey sightings. Ideal for those who want a little slower, greener, and more meaningful experience. It is best to wake up early if you wish to go sightseeing, as Ubud traffic builds up by mid-morning.
- Top Attractions: Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung), Campuhan Ridge Walk, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), and Tegenungan Waterfall
- Where to Stay: Jungle resorts and villas
- What to Eat: Enjoy local specialties and vegan bowls
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, wellness travelers, and culture enthusiasts.
5. Kuta and Legian
Kuta and Legian are the areas in Bali where affordable nightclubs can be found. So, if you’re a party animal on a budget constraint, this place is for you. It’s one of the closest tourist areas near the airport, boasting an excellent spot for learning to surf, a trendy shopping complex with ocean views, and is packed with bars, shops, and nightclubs. However, it is essential to stay alert at night and keep valuables close.
- Top Attractions: Kuta Beach, Beachwalk Mall, Waterbom Bali, Legian Street, and Ground Zero Memorial
- Where to Stay: Budget hotels, surf lodges, and boutique stays like Hard Rock Hotel and The Stones.
- What to Eat: Street food near Poppies Lane or international dining at Azul Beach Club.
- Ideal For: Budget travelers, party lovers, and surf beginners.
6. Mount Batur
For the best sunrise in Bali, you should visit Mount Batur. It is an active volcano located in northern Bali and is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Mount Batur is a popular destination among hikers and nature enthusiasts. Start in the wee hours of the morning to experience an unforgettable sunrise view and explore the serene crater lake nearby while you are here. That said, you should bring warm layers as early mornings can be chilly at higher altitudes.
- Top Attractions: Sunrise Trek, Batur Lake, Natural Hot Springs, Coffee Plantations, and Mount Abang Viewpoint
- Where to Stay: Mountain lodges and eco-resorts in Kintamani.
- What to Eat: Try local coffee and banana pancakes at small cafés
- Ideal For: Adventure seekers, hikers, and photographers.
7. Nusa Penida
If you are a fan of rugged beauty and hidden beaches, Nusa Penida is the perfect destination for you. A short ferry ride from Sanur, Nusa Penida offers breathtaking coastal cliffs and turquoise coves. From natural pools carved into the rocks to excellent snorkeling and coral reefs, white sand, and crystal-clear water, you will find a jaw-dropping panorama of the eastern coast of Nusa Penida.
- Top Attractions: Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay, Diamond Beach, and Thousand Island Viewpoint
- Where to Stay: Beach bungalows and small resorts near Crystal Bay or Toya Pakeh.
- What to Eat: Fresh seafood
- Ideal For: Nature lovers, photographers, and adventure travelers.
8. Top Temples in Bali
Bali’s temples are the epitome of its culture and etiquette. They are also central to its spiritual life and architecture. Many visitors enjoy exploring the top temples in Bali to experience a peaceful retreat. Some of the top temples to visit in Bali are Tanah Lot Temple, Uluwatu Temple, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Besakih Temple, and Tirta Empul. All the temples are based on high spiritual beliefs, so if you’re a first-time traveller, here are some tips:
- Cover your shoulders
- Wear a sarong (usually provided)
- Don’t enter worship areas if you’re menstruating
- Don’t climb on shrines
- Take photos respectfully
- Don’t pick up offerings
- Don’t disturb the ceremonies
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali boasts a tropical climate with consistently warm weather throughout the year. However, your experience will vary depending on the season. The best time to visit Bali tourist attractions is all year round, although after the monsoons, the place becomes cooler and more beautiful to wander around. While the dry season (April to October) is perfect for beaches, surfing, hiking, and sightseeing, the wet season (November to March) is ideal for yoga retreats, spa vacations, and cultural exploration.
Bali first timer? Here’s what to keep in mind
The airport in Bali is not very large, and it can feel like chaos if you’re not prepared for it. Especially at the immigration queue is where everybody’s patience gets tested. The long queues sometimes take forever, especially when a number of flights land all at once. To cut down your total time spent at the airport, here are a few things you can sort out before you land in Bali:
- Bali Visa on Arrival
- All Indonesia Arrival Card (replaces the customs & health forms below)
- Bali Customs Declaration Form
- Bali Tourist Tax
- Indonesia Health Pass
Bali uses Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), and they mainly accept cash. So, currency exchange should be your top priority. ATMs are everywhere, but they’re not very safe for foreign travellers. Also, arrange an e-SIM, as this is essential for good network connections in Bali.
Choosing between a driver and a scooter in Bali
The taxi scene in Bali is messed up as they’re often offering double or triple the price, so if you’re a solo traveler or a couple on a budget, renting a scooter is the best option for you, as it allows you the freedom to roam around anywhere. Once you’re done with the basics, we can further move to finally travel!
Where to start your travel in Bali?
South Bali
Start in an area like Seminyak, Nusa Dua, or Jimbaran, known for its stunning beaches, resorts, and a vibrant atmosphere. Visit Uluwatu Temple for sunset and enjoy water sports.
Ubud
Explore the cultural heart of Bali. Visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, and see a traditional Legong dance.
Day trips
Take a day trip to see waterfalls or hike Mount Batur for sunrise. A day trip to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan is also a great option for snorkeling and beautiful scenery.
Relaxation
Enjoy a Balinese massage or spend a day at a beach club.
Here’s an itinerary for visiting Bali for the first time
As a first-time visitor to Bali, you will want to do it all and explore as much as possible.
- Explore the beach – Probably the main reason you’ll be visiting Bali.
- Explore the temples, but as mentioned, be respectful.
- Chase waterfalls.
- Book an Ubud Day Tour.
- Explore the best of Nusa Penida.
- Ride ATVs – Get muddy with the Ubud ATV.
- Visit museums – Find the best museums in Bali for art and culture.
- Hike Mount Batur – the Mount Batur Sunrise Trek is a popular journey.
- Go Snorkeling – Try it in Nusa Penida or Amed.
- Get a Balinese massage – that’s something you shouldn’t miss.
- See the Ubud Palace Legong Dance.
- Try Surfing – take up a beginner surfing class in Kuta or Canggu.
- See the Uluwatu Temple Kecak Dance – A must try.
- A splurge on a beach club day – Book a spot at one of the best beach clubs in Bali and relax.
Must-Try Balinese Food as a first-time visitor
Bali’s food is full of flavor and variety, and you will find yourself spoilt for choice during your visit here. From street stalls to fine dining, you can opt for meals tailored to your preferences and mood. However, you must try warungs (local eateries) if you wish to go for authentic flavors of Bali, as they are not only cheaper but also more genuine than tourist restaurants. Some of the must-try Balinese food includes:
- Lawar (Spiced minced meat with coconut and vegetables)
- Babi Guling (Spit-roasted suckling pig)
- Nasi Goreng (Fried rice with egg)
- Gado-Gado (Mixed vegetables in peanut sauce)
- Sate Lilit (Spiced minced seafood)
- Mie Goreng (Stir-fried noodles)
Packing Essentials for your first-ever Bali trip
If you are travelling to Bali for the first time, you should be aware of the essentials you need to pack for your trip. However, you must understand that packing light is a must. Don’t fret, because laundry is cheap and quick across Bali. So, to make things easier for you, here are some of the packing essentials you need for your Bali trip:
- Lightweight and breathable clothing
- Swimsuits and beachwear
- Sunscreen (reef-safe)
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (Type C/F)
- Sarong (for temples)
- Rain jacket (wet season)
Essential Tips for First-Timers
- You must carry cash, as not all vendors accept cards or online payments.
- Avoid tap water throughout your trip and drink only bottled water.
- If you are attending religious ceremonies, respect people’s sentiments and dress modestly.
- When exploring beaches and marine life, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the aquatic habitats.
- Get travel insurance and explore Bali holiday packages for peace of mind.
- To acknowledge the hospitality and services, tipping is appreciated (IDR 10,000–20,000 per service).
- Rather than sticking to a fixed itinerary, be flexible. Always remember that spontaneous moments often create the best memories.
Final Thoughts
Bali isn’t just a destination — it’s a wholesome experience. It has something magnificent for everyone, simply winning hearts in no time. From mesmerising sunrise hikes to peaceful temples and unforgettable authentic food, this popular island is a perfect blend of beauty, spirituality, and adventure. So, whether you’re visiting Bali to recharge, explore, or simply relax, this travel guide Bali will ensure that the memories stay in your heart forever.