Bali is a destination on many peoples bucket list and is one of those places that will leave you wanting to come back for more. This beautiful island in Indonesia is jam-packed full of things to do, places to eat and stunning places to stay for a very affordable price.
Before you leave on your trip to Bali, it’s worth doing some research to make the most out of your trip here, saving you money and making sure that you don’t miss out on some of the best sights in Bali.
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Planning a Trip to Bali – A Complete Guide to Visiting Bali for First Timers
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Where to Stay in Bali
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Bali, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Bali for any budget.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Luxury – Hidden Hills Villas is nestled in the hills of Uluwatu overlooking the sea. If you are lucky enough, you may even be able to bag yourself one with an infinity pool or spa bath!
Book your stay at Hidden Hills Villas here.
Mid-Range – An example of the cheap luxury accommodation you can live in Bali. La Kreyiol is centrally located and with an outdoor swimming pool and breakfast included, how could you say no?!
Book your stay at La Kreyiol here.
Budget – For a cheap price you can stay in a double room at Pecatu Guest House & Hostel, central to all the hot spots in Uluwatu
Book your stay Pecatu Guest House and Hostel here.
For all of the other best places to stay in Uluwatu, click here.
Where to Stay in Ubud
During your trip to the jungle, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stay in Ubud, with options to suit all budgets and personal preferences. Relax in style or save money on budget accommodation, either way, you are going to love it!
Luxury – Escape the craziness of the city centre of Ubud and spend your night 15 minutes away in the tranquility of the jungle. Sandat Glamping Tents make you feel like you are in another world and even have a free shuttle to Ubud so you can still explore!
You can book your stay at Sandat Glamping Tents right here.
Mid-Range – Situated right in the centre of Ubud is the basic, yet very comfortable hotel, Nyuh Gading. is basic yet comfortable and situated right in the heart of Ubud. There is a food served in the hotel, meaning you don’t need to go far to get some good grub.
You can book your stay at Nyuh Gading right here.
Budget – If you are looking for the barebones budget accommodation, Ojek’s Homestay is the place for you. Situated just minutes from the Ubud markets, this converted, traditional Balinese house compound offers rooms with and without AC, has a kitchen, showers and even offers laundry service for a reasonable price.
You can book your stay at Ojek’s Homestay right here.
For all other choices of accommodation in Ubud click here.
Where to Stay in Canggu
Luxury – COMO Uma Canggu is located in the heart of Canggu and offers a modern resort with air conditioning and free wifi. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a buffet breakfast is served daily.
You can book your stay at COMO Uma Canggu right here.
Mid-Range – Casa Margarita Bali offers air-conditioned villas complete with a kitchen and a fridge, perfect for storing those chilled Bintangs on your last night.
You can book your stay at Casa Margarita Bali right here.
Budget – Cozy Marka house is conveniently located in the Berawa district of Canguu and has all of your basic needs for a night in Canggu.
You can book your stay at Cozy Marka house right here.
For all other choices of accommodation in Canggu click here.
If hostels are more your social scene, there is a huge range of hostels to choose from in Bali Book your stay in Bali right here.
What Vaccinations Will You Need for Bali
Before travelling to Bali, it is important to check you have the required immunisations to keep you safe. It is generally recommended that you have Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Polio before travelling to Indonesia.
We would also recommend that you have a Rabies vaccination. There are a lot of stray animals and if you accidentally get on the wrong side of a monkey, the Rabies shots will give you additional hours to get to the hospital for treatment. It can take up to 4 weeks to complete the three-dose vaccine course so make sure you don’t leave it too late. Usually, it will cost £40 – £60 per shot, with a full course typically costing around £120 to £180.
If you are planning a more rural trip, it would also be a good idea to look into getting Hepatitis B and Japanese B Encephalitis. The latter is usually transmitted through infected mosquitos, so dense jungle areas with large mosquito populations are the most affected areas.
All covid restrictions that were previously in place for entering Bali have now been removed.
Arriving into Bali
Bali Tourist Visa
If you are visiting Bali on holiday, the best visa to get is the visa on arrival, which allows you to stay up to 30 days in Indonesia. This will need to be purchased at the airport and you will need to pay $50 for the visa on arrival in cash. If you do decide to stay longer, you can extend your visa for a further 30 days for an additional cost. We cover all the details you need to know about this in a separate article – Extending your Visa on arrival in Bali.
We would suggest bringing some cash with you to Bali, enough to at least cover for your visa and taxi prices as it will be more expensive to withdraw in the airport. Your accommodation may also require payment on arrival if you haven’t already paid for it online when booking.
Grab and Gojek
We highly recommend you download the apps Grab and Gojek before you arrive in Bali. These apps are very similar and can be used to order food, a taxi, or a scooter taxi you will be shown a price and they can be tracked on an app. It also allows you to have a conversation with your driver through the messenger feature whilst you are waiting for your transport.
GoJek and Grab apps both offer a food delivery service from most warungs and restaurants on the island. These can be ordered through the respective apps and will be delivered to your door. These are mostly paid for by cash or the app’s built-in wallet, so make sure you have plenty of cash to pay.
SIM Card
The airport has free wifi that you can use to book a taxi on Grab or Gojek from the airport. We recommend using a Surfshark VPN (Enter promo code hammocks for 83% off and 3 extra months free!) when you are using any public wifis. There are stalls where you can purchase SIM cards in the airport if you would prefer to use this however, this will cost more than if you waited and bought a SIM card in town. If you are travelling with someone, you can always buy one SIM card at the airport and one when you arrive.
How to get around Bali
There are a couple of ways to get around Bali, the most convenient way being by scooter.
The traffic in Bali is crazy, if you are confident on a scooter, you will get around a lot quicker than in a car as the scooters can navigate through the traffic. There are many places to rent a scooter in tourist areas in Bali and this will cost less the longer you rent it for. If you are interested in trying this, you can take a short lesson from a centre in Canggu to get yourself comfortable before heading out on the road.
Grab and Gojek offers scooter taxi services which are very affordable and also a quicker way to get around if you are not feeling confident riding a scooter yourself.
If you are making a single trip, Grab and Gojek cars are also reasonably priced, however, if you are wanting to plan a full day of activities, we would recommend planning this with a car driver as they can offer day packages where they will take you to all of the best spots and they can even come with you to take your photos at these locations. As you walk around the streets of the town that you are staying in, you will have many drivers trying to sell you their taxi services.
Withdrawing cash in Bali
Cash is still the primary method of payment in Bali so you won’t get very far without it most of the time. Some places that are more established will take cards, however, contactless payment is not yet available. We suggest using a Starling bank card whilst you are in Bali as you can withdraw unlimited money per month compared to other international bank cards which have a cap.
It is also worth noting that cash machines in Bali typically give you your cash first before your bank card, so make sure you don’t walk away without your card! Some cash machines will charge you for a transaction however there are also many that won’t charge you so if there are other cash machines nearby, try them first as they may not charge. We would advise looking for a Commonwealth cash machine or HSBC as we identified them as cash machines that don’t charge.
Unfortunately, some tourists experience fraudulent activity when withdrawing cash in Bali. The best way to avoid being the victim of fraudulent activity is to use ATMs inside a bank or a supermarket, where it is much more difficult to tamper with the machine (not to say this doesn’t happen). Also ensure that you have a bank card that you can lock remotely via an app, and only unlock the card when you want to withdraw cash.
Tax and Service Charge
When you are eating out in Bali expect the bill to charge an additional 10- 15% extra on top of the menu price for tax and service charges. More expensive places will typically have this price inclusive in their menu, however many will not. We like to leave a tip at restaurants, however, it is worth keeping in mind that there may already be a bit of a service charge included.
Laundry in Bali
If you need to have your laundry done during your stay, there are many laundry stores that will wash, dry, and iron your laundry for an extremely affordable price! We paid as little as £1 for a decent amount of laundry to be done and it comes back smelling incredible!
Animals in Bali
In Bali, you will come across a lot of stray and wild animals, from cats and dogs to monkeys and spiders. Some of these animals will have collars or bandanas around their neck, meaning they are actually owned by someone or a community. As many of the homes in Bali don’t have a front door, the animals will wander freely in and out.
In the jungle areas of Bali, such as Ubud and Uluwatu, you will most likely come across monkeys. Famous for stealing food, drinks, and even the odd phone or sunglasses if they can get their hands on them. If you do come across monkeys in the wild, avoid showing any valuables and try not to make eye contact.
Things to do in Bali -Uluwatu
Uluwatu is the area to go to if you are looking for beautiful white sandy beaches and stunning cliffs and coastlines. There are many beaches that line the coast around here, many that have sun loungers to rent for a very affordable price. Uluwatu is also very popular for surfing in Bali with some pretty impressive waves. If this is something you are interested in, you will find plenty of board rental or surf lesson stalls in Uluwatu. One of our favourite places to watch the surf is from one of the cafes on the cliff at Suluban Beach.
Uluwatu is an area in Bali where you may come across monkeys which is worth being aware of.
Discover the Balinese Culture at the Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple Entrance Fee – 30k IDR
Sitting on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula is the famous Uluwatu temple. This beautiful religious monument is perched right on the edge of the cliff, overlooking the horizon of water 70m below.
This temple is actually one of Bali’s 6 main temples, dotted across the island, built to protect each corner of the island from evil. Surrounded by jungle, the temple itself is said to be guarded by hundreds of local monkeys. Be careful with food and drink or any valuables, as they will steal them in a heartbeat.
Relax in the Sun at Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach Entrance Fee – FREE
Parking Fee – Scooter 5k IDR / Car 15k IDR
Just north of the Uluwatu Temple is one of the most interesting beaches in Bali. Sitting at the bottom of the huge, Uluwatu cliffs, you will find the hidden cave entrance to Suluban Beach. In order to get to the beach itself, you must visit at low tide and wind your way around and under the rocky walls and roof of the natural, sea cave.
On the way down to the beach, you will walk through a miniature town perched on the side of the cliff. Restaurants, shops, cafes and bars are all built into this cliffside staircase, making the most of the daily traffic of surfers and other beach-goers who visit Suluban Beach.,
Once you reach the bottom, you will find yourself in a huge cave with a towering roof and a small light at the other side. You can hear the waves echoing through this gap in the rock wall, indicating that it is this way to the sea.
On the beach itself, you will see all of the surfers in action, as most of Uluwatu’s beaches are the best surfing spots in Bali. At the far left hand side of the beach, you will see the beached remains of an old boat, which was washed up on the shore years ago. This area of the beach is a good place to chill out in the water, as the shallow reefs calm the waves and make a relaxing pool to bathe in. The sea isn’t deep, only reaching your knees, however it is a nice place to sit and relax in the warm waters without getting too hot in the sun.
Spend the rest of your day relaxing in these warm waters and get ready for the best sunset spot in Bali.
Watch Bali’s Best Sunset at Karang Boma Cliff
Karang Boma Sunset Cliff Entrance Fee – 10k IDR
Karang Boma sunset cliff is the perfect place to kick back on a blanket on the grass, admire the stunning view of the horizon and relax to the sounds of the crashing waves 100m below.
This cliffside spot is one of Bali’s best sunset locations, however, it is still relatively undiscovered compared to most of these locations. A lot of the people you will see at Karang Boma are all locals, gathered to enjoy the natural light show of another Bali sunset.
Our Favourite Places to Eat in Uluwatu
- Drifter Surf Shop Cafe and Gallery – Great salads and cakes
- Suka Espresso – delicious brunch options.
- Nourish – 241 pizza deal was great value.
- BB52 – Great burgers!
Things to do in Bali – Ubud
Ubud is located in the centre of Bali, an hour north of Canggu, and is the gateway to many of the stunning sights to see in Bali. Ubud is one of the easier areas in Bali to walk around as some areas are pedestrianised and there are more pavements. It is a great area for massages and good food and is another area where you can expect to see monkeys out and about.
Ubud is an amazing escape from the everyday, hustle and bustle of southern Bali. Though not as isolated as it once was, Ubud still has plenty of quiet corners, hidden gems, and private spaces just waiting to be discovered.
Located right in the heart of Bali, surrounded by cascading waterfalls, tranquil rice fields, and filled with delicious restaurants, cafes, and warungs, Ubud is a popular place to visit amongst those travelling to Bali and is also the place where you are likely to see monkeys hanging around the streets.
Exploring the Tegalalang Rice Fields
Located just half an hour north of Ubud, these rice fields are perhaps the most famous in Bali, if not the world. In order to beat the crowds, we recommend getting here as early as possible to enjoy the serenity inwhich the views bring. Built into a small valley, the rice terraces step up and down in a beautiful pattern. The early lighting before sunrise is the perfect opportunity to take some incredible, golden hour pictures.
The Tegalalang entrance fee is broken down into 3 parts, depending on where you want to go in the rice fields. The first fee is about £1 (20k IDR) and is paid at the entrance to the field. The next payment is at a station just as you reach the bottom of the valley and begin to climb to the more photogenic side. This is a donation, however people usually pay another £1 (20kIDR).
The third payment is much further into the rice terraces at the famous sunrise spot. Here the farmer will charge you around £3 (50k IDR) and will allow you to walk through their field to take a picture.
Chasing Ubud’s Best Waterfalls – Teganungan Waterfall
Once you have seen the sunrise and explored all there is to see at the Tegalalang rice terraces, it is time to explore the other side to Bali’s beautiful nature: Waterfalls. With more than a hundred known waterfalls across the island, and more being discovered every year, waterfalls are another thing Bali does very, very well.
There are a number of waterfalls in close proximity to Ubud, one of the most famous being Teganungan waterfall. The entrance fee to Teganungan is around £1 (20k IDR) including parking. To get to the waterfall from the car park, the pathway is a very pleasant, paved staircase, which takes around 15 minutes to get to the waterfall. During the rainy season, Teganungan is extremely impressive, due to the volume of water and the height from which it falls. There are toilets and cafes at the entrance to the waterfall for customers to use.
There are other waterfalls in Bali nearby if you have time such as Tukad Cepung and Kanto Lampo waterfall.
Our Favourite Places to eat in Ubud
- Simply Social – Really tasty brunch in the town centre
- Warung Biah Biah – Delicious tapas style local food located in the heart of Ubus
- Kedai D’Sawah – Great food overlooking the rice fields. A Short 5-10 minute drive from the centre.
Amed
This is the area to visit in Bali if you are wanting to go Scuba diving. There are many companies here that you can book to dive with and see the beautiful marine life. You will also see some beautiful beaches in this part of the island.
Shopping centre – Kuta/Seminyak
Seminyak is a popular area to visit in Bali if you want to go shopping as there are many markets here as well as boutique shops and a shopping centre nearby. It is also a great place to go out to bars and restaurants. A favourite of ours being Kynd Community – a delicious vegan restaurant.
Things to do in Bali – Canggu
Canggu is one of the best areas in Bali for food. There are so many delicious restaurants and brunch spots to try that you could spend a month and still not make it round them all. Canggu is also a popular spot for surfing and a fantastic place to watch the sunset in Bali.
- Cafe Coach – Aircon and a delicious menu.
- Brunch Club – Serves Porncakes which will be the most unique and fluffy pancakes you’ve ever had.
- Baked – Great brunch.
- Warung Ava – The best pizza ever, you won’t regret coming here.
- Warung Bu Mi – A local restaurant that is extremely affordable and delicious.
- Copenhagen – A great selection of delicious food for a very reasonable price.
Sanur
This is where you will get the passenger boat to local islands from Bali. You can get boat trips to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Cennigan, Lombok and the Gili Islands from Sanur.
Before You Leave for Bali
Before you set off on your way to Bali, there are a number of things you will need to get organised to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These include what to pack, where to stay and what is the best insurance for your trip to Scotland. All of this is discussed in detail below.
How to Get an Indonesian Visa
As for the Indonesian visa itself, getting a visa for Bali is relatively straightforward if you come from one of the listed Visa on Arrival countries. If your country is on this list, all you have to do is turn up at the airport with a valid passport and you will be granted 30 days in the country. This costs around £28.
If you wish to stay longer than 30 days, you will need to buy a Visa on Arrival Extension. You will then need to extend your visa a further 30 days either by yourself or by paying a visa agent to do so for you.
You can read our full guide to extending your Indonesian visa right here.
How to Get Around Bali
With so much to see and do around Bali, it begs the question of how you should plan to get between all of these activities. When in Bali, you really have two options to get around: self-drive scooter or hiring a taxi driver.
Renting a Scooter in Bali
By far the cheaper and better option to get around the island, renting a scooter in Bali is the easiest way to see as much of this island as you can. Renting a scooter can cost as little as £3/day, with the cheaper rates being offered for long term rentals.
You can rent a scooter from your hotel or homestay itself, or if you are staying in a populated area such as Uluwatu, Canggu or Ubud, you can rent a scooter from a number of shops nearby.
Go Jek and Grab
When you arrive in Bali, one of the first things we would recommend doing is downloading the apps Go Jek and Grab. Both of these apps work similar to Uber in the UK, you can order a taxi on them and you can also order food. If you are not confident in driving a scooter we would definitely recommend this option.
Hiring a Driver in Bali
An easier and much more relaxing way of exploring around Bali is to hire a personal driver to chauffeur you between sights for the day. You can either book a tour online with a detailed itinerary and a set price for the sights you want to see, hire a driver from around the streets of Ubud and barter a price, or book a driver for a day from an online taxi app, like GoJek or Grab.
The cheapest of the above options is definitely with the online taxi apps, who have a set price and do not overcharge for these services. If you want to enjoy a slightly more upmarket experience, booking a a day tour experience will give you a bit more for your money.
You can view the best tours available for around Ubud right here.
Where to Stay in Bali
There is a wide range of accommodations available in Bali, so you will not be short on options. Here are our top suggestions for the best places to stay in Bali for any budget.
Where to Stay in Uluwatu
Luxury – Hidden Hills Villas is nestled in the hills of Uluwatu overlooking the sea. If you are lucky enough, you may even be able to bag yourself one with an infinity pool or spa bath!
Book your stay at Hidden Hills Villas here.
Mid-Range – An example of the cheap luxury accommodation you can live in Bali. La Kreyiol is centrally located and with an outdoor swimming pool and breakfast included, how could you say no?!
Book your stay at La Kreyiol here.
Budget – For a cheap price you can stay in a double room at Pecatu Guest House & Hostel, central to all the hot spots in Uluwatu
Book your stay Pecatu Guest House and Hostel here.
For all of the other best places to stay in Uluwatu, click here.
Where to Stay in Ubud
During your trip to the jungle, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to where to stay in Ubud, with options to suit all budgets and personal preferences. Relax in style or save money on budget accommodation, either way, you are going to love it!
Luxury – Escape the craziness of the city centre of Ubud and spend your night 15 minutes away in the tranquility of the jungle. Sandat Glamping Tents make you feel like you are in another world and even have a free shuttle to Ubud so you can still explore!
You can book your stay at Sandat Glamping Tents right here.
Mid-Range – Situated right in the centre of Ubud is the basic, yet very comfortable hotel, Nyuh Gading. is basic yet comfortable and situated right in the heart of Ubud. There is a food served in the hotel, meaning you don’t need to go far to get some good grub.
You can book your stay at Nyuh Gading right here.
Budget – If you are looking for the barebones budget accommodation, Ojek’s Homestay is the place for you. Situated just minutes from the Ubud markets, this converted, traditional Balinese house compound offers rooms with and without AC, has a kitchen, showers and even offers laundry service for a reasonable price.
You can book your stay at Ojek’s Homestay right here.
For all other choices of accommodation in Ubud click here.
Where to Stay in Canggu
Luxury – COMO Uma Canggu is located in the heart of Canggu and offers a modern resort with air conditioning and free wifi. There is also an outdoor swimming pool and a buffet breakfast is served daily.
You can book your stay at COMO Uma Canggu right here.
Mid-Range – Casa Margarita Bali offers air-conditioned villas complete with a kitchen and a fridge, perfect for storing those chilled Bintangs on your last night.
You can book your stay at Casa Margarita Bali right here.
Budget – Cozy Marka house is conveniently located in the Berawa district of Canguu and has all of your basic needs for a night in Canggu.
You can book your stay at Cozy Marka house right here.
For all other choices of accommodation in Canggu click here.
If hostels are more your social scene, there is a huge range of hostels to choose from in Bali Book your stay in Bali right here.
What to Pack for Your Trip to Bali
Given the climate of Bali in general, packing for this trip is relatively straight forward. In the southern lowlands of Bali it is hot and humid most of the time, however if you venture into the northern highlands the temperature will drop with altitude.
When it comes to the weather, Bali is a tropical country meaning it has two seasons: wet season and dry season. During your visit to Bali, it will most likely rain, and if you happen to visit during the wet season, it will rain a lot. Make sure you pack a waterproof or a poncho for your days out adventuring to avoid getting too drenched.
As a general rule for packing for Bali, it is best to think “layers”. Pack a few light layers of clothing, including a jumper and a waterproof, and wear as many layers as you want according to the weather.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you are no doubt going to see around Bali, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Bali
I know travel insurance is the least enjoyable thing to purchase and look at when you’re planning a trip, however, you wouldn’t want to be without it in the event that something happened. Accidents can happen anywhere and the extortionate medical bills will ruin your trip if you are not covered.
To ensure you have a stress-free trip with no worries about potential medical bills, make sure you cover yourself when you travel. We can recommend using SafetyWing, a backpacker-friendly and cheap insurance company that provides good coverage and support. It is also nomad-friendly, unlike most other insurance companies, meaning you do not need to worry about being out of your home country for too long.
Get a quote for your travel insurance right here and get covered!
So there you have it, a complete guide on planning your first trip to Bali.
If you are planning a Bali trip soon then check out our other Indonesia content right here. Come and find us on social media to see where we are currently exploring. Tag us in your photos from your stay and we will share them with the rest of our community of explorers and backpackers.
Read Now:
- 10 Day Bali Itinerary – The Best Sights for First-Timers Visiting Bali
- Living in Bali – All You Need to Know for One Month in Bali
- Visa Extension Bali – Everything You Need to Know about Your Visa Extension Indonesia
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excellent! Very helpful advice on this article!
Thanks a lot for sharing!