From lush rice fields to idyllic beaches offering unparalleled diving and surfing, Bali has long drawn travellers seeking spiritual and physical rejuvenation. Rich with ancient Hindu temples, woodcraft and centuries-old traditions, Bali appeals equally to culture-seekers and those who just want to surf, eat well and shop on a shoestring. Here’s everything you need to know in our Bali travel guide.
Things to see in Bali
Uluwatu Temple, perched on a clifftop south of Kuta, is a striking Hindu sea temple. For sunrise views over villages and lakes, hike Mount Batur, an active volcano rewarding early risers. Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), near Ubud, dates back to the 9th century and features stone carvings of Hindu gods, originally built as a meditation sanctuary. In the north, Gitgit Waterfall is one of the island’s most memorable, reached via a walking trail past natural pools.
Best places to visit in Bali
Seminyak suits families and couples with boutique shopping, nightlife and easy beach access. Ubud draws a creative, spiritual crowd with its arts and yoga scene. Canggu is Bali’s most popular expat hub, blending surf culture with boutique shopping. Nusa Dua offers an upmarket, crowd-free luxury escape, while Kuta is more affordable and popular with younger travellers and Australian families. Sanur is relaxed, less busy and more mid-range than its glossier neighbours.
Best time to visit
Bali is tropical and humid year-round, with two seasons: dry (April–September) and rainy (October–March). April, May, June and September offer lower humidity, less rain and thinner crowds – ideal for diving, surfing and sightseeing. July, August, and the Christmas and Easter periods are the busiest and most expensive; travelling outside these windows can cut accommodation costs by 30–50%. Bali’s central mountain areas are cooler and wetter than the coast year-round.
Where to stay in Bali
Bali offers everything from backpacker hostels to five-star resorts, and is generally far more affordable than Australia – even luxury stays often remain budget-friendly, especially outside peak season. Private villas suit families or groups well and often come with staff or a private pool. Homestays and private rentals are an option too, though less predictable than booking an established hotel or resort.
Best places to eat in Bali
Bali’s tropical climate lends itself to fresh, colourful dishes rich in spice and herbs. Nasi goreng (fried rice with chicken, shrimp or pork) is a staple, while nasi campur – steamed rice with mixed vegetables and herbs – varies from warung to warung across the island. Balinese cooking leans on ginger, chilli, coconut, palm sugar, tamarind, lemongrass and coriander seed. Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for with tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils and chickpeas – beef is rare, as cows are considered sacred in Balinese Hindu culture.
Cultural experiences in Bali
Bali’s calendar is packed with festivals. The Bali Arts Festival runs from June to July in Denpasar, opening with a parade celebrating traditional Balinese dance and performance. The Bali Kite Festival, held north of Sanur between July and August, sees traditional kites – some with 11-metre wingspans – take to the sky. Nyepi, Bali’s day of silence, falls in March (dates vary yearly); the eve beforehand features a parade of papier-mâché monsters symbolising negative spirits. Galungan, celebrating good’s triumph over evil, is marked twice a year with bamboo pole decorations lining the streets island-wide. The Bali Spirit Festival in Ubud (March) draws yoga and wellness practitioners from around the world, while the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival in October attracts major literary names for five days of talks and book launches.
Getting to Bali
Direct flights to Denpasar run daily from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Canberra, with Perth the shortest hop at around 3 hours 45 minutes and east coast cities closer to 6–7 hours. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Indonesia AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air all fly the route, so fares stay competitive year-round – Jetstar and Indonesia AirAsia tend to offer the cheapest options, while Qantas and Virgin Australia run full-service alternatives. Seasonal and regional routes also pop up periodically (Melbourne Avalon and the Sunshine Coast have both added Bali services recently), so it’s worth checking your nearest airport directly.
