BALI GUIDE
Travel to Bali and discover all this popular Indonesian island offers
When you visit Bali, you'll quickly realize it's not your typical travel spot—it's an entire experience waiting to be lived. From the traditional culture, rich history and warmth of the people, to the scenic beaches and incredible waterfalls, or all the serene temples that you can find all around the island; there's something for everyone there!
⇲ Places you can't miss in Bali
⇲ Vaccination & Travel insurance
⇲ Find all places mentioned in the map
If you want to scape to the neighbor island of Nusa Penida, read our mini guide here.
About Bali
Bali is located in western Indonesia, just a few miles east of Java. It has become one of the most popular island holiday destination all over the world. The main reason: this country offers a complete holiday filled with culture, nature, art and spiritual.
The official language of Bali is the Indonesian, stared with Balinese. However, the large part of Bali's citizens speak in English, specially in hotels, shops, restaurant and tour operators.
It is the only Hindu majority province in Indonesia, with almost all of the population adhering to Hinduism.
Its weather is warm, a tropical climate with 2 different seasons: the wet one that runs from October to March and the dry season that runs from April to September. The average temperature during all the year is 30ºC.
The word Bali comes from Sanskrit, it means "offering or tribute". Once you will travel there, you will understand it, as its residents prepare thousands of offerings to the Gods every day, giving thanks for the island and everything they have. Now that you already know it, try not to step onto the offerings while you are walking in the streets, as they have a very important meaning for them.
Places you can't miss in Bali
Bali has a lot to see, whatever your tastes, you will find places that you will fall in love with. So that you can better organize your route, we are going to tell you the essential things to see:
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ULUN DANU BERATAN
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is one of the most important temples in Bali. It is a complex of five temples consisting of numerous shrines dedicated to the water gods, mountain gods and more. Its main allure is its location on this lake, surrounded by lush green mountains.
✽ It is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm. The general entrance fee is 35.000 IDR (approximately 2,10€).
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HANDARA GATE
These doors are located 4 min by car from the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. It is one of the most iconic places in Bali, but you need to know the truth... it is not a temple, it has no history, it is only the entrance of a golf resort!
However, the architecture and the surroundings are stunning, that's why it has become the perfect spot for photos and videos.
✽ It is located on the edge of the road, making it very easy to reach by car or motorcycle. You have to pay a little fee to wait in the queue and they will take the perfect photos for you (about 1-2€).
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JATILUWIH
From our perspective, the most beautiful rice terraces we've ever seen. You should definitely add this unique and fascinating green landscape to your list of places to see in Bali. In addition to their beauty, the Jatiluwih rice terraces have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012 for their traditional irrigation system.
✽ There are routes to explore them ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours on foot, depending on the time you have. Access is free, and they are open every day from 8:30 am to 6 pm.
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SIDEMEN
Sidemen is Bali's haven of peace, ideal for strolling and unwinding amidst the surrounding rice fields. Exploring the villages in this area provides a glimpse into the authentic local life of the Balinese. Moreover, accommodations and restaurants in this area are very budget-friendly.
✽ We didn't have time to stay in Sidemen, but during one of our excursions, we explored the area and had the luxury of dining at Wapa di Ume, a 5-star resort with this incredible infinity pool and these stunning views of nature.
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KERTHA GOSA
The Kertha Gosa Hall of Justice is located in the village of Klungkung. Its purpose was to serve as a court of justice, many of which are depicted in the form of paintings in the central pavilion.
✽ It is very recommended to go there with a local guide to know all the history behind. It is opened from 8 to 17h and the entrance fee is 12.000 IDR (less than 1€).
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PURA BESAKIH
The Besakih Temple is also known as the Mother Temple, as it is the largest and most sacred temple in Bali. During the day, it becomes so crowded, so we recommend to visit it in the early morning and the evening, so the complex is quieter during these hours. You will find there official guides that will lead you all along the temple.
✽ It is opened every day from 8 to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 60.000 IDR (aprox 3,6€ per person).
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PURA LEMPUYANG
One of the most popular and photographed places in Bali, known as the 'Gates of Heaven', it attracts millions of tourists each year who want to take the famous photo with Mount Agung in the background. Spoiler alert: there is no water at the gates; it's an artificial reflection created with a mirror.
✽ Visiting the temple complex will cost you 100.000 IDR (aprox 6,5€), and includes shuttle service from the parking lot, access to the temple along with a sarong and a ticket with your turn for the photo. And go early, there can be queues up to 3h or more!
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TIRTA GANGGA
It is an ancient royal palace, located in the east of Bali and built in 1946. This place is known for its incredible gardens, fountains and ponds, with its famous and colorful carp that are fed by all visitors, especially to get the coveted photo on the path that crosses the pond.
✽ It is opened everyday from 8 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 55.000 IDR (aprox. 3,3€).
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MONKEY FOREST
The monkey is one of the most characteristic animal of Bali. Although it's common to see monkeys on the streets of Ubud during the day, their home is the Monkey Forest, a complex of 27 hectares where you'll find temples, diverse flora and over 300 monkeys freely walking and playing.
✽ You can visit the forest every day from 9 am to 6 pm. The prices are 80.000 IDR (4.80 €) on weekdays and 100.000 IDR (6€) at weekends. If you want to visit a less touristy monkey forest, we recommend going to Sangeh Monkey Forest.
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TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES
The rice terraces of Tegallalang are the most popular due to their proximity to Ubud and the various complexes around them, offering famous swings that you can enjoy with a very photogenic flying dress.
In our case, we visited the Alas Harum - Cretya complex. It is the most popular in the area, offering various types of swings, a route through the rice fields and also has 3 infinity pools with breathtaking views of the rice terraces. View here!
✽ If you want to enjoy access to the rice terraces and the pool area, it will only cost you 50.000 IDR (3€). If you want to try a swing or rent a dress, you'll have to pay separately. It's open from 7 am to 21 pm.
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CAMPUHAN RIDGE WALK
It is the most famous hiking trail in Ubud; this path spans about 3 kilometers, following a natural trail surrounded by vegetation, mountains and nature. It's a relatively flat path that will take you through various rice fields and small local spots where you can enjoy a fresh coconut.
✽ The price to access the trail is free, and it is accessible at any time of the day.
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UBUD PALACE
One of the most important places in the city is the palace of the royal family of Ubud. It serves as a cultural repository for the arts, dance and literature. Almost every night, dance performances, such as the Barong Dance, are held there.
✽ The entrance to the palace is free, and the opening hours are from 8am to 7pm. If you wish to attend one of the dance performances, the price will be 100.000 IDR (6€), and they usually start at 7:30pm.
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PURA SARASWATI
The water temple of Ubud, dedicated to the goddess Sarasvati. The most popular feature is the narrow path leading to the Palace, surrounded by large ponds filled with lotus flowers.
✽ The entrance is free, and it is opened from 7am to 5pm from Monday to Sunday.
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GOA GAJAH
Popularly known as the 'Elephant Cave,' it is an important meditation center. The interior of the cave is approximately 15 meters long and houses small spaces for monks to sit and meditate.
✽ The entrance fee is 50.000 IDR (3€), and the opening hours are from 8am to 5pm.
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TIRTA EMPUL
It is a very special temple. Its name means "holy spring," as the Balinese come to its waters to purify the body and spirit through their rituals. It is one of the few places that allows tourists to participate in this ritual. Therefore, you can change your clothes for the traditional attire they provide and explore the pools, bathing in the springs following Hindu customs. We highly recommend it; it's a truly unique experience!
✽ The entrance fee is 50.000 IDR (3€), and the opening hours are from 7am to 7pm.
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ULUWATU TEMPLE
The Luhur Uluwatu Temple is considered one of the most beautiful temples on the island due to its location on a 75-meter-high cliff where the waves relentlessly crash. It is recommended to visit during sunset as the views are stunning. Additionally, at 6 pm, they usually perform the Kecak & Fire Dance show.
✽ It opens every day from 7 am to 6 pm, and the entrance fee is 50.000 IDR (3€). The price for the show is 150.000 IDR (9€). The monkeys around Uluwatu are known to be the most aggressive! You shouldn't fear them if you follow the recommendations of the place, which include not wearing a hat, not carrying mobile phones or cameras in your hands, and not bringing food.
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TANAH LOT
Tanah Lot is another very popular temple in Bali. It is located on top of a rock, creating an impressive image and view. Access to the temple (to the surrounding areas, as only Hindus are allowed inside) is possible only when the tide is low. Many people come to view the sunset there, so if you want to experience it with fewer people, you can go in the morning before 9 am. x
✽ You can visit from 7 am to 7 pm, and the entrance fee to the site is 60.000 IDR (3,7€).
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SUNSET AT THE BEACH
You have to enjoy the colorful spectacle of sunsets. When the tide is low, the golden sand turns into a mirror reflecting the colors of the sky! Just bring your towel, sit on the sand and enjoy, or go to any beach club around it.
✽ In our case we went to Seminyak Beach because we stayed there for the last 5 days, but there are plenty of famous beaches around there, like Wonderland.
Top waterfalls in Bali
Bali is not just beaches and majestic temples; it's a must to enjoy its incredible nature, and one way to do that is by visiting some of the spectacular waterfalls you'll find throughout the island. Just take into account that almost all the waterfalls in the list request a small entrance fee before accessing them.
Due to time constraints, we couldn't visit all the ones we wanted, but we still list the most well-known for you to choose the ones that catch your eye the most:
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GITGIT WATERFALL
One of the most famous waterfall in North Bali. It is easy to find and reach by road.
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NUNGNUNG WATERFALL
The park area is quite easy to find, and from there you start to descent ahead. You will realize once you approach it as it is quite noising, with the sound of thousands of liters of water falling into the pool below.
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BANYUMALA TWIN WATERFALL
Located in the hills of Wanagiri, you will find two flows of water surrounded by beautiful greenery. Just be careful with the slippery steps and the short trek to the base of this waterfall.
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SEKUMPUL WATERFALL
Located in the village of Sekumpul, it won't leave you indifferent. If you want to get closer, it requires more effort than others, like slippery steps, crossing a river... but it is totally worth it!
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TIBUMANA WATERFALL
One waterfall in which you can swim and splash into the large pool of water in its base. It is near Ubud and it is quite say to access to it from the parking area.
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KANTO LAMPO WATERFALL
This one is the most instagrammable waterfall, but you will fall in love with it anyway with its unique rock formations and how the water flows through them. As it is very famous, you can find restrooms, changing rooms, a cafe, etc., nearby the waterfall and its parking area. For a little tip, you can give the telephone to the local guides there and you will get stunning pics!
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TUKAD CEPUNG WATERFALL
It is famous for its unique location, inside a ravine-like cove with the water falling from above. It is quite close to Tibumana, so you can visit both of them the same day! When the sun is at a certain point in the sky, the streams of lights burst heavenly through the hole in the rocks, amazing!
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SUWAT WATERFALL
This is a hidden gem near Ubud. It is not very touristy and there is a big natural pool where you can swim and take photos, even on a bamboo raft to float around.
Vaccinations & Insurance
Traveling with insurance is essential, you never know how you might feel or what might happen to you when you are away from home. We always travel with Iati. Now you can book your IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount!
Just click on the image below and travel with peace of mind in any situation!
Do I need to get vaccinated to travel to Bali? This is one of the questions we all ask when planning a trip there. The quick answer is NO. Despite not being mandatory, the following vaccinations are recommended: Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis and Typhoid Fever. We also recommend visiting the international medical center closest to your home to get personalized recommendations based on your health conditions.
How to get to Bali
To travel to Bali, your destination point will be Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in the province of Denpasar in the south of the island. Once you get there, it takes 1h by car to get to Ubud, 40 min to Uluwatu, 35 min to Canggu, 20 min to Seminyak or 12 min to Kuta.
To get from the airport to your accommodation, you can take a taxi through the Grab app, organize the transfer directly with the hotel or, as we did, hire the taxi through Booking.
The flight prices have skyrocketed lately. We went to Bali in September 2022, and it cost us around 1.000€ from Barcelona to Denpasar with a layover in Dubai.
Lately, the average price is pretty higher, between 1.200-1.400€. So, we recommend setting up price alerts as soon as you have your travel dates to keep an eye on how prices fluctuate and snag the best possible deal.
You can set up these flight price alerts on Skyscanner, Kayak or Google Flights.
Find all the places mentioned:
* We would like to point out that no company, hotel or restaurant has paid us to mention them in this blog. We simply recommend what we booked and paid for ourselves, considering that we enjoyed it enough to recommend it.
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