At a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Best months | April–October (dry season). Peak: July–August. Warmest and driest. |
| Avoid | November–March (wet season). Peak rain Jan–Feb. Nyepi (silent day) is unpredictable — roughly Feb/March, island shuts down. |
| Currency | Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). 1 GBP ≈ 20,000 IDR. ATMs ubiquitous but banks charge fees (~£2). |
| Language | Indonesian. English widely spoken in tourist areas; less common in villages. Learn "terima kasih" (thank you). |
| Visa (UK) | 30-day visa-free entry. Extensions possible at immigration office in Denpasar. |
| Power | Type C and F plugs, 230V. Most places have international outlets; bring adapter for UK plugs. |
| SIM / eSIM | Telkomsel or Indosat SIM cards at DPS airport (50GB + calls ~IDR 200k/£10). Omnibus eSIM also works. |
| Tipping | 5–10% at restaurants (optional but appreciated). Hotels and scooter drivers expect small tips. |
Best time to visit Bali
April to October is the dry season — the only time you should visit Bali. April and October are warm with occasional late rain. May to September is peak: clear skies, cool mornings (18–24°C), warm middays (28–30°C). July and August are the absolute best months weather-wise, but also the most crowded and expensive.
November to March is the wet season. Not all days are rainy — expect tropical downpours in afternoon bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Road conditions degrade, hiking trails flood, some mountain temples become inaccessible. Prices drop 30–40%, crowds thin out. If you can handle occasional rain and mud, this is excellent value. Just don't plan serious trekking or water sports.
Nyepi warning: This Hindu New Year "Day of Silence" (unpredictable but roughly Feb/March) is unique to Bali. Nothing is open — restaurants, shops, even the airport closes for 24 hours. Balinese people stay indoors; tourists are expected to do the same (though enforcement is loose in Seminyak). If Nyepi falls during your visit, it's spectacular but plan a quiet day around temples or your accommodation.
School holidays spike prices: Mid-July to August, summer holidays drive prices up 50–80% and book accommodation far in advance.
What to pack for Bali
Bali is casual — no dress codes outside temples and upmarket restaurants. The challenge is balancing sun protection, water safety, and mosquito defence. Pack light; laundry is cheap (IDR 20k/£1 per kg) and fast (24 hours).
Lightweight cotton or linen. Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ (essential year-round). Waterproof bag for scooter/motorbike (wet helmet visor). Lightweight rain jacket — afternoon showers still happen. Hat with brim. Insect repellent (dengue mosquitoes active dawn/dusk). Flip-flops for everyday; trainers for hiking.
All of the above, plus: heavier rain jacket or poncho. Waterproof day bag non-negotiable. Quick-dry trousers for wet trails. Extra socks. More insect repellent (mosquitoes thrive in humidity). Waterproof phone pouch. Accept mud — it's part of the season. Consider staying in Seminyak/Sanur (better infrastructure) rather than rural Ubud during heavy rain.
Sarong and sash (provided free at major temples, but bring your own to be respectful). Shoulders and knees must be covered. Women should wear light shawls or long-sleeve shirts. Avoid red/dark clothes near Hindu ceremonies. Balinese people dress carefully for temples — copy their style. Slip-on shoes (remove at temple gates).
Rash guard for sun + coral protection (reef cuts are serious). Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide, not chemical). Water shoes for sharp stones and sea urchins. Consider a lightweight swim shirt — sunburn accelerates after hours in tropical sun. Waterproof pouch for valuables. Avoid plastic bags; carry a reusable one.
Universal packing tips: Mosquito repellent with DEET is not overkill — dengue and malaria are real risks. Antihistamine cream for bites. Lightweight day pack (scooter travel is standard). Quick-dry towel. Stomach medication (Imodium). Pain relief (paracetamol in Indonesia can be weak). Prescription medications must be carried in original boxes. Deodorant (expensive locally). Moisturiser (tropical sun is drying). Digital copies of passport, visa, travel insurance on your phone.
Getting from the airport to the city
From Denpasar (DPS): The airport is 13km north of Seminyak, 20km north of Canggu, 60km north of Ubud. Grab is the cheapest option (~IDR 120,000–180,000 / £6–9 to Seminyak) and available 24/7. Official taxis at the exit are legitimate but cost 2x more. Unofficial taxis outside security will massively overcharge — avoid them entirely.
Pre-booked private drivers via your hotel or Airbnb (IDR 400,000–600,000 / £20–30 for Seminyak, £35+ for Ubud) are worth it if arriving after 11pm or with large luggage. Travel time: 45 min to Seminyak, 90 min to Ubud in light traffic. Add 30+ minutes during peak hours (4–7pm).
Hotel airport transfers are marked up 30–50% but reduce stress. Book in advance if your accommodation offers them.
Getting around Bali
Scooter rental (IDR 50,000–80,000 / £2.50–4 per day): Extremely common but high-risk. International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically required — get one from your local Post Office before travel (costs ~£20, takes 10 minutes). Helmets are mandatory (actually enforced). Drive on the left, watch for potholes, negotiate with car drivers. Insurance is not typically available. One accident can ruin a trip — don't underestimate Bali's chaotic roads.
Private driver with car (IDR 500,000–700,000 / £25–35 per day): Best value for longer trips. Driver knows routes, speaks English, will wait. Book through Grab, your hotel, or GoCar. Negotiate all-day rates rather than hourly.
Grab (ride-hailing app): Works exactly like Uber. Available in Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur. Cheaper than taxis, no haggling, driver rated. Use for single trips or unpredictable travel.
Public transport barely exists. A few tourist minibuses run fixed routes (Seminyak to Ubud for ~IDR 150,000 / £7.50), but they stop frequently and are slow. Not recommended unless on a very tight budget.
Ride-hailing notes: Have cash or registered payment method. Internet must be stable (buy extra data). Drivers often call to confirm your location — be responsive.
Culture and etiquette — what most guides skip
Canang sari offerings: Small woven baskets of rice, flowers, incense left at temples, shop doors, and street corners are sacred. Step over them (or walk around), never on top. Don't touch them. They're daily spiritual offerings, not decorations.
Temple dress codes: Shoulders, knees, and midriff must be covered. Sarongs are provided free at major temples; tie them respectfully. Women should avoid tight or see-through clothes. Red and dark clothing should be avoided during ceremonies (they're mourning colours). Remove shoes at temple gates. Walk slowly and quietly. Photography is allowed but ask permission near ceremonies.
Nyepi observance: If you're in Bali during the Day of Silence, stay in your accommodation from 6am to 6pm. Restaurants open only for guests. No loud noise, no fires, no lights visible from the street. It's genuinely observed — police (pengayah) walk the streets. Treat it as a gift, not an inconvenience.
Water temple etiquette: At Pura Tirta Empul (holy spring temple) and similar water sites, don't dive or splash. Use the designated pools in order (prayer spring first, purification second, bathing third). Bathe respectfully, cover up, remove valuables.
Haggling: Normal in markets and street stalls, expected in scooter rentals and private drivers. Start at 60–70% of the asking price, meet in the middle. In fixed-price shops (supermarkets, restaurants), don't bother. Never haggle over a few thousand rupiah — it insults the seller.
Use your right hand. Eating, giving money, and touching others with your left hand is considered unclean. Do your best even if left-handed.
Respect for elders and authority: Bow slightly when greeting older Balinese people. Police (if stopped for any reason) expect respectful behaviour. Raise your voice and you'll lose any negotiation.
Don't point at people or idols. Use an open hand or gesture. Touching someone's head is extremely rude.
Daily budget (per person)
Guesthouse, warungs (street food and rice dishes), free temples and beaches, scooter travel
3-star hotel, mix of warungs and mid-range restaurants, 1–2 paid activities (rice trek, diving), private driver for day trips
4-star resort, fine dining, private guide tours, spa treatments, premium water sports, daily transport
Money-saving tips: Eat at warungs — grilled fish, nasi goreng, satay for IDR 20,000–40,000 (£1–2). Avoid tourist restaurants in Seminyak (3x markup). Street food (nasi kuning, lumpia) is delicious and costs IDR 10,000 (50p). Midday discounts at upmarket restaurants are real — many have lunch menus 30–50% cheaper. Cooking classes in Ubud are cheaper than eating at tourist restaurants and you learn genuinely useful skills. Temple entry is free (though donations expected, IDR 20,000–50,000). Beaches are free.
What most people miss
Sidemen Valley — A quiet, rice-farming village two hours from Ubud with zero tourists, homestays with views, batik weaving workshops, and authentic Balinese village life. Perfect for 2–3 days if you want to escape the Seminyak-Ubud circuit entirely. Learn traditional weaving in a local's home.
Munduk Waterfalls — Three cascading waterfalls in the northern mountains (90 minutes from Ubud). A muddy, slippery hike through jungle past local families bathing in pools. Swim in the final waterfall pool. Drastically fewer tourists than Tegenungan. Hire a guide from Munduk village (IDR 150,000 / £7.50) for safety.
Nusa Penida East Coast — Day trip from Bali across the strait. White sand beaches, wild horses, abandoned beaches near Sampalan. Most tourists cluster at Angel's Billabong in the west; walk 20 minutes east and you're completely alone. Boats leave from Sanur (IDR 150,000 / £7.50) every 2 hours. Hire a scooter on the island (IDR 80,000 / £4) and explore.
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces — UNESCO site with the same beauty as Tegallalang (Ubud's famous rice paddies) but 80% fewer people and 100x better for photos. Located near Bedugul, 1.5 hours from Ubud. Early morning (6–8am) the mist hangs in the valleys perfectly. No crowds. Bring a driver or rent a scooter.
Tirta Gangga (Water Palace) — Built in 1946, this royal retreat in east Bali is extraordinary — koi ponds, ornate bridges, towering statues in a tropical garden. One hour from Ubud but almost no tourists. Pay IDR 30,000 (£1.50), walk the grounds, eat at the simple warung overlooking the pools. Perfectly preserved and deeply peaceful.