Bali

Tour Guide

The best time depends on your priorities. April-October is the dry season with sunny skies, perfect for beaches, diving, and outdoor activities. July-September offers the coolest weather (24-28°C) but is peak season with higher prices. April-June provides excellent weather with moderate crowds. November-March is the wet season with short, intense showers, but it's the greenest time with the best hotel deals. Avoid traveling during Nyepi (Day of Silence) - March 29, 2025 - when the entire island, including the airport, shuts down for 24 hours. For Indian travelers, any time works as Bali maintains tropical temperatures year-round (25-31°C).Read also Best time to visit in Bali

Fly to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar. Indians have excellent direct flight options: Vistara operates daily Delhi-Bali flights, while IndiGo flies daily from Bengaluru. From other Indian cities, connect via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Jakarta with airlines like Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, or Garuda Indonesia. Flight time is approximately 5-6 hours direct, or 7-10 hours with one stop. Book early for better deals, especially during peak season (July-September). The airport is well-connected to all major Bali destinations, just 15 minutes from Kuta and 45 minutes from Ubud.

Indians can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the airport for approximately IDR 500,000 (about ₹2,800). Alternatively, apply for an e-VOA online through the official MOLINA portal before travel to avoid airport queues. The visa is extendable once for another 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival date. Additionally, from February 14, 2024, all foreign visitors must pay a Bali Tourist Levy of IDR 150,000 (about ₹850) once per trip. Pay this online via the official Love Bali portal/app before arrival and keep the QR receipt. Avoid unofficial websites to prevent scams.

Grab and Gojek are the most convenient ride-hailing apps for cars and motorbikes, offering good value and reliability. Blue Bird Group provides trustworthy metered taxis with app booking. For independence, rent a scooter (₹300-500/day) but ensure you have a valid International Driving Permit, wear helmets, and carry proper insurance - police checks are common with fines for violations. Kura-Kura Bus runs shuttles between main tourist areas. For longer distances, consider hiring a car with driver (₹2,500-4,000/day). The Bali Mandara Toll Road offers quick airport-Nusa Dua connections. Avoid public buses unless you're comfortable with basic, infrequent services.

Choose based on your vibe: Seminyak for upscale beach clubs and dining, Canggu for surf culture and younger crowds, Ubud for culture and wellness, Sanur for families, Nusa Dua for luxury resorts, and Uluwatu for dramatic cliffs. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels (₹800-2,000/night) to luxury resorts (₹25,000+/night). Mid-range hotels and boutique properties cost ₹3,000-8,000/night. Consider villa rentals for groups or longer stays. Top luxury options include Alila Villas Uluwatu, Mandapa Ritz-Carlton (Ubud), and AYANA Resort (Jimbaran). Book early during peak season (July-September) and around holidays. Many properties offer airport transfers and local tour arrangements.

Essential experiences include Uluwatu Temple with sunset kecak dance performances, iconic Tanah Lot sea temple, and Ubud's rice terraces at Tegallalang. Take a sunrise trek up Mount Batur volcano followed by hot springs. Visit Tirta Empul for water blessing ceremonies and explore UNESCO-listed Jatiluwih rice terraces. Day-trip to Nusa Penida for Kelingking Beach and manta ray snorkeling. Don't miss Ubud's art villages, monkey forest, and traditional markets. For beaches, enjoy Seminyak's beach clubs, Canggu's surf breaks, or Sanur's family-friendly shores. Each region offers unique temples - dress modestly and respect local customs. Plan 7-10 days to cover major highlights without rushing.Read also Top places to visit in Bali

Bali offers incredible culinary diversity. Must-try dishes include Babi Guling (suckling pig), Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck), and Sate Lilit (minced meat satay). Vegetarians will love Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) and Nasi Campur (rice with various sides). Try Ayam Betutu (spiced chicken), Lawar (mixed vegetables with spices), and refreshing Es Campur dessert. Drink traditional Jamu (turmeric-ginger tonic) and local Kopi Bali. For fine dining, visit Locavore NXT or Mozaic in Ubud, or Ijen at Potato Head in Seminyak. Street food at local warungs offers authentic flavors at budget prices (₹100-300/meal). Most tourist areas cater to various dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.