Bali
Bali · Bali, Indonesia
Last updated 2026-10-30
By Global Travel Guide Editorial Team
Introduction
Bali is one of Indonesia's 38 provinces, an island of roughly 5,700 square kilometres just east of Java. Its Hinduism, blended with older animist practice, shows up in daily offerings, temple festivals and dance performances. Visitor numbers peak in July and August and over Christmas, when the dry season brings clear skies; the wetter months from November to March are quieter and cheaper. Most travellers fly into Ngurah Rai airport near Kuta and hire a driver by the day, since roads between the main areas are slow and walking between them is impractical.
Ticket Price
Most temples IDR 50,000-100,000. Tanah Lot IDR 75,000; Uluwatu IDR 50,000 plus IDR 150,000 for the Kecak dance; Tegalalang Rice Terrace IDR 25,000 plus parking; Mount Batur sunrise hike from IDR 350,000 with guide.
Opening Hours
Temples: generally 8 AM-6 PM, but vary. Beaches: open 24 hours. Uluwatu Kecak dance: 6 PM daily. Rice terraces: best at sunrise. Markets: roughly 8 AM-6 PM. Mt. Batur hike: starts around 2-3 AM for sunrise. Check the official site before visiting.
Transportation
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is near Kuta. Getting around: hire a driver (~700k-1M IDR/day), rent a scooter (~80k-150k IDR/day), use GoJek/Grab ride-hailing app, or take metered taxis (Blue Bird Group is reputable). Walking is generally not practical between areas. Ferries to Nusa Penida: from Sanur (~200k IDR round trip).
Best Season
Dry season (April to October) — best weather, lowest rainfall, ideal for outdoor activities and beaches. Peak season: July-August and Christmas/New Year (book well ahead). Wet season (November to March) — short heavy rains, fewer tourists, lower prices. October-November is the sweet spot with good weather and fewer crowds.
Pro Tip: Choose one base instead of trying to cover the island
Local Tips You'd Only Learn After Visiting
The details official guides skip — save time, avoid crowds, and get better photos.
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Choose one base instead of trying to cover the island Traffic between south Bali, Ubud and the east coast is slow. Pick a base that matches your trip, then plan day trips rather than changing hotels every night.
Member-Only Tips
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Frequently Asked Questions4 questions
Wear a sarong and sash with shoulders and knees covered. Many temples lend sarongs, and you should never stand in front of someone praying.
There is no train. Hire a private driver for day trips, use Grab or Gojek in towns, and ride a scooter only with a valid licence and helmet.
April-October is the dry season and the best window; July-August is busiest, while December-February is wet and humid.
No. Drink bottled or filtered water, and be cautious with ice outside established restaurants and hotels.