This article details everything you need to know about Bali, Indonesia. Hannah and I recently spent 2 months in Bali and loved our time there. We went in a little uncertain of what to expect but we experienced all the island has to offer during our stay.
In a rare break from house sitting around the world, we booked an Airbnb for the entire 2 months. We planned to explore the various destinations around Bali so we used the Airbnb as our base to work from during the week and set out on trips every weekend.
I had no preconceptions about Bali going in. I knew it would be naturally beautiful, friendly, and cheap, but that’s about it. We both left feeling like we had been to another world – here’s everything you need to know about Bali.
Everything You Need to Know About Bali, Indonesia
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its lush natural landscapes and vibrant culture. It has a population of around 4.5 million people and attracts as many as 7 million tourists annually. The island has some of the best beaches I have ever seen, majestic countryside, rice terraces, and rich traditions that rightly attract visitors from around the world.
The warm hospitality of the Balinese people is immediately evident, making you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. The local cuisine, with its unique blend of spices and flavors, is outstanding and we ate fabulously well during our stay.
Bali’s diverse activities range from surfing and diving to yoga retreats and cultural tours. Each part of the island offers a different adventure so let’s take a closer look at the excellent Bali destinations we visited.
Top Destinations in Bali
There are many great destinations in Bali that offer different perspectives of Balinese and Indonesian culture. I was surprised by how varied each destination was given that, as the crow flies, some are not very far apart. I recommend a trip to all of these places if your time allows. Here’s everything you need to know about the top destinations in Bali.
Kuta
Our base for 2 months was in Kuta. When we told seasoned Bali goers that we were staying in Kuta, they all said the same thing – ‘Cool, what for like 1 or 2 days?’, when we responded ‘No, 2 months!’, many were shocked. Now I can see why, but I’m still glad we chose Kuta as our base.
It is the most lively hub in Bali for bars, restaurants, and clubs. Seven days a week tourists party into the early hours on Kuta’s vibrant streets. The beach is only about 15 minutes from the airport so many tourists, predominantly Australians, use Kuta as a vacation destination. We had some great nights out in Kuta!
The beaches are fantastic, lined with local pop-up shops offering cold beer, surf lessons, and a variety of wares. Expect to be offered everything from cocaine to fishing rods but a simple and stern no is usually enough for the sellers to leave you alone. The food is great in Kuta and although the traffic is crazy, it’s a great starting point and allowed us to truly get to know Bali.
Local Tips For Kuta
Where We Stayed – Harris Hotel, Riverside Residences
Favorite Bar – Don Juan Mexican Restaurant and Bar (Best happy hour in Kuta!)
Favorite Restaurant – Yulia’s Kitchen
Seminyak
About 20 minutes north of Kuta is Seminyak which although similar to Kuta, felt more refined. The beaches here are more expansive and less chaotic, and stylish beach clubs offer sunbeds, drinks, and food service all day for very reasonable prices.
There is still a large tourist presence in Seminyak and sports bars showing AFL games, rugby, and football matches dominate the main strip. But the noticeable difference was in the number of cute independent boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. Whereas Kuta is a great place for souvenirs and cheap apparel, Seminyak is a classier shopping destination.
Some locals don’t see a big difference between Kuta and Seminyak, the beaches are pretty close and even walkable if you fancy a decent hike. But for visitors like us, the differences although more subtle than in other Bali destinations, do exist and make Seminyak worth visiting.
Local Tips For Seminyak
Where We Stayed – Bali Ayu Hotel and Villas (Close to the beach)
Favorite Bar – The Goat
Favorite Restaurant – Mano Beach House
Uluwatu
If you know Bali at all, you’ll be aware that the country’s best beach is a much-debated subject. But in my opinion, Uluwatu has the best beaches I have ever seen, anywhere. The breathtaking blue waters and white sands are as spectacular as I’d ever hoped to see.
The popular coves are always busy with surfers from around the world adding a youthful and energetic vibe to the area. Expect to see boards strapped to mopeds while shirtless, shoeless bikers make their way to or from the surf.
The southern west coast is easily accessible from Kuta, but due to the lack of major motorways, the reasonably short distance can take over 1.5 hours. Once in Uluwatu, the roads are generally quieter and there is an abundance of cafes, bars, restaurants, and nice independent shops to be enjoyed in a more tranquil setting.
Local Tips For Uluwatu
Where We Stayed – Kenanga Inn
Favorite Bar – Bartolo Bali
Favorite Restaurant – The Place With No Name (Excellent brunch)
Canggu
About an hour north of Kuta lies the tranquil and bohemian town of Canggu. Unlike the more commercialized neighboring areas, Canggu has a relaxed atmosphere that will appeal to those seeking a laid-back beach vibe combined with a touch of sophistication.
The beaches of Canggu are expansive and more serene compared to the busy shores of Kuta and Seminyak. Here, you can find a mix of rockier black sand beaches and picturesque sunsets that attract both surfers and sunbathers alike. The beachfront bars and cafes provide perfect spots to unwind with a cocktail.
In Canggu, the pace feels slower, and the vibe is more relaxed, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of Bali’s more crowded tourist areas. Whether you want to surf, relax, or indulge in the local social scene, Canggu has the perfect blend of relaxation and activity, all wrapped up in a welcoming package.
Local Tips For Canggu
Where We Stayed – Kecik Inn
Favorite Bar – Numero Quattro Echo Beach (Amazing sea views)
Favorite Restaurant – La Brisa Bali Beach Club
Ubud
Traveling north to the lush and green central highlands of Bali brings you to Ubud. It feels like a world away from the busy coastal towns. Known as the cultural heart of Bali, Ubud has a rich depth of art, history, and natural beauty that truly typifies the Bali experience.
We stayed during a weekend cremation ceremony of a royal family member which overtook the town in a stunning display of color and tradition. I highly recommend a trip to the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, where you walk among and get up close with untold numbers of playful long-tailed macaques, all amid an ancient temple complex.
Ubud is also renowned for its proximity to several stunning waterfalls, such as Tegenungan and Kanto Lampo. These falls provide breathtaking photo opportunities and the chance for a refreshing dip after a day of exploration. The town mixes plenty of traditional Balinese culture with ample social opportunities for tourists.
Local Tips For Ubud
Where We Stayed – Bhuana Shanti Homestay
Favorite Bar – Laughing Buddha Bar (Excellent food and live music)
Favorite Restaurant – Pison
Nusa Lembongan
Our final trip before departing Bali was to the island of Nusa Lembongan. It was easy to get to from Kuta, a short taxi ride brings you to the Sanur Harbor on Bali’s western coast. You should know that from Bali to Nusa Lembongan, the fast boat crossing, although only 30 minutes, is hot and very bumpy – not good for those lacking decent sea legs.
Arriving at the white sands and turquoise water of Nusa Lembongan is like arriving in paradise. If the tide is high you’ll hop into the knee-high surf and walk onto the beach and the island’s main street. Here you’ll find an array of amazing bars, cafes, and restaurants. The entire strip is easily walkable and the lack of traffic makes for a calming change from Kuta.
The mangrove forests to the north of the island offer another glimpse of Nusa Lembongan’s natural wonder, but the beaches stood out for me. The peace and tranquility of the whole island provide every bit of the Indonesian experience I had hoped we would find.
Local Tips for Nusa Lembongan
Where We Stayed – Pondok Jenggala (Amazing hotel in a great location)
Favorite Bar – Mickeys Sports Bar & Grill
Favorite Restaurant – Bali Eco Deli
Cost of Living in Bali, Indonesia
Living in Bali offers an affordable lifestyle compared to many Western countries. Renting an apartment in Kuta cost us around $500 per month including all utilities. It included the use of a communal pool, gym, and a great onsite cafe.
Dining out is relatively inexpensive, with local meals costing about $3. Western restaurants are pricier, but still only averaging $10 per meal. Happy hour deals can be found across Bali enticing tourists, but the drinks are already considerably cheaper than in most other countries we have visited. Expect to pay as little as $2 for a nice cold beer.
Transportation is cheap, with very affordable scooter rentals, pretty reliable buses, and petrol costs at a fraction of the cost in the UK or USA. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are affordable for everyday use, everywhere we went locally seemed to cost $1.50!
Weather in Bali, Indonesia
Bali enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season, from April to October, brings warm, sunny days. Temperatures average around 27-30°C, perfect for enjoying the beach or lounging by the pool.
The rainy season, from November to March, has higher humidity and frequent heavy downpours. Despite the rain, temperatures remain warm, averaging 25-29°C. Rain showers are typically brief, followed by sunshine.
Evenings can be cooler, especially in Ubud and the central highlands. It’s wise to carry a light jacket or sweater. The island’s lush greenery thrives during the rainy season, adding to Bali’s natural beauty.
Getting Around in Bali, Indonesia
Navigating Bali is easy with several transportation options available. Renting a scooter is popular and affordable, and it’s a convenient way to explore the island at your own pace. However, be warned that the traffic is often crazy, and any rules of the road seem non-existent in certain areas.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab offer affordable everyday rides. They are great for short trips or when you prefer not to drive. Prices are reasonable, with most rides costing a few dollars. There are plenty of drivers readily available and although the traffic sometimes hinders arrival times, Grab is a practical solution for getting around Bali.
For longer distances, hiring a private driver is common and relatively inexpensive. We use private taxis booked through Booking.com. They generally only cost a few dollars more than Grab but you get a more efficient, scheduled, and secure service.
House Sitting Opportunities in Bali, Indonesia
During our time in Bali, we of course set up Trusted Housesitters alerts to try and catch a few sits during our stay. Several opportunities came up but unfortunately, we already had other things planned and subsequently didn’t apply.
The large ex-pat community in Bali means there are dozens of house sitting opportunities regularly available throughout the year. If you plan to stay a long while or just want to keep your costs down, sign up for a free Trusted Housesitters account and start browsing today, click here to get started.
There are thousands of listings around the world currently accepting applications. To apply and complete an exchange you will need to be a paying member. A year’s worth of house sitting membership costs just $129 and you’ll save 25% by using our unique referral code BEACHES25 at the checkout. Click here to check out Trusted Housesitters.
Is Bali a Safe Place to Visit?
Bali is generally considered a safe destination for travelers. Petty theft can occur, so it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings. Using hotel safes and being cautious in crowded areas helps prevent issues. In places like Kuta, street sellers offer all sorts of legal and illicit goods to tourists, but a firm ‘no thanks’ usually does the trick if you aren’t interested.
Health-wise, it’s reassuring to know that Bali has good medical facilities and pharmacies. I always recommend travel insurance for added peace of mind. We did have to take a trip to a hospital in Bali after feeling unwell with a virus, the service was efficient and inexpensive. Our digital nomad insurer of choice is SafetyWing which put our minds at ease knowing we were covered. Click here to save $20 on a SafetyWing policy.
Common precautions include avoiding tap water and using mosquito repellent. Local people are friendly and welcoming to tourists. Respecting local customs and being aware of your surroundings always enhances your safety. too. Overall, Bali is a hospitable and enjoyable destination for travelers.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has provided everything you need to know about Bali, Indonesia. It’s a wonderful place to visit and I’m so grateful that we were able to spend a full 2 months exploring.
It’s a place unlike any other we have visited. The natural beauty, friendly locals, and stunning beaches blend with the chaos of the traffic and the hoards of tourists to create an experience we haven’t seen anywhere in the world. The weekend trips we took added to our visit immensely providing us with an all-encompassing overview.
I’d go back in a heartbeat. Enjoy Bali!
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