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Bali Travel Guide
The paradise island of Bali truly is a dream destination. With breath-taking natural scenery, luxury resorts and rich and diverse cultures, holidays to Bali offer a sensational tropical escape with something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful sanctuary overlooking the shimmering turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, or enjoying the thrilling water sports on offer in Tanjung Benoa, you will find all this and more in Bali. From the vibrant nightlife of Seminyak, to the lush, green foothills of Ubud, this is the perfect destination for romance, adventure and making amazing memories that will last a lifetime.
Best beaches in Bali
It's no surprise Bali is renowned for its diverse and postcard-like beaches, each bound to a unique bliss for a tranquil seascape. It's pretty amazing: a kaleidoscopic haze of blues and greens and a fresh coconut in your hands as you lounge in the Indonesian sunshine. From snow-white sands to majestic bays with an upscale atmosphere, some sensational spots await in Bali.
Beaches in Bali
Seminyak Beach
Situated between Kuta and Canggu, Seminyak Beach is a sprawling 5 km stretch of stunning golden sands, vibrant beach bars, high-end restaurants and 5-star hotels, making it a mecca for fun seekers of all ages. Some best dining in Bali can be found here, boasting stunning views out to sea, many of the eateries are just a few feet from the ocean waves. Seminyak Beach is also a great place to embrace surfing with gentle sections, ideal for learning and some challenging waves and undercurrents providing ample excitement for the more experienced. So, if you want to indulge in some unadulterated and luxurious pleasure head over to Seminyak Beach, claim a sunbed, order a cocktail and enjoy one of the finest beaches on the island.
Nusa Dua Beach
Nestling next to one of Bali’s top all-inclusive resorts, Nusa Dua Beach is an immaculate white sand heaven. Surrounded by high-end hotels, gently swaying palm trees and sculptured gardens that have barely a blade of grass out of place, the whole area is a piece of man-made beauty. This is a great location for families to spend some time together, with calm seas providing perfect conditions to indulge in water-based activities, while clean, safe beaches are ideal for relaxing. The area also boasts many family-friendly restaurants, a shopping centre and even an 18-hole golf course. One thing is certain you will not be short of things to do at Nusa Dua.
Sanur Beach
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle that can be Bali, then seek out some relaxing tranquillity at Sanur Beach. Sanur itself is a quaint, little fishing village and is a great place to set out from to explore over 5 km of coastal paths and promenades. Wander through resort areas, old world beachfront cafes, traditional wooden fishing boats and elegant villas built by wealthy expats. Arrive early to see spectacular sunrises light up the white, coarse coral sand and define the outlines of Mount Agung and Nusa Penida Island in the distance. Sanur has a charm all of its own and is perfect for a romantic day at the beach, away from the crowds.
Bali Geography
Bali History
Bali Wildlife
Activities in Bali
Watersports
Diving in Bali
Surrounded by the beautiful Indian Ocean and abundant coral reefs it’s not a surprise that Bali has become a prime diving destination. Visitors can dive from beaches or take organised boat trips to explore wrecks, reefs and amazing underwater drops created by the islands' past volcanic activity. Couple this with fair weather in the dry season, clear waters and high-class instructors, equipment and safety records, it is little wonder that Bali is considered a World class dive destination; oh, did we mention that it is also very affordable.
The dry season runs from May to November with the best time to see Manta Rays April to May. If you have flexibility, we recommend that you schedule your dive trip between August to October when you will be able to encounter the magnificent Mola Mola or Oceanic Sunfish. Eating mostly jelly fish, this wonder of the deep often weighs in at a staggering 1000 kg.
Diving highlights include the wreck of the Cargo Ship USAT Liberty which has become home to a diverse collection of marine life and the Anker wreck. Situated at a depth of 40m, this is for more advanced divers who will be rewarded with opportunities to explore many artefacts spilled from its interior. However, be aware that they are strictly protected and taking home a souvenir is not allowed. For those wanting to head a little deeper then the drop-off in Tulamben is the place to go. Volcanic activity from 1963 has provided a 70m deep wall descent covered in massive gorgonian fans, colourful sponges and black coral.
Surfing in Bali
Warm weather, superb waves, quality accommodation and fantastic food and drink at affordable prices make Bali a mecca for surfers of all levels. The island offers a wide range of surfing experiences in interesting settings. Due to its relatively small size, all of the locations are easily accessible, no matter where you choose to base yourself. Green Bowl, on the Bukit Peninsula, is a good example. It's reached by a staircase of hundreds of concrete steps, so it's not a destination for the faint-hearted. However, you will be rewarded with a bowl-shaped seabed that reflects the surrounding jungle at low tide and offers some impressive waves.
Many surf spots are also home to superb beaches, often overlooked by Hindu temples. You can expect to encounter all types of waves, from 5 to 15 feet, and some will even challenge expert surfers, such as at Uluwatu, where highly technical and advanced swells can be sought. It's worth noting that almost all the surf sites are close to or above rocky reefs. It is therefore advisable to wear suitable, sturdy footwear.
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Bali
Bali is mostly associated with the surfing scene, but with favourable winds during the dry season (May to September) and a mild tropical climate, it also boasts a thriving windsurfing and kitesurfing scene. There are scores of places on the island where you can fulfil your desire to ride the waves, most of which offer rentals and lessons given by certified instructors.
Sanur, in the south-east, is renowned as Bali's kitesurfing centre. Its calm waters are ideal for beginners, and many companies offer lessons and equipment hire at very reasonable prices. Although ideal for beginners, the more experienced will also find it a challenge, as winds can regularly reach 15 knots. We also recommend visiting Kuta and Canggu, in the south-west. Here, the less confident can hone their skills in the calm, flat lagoons, while off the beach, the rolling waves will tempt those looking for a little adrenaline rush.
Sailing in Bali
Sailing in Bali is fun, adventurous and very affordable. Various crewed boats can be hired by the day for the price of a mid-range hotel. Everything is included on board, with the only extras being alcoholic drinks, souvenirs and tips. You can hire many types of boat, from modern catamarans to traditional Chinese junks. We recommend you opt for a Burgundy schooner made of wood and teak. Designed to resemble an old merchant or pirate ship, you'll be transported to a romantic era when you embark on your tailor-made voyage. However, appearances can be deceiving, as the interior actually boasts luxurious, air-conditioned, state-of-the-art cabins and facilities.
Of course, package tours are also available. Several companies offer a multitude of options on a varied selection of ships, ranging from half-day excursions to three-week stays. You can choose to watch the sun go down over excellent buffets or spend the day searching for dolphins at the tip of the Bukit Peninsula. Most companies have their own resort clubs in places such as Nusa Lembongan, Senggigi or the Gill Islands, where they transport you to enjoy water-based activities such as swimming or snorkelling. You can also take a tour of the village or simply relax and enjoy the barbecues before returning to your resort.
Fishing in Bali
Fishing is very popular in Bali, with beach casting a favourite activity for locals and visiting anglers alike. For a deep-sea fishing experience, one of our favourites is to set off on a traditional, locally-built wooden Jukung. For those who prefer to concentrate solely on fishing, more modern and less adventurous boats are available.
Whatever your choice, the waters around Bali are teeming with big game species; the giant trevally is renowned locally as an excellent 'fighting fish', while the deeper waters, found only fifteen miles away, offer opportunities for mahi mahi, wahoo, amberjack, snapper and tuna. A little further out, you can even catch marlin or sailfish. The best time to plan your fishing trip to Bali is spring or autumn, and the best times to fish are early in the morning or late at night.
Canoeing & Kayaking in Bali
Bali is famous for its jungle-draped mountains, superb beaches and breathtaking reefs, which combine to offer a breathtaking assault on the senses. But why not consider admiring the island's beauty from another perspective, by canoeing on the water? Hire your own equipment and launch out into the sea or along a river, exploring hidden caves and secluded spots inaccessible from land, while admiring the magnificent panoramas that unfold as you gently paddle along.
One of our favourite spots is the Ayung River in Ubud. Here you can paddle down white-water rapids past waterfalls and vibrant jungle, while observing the native flora and fauna that call the area home. For a more serene canoeing experience, head to the east coast, where you can enjoy a peaceful, gentle trip along a stunning coastline. For the less experienced, we recommend Livadi beach, where canoe trips led by experienced guides will take you gently past hidden rock formations and steep cliffs. These trips can be enjoyed by canoeists of all levels, with tandem options available for inexperienced novices.
Land activities
Golf in Bali
Think of Bali and a wonderful golf experience does not immediately spring to mind. However, there are four great courses on the island, each offering their own take on the sport. One course, the Handara Golf and Resort Bali is even listed as one of the ‘Top 50 Greatest Golf Courses in the World’ by Golf Magazine. So, what will a round of golf on Bali deliver? Well stunning views are a given, but each course has its own unique perspective on the sport. Head up the mountains to the centre of the island to hit some balls in the middle of an extinct volcano crater at Bali Handara. Or play along the cliff tops of Nirwana Bali, with stunning views across the ocean in one direction and the amazing Tanah Lot Temple in the other.
Another links round can be played at New Kuta Golf Club. It also boasts some interesting clifftop holes where tight control is required so you won’t be climbing down to retrieve any errant balls. Finally, we must mention the revamped Bali National Golf Club. Open since 1913 the course and facilities have been recently renovated to an exceptionally high standard. Here you will find many challenging holes, but our favourite is the seventeenth, a par-3 over water, where the only pieces of solid ground are the tee box and the green – the use of cheaper golf balls is recommended.
Cycling in Bali
Cycling is a great way to explore the beautiful island of Bali at a pace that suits you. It's easy to hire equipment, but make sure you understand what you're hiring. The word 'cycle' is often used by locals to refer to a scooter, which can be confusing and lead to surprised looks when you arrive at the rental shop. We recommend that you use the term "push bike" in any discussions you may have.
The rides vary in difficulty (most of Bali is hilly), but there's something for everyone - here are a few of our favourites. Mount Batur is a gentle hike with only a short climb halfway up. Skirting a volcanic crater, you'll get fantastic views of the mountain and, towards the end, a surprising section through a black lava field. The tiny paved pistes that wind through the rice fields near Ubud are slightly more challenging. There are climbs and descents along the way, but your efforts are amply rewarded by breathtaking views of the Tegallalang rice terraces and the Tampaksiring temples. Fit cyclists can try the 70km loop from Sideman Valley to Candidasa, where you can stop to snorkel at the Blue Lagoon or visit the Bat Cave temple and the splendid royal palace of Klungkung.
Walking & Hiking in Bali
Bali is a dream destination for those who like to include a bit of walking in their holiday programme. Being a relatively small island, it doesn't offer any real opportunities for multi-day hikes, but it's perfectly suited to those who want to spend a few hours or a whole day exploring on foot. From iconic rice paddies to lush jungle, unspoilt villages and temples, there's no shortage of things to discover. If you're heading to West Bali National Park, or if you decide to tackle the mountains and volcanoes, we recommend hiring a local guide. This will ensure you get the most out of your experience and stay safe.
Here are three hikes we particularly like. Set your alarm and head to Mount Batur to be amazed by an incredible sunrise over Lake Caldera from the top of the mountain, 1720m above sea level. We recommend taking part in an organised excursion, which usually departs from Ubud around 2am. This will allow you to reach the summit in good time and help provide a vital income for the surrounding rural communities.
If you prefer the wild, head to West Bali National Park. You can do anything from a short walk lasting a few hours to a jungle expedition through a wilderness that once belonged to the magnificent tiger. Whichever you choose, be prepared to get up close to herds of Sunda deer, macaques and the rare ebony leaf monkey. Guides are compulsory, but well worth the effort as they can point out animals you might otherwise miss.
Finally, for an easy day's hike and the chance to bathe in wonderfully cool waters, visit Sekumpul Waterfall. Actually a collection of seven waterfalls, this idyllic beauty spot is just 1 mile (1.61 km) from the car park, where tickets and guided tours can be booked.