Bali Travel Guide
It’s a rite of passage for every Aussie to visit Bali at least once in their lifetime—and for most travellers, one Bali experience is enough to get them hooked for life!
Before you embark on your Bali escape, it’s always good to find out a little about what you can expect so you know how to prepare for your trip and get the most out of the experience. That’s why we’ve pulled together this handy travel guide, filled with everything you need to know before you visit Bali.
Best ways to experience Bali
There’s so much to love about Bali. Without having to travel too far from Australian shores, Bali serves up a rich cultural experience with something for everyone.
With so much on offer, it can be hard to know where to start when choosing what activities to include on your itinerary—but don’t worry, here are some top ideas of things to do in Bali that will make for an unforgettable experience.
Practice yoga in Ubud - Having been practised in Bali for more than 1,000 years, many people travel to Bali every year with the sole purpose of practising yoga—and Ubud is the place to do it. The spectacular scenery alone can work wonders helping you to feel rested and restored
Sip cocktails at sunset - There are plenty of great places to relax with a cocktail while taking in the beauty of a Bali sunset, but if you’re looking for one of the best and most iconic places to do it, Rock Bar in Jimbaran is seriously impressive
Explore some of Bali’s ancient temples - Bali is home to many Pura (Hindu temples), some of which date back thousands of years. If you can, include a visit to temples like Tanah Lot, Pura Tirta Empul or Uluwatu Temple on your itinerary to experience some of Bali’s rich cultural heritage.
Visiting Bali
Climate
Bali can be beautiful to visit at most times of the year, but it is good to plan your trip around what you would most like to do while you’re there.
Bali is generally warm no matter what time you visit, with temperatures typically ranging between 28°C - 32°C year-round. The climate in Bali is however separated into the wet and dry seasons, which could influence the type of activities you’ll be able to enjoy.
The dry season runs from April through to October, making it an ideal time to travel if your idea of a Bali escape involves plenty of time spent outside. If you plan to visit during the wet season (from November to March), expect to encounter frequent downpours.
Culture and language
Bali’s culture is richly steeped in a form of Hinduism called Agama Hindu Dharma which influences almost every aspect of the way the Balinese people live, with significant focus placed on achieving a harmonious balance between people, nature and religion.
Balinese people are generally very warm and welcoming toward tourists. While the official languages in Bali include Bahasa Indonesia (Indonesian) and Basa Bali (Balinese), many Bali locals also speak some English which makes it relatively easy for Australian tourists to get by in most areas of the island. You shouldn’t have any issues communicating in English in hotels or restaurants.
It is important to research and respect the local laws in Bali, as some things that might be acceptable in Australia are seriously frowned upon in Indonesia. Some activities (such as drug offenses) can attract very severe penalties, including the death penalty.
Getting around
While Bali is geographically small in size, it is densely populated and traffic jams are common, particularly in the areas which are most popular with tourists. The roads can seem somewhat chaotic compared to Australian roads, and driving can be very challenging if you’re not used to the conditions. For this reason, most tourists opt to use either taxis or private drivers to get around.
Motorbikes are another common form of transport in Bali. If you choose to hire a motorbike while in Bali, just make sure it comes with adequate vehicle insurance in case you have an accident. You’ll be pleased to know our travel insurance provides cover for claims that arise from the use of a motorbike, provided you wear a helmet and meet the local license requirements for the motorbike you are riding. If the motorbike is more than 125cc, you’ll also need to have a current and valid licence required for driving an equivalent rated Motorcycle in Australia.
Accommodation
Bali offers a variety of accommodation options including everything from luxury hotels and private villas through to budget backpacker hostels. You may even choose to stay in a Losmen, which are basic guest houses run by local Balinese families.
You’ll generally find that most of the accommodation in Bali is relatively affordable compared to what you might expect to pay in Australia when you consider the quality of the rooms and facilities and the level of service provided.
Entry requirements
If you are travelling on an Australian passport, you can apply for an e-Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) no later than 48 hours prior to travelling to Indonesia. Alternatively, you can also pay for a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar (Bali’s international airport).
It’s always a good idea to visit the Australian government’s Smartraveller website before your trip for the latest information and updates about travelling to Indonesia.
Preparing for Your Trip Checklist
Ready for your Bali escape? Here’s a handy checklist to make sure you’re set for an unforgettable getaway:
Check passport validity: Ensure it’s valid for at least six months beyond your departure date.
Verify entry requirements: Confirm you meet Bali’s visitor entry requirements.
Arrange travel funds: Set up a travel currency card or payment method and consider carrying some Indonesian rupiah (IDR) for cash-only spots.
Notify your bank: Let your financial institution know you’ll be travelling.
Review phone coverage: Contact your phone provider to check if your plan covers Bali or consider a pre-paid international SIM card.
Book your accommodations and share travel details with someone at home.
Get travel insurance: We partner with PassportCard, Australia's only travel insurance with instant payouts for common claims using the PassportCard Travel Insurance. Medical issue overseas, delayed luggage or stolen cash? PassportCard can load funds onto the card so you can pay for common claims on the spot.
Find out more about PassportCard or get a quote for your next trip.
* All benefits and covers are subject to the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions listed in the Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement and on other policy documentation, including the schedule. Terms and conditions of the PassportCard also apply.
