Bali is one of the most famous islands in Indonesia. Internationally recognized as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, this land, located between Asia and Oceania and rich in natural beauty and historical evidence, dating back to at least 3,000 BC, dating of the first finds found in the western area of ​​the island. .
Today Bali is the favorite destination for diving and water sports enthusiasts , as well as for lovers of nightlife and that atmosphere that unites the east with the peace of the sea.
Where it is and how to get there
The island of Bali is located in the archipelago of the Lesser Sunda Islands, in the southern part of Indonesia. Separated from the island of Java by the Bali Strait, it is one of the most important islands in all of Indonesia.
From an administrative point of view Bali is also a province with the capital Denpasar, a city that also hosts the largest airport on the island.
Bali is easily accessible from Rome and Milan, flights are operated by numerous airlines such as Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines and many more. However , there are no direct flights and each trip easily exceeds 17 hours: be prepared to make a main stopover, which most of the time is in Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Istanbul (compare flights).
When to go
Info on climate and best time
Month Average temperatures (min / max) Precipitation (days / mm) January 23/31 ° 19 days / 350 mm
February 23/31 ° 18 days / 280 mm
March 23/31 ° 20 days / 215 mm
April 23/31 ° 12 day / 90 mm
May 23/31 ° 8 days / 75 mm
June 22/30 ° 7 days / 70 mm
July 22/29 ° 4 days / 50 mm
August 22/29 ° 3 days / 15 mm
September 22/30 ° 3 day / 40 mm
October 23/31 ° 6 days / 90 mm
November 23/31 ° 10 days / 150 mm
December 23/31 ° 16 days / 290 mm
- Climate : tropical, with the driest months during our spring-summer, and periods characterized by heavy rainfall, especially in the autumn period. The temperatures, on the other hand, remain constant throughout the year, always remaining from 30 ° upwards.
- Best time: from June to September, with high temperatures but minimal rain and humidity. In these months the water is slightly cooler than in the rainy season, with about 27 ° C, against 29 ° in the period from November to May
- Period to avoid : the rainy season, more or less from November to March, when tropical cyclones are formed. Generally these phenomena do not directly affect the island, but they can contribute to increasing the rainfall during this period.
- Advice : bring clothes with fresh and light fabrics, better if loose, maybe some slightly heavier garments for the evening. Furthermore, sunscreen, hat, a light raincoat, sunglasses and equipment for snorkeling and trekking are mandatory.
What to see: attractions and places of interest
1 – Monkey Forest
Photo by Saranabhi. Considered a real sanctuary for Balinese long-tailed monkeys, the Mandala Suci Wenara Wana (more commonly known as The Ubud Monkey Forest) is certainly one of the most unmissable places on the island of Bali, which welcomes more than 12,000 foreign visitors. The forest has three large temples dedicated to Hindu gods, of which the most famous is the Temple of the Holy Spring , in addition to the 186 species of plants that make up the 12 hectares of park.
The main attraction, however, remains the Balinese monkey, whose specimens are recognizable by the characteristic color of the fur (brown-reddish on the dorsal side, lighter on the belly). Pay attention, however, to valuables (sunglasses, cameras and lenses, wallets, etc.): these monkeys, apparently so nice and funny, are actually quite spiteful and it is not uncommon for naive tourists find something robbed!
- How to get there: located in the center of Ubud and well signposted – Get directions
- Hours: Always accessible. The monkey sanctuary is open from 8:30 to 18:00, the recommended duration of the visit is about an hour and a half / two.
- Ticket cost: The cost of the entrance ticket is around 50,000 rupees (about € 3.00) for adults, 40,000 (€ 2.50) for underage children.
2 – Temple of Tanah Lot
The island of Bali abounds in temples and other religious buildings of great interest, but one of the most appreciated and spectacular is certainly the Tanah Lot Sea Temple . Dedicated to the Hindu gods of the sea and poisonous snakes (which seem to live in the cave in front of the temple, ready to drive away evil spirits and people without good intentions), the Temple of Tanah Lot is located on a rocky islet in the Pacific , right facing the southern coast of Bali, and can only be reached on foot at low tide. The complex, among the most characteristic of the whole country, is actually part of a series of seven temples of the sea, all built between the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
- How to get there: about forty minutes drive from Ubud and Kuta – Get directions
- Hours: Always open. The temple can be visited from sunrise to sunset (at low tide it is possible to get there on foot, in case of high tide instead small boats are available to cross the short stretch of sea). Keep in mind, however, that at sunset you might run into an incredible crowd of tourists attracted by the evocative beauty of the place and by the night clubs that are in the area.
- Ticket cost: 30,000 Indonesian rupiahs (just under € 2.00).
3 – Garuda Wisnu Kencana
The Mandala Garuda Wisnu Kencana is an important cultural park, located on the Bukit peninsula. Dedicated to the male deity Vishnu (typically represented with the four arms and the sky-blue skin, to indicate his divine origin) and to his faithful travel companion Garuda (i.e. the divine progenitor of all birds), the park and consisting of gardens, temples of different sizes, statues, squares, etc. located at a height of 260 meters above the sea level: from the park, in fact, it is possible to enjoy splendid views of the ocean and the island of Bali.
One of the most significant attractions of the site, however, is the statue of the god Vishnu, which is more than 70 meters high (and weighs more than 4,000 tons).
- How to get there: it is located in the exact center of the Bukit peninsula (southern coast of Bali). Starting from Ubud, it can be reached in about an hour’s drive – Get directions
- Hours: open from 8:00 to 22:00
- Ticket cost: 75,000 Indonesian rupiahs (precisely € 4.50).
4 – Padangbai Blue Lagoon
Photo by Alexey Komarov. The sea of ​​the Indonesian island is not only suitable for water sports enthusiasts (diving, surfing, snorkeling, etc.) but it can also attract those who want to enjoy a little relaxation on the beach, surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants overlooking a water worthy of a glossy cover. For this reason, if you are looking for a break from your cultural holiday and can’t wait to get some sun on a beautiful local beach, I recommend you to aim for the Blue Lagoon of Padangbai: fine white sand, turquoise sea. , a bay sheltered from the wind and chaos … We need to add more
SEE ALSO : the 10 most beautiful beaches in Bali
- How to get there: half an hour drive from Ubud (one hour and fifteen minutes if you travel by bus). Once you arrive at Padangbai village, it is only a ten minute walk to Blue Lagoon beach (follow the signs from the center, you can’t go wrong!) – Get directions
- Hours: Always accessible
- Ticket cost: Free. Pay attention to the car parks that in some periods of the year may be subject to charges
5 – Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Among the most iconic sites of cultural Bali, it is impossible not to mention the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: it is in fact the most important Shivaist temple on the island , which rises inside a caldera of an old volcanic crater now extinct, where Lake Bratan now stands. Founded in 1633, the complex is located on the western side of the lake and is divided into two parts, one of which “floating” placed on an islet surrounded by water. Not far from the splendid site, the famous traditional market of Candi Kuning is also held, where it is possible to find typical handicraft products, local spices and delicious red fruit sweets that are produced right around the lake (and which, apparently, are exquisite).
- How to get there: Lake Bratan is located in the center of the island, in the regency of Tabanan, about 45km from Ubud. By car or by public transport, it takes about an hour and a half to get there. The site is then easily identifiable, once you arrive near the lake – Get directions
- Hours: The site is open 24 hours a day, but the ticket office is open from 7:00 to 17:00 (it is still advisable to arrive early in the morning, to avoid the crowds of tourists).
- Ticket cost: 30,000 rupees (less than € 2.00), for children, 15,000 (approximately € 1.00).
6 – Uluwatu Temple
Photo by Michelle Maria. Another temple that is absolutely worth visiting if you are in Bali is the Uluwatu Temple, located in Pecatu and built in honor of the Vedic god Rudra (Hindu god of storm, hunting, death and wind). The particularity of this place, as the name indicates (ulu = “on top”, watu = “cliff”), is its location on the top of a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, which according to legend is now part of the ship petrified of the goddess of the sea, Dewi Danu.
To get to the temple, just walk up a staircase that runs along the rock overlooking the sea and access it through a stone portal. Pay attention, however: here too, as well as in the Temple of the Holy Spring, the surrounding area is populated by spiteful monkeys who often annoy unwary tourists.
- How to get there: To get to the temple, just follow the main road to Nusa Dua, then Jimbaran, then take the downhill road to Uluwatu – Get directions
- Hours: every day from 8:00 to 18:00.
- Ticket cost: 30,000 Indonesian rupiahs (approximately € 2.00).
7 – Jatiluwih and Tegallalang rice fields
You cannot really say that you have really been to Bali if you have not spent at least a few hours surrounded by what is the Balinese landscape par excellence: the terraced rice fields . Distributed throughout the island, there are really many terraces that can be found alternating with areas where the jungle thrives: among the most popular and beautiful, we recommend those of Jatiluwih and Tegallalang, which have become part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. . Despite being a little out of the way compared to Ubud, they definitely deserve to be taken into consideration. If you prefer to stay in the outskirts of the city, you might consider following the walk along Jalan Matahari, a non-touristic pedestrian street that winds through the rice fields. Unpublished views are guaranteed in both cases!
- How to get there: Getting to Jatiluwih may not be easy if you do not have private cars / scooters with which to move: in fact, there are no public transport to reach the rice fields, and this demonstrates the attempt to preserve the entire area by safeguarding it from mass tourism. . The rice fields however are located about 35km away from Ubud, in Tabanan – Get directions
- Hours: open every day from 6:00 to 19:00.
- Ticket cost: around 15,000 rupees (approximately € 1.00).
8 – Tirta Empul Temple
If you want to live a different experience than usual during your stay in Balinese land, all you have to do is head to one of the most particular places of worship on the island : the Tirta Empul temple. This temple, built around 900, is still periodically frequented by the Hindu faithful, who go to this place of worship to purify themselves by immersing themselves in the pools dedicated to sacred ablutions . The water that feeds the pools, in fact, comes directly from the sacred spring that flows next to the mountainous area of ​​Bali, and the faithful, proceeding from west to east, after having exposed their prayers, pass with their heads bowed and hands joined under the 13 fountains present.
The site is also open to tourists (who, if they want to personally participate in the ceremony, must request it at the entrance). A mystical and highly suggestive experience.
- How to get there: Tirta Empul is located in the village of Manukaya, about 40km from the nearest airport but only 15km from Ubud, from which it can be reached in less than 30 minutes – Get directions
- Hours: from 7:00 to 18:00.
- Ticket cost: 15,000 Indonesian rupiahs (€ 1.00).
9 – Gate of Paradise
Bali is not just one of the many destinations where you can go on vacation, but it is a place that encompasses a whole complex and varied common imaginary that is emerging especially in recent years. In this regard, one of the most widespread images of Bali on the Internet and social networks, immediately after that of the rice fields, is the one depicting particular stone monuments (often photographed at sunrise and / or sunset, when the light makes them even more magical. ): these monuments that have recently become very famous are none other than the Gates of Paradise, of which the best known are located within the site of Pura Lempuyang. To get to take pictures of these wonders, however, arm yourself with a lot of patience and get ready to work hard: in addition to endless crowds of tourists, more than 1,700 steps separate you from the Gates of Paradise !
- How to get there: The religious site is located in the Karangasem regency, 70km from the city of Ubud. For reasons of convenience, we recommend the use of a private vehicle or a taxi: the routes of public transport, in fact, are not always regular – Get directions
- Hours: open from 7:00 to 17:00. Keep in mind, however, two hours of one-way walk for the ascent via the access stairway.
- Ticket cost: around 30,000 Indonesian rupiahs (€ 2.00).
10 – Swing in the jungle
Finally, among the most curious shots that you can take on the island, it would be a real shame to miss the one of the small swing immersed in the jungle that is particularly popular in the Instagram world. The feeling of being suspended in the air, almost like flying, while the green of the lush Balinese vegetation explodes all around
… and to make sure you can use it for at least half an hour, you must write privately to the owner of the structure, booking the day and time available.
- How to get there: the structure in question is only twenty minutes from the center of Ubud, in Dewi Saraswati street – Get directions
- Hours: By reservation. Usually around 12:00 / 14:00.
- Ticket cost: approximately 250,000 / 300,000 Indonesian rupiahs (€ 15.00 – 20.00 approximately). More expensive than any other attraction you might try on the island, in reality it is a paltry amount considering the one-of-a-kind experience.
11 – Goa Gajah Archaeological Site
Photo by DerGenaue Allrounder. Dating back to the 11th century, the Goa Gajah archaeological site includes a cave with a frightening entrance depicting the mouth of the god Bhoma, surrounded by ancient Hindu temples.
12 – Butterfly Park
Photo by Lasthib. The butterfly park is one of the many magical places in Bali. Here you can admire hundreds of butterflies, including rare species. In addition, here you will also find a museum dedicated to the insects of the island.
13 – Tirta Gangga water gardens
Photo of Schnobby.
Photo by Schnobby. Tirta Gangga is located about 6 km from Amlapura. These are splendid water gardens, designed and built in 1948 by Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, the last king of the Karangasems. It is a multi-level complex, which includes ponds, swimming pools and, on the highest level, the former summer residence of the king.
14 – Mount Batur
An active volcano, 1,700 meters high located in the center of the island, from which to enjoy an incredible sunrise.
It is about 90 km away, usually we leave late at night to reach the village of Kintamani, the starting point for the 1 hour 30 trek accompanied by expert guides.
The climb is not difficult, but you need to be trained to a minimum, however, the effort is rewarded by the splendid sunrise that can be admired once you reach the top.
It is then usually possible to enjoy a nice bath in the thermal spring and a hearty breakfast before tackling the descent.
The excursion lasts a whole day, it is advisable to rely on a guided tour with expert local guides.
What to do in Bali: excursions and tours
Getting around
To get around Bali far and wide, the most popular means of transport for tourists is the scooter , especially for the really affordable cost (from € 5.00 per day). It is not really a safe vehicle due to traffic and other people’s driving, so it is recommended to rent it only if you are familiar with it.The rental car is not recommended , better to opt for a private car or minibus charter with driver, which will take you around the island.
Alternatively, you can travel with the Kura Kura bus , a public tourist bus company in Bali, which, however, covers only the most touristic areas and with fairly limited rides. Then there are the Bemo, 6/8 seater minibuses used by the locals, perfect for enjoying the local daily life mixing with the population and for moving from one end of a city to the other. There are no timetables and they leave when they are full (€ 0.30 / 0.50 each way). Also available are the famous tuk tuks and private drivers , who can also be busy throughout the day.
Finally, you can decide to base yourself in different cities and move from there with organized tours that also include transport and hotel pick-up.
- Recommended solutions and means : scooter (only if you are used to driving it), private car with driver, Kura Kura Bus, tuk tuk, taxi and private driver (€ 25.00 average based on distances), Bemo
- Solutions and means not recommended : bicycle, rental car
What to know before leaving
- General information about the country : 4,298,000 inhabitants, capital Denpasar, languages ​​spoken Balinese, Indonesian, English
- Time Zone : GMT + 8 (Bali and 6 hours ahead of Italy)
- Distance from Italy : 9,567 km (15-20 hours of flight)
- Necessary documents : Passport with a residual validity of at least 6 months and which has 2 free consecutive pages. Free Entry Visa (for stays of less than 30 days), directly at the border controls once landed; international driving license in case of vehicle rental.
- Where to eat: kiosks and markets for street food with a few cents; in the warung, a classic family-run restaurant where you can eat typical dishes at a very low cost.
- How to pay : The local currency and the Indonesian Rupiah (€ 1.00 = RP 18). Better to always pay in cash with local currency. For the change, prefer the authorized Change Money compared to the airport. Don’t rely too much on your credit card. It is customary to leave a 10% tip from waiters, drivers, bellmen. With the exception of supermarkets, bars, restaurants and shopping centers, the bargaining rule applies.
- Security : crime is widespread, especially in tourist areas and in the evening hours. The traffic is intense and messy, also be careful to cross the street on foot. Always keep up to date by consulting the Official Website of the Farnesina in the Indonesia section.
Useful advice and rules of conduct
- Appropriate clothing for visiting places of worship : no skimpy clothing, bare shoulders and shorts. Obligation (for both men and women) to wear the sarong, a cloth to tie at the waist that covers the legs. It can be rented at the entrance of the temples but, it is better to buy one at the beginning of the holiday.
- Never climb over a (pure) Balinese temple or place yourself in an elevated position.
- Do not touch the head of a Balinese , not even a child as a sign of affection. According to Hindu beliefs, the head is the most sacred part of the body and the feet the most impure.
- Do not sit with your feet pointing towards a sacred image , as according to Hindu beliefs, the feet are the most impure part of the body.
- Do not use your left hand to eat or pass objects . The left is used for the hygiene of the private parts.
- Maintain a discreet and not very expansive attitude , especially for affectionate manifestations between men and women.
- Aggressive and frowned upon behavior . Tourists who lose their temper are despised rather than feared.
- Do not smoke in public areas of the island . Law introduced in 2011.
- People are extremely welcoming and helpful. They are very happy to be photographed. However, it is a good idea to ask for permission first.
- Travel / health insurance : recommended. With us you get a 10% discount and you have full coverage, 24h medical insurance and unlimited telephone advice. Get
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How much a holiday in Bali costs
Prices, offers and advice
The cost of a holiday in Bali can vary a lot. The prices, thanks to the difference in currency, are really low when it comes to accommodation and food: in principle you should spend an average of € 15.00 per night, while for food around € 3.00 . The real cost of Bali are taxis, which are essential to reach the various parts of the island. The prices here in fact easily exceed 1,000 rupees (€ 8.00 approximately) for even short journeys.
- Where to sleep: Hotels and b & b from € 15.00 per room – see the offers
- Low cost flights: starting from € 451.36 – look at the offers
- Custom quote : click here to request a custom quote
