The Best of Bali: Guide + Itinerary

Let me guess--- you're planning a trip to Bali but quickly getting overwhelmed with the planning process. I've been there, that's why I created this FREE guide with over 170 of my favorite accommodations, restaurants, hidden gems and activities! This guide also contains the following information: ☀️ When to visit Bali ⚠️ Travel resources + how to avoid scams 🇮🇩 Cultural specificities you should be aware of 💰 Money saving tips 🛺 All transportation options + tips on avoiding traffic 😴 Suggestions on where to stay - from luxury hotels to budget friendly home stays and hostels 🗺️ The Best of Bali - featuring every landmark + activity Bali is famous for 📌 Curated points of interest (temples, beaches, waterfalls, hikes, parks, cafes, bars + restaurants) around each city 🛥️ Boat tours + island day trips 🤿 Excursions + activities 🚗 East Bali Day Trip Itinerary 📸 Exclusive photos and videos from me, and so much more! 📍Locations Covered: 🌋Ubud 🏝️Nusa Penida 🧘🏻‍♀️Sanur 🍹Canggu 🌅Uluwatu 🌺Seminyak 🪬Sukawati 🪷 Mengwi ⛩️Amlapura 🎍Munduk 🐠Gili Islands Click the map icon for location pins and directions that connect directly to your phone's Google or Apple Maps🗺️

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Bali - Land of the Gods 🪔

From the lush rice terraces of Ubud to the world-class surf breaks of Uluwatu, Bali offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you're seeking spiritual enlightenment in ancient temples, indulging in the island's rich culinary scene, or exploring hidden waterfalls, Bali promises an unforgettable journey. In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your Bali adventure, from must-see sights to essential travel tips.

🌤️ Best time to visit

Although Bali is worth a visit any time of year, there is one key thing to be mindful of when planning your trip to get the most out of your experience:

Weather

Bali's weather can be classified into two seasons Wet + Dry. (but if you ask me it's more like hot + hotter)

Dry Season (April to October): This, in my opinion, is the best time to visit Bali. The weather is warm and relatively dry, with temperatures ranging from mid 70's-80's. July and August are the peak tourist months, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time. Although it's considered their "dry" season, you can still expect scattered showers.

Rainy Season (November to March): During this period, Bali experiences heavy rainfall, particularly in December and January. Temperatures remain warm, but the humidity is higher. While you can still visit during the rainy season, the weather can be unpredictable, and some outdoor activities might be less enjoyable.

💭 Know before you go:

Balinese culture is rich in history and tradition, that being said there are a few things your should educate yourself on before visiting here:

1. Religion

Bali is predominantly Hindu, and this deeply influences daily life, with temples, rituals, and ceremonies making up much of the city. Visitors should dress modestly when visiting these locations, covering shoulders and knees, sometimes even a sarong and sash are required. Locals place out daily offerings (Canang Sari) which are small woven baskets filled with flowers, rice, and incense. These are found everywhere, even on sidewalks, so be mindful not to step on them.

2. Etiquette

Polite Greetings: A smile goes a long way in Bali. The only rule to remember here is using your right hand to give and receive items is considered polite, while using your left hand is seen as disrespectful.

Shoes Off Indoors: It is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain indoor spaces, including some shops and accommodations.

Avoid Public Displays of Affection: While holding hands is generally acceptable, overt displays of affection in public are frowned upon in Balinese culture.

3. Ceremonies + Festivals

Nyepi Day (Day of Silence): A significant Hindu holiday, Nyepi is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation. The entire island shuts down, including the airport, and tourists are expected to stay within their accommodations.

Galungan and Kuningan: These are major Balinese Hindu festivals celebrated every 210 days, marking the victory of good over evil. Streets are filled with penjor (bamboo poles decorated with offerings) and there are various ceremonies and festivities that tourists can respectfully observe.

4. Balinese Cuisine

There are many traditional dishes I encourage you to try such as Babi Guling (suckling pig), Bebek Betutu (slow-cooked duck), and my favorite Nasi Campur (mixed rice). Food is often flavored with local spices and ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. Bali is tourist-friendly, with vegetarian and vegan options widely available. However, it's important to be aware that some dishes may include hidden ingredients.

IMPORTANT: although most food is safe to eat for tourist, I suggest avoiding salad or any fresh produce washed in tap water to prevent Bali belly.

5. Environmental Awareness

Bali has faced many challenges with waste management, so it's important for travelers to be mindful of their plastic use and dispose of waste properly. I highly suggest bringing a collapsible reusable water bottle with you to help combat this issue.

If snorkeling or diving, be cautious not to touch or step on coral reefs, as they are delicate ecosystems. Choose tour operators that prioritize environmental conservation. I booked strictly through Viator on my trip and really enjoyed my experience.

6. Traffic and Transportation

Scooters are a common mode of transportation, but traffic can be chaotic, and roads are often narrow. If renting a scooter, ensure you have an international driver’s license and always wear a helmet.

If you are uncomfortable navigating new terrain by yourself I highly suggest using other transport options such as private drivers, taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek (similar to Uber) to get around both efficient and effectively.

It’s best to take a scooter whenever possible to avoid traffic. When taking a car, the journey can take 2x longer than stated on google maps.

IMPORTANT: To avoid getting scammed, always negotiate fares beforehand with local taxis and scooter drivers.

💵 Money saving tips:

- Travel during Off-Season.

- Book accommodations in advance! Use apps that offer last-minute deals if you're flexible with your plans!

- Eat like a local! Enjoy delicious, affordable meals at warungs (local eateries) rather than touristy restaurants. Dishes like Nasi Goreng and Mie Goreng are both tasty and budget-friendly!

- Bargain at local markets! When shopping at markets or for souvenirs, bargaining is common. Start by offering about half of the initial price and negotiate from there.

- Renting a scooter is an affordable way to explore the island at your own pace. It's much cheaper than taxis or private drivers and gives you the freedom to discover hidden gems.

- Use ride-hailing apps! For short trips, use apps like Gojek or Grab instead of taxis. These apps offer fixed, competitive pricing and often have promotions for new users.

- Visit free attractions! Many of Bali’s natural attractions, like beaches, rice terraces, and waterfalls, are free or have a minimal entrance fee. Spend more time enjoying these instead of pricey tourist spots.

- Instead of relying on expensive international roaming, purchase a local SIM card with data. You’ll stay connected for a fraction of the cost.

- Avoid ATMs with high fees! Withdraw cash from ATMs associated with major banks to avoid high withdrawal fees and use a BMC whenever possible.

- Attend free events! Look for local cultural events, festivals, or community gatherings. These often offer an authentic experience without the price tag of tourist-centric activities.

🌋 Ubud, Central Bali -

Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali, is a must-visit destination for those seeking a blend of natural beauty, spiritual experiences, and artistic inspiration. Surrounded by lush rice terraces, ancient temples, and vibrant art markets, Ubud offers a serene escape from the island's busier coastal areas. Whether you're exploring the Sacred Monkey Forest, visiting local cafes, or indulging in a traditional Balinese spa treatment, Ubud captivates with its unique charm and tranquil atmosphere.

Hotels -

Gora House Bali