Beaches & surf Updated 29 July 2026
The Best Surf Beaches in Bali, by Level
Reef breaks that break over coral and beach breaks that forgive: which Bali waves suit which surfer, how the seasons swap the coasts, and where not to paddle out.
Come for the waves stay for the rice terrace mornings
A local's guide to Bali from the Uluwatu cliffs to the Canggu beach clubs and every temple in between
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Beaches, surf and beach clubs
From the Uluwatu cliffs to the Canggu sunsets, the beaches and spots worth the drive.
Nightlife & beach clubs Updated 29 July 2026
Bali Beach Clubs: What You Are Actually Paying For
Day beds, minimum spends and a sunset over the Indian Ocean: how beach clubs work here, which coast to be on, and how to do one without spending a fortune.
Areas & where to stay Updated 29 July 2026
Canggu: Surf, Cafes and Scooters
The strip that became Bali's nomad capital: the black-sand breaks, the cafe and coworking scene, the beach clubs, the traffic on the shortcut roads, and whether it suits your trip.
Areas & where to stay Updated 29 July 2026
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula
The clifftop south of Bali: the temple on the edge and its sunset fire dance, the cove beaches down long flights of steps, the serious surf breaks, and what staying up here really costs you.
Beaches & surf Updated 23 January 2026
The Best Beaches in Bali: Where to Swim, Surf and Watch the Sunset
From the clifftop coves of Uluwatu to the calm sands of Sanur and the surf of Canggu, here are the best beaches in Bali and which one is right for your day.
Nightlife & beach clubs Updated 16 August 2026
Bali Nightlife: Beach Clubs, Sunset Sessions and Which Town Suits You
The island's nights run on beach clubs and sunset sessions rather than late clubs, and Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta are three completely different evenings. What each costs and how to stay out of trouble.
Where to stay?
Compare prices on hotels and rentals across Bali.
Ready-made itineraries
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The Bali map
Every destination, beach and attraction from our guides, on one map.
More than 160 of the best places in Bali, in one guide with photos and tips.
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Areas & where to stay Updated 30 August 2026
The Gili Islands: Trawangan, Air and Meno Compared
Three tiny, car-free islands off the coast of Lombok, reached from Bali by fast boat: the nightlife of Trawangan, the balance of Air, the quiet of Meno, and how the crossing actually works.
Nature & temples Updated 27 August 2026
Tegalalang and Jatiluwih: Bali's Two Rice Terraces Compared
The postcard terraces a short ride from Ubud and the UNESCO-listed valley an hour further on are often mentioned in the same breath. They are not the same trip, and knowing the difference saves you a wasted morning.
Food & cafés Updated 18 August 2026
Bali Coffee Culture: Warungs, Plantations and the Kopi Luwak Question
Beyond the specialty cafes: traditional warung kopi, the highland plantations where Bali's coffee actually grows, and an honest look at the kopi luwak controversy.
Nightlife & beach clubs Updated 16 August 2026
Bali Nightlife: Beach Clubs, Sunset Sessions and Which Town Suits You
The island's nights run on beach clubs and sunset sessions rather than late clubs, and Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta are three completely different evenings. What each costs and how to stay out of trouble.
Nature & temples Updated 11 August 2026
Tanah Lot: Bali's Sunset Sea Temple, and How to Actually Enjoy It
The practical guide to Tanah Lot: tide times, the entrance fee, dress code, when the crowds peak, and whether the famous sunset is still worth the trip.
Nature & temples Updated 1 August 2026
Kite Season in Bali: The Giant Layang-Layang of the Dry-Season Skies
Kite season in Bali runs July to September, when giant layang-layang fill the southern skies. Where to watch, the Sanur and Padang Galak festivals, and how to do it right.
Must reads
The core guides to start from.
Ready-made itineraries Updated 29 July 2026
Ten Days in Bali: A Complete Itinerary
A realistic ten-day Bali itinerary: Ubud, the south coast and a Nusa island, plus the east or the north as your fourth act, with honest drive times and which nights to leave unplanned.
Practical info Updated 18 July 2026
Getting Around Bali: Scooter, Private Driver or Car?
How to get around Bali: scooter rental, hiring a private driver, ride-hailing apps and car rental, with honest advice on cost, safety and what suits your trip.
Trip planning Updated 27 June 2026
Bali on a Budget: What Things Really Cost
A clear breakdown of Bali costs in USD: daily budgets for backpackers, mid-range and comfort travellers, plus money, ATM and tipping tips to make it stretch.
Nature & temples Updated 14 May 2026
Bali Temples Guide: The Ones to See and How to Visit Respectfully
A guide to Bali's most beautiful temples, Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Besakih, Tirta Empul and Lempuyang, plus the dress code and etiquette every visitor should know.
Food & cafés Updated 19 April 2026
Bali Food Guide: What to Eat and Where
The Bali food guide: the warungs and cafes to seek out, the dishes to order, from nasi goreng to babi guling and satay, and how to eat brilliantly on any budget.
Trip planning Updated 19 April 2026
Bali Weather by Month: When to Go, Season by Season
A month-by-month guide to Bali weather: dry season versus wet season, surf seasons on each coast, humidity, crowds and prices, and the best months for beaches, hiking and diving.
By topic
Common questions
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Most visitors can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for around 30 days for a fee of about 500,000 rupiah (roughly 35 USD), and it can be extended once. It is worth filling in the electronic arrival form and customs declaration online before you fly.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season, April to October, is the best time: less rain, lower humidity and calm seas for surfing and snorkelling. July and August are the busiest. The wet season (November to March) is warm and green, with short downpours and lower prices.
How much does Bali cost and how do I pay?
Bali is an affordable destination. The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), and it is best to withdraw cash from ATMs. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but markets, warungs and drivers need cash. A meal at a local warung runs about 2 to 4 USD.
How do I get around Bali?
A private driver for a full day (around 40 to 60 USD) is handy for covering several places. The Grab and Gojek apps are cheap in the south. Renting a scooter is common and cheap but suits experienced riders only, always with a helmet and an international licence.
Is it safe to eat and drink in Bali?
Do not drink the tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water, and busy warungs are usually a safe bet for fresh food. Pack something for the odd upset stomach (locals call it Bali belly). Vegetarian, vegan and seafood dishes plus tropical fruit are easy to find everywhere.