Bali: island of temples, rice terraces and ocean

Who Bali suits

Bali draws couples and honeymooners, families with school-age kids, surfers and people coming for yoga and a slow life in the jungle. It is a destination for an active holiday: almost everyone hires a driver for a day or two to tour temples, waterfalls and terraces. Bali works for those who just want to lie by the sea and never leave the hotel, but that is a long flight for that kind of trip.

Unlike the rest of Indonesia, the island is mostly Hindu. There are temples everywhere, flower offerings at doorways and ceremonies in the streets. Halal food is available, especially in tourist areas, but you need to look for it.

When to go

The dry season runs from May to September: less rain, lower humidity and pleasant evenings. July and August are the busiest months, so book hotels early. April and October are shoulder months and often strike a good balance between weather and price.

November to March is the rainy season. Downpours usually come in the afternoon and at night, but they can also drag on. At this time the western beaches see more debris washed in by the currents.

Where to stay

Nusa Dua

A gated resort area with large hotels, well-kept beaches and calm water. The best choice for families and anyone who enjoys a hotel-based holiday. The downside is that it is far from the “real” Bali.

Sanur

A quiet area on the east coast with a long promenade for walking and cycling. The sea is calm, which suits children and older travellers. It is also a convenient departure point for Nusa Penida.

Seminyak and Kuta

A lively stretch of coast with restaurants, shops and sunsets on the beach. Kuta is noisier and simpler, Seminyak pricier and more stylish. The waves are strong, so swimming is not for small children.

Canggu

The surfer and freelancer area: cafes, coworking spaces and rice fields between villas. Black-sand beaches with waves.

Ubud

The cultural centre in the jungle, with no sea. Markets, galleries, yoga centres and views of the terraces. People usually spend 3–4 nights in Ubud at the start of the trip, then move to the ocean.

The Bukit and Uluwatu

A peninsula with coves below the cliffs and clifftop villas. Beautiful and romantic, a great option for a honeymoon, but the beaches are often reached by steep stairs.

What to see

• Uluwatu Temple on a cliff above the ocean, with a kecak dance at sunset.
• Tanah Lot, a temple on a rock in the sea that you can walk up to at low tide.
• Tirta Empul, a temple with sacred springs where purification rituals take place.
• Rice terraces at Tegallalang near Ubud and the larger ones at Jatiluwih.
• Waterfalls: Tegenungan, Tibumana and Sekumpul in the north.
• Nusa Penida, a day trip by speedboat to the Kelingking cliffs and bays with manta rays.
• Mount Batur, a sunrise climb for those who are fit.

How many days to plan

• 8–10 days: Ubud and one beach area.
• 12–14 days: Ubud, the beach, Nusa Penida and the north of the island.
• If you want to add a city leg, Kuala Lumpur is a convenient stop on the way.

Good to know

Flights from Tashkent are only with a transfer or a long connection; our manager will find the options. Allow a full day for travel each way.

Traffic in the south of the island is heavy: 20 km can take more than an hour. Don’t plan more than two or three stops a day.

There may be a separate island tourist levy, paid online or on arrival. Be sure to get travel insurance that covers motorbikes, if you plan to rent one, and active pursuits.

Temples require a sarong and covered shoulders. Don’t drink tap water. Rules are given as of October 2026 and may change: check with our manager or the official embassy website before you travel.

How we can help

Send a request or message us on Telegram @GlobalDestination1, or call +998 99 760-82-88. Our manager will suggest a combination of areas, hotels that match your style and flights with a convenient connection, based on your dates and budget.