Travel Guide to Bali- 2023

The centre of Hinduism in Indonesia is located on the island of Bali. Despite the fact that this is an Islamic nation, this town is well known for its Hindu inhabitants. Over the last ten years, Bali’s tourist industry has seen significant growth. The island’s economy and riches took on a completely different form as a result of this event. The people of Australia regard this as their “second home.” The island is a popular tourist destination not just for those from Europe but also from China, India, and Australia. If you are interested in visiting the island as well, you should read the whole article since we have prepared a travel guide to Bali.

Also, read – Checklist to travel to Bali, Indonesia

Table of Contents of the Travel Guide to Bali-

• Important facts of Bali tourism in general
• Other Important tours of Bali
• Things to be considered before visiting islands Near Bali
• Candle Light Dinner facts before Booking Bali Holidays
• Important points related to Covid to be considered before booking Bali Holiday package
• F&Q on Bali destination

Travel Guide to Bali

Important facts of Bali tourism in general

1. Bali Airport’s name is Ngurah Rai International Airport, and it is in DPS (Denpsar).
2. Bali Airport is very near, or one can say in the city.
3. One can easily hire a cab from the airport after arrival.
4. Though hiring a cab after arrival is very easy, it is always recommended to get it booked before arrival as no one would want to negotiate with drivers after a long flight.
5. Ngurah Rai International Airport is not too big and one can easily understand the navigation to gates , arrivals or exits.
6. One can exchange currency easily at Bali Airport.
7. One should always have Indonesian Rupiah if arriving in Bali.
8. Exchanging currency at any airport will be an expensive affair. It is always recommended to exchange currency from local vendors in your town.
9. One can buy a tourist sim card at Bali airport for incoming, outgoing, and internet. Getting a sim card at the airport can be an expensive thing to do as you can easily get a new sim card activated from local vendors in the market.
10. One can easily hire a full-day, 10-hour cab for tours from hotels or local vendors.
11. One should very well know that using public washrooms in Bali is not free and might cost you a dollar or two:)
12. Napey Day is a big festival in Bali. Before booking flights, one should always check that the dates match with Napey Day. All tourist activities, including restaurants, are closed for at least 48 hours .No one even speaks on this day.
13. It is always recommended to get the cars booked in advance, otherwise, at the moment, drivers ask for almost double the amount.
14. The main tourist-prone areas of Bali where one can reserve accommodations for a comfortable stay are:
    • Kuta
    • Benoa
    • Seminyak
    • Denpsar
    • Legian
    • Nusa Dua
    • Jimbaran
    • Uluwatu
    • Sanur
    • Ubud
15. All the above provinces/areas are not far from each other except Ubud, which is far.
16. Kuta is an area full of budget hotel properties with few exceptions.
17. One can easily get vegetarian food in Kuta.
18. Kuta is famous for its Waterbom water park.
19. Waterbom is a world-famous water park where one can enjoy water rides.
20. One can spend a full day enjoying the rides.
21. Meals are available inside the water tower premises.
22. There are different packages of water based on rides starting from 60 USD per person.
23. These water slides are of various varieties, starting from mellow levels for kids to extreme levels for thrillers.
24. One can get a good discount on group bookings of Waterbom.
25. Kuta beach is also a popular place to spend time.
26. If staying in Kuta, one can walk to the beach and spend some good time in the evening after the completion of the tour.
27. The Discovery Kartika Plaza mall in Kuta is the biggest mall in Bali.
28. A few Indian restaurants in Kuta are-
    • Ganesha ek Sanskriti.
    • Spice Man Indian Cuisine
    • Bollywood masala’s
29. A few Chinese restaurants in Kuta are
    • The Golden Lotus Chinese Restaurant
    • Kuta Plaza Restaurant
    • Hailong Restaurant
30. A few Indonesian restaurants in Kuta are-
    • Warung Damar
    • Warung Indonesia
    • Gabah Indonesian Cuisine
31. Kuta Art Market is the most famous market in Kuta where one can get art and craft products.
32. Barong Dance is also an exotic experience to see in Kuta.
33. Benao is almost 8-10 kms away from Kuta.
34. It is popular for its adventurous beach where you are most likely to do water sports activities.
35. Jet Ski, Banana Boat , Snorkeling, Parasailing , Scuba Diving, and Flying Boat are mostly the activities to do there.
36. There are many different vendors offering water sports activities there.
37. These vendors try to loot tourists by asking for 10 times the cost.
38. It is always recommended to get the water sports activities booked in advance through tour operators.
39. While parasailing, always opt for Double , though it is expensive but is safe against winds.
40. If one has opted for single parasailing vendors to grab more money out of tourists’ pockets, they deny providing the service by giving an excuse of heavy winds .The sure-sort way to ignore this issue is to get double parasailing booked for you.
41. You might get changing rooms around, but don’t expect those to be as clean as in Europe or Australia.
42. There are also a few beach resorts in Benoa that can offer an awesome experience to tourists.
43. Seminyak is almost 10 kms from Benoa and around 6-7 kms from Kuta.
44. Seminyak is a party place for tourists.
45. Potato Street in Seminyak is a famous place for Australians and Europeans.
46. A Few Late Night Clubs/Bars in Seminyak are-
    • Red Ruby
    • Cocoon Beach Club
    • Mirror Lounge & Club
    • Alila Seminyak Beach Bar.
    • Bar 68
47. There are hotels in Seminyak where mostly Australians and Europeans stay for the happening night life and food options.
48. There is another part of Seminyak also which is not happening.
49. There are good private pool villas built in the not so happening part of Seminyak for relaxing and peaceful time for tourists.
50. A few places to see in Seminyak are:
    • Pura Pura Petitenget Temple
    • Santo Mikael Church
    • Seminyak Beach
    • Oberoi Flea Market.
    • Seminyak Square
51. Denpasar is almost 8 kms from Seminyak , around 9 kms from Kuta and almost 15kms from Benoa.
52. A few places to see in Denpasar are:
    • Upside down
    • Sakenan Temple
    • Pura Agung Jagatnatha
    • Bali Museum
53. There are a few good hotels in Denpasar, Kuta, and Seminyak. They are always recommended.
54. Bali’s jail is also located in Denpasar.
55. Legian is almost 7 kms from Denpasar , 3.2 kms from Kuta, 10 kms from Benoa and around 2 kms from Seminyak.
56. Legian is also considered to be the middle point between Kuta and Seminyak.
57. There are a few good 5* resorts in Legian.
58. Legian beach is quite beautiful and exotic.
59. Nusa Dua is almost 14 kms from Legian , 10 kms from Kuta, 15 kms from Seminyak, 16 kms from Denpasar and 7 kms from Benoa.
60. Nusa Dua is especially popular for its 7* beach resorts and its rich, classy crowd.
61. Some resorts in Nusa Dua are quite expensive.
62. A few places to see in Nusa Dua are-
    • Nusa Dua Beach
    • Geger Beach, Nusa Dua, Bali
    • Museum PASIFIKA
    • Nusa Dua, Golf Club
    • Mengiat Beach
63. Hardy’s mall is the shopping centre of Nusa Dua where one can look for souvenirs.
64. A few famous resorts in Nusa Dua are-
    • The Westin Nusa Dua
    • Grand Mirage
    • Grand Hyatt
    • Hilton Nusa Dua
65. Jimbaran is 12 kms away from Kuta , 10 kms from Nusa Dua and 15 kms from Seminyak.
66. Jimbaran is famous for Jimbaran Beach.
67. It is very near to the Nagurai Airport in Bali.
68. It is the fishing hub of Bali.
69. It is very important to choose a hotel which is far from Jimbaran fish market, otherwise you will be ready to cope with the smell of raw fish.
70. There are many hotels, resorts, and private pool villas in Jimbaran that offer an amazing experience.
71. There are good food restaurant options in Jimbaran, though before choosing a hotel or resort, food preference should be considered.
72. Uluwatu is almost 15 kms away from Jimbaran , 25 kms from Kuta , 27 kms away from Seminyak and 15 kms from Benoa.
73. The Uluwatu area, however, was not developed or considered by tourists a few years ago but now is becoming popular among tourists.
74. It is becoming a favourite among tourists with the construction of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park.
75. Here there is a statue that is designed to be Indonesia’s tallest statue.
76. One can spend a full day here and be amazed by the art and architecture of the modern era.
77. Uluwatu is also famous for its charming and amazing Uluwatu temple.
78. This temple is on the cliffs and gives an awesome view of the ocean.
79. Kecak dance uluwatu is also a very famous activity that people love to see in Bali.
80. One should wear long dresses like sarongs, long skirts or even jeans are OK.
81. There are other beautiful and amazing beaches near Uluwatu as well.
    • DreamLand Beach
    • Padang Padang beach.
    • Suluban cave beach
    • Balangan Beach
82. There are lots of villas and resorts built in Uluwatu.
83. Sanur is almost 30kms away from Uluwatu , 13kms from Kuta , 16kms from Seminyak and 17kms from Benoa.
84. Sanur, though underrated, is a good area to explore.
85. Sanur is a harbour which connects Bali to other small islands near by.
86. One is transferred to the other island on speedboats and ferries.
87. Sanur has also got good resorts or accommodations to stay in.
88. Sanur beach is quite popular among tourists.
89. Ubud is almost 28kms away from Sanur, 38kms from Kuta, 37 kms from the airport, 54 kms from Uluwatu and 39 kms from Benoa.
90. Ubud is an isolated but popular place among tourists.
91. Ubud is mostly famous for its PVT pool villas built in lush green forests and rice fields.
92. One can see big lizards in the hotel rooms or outdoor areas.
93. There is no nightlife in Ubud.
94. People usually come back before dark to hotel rooms.
95. Ubud is totally safe but quite isolated.
96. One can get a glimpse of Hindu culture in Ubud.
97. Few places to see in Ubud are –
    • Ubud Art and Craft Market Silk and Mass
    • Kintamani Ubud Volcano.
    • Monkey Forest
    • Bali Safari Marine Park.
    • Bali Bird par
    • Tukkad Waterfall
    • Holyspring Temple
    • Tegenungan waterfall
    • Mt Batur
    • Coffee Plantation
    • Campuhan Ridge walk.
    • Gate of Heaven (Lempyang temple)
    • Trita Emphul Temple.
    • Ubud Swing
    • Elephant cave
    • Royal Palace cultural night performance
98. One can hire a two-wheeler from hotels or vendors but with an existing international license .
99. Before booking accommodation in Ubud, one should be fully sure about staying in peace and isolation .
100. Silk and mass is a good place to explore, but your cab driver might have a deal with vendors there ! Don’t let the cab driver force you to spend more time at the market.
101. Vendors might give you a deal on a Kintamani tour with lunch. It should be noted that the lunch buffet at Kintamani volcano is not up to the mark as per the hygiene standards. It is always better to have food on your own at a good restaurant.
102. At Monkey Forest, monkeys are very familiar but, at the same time, dominating . If you think that you can handle the touch of monkeys only, then plan to visit there.
103. These monkeys are long-tailed and rare.
104. Coffee Plantation is an awesome place if you are a coffee lover.
105. One might not like the taste of coffee, but the experience is impeccable.
106. Bali Safari marine park is one of the most popular tours of Ubud as well as of Bali.
107. One can spend a full day here as per the entry packages.
108. There are a few packages which offer meals with elephants or other wild animals.
109. There is Mara River Safari Lodge where one can book a stay near or connected to the wild safari park.
110. The Gate of Heaven (Lempyang Temple) is becoming very popular among travellers !People love to click and post pics around this gate.
111. The Ubud Swing is also becoming a Bali sensation on Instagram. People are loving swing activities and picture clicks here.

Other Important tours of Bali

112. Other important tours in Bali are:
     • Tanha Lot Temple.
     • Ulun Danu Temple.
     • Handara Gate temple.
     • Baisakh Temple
     • Lovina beach
     • Gitgit waterfall
     • Air Panas Banjar hot spring.
     • Dolphin Spotting
     • BanyuMala twin water falls.
     • Munduk waterfalls
     • Bounty Cruise
113. Tanha Lot temple has become the symbol of Bali tourism in recent decades.
114. Every 3rd picture on the internet about Bali is of Tanha Lot Temple.
115. It is another temple on the ocean which gives a beautiful experience and a picturesque location.
116. Tanha Lot temple is almost 21 kms from Kuta , 43 kms from Uluwatu and 33 kms from Ubud.
117. Another temple which is near to Tanha Lot is Ulun Danu temple.
118. There are different Ulun Danu temples around Bali, but this one is the most visited by tourists.
119. Near to Ulun Danu temple there is Handara Gate, which is also becoming one of the favourite spots for tourism.
120. Baisakh temple is in the area of Mt. Agung, which is a volcano that erupted in 2017.
121. Baisakh temple is quite beautiful and is at a distance of 65 kms from Kuta.
122. Lovina Beach is one of the most amazing beaches you will see in Bali.
123. It is 87 kms from Kuta and 72 kms from Ubud.
124. The way from Kuta or Ubud to Lovina is quite isolated.
125. One can also do dolphin spotting near Lovina beach.
126. Bounty cruise is the queen of cruises of Bali.
127. It provides dinner service in the evening as well as a day cruise tour in the morning to Lembongan island.
128. This cruise departs from Sanur, which is a harbour that connects many islands.
129. One can experience cultural dances on the cruise.
130. The dinner served will be a Chinese buffet.
131. Though it is called a “romantic experience,” one should not expect such from it.
132. There will be red plastic chairs for audiences who can fill the plates and sit on the chairs to have their meals.

Things to be considered before visiting islands Near Bali

133. Few important tourist Islands near Bali are –
     • Nusa Penida
     • Nusa Lembongan
     • Gili Island
     • Raja Ampat
134. Nusa Penida was not so famous until 2016 but its popularity Started increasing when internet bloggers and nomads showcased the beauty of it in front of the world
135. Nusa Penida’s beaches are quite awesome and unexplored
136. One can have an experience of Scuba diving in the beautiful marines of the island
137. One can travel from Sanur in Bali to Nusa Penida
138. There is a tourism fee of almost 5 USD to enter the island
139. One can get glimpses of culture of Indonesia in Nusa Penida island
140. Though it is not much developed but investors has starting building hotels and resorts here
141. There is No Nightlife in Nusa Penida Island
142. Mostly people do a day trip to Nusa Penida and comes back in the evening
143. If one wants to stay , 1 night is more than enough to explore the island
144. One needs to be picked up from Hotel early by 7 in the morning to catch a ferry to Penida
145. It is always better to get the tour booked with the vendor in advance to be safe from paying more
146. Nusa Penida oceans are the Hub of Jelly fishes which sometimes also become head ache for tourists
147. Also read – Which is Better Gili Island or Nusa Penida Island ?
148. Speed boat from Gili can be caught from Padag Bai port of Bali
149. It almost takes 1:30 hours to reach to Gili from Bali
150. It is important to keep in mind to book fast boat only to travel to Gili
151. There are 3 islands in Lombok
     1. Gili Air
     2. Gili Memo
     3. Gili Trawangan
152. There are no boats from Gili to Bali in the evening after a certain time
153. There are no motor vehicles in Gili , if there are some those are exceptions for locals
154. From Gili port to Hotel one has to hire Cidomo(Horse cart) as there are no cars
155. Cycle is the popular source of transportation in Gili
156. Gili Trawangan is the party Island where one can do most of the activities
157. Night life in Gili trawangan is quite popular
158. Though it is an Muslim majority Island but Booze is still allowed here
159. There is one Mcd in Gili island
160. Gili islands are famous for water sports activities
161. These are also famous for Big and turtles around
162. Out of 3 , Gili Trawangan is the most developed island where one can get good resorts
163. In 2018 it was struck with earthquake with an Tsunami alert
164. People usually loves to spend 2 nights in Gili
165. One needs to be picked from Kuta or Ubud in the early morning 7
166. If tour is properly planned , it can become an inexpensive affair for you
167. Lembongan is another Island for which one can board ferry or cruise from Sanur port
168. The most popular way to travel to Lembogan is through Bounty cruise
169. This cruise includes Slides , on Stage performances, lunch and water sports activities
170. It takes you to Lembogan island where one can enjoy the activities at shoreline, spend awesome time and have barbeque
171. The cruise will drop one back to Bali max by 5 PM
172. One can also travel to Lembogan from Bali via ferry
173. 1 Night is enough if one wants to stay in Lembogan island
174. Lembogan island is semi developed and one can find good budgeted resorts here
175. Compared to Gili one wont get good nightlife in Lembogan
176. Gili is famous for nigh life , Penida is famous for natural beauty and Lembogan is popular for water sports activities , in short
177. Raja Ampat is another unexplored island which can be clubbed with Bali
178. It is not as developed as other islands near to Bali
179. It is almost a 7-8 hours ferry ride from Bali to Raja Ampat
180. No good Hotel chains and restaurants has yet reached to this Island
181. It comprises of 1500 small islands

Also, read : The Food Prices in Bali

Candle Light Dinner facts before Booking Bali Holidays

182. There are a variety of candle light dinner options in Bali and why not, it is the romantic gateway destination for couples.
183. Prices for candlelight dinners start from 10 USD until 1000 USD, depending upon your budget.
184. Vendors mostly offer beach candle light dinners, but most of those are not upto the mark as they were only included for name’s sake in the quote to attract people to book.
185. Budgeted, good candlelight dinners can easily be done at beach resorts with awesome ambience and yummy food.
186. Some of the beach properties where you can experience candlelight dinners in good ambience are-
     • Indian cuisine is a must try)
     • Sadara beach resort (awesome non-vegetarian dishes)
     • Grand Mirage beach resort
187. One can also have candle light dinners in villas around the PVT Pools.
188. The best part of having candle light dinners in villas is that you can usually get the menu prepared as per your own preferences.
189. Beware of places where they will make you sit in a restaurant with kids all around , having a few roses on the table and a candle . Yes, they call it romantic.

Important points related to Covid to be considered before booking Bali Holiday package –

190. One should always follow the general rules like Wearing a mask and keeping social distancing
191. It is very important to choose a not too cozy accommodation for the tour , there must be good ventilation in hotels and rooms
192. One should always choose an accommodation where staff and management is professional , one should never take risk of staying at a hotel where no professionalism is being applied
193. One can always check genuine reviews of hotel before deciding on it
194. One should not eat anything from anywhere while on tour, proper restaurants and chains should be chosen for having a meal
195. There are many tours in bali where they will give you an option of SIC transfers (Seat in Coach) in other clearer terms Shared transfers which should totally be ignored at least in 2021
196. Private cabs in bali comes in Budget without giving extra load to the pocket
197. Before indulging into activities like Scuba and Snorkelling it should be assured that the masks and equipments are properly sanitised after every use , if there is even a single doubt better leave the option of doing it
198. Ignore entering into night clubs where there is a lot of crowd , if can’t control the freak inside you better wear mask and gloves
199. Before even travelling to any country other than Indonesia also , it should be on your priority list to get your insurance done with trusted insurance company which provides their services in Bali also
200. It is always better to examine yourself before travelling to any other city country , if you are suffering from underlying deceases like diabetes or Kidney then it always better to postpone the travel until situation gets better.
201. Always be updated with WHO guidelines before travelling to any destination in the world

These were 201 things to be considered before booking a Bali holiday package , we pretty sure that once you will read these points you will get clear Understanding of Bali as a destination

Some frequently asked questions on Bali destination