Bali is one of Indonesia's most famous islands. Internationally recognised as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, this land, situated between Asia and Oceania, is rich in natural beauty and historical evidence, dating back to at least 3,000 B.C., the date of the first artefacts found in the western part of the island.
Today, Bali is a favourite destination for diving and water sports enthusiasts, as well as for lovers of nightlife and the atmosphere that combines the East with the peace of the sea.
Where it is located and how to get there
The island of Bali is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands archipelago in southern Indonesia. Separated from the island of Java by the Bali Strait, it is one of the most important islands in Indonesia.
Administratively, Bali is also a province with its capital city Denpasar, which is also home to the island's largest airport.
Bali is easily reachable from Rome and Milan, flights are operated by numerous companies such as Qatar Airways, Oman Air, Emirates Airlines, Turkish Airlines and many others. However, there are no direct flights and each journey easily exceeds 17 hours: be prepared to make a major stopover, which is most often 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 days / 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 days / 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 drier months during our spring-summer, and periods characterised by heavy rainfall, especially in autumn. Temperatures, on the other hand, remain constant throughout the year, always staying at 30° and above.
Best period: from June to September, with high temperatures but minimal rain and humidity. During these months, the water is slightly cooler than during the rainy season, with around 27° C, compared to 29° during the period from November to May.
Period to avoid: the rainy season, roughly from November to March, when tropical cyclones form. Generally, these phenomena do not directly affect the island, but they can contribute to the rainfall during this period.
Advice: bring fresh, light clothes, preferably loose-fitting, perhaps some slightly heavier clothing for the evening. Sun cream, a hat, a light mackintosh, sunglasses and snorkelling and trekking equipment are also mandatory.
What to see: sights and attractions
1 - Monkey Forest
Photo by Saranabhi. Considered to be a veritable 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 sights on the island of Bali, welcoming more than 12,000 foreign visitors every year. The forest has three large temples dedicated to Hindu deities, the most famous of which is the Temple of Sacred Spring, as well as 186 species of plants in the 12-hectare park.
Themain attraction, however, remains the Balinese monkey, whose specimens are recognisable by the characteristic colouring of their fur (reddish-brown on the dorsal side, lighter on the belly). Be careful, however, with valuables (sunglasses, cameras and lenses, wallets, etc.): these little monkeys, apparently so cute and funny, are actually quite mischievous and it is not uncommon for naive tourists to find themselves robbed of something!
How to get there: it is located in the centre of Ubud and is well signposted - Get directions
Hours: Always accessible. The monkey sanctuary is open from 8:30am to 6pm, the recommended duration of the visit is about one and a half to two hours.
Ticket Cost: The entrance fee is around 50,000 rupees (about €3.00) for adults, 40,000 (€2.50) for underage children.
2 - Tanah Lot Temple
The island of Bali abounds with temples and other interesting religious buildings, but one of the most popular and scenic is definitely the Tanah Lot Sea Temple. Dedicated to the Hindu deities of the sea and the poisonous snakes (which are said to dwell in the cave in front of the temple, ready to drive away evil spirits and people without good intentions), the Tanah Lot Temple is located on a rocky islet in the Pacific, just off the southern coast of Bali, and can only be reached on foot at low tide. The complex, one of the most distinctive in the whole country, is actually part of a series of no less than seven sea temples, all built between the 15th and 16th centuries.
How to get there: it's about a forty-minute drive from Ubud and Kuta - get directions
Hours: Always visitable. The temple can be visited from sunrise to sunset (at low tide it is possible to get there on foot, at high tide small boats are available to cross the short stretch of sea). Keep in mind, however, that at sunset time you might run into an incredible crowd of tourists attracted by the striking beauty of the place and the nightclubs in the area.
Ticket price: 30,000 Indonesian rupiah (just under €2.00).
3 - Garuda Wisnu Kencana
The Garuda Wisnu Kencana Mandala is an important cultural park, located on the Bukit Peninsula. Dedicated to the male deity Vishnu (typically depicted with his four arms and sky-blue skin, indicating his divine origin) and his faithful travelling companion Garuda (the divine progenitor of all birds), the park consists of gardens, temples of different sizes, statues, small squares, etc., located at a height of 260 metres above sea level. From the park, one can 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 himself, more than 70 metres high (and weighing more than 4,000 tonnes).
How to get there: it is located in the exact centre 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 8am to 10pm
Ticket cost: 75,000 Indonesian rupiah (precisely €4.50).
4 - Padangbai Blue Lagoon
Photo by Alexey Komarov. The Indonesian island's sea is not only suitable for water sports enthusiasts (diving, surfing, snorkelling, etc.) but can also attract those who want to enjoy a bit of beach relaxation, surrounded by palm trees and tropical plants overlooking water worthy of a glossy cover. So, if you are looking for a break from your cultural holiday and can't wait to soak up some sun on a beautiful local beach, I suggest you head for the Blue Lagoon in Padangbai: fine white sand, turquoise sea, a bay sheltered from the wind and chaos... Need I say more?
SEE ALSO: Bali's 10 most beautiful beaches
How to get there: half an hour's drive from Ubud (one hour and fifteen minutes if travelling by bus). Once you get to the village of Padangbai, it's only a ten-minute walk to Blue Lagoon beach (follow the signs from the centre, you can't go wrong!) - Get directions
Timetable: Always accessible
Ticket price: Free. Beware of car parks, which may be chargeable at certain times of the year
5 - Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Among the most iconic sites in cultural Bali, it is impossible not to mention the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple. This is the most important Shiva temple on the island, standing in the caldera of an old volcanic crater, now extinct, where Lake Bratan now lies. Founded in 1633, the complex is located on the western side of the lake and is divided into two parts, one of which 'floats' on a small island surrounded by water. Not far from the beautiful site, there is also the famous traditional market of Candi Kuning, where you can find typical handicrafts, local spices and delicious red fruit cakes, which are produced right around the lake (and are apparently delicious).
How to get there: Lake Bratan is located in the centre of the island, in the regency of Tabanan, about 45 km from Ubud. By car or by transport, it takes about an hour and a half to get there. The site is then easily identifiable once you are near the lake - Get directions
Opening hours: The site is open 24 hours a day, but the ticket office is open from 7am to 5pm (however, it is advisable to turn up early in the morning to avoid the crush of tourists).
Ticket price: 30,000 rupees (less than €2.00), for children, 15,000 (about €1.00).
6 - Uluwatu Temple
Photo by Michelle Maria. Another temple definitely worth visiting if you are in Bali is the Uluwatu Temple, located in Pecatu and built in honour of the Vedic god Rudra (Hindu god of the storm, the hunt, death and the wind). The peculiarity of this place, as the name itself indicates(ulu='on top', watu='cliff'), is its location on top of a rocky cliff overlooking the ocean, which according to legend is part of the now petrified ship of the sea goddess, Dewi Danu.
To get to the temple, simply walk up a flight of steps that skirts the rocky cliff overlooking the sea and access it through a stone portal. Be careful, though: here, as in the Temple of the Sacred Spring, the surrounding area is populated by mischievous little monkeys that often pester 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: daily from 8am to 6pm.
Ticket cost: 30,000 Indonesian rupiah (€2.00 approx.).
7 - Jatiluwih and Tegallalang Rice Fields
You can't really say you've been to Bali if you haven't spent at least a few hours surrounded by the quintessential Balinese landscape: the terraced rice paddies. Scattered all over the island, there are a great many terraced fields that can be found alternating with areas where jungle thrives. Among the most popular and beautiful are those of Jatiluwih and Tegallalang, which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although they are a little off the beaten track from Ubud, they are definitely worth considering. If, on the other hand, you prefer to stay on the outskirts of town, you might consider following the walk along Jalan Matahari, an un-touristy pedestrian street winding through the rice fields. Unseen views are guaranteed in both cases!
Getting there: Getting to Jatiluwih may not be easy if you don't have private cars/motorcycles with which to get around. There is no public transport to reach the rice paddies, which demonstrates the attempt to preserve the entire area by safeguarding it from mass tourism. The rice paddies, however, are about 35km away from Ubud, in Tabanan - Get directions
Hours: open daily from 6am to 7pm.
Ticket cost: around 15,000 rupees (€1.00 approx).
8 - Tirta Empul Temple
If you fancy a different experience during your stay on Balinese soil, all you have to do is head for one of the most unusual places of worship on the island: the temple of Tirta Empul. This temple, built around 1900, is still regularly visited by Hindu worshippers, who come 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 saying their prayers, pass with bowed heads and joined hands under the 13 fountains present.
The site is also open to tourists (who, if they want to participate in the ceremony themselves, must make a request 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 is less than 30 minutes away - Get directions
Hours: 7am to 6pm.
Ticket cost: 15,000 Indonesian rupiah (€1.00).
9 - Gate of Paradise
Bali is not just one of the many destinations to go on holiday, it is a place that encapsulates a complex and varied common imagination that has been emerging especially in recent years. In this regard, one of the most popular images of Bali on the Internet and social media, right after that of the rice paddies, is that 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, the best known of which 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 be prepared 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 Karangasem regency, 70 km from Ubud town. For convenience, we recommend using private transport or a taxi: public transport routes are not always regular - Get directions
Hours: open from 7am to 5pm. Bear in mind, however, a two-hour one-way walk up the access staircase.
Ticket cost: about 30,000 Indonesian rupiah (€2.00).
10 - Swing through the jungle
Lastly, among the most curious shots you can take on the island, it would be a real shame to miss the one of the small swing immersed in the jungle, which is particularly popular in the Instagram world. The sensation of being suspended in the air, almost as if flying, while all around explodes the lush green Balinese vegetation... How can you give up?
To geton it, however, a reservation is required: the swing belongs to the Zen Hideaway and to ensure that you can enjoy it for at least half an hour, you have to write to the owner of the facility in private, booking the day and time available.
How to get there: the structure in question is only twenty minutes from the centre of Ubud, on Dewi Saraswati Street - Get directions
Hours: By reservation. Usually around 12:00 / 14:00.
Ticket price: about 250,000/300,000 Indonesian rupiah (€15.00 - 20.00 approx). More expensive than any other attraction you might try on the island, it is actually a pittance considering the unique 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 Bali's many magical places. Here you can admire hundreds of butterflies, including rare species. You will also find here a museum dedicated to the island's insects.
13 - Tirta Gangga Water Gardens
Photo by Schnobby. 
Photo by Schnobby. Tirta Gangga is located about 6 km from Amlapura. These are beautiful water gardens, designed and built in 1948 by Anak Agung Anglurah Ketut Karangasem, the last king of the Karangasem. It is a multi-level complex comprising ponds, pools and, on the highest level, the king's former summer residence.
14 - Mount Batur
An active volcano, 1,700 m high located in the centre of the island, from where you can enjoy an incredible sunrise.
It is about 90 km away, and you usually set off late at night to reach the village of Kintamani, the starting point for the 1 30-hour trek accompanied by expert guides.
The ascent is not difficult, but one must be at least a little trained, however the effort is repaid 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 hike lasts a full day, and a guided tour with experienced local guides is recommended.
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 moped, especially because of the very affordable cost (from €5.00 per day). It is not really a safe vehicle because of the traffic and the driving of other people, so it is recommended to rent it only if you have some familiarity with it. A hire car is not recommended, better to opt for aprivate car or chartered minibus with driver, which will take you around the island.
Alternatively, you can get around with the Kura Kura buses, a public tourist bus company in Bali, but they only cover the most touristy areas and with fairly limited runs. Then there are the Bemo, 6/8-seater minibuses used by locals, which are perfect for getting a taste of the local daily life while mingling with the locals and getting from one end of a town to the other. There are no timetables and they leave when full (€0.30/0.50 per ride). Also available are the famous tuk tuk and private drivers, which can also be hired for the whole day.
Finally, you can decide to base yourself in different cities and from there move around with organised tours that also include transport and pick-up at the hotel.
Suggested solutions and means of transport: scooter (only if you are used to driving it), private car with driver, Kura Kura Bus, tuk tuk, taxis and private drivers (€25.00 average depending on distances), Bemo
Solutions and means not recommended: bicycle, rental car
What to know before you go
General info about the country: inhabitants 4,298,000, capital Denpasar, languages spoken: Balinese, Indonesian, English
Time zone: GMT+8 (Bali is 6 hours ahead of Italy)
Distance from Italy: 9,567 km (15-20 hours flight time)
Documents required: Passport with residual validity of at least 6 months and with 2 consecutive free pages. Free Entry Visa (for stays of less than 30 days), directly at border control once you have landed; international driving licence in case of vehicle rental.
Where to eat: kiosks and markets for street food for a few cents; in the warung, classic small family-run restaurants where you can eat typical dishes while spending very little.
How to pay: The local currency is the Indonesian Rupee (€1.00 = RP 18). It is best to always pay in cash with local currency. For foreign exchange, prefer authorised change money to the airport. Don't rely too much on your credit card. It is customary to tip 10% from waiters, drivers, bellboys. With the exception of supermarkets, bars, restaurants and shopping centres, the bargaining rule applies.
Security: crime is widespread, especially in tourist areas and in the evening hours. Traffic is intense and disorderly, be careful even when crossing the street on foot. Keep up to date by consulting the official Farnesina website in the Indonesia section.
Useful advice and standards of behaviour
Appropriate clothing for visiting places of worship: no skimpy clothes, bare shoulders or shorts. It is compulsory (for both men and women) to wear a sarong, a cloth to be tied around the waist that covers the legs. It can be hired at the entrance to the temples, but it is better to buy one at the beginning of the holiday.
Never climb on top of a(pure)Balinese temple or place yourself in an elevated position.
Do not touch the head of a Balinese, 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 at a sacred image, as according to Hindu beliefs, feet are the most impure part of the body.
Do not use the left hand to eat or pass objects. The left hand is used for hygiene of the intimate parts.
Maintain a discreet and non-expansive attitude, especially for affectionate displays between men and women.
Aggressive behaviour is frowned upon. Tourists who lose their temper are despised rather than feared.
No smoking in public areas on the island. Law introduced in 2011.
People are extremely welcoming and helpful. They allow themselves to be photographed very willingly. However, it is a good idea to ask permission beforehand.
How much does a holiday in Bali cost? Prices, offers and advice
The cost of a holiday in Bali can vary greatly. Prices, thanks to the currency difference, are really low when it comes to accommodation and food: generally speaking you should spend an average of €15.00 per night, while for food around €3.00. The real cost in Bali are the taxis, which are indispensable to reach the various parts of the island. Prices here in fact easily exceed 1,000 rupees (around €8.00) for even a short journey.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €15.00 per room - see offers
Low cost flights: from €451.36 - look at the offers
