About Bali
Bali works as three different holidays depending on where you base yourself: Ubud for rice terraces and temples, Seminyak and Canggu for beach clubs and surf, and the Bukit peninsula for cliffs and quiet. Most itineraries split across two of the three.
Best time to visit
April to October is the dry season and the reliable window. July and August are busiest; May, June and September give you the same weather with fewer people.
Top attractions
- Tegallalang rice terraces and the Campuhan ridge walk
- Uluwatu Temple and the sunset Kecak performance
- Mount Batur sunrise trek
- Nusa Penida and Kelingking Beach
- Tanah Lot at low tide
- Sidemen valley for the version of Ubud from twenty years ago
Travel tips
- Hire a private driver for day trips rather than renting a scooter
- Temples require a sarong, and most lend one at the entrance
- Traffic between the south and Ubud is heavy, budget double the map estimate
- Carry small cash for entry fees and village parking
