Indonesia’s most popular tropical island, Bali, is home to every kind of adventure with its famed white sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, verdant rice fields, and exotic jungles. It is also the home of historic temples and caves and vibrant bars and nightlife. Planning the Bali vacation of your dreams may seem mind-boggling given the range of activities, experiences and attractions on offer. Discover how you can plan a perfect holiday with the tips and suggestions below.
Planning basics
Planning a perfect vacation begins with the basics. These include the duration of your holiday, the best time to visit, accommodation, attractions and things to do in Bali, and Bali’s visa requirements. It is tough to plan a dream holiday in Bali lasting for 1-2 weeks. If possible, aim for at least 2 weeks to ensure you pack in a plethora of unforgettable adventures. Read on to discover the perfect spots in Bali to experience the vacation of your dreams.Bali enjoys moderately warm temperatures all year round, but it does have some rainy months between November and March. The best time to visit is between April to June and in September. Next, focus on accommodation and decide if you want a budget-friendly or luxurious experience. There are many online sites dedicated to all things beach-related, including the likes of Sandy Beach Trips. Consider researching some of these sites when planning your trip, as they provide valuable tips and suggestions about accommodation at the beach, travel guides and packing lists.
Travel basics
Ensure to research if you require a visa to enter Indonesia and get travel insurance to avoid potential disappointments. Devote some thought towards how you will get around Bali. There is no public transport system, so you may have to rely on ride-share apps such as Uber and Grab or opt to ride a scooter.
Bali’s green adventures
Bali is not just famed for its pristine beaches. This exotic paradise boasts a stunning landscape of lush green rainforests, dazzling waterfalls, cultural landmarks and thriving rice fields. Consider spending 3-4 days in Ubud, a centre for arts and crafts, yoga and meditation located in the heart of Bali. Popular attractions include Monkey Forest, Tirta Empul, Gunung Kawi and Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). If you crave action, consider white water rafting, hiking Mount Batur, or exploring the Tegallalang rice terraces.Venture north to discover mountainous Munduk. You can spend 2-3 days or consider a day trip from Ubud. The town features many scenic waterfalls, including the picturesque Banyumala waterfall and the famed Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.
Beach getaways on Bali’s southern shores
Leave out famous but crowded Kuta and travel to other iconic beach spots such as Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu or Nusa Dua. Canggu is renowned for its black-tinted shores and surfing swells, while Seminyak is a luxurious town with high-end resorts and spas, eclectic cuisine and exciting nightlife. Popular hangout spots include Sky Garden and Potato Head. Canggu and Seminyak are ideal for relaxation and entertainment. Consider spending 2-3 days in Canggu or 1-2 days in Seminyak.Head to Uluwatu, located on the southern tip of Bali. Characterised by its towering ocean cliffs, Uluwatu is famed for its surf breaks and idyllic beaches, including Padang Padang Beach and Uluwatu Beach. Be sure to stop by the famous Uluwatu temple for a cultural experience. Consider spending 2 days here or head east to Nusa Dua. Like Seminyak, Nusa Dua comprises luxurious resorts and white beaches. Indulge in some of the town’s water activities such as snorkelling, jet skiing and parasailing, or visit Surf n’ Turf if you fancy a surfing lesson. Ideally, you should spend 3-4 days here.
Seaside escapes northeast of Bali
Turn up the dream-notch on your Bali experience with a visit to either Amed or The Gili Islands. It’s not possible to include both unless you are planning a long vacation. Amed is comprised of a series of fishing villages located on Bali’s north-eastern shores. Consider snorkelling or diving off the shores of Amed or visit the famous Lempuyang Luhur Temple, which is set against the backdrop of Mount Agung, the tallest volcano in Bali.The Gili Islands consist of three separate islands, Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. While the latter has been dubbed the ‘party island’, Gili Meno is much quieter and ideal for romantic getaways. Gili Air is an island brimming with restaurants, relaxing bars and diving schools. Ideally, look to spend about 4-5 days on the Islands or spend 2-3 days at Amed.