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Bali travel guide

Bali's hotel stock is weighted heavily to the south: the airport sits on the narrow neck of land between Kuta and Jimbaran, with Seminyak and Canggu up the west coast, Sanur facing east, and Nusa Dua and Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula. Ubud, inland, is the cultural base, and congested roads make these areas feel further apart than the map suggests.

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Bali

Getting there and choosing your base

  • Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): Often listed as Denpasar airport, but it is in Tuban between Kuta and Jimbaran, well south of Denpasar itself. Kuta, Jimbaran and Nusa Dua are the shortest transfers; Ubud and Canggu mean a longer drive, which is worth weighing after a late landing.
  • Gilimanuk (ferries from Java): Ferries from Ketapang near Banyuwangi cross round the clock to this port on Bali's western tip. The southern resorts are a long drive beyond it, so overland travellers may prefer a first night in the west or an early start.
  • Padangbai and the southern harbours: Padangbai on the east coast handles slow ferries to Lembar on Lombok and fast boats to the Gilis; other fast boats use Benoa, Serangan and Sanur. Weather delays crossings, so avoid a non-refundable room on the far side for the same evening.

Areas to consider

Seminyak and Legian

Suits travellers who want restaurants, shops and beach bars within walking distance of the room. A cheap 'private villa' can turn out to be a bungalow inside a hotel compound, so look for photos of the pool and how close the neighbours are.

Canggu

Suits surfers and longer stays among the cafés north-west of Seminyak, in an area of former rice fields that has been built up fast. Building work is still widespread, so ask whether a construction site adjoins the property.

Ubud

Suits visitors who care more about dance, temples, spas and rice-field walks than about the beach. Some properties sit down narrow lanes or on valley sides away from the road, so ask how cars reach the entrance and whether staff carry bags.

Nusa Dua and the Bukit Peninsula

Suits families and resort stays; the Bukit also gets far less rain than the rest of the island. Around Uluwatu many places sit on clifftops above the beaches, so check how the beach is reached and how many steps are involved.

When to go

July and August are Bali's busiest months, and the Christmas and New Year holidays also fill the island; outside those, October to April tends to bring better rates. The west monsoon from December to March brings heavy late-afternoon showers. Nyepi, the Balinese new year in March or April, closes the airport and harbours for 24 hours from 06:00, and guests must stay inside their hotel, so nobody can check in or out that day.

Before choosing a room

  • International visitors are charged a provincial tourist levy that is separate from the room rate and paid through the Bali government's Love Bali website; do not assume a hotel booking covers it.
  • Mid-range and upscale hotels commonly quote rates 'plus plus', with government tax and a service charge added on top. Ask which figure the quote shows.
  • Card payments must be charged in rupiah under Indonesian law, so a rate quoted in dollars is converted on the day you pay; asking for a rupiah price avoids surprises.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

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