Bali

Bali is part of Indonesia, and visa requirements apply to the country as a whole. Citizens of many countries — including the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and most of Europe — can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) at Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport. The VoA costs around USD $35, is valid for 30 days, and can be extended once for an additional 30 days at an immigration office in Bali. Indonesia also offers an e-Visa option that can be applied for online before travel, which can save time at the airport. Citizens of some countries are eligible for a free 30-day visa-free entry. Always check the current requirements for your specific nationality before you travel, as Indonesia's visa policies have been updated in recent years and can change.

Bali is divided into distinct areas that cater to very different travel styles, and choosing the right base makes a significant difference to your experience. Ubud, in the island's interior, is the cultural heart — surrounded by rice terraces and jungle, it's the best base for temple visits, cooking classes, yoga, and day trips to the volcanic highlands. Seminyak and Canggu on the southwest coast are the most popular areas for beach life, nightlife, and the social scene — Canggu in particular has a strong surf and digital nomad culture. Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula is the best base for serious surfers and those who want dramatic clifftop scenery with fewer crowds. Sanur is quieter and more family-oriented. Amed and Candidasa on the east coast are the best bases for diving and snorkeling. Most travelers split their time between Ubud and one of the coastal areas.

Bali has a few things worth knowing before you arrive. The island is predominantly Hindu, and temple etiquette matters — wear a sarong and sash when entering temples (usually provided at the entrance), dress modestly in religious areas, and be respectful during ceremonies. Bali belly is a real risk: drink only bottled water, be cautious with raw vegetables and ice in budget establishments, and carry rehydration salts. Traffic in the south of the island — particularly around Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu — can be extremely congested, and journey times are often much longer than the distance suggests. Renting a scooter is the most common way to get around, but road conditions and traffic make it genuinely risky for inexperienced riders — hiring a driver for day trips is a safer and surprisingly affordable alternative. Finally, bargaining is expected in markets but not in restaurants or shops with fixed prices.

Bali is one of the most affordable destinations in Southeast Asia, which is a big part of its appeal. Accommodation ranges from very cheap guesthouses and hostels to genuinely luxurious villas with private pools at prices that would be a fraction of equivalent accommodation in Europe or Australia. Street food and local warungs (small family restaurants) offer excellent meals for very little — a plate of nasi goreng or mie goreng costs almost nothing. Western-style cafes and restaurants in Canggu and Seminyak are pricier but still reasonable by international standards. Activities — surf lessons, cooking classes, temple tours, white-water rafting — are affordable. The main costs that add up are alcohol (imported spirits are taxed heavily), spa treatments (though still cheap by global standards), and any shopping in tourist-facing boutiques. Overall, Bali offers extraordinary value, particularly if you're willing to eat and live locally.

Bali has two main seasons: the dry season from April to October and the wet season from November to March. The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit — lower humidity, less rain, and good conditions for outdoor activities, beach days, and hiking. July and August are peak months and the most crowded, with higher accommodation prices. The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October offer good weather with fewer visitors and better value. The wet season brings daily rainfall, usually in the form of afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, and the island stays green and lush. Many travelers find the wet season perfectly manageable, particularly if they're based in Ubud where the jungle atmosphere is enhanced by the rain. Surf conditions vary by coast — the west coast (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu) is best from April to October, while the east coast (Nusa Dua) picks up better swells from November to March.