Must-have Bali travel guide for 2025

Visiting Bali for the first time in 2025? Or looking for new, unique ways to get the most out of your return to the island?

With our must-have Bali travel guide for 2025, you’ll be sure to know the ins and outs that will craft an unforgettable trip. For example, what are the best dates to visit Bali, what should you pack, and where are the best restaurants to eat at?

Let’s dive into all the details you’ll need for your travels below!

General information to consider before traveling to Bali

Before discussing those must-do plans and the best things to do in Bali, here’s some information to help prepare for your trip.

• Weather: Bali’s weather is considered tropical, with temperatures ranging from 80-90 °F (27-32 °C). Prepare clothing for hot, humid days and fresh nights.
• Seasons: Consider the best dates to avoid the wet season, which runs from November to March, and plan your trip at least two months in advance to visit the island from April to October during the dry season.
• Language: There are three languages spoken in Bali: Basa Bali or Balinese, Indonesian, and English.
• Currency: The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah, but the USD is widely accepted on the island.
• Time zone: Bali’s time zone is GMT+8, which differs from the rest of Indonesia.
• Religion: The local religion is Balinese Hinduism. The island doesn’t follow the Islamic rules from other regions of Indonesia.

Essential documents to prepare for a trip to Bali

Let’s examine the essential documents for visiting Bali. Keep in mind that entry requirements vary from country to country.

Here, we’ll focus on the USA travel requirements for visiting Bali. Let’s check them out:

• Passport: A valid passport for at least six months after arriving with two blank visa pages is required.
• Visa: US visitors must apply through the official Indonesian immigration site at least 48 hours before traveling to request an electronic visa, or wait until arriving in Bali to request one. The electronic visa and the visa on arrival cost 500,000 Indonesian Rupees (~31.49 USD).
• Flight tickets: A round-trip ticket is required to enter and get an Indonesian visa. This is one of the most important requirements when considering how to get to Bali.
• Vaccinations: There are no current health restrictions, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s better to have chickenpox, tetanus, flu, polio, shingle, and measles vaccinations when visiting the island.

Note: Visitors who want to extend their visas must apply for the 211A Visit Visa, which lasts 60 days and can be extended to 180 days.

What to pack for Bali

The first thing to consider when packing for Bali is the weather. Now, we all know that you’re not planning to visit Bali for skiing, but let’s take a deeper look at what clothes will carry you through the hot weather of the island.

For both men and women, lightweight clothing will be your best friend. This includes t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, pants, knee-length shorts, and similar items. Also, extra points if quick-drying clothes are included!

Another thing is to prepare different outfits. Think about clothes that are easy to match, and don’t forget the local rules, such as covering up when visiting temples and religious sites.

Bali is also known for its beautiful beaches, so prepare your swimsuits, bikinis, or swim trunks for your trip. To make it easier, you can open our Bali packing list for an easier time preparing your luggage!

Lastly, a sarong is helpful for both men and women because it covers up for visiting temples. Don’t leave yours out!

Pro tip: Pack a nice pair of socks because you’ll need to leave your shoes outside temples and don’t want to burn your feet on the hot ground.

When to visit Bali

Bali is a tropical island with hot temperatures throughout the year. Although there is a dry and wet season, the weather doesn’t change too much, making it easier to decide when to go to Bali.

The island has nice weather from May to October because of its dry season, which is when most visitors arrive because it is the best time to visit Bali.

During the monsoon season, which lasts from November to April, rain is common daily, but it’s also the ideal time to visit Bali to avoid crowds and find lower prices on hotels, flights, and more.

Best restaurants in Bali

Your trip to Bali can’t be completed without trying local food. The best part is that the island has many restaurants to visit that go from a luxury dinner to a budget-friendly meal after a long day on the beach.

Here’s a list of the best restaurants to visit in Bali that you can’t miss:

• Fu Shou Noodle Club ($): One of the cheapest but also one of the best local restaurants, with a variety of dishes ranging from pendekar naga to cakar macan dumplings, are waiting for you to try in Ubud.
• Dapur Bali Mula (Pricing is established by visitors): Located in Les, Chef Gede Yudiawan created a traditional restaurant for visitors. He serves dishes like bumping fish or Javanese long peppers, but these always vary to provide a unique culinary experience.
• Badung Market ($): Located in Denpasar, this market is the ideal place to try exotic Balinese fruits, babi guling, or seafood prepared with local spices for a real local food experience.
• Gianyar Night Market ($): When visiting Gianyar at night, you’ll be hit by a variety of sounds, smells, and flavors from dishes like sate or bebek goren with vegetables grilled with local spices.
• St. Tropez ($$): Plan an escape to the French Riviera and dine at this Mediterranean restaurant. There’s a lot to try, from seafood to beef tartare and exclusive cocktails waiting at the Berawa Beach.
• Koral Restaurant ($$$): Located close to Uluwatu, Koral Restaurant is a luxurious restaurant with a favorite: the 8-course menu. Visitors will try various seafood dishes combined with dessert to create a unique experience. 

Where to stay in Bali

Bali offers a complete range of accommodation, from beautiful lodges to more budget-friendly alternatives.

It all depends on your budget, but some of the best-rated hotels are the following:

• THE HAVEN: Close to Kuta, this 4-star hotel feels like heaven. Visitors will find a unique scenario within the hotel, where nature, the nearby beach, and the lights from the hotel create a scenario worth photos and relaxation.
• AYANA Resort: Located in south Kuta, the AYANA Resort is the ideal destination for those who want to relax in one place. This hotel offers everything: food, amenities like a pool or a private beach, and different outdoor areas to walk during the day and night.
• The St. Regis Bali Resort: If you’re thinking about luxury, the St. Regis Resort is your best call. Located in Kuta, this resort takes food, amenities, and comfort to a new level, plus the landscapes surrounding it are breathtaking.
• Mathis Lodge: Located in Abang, this hotel combines everything visitors could want: jungle, beaches, and a beautiful view. Plus, the hotel has different types of amenities, which vary depending on the room you pick, but delicious food will always be waiting for you.

While luxury hotels are common to see in Bali, there are some affordable options, such as the following:

• Alam Desa Homestay: This small hotel in Marga offers a vibrant design related to the Balinese culture, and while it doesn’t have amenities like a pool or private beach, the food and rooms are ideal for a comfy stay at a good price.
• Senetan Villas: Located in Puhu, these villas are ideal for travelers with a more limited budget who still want some luxury. Enjoying your food close to the pool surrounded by nature is a great plan, and the basic rooms are ideal for resting after a long day.
• Alam Puri Art Museum Villa: Located in Penatih, this traditional building, now a hotel, offers a breathtaking view, indoor facilities, and comfortable rooms for a low price, and thanks to its location is easy to move around the island.

Tip: Whether you stay in a hotel, resort, or at an Airbnb, it’s better to book your stay in advance. Consider two months a proper deadline to call for a reservation, especially during the dry season!

Best things to do in Bali

The best part about Bali is that there’s always something to do for every type of traveler. There are a lot of water activities to do, but since you’ll be surrounded by nature, going for a hike also sounds like a plan. And let’s not forget about the local temples.

Some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in Bali include:

• Hiking at Mount Batur: Mt. Batur is the perfect place for a hike in Bali. Early morning hikes are the best because you’ll watch the sunrise while the weather is still nice. Or you can go in the afternoon to watch the sunset from the highest point in Bali.
• Walking or bike riding at Jatiluwih Rice Terraces: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the rice turrets of Jatiluwih are an ideal place to visit from February to April. You can plan to explore the area on foot or rent a bike for an even better experience.
• Visit Bali’s Hindu temples: Hinduism is common on the island, and no travel guide for Bali is complete without visiting temples like Uluwatu Temple, Pura Besakih, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Tanh Lot Temple, or the Tirta Empul. These are some of the most important temples to visit, where you can pray or bless yourself with the holy waters found on some of these temples.
• Enjoy a day at the Nusa Islands: Located on the east coast of Bali, these islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches you will ever see, with white sands and crystal clear waters. Snorkeling, diving, or relaxing at the beach are the best things to do when visiting these islands.
• Walk around Ubud: Located in the center of Bali, Ubud is home to different restaurants and historical temples. Other activities, like practicing yoga or experiencing full moon festivals, are also available in the area. Plus, finding the perfect gift is easy here, as there are different local craft stores to explore.
• Party at Kuta: Kuta is a small town in Bali. The main attraction is the Sky Garden, where eating, enjoying the view, and breathing in the fresh air make for a great plan. That’s until the party starts, so prepare your best outfit for a night you’ll never forget!

Travel itineraries for Bali

A travel guide for Bali is not complete without discussing day-by-day travel plans. The best part about the island is that it suits vacations of five days to a week or more, as there’s always something waiting for you.

Let’s look at some example itineraries for five to 15 days in Bali.

What to do for 5 days in Bali

• Day 1-2: Take day trips to hot springs at Ubud and walk around the area for a complete outdoor experience.
• Day 3: Visit Sanur and enjoy the full day at one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali.
• Day 4-5: Visit local temples, such as Uluwatu or Tanah Lot, and visit local markets to close your trip with delicious food.

What to do for 7 days in Bali

• Day 1-2: Visit the Nusa archipelago and enjoy water sports and crystal clear waters. Relax at a nearby hotel or Airbnb while watching the sunset with a nice drink.
• Day 2-4: Spend two days in Canggu to learn to surf and try other water sports.
• Day 5: Take a full-day trip to the northern part of Bali and visit the Aling Aling and Munduk waterfalls.
• Day 6: Visit the Sky Garden after a long day walking around Bali and end your day with a nice meal and an unforgettable party.
• Day 7: Chill out on the beach and enjoy a local breakfast before heading to the airport.

What to do for 15 days in Bali

• Day 1-3: Walk around or dive into Bali and visit historical sites like the Japanese Shipwreck, the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, and religious sites like Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, and Ulun Danu Beratan temples.
• Day 4-7: Plan a visit to the Nusa archipelago and try out different water sports, plus take your time to walk around for some outdoor activities with beautiful views.
• Day 8-11: Plan full-day trips to the northern region of Bali to visit the Aling Aling and Munduk waterfalls or to Penida Island for more relaxation.
• Day 12-15: Take your last days and flee from the bustling Bali streets to Lombok Island. Enjoy a calmer scenario while relaxing at the beach, visiting cultural sites, and enjoying lovely landscapes at dawn or in the sunset!

How to move around Bali

Getting around Bali is not complicated. There are a range of tourist – and budget–friendly transport options that include:

• Gojek and Grab: These apps are the local Uber. Users can request a car or scooter and move around the popular areas of Bali in no time. Visitors can also add a debit or credit card to use the app hassle-free.
• Taxi: Taxis are everywhere in Bali. They will take you wherever you ask; just watch for how much they charge, and make sure to ask for a meter!
• Private car: Hotels and sites like Booking.com can help you rent a private car with a driver included. The driver will be happy to take you all over the island and on day tours with a high-quality service.
• Motorbike: A Bali travel guide for first-timers is incomplete without a motorbike ride. These are found all over the island and are a common, safe, and budget-friendly transportation service.
• Rental cars: If you prefer to move on your own and know how to move around Bali, renting a car is the ideal way to save money on day tours and overall transportation around the island. Just make sure to take your driver’s license and ID!

Travel tips for visiting Bali

With bags packed and itinerary outlined, all that’s left to cover are a final few travel tips before sending you on your way to Bali! 

Whether a first-timer or an experienced traveler, it’s always a good idea to brush up on some local tricks before you go.

• Respect the local religion: Balinese Hinduism requires people to cover when visiting religious sites and temples. Packing a sarong, long-sleeved shirt and pants will help avoid issues when visiting these sites!
• Exchange some money: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted on the island, but exchanging some USD for Indonesian Rupiah for ad-hoc expenses and small purchases is always a good idea.
• Book in advance: Preparing your trip at least two months in advance will help you find better flight prices and more hotel rooms to book.
• Pack a rain jacket: A rain jacket is a must in Bali – whatever the season. You can wear it at night to cover the fresh breeze or protect from the rain during the monsoon season.
• Connect with the local culture: No trip to Bali is complete without connecting with the culture. Look at the calendar and check dates for festivals, national holidays, or local celebrations.
• Think about how to stay online: SIM cards for Bali or Indonesia are popular among travelers but aren’t the most convenient to use. Using an eSIM is easier, as you won’t have to worry about changing SIM cards or worrying because your phone is not SIM-compatible. These will give you an internet connection as soon as you land, so choosing the best eSIM for Bali is better to set the stage to use translation and travel apps.
• Always consider your safety: Is Bali safe? Yes, but getting travel insurance is a great way to protect yourself in case of any accidents on your trip. It’s also the safest way to protect your budget if something happens!

Stay connected in Bali with unlimited data

Getting an eSIM enables different things, such as saving money from high roaming charges, getting mobile internet in Bali for translating, asking for a Gojek or checking the weather forecast, or uploading pictures and videos on your social media channels.

That’s why the Holafly eSIM for Bali is the most reliable option for visitors. You can purchase the eSIM online, and you’ll get unlimited data according to your chosen data plan.

With the Holafly eSIM, you’ll find data plans for 5 to 90 days, ranging from $20.90 to $139.90 USD. The cheapest price is $1.55/day.

There are also some additional features, such as:

• 24/7 customer service in 19 different languages
• Mobile app for iOS and Android to manage and purchase eSIMs
• 4G/LTE connectivity with XL (Excelcom) / Indosat / Telkomsel networks
• 500 MB of data sharing per day

Choose Holafly for your adventure!

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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