If you hear the name BALI and planing for a trip to bali this guide can help you before visiting bali.

Bali, Indonesia Travel Guide 2023

Bali is called the island of the Gods. Bali is also called The Last Paradise on Earth Bali is quite different from other provinces of Indonesia. The culture of Bali particularly attracts the tourists who come here. The sacred mountain of Bali is considered by the Balinese as one of the 8 “chakra” points of the earth. The natives of Bali believe in God. The friendly behavior of the people of Bali and the charm of the natural environment make tourists come back again and again to spend their holidays in Bali. 

Where is Bali?

Indonesia has 17,000 plus islands and Bali is its most popular island and main tourist attraction. Bali is an island located only 2 kilometers away from the city of Java, Indonesia. 

Best time to visit Bali

Bali's weather is wonderful throughout the year. April to September is the ideal time to visit this island. However, traveling to Bali between April and May or October to February can largely avoid the rain and tourist crowds.

Why travel to Bali?

Important Facts You Should Know Before Visiting Bali

1. Do you need a Visa?

Travellers from 60 countries can now obtain a VISA ON ARRIVAL (VoA). LIST.

If your country is not on this list or you travel with a business purpose you still need to apply for a  B211A Visit Visa?

The B211A that we facilitate requires a company or travel agency to "sponsor" the visa, which is included in our service.

There is no more mandatory quarantine for 3 days. Check out the updated regulations.

2. Voltage and Electronics. 

Electricity in Bali runs on 220 volts unlike in the States where it runs on 110 volts. Most portable electronics nowadays have a built-in voltage converter and can handle different input voltages. But, better check to make sure. Look at your charger as most will have a label with input voltage range (typically you’ll see.100V to 240v). If your electronics can handle 220V then you’re good.

Power outlets in Bali will accommodate any plug type C and G. If you typically use A and B you’ll want to bring an adapter with you. We suggest you get an adapter before travelling. There are plenty of good quality ones to choose from at Best Buy or Amazon. If you plan to travel to nearby Southeast Asian countries, then an adapter will be a good purchase.

3. Internet and Wi-fi

Internet in Bali is really strong everywhere. There is available Wi-fi in nearly every bar, cafes and pretty much any establishment you go to. Speed is acceptable and we’ve been able to upload large videos in under an hour. If you like to be online all the time, rest assured that you can get a good connection.

4. SIM Card for Local Calls

Once landed, get a SIM card for local calling. They are readily available at convenience stores and are pretty cheap and easy to install.

Dial 112 on your phone for emergencies. 112 is Bali’s version of 911. One tip, most times it will be faster to get a cab and drive to the nearest hospital or medical centre if you can do so rather than waiting for an ambulance. Also, the Balinese people are always ready to help so if you are in an emergency don’t hesitate to ask for assistance!

Other numbers: Ambulance = 118; Search & Rescue = 111, 115, 151; Police = 110; Fire Dept. =  113;

5. Must-Have Apps on Your Phone

Make sure to install Google Maps, Google Translate, Airbnb, Agoda and riding hailing apps Grab and Gojek. Grab and Gojek are like the Uber/Lyft equivalent in Bali. Make sure to install them before arrival to have the chance to upload your payment methods. We also recommend installing messaging apps WhatsApp and/or FB messenger. They are quite popular in Bali and useful if you’d like to communicate with locals or tourists you met there.

6. Some Common Greetings in Balinese Language

It is always great to show off that you took the time to learn some common Balinese words. We actually recommend that you download Google translate on your phone just so you can refer to it from time to time.

    Halo (HAH-lo) – Hello

    He (Hey) – Hello (informal) 

    Selamat tinggal (S’LAH-maht TING-gahl) Goodbye

    Dadah (DaH-DaH) Goodbye (informal)

    Sampai jumpa (sahm-PAHY D’JUM-pah) – See you later

    Apa kabar? (AH-pah KAH-bar) – How are you? (literally ‘what’s news’?)

    Selamat pagi  (S’LAH-maht PAH-ghee)  – Good morning 

    Selamat siang  (…  SEE-yang) – Good day (or good afternoon)

    Selamat sore (…  SOH-ray) – Good evening

    Salamet malam (… MAH-lahm) – Good night

    Selamat tidur (… TEE-door) – Good night (when going to sleep)

7. Mass Tourism and Managing Expectations

Arriving at Denpasar airport, you will realize that you are not alone in the quest to explore all of Bali’s greatness. Bali has been a popular tourist attraction and it can get crowded and full of tourists at times. In 2019 (pre-pandemic), the island saw a total of almost 6.3 million direct foreign tourist arrivals! There are still plenty of really good places where you can relax and unwind. But, expect popular tourist attractions to be crowded during the tourist season.

8. Clothes to Bring

Bali is located close to the equator so it will always be warm/hot. We recommend packing light breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Shorts and shirts made with polyester or nylon are a great choice. If you plan on hiking some of the surrounding volcanoes, bring long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket. if you’re planning on hitting the beaches on Bali and the surrounding islands, shorts and t-shirts are great. And, yes, bring your best sunglasses.

Travelers arriving in Bali are requested to fill out two forms: Custom Declaration Form and the yellow Health Declaration Form. No need for Arrival Card. If you are arriving as a family, you need to fill out only one Custom Declaration Form. Our forms were given to us onboard.

Sights of Bali

Although Bali has many different types of tourists, Bali Island is a very popular destination for honeymooners. The island has all the arrangements for a newly married couple or a romantic couple's vacation. Although the island of Bali attracts tourists from all over the world, Bali is most popular with Australians.

Uluwatu

Uluwatu is one of the tourist centers of Bali. The serene environment, natural beauty and various events held in Uluwatu enthrall the tourists. And if you want to surf in Bali, you will not find such a beautiful place anywhere else. Bukit Peninsula has an old temple built in the 11th century. The architectural style of this ancient temple is also very eye-catching. An unearthly sunset view can be seen from the top of the temple.

Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach is the most popular beach in Bali. Kuta Beach in its picturesque charm conveys why Bali excels. Local residents here are quite friendly with tourists. The cute white and flat beaches are like gold for surfing and water skiing lovers. Apart from this, the market near the beach offers various types of handicrafts, colorful clothes, etc. And it only takes 15 minutes from Kuta Beach to the nearest international airport.

Kintamani Mount Batur

East of Bali island is the dormant volcano 'Kintamani Mount Batur'. There have been 24 eruptions since 1800 to the present, with the last eruption occurring in 1970. Cool lava spreading over the mountain attracts the attention of tourists. At the foot of Mount Batur is Bali's largest natural Lake Batur. Small restaurants have been built on the hills to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains and the lake.

Sukawati Market

Sukawati Market is famous for shopping among tourists visiting Bali. The large art galleries, wood and stone sculptures in this market are particularly attractive to tourists. And because of this it has become known as art market all over the world. Sukawati Market offers a wide variety of handicrafts, boutique clothes, traditional Balinese crafts and paintings at affordable prices.

Ubud

Ubud, the heart of Bali, is acclaimed for its serene nature, flower gardens, parks, cultural diversity, magnificent temples and museums. Surfing, yoga or meditation on the rough sea waves are also available in Ubud. In addition, various art and drama exhibitions are organized in Ubud.

Seminyak Beach

If you want to enjoy the night beauty of Bali city, you must come to Seminyak Beach. Beautiful golden beaches, wind surfing, green forests, beautiful temples, delicious sea food are not here!

Tanah lot

Tanah Lot is a holiest place for pilgrims in the lap of the sea surrounded by mountains. Here there are three beautiful temples on the top of three hills which are about one and a half thousand years old. The architectural style of the temples, the calm atmosphere soothes the mind. During high tide, the temples are separated from the land and float like lotus flowers.

Art Village

Art Village is one of the oldest villages in Bali, famous for its handicrafts. This village seems to be connected with the development of Bali's tourism industry. Various arrangements are made here to impress the tourists who come here. In some parts of the village, silver ornaments are made, and in some places, wood crafts are made, paintings or souvenirs are made.

Tirta ampoule

'Tirta Empul' is an ancient temple in Bali. Located around 39 km from Kintamani, this temple is surrounded by green hills on one side and a few water bodies on the other. And water comes to all these small reservoirs through a spring from the mountain. The water of the Tirta Ampul temple is very sacred to the locals. Many visitors who come here reverently touch their heads with the water of the spring.

Noosa Dua

Nusa Dua beach is an ideal place to celebrate honeymoon in Bali. As if a calm and pristine nature is waiting on this beach. The moments spent with your loved ones under the blue sky and watching the green waters of the sea will surely be the memories of your lifetime.

Lovina

Lovina is one of the most interesting places in the world to see dolphins. A special boat has been arranged at Lovina beach for tourists to see dolphins, but to see the dolphins jumping and swimming, they have to leave for Lovina early in the morning.

Bali Birdhouse

The 'Bird Park' located in Bali is the largest aviary in Indonesia. Spread over an area of ​​2 hectares, the aviary houses numerous birds of different colors and varieties from different countries. Tourists visiting family or honeymooners visit this bird park at least once.

Bali Food Guide

Balinese to English:

Nasi – Rice  |  Ayam = Chicken  |  Sapi = Beef  |  Ikan = Fish  |  Babi = Pork  |  Bebek = Duck  |  Sayur = Vegetable  |  Telur = Egg  | Goreng = Fried  | Pedas = hot / spicy  |  bungkus = packed, to-go  |  panas = hot  |  dinging = cold

The most common and most recommended dishes you must try during your holiday in Bali:

Sambal

Sambal is a spicy condiment made of chilli as the main ingredients along with other seasonings like shrimp paste, garlic, ginger, shallot, scallion, palm sugar, and lime juice. Every island in Indonesia has its specific sambal, in Bali we have sambal matah and sambal be. Sambal matah is probably one of the most favourite sambal all over the country, it is almost similar to salsa but made of chillies, shallots, garlic, terasi (shrimp paste), lemongrasses, kaffir lime leaves, and other ingredients. Not like another sambal, matah doesn’t require all the ingredients to be mashed in the mortar; all ingredients only need to be finely sliced then mixed all together with a drench of hot vegetable oil and lime juice.

Ayam & Bebek Betutu / Chicken & Duck Betutu

Betutu is a richly spiced Balinese poultry dish. It is often called according to its main ingredients; Ayam betutu is chicken betutu, while Bebek betutu is the duck version. This traditional dish can be found on the menu of luxury hotels or restaurants to street food stalls in many roads of Bali.

The term betutu is the Balinese word for a specific spice mixture (bumbu) which consist of shallots, garlic, turmeric, ginger, wild ginger, galangal, candlenuts, chilli peppers, shrimp paste, and peanuts all finely ground using mortar and pestle. The betutu spice paste is sauteed with coconut oil to release its aroma and applied to poultry, chicken or duck. Typical side dishes may include plecing kangkung, crispy-fried peanuts and sambal terasi.

Babi Guling/ Roasted Suckling Pig

Babi guling is one of the most iconic Bali classic dishes. It’s a roasted pork dish, commonly served with rice, pork satay, crackling pork skin, shredded vegetables that have been well seasoned with many spices.

In the past, this dish only served during special occasion like weddings, funerals, baby’s third-month blessing and also tooth filing ceremony. But today we can see many warung and restaurants scattered throughout the island specialise in selling this roast suckling pig. You don’t have to wait for a special event to enjoy this culinary delight. 

Sate/ Satay 

Satay is a favourite dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, poultry or fish, served with a sauce. This type of meal is very easy to be found in many south-east Asia countries. Commonly it is served with peanut sauce, sweet soy sauce or spicy sauce. In Bali, there’s a unique satay made of minced fish, pork, chicken or beef which wrapped around in a flat bamboo sticks or lemongrass stalks. This satay is called “Sate Lilit”, considered as one of the most favourites satay in the island. 

The authentic Balinese sate lilit is very rich in “bumbu” or seasonings, a mixture of spices and herbs. It is ranging from lime leaves to coconut milk, garlic, shallots, blue galangal, coriander, lesser galangal, turmeric and chilli pepper. 

Nasi Campur

Nasi campur is a combo/ complete dish consists carbs from a portion of steamed rice, served together with couple proteins from egg, chicken, pork, beef or fish. Fibres from small portions of sauteed vegetables, spicy condiments (sambal) and crackers. Vegetarians or vegans still can enjoy this special dish by replacing the proteins with Tempeh, Tahu (Tofu) and Perkedel (seasoned potato fritter)

Lawar

Lawar is arguably the most traditional dish in Bali. Every village has its version of this delicious Balinese salad. Commonly it consists of green bean, vegetable oil, kaffir lime leaves, coconut milk, palm sugar, fresh grated coconut, and fried shallots, all mixed. Lawar is named according to its additional protein ingredients; for example, lawar with chicken is called lawar ayam, lawar mixed with pork is called lawar babi (pork lawar). A vegetarian lawar which uses young jackfruit is called lawar nangka.

Some types of lawar might contain the blood of butchered animal (usually pork or chicken blood) mixed with spices to add taste. Because of its abundant protein and fat content acquired from coconut milk and perhaps blood, lawar spoils easily and it should be consumed immediately; it is usually suitable for half a day before going bad.

Jaje Bali

Jaje Bali is a sweet snack consist of many colourful cake elements made from glutinous flour, sprinkle of grated coconut and drizzled of palm sugar syrup. You can find this dish in the traditional market or local villages. 

Es Daluman

Es Daluman is an excellent cold dessert consists of grass jelly, palm sugar syrup and coconut milk. This drink is perfect for cooling down your body during hot summer days in Bali.

Gado-Gado

Even though not originally from Bali, but this dish is definitely must try when you’re visiting Bali. This dish is technically like a salad dish, diced of tempeh and tofu, rice cakes, various raw and steamed vegetables topped with peanut sauce and crunchy crackers. 

Nasi Goreng

Nasi goreng or fried rice is everyone’s’ favourite. It is made from simple ingredients and spices like garlic, shallots, salt and peppers. Every region in Indonesia, has their specific key-ingredients added to this dish, for example, Jakarta people will add sweet soy sauce and Surabaya people will add extra tomato sauce/ ketchup. However, it’ll be perfect to be served with slices of fried chicken, sunny side up and crunchy crackers.