Bali Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Things to do & Itinerary | Trip.com | January 2026

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Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

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Bali Local Travel Guide 2026

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Bali Brief Guide

Bali is a paradise island where emerald rice terraces cascade down volcanic slopes, ancient temples whisper tales of the divine, and the ocean’s rhythm calls on surfers and dreamers alike. As Indonesia’s spiritual heart, Bali enchants with its harmonious blend of vibrant Hindu-Balinese culture, artistic energy, and untouched natural wonders. Plan your perfect Bali getaway with our local guide.

Bali Must-try local experiences

1. Witness the Sunrise at Mount Batur Hike to the summit of Mount Batur for a breathtaking sunrise over the caldera and surrounding landscapes. The challenging trek is rewarded with stunning panoramic views. 2. Explore the Cultural Heart of Ubud Immerse yourself in Ubud's artistic and spiritual hub. Visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud Art Market, and catch a traditional Balinese dance performance. 3. Relax on the Pristine Beaches Bali offers beaches for every traveler, from Kuta and Seminyak to Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or surfing in turquoise waters. 4. Discover the Beauty of Tanah Lot Temple Visit Tanah Lot Temple, perched on a dramatic rock formation, for a magical sunset experience. The temple is one of Bali's most iconic landmarks. 5. Chase Waterfalls in North Bali Explore North Bali's stunning waterfalls like Sekumpul, Gitgit, and Aling-Aling. Take a refreshing dip and reconnect with nature. 6. Go on an Adventure in Nusa Islands Bali offers excellent diving and snorkeling spots, visitors can explore the Nusa Islands (Lembongan, Ceningan, and Penida) for pristine beaches, snorkeling, diving, hidden coves, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life 7. Witness a Legong Dance Performance Enjoy the intricate movements and vibrant costumes of a Legong dance performance, which tells stories from Hindu mythology. 8. Get a Traditional Balinese Massage Indulge in a relaxing Balinese massage, combining gentle stretches, acupressure, and aromatherapy oils to relieve tension. 9. Attend a Kecak Fire Dance Performance Watch the mesmerizing Kecak Fire Dance, telling the story of the Ramayana, often performed at Uluwatu Temple. 10. Sample Balinese Cuisine, Coffee and Desserts Bali offers a rich culinary experience. Try dishes like Nasi Goreng, Babi Guling, Sate Lembar and Bebek Betutu. Don't miss out on local warungs for authentic flavors. In addition, enjoy Bali's famous Kopi Luwak and traditional desserts like Dadar Gulung and Klepon. 11. Visit Sukawati Art Market Sukawati Art Market is one of Bali's oldest markets, offering a wide range of traditional arts and crafts. It's a great place to find paintings, sculptures, and textiles. 12. Capture the Beauty of Tegalalang Rice Terraces Visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and capture the beauty of Bali's lush landscapes. Perfect for photography enthusiasts. 13. Snap Pictures at the Bali Swing The Bali Swing offers thrilling swings over the jungle, rice fields, and river valleys. It's a perfect spot for capturing breathtaking and adventurous photos. 14. Indulge in a Rejuvenating Spa Treatment Treat yourself to a luxurious spa treatment in Bali, from traditional massages to body scrubs and facials.

Bali Must-see Attractions

Bali is an Indonesian island paradise known for its diverse attractions, including the serene Nusa Lembongan with its rich marine life, the culturally significant and picturesque Tanah Lot Temple, the lively and scenic Kuta Beach, the tranquil and artistic hub of Ubud, and the stunning natural landscapes of Penida Island.

Bali Food Guide

Bali's food is a rich tapestry of flavors, exemplified by dishes like the crispy Bebek Bengil duck, the sweet and spicy Nasi Goreng, diverse satay variations, and the eclectic Nasi Campur, each offering a unique taste of the island's culinary heritage and diversity.

Bali Transportation

Bali is a major international destination, easily accessible by air, with limited ferry options from nearby islands. Most travelers arrive via Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar. By Air Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS): Located between Kuta and Jimbaran on Bali’s southern tip, DPS serves international flights as well as domestic routes. To City Center (Kuta/Seminyak/Ubud): Airport Taxis: Prepaid at the airport taxi counters in Arrivals. Fares: IDR ~120,000–150,000 to Kuta/Seminyak; IDR ~350,000-400,000 to Ubud. Metered Blue Bird taxis are reliable; avoid unofficial drivers. Pay in cash (IDR) or by card at counters. Operates 24/7. Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab/Gojek): Book via Grab or GoCar for Kuta (IDR 100,000–130,000, ~15–30 minutes) or Ubud (IDR 250,000–300,000, ~60–90 minutes). Restricted at DPS; walk ~200m outside Arrivals to designated pickup zones. Pay via app (linked Visa/Mastercard) or cash. Private Transfers: Many hotels offer shuttle services (confirm when booking). Ideal for groups or luggage-heavy travelers. Airport Shuttle: Kura-Kura Bus to Kuta/Legian (~IDR 80,000–150,000, ~20–40 minutes). DPS Shuttle Bus (IDR 40,000 to Kuta). Book online (Kura-Kura app) at least 1–2 days in advance. By Ferry Sanur to Nusa Penida/Lembongan (30–45 min). Padangbai to Gili Islands/Lombok (1.5–2.5 hours). To Bali: Nusa Penida → Sanur: IDR 175,000–300,000. Gili Trawangan → Padangbai: IDR 450,000–650,000. Operators like Gili Getaway, Wahana, or Eka Jaya offer daily services. To City Center: From Sanur Grab/Gojek to Kuta: IDR 70,000–120,000. From Padangbai Taxi to Ubud: IDR 400,000+ (toll-inclusive).. Tip: Use ferries for island-hopping; book online for discounts. By Bus Mengwi Terminal (near Denpasar) serves long-distance buses from Java (e.g., Jakarta, 24 hours) or Surabaya (12 hours). Operators include Pahala Kencana. To City Center: From Mengwi, take a taxi or Grab/Gojek (IDR 120,000–180,000 to Kuta, ~30–45 minutes) Tip: Buses are budget-friendly but slow; opt for flights unless time is flexible.

Bali Where to Stay

Bali offers a diverse range of accommodation options, each with its own unique characteristics. From the spiritual hills of Ubud to the luxurious resorts of Nusa Dua, the island caters to all preferences, ensuring a memorable stay for travelers.

Bali Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (May–September) is Bali’s optimal period, offering sunny days, low humidity, and ideal conditions for beaches and cultural exploration. Avoid December–January’s monsoon rains and July–August’s peak crowds for a more serene experience. Spring: Warm, humid 27–32°C (81–90°F); transitioning from rains. Rice terraces are emerald green in Ubud; Nyepi (Day of Silence) with Ogoh-Ogoh parades (March). Summer: Sunny, dry 24–31°C (75–88°F). Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar (June–July). Fall: Hot, sticky 25–33°C (77–91°F); building humidity. Diwali lanterns in Denpasar’s Little India (Oct/Nov); coffee harvest in Kintamani. Winter: Hot, wet 27–34°C (81–93°F); possible downpours. Waterfalls surge at Gitgit; New Year’s Eve beach parties in Seminyak.

Bali Travel Tips

1. Master Monkey Forest Manners At Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest, don’t tempt fate—stash food, shiny trinkets, and loose bags; monkeys snatch anything dangling. Skip eye contact , don’t touch or feed them (rabies risk), and move calmly—it’s their turf. 2. Honor Hindu Customs Bali's Hindu heart beats strong—don’t step on canang sari offerings littering sidewalks, and hush up near ceremonies). Dress modestly for temples—shoulders and knees covered, sarong if needed. 3. Dodge Rip Currents Bali’s beaches (Kuta, Uluwatu) pack sneaky rip currents—stick to lifeguard zones, heed flags, and never swim solo. Caught in one? Don’t fight it—float, swim sideways to break free, then angle back. 4. Ride Motorbikes Carefully Scooters rule Bali, but chaos reigns—wear a helmet (mandatory, fines are hefty) and check brakes/lights before rolling out. Need an international license—police targets tourists; no license, no insurance if you crash. Raincoat’s a must—sudden downpours blind you. 5. Sip Safe, Stay Healthy Tap water’s a no-go—stick to sealed bottled water, skip sketchy ice, and peel fruit yourself. Street food’s delicious, but pick busy warungs—quiet ones will earn you a "Bali belly" (upset stomach for days). Hydrate hard—Bali’s heat sneaks up. 6. Fend Off Mosquitoes Dengue’s real in Bali—always use repellent, layer up at dawn/dusk, and stay in AC or netted rooms. No need to overthink it, just cover skin when they swarm. 7. Keep Bali Clean Single-use plastic bans hit bags, straws, and foam—fines sting if you don't follow the rules. Toss trash in bins, not beaches, and get a reusable bottle—locals and NGOs push it. Bali’s beauty’s on you to preserve. 8. Haggle with a Smile Markets (Sukawati, Ubud) thrive on bargaining—start at half the price, grin, and nudge up. Cash rules—small bills dodge “no change” excuses. Don’t play too hard—fair’s fair. 9. Book Smart, Skip Scams Pre-book drivers (Grab, Gojek) or tours via trustworthy apps—street hails overcharge. Read reviews—shady operators ghost you. Motorbike rentals need pics of every scratch—dodgy shops may claim that you damaged it later. 10. Time Your Moves Traffic’s a beast near Ubud or Kuta—travel early or late. Google Maps are not very accurate in the area—double the ETA. Nyepi (March, silent day) shuts everything—plan around it. 11. Surf and Swim Safe Surfing? Stick to legit instructors. Rip-prone spots (Uluwatu) need strong skills—newbies shoud hit Jimbaran. Swim between flags—rogue waves sneak up. Bali’s currents don’t mess around.

Bali Useful Guide

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is official, Balinese (Bahasa Bali) is spoken locally. English is common in tourist zones. “Halo” (hello) or “terima kasih” (thanks) wins smiles—translation apps bridge gaps.