Bali Travel Guide: Things to Do, What to Eat, and Daily Cost

If you are looking for an easy Bali travel guide, this is it! 

Bali, the Island of Gods, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. There are plenty of waterfalls to chase, waves to surf, temples to explore, rice terraces to visit, volcanoes to climb, and pristine beaches where you can relax. All are scattered in Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Kintamani, and more.

With so many attractions in Bali, figuring out when to visit, what to do, what to eat, and how much it costs can be overwhelming. But, have no worries–Bob has got you covered with this easy Bali travel guide! Keep on reading! 

Bali Travel Guide 2026

Best Time to Visit Bali 

With two seasons – dry and rainy – Bali offers very diverse experiences throughout the year. Choosing the best time, of course, depends on what you are interested in. 

The dry season, which runs from May to October, brings sunny weather with blue skies, amazing surf breaks, and little chance of rain, making it perfect for a tropical holiday. 

As for the rainy season, it generally starts from November to April. This season offers fewer crowds with lush greenery. The rainfall can be heavy sometimes, but it is often short, so it’s still pleasant to wander around. But you might need some buffer days in case of bad weather.

If you prefer fewer crowds with lower prices, March, April, May, October, and November are the best options. Come June-September, the dry season is at its best. It’s the peak season, so there are certainly more tourists and the costs are higher. July and August also offer the best waves. 

December and January are a bit busy too, with higher costs and high chances of rain. Meanwhile, February is usually quiet with great prices and rice stalks in full bloom. 

All in all, the dry season is perfect for getting outdoors, while the rainy season offers a more affordabl,e relaxed getaway. Regardless of when you visit, especially with the recent climate change, a nice sunny day might turn rainy and gloomy. Be sure to pack an umbrella and a rain jacket!

Also read: 9 Most Dazzling Instagrammable Places in Bali

Bali Top Destinations & Attractions 

Bali might be a small island, but it’s certainly not a place you can fully experience in just a day. There are so many things to do that you will be spoiled for choice. 

From gorgeous nature to peaceful temples, here’s an easy Bali travel guide on the best destinations to visit, so you can start planning your trip. 

1. The Sacred Monkey Forest 

When planning a trip to Bali, make sure you include the Sacred Monkey Forest! This iconic attraction is a large forested area with walking paths and a beautiful Hindu temple waiting to be explored. 

And, of course, it’s also home to more than 1,200 long-tailed macaque monkeys. The cute little guys are protected and can be extremely aggressive at times. To prevent that, just keep a respectful distance and avoid carrying any plastic bags or anything colorful with you.  

Located right in the center of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is super easy to visit. Be sure to drop by before 9 a.m. to beat the crowds, as it is one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions.

2. Nusa Penida

Located off the east coast of Bali, Nusa Penida is famous for its T-Rex cliffs or the Kelingking Beach. This iconic dinosaur-shaped rock formation has been making the rounds all over Instagram, making it one of the most popular photo spots in Bali. 

The stunning view of the Indian Ocean from above the Kelingking cliff is indeed a sight to behold. Just hike up the ridge to get the Insta-famous photo opportunities! 

But, of course, there is more to Nusa Penida than the T-Rex cliffs. This small island is also home to the Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, Crystal Bay, Diamond Beach, and some of the best diving sites like Manta Point. Each offers different exciting activities, from enjoying otherworldly landscapes, sunbathing, snorkeling, to diving. 

3. Ulun Danu Beratan Temple

You cannot have a trip to Bali without visiting at least one of its most beautiful temples, like Ulun Danu Beratan. The temple is set on the shores of Bali’s second-largest lake, Lake Beratan, making it look like a picturesque little dream.

Situated at an altitude of 1,231 meters above sea level, Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is surrounded by breathtaking scenery with volcanic mountains set in the background. On top of that, the temple’s tall tower can be seen reflected in the water on a calm day. With this gorgeous view, it’s no surprise the sacred temple is a popular photographer’s paradise!  

4. Kuta Beach 

A visit to Kuta Beach is an absolute must when in Bali! It might be a classic, and you won’t find peace here. After all, Kuta Beach is a lively spot that can get insanely crowded and busy. 

But have no worries. This long stretch of white sand offers plenty of nice spots to enjoy–sun loungers and umbrellas, restaurants, coffee shops, a shopping plaza, surf spots and board rentals, bars, and stalls where you can order cold coconuts and beers.

Plus, this beach is also famous for its beautiful sunset and features beautiful sculptures along the way–perfect for photo ops. And, despite being crowded, you will still find quieter corners to relax.   

5. Sekumpul Waterfall

If you are up for an adventure, Sekumpul Waterfall is without a doubt a must-see in Bali! Surrounded by lush jungle with the sound of rushing water all around you, Sekumpul is one of those places that makes you feel connected to nature in the most beautiful way. 

Just hike down a series of steep stairs through the forest, and you will be rewarded with breathtaking scenery–tall, majestic, and powerful waterfalls that create a truly magical atmosphere.  

Once you start approaching the waterfalls, there is mist everywhere. So, be sure to bring a change of clothes. What makes this even more special is the Hanging Restaurant situated on the way to the falls. With a stunning view overlooking the falls, it’s a great spot to relax before or after the hike, enjoy a drink or meal, and soak in the beauty of nature.

Also read: 5 Best Things to Do in Kuta Lombok

6. Tegalalang Rice Terrace

Another incredible spot you shouldn’t miss is the Tegalalang Rice Terrace. The terrace is every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest, with lush greenery and palm trees swaying gently overhead. 

This spot is great for those who enjoy light hiking since you can wander through the dirt paths, giving you peaceful walking moments and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature.  And, of course, there are plenty of beautiful backdrops for photos along the way. Plus, you can also find nice cafes, the famous Balinese swings, and ziplining opportunities nearby. 

Alternatively, you can opt to take a trip to the Jatiwuluh Rice Terrace. This spot tends to be quieter than the Tegallalang one. 

7. Uluwatu Temple 

Uluwatu is famous for a lot of things – gorgeous beaches, beautiful sunsets, impressive cliffs, world-class surfing, fancy beach clubs, and, of course, the Uluwatu Temple. 

The moment you arrive, you will be wowed by how beautiful the setting is. Perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff covered in green, this Balinese Hindu temple offers a breathtaking view of the endless blue ocean. This magical mix of culture and nature truly captures the spirit of Bali.   

You can walk through the pathways along the cliff, have an encounter with delinquent monkeys roaming the temple, and just soak up the views of the Indian Ocean. Another highlight not to be missed is the Kecak fire dance performance held daily at sunset. Set against the ocean, the powerful show is truly mesmerizing! 

8. Mount Batur

Mount Batur might be a bit touristy, but wow, an early morning climb to the mountain is completely worth it! It’s a quick 2-hour hike with lots of breaks in between, some being steep but still manageable.  

Once you reach the top, the view is absolutely stunning! With perfect weather, the sunrise feels so magical. Along with that, you can also see Mount Agung, Mount Abang, Lake Batur, and even a sea of clouds. 

If you don’t have good physical fitness, you can take a Jeep tour up to the viewpoint instead. The journey is no less fun as you are going to have an exciting ride through rocky paths under the stars. Please note that you are highly recommended to hire a tour guide to experience both the hiking and the Jeep tour. 

9. Leke Leke Waterfall

On a sunny day, a visit to Leke Leke Waterfall will be quite amazing. Hidden deep in the jungle, Leke Leke offers a peaceful and refreshing experience. 

It’s tall, clean, quiet, and surrounded by nature – making you feel like stepping into another world. With the water flowing gracefully into a small, crystal-clear pool below, Leke Leke is the perfect spot to simply relax, take photos, or even take a refreshing dip. 

The short trek down to the waterfall is not too long and difficult–about 400 steps. There are also some swings you can try for an additional fee before heading down, as well as a small cafe where you can grab a fresh drink.  

10. Lake Batur 

Kintamani is loved for many things, including Bali’s largest volcanic lake, Lake Batur. Situated at the base of Mount Batur, this sparkling blue lake is packed with many exciting things to do.

Here, you can experience the natural beauty of Lake Batur, visit the sacred Segara Ulun Danu Batur Temple, or soak in the natural hot springs on the edge of the lake. Many also enjoy lakeside meals, a boat ride, and even paying a visit to the nearby Trunyan Village. 

Also read: Bali’s Hidden Gem: 7 Best Adventures in Kintamani

Local Dishes to Try in Bali

This wouldn’t be a good Bali travel guide without mentioning the local dishes. 

You can experience the Balinese exotic flavors by visiting local family-run eateries or warung, having a quick bite from street food stalls, or sampling some dishes at the night markets. Many also take cooking classes as a fun way to learn and recreate the cuisine at home.

So, what would be your favorite order? Here are some of the most popular dishes worth trying.

1. Nasi Campur 

It should be against the law to visit Bali without trying nasi campur. Translated to “mixed rice”, nasi campur is a plate of steamed rice served with small portions of side dishes like satay, crispy tempeh, peanuts, vegetables, curries, eggs, and sambal. It’s perfect for those who want to taste a little bit of everything. 

2. Nasi Goreng

When it comes to nasi goreng, this item is widely available in every street corner, from street food stalls, local warungs, to restaurants. The ubiquitous dish offers a delicious combination of rice, eggs, veggies, meats (chicken, beef, lamb, or pork) or prawns, and crackers. All in all, the food is simple and tasty–a perfect choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. 

3. Babi Guling

Also known as roasted suckling pig, babi guling tastes so succulent, crispy, and savory. The suckling pig is marinated in a variety of Balinese spices and then slowly roasted on a spit to tender perfection. The dish is typically paired with steamed rice, vegetables, and, of course, sambal. 

4. Betutu

Betutu is another dish that should be on your list of must-try when visiting the Island of Gods. This one is made from chicken or duck rubbed with a mixture of herbs and spices. The ingredients are then wrapped in banana leaves and slowly cooked to perfection. You are in for a remarkable, flavorful taste!

5. Satai Lilit 

Translated to “to wrap”, the name sate lilit describes the way the dish is made–minced or ground meat wrapped around lemongrass or bamboo stalks and later grilled. The protein of choice is typically pork or fish (like tuna), but some restaurants also provide the option of chicken and beef. 

6. Where to Eat

There is no need to go hungry in Bangkok as you will find loads of incredible places to eat serving mouth-watering dishes at any time of the day. Here are some worth visiting (mostly warungs):

• Warung Nia
• Made’s Warung 
• Warung Ibu Oka
• Warung Mufu 
• Warung Norman
• Temple by Ginger Moon
• Yulia’s Kitchen
• Legian Food Court 
• Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku 
• Pasar Senggol Gianyar 
• Sweet Orange
• Warung Mina Legian
• Warung Be Pasih
• Babi Guling Candra
• Ayam Betutu Khas Gilimanuk
• Pasar Sindhu Sanur

Also read: Bunaken National Marine Park: Indonesia’s Underwater Paradise

Budget & Cost

Bali might not be as cheap as it used to be, but it is nowhere near Western European and American prices. All your spending depends on what you are willing to pay, but most of the budget normally goes toward your accommodation and transport. 

Below is a rough idea of what to expect price-wise when you are in Bali.

What to Expect

If you are looking for a budget-friendly experience, expect to spend 30-50 USD per day. It includes eating at warungs or roadside stalls, a stay in homestays/guesthouses/budget hotels with no stars, and using scooters for transport. 

• Accommodation (dorms): 10-15 USD per night
• Accommodation (private rooms): 16-25 USD per night
• Food: 1-3 USD per meal
• Scooter: 3 -12 USD per day

A mid-range experience might cost around 85-100 USD per day.

• Accommodation (e.g., 3-star establishments or a small villa): 40-60 USD per night
• Food (mid-range restaurants): 3-7 USD per meal

You can also opt to enjoy an affordable luxury experience on a budget of around 70-150 USD per night (accommodation) plus 10-20 USD per meal. 

And, of course, there are also those ultra luxury establishments like luxury resorts and private villas for high-end experiences. This might cost around 150-350 USD per night. Along with food at fancy restaurants, convenient transport, and extravagant adventure, expect to spend about 254 USD/day. You can even spend upwards of 500 USD per night for luxury accommodations.

In addition to those prices, you might also want to consider these expenses in your budget:

• Car rentals (self-drive): 10-21 USD/12-24 hours 
• Car rentals with driver: 21-132 USD/12 hours
• Local transportation: 9 USD per day 
• Activities (entrance fees, shows, day tours, etc.): 10-50 USD per person/day
• Visa on Arrival/online e-Visa: Rp500,000 (30 USD) paid in cash  
• Short rides with Gojek/Grab: Rp12,000-20,000 (less than 2 USD)
• Bali Tourism Tax: Rp150,000 (9 USD)
• Shopping (souvenirs, etc.): 80 USD 
• Laundry: less than 1 USD/kg  
• Miscellaneous: 30 USD 

Indonesian currency is rupiah (IDR), and the exchange rate from 1 USD to IDR is around 16,000. Please also note that the prices vary by season, and some areas are more expensive than others. 

Tips

• Cash is widely used throughout the island, so be sure to have some in your wallet at all times. But, with its increasing popularity, you can also use mobile payment platforms. 
• You can use bank-issued debit or credit cards for backup. However, using cards for everyday transactions is not recommended because the charges are very high. Sometimes, the credit card machine also fails. 
• Don’t forget your travel insurance in case of an accident.
• Tipping is not customary, but restaurants usually add service charges to the bills. 
• You can haggle without being unreasonable to get a discount on items with no price tags sold in small shops or traditional markets. 
• There are ATMs everywhere if you are staying in touristy areas. But make sure to hit the ATM if you are going to visit remote locations, like the Nusa or Gili islands. Remote areas tend to have only one ATM that often runs low or runs out of money. The maximum amount to be withdrawn is Rp3,000,000 (180 USD)
• Avoid money changers’ scam (normally located on the side of the street) by only changing your money at legitimate places. Banks and real money changers (looking proper with security cameras and money counting machines, and having respectable locations like convenience stores) should be safe. You can always look up some reviews on Google Maps before you go.
• Avoid changing any currency at the airports, as the exchange rates tend to be lower than those outside the airports. 

Experience Bali’s Nature Right from Your Doorstep!

Bali is full of so many accommodations–from hostels, guesthouses, hotels, to villas–that it can be hard to choose. You will certainly have no problems finding somewhere to suit your needs!

But, first things first, you need to decide which area suits you the best, so you can select one in that area. If a tranquil getaway surrounded by nature is what you have in mind, Bobocabin Kintamani offers an ideal solution.

Located in the village of Songan A, Bobocabin Kintamni offers spacious cabins complete with all the amenities you need: a comfortable bed, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom.

Each room is also equipped with a large window where you can chill while looking out at the amazing views of Lake and Mount Batur. The view is even more stunning at sunset and sunrise!

If you find yourself hungry, just order the food, and it will be delivered right to your cabin. Super quick and easy!

What’s more? Bobocabin offers a variety of activities both on-site and nearby–from fun games to Mount Batur trekking–adding an exciting touch to your stay.

Can’t wait to start your trip? Download the Bobobox app now, book your cabin, and experience the beauty of Bali right from your doorstep!  

 

Featured Photo: Jared Schwitzke via Unsplash