Indonesia

The Complete Bali Travel Guide (2026): A Long-Term Resident’s Honest Take

Last Updated: 9 May 2026
By: Peter Orsel

Another Bali guide? Let me tell you why. I came to Bali for the first time in 2014. I have lived in Bali full-time for over three years. This is the guide I wish existed when I first landed. No nonsense, no searching for content between the ads. Where to go, when to go, where to sleep, what to shoot, and how to actually live here if you want to. Many blogs about Bali have been outdated. This has been written and updated in June 2026.

Some people sell guides like this as a PDF, and I’ll provide it all to you for free. This is not an AI guide, but based on years of living and shooting on the island, and updated regularly.

Why Bali in 2026 (and why I still recommend it)

Bali has been “ruined” every year since 2010, according to the internet, and yet it keeps getting better if you know where to drive your motorbike. Two things changed since the pandemic:

The island became one of the most established digital nomad bases in the world. The infrastructure for long-term living, coworking, healthcare and community is now better than most European cities. Even going to the dentist feels like a spa treatment here. And tourism recovered fast, but it concentrated in three or four hotspots. The rest of the island is more accessible and quieter than ever.

What this means for you as a visitor: if you stay in Kuta, or even some places in Canggu, you are going to write a post about how Bali is overrated. If you spend some days in Seseh or Uluwatu, and then head to the Sidemen valley, the Munduk waterfalls, or Nusa Lembongan, you are going to write about how Bali changed your life. The truth is somewhere in between, and it depends entirely on the choices you make while planning your trip.

Best time to visit Bali

Bali is located just below the equator, and that gives you two seasons to work with. Dry from April to October, wet from November to March.

My recommendation

April, May, early June and September are the best months overall. Dry, warm, fewer crowds, and prices are reasonable. Also known as the shoulder season. July and August are peak. The weather is excellent but prices double, Canggu and Seminyak feel like Ibiza, and most photo locations are crowded by 8am. (Gigi Susu, I see you)

November to March is wet season. It does not rain all day. It rains in heavy bursts, usually late afternoon. This is when the rice fields get green, and nature is at his most photogenic. If you are flexible, this is a beautiful and underrated time to visit.

Keep in mind that the rainy weather has been tough. You might have seen the streets being flooded, and villas completely destroyed. This happened most recently in September 2025, December 2025 and later in February 2026. If you’re traveling in the rainy season and planning to stay close to a river, around Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu, you might get wet feet.

When to visit Bali for photography?

If you care about light and color, here is how the seasons break down:

April, May, September & October: best balance of dry weather, dramatic skies, green landscapes, manageable crowds
June to August: bluest skies and cleanest air for drone work, though it can get windy and not the ideal season for boat trips
November to February: greenest rice fields, most dramatic clouds, best storm light, but you need to move with the weather

When to visit Bali for surfing

People coming to surf, generally visit two main areas. I’m not a surfer myself, but this is what I’ve learned over time:

Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin): best from May to October, swell from the south
Canggu, Medewi, north Bali: best from November to March, swell from the north and west.

You could come to Bali for surfing any moment, but I also think there are better guides in giving you this exact information. If you’ve never surfed in your life before, don’t plan your full trip around it.

Bali festivals and public holidays to plan around

Bali follows a complex calendar of Hindu Balinese ceremonies alongside Indonesian national holidays. Some of these create logistical challenges for travelers. Others are genuinely worth being present for if you happen to be on the island. Here is what actually affects your trip.

Nyepi – Balinese Day of Silence (around March, date changes yearly)

This is the one you need to know about before you book. Nyepi is the Balinese New Year and it is observed as a complete day of silence across the entire island. The airport closes for 24 hours. Roads close. No lights, no movement, no noise outdoors. You stay in your accommodation for the full day.

If you are already on the island, it is a genuinely fascinating experience. One full day of silence in a world that never stops moving. If you have a flight connection, double-check your dates and build in a buffer.

The night before Nyepi, large ogoh-ogoh statues are paraded through the streets and then burned. If you are on the island, don’t plan to travel during this night, as many streets are blocked or taken by the parades.

Galungan and Kuningan (twice yearly, 210-day Balinese calendar)

Galungan and Kuningan happen twice a year, following the Balinese calendar which runs on a 210-day cycle rather than the standard one. As a long-term resident, I know it’s coming the moment the penjors appear. These are tall bamboo poles, beautifully decorated, lining both sides of the road. Jalan Raya Kerobokan is one of the best examples on the island and worth driving through just to see it.

The practical side: those penjors narrow the already tight streets. Parking gets even more limited than usual, and traffic, which is already Bali’s biggest daily frustration, gets worse. Build in extra travel time if you are moving across the island during Galungan week.

The total time of celebrations take 10 days, and it’s best to Google upfront to see when they happen next.

Indonesian National Holidays

These affect the entire country, not just Bali. The ones that matter most for travel planning:

Idul Fitri (Eid): End of Ramadan, date shifts yearly. You’ll see lots of domestic travellers coming to Bali. Flights to Bali book out and prices are high. Book well in advance if you are traveling during this window.
Christmas and New Year: Peak season. Prices at their highest. Canggu and Seminyak are packed. The weather is not great, but the island is full of especially Australian tourists who are in the midst of their summer break.
Independence Day (August 17): Tujuhbelasan, the national holiday that gets their own verb. One of the best public holidays in Bali. In the weeks towards Independence Day, you’ll start seeing the Indonesian flag everywhere. Beautiful sight, and your life won’t be too affected. Try find some celebrations, the games all communities play are fun!

A practical note on Ramadan

Bali is predominantly Hindu and life here is largely unaffected by Ramadan compared to the rest of Indonesia. Most restaurants, cafes and warungs operate normally. However, many tukangs (handymen) are from Java and often Muslim. Many small and local warungs will close during Ramadan holidays. Bigger cafes and restaurants are unaffected.

Visa, entry and how long you can stay

Indonesian visa policy changes often, so always confirm with the official Indonesian e-visa site before your trip. As of early 2026, the most common options:

Visa on Arrival (VoA): 30 days, extendable once for another 30. Around $35 USD. Available for roughly 90 nationalities at Ngurah Rai airport.
Visa exempt: Short list of ASEAN countries who don’t need a visa.
B211A Single Entry Visa: 60 days, extendable. Better for stays beyond two months. Apply online before you fly.
E33G Remote Worker Visa (the Bali Digital Nomad Visa): Up to one year, designed for remote employees of foreign companies. You need a contract/income at a foreign company with a minimum of 6000 USD a year. This is the one most digital nomads should be looking at for stays of six months or more.

KITAS (limited stay permit): For longer-term residence, working visas, retirement, and investment arrangements. Requires a sponsor.

I personally recommend to get an agent for any other visa than the Visa on Arrival / Visa exempt.

I cover this in much more depth in my guide for All You Need To Know About Long-Term Living in Bali.

Practical notes for tourists coming to Bali

Step 1: Apply for the e-VoA online before you fly at evisa.imigrasi.go.id. It saves around an hour at the airport.

Step 2: Complete your All Indonesia Arrival Card within 72 hours before departure at allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id. It is free. Some parties have replicated the websites and demand payment. Don’t pay. Do it yourself on the official site and ignore any third-party service charging for it.

Step 3: Pay the Bali tourism levy of 150,000 IDR separately at lovebali.baliprov.go.id. This is a local tourism tax for visiting the island. This has not been actively checked, but regulations might be on the way.

Step 4: Have proof of onward travel and accommodation ready. Immigration rarely checks, but they can ask. Most passports can enter Bali now through the auto gates. Fast, reliable, and without people directly being involved in your immigration process.

And lastly: Do not overstay. Fines are charged per day and getting blacklisted is not how you want to end your Bali holiday.

How to get to Bali and how to get around

Bali has one international airport: Ngurah Rai (DPS) in the south, located on the smallest part of the island. Most Asian capitals have direct flights. From Europe, expect one stop in Singapore, Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Kuala Lumpur. From the US, expect two legs through Tokyo, Seoul, or Singapore.

A few booking tips: three to six months out gives you the best fares. I personally use Google Flights to find the best deals. Another great tool is Kiwi. You can use the tool below directly to find a good deal.

Getting around in Bali

There are three common ways to get around in Bali. Rent a motorbike, hire a private driver or rely on Gojek or Grab services.

Renting a motorbike

Anything that screams more Bali than renting a motorbike? The price will be around 70,000 to 100,000 IDR per day. For monthly rental expect anything between 1 and 2 million IDR.

The most popular models are the Scoopy (small, lightweight, and easy to maneuver through tight streets), the N-Max (the typical Canggu bike, noticeably bigger and more comfortable for longer rides) or the PCX (Honda’s answer to the N-Max). And then there’s the X-Max. Bulky and not something you want in Canggu traffic, but extremely comfortable for long road trips across the island.

Important note:

Wear a helmet. Always. Even for the 200 meters from your villa to the cafe. The road is the most dangerous part of being in Bali. You can be the best driver out there and still get into an accident because someone else isn’t.
Have a license. Your insurance will not cover hospital visits if you were riding without one, and those bills get high fast. You don’t want to end up on GoFundMe. Your options: get a motorcycle license in your home country before you fly (a scooter license is not sufficient), or arrange one in Bali. Buy it, go the official route, however you want to handle it, but make sure you have it before you ride.

Private driver

A private driver is one of the most cost efficient options for longer day trips or multi-stop routes. For around 600,000 IDR you get a car, a driver, and petrol included. That is $35 USD for a full day. Do not rent a car and drive yourself, just get a driver. He will know the roads, know the spots, and will patiently wait while you take your time at every stop.

I always arrange a private driver when my family visits Bali, and it is consistently one of the best decisions of the trip. Yes, you can still get stuck in traffic, but you will arrive safely where you need to be. And in rainy season? You stay dry. Ask your villa or guesthouse for a recommendation, or use one of the online booking platforms to find a driver.

Gojek or Grab

Gojek and Grab are the Indonesian equivalents of Uber, and you can transport literally anything through these apps, including yourself. A Gojek or Grab bike is the perfect option for short trips under 30 minutes if you do not want to ride yourself. Prices run from around 10,000 to 40,000 IDR depending on distance.

One thing I want to be clear about: take a bike for yourself. Just because the driver will accept two people does not mean you should do it. Get your own ride.

Getting a car through either app is possible too and will usually cost between 100,000 and 150,000 IDR, making it a reasonable option for slightly longer distances when you want the comfort without booking a full-day driver.

Where to stay in Bali, area by area

This is the decision that will make or break your trip. Bali is a big island, and you gotta decide where you want to stay and what you want to visit. You can’t expect to have breakfast in Uluwatu, lunch in Canggu and dinner in Ubud. Traveling between these destinations takes at least 1h30m, so you have to pick your places carefully. A quick overview:

Canggu: Digital nomads, surf, and cafes, trendy, busy, and young.
Ubud: Culture, rice fields, and yoga, lush, cooler, and spiritual.
Uluwatu: Surfing, cliffs, and cafes, wild with a real beach vibe.
Seminyak & Kuta: Beach clubs, food, and beginner surf, polished and social, though starting to feel a bit dated.
Kerobokan & Umalas: Cafes, local life, and schools, a calmer, more central version of Canggu.
Sanur: Families, calm, and island access, quiet and classic.
Sidemen: Bamboo villas, hiking, and waterfalls, quiet, green, and mountain-facing.
Amed: Diving and sunrises, off-grid with a reggae vibe.
Lovina & Munduk: Mountains and waterfalls, cool and green.
Nusa Lembongan: Diving, beaches, and a proper escape, slow island life.

For a full breakdown including recommendations per region, read The Best Areas to Stay in Bali. Rather answer a few quick questions instead? Within a minute you’ll know which area matches your trip best.

Find Your Perfect Bali Area

Canggu

Canggu is where most digital nomads want to be. Close to friends, close to everything. Endless cafes, coworking spaces, surf schools, gyms, and beach bars. Wi-Fi is reliable everywhere, the food scene is the easiest on the island, and you will have a social network within 48 hours.

The downside is real: traffic can get terrible, the beaches are pretty ugly, and the area has been growing faster than its infrastructure can keep up.

Even within Canggu, where you stay can make or break your trip. Bali tourism shifts a couple of hundred meters up the coast every year. The areas that were cool three years ago are now packed, and the next stretch north is just starting to fill up. Here is where things stand right now:

Berawa: getting full, closest to Seminyak, home to the bigger beach clubs like Finns and Atlas, works well for families
Batu Bolong: surfers, sunset bars, party vibe, the original Canggu heart
Pererenan: quieter but filling up fast, great restaurants, this is what Canggu felt like five years ago
Seseh: still being built out, similar feel to Pererenan but with noticeably fewer people
Cemagi and Kedungu: same direction, even quieter, worth considering if you want space and do not mind being a scooter ride from everything

Plan at least four to seven nights to get a good feel of this area.

Ubud

Bali’s cultural heart. Nature, ceremonies, art markets and the famous rice terraces. Ubud is popular for many, but be careful. Traffic in town can get even worse than Canggu. However, just ten minutes out of town you can feel completely on your own.

This is also where I shoot some of my most-used Bali images. The Tegallalang rice terraces deserve a full post, and I wrote one for anyone looking to take photos of them the best possible way: Photography Guide to the Rice Fields of Tegallalang.

Two to four nights here is about right. Longer if you are doing a retreat or enjoy co-working from a cooler climate. Pick accommodation north or east of the center to avoid the worst traffic.

Uluwatu and the Bukit

Most of the south of Bali is referred to as the Bukit, and Uluwatu is the part most people have heard of. This is where Bali’s beaches get beautiful, where the big surf competitions are held, and where you will find some of the most dramatic cliff scenery on the island. Two of my favourite sunset spots in Bali are here:

Beaches like Padang Padang, Bingin, Nyang Nyang, and Suluban are among the best in Bali, and for many people the best in Indonesia. Three to five nights works well here. The Bukit is noticeably calmer than Canggu, though the area around Padang Padang beach gets busy. One thing worth knowing before you go: the southern Bukit is dry and hilly, a completely different feel from the lush green Bali most people picture. If you are coming from Ubud, the difference in landscape will surprise you.

Seminyak & Kuta

Seminyak and Kuta were the place to be from roughly 2010 to 2020, but both areas feel slightly outdated now. That said, they are not a bad choice if you want to stay close to the airport. You will find good resorts, cafes, and beach clubs, and the beach at Petitenget or Legian is actually nicer than anything in Canggu.

But that real I love Bali feeling? You are unlikely to find it here, especially if you stay longer than a week.

Kerobokan & Umalas

Kerobokan and its quieter neighbor Umalas do not get nearly enough attention, and that is exactly why they work so well. Less crowded than Canggu, less polished than Seminyak, and sitting right in the middle of both. From here you are well positioned for a drive north or a trip to Ubud without adding unnecessary time to either.

The cafe and restaurant scene is very good, the roads are manageable, and you will not be fighting for a table on a Sunday morning. If you want the convenience of the south without the noise that comes with it, Kerobokan is worth a serious look. It is also where I live, and after years in Bali, this is still my favourite area to live on the island.

Sanur

Sanur is another unsung hero. It is particularly popular with families and people who want a slower pace, and for good reason. The streets are walkable, the beach promenade is one of the best on the island for an early morning run, and the area has been quietly improving over the last few years. ICON Bali is one of the newest and best malls on the island, and the recently opened international hospital has received a lot of praise from the expat and resident community.

There are some great restaurants (beach front too!) and cafes without being overwhelming, and you will rarely deal with the traffic or crowds that define the south. If you want to visit Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida, the boats leave from Sanur, which makes it the logical base for that part of your trip.

Sidemen, Munduk and the rural north and east

If you want the Bali that feels undiscovered, head north and east. Sidemen means rice terraces, bamboo villas, and Mount Agung views. Munduk has waterfalls, twin lakes, and cool mountain air. Lovina has black sand beaches and dolphins in the morning. Amed is a reggae-vibe diving town that feels like an own world.

These are not first-trip stops for most people, but they are essential for a second visit and for anyone who wants a real glimpse of what Bali looks like away from the tourist trail. Two nights in Sidemen plus two in Munduk is one of the best combinations for escaping the crowds of the south.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida

I never quite know whether to include Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida with Bali or treat them as their own destination. Technically they are part of Bali’s regency, but once you are on the boat you will understand why that feels like a stretch.

Both islands are around 30 minutes from Sanur by speedboat. For a long time Lembongan was the popular one, until Nusa Penida took over with its dramatic cliff views and beaches. Now, with Penida getting increasingly crowded, people are returning to Lembongan again, and honestly it was always the better island for a relaxed stay.

I love Lembongan for a two-day trip. It is small enough to discover on a scooter in a day, has great snorkeling, and has that ultimate island vibe. I wrote a full guide if you want all the details: Visit Nusa Lembongan: All You Need to Know.

Nusa Penida is bigger and the roads will test your patience. Three days is the right amount of time, and plan your stops wisely before you go.

The best things to do in Bali

It is impossible to give you a complete list of everything Bali has to offer. The island attracts millions of visitors for a reason, and the range of activities is wide. What I will focus on here are the activities worth your time as a short-term visitor, and things that are unique to Bali.

Relaxing activities

A Balinese massage is the best starting point. You will find spas everywhere, but avoid the tourist-strip places and ask your villa or guesthouse for a local recommendation. A massage will cost you something between 100,000 and 200,000 IDR at a good local spa. Most also offer day spa packages if you want to make an afternoon of it.
A cooking class in Ubud sounds touristy, but it is actually a fun way to discover Indonesian food. You visit a local market in the morning, pick your ingredients, and spend a few hours learning to make dishes you will actually cook at home. Prices run from around $25 to $50 USD depending on what is included.
The hot springs in Kintamani are worth the drive if you are heading north, or if you are staying on the north side of Ubud. Combine it with one of the incredible cafes in the area. My personal favourites are Pahdi, Montana del Cafe, and Papaerhills, all with stunning views over Mount Batur and some of the best coffee on the island.
Sunset on a cliff somewhere close to Uluwatu is free, takes no planning, and is one of the best ways to end your day in Bali. Batu Jaran and Karang Boma in Uluwatu are my personal favourites. I wrote full guides to both and they’re definitely worth the visit.

Active activities

Mount Batur sunrise hike. A two-hour climb starting around 2am, reaching the crater rim at dawn. Go with a registered guide, the paths are not well marked in the dark. The view over the caldera at sunrise is worth the early alarm. For people who do not want to hike too far, there are jeep options that get you part of the way up.
Surfing. Bali is one of the best places in the world to learn. The waves at Kuta and Legian are forgiving for beginners, and you can work your way up from there. The surf breaks around Uluwatu are for experienced surfers only. Lessons start from around $15 USD, but prices depend on the level of your instructor.
White water rafting on the Ayung River. The most popular rafting route on the island, running through jungle gorges near Ubud. Around two hours on the water and suitable for most fitness levels. Check GetYourGuide for price comparison before you book.
ATV and quad biking. Available all over the Ubud area. It is muddy, loud, and not for everyone, but if you’re with the boys and want to tear through rice fields and jungle tracks on four wheels, this is your activity.
Cycling. A downhill cycling tour from Kintamani to the coast is one of the more underrated things to do in Bali. Mostly downhill, great views, and a good way to see rural villages without rushing. Something the Dutch will like, as we always end up cycling!

Waterfalls

Bali has many waterfalls, and still some being pretty much undiscovered. Be steady on your feet, as the road down can get slippery sometimes, especially in rainy season.

Sekumpul is the most impressive on the island. A decent hike in the north, multiple cascades, and almost no influencer crowds if you go early. Allow around half a day, or a full day if you drive from south.
Aling-Aling is worth combining with Lovina/Munduk if you are already in the north. Smaller, but has natural waterslides to slide from, and multiple levels of jumps. Who says no to a very affordable waterpark!
Leke Leke near Ubud is easier to reach and good for a shorter trip. Less dramatic than the northern falls, but the jungle setting is beautiful and it makes a perfect small day trip from Ubud.

Rice fields

The two most popular rice field areas in Bali are Jatiluwih and Tegallalang. Jatiluwih is bigger, more impressive, and UNESCO-listed. Tegallalang is closer to Ubud, and that is basically how it became the famous one.

Jatiluwih deserves more visits than it gets. A huge terraced landscape in the west of the island, far larger and less commercial than anything near Ubud. Go in the morning before the tour buses arrive and you will have large stretches of it to yourself. It is a bit of a detour from the south, but easily doable as a day trip from Canggu.

Tegallalang earned its reputation, even if it does not always feel that way when you arrive. Yes it is busy. Yes there are swings, infinity pools and cafes built into the terraces now. Yes it feels like Disneyland, at least to me. Go at sunrise before any of that opens and you will understand why it became iconic in the first place. I wrote a full photography guide if you want to make the most of it: Photography Guide to Tegallalang. The guide will take you to the less discovered parts, slightly further from the main road, where the real beauty is still intact.

Bali for Photographers

As a photographer living in Bali, I want to give some practical recommendations for fellow photographers visiting the island. Bali attracts a lot of creators, whether for a short trip or a longer stay, and there are a few things worth knowing before you arrive.

Sunrise and sunset times

Bali is located close to the equator, which means sunrise and sunset times are consistent year round. Sunrise is around 6am, sunset around 6pm. Golden hour is short, around 20 to 30 minutes, so know your location before you go and be there early.

Working as a photographer in Bali requires the right visa

One of the rules not everyone is aware of. If you are shooting commercially in Bali, whether that is for clients, brands, or a love shoot, you need the correct work permit. A tourist visa does not cover paid photography work. If you are shooting for personal use or your own blog, you are fine. If money is involved, talk to a visa agent first, or you risk being deported. Something that happens.

Drone rules

Drones are legal in Bali but the unwritten rules matter. Never fly over large crowds, ceremonies, or near the airport. I have never seen people actively controlling drone operators, but it is good to be informed before you fly.

Photography gear for a trip to Bali

When traveling to Bali, this is my must-have list:

Camera body (I use the Sony A7IV)
16-35mm f/2.8 wide angle lens
28-70mm zoom lens
70-200mm telephoto lens
Tripod
Drone (I use the DJI Mini 4 Pro)

If you are a creator traveling light, I highly recommend the DJI Mini drone combined with a DJI Osmo Pocket. Lightweight, easy to carry, and a guarantee for great content.

Bali for Digital Nomads

I have lived in Bali full time for several years. This section is the practical summary of my long-term living guide and my cost of living breakdown. Read those for the full picture. Here is the fast version.

Where digital nomads live

Canggu (Berawa, Batu Bolong, Pererenan, Seseh, Cemagi, Kedungu): the default. Easiest to land in, most social, most cafes. The further up north, the quieter.
Uluwatu: growing fast, feels like Canggu from several years ago, takes long to get here, but once you’re there traffic is easy.
Ubud: for the spiritual, slower rhythm, jungle vibe, cooler weather and those who don’t mind being far from the beach.
Sanur: families, retirement and generally older crowd. Calmer, cheaper, but not the place to meet young adults.

Three essentials to become a digital nomad in Bali

Visa. The E33G remote worker visa is the right tool for stays of six months or more. A B211A or VoA works for a shorter trial run as well.
SIM card. Short stay? E-Sim. Longer stay? Telkomsel, that’s it. Keep in mind that you have to pay tax for your phone to work longer than 3 months, or buy your new phone in Indonesia.
Accommodation. Stay a week or two through Booking.com or Airbnb first, then switch to a local landlord on a three to twelve month contract for roughly half the price. There are countless Facebook Groups to find your next accommodation in any budget range.

Cost of living in 2026

The cost of living in Bali depends entirely on the comfort level you’re after. I broke this down into budget tiers in my Cost of Living in Bali article, so you know roughly what to expect. Here’s the short version:

Guest house with pool: 6 to 12 million IDR per month ($350 to $700 USD)
Or 1BR/2BR villa: 20 to 30 million IDR per month ($1,150 to $1,700 USD)
Gym + Wellness: 1.5M IDR to 3.5M IDR ($85 to $200 USD)
Scooter rental: 1M to 2M IDR per month ($55 to $110 USD)
Food: 8 to 12 million IDR per month (mix of warung and cafe, $460 to $700 USD)
Total: roughly $950 to $1,800 per month for a comfortable life, depending on your own lifestyle.

The value you get is at least twice as much as you would get in big cities around the world like Amsterdam, Sydney, or New York City.

What I would do differently if I moved to Bali now

Along the way you learn, so here are some things I would do differently if I decided to move here.

Stay in 3 different areas for a week, and then pick my favourite area to stay long term.
Buy a motorbike myself as soon as I know that I stay here for longer than 9 months.
Arrange a local bank card as soon as possible. Easy for transferring money and receiving money. I use BCA.

Food and drinks in Bali

Something I like about Bali is the diversity of food that’s available. You can find literally any kitchen from all around the world, and food in any budget too. Cooking becomes optional and it’s often cheaper to eat out than to cook for yourself.

Local dishes you have to try

Nasi campur. Literally mixed rice. Rice with a small selection of whatever is available that day. The universal Indonesian meal and the easiest way to eat local every day. You order this at a warung by pointing through the glass at what you want. Locals call it touch screen food, and once you hear that you will never forget it.
Babi guling. Spit-roasted pig. Can get spicy, but locals love it and so will you.
Nasi goreng. Fried rice. Comfort food for every Indonesian and available everywhere at any hour.
Sate ayam. The traditional sate. Served with lontong, which is a rice cake, or plain rice, and plenty of peanut sauce.
Sate lilit. Minced fish or chicken on a lemongrass stick. One of my personal favourites and better than any sate you have tried before.
Gado gado. Mixed vegetables with potato and peanut sauce. A great option if you want something lighter.
Soto ayam. Chicken soup. Cheap, available anywhere, and a proper meal when you need something simple and salty.
Bubur. Local rice porridge. The ultimate cure for Bali belly or any sickness. If your stomach is off, this is what you order.

Where to eat

These are not the best restaurants in Bali, but the places I recommend. Places where you might run into me as they are comforting usuals for me.

Breakfast

Copenhagen: Delicious breakfast, always busy, and you pick your own mini dishes to build your plate. Worth the wait.
Nüde : A chain, but a good one. Great breakfast and lunch, and reliable Wi-Fi if you want to work while you eat.
7AM: Best bakery on the island. Where I get my sourdough all the time.
Livingstone: Delicious croissants and decent food throughout the day. I like their coffee too!
Artisan (Pererenan): Unique dishes and worth every penny. One of those places you will go back to. Not the best for co-working as it can get a bit loud.

Lunch and dinner

Burgers: Burger Head or Daeng Burgers. Both do it very well and serve decent fries.
Satu, Dua, and Tiga: Three locations, one concept. Satu is in Uluwatu, Dua in Umalas, Tiga in Canggu. A great mix of western and local food served buffet style. Pick what you want, pay for what you take.
Steak: The best on the island is Meat Emporium in Umalas. It is a butcher shop where you choose your cut and the weight. Other option is Butter Protein Club in Pererenan, lots of protein for a good price.
Made’s Warung: A proper Indonesian restaurant that has been around for decades. A Bali favourite.
Pasta: La Casetta in Umalas for a sit-down dinner, L’Osteria in Canggu if you are going with a group, or Pasta Dealer in Umalas for a quick bite.
Thai: Khao in Pererenan. One of the better Thai restaurants on the island.

For local food, ask at your accommodation where the nearest good warung is. That recommendation will beat anything I can write here.

Desserts

Ettore: By far the best ice cream I’ve had on the island!
Massimo: Local favourite. Cheap, delicious flavours and always crowds when you visit their OG spot in Sanur.
Dang! Cookies: Hyped spot, and delicious cookies.
Endorphins Cookies: Not a real spot to go and sit down, but their cookies are better than Dang! If you ask me.

Great cafes in Bali for co-working

Whether you are on a holiday or not, sometimes you just want to open your laptop. Here are some places that serve great coffee, decent internet and allow you to open your laptop for a longer period of time. Again: it’s impossible to mention all options, but it gives you a glimpse of the options.

Zin (Pererenan): one of my go-to spots. Good coffee, reliable wifi, relaxed atmosphere.
Savor (Pererenan): great food alongside the work setup.
Nüde (multiple locations): a chain, but consistent. Good coffee and they are used to laptop crowds.
Noah Cafe (Pererenan): two levels, AC coworking area downstairs, plugs at every table.
Tribal (Pererenan): built with remote workers in mind. Plugs everywhere and good internet.
Miel (Canggu): great high ceilings, two floors, reliable internet, and delicious coffee.

Practical tips: money, internet, transport, safety

Money

The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah. The current conversion in May 2026 is:

1 USD = 17.300 IDR

1 AUD = 12.500 IDR

1 EUR = 20.000 IDR

Most modern places accept card payments. For markets, parking and beach stalls cash will be king. You can withdraw money pretty much anywhere. Most restaurants mention prices without tax and without service fee, which will be added on your total bill.

SIM card

The strongest network is Telkomsel. Get a local sim card when you arrive or order an eSIM that uses the network of Telkomsel. Skip the airport booths, as you will end up paying way more than you need to. If you get the local Telkomsel SIM card, you can top it up using the Telkomsel app.

Safety

Solo travelers, and solo female travelers in particular, consistently rank Bali as one of the safer destinations in Southeast Asia. That does not mean you’re not alert, but the island is well set up for people traveling alone. The biggest risk by a large margin is scooter accidents. Wear a helmet, ride defensively, do not ride drunk, and do not let anyone you do not know ride your bike.

Pickpocketing happens, and every now and then women report uncomfortable behaviour from both local and international men in busy tourist areas. Stay aware, especially at night and travel together, not alone. Gojeks and Grabs are night are considered safe.

Do not use drugs. Indonesia has a death penalty, and it is enforced.

Water

Do not drink the tap water. Use the refill stations at a gym or in your accommodation or buy 19-liter Aqua jugs for your villa. Brushing your teeth with tap water is fine for most people.

Respecting local culture

Bali is a living Hindu culture with ceremonies, rituals, and rhythms woven into every part of daily life. You are a guest here, and a little awareness goes a long way. Locals appreciate when you show interest in their culture. And be prepared: roads can get blocked without warning because of a ceremony happening nearby. It is part of life here.

The most important practical things to keep in mind:

The small palm-leaf offerings you see on the ground everywhere are called canang sari. Step around them, not through them.
Wear a shirt. Even when it is hot. Sitting in a restaurant without a shirt is not a flex, it is just disrespectful. Shirtless is fine at the beach and in some gyms. Once you hit the street or any public space, cover up.
Dress modestly when you are outside tourist areas, especially in villages and markets. Not for entry to any specific place, just because it is the right thing to do.
During Nyepi, stay in your accommodation. The silence is not optional and is enforced.

Sustainability

Refuse single-use plastic. Carry a reusable bottle and a tote bag. Skip the elephant rides, the kopi luwak tours, and any dolphin tour that “guarantees sightings.” Spend at locally-owned warungs and family-run homestays. Bali’s air quality has gotten worse in the main tourist areas and all of us who live here feel it.

Bali FAQ

Is Bali safe for solo travelers?

Yes, very. The biggest risk is scooter accidents, not crime. Solo female travelers consistently report feeling safer in Bali than in most large European cities. Use Grab at night, watch your bag at crowded places (and while riding your bike), and you are fine.

Is it easy to make friends as a solo traveler in Bali?

Canggu is probably the easiest place in Southeast Asia to meet people as a solo traveler. The combination of coworking spaces, surf schools, sports classes, and a constant flow of people arriving and leaving means you will have a social network within days of arriving. WhatsApp groups, sports communities, and hostels are a great starting point.

That said, do not expect to walk into a cafe and instantly make friends. Long-term residents tend to stick to their established friend groups and have less interest in people who come and go. The social scene rewards showing up consistently and building a life together.

What is the best month to go to Bali?

April, May, and September are the sweet spot: dry, warm, cheaper, less crowded. July and August have the best weather but also the worst traffic and the highest prices. November to March is wet but the rice fields are at their greenest.

How many days do I need in Bali?

Five days for a first taste, seven for a proper trip, ten to fourteen for the full island including Sidemen, Munduk, and the Nusa islands.

Is Bali expensive in 2026?

Compared to 2018, yes. Compared to most of Europe and North America, no. A comfortable solo nomad budget could be around $950 to $2,700 per month. A two-week vacation can range from $800 for a backpacker trip to $5,000 or more for a luxury villa experience.

Can you drink the tap water in Bali?

No. Use refill stations or large Aqua jugs. Brushing teeth with tap water is fine for most people.

Do I need a visa for Bali?

For most nationalities, yes. The Visa on Arrival (30 days, extendable to 60) is the most common. Apply for the e-VoA online before you fly to save time at the airport.

What language do they speak in Bali?

Bahasa Indonesia is the national language. Balinese is the local language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learn “terima kasih” (thank you) and “permisi” (excuse me) and locals will warm to you immediately.

Can I work remotely from Bali legally?

Yes. The E33G Remote Worker Visa was introduced for exactly this purpose. For shorter trial stays, a B211A or VoA also works. Always check current regulations on the official Indonesian immigration website before you travel.

Where should I stay on my first trip to Bali?

Two bases. Three or four nights in Canggu or Uluwatu for the food, surf, and beach scene. Three or four nights in Ubud for the rice fields, culture, and cooler weather. Add Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan if you have the time.

Is Bali good for photography?

Bali is one of the most photogenic islands in Asia. Rice fields, cliffs, surf, waterfalls, and dramatic light year round. The catch is that the iconic spots fill up by 8am, so plan around sunrise.

Is Bali a good place to be a digital nomad?

Right now it is one of the top three globally. Internet, coworking, food, healthcare, community, weather, and cost of living all combine into a setup that is hard to beat anywhere. The main downside is traffic and infrastructure pressure in Canggu specifically.

Should I rent a scooter in Bali?

If you have an international driver’s permit with a motorcycle endorsement and you have ridden before: yes. If you have not: no. Take a private driver instead. The roads are not made for new learners. But you can take lessons, a license, and learn how to drive.

What should I know about Nyepi before I arrive in Bali?

Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence and it is unlike anything else in the world. The airport closes for 24 hours. You stay in your accommodation for the full day. Check whether Nyepi falls during your travel window and plan accordingly.

Final thoughts and what to read next

Bali is not what the influencers show you and it is not what the critics on Reddit describe either. It is a real island with a living culture, a complicated tourism economy, and some of the best sunsets in the world. If you take your time to learn to love it, you don’t want to leave again.

The fastest way to ruin a Bali trip is to over-plan, over-pack the south, and try to see everything in five days. The best way to make it a great trip is to pick two bases, leave time for the unexpected, and treat the island as a place to actually be rather than a list to tick off.

I have spent years here as a photographer, a nomad, and a long-term resident. Everything in this guide is what I actually do and what I would tell my best friends before they fly in. There’s a reason I’ve been here for over three years. So pack your bags, and give it a try.

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About Me

Peter Orsel is a Dutch travel photographer based in Bali, specialized in drone and landscape photography. He has visited over 40 countries and writes detailed, no-nonsense guides based on firsthand experience.