About Bali
Bali is an Indonesian island and province and the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands. East of Java and west of Lombok, the province includes the island of Bali and a few smaller offshore islands, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan to the southeast. The provincial capital, Denpasar, is the most populous city in the Lesser Sunda Islands and the second-largest, after Makassar, in Eastern Indonesia. The Denpasar metropolitan area is the extended metropolitan area around Denpasar. The upland town of Ubud in Greater Denpasar is considered as Bali's cultural centre. The province is Indonesia's main tourist destination, with a significant rise in tourism since the 1980s, and has become the country's area of overtourism. Tourism-related business makes up 80% of the Bali economy.
Cheap flights to Bali
The lowest round-trip fare found by Destina Holidays travellers in the last 30 days was $908 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. These are the cheapest fares from the most searched cities.
Cheapest month to fly
Airlines travellers compared most often: Cathay Pacific.
Prices are per adult in US dollars, taken from searches between 12 Oct and 11 Nov 2026. Fares change often, so search your dates for live prices.
Search flights to BaliPlaces to visit in Bali
-
Tanah Lot
Religious · 10 mi from centreA sea temple perched on a rock formation off Bali's west coast. Visit at low tide to walk closer, and stay for sunset, though crowds are heavy.
-
Uluwatu Temple
Religious · 23 mi from centreA clifftop temple on the Bukit Peninsula, famous for its sunset kecak fire dance. Keep sunglasses, hats and phones secure, as resident monkeys often grab belongings.
-
Ubud Monkey Forest
Nature · 18 mi from centreA forest sanctuary with temples and hundreds of long-tailed macaques. Do not bring food or plastic bags, and avoid direct eye contact or touching the monkeys.
-
Mount Batur
Nature · 32 mi from centreAn active volcano popular for sunrise hikes, with views over a crater lake. Start the hike before dawn with a local guide, and bring warm clothes.
-
Besakih Temple
Religious · 32 mi from centreBali's largest and holiest temple complex, on the slopes of Mount Agung. Hire an official guide at the entrance to avoid touts, and wear a sarong over your legs.
-
Ulun Danu Bratan
Religious · 19 mi from centreA picturesque temple on the shore of Lake Bratan in the cool highlands. Visit in the morning, when the lake is calm and mist often hangs over the water.
-
Tirta Empul
Religious · 22 mi from centreA water temple where Balinese Hindus bathe in holy spring pools for purification. Visitors may join the ritual, but should wear a sarong and follow local guidance.
-
Nusa Penida
Nature · 40 mi from centreAn island southeast of Bali with dramatic cliffs, beaches and manta ray snorkeling. Roads are rough, so hire a driver rather than renting a scooter.
Top experiences in Bali
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 218 available.
Marvellous Ubud: Tegenungan Waterfall, Traditional Villages and Ubud Palace - Full-Day Tour
From $21 per adult
Fantastic Northern Bali Tour: Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, Bali Handara Gate and Ulun Danu Temple
From $31 per adult
Instagramable East Heritage- Full-Day Tour
From $36 per adult
Wonders of Bali - Full-Day Private Tour
From $61 per adult
Early Access to Nusa Penida - Private Full Day Tour
From $40 per adult
Visit to Bali Zoo and Breakfast with the Orangutans
From $57 per adult
Instagram Tour: Lempuyang Temple, Goa Raja Waterfall and More - Full-Day
From $36 per adult
Ubud Nature and Culture: Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terraces and more – Full-Day Tour
From $44 per adult
Balinese Cooking Class
From $27 per adult
Eat Pray Love Bali - Full-Day Private Tour
From $108 per adult
West Nusa Penida and Snorkeling - Private Full-Day Tour
From $75 per adult
Tanah Lot and UNESCO Heritage - Full-Day Private Tour
From $51 per adult
Where to stay in Bali
Popular hotels in Bali, out of 3,775 properties you can book.
Amadea Resort and Villas Seminyak Bali
From $65 per night
Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa Handwritten Collection
From $112 per night
Kuta Beach Hotel
From $22 per night
Adi Dharma Hotel Kuta
From $33 per night
Tonys Villas & Resort Seminyak Bali
From $60 per night
Prama Sanur Beach Bali
From $75 per night
Hotel Tjampuhan Spa
From $57 per night
The Light Exclusive Villas and Spa
From $82 per night
Double-Six Luxury Hotel Seminyak
From $194 per night
Ayung Resort Ubud
From $79 per night
Jannata Resort And Spa
From $124 per night
MERUSAKA Nusa Dua
From $431 per night
Best time to visit Bali
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bali is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 81–85°F and rain falls on about 23 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Bali weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 82° 74° 100%
- Thu 12 Nov 83° 74° 100%
- Fri 13 Nov 84° 75° 99%
- Sat 14 Nov 84° 75° 96%
- Sun 15 Nov 84° 74° 100%
- Mon 16 Nov 84° 74° 100%
- Tue 17 Nov 83° 74° 100%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Indonesian rupiah (IDR)1 US dollar ≈ Rp18,090
- Language
- Indonesian
- Calling code
- +62
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/MakassarUTC+8
- Capital
- Jakarta
Upcoming public holidays in Indonesia
- Christmas DayHari Raya Natal
- New Year's DayTahun Baru Masehi
- Good FridayWafat Isa Almasih
- Easter SundayPaskah
- Labour DayHari Buruh Internasional
- Ascension DayKenaikan Isa Almasih
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Bali
These are the airports closest to central Bali. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- DPS I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport21 mi (33 km) from the city centre
- BWX Banyuwangi International Airport47 mi (76 km) from the city centre
- AMI Selaparang Airport75 mi (121 km) from the city centre
Getting around Bali
Bali is a large island and you will need a way to get around if you plan on exploring more than the hotel pool. Rapid, seemingly uncontrolled development and aging infrastructure mean that the roads struggle to cope. In major tourist areas the traffic is chaotic, and there are daily traffic jams. Particular blackspots are Ubud, Kuta, Seminyak and Denpasar.
By bus
The Perama bus company serves the budget traveller well in Bali and beyond, and they have offices in several major tourist destinations on the island. There are other scheduled shuttle buses between many of Bali's most popular destinations too.
By taxi
Due to competition between taxi companies, scams abound with transport in Bali. Tourists could end up paying about 10 times the normal price. The drivers use a taxi with a broken meter and threaten to call the police if passengers don't pay the visible fare. Use BlueBird taxis only, or better yet, book fixed-price rides with the Grab or Gojek apps.
By bemo
Bemos are minivans which serve as a flexible bus service and are Bali's "traditional" form of transportation. However they have largely given way to metered taxis in the south. Fares on shared bemos can be very cheap, but drivers will often insist that foreign tourists charter the entire vehicle, in which case they will usually ask for a price equivalent to a taxi or even more.
Bali travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Bali?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Bali is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 81–85°F and rain falls on about 23 days a month.
What is the weather like in Bali?
March is usually the warmest month in Bali, with average highs of 85°F (29°C). August is the coolest, with average lows of 71°F (22°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 340 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Bali?
I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is the closest airport, about 21 miles (33 km) from the centre of Bali. Other nearby airports include Banyuwangi International Airport (BWX, 47 mi) and Selaparang Airport (AMI, 75 mi).
How much are flights to Bali?
The cheapest round-trip fare Destina Holidays travellers found to Bali in the last 30 days was $908 from New York, travelling 24 Nov – 1 Dec. November is currently the cheapest month to fly, with fares from $908.
What currency is used in Bali?
Bali uses the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ Rp18,090.
What time zone is Bali in?
Bali uses the Asia/Makassar time zone (currently UTC+8). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Bali?
Bali is a large island and you will need a way to get around if you plan on exploring more than the hotel pool. Rapid, seemingly uncontrolled development and aging infrastructure mean that the roads struggle to cope. In major tourist areas the traffic is chaotic, and there are daily traffic jams.
What are the best places to visit in Bali?
Top sights in Bali include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Ubud Monkey Forest and Mount Batur. A sea temple perched on a rock formation off Bali's west coast. Visit at low tide to walk closer, and stay for sunset, though crowds are heavy.
What are the top things to do in Bali?
Popular experiences you can book in Bali include Marvellous Ubud: Tegenungan Waterfall, Traditional Villages and Ubud Palace - Full-Day Tour, Fantastic Northern Bali Tour: Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest, Bali Handara Gate and Ulun Danu Temple and Instagramable East Heritage- Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 218 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Bali?
Popular areas for hotels in Bali include Seminyak, Nusa Dua-Tanjung Benoa and Kuta/ Legian. Well-reviewed options include Amadea Resort and Villas Seminyak Bali and Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa Handwritten Collection.
How many hotels can I book in Bali?
Destina Holidays currently lists 3,775 properties in and around Bali, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.