Meditation on the rice terrace, temple on the cliff, sunset on the surfboard—all in the same day
Ranked by interestingness score, based on real experience
Where Instagram discovered Bali. Hundred shades of green, traditional subak irrigation system under UNESCO protection, huge palm trees. It is much more impressive than it looks in the photo because the surrounding humidity, bird sounds and rice smell cannot fit into the photo.
A purification temple built around a sacred water source. The Balinese come here for the "melukat" ritual — they take turns passing through each fountain and washing with holy water. Tourists can also participate and the experience is truly powerful, believers or not.
Ubud is the cultural heart of Bali. Traditional dance shows in the evening in front of the palace (Puri Saren Agung), galleries, museums, yoga studios around. Gamelan orchestra playing on the road, stone carvings on the walls, an artist's workshop in every corner.
The temple stands on a rocky islet in the sea. When the tide is high, the island separates from the shore and the temple is left in the middle of the water — a magical sight. Even though there is an army of photographers at sunset, they are right, the view is truly like a movie.
A thousand-year-old temple built on top of a 70-meter-high cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. As you watch the Kecak dance performance at sunset, the ocean in the background turns red — you'll get goosebumps. Monkeys might steal your glasses, don't be warned.
Small island southeast of Bali, but the views are even more stunning than Bali itself. Kelingking Beach's T-Rex-shaped cliff, Angel's Billabong's natural swimming pool, Broken Beach's natural arch bridge. The roads are terrible, but the views are worth every effort.
Sacred forest where more than 1,260 Balinese long-tailed macaque monkeys live. Moss-covered temples, giant banyan trees, dragon bridge. Monkeys are very used to it — they sit on your lap, climb on your shoulder. But if you show them food, they suddenly become organized robbers.
The most elegant beach in Bali. Surfing during the day, cocktails at Bean Bag in the evening, dancing at the beach club at night. It is ideal for those who want to escape from the crowds of Kuta and want a slightly better quality beach experience. Sunset is serious business here, everyone goes down to the beach.
The most famous and most crowded beach in Bali. Ideal for taking surfing lessons — the waves are perfect for beginners. Nightlife is also intense here, but in recent years it has taken on a bit of a "holiday town" feel. Cheap, fun, chaotic.
Located on the slopes of Mount Agung, at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Bali's largest and holiest Hindu temple. It consists of 23 separate temple complexes. You hold your breath as Agung's peak appears through the clouds.
What will you do from hour to hour, from morning to evening?
Temples + rice terraces + Balinese culture
Go early in the morning and visit the lush terraces before the crowds. Take photos, try coffee.
Participate in a holy water cleansing ritual. Sarong is given at the door.
Nasi campur, sambal, kerupuk — real Balinese food, at ridiculous prices.
Confrontation with monkeys in the sacred forest. Keep shiny items in the bag.
Souvenir shopping and rest in the palace garden.
Traditional Balinese dance accompanied by gamelan music. Hypnotic.
Crispy duck finale with a view of rice fields.
Uluwatu + surf + sunset + nightlife
2-hour beginner lesson, board included. Wave catching guaranteed.
A secret beach passing through the rocks. Julia Roberts filmed Eat Pray Love here.
Eating on the cliffside, watching the surfers.
Visit the temple, watch the Kecak dance at sunset at 18:00. Watch out for monkeys.
Freshly grilled fish/shrimp dinner on the sand, by torchlight. Romantic.
Experience the Balinese night at Potato Head or La Favela.
Temple + digital nomad culture + sunset
Digital nomad breakfast at Crate Cafe or Shady Shack.
Watch or join the surf, walk on the beach, stretch.
Mie goreng or nasi goreng classic.
Visit the temple in the sea according to the tide time. Ideal for sunset photos.
Bali's most famous sunset view. Temple silhouette + ocean.
Say goodbye to spareribs, sate lilit and dirty martini.
One week holiday plan with sightseeing tours
Temples + rice terraces
Early morning, no crowds, a thousand shades of green. Try Luwak coffee.
Holy water purification. Sarong is given at the door, join the ritual.
Nasi campur, kerupuk, sambal. Real Bali prices.
Monkeys, temples, moss-covered statues.
Traditional dance show, gamelan music.
Art + food + yoga
Morning session at Ubud's world-famous yoga studios.
Local vendors early in the morning, good prices.
Bali's legendary roast pork. Open until sold out.
A walking path between two valleys. Panorama of palm trees, rice fields.
Ubud's legendary BBQ place. Sunset with dirty martini.
Island adventure + landscapes
Transfer to Nusa Penida by fast boat, 30-45 minutes.
T-Rex shaped cliff. The descent is difficult but the view is rewarding.
Natural rock pool and natural arch bridge. Two miracles side by side.
Nasi goreng at local warung, ocean view.
Snorkelling or swimming in clear water. You might see a manta ray.
Return to Sanur.
Surfing + cliff temple + Kecak dance
The hidden beach between the rocks. Swim, watch the surf, tan.
Nasi goreng and fresh juice at a cliffside warung.
Ideal waves for intermediate level surfers.
Kecak dance on the cliff at sunset. Memorable.
Fresh fish on the sand under torches. Romantic finale.
Beach clubs + shopping + digital nomad
Start the day with an açaí bowl at Crate Cafe.
Canggu's most popular surfing spot.
Burgers, beer, surf talk.
Jl. Balinese designer shops in Kayu Aya.
Infinity pool, sunset, DJ, cocktail. The symbol of Bali.
Waterfalls + temple + nature
Instagram's most famous Bali photo was taken here. Go early in the morning.
The temple that appears to be floating on the lake. Image on Bali's 50,000 IDR banknote.
The most beautiful waterfall in Bali. It's a 30-minute walk downhill.
Cheap and authentic warung experience in North Bali.
Walk among coffee and clove plantations.
Return to hotel/villa, relax with Balinese massage.
Last temple + last sunset + shopping
Balinese massage, flower bath or final yoga class.
Last gift shopping. Cheaper than Ubud.
Nasi goreng, mie goreng, sate lilit — eat your favorites for the last time.
Say your best farewell to Bali here. Ocean, temple, sunset.
Last dinner at a nice restaurant in Seminyak.
From local classics to hype places
Current Hype Symbol of Bali's digital nomad culture. Pitaya (dragon fruit), açaí, mango based smoothie is topped with granola, grated coconut, chia seeds and fresh fruit. Instagrammable, healthy, expensive but part of the Bali experience.
Local Classic Ubud's hidden treasure. Warung where the local Balinese go, not frequented by tourists, and where the prices are ridiculously cheap. Nasi campur (mixed rice plate) 25,000 IDR, with 4-5 types of hot appetizers, sambal, kerupuk. A complete Balinese table experience.
Local Classic The legend of Naughty Nuri's Ubud. Spareribs are cooked on the barbecue, accompanied by lawar (traditional Balinese salad, minced meat + coconut + spices) and sate lilit (minced fish or chicken wrapped in lemongrass stalks and grilled). Dirty martini is also famous, you may not be able to stay up all afternoon.
Local Classic It's Indonesia's national dish and you can find it everywhere, every morning, noon and night. Fried rice, fried egg, sweet soy sauce, kerupuk (crispy crackers), sometimes satay. It can be eaten at a street stall for 15,000 IDR or at a luxury restaurant for 150,000 IDR. Both are delicious, but there's something magic about the counter version.
Local Classic Warung Made Seminyak's legendary fried noodle dish. It's been made with the same recipe since 1969: thick yellow noodles, vegetables, chicken or shrimp, sweet-hot sauce, a fried egg on top. Both tourists and locals meet here.
Current Hype Bali's legendary roast pork place. The whole pig is roasted over the fire for hours, crispy skin, tender meat, spicy filling. Anthony Bourdain came, ate, said "incredible." It's not suitable for Muslim travelers, but it's Bali's signature dish.
Current Hype Eating crispy duck while overlooking the rice fields — one of Bali's most iconic dining experiences. The whole duck is marinated in spicy marinade and fried, accompanied by sambal matah (raw spice sauce) and rice. It's in the middle of Ubud but the atmosphere is like a village house.
Entertainment from evening to morning
Local Classic Bali's party factory. Sky Garden is a 6-storey super club, different music on each floor. Bounty is a large open space nightclub. Both are cheap, crowded and noisy. There are a lot of Australian tourists, the atmosphere is a bit like Bodrum Bar Street. If you are looking for luxury this is not the place, but fun is guaranteed.
Current Hype Seminyak's most iconic beach club. Known for its giant wooden shutter wall, this place is pool + beach during the day, DJ + cocktail in the evening, and a real party at night. Watching the sunset from the infinity pool is one of the most cliché but most beautiful experiences in Bali.
Current Hype The legendary bar on the cliffside of Uluwatu. Surfers are hunting waves below, you are watching above while sipping your Bintang. There is a "Sunday Session" party on Sundays, DJs play, and the energy peaks with the sunset.
Local Classic The heart of Canggu beats here. It's full of people who come here for a beer after surfing and spend the morning here. Live music, beer pong, cheap Bintang beer, relaxed atmosphere. There is no dress code, come in flip-flops, a t-shirt over your swimsuit is enough.
Current Hype A labyrinth-like nightclub consisting of interconnected rooms and bars in a tropical garden. Each room different music, different decor. Friday and Saturday nights are packed. The "jungle" atmosphere inside is unique.
Gift, local, premium
A cheaper, more local, more chaotic version of Ubud Art Market. Balinese statues, wooden masks, hand-painted paintings, affordable souvenirs. The tourist density is less than Ubud, prices are lower, and the bargaining area is wider.
Bali's fashion street. Surf-themed clothes by local designers, bohemian dresses, handmade silver jewelry, organic cosmetics shops. There is no bargaining like Chatuchak, prices are fixed but quality is high. Every now and then, outlets of Australian designer brands appear.
Kuta's modern, air-conditioned shopping mall. There are international brands like Zara and H&M, but the real attraction is the Balinese boutiques, surf shops and open-air restaurants upstairs. 2 minutes walk from the beach, an escape from sunburn.
Bali's most authentic art market, right across from Ubud Palace. Wood carvings, batik fabrics, silver jewelry, rattan bags, incense, local paintings. There are real local sellers early in the morning, prices rise in the afternoon with the tourist crowds.
When to go, how to get there, city transportation, accommodation, budget and practical tips.
The thing that strikes you when you first step into Bali isn't the temples or rice terraces — it's the scent in the air. Incense, frangipani flower, wet soil and the distant smell of barbecue mix together. Even before you pick up your luggage from the baggage carousel, you realize that this is not an ordinary holiday island.
Bali, which is only one of Indonesia's 17,000-odd islands, has a surface area smaller than Antalya district, but what it can fit inside is gigantic. Active volcanoes, tropical forests, rice terraces, coral reefs, thousands of temples, surfing beaches and nightlife—all on this small island, all within a scooter's distance of each other.
The vast majority of the population of 4.3 million are Hindu. Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim country, but Bali is an exception — the island is a whole other universe with its own Hindu-Balian culture. Every morning, women leave small flower-incense offerings called "canang sari" in front of the door. There is a temple on every street corner. Several ceremonies every month, hundreds of festivals every year. This island breathes, worships and dances — all at the same time.
The map of Bali is roughly like this: beaches and party in the south (Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu), culture and nature in the middle (Ubud), waterfalls and quietness in the north (Munduk, Lovina), volcanoes and traditional villages in the east. Each region is a different world, and you can cross them all with a 2-3 hour drive — but be prepared for traffic, Bali roads are narrow and scooters pop up everywhere.
In recent years, Bali has become the capital of digital nomads. Cafes in Canggu are full of MacBooks, yoga retreats are booming in Ubud, vegan restaurants are popping up in Seminyak. This wave has pushed prices up a bit, but they are still ridiculously cheap compared to Europe. You can fill your stomach at a warung (local restaurant) for 1-2 dollars, or watch the same sunset while sipping a 20 dollar cocktail at a luxury beach club.
A word of warning: Bali is addictive. The number of people who come and extend their visas, rent scooters and rent villas, saying "One week is enough" is not small. Be prepared.
Bali is just below the equator, so it's hot all year round. But there are two distinct seasons and choosing the right time has a serious impact on your holiday.
April - October (Dry Season): Bali's golden period. Humidity is low, rain is rare, the sky is blue, the waves are ideal for surfing. July-August is peak tourist season — especially when Australians go on holiday, hotel prices peak. The sweetest window is April-May and September-October: the weather is nice, prices are reasonable, crowds are small.
November - March (Rainy Season): Tropical showers for 1-3 hours each day, but the remaining hours are generally sunny. Rice terraces are at their greenest during this period. Prices drop by 30-50%, hotels are empty, beaches are calm. Surf waves are larger on the western coast (Kuta, Canggu) during this period. January-February are the rainiest months, some days it can rain all day long.
Nyepi warning: The entire island shuts down on Nyepi (usually March), the Balinese Hindu New Year. Including the airport. You can't leave the hotel, the electricity is cut off, there is no internet. If you don't know in advance, your plans will be ruined. But if you go knowingly, it's an experience you can't have anywhere else — an island of 4.3 million people is completely silent 24 hours a day.
Short answer: if you're going for the first time, May or September is ideal. If you're budget-oriented, try November or March (except Nyepi). If you want to surf, it's dry season.
There are no direct flights from Istanbul to Bali. The most common routes are connecting: Singapore (Singapore Airlines, ~4 hours + 2.5 hours), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines/AirAsia, ~4.5 hours + 3 hours), Doha (Qatar Airways, ~5 hours + 9 hours), Dubai (Emirates, ~4.5 hours + 8.5 hours). Total travel time is usually between 14-20 hours.
The average round-trip ticket price for economy class is 450-700 EUR. The best prices are usually on cheap airlines (Scoot, AirAsia) with connections in Singapore or KL. If you want comfort, Qatar or Singapore Airlines stand out. Summer season (July-August) and New Year's Eve are the most expensive periods.
Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) is located in the south of Bali, 15 minutes from Kuta, 30 minutes from Seminyak, and 1-1.5 hours from Ubud. Your transportation options:
Tip: Bali traffic is terrible in the south (Kuta-Seminyak-Canggu), especially in the evening. The road that shows 30 minutes on Google Maps may take 1.5 hours. If you are going to Ubud, you will catch traffic-free roads during late hours.
There is almost no public transportation in Bali. Transportation depends entirely on individual vehicles and you need to develop a strategy in this regard.
Scooter rental: Bali's most common means of transportation. 70,000-100,000 IDR (~4.5-6.5 USD) per day. There are rentals on every corner, but beware: Bali traffic is chaotic, roads are narrow, there is left lane driving and an international driver's license (class A motorcycle) is technically required. Accident insurance generally does not cover scooter accidents. It's risky if you're not experienced.
Grab: Bali's Uber. There is a choice of car or motorcycle (GrabBike). The price is predetermined, it is safe, it has GPS. Short distance car 30,000-50,000 IDR, GrabBike 15,000-25,000 IDR. But in some areas (especially central Ubud) Grab pickup can be problematic due to the local taxi lobby.
Car rental with driver: Bali's most comfortable means of transportation. 500,000-700,000 IDR (~32-45 USD) per day including gas, driver included. It takes you wherever you want for 8-10 hours. For groups of 2-4 people, it can be even cheaper than a scooter. Arrange at your hotel or book on Klook.
Taxi: Blue Bird taxis are reliable and metered. Try to turn on meters in other taxis. In some areas there are local "mafia" taxi drivers with inflated prices. Grab is generally the safer option.
Bicycle: Bike tours around Ubud are popular, especially through the rice fields. For cycling on your own, the roads are narrow and dangerous, go with a tour company.
Golden rule: Tour Ubud and its surroundings by car with a driver (temples, terraces, waterfalls can be visited in one day). Grab or scooter from Seminyak to Canggu. Vehicle with driver for long distances. If you are going out in the evening, definitely grab Grab, riding a scooter at night is dangerous.
Where you stay in Bali varies a lot depending on your travel style. Each region promises a different Bali.
Ubud (Culture + Nature): The heart of Bali. Villas with views of rice fields, yoga retreats, art galleries, temples. If you want to spend the night in a jungle villa with insect sounds, this is the place. Nightlife is almost non-existent. Hostel 10 EUR per night, villa 30-150 EUR, luxury resort 200-500 EUR.
Seminyak (Stylish Beach + Nightlife): The most sophisticated part of Bali. Beach clubs, boutique hotels, good restaurants, night clubs. For those who want both a beach and a party. 25-200 EUR per night.
Canggu (Surf + Digital Nomad): The rising star of recent years. Surfing, smoothie bowls, co-working spaces and cozy bars. Young, energetic, a bit hipster. Somewhere between the calmness of Ubud and the energy of Seminyak. 15-120 EUR per night.
Kuta (Budget + Party): The cheapest and most crowded part of Bali. It is close to the airport and suitable for taking surfing lessons, but the quality has decreased in recent years. For backpackers and budget travelers. 8-40 EUR per night.
Uluwatu (Cliffs + Surf): At the southern tip, dramatic cliffs, luxury cliff-top villas, world-class surf spots. Calm, romantic, a little isolated. 30-400 EUR per night.
Nusa Dua (Luxury + Family): The region of large chain hotels. Safe, clean, tidy. It is a bit disconnected from the Balinese atmosphere, but it is a safe haven for those looking for a family holiday and all-inclusive. 80-500 EUR per night.
Recommendation: If it's your first time, split it into 3 nights in Seminyak or Canggu + 2 nights in Ubud. If you want to focus on culture, stay based in Ubud. If you want a romantic getaway, Uluwatu cliff villa.
Bali is Southeast Asia's most popular destination, but it's still very affordable. A full meal in a warung can be had for 1-2 dollars, while a luxury villa can be found for 50 dollars a night. Here is the daily budget table (per person, excluding flights):
| Category | Economical | Medium | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation / night | 150,000 IDR (hostel) | 600,000 IDR (3-4* hotel) | 3,000,000 IDR+ (villa/resort) |
| Meal/day | 100,000 IDR (warung) | 400,000 IDR | 1,500,000 IDR+ |
| Transportation / day | 50,000 IDR (scooter) | 200,000 IDR (Grab) | 700,000 IDR (car with driver) |
| Activity / day | 100,000 IDR | 500,000 IDR | 2,000,000 IDR+ |
| Daily total | ~400,000 IDR (~25 USD) | ~1,700,000 IDR (~107 USD) | ~7,200,000 IDR+ (~450 USD+) |
1 USD is approximately 15,800 IDR (May 2026 exchange rate). 1 EUR is approximately 17.200 IDR.
Nasi goreng at Warung costs IDR 15,000-30,000 (USD 1-2). 25,000 IDR (1.5 USD) from Bintang beer market. 1 hour Balinese massage 100,000-150,000 IDR (6-9.5 USD). Scooter costs IDR 70,000 (USD 4.5) per day. It's really hard to say "I can't afford it" at these prices.
Attention: Some tourist restaurants and beach clubs in Bali can approach European prices. A cocktail at Potato Head can cost IDR 250,000 (USD 16). Stick to local warungs and your budget won't break.
Bali is a much more suitable destination for families with children than you might think. Children are king in Indonesian culture — there is a warm welcome everywhere, from restaurants to temples. Nature, animals and exotic experiences attract children.
0-3 years: Nusa Dua or Sanur region is ideal with its calm sea and baby-friendly facilities of large resorts. A vehicle with a driver is required instead of a scooter. The sidewalks are uneven, the kangaroo carrier is impractical.
4-7 years: Meeting monkeys in Monkey Forest, walking in rice terraces, sand castle on the beach. Waterbom Bali water park (in Kuta) is perfect for this age group — it keeps you entertained all day long.
8-12 years: Surfing lesson (Kuta waves suitable for beginners), snorkelling (Nusa Penida or Amed), bike tour (Ubud rice fields), Bali Safari & Marine Park. A holiday full of adventure.
13+ ages: Nusa Penida boat tour, trekking on Uluwatu cliffs, Canggu surf culture, silver jewelry making workshop in Ubud. A safe island where young people can explore independently.
Waterbom Bali — Water park in Kuta. Slides, lazy river, children's pools. Air-conditioned cabins give parents the chance to rest. A full day is enough.
Bali Safari & Marine Park — safari park in Gianyar. Elephant, rhino, zebra, orangutan. There are elephant walks, night safaris and animal shows.
Sacred Monkey Forest — The monkey forest in Ubud is exciting for kids. But explain to young children that monkeys can be aggressive and not to carry food.
Surfing lesson (Kuta Beach) — Safe and fun for children over 7 years old. 2 hour lesson board included, instructors are very patient.
Rice terraces bike tour — Organized bike tours around Ubud (usually downhill, even kids can ride easily). There is a break to pass through the villages, watch the farmers and drink fresh coconut water.
Baby stroller: Bali's sidewalks are uneven and in many places there are not even sidewalks. A kangaroo carrier or backpack is much more practical.
Kid's menu: Most restaurants don't have official kids' menus, but there is rice, fried chicken and fruit everywhere. Learn to say "Tidak pedas" (no spices).
Sun and heat: Children get dehydrated quickly and drink water constantly. Stay in the shade or spend time in the pool between 10:00-15:00. SPF 50+ children's sunscreen is a must.
Health: Bali belly (stomach disease) is more severe in children. Stay away from raw food, tap water and questionable ice. Get travel insurance.
Pool safety: Most Bali villas have private pools but no fences. Young children require constant supervision.
Bali is a Hindu-majority island and daily life is intertwined with worship. As a tourist, knowing a few basic rules is both a sign of respect and a way to avoid unpleasant situations.
Don't touch the canang sari offerings. Those little palm-leaf flower offerings you see on sidewalks, in front of shops, and even on ATMs are sacred. Don't step on it, don't kick it, don't move it while taking photos.
Rules are strict in temples. Sarong and sash are mandatory, knees and shoulders must be covered. Menstruating women are prohibited from entering the temple (yes, seriously, and it says on the entrance signs). Sitting on temple walls, climbing statues, using selfie sticks. Be quiet.
The left hand is considered dirty. Use your right hand when giving money, eating, or showing something. The left hand is associated with cleaning the toilet, and the right hand is preferred even when shaking hands.
Do not touch the head. Just like in Thailand, the head is considered sacred in Bali. Don't even caress the heads of children.
Get photo permission. Ask for permission through eye contact before taking photos during ceremonies and rituals. Do not use flash at funerals.
**General dress code: Apart from the beach, do not enter villages and temples with revealing clothing. The sight of tourists going to the temple wearing only a pareo over their bikini is disturbing.
Tip: Not required but appreciated. 5-10% of the bill at the restaurant, IDR 50,000-100,000 to the masseuses, IDR 100,000-200,000 to the tour guide, IDR 20,000-50,000 to the hotel porter.
Negotiation should be polite: Aggressive bargaining is considered rude. Negotiate politely, with a smile. "Berapa?" Start with (how much?), if you don't agree, say "terima kasih" (thanks) and walk away — most of the time they call you back.
Attention during religious holidays: You cannot go out on the streets in Nyepi, some shops may be closed in Galungan, village roads may be closed during funerals. Flexibility and patience are required.
How many days to visit Bali? Minimum 5 days, ideal 7-10 days. You can only superficially visit one region (Ubud or the southern coast) in 3 days. Ubud culture + southern beaches + Nusa Penida daily excursion + northern Bali waterfalls are included in 7 days.
Is Bali safe? Overall yes, very safe. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Things to watch out for: scooter accidents (the biggest risk), pickpocketing (in crowded places), fake alcohol (cases of methanol poisoning occur in cheap bars, drink from safe places), and sea currents.
Is there a language problem? English is sufficient in tourist areas. In Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu almost everyone speaks English. There can be a language barrier in rural villages, but Google Translate and a smile works. A few Indonesian words (terima kasih = thank you, sevilat pagi = good morning, berapa = how much) make people very happy.
Do I need an Indonesian visa? You can enter Bali with an ordinary (burgundy) Turkish passport by obtaining a Visa on Arrival. You pay 500,000 IDR (~32 USD) at the airport, it is valid for 30 days. It can be extended for another 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months and a return ticket is required.
Is there a drinking rule? Since Bali is Hindu majority, alcohol is sold freely. There is beer and cocktails everywhere, be it market, restaurant, bar. But be careful: There is a risk of methanol in local drinks called "arak", drink only in safe places. Brand beer (Bintang, Bali Hai) is safe.
Should I ride a scooter? If you have motorcycle experience and are a careful driver, it will make your life easier. Otherwise, serious risk — Bali traffic is chaotic, roads are narrow, dogs and chickens get on the road. If you are using a scooter for the first time, Bali is not the right place. Grab and a car with a driver are safe alternatives.
Is Bali expensive? No. A full meal at Warung costs 15,000-30,000 IDR (1-2 USD), Bintang beer costs 25,000 IDR, 1-hour massage costs 100,000 IDR. But in tourist trap restaurants and beach clubs, prices can reach European levels. Go local, your budget will stretch.
What to wear? Lightweight, breathable fabrics. Cotton shorts, t-shirt, sandals. Knee-covering trousers/skirt and shoulder-covering top for temple visits. Always keep a sarong in your bag. Don't forget to add the rain cover.
What is the best region? If you're coming for the first time: Seminyak or Canggu (beach + entertainment) + Ubud (culture). Romantic holiday: Uluwatu (cliff villas). Family holiday: Nusa Dua or Sanur. Budget: Kuta or Canggu. Surfing: Canggu or Uluwatu.
Festivals, concerts and public holidays — 2026 calendar
Jun 14, 2026 – Jul 12, 2026
Taman Werdhi Budaya Art Centre, Denpasar
A huge arts festival that lasts for a month. Traditional Balinese dances, gamelan music, wayang (shadow) theatre, handicraft exhibition, food fair. The event where you will experience Balinese culture in the most intense way. The opening parade is impressive, with thousands of dancers and musicians taking part.
Official source →Sep 16, 2026 – Sep 26, 2026
All Bali temples and villages
Bali's most important religious festival. It celebrates the victory of dharma over adharma (good over evil). Penjor (decorated bamboo poles) are erected in front of every house, offerings are made in temples, and traditional dances are performed in villages. It lasts 10 days, Kuningan is the last day.
Official source →Oct 17, 2026
All Bali temples and schools
The day dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom. Books and sacred texts are decorated with flowers, and special prayers are held in temples. There are celebrations in schools and universities. The next day is Banyu Pinaruh — purification ritual at sea or river.
Official source →Mar 27, 2027
All of Bali, especially Denpasar and Ubud
On the eve of Nyepi, giant papier-mâché and bamboo monster statues (ogoh-ogoh) are carried through the streets. Each banjar (neighborhood) builds and races its own monster. Torches, gamelan music, dancing, shouting — and then the statues are burned. Ritual to expel evil spirits.
Official source →Mar 28, 2027
All Bali
The most unique festival in the world. During Balinese Hindu New Year, the entire island shuts down for 24 hours. It is forbidden to go out, the electricity is turned off, the airport is closed, the internet is cut off. Silence, darkness, meditation. The Ogoh-Ogoh parades of the day before are the exact opposite — giant beasts are carried through the streets.
Official source →Current according to passport type
Turkish ordinary (burgundy) passport holders can enter Bali by obtaining a visa on arrival. A 30-day visa is obtained at the airport by paying 500,000 IDR (~32 USD). It can be extended for another 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months, return ticket must be shown.
Official application →Visa-free entry for up to 30 days with a special (green) passport.
Visa-free entry for up to 30 days with a service passport.
Visa-free entry for up to 90 days with a diplomatic passport.
For application links and other countries, check the Turkish Passport Visa Guide.
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