About
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.
When to Go
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.
How to get there
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:
- Airport taxi: Fixed price by region from the official taxi booth. Kuta 150,000 IDR, Seminyak 250,000 IDR, Ubud 350,000-450,000 IDR.
- Grab: There is a Grab pick-up point at the airport exit. The price is determined in advance, usually 10-20% cheaper than a taxi.
- Hotel transfer: Most hotels offer free or affordable airport transfers, ask when booking.
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.
Urban Transportation
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.
Accommodation Regions
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.
Budget Plan
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.
Practical Tips
- Download the Grab application from Türkiye and activate it with your Indonesian number. In some areas (Ubud center, temple surroundings) local taxi drivers block Grab — walk a few hundred meters away, catch it there.
- Cash is always needed. Warungs, temple entrances, markets, scooter rentals — all cash. ATMs are everywhere, but some charge a commission. Wise/Revolut card is advantageous in ATM withdrawals.
- Bargaining culture: In the markets, offer half the initial price and meet in the middle. There is no bargaining in fixed price shops (Malls, Minimarts).
- Do not step on incense offerings. Small flower-incense offerings (canang sari) on the sidewalks are sacred. Go around it, don't step on it.
- Water: Drinking tap water, bottled water costs IDR 5,000-10,000 everywhere. Even brush your teeth with bottled water if you have stomach sensitivity.
- Sunscreen: We are at the equator, the sun burns seriously. Use SPF 50+, hands and neck get cold especially when riding a scooter.
- SIM card / eSIM: Buy Telkomsel or XL SIM at the airport, 7-15 days data for 50,000-100,000 IDR. If you want eSIM, Airalo or Holafly can be arranged in Türkiye.
- Scooter: 500,000 IDR fine if you are caught without a license. International driver's license (motorcycle class) is required. Always wear a helmet. Avoid driving at night.
- Bali belly: It is very common for newly arrived tourists to have stomach problems. Be careful for the first few days, avoid raw vegetables and ice water. Keep Imodium and carbon tablets nearby.
- Temple clothing: Sarong (cloth tied around the waist) and sash are mandatory in every temple. In most temples, it is given or borrowed at the door, but it is more practical to carry your own sarong.
- Gate tax: IDR 150,000 airport exit tax was paid when leaving Bali, now it is included in the ticket price. Check it out.
- Wi-Fi: Generally free and at sufficient speed in cafes and hotels. In remote areas (northern Bali, Nusa Penida) the signal may be weak.
Travel Guide with Children
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.
Recommendations by Age Group
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.
Top 5 Kid-Friendly Activities
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.
Practical Information
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.
Warnings
- Transporting children by scooter is common but dangerous in Bali. Use a taxi or a car with a driver.
- Sea currents are strong on some beaches. If there is a red flag, do not enter. Sanur and Nusa Dua are suitable for children with their calm seas.
- Monkeys can also attack children. They should not show food or make sudden movements.
- Medicines and children's products (baby food, diapers) are available in large supermarkets (Pepito, Bintang Supermarket) but the brand choice is limited, bring critical needs with you.
Local Label and Culture Notes
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.
FAQ
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.