Bali offers a perfect mix of culture, adventure, relaxation, and stunning natural beauty. From its world-class beaches and lush rice terraces to its vibrant arts scene and spiritual heritage, Bali has something to offer every traveler. We'll help you make the most of your Bali trip this year, from sampling delicious local cuisine to discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.

As Bali remains a major travel hub in Southeast Asia, the number of flights from major cities around the world has increased in 2024. Whether you’re traveling from the US, Europe, Australia, or neighboring countries, here’s how to find the best flights for your Bali adventure.

1. Popular Airlines and Routes

• From the United States: Flights from major US cities like Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO) typically require one or two layovers. The most common stopover destinations are Singapore, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways offer comfortable long-haul services with competitive fares.

• From Europe: Direct flights to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) are limited, but connections through hubs like Doha, Dubai, and Singapore are frequent. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines are top choices for their excellent service and modern aircraft.

• From Australia: With Bali being a popular vacation spot for Australians, there are multiple direct flights daily from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Budget airlines like Jetstar and AirAsia offer affordable fares, while Qantas and Garuda Indonesia provide premium services.

• From Asia: Neighboring countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, have frequent, direct flights to Bali. Look for budget-friendly options with airlines like AirAsia, Lion Air, and Scoot, which offer multiple daily flights.

2. When to Book for the Best Deals

• Booking early is key to scoring the best deals, especially during Bali’s peak travel season from May to September. For the most competitive prices, aim to book your flights 3-4 months in advance. Consider flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) when airfare tends to be lower.

3. Bali Travel Tips

• Airport Transfers: Once you land at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you’ll find plenty of taxis and private car services available to take you to your hotel. Pre-arranged transfers are recommended to avoid overpaying on arrival.

• Visa Requirements: Most travelers will need a visa to enter Indonesia. A Visa on Arrival (VoA) is available for many nationalities at the airport for a fee, or you can apply online in advance for an e-visa to save time.

Whether you’re seeking luxury resorts, charming villas, or budget-friendly guesthouses, Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every style and budget. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to stay in Bali, depending on what kind of experience you’re after.

1. Ubud: Cultural Heart and Lush Nature

Ubud is Bali’s cultural and artistic center, surrounded by rice paddies, ancient temples, and lush forests. It’s perfect for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to Bali’s traditions.

Best Accommodations in Ubud:

• Viceroy Bali: A luxury resort offering private villas with breathtaking views of the jungle and world-class amenities, including a spa, fine dining, and infinity pools.

• Tegal Sari Accommodation: A more affordable yet beautiful option located right in the rice fields. It’s ideal for travelers looking for serenity without breaking the bank.

• Adiwana Resort Jembawan: A wellness-focused boutique resort, offering yoga, traditional Balinese healing therapies, and organic cuisine.

2. Seminyak: Upscale Beaches and Nightlife

For a more modern, upscale beach vibe, Seminyak is the place to be. Known for its chic beach clubs, high-end restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, Seminyak appeals to travelers looking to mix relaxation with a bit of luxury and excitement.

Best Accommodations in Seminyak:

• The Legian Bali: A sophisticated beachfront hotel offering spacious suites and villas, impeccable service, and one of Bali’s best infinity pools overlooking the ocean.

• Alila Seminyak: A sustainable and eco-friendly luxury resort with modern, minimalist design, offering direct beach access and a serene atmosphere.

• Uma Sapna: A boutique property featuring private villas with pools, blending contemporary design with traditional Balinese charm.

3. Canggu: Surfers’ Paradise and Digital Nomads’ Haven

Canggu has quickly become Bali’s hippest neighborhood, attracting surfers, digital nomads, and creative travelers. With a laid-back atmosphere, Canggu is known for its surf-friendly beaches, trendy cafes, and vibrant coworking spaces.

Best Accommodations in Canggu:

• The Slow: A design-focused boutique hotel offering an immersive experience in contemporary art, culture, and cuisine.

• COMO Uma Canggu: A luxury beachfront resort known for its wellness-focused offerings, including yoga classes and a healthy dining menu.

• Frii Bali Echo Beach: A budget-friendly option for surfers, located just steps from the famous Echo Beach.

4. Nusa Dua: Luxury and Family-Friendly Resorts

For those seeking ultimate luxury and relaxation, Nusa Dua is home to some of Bali’s best all-inclusive resorts and pristine beaches. It’s a great option for families or honeymooners looking for a high-end, stress-free holiday.

Best Accommodations in Nusa Dua:

• The St. Regis Bali Resort: One of Bali’s most luxurious resorts, featuring private villas, a stunning beach, and top-notch service.

• Grand Hyatt Bali: A family-friendly resort offering spacious rooms, multiple pools, and activities for all ages.

• Club Med Bali: A popular all-inclusive resort with a wide range of activities, entertainment, and dining options, perfect for families.

5. Budget-Friendly Accommodations in Bali

• Kuta: Known for its nightlife and surfing, Kuta offers plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Poppies Bali and The Island Hotel Bali are two excellent choices for affordable stays close to the action.

• Hostels and Co-living: Bali is a hotspot for digital nomads, with co-living spaces like Outpost Canggu and Roam Ubud offering affordable accommodations with coworking spaces.

Bali’s food scene is a rich tapestry of traditional Balinese flavors, Indonesian staples, and international influences. No trip to Bali would be complete without sampling the local cuisine, which is packed with vibrant spices, fresh seafood, and an abundance of tropical fruits.

1. Traditional Balinese Dishes to Try

• So much variety: As already mentioned you can't go past the traditional dishes of Babi Guling, Nasi Campur, and Sate Lilit. But when you realise that the local traditional dishes are nearly endless, you realise how much of a treat you are in for here in Bali when it comes to cuisine choices. Check out the following traditional dishes to add to your must taste list.

• Bebek Betutu: This dish consists of slow-cooked duck stuffed with traditional spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked until tender. You’ll find this dish at traditional warungs (local eateries) like Bebek Tepi Sawah.

• Lawar (Spiced Meat and Coconut Salad) Lawar is a vibrant mix of minced meat (usually pork or chicken), grated coconut, and a blend of traditional spices like galangal, turmeric, and kaffir lime leaves. Some versions also include blood for an added depth of flavor. The combination of textures and bold spices makes this dish both refreshing and satisfying, perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

• Ayam Betutu (Spiced Chicken) Similar to Bebek Betutu, this dish features a whole chicken marinated with turmeric, ginger, and shallots, then wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked until tender. The chicken absorbs the aromatic spices, resulting in a juicy, flavorful meal that’s best enjoyed with rice and a dollop of fiery sambal.

• Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) Though found across Indonesia, Bali puts its own spin on this classic fried rice dish. Stir-fried with shallots, garlic, and sweet soy sauce, Nasi Goreng is typically served with a fried egg on top and a side of pickles, sambal, and crispy crackers. It’s comfort food at its best, offering the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

• Gado-Gado (Indonesian Salad with Peanut Sauce) Gado-Gado is a delightful medley of steamed vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and hard-boiled eggs, all generously coated in a creamy, sweet peanut sauce. The contrasting textures of crunchy vegetables and smooth sauce make each bite irresistibly delicious, while the refreshing flavors provide a lighter option for those looking to balance out Bali’s spicier dishes.

• Pepes Ikan (Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves) Pepes Ikan is a beautifully fragrant dish where fish is marinated with a rich mixture of turmeric, lemongrass, chili, and shallots, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection. The fish absorbs the flavors of the spices and the earthiness of the banana leaf, resulting in a tender, aromatic dish that’s light yet bursting with flavor.

• Tum Ayam (Steamed Chicken in Banana Leaves) Tum Ayam is a traditional Balinese dish where minced chicken is mixed with aromatic herbs and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed until succulent. The result is a tender, flavorful dish that’s perfect as a light bite or as part of a larger meal. The balance of herbs, spices, and the gentle steaming process creates a dish that’s both comforting and rich in flavor.

2. Best Restaurants in Bali

• Locavore (Ubud): One of Bali’s most famous restaurants, offering a modern take on traditional Indonesian cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients.

• Nook (Seminyak): A beautiful rice field-view restaurant serving a mix of Indonesian and Western dishes.

• Warung Mak Beng (Sanur): A no-frills warung that has been serving Balinese fish soup and fried fish for decades. Simple but delicious.

• La Lucciola (Seminyak): A beachfront restaurant offering Italian-inspired dishes in a relaxed, open-air setting.

3. Vegan and Vegetarian Options

Bali is a haven for vegan and vegetarian travelers. In Ubud, head to Sage or Alchemy for plant-based meals. Canggu offers vegan-friendly spots like Shady Shack and Peloton Supershop, serving up fresh, organic meals with a focus on sustainability.

Best Attractions in Bali

Bali’s attractions are as diverse as its landscapes, ranging from iconic temples to breathtaking beaches and natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, there’s something for everyone.

1. Temples to Visit

• Tanah Lot: One of Bali’s most famous sea temples, perched on a rock formation surrounded by the ocean. It’s particularly stunning at sunset.

• Uluwatu Temple: Located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, this temple is also famous for its traditional Kecak dance performances at sunset.

• Besakih Temple: Bali’s largest and most important temple complex, known as the “Mother Temple,” located on the slopes of Mount Agung.

2. Top Beaches

• Kuta Beach: Known for its lively atmosphere and great surfing conditions, Kuta Beach is perfect for those who enjoy vibrant nightlife and beachside fun.

• Padang Padang: A smaller, more secluded beach that is perfect for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere. It’s a favorite spot for surfers as well.

• Nusa Dua Beach: With its soft white sand and calm waters, Nusa Dua Beach is ideal for families or those seeking a peaceful day by the sea.

3. Adventure Activities

• Mount Batur Sunrise Hike: For the adventurous traveler, the sunrise trek up Mount Batur is a must-do. This challenging hike rewards you with incredible sunrise views over Bali’s volcanic landscape.

• Scuba Diving in Tulamben: Bali’s waters are teeming with marine life, and Tulamben is famous for its USAT Liberty shipwreck, one of the best diving spots in Bali.

• Waterfalls: Bali is home to some stunning waterfalls, including Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud and Sekumpul Waterfall in North Bali. Both are well worth the trek.

Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path

While Bali’s tourist hotspots are undeniably beautiful, some of the island’s most magical spots are lesser-known and offer a more tranquil, authentic experience. Here are a few hidden gems to explore in 2024.

1. Sidemen Valley

Tucked away in East Bali, Sidemen Valley is an untouched paradise of rice terraces, traditional villages, and rolling hills. It’s a perfect spot for hiking, relaxing, and experiencing a quieter, more traditional side of Bali.

2. Amed

A small fishing village in the northeast of Bali, Amed is a great spot for snorkeling, diving, and enjoying a peaceful seaside escape. It’s far less crowded than other coastal areas, making it perfect for those seeking a more laid-back experience.

3. Munduk

Located in the mountains of North Bali, Munduk offers cooler temperatures, scenic waterfalls, and lush coffee plantations. It’s a great place for trekking and exploring Bali’s natural beauty away from the crowds.

4. Nusa Penida

Just a short boat ride from Bali, Nusa Penida is an island with dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Explore Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Broken Beach for breathtaking views and an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

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