Bali Travel Guide: Expert Tips for First-Timers

Brief Overview of Bali

Bali is a beautiful, dreamy little oasis off the coast of Indonesia. This oasis is known as “Dawn of the World” or “Tropical Paradise”. Coming to Bali, guests will be immediately attracted by white sand beaches, clear blue sea, immense terraced fields, and volcanoes over 3,000 m high. With unique and diverse cultures imbued with Hinduism and fervent hospitality, Bali has long been a favorite destination for many international tourists.

Foreign tourist take a photo in Bali’s attraction

Best Time to Visit Bali 

The ideal time to visit is the sunny season, from April to October. At this time, the weather is mild, the bright sunshine helps you to have the best experience. However, you can consider visiting Bali at times such as: 

• From November to March - the rainy season: The cost is affordable at this time and the number of tourists is not crowded.
• From June to September - the peak season: It falls on the holiday of foreign’s countries. Prices are increasing and are crowded so if you have a high budget and like bustling, you can choose this time.

A group of international friends in Bali beach

Exploring Bali’s Top Attractions 

Bali is an ideal destination for families, groups of friends or lovers. More specifically, this place is a paradise for those who want to have bonding together. If you’re wondering what attractions to visit here, keep reading our Bali travel guide for a great self-sufficient trip. 

Pura Tirta Empul Temple

Topping of the Bali travel guide attractions is Pura Tirta Empul Temple, also called Holy Spring Water Temple - one of the holiest temples in Bali. This temple holds architectural marvels and intricate stone carvings that represent stories of Hindu mythology. The harmony between nature and spirituality at Pura Tirta Empul Temple creates an unforgettable experience. 

Overseas travelers experience washing under holly springs

The temple’s main attraction is holly springs. It’s great if you soak in 12 streams of divine water. The native claim that this water flowing through the body can wash away all diseases and you will be protected and blessed by the Gods. This sacred experience helps you develop awareness of the significance of water as a source of life. Furthermore, you are offered a deeper understanding of Balinese spirituality.

• Price: 25.000 IDR (~ 1.65 USD) -  50.000 IDR (~ 3.30 USD) per ticket.

• Active time: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

You can rent sarong with 15.000 IDR (~ 0.99 USD )

Tanah Lot Sea Temple 

Nestled on a rocky outcrop along Bali's southwestern coast, Tanah Lot Sea Temple is a visual masterpiece with its mystique and stunning beauty. This iconic Balinese temple presents a captivating blend of natural wonder and spiritual significance. Tanah Lot Sea Temple offers a journey into both the heart of Balinese culture and the mesmerizing allure of its coastal landscape.

A lovely couple in Tanah Lot Sea Temple

Arriving at Tanah Lot, you will be struck by the temple's picturesque sunsets scene. Its panorama view creates an enchanting ambiance, suitable for photography lovers. In the heart of Tanah Lot Sea Temple, visitors are invited to meditate and reflect on the sense of peace. The interplay of cultural heritage and nature creates a must-try experience for those seeking Bali's spirituality. 

• Price: 30.000 IDR (~ 1.98 USD) - 60.000 IDR (~ 3.96 USD) per ticket.

• Active time: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Enjoying sunset panorama view in Tanah Lot Sea Temple

Tegallalang Rice Terraces 

Tegallalang Rice Terraces offer a captivating journey into the island's natural beauty and agricultural heritage. Exploring here is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rhythm of rural life. You can witness local farmers tending to their crops with passed-down techniques through generations. As you reach the highest points, the panoramic terraces view resembles cascading steps of the landscape.

A couple of tourists visit Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Bali

Beyond the visual scene, Tegallalang is an ideal setting for cultural interactions. You have a chance to engage with warm locals and gain insight into the way of rice planting. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces stand not only as a breathtaking natural wonder but also as a living testament to preserving their agricultural practices and sharing them with the world. However, keep in mind that this place is an outdoor attraction so it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for the best experience.

The peaceful scenery at Tegallalang Rice Terraces

Kuta and Seminyak Beaches

In addition to Tegallalang Rice Terraces, we’ll introduce you 2-suggested beaches: Kuta and Seminyak Beaches. Both areas in Bali are easy to get around by taxi or motorbike. 

Motorbike is the most common transport you can use in Bali

Kuta Beach is one of Bali's most famous and bustling beaches, known for its vibrant atmosphere and excellent surfing conditions such as waves. The beach offers a long stretch of golden sand where visitors can sunbathe and enjoy various water activities. The beach is also renowned for its spectacular sunsets so it attracts crowds of visitors. Kuta Beach is lined with shops, restaurants and bars, making it a hub for nightlife and entertainment.

Kuta Beach, Bali 

Seminyak Beach is located in the north of Kuta. The beach has a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to Kuta Beach. It is known for its luxurious resorts, boutique shopping, and trendy beach clubs. Seminyak Beach is a great place to unwind, take leisurely walks along the shoreline, and enjoy breathtaking sunsets. Like Kuta Beach, Seminyak offers a range of dining and relaxation options.

Sunset view in Seminyak Beach, Bali

Delightful Bali Cuisine

Balinese food is famous for its diversity because of its unique culture. Indonesia is known for its thousands of islands. That culture was also spread to and imported into Bali. If you do not enjoy the specialties of Bali during your trip to Bali , it will be a pity. Food experiences are always an important part of a Bali travel guide. Here is top 7 must-try dishes:

Let’s explore the cuisine in our Bali travel guide

Sate (Satay) 

• Price: 10.000 IDR (~ 0.66 USD) - 20.000 IDR (~ 1.32 USD) per stick.

A fairly well-known variation is the mixture of Sate. It is a dish made from a mixture of beef, pork, chicken, fish, or sometimes even turtle meat. All of them are minced and mixed with coconut milk, spices and vegetables. They are then wrapped on bamboo, sugarcane or lemongrass sticks and then grilled. Because they are already seasoned, you may not need to use extra dipping sauce when eating. This dish is usually accompanied by a small cup of soup.

Most Satay dishes default to spicy soup. So if you can't eat spicy food, talk to seller

Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice)

• Price: 20.000 IDR (~ 1.32 USD) - 30.000 IDR (~ 1.98 USD) per dish.

Nasi Goreng is a type of fried rice that is quite famous in Bali and Indonesia. This dish is made from fried rice and ingredients of meat, vegetables, eggs, chicken, beef, shrimp, squid, green beans and onions. It is a normal dish that appears in different Asian countries. However, it has a certain different flavor in each country.

Nasi Goreng dish in Bali

Urap Sayur (traditional salad)

• Price: 10.000 IDR (~ 0.66 USD) - 20.000 IDR (~ 1.32 USD) per dish.

Balinese love to eat meat and rice. However, they still know how to improve their nutrition with different vegetables. Urab is a traditional vegetable salad with coconut milk. It consists of many types of raw vegetables (or steamed) mixed together: bean sprouts, green beans, cabbage, spinach and cassava leaves. It can be a main meal for vegetarians or a side meal served with rice dishes.

You can enjoy Urab as a side dish

Mie Goreng (Fried Noodles)

• Price: 20.000 IDR (~ 1.32 USD) - 30.000 IDR (~ 1.98 USD) per dish.

A classic stir-fried noodle dish in Bali. Although it is similar to other stir-fried noodles in Vietnam with noodles, meat, shrimp, squid and vegetables. However, the peanut sauce sprinkled on it creates a special feeling. It is often seen as a side dish that replaces rice with satay and urap sayur.

Mouth-watering Mie Sareng dish 

Bali Guling (Suckling Pig)

• Price: 50.000 IDR (~ 3.30 USD) - 100.000 IDR (~ 6.59 USD) per dish.

Babi Guling is a popular dish and is considered the most popular among Balinese people. Pork is stuffed with traditional spices and minced vegetables. Then roll them over the coal flame. The skin on the outside is crispy, while the meat on the inside is juicy.

Hot grilled Bali Guling 

Bebek Betutu (roasted duck or chicken)

• Price: 60.000 IDR (~ 3.96 USD) - 100.000 IDR (~ 6.59 USD) per dish.

Betutu is a dish similar to a roasted suckling pig. It was made for religious believers who do not eat pork. This dish is a whole chicken (or duck) marinated in traditional spices and wrapped in banana leaves. Then wrap tightly in banana peel and bake or bury in the charcoal fire for 6-7 hours. The sliced meat with a characteristic flavor.

Betutu is a Bali savory dish, it usually eaten with rice and urab 

Tahu and Tempeh Manis (Sweet dish)

• Price: 5.000 IDR (~ 0.33 USD) - 10.000 IDR (~ 0.66 USD) per dish.

This dish is simple, but it is quite versatile and can be transformed into various dishes. Sometimes it is used as a main dish or side dish during meals. You will experience the contrast of crispy fried tofu with a delectable sweet soy sauce. 

Tahu and Tempeh Manis dish 

Staying in Bali 

Bali is a big island so if you want to explore many spots here, you should choose a comfortable place for yourself. There are a wide range of homestays that cater to different budgets and preferences around tourist attractions. From cozy family guesthouses to stylish boutique accommodations, here are the best 6 homestays you might come across:

Jati Cottage 

• Address: Jalan Jatayu Tebesaya, 80571 Ubud.
• Price: 800,000 IDR (~ 52.74 USD) per room.
• Phone: +62 361 977 701.

Ojek’s Homestay 

• Address: Taman Kelod, Gg.Soka, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571.
• Price: 96,000 IDR (~ 6.33 USD) per room.
• Phone: +62 361 971 998.

Dimpil Homestay

• Address: Arjuna, Pemuteran, Gerokgak, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81155.
• Price: 600,000 IDR (~ 39.55 USD) per room.
• Phone: +62 852 3729 1528.

Pelangi Homestay 

• Address: Baturiti Bedugul No.19, Batunya, Baturiti, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82191.
• Price: 92,000 IDR (~ 6.06 USD) per room.
• Phone: +62 823 3422 2223.

KamarKoe

• Address: Dewi Saraswati III No.53-55, Seminyak, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361.
• Price: 640,000 IDR (~ 42.19 USD) per room.
• Phone: +62 361 4741 953.

Uma Kutuh Bungalow

• Address: Tirta Tawar Street, Kutuh 80571.
• Price: 260,000 IDR (~ 17.14 USD) per room.
• Phone: +62 361 9000 366.

Tips For a Perfect Trip  

• You should bring extra clothes and shouldn’t touch holy statues in temples.

• Entrance fees must be paid in cash.   

• Remember to dress modestly as a sign of respect, covering your shoulders and wearing a sarong.

• Renting a motorbike in Bali is not complicated through motel, hotel, or homestay, you just need to show a valid international driving license. Cost: 50.000 IDR (~ 3.30 USD) per day. 

• You’ll save time and money if booking in advance a Bali travel combo with an enthusiastic local driver.

• Don’t use your left hand. Bali native believe that using your left hand to pay or hold things for locals is unclean.

• Don’t touch the hair of the native, especially kids. The Balinese people think: the head is the most important and sacred part so if you touch their head, they will feel offended.

• Not to point 1 finger toward the opposite person. This is taboo for the locals.

 

We’re delighted that you’re still here with us, uncovering the hidden beauty in Bali, Indonesia. In this blog, we introduce a brief overview of this paradise island and the best time to visit here. Moreover, there are some captivating spots, traditional dishes and rest places. Hope you enjoy our Bali travel guide and please keep in mind our essential tips for your next vacation!