Bali sits in the Indonesian archipelago between Java and Lombok, covering just over 5,780 square kilometers. Despite its modest size, this island draws millions of visitors each year who come seeking its unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual culture, and warm hospitality.
Understanding Bali’s Geography and Climate
The island’s landscape ranges from volcanic mountains in the north to sandy beaches in the south. Mount Agung, Bali’s highest peak at 3,142 meters, dominates the eastern horizon and holds deep spiritual significance for the Balinese people. The central highlands feature lakes, waterfalls, and the famous terraced rice paddies that have become symbols of the island.
Bali experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from April through October, bringing lower humidity and minimal rainfall. The wet season spans November through March, characterized by afternoon thunderstorms and lush green landscapes. Water temperatures remain warm year-round, typically between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius.
Regions and where to stay
Each area of Bali offers a different experience, making your choice of base an important decision.
South Bali contains the most developed tourist infrastructure. Kuta and Legian attract budget travelers and those seeking nightlife. Seminyak offers upscale dining, boutique shopping, and beach clubs. Nusa Dua provides luxury resorts with calm, family-friendly beaches.
Ubud, located in the central highlands, serves as the cultural heart of Bali. Art galleries, traditional craft villages, and yoga studios fill this town surrounded by jungle and rice terraces. The pace here moves slower than the coastal areas.
East Bali remains less developed, home to traditional villages, black sand beaches, and excellent diving spots around Amed and Tulamben. The underwater wreck of the USAT Liberty attracts divers from around the world.
North Bali offers a quieter alternative with Lovina’s dolphin-watching tours and the island’s only Buddhist temple, Brahma Vihara Arama.
Temples and Spiritual Life
Hinduism shapes every aspect of Balinese life, and the island contains thousands of temples ranging from small family shrines to major complexes.
Pura Tanah Lot sits on a rocky outcrop along the southwestern coast, accessible only at low tide. Sunset views here draw large crowds, so arriving early helps secure a good viewing spot.
Pura Uluwatu perches on cliffs 70 meters above the Indian Ocean on the Bukit Peninsula. The temple hosts nightly Kecak fire dance performances against a backdrop of the setting sun.
Pura Besakih, known as the Mother Temple, sprawls across the slopes of Mount Agung. This complex of 23 separate temples represents the holiest site in Balinese Hinduism and has stood for over a thousand years.
Visitors should dress respectfully at all temples, wearing a sarong and sash. Many temples provide these for rent at the entrance.
Activities and Experiences
Bali accommodates diverse interests, from adventure sports to quiet contemplation.
Surfing brought Bali to international attention in the 1970s, and the tradition continues today. Beginners find gentle waves at Kuta Beach, while experienced surfers head to Uluwatu, Padang Padang, or Canggu for more challenging breaks.
Rice terrace walks provide insight into traditional Balinese agriculture. The Tegallalang terraces north of Ubud offer the most photographed views, though Jatiluwih in the Tabanan regency earned UNESCO recognition and sees fewer tourists.
Diving and snorkeling reveal Bali’s underwater world. Menjangan Island in the northwest offers pristine coral walls, while Nusa Penida provides chances to swim with manta rays and the unusual mola mola (ocean sunfish) during season.
Cooking classes have become popular among visitors wanting to bring Balinese flavors home. These typically include a morning market visit followed by hands-on preparation of dishes like satay, lawar, and bebek betutu.
Food and Dining
Balinese cuisine differs from other Indonesian regional foods, incorporating unique spice pastes and preparation methods.
Babi guling (suckling pig) represents the most famous Balinese dish, traditionally served at ceremonies but now available at restaurants throughout the island. The meat is stuffed with spices and slowly roasted over coconut husks.
Bebek betutu features duck wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked for up to 24 hours with a complex spice mixture. Lawar combines minced meat, vegetables, grated coconut, and spices into a distinctive side dish.
For budget dining, warungs (small local restaurants) serve nasi campur—rice with small portions of various dishes—at affordable prices. Higher-end restaurants in Seminyak and Ubud blend international techniques with local ingredients.
Practical Considerations
Bali uses Indonesian Rupiah, though many tourist businesses accept US dollars. ATMs are widely available in tourist areas but scarce in rural regions.
Transportation options include renting a scooter (requiring an international driving permit), hiring a driver for day trips, or using ride-hailing apps in urban areas. Traffic congestion affects much of southern Bali, particularly around Kuta and Denpasar.
The island operates on Central Indonesia Time (WITA), eight hours ahead of UTC.
Regarding health, tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere. Mosquito repellent helps prevent dengue fever, which occurs year-round.
Responsible Tourism
Bali faces challenges from overtourism, including water shortages, waste management issues, and cultural commodification. Visitors can minimize negative impacts by conserving water, refusing single-use plastics, respecting temple dress codes, and supporting locally owned businesses rather than international chains.
Learning a few Indonesian phrases—selamat pagi (good morning), terima kasih (thank you), sama-sama (you’re welcome)—demonstrates respect and often brings warm responses from locals.
