To begin with, let’s identify the location of Bali island on the global map.
Bali is a petite island situated within the nation of Indonesia, located in Southeast Asia. Indonesia consists of over 17,000 islands and is bordered by Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.
Bali, relatively diminutive in size, can be found just to the east of Java, which is the fifth-largest island in Indonesia. Historically, Bali and Java were once connected by land.
Bali Island boasts a contemporary and well-run airport in present times. In fact, it’s one of my preferred airports in Southeast Asia! According to customer satisfaction rankings, the Bali airport was even recognized as the world’s third-best by Airport Council International in 2016.
The airport in Denpasar, also known as Ngurah Rai International Airport and identified by the code DPS, catered to over 24 million passengers in 2019. Remarkably, despite the high volume of travelers, the airport’s operations run seamlessly.
Bali offers direct flights from various regions worldwide, including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and other destinations. Regrettably, there are currently no non-stop flights from the United States to Bali, but American travelers can transit through cities such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taipei, or Tokyo before taking a connecting flight to Bali.
Bali, being a tropical island, experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year.
The island has a wet season from November to April, followed by a dry season from April to November. Visiting Bali during the rainy season is still feasible, but it’s advisable to plan for some extra days in case of unfavorable weather.
The ideal time to explore Bali largely depends on your preferences. The most pleasant weather can be found during the dry season, characterized by generally sunny and breezy conditions.
However, the wet season offers the advantage of fewer crowds, and the rain typically occurs in the evenings or at night, which tends to be less disruptive.
Bali is a highly secure travel destination. Violent crimes are exceedingly rare, and incidents of murder are virtually unheard of. While drive-by phone thefts may occasionally occur, it’s advisable to keep your phone stowed away when near busy roads with passing motorbikes.
The primary safety concerns in Bali and Indonesia revolve around motorbike accidents and natural hazards. It is advisable to avoid riding motorbikes unless you are an experienced driver in Southeast Asia.
Although Bali is home to several species of venomous snakes, they are not commonly encountered in tourist areas, even during hikes. If you happen to encounter a snake, exercise caution.
In 2019, Bali welcomed more than 6 million visitors, solidifying its status as Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination by a significant margin. However, Indonesia offers numerous other splendid islands and destinations to explore.
The Balinese locals are renowned for their hospitality, and they exhibit a warm and welcoming attitude toward foreign visitors.
Traveling on a budget in Bali is remarkably straightforward, with hostels available for as low as 75k Rupiah ($5 USD) and private hotels starting at 150k Rupiah. Dining is also cost-effective, with meals costing as little as 15k to 75k Rupiah ($1 to $5 USD) at certain ‘warungs,’ which are small, family-owned restaurants.
For getting around Bali, transportation primarily involves motorbikes or cars, which can be rented. However, hiring a private driver is an affordable, secure, and convenient option.
I would also suggest installing transportation apps like Grab and Go-Jek; these apps are excellent for short taxi rides and local travel. Additionally, you can even order food using these apps and have it delivered to your accommodation.
The primary languages spoken by the residents of Bali are Indonesian and Balinese, and a considerable number of them are proficient in English.
While it’s not a necessity to learn Indonesian in order to travel to Bali, it can be courteous and enjoyable to pick up at least some basic Bahasa during your visit.
Enthusiasts of adventure will discover a wealth of opportunities to explore diverse landscapes in Bali, from waterfalls, lush jungles, and dramatic cliffs to volcanoes and beyond. Activities range from rafting, ATV rides, jet skiing, hot air balloon rides, and scenic helicopter flights.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, Bali offers a myriad of options, including beautiful beaches, vibrant clubs, bustling markets, serene temples, and picturesque rice terraces. The island also boasts an abundance of excellent restaurants and spa services. The local cuisine is exceptional, and you can easily find a wide selection of Western dishes as well.
For those interested in wildlife, Bali offers opportunities to encounter animals at places like the Ubud Monkey Forest, the Mason Elephant Park, Bali Zoo, Bali Bird Park, Bali Butterfly Park, Bali Sea Turtle Society, and West Bali National Park. Snorkeling and scuba diving adventures allow you to witness an array of colorful fish and coral.
Bali is a treasure trove of handmade crafts, including wood carvings, paintings, and rattan bags. The island is also renowned for its production of coffee beans, spices, oils, lace, ceramics, and silverware.
Bali is graced with numerous beautiful waterfalls, scattered throughout the island, and quite a few are conveniently accessible from popular regions like Ubud.
Among the waterfall hikes in Bali, you’ll find renowned tourist attractions as well as hidden treasures untouched by crowds. Many of the largest waterfalls on the island can be found in North Bali.
While Tegenungan Waterfall is the most well-known in Bali, it may not necessarily be the most spectacular. Two of our personal favorites include Sekumpul Waterfall and Banyumala Waterfall.
