Ultimate Bali Travel Guide 2025 for first time visitor!

Our Bali Story – From Never Again to Pure Magic

This is our Bali Travel Guide 2025, built on everything we have learned since those first days and everything that has changed since 2019. Inside you will find realistic costs in IDR, the latest on visa and immigration rules, tips on the best time to visit, safe beaches for swimming, safety basics, sustainability advice, and itineraries from one to seven days. Use the lits to jump to any section and do not forget to bookmark this guide, because we update it regularly.

But lets start a little while back. We almost wrote Bali off in 2019. After ten dusty days in Seminyak we said we would not return. But we did. Six months of mornings in Uluwatu, quiet nights in Sidemen, waves in Canggu, and road trips through the north showed us what Bali truly is. It is breathtaking, imperfect, and worth careful planning.

⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Love Beyond Nations.

Quick Facts – Bali Travel 2025

Is Bali Still Worth Visiting in 2025?

Bali in 2025 feels very different from 2019. Canggu grew from a quiet surf village into an international hub filled with coworking spaces, craft coffee, and new apartments. Uluwatu shifted from surfer secret to global stage. The cliffs still rise raw against the sea, and turquoise water invites you to swim in bays like Padang Padang and Melasti when the tide is calm. Ubud still holds the island’s spiritual heartbeat. Its center pulses with yoga studios, markets, and boutique hotels, while just a few kilometers out you can wander quiet rice valleys, stumble on waterfalls, and watch offerings laid on doorsteps at dawn.

Sidemen remains the slowdown choice. Mornings here begin in silence among the rice fields with Mount Agung rising in the distance. The north still feels calm, with eco lodges hidden in jungle valleys and waterfalls waiting for early risers. Yet change is coming as new roads from Canggu push further north. Nusa Penida, once a hidden gem, has become a crowded adventure stop. Its raw beauty survives, but it takes timing and patience to find it. Bali’s appeal lies in this duality. It can be loud and chaotic one moment and quiet and peaceful the next, offering both nightlife and spirituality in a single journey. Knowing where to go and when makes all the difference in 2025.

Visa entry rules 2025 for Indonesia

Quick Overview of Transport Costs in Bali (2025)

Where to Stay – Regions in Plain English

Choosing your base is half the trip. Each part of Bali has its own rhythm, and where you stay will shape how you feel each day. Here’s how the main areas feel on the ground, and who they’re best for:

Ubud – Culture, Rice Terraces, Yoga

Ubud is where Bali slows down. Wake up to temple bells and the scent of incense on the breeze, followed by slow breakfasts after sunrise yoga. The town is known for its art, spirituality, and rice-terrace walks like Campuhan Ridge or Tegallalang. It’s central for day trips and ideal for solo travelers or couples looking for depth. The center can be busy and pricey, but just outside—in places like Penestanan or Junjungan—you’ll find rice-field calm within scooter distance.

💡 Ellis’ Tip: We loved staying at Pondok Sebatu Eco Lodge. The sunrise stopped time.

Canggu & Pererenan – Surf, Cafés, Digital Community

Canggu hums with energy. Mornings are filled with smoothie bowls and coworking sessions; evenings bring sunset gatherings and live music. It’s a top pick for long stays, with gyms, clinics, and an ever-growing café scene. Traffic is real, but if you stay a bit further north in Pererenan or Seseh, you’ll find quieter streets while still being close to the action.

💡 Ellis’ Tip: Looking for a great guesthouse? This is one of our favorite stays in Bali. It’s clean, newly renovated, and has a lovely local restaurant attached. The price is hard to beat. 👉 Check availability at Shashvata Guesthouse.

Uluwatu (Bukit Peninsula) – Cliffs, Sunsets, Swimmable Bays

Golden light spills across Uluwatu’s cliffs as surfboards hum by on scooters. This is Bali’s most dramatic coastline, home to sunset spots like Uluwatu Temple and beaches where you can actually swim. Padang Padang, Thomas, Melasti. It’s ideal for surfers and laid-back beach lovers. You’ll need a scooter, and many beaches require a steep walk down, but the pay-off is pure ocean magic. We spent lots of time along the cliffs of Uluwatu, chasing sunsets and swimming in calm bays.

ℹ️ If you’d like the full story and all our tips, you can read our dedicated Uluwatu Guide .

Seminyak – Shopping, Dining, Beach Clubs

Seminyak is Bali’s urban beach town—boutiques, craft cocktails, international cuisine, and beach clubs right on the sand. It’s walkable, stylish, and great for first-timers. But it’s also busy, with more traffic and open-ocean waves that aren’t ideal for casual swimming. Still, it makes a great landing pad.

💡 Ellis’ Tip: Start your trip here for two nights, then move to a quieter base once you’ve adjusted.

Sidemen – Quiet Valley, Rice & Agung Views

Sidemen is Bali without the buzz. Mornings here are silent except for birds and rustling palms, with Mount Agung watching from the horizon. It’s perfect for slowing down, doing yoga, and walking through living rice landscapes. Nightlife is minimal, but the peace is unforgettable.

💡 Ellis’ Tip: Ask locals for cafés with Agung views—you’ll be rewarded.

Munduk & North Bali – Waterfalls, Eco-Lodges, Fewer Crowds

North Bali feels like a world apart. The air is cooler, the roads wind through jungle hills, and waterfalls like Sekumpul and Banyumala wait at the end of muddy trails. Munduk is ideal for hiking, nature, and a mid-trip reset. It’s quieter, less developed, and still deeply authentic.

💡 Ellis’ Tip: Link Lovina, a dolphin sunrise, and a waterfall circuit with a night in Munduk for the perfect loop.

Nusa Penida – Cliffs, Coves, Day-Trip Darling

Nusa Penida is wild and unforgettable. Once difficult to reach, it’s now just a fast boat from Sanur, with roads that still feel raw and views that steal your breath. Stay overnight to catch sunrise without the crowds, and don’t miss Kelingking’s “T-Rex” cliff or Diamond Beach. The island is still rough around the edges—but that’s part of its charm.

💡 Ellis’ Tip: Stay one night. Sunrise and late afternoon are when the magic happens.

What to Do – Our Personal Highlights (and How to Time Them)

Dolphin Sunrise in Lovina

⏰ Best time: 06:00 | 🎯 Tip: Ask for private boat
We set our alarm for 4:30 a.m. and stumbled, still half asleep, down to the beach with coffee in hand. By 6:00 a.m., our little boat was gliding over calm water. Suddenly, dozens of dolphins appeared, leaping across the horizon, with pink light dancing on the sea and nothing but the sound of wind and fins. It was early, and absolutely worth it.

It was so beautiful and overwhelming that we both had tears in our eyes. We had a private guide just for us, which made all the difference. There were already a few boats around, and following the dolphins can feel a bit uncomfortable, but it never felt like a chase. It was more like quietly searching for where they might show up next.

After that, it was time for snorkeling. Because of our private guide, we got into the water a little earlier and reached the reef before anyone else. For a magical moment, it was just us, alone with the ocean, surrounded by colorful fish and silence.

Morning Walks near Ubud

⏰ Best time: 07:00–08:00 | 🌿 Tip: Let your guide show you
We started just after sunrise, following our guide Wayan through what he called a shortcut. It turned into an unexpected adventure across Ubud’s famous rice terraces. The path was narrow and sometimes a little slippery, but every turn opened up to breathtaking views of endless rice fields.

💡 Mario: “There were moments when we had to balance carefully along the edges, but each view was more stunning than the last.”

Why you shouldn’t miss it:

• Authentic encounter with local farmers and rice cultivation
• Spectacular views perfect for photography
• Peaceful environment, far from tourist crowds

ℹ️ If you want to dive deeper into the magic of Ubud, check out our full story here: Unveiling the Spiritual Heart of Ubud, Bali .

Tegallalang Rice Terraces

⏰ Best time: Opening or late afternoon | ☀️ Avoid: Midday heat
We were a little sceptical at first – would this be just another tourist trap? But arriving right at opening time changed everything. The golden morning light touched the paddies, the air was quiet, and for a while we had the terraces almost to ourselves.

What many people don’t realize: there are several entry points, not just one. And if you’re willing to walk a little further than most visitors, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stretches of rice fields that feel almost untouched. It’s peaceful, it’s authentic, and the photo opportunities are incredible.

Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Fire Dance

⏰ Best time: Last show at sunset | 🎟️ Tip: Book seats in advance
As the chanting began and the sky turned orange, it felt like time slowed down. The Kecak performance was pure island magic, echoing ancient rhythm on the cliffs. Stay a few minutes after and you’ll see the most stunning sunset colors.

🐒 Attention: Watch out for the monkeys. They are quick, clever, and will grab anything that isn’t secured. Phones, sunglasses, even water bottles vanish in seconds. Keep your belongings locked away or firmly attached to you. It might feel funny at first, but losing your phone to a monkey is no joke.

Best Time to Visit (and How It Feels)

Best Beaches in Bali (What They’re Really Like)

There are countless beaches in Bali, each with its own charm. This is our personal list of the very best. Think cliff backed coves in Uluwatu and sunset shores in Seminyak and Jimbaran. You will find calm bays for swimming, surf breaks for beginners and pros, and family friendly runs of golden sand. When you want quiet, slip to black sand stretches in Canggu or the photogenic white sand of Melasti, Padang Padang, and Pandawa. Time it right and you may have them almost to yourself.

Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran is a wide crescent of soft sand with gentle water and rows of seafood warungs set directly on the beach. It is best at golden hour when you can sit down for dinner and watch planes lift off across the bay. The water is usually calm enough for swimming and evenings are the highlight.

Canggu Beaches: Batu Bolong, Berawa, and Echo

Canggu’s coastline is dark sand with rolling surf and a lively international scene. Batu Bolong is popular with learners, Berawa attracts beach clubs, and Echo Beach offers moodier sunsets and a quieter stretch of sand. The surf can be strong and currents unpredictable, so these beaches are better for surfing than for casual swimming.

Seminyak Beach

Seminyak is the center of Bali’s sunset scene with beanbags, cocktails, and a relaxed promenade atmosphere. Waves here are more suited to surfing than to safe swimming. The beach is best for people-watching and enjoying the evening light.

Kuta Beach

Kuta is long, sandy, and forgiving, which makes it ideal for beginners. Surf schools line the shoreline and lessons are easy to arrange on arrival. It is busy and commercial but still one of the most family-friendly beaches for a first experience on the board.

Green Bowl Beach

Green Bowl is a turquoise pocket beneath high limestone cliffs, reached by a steep staircase. The cove is best on calm days at mid or low tide. Currents are strong when the swell rises, but snorkeling can be excellent when the water is clear and still.

Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang is a small and photogenic cove entered through a narrow rock gate, famous from the film Eat Pray Love. The inner bay can be pleasant for swimming around mid tide. The outer reef is a powerful surf break reserved for experienced surfers. Early morning is the best time to visit before it becomes crowded.

Thomas Beach

Thomas Beach sits between Padang Padang and Uluwatu, down a long staircase that keeps it quieter than many other spots on the Bukit. The sand is soft and white, and the water can be calm enough for swimming when conditions allow. Small cafés and warungs offer simple meals and drinks, giving it a relaxed, local feel. It is a good choice for visitors who want fewer crowds and a laid-back setting.

Pandawa Beach

Pandawa is known for clear water, a broad sandy shelf, and easy entry, which makes it very suitable for families. Facilities are organized and the access road cuts dramatically through the cliffs. Weekday mornings provide the most space and a quieter atmosphere.

Melasti Beach

Melasti in Ungasan combines white sand, calm clear water, and a backdrop of high cliffs. Several relaxed beach clubs sit directly on the sand. It is one of the best options for safe swimming and relaxed afternoons, with mornings offering the quietest setting.

Exploring Beyond Bali: Islands Worth the Trip!

Bali is only one of more than 17.000 Indonesian islands. A few neighbors sit close enough for an easy side trip of two to four nights by fast boat. If you’re planning a trip to Bali and don’t know where to start, what to skip, or how to structure it all, our 3 week Bali itinerary can help you plan with ease.

Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Ceningan

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are about 30 minutes from Sanur. Think calm lagoons, simple beach cafés, and the Yellow Bridge that is exactly as Instagram promised. Tides shape the beaches, evenings stay quiet, and families breathe easier. It feels like Bali before the algorithm found it. Two to three nights do the job.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is the dramatic choice. Kelingking’s T-Rex cliff steals the show, manta ray snorkeling is the headline, and viewpoints like Rumah Pohon and the Thousand Islands Bay fill the camera roll. Boats from Sanur take around 40–50 minutes. Roads can be rough and currents are often strong, so many beaches are not safe for casual swimming. Stay one night to enjoy sunrise and sunset without the day-trip stampede. Yes, the stairs are real and your legs will notice.

Gili Islands

The Gili Islands sit off Lombok and you reach them in about 2–3 hours from Padang Bai or Amed, with some services from Sanur or Serangan. There are no cars, which is fine because you can cross an island by bicycle faster than you can find parking in Canggu. Expect white sand, clear water, and easy turtle snorkeling. Gili Trawangan is lively, Gili Air is balanced, and Gili Meno is quiet.

Quick rule of thumb: pick Lembongan and Ceningan for the simplest hop and an easy pace, choose Penida for cliffs, mantas and Instagram, and head to the Gilis for car-free island life on bright sand, crowded bars, and the party that never ends.

Important Tips for a Great Bali Experience

Avoid Tourist Traps: Skip the big group tours and book a private driver or guide instead. It’s often not much more expensive, and you’ll avoid the crowds while enjoying a more flexible and personal experience.

Explore Different Areas: Don’t just stay in one place. Bali is incredibly diverse – from the cultural heart of Ubud to the surf cliffs of Uluwatu, the hidden waterfalls in the north, and the diving paradise of Amed. Each region feels like a different island waiting to be explored.

Respect Local Customs: Balinese culture is deeply spiritual. Dress respectfully when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees), never step on offerings placed on the ground, and always smile – kindness goes a long way here.

Start Early: Whether it’s watching dolphins, hiking Mount Batur, or visiting famous temples, going early means fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and magical light for photos.

Stay Hydrated & Sun-Safe: The tropical sun is strong. Always carry water, use reef-safe sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade to keep your energy up.

Get a SIM or eSIM: Internet is essential for navigation and bookings. A local Telkomsel SIM or an Airalo eSIM works great and is affordable.

Try the Local Food: Beyond smoothie bowls and Western cafés, dive into authentic Balinese cuisine – Nasi Campur, Babi Guling, Satay, and fresh seafood on the beach. These meals are often the most memorable.

Embrace the Pace: Things in Bali don’t always run on strict schedules. Roads get busy, weather shifts quickly. Take it slow, go with the flow, and you’ll enjoy the island so much more.

Cash is Still King: While many cafés and hotels accept cards, smaller shops, markets, and drivers often prefer cash in rupiah. ATMs are common, but don’t forget to withdraw ahead of time if you head into rural areas.

Mind the Monkeys: At temples like Uluwatu or Monkey Forest, the monkeys are cheeky and will grab anything loose – sunglasses, bottles, even phones. Keep your things close.

Money Matters in Bali: Managing Your Finances

Even though credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always smart to carry some cash in Bali. Here are a few tips to keep your money safe and your trip stress-free:

Stick to Reliable ATMs: Use machines from national banks like BCA or Mandiri. They’re safer, less likely to have skimming devices, and more dependable when withdrawing larger amounts.

Consider a Multi-Currency Card: Travel cards such as Wise are excellent for Bali. They offer fair exchange rates, low fees, and make it easy to manage different currencies. If you’re staying longer, they’ll save you money compared to constant ATM withdrawals or currency exchanges.

Use Cash for Local Experiences: While hotels and big restaurants take cards, many small shops, warungs, and market stalls prefer cash in rupiah. It’s also best for tipping drivers, guides, and staff. Having cash on hand ensures you don’t miss out on authentic local moments.

💡 Extra Tip: Always carry smaller bills. Vendors often don’t have change for large notes, and it makes quick purchases smoother.

What Bali really costs – an easy breakdown

Extended FAQs (2025)

Do I need a visa?
Yes. Most travelers enter with a 30-day Visa on Arrival (~500,000 IDR / €30) and can extend once to 60 days. For longer stays, apply in advance for a B211A visa (up to 180 days).

How much does a trip cost per day?
Backpackers typically spend 500,000–800,000 IDR (€30–50) per day, mid-range travelers 1.2–2.5 million IDR (€80–150), and luxury visitors 3.5 million IDR (€200+) or more.

Is Bali safe?
Yes. With basic road caution, good hygiene, and a valid international driving permit if you ride a scooter, Bali is generally safe for travelers.

Can I drink tap water?
No. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Many hotels and villas provide refill dispensers.

Grab or Gojek?
Both apps work well. Gojek is usually cheaper for short hops and food delivery, while Grab is reliable for airport transfers and longer rides.

Can I pay by card?
Yes, in cafés and hotels—though some add a 2–3% fee. In local warungs and markets, cash is still expected.

Do I need vaccines?
Consult your doctor before traveling. Common recommendations for Bali include Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date.

How do I avoid “Bali belly”?
Eat cooked foods, peel fruit, avoid ice from unknown sources, and wash or sanitize your hands regularly.

Where can I swim safely?
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula have calmer bays like Padang Padang, Melasti, and Thomas Beach. West-coast beaches near Canggu often have strong currents—follow flags and lifeguards.

Is Bali good for digital nomads?
Yes. Canggu, Pererenan, and Ubud offer coworking spaces, plenty of cafés, and long-stay apartments.

How do I respect the culture?
Cover shoulders and knees in temples, wait patiently during ceremonies or road closures, and never move or step on daily offerings.

In Conclusion: What It Takes to Experience a Memorable Trip to Bali in 2025

Bali keeps evolving, providing contrasts between ancient traditions and contemporary luxuries. The island contains diverse terrains, lively cuisine, beautiful beaches as well as distinct adventures that suit all types of people. Regardless of whether you desire secluded locations or the lavish comfort found in high-end hotels or want to simply discover the depth of culture interwoven with this island, there’s no doubt your journey will be a memorable one.

The island isn’t perfect. Our first ten days left us cold. But somewhere between a quiet valley in Sidemen and the shimmer of a Lovina sunrise, Bali became a place we return to. If you come with patience and curiosity, it might do the same for you.

Plan Bali Without Stress – Save Time, Money & Energy

Our 30+ page Bali Travel Guide is packed with insider tips, maps, and hacks from 6+ months on the island – real experience, no fluff.

• 🏝️ Best Areas & Hotels – Ubud, Canggu, Uluwatu, Sidemen, Penida
• 🚲 Getting Around – scooter, Grab, ferries
• 💰 Money, Safety & Health hacks
• 🍹 Cafés, restaurants & beach clubs
• 📶 SIMs, visas & packing tips

📥 Download the Guide – Start Planning Today

✅ 6+ months Bali experience   |   🔒 Secure checkout   |   📅 Free 2025 updates

Written by Ellis & Mario (Love Beyond Nations)

Instant PDF download · Free updates for 2025 · 14-day money-back guarantee