Bali Vacation: A Detailed Island Guide

At first glance, a vacation in Bali might seem to be all about white-sand beaches, parties until dawn, and delicious cocktails. However, you can immerse yourself not only in the Pacific Ocean but also in the mysterious culture of the local population. 

We suggest you start your adventure right here, with our article. First, get inspired by beautiful photos, and then set off to conquer Indonesia on your own. How does that sound? 

When to go

Admit it, while relaxing on a beach somewhere in the shade of palm trees, you don't really worry about what season it is. Be it spring, summer, or even winter! Especially when your long-awaited vacation is in Bali. 

Fortunately, there's no visible difference between the changing seasons here. Everything is a little different. There's simply a rainy season and a dry season.

• Rainy season. Starts in late November — early December and lasts until March of the following year. But don't rush to return your tickets or cancel your trip, thinking that it pours like a bucket during these months.

Although the rainy season sounds intimidating, it doesn't mean daily downpours. At most, the sea will get noticeably cooler, and you'll definitely encounter drizzling rain. It's possible it might last half a day. However, rest assured, this definitely won't spoil your travel experience.

• Dry season. From April to November, humidity decreases, and it becomes fresh. Yes, despite the name, it's not as hot in Bali during this time as it could be. The waves are warm, and the sea breeze is quite pleasant. Just keep in mind: it might get cooler in the evening — bring some extra clothing.

Tickets to Bali from Moscow are most often purchased between July and September. That's when the tourist season begins, and there are quite a lot of visitors. Therefore, if you want a little peace and quiet, we recommend coming here in April or May.

How to get there

The only way is to get tickets to Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar. The flight will be long: over 24 hours with layovers. However, it's definitely worth it. Just stock up on interesting books or download a couple of movies for the journey — this will help pass the time.

By the way, don't worry about a visa upon arrival. Bali entry rules allow travelers to obtain the document right at the airport. It's paid (a whole 35 dollars), but without long waits.

Best beaches in Bali

Let's start with the highlights. Bali's beaches are the pearl of the Indian Ocean, attracting many travelers annually. After some time upon arrival, you won't even notice yourself relaxing on one of the sun loungers with a sea view.

Seminyak

Perhaps one of the most famous resorts among tourists. Luxury is an understatement for Seminyak beach. Colorful sun loungers all around, spas within walking distance, and, of course, picturesque sunsets. They are, by the way, no less stunning than what you can see in Phuket.

Nusa Dua

You won't find sunsets here, but the sunrises are simply stunning! The beach is gently sloping, and the water is clear. In short, the photos turn out great. Especially with a cocktail right inside a coconut.

Canggu

Canggu is also known as the "surfer's beach." The waves here are strong, and the sand is black, volcanic. Even at six in the morning, there will be those eager to ride a board and feel like true conquerors of the water element.

Sanur

An ideal place for a family vacation with children. There are practically no waves on Sanur beach, and the bottom is shallow. While adults might quickly get bored here, little travelers will definitely be delighted.

Balangan

You will definitely witness one of the most beautiful sunsets of your life on Balangan beach. There are few tourists here: surfers ride in the distance or boats pass by. In short, pure relaxation.

Attractions

Indonesia is good for more than just its seas and beaches. There are plenty of options for what else to see in Bali. 

Monkey Forest

Initially, this was a dense forest inhabited by monkeys. Later, it transformed into a real park with small temples, narrow streams, and stone structures. Observing the lives of these furry creatures is always interesting: the four-legged residents jump through trees, eat nuts, and curiously examine visitors. Our advice: hide your phone, glasses, and other important items somewhere safe. Who knows what the local forest inhabitants might want to do with them.

Tegalalang Rice Terraces

The stepped rice plantations are located just a 20-minute drive from Ubud. They present a truly beautiful sight. Each "step" is filled with water, and a small ear of rice protrudes from it. If you are lucky enough to be here when the ears have already grown, you will see a truly mesmerizing spectacle. No water will be visible, but green fields will surround you.

By the way, not far away is the Terrace River Pool Swing park. The very one where you can ride extreme swings. Just like in popular social media videos.

Mount Batur Volcano

An adventure that will give you goosebumps. Mount Batur (1,717 meters high) is an active volcano in Indonesia. However, it last erupted in the last century, so you can be calm if you want to take a look at it. By the way, you can get closer — Lake Batur formed in one of its craters. It is considered a sacred place with its own legend. Even during the rainy season, the depth of the reservoir remains unchanged. This led locals to believe it's all thanks to the goddesses of the mountain lakes who protect this area.

Tirta Gangga Water Palace

Tirta Gangga Palace is a true water labyrinth with fountains and pools. Trees rise throughout the territory, and stone structures adorn the buildings. It's always fresh and beautiful here. And for new experiences, we suggest walking along the stone platforms through the entire park.

Pura Ulun Danu Temples

The Pura Ulun Danu complex proudly bears the title "heart of Bali." This unique structure rises in the very center of Lake Bratan. Mountains are visible in the distance, and water lilies float underfoot. The place is considered sacred, so people often stop here to meditate.

Tibumana Waterfall

There are usually many tourists here. The place is truly beautiful and very cozy. Water falls in a thin sheet into the lagoon. It's pleasant to swim there in the heat: the water is warm, and it's not very deep. 

By the way, a narrow path leads to Tibumana Waterfall. There are thickets on the sides, and exotic fruits grow overhead. In short, it's a real paradise for those who want to take a beautiful photo or simply have an interesting time.

Lempuyang Temple

"Stairway to Heaven" — that's what locals call Lempuyang Temple. People often meditate and take beautiful photos here. And you can ascend to the clouds via a long staircase: a full 1,500 steps (for comparison, St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg has 262 steps). However, rest assured — it's worth it, and the view of the mountain is mesmerizing. Our advice, though, is to bring a raincoat. Just in case.

Sekumpul Waterfall

By the way, Sekumpul Waterfall is the highest on the island (a full 80 meters!). Moreover, there are few travelers here. The attraction is secludedly located among the jungle, so getting there is not easy. But everyone who isn't afraid of the distance will be in for a pleasant surprise. What kind? You'll find out upon arrival — we won't reveal the secret.

Pura Tanah Lot Temple

The uniqueness of Pura Tanah Lot Temple lies in its location. The temple stands on a small rock and is protected by UNESCO. Only believers are allowed inside, so tourists walk along the coast. It's best to come here in the evening and admire the colorful sunsets.

Bird and Reptile Park

You can fully experience the Bali vibe at the Bird and Reptile Park. The local inhabitants are represented by 250 species of exotic animals and even plants. It's not every day you get the chance to stroll through a park while macaw parrots circle overhead and pink flamingos sway by the water. By the way, the photos there turn out great. And for an additional fee, you can even treat your feathered friends.

Money

Let's start with the most important thing. Russian cards cannot be used for payment. However, if you have a foreign card or UnionPay, there should be no problems. Another option is to exchange rubles for dollars or euros. In that case, there will definitely be no difficulties. 

The local currency is the rupiah. As of August 2023, 1 $ equals 15,300 Indonesian rupiah. No, we didn't make a mistake with the zeros. We just wanted to warn you for the future, so the prices on the menu don't scare you.

Accommodation

Villas are among the popular options for where to stay in Bali. Of course, many tourists want to escape high-rise buildings and try something new in life. A pool on the property, a sea view, and a bit of privacy from prying eyes… Isn't this what dreams are made of?

For party lovers and those who enjoy long walks, we recommend staying in the Kuta area. There are many bars and clubs here, and all shops are within walking distance. 

For rain and coolness, head to Ubud. In the mornings, people practice yoga there, and closer to evening, they chant mantras and engage in esoteric sciences. By the way, there are many vegan and vegetarian cafes there.

Canggu — a true paradise for surfers. The current is pleasant, and the sea is warm. Near the shore, you can find restaurants with exotic food, and in the evening, enjoy the most beautiful sunset of your life. 

We've decided on the popular areas. Now it's time to choose accommodation. Ostrovok.ru will help you with this. 

Transport

It's no secret that long distances in Indonesia are covered by motorcycles. Yes, it's the most common mode of transport. And it's also convenient — it allows you to see more Bali attractions in a relatively short amount of time. A rented bike will cost 1,500 rubles. You can book it on Google Maps. 

An alternative option is to order a taxi. However, this is quite an expensive and not the most convenient option. It's easier to rent a car. However, if neither a motorcycle nor a rented car are your options, you can still order a taxi. Gojek and Grab apps are here to help! 

By the way, bike-taxi is also a common service. It costs less than a regular car, and the experience will be completely different. 

Food

Any vacation is not just about impressive landscapes and a photo-filled gallery. It's also about unusual dishes and delicious snacks. 

Once in Bali, every traveler should try the national Indonesian dish. It's called "nasi goreng", which translates to fried rice. It can be vegetarian, with meat, or with seafood. In short, you choose the filling, and the chefs are responsible for the taste.

For a large variety of exotic snacks, we recommend heading to the Canggu area. Cafes and restaurants are located along the road, competing with each other in amazing solutions and cozy atmospheres. 

Connectivity and Internet

Don't worry, you definitely won't be left without social media and messengers. You can buy a SIM card at the airport, it will cost a little over 1,500 rubles. However, in local shops on the island, the price might be lower (approximately 700 rubles).

By the way, the internet here is excellent. Unless you decide to go on a tour deep into the jungle, of course. And free Wi-Fi is not uncommon in cafes and shops. Also, keep in mind that depending on the area, the internet might drop from 4G to 3G. It's not critical, but it wouldn't hurt to ask your landlord which provider has better reception in the vicinity.

Activities

It's impossible to talk about where to relax in Bali without touching upon active recreation. Get ready, we're about to share some incredible ideas.

Surfing

A classic. People often travel to Indonesia, in principle, to ride the local waves on a board. And why not, it's easy to feel like the main character of a movie. The water is warm, and the sun shines overhead… In such moments, it truly feels like life is good. And if you don't know how to surf, there are plenty of instructors on the beaches who will gladly teach you.

Yacht trip

A top option for beautiful photos and a "something luxurious" kind of vacation. You can rent a yacht and cruise with the breeze, cutting through the water. Some organize parties with friends on them, while others wish to relax from the hustle and bustle with a glass of a delicious cocktail. Which option do you prefer?

Paragliding

Seeing a city from a bird's-eye view for the first time is an unforgettable sight. However, ascending above real jungles evokes completely different emotions. If you're not afraid of heights, of course. Fortunately, this type of recreation requires no special skills. Just enjoy while the measured life unfolds below.

Snorkeling and Diving

A wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the world of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. There are many underwater inhabitants here, of all diverse shapes and sizes. Once you see one fish, rest assured, finding another one exactly like it will be a difficult task. 

Travelers return to Bali for new emotions and experiences. And each time, the small Indonesian island between the Pacific and Indian Oceans reveals itself anew. It seems like a sign that it's your turn to taste "nasi goreng," descend to waterfalls, and ride a bike in the rays of the setting sun. We wish you a pleasant journey!