One of Indonesia's many islands in South-East Asia is Bali. Perhaps the first thing you need to know when organizing a trip to Bali is how to get there, which airlines fly there, which airport to use, and when to book to avoid paying high prices.
Since Bali is an island, flying is the best and nearly only way to get there. People may fly from all over the world to Bali thanks to its one international airport. South of Bali, in the Kuta region, is Denpasar-Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). Sanur is 30 minutes away by car, Ubud is 1h30, and Amed is 3 hours away.
The following are the most direct flight routes to Bali:
You can take a plane from the US to Bali via Hong Kong (HKG), Seoul (ICN), or Singapore (SIN). Although boarding in Los Angeles (LAX) is the quickest, you can instead do the same routes from New York City (JFK) with just one stoppage.
From European cities like London (LHR), Amsterdam (AMS), or Paris (CDG), you may fly to Bali with just one stopover via Istanbul (IST), Singapore (SIN), or Kuala Lumpur (KUL). Singapore is my preferred route.
Adelaide (ADL), Brisbane (BNE), Cairns (CNS), Darwin (DRW), Melbourne (MEL), Perth (PER), and Sydney (SYD) are all well-served by direct flights from Australia.
Direct flights are also available from Japan, but only from Tokyo-Narita (NRT).
As an alternative, you might fly through Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, however I don't often see any attractive prices there. Flying through Dubai or Doha frequently offers the lowest tickets, but the trip will take significantly longer and have a greater carbon imprint. Look at trip.com's prices to locate cheap flight deals.
The primary airlines that operate flights to Bali include
With a layover in Singapore, Istanbul, or Kuala Lumpur, you can fly with KLM, Turkish Airlines, or Malaysia Airlines from Europe.
Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and Cathay Pacific offer flights from the US that stop at Singapore, Seoul, or Hong Kong, respectively.
Jetstar, Qantas, and Garuda Indonesia offer direct flights from Australia.
Only Garuda Indonesia provides a direct route from Tokyo to Narita from Japan.
How much does a plane ticket to Bali cost?
Agung view of the rice fields from Bali's Amlapura
The following are some typical airfare costs to Bali:
- Bali to London: £600 to £1,200
- From Amsterdam to Bali: 800–1400 euros
- Bali to New York City: 1,100–1,700 USD
- Bali to Los Angeles: $1,000 to $1,400
- 700 to 1,000 AUD from Sydney to Bali
- 50,000 to 100,000 JPY from Tokyo to Bali
Prices typically increase during the busiest travel seasons or when reservations are made after the fact. The major holiday seasons in the UK, Europe (July-August), Australia (December-January), China (February), and Japan (April-May) should generally be avoided. If you book three to four months in advance and during the off-peak months (November to March), you might be able to locate a cheaper flight.
When is the ideal time of year to visit Bali?
Boats from Jukung Bali's Virgin Beach
Fortunately, September is shoulder season and the greatest time to scuba dive in Bali. The water temperature is roughly 27°C throughout that month, and the air temperature is often between 24 and 29°C. Above all, however, it is the height of Nusa Penida's Mola-Mola season.
Despite being in the midst of the rainy season, January is frequently regarded as the worst time of year to visit Bali; however, this is also the time when you can find the best airfare. When I went to Bali for the first time in January, it was mainly raining at night. Additionally, if you're on a tight budget, why not dive Bali? It's possible throughout the year, however there are strong currents in Nusa Penida during that time.
What kind of visa is required to enter Indonesia?
Offerings Temple of Balinese Bali's Tirta Empul Ubud
Finally, keep in mind that in order to travel to Bali, which is part of Indonesia, you will require both a passport and a visa. Verify that your passport will still be valid six months after the date of your return.
For 75 nations, the Southeast Asian nation currently provides a 30-day visa upon arrival that can be renewed for an additional 30-day period. It costs 500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about $30 USD/£26) to obtain a visa upon arrival.
The official Indonesian e-visa website now allows you to request and pay for an e-VOA (electronic visa on arrival) online. Usually granted almost instantly, you receive an email with a PDF and a QR code. The current cost of the e-visa (also known as B213), including costs, is 519,000 IDR. If you want to remain longer, you may now renew it online for the same rate.
Once you get past immigration, you'll probably notice a somewhat stalled crowd of people who are either waiting in line to use one of the few computers available or having trouble connecting their phones to the internet. Be advised that the customs form is now electronic as well, and you can prefill it here to ensure a seamless arrival. Therefore, before you take a plane to Indonesia, grab your QR code to make your life easier!
1. Before visiting Indonesia, make sure your vaccines are current.
Although Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccinations are frequently advised, there are no vaccination requirements for tourists to Bali (with the exception of those entering from nations with a high risk of yellow fever transmission). Bali is classified as having a "low to no risk" of malaria.
Although rabies kills fewer people in Bali than it does elsewhere (the World Health Organization reports that 11 people died from rabies in the first half of 2023), the disease is still a major concern in Indonesia, and the rabies vaccine is something to think about. It's largely up to you to decide what vaccinations you need for a trip to Bali, but if you're unsure, ask your local doctor for the most recent advice.
2. Bring a bottle that may be reused.
"Is Bali's tap water safe to drink?" is one of the most often asked queries by visitors. The simplest response is "no." Bring a bottle with an integrated water filtration membrane, or even better, stick to bottled water. We prefer reusable filtered water bottles like Larq and Lifestraw because buying bottled water, particularly in restaurants, can get pricey very quickly. These are also useful for purifying water that is used to wash fruits and vegetables. Additionally, clean your teeth with bottled water and avoid using ice.
The sunshine there contrasts with the massive, gloomy clouds out to sea. On the beach in the foreground is a small row boat.
The sunshine there contrasts with the massive, gloomy clouds out to sea. On the beach in the foreground is a small row boat.
3. The rainy season should not be dismissed.
Knowing roughly when the rainy and dry seasons occur is definitely helpful before traveling to Indonesia. But be patient with us—October through April, Bali's rainy season, is a fantastic time to go. Short, stinging rains that frequently last barely a few minutes are its defining characteristic. The island becomes gloriously lush, the weather is still mild (usually between 24°C/75°F and 29°C/85°F), the major tourist attractions are blissfully free of crowds, and prices for everything, including hotels and regional flights, fall precipitously. Additionally, it will be simpler to secure spots on excursions like guided hikes and snorkeling tours.
4. Purchase insect repellent.
To be fair, there isn't a significant mosquito problem in Bali. However, like all of Southeast Asia, these annoying insects like the occasional bloodsucking session, especially during the rainy season, which runs from November to April. Choose bug repellents made in Asia and buy your repellant in Bali to ease the financial burden. Soffell is one of the well-known (and somewhat less expensive) Asian brands available in Indonesia; if you can, try the unexpectedly pleasant floral-scented variety.
5. Steer clear of busy times when you're traveling.
Estimated travel times on apps like Google Maps or Grab are infamously inaccurate, and traffic in Bali can be terrible, particularly in the areas around Denpasar and Kuta. Peak hours are often from 6 to 8 a.m. (although traffic on the highways frequently stays heavy until 10 a.m. when day trippers leave) and from 4 to 7 p.m. Give yourself plenty of time to get from point A to point B, particularly if you're going to the airport.
6. When you're not at the beach, bring clothing that will keep you covered.
While scant swimwear is OK on Bali beaches, it is most definitely not appropriate for dining out or grocery shopping.
While most holy locations will have sarongs available for tourists to borrow, it is nevertheless important for both men and women to cover their shoulders and upper legs when they are there. Pack like an expert by bringing a pair of light cotton trousers (bonus points if they have an integrated mosquito repellent) and a light cotton scarf that can be used as a sarong if you're visiting a temple or other place of worship. These will keep you safe from bites and offer adequate coverage in places where vests or tiny denim shorts aren't appropriate.
7. Act with dignity
Bali is not a place where getting into trouble is simple, despite what some media accounts may suggest. In actuality, you simply need to be sensible: avoid using drugs (you will be imprisoned if you are found in possession of less than one gram of cannabis), show respect and dress appropriately at places of worship, avoid riding a motorcycle or moped without a helmet (Bali's police have recently begun to crack down especially hard on foreign moped drivers), and show consideration for locals.
8. People in the area will be eager to impart their knowledge to you.
Are you staying at a hotel with a helpful receptionist or a concierge? Ask them about the best restaurant, beach, or bar in the area. The Balinese are immensely proud of their island, so don't be shocked if the bartender at your favorite beach bar invites you to join them for dinner with their family. They also adore sharing their favorite beaches, temples, and nature walks with guests.
Support Bali's economy by dining at independent restaurants and ordering local food. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Ariani Tedjo
Support Bali's economy by dining at independent restaurants and ordering local food. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Ariani Tedjo
9. Stay, shop, eat, and drink locally
Go local whenever possible, whether that means choosing local beverage brands or dining at small, family-run eateries. In addition to enjoying delectable regional cuisine and saving money, you'll also be directly supporting the local economy. These days, online review services like Zomato, which are particularly well-liked in Asia, list even the smallest eateries, bars, and independent motels. A cursory look should reveal whether or not the establishment is trustworthy.
10. Keep some spare change on hand.
While many establishments in Bali accept credit or debit cards, many still only accept cash. These include beachside masseuses (who, incidentally, provide some of the best massages available), temples, and tiny souvenir shops. In addition to being few in some places, ATMs on the island can be faulty. Furthermore, don't count on having the mobile data required to reserve a ride-sharing taxi at all times. You'll probably have to pay with cash if you have to hail a taxi or tuk-tuk from the side of the road.
To minimize withdrawing fees, use ATMs affiliated with big banks (in Indonesia, these include BNI, Bank Mandiri, BCA, and CIMB Niaga). Keep in mind that Indonesian ATMs issue the cash first, so be patient while your card appears.
11. Use a moped to go around, but always wear a helmet.
Mopeds are the least expensive and frequently the fastest method to move around Bali, particularly in areas like Kuta during rush hour. The two well-known ride-sharing applications in Bali, Grab and Gojek, also provide them as a form of transportation, and the cost of trips on a moped is substantially less than that of trips by automobile. Just make sure you always wear a helmet (usually provided by the driver) and read the reviews of the driver you have selected. Don't hail a scooter taxi on the street because you can't verify their credentials and there isn't really a need for it because Grab and Gojek have so many scooter drivers (both of whom can be identified by their bright green jackets).
12. The law prohibits having sex before marriage.
The Indonesian government enacted a new rule that prohibits extramarital sex in December 2022. In theory, both natives and tourists are subject to this regulation.
It was stated at the time that the legislation would not be tabled until the end of 2025. Since then, Bali's governor has stated that tourists will not be subject to the regulation, which some newspapers have termed the "Bali bonk ban." Additionally, only spouses, parents, or children may report offending parties. In conclusion, although the law is concerning for Indonesia's human rights, it is unlikely to have an impact on visitors.
13. Get ready to pay the tourist fee every day.
Authorities have now implemented a long-planned tax for international tourists as of February 2024 in response to environmental issues (particularly plastic waste on beaches) and overtourism concerns as tourism has exploded back following the epidemic. Upon arrival on the island, each tourist must pay a fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah, which is equivalent to $10, €9, or $15 USD. (*)
