Bali Travel Guide
Top cities to visit
Ubud
Nestled among rice fields and jungle, Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart. It is home to several ancient temples, including the famous Tirta Empul; vibrant artisan markets; and the Monkey Forest that over 600 macaques inhabit. Ubud is a place where nature and spirituality deeply intertwine.
Denpasar
Denpasar, Bali’s vibrant capital, is home to the Pura Agung Jagatnatha temple, the Bali Museum, and the bustling Badung Market. With its beaches, sculptures, cultural performances, and local cuisine, Denpasar offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Balinese life.
Seminyak
A chic beach resort town on Bali’s southwest coast, Seminyak captivates with its lively beach, perfect for surfing and sunset watching. Elegant boutiques, luxurious spas, gourmet restaurants, and trendy nightclubs make it a popular destination for those seeking sophistication and vibrant nightlife.
Candidasa
Located on Bali’s east coast, Candidasa is a peaceful coastal town renowned for its palm-fringed beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Far from the crowds, it invites you to dive into crystal-clear waters and explore nearby villages as well as the majestic sites of Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung.
Pemuteran
Pemuteran is a peaceful coastal village in northwest Bali, a true paradise for snorkeling lovers thanks to its pristine coral reefs, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. With its volcanic beaches, sacred temples, scenic mountains, and dreamy sunsets, Pemuteran is an unforgettable escape.Ubud
Nestled among rice fields and jungle, Ubud is Bali’s cultural heart. It is home to several ancient temples, including the famous Tirta Empul; vibrant artisan markets; and the Monkey Forest that over 600 macaques inhabit. Ubud is a place where nature and spirituality deeply intertwine.Denpasar
Denpasar, Bali’s vibrant capital, is home to the Pura Agung Jagatnatha temple, the Bali Museum, and the bustling Badung Market. With its beaches, sculptures, cultural performances, and local cuisine, Denpasar offers visitors an authentic glimpse into Balinese life.Seminyak
A chic beach resort town on Bali’s southwest coast, Seminyak captivates with its lively beach, perfect for surfing and sunset watching. Elegant boutiques, luxurious spas, gourmet restaurants, and trendy nightclubs make it a popular destination for those seeking sophistication and vibrant nightlife.Candidasa
Located on Bali’s east coast, Candidasa is a peaceful coastal town renowned for its palm-fringed beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Far from the crowds, it invites you to dive into crystal-clear waters and explore nearby villages as well as the majestic sites of Tirta Gangga and Taman Ujung.Pemuteran
Pemuteran is a peaceful coastal village in northwest Bali, a true paradise for snorkeling lovers thanks to its pristine coral reefs, turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. With its volcanic beaches, sacred temples, scenic mountains, and dreamy sunsets, Pemuteran is an unforgettable escape.
Useful information
Official language(s)
Indonesian is the country’s official language, while locals also commonly speak Balinese.
English is widely understood in tourist areas.
Flight duration
Direct flight: There are no direct flights to Bali from Quebec.
Connecting flight: 22h to 30h (depending on connection times)
Time zone difference
Bali time zone: UTC+8
13h ahead of Quebec (EST)
12h ahead of Quebec (EDT)
Currency
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
Hotels, upscale restaurants, and tourist shops accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Cash is essential for small local businesses, markets, local restaurants, and when visiting rural villages.
Tips
Tipping is not mandatory in Bali, but it is appreciated.
At restaurants, if a service charge is not included on the bill, leaving a 5%–10% tip is customary. For taxis, it is recommended to round up the fare. For guides, it is common to give around 5 CAD per day.
Safety
Travelers should stay vigilant in Bali. Pickpocketing and thefts from hotel rooms are common. It is best to keep valuables and cash in a securely closed bag worn in front of you. In hotel rooms, always use the safe provided.
Before any foreign trip, visit the Government of Canada’s Bali Travel Advice page to find out about the current situation in the country.
Top things to do and see
Climb Mount Batur, an active volcano, for unforgettable sunrise views.
Explore the pristine beaches of Lombok, a small island located on Bali’s east side.
Experience a traditional Barong dance performance.
Watch dolphins in their natural habitat in Lovina.
Treat yourself to a traditional Balinese massage.
Hidden gems to discover
Nusa Penida Island
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Bali, Nusa Penida is a wild, unspoiled island with breathtaking landscapes. Its dramatic cliffs, striking rock formations, and white-sand beaches make it a must-visit destination for snorkeling, diving, and unforgettable sunsets.
Tanjung Benoa Peninsula
Located in southeast Bali, the Tanjung Benoa Peninsula is known as the water sports hub. It is the perfect destination to try jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and more. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available for exploring the vibrant marine life below.
Banjar Hot Springs
Located near Lovina, the Banjar Hot Springs offer an authentic Balinese experience. Natural sulfur-rich hot springs flowing directly from the mountain feed these stone pools nestled in the jungle. A true spiritual haven for relaxation.
Sidemen Rice Terraces
Do not miss seeing Sidemen’s terraced rice fields, a hidden gem in eastern Bali. They offer spectacular landscapes and wonderful hiking opportunities. It is the perfect place for an authentic and warm experience, far from the crowds.
Nusa Penida Island
Just a 30-minute boat ride from Bali, Nusa Penida is a wild, unspoiled island with breathtaking landscapes. Its dramatic cliffs, striking rock formations, and white-sand beaches make it a must-visit destination for snorkeling, diving, and unforgettable sunsets.
Tanjung Benoa Peninsula
Located in southeast Bali, the Tanjung Benoa Peninsula is known as the water sports hub. It is the perfect destination to try jet skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and more. Glass-bottom boat tours are also available for exploring the vibrant marine life below.
Banjar Hot Springs
Located near Lovina, the Banjar Hot Springs offer an authentic Balinese experience. Natural sulfur-rich hot springs flowing directly from the mountain feed these stone pools nestled in the jungle. A true spiritual haven for relaxation.
Sidemen Rice Terraces
Do not miss seeing Sidemen’s terraced rice fields, a hidden gem in eastern Bali. They offer spectacular landscapes and wonderful hiking opportunities. It is the perfect place for an authentic and warm experience, far from the crowds.
Highlights
Warm and friendly hospitality of the Balinese people.
Some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world.
Spicy and aromatic cuisine, one of the world’s great gastronomies.
A surfing paradise for beginners and experts alike.
Keep in mind
Except for Nusa Dua and Pandawa Beach, some beaches may be poorly maintained. The most stunning ones are on Bali’s neighbouring island, Lombok.
ATMs in good working condition can be hard to find. Make sure to carry enough rupiah with you to avoid running out of cash.
Local food and gastronomy
Nasi campur
Nasi campur, which means “mixed rice” in Indonesian, is a traditional dish of white rice served with a variety of small side dishes. These can include chicken, pork, beef, sautéed vegetables, tofu, eggs, tempeh, and more. Most of the time, it is accompanied by sambal, for a flavourful kick.
Balinese Arak
Arak is a traditional Balinese spirit known for its strong, slightly smoky flavour. It is distilled from palm sap, rice, coconut, or sugarcane, and typically contains between 30% and 50% alcohol. This liquor is widely appreciated in religious ceremonies and local village life.
Kacang bali
Often enjoyed as a snack or with a drink, Kacang Bali offers a taste of authentic local flavour. It is a mix of roasted peanuts coated in salt, spices, or sugar. The flavour is uniquely balanced—savory, slightly sweet, and just a little spicy.
Dadar Gulung
Dadar gulung, a rolled green crêpe, is a traditional Balinese dessert. Its vibrant colour comes from pandan leaf extract, which adds a sweet, floral note to it. The crêpe is filled with caramelized palm sugar and grated coconut. A delicious treat that melts in your mouth.
Babi guling
Babi guling is one of Bali’s most iconic dishes prepared for special occasions. A whole suckling pig is stuffed with a blend of spices—turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and more—then slowly roasted on a spit. The crispy skin and tender meat are served with rice, vegetables, and spicy sambal.
Es campur
Es campur, a popular refreshing dessert in Indonesia, means “mixed ice.” It consists of shaved ice combined with various ingredients such as tropical fruits (mango, papaya, etc.), sweet syrup, coconut milk, colourful jellies, sweetened beans, and tapioca pearls.
Nasi campur
Nasi campur, which means “mixed rice” in Indonesian, is a traditional dish of white rice served with a variety of small side dishes. These can include chicken, pork, beef, sautéed vegetables, tofu, eggs, tempeh, and more. Most of the time, it is accompanied by sambal, for a flavourful kick.
Balinese Arak
Arak is a traditional Balinese spirit known for its strong, slightly smoky flavour. It is distilled from palm sap, rice, coconut, or sugarcane, and typically contains between 30% and 50% alcohol. This liquor is widely appreciated in religious ceremonies and local village life.
Kacang bali
Often enjoyed as a snack or with a drink, Kacang Bali offers a taste of authentic local flavour. It is a mix of roasted peanuts coated in salt, spices, or sugar. The flavour is uniquely balanced—savory, slightly sweet, and just a little spicy.
Dadar Gulung
Dadar gulung, a rolled green crêpe, is a traditional Balinese dessert. Its vibrant colour comes from pandan leaf extract, which adds a sweet, floral note to it. The crêpe is filled with caramelized palm sugar and grated coconut. A delicious treat that melts in your mouth.
Babi guling
Babi guling is one of Bali’s most iconic dishes prepared for special occasions. A whole suckling pig is stuffed with a blend of spices—turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and more—then slowly roasted on a spit. The crispy skin and tender meat are served with rice, vegetables, and spicy sambal.
Es campur
Es campur, a popular refreshing dessert in Indonesia, means “mixed ice.” It consists of shaved ice combined with various ingredients such as tropical fruits (mango, papaya, etc.), sweet syrup, coconut milk, colourful jellies, sweetened beans, and tapioca pearls.
Good to know
- To ensure a fair price, always ask your driver to calculate your taxi fare using the meter. Blue Bird’s blue taxis are reliable and affordable.
- Do not hesitate to bargain in Bali (starting offers at around 60% of the asking price), except in shopping malls, bars, or restaurants where prices are fixed.
- Sunscreen is very expensive in Bali. Stock up on several tubes before you leave.
What to bring back?
Balinese batik, a traditional handcrafted fabric.
A wayang puppet
A hand-carved wooden laughing buddha statue.
A kamasan object decorated using traditional craft techniques.
A handwoven rattan bag.
Frequently asked questions
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is sunny and warm, and there is low rainfall.
However, July and August are peak tourist months, meaning larger crowds and higher prices.
It is best to avoid the rainy season, from November to March, because frequent downpours can limit many activities.
In Bali, the most recommended and convenient way to travel between towns is by taxi. Renting a car is a good option for families and is ideal for exploring the countryside. However, traffic can be heavy, so drivers should rent a car only if they feel confident behind the wheel. An international driver’s licence is required, and it is important to make sure insurance is included with the rental. To reach nearby islands, fast ferries are a reliable and efficient option.
7 to 10 days.
This is the ideal amount of time to explore Bali’s beaches, rice terraces, and natural sites and to soak up the Balinese culture.
Bali Arts Festival, in Denpasar, held over an entire month in June and July. This vibrant event offers a unique opportunity to experience Balinese culture through music, performing arts, traditional dance, and local showcases.
Galungan and Kuningan, across the island, from late April to early May. It is one of Bali’s most sacred and spiritual celebrations. The island is beautifully decorated with penjor (curved bamboo poles), and offerings are placed in front of every home. Balinese people proudly wear traditional attire, temples come alive, and many dances and rituals are open to the public.
Getting ready for your trip
Travel Insurance
Travel in complete peace of mind.
Passport photos
Fast, compliant and guaranteed service.
International Driving Permit
Useful for driving abroad.
Visa
Online application service.
Country entry requirements
Double-check the rules before you travel.
Travel items
Suitcases, anti-theft bags, and more!
TripTik Travel Planner
Create your personalized travel itinerary.
Tourist documentation
Road guides and road maps.
These destinations could easily become your next favourites
The world is full of wonders waiting to be discovered. After exploring the beauty of Bali, let yourself be captivated by new places that promise unforgettable experiences.
