Reference photo coming soon
The “island of the gods”: rice terraces, temples among palms, surf and sunsets. Perfect to unwind and for couples.
If you like this destination, also see Thailand or Japan.
History and customs of Bali (Indonesia)
Bali is mostly Hindu in a Muslim-majority country. Offerings (canang sari) are left daily at homes, temples and in the street.
The island absorbed Javanese Hindu influence when the Java kingdoms fell to Islam around the 16th century. The Dutch arrived in the 19th century, and Bali became part of Indonesia, independent since 1945.
Bombings in 2002 and 2005 hit the island, and tourism recovered. Covid halted it in 2020, and today Bali again welcomes millions, with traffic and waste problems.
Daily offerings (canang sari) should not be stepped on. Temples require a sarong and sash, and on Nyepi, the Day of Silence, the whole island comes to a halt.
Typical food in Bali (Indonesia)
Balinese cooking relies on a spice paste called “base genep”. Babi guling, roast stuffed pig, was made for ceremonies and is now a star dish in Ubud.
- Nasi goreng – fried rice
- Chicken satay
- Babi guling – roast pork
What to eat in each city of Bali (Indonesia)
- Ubud – bebek betutu (spiced duck
- Denpasar – nasi campur at warungs
- Jimbaran – grilled seafood on the beach
Regional dishes in Bali (Indonesia)
- Ubud – lawar and sate lilit
- Sanur – fresh fish at warungs
- Lombok, neighbouring island – spicy ayam taliwang
Iconic places in Bali (Indonesia)
Tanah Lot is a temple on a rock by the sea and Uluwatu another on clifftops. The Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud are famous for their stepped fields.
Near Ubud are the Monkey Forest and Tirta Empul temple, known for its holy spring water. In the east, Mount Batur offers sunrise hikes and Besakih is the island’s most important temple.
1. Ubud – rice fields and temples
2. Uluwatu – cliffs and surf
3. Nusa Penida – wild beaches
4. Lempuyang – the “Gateway of Heaven” with views of Mount Agung
5. Sidemen – a quiet rice valley off the tourist trail
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Bali (Indonesia)
✅ Best time. Apr–Oct: dry season, calm seas and good surf on the west coast.
⚠️ Worst time. Nov–Mar: rain and humidity, heaviest in January and February, but fewer crowds and lower prices.
How much does it cost to travel to Bali (Indonesia)
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $22 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $55 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $176 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $4–$13 |
| Street food (per person) | $1–$3 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: Bali reference ≈ $50 per night (Oysterlink, 2025). Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.