Once the Bali feeling has grabbed you, it will never let you go. Are you flying to Bali for the first time or are you already a real professional when it comes to the Indonesian island? I have summarized all important information for you. Here comes mine Bali guide ♡ From A to Z – Everything you need to know for your travels:
A: Foreign Office
On the website of the Federal Foreign Office you can find up-to-date information about warnings, entry requirements and other information about your trip to Indonesia.
A: Activities
Diving, surfing, water sports, island hopping, yoga, volcano trekking and exploring the jungle are just a few of the activities you can do in Bali. The island is so diverse. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple or as a family – plan enough time to discover the Balinese island.
B: Best travel time
The best time to travel to Bali is in the summer months. From June to September you can expect lots of sunshine and little rain. Of course, this is also the high season. Especially in August it is therefore usually very crowded on the island. However, the temperatures in Bali are mild to hot and humid all year round. The maximum daily temperatures are always between 30 and 32 degrees Celsius, regardless of the season. Therefore, you can also spend a beach holiday in Bali all year round. I was there at the end of October and also had a few rainy days.
C: Canggu
Canggu is one of the most popular surfing spots in Bali. There are good waves here all year round. The waves are small to medium-sized, so you can also start surfing here as a beginner. You can book surf courses directly on the beach. Surfboards are also rented there on an hourly basis. The two most famous stretches of beach are the Pantai (Indonesian for beach) Batu Bolong and the Old Mans Beach.
D: Denpasar
Denpasar is the largest city on the Indonesian island of Bali and Capital city the province of Bali in the south of the island. The population has increased significantly within 10 years, with 387,477 inhabitants in 2000 and 652,239 inhabitants in 2021.
E: food
You will find culinary highlights on every corner in Bali. There are countless restaurants and warungs (local gastronomy) where you can get dishes for a few euros. I especially loved the fresh fish. There is a large selection and whether you like it classic or want to try Balinese cuisine, there is something for everyone.
Q: Flight
It is advisable to book the flight relatively early. In the short term it is usually always expensive. There are a few airlines to choose from: Emirates, Singapore Airline, Qatar, etc. If you want to save, try to schedule your flights on a weekday or outside of the holidays.
G: Gili Islands
Even if the Gili Islands do not belong to Bali but to Lombok, they are an integral part of the itinerary for many holidaymakers. Classic picture-book beaches with white sandy beaches and turquoise-blue water await you here. On the beaches you will find many hammocks and beanbags and, above all, you will meet many backpackers. The Gili Islands are also ideal for diving and snorkeling.
We were very lucky to see turtles live in the sea. Gili Trawangan By the way, is the largest of the three Gili Islands in the north-west of Lombok. next to it Gili Meno, the smallest of the three islands. And then there is Gili Air. More about the Gili Islands can be found here.
H: Hotel
If you are planning a self-organized trip, Bali offers you a wide range of hotels, AirBnb and hostels. Of course, you can also find the large, luxurious hotels in Bali. There are some 4 and 5 star hotels that are definitely worth the price.
H: Honeymoon
More and more newlyweds are going for a beach wedding or for the Honeymoon to Bali. The island is incredibly diverse and diverse, so there is something for every couple. There are few honeymoon destinations that have one like this wide range of “romantic” activities and stunning accommodations to a manageable price offer. Above all, romantic sunset walks on the beach, relaxing massages and luxurious accommodation coupled with the exciting culture and breathtaking scenery make the island an ideal honeymoon destination.
I: Vaccinations
Since there are also some risks of illness in Bali, the topic of vaccinations is also important. In addition to the standard vaccinations (including tetanus and diphtheria), vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, rabies, typhoid and Japanese encephalitis are recommended. It is therefore best to consult a doctor before boarding a plane. This can be, for example, your family doctor or the health department.
I: Indonesia
Indonesia is an island country in Southeast Asia. With over 274 million inhabitants Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world as well as the world’s largest island nation. Indonesia is also the country with the largest number of Muslims in the world and is mostly on the Asian continent, but its land on the island of New Guinea is on the Australian continent.
M: mosquito repellent
Since there is not a vaccination for all diseases, good mosquito protection is very important for your holiday. Because mosquitoes are unfortunately often the reason for diseases. You should protect yourself well against mosquito bites, especially in the evening and at dusk. You can find my recommendation here.
R: rice terraces
The rice terraces of Bali are architectural masterpieces and characterize the lush green landscape of the island. No other landscape is considered more typical of Bali than the rice terraces. Especially in the hinterland of Ubud – the cultural and spiritual center of Bali – the huge rice fields glowing in all colors of green can be found everywhere.
R: round trip
Since Bali has so much to offer, most holidaymakers make a round trip. Here you will actually experience Bali from the most beautiful side and get unforgettable impressions. While the south of the island is comparatively quite touristy, you will still experience the original Bali, especially in the west and north. Tourism has hardly gained a foothold here so far and you will be greeted with all the more warmth from the locals. Our return was: Seminyak – Ubud – Gili Trawangan – Seminyak
R: Roller
No matter where you are in Bali, scooters are everywhere. There are therefore significantly more scooters on the streets than cars. However, if you want to drive a scooter yourself, you need an international driving license. You can apply for this at the Road Traffic Office before your trip. I’ve often heard that the Balinese police like to stop tourists and collect them properly. And don’t forget: In Bali, traffic drives on the left.
S: Security
When traveling, safety is of course always an important issue. Since Bali is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are unfortunately some sources of danger here. Potential earthquakes and an impending volcanic eruption scared travelers in 2017 and 2018. However, nothing happened, so there have been no travel warnings from the Federal Foreign Office for Bali in recent years.
However, there is an ever-present danger from mosquito bites. The stings, which initially appear harmless, can actually cause serious illnesses such as dengue fever. Therefore, a good mosquito repellent is the be-all and end-all for your travel safety. In addition, you should definitely wear a helmet in traffic if you are traveling by scooter. Many Balinese don’t take the obligation to wear helmets very seriously, which unfortunately tempts more and more holidaymakers to do without helmets. For your safety, however, please do not follow this trend.
S: Seminyak
The town of Seminyak is located right on the beach in Bali. Seminyak in Bali has become a trendy and hip destination. There are great restaurants, plenty of good upscale accommodation and excellent shopping.
T: Pack your bag
An important question that arises before your vacation is of course your luggage. What should you put in your suitcase or backpack? I put together a detailed packing list for your summer vacation. You can print them out directly.
T: Taxi
Since taxi rides are very cheap in comparison, many holidaymakers use the taxi. If you are planning a day trip, a private driver is usually even cheaper than a taxi ride. There are booths on every corner where you can book drivers. Don’t forget to bargain, the prices are usually higher.
T: Temple
Bali is also often called the island of a thousand temples. No wonder, because it is estimated that the island is actually home to over 20,000 temples. How come? First of all, each family or house has its own house temple. Then there in every village again at least three temples, each with a different task. These temples are each dedicated to one of the three main gods: Brahma (god of creation), Vishnu (god of preservation) and Shiwa (god of destruction).
U: Ubud
Meanwhile, Ubud has become one of the most famous places on the whole island. Because many travelers like it here even better than by the sea. In Ubud you will find a lot of green nature. There are many rice fields and you are in the middle of the jungle. Ubud is also the spiritual heart of Bali. Here are the most temples and spiritual ceremonies that you can attend. A detailed Ubud Guide is available here.
U: time
In Bali there is no changeover to summer or winter time. Therefore, the time difference is slightly different depending on the season. Compared to Germany, Austria or Switzerland, Indonesia is either 6 or 7 hours ahead of time.
V: volcano
In Bali you can find with the Gunung (Indonesian for mountain/volcano) agung and the Gunung Batur two large, still active volcanoes. Gunung Agung in particular has attracted attention since September 2017 due to its high level of activity.
W: currency
In Bali you also pay Indonesian rupiah (IDR). You can either get this at your bank at home, exchange it at local exchange offices or withdraw it from an ATM. You will get the best exchange rate if you withdraw money from the ATM on site.
W: Waterfalls
Waterfalls are plentiful in Bali, and new cascading waters are discovered by travelers every day. Especially in the rainy season, these can be enjoyed in all their glory. Most of these are in the mountainous north of Bali. Visiting them often requires a longer journey and sometimes a longer hike.
Z: stopover
When you fly to Bali, you always have to plan a stopover en route. Because the way from Germany is long. Depending on where you start, you can travel up to 11,750 kilometers by plane. If things go well, you can arrive in Bali in 16 to 17 hours including layover. Then you are lucky and only have to “change” briefly at an airport.
Most flights have a stopover in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong.
