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Travel in Bali: the complete practical guide

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Ideal for: CouplesSoloFamiliesOn a budget

Rice terraces surrounded by palm trees in Bali
Contents

In short: in Bali, choosing the area matters as much as the hotel: beaches and restaurants in Seminyak, surfing in Canggu, rice terraces and culture in Ubud. Sort out three things before you go: the e-visa on arrival (e-VOA), the All Indonesia arrival card and the Bali tourist levy.

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When to go to Bali

  • April to October: the dry season, the most pleasant and the busiest (especially July and August).
  • November to March: the rainy season, with showers often late in the day; quieter.

Entry requirements

  • Visa on arrival: many nationalities, including French citizens, can get it on arrival or, more simply, online before departure (e-VOA), at least 72 hours ahead; it allows a 30-day stay, extendable once.
  • All Indonesia arrival card: complete it online before arrival.
  • Bali tourist levy: IDR 150,000 per foreign visitor, paid on the official Love Bali platform.
  • Passport valid for at least six months.

Use only official Indonesian government websites.

Arriving and getting around

  • Denpasar airport is in the south of the island, near Kuta and Seminyak; Ubud is further inland.
  • Traffic is slow: allow time, and prefer a pre-booked driver or a ride-hailing app.
  • For nearby islands (Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands), fast boats leave from the coast.

Money, internet and practicalities

  • Currency: the Indonesian rupiah. Cash is widely used; cards are accepted in hotels and many restaurants.
  • Internet: install a travel eSIM before you leave.
  • Temples: covering clothes and a sarong are required.

What to see in Bali

  • Ubud: rice terraces, the Monkey Forest, temples and crafts.
  • Temples: Tanah Lot on its rock, Uluwatu above the ocean, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on its lake.
  • Beaches: Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Nusa Dua, Sanur.
  • And also: sunrise on Mount Batur, Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands.

Suggested itinerary

10 days: 4 days in Ubud and central Bali, 4 days on a southern beach (Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu), and a day on Nusa Penida.

Where to stay

Our Bali page compares the areas of the island for your travel style.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Bali?

Many nationalities, including French citizens, can get a visa on arrival, ideally online before departure (e-VOA, at least 72 hours ahead), for a 30-day stay extendable once. You must also complete the All Indonesia arrival card and pay the Bali tourist levy.

What is the Bali tourist levy?

A levy of IDR 150,000 per foreign visitor, children included, paid once per trip on the official Love Bali platform.

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