This Bali travel guide covers a first trip to Indonesia's 'Island of the Gods' — a Hindu-majority island of green rice terraces, colourful temple ceremonies, surf beaches and volcano sunrises. Most visitors split their time between the cultural heart of Ubud and a beach area in the south. From Pakistan, flights connect through Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or the Gulf and take about 11–14 hours.
The dry season from April to October is the best time to visit, with sunny days around 30 °C. The wet season (November to March) brings heavy tropical showers, usually in the afternoon, and lusher landscapes with fewer crowds outside the holidays.
Getting into Bali
International flights land at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) near Denpasar, about 20–40 minutes from Kuta, Seminyak and Nusa Dua and 60–90 minutes from Ubud. There is no airport train, so most visitors use the fixed-price taxi counter, a ride-hailing app (from the designated pickup area) or a hotel transfer.
Many nationalities, including Germans, can buy an electronic visa on arrival online before travel (about IDR 500,000 for 30 days). Pakistani passport holders need to apply for an Indonesian e-visa in advance. All international visitors also pay the Bali tourist levy (about IDR 150,000) online and complete an electronic arrival declaration — always confirm current rules on official Indonesian sources.
| From DPS airport | Time | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-price airport taxi to Seminyak | 30–60 min | IDR 200,000–300,000 |
| Fixed-price airport taxi to Ubud | 60–90 min | IDR 350,000–500,000 |
| Ride-hailing app (pickup zone) | 30–90 min | IDR 150,000–400,000 |
| Hotel transfer | 30–90 min | IDR 250,000–600,000 |
Top places to visit in Bali
Bali is bigger than it looks — group sights by area and hire a driver for full-day trips. Wear a sarong and sash at temples (usually lent at the entrance).
Iconic terraced fields near Ubud; Jatiluwih is a quieter UNESCO-listed landscape further west.
2–3 hours · small feeA jungle sanctuary with temples and hundreds of long-tailed macaques — keep bags closed.
1–2 hours · about IDR 100,000A clifftop temple above the ocean with a fire dance at sunset.
3 hours · about IDR 150,000 + showA sea temple on a rock, spectacular at sunset and low tide.
2 hoursA beautiful lake temple in the cool highlands of Bedugul.
1–2 hoursA holy spring water temple where locals bathe in purification pools.
1 hourA guided pre-dawn hike to watch sunrise over the volcano and lake.
Half day · from 3 amDramatic cliffs and beaches such as Kelingking, a fast-boat ride from Sanur.
Full dayFood to try in Bali
Try nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), sate lilit (minced fish satay), nasi campur (rice with mixed dishes) and gado-gado salad with peanut sauce, plus fresh tropical fruit and coconuts. Local warungs serve filling meals for IDR 30,000–70,000; cafés and restaurants charge IDR 100,000–300,000 per person.
Bali is mainly Hindu and some dishes, such as babi guling, contain pork. Halal food is still easy to find: look for the halal logo or Javanese 'Muslim' warungs, which are common in Denpasar, Kuta and near mosques, and many international restaurants offer halal chicken and seafood. Drink bottled or filtered water.
Getting around: public and private transport
Public transport is very limited, so most visitors hire a private car with driver for the day (about IDR 600,000–900,000 including fuel) — the most comfortable way to combine temples, rice terraces and waterfalls. Ride-hailing apps work in most towns, though some areas restrict pickups, and metered blue taxis operate in the south.
Renting a scooter is popular but risky: roads are busy, and you need an international driving permit with a motorbike licence. Fast boats connect Sanur and Padang Bai with Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands.
Safety and local tips
Bali is friendly and generally safe. The main risks are road traffic, strong ocean currents (swim only between the red-and-yellow flags), sunburn and upset stomachs. Watch your belongings around monkeys, use authorised money changers with clear rates, and keep your passport in the hotel safe.
Show respect at temples and ceremonies: cover shoulders and knees, don't step on offerings, and never climb shrines. The emergency number is 112. Plugs are types C and F (230 V), cash is still common in warungs, and tipping 5–10% is appreciated.
Where to stay in Bali
Most visitors split their stay: a few nights in Ubud and a few by the beach.
Culture, rice fields, yoga and jungle villas in the island's centre.
Budget to luxuryBeach clubs, cafés, surfing and shopping.
Mid to highCalm beaches and resorts — ideal for families.
Mid to luxuryClifftop hotels, surf breaks and sunset views.
Mid to luxuryA 3-day plan for Bali
Day 1: Ubud — the Monkey Forest, Tegallalang rice terraces and Tirta Empul. Day 2: a sunrise trek on Mount Batur or a highland day to Ulun Danu Beratan and Jatiluwih. Day 3: the south coast — beach time in the morning, then Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak dance at sunset. With more time, add a day trip to Nusa Penida. Our full Bali guide has timings and prices.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Bali airport to Ubud?
Take a fixed-price airport taxi (about IDR 350,000–500,000), a ride-hailing app from the pickup zone, or a hotel transfer; the drive takes 60–90 minutes.
Is halal food available in Bali?
Yes. Look for halal logos or Muslim-run Javanese warungs, common in Denpasar and Kuta. Some Balinese dishes contain pork, so check before ordering.
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Many nationalities can buy an e-visa on arrival online; Pakistani passport holders need an Indonesian e-visa in advance. All visitors pay the Bali tourist levy online.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
April to October is the dry season with sunny weather; November to March is wetter but greener.
How many days do I need in Bali?
At least five to seven days to enjoy both Ubud and the beaches without rushing.
Prices and transport details were checked 8 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.