As you may have already seen on Instagram, TikTok and your friends’ Snapchat stories, Bali has the most picturesque beaches, amazing diving opportunities, unique temples and insane nightlife. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or the life and soul of the party, this affordable island has something for everyone and is a backpacker’s paradise. Read on for our ultimate first time guide to Bali.
Rice Terrace Fields, Tegallalang, Ubud
A 20 minutes’ drive north of Ubud is one of the most Instagramable spots in Bali and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walk through the Rice Terrace Fields and get to know the local farmers. You may take a photo on the iconic (also terrifying) swing with the most spectacular backdrop of the Rice Terrace Fields and afterwards, take a dip in the infinity pool with a cocktail in hand.
Top tip: Arrive early to avoid the queues and for a peaceful experience.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
Located in the heart of Ubud, the Sacred Monkey Forest is well worth a visit. Here you will have an unforgettable experience meeting monkeys up close and even get a chance to take a selfie with one (a photo that’s sure to get you a lot of likes!).
Top tip: Always avoid eye contact with the monkeys as it’s a signal of threat – and I suggest you avoid the place entirely if you’re scared of monkeys!
Experience a massage or a spa day
Bali is known as an island of retreat and what could be better than a Balinese massage? And yes, you can do this if you’re on a budget… it will be approximately £20 and you will be pampered from head to toe.
Top tip: Give the masseuse a tip afterwards if you’re feeling generous; RP 10,000 to RP 20,000 is recommended.
Climb Mount Batur at sunrise
Again, another one for the Instagram… an invigorating two hour hike to the summit of Mount Batur for a sunrise panoramic video. Absorb the breathtaking views with your fellow backpackers and afterwards tick ‘hiked a live volcano’ off your bucket list.
Top tip: Take layers. Despite being in Bali, it can be cold up at the summit.
Explore Ubud
Exploring the spiritual town Ubud itself is a must. Here you can experience true Bali culture where you will find historic temples, magnificent markets, yoga studios and wonderful waterfalls. Ubud Is also the best place in Bali to take a cooking class, with many local farms in the surrounding region.
Top Tip: Stay in Ubud (or nearby) for at least three nights.
Take a day trip to Nusa Penida
For breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, turquoise waters and beautiful beaches, take a 40 minute boat ride from Bali’s main port in the south, Sanur, to Nusa Penida. You can either do a day trip or stay for a few nights to explore the untouched island properly. Nusa Penida also has the best diving spots to see spectacular reefs - which you can organise whilst you’re there or in advance. The best diving season is from May to November and the best time to see Manta Rays is April to May. You are also more likely to see the famous Mola Mola from August to October.
Watch the sunset on Seminyak Beach
After a busy day of exploring, relax on Seminyak Beach with a fresh coconut or a cocktail. In the early evening, Head down to the beach to secure a comfy colourful bean bag and wait patiently for the golden hour. You can also horse ride on the beach with a spectacular sunset backdrop.
Take a yoga or surfing class
Bali is famous for both yoga and surfing retreats, and it’s definitely worth giving one a go whilst you’re there to complete your Bali trip. You can find many yoga studios hidden on the streets or ask your hotel or hostel for recommendations.
Top tip: Head to Uluwatu for the best spots for surfing.
Day 1 - 2: Seminyak
Day 2 – 4: Canggu
Day 4 – 6: Ubud
Day 6 – 8: Nusa Dua or Uluwatu
Day 8 – 10: Nusa Islands
• Sort your visa before arriving in Bali to avoid having to queue when you arrive (not what you want after a long flight!).
• Bring sun cream and bug spray with you. Despite everything else being a lot cheaper than the UK, sun cream is not!
• Get a eSim for your phone before you travel (you might be overcharged once you’re over there, especially at the airport).
• Download the Grab app to travel around (it’s their version of Uber). You can also book motorbike taxis through Grab which are a lot better for avoiding traffic.
• Cards are widely accepted but it’s good to have cash on you and try not to use ATM’s too much to avoid unnecessary charges.
• Avoid drinking the tap water at all costs.
• Pack appropriately for hot (and rainy) weather depending on when you are visiting. Bali’s wet season is November to March and dry season is April to October.
Bali is great all year round however, the monsoon season is November to March. This doesn’t mean you should avoid Bali during this time of year as the rain will only last a few hours a day at most. If anything, some prefer the cooler temperatures to explore the island.
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Cari Davies
Content Executive
Cari is a Product Assistant based in our Kensington head office. Cari has worked at TF since 2023 and has travelled to 31 countries. Her favourite destinations include Singapore, South Africa and Australia.
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