The BEST Bali Travel Guide for First Timers

Lush green jungle, clear blue water, picturesque sunsets, and some of the friendliest people… who wouldn’t want to visit Bali? If you’re looking to cross this incredible trip off your bucket list, here is the BEST Bali travel guide for first timers. This Bali travel guide is filled will all of the things I wish I knew before going to Bali for the first time!

While planning my first trip to Bali, I felt so overwhelmed by all of the information and all of the different resources I needed to use to plan the trip: the itinerary to getting around to figuring out what to pack and how to stay healthy! But visiting Bali changed my life; it made me want to explore even more of the world, experience cultures that are totally different from my own, and prioritize more travel in my life…

I want to make sure your planning process goes much smoother, which is exactly why I created this comprehensive Bali Travel Guide for First Timers to be your one-stop-shop for planning and preparing for the most amazing trip!

Visiting Bali as a First Timer

I don’t say this lightly when I tell you that visiting Bali changed my life. This was my first experience in Southeast Asia, and it was the BEST first impression of the region!

There is something for everyone on this beautiful island:

• Jungles and waterfalls for land-based adventures
• Scuba diving and surfing if you prefer your adventures on the water
• Temples and yoga retreats for those looking for a mind & body experience
• Wild pool parties if you’re searching for somewhere to let loose
• Digital Nomad hubs that have all the Western comforts
• Rural towns where you can really dive deep into the culture

Whatever you’re hoping to find, you’ll be able to find it here.

What you need to know BEFORE going to Bali for the First Time

Entry Requirements for Bali

The main thing to know as a US citizen is that you will need a Visa to enter Indonesia. If you are staying fewer than 30 days, you’ll need the Visa On Arrival (VOA). I got this once I landed in Bali, but you can also get the e-VOA in advance if you prefer to skip the lines. The cost for the VOA is 500K IDR (~$30 USD at the time of writing).

Visit the Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date entry requirements, as well as information on what to do if you plan on staying in Indonesia for longer than 30 days.

Health & Safety in Bali

As always when traveling, you’ll want to make sure that you are staying healthy and safe. Here are a few things that can help give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip so much more!

Vaccines

Before visiting Bali, check with your medical provider to see which vaccines they recommend based on the specific areas you are staying. They should pull information from the CDC page on Indonesia and compare it to your travel plans to be able to tell you which vaccines you’ll need to get on top of your routine vaccinations.

I went with a friend and we were given slightly different recommendations based on our risk tolerance; however, the two we were both recommended were the Japanese Encephalitis and Typhoid vaccines.

Mosquito-Transmitted Illnesses

Depending on current transmission areas and your travel plans, you may or may not need to take an anti-malarial medication. When we travelled to Indonesia, we only needed to take this due to our travels outside of Bali to Komodo National Park.

Regardless of whether or not you’ll need to take an anti-malarial, you’ll want to protect yourself from mosquito and bug bites. Some easy ways to do this:

• Opt to wear long sleeves and pants when possible – linen and cotton are best for breathability
• Treat clothing with a permethrin spray prior to traveling
• Keep doors and windows closed unless they have screens & use a mosquito net when possible
• Use an insect repellent; this should be worn on top of any sunscreen you plan on wearing

Food & Water

You’ve probably heard of it, the dreaded “Bali Belly”… in reality, this is usually just a typical case of traveller’s diarrhea and you CAN prevent it by following some general guidelines:

• Don’t drink the tap water unless it has been pre-filtered
• Only drink ice manufactured from filtered water – these will typically have holes in the center of the cubes
• Wash your hands before EVERY meal
• If you have a sensitive stomach, you may want to avoid any fruits/vegetables that are washed in water before being served and only eat those that are peeled open
• I’ve personally found probiotics to really help prevent any digestive issues, but you should speak with your medical provider before starting any supplements

Travel Insurance

This is advice that isn’t specific just to Bali or Indonesia… if you are traveling anywhere outside of your medical insurance’s network, you’ll want to get travel insurance. I personally prefer having an annual insurance plan since I travel often, but there are also options that are trip-specific and prices vary based on the level of coverage that you want.

Cultural Differences

Religion

Hinduism has had a big impact on Balinese culture and as such there are a few things you’ll want to bear in mind:

• Watch your feet when walking, there are often offerings (bundles of leaves and flowers) on the sidewalk and you don’t want to step on them
• Remove your shoes; it’s common in many establishments and especially temples to remove your shoes when entering
• Dress modestly – especially if you plan on visiting a temple, cover your knees and shoulders.

Using the Bathroom

I never expected to be writing about how to use the bathroom… yet, here we are!

First timer’s guide to plumbing in Bali

As in many countries around the world, the plumbing in Bali is different than the plumbing we are used to in the US (and other Western countries); the system in Bali cannot handle large quantities of toilet paper. Therefore, you’ll often find a small trash can located next to the toilet. The expectation is that once you finish wiping, you’ll throw the paper into the trash rather than into the toilet – this prevents any clogs and flooding!

First timer’s guide to using a bidet in Bali

And now you’re probably wondering about the smell… well that’s where the bidet comes in! These are hoses with spray nozzles that are found near the toilets. When you’re done going #2, just spray yourself clean, wipe dry, and throw the paper in the trash; you should be good to go!

If you’re apprehensive, I suggest spraying the water into the toilet bowl first so you get an idea of how strong the water pressure is and then aim and clean. It really is a lot easier than you’d think, and truthfully once you’ve tried it, you’ll never feel clean without it.

Top Recommended Apps for First Timers in Bali

These are the apps I used almost every day during my trip to Bali

• Grab – this is the equivalent of Uber in the States. Use it for quick transportation around Bali.
• Airalo – this will help you stay connected on your trip as long as your phone is eSim-compatible
• Agoda & Booking – two great options for finding, reading reviews, and booking accommodations; I found Agoda to be a bit stronger in Indonesia
• Klook – great option for airport transfers
• 12Go – for booking any ferries to other islands

Planning Your Trip to Bali as a First Timer

Okay, so now that we have all the important but not-so-fun information out of the way, let’s dive into the exciting part… planning your first trip to Bali!

Getting to Bali

At the time of writing (Feb 2025), there are no direct flights from the United States to Bali (airport code: DPS). Common routings from the states typically connect through the Middle East, India, or South East Asia.

How much does the flight cost?

This will depend on your departure airport. From larger, hub airports on the East Coast of the US, expect to pay around $1,000 USD during Rainy season and upwards of $1,500 USD during the Dry season. From hub airports on the West Coast of the US, you can expect to pay a bit less: around $800 USD during rainy season and between $1,000-$1,500 USD in the dry season.

If you’re hoping to save some cash on the flight over – stay tuned for my post on how to get to Bali with points!

When to visit

Bali experiences two distinct seasons: Dry season and Rainy season.

Dry season is typically from April to October, and is the high season for tourism in Bali. The busiest months on the island are July and August. If you come during the dry season, you can expect temperatures from 80°-90°F with mostly sunny skies (though you may get an occasional rainstorm).

Rainy season runs from November through March. Temperatures are only slightly cooler than dry season (high 70°s to low 80°s F), with the key differentiator being…rain. Typically, this means heavier winds – great for surfers – and rain showers that last a few hours during the day. It’s rare that there are consecutive days of continuous rain pour, so you should still be able to enjoy your holiday during this season, just be aware that some years are worse than others – the 2024-2025 season has been particularly bad.

How long to spend in Bali for first timers

I went for two and a half weeks and wished I could stay longer, but felt like I was still able to get a well-rounded trip experience. If you’re short on time, I would say 10 days is probably the minimum time you would want so that you can enjoy 2-3 different areas of the island.

If you’re wanting to island hop, know that between the traffic conditions and ferry times, it can take upwards of half a day. Therefore, I would suggest 14 days if you’re wanting to explore other islands.

Where to stay in Bali

If you’re wondering where to visit in Bali and what you can expect from each location, here is a quick summary for each of the best places to visit in Bali for first timers:

Uluwatu – laid back, chill beach vibes and cool cafes; this a perfect spot to get rid of jet lag, spend early mornings surfing, days in coffeeshops, and evenings watching the sun set on the beach.

Ubud – This is considered to be the cultural hub of Bali, or at least it has been in the past. It’s a very common digital nomad hub & tourist spot, so it’s definitely become more Westernized with those populations.

Canguu & Seminyak – a popular tourist stop for pool parties, stunning beaches, and nightlife.

Amed – this is a scuba diver’s heaven! If you like shore dives, muck dive, and wrecks, you’ll want to check out Amed!

North Bali – If you’re looking to escape the crowds and explore nature and a more rural Bali, this is the place for you!

Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida – great landscapes filled with cliffs and stunning blue water plus some of the best diving and snorkeling spots.

Gili Islands – These are technically part of Lombok, but are only about 2 hours by ferry from Bali and a common stop on a Bali itinerary. There are 3 different islands depending on your vibe: Gili T is known to be more party and social oriented; Gili Air is a more relaxed and chilled out island; Gili Meno is very secluded, private, and known as the “honeymooners” island.

Deep dive posts for these areas coming soon – stay tuned!

General Itinerary for your First Time in Bali

With two weeks in Bali, here is what I would consider the IDEAL itinerary for a good mix of culture, adventure, and beach time. There are so many options and places to go in Bali, but this itinerary will give you a well-rounded experience and leaves time for you to choose your own adventure depending on your interests:

This general plan should give you a good idea of what Bali is like; for the remaining 6 days, you could choose to extend your time in the spots above or pick 1-2 of the below places for something new:

I’ll be sharing an entire, detailed post with what I think is the IDEAL Bali itinerary for first timers soon, so if you want to take all of the thinking out of your trip plan, make sure to come back for that!

What to do in Bali as a First Timer

Be in nature

If you enjoy hiking through the jungle or over volcanoes, jumping into waterfalls, and being outdoors, Bali has so many options for you! These activities tend to be more focused in Central and North Bali so I would definitely plan to spend some in Ubud or Munduk if this speaks to you!

Explore your spiritual side

There are so many temples around Bali. Check out the one in Uluwatu to see a traditional Kecak – fire – dance or visit the water temple (Tirta Gangga) to see the cleansing ritual… or maybe experience it for yourself!

Kick back by the beach

If you’re coming to Bali, you’re probably excited to enjoy some island life, right? Grab a surf board or a bean bag depending on your mood and enjoy the incredible beaches Bali has to offer!

Dive into the water

Part of what made Bali so magical to me was experiencing all of the vibrant & colorful marine life. I highly recommend that anyone coming here try a snorkel tour or do some scuba diving. If you’ve never scuba’d before and you have the time, this could be a great opportunity to get a certification!

Get to know the local culture

We’ve all seen them, the photos of iconic rice terraces. Get out of the cities and see why the Balinese view the rice fields as a symbol of life. It’s really incredible to walk along the terraces and experience them for yourself.

What to do if you have more time to explore in and around Bali

Lombok

If you’re looking for an experience that’s a bit more off-the-beaten path, but still close to Bali, Lombok is a great option! Surf hostels and camps are popular here, as is attending yoga retreats, hiking Mt. Rinjani, taking scooter tours through the countryside, and experiencing the marine life. You can get here in about 2 hours from Bali by taking a fast boat.

Komodo

This was one of the highlights of my first trip to Indonesia and I’m so glad I added it onto my Bali itinerary. Komodo National Park is the only place in the world you can see Komodo Dragons – the largest lizards in the world. It also has extremely abundant marine life – with an estimated 1,000 species of fish and over 260 species of coral! From Bali, you can take a direct, 2hr flight or you can hop on a one-way boat tour which will take about 4 days.

Other Things to Know for Your First Trip to Bali

Here are some other key pieces of information and Bali tips for your first time:

How to get around Bali

Ok, by now you’re probably wondering, “how do I get to everything in Bali”. And there are a couple of different options depending on where you are trying to go. I’ll explain below:

By Scooter

This option is best for quick drives (less than one hour) and when you don’t have a lot of luggage with you. This was my preferred method of transport because it’s both a thrill and typically the fastest method to get to places since you’re able to weave between traffic.

Renting it yourself

If you know how to drive a scooter already, renting it should be no problem. There are just a few things you want to be aware of:

• Driving is done one the left side of the road; you’ll want to make sure you’re paying extra attention to the rules of the road.
• Traffic is BAD, especially in the more touristy areas like Ubud and Canggu. If you are a beginner driver, I would NOT recommend learning here.
• You’ll need an International Drivers Permit which you can get from AAA if you’re based in the US.
• Always wear a helmet – it’s all too common to hear about motorbike accidents in Bali and you want to be protected if something happens!

I’m planning an entire post with all the details you need if you plan to rent a scooter, stay tuned!

Grab

Do yourself a favor and download the Grab app now if you’re planning a trip to Bali (or really any place in South East Asia)! The Grab app is equivalent to Uber in the US and will give you options for ride share, food delivery, and so much more!

For transportation purposes though, you can hire a Grab Bike via the app. You’ll be assigned a driver and you just hop on the back. I found most the drivers I rode with had a spare helmet to give me when I asked, but there were a couple who didn’t. In that case, they offered me their helmet – it’s up to you whether you feel comfortable taking it, hopping on without one, or cancelling and waiting for another driver.

Something you’ll want to keep in mind is that Grab scooter drivers may not want to travel very far (I’d say about 30 minutes one way) and just because you can find a driver to take you somewhere, doesn’t mean you’ll be able to find one to get you back. In these instances, you’ll want to either have your own scooter or hire a private driver.

By Car

Grab

Through the Grab app you can also select to have a car pick up. These are great when you are traveling longer distances or if you happen to have luggage with you as they can throw it in the trunk.

Klook

I used this website/app specifically for airport transfers. It was really easy, both for getting to your accommodation from the airport and getting back to the airport when it’s time to go. I believe I booked my airport pickup a couple weeks in advance and my airport drop-off the night before.

Private Driver

If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself on a scooter and want to do longer trips or have an entire day’s worth of stops, you can rent a private driver & car. Typically, you can create your own itinerary and you can pay either by the hour of by a set number of hours depending on the driver.

While you will be sitting in more traffic than on a scooter, you’ll have A/C on your drives, know you have a way back, and can relax in between stops!

By Ferry

We used ferries to get to Nusa Lembongan and the Gili Islands. The scuba shops we dove with booked these for us, but if you’re booking for yourself, 12go is a great search and booking site.

How Budget for Your First Trip to Bali

It’s always good to have an idea of expenses when going on a trip, and the good news is that Bali and Indonesia are pretty affordable destinations. Let’s get into the details!

What Currency is Used in Bali?

The currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). At the time of writing, 160,000 IDR is about $10 USD.

Cost per day

Costs per day will depend on your personal travel style. When my friend and I went, we:

• stayed in mid-range hotels
• ate mostly local, but ordered a lot of food for each meal, and splurged on Western food a few times
• had 5 days of scuba diving
• flew to and went on a multi-day bat tour through Komodo National Park
• travelled by a rented scooter or Grab scooters except when transferring accommodations or to/from the airport

Our average cost per day, per person was about ~$100. If you’re on a tight budget, you could definitely make this cost go down by taking out some of the bigger expenses (scuba diving and the Komodo boat tour), as well as, staying in hostels and prioritizing local foods.

Using Cash vs Credit Card

Like many places in South East Asia, we found that cash was king in Indonesia. While we were able to pay by card in most restaurants, warungs (local resturaunts), tours, and accommodations, most had an additional surcharge of 3-5% on top of the cash price for using a card.

Also, several places we went – such as local warungs and beaches or viewpoints with entrance fees – only accepted cash payments, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough on you each day.

If and when you do pay with card, make sure you have a card that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees (typically an ~3% fee that your bank charges you for the conversion). If you have a card without foreign transaction fees, you’ll want to pay in the local currency (IDR) so that your bank determines your conversion rate rather than the establishment you’re visiting.

Where to get cash

I found the best way to get cash while in Bali was to use the ATMs around the island. You’ll want to have a card that refunds ATM fees (I use the Fidelity Cash Management debit card for this) so you don’t have to worry about additional surcharges each time you withdraw.

You’ll also want to make sure to decline the conversion rate at the ATM. This means that you’ll pay the true conversion rate determined by your bank rather than the (usually) inflated conversion rate being charged by the ATM.

Packing List for Bali

Here is a list of things that I used frequently while in Bali:

Full, detailed list of my packing recommendations coming soon!

FAQs

I’d love to hear from you! Did you find this Bali Travel Guide for First Timers helpful? What other questions do you have for your first trip to Bali? Leave me a comment 🙂