Bali has a reputation for good reason — dramatic clifftop temples, terraced rice fields, beaches for every mood, and a culture that's woven into daily life in a way that's genuinely felt rather than just observed. Here's what to know before you go.
Best Time to Visit
Bali's dry season (April to October) generally offers the most reliable sunshine, making it the most popular time to visit — especially July and August, which also coincide with peak pricing. The wet season (November to March) brings more frequent rain, often in short, heavy bursts followed by sunshine, and offers noticeably better hotel rates and fewer crowds at major sites.
Top Things to Do
Uluwatu Temple — Perched dramatically on a clifftop above the ocean, Uluwatu is one of Bali's most iconic sights, especially at sunset. Many visitors combine a visit with the evening Kecak fire dance performance held at the temple grounds.
Ubud and the rice terraces — Ubud is Bali's cultural heart — art markets, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, and a short drive to the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, where stepped paddies cascade down the hillside in a view that's become synonymous with Bali itself.
Tanah Lot — Another iconic clifftop temple, built on a rock formation just offshore — particularly photogenic at sunset, though it gets busy, so arriving a little earlier in the day can mean a calmer visit.
Beaches — Seminyak and Kuta offer a lively beach-club atmosphere with sunset bars and restaurants, while Nusa Dua's beaches are calmer and more resort-focused — worth choosing based on the vibe you're after.
Mount Batur sunrise trek — For those up for an early start (departures are typically in the middle of the night), the trek up Mount Batur to watch sunrise from the summit, often with views over the crater lake and neighboring volcanoes, is a memorable experience.
Waterfalls — Bali has numerous waterfalls inland, many requiring a short walk down into a valley — a refreshing addition to an itinerary, particularly during the hotter months.
Practical Tips
- Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) — the numbers can feel large at first (hotel bills in the millions of rupiah are normal), so it's worth getting comfortable with the conversion early in your trip.
- Getting around: Ride-hailing apps (Grab and Gojek) are widely used and generally the easiest way to get around, though some areas restrict app-based pickups near hotels and airports — your hotel can usually advise on the best pickup point.
- Temple etiquette: A sarong and sash are typically required to enter temple grounds — most major temples provide these free as part of the entrance process. If someone outside the temple offers to "rent" you one for a fee before you reach the entrance, you likely don't need it.
- Respect for local ceremonies: Bali's Hindu culture means processions and ceremonies are a regular part of life — if you encounter one blocking a road, it's usually genuine (not a scam) and simply requires a brief wait or detour.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
Bali is generally safe, with serious crime against tourists rare. The scams that do come up are mostly about money and rentals:
Scooter/bike rental "damage" claims — If you rent a scooter, photograph and video it from every angle before you take it, and avoid leaving your passport as a deposit (a copy is usually sufficient, or some shops accept a cash deposit instead). Some operators have been known to claim pre-existing damage as new when the bike is returned.
Currency exchange sleight-of-hand — At informal money changers (especially in busy areas like Kuta), some operators use fast counting, folding notes, or distracting conversation to shortchange tourists. Stick to licensed money changers (look for an official authorization sign), and count your money slowly and clearly before walking away.
Unofficial "sarong rental" outside temples — As mentioned above, individuals near temple entrances sometimes charge for sarongs that are actually provided free at the official entrance — politely decline and continue to the entrance.
Fake "donation" requests — Someone with a clipboard asking for donations for a school, temple, or charity, often showing a list of other "donors" with large amounts written down, is a well-known scam. Genuine charitable giving is best done through your hotel or a verified organization.
Fake Grab/taxi arrangements at the airport — Some informal drivers wait near arrival areas claiming to be ride-hailing drivers at inflated prices. Booking your app-based ride from inside the terminal, or pre-arranging airport transfer as part of your package, avoids this entirely.
A little awareness covers nearly all of this, and shouldn't take anything away from what is genuinely one of the most beautiful and culturally rich islands to visit.
Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Indonesia can vary by nationality and are updated periodically. As part of our Bali packages, we confirm current entry requirements for your trip and take care of the details.
Ready to Plan Your Bali Trip?
RHT Tours offers Bali holiday packages with flights, hotels, and visa guidance included. Get in touch and let's start planning.
