Bali is one of the most famous places in Indonesia – also known as “The Island of a Thousand Temples.” It’s a top destination for millions of tourists every year, blessed with mountains, forests full of wild animals, ancient temples, and tropical beaches with world-class waves.
5 Things You Should Visit in Bali
1. Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano in the middle of the island. It takes around 2 hours of hiking to reach the top, where you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise view of Lake Batur. You’ll likely come across wild monkeys along the way.
2. Gunung Kawi Temple
Also known as the Valley of the Kings, Gunung Kawi is an 11th-century complex of 10 monuments carved directly into rock, believed to be dedicated to Bali’s royal family – a genuine window into local culture and religion.
3. Tukad Cepung Waterfall
A genuinely striking cave waterfall near Ubud, where light filters down through a narrow rock opening. It used to be a well-hidden local secret; now it’s a popular – and deservedly so – photo stop.
4. Ubud Monkey Forest
Officially Mandala Suci Wenara Wana, the Ubud Monkey Forest is home to more than 1,000 wild long-tailed macaques and three temples. Budget 30 minutes to 2 hours, and keep a firm hold on anything the monkeys might find interesting.
5. Kelingking Beach
A dramatic, T-Rex-shaped cliff beach on Nusa Penida, reached by a roughly 40-minute boat ride from Sanur. The viewpoint is an easy walk; the beach itself requires a steep bamboo staircase down the cliff face that should only be attempted by confident, sure-footed visitors.
Visa Requirements and the Bali Tourist Levy (2026)
This is the part most older guides get wrong or skip entirely, and it genuinely matters:
- Visa-free entry – travelers from 160+ nationalities can enter for up to 30 days, tourism only, with no extension possible.
- Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA – available to most other nationalities (including the US, UK, Australia, and most of the EU) for around IDR 500,000 (about $35), valid 30 days and extendable once for a total of 60 days.
- The Bali Tourist Levy – since February 2024, every international visitor (including infants) must pay a separate one-time entry levy of IDR 150,000 (about $10), only through the official Love Bali website or app (lovebali.baliprov.go.id). This is completely separate from your visa and funds cultural preservation and environmental protection. Pay it online before you fly to skip the airport queue, and keep your QR code – spot checks happen at popular sites like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot.
Is It Safe to Visit Bali?
Bali hosts millions of tourists every year, which creates real opportunity for scammers and pickpockets – petty theft is genuinely common, though violent crime is rare. Bali also sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” so volcanic activity and earthquakes are a real, if infrequent, consideration.
A few practical tips:
- Don’t carry large amounts of cash
- Stay informed about volcanic and weather conditions
- Don’t drink tap water
- Keep a respectful distance from wild monkeys – they do bite, and they will grab loose items
Is It Expensive to Visit Bali?
Despite its reputation as one of the pricier Indonesian destinations, Bali remains genuinely affordable for most travel budgets.
Estimated daily costs:
- Average airfare: $500 – $800 (international, round trip)
- Accommodation: $10 – $70
- Transportation: $2 – $20
- Food: $6 – $15
- Drink: $1 – $30
- Attractions: $1 – $10
- Estimated total for a 7-day trip: roughly $140 – $1,015, plus the visa/VOA fee and the IDR 150,000 tourist levy
Top 5 Places to Stay in Bali
1. Babu Racok Homestay
Located in front of Amed Beach, this is probably one of the most affordable options in Bali, with room service and free breakfast.
- Pricing: From around €14+ per night
- Rating: 9.6/10
2. Amnaya Resort Kuta
A pool, airport shuttle, spa, and on-site dining, just 100m from Waterbom Bali water park and close to the airport.
- Pricing: From around €65+ per night
- Rating: 9.6/10
3. Adiwana Bisma
A 5-star Ubud resort with a view-driven pool, garden, terrace, and spa – genuinely well-positioned for visiting Saraswati Temple, Ubud Palace, and Ubud Market.
- Pricing: From around €158+ per night
- Rating: 9.6/10
4. Ayana Resort and Spa
A genuinely famous Bali clifftop resort, with luxury rooms facing the Indian Ocean and a renowned Thalasso spa program.
- Pricing: From around €277+ per night
- Rating: 9.6/10
5. The Legian Bali
A genuinely beloved beachfront property in Seminyak, with gardens, an outdoor pool, hot tub, spa, private beach access, and consistently strong guest reviews.
- Pricing: From around €420+ per night
- Rating: 9.6/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to go to Bali?
The dry season, roughly April through October.
Do they speak English in Bali?
Yes, at a functional level in most tourist areas, thanks to the island’s highly developed tourism industry.
Do you need a visa to visit Bali?
It depends on your nationality. Many travelers get 30 days visa-free; others need a Visa on Arrival (about $35), extendable once to 60 days total. Either way, you’ll also need to pay the separate IDR 150,000 (~$10) Bali Tourist Levy.
What is the climate in Bali?
Tropical and warm year-round, averaging around 26-27°C.
What is the Bali Tourist Levy?
A mandatory one-time entry fee (IDR 150,000, about $10) introduced in February 2024 for all international visitors, separate from your visa, paid via the official Love Bali website or app.
Conclusion
Bali is a breathtaking destination blessed with wild nature, green forests, and beautiful beaches – surfing, diving, temple-hopping, and genuine relaxation are all on the table. Just remember the entry levy alongside your visa, and you’re set for one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding islands.
