Seasons, areas of the island, traffic, temples and visitor rules: what you need to know before choosing your hotels.
On the map Bali looks small. In reality distances are measured in hours, not kilometres, and the area you stay in changes the trip more than the hotel you choose. Here is how to find your way through seasons, areas, transport and local rules.
When to go
Bali has two seasons. The dry season runs roughly from April to October: there is little rain, the air is less humid and it is the best time for beaches, walks and the nearby islands. The wet season runs from November to March: it is hotter and more humid and rains more, often as downpours in the afternoon and evening rather than all day. March and October are transition months.
The busiest periods are July and August and the weeks between mid-December and early January. For these dates, book well ahead.
Keep an eye on Nyepi too, the Balinese new year, known as the day of silence. For 24 hours, from 6am to 6am the next day, the island stops: the airport is closed, streets and beaches are empty, and there are no lights in the evening. Tourists stay inside their hotels too. In 2027 it falls on 8 March according to the official Indonesian calendar. On the evening before, the ogoh-ogoh parade through the streets, large papier-mâché figures. It is not a day to arrive or leave.
The areas and who they suit
- Ubud: inland, among rice terraces and forest. For culture, dance, yoga and walks through the fields. The sea is far away.
- Seminyak and Canggu: on the south-west coast. Restaurants, bars, beach sunsets and surf at Canggu. Heavy traffic.
- Uluwatu and the Bukit: the southern peninsula, with cliffs, beaches below them, surf and the Uluwatu temple above the sea. Villas with a view, well suited to couples.
- Sanur: on the south-east coast, with calm water, a seafront path and a quiet pace. Good for families, and boats leave from here for Nusa Penida.
- Nusa Dua: large resorts, well-kept beaches and calm sea. Convenient for families and for anyone after rest.
- Amed and the east: fishing villages, dark sand, snorkelling and diving, with Mount Agung behind. Remote and slow, in a good way.
- Munduk and the north: mountains, cool air, waterfalls, lakes and plantations. For walking and sleeping in silence.
Two or three bases usually work: for example Ubud, then a seaside area in the south or east.
Distances and traffic
The roads in the south are often congested. Ubud to Uluwatu is about 55 km, but it takes two to two and a half hours on average, and over three in the late afternoon. That is why a private driver makes sense: they wait for you, know the roads and stop wherever you like. Set off early in the morning.
Ride a scooter only if you are already experienced and hold the right licence. Local rules require foreigners to carry a valid licence and wear a helmet. As a rule you need an International Driving Permit together with your national licence, covering the motorcycle category, issued in your home country. Without it you risk fines and problems with your health insurance after an accident. Check the current requirements on viaggiaresicuri.it before you leave.
Temples: how to behave
- Shoulders and knees covered, and a sarong tied at the waist. One is often lent at the entrance, but having your own helps.
- Do not enter the inner areas reserved for prayer, and do not climb on walls, shrines or statues.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer, and do not step on the small offerings you find on the ground.
- By tradition, women who are menstruating do not enter the sacred areas of temples.
Tourist levy, money and cash
Since 2024 foreigners pay a tourist levy each time they enter Bali. In 2026 it was 150,000 rupiah per person, children included. You pay online on the official site lovebali.baliprov.go.id before you leave, and receive a QR code by email, or at the airport. Be wary of sites with different addresses and check the current amount before paying.
The currency is the Indonesian rupiah and local rules require payment in rupiah. Cards work in hotels and restaurants, but for warungs, the local eateries, and for temples, parking and small purchases you need cash. Withdraw from bank ATMs and change money only at authorised money changers.
Nusa Penida and the Gilis
- Nusa Penida: about 45 minutes by fast boat from Sanur. High cliffs above the sea, beaches below them, snorkelling. The roads on the island are worse than on Bali: better to stay one or two nights than to visit on a day trip.
- The Gilis: three small islands off Lombok, with no cars. You get around on foot or by bicycle. From Padang Bai the fast boat takes about an hour and a half to Gili Trawangan, and the sea can be rough. Allow at least three nights.
How many days
- 8 nights: two bases, Ubud and a seaside area.
- 12 nights: three bases, for example Ubud, Munduk or Amed, and the sea in the south. Or two bases plus Nusa Penida.
- 15 nights or more: add the Gilis and slow the pace.
In short
- Best time: April to October, avoiding July and August if you can.
- Choose the area before the hotel, and do not change base every night.
- Travel with a private driver and set off early.
- Before you leave: the tourist levy on the official site and the date of Nyepi.
Want a trip built like this? Tell us about it on a free call.
The Dream Destination editorial team
