Bali is Indonesia’s cover girl – a tropical island fantasy come true, with sunkissed white sand beaches, lush rice terraces, hidden waterfalls and cloud-skimming peaks. It’s something of a spiritual hub too, with an estimated 20,000 temples (or pura) scattered across its towns, coastline and forested hills. Nourish your soul further with a sunrise hike or yoga class, or let loose with a surf lesson or epic beach party – practically anything goes on this popular paradise isle.
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up-to-date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Indonesian embassy website in your country of departure.
Recommended vaccinations for Bali include hepatitis a, hepatitis b, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis and rabies if you’re heading into rural areas and are dealing with animals. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Like many other tropical regions of the world, Bali is characterised by a wet season and a dry season. The wet season runs from November to March, and sees humid temperatures and regular rainfall — temperatures tend to float around 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F). The dry season runs from April to October and sees hot and sunny days with barely any rainfall. Expect temperatures of up to 32°C (90°F) during this time.
While there’s no bad time to visit Bali, the best time tends to be the dry season, which runs from April to October. April to June and September to October in particular is a great time to visit, as the temperatures are pleasant but there are less crowds than in July and August.
It’s customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour.
There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $1.50-3.50 per person, per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also, at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline USD $20-25 per person, per week can be used.
Internet access in Bali is generally very good, particularly within tourist hotspots. You’ll generally find it excellent in places like Denpasar and Kuta, but in rural regions, it may be less reliable.
Yes, there are plenty of ATMs in Bali, especially in tourist areas like Kuta, Seminyak, Ubud, and Nusa Dua. Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, and some accept American Express too. You might be charged withdrawal fees, so it’s worth checking with your bank before you travel. Be aware that some ATMs have withdrawal limits, and you should also carry cash with you if you’re heading into rural areas.
In a word, yes, Bali is LGBTQ+-friendly — particularly in tourist areas like Kuta and Seminyak, where there’s a lively gay scene. However, you should be aware that Indonesia is a relatively conservative country — be discreet, particularly in rural areas.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
The main language of Bali is Balinese (Basa Bali), which is used in daily conversation by local people here. Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is also widely-spoken. English is also spoken widely here — particularly within touristy regions.
In a word, no — the tap water here isn’t generally safe to drink. You’re best sticking to bottled water which is cheap and readily available.
Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
Bali is generally pretty safe, however, like everywhere else in the world, petty crime does exist here — keep your eyes on your valuables. Be aware to avoid drinking tap water, and be very careful if you’re looking to hire a moped or motorbike as traffic can be dangerous. You should also be aware that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions from Mount Agung do sometimes exist. Take heed of local advice.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.