Bali

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. Days are generally sunny, humidity is lower, and the sea is calm—ideal for beach lounging, diving, and temple-hopping. July and August are the busiest months, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices. For a quieter trip with pleasant weather, aim for the shoulder months, such as April, May, or September. The wet season runs from November to March and brings short tropical downpours, but it’s still warm. For a cultural experience, consider planning your visit around major festivals, such as Galungan or Nyepi, Bali’s Day of Silence—a rare and peaceful moment when the entire island comes to a standstill.

Indonesia offers various ways for travellers to enter the country depending on their nationality, residency, and length of stay. The most common options are visa exemption, visa on arrival (VOA), and consular visa. Each option has its own conditions and required documents. Visa Exemption applies to nationals from select countries, such as Brunei, Cambodia, Colombia, East Timor, Hong Kong, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Suriname, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, and Turkey. These travellers can enter Indonesia for tourism without paying a visa fee, but the stay is limited to 30 days and cannot be extended. The following documents are required: a valid passport, a return or onward ticket, payment of the Bali tourist tax (if visiting Bali), and completion of the SATUSEHAT health declaration. Entry is allowed by air, land, and sea. Visa on Arrival (VOA) is available to citizens of around 75 nationalities. It allows travellers to enter Indonesia for up to 30 days, with the possibility of extending the stay once. VOA can be obtained at the airport or applied for online prior to travel. It comes with a fee. Required documents include: the visa itself (VOA or eVOA), a valid passport, proof of departure (return or onward ticket), payment of the Bali tourist tax (if applicable), and the SATUSEHAT health declaration. This option also permits entry via air, land, or sea. Tourist Visa (B211A) is needed for nationalities that are not eligible for visa exemption or VOA. It is a consular visa obtained either online or through an Indonesian embassy, and allows travellers to stay up to 60 days. Travellers must present a valid passport, a visa, a return or onward ticket, payment of the Bali tourist tax, and the SATUSEHAT health declaration. This option suits travellers who require a longer stay or come from countries not listed in the other categories. For Indonesian nationals, travel is straightforward: only a valid passport and the SATUSEHAT health pass are required. For foreign residents of Indonesia, permanent residence proof must be shown along with the passport and health pass. Travellers are encouraged to complete the SATUSEHAT form before departure to avoid delays upon arrival. If visiting Bali, make sure to pay the tourist tax online or through a registered provider. Although yellow fever vaccination isn’t commonly required, it may be requested if entering from a country listed as at-risk by the WHO.

Public transport in Bali is quite limited and not the most convenient option for tourists. While the Trans Sarbagita bus service does operate on a few routes around Denpasar and southern Bali, coverage is sparse and schedules can be unreliable. Instead, most visitors get around the island by scooter rental—the most popular choice, especially in areas like Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Renting a scooter gives you flexibility, but remember you need an international driving permit, and it's best to wear a helmet—the traffic and roads can be chaotic. Ride‑hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also widely used for short hops.

Taxis in Bali are easy to find in most towns and tourist areas. The most reputable operator is Blue Bird, known for its light blue cars and reliable, metered service. You can book one using the My Bluebird app or by calling their hotline. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also widely available and often more convenient, with upfront pricing and various vehicle options. In some areas, you may need to meet your driver at a designated pickup point due to local restrictions. Just be cautious of unofficial drivers offering rides outside the apps.

Country code: +62 Area code: 361