If you are after some serious summer fun and a unique trip, congratulations Bali is a great choice!
When should you visit?
High season is July – August
The best months to visit is April, May, June and September, just before and just after high season. It’s still dry season, it’s slightly less humid, and room prices and villa rentals can be 30-50% cheaper than during high season.
Where to stay?
There are three main areas to stay in Bali.
1- The main tourists spots (Jimbaran, Kuta and Seminyak): the areas are full of shops, hotels and restaurants. You can walk around the area or take taxi/uber to close by destinations. Seminyak is the best area. It is classy and more upscale than Jimbaran and Kuta.
2- The central area (Ubud) where you find most activities.
3- Coast line areas either resorts in (Uluwatu and Nusa Dua) or renting a private villa anywhere around Bali.
Depending on your preference and the length of your stay, you can choose to stay in one area and commute to any activity with a rented car (very common and easy to find a private driver in Bali). Or you could divide your days to stay in 2-3 accommodations so that you try different accommodation options and also the drive to nearby activities could be shorter.
Know that you will always need a car to go anywhere in Bali. But the length of the commute can vary between 20 minutes to 2 hours. For example, if you choose to stay in Seminyak your whole trip, you need one hour to reach Ubud for the activities. So if your main preference is activities, then it is more comfortable to spend 1-2 nights in Ubud.
Below are general lists of recommendations
Accommodations:
- Great beach resort option in Seminyak is W Bali.
- Seminyak has many regular hotels. Our fellow blogger AMA Traveller posted about a nice option (IZE Seminyak).
- https://www.ministryofvillas.com/ is an excellent agency for renting private villas online.
- Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort is recommended for its quite atmosphere and stunning views.
- Ayana Resort & Villa
*Bali is a touristy destination and full of options of all types. We tried to share only one recommendation of each kind to give you perspective.
Sight seeings & Activities:
- Uluwatu Temple visit
- Rice fields in Ubud
- Luwak Coffee plantations in Ubud
- Sea Walking (read more: “Sea walking on Sanur beach”)
- Many water activities (ex. Jet skis and parasailing) at Nusa Dua
- Rafting in Ubud
- Bali Swing in Ubud (read more: “Bali Swing.. Like flying into a breathtaking scenery”)
- ATV bikes in Ubud
- Riding elephants in Ubud or Bali zoo
- Beach side horseback riding at canggu beach
- Surfing at Padang Padang Beach (difficult level)
- Mount Batur Sunrise hiking (difficult level)
- Shopping at the Seminyak Village
- Shopping at the Beachwalk Shopping Center
- Visiting resorts and hotels; for example the spa at the Bvlgari Hotel, the MAD T-Party afternoon tea at the W hotel and the orchid tea lounge at the Ayana resort.
- Message level in Bali is excellent. Enjoy a lot of relaxation. Try the Spring Spa or enjoy a late night message at the W hotel spa as they open 24/7.
Food:
- Sarong (asian) in Kuta; chicken here is HALAL don’t miss the butter chicken.
- Jamie’s Italian in Kuta
- Hard Rock Cafe in Kuta
- Blue Haven at Padang Padang Beach
- copper kitchen & Bar in Ubud
- best sea food restaurants are at Jimbaran beach.
*Generally, it is not easy to find quality food that caters to Arab taste in Bali. What we personally do and encourage you to follow is dine at well known hotel restaurants most of the time as they provide quality and international standard food.
Final note, bali is fairly safe in terms of violent crimes but theft occurs. Do not pack valuable items. Beware of schemes when exchanging money! They can trick you while counting cash. Count it yourself. Do your money exchange in fairly trusted and physically secure outlets. Remember the city is not costly, don’t be hesitant to bargain.
Enjoy!
