We spent a few weeks exploring the best that Bali has to offer. While it’s not the exotic destination it once was, it still has a lot to offer visitors, and there are plenty of things to know before visiting Bali. Let’s dig into some interesting Bali facts!

Fun Bali Facts to know

1. Babies in Bali can’t touch the ground till they’re three-months-old

We’re kicking off our facts about Bali with this unusual practice. Balinese people believe that newborn babies are sacred (who doesn’t?) and are not allowed to become unclean.

Where’s the most unclean place? The floor. Or the ground. Instead, the baby is passed deftly from person to person all day.

2. People celebrate with penjor

“What’s penjor?” We hear you ask. Well, we’re here to tell you. Outside Balinese homes and other compounds like shrines throughout Bali, you’ll see tall, cut bamboo that’s been decorated super ornately.

These are offerings to the gods and symbolize victory over evil. You’ll often see these everywhere – sometimes up to 10 meters high!

3. They’re not monkeys, they’re long-tailed macaques

You’re going to see a lot of these across the island, so this is one of our top facts about Bali to note. The Balinese word for these critters is monyet.

They often steal food. If you really want to see some, you should head to Ubud Monkey Forest. There are over 700 of them there. Honestly, though, keep your belongings close to you!

4. Bali used to be part of the Dutch East Indies

The Dutch East India Company moved into Indonesia hundreds and hundreds of years ago, but the actual colony of the Dutch East Indies was only “officially” founded in 1816. Bali didn’t become a part of it until the Dutch invaded them in 1906.

Even then, Bali was allowed a relatively high degree of local autonomy compared to the rest of Indonesia. Apparently.

5. The Empire of Japan occupied Bali during WWII

The whole of Indonesia at first welcomed the Japanese when they invaded in 1942, with hopes for independence from the Dutch on the horizon. That changed as the Japanese stayed.

On Bali, they were resented for being harsher than their Dutch overlords. Japan surrendered in 1945, Indonesia declared independence days afterward, and the Dutch came back… Aaaand that’s a whole other story.

6. The local liquor can be lethal

Bali’s local moonshine is called arak, which is one of the most important facts about Bali to know if you are planning to party while there.

This liquor is often homemade and is a sweet wine made from coconut palm flour. It already sounds deadly. The tax on alcohol is pretty high, so in some local bars, they often use homemade stuff. Okay, sometimes it’s fine, but if it’s a “bad batch,” you could end up with a lethal case of methanol poisoning

7. There are a lot of weekend markets 

From the Love Anchor Market Bazaar and the Samadi Market to the Old Man’s Market, there are a lot of places to shop ‘til you drop in Bali. Those three are found in Canggu, with each town having at least a few. You can find everything from fresh fruit and veggies to souvenir trinkets.

8. You can feed yourself up in restaurants called warung

The warung isn’t a phenomenon endemic to Bali, but an Indonesian thing. In Bali, however, there are still many of them to choose from, so it’s another one of those important facts about Bali we need to mention.

What are they? They’re mom-and-pop restaurants, mainly run by women, that serve up local food with an authentic taste. Babi guling – suckling pig – is a Bali favorite.

9. There is a whole actual day of silence

This is one of the most interesting Bali facts many people don’t know about. Nyepi is the Balinese “Day of Silence.” It’s a Hindu celebration that is pretty much a Bali thing alone. But it’s not just silence – oh no.

Being all about self-reflection and fasting, the airport closes, lights should be off, all businesses close… For 24 whole hours. It’s commemorated every Isakawarsa (New Year) according to the Balinese calendar.

10. Bali has two seasons

This is probably a useful fact about Bali if you don’t know it already. Thanks to its location close to the Equator, Bali has just two seasons – dry and wet. Both are hot. May to September is dry, mainly sunny, and the best time to visit Bali.

You’ll get tropical island downpours, higher humidity, and thunderstorms from October to April, but if you’re thinking perpetual rain, it’s not that bad. 

11. Mount Agung is an active volcano

Yes, that’s right. The highest peak on Bali also just happens to be a volcano. An active one. It towers above everything else at a huge 9,994 feet above sea level. Just to give you an idea of how active it is, the latest eruption began in 2017 and is ongoing as of 2019. Yikes – this is one of the craziest Bali facts.

Balinese people believe Agung is the mythical Mount Meru – the center of the universe for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists alike.

12. Bali is Indonesia’s only Hindu-majority island

While most of Indonesia is a Muslim affair, it wasn’t always the case. Hindus came from India, spreading the good word in the 1st century AD; Buddhists followed.

The Hindu part stuck in Indonesia, mixing well with the local animist beliefs for the unique Balinese Hinduism as it is today. Over 85% of Bali’s population subscribes to the religion.

13. The famous Kecak dance isn’t entirely Balinese

Though it all seems legit and is based on the Hindu epic of the Ramayana. Kecek was fabricated by a German, Walter Spies, in the 1930s. The original kecak ceremony was a trance-based ritual featuring a male chorus. Walter saw this and developed it into a dance for the benefit of early tourists to Bali.

14. You can drink coffee made from civet poop

This is one of those sad Bali facts and not its actual poop, but you can drink coffee made from coffee beans pooped out by civets. Sounds pretty gross. You’re probably wondering, “What is a civet?” It’s a kind of cat weasel-type creature.

It eats coffee cherries. As the undigested bean moves through the animal’s digestive system, it alters its make-up and starts being processed. More interesting is that native farmers, prohibited by Dutch colonists from trying the coffee they were farming, noticed that the civet cats (called luak) were pooping out the beans.

Intrigued, they prepared the coffee and inadvertently birthed one of the world’s most expensive coffees, sometimes going for $50 a cup.

Remember that this is a notoriously cruel industry which you should think twice before supporting. Read our tips on how to avoid unethical animal encounters here.

15. There’s a lot of marine life, too

It’s not all coffee-pooping mammals; Bali boasts much marine life. How much? Around the shores of Bali, over 500 reef-building coral species are making up the subterranean seascapes. You can also see manta rays, sunfish, and over 700 species of reef-based fish. Oh yea, it’s a great place to get dive certified.

16. Bali has a unique irrigation system

Called subak, this mad irrigation system was founded over 1,000 years ago and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s not all practical. Rooted in the Balinese philosophy of Tri Hita Karana (harmony between God, people, and nature), subak features many water temples with reservoirs that bless the water as it goes along its journey.

The rice plant is a gift from God. The irrigation system is an actual part of temple culture. People work the fields and tend to the temples. An incredible Bali fact.

17. There are ten traditional royal houses

Not one dynasty ever ruled the entirety of Bali. Instead, it was a confederation of different royal households. There are 10 of these, each traditionally ruling a different geographic area. The head of each is seen as a custodian of the Hindu faith. The Indonesian government doesn’t recognize them as “royal,” however.

18. One side of Bali has black sand beaches

Though famed for its white-sand beaches, the north and west of the island are pockmarked with black sand beaches. These are only now being developed for tourists, black sand being eminently hotter on the ol’ feet than its white counterpart.

19. Bali is nicknamed Pulau Dewata – ‘Island of the Gods’

Deva is the Hindu term for a deity. Devata – or in Indonesian, dewata – is a more localized deva; things like forest spirits, village gods, the gods of certain river crossings, caves, etc., with over 20,000 temples and palaces dedicated to deities big and small, you can understand the nickname!

20. Plastic waste is a big issue in Bali

A big issue. It’s such an issue that in 2017, a “garbage emergency” was declared. That was after an almost four-mile stretch of coastline was found covered in plastic brought in by the tide.

The beaches are not the unspoiled bastions of sun, sea, and sand they used to be (especially not Kuta Beach). Indonesia is one of the world’s worst plastic polluters, contributing around 10% to global plastic waste. Not good.

21. Bali is one of the wealthiest regions in the whole of Indonesia

And that’s down to tourism. It’s the island’s single largest industry, counting for about 80% of Bali’s economy. After terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005, tourist numbers dwindled, and the economy faltered. However, the island remains one of Indonesia’s richest.

22. There’s a lot of creativity and local arts

There is a lot of creativity going on in Bali. This is partly down to the country being something of a haven for artistic Europeans in the 1930s and partly to hippies drawn to the country since its earliest backpacking days.

But 100%, it’s because of the traditional crafts of the island itself. Batik, ikat, wood carving, stone carving, painting… If you’ve ever seen a Balinese temple, you’ll know these folks have an eye for design.

23. David Bowie requested for his ashes to be scattered in Bali

It was revealed in David Bowie’s will that he wanted his ashes to be scattered in Bali, “by the Buddhist rituals,” the will read. And scattered in Hindu Bali they were. He had visited (and performed in) a few Southeast Asian locales early in his career – Bali being one of them. One of his houses in the Caribbean had heavy Balinese influences.

24. Celebrations are held for many occasions, such as a tooth-filing

Bali is bursting with festivals and celebrations throughout the year, not just for the whole community but for personal ones. Tooth-filing, for example, is a coming-of-age ceremony that takes place before puberty or marriage.

A high priest conducts the ceremony, in which incisors are tied to a uniform height. The child is then considered an adult. How are your teeth feeling after that Bali fact?

25. There are a zillion spas in Bali

A “zillion” isn’t a very factual number, but Bali has got to have one of the highest spa-to-people ratios in the world! Flower baths, crazy hair treatments, hot stone therapy, eco retreats, hand massage, holistic deep tissue whatever, and even the humble pedicure – you can get it all here at one of Bali’s hundreds upon hundreds of spas – from low to very, very high-end.

26. There are a ton of Australian tourists

Just a few hours by plane from the Aussie motherland, Bali is the quintessential vacation destination for Australians. They love to party, which you can do super cheaply in Bali.

They also love to surf, which is very much a thing in Bali. What more could they want? While Australians may be the top visitors to Bali, Chinese tourists are slowly inching towards first place.

27. Bali is home to an endemic species of bird

Called the Bali myna, Bali starling – or jalak Bali by locals – this is a cute, white bird species that is, unfortunately, critically endangered. Fewer than 100 of these mynas are thought to exist in the wild. Birds are captured and sold on the black market. Not cool.

28. The Bali tiger once roamed the island

As recently as the 1950s, the Bali tiger was sadly declared extinct. The last sighting of one was… more of a shooting occurring in 1937.

This tiger species is no longer. Hopefully, this will serve as a lesson for other threatened creatures that call the island home.

29. The Balinese calendar is only 210 days long

365 days, you say? Not in Bali. The calendar here – called Pawukon – is part of the Hindu religion. It is 210 days long and makes no sense. Sorry, but it doesn’t. Weeks can be anything from 1 to 10 days long. What? To help things out, there’s the Balinese Saka calendar, which is lunar and matches up to stuff… pretty much, anyway.

30. There are a lot of abandoned airplanes scattered around Bali

Aside from the beaches, mountains, Bali waterfalls, spas, hiking, and Hindu temples, if you get bored of all that, you could always go discover the abandoned airplanes of Bali.

There’s a Boeing 737 in South Kuta. There’s another near Pandawa Beach, one on top of a mall that never opened (Gate 88 Mall) and one in West Bali.

While still conservative by Western standards, they’ve fostered the culture of Western tourists and ex-pats that brought with them current trends, surf, and yoga. The heady mix altogether makes for a relaxed environment. Typical outfits are light and relaxed to cope with the heat and humidity.

What’s The Weather Like in Bali?

Bali enjoys warm weather all year. Its tropical climate has daytime temperatures ranging from 20-33°C / 68-91°F. Bali has two seasons: monsoon and dry. Heavy rain showers and high humidity from the west dump lots of rain on the island from October to March. Most days are still sunny during the monsoon season, but afternoon thunderstorms are frequent.

The dry season runs from June to September and offers low humidity and cooler evenings. Rain is rare in the popular coastal lowlands, but it can happen any time of year in Central Bali. If you plan to hike the volcanos for sunrise or spend time in the highlands, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket. Temperatures on the summit of Mount Batur can range from 12C to 18C, which can feel chilly without a jacket in the wind.

Seasons in Bali

Quick Tips on Packing for Bali

Bali is a relatively easy destination to pack for, thanks to the islands’ reliable climate. The only sticking point can be the high humidity and the frequent rain showers. Island life here is laid back, and you’ll find most tourists in swimsuits, sandals, and relaxed t-shirts.

• Don’t forget a rain jacket or umbrella. You never know when a rainstorm may pop up.
• Pack your mask and fins if you plan to free-dive or snorkel.
• Reef-safe sunscreen is a great idea to bring and protect the reefs.
• Mesh/breathable packing cubes help separate damp and dirty clothes from clean ones.
• You’re more likely to regret packing too much than too little.
• Pack a headlamp if you plan a sunrise hike on one of Bali’s volcanoes.
• Sun protection is always a good idea, whether sunblock, hats, or UPF clothing.
• Adventure clothes such as hiking shoes, sandals, and athletic wear are great for island activities.

What Luggage To Bring To Bali?

Travel Duffel Bag

Travel Backpack

Before we jump into what to wear in Bali, let’s cover luggage. We have two bag recommendations for a trip to Bali. The Peak Design Travel Duffel and Osprey Farpoint/Fairview travel backpack. Any backpack or duffel bag will do, but we prefer these bag styles over traditional hardshell suitcases.

While you can easily use a traditional hardshell suitcase, you may want to stay away from a rolling bag, as most of the island is very hilly with dirt/sandy paths. A duffel or backpack is better for Bali outside the five-star resorts where bellhops will whisk away a suitcase. Although we’ve seen it done numerous times, a hardshell suitcase is not ideal on a motorbike. At resorts, we prefer a suitcase like the Delsey Helium Aero.

What To Wear in Bali

Bali is a super casual destination, and the island has no dress code. As it’s a tropical island, the usual outfit consists of shorts, a shirt/tank top, and sandals. If you plan to climb one of the island’s volcanoes like Batur or Agung, you’ll want to pack a light jacket and long pants. Most visitors wear clothes that relate to surf or yoga culture.

Balinese dress casually, but wear pants and Batik, Kebaya, or long sleeve shirts in public spaces. You’ll also see many Balinese in traditional dress on any given day of the week. They are proud of their culture and still wear it for business, special occasions, holidays, or celebrations.

This essentially has no impact on visitors to the island, but you are expected to be respectful around temples and religious sites. It’s also a good idea to be mindful of more rural regions of the island where culture is still more conservative.

Balinese Dress

If you’re after a great souvenir or to blend in a bit with the locals, try some of the Balinese clothing. The most common shirt for men is a batik print, and you’ll find them for sale all over the island. They’re even popular with ex-pats who wear a more modern version of the shirt.

Balinese women wear a kebaya, a gorgeous long-sleeve shirt, often with intricate lace work. They will pair this top with a batik kamben similar to a long sarong. It’s not as common to see western women in traditional Balinese clothing. However, the lace work and batik prints make for a great souvenir.

Clothes To Pack For Bali

Surf Wear

In destinations like Uluwatu and Canggu, it feels as if everyone is a surfer—most tourists and ex-pats hang out in t-shirts, tank tops, and bathing suits there. Women often wear bikinis, easy cover-ups, or shorts with a tank top. Men run around in tanks, tee shirts, surf shorts, and sandals.

Graphic tees perfectly intertwine with surfing culture and laid-back vibes, so throw a cool surf shirt in your bag. The technical Patagonia Capilene Cool T-shirts are a great option to keep you cool and comfortable in the heat.

If you want a classic shirt, we love the ease and quality of ordering classic cotton tees from Bombas. However, in recent travels, we have preferred to pack fewer garments and replace traditional cotton with quality merino wool t-shirts from Unbound Merino. They cope with travel much better.

Our recommendations for men’s shorts are the Western Rise Evolution, Quicksilver Amphibian, Vuori Kore Shorts, and Outlier OG Freeway. Recommendations for women include the prAna Elle Short, Vuori Dash, prAna Kanab, and Patagonia Baggies. We suggest whatever suits your style and recommend they do not involve cargo pockets.

When it comes to bathing suits, we have two great recommendations. For a fantastic women’s swimsuit brand, we recommend Londre. They make high-quality swimsuits that are stylish yet supportive.

Vuori makes fantastic lightweight Cruise Board Shorts in various prints and colors. They’re super comfortable, quickly dry, and the cut is perfect. We don’t like board shorts that are too long or loose, as they look sloppy. We always recommend you pack two bathing suits for any beach destination. This way, travelers always have a dry swimsuit. If you plan to surf, use a rashguard for extra sun protection and to save your chest. If it’s your first time and you want to try it once with a lesson, most surf schools supply a rash guard.

Yoga Wear

In the spiritual town of Ubud, yoga wear is the style. It’s all bohemian, with many locally produced clothes from organic fabrics such as hemp, linen, and cotton. We suggest you pack some clothes from home that can cope with the humidity, like technical travel clothing or natural materials like wool and linen. Most of this clothing is for time off the yoga mat and relaxing in the open-air restaurants and cafes that dot the hillsides. This means loose cuts that are comfortable for lounging and handling the heat.

For a stylish look that’s also practical, women can wear a perfect travel romper like the Patagonia Fleetwidth. Another great combo is the prAna Cozy-Up Tank and Elle Shorts. Men can’t go wrong with Everlane’s Short Sleeve Linen Shirt and Western Rise Evolution shorts.

Of course, you’ll want clothes to practice yoga if you plan to spend time in Ubud. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Bali. Lululemon yoga leggings and sports bras live up to the hype for women. prAna’s Vaha shorts are excellent for men and are surprisingly versatile as travel shorts and loungewear.

While most studios provide a mat, having your own is excellent. We find it a bit more hygienic, and it’s nice to practice yoga anywhere on the road with our favorite travel yoga mat. Manduka has a lightweight travel yoga that we now use for travel. It’s not as robust as a regular yoga mat and can be painful on hard surfaces. However, we like it on a soft carpet, on the beach, on a towel, or over a yoga studio’s public mats for a more hygienic experience.

Loose Clothes For Bali

It’s insanely hot and humid in Bali, and the best advice we can give is not to pack tight skin tight clothes. The best clothes for Bali are those that are light and loose. Tasha’s favorite pair of pants is prAna’s Fernie Beach Pant, but they often go out of stock as they are so popular. The pants are airy and made from a Fair Trade TENCEL fabric, but you’ll have to keep checking their website. Lulus has some fantastic flowy beach pant selections as well.

For men, Prana makes the excellent Vaha Pant. They are perfect for beach destinations and blend well for a stylish beach look with a linen shirt. They’re lightweight and made from hemp, lasting for multiple wears without a wash.

Active Wear

There is a slew of outdoor activities in Bali. One of the classics on many travelers’ lists is a sunrise hike up Mount Batur. You can also enjoy just about every other adventure activity you can think of on the island. Ziplining, quad tours, horseback rides, biking, and even guided runs exist. Our favorite adventure activity is chasing waterfalls and hikes through the jungle.

If you plan any adventure activities, you’ll want to pack some athletic shoes and clothing. Athletic shorts and a top are suitable for a trip to any destination. We love to travel with trail running shoes as they work in the gym and on the trail. Our favorites are the Salomon Speedcross or Hoka One One Speedgoat.

Nice Outfit

Women will get plenty of wear out of a dress in Bali. They look great and can cope with the heat. A maxi dress works well as they are long enough to be appropriate at temples and works as a beach cover-up. Right now, my favorite summer dresses come from Salty Crush. They make a bunch of quality bohemian-style summer dresses. If you’re after something more trendy, we love the styles and offers from Lulus.

Men can keep it simple with suitable resort staples and tropical wear. Try out the Western Rise Evolution pants and a linen shirt from Everlane. Sandals feel informal for men, so travel with a lightweight pair of loafers or sneakers that work with pants and shorts.

Rain Jacket

In case you didn’t know, tropical islands receive a lot of rain. If you travel in the shoulder seasons, chances are high that you will experience one of the islands’ thunderstorms. For that, we recommend a packable rain jacket. Any rain jacket will do, but the top-dollar ones will hold up and hold up in inclement weather.

We spend a lot of time hiking and mountaineering, so we have top-of-line Gore-Tex shell jackets. If you’re looking for a more affordable jacket, we’re big fans of Patagonia’s Torrentshell Jacket, as it’s a great value. We share our favorite packable rain jackets in this post if you want more recommendations.

Bali Packing List

Sunglasses

A stylish pair of sunglasses is an excellent addition to an outfit. Everyone owns at least one pair of sunglasses. It’s best to ensure they have UV protection for the health of your eyes. We travel with two pairs of sunglasses as we’re pretty active. A pair of Smith Optics for outdoor adventures and a couple of stylish sunglasses to wear at the beach or around town for the day. Our two favorite stylish brands are Persol and Raybans, which have a timeless look.

Grayl GeoPress Water Filter & Purifier

We never advise drinking tap water in Southeast Asia. We travel with a water bottle that purifies water for safe drinking water. Our favorite is the Grayl GeoPress purifier bottle. It saves money, reduces plastic waste, and ensures that our water is safe and free of viruses and other waterborne illnesses.

The Grayl bottle is not only practical but also innovative in design. A press-like system effectively filters out sediment, bacteria, and heavy metals, leaving only clean and safe water. Its wide-mouth top makes it easy to drink and fill, and its sleek design fits comfortably in any bag or backpack.

Quick Dry Travel Towel

We always recommend you pack a travel towel for almost every destination. Quick-dry towels are great when you’re out exploring Bali. You can take an impromptu dip in the ocean, dry off, and head for a smoothie bowl. A towel is also tremendous when you hike to one of Bali’s numerous waterfalls, as the towels are small enough to throw in your daypack and leave room for additional items. Most hotels don’t appreciate you taking their towels along for day trips.

The biggest complaint about travel towels is that they often feel nothing like the plush cotton towels we are accustomed to at home and in hotels. With PackTowl, you can forget that because they set out to create a towel that mimics its cotton counterparts with the technical features of a travel towel.

Insect Repellant

Bali has year-round warm weather and lots of rain, which is a breeding ground for mosquitos. They love to hand around forests, ponds, lagoons, or anywhere with still water. We recommend packing a bottle of insect repellant with DEET so you’ll scare away those annoying biting demons.

And in a worst-case scenario, it reduces the chances of Dengue Fever — although it’s rare in Bali. Remember that DEET can destroy plastics, so mind your sunglasses or camera when applying.

Sunscreen

Skin cancer is for real! Don’t forget your SPF when traveling around Bali, as you’re close to the Equator. We recommend ordering some online before leaving the house, as you will find much higher prices in Bali.

We highly recommend getting an eco-friendly sun cream that does not contain harmful chemicals. They’re mineral-based and usually only cost a few dollars more to help protect our oceans. If you’re not going to swim in the ocean, go with a reliable name brand — granted, runoff often still ends in our oceans.

Hand Sanitizer

Walking around and participating in everyday activities in Bali can get pretty dirty. It became a reoccurring theme to find hand soap nowhere. You can’t go wrong bringing some hand sanitizer and baby wipes in your bag — consider it a travel essential anywhere.

Headlamp

After driving across Africa, we learned that a headlamp is never wrong to pack in your bags. Our BioLite headlamp came in handy when we did night walks in the jungle, searching for frogs and staying at a treehouse community off the grid and without power. We almost always pack a headlamp in our bags as it’s always helpful to have a light. A great option is a rechargeable headlamp like the BioLite 330 or 150.

Dry bag

With all the water around Bali, bringing a dry bag is a great idea. They’re great for adventure activities on the water or in tropical forests. It’s also a wonderful item for the beach if you want to protect your electronics. We love this one from Sea Line, but they’re a bunch of cheap options on Amazon.

Daypack

We chased a new waterfall daily, hiked through the rainforest, or enjoyed the beach. I love a versatile size around the 30L mark if you only have one pack. The size gives enough room for gear-heavy days when hiking in the mountains, but it’s light enough for light, short treks in destinations like Bali. Of course, any nice backpack will do the job if you don’t have plans for extensive hikes. You can also get a cheap foldable bag that will do an excellent job securing your things.

You Need This to Travel to Bali

Travel Insurance

We never travel with Heymondo without travel insurance. With all the risks of travel in a foreign country and insurance coverage, we never have to worry about a good health plan. Heymondo offers incredible flexibility and great plans! You never know if the worst could happen while you’re abroad, and your insurance plan at home often will not cover medical emergencies abroad. Having peace of mind and a good backup plan helps us sleep at night.

Tips On What to Wear in Bali

• Type of Traveler: Determine if you are traveling to Bali for a relaxing beach vacation or a rugged and adventurous vacation (or both!). It helps you know your necessities and how to style your Bali outfits.
• Laundry: When thinking about what to take to Bali, be aware that you can get your laundry services in Bali are incredibly affordable.  I wouldn’t worry about packing an absurd amount of clothes as a local laundromat will wash, dry, and iron your clothes for less than $5.
• Shop Local: If you like shopping, you can find any clothes you need in Bali, especially in Ubud and Canggu. You have two great options cheap street stalls for backpacker wear and fashionable boutique shops.
• Pack Less: The less you pack, the better, especially if traveling between islands. Stick to one checked bag and carry-on to make your life easier. Navigating Bali and the ferries is much easier if you plan to island-hop.

Skip This On Your Bali Packing List

• Expensive Jewelry: You won’t need it in Bali as you can get artisan jewelry everywhere. Expensive jewelry makes you a target for thieves.
• Jeans: It gets hot in Bali, and the last thing you will want to wear is jeans that cling to your skin.
• Dark clothing: The same thing goes for dark clothing. Hot sun mixed with black shirts is no good.
• Drugs: Don’t ever mess with drugs, especially in Indonesia. You could face serious prison time in an Indonesian jail or even death.
• Too many clothes: Like I mentioned getting your laundry done is a great deal in Bali. A huge basket of clothes costs us less than $8 to wash, dry, and fold. I would rather pay for that any day than have too many clothes on me.
• An international data plan: Data is very cheap in Bali. Don’t pay for an international data plan or roaming. Instead, ask your hotel or guesthouse where to pick up a sim card and put data on that. We paid about $10 for 20 GB of data.

So, sure, Bali sounds incredible. But with its prolonged wet and dry seasons, as well as certain times of the year when the island gets super busy with tourists, the best time to visit Bali can be hard to figure out. So we’ve put together this monthly guide to the weather and even the best festivals in Bali to help you plan the best trip ever.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bali?

Weather in Bali in January

January is not the best time to visit Bali. Think very warm, with temperatures from 27°C (and upwards), about 80% humidity, and some rainfall. The skies are mainly overcast, and only about six hours of sunshine per day.

It doesn’t rain all the time, however; you’ll only be subjected to short tropical showers that deliver a lot of rain in one fell swoop. The sea can be pretty rough this time of year, with more trash washing up on the beaches. January (after the Christmas and New Year peak) is seen as a slow month, so accommodation can be much cheaper than usual.

Weather in Bali in February

Much like January, February is a wet month. Expect overcast skies, afternoon downpours, high, humidity, and fairly high temperatures (27°C+). Just because it’s the Bali rainy season, however, doesn’t mean it rains 24/7. Sea temperatures are really warm – how does 29°C sound?

It’s the warmest the sea gets all year. February is another cheap month, so we’d say it’s the best time of year to visit Bali if you feel like staying in Ubud, where you can watch a tropical downpour from the safety of a cool cafe.

Weather in Bali in March

Though still considered Bali rainy season, March is much more of a mix when it comes to the weather. Cloudy days with interspersed sunshine mean less rain and more chance of a glorious blue-sky day. By the end of March, in fact, the Bali rainy season is drawing to a close as things start to brighten up.

Across the island, the temperature is an average of 27°C. Because it does start to get nicer, weather-wise, tourists begin to visit Bali again from March onwards. It’s a pretty good time to visit Bali – especially if you want to experience Nyepi (more on that later!).

Weather in Bali in April

Temperatures are on the rise; the Bali rainy season is pretty much gone by the time April arrives. While you can get some rain at the start of the month, the chances decrease as the month goes on. Warmer days are here with an average temperature of 28°C across the island of Bali.

Sea temperatures are also still pretty warm (about 28°C), which is perfect for bathing, splashing around, and generally just escaping that 80% humidity! The coast is less windy in April, too, meaning beach days are becoming an option again. Particularly over Easter, it gets busy with tourists; it may not be the best time of year to visit Bali if you don’t like crowds.

Weather in Bali in May

Sunshine, beautiful beach weather, hardly any rain at all – it’s no wonder May is one of the best times to visit Bali. Temperatures are climbing ever upwards with an average of 28°C and highs in the early 30s. Very hot, basically.

Fun fact: the coldest day ever recorded in May in Bali was 20°C! May is the beginning of the dry season – and the beginning of the surfing season too (head to the Bukit Peninsula for big offshore swells) until September. Humidity will also be lessening from May onward as the dry season continues.

Weather in Bali in June

Still very warm, with temperatures hovering around the 30s, June is an excellent time of year to go to Bali. Days are drenched in sunshine, humidity is at 75% (less than it was, at least), and there’s hardly any chance of rain.

Expect clear days with hardly any clouds; June sees ten hours of sunshine per day. Watersports and diving in Bali are good in June, with calmer seas and better visibility as a result. June has awesome weather, but it’s not busy with tourists (yet), and it’ll be cheaper, so for us, it’s possibly the best time to visit Bali.

Weather in Bali in July

Book your accommodation in advance because from mid-July onwards, the summer vacation means this month is prime time for tourists, but that’s because it’s one of the best times to go to Bali. You can expect pretty much the same weather as June; temperatures are 27 to 30°C, there’s plenty of sunshine, and no rain (though it’s still fairly humid). It feels like the tropical paradise it’s billed as… just with more crowds.

Seminyak, Kuta, and Ubud get super busy, and hotel prices are at their peak. The sea temperature is 27°C, so it’s definitely pleasant for a swim, and a great way to cool off on the hottest days. Because it’s still dry season, there are only four days of rain in July!

Weather in Bali in August

Also very dry and very busy with tourists, August is high season. Expect crowds in the south of Bali and full-priced accommodation pretty much everywhere.

The weather is amazing though, so we can’t blame tourists for wanting to come here: the average temperature is 27°C (the average high is 31°C), it’s less humid (70%), cool breezes ease off the heat, and the days are clear with just a few clouds. August boasts the highest daily sunshine and the least rainfall, making for one of the best times to visit Bali.

Weather in Bali in September

Things start to change a little bit in September. At the start of the month, there are lots of sunny days and cool breezes, but by the end of the month, it starts to transition to the wet season.

There’s less average daily sunshine in September (about nine hours), and a slight increase in rainfall, with reasonably consistent average temperatures across the board of 27°C. With fewer clouds going on, the beautiful weather makes it an excellent time to go to Bali; the end of summer vacation means that the crowds will have dispersed by now, too!

Weather in Bali in October

After the dry, dry summer months, October brings refreshing rainfall back to Bali. An average of 15 days of rain throughout this month feeds the rivers and the jungles of the island, but there are still many dry days to enjoy the beach. The average temperature is still 27°C, but hotel rooms are cheaper as the low season is beckoned in.

There can still be a fair bit of sunshine, with nine hours on average. The wet season may be starting, but that doesn’t mean it’s raining all the time: the sea’s still warm, it’s not super humid, and there are fewer people. What’s not to like?

Weather in Bali in November

The second month of Bali’s wet season it may be, but November still boasts a lot of daily sunshine and an average temperature of 27°C (no surprises there). It’s a quiet time of year to visit Bali, relaxing with almost no crowds.

Head to the sanctuaries and yoga classes of Ubud, long abandoned by the tourists of summer. You can still get some good surfing and general lazy days at the beach in November. Trekking is not advised in November due it being wet and very muddy.

Weather in Bali in December

The Christmas holidays mean the tourists are back in Bali; even though it’s the wet season, many tourists (particularly Australians), flock to the island over the holiday season and don’t leave till after New Year.

To be fair, even though it’s still rainy season, it can be an excellent time of year to discover the beach delights of Bali. Rainstorms don’t last long, and the temperature doesn’t budge much from that 27°C average. It’s all good – except maybe for the crowds!

Festivals in Bali

Spring Festivals in Bali

Nyepi – or Day of Silence – is a Hindu festival marking the Balinese New Year. The night before (called Saka) Nyepi is marked by colorful celebrations, feasting, and merriment (naturally), but Nyepi isn’t called the Day of Silence for nothing. From 6 am, everything shuts down – lights, cars, work, flights. Everything. 

The day after the Day of Silence is called Ngembak Geni. It’s less silent; people go and see their family for food and festivities. In Banjar Kaja, people take over the streets for epic water fights and a big tug-of-war.

In April, there’s the Bali Spirit Festival. This is all about yoga and the sort of music you’d associate with yoga, complete with markets, stalls, live music, and workshops. If that sounds like your idea of fun, go for it!

Semapura Festival in Klungkung occurs at the end of April/beginning of May. A cultural carnival, you’ll see everything from art and dancing to food stalls and local businesses selling their wares.

Summer Festivals in Bali

In Karangasem in June, there’s a community-minded festival that goes on. Expect traditional dress and local food and arts. Similarly, the Bali Arts Festival takes place in the middle of the month in Denpasar, showing off everything good about traditional Balinese dancing: Kecak dancing and more heats up in a competition between different village dance groups. There’s also literature, crafts, and other arts.

Bali Kite Festival takes place in July in South Bali and sees huge kites (like, 10-metres huge) soar into the sky. They can be competitively flown by different teams. International teams get involved too, but the festival has its roots in asking the Hindu gods for an abundant harvest.

August 17 marks Indonesia’s Independence Day – expect marching schoolchildren in the streets and that sort of thing. Surf-minded travelers should hit up Padang Beach, where international surf competitions take place in August.

Fall Festivals in Bali

Lovina Festival in the village of Kalibukbuk (North Bali) is a time to see a traditional Balinese marching band and the gebogan parade: towers of fruits and flowers – offerings for the gods – balanced on the heads of ladies on their way to the shrines. It takes place in September.

In October, get ready for the Nusa Dua Fiesta. At this lively happening, you’ll get to soak up interesting exhibits of art, culture, sport, and music, all the while tucking into some tasty food and partaking in some drinks.

In West Bali, various paddy fields are turned into racecourses to make way for the Makepung Buffalo Races. Skilled riders compete on carriages (sort of like modified, traditional plows) pulled by two buffalos – all of them decked out in brightly colored regalia; the finals of this veritable Grand Prix occur in November.

Winter Festivals in Bali

Chinese New Year is a big deal in Bali, when Balinese people of Chinese descent take to the streets with lion dancing and wushu performances (think sword fighting and somersaults). Go for the festivities, stay for the delicious, delicious snacks. It occurs in January or February, depending on the lunar calendar.

One thing we haven’t mentioned yet is Galungan. Galungan, in essence, celebrates the victory of dharma (truth) over adharma (evil). This huge, multi-day festival is, after Nyepi, the biggest of deals here. Streets are decorated with penjor – huge, ornately decorated bamboo poles with offerings tied to the ends of them. People visit their families, sacrifice pigs and chickens, feast, and pray for the spirits of ancestors who come to Earth on the day of Galungun itself.

Ten days after Galungan is Kalingan, marking the day when the spirits of ancestors return to the afterlife. Many of the days before Galungan, and between Galungan and Kalingan, are named specifically and are associated with a particular part of the festival. Penyekeban, for example, is a day of cooking up bananas for offerings and occurs three days before Galungan.

Why didn’t we mention it before? Because this festival is based on the wild 210-day pakuwon – or Balinese calendar. That means that Galungan often occurs twice a year, and often in very, very different months! In 2019, it was on July 24, while in 2020, it’s on February 19 and September 16!

When is the Best Time to Go to Bali?

Wet Season: Late December – April

This is the low season for Bali and not considered the best time to go to Bali. That’s because it can get very wet! During these months you can expect frequent rain showers, though it doesn’t last all day so it can still be a good time to visit Bali. Bali is still warm and the beaches and sunsets are still incredible.

Dry Season: May – Early December

The dry season is high season in Bali, but if you arrive earlier in the dry season (May and June) you’ll still be able to find fewer crowds and cheaper prices. August and September are prime time high season and you may even have a had time finding decent accommodation if you don’t book well in advance. August is when we love to visit Bali as there is hardly any rain and the weather is pretty comfortable.

When is the Best Time to Visit Bali for Honeymoon?

The best time to visit Bali for a honeymoon would have to be during the dry season. You don’t want it to rain on your honeymoon, of course! So you’ll have to travel in the high season between June and early December!

When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Bali

The cheapest time to visit Bali is during their wet season. Rates will be slashed and many businesses will be begging for your business. Also, you’ll find fewer crowds, though as mentioned above you’ll likely be battling some rain so bring a rain jacket!

When is the Best Time to Visit the Nusa Islands?

The Nusa Islands deal with the same climate as Bali. They are only a few hour ferry ride away from Bali so expect the same wet and dry season.

Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Penida all make up the Nusa Island group and a trip to explore them is a great addition to any Bali trip. Nusa Lembongan is easily the most popular and developed of the three islands. However, it’s still a small, dry, rugged, and less crowded version of Bali complete with turquoise water and white sand beaches.

We spent 10 days on all three islands and found each to offer something different, each worth a few days of exploration. Here’s all you need to know before traveling to Nusa Lembongan.

All About Nusa Lembongan (Nusa Islands)

You Can Get Dive Certified on Nusa Lembongan

One of the main reasons we traveled to Nusa Lembongan was to get open water dive certified. We knew the waters and reef around the Nusa islands were supposed to be out of this world, so we figured there really wasn’t a better place to learn. On top of that divers stand a high chance of seeing the Manta Ray and if lucky the magnificently weird Mola Mola.

Although two popular dive spots (Crystal Bay and Manta Point) are situated off of Nusa Penida, most of the dive shops are located on Nusa Lembongan. We chose to get SSI Dive Certified with Dive Concepts because of their glowing reviews and were not disappointed. We spent a fun three days with Cedric, our charismatic French dive guide who made us feel completely comfortable under the sea.

The first day was spent learning a bit of theory and in the pool getting used to our equipment, while the next two days we set out for the ocean and got four amazing dives. Our experience with them was so fantastic and we’ll share a post on the how to get dive certified soon!

Altogether we found the Nusa Islands among some of the best places to get dive certified. Not just because of the clear water, but because it’s incredibly affordable compared to elsewhere in the world. It costs 3,750,000 IDR for a three-day dive certification course. That’s only $253, well worth a lifetime of exploration!

Nusa Lembongan is Not the Largest Nusa Island

Out of the three islands – Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan Nusa Penida is by far the largest island. One would think this makes it the most popular, but the majority of people head to Nusa Lembongan. It’s the most accessible island and it has a few great surf breaks along with a multitude of dive operators.

Lembongan is the only 8km is size but packs many guesthouses, warungs, cafes, and activities into the small space. Don’t worry though – compared to Bali things move at a much slower pace.

You Can Walk to Nusa Ceningan

A cute short yellow bridge connects Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Ceningan. It’s easy enough to rent a motorbike (or walk) and explore both islands for a few days as it takes about one minute to cross between the two. There are not many accommodation options on Nusa Ceneginan, so we found it easier to base ourselves on Lembongan and travel from there.

Nusa Lembongan is also only a short 25-minute boat ride away from Nusa Penida. The trip between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan cost us 50,000 IDR a person to ride on a small local boat.

Vegan’s Have Options on Nusa Lembongan

Like Bali, I was thoroughly impressed by how much vegan food was on offer on Nusa Lembongan. A few of my favorites are…

• Ginger & Jamu: Located right on the beach this place is expensive but oh so tasty. Dishing up all sorts of healthy foods for all types of diets.
• Rama Garden: This is one of the places we stayed overnight while on Nusa Lembongan. While I thought their accommodation was overpriced Cameron and I both thought their vegan food was the bomb dot comb.
• Warung Bamboo: A local warung with fabulous ocean views. You can find semi-local prices here, fresh fish, and good tofu curry.

A Motorbike is the Best Way to Get Around Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island to travel around. It’s best to keep things simple and maximize time with a motorbike rental. Literally, everyone and their mother will try and rent you a motorbike, and you won’t have any trouble to find one.

Prices are slightly higher than on Bali, they should cost between 60,000-85,000 IDR for a 24-hour rental. Of course, the price all depends on your haggling skills and time of year. Helmets laws aren’t enforced here, but I would still recommend wearing one.

The Nusa Islands are More Expensive Than Bali

Bali is already an island where everything has to be shipped, but then Nusa Lembongan is another island in the chain. Everything on the island arrives via the slow local ferry from Bali and hand carried off on the beach sine there is no dock or port. Expect prices to be higher than in Bali and locals less willing to bargain.

From motorbikes to mie goreng, and most noticeably guest rooms everything has a higher price. We paid almost 40% more for guesthouses that were comparable in Bali.

For many items, you can pay up to double what you are used to paying elsewhere in Indonesia. It was hard for us to accept!

How Can You Get to Nusa Lembongan?

You have two ways to get to the Nusa islands from Bali and two ways to depart – a speedboat or the slow ferry. Ferries leave from Sanur and Padang Bai in Bali. Sanur is the primary point for tourists wishing to travel to both Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Once you arrive at the Sanur beach/port you’ll find the area to be chaos filled with crowds and plenty of touts.

The second option is the local ferry. We’ve been told the local ferry costs around 50,000 IDR and takes about two hours with questionable safety regulations. We managed to see one of the slow ferries packed with people, goods, and even a car arriving on Nusa Lembongan. I wouldn’t recommend taking the ferry because it will eat up a large chunk of your day.

Our speedboat, El Rey, to the Nusas took us almost four hours, a lot longer than the advertised 45-minute boat ride. Most of the time was spent in the process of buying and haggling for tickets, waiting for the boat, loading the luggage, taking off, and actual boat ride to Nusa. Once we arrived in the Nusas we had to wait to disembark via a slow local longboat along with the luggage. Needless to say, it wasn’t a seamless adventure.

On our return to Bali from Nusa Lembongan, we were surprised that the process was much shorter. With about an hour for loading and unloading and 45 minutes for the actual ferry. Ferries off the island are advertised for 200,000 IDR and this includes a pick up from your guesthouse. It’s definitely possible to get it for 150,000 IDR (but I’m not certain you will get it lower than this), but be prepared to show up to the ferry departure point at and haggle. Even though we knew could have saved 50,000 IDR a person doing this it wasn’t worth the time or energy.

Carry Your Shoes on Nusa Lembongan

Each ferry on and off the Nusas will collect your shoes before getting on board. This is to prevent them from getting wet. They will give your shoes back to you when you arrive at the Nusas or Bali. Unwilling to part with my Rainbow Sandals, I opted to carry on my flip-flops with me while Cameron surrendered his.

He later admitted I made a much better choice.  After we arrived at the Nusa’s it was confusing to locate his shoes and when we did find them they had been dumped in a big pile of mud. I’m not saying this will happen to your shoes, but it may be worth it to keep your eyes on them.

Bring Your Shoes Inside

I made the effort to keep my sandals on me while on the ferry but failed to bring them inside my guesthouse at night. Needless to say, now a few Nusa Lembongan doggies have a pair of $50 leather sandals. There are many stray dogs wandering around Nusa Lembongan and they prey on people’s shoes at night. Stash them inside so you don’t walk around shoeless. I’m not joking it will happen!

Cash is King on Nusa Lembongan

There is only a handful of ATMs on Nusa Lembongan and they malfunction often. A few people at our guesthouse had their debit cards eaten by the machine. It’s recommended to bring enough cash with you to get you through your stay on Nusa Lembongan so you don’t have the hassle. Most places on Nusa Lembongan do not take credit cards, but it’s not unheard of if you’re in a pinch.

Prepare for a Cold Shower

Nusa Lembongan is the most developed of the Nusa Islands, but that still doesn’t mean it’s Bali. We listened to many people complain about cold or salt water showers here, and it should be expected with cheaper accommodation. If you love your hot fresh water showers make sure you ask your accommodation provider beforehand if they will be provided.

Consider a Day Trip to Nusa Lembongan

Of course, you don’t have to stay on the Nusa Islands. There are many day tours operating from Bali that will handle all logistics for you and take you to some of the best stops. See some of those tour options here.

The Water on Nusa Lembongan is Gorgeous

The water around the Nusas is a stunning sight. Clear Azure and turquoise water mix with white soft sand and it’s pretty close to the perfect color combination. You’ll be able to find these beaches and water all over the Nusa’s, but we found the beaches on Nusa Lembongan the best place to lounge around on the sand. The only drawback is the onslaught of boats anchored on the beach since there are no harbors or docks on the island.

Things to do on Nusa Lembongan

Devil’s Tears

Devil’s Tears is probably the most popular thing to do on Nusa Lembongan. It’s basically a big wave smashing against the cliffs creating a wonderful display of the ocean’s power.

Unfortunately, we timed this wrong and shared the beauty with about 100 other people, but we were told it’s always that way, especially in the high season. If you want it all to yourself I would suggest arriving at sunrise.

Mangrove Forest

If you want to do an organized tour on Nusa Lembongan you can easily hop on a Mangrove Forest boat tour for about 75,000 IDR. A beautiful and very natural mangrove forest surrounds an area around Nusa Lembongan and is great to do on an overcast day.

Mushroom Beach

This is one of the prettiest beaches to head on Nusa Lembongan, although, it wasn’t really any different than other beaches here. It’s got some good eateries though and the vibe it’s got going is relaxed and chill.

Head Over to Nusa Ceningan

The smallest islands of the Nusas, Nusa Ceningan is just a short bridge walk away and is well worth a day trip. You can easily get there via the yellow bridge from Nusa Lembongan visa motorbike or foot. Once there you can see the dreamy blue lagoon, Ceningan cliff point, or enjoy the beach bars. Read our full Nusa Ceningen guide here.

Get Dive Certified

The waters around the Nusa Islands are stunning and the coral is in pretty good shape. It would be a shame not to see the glories of the underwater world here. I understand diving may not be for everyone, but it is incredibly cheap here compared to elsewhere in the world. As we said earlier we went diving with Dive Concepts one of the largest providers and had an amazing experience.

If diving isn’t your thing you can easily book a snorkel trip to Manta Point on Nusa Lembongan. Then take it to the next level and head to one of the free dive schools on the island.

Go Surf

If you’re looking to catch some waves Nusa Lembongan combined with Ceningan has some great surf breaks. We didn’t get out in the waves but chatted with a few people surfing who enjoyed it much more compared to the crowded lineups on Bali.

As they said on a busy day there may be 20 people out in the water. One of the most well-known is Playgrounds since it’s an easy paddle out and wave to catch for beginners. Other notable breaks include Lacerations, No Man’s, and Shipwrecks.

Where to Stay on Nusa Lembongan

We didn’t go basic or super cheap on Nusa Lembongan and set our budget to $50 a night for accommodation. What should get us a beachfront guesthouse is most of Southeast Asia got us far less on the Nusa Islands. We picked up a cute Airbnb, which had great gardens and grounds, a nice pool, comfortable rooms, and a hot (but saltwater shower).

The place was quiet and perfect for relaxing. It wasn’t the deal of the century, but it was far better than some of the backpacker options there are. Prepare to spend more on accommodation if you are traveling during the high season.

See more of our Airbnb tips here – and don’t forget to grab your $35 off!

Other recommendations on Nusa Lembongan:

• Batu Karong: One of the best places to stay on the island, but also one of the most expensive. These are the luxurious places to stay on Nusa Lembongan.
• The Niti Hut: A great mid-range option that offers a beautiful garden with a pool and free breakfast.
• Bukit Taman Cottages: Good for couples or solo travelers on a budget. The rooms here are comfortable yet affordable and offer sea views.
• Bong Hostel: Hostel vibe and hostel prices.

Whether you want to go waterfall trekking, temple hopping, or enjoy coconut water after a yoga sesh, it’s hard to get bored here. Last summer, Ubud was the perfect place to kick back, relax, and enjoy life for a month while we caught up on some work and enjoyed the digital nomad lifestyle.

Things to do in Ubud

Catch Sunrise at Tegalalang Rice Fields

You’ve seen these bad boys in just about every Instagram post from Bali. The terraces are pretty mystifying and will leave you wondering about the process, “Subak,” used to create the impressive landscape. It’s a technique that dates back over millennia in Indonesia. Catch it during one of Bali’s jaw-dropping golden hours, and you’ll be taken back in time—just be prepared to go back to thousands of other tourists looking for the perfect Instagram shot.

They’re a short drive outside of Ubud and well worth making the stop if you have a motorbike or driver for the day. If you want any chance of a crowd-free photo, it’s best to head to the terraces in the early morning, around sunrise. There is actually a surprising amount of stuff at the terraces beyond just walking around them and snapping photos. You can participate in any number of the “insta-swings,” learn how to harvest rice, have a coconut, or shop for souvenirs.

I’m sure more activities are already on offer as the whole area is quickly developing—not necessarily in the right ways. That being said, rice terraces are a stunning sight to see. We loved seeking out a number that are not tourist stops, as they’re all over the island, so you can still get the experience without all the crowds. Personally, we wouldn’t be amiss if you gave this one a skip as it’s just become such a tourist trap.

Visit Pura Taman Saraswati

This temple offers a reprieve from the madness right in the center of Ubud. It’s a temple dedicated to Dewi Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of art and wisdom. Inside the temple are many wood carvings celebrating the goddess and fountains. Those fountains fill a large pool intended for customary bathing and drinking to gain some power from the goddess. As with many temples in Ubud, a traditional show takes place in the evenings that you can enjoy for a fee/donation.

Visit Handara Golf Course Gate

This is just a photo spot outside of Ubud. You’ve likely seen the Handara Gates on Instagram; Instagram made them a thing. They are a set of gates and temples that date back several centuries. For a long time, they just sat along the road, and no one paid any mind to gates until they gained popularity on the social media platform. It’s one of the top places to grab a photo in Bali because it’s a cool setting for a photo in the mountain mist.

The Handara Gates are located in the highlands of Bedugul and are very easy to miss if you are driving by, although they can easily be seen right from the road. Although these gates look like they’ll take you back to ancient times in photos, it is the entrance to the Handara Golf Club, a popular Bali golf course. They are super popular, and the golf club has begun charging visitors for a chance to grab an Instaworthy shot. It’s best to get here early to avoid crowds.

Walk the Campuhan Ridge Walk

Campuhan Ridge is a popular spot in Ubud for good reason. We were fortunate to stay right up the road during our month there, so we made a few stops to clear our heads. If you’re looking to escape the crowds in the center of Ubud, Campuhan Ridge Walk offers the best scenery and views.

It’s a long, winding path that rolls over a ridge and provides views over a verdant valley. The path shows off Ubud’s natural landscape and is the perfect spot for a sunset or sunrise walk. It’s also a traffic-free place to run and exercise—make sure not to go in the heat of the day and bring lots of water!

Like many gorgeous spots in Bali, it can draw a crowd. As with most other places on this list, getting here at sunrise will give you the most peaceful scene and the best photos. You can walk to the ridge by following the road to IBAH villas. Keep walking until you see the beautiful Pura Gunung Lebah Temple and turn there. Keep walking past the temple until space opens up to the ridge.

Explore Puri Saren Palace

This is the Royal Palace of Ubud, located in the heart of Ubud next to the Ubud Art Market. It was built in the 1800s during the reign of Ida Tjokorda Putu Kandel. To this day, parts of the royal family still live in sections of the palace. Not all of the palace is open to the public, but you can enjoy the wonderful Balinese gardens inside.

Indulge at Gianyar Night Market

Night markets are fantastic throughout Southeast Asia, and the island of Bali is no exception. If you are staying in the Gianyar area, I would recommend planning a night to go to the night market. This is where you can get cheap, good, and local food. Some great stapes are Gado Gado, Bakso, Ayam Betutu, Babi Guling, and many desserts.  My personal favorites in Bali are Mie Goreng and Nasi Goreng.

See the Cave at Goa Gajah

Goa Gajah, or the “elephant cave,” is a 9th-century sanctuary popular with tourists. Goa Gajah is an ancient Hindu and Buddhist temple with a very small cave used for meditation. If you like temple-hopping this is a beautiful place to head to for a quick stopover.

Honestly, I was expecting more out of the cave at Goa Gajah, but in reality, the cave is very small and it is the whole site that deserves more attention. Women and men must cover themselves before entering, but a free sarong is included in the ticket price.

Enjoy a Kecak Dance Performace

Kecak is a Balinese form of dance that combines music and drama. The spectacle is a must-see when visiting Bali,, so it’s little wonder everyone recommends it. The chants of a male chorus forming a ring make a sort of “enclosure” that sets the stage for the show.

Inside the circle are dramatic faces, elaborate costumes, and vivid actors and actresses that often tell the story of a battle from the Ramayana. The most popular place to see this dance is at Uluwatu Temple every night as the sun sets over the ocean. Pura Dalem Taman Kaja is a Hindu Temple in the center of Ubud that has shows a few nights a week at 7:30 pm. Best to ask around in Ubud first for the show days as they change frequently depending on the season.

See the Long Tail Macaques in the Monkey Forest

Most visitors to Ubud visit the Ubud Monkey Forest, which is a classic attraction. I visited twice—once in 2011 and again in 2018—and enjoyed both experiences. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is a sacred temple where around 800 long-tail macaques live and can be observed by visitors.

115 species of trees have been identified here with many considered holy to the Balinese. Aside from being open to visitors, Ubud Monkey Forest is also a center for research and institutions to study monkeys’ social behaviors. Monkey Forest can be hit or miss for most people, and you either love it or hate it.

Even though we’ve seen wild gorillas in Uganda and gone chimp trekking in Rwanda, we still found the monkey forest enjoyable. If you find yourself curious about the monkeys of Bali and venture into Ubud’s Monkey Sanctuary, here are some things you should know.

Treat Yourself to a Balinese Massage

A 90-minute massage for Rp 170,000 isn’t just a good deal—it’s amazing for anyone. There are hundreds of massage parlors in Ubud, so you shouldn’t have difficulty finding a place. If you are into massages, pedicures, manicures, or any spa treatment, the cost-to-service ratio in Bali can’t be beaten.

There are so many massage establishments it can be hard to find a clean and reputable one. We suggest looking at Google and TripAdvisor to find businesses with good reviews. We always like to see if others mention hygiene and cleanliness.

Our favorite massage places are the mid-range establishments that provide spa-like services in a nice setting, and the massage is typically as good as a five-star resort. Ubud Traditional Spa is a little bit outside of the city, but it’s our favorite spot for a massage as they deliver an excellent experience in a nice setting.

Practice Yoga

Bali is well known for being a spiritual place in the world. It’s well known in Indonesia that Bali is the Island of the Gods and is often listed as one of the best places around the globe to engage in meditation and yoga. It’s the perfect place to visit when seeking a tranquil yoga retreat. Ubud is the spiritual mecca of the island and you’ll find plenty of yoga studios to practice.

Even if you have never tried yoga before, a trip to Bali is not complete without at least a stab at your downward dog—beginners are welcome everywhere! Our favorite is Intuitive Flow, right down the road from Yellow Flower Cafe, our favorite post-yoga spot. The real magic of Ubud is the ability to relax and enjoy a healthy lifestyle like drinking turmeric lattes while reading a new book with a great view.

Shop At the Boutiques

If you like shopping at cute boutique stores, you will love the shops on Jl Raya Ubud, Ubud’s main street. This is easily the most chaotic street in Ubud, but it’s also where you will find more of the shopping. There are plenty of boutique shops to grab dresses, bathing suits, shoes, and whatever else you need. I was even surprised to see a Starbucks here!

Raft Down the Ayung River

Adventure lovers don’t have to go far for some adrenaline in Ubud. The Ayung River is a great place to go whitewater rafting for a few hours. I’ve been white water rafting five times, which was among the more challenging (but not scary like the Nile in Uganda) white water experiences I’ve enjoyed.

Our knowledgeable guide showed us cool waterfalls and hidden gems along the river. The best part about the experience is that it is very inexpensive compared to white water rafting ventures in the West. One can have a half-day of rafting with lunch included for around Rp 450,000.

Take a Cooking Class

Cooking classes are very popular and it’s easy to understand why as Balinese food is incredible! Most cooking classes last a half-day and will start with a local family host taking you to the local markets to pick our fresh produce and ingredients, from there many hosts will explain more about Balinese culture and food before teaching you how to make a set dish. Then, it’s time to dive into the delicious food! Most cooking classes run about 400,000 IDR per person.

Marvel at Aling Aling Waterfall

Aling Aling waterfall isn’t exactly in Ubud, but it makes for a great day trip away from the cultural capital. Aling Aling is located in the north of Bali and is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. It takes over an hour to get to Ubud and Canggu, making it less popular than other Bali waterfalls and the perfect spot to enjoy nature. There are also three waterfalls around Aling Aling.

One that you can slide down (Kroya waterfall), one that you can cliff jump from, and one that you can admire (although I have seen videos of some people jumping around it). The one that you can admire and the tallest is Aling Aling. All waterfalls are close together and connected via an easy cement path. It costs Rp 20,000 to enter and view the waterfalls, but you will need a guide if you want to swim. The guide costs Rp 175,000 and is completely unnecessary. It is only there to watch you swim and ensure you don’t die.

Eat Healthy/Cafe Hop

You will never want to leave Ubud if you watch what you eat and enjoy lemongrass chilled tea with an acai smoothie bowl. Seriously, there are so many good eats around here, and for a fraction of what you would pay for healthy food back home.

While traditional Indonesian food may not be the healthiest, the Balinese have caught on to visitors’ desire for Buddha Bowls, leaf-wrapped veggie burgers, tofu scrambles, and almond chai juices. You can find a hip cafe on almost every corner of Ubud, and although it is more expensive to eat here than at a true local (or warung) in Bali, at 60,000 IDR for a turmeric smoothie bowl, it’s hard to complain.

It’s also worth noting that Bali is one of the few places in the world that truly caters to vegan and vegetarian diets. Seriously, on every menu, you can find amazing vegan and vegetarian dishes. No more side-eyes for stating you’re a vegetarian here.

Some of our favorite places to eat in Ubud are:

• Yellow Flower Cafe
• Sari Organik
• Healthyubud
• Moksa Ubud
• Herb Library Bali

Sekumpul Waterfall

The Sekumpul village anchors this dreamy waterfall. Sekumpul consists of multiple cascades gushing downwards in slightly different styles. Only the determined tourist will take a trip to this waterfall; besides what seems like 500 steps of stairs, you have to deal with the slippery nature of the paths and vegetation.

Visiting Sekumpul waterfall costs just 20,000 IDR. Once you arrive at the town entrance at the top of the falls, you will have locals telling you to pay 175,000 IDR to enter. However, this is not necessary unless you want a guide. The trek is not hard if you are reasonably fit, and you do not need a guide to take you to the waterfall.

The cascades, the surrounding vegetation, and the rocky floor of the waterfall are stunning vistas and make for some memorable photos. You could spend hours taking pictures – that’s how magnificent the scenery.

Rent a Motorbike

There are a few ways to get around Ubud. Many of the things I mentioned are walkable, depending on the location of your accommodation. Renting a bicycle is also possible, although sometimes the streets and sidewalks can be hectic. The most popular way to get from point to point efficiently and quickly in Ubud is with a motorbike rental.

Motorbike rentals in Bali generally start at 90,000 IDR a day, but in the low season, you can negotiate that down to 70,000 IDR. Many hotels or guesthouses will have their motorbikes or know someone with a motorbike, so that should be your first point of contact for nabbing one. If you can’t find a reputable motorbike seller, walk into any laundromat or fuel station, and they should be able to help you. Please, for the love of God, wear a helmet!

The Best Places to Stay in Ubud

These days, the center of Ubud has become a loud, noisy, and traffic-congested mess. We spent three weeks hanging around Ubud and tried to keep our time in the town center to a minimum. The best areas around Ubud are the outer villages with villas, homestays, and resorts. Most of our time was spent in the village of Penestanan. The small villages and neighborhoods of Ubud are filled with tons of great hidden gems like local warungs, cafes, yoga studios, and plenty of villas.

How to Get to Ubud from Ngurah Rai International Airport

There are a few ways to get from the airport to Ubud. The first and cheapest option is to take a public minibus or bemo, which can cost anywhere from Rp 10,000 to 50,000 depending on how good your haggling skills are. If you want to travel to Ubud via Bemo, getting an early start is best.

It’s also possible to get a private taxi for an affordable price. We did this from our airport hotel, and the drive took us about 1.5 hours. We paid Rp 350,000, and it was well worth the convenience of having our own private taxi to chill out in and bring us right where we needed to go.

However, our taxi driver kept asking us if we wanted to stop at random shops (likely his friends’ businesses) where we were expected to spend money on things we had no interest in. A polite no thank you is all you need to say should this happen. We have also used Grab and GoJek, apps similar to Ubud in Bali, and found their prices to be competitive.

I’d be on my own, 18m below the surface of the ocean. If we passed my SSI open water course, we would soon be able to dive underwater without the guidance of an instructor or someone watching my every move.

Diving in Nusa Lembongan – What to Expect

Learning how to dive is something that both Cameron and I have been wanting to do for a long time. We love to snorkel and see the many strange creatures that live beneath the ocean’s surface. We meant to spend a month on Bali, but when we learned we could go diving in the baby blue waters around the Nusa Islands we left Bali.

After a few days on Nusa Penida, we made out a way to Nusa Lembongan. It’s the most popular and developed of the Nusa Islands with plenty of dive shops and surf schools. We were after one thing on Nusa Lembongan and that was the chance to become divers, and possibly see a giant manta ray or mola mola.

After one sleepless night and a bit of anxiety, we made our way to Dive Concepts. After doing much research we found that Dive Concepts had the best online reviews with the best prices at €240 to get certified. They are also one of the most experienced schools on the island which is a great way to determine reliability. We would spend the first day in the pool learning theory and safety techniques, before getting open water certified in the next two days.

Prior to the course we were granted access to the SSI app and told to study up. These materials were included in the dive course, and having them before we started the course really freed our time to learn scuba in the course. The materials are broken down into courses and each one takes about 30-40 minutes to read and take a brief quiz. This meant by the time we arrive on the morning of our course we had already completed five courses of theory and had a good understanding of scuba. 

Upon arrival to our course, we met up with Cedric, our French dive instructor who would be with us every step of the way for the next three days. The courses at Dive Concepts never exceed four people to ensure learning. We got lucky with only one other person in our group. Our whole group had done an introductory dive before and were ready to take it to the next level. After introductions, I expressed how I was a little nervous to begin the course.

“No worries, this is going to be a piece of cake!” Said Cedric cheerfully.

First up we took to the pool to learn about our gears operation and basic scuba principles. Learning in the pool first is pretty much mandatory for all PADI and SSI dive courses. Instructors want people to get used to the feeling of breathing underwater, familiar with the equipment, and safety procedures before attempting in the ocean. In the pool, you learn all about your equipment and trying to maintain buoyancy.

We also went through emergency scenarios and how to react. Things, like losing your mask, running out of the air, and losing your regulator are all practiced. Our whole group did great, except for me who freaked out when I had to simulate losing my mask and putting it back on. I knew this would be my number one fear the next three days. Cedric said he would work with me until I felt confident, which I couldn’t appreciate enough.

Our second day with Dive Concepts was spent at two dive sights around Nusa Lembongan. We had to prepare our equipment and tank ourselves before diving in and feeling comfortable in the water. Open water divers may not go deeper than 18 meters, and our first day we went to about 15 meters. Cameron and I both agreed that the first two dives were our favorite. The coral was in fantastic shape, we saw a variety of colorful fish and even a sea turtle. The best part of all was the lack of other divers around as these weren’t the hotspots around the island.

When we returned to land we had two hours of classroom time – this was our longest day. The class was spent going over what the courses on the app had taught us, but having a real teacher to explain things more in depth was great. Plus with two dives completed it put it all into perspective. The second day ended with our theory test which was straightforward and we finished it with ease.

I was beginning to feel more confident with the whole dive thing. Maybe I wouldn’t have dreams about drowning anymore? We had trips planned to The Maldives and the Philippines – both are known for their amazing dive sites.

The third day was completely spent out in the open water. The third day of the course was also the most important – This was the big day. Not only was it the day we would have underwater “tests,” and pass our class, but we were also going to Manta Point.

Manta Point, located right off the coast of Nusa Penida is a well-known dive and snorkel spot. I’m sure you could have guessed by the name, but there is usually a very good chance of spotting Manta Rays here. Mantas are filter feeders and the plankton around Manta Point are in abundance. 

We ended up seeing three Mantas while diving around Manta Point. Although we’ve seen them in both Mozambique and The Galapagos they were really far away and quite shy. Here, near Nusa Penida, they could be observed and admired up close. The only problem was every dive and snorkel operator heads to Manta Point on a daily basis in what seems like the same exact time. So, we were also observing with felt like 100 other people, making the journey less amazing than we thought, unfortunately.

Our last stop was Crystal Bay. This would be our longest and deepest dive at 40 minutes and almost 18 meters. However, about 15 minutes of that would be spent practicing the emergency scenarios we had in the pool the first day. To pass the course we had to simulate the things like running out of air and losing our mask at 15m deep. Many of these situations would hopefully never happen, but just in case a life or death situation arises while diving we were trained with how to react.

Having already been to Crystal Bay while we were exploring Nusa Penida a few days earlier I can honestly say I enjoyed it much more diving from the water than the shore. It’s called Crystal Bay for a reason, and that’s because the water is crystal clear blue. It’s a fantastic snorkel and dive spot with a stunning reef and it’s the spot to see a mola mola. Crystal Bay would sadly be our last dive of the course and we were trying to hold onto all the 40 minutes of it.

As we surfaced Cedric shouted “You all passed!” and we were all smiles knowing that now we could scuba around the world!

Overall, we felt getting dive certified on Nusa Lembongan was a fantastic choice. I know that you can do it in Bali, but wanting to escape the mass tourism that has engulfed the island I’m happy we chose elsewhere. Plus the coral and waters around the Nusa Islands did not disappoint, and we had two sunny and marvelous days in the beautiful water at a fraction of the price we would have paid elsewhere.

If you want the same great experience we had Dive Concepts is the company to go diving with on Nusa Lembongan. Not only because the staff were friendly, but the training was efficient and we didn’t have to shell out megabucks to get certified.

Cedric was a great instructor for us. Funny, friendly, and charismatic and out of the water and completely serious and helpful under the sea. Seriously, half the reason why I felt so confident and comfortable during this course was because of him. I think your experience with your instructor can make or break your course. So if you are a little bit of a nervous swimmer with a sense of humor request him! 

As for us, we are off to the Maldives to do more diving!

Where to stay on Nusa Lembongan

We didn’t go basic or super cheap on Nusa Lembongan and set our budget to $50 a night for accommodation. What should get us a beachfront guesthouse is most of Southeast Asia got us far less on the Nusa Islands. We picked up a cute Airbnb, which had great gardens and grounds, a nice pool, comfortable rooms, and a hot (but saltwater shower).

The place was quiet and perfect for relaxing. It wasn’t the deal of the century, but it was far better than some of the backpacker options there are. Prepare to spend more on accommodation if you are traveling during the high season

Bali is one of the few locations in the world with so many exquisite spots that it would take weeks to see them all, and you still wouldn’t get bored. The beaches and weather conditions might be exceptional, but Bali offers much more than just the chance to relax on the sand; the Bali waterfalls are one of the special things about this tourist destination.

The waterfalls on this Indonesian island can transform a traveler into a permanent resident. Yes, they really are that spectacular. The dense vegetation, accessibility, and that rush of emotion that comes from being surrounded by nature make these sites anyone’s dream.

Pictures alone wouldn’t do justice to these waterfalls. There are many beauties, and while they are all glorious to the core, some are more thrilling than others. While this list by no means encompasses all the waterfalls in Bali, it certainly holds some of the most impressive. So grab your swimsuit, and let’s go!

The Best Bali Waterfalls

Sekumpul Waterfall

The Sekumpul village anchors this dreamy waterfall. Sekumpul consists of multiple cascades gushing downwards in slightly different styles. Only the determined tourist will take on a trip to this waterfall; besides what seems like 500 steps of stairs, you have to deal with the slippery nature of the paths and vegetation. However, in our opinion, this is the Bali waterfall to see, so it is all worth it!

Visiting Sekumpul waterfall costs just 20,000 IDR. Once you arrive at the town entrance at the top of the falls, you will have locals telling you to pay 175,000 IDR to enter. However, this is not necessary unless you want a guide. The trek is not hard if you are reasonably fit and you do not need a guide to take you to the waterfall, so just walk past the persistent locals (who even have official shirts on) and continue on your own.

This isn’t to say the guides are bad. We had a great one that took all our photos. Having a guide to guide you around makes life a lot easier; they will lead you through a trail that cuts across the village, where you can see daily village life and the locals hard at work in the rice paddies on the way. Our guide also always kept his eyes on our day bags while we were taking photos.

Regardless of the time or effort spent getting to this waterfall in Bali, the view more than makes up for it will take your breath away. The cascades, the surrounding vegetation, and the rocky floor of the waterfall are stunning vistas and make for some memorable photos. You could spend hours taking pictures – that’s how magnificent the scenery.

NungNung Waterfall

In the village of Petang is the NungNung Waterfall. The spectacular thing about this waterfall is its impressive height – the water cascades down an awesome 70-meter drop. Its sound gives its beauty away as the loud downpour gives its location away long before you arrive.

You can get to the waterfall’s base using hundreds of steps – just be sure to save energy for the return trip back to the top! From the base of the falls, cool off in the spray and get snapping.

Aling-Aling Waterfall

One of the top things to do in Bali is to chase waterfalls! Aling-Aling waterfall is located in the north of Bali and is one of the most impressive waterfalls on the island. It’s quite far from Ubud and Canggu, making it less popular than other Bali waterfalls and the perfect spot to enjoy nature. There are also three waterfalls around Aling Aling.

One that you can literally slide down (Kroya waterfall), one that you can cliff jump from, and one that you can just admire (although I have seen videos of some people jumping around it). The one that you can admire and the tallest is Aling Aling. All waterfalls are close together and connected via an easy cement path.

It costs 20,000 IDR to enter and view the waterfalls, but you will need a guide if you want to swim. The guide costs 175,000 IDR and is completely unnecessary and only there to watch you swim and ensure you don’t die. We opted for the viewing ticket only. However, Cam did take a dip in the pools anyway. Don’t forget to stop at the rice fields, snap a photo on the way in, and grab a coconut on the way out!

Peguyangan Waterfall

This waterfall isn’t actually on the island of Bali but nearby Nusa Penida. Although it’s a waterfall, it is one of the least visited sights on Nusa Penida.  Lots of things make this waterfall alluring, but its height and width aren’t those things.

Situated at the base of a cliff, Peguyangan isn’t your typical waterfall. You will need some local expertise to get here, and some brave pants as you will have to climb down a pretty steep staircase. Just to warn you, be ready to get carried away by the view from the top of the cliff – it’s mesmerizing!

To access the waterfall, you must go down a meandering blue stairway. If you don’t like exercising, this attraction definitely won’t appeal to you! The hundreds of steps could tire you sooner than you think, and the 20-minute walk down the shiny stairway could feel like an hour, depending on the circumstances. Besides the waterfall, a sacred temple here doubles as a pilgrimage site.

Tegenungan Waterfall

The jungle area of Ubud in the center of the island holds Tegenungan waterfall. You can get to this pleasant attraction through a trail past the ticket booth. This is one of the more easily accessible waterfalls.

The presence of nature around this landmark area hasn’t been watered down by the activities of the locals. You can take a plunge into the water, enjoy a cold bath and pay an impromptu visit to the temple nearby.

Gitgit Waterfall

Feeling lazy but still craving a swim? The proximity to the road and ease of getting to this waterfall will get you raring to go. Located in Singaraja, the Gigit Waterfall is not very far from the main road; you can get to this lovely site within minutes of leaving your accommodation nearby. If you’re picturing a remote, pristine waterfall all to yourself, this may not be your cup of tea – it’s a popular tourist hotspot.

At only 35 meters high, this isn’t the highest waterfall in the Bali region, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for some beautiful scenery and wildlife. Due to a large number of tourists, many vendors hound this area, so put your guard up.

Blahmantung Waterfall

Situated in the Pujungan village of Bali is the Blahmantung Waterfall. The village name is often used to refer to the waterfall. It’s one of the best Bali waterfalls with an impressive height. Standing at about 55 meters high, prepare to be wowed by what awaits you. With coffee and cocoa plantations surrounding the area, it’s common to bump into the locals that are working their land nearby.

Getting to this waterfall isn’t straightforward, and the long drive will actually scare off a few tourists. Spending a couple of hours on a trip to seek out a single waterfall isn’t everybody’s fun idea. Add in the long trek towards the waterfall, and only a handful of tourists will persist, making the solitude all the more rewarding for those who do.

Pujungan village – where the waterfall is located – can be reached through the Denpasar area. From a distance, the waterfall is hidden from sight due to the surrounding cliffs. Ask questions, and you will be directed accordingly.

Munduk Waterfall

The Niagara Munduk – like its American counterpart – isn’t actually a loner. It’s a collection of two sister waterfalls. Situated in the Munduk village, these mini Niagara Falls consist of two waterfalls – Munduk and Melanting. While accessible by foot, you will have to trek nearly half a kilometer to reach them from the main road. I would suggest a good pair of trekking shoes as it could get muddy.

There’s something special about looking at the surrounding area from the top of these falls – you might just have to take some time to sit still and bask in the euphoria of the sight. The mountains, vegetation, and the twin lakes of the waterfalls provide a stunning backdrop for some contemplation. The two closely linked waterfalls – Munduk and Melanting – might share many things, but they don’t have the same height.

There’s a lot to see around this area, but be careful not to get lost. A swim in the water at the fall’s base might not be a bad idea either, especially after the rather sweaty trek to reach it.

Yeh Mampeh Waterfall

Located in Les, this waterfall is endearing. You might have to trek down the rock formation, but it’s not exactly arduous, though take extra care when it rains. The water is so clean that some locals come to bathe here – be prepared to see the unexpected.

The caves around the waterfall area are exceptional side attractions; you can opt to explore them after you’ve finished enjoying the waterfall and lazing on the giant rock slabs dotted around the area.

Yeh Mampeh’s remote location doesn’t seem to thrill tourists. The three-hour drive from the airport to the rather calm village of Les could be a factor. But who cares? You get to see fewer people and have some quiet time.

Carat Waterfall

The village of Tamblang acts as home to this amazing site. Be warned, locating this masterpiece is not for the fainthearted. From the muddy nature of the path to the wonky wooden bridge, the journey has all the hallmarks of an adventure. As always, these adrenaline-pumping hikes are not for everyone. The long trek downwards is not just torturous but long.

The Carat is actually a two-in-one waterfall; there’s a miniature waterfall and the taller waterfall. Both are closely linked, gushing downwards into the cavern below. You can enjoy a refreshing plunge in the water. There are some superstitions surrounding this waterfall; one claims misfortune will befall anyone who speaks ill about the waterfall. How true? There is an easy way to find out: just say exactly what the superstition forbids!

SingSing Waterfalls

Due to its proximity to Lovina beach, tourists and locals alike find their way to this waterfall for different reasons. While the tourists are interested in making pleasant memories of their stay in Bali, a few locals are bent on selling their wares to the crowd drawn here. As with many places in Bali, they can be a tad overbearing.

However, it’s not all negative. The SingSing waterfall could transform your mood in seconds, especially when it rains. There are trails that will reveal further spots like the lava stone pools – a perfect opportunity to unwind and relax.

Finding your way to the waterfall entails getting to Cempaga village. You will have to trek for some minutes to get to the site. Compared to the Carat, getting to the SingSing Waterfall is a breeze.

Jembong Waterfall

A rather unfamiliar waterfall in the North of Bali, Jembong waterfall, with its crystal-clear water, is hidden away in the Ambengan village of the Sukasada district. Although relatively close to the Bedugul tourist attraction (just 15km away), it’s not usually swarming with many visitors. In fact, it’s rather unpopular when compared to Sekumpul, Gitgit waterfall, or Niagra waterfall.

If you are a lover of chocolate, you’ll be impressed with the serene environment where Jembong waterfall is located. The surrounding chocolate plantation, the tropical trees, and the easy access to this waterfall make it a good route for a beautiful hiking experience.

When you get to Jembong waterfall, the way it flows will probably intrigue you the most. Unlike the typical waterfall, which is perpendicular and makes thundering sounds, Jembong flows on a slope of 75 degrees. This makes the water sound rather soothing, so you can have a more peaceful and relaxing stay and be one with nature.

Pengempu Waterfall

A worthy mention on any list of best Bali waterfalls would be Pengempu waterfall in Cau Belayu. The waterfall has, in recent times, started getting the recognition it deserves. Standing at 20 meters, Pengempu waterfall discharges water lightly, providing a relaxing environment for visitors. Its location is close to Denpasar, and you’ll spend about 40 minutes on the road.

If you are a nature lover, you’ll be intrigued by the extra perk of visiting the Pengempu waterfall – a cave. In the parking area, there is a 30-meter deep cave. Visitors can explore this feature before or after enjoying the cool waters of the Pengempu falls.

Banyumala Twin Waterfall

Banyumala is the polar opposite of the Gitgit waterfall. It’s a bit more off the beaten track, making it well worth the extra effort needed to locate it. You may need to hire a guide to bring you to Banyumala as it’s not easily accessible.

Water flows through two paths down the Banyumala Twin Waterfall, making it even more beautiful. The rock formation and its adjacent vegetation enhance the features of this site. This is one of the best waterfalls in Bali to take a swim in and enjoy the tranquility only nature can provide.

How to See the Waterfalls in Bali

You have a couple of options when planning a route to see the waterfalls in Bali.

Hire a Driver

This is the most expensive way to check out Bali waterfalls, but it is the best way. Or at least it’s the most comfortable. With a private driver, you can get a group together, sit in AC, and go wherever your heart may lead you in Bali without wasting tons of time on a motorbike. We paid 800,000 IDR for our driver for the day, and he took us to all the northern waterfalls. However, I didn’t feel like bargaining, and I believe we may have been able to get the price down to 700,000 IDR.

Rent a Motorbike

This is the most popular way to get around Bali – it’s also the cheapest! For 75,000 IDR, you can get yourselves a motorbike for the day to get around. However, be forewarned that all day on one of these things will give you a proper butt ache and acing for a massage.

Bali Waterfalls Map

When I finally brought Cameron back to Bali in 2018 I figured we should give Ubud’s Monkey Forest another go and see just how much had changed and how he liked it. Sure, along with everything else in Bali the price has risen and the sanctuary is more built up, but the monkeys remain their mischievous selves.

Monkey Forest can be hit or miss for most people. Either you love it or you hate it. Even though we’ve gone gorilla trekking in Uganda and chimp trekking in Rwanda, we still found the monkey forest in Bali to be a fun thing to do if you have an hour or so to kill. If you find yourself curious about the monkeys of Bali and venture into Ubud’s Monkey sanctuary here are some things you should know.

All About Ubud’s Monkey Forest

Don’t Touch the Monkeys at Ubud Monkey Forest

This should be obvious, but both times that I’ve visited Ubud’s Monkey Forest I have seen tourists deliberately trying to touch the monkeys. The monkeys, especially the young ones, are pretty darn cute. They are tame and used to humans, but this doesn’t mean you should touch them! Not only is it affecting their behavior, but it’s downright dangerous.

Monkeys are unpredictable and have razor-sharp teeth. One wrong move and you could have a couple of fangs in you on your way to diseases, an Indonesian hospital, and a few rabies jabs. Just don’t put yourself at that kind of risk.

Don’t Stare the Monkeys in the Eye

You’ll see signs up all over informing you not to look a monkey in the eye. Like many animals looking them in the eye means that you are challenging them. Don’t be fooled as the monkeys are quick and athletic and can jump on you faster than you will be able to realize what is even going on.

Looking them in the eye for even just a second can provoke them. Feel free to make eyes at them when they’re not looking!

Allow Yourself at Least an Hour at the Monkey Forest

I would allocate at least an hour to enjoy the full sanctuary and observe the monkeys. We arrived before closing time and were ushered out 15 minutes before six. We stayed for a grand total of 30 minutes in the sanctuary and I thought we could have used at least another 30 minutes inside. The Ubud Monkey Forest’s official opening hours are 8:30 am-6:00 pm daily.

How Much Does the Ubud Monkey Forest Cost?

Seven years ago when I visited I remember the cost to visit Ubud’s monkey forest was equivalent to $2. Over the years the cost has risen and you will need to pay 50,000 IDR (about $3.50) in cash to enter the temple.

It’s $3.50 well spent and I can tell that it has gone to the upkeep of the temple and the well-being of the staff. The monkeys, pathways, and signs all seem to be well cared for and it’s a lovely forest.

Protect any Loose Items from the Monkeys

On my first time in Bali I saw a woman with reading glasses enjoying her vacation. In the blink of an eye, a monkey jumped on her shoulders, stole her glasses, and skedaddled off never to be seen again.

Monkeys are interesting creatures as they are so humanlike and have little fingers and toes as we do. That means they can easily steal your loose items and run off with them. My bets are on the monkey if you even attempt to get them back. Once they have what they want they won’t give them up without a fight or until they lose interest.

Don’t Feed the Monkeys

It used to be that you could buy bananas and other snacks from local vendors to feed the monkeys at the Ubud monkey forest. On our recent trip, we didn’t see this anymore and I believe they have stopped the practice. Don’t bring your own food in either.

Food from humans can make the monkeys more aggressive and you are only subjecting yourself to monkey harassment. Trust me, you will be able to get close enough to the monkeys without the help of food.

What to Wear to the Ubud Monkey Forest?

Keep in mind that the Ubud Monkey Forest is named “The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary” and is still very much considered sacred. There are three temples here that were built in the 14th century, so aside from seeing the monkeys, you will be able to see ancient temples. The monkey forest Ubud dress code should be considered before visiting the ancient temples.

Unlike other temples in Asia, no one will be there to monitor your dress choices, but you can do it yourself. Avoid short skirts, belly shirts, or excessive cleavage. Also, watch out for loose articles of clothing as we watched one monkey nearly rip the dress off an unsuspecting girl.

Enjoy the Monkeys!

The 800 or so monkeys that inhabit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary are long-tail macaques.  In the Monkey Forest Ubud, the monkeys are fed sweet potatoes three times a day (so there really is no need to give them food). You will see many males, females, juveniles, and infants here and they are all enjoyable to observe.

The Monkey Forest Ubud is to mix nature, peace, and harmony in the heart of Ubud. 115 species of trees have been identified here with many considered holy to the Balinese. Aside from being open to visitors, Ubud Monkey Forest is also a center for research and institutions to study monkey social behaviors.

Bring a Camera to the Ubud Monkey Forest

Bring your travel camera so you can snap a photo of the Balinese monkey. We didn’t want to bring anything big or flashy with us to the monkey forest so we just stuck our Sony RX100v in our pocket and that was great to photograph and video. Be sure to turn off the flash!

What Happens if You Get By a Monkey?

The probability of getting bit or rabies in the Ubud monkey forest is low. However, if you do get nipped by a monkey don’t panic. Inform the staff and seek medical attention, there is a First Aid clinic on-site for those bitten by the monkeys.

Don’t do nothing. Even though the Monkey Forest website says all their monkeys are healthy I personally wouldn’t take any chances with my life or potential diseases. These are wild animals that are unpredictable.

Make sure you have travel insurance before your trip to Bali. I’m not trying to scare you though. If you follow all the rules it’s unlikely that you will have anything but an enjoyable time at the Ubud Monkey Forest.

Plan and Pack for Bali

Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance

We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.

HeyMondo

Book a Tour

Sometimes it’s nice to let someone else do the work! 

Viator

Get Your Guide

Travel Water Bottle

Plastic pollution is a problem in Bali so it’s best not to contribute to the problem buying plastic water bottles everywhere – plus the water from the taps here is perfectly safe to drink. We’ve shifted to using an insulated aluminum water bottle as it handles the hot sun well.

Best Travel Waterbottles

Rainbow Sandals

Want to fit in in Bali? Get yourself some Rainbow brand sandals, seriously everyone around you will be wearing them – and for a good reason. They are uber comfortable once you break them in and last forever!

Rainbow Sandals

Travel Shoes

If you’re wondering what travel necessities to bring to Bali then good walking shoes should be your top concern.

Allbirds!

Adapter

Remember that Bali uses the Type C adaptor. Make sure you find a good universal adapter like the one I have to keep you charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land.

Get a Travel Adapter

The Nusa Islands are fringed by picture-perfect blue waters and soft white sand. With far less infrastructure, the islands see fewer visitors than Bali, offering visitors a more rugged adventure in Indonesia. They’re still plenty popular, though, with more guesthouses, bars, restaurants, and tour providers popping up daily.

We spent two weeks on the three islands and found each worth at least a day of exploration. Here’s all you need to know about Nusa Ceningan.

All You Need to Know About Nusa Ceningan Island

Nusa Ceningan is the Smallest of the Nusa Islands

Out of the three Nusa islands, Nusa Ceningan is the smallest and located right between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. It’s super easy to get to from either island, so there is no excuse for not making your way over. Even if you only have a few hours, it’s worth a half-day trip. The cliffs are rugged, the surf is good, and the water is impressively clear. It’s possible to walk from sight to sight; however, if you’re short on time or don’t like to sweat, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Renting a motorbike is the best option for getting around the Nusa Islands. The general price for a motorbike on the Nusa islands is 70,000 IDR-85,000. You may be able to get it lower depending on the season and how good your bartering skills are. Yes, these prices are about double the prices on Bali, but with a less developed island and high demand, good luck getting it cheaper.

Best Things to do on Nusa Ceningan

Check Out the Blue Lagoon

The blue lagoon is the most popular thing to see on Nusa Ceningan. Once you arrive on the island, just turn right from the bridge and follow the road. After about five minutes, you’ll find a parking area on your left-hand side, and a handful of other people and motorbikes will be stopped. It’s hard to miss, but if you think you will pass it, just drop a point on Google maps.

Prepare yourself for the lightest blue water you have ever seen. It’s possible to walk around the blue lagoon and see it from different angles, although the rocks can be sharp and painful if you are barefoot. It’s also possible to cliff jump, although this should only be reserved for competent swimmers as the water can get very rough and exiting will prove tough.

It’s pretty easy to go snap-happy here. Before you do, make sure you take a few minutes to soak in the water and beauty without the camera. We’ve got a healthy Instagram following, but we were shocked by the amount of time those around us spent taking photos of the lagoon. Relax guys!

Mahana Point

Just down the road from the Blue Lagoon is Mahana Point. It is a much safer cliff jump with a few access points if you’re looking for thrills. Please note that they charge 50,000 IDR a jump which is a bit of a rip-off, so we gave it a skip.

Also, plan to jump during high tide! There is also a nice but small beach for lounging. Surfers will enjoy the break in this area. The break is easy to access via the point, so if you want to learn, this may be a good place to rent a board and jump in! Of course, the swell size is dependent on the season.

Secret Beach

Checking out “Secret Beach” is another popular thing to do. However, I didn’t find it so secret as many other people were there. The beach is accessible via a small hotel and restaurant, and they will request you either buy something there or pay to use their pool and access the beach.

Honestly, the beach didn’t seem special to us, and if you arrive after 1 pm, it won’t be in the sun anymore, so we decided to skip it. Unfortunately, I found it so not special I didn’t even take a photo to put in this blog post.

Cengingan Cliff Point

After hitting all the best things to do on Nusa Ceningan in a few hours, we were eager for more things to explore. I mean, there had to be more things to do, right? So we hopped on the motorbike and hooked a left after exiting the bridge instead of a right. We kept driving down the road and up a fairly steep road. This led to the Ceningan cliff point hotel and restaurant and an amazing lookout over Nusa Penida.

It’s clear the owners here built their own makeshift cliff walk with a heart as a draw for social media. If you do decide to head here and access their cliff walk, we would advise you have a drink or some food. We went with two iced coffees for 15,000 IDR each, a fair price to pay to sit and have a great view!

Things to Know About Nusa Ceningan

You can stay on Nusa Ceningan

It’s possible to stay on Nusa Ceningan. There aren’t any major Nusa Ceningan hotels; however, there are a few different accommodation options. We saw many buildings going up all over the island so expect more options in the future. Some good ocean view spots are The Bridge Huts and Svaha Private Villas Ceningan. The other option is to stay on Nusa Lembongan and head over the yellow bridge whenever possible!

There are more accommodation and food options on Lembongan, along with better infrastructure. We personally booked in advance on Airbnb, but it’s possible to show up and find a place to stay. However, we wouldn’t recommend that in the high season.

Places To Stay On Nusa Lembongan

• Batu Karong: One of the best places to stay on the island, but also one of the most expensive. These are the luxurious places to stay on Nusa Lembongan.
• The Niti Hut’s: A great mid-range option that offers a beautiful garden with a pool and free breakfast.
• Bukit Taman Cottages: Good for couples or solo travelers on a budget. The rooms here are comfortable yet affordable and offer sea views.
• Bong Hostel: Hostel vibe and hostel prices.

There Aren’t Many Things to do on Nusa Ceningan

As mentioned, the island is very small, and there are not many things to do on Nusa Ceningan. I think a full day over here is plenty of time to check off all the fun activities and still have some time to relax in the sun at one of the beach bars.

Nusa Ceningan is the Perfect Spot to Lounge in the Sun

Once you enter Nusa Ceningan and start riding around, you’ll notice the shoreline is a mecca for beach bars, swing sets, hammocks, and cafes. It’s a great place for chilling out in the sun, wading in the warm shallow water, and drinking a cocktail while looking at Nusa Lembongan.

We found the perfect place to chill at Sea Breeze. They served delicious drinks, had plenty of lounges, a pool, took credit cards, and decent food (don’t get the chips and guac, though – you will 100% be disappointed). If we had to guess, all the bars are about the same, so take your pick.

Nusa Cengingan is an Instagrammers Heaven

Another thing you will notice about these beach bars is how well set up they are for taking Instagrammable photos. Like the rest of the Nusas and Bali, business owners have capitalized on people’s want to share on social media.

Along the water, there are swing sets, hammocks, and a few beach nets with fun and beachy signs. The Nusas are generally pretty Instagrammable, but these spots take it to the next level.

Bring Cash to Nusa Ceningan

No ATMs exist on Nusa Ceningan, so come prepared with some cash. We came to the Nusa Islands with enough cash on hand from Bali because we heard the ATMs on Nusa Lembongan regularly malfunction. However, if you find yourself out, there are two semi-reliable spots on Nusa Lembongan to pick up some cash.

How to Get to Nusa Ceningan

There is no direct ferry to Nusa Ceningan. To get to this island, you must first get to Nusa Lembongan. Once on Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan is only a few kilometers away. The way to get there without getting wet is via the yellow bridge. The yellow bridge is a short distance; you can walk or drive a motorbike across. Head caution to the weight on the bridge as it collapsed and killed people before. It’s probably safe now, though.

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are very close, so your other option is to swim between the two! The water is generally very calm and isn’t deep, so if you want to get a little activity, then it’s an option. I suppose you could also hire a local boat, but I never saw this and don’t know why you would bother. If you’re coming from Nusa Penida, you can take a local boat for 50,000 IDR to Nusa Lembongan. You will be dropped off right next to the yellow bridge.

Nusa Penida is the largest and most rugged of the three islands. However, it’s still a small and much less crowded version of Bali with dreamy turquoise water, rolling hills, epic cliffs, coves, and white-sand beaches. We spent ten days hopping between all three islands and found each to offer something different. Each is worth a few days of exploration, and all are worth the 45-minute speedboat trip over.  When you decide to make the trip over (because you won’t regret that decision), here’s all you need to know before traveling around Nusa Penida.

Nusa Penida Travel Tips

Opt for the Fast Ferry to Nusa Penida

There are two options for ferries to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan – a speedboat or a slow ferry. Every day, ferries leave from Sanur and Padang Bai in Bali. Sanur is the primary point for tourists traveling via boat to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. You may find the area a bit chaotic once you arrive at Sanur Beach/port. There are a lot of tourists, few signs, dodgy boat operators, and annoying touts, which creates a confusing and stressful environment.

The second option is the local ferry. We’ve been told the local ferry costs around 50,000 IDR and takes about two hours with questionable Indonesian safety regulations. What’s a life jacket? Even though the journey is short, the waters can still be treacherous, and people have died crossing on both the local boats and speedboats. However, the odds are better in the fast boats meant for tourists.

Regardless of money, I wouldn’t recommend the slow boat, as even speedboats can take up a large chunk of your day. Our speedboat took almost four hours, much longer than the advertised 45-minute boat ride. Most of the time was spent buying and haggling for tickets, waiting for the boat, loading the luggage, taking off, and taking the boat ride to Nusa Penida. Once we arrived in the Nusas, we once again loaded everyone off the larger boat into a lorry and got onto the Nusa Penida island.

Pay the Right Price to Nusa Penida

There are several “ferry” operators, and picking the right one seems impossible. El Rey, Arathmas, Mola Mola Express, and Maruti are a few notable ones. We had heard of El Rey, so we took the gamble and chose to go with them. The first price they quoted us to go from Sanur to Nusa Penida was 490,000 IDR one way.

We’re not sure if anyone paid this ludicrous price; at the time, haggling was the way to go through third-party brokers. We ended up paying around 100,000 which is slightly lower than the rates these days, inflation. Now it seems all of the companies have caught up to the time and run their own websites and compete for pricing with clear terms.

My advice would be to have a price you are willing to pay to get to the Nusas and stick to it. There will be numerous touts and companies trying to quote you for much more to see what they can get. If you don’t like the price, head to the next stand and see what they will quote you until you’ve exhausted your options.

Most companies are about the same in terms of service level and dodginess. If you end up booking with your hotel or a third party, you will most likely be paying more than you would at the ferry terminal, but you will enjoy the convenience and peace of mind by not dealing with the chaos of doing it yourself. This often includes a transfer from your hotel to the ferry point. (Side note – We returned to Bali from Nusa Lembongan for 175,000 a person).

Carry Your Shoes With You

Most speedboats will collect your shoes before you get on board so you don’t risk getting wet. They will return your shoes when you arrive at the Nusas. Unwilling to part with my Rainbows Sandals, I carried on my sandals while Cameron surrendered his. He later admitted I made the better choice.  When we arrived at Nusa Penida, it was confusing to locate his shoes, and when we did find them, they were in a mess of shoes and a pile of mud.

Nusa Penida is more Expensive than Bali

Everything on the island arrives via ferry from Bali. This means everything comes with an added cost and less supply on the island. Expect prices to be higher than in Bali for just about everything. Motorbikes, food, accommodation, and activities will all cost a bit more on the Nusa Islands, often at a lower quality.

However, accommodation tends to be much cheaper on the island, and finding a deal is much easier. We’d say it all balances out. It might be more affordable in Nusa Penida as accommodation is often our largest travel expense.

Nusa Penida Island is Far Less Developed Than Bali

We were surprised by how undeveloped Nusa Penida was when we visited.  However, it’s all quickly developing from an influx of tourists. The Nusa Islands have seen rapid growth, mainly because of viral Instagram spots, but don’t worry—they are still rugged and raw and perfect for those wanting to get a little off the beaten path. Just be aware that Nusa Penida is unlike Bali, so don’t expect luxurious amenities. Finding a room with a hot shower is a bit of a struggle, and the roads can be exhausting on motorbikes.

The Island Is Far More Rustic Than Its Neighbors

Those hip coffee shops and vegan cafes you can find in Bali? They are few and far between in Nusa Penida. The island is mostly full of local family-run warungs. However, we did find a few places to eat with epic viewpoints and some nice seaside cafes in the main part of the island. We’ll share our favorites at the bottom of this post.

Bring Items of Luxury with You to Nusa Penida

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Nusa Penida, so I packed everything we could need for a three-day trip. Anything you need for traveling should be brought to the Nusas as you may be unable to find it there. This includes specialty medicine, electronics, and beauty products. There is a main part of town near the ferry harbor and Toyapakeh where you may be able to score a few odds and ends, but I wouldn’t risk it for anything of importance.

Leave your Suitcase in Bali

If you are traveling with a suitcase, I recommend leaving it in Bali and traveling to Nusa Penida with a carry-on backpack or duffel bag. Trust me on this one. First, a suitcase is not ideal when dealing with boat transfers. Second, you’ll be able to move across dirt, sand, and gravel far faster and with less struggle with a backpack. Third – if you plan on renting a moped right when you get onto the island to get to your guesthouse, you can ride with the bag on your back.

We knew we didn’t want to drag our suitcases to Nusa Penida, so we packed our backpacks and left our suitcases back in Sanur with our hotel free of charge. We brought a few outfits, bathing suits, tennis shoes, sandals, electronics, and toiletries and left the rest in Bali.

Get a Motorbike to Travel Around Nusa Penida

You can explore Nusa Penida in two ways by either hiring a driver for the day or renting a motorbike. We opted for a motorbike to get where we wanted on our schedule. It was the best option since we spent multiple days on Nusa Penida Island. We paid 75,000 IDR for a one-day rental, which was the going rate on Nusa Penida.

Don’t sell yourself short on time with the moped, though. Distances between points may look close together, but given the roads and routes, it can take an hour to get between points right next to each other. If you only have one day in Nusa Penida, a driver may suit you better to see more. We’ve been told 600,000 is a good price for a driver for the day.

Know How to Ride a Motorbike

Some competence in riding a motorbike is recommended as the roads here are not exactly roads, but more like stretches of moon-filled potholes and craters. You’ll spend a lot of time dodging speeding cars that don’t seem to value life itself. It’s treacherous when you get caught on the same schedule as day trippers on the same itinerary. The visitors and the drivers amount to dozens of vehicles speeding one after the other.

Plenty of hill climbs and descents are also on uneven gravel roads, so it’s very easy to lay the bike down. It’s probably the most common mishap for tourists in Southeast Asia, and I doubt it will change anytime soon. Wear a helmet! You should be prepared for an adventure on Nusa Penida as it’s a bumpy and adventurous ride. Just book a massage session. When you return to Bali, your back will need the reprieve.

Google Maps Works Well on Nusa Penida

Despite being slightly off the grid, we found that Google Maps works surprisingly well as a navigation tool around Nusa Island. Download an offline map of the island, and you should be set!

Time Your Stops Right

When plotting out where and what to do on Nusa Penida, ensure you time your stops well. Pay attention to high and low tides, affecting your beach-going experience. We showed up at Atuh Beach at low tide, and although it was still beautiful, we would have preferred to be there during high tide and dip our feet in the water. We also noticed at Crystal Bay that the day tours arrive around midday, becoming crowded and far less enjoyable. Generally, the earlier you arrive somewhere, the better.

Bring Cash With You to Nusa Penida

There are ATMs on Nusa Penida but they are often out of order. We never found a single place in Nusa Penida that accepts credit cards, so it’s advisable to bring all the cash you think you need from Bali.

Prepare for a Cold Shower

As mentioned, Nusa Penida is not developed. We listened to many people complain about cold or salt water showers here, and it should be expected with cheaper accommodation. If you love your hot fresh water showers make sure you ask your accommodation provider beforehand if they will be provided.

How many days should you spend on Nusa Penida?

We spent three days on Nusa Penida. We traveled slow and didn’t get to all the points of interest that we wanted to. I would recommend at least four days here if you can spare it. If you’re moving fast and don’t have a ton of time to spare I think three days is more than enough to have a good time.

Should You Go to Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida?

Many travelers are short on time and may wonder where to invest most of their precious time. We spent three days in Nusa Penida, one day in Nusa Cenginan, and five days in Nusa Lembongan because we took our open-water dive course there.

If it weren’t for our diving course on Nusa Lembongan, we’d spend more time on Nusa Penida than on Lembongan. Penida is more adventurous and has a lot more islands to explore, while Lembongan is great for bars, surf schools, dive operators, pools, and restaurants.

Where to Eat on Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is not like Bali, which is, which is loaded with a wide variety of food options. For the most part, you will be limited to family-style Indonesian warungs dishing up local food. We still managed to have a few good meals while on the island.

Our favorite places to eat in Nusa Penida:

• Vegan Soul Kitchen: Our favorite find in Nusa Penida. Located far away from the main road and you will definitely need a scooter to get there. Once you arrive you can indulge yourself with all the vegan food you want away from the hustle and bustle.
• Ogix Warung: This is the number one rated restaurant on Trip Advisor so we figured we would give it try and we left more than satisfied. Ogix Warung specializes in grilled fish and Indonesian bites. Their restaurant is perched high up over the ocean and they have great tropical vibes going on in the evening, along with a stunning sunset.
• Penida Colada: Stopped here for a quick cup of coffee and ended up staying because of the view. This is a small cafe that serves up international cuisine. It’s just steps away from the clear blue water.
• Sunny cafe Penida: Nice mix of options that include local and international cuisine.
• Mambo Beach Restaurant: This awesome spot has a lovely atmosphere, beach club, and restaurant and hosts lots of events.
• Sushi island: Cameron was skeptical, but I love sushi and convinced him to give this restaurant a try. It was shockingly good sushi for the price, and we can definitely recommend it.

Things to do on Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach and Lookout

Kelingking Beach is the spot that draws visitors to Nusa Penida. It’s been making the Instagram rounds for a few years due to its jaw-droppingly gorgeous ridge shaped like a T-Rex head. Once you arrive at Kelingkling Beach, you will find a small area to park. Once you arrive at the lookout, you’ll have two choices. Stay at the top, admire T Rex from above, or trek down to Kelingkling Beach.

The trek down is no joke. It used to be down a washed-out path with bamboo steps, but the local community has since improved the trail greatly with concrete and handrails. While the trail is improved, it has a steep descent and ascent that should not be taken lightly. The hike down and up takes about one hour roundtrip. If you trek down, we recommend bringing tennis shoes, not sandals, as they can lose traction. Also, pack a bottle of water for the hike back up. We saw many travelers struggling to ascend the stairs after visiting the beach.

If you decide to journey, the reward is spectacular views, an adrenaline rush, and a secluded beach at the bottom. It was the highlight of our trip to Nusa Penida, and we were happy to witness sunset while on the ridge. With as much as we’ve traveled, we’re pretty immune to tourist spots, but this one took our breaths away. Many places don’t live up to their photos, but the ridge and the path’s angle will leave you speechless.

Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave

The Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave may have once been a quiet stop-off in Nusa Penida, but with the new popularity of the island, the cat is out of the bag. We stopped here on our journey to Atuh Beach with no expectations and thought it was a different and unique thing to see on Nusa Penida instead of another beach or viewpoint.

The entrance to the cave is located up a steep staircase. You won’t be allowed to enter without a sarong, so bring your own or rent one from the locals at the parking area for 5000 IDR. Once at the top of the staircase, you will be given a glass of water and asked to pay a donation of 20,000 IDR per person to enter. The entrance may make you feel slightly claustrophobic, but it’s only for a few meters.

The cave soon opens up to a massive 300-meter cave. If you’re lucky, you will arrive during a prayer and get a glimpse of religious life. There wasn’t much going on when we checked it out, but it was still a nice experience.

Atuh Beach

After the cave, we continued to Atuh Beach. Plenty of street signs will lead you here, and the road is well-paved. There are two ways to enter Atuh Beach, and both require taking the stairs down. We took the “Stairway to Heaven,” which was much easier and less dangerous than the Kelingkling Beach staircase.

Atuh Beach was a great stop for us as there weren’t many people there, and the views were amazing. We came during low tide and were able to walk out towards the impressive rock formation. I would have planned to arrive at high tide if I had known better. Keep in mind it’s on the island’s east side, so later in the day, it receives little sun. There are a few small warungs with beach lounges setting up shop here, making it the perfect place to chill out with a coconut.

Manta Point

Giant manta rays call the waters around the Nusa Islands home, thanks to the deep waters around the islands. It’s common to see them from the cliffs above. The most reliable place to see them in the water is Manta Point.

Manta Point is only accessible via boat, so you will have to book a snorkeling or diving trip to reach the spot. As with all wildlife, spotting them is not guaranteed, but chances are super high you’ll get a glimpse of them. We got open-water dive certified with Dive Concepts on Nusa Lembongan and had one of our last dives here. During the dive, we saw three massive manta rays swimming through the water!

We’ve seen Manta Rays before in the Galapagos and Mozambique, but they were shy and fast and swam away from us. Here, they seemed habituated to the large number of snorkelers and divers floating around them. If it’s your first time, make sure to bring an underwater camera.

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is a small bay great for lounging and enjoying a dip in the clear blue waters around Nusa Penida. A few local stands are dishing up fruit juices, local Indonesian fare here, and some loungers and bean bags to relax. We were asked to pay 50,000 IDR for three hours, but I watched the family next to us get charged double so put your bartering pants on.

Crystal Bay is known for its waters and is a great snorkel and dive spot. It’s most famous for divers around the world to see the mola mola, the heaviest bony fish in the world. We found the reef here impressive, and we had a great experience. Crystal Bay was our first stop in Nusa Penida, and I was so happy we made it before noon. After lunch, it seemed all the day tours made their way here, and the bay quickly became overrun with what seemed like hundreds of people.

Palm Tree Lane

As the crowds came, we decided to leave Crystal Bay, but not before staying around Palm Tree Lane to grab some photos nearby. When exiting Crystal Bay you’ll notice that if you keep going straight instead of turning left a long paved road full of crazy high palm trees lay ahead. It is a fun place to take photos with hardly any traffic.

Angel’s Billabong

This is an amazing spot famous for the awesome effect created by the tide pool. We ran out of time to go to Angel’s Billabong on Nusa Penida, but you’ve probably seen the amazing natural effect on social media. We’ve heard that getting in and out of the tidal pool can be tricky due to sharp rocks. Mind your step and see if you can pick up some water shoes or Tevas.

Banah Cliffs

Another great sunset spot on Nusa Penida is Banah Cliffs. The road is not suitable for cars, so you’ll need a motorbike to get there. Once you’re here, you’ll have breathtaking views over the cliff face. You can see the backside of Kelingkilng from here, and if you keep walking around, you’ll find more amazing viewpoints and an arch over the ocean. We were lucky enough to see tons of Manta Rays from above. Be careful around these cliff faces, one wrong step is game over.

Day Trip to Nusa Ceningan or Nusa Lembongan

Both Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan are amazing islands to visit and are only a short way away from Nusa Penida. I highly recommend checking them out!