Ultimate Guide To
Planning Your

In this ultimate guide to planning your bali vacation we will cover the following topics. Feel free to click on one of the topics below to jump instantly to that section
1If you’re reading this guide then you are either dreaming
about one day visiting Bali or your vacation to Bali is already
locked down and now you need to plan the details. Either way,
this Ultimate Guide to your Bali Vacation will help you plan
and prepare for your trip to Bali.
Bali is the most famous of the thousands of islands located in
Indonesia. The busy island of over 4 million residents has been
a tourist favorite for decades. The wide beaches in the south
and lush, volcano-dominated interior attract close to 3 million
foreign tourists per year.
After reading this guide, you will be able to navigate Bali like a
pro and have all the information needed in order to create
your perfect vacation. So what are we waiting for….
Let’s dive in!
The official language is Indonesian, but you’ll hear Balinese in the countryside often with a smattering of Indonesian mixed in. However, English is commonly spoken throughout the island due to the constant amount of tourists visiting. Not everyone will speak English but most of the locals know at least how to speak English for simple communication.
Bali uses the Indonesian rupiah as the local currency. We would recommend that you exchange currency before you arrive in Bali, however if that’s not possible, there are many currency exchange shops located in all the main areas of Bali.
Some simple currency calculations are as follows:
$100 USD = 1,412,000 IDR (approximately)
$100 AUD = 1,002,000 IDR (approximately)
$100 EUR = 1,586,000 IDR (approximately)
If you’re not a millionaire yet, you will have a chance to be a millionaire in Bali :)
Cash is king in Bali Always carry a handful of 10,000 IDR to 100,000 IDR notes (valued from $0.75 to USD 7.50) for daily expenses and haggling. However, most main restaurants and shops do accept credit card so feel free to bring your credit card. Also, you can easily withdraw from ATMs, which are everywhere in the cities.
Expect year-round tropical temperatures in Bali. The rainy season runs from January to April and dry season runs from May to September. The most popular time to visit Bali is from July to September.
The cost of a Bali sim card is around 100,000 rupees ($7 USD) for 23GB of data. Our personal recommendation would be to use Telkomsel as they are one of the most trusted wireless providers. No need to worry though as most cafes and restaurants have wifi and the connection is usually pretty good.
Negotiating in Bali is widely seen and is 100% acceptable when you are at local shops or looking for local services. Don’t be shy. Feel free to negotiate a price you feel is fair. We always love to support the locals in Bali but you always want to feel like you are getting a fair price given the situation.
While Bali may seem like a small island, there is a lot of things to see and a lot of ground to cover! Traffic in Bali is usually very congested so when planning your schedule, always allow extra time for traffic. It’s fairly easy to find a car or taxi in the main parts of Bali, however, you will just need to be conscious of the price and try to negotiate whenever possible.
Arrange an airport pickup before arrival - Once you arrive
in Bali the last thing you want to have to do is try to find a
trustworthy driver that will bring you to your hotel/villa at a
reasonable price. Although there are a ton of taxis & drivers
waiting at the airport, it always seems to be a bit too
overwhelming. When you get out of the airport, there will be a
a ton of locals yelling and trying to get you to hire them for car
service. However, the prices can be outrageous and it’s tough
to know who to trust and properly has a license.
If you plan ahead, you can get an airport transfer from around $30-$40 and there will be someone waiting for you at the airport with your name on the sign. This to us is a lot more stress free, safe and gets your vacation started on the right track
Scooter is probably probably the cheapest option, however, we recommend it only for the brave as it can be a bit scary if you’re riding through the main streets of Bali. A lot of locals drive fast and tend to drive a bit crazy. If you want to rent a scooter for the day you can find rentals for only $5-$10 per day. Also, if you just need a scooter ride you can use a handy app called - GO-JEK. It’s a local app similar to Uber but for scooters. However, they do have cars you can order as well on the app.
Taxis are the most expensive and since the taxi’s are basically a monopoly, then tend to try to ban apps like Uber & Grab. You can still use Grab in some places, but you need to be very discreet about it and can’t use them to get to and from less-populated areas. There is also plenty of “Blue Bird” taxi’s around Bali, however, they are often rude and expensive. If you do need to use a Blue Bird taxi before to agree on a price beforehand.
There are tons of private drivers that will offer airport drop-offs, transfers and tours for much less than taxis. You can find a private car by asking your friends, your hotel or feel free to ask us.
Here is a handy section that will tell you how long it takes to get from one popular destination to another. These are just a rough estimate as traffic in Bali can really slow down your ride.
As you plan your perfect Bali vacation you will want to know what the popular destinations are as well as where to stay, where to eat and what to do in each location. Luckily for you, we have done all the hard work for you. Below you will find an unbiased view of the best hotels, food and activities in Bali. We have compiled these recommendations from our years of experience living in Bali as well as thousands of guest feedback and recommendations. Enjoy!
With butterflies in the air and monkeys swinging on vines, Ubud is rightfully known as the spiritual destination of the island. Rooted deep within a rainforest of its own kind, it’s energy is contagious and spread vibrantly throughout the community. Locals always say you find what you look for in Bali as this is an island that gives in abundance. In a way, we feel like Ubud is unique as it has this ability to unconsciously cleanse your mind and body. Below you’ll find our recommendations on how to make the most out of your travels to this spiritual destination.
Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/sayan/
Phone: +62 361 977577
Website:
https://www.viceroybali.com/en/bali-luxury-resorts.php
Phone: +62 361 977577
Website: https://hanginggardensofbali.com/
Phone: +62 361 982700
Website: https://www.thesayanhouse.com/
Phone: +62 361 982700
Website: https://www.milkandmadu.com
Phone: +62 361 9067074
Website: https://www.facebook.com/batubaragrillery/
Phone: +62 361 9084249
As the world’s current top travel destinations and Bali’s trendiest city, Seminyak is rightfully known as the mega-perfect getaway for those indulging in the finer things in life. Whether you find yourself sipping a matcha latte at an edgy cafe, lounging in your luxurious private villa, or ordering drinks poolside at a day club – Seminyak knows how to deliver beyond expectations! Give yourself the Seminyak trip you deserve by following the recommendations we provide below!
Website: https://lhm-hotels.com/legian-bali/en/
Phone: +62 361 730 622
Website: https://www.viceroybali.com/en/bali-luxury-resorts.php
Website: https://www.sahanavilla.com/
Phone: +62 361 73 66 74
Website: https://www.thecolonyhotelbali.com/
Phone: +62 361 736160
Website: https://www.kyndcommunity.com/
Phone: +62 859-3112-0209
Website: https://www.motelmexicola.info/
Phone: +62 361 736688
Website: https://www.strawberry-fields.co/
Phone: +62 859-6900-9245
Website: https://www.ptthead.com/bali/
Phone: +62 361 473 7979
Notoriously known as Bali’s most hardcore party scene, Kuta is incomparable to any city on the island. Having received an unfortunate reputation as the ultimate party destination for Bogans, seasoned tourists tend to avoid it like the plague. Although, as locals, we truly know what Kuta brings to the table and we want to show you that it effortlessly can be the dream vacation you’ve been wanting to have.
Website: https://www.padmaresortlegian.com/
Phone: +62 361 752111
Website: https://thestoneshotelbali.com/
Phone: +62 361 3005888
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dpsks-sheraton-bali-kuta-resort
Phone: +62 361 8465555
Website: https://www.crumbandcoaster.com/
Phone: +62 819 9959 6319
Website: https://www.facebook.com/johnnytacosbali
Phone: +62 821 4466 6232
Website: https://www.hardrockcafe.com/location/bali/
Phone: +62 623 61755661
Website: https://beachwalkbali.com/
Phone: +62 361 8464 888
Website: https://waterbom-bali.com/
Phone: +62 811 3882 683
Welcome to Canggu, a tucked away surfer town on the west side of Bali, a little north of Seminyak. It’s a special place, some would say the home of good vibes, quality cafes, and the best surf anyone could ask for. When you imagine Canggu, you can feel the slight breeze through your hair and the sweet taste of Acai bowls lingering. The most magical part is that even though the island is becoming internationally known, Canggu doesn’t hit the spotlight anywhere close to its big sister cities Ubud, Kuta, and Seminyak. Canggu is still our little secret, and we’re so excited for you to experience what we love so much about our home. Below we list the top restaurants to dine at to take your taste buds to the next level.
Website: https://www.comohotels.com/umacanggu/
Phone: +62 361 6202228
Website: https://www.astonhotelsinternational.com
Phone: +62 361 3023333
Website: https://www.tuguhotels.com/hotels/bali/
Phone: +62 361 4731701
Website: https://www.instagram.com/quince_bali
Phone: +62 813 3852 2529
Website: https://twofingersbali.com/
Phone: +62 819-0699-2244
Website: https://www.facebook.com/moana.fish.eatery/
Phone: +62 812 3815 8373
Website: https://lalagunabali.com/gypsy-market/
Phone: +62 361 789 789
Website: https://www.oldmans.net/
Phone: +62 361 8469158
Nusa Penida is a relatively undeveloped island south-east of mainland
Bali. Located just about 45 minutes away from Bali (by fast boat), Nusa
Penida is a great place to escape for the day to get away from the large
crowds and traffic in Bali. You won’t find all the snazzy beach clubs,
organic cafes or trendy restaurants that has become synonymous to Bali
here. Instead, Nusa Penida houses some of the most photogenic sights
and breathtaking views.
If you only have one day, don’t worry – a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali
is perfect. You can get to Nusa Penida via a speedboat from Sanur in the
morning and come back in the afternoon. But if you want to see all of
Nusa Penida and really enjoy your stay, you would need 2-3 days on the
island.
Website: https://semabuhillshotel.com/
Phone: +62 0361 6204400
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Pandawa-Beach-Villas-Spa-413612858791963/
Phone: +62 361 3005888
Website: https://secretpenida.com
Phone: +62 878 6147 8222
Website: https://amoksunset.com
Phone: +62 823 3555 501
Nusa Lembongan, a small island between Bali and Nusa Penida in
Badung Strait, is the perfect holiday hideaway with few visitors and
pristine un-spoiled beaches. It’s famous for its surfing, sunsets, snorkeling
and beautiful scenery. If you’re looking to escape from Bali and visit a less
crowded island, Nusa Lembongan is the place for you.
A mere 45 minutes by boat from Bali lies a paradise oft overlooked by
many visitors to the island. Friends often report back on trips to Ubud and
Kuta, but rarely do I hear about Nusa Lembongan.
Nusa Lembongan is 8 kilometres square and is surrounded by the
clearest turquoise water imaginable. Some beaches are populated by
boats, others are teeming with coral and marine life. Others still remain
deserted. The population of 5000 hardly requires a transport system of
any kind so visitors are reliant on either that provided by their
accommodation or the restaurant they choose to dine at.
Website: https://www.thetamarindresort.com/
Phone: +62 0366 5437888
Website: https://batukaranglembongan.com/
Phone: +62 0366 5596377
Website: https://www.baliecodeli.net/
Website: https://www.facebook.com/lemongrassbarandrestaurant/
Phone: +62 81 2380 8999
Website: https://sandybaylembongan.com/
Phone: +62 82 8970 05656
The southern tip of Bali, Bukit Peninsula, is often referred to just as Uluwatu which is only one area of this area. It’s different from the rest of Bali because of its dramatic cliffs that plunge into the bluest waters found on the island. The area is well-known for its world-class surf breaks and white sand beaches, in which there are plenty to choose from. Travellers here most commonly stay at higher end resorts or villas but it’s not hard to find cheaper accommodation and places to party with a high or low budget.
Website: https://www.theedgebali.com/
Phone: +62 361 8470700
Website: https://www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu/
Phone: +62 361 8482166
Website: https://www.theungasan.com/
Phone: +62 811 9421 110
Website: https://www.oneeightybali.com/
Phone: +62 361 8470700
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kellys.warung
Phone: +62 81 353 007 313
Website: https://elkabron.com/
Phone: +62 821 4437 0139
Jimbaran has a surprisingly unique combination of luxury resorts within
an authentic local community. It’s a great area to relax, have a seafood
dinner on the beach, visit the local markets and spend the day at the
beach. Although it can be a little touristy at times, it certainly doesn’t have
masses of tourists lining the streets like some other areas of Bali.
Within the community, there are predominantly local stores, in particular,
a large fresh food market in the morning and a seafood market on the
beach where you can see the fisherman still bringing in their catch. There
is also an open-air shopping village.
There may not be as many restaurants as other areas, but they have some
delicious local and international food options here.
Website: https://www.bali.intercontinental.com/
Phone: +62 361 701888
Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay
Phone: +62 361 701010
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dpsks-sheraton-bali-kuta-resort
Phone: +62 361 702222
Website: https://www.cucabali.com
Phone: +62 361 708066
Website: https://www.aboveeleven.com
Phone: +62 811 3860 402
Website: https://www.opiabali.com
Phone: +62 819 9943 8787
Website: https://www.samastabali.com/
Phone: +62 361 4468600
Website: https://www.ayana.com/en/bali/ayana-resort-and-spa/eat-and-drink/venues/rockbar
Phone: +62 361 702222
Final Thoughts
After reading this guide we hope it has helped you to prepare for
your upcoming trip to Bali or gave you the final nudge to book your
flight and come visit this beautiful island. A trip to Bali will change
the way you think about life and allow you to indulge in one of the
best vacation destinations in the world.
At ForeverVacation, we want to help you have the best time possible
so feel free to send us an email at team@forevervacation.com with
any questions you may have and we would be glad to help plan and
organize your dream vacation.
Life is short. Stop procrastinating for that amazing vacation you so
truly deserve. We look forward to meeting you.
See you in Bali!
Cheers!
Janie & Ben