Bali packs rice terraces, temples, surf beaches and great food into one small island. The hard part on a first trip is choosing where to stay, because traffic makes long day trips tiring.
Our advice: split your stay between Ubud for culture and one beach area for the coast.
Bali, first-timer plan
Indonesia
Spend three nights in Ubud for temples, rice terraces and waterfalls, then three or four nights in Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu for beaches and sunsets.
Best timeApril to October (dry season)
Est. costUSD 40 to 400 per person per day
Ideal forCouples, friends, honeymooners
StayUbud, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu
Budget options
Normal
USD 40/day
- Homestay or guesthouse with breakfast
- Scooter rental and local warungs
Premium
USD 120/day
- Boutique villa with a private pool
- Driver for day trips
Luxury
USD 400+/day
- Cliff-top resort in Uluwatu or Ubud
- Spa days and private tours
Food and local dishes
- Nasi campur: a rice plate with small sides, at any warung
- Babi guling: Balinese roast pork, best eaten at lunch
- Sate lilit: minced fish satay on lemongrass sticks
Things to do
- Walk the Tegallalang rice terraces early, before the crowds
- Watch the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple at sunset
- Swim at Tibumana or Tukad Cepung waterfall
- Take a surf lesson in Kuta or Canggu
Who it suits
- KidsCalm beaches in Sanur and Nusa Dua, plus easy waterfalls
- AdultsSurf, nightlife, yoga and food
- SeniorsUbud and Sanur are quiet and easy to walk
Travel tips
- Cover your shoulders and knees at temples; a sarong is often provided
- Allow extra time for traffic between areas
- Drink bottled or filtered water only
Before you go
Check the current visa on arrival rules and the tourist levy before you fly, and book a driver for your first transfer from the airport.
