When is the Best Time of Year to Visit Bali, and What to do
Bali is an Indonesian island known for its forested volcanic mountains, iconic rice paddies, beaches and coral reefs. The island is home to religious sites such as cliffside Uluwatu Temple. To the south, the beachside city of Kuta has lively bars, while Seminyak, Sanur and Nusa Dua are popular resort towns. The island is also known for its yoga and meditation retreats.
Bali is a group of three Indonesian island known for its unique natural landscapes, from forested volcanoes to intense, colorful coral reefs, making it a highly desired must-go and must-experience vacation spot. With a rich culture, world-renowned spas, and authentic cuisine, you’ll want to make your trip there the best you can, from weather to itinerary.
Here, we have laid out the best time to go and the best things to do with your time while visiting vibrant Bali.
Picture by Geio Tischler
Best time to go
Bali is going to almost always be a hit, no matter what time of year you go. Even still, if you’re wanting the most bang for your buck, visit between the months of April and October.
This is Bali’s dry season. The dry season means that there is less rain, more sun, and a lot less humidity, making it perfect weather for sightseeing, beach-going, and sun-soaking.
Since it is the perfect time of year to visit Bali for surfing and tourism, hotels fill up months fast. If you’re thinking about booking a trip to Bali within the next year or two, book it now! Get your spot so that you don’t have to worry about it the month before.
Kuta Surfing
Surfing in Kuta is a must do for anyone visiting Bali, whether experienced or a beginner. The waves are perfect for surfing, gentle, but with some fast, rippable peaks for the experienced surfer. The beach also has no sharp reefs, again providing the perfect training ground.
You can rent a surfboard to try it for yourself or sign up for surf lessons. There are plenty of people ready and willing to teach you to catch a wave. Kuta Beach is known for being the best beach in Bali to learn how to surf, so you’ll be in the right hands and surrounded by dozens of others also learning to surf.
If surfing isn’t your thing, the beach also provides stunning sunsets and sunrises, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the waves.
Photo by Sebastian Pena Lambarri
Ulun Danu Temple
Ulun Danu Temple is a delicate and mesmerizing temple built to honor the goddess of the lake. The temple offers visitors a place to disconnect from the busy outside world while taking in the gorgeous gardens and intricate architecture. If you’re looking for a quiet, reflective place to absorb Bali’s rich religious history, going to the Ulun Danu Temple is a must.
The Bali Treetop Adventure Park
The Bali Treetop Adventure Park is a family-friendly park with rides and climbing gyms for children AND adults. This fun-filled adventure takes place in the Bali Treetops complete with nets and swings that let you fly around the park and see some amazing views of trees and wildlife.
Padangbai
If you love seeing underwater wildlife like sharks and sea turtles, Padangbai is the place to be. There are plenty of coral gardens to swim through, whether a newbie or seasoned diver, and a host of underwater life. You can also get a PADI certified diving instructor and muck dive to see the adorable pygmy seahorses and the elusive octopi.
Photo by Harry Kessell
Tanah Lot Temple
The Tanah Lot Temple is a religious site that sits on the southern coast of Bali and a miraculous feat of nature and man. The temple can only be reached during low tide as it sits in the water, only a little bit off shore, and the stony path leading up to the temple is covered during high tide.
Tanah Lot Temple gets crowded with tourists when the tide goes out, but the visit is made better by the hosts of vendors that are set up around the outside of it. There are plenty of places to take pictures, get souvenirs, and enjoy amazing things to eat while you wait for low tide.
Picture by Hugo Villegas
Kintamani
Kintamani is home to many charms, one being the bucket-list worthy hike Mount Batur, an active volcano you can climb for stellar views of the natural wonders of Bali.
Aside from the many hikes, some of which will challenge even the most experienced hiker, Kitamani is host to other attractions such as natural hot springs, culture bike rides, and traditional village tours. If you’re looking for a city that seems to encompass all Bali has to offer, Kintamani might be perfect for you.
Sanur Beach
If you like relaxing boardwalks, gentle waves lapping against soft sand, and crystal clear turquoise water, then Sanur Beach is a place to be during your stay in Bali. Sanur is the perfect place to bring the entire family. The boardwalk offers a laid back atmosphere and a good selection of eateries and small shops, perfect for perusing. .
Nusa Dua
Nusa Dua is the capital of Bali. It is also where tourists come to enjoy the city scene. There are fantastic restaurants and unique venues where local artists perform.
Geger Beach is part of the public scene of Nusa Dua where you can enjoy a massage, a walk down by the water, or a delicious meal. If you choose to stay and have dinner in the area, be prepared to spend some money. It isn't cheap, but you won’t be disappointed with the quality of the food that Nusa Dua and Geger Beach have to offer.
Tegalalang Rice Terrace
The Tegalalang Rice Terrace is an ancient irrigation system, complete with intricate levels and winding turns. The terrace dates back to the 8th century, and rice paddies are one of the most visited attractions in the area.
Photo by Max Rovensky
Jimbaran
Jimbaran is home to opulent resorts and some of the best seafood in Bali. Even if you choose not to stay here during your vacation in Bali, it is worth a visit to learn about how this small fishing village grew into the city it is now and how they managed to balance luxury with authenticity from housing to cuisine..
The rice paddies are best to visit when the city is at its hottest. The rice paddies are above the city, offering visitors a cooler experience of Bali when it gets warm. A visit to the paddies does require a hike, so be prepared for a climb, but know the reward is well worth the climb.
Gunung Kawi
There are 10 shrines cut into the rock face of the Tampaksiring region and these shrines make up the Gunung Kawi. Each shrine is an astounding 25 feet tall and each one memorializes an 11th century Bali royalty. Legend tells that the carving took place in a single evening.
There are 270 intricate steps to climb to the top where the monuments stand, with local guides waiting at the top to share with you the history, story, and legend of the immaculate shrines.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wanting a vacation where you can enjoy immaculate luxury resorts and fine dining paired cohesively with the authenticity of the culture and people, a trip to Bali can be the trip of a lifetime. Plan extensively so that you can have everything you want from Bali, from weather to sightseeing.
Report a Typo
