Rehearse your Bali (Indonesia) trip before you go

Entry rules by passport

Checked Oct 2026. Rules change: check the embassy or official site before you travel.

Traps travellers fall into

In the game these hide among the recommendations. See if you can spot them.

• The best rate on the street SeminyakBooths with too-good rates may palm notes as they count. Use banks or authorised changers ('PT' licensed), recount yourself, and don't hand over your money until you've done so
• Sunglasses still on your head UluwatuMonkeys at Uluwatu and Ubud snatch glasses, hats and phones to trade for food; put them in your bag
• An offering on the pavement SeminyakBalinese offerings (canang sari) are made to the gods every morning; walk around them, never on them
• The guesthouse sink SeminyakBali's tap water isn't drinkable — use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. Ice is usually factory-made and fine

Month by month

• JanuaryJanuary is deep in the wet season: about 30°C with near-daily downpours, and rough seas can cancel boats.
• FebruaryFebruary is still wet and humid at 30°C, with afternoon downpours.
• MarchMarch ends the rains. 9 March is Nyepi, Bali's Day of Silence: the whole island, airport included, stops for 24 hours. The night before brings the ogoh-ogoh parades.
• AprilApril starts the dry season: 31°C and sunnier.
• MayMay is dry and sunny at 31°C, one of the best months.
• JuneJune is dry at 30°C with lower humidity; big swells on the south coast make it surf season.
• JulyJuly is the peak of the dry season at a fresh 30°C; European and Australian holidays fill hotels and beaches.
• AugustAugust stays dry and is the busiest, priciest month. Independence Day on 17 August.
• SeptemberSeptember is dry and sunny at 31°C, quieter than August.
• OctoberOctober ends the dry season: 32°C and muggier, with rain from late in the month.
• NovemberNovember–December brings the wet season: about 31°C with heavy afternoon storms; Ubud is a little cooler and Mount Batur's summit is about 10°C.
• DecemberDecember is peak wet season in Bali: about 30°C with afternoon downpours most days, and rough seas can cancel boats.

Sample routes

• ClassicClassic: sunset beaches and Ubud's terracesSunsets on Seminyak's sands, then Ubud's terraces, temples and dance.Seminyak → Ubud
• DetourDetour: the dinosaur-cliff island and the cliff templeFrom Ubud by boat to Nusa Penida to swim with mantas, finishing with kecak at Uluwatu.Ubud → Nusa Penida → Uluwatu
• Off the pathOff the path: the valley below Mount AgungLeave the crowds for Sidemen, a valley of weavers and rice terraces.Ubud → Sidemen

Hidden gems

• A morning walk on the Campuhan Ridge UbudA grassy ridge path between two valleys; go early before the heat.
• A little beach below the cliffs UluwatuSteps through a cleft in the rock lead to a small beach of blue water; at high tide the sand almost disappears.
• A tiny local grilled-fish place Nusa PenidaA tiny family place: grilled fish, vegetables and rice. Rice may be charged separately, so ask.
• A weaving village SidemenGold-threaded songket and ikat endek, woven by women on their verandas.
• A café at the end of a rice-field walk UbudA café serving its own farm's vegetables, fifteen minutes' walk along the rice-field dykes.
• A warung on Bingin Beach UluwatuA warung for surfers on Bingin Beach, down a long flight of steps under the cliff.
• Dinner facing Mount Agung SidemenVegetables tossed with coconut (urab) and pandan crêpes, with plenty of vegetarian dishes.

Before you go

• Install a travel eSIMFor maps and ride apps
• Install Grab or GojekAlmost all travel in Bali is by car
• Submit the All Indonesia arrival declarationFree on the official site or app, from three days before arrival
• Pay the Bali tourist levy (150,000 rupiah)On the official site or app before you travel
• Learn how service and tax workRestaurants add 15–21%
• Bring a sarong for templesGates lend them, but your own is easier