Bali Island - Indonesia
Keep in Mind...
- Check out remote neighborsThe Gili Islands are about a 90-minute boat ride from Bali's east coast and offer pristine sands and ideal isolation.
- Know culinary favoritesIn southern Bali, seafood is king. In central Bali, the local specialty is babi guling, which translates to "suckling pig." Be sure to sample both.
- Nyepi is the party of the yearQuite literally, Nyepi is the celebration of the Balinese New Year, which falls on the first new moon after mid-March. You'll see exuberant parades and festivities throughout the island in the days leading up to Nyepi.
How To Save Money in Bali
- Cruise on byBali's accommodations can be extraordinarily pricey. Consider taking a cruise through Indonesia which docks at Bali.
- Capitalize on KutaYou'll be able to pick up souvenirs and book spa treatments for less in this town than in other resort villages.
- Count on yourselfYou'll be bombarded with proposals from eager tour guides at nearly every temple. Politely refuse and do your own self-guided tour.
Bali Culture & Customs
Bali is a part of Indonesia; for this reason, the dominant language is Indonesian. However, you'll still hear Balinese (a Malayo-Polynesian language) being spoken by some locals. Because international tourism plays a key role in Bali's economy, English is widely spoken in larger towns and cities. You shouldn't have a problem getting around, purchasing souvenirs, or ordering food.
The currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). One U.S. dollar (USD) is equivalent to about 9,000 IDR. Be sure to not only make rough conversions with this approximate rate but also learn the local prices. Because the large numerical difference can be confusing for foreigners, locals can ask for unreasonable prices and receive them.
In terms of religion, Bali is unique among the Indonesian islands, which are mostly Islamic. Hinduism is the predominant religion on Bali. Most of the temples found here are sacred Hindu sites, so be respectful of the customs you'll witness, such as praying in pools of water.
Best Times to Visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, the island's dry season. Bali experiences only two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Throughout the year, the daytime temps hover between the mid-80s and low 90s, with only the humidity and precipitation patterns changing. The lack of rain during the summer season makes Bali more comfortable for beachgoers.
Temperature (°F)
April-October
*Best Time to Visit |
Bali's dry season provides warm temperatures without too much
rainfall and humidity—ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and
sunbathing. However, this pleasant weather doesn't come cheap. These months
are the island's peak tourism season. July and August witness a spike in room
rates, so book your hotel early to avoid exorbitant costs.
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November-March
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November through March, Bali endures a tremendous amount of
rain. In fact, January sees very few days that aren't accompanied by drizzle.
While the rain may not be enough to deter you, the combination of humidity
and high temperatures (averaging 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day) might
make you reconsider a low-season visit. That said, if you're looking for a
bargain, you'll have the most luck during this time.
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