Bali Holidays - What You Need To Know

Satisfy your craving for tropical bliss with an unforgettable holiday in Bali.

A jewel in the Indonesian archipelago, this paradise destination truly lives up to its moniker of the “Island of the Gods”. Prepare to be immersed in a realm of jaw-dropping beauty, spirituality and culture, where you’ll embrace adventures and experiences that will stay with you forever. Whether you’re planning a getaway with family, friends, as a couple or solo, Bali holidays tick all the boxes. Laidback hours can be spent on sun-kissed beaches, while water sports action awaits thrillseekers amidst the waves of the Indian Ocean. You’ll discover volcanic peaks, lush rainforests and vast rice terraces, and be left breathless by towering temples and ancient shrines. Pulsating nightlife, irresistible cuisine and superb hotels are also part of the Bali holiday experience, along with so much more. If we’ve whet your appetite, let us tell you what else can be expected when you take flight to this island of pure exhilaration.

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Bali essentials

Located between the islands of Java and Lombok, Bali has a tropical climate and enjoys year-round warm weather. With this in mind, you should pack light clothing, sun protection and a waterproof jacket just in case of rain. You should also make sure you have enough Indonesian rupiah, the local currency, for your holiday needs. Your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months on arrival and have at least two blank pages. You also need a visa. You can get a 30-day visa on arrival (VOA), which costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah and is valid for single entry, or apply for a visa from the Indonesian immigration website, with options for multiple entry or to stay for 60 days*. It will take you approximately 17 to 20 hours to fly to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, in the capital Denpasar, with at least one stop required. On landing, the time will be 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

Where to stay in Bali?

The best place to stay in Bali depends on your holiday plans. Most of the main holiday resorts in Bali are located on the south coast of the island, with Nusa Dua, Sanur, Seminyak and Jimbaran among the most popular. If you’re seeking laidback beach days and family-friendly hotels Nusa Dua could be the perfect spot. The shores of Sanur are another option for families, and ideal for couples, too. As well as calm waters and soft sands, this wonderful resort boasts a variety of relaxed restaurants and bars, cultural attractions and water sports. For stunning sunsets and divine beachside dining spots Jimbaran is a great choice. Alternatively, for a livelier holiday, look to Seminyak, with its cool beach clubs and pulsating nightlife. However, if finding serenity among nature is more your style, head to Ubud. Here you’ll discover dreamy sanctuaries surrounded by lush rainforests, as well as a thriving art scene and a number of cultural attractions.

Bali beaches

Tropical sands, inviting waters and invigorating sunshine make beach holidays in Bali a dream come true. You’ll find palm-fringed stretches perfect for relaxation and spellbinding shorelines ideal for water sports action. Nusa Dua and Kuta are top picks for luxury beachfront living, with an assortment of superb hotels and resorts just steps from the sand. Kuta is also a great choice for surfing, while other places to hit the waves include Echo Beach or Uluwatu. For a choice of water sports activities, make your way to Sanur Beach. Here you’ll find everything from kitesurfing and paragliding to scuba diving and banana boats. Its calm waters also mean it’s a good spot for families. For stunning beach scenery, Nusa Dua with its immaculate white sands and Ulawatu, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, are well worth seeking out. You can also tee off by the sea in Nusa Dua, while dolphin-watching is on offer at Lovina beach.

Bali attractions

Bali is brimming with enriching attractions. The Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, in Ubud, is the perfect spot for a family day out. Home to more than 1,260 long-tailed macaques, the rainforest refuge also hosts performances showcasing Balinese culture and conceals an ancient temple complex. Sacred sites are in abundance in Bali, with Besakih Great Temple, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Lempuyang Temple and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple among the most notable. Remember to dress appropriately when visiting, covering your shoulders and knees. If unprepared, sarongs are usually available for a fee. Bali is also blessed with a host of mesmerising natural attractions. Mount Batur, one of the island’s two active volcanos, is a popular hiking spot, while the scenic terraces of Jatiluwih Rice Fields, a captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site, are not to be missed. You can also find hidden waterfalls while rafting in the gorges of the Ayung River or discover the wonder of the Sekumpul Waterfall, the tallest in Bali.

Food and drink in Bali

A treat for the taste buds awaits on your holiday in Bali, with an assortment of Indonesian delicacies on the menu, alongside international favourites. Those who delight in sampling authentic local dishes on their travels will find a smorgasbord of traditional flavours to discover. Recommendations include sate lilit, made from skewered meat marinated in coconut milk and spices; babi guling, a stuffed suckling pig roasted over a fire, and sambal udang, a spicy prawn creation. Vegetarian dishes include gado-gado and urab, while desserts such as pisang goreng (banana fritters) and klepon (sticky rice balls with caramelised sugar) are hard to resist. Coffee connoisseurs should seek out kopi luwak, an exclusive and unusual luxury brew in which the Asian palm civet plays a crucial role in the production process. Of course, you’ll also be able to indulge in more familiar flavours, with restaurants to be found specialising in the cuisines of India, Italy, Japan and the Mediterranean to name but a few.

*Please note that it is your responsibility to check on any changes to entry requirements and ensure all of your documents are valid for travel.

Best time to visit

For warm, sunny days, with low humidity and little rain, the best time for a holiday in Bali is during the island’s dry season, from April to October. During these months, you’ll find the perfect conditions to hit the beach, explore and enjoy a whole host of activities without worrying too much about the weather ruining your plans. The best weather can be expected during the months of July and August when temperatures hover around 29°C. This is a very popular time for visitors, and attractions can get busy. For fewer crowds, consider planning your holiday in Bali for May or September, when you can still expect good weather and may even find a cheap deal. If you’re not bothered by the rain, the wet season from November to March will provide a greater chance of a bargain holiday. Although you can expect regular showers, they are usually short lived. You also get to enjoy lush scenery and a more serene experience without any crowds.

“If you’re craving a holiday destination that oozes tropical mystique and exotic beauty look no further than Bali.

“Perfect for relaxation and adventure, this alluring Indonesian island will seduce you with its sun-drenched beaches, spellbinding temples, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforests.

“You’ll find a land rich in culture and heritage, have the chance to discover new and exciting flavours and be able to enjoy water sports of all kinds.

“Lively nightlife and beach clubs will appeal to groups of friends, while luxury resorts and forest hideaways are ideal for couples seeking seclusion and romance.

“Wild activities for kids and a superb choice of family-friendly hotels also await.

“If you haven’t experienced Bali, what are you waiting for?”

Mulia Resort - Nusa Dua

A divine beachfront property, the 5-star Mulia Resort - Nusa Dua promises luxury and excitement on a Bali family holiday. Soak up the sun by one of the five swimming pools, including one for children that features amazing water slides. Little ones can also have fun in the kids’ clubs while the grown ups enjoy pamper sessions in the Mulia Spa. The array of dining venues offer delicious flavours from around the world, most notably the Mediterranean and Asia.

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Bali Tropic Resort and Spa

Tropical bliss awaits on the powdery shores of Nusa Dua. This sanctuary is the perfect place for couples seeking tranquillity, families searching for a fun-filled haven and holidaymakers who want to bask in the stunning surroundings only found on the island of Bali. This luxury hotel boasts swimming pools, fitness centre, spa and water sports facilities, including canoeing, snorkelling, diving and windsurfing. There’s plenty of activities for children too, while every guest will love the delectable food available in the on-site restaurants.

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Puri Santrian

Nestled amongst Bali’s lush foliage, this exceptional hotel promises access to an adjacent beach and wondrous on-site amenities. Spend blissful moments being pampered in the spa, breaking a sweat in the fitness centre or exploring the local resort. The Beach Club restaurant offers all-day dining with an array of incredible flavours to tickle your tastebuds. Feel relaxed and refreshed thanks to the exquisite accommodation, where you’ll find a plush bed and traditional Balinese décor.

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Double Six Luxury Resort

Luxury, comfort and adventure awaits at this outstanding 5-star hotel. Located directly on the pristine Double Six Beach in Seminyak, guests can look forward to serene strolls and unspoilt ocean views. Moments of pure relaxation can be enjoyed in the Acqua Perla Spa. There’s also a modern fitness suite if you’re looking to stay active on your Bali getaway. Expect mouthwatering fare in multiple restaurants, while the Double Six Rooftop Sunset Bar is the hotpot for drinks and an unforgettable view.

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Merusaka Nusa Dua

This wonderful 5-star family-friendly hotel can be found on the shores of the Indian Ocean in the picturesque resort of Nusa Dua. Bursting with a plethora of deluxe facilities, guests can make use of the fully-equipped gym, sparkling swimming pools, sumptuous spa and much more. Little ones will have a blast in the kids’ club or splashing in the children-only pool, while there’s dining options to suit everyone's palate. Book an all-inclusive holiday to take your Bali adventure to the next level.

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The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali

Soak up the sunshine in Seminyak on a luxury Bali holiday. Pristine sands border this incredible 5-star resort, providing access to the vast Indian Ocean and a litany of exciting water sports. On-site, guests will feel relaxed and revitalised thanks to the outstanding spa, modern gym, swimming pools and yoga classes. Blend this with a blissful villa featuring a grand four-poster bed and you’ll have the ultimate refreshing escape. Sample local delights in the restaurants, as well other international favourites, and speciality cocktails in Kayu Bar.

Check out the The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali