Quick guide to Bali

Flights: You can fly direct to Bali (Garuda Indonesia) from London Heathrow Airport. Flights from other UK airports require 1 or more stops along the way.

Passport/visa requirements: Your passport should be valid for a minimum of 6 months from the date of your departure from Bali. You do not need a visa to enter Indonesia for visits of 30 days or less.

Packing essentials:Bali has a tropical climate, which means you should pack light clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat and a light waterproof jacket. If you plan to visit any of the island’s temples or sacred sites, you should also pack clothes which cover your legs and shoulders.

Beach Holidays in Bali

One of the biggest attractions of a luxury holiday in Bali is the stunning beaches that await visitors.

Whether you’re seeking peaceful tropical sands or sun-kissed shores offering a variety of wonderful water sports, this intoxicating island paradise is an ideal pick.

You’ll also find a superb choice of beachfront accommodation, with Nusa Dua and Kuta Beaches among those with luxury hotels and resorts right next to the sand. If you prefer a seaside setting that provides captivating scenery, the shores of Sanur Beach may be just what you’re looking for, while Echo Beach is an ideal choice for surfing.

Whatever your needs, there’s a perfect beach for every visitor, with options for family-friendly fun, recreation, romance and relaxation, and a range of accommodation to match. Browse our selection of luxury hotels and resorts and book your dream Bali beach holiday today.

Events and Festivals

Nyepi

Nyepi is a day of silence, self-reflection and meditation which marks the Balinese New Year. No one is allowed to work; traffic is non-existent and everybody stays indoors. The day before, Melasti, is very different, however. Amongst drums and merry shouting, villagers dress in their finest clothes, make their way to the sea and give offerings or make sacrifices to their Gods. Nyepi falls on a different day each year depending on the Balinese calendar.

Bali Arts Festival

If you’re looking for culture on your holiday, the annual Bali Arts Festival will undoubtedly interest you. As one of the main highlights in the calendar, this is a month-long event showcasing the stunning art and architecture on the island. Taking place across June and July, the festival starts with an opening parade that includes a series of illuminating stage performances and traditional dances.

Independence Day

Indonesia’s Independence Day falls on August 17th, the day when they achieved independence from the Dutch in 1945. The Balinese celebrate by putting red and white decorations inside their houses and a national flag outside. Ceremonies and festivals also take place across the country, while neighborhoods join together to play games and take part in competitions.

Galungan and Kuningan

Galungan, like Nyepi, is one of Bali’s biggest festivals over the year. It is held every 210 days and marks the time of the year when the spirits of ancestors are believed to have visited the earth. The Balinese celebrate Galungan by offering a sacrifice of food and flowers to the spirits at local temples. People also dress to the nines in their finest clothing, visit friends and family and tuck in to local food. Kuningan is 10 days later and commemorates the end of the holiday season. This is when the spirits are believed to return to heaven.

What to Eat in Bali

When it comes to cuisine, Bali serves up an assortment of delicious meat, fish and vegetable dishes that are not to be missed.

One particular dish well worth seeking out is Sate Lilit, a meal of skewered pork marinated in coconut milk and other spices. Other authentic meat dishes to sample include Babi Guling (roasted suckling pig stuffed with traditional spices) and Bebek Betutu (chili and garlic stuffed duck, steamed and wrapped in coconut tree bark).

If you prefer fish, then you’ll be delighted to hear that Bali provides fantastic seafood dishes too, such as Sambal Udang (prawns in spicy sauce) and Bumbi Bali Fish, which offers a rich flavour of tuna in coconut milk.

Bali also offers superb vegetarian options like Gado-Gado, which is a traditional mix of vegetables and rice with peanut sauce, and Urab, a fresh, crispy vegetable salad coated with coconut dressing and placed on a Cassava leaf.