Few destinations offer the diversity and tropical serenity of Bali, Indonesia’s famed Island of the Gods. You can spend the morning enjoying a ‘water purification’ in the shadow of brooding peaks and by afternoon have your toes in the sand as you sip coconut cocktails and watch the sun set (with time for a four-hand massage in between!).
A popular long weekend destination for travellers seeking sun, sand, culture, and cuisine, Bali offers both the timeless and the contemporary, from world-class beach clubs to time-weathered temples, a rich Hindu culture to chic tropic couture.
Our comprehensive five-day Bali itinerary and travel guide, which encompasses beach-ready Seminyak, vibrant Canggu, spiritual Ubud, lofty Kintamani, and laid-back Uluwata, allows travellers to experience the best the island has to offer in less than a week.
Of course, five days in Bali only lets travellers scratch the surface of this remarkable and ancient land but you’ll get a sense of the island’s diversity and a better understanding of which ‘Bali vibe’ is the one you’ll want to explore the next time you visit.
Below, we show you where to go, what to do, where to dine, and how to get the most out of each locale during your Bali travel itinerary so you can spend less time planning and more time tanning.
Day 1: Touchdown and Soaking Up Seminyak
After arriving at Bali’s bustling I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, jump in a Grab or Gojek car and make your way to the sophisticated yet fun beachside resort town of Seminyak, famed for its golden sands, eclectic shopping, plethora of restaurants, and popular night and beach clubs.
Easily accessible from the Bali airport via Sunset Road, Seminyak has a myriad of accommodation options, ranging from sprawling beachfront resorts to private rental villas and boutique pool villa properties.
Morning
Start your day right by tapping into Seminyak’s cool coastal energy with a walk along acclaimed Double Six Beach, probably Bali’s most popular beach and one that’s popular with walkers, joggers, dog owners, and surfers.
If you’re not into walking, take an early morning surf class with one of the many surf schools dotted along Double Six and then reward your efforts (and toast your newfound skills) with a chilled coconut or a steaming Bali coffee at one of the beach’s many rustic warungs.
For something a little more substantial, you can’t go past Gourmet Café in Petitenget, a great spot for people watching – order the Tornado Omelette with grilled tomatoes, Parmesan, basil pesto and toast, or go local with the bubur ayam, steaming Indonesian chicken rice congee with salted egg, wonton chips and chicken broth.
Next up, head down the road to Potato Head Beach Club, one of Asia’s most popular beach clubs. You’ll want to get in early to secure one of the club’s coveted day beds but once you’ve planted your flag you can make the most of the 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean, order from the swim-up bar’s comprehensive cocktail menu, or graze your way through the flavours of Indonesia at the Kaum Restaurant, located on the upper floor.
Resident and visiting DJs, direct beach access, and one of the island’s most iconic pools make Potato Head the ideal spot at which to while away the hottest hours of the day.
Afternoon
If you’re looking for a little pampering, you’ve come to the right place, as Seminyak is home to a host of great day spas, beautiful clinics, hairdressing salons, and barber shops, all of which offer affordable and professional treatments.
A personal favourite of mine is Bali Barber, located above the equally popular Shampoo Lounge. While the barbershop offers a range of indulgent treatments for men, ranging from wet shaves and cologne facials to pedicures and manicures, downstairs the ladies can tend to their nails, grab a massage or even get hair filler or extensions.
Alternatively, make for the spa at the Alila Seminyak, which combines a beachfront location with a menu laced with ancient healing practices like 5,000-year-old Shirodhara, an Indian treatment that rejuvenates and refreshes the mind through the use of specially blended oils.
By late afternoon, make your way back down to Double Six, where the rustic bars that dot the coastline are the place to be at sunset. Choose bars like Taris or La Plancha, both of which have ranks of beanbags set out on the sand and live musical acts as the sun plunges into the Pacific.
Evening
After returning to your accommodations to freshen up, make for The Red Carpet Champagne Bar, a sophisticated Seminyak institution famed for its freshly shucked oysters, extensive champagne menu, and talented local bands (not to mention the red-jacketed porters at the front door!).
For one of the top dining destinations in Seminyak, take a short walk down to Sangsaka, an elegant restaurant serving innovative cocktails and a menu of contemporary Indonesian cuisine laced with locally sourced ingredients – you won’t be able to pass up the babi pamarrasan Toraja, a Sulawesi dish of pork rib and pork belly with kluwek, onions, chilli, and red cabbage.
After dinner, it’s only a short walk up to Shooters, a fun indoor amusement centre with a great cocktail bar. Beat the evening heat with a Margarita Slushy as you try your hand at mini golf or axe throwing. Alternatively, combine great pizza with international DJs at Da Maria before making your way back to Jalan Kaya Ayu and La Favela, one of Bali’s most popular nightclubs, where you can join locals and visitors alike on the dance floor until the early hours.
With its mix of luxury resorts, design-forward boutique hotels, and intimate private villas, Seminyak remains a perennial favourite in our guide to the best places to stay in Bali for couples.
Day 2: Explore Canggu: Bali’s Trendy, Surf-Soaked Hotspot
Even if you’ve never visited, you’ve likely heard of Canggu, the contemporary heart of southern Bali, thanks to its great surf breaks, ever-evolving foodscape, and picture-perfect residents.
Just 15 years ago, it was a sleepy village surrounded by rice terraces. Today, Canggu is definitely the modern side of ancient Bali, a hive of activity, with villas, hotels (including the Regent Bali and the reopened Hotel Sages boutique hideaway), restaurants, boutiques, spas, and padel courts sprouting up all over the place.
You’ll come to Canggu to see and be seen, to graze your way through its world-class cafes and restaurants, browse its chic little boutiques, and hit its iconic beach clubs, which aren’t just some of the best in Southeast Asia but in the world.
Morning
Start your day with a touch of sustainability down on Jalan Batu Bolong’s lower reaches. Minutes from the beach, you’ll find great coffee and even better pastries at Gigi Susu, a local Instagram sensation famed for its football-sized pain au chocolates and croissants. I’d recommend you skip the lines at the takeaway coffee counter (which seems to be the most popular backdrop of photo ops) and instead slip into the actual restaurant next door – same food, better service, no waiting, and some of Bali’s best people watching.
For something a little more substantial, you can’t go past Milk & Madu’s Beach Road brand (they have another in nearby Berawa), where the chefs dish out healthy, imaginative cuisine paired with fresh juices – try the Russian syrniki-style ricotta cakes with strawberry gel, grilled peach and sour cream.
If you’re visiting Canggu over the weekend, don’t miss visiting La Brisa’s Sunday Market, when the pirate-themed beach club welcomes a host of fascinating stallholders ranging from local kitchens to Balinese fashion labels. You’ll find second-hand books, handmade jewellery, pet gifts, organic jams and sauces, and vintage threads – and probably everything in between.
Afternoon
As the sun climbs high, head to Finns, Bali’s most famous beach club. Grab a sunbed poolside or down by the beach and groove into the afternoon on the club’s spectacular main swimming pool.
If you find yourself at Finns Beach Club, come lunchtime, you’ll be spoiled for choice with everything from Mexican tacos at Su Casa and tandoor at Mumbai Kitchen to Asian favourites at Rice Daddy. If you prefer to stay on the move, head to Unibowl, home to healthy poke bowls packed with sushi rice, soba noodles, and fresh salmon and tuna.
For a little retail therapy, head down to Love Anchor, located in the heart of Canggu. This innovative little retail hub is packed with locally-owned stores selling everything from Balinese art to clothing, spices, and souvenirs. Don’t be afraid to bargain so you go home with the best possible deal.
Celebrate your new finds with a little adrenaline at the G-Swing. Located on Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, the G-Swing sends the adventurous soaring up into the air like a rocket ship, so expect spectacular views all the way down the beach to Seminyak and Kuta. There’s also great coffee, custom motorbikes, and more retail therapy waiting next door at Deus ex Machina, another iconic Balinese brand.
Alternatively, slip over to Berawa’s favourite speakeasy, The Shady Pig, an intimate little watering hole where the martinis are strong and the clientele straight out of Instagram.
Evening
If you’re in Canggu on a Friday, there’s a great complimentary comedy show held at Deus ex Machina, which sets the scene for a foray into Canggu’s brilliant dining scene.
Kick off with cocktails at Clock & Dagger, a tiny hidden speakeasy dedicated to the rather macabre history of serial killers (expect plenty of old news clippings and fake body parts in jars), or catch the beach vibes and live music scene at The Old Man, a beachfront institution.
A personal favourite in Canggu is Ghost, a brilliant restaurant across the street from Atlas Beach Club in nearby Berawa that serves imaginative but approachable Aussie comfort cuisine. Alternatively, for a taste of the archipelago, make for Casa Tua, a fascinating eatery decorated with ornaments, shutters, and objets d’art saved from colonial mansions across Java.
If you’re feeling like burning the midnight oil, The Vault is Bali’s only underground R&B and hip-hop club, while Luigi’s Hot Pizza transitions from an Italian restaurant to a retro music hotspot that rages into the early hours.
Alternatively, find a little serenity with a treatment at one of Canggu’s many wellness centres and day spas – my favourite is tiny, unassuming Lotus Spa in Batu Balong, where the massages are always excellent.
Day 3: Tapping into Bali’s Beating Heart in Ubud
Ahh Ubud, that timeless waystation on the global hippy trail. However, while Ubud, Bali’s spiritual capital, has long been popular with backpackers, gurus, and those seeking enlightenment, it’s also evolved and is increasingly appealing to busy urbanites looking for respite from the daily grind, couples looking for tranquillity and the chance to connect, and solo travellers looking to tap into Bali’s unique culture vitality.
To that end, today’s Ubud is a fascinating fusion of ancient temples and modern art markets, poetry jam sessions and degustation restaurants, meandering mystics, and maverick mixologists.
Morning
When in Rome – or in this case, Ubud – start your day with fully aligned chakras. Try an aerial yoga session at the Maya Ubud Resort & Spa or a refreshing water purification ceremony at Tirta Empul, a historic, 1000-year-old temple located to the north-east of Ubud, during which a Hindu priest will guide you through the emotive processes of giving thanks for all you have while bestowing blessings on those you love.
All that giving is sure to give you an appetite, so make for Acai Queen, home to possibly Bali’s best smoothie bowls, each of which is packed with all the goodness you need to propel you through the day ahead.
Alternatively, commune with Mother Nature while getting your caffeine hit at The Elephant, a long-time favourite in Ubud that serves great breakfast dishes (I love the breakfast burritos!) against a backdrop of lush jungle.
Once you’re sated, tackle the two-kilometre-long Campuhan Ridge Walk, a scenic little trail that winds around scenic temple Pura Gunung Lebah as well as emerald rice paddies. Be sure to grab a local coffee at one of the many little warungs along the way.
Afternoon
Get in some souvenir shopping at the bustling Ubud Art Markets, a warren of local galleries and stalls selling everything from watercolours and clothing to intricate rattan handbags. It’s a great place to interact with local artisans – just don’t forget to smile while you haggle.
Ubud is also a great base from which to explore Bal’s exterior – you’ve left all the traffic of Seminyak and Canggu behind, you might as well make the most of it with a foray into the Unesco-listed Tegalalang Rice Terraces, a great spot for photo ops set against the undulating terraces (it’s also home to some of the coolest hidden cafes on the island).
After you capture your rice field and terrace vistas, make the journey to the popular Yegenungan Waterfall, one of several towering falls hidden away in Bali’s deep canyons and one that offers a great chance for dramatic photography.
Head back to Ubud in time for babi guling, the island’s unofficial dish, with suckling pig and blood sausage paired with steaming rice, sautéed vegetables, and plenty of homemade sambal!
Evening
Continue your cultural immersion with the Legong Dance at the Ubud Palace. This fascinating performance narrates many of the ancient myths and legends associated with Balinese Hinduism and has been enacted for centuries.
For a more contemporary take, head to Spice by Blake, the creative canvas on which acclaimed chef Blake Thornley (who also helms nearby fine-dining icon Mozaic, often considered one of Bali’s best restaurants) fuses traditional Indonesian fare with insightful twists – the pork belly and toasted mantou slider with pickles is quite possibly the best thing I’ve eaten in an age) – alongside a great list of arak-based contemporary cocktails.
If love is in the air and you’re looking for something a little special, then make a beeline for Mozaic (you’ll need to book in advance as this is a real hotspot), where co-owner Thornley and his team deliver a truly indulgent and intimate tasting menu laced with local spices and ingredients and paired with an array of innovative cocktails.
Finally, head to The Blue Door, where you can choose from live music in a classic open-air pub setting or dance the night away in the chic adjacent club space.
Day 4: The Highlands of Kintamani
Perhaps a less visited destination than Bali’s sun-kissed beaches, Kintamani offers travellers a different but equally fascinating perspective.
Nestled up in the island’s highlands, a 30-minute drive from Ubud, Kintamani is Bali’s take on an alpine destination – believe it or not, it actually gets quite chilly, so be sure to bring a jacket.
Combining volcanic landscapes with verdant agricultural belts, bubbling hot springs, ancient temples, and a potential spirituality, Kintamani makes for a great day trip, an easy stop on a road trip around the island, or as a destination in its own right thanks to intimate hotels and people who are quick to smile and welcome strangers.
Morning
People typically come to Kintamani for two things: towering, brooding Mount Batur, one of Indonesia’s most famous volcanoes, and coffee. You’ll likely need the latter to tackle the former!
Many people venture to the highlands to climb Mount Batur, and while there has been talk about a ban on foreigners climbing Bali’s peaks thanks to the ridiculous behaviour of some tourists, tourists still climb the volcano’s black lava field flanks (shaped by the last eruption in 1963) daily.
Be prepared for a very early start – usually around 4 am – so that you can make the two-hour journey to the top of the 1,717-metre peak by sunrise.
At the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views across the caldera, down to Lake Batur, across the sea to the island of Lombok, and to Bali’s Mount Agung, which is even higher but a trickier climb. You’ll also be rewarded with a snack as guides like to cook eggs in the volcano’s volcanic streams.
If you’re not feeling particularly energetic, you can also explore the lava fields on a 4×4 Jeep tour.
Afternoon
If you made it up the mountain, then you’ve earned a decent meal and a cup of local coffee.
A favourite of mine is Paperhills; perched on the edge of the caldera, it offers brilliant locally-grown Kintamani coffee, innovative pastries, and spectacular views of Mount Batur. It’s a great place to fuel up before descending to the lake edge, where you can soak those aching muscles at the Batur Natural Hot Spring, located at Toya Bungkah.
From there, it’s an easy drive to Batur Geopark Museum in Kedisan, which showcases Kintamani’s UNESCO Global Geopark status as well as Bali’s volcanic legacy.
Once you’re back on the crater’s edge, explore some of the region’s great woodcarving workshops and art studios. You’ll always find great keepsakes at the Black Lava gallery. Alternatively, learn more about Balinese coffee with a tour of the local plantation Agrowisata Giri Alam.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, take a local boat across the lake to the infamous village of Trunyan – home to the Bali Aga or Bali Mountain people – where pre-Hindu tradition dictates that the village’s deceased are left above ground to decompose naturally, with the belief that a sacred banyan tree for which the village was named eradicates the small.
It’s a fascinating look into Bali’s ancient belief system, but not one for the faint of heart.
Evening
While you shouldn’t expect much in the way of nightlife in Kintamani – they’re happy to leave that to the likes of Seminyak and Canggu, you will get awesome sunsets.
Make for Pura Segara Ulun Danu Batur, a beautiful lakeside temple that catches the last of the day’s light, before making for Lunamoon, which is a crowd pleaser thanks to its modern takes on Indonesian culinary classics and its broad terraces – just don’t forget to wrap up as the temperature can drop quickly after the sun sets.
Finish off your day at the Budaya Cultural Theatre, which offers regular performances that shed light on Bali’s 5,000-year-old culture; tour Kintamani Village Market for local produce or arts and crafts; or beat the chill at the Volcano Sari Hot Springs, which is open late and lets weary travellers soak their troubles away under the starry sky.
Day 5: Sun, Surf, and Sea Cliffs in Uluwatu
When you think of Bali, surfers with golden tans, spectacular sunsets, white sand beaches, and lush landscapes, visions of Uluwatu usually come to mind.
Bali’s tourism poster boy has a laid-back ambience that’s actually shared by a number of adjacent neighbourhoods across the Bukit Peninsula, which extends south from Jimbaran, including Ungasan and Pecatu as well as parts of Jimbaran and Nusa Dua (and which is often collectively described as “Uluwatu”).
A destination all of its own, Uluwatu and its adjacent neighbourhoods offer travellers access to world-class beaches and surf breaks, some of Bali’s best cafes and restaurants, and a chilled-out, welcoming vibe that reaches from its iconic temples to its famed beach clubs.
So slap on the sunscreen and don the Hawaiian shirt, it’s time we visited Bali’s surf capital.
Morning
You can’t stay in Uluwatu without starting your day in the water, either with a dip or with a surf lesson. While you have a host of beaches to choose from, ranging from Melasti and Balangan to Dreamland and Green Bowl, Padang Padang Beach is probably your best bet as it caters to newbies with sandy-bottom breaks.
If you’re more advanced, you can get your thrills at Bingin Beach or at Impossibles Beach (so named because their waves can be tricky to keep up with). If you’re headed to Padang Padang, try to get there early before the tiny beach starts filling up with beautiful people intent on filming IG reels and TikToks.
Afterward, it’s a short climb back up the hill to great local restaurants like Butternuts Bistro & Café, where the coffee is strong and the surf takes long.
Alternatively, try one of Bali’s best smoothie bowls at my favourite early morning haunt, Nomalish Smoothie Bowl Pecatu – the Black Lava, with banana, mango, pineapple, strawberry, papaya, coconut, granola, and a dusting of activated charcoal (great to keep that Bali Belly at bay) will blow your mind.
Afternoon
It’s time to get your dose of Vitamin Sea at one of Uluwatu’s beach and pool clubs.
While there are plenty on offer, ranging from world-class complexes like Savaya to intimate havens like E Kabron, I’m rather partial to Ulu Cliffhouse, which has a great vibe, awesome views down the southern coastline, and a menu of delectable dishes laced with plenty of local goodness. You can take a table at the restaurant or book a spacious day bed and spend the afternoon in the pool, sipping cocktails and listening to resident DJs strut their stuff.
Alternatively, there’s plenty on offer for the active, from playing golf at the world-class New Kuta course, taking a helicopter flight that races down the surfline, or paragliding above Timbis Beach, to discovering hidden beaches like Nunggalan, and visiting the towering 121-metre-high Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue, located at the sprawling Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (be sure to get in early and avoid sunset when the crowds can be maddening).
Evening
As you’re in Uluwatu, you attend the spectacular Kecak Dance, held at sunset each night at the time-weathered Uluwatu Temple, which dates from the 11th century. This truly unique event features stories from Balinese Hinduism, narrated by a troupe of 50 strong faithful, who chant the verses of the Ramayana epic, culminating in an unforgettable fire dance.
Word to the wise – stay away from the monkeys at Uluwatu Temple, they will fleece you of your most prized possessions.
If romance is in the air, make for Alila Uluwatu, home to the seductive Mediterranean cuisine and ocean vistas of CIRA (leave time after dinner for a single-malt at the resort’s whisky library Batique).
Suppose you’re more of a party animal. In that case, you can’t go past Savaya, a sprawling, coveted alfresco setting perched on sea cliffs that transitions from a pool club during the day to a nightlife extravaganza by night and which regularly welcomes the who’s who of the DJ world, including Carl Cox, Sven Väth, Skrillex, Green Velvet, Honey Dijon, and Lee Burridge.
Planning Your Escape: Smart Tips For Traveling to Bali
Before touching down in Bali, here’s a curated clutch of intel – visas, etiquette, and other practical information – that you absolutely should know.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Bali?
Citizens of over 170 countries, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, the US, Canada, and the UK can enter Bali visa-free for up to 30 days.
If you need a bit more time you can apply for a Visa on Arrival for up to 60 days. Applications can be done online.
When is the Best Time to Visit Bali?
Personally, I consider the best time to visit Bali between April-October, which is Bali’s dry season. You can expect blue skies and lower humidity (although it can still get very hot), while Bali’s rainy season, which runs November-March, can be pretty balmy, and frequent storms can put a dampener on your explorations (although it’s great for the waterfalls and white-water rafting).
You’ll also want to avoid the high seasons of July-August and Christmas-New Year’s when the island becomes overrun with families enjoying school holidays.
The Eid celebration (a major Islamic national holiday) in June is also another timeframe you’ll want to avoid, and don’t forget Bali’s Day of Silence in late March, when the island literally shuts down.
What Should I Pack for Bali?
While you’ll do right in sun dresses and shorts and t-shirts, you might be surprised how dressed up people get when they go to particular parts of Bali, especially to nicer restaurants and clubs in Seminyak and Canggu.
Clothing is also very affordable in Bali, so if you don’t have much in your wardrobe for a tropical vacation, rest assured, you’ll be able to find it there. Keep in mind that it’s a tropical island, so pack for hot climates, with breathable, lightweight clothing, slip on shoes or flip-flops, and if you’re planning a visit to Kintamani, bring a jacket or jumper.
You’ll also need to wear a sarong to temples if you’re in shorter clothing items but most will simply rent you one.
Beyond clothing, a smart traveller will pack mosquito spray, a power adapter, as many Bali hotels and villas only have the two-pronged Type C wall sockets; a power bank for those longer days exploring, a day pack, a reusable water bottle, swimming clothes, sunscreen, and a hat – all of which are also available for a steal in Bali.
How Much Does a Trip to Bali Cost?
This really depends on how you want to spend your time on the island. Costs vary greatly as there are hotels, activities, and restaurants for every price point. While Bali has traditionally been a very affordable destination, prices are certainly on the rise.
Budget travellers can expect to pay US$30-50 per day, with hostel accommodation and local dining. However, staying in a resort will cost a bit more (US$80-500 per night), and when you throw in dining (especially with alcohol, which is highly taxed) and activities, you could be looking at US$1,000-2,000 per week.
However, a happy balance is always best – private drivers cost US$30 per day, meals at neighbourhood restaurants range from US$3-10 per person, and many activities are either free or very affordable.
Is Bali Safe for Travellers?
Traditionally, Bali has been very safe, and while it still is, petty crime is on the rise, so be sure to:
- Keep your mobile phone in your bag or pocket when riding scooters,
- Avoid currency exchange shops, only use ride-hailing services directly through the app (drivers dressed in Gojek and Grab uniforms will try to convince you to pay cash directly), and
- Keep the doors of your accommodation locked when you’re not home.
Also, be sure to only ride a scooter if you have an international licence (which you’ll need to bring with you), always wear a helmet, and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance coverage.
What Are the Must-Visit Places in Bali?
There are so many, but the key sights you’ll want to visit as a first-timer during your 5-day Bali itinerary are definitely the rice terraces, markets and temples of Ubud, the beaches of Uluwatu, the beach clubs of Seminyak and Canggu, and the volcanic peaks of Kintamani and Gianyar.
If you’ve ticked all these off the list, branch out further with a day trip to see the dolphins of Lovina, the dive sites of Amed, and the sleepy but fun Nusa Penida island to Bali’s east (and still part of Bali province).
What Are the Best Activities in Bali?
Again, there are so many, but you can never go wrong with a Bali itinerary that includes iconic experiences like:
- Sunrise trekking in Kintamani,
- Yoga and meditation in Ubud,
- Temple visits to Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot Temple, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple,
- Diving in Amed and West Bali National Park,
- Tegalang Rice Terrace and Jatiluwih Rice Terrace,
- Surfing in Uluwatu or Seminyak,
- Visiting waterfalls in Bedugul and Ubud,
- Relaxing (or partying) at beach clubs on the south Bali coast and Bukit Peninsula, and
- Activities like the Kecak dance (a new Kecak performance stage is currently being built in Kuta).
How Do I Get Around Bali?
Most tourists like to try their hands at riding a scooter as it’s a cost-effective and quick way to beat Bali’s notorious traffic.
However, Bali’s roads aren’t the safest, and great alternatives include motorcycle taxis from Grab or Gojek (just make sure you only book through the app and never take a ride from driver off the side of the road); car drivers from the same app services, who offer very affordable rates; and for longer itineraries and day trips, private drivers.
Some areas, including central Canggu, Nusa Dua, and Ubud, are also pedestrian-friendly (or at least friendlier).
Once again, if you plan to rent a scooter during your time in Bali, securing travel insurance is essential.
What Cultural Etiquette Should I Follow in Bali?
The Balinese are lovely people with a great temperament and almost infinite patience, but that doesn’t mean you should flout their cultural norms.
Most etiquette is about adhering to the norms of Balinese Hinduism and includes:
- Covering legs and shoulders in temples (and only going into temple spaces that are accessible to the public),
- Not pointing feet at shrines,
- Not touching anyone’s head,
- Avoiding displays of affection in public,
- Wearing clothing when you’re not at the beach,
- Obeying road rules, including wearing a helmet, and generally
- Being a good visitor.
One of Bali’s favourite mantras is “Stay Humble”, and that should be your goal during your visit, and a few local phrases will go a long way.
What Food and Dining Options Are Available in Bali?
There’s (almost) something for everyone in Bali, from international cuisines – especially in Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, and Canggu – to brilliant local delicacies and even acclaimed fine dining.
If you’re looking for local flavours, you can’t go past the deep-fried duck at Bebek Patmoroso in Kerobokan, the crispy pork rice at Warung Cahaya in Legian, the pork ribs at K&A Grill in Pererenan (although Naughty Nuri’s is pretty great too), and the babi guling at Ubud’s Babi Guling Ibu Oka 3.
Bali also has some great high-end restaurants. Some of my recommendations include Honey & Smoke in Ubud, Ghost in Berawa, Cucu in Jimbaran, Mei Mei in Canggu, Rumah at Raffles Bali, and Santanera, a super sexy South American joint, also in Canggu.
Another highly anticipated opening that’s perfect for the romantically inclined is Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, which has opened at Bvlgari Resort Bali in Ungasan.
Offering a rather seductive contemporary Italian dining experience that incorporates both innovative techniques and high-quality ingredients (many sourced from the resort’s own organic garden), this intimate 24-seat restaurant is perched beside a serene reflection pool atop Ungasan’s towering sea cliffs – be sure to try the roasted tuna loin with fennel and citrus, and rich handmade tortellini with duck sauce.
