Bali

Australia’s love of Bali has a long history. Its lure lies not only in its sheer geographic beauty, but in the way it engages visitors with the spirit of its locals – a friendly and genuine people who welcome visitors with open affection.
Bali’s diversity of experiences also helps to create a unique destination that would appear to almost any holiday-maker. Whether it’s a relaxing beach holiday, a feast of foodie delights, a spiritual journey, a cheap and cheerful mates weekend, a romantic honeymoon escape or a luxurious private getaway, Bali can provide.
Bali is a truly individual cultural experience that exists virtually on our doorstep, helping to make Bali a one-of-a-kind holiday destination.
Where to stay in Bali

History & Culture

Natural Wonders

Outdoor Adventures

Must-do Experiences

Points of Interest
For visa, passport, health and security advice for Australian travellers, visit the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website: www.smartraveller.gov.au
Register your details online so you’re easier to contact in case of an emergency.
Useful Phrases
Good morning | Selamat pagi | |
Goodbye (see you later) | Sampai jumpa | |
Thank you | Terima Kasih | |
What is your name? | Siapa nama anda? | |
I'm just walking (when hassled by taxi drivers) | Jalan jalan | |
How much is it? | Berapa harganya? | |
No worries | santai aja | |
A monkey stole my sunglasses | Monyet mencuri kaca mata saya | |
I'd like a big bottle of Bintang please | Saya mau botol Bintang yang besar | |
My moped has a flat tyre, where is the nearest mechanic? | Ban moped saya kempes, di mana mekanik yang terdekat? |
Best Time to Visit
Activity | Time |
---|---|
The best Bali beach weather | Dry Season - May to September |
Love a good tropical storm at Cocktail O'Clock? | Wet Season - November to April |
Shhh, reflect on this beautiful destination on the Day of Silence | Nyepi Day - late March (exact date changes each year) |
See the sky filled with colourful Kites | Bali Kite Festival - July to August |
Surf's Up on the West Coast | May to September |
Surf's Up on the East Coast | November to April |
Getting Around
Bali's bustling streets can be confronting for first-time travellers, and we would always recommend an arrival and departure transfer for ease and safety. Once you're in Bali, getting around is easy with a plentiful supply of taxis. If catching a cab, make sure you ask the driver to turn on the meter, if they refuse, either get out and hail another cab, or negotiate a price you think is fair - many drivers will try and arrange a set fare- but it is generally higher than a metered fare.
If using Uber in Bali, be aware there are some parts of Seminyak that do not allow Uber and hotels are obliged to not allow Uber driver to pull up at their lobby. Check with the front desk before hailing a ride.
Hiring a scooter is a great way to get around, although should always be ridden with caution - make sure you check your insurance before you travel to ensure you are covered, and always obey all local road rules.
If you do not want to book a group tour, you can pre-book a driver and guide for a day and ask them to take you pretty much anywhere you want to go … a shopping trip, remote waterfall or a hidden temple, you can choose your own itinerary, or just ask the driver for advice.
Dining
As a world-renowned holiday destination, Bali boasts an impressive array of restaurant and dining options, from simple street food and markets, to high end dining and ultra-swanky bars. With no shortage of restaurants and bars on offer, ask anyone who's been to Bali and they be sure to regale with their favourites.
One of the most common places to eat in Bali (outside of the hotels and resort restaurants) are warungs – small, often family-run shops or cafes. There are a few different kinds, but generally this is where you’ll find some of the most authentic Indonesian food, at low prices. You’ll be able to find tasty dishes, like ayam bakar, fried tempe, nasi campur, nasi goreng, gado gado plus a whole lot more. Babi Guling is the Balinese version roasted suckling pig. Stuffed with a spice mix called basa gede that infuses the tender, juicy meat with a delicious, mouth-watering flavour, it ss often served with fluffy white rice, vegetables and sambal.
If you don't mind the sand in your toes, there a quote a few bars and eateries right along the beaches of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, as well as range of seafood restaurants right on the sand in the Jimbaran area.
At the top end of the dining scene are a growing number of international restaurants and beach clubs, where you can eat and drink pretty much any cuisine from around the world.
Shopping
For those inclined to bring home a slightly heavier suitcase, there's good shopping anywhere in Bali, but out top pick destination for Shopholics would be the Legian and Seminyak areas:
Beachwalk Shopping Centre – Legian
Situated right on the beachfront, surrounded by restaurants and bars, is one of Bali’s largest shopping centres, Beachwalk Shopping Centre. It boasts a unique aesthetic and fantastic shops, including TopShop, GAP and H&M.
Mertanadi Art Market – Legian
This roadside complex has over a dozen shops selling a range of items, from batik and ikat fabrics, to wayang shadow puppets and Balinese wood carvings.
Designer Shopping – Seminyak
This is shoppers’ heaven! If you were thinking about getting that dream dress at home, but couldn’t afford it, never fear, Seminyak has designer shops lining the streets, with all your favourites at a discounted price.
Seminyak Square – Seminyak
As one of the main shopping hot spots in Seminyak, this two-level arcade offers shops, restaurants and cafes, with streets full of more boutiques right next door.
What to Pack
With a warm, tropical climate, packing for Bali is pretty easy;
Clothes: Light, loose & comfortable. Choose your attire depending on your resort. For young and fun resorts in Kuta, the ubiquitous Bintang singlets are de rigueur. Casual resort-wear is acceptable in even the most upscale 5-star hotels.
Bathing Suit/Togs/Swimming Costume: Whatever you call it, you're going to need it on the beach or round the pool. Pair it with a sarong or maxi dress when you leave the beach.
Cover Up: Don't forget a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Respect: While Bali is extreemly laid-back for a hindu/muslim country, you should still respect local customs and traditions, especially if visiting a temple or place of workship.For ladies, make sure you pack someting light that can cover your shoulders and knees such as a nice sarong (not a beach sarong), dress or a shirt, and for guys, dress modestly, t-shirts without offensive slogans and shorts rather than boardies.
Bali is a haven for a wide-range of holidays, what's your ideal holiday?
- Chilling on a beach or near the pool with a book
- A journey of gourmet delights through local markets, street food stalls or fine-dining restaurants
- Have a cocktail and a dance at some amazing bars, nightclubs or beachclubs
- Action and adventure, hit the mountian bike trail, fire up a quad-bike or hike up a volcano
- Splash out on some aquatic fun at Waterbom waterslide park, rafting on the Ayung River or learn to surf at Kuta
Take a look at the Experinces section of our latest Bali Brochure for more ideas.