Beaches & surf Updated 29 July 2026
The Best Surf Beaches in Bali, by Level
Reef breaks that break over coral and beach breaks that forgive: which Bali waves suit which surfer, how the seasons swap the coasts, and where not to paddle out.
Come for the waves stay for the rice terrace mornings
A local's guide to Bali from the Uluwatu cliffs to the Canggu beach clubs and every temple in between
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support the site.
My trip
This is one real day from a schedule our planner builds. Yours will look different, because it is built around your answers.
Day 5 · Ubud
Every hour worked out, every place open
09:00 Pison Ubud about 1 hour
10:30 Radiantly Alive 18 min walk · about 2 hours
13:00 Bebek Bengil 18 min walk · about 1.5 hours
The rest is already waiting, it just needs a few answers
Build me a day like this A minute of questions A full day hours and distances Yours to edit and share
Beaches, surf and beach clubs
From the Uluwatu cliffs to the Canggu sunsets, the beaches and spots worth the drive.
Nightlife & beach clubs Updated 29 July 2026
Bali Beach Clubs: What You Are Actually Paying For
Day beds, minimum spends and a sunset over the Indian Ocean: how beach clubs work here, which coast to be on, and how to do one without spending a fortune.
Areas & where to stay Updated 29 July 2026
Canggu: Surf, Cafes and Scooters
The strip that became Bali's nomad capital: the black-sand breaks, the cafe and coworking scene, the beach clubs, the traffic on the shortcut roads, and whether it suits your trip.
Areas & where to stay Updated 29 July 2026
Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula
The clifftop south of Bali: the temple on the edge and its sunset fire dance, the cove beaches down long flights of steps, the serious surf breaks, and what staying up here really costs you.
Beaches & surf Updated 23 January 2026
The Best Beaches in Bali: Where to Swim, Surf and Watch the Sunset
From the clifftop coves of Uluwatu to the calm sands of Sanur and the surf of Canggu, here are the best beaches in Bali and which one is right for your day.
Nightlife & beach clubs Updated 16 August 2026
Bali Nightlife: Beach Clubs, Sunset Sessions and Which Town Suits You
The island's nights run on beach clubs and sunset sessions rather than late clubs, and Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta are three completely different evenings. What each costs and how to stay out of trouble.
Where to stay?
Compare prices on hotels and rentals across Bali.
Ready-made itineraries
All itineraries
The Bali map
Every destination, beach and attraction from our guides, on one map.
More than 160 of the best places in Bali, in one guide with photos and tips.
Latest
All guides
Areas & where to stay Updated 20 September 2026
Lovina: Black Sand, Dawn Dolphins and the Quiet North Coast
The north coast fishing town where the sand is volcanic black, the sea is flat, and the famous dolphin trip deserves an honest conversation before you book it.
Food & cafés Updated 17 September 2026
Bali Cooking Classes: What You Actually Learn
The market visit, the spice paste that underpins everything, which dishes get taught and why, how long a class really takes, and how to pick one that is not a demonstration.
Food & cafés Updated 13 September 2026
Babi Guling: Bali's Signature Roast Pork and Where to Try It
What babi guling is, how a proper plate is built, when to turn up before it sells out, and clear guidance for travellers who do not eat pork.
Food & cafés Updated 10 September 2026
Warungs in Bali: How to Eat Like a Local (and Eat Well)
How the warung system actually works in Bali: ordering nasi campur by pointing, what a plate should cost in rupiah, why locals eat early, and sensible hygiene rules.
Ready-made itineraries Updated 6 September 2026
Bali in Two Weeks: The Route That Beats the Traffic
Two weeks lets you slow down and stop backtracking. South coast, Ubud, the quiet east and an island, with honest driving times and why distance on the map means nothing here.
Nature & temples Updated 3 September 2026
Tirta Gangga: Bali's Royal Water Palace in Karangasem
Stone dragons, lily ponds and stepping stones across the water at a former royal palace in East Bali, rebuilt after the 1963 eruption of Mount Agung and still fed by the same natural spring.
Must reads
The core guides to start from.
Ready-made itineraries Updated 29 July 2026
Ten Days in Bali: A Complete Itinerary
A realistic ten-day Bali itinerary: Ubud, the south coast and a Nusa island, plus the east or the north as your fourth act, with honest drive times and which nights to leave unplanned.
Practical info Updated 18 July 2026
Getting Around Bali: Scooter, Private Driver or Car?
How to get around Bali: scooter rental, hiring a private driver, ride-hailing apps and car rental, with honest advice on cost, safety and what suits your trip.
Trip planning Updated 27 June 2026
Bali on a Budget: What Things Really Cost
A clear breakdown of Bali costs in USD: daily budgets for backpackers, mid-range and comfort travellers, plus money, ATM and tipping tips to make it stretch.
Nature & temples Updated 14 May 2026
Bali Temples Guide: The Ones to See and How to Visit Respectfully
A guide to Bali's most beautiful temples, Uluwatu, Tanah Lot, Besakih, Tirta Empul and Lempuyang, plus the dress code and etiquette every visitor should know.
Food & cafés Updated 19 April 2026
Bali Food Guide: What to Eat and Where
The Bali food guide: the warungs and cafes to seek out, the dishes to order, from nasi goreng to babi guling and satay, and how to eat brilliantly on any budget.
Trip planning Updated 19 April 2026
Bali Weather by Month: When to Go, Season by Season
A month-by-month guide to Bali weather: dry season versus wet season, surf seasons on each coast, humidity, crowds and prices, and the best months for beaches, hiking and diving.
By topic
Common questions
Do I need a visa for Bali?
Most visitors can get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for around 30 days for a fee of about 500,000 rupiah (roughly 35 USD), and it can be extended once. It is worth filling in the electronic arrival form and customs declaration online before you fly.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season, April to October, is the best time: less rain, lower humidity and calm seas for surfing and snorkelling. July and August are the busiest. The wet season (November to March) is warm and green, with short downpours and lower prices.
How much does Bali cost and how do I pay?
Bali is an affordable destination. The currency is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR), and it is best to withdraw cash from ATMs. Cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but markets, warungs and drivers need cash. A meal at a local warung runs about 2 to 4 USD.
How do I get around Bali?
A private driver for a full day (around 40 to 60 USD) is handy for covering several places. The Grab and Gojek apps are cheap in the south. Renting a scooter is common and cheap but suits experienced riders only, always with a helmet and an international licence.
Is it safe to eat and drink in Bali?
Do not drink the tap water, stick to bottled or filtered water, and busy warungs are usually a safe bet for fresh food. Pack something for the odd upset stomach (locals call it Bali belly). Vegetarian, vegan and seafood dishes plus tropical fruit are easy to find everywhere.