Bali for First-Timers: Complete Planning Guide

Where to Stay in Bali

Ubud

Cultural heart of Bali with rice terraces, temples, and yoga retreats.

Best for: Culture, nature, wellness

Vibe: Peaceful, spiritual, artistic

Stay: 3-4 days

Seminyak

Upscale beach town with trendy restaurants, beach clubs, and shopping.

Best for: Beach, dining, nightlife

Vibe: Sophisticated, lively, modern

Stay: 2-3 days

Canggu

Surf town popular with digital nomads and young travelers.

Best for: Surfing, cafes, social scene

Vibe: Laid-back, trendy, youthful

Stay: 3-5 days

Uluwatu

Dramatic cliffs, world-class surf breaks, and stunning sunsets.

Best for: Beaches, surfing, scenery

Vibe: Relaxed, scenic, adventurous

Stay: 2-3 days

Recommended First-Timer Route:

Ubud (3 days) → Canggu (3 days) → Uluwatu (2 days) = Perfect 7-10 day trip

Top Things to Do

Visit Temples

Bali has thousands of temples. Must-visits include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, and Tirta Empul.

Tip: Wear a sarong (provided at entrance) and be respectful during ceremonies.

Explore Rice Terraces

Tegallalang Rice Terraces near Ubud are iconic. Visit early morning to avoid crowds.

Tip: Entrance fee is around 20,000 IDR ($1.50). Bring small bills.

Chase Waterfalls

Tegenungan, Tibumana, and Sekumpul waterfalls are stunning and swimmable.

Tip: Wear water shoes and bring a waterproof phone case.

Watch Sunrise at Mount Batur

2am start for a 2-hour hike to see sunrise from an active volcano.

Tip: Book a guided tour ($30-50) that includes breakfast and transport.

Try Balinese Food

Must-try dishes: Nasi Goreng, Mie Goreng, Babi Guling, Satay, and fresh fruit.

Tip: Local warungs (small restaurants) offer authentic food for $2-5 per meal.

Getting Around Bali

Scooter Rental

$5-7/day. Most flexible option but requires confidence.

International license required

Private Driver

$40-60/day. Safest and most comfortable option.

Great for day trips

Grab/Gojek

Ride-hailing apps. Cheap and convenient for short trips.

Download before arrival

Budget Breakdown

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation	$15-30	$40-80	$150+
Food	$10-15	$20-40	$60+
Transportation	$5-10	$15-30	$50+
Activities	$10-20	$30-50	$100+
Total per Day	$40-75	$105-200	$360+

Calculate Your Bali Budget

Essential Tips for First-Timers

Best Time to Visit

April-October (dry season). Avoid December-January (peak crowds and prices).

Visa Requirements

30-day visa on arrival for most nationalities. Can extend once for 30 more days.

Money Matters

Bring cash (USD or IDR). ATMs widely available. Notify your bank before travel.

Stay Connected

Buy a local SIM card at airport ($5-10 for 30GB). Telkomsel has best coverage.

Dress Code

Modest clothing for temples. Bring sarong or rent at entrance. Shoulders covered.

Health & Safety

Drink bottled water only. Get travel insurance. Bali belly is common - bring medication.

Common First-Timer Mistakes

Staying Only in Seminyak

Explore beyond the beach areas. Ubud and Uluwatu offer completely different experiences.

Underestimating Traffic

Traffic is terrible, especially in South Bali. Allow extra time for everything.

Not Bargaining

Bargaining is expected at markets and with drivers. Start at 50% of asking price.

Overpacking

It's hot and humid. Pack light, breathable clothes. Laundry is cheap ($1-2/kg).

Bali for First-Timers: Complete Guide

First Time in Bali?