Bali: beaches, surf, temples and rice terraces

Bali packs beaches, surf, temples and rice country into one small island you can cross in a few hours. The south holds the surf and beach clubs of Seminyak, Canggu, Kuta and Uluwatu; Ubud sits inland among rice terraces, art villages and the monkey forest; the highlands rise to volcanoes and crater lakes around Kintamani and Munduk; and the Nusa islands offshore hold the cliffs and manta rays of Nusa Penida. Add warm Balinese Hindu culture, daily temple offerings and food that runs from cheap warungs to fine dining, and Bali rewards anything from a week to a month.

The dry season from April to October is the sweet spot, with sunny days, lower humidity and the calmest seas for surfing, diving and boat trips to the Nusa islands. July and August are the busiest and priciest months, so late April to June and September to October give you good weather with fewer crowds. The wet season runs November to March, when the rain comes in short afternoon downpours rather than all day, and prices and crowds ease. The island is small, so conditions stay broadly similar across it.

A week lets you pair two bases, for example Ubud for culture and rice terraces and a southern beach town such as Canggu or Uluwatu for surf and sunsets. Ten days adds a day trip or overnight to Nusa Penida, plus time in the highlands around Kintamani or Munduk. Two weeks is enough to fold in the quiet east coast at Amed for diving, calm Sanur for families, and a slower pace throughout. Roads are slow and traffic in the south is heavy, so keep drives short and cluster stops by area.

Yes, for the main areas. Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu, Sanur and the Nusa islands are used to visitors, including solo and family travellers, and the biggest risks are the roads, the sea and an upset stomach rather than crime. Traffic is dense and scooter accidents are common, so ride only if you are confident and always wear a helmet. Respect strong currents and swim between the flags on surf beaches, drink bottled or filtered water to avoid Bali belly, and take normal care with valuables. Balinese hospitality is one of the island's highlights.

It is good value by international standards, with a wide spread of prices. Local warungs, scooter hire and simple guesthouses cost little, while beach clubs, private villas with pools and fine dining sit at the higher end. Tropical fruit, street food and local meals are cheap, and you can eat and stay well on a modest budget away from the smartest spots. The currency is the Indonesian rupiah. Booking accommodation early for the July and August peak keeps rates down, and staying outside the busiest beach strips cuts costs further.

Very widely in tourist areas. Indonesian is the national language and Balinese is spoken day to day, but English is used across hotels, restaurants, tours, shops and transport, so you will rarely have trouble being understood. A few words of Indonesian such as terima kasih for thank you are welcomed, though they are not needed to get around. This makes Bali one of the easier places in Asia to travel independently, whether you book ahead online or arrange things once you arrive.

Its beaches, surf, temples and rice terraces. The south draws surfers and beachgoers to Uluwatu, Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta; Ubud is known for rice paddies, the monkey forest, art villages and yoga; and clifftop temples such as Uluwatu and the sea temple at Tanah Lot are set-piece sunset spots. Offshore, Nusa Penida draws crowds for its cliffs, snorkelling and manta rays. Bali is also known for its Balinese Hindu culture, with temples, festivals and daily offerings woven through everyday life, and for spas, villas and a strong food and cafe scene.

Many visitors do not for a short trip. Passport holders from the UK, US, Australia, the EU and many other countries can get a 30-day visa on arrival at Ngurah Rai airport, which can usually be extended once for a further 30 days. Indonesia also charges a separate tourism levy on arrival, and you will need a passport valid for at least six months and an onward or return ticket. Rules and fees change from time to time, so check the current requirements for your passport before you travel. See our Plan your trip guide for details.