South & Central Bali

Island of the Gods: Ubud's rice terraces, Tanah Lot and Jimbaran Beach, the world's second most popular destination on TripAdvisor and a honeymoon favorite.

Bali is the main island of Indonesia's Bali Province, located east of Java and west of Lombok. It covers about 5,600 sq km and is the only Hindu-majority island in Muslim-majority Indonesia; with temples, offerings and dances everywhere, it is called the "Island of the Gods." Sightseeing areas can be divided north and south. The southern Badung Regency is home to beaches and resorts: Kuta (surfing, budget guesthouses, nightlife), Legian and Seminyak (boutiques, beach clubs, villas), Canggu (surfing and digital-nomad cafés), Jimbaran (beach barbecues and sunsets), Nusa Dua (large resort hotels and family holidays) and Uluwatu (cliff-top temples and surf spots). Ubud, in Gianyar Regency in the center, is the cultural and rainforest hub (the royal palace, markets, rice terraces, the holy spring temple, the Monkey Forest, yoga and cooking classes). The east has Mount Agung, white sand beaches, and the diving spots of Amed and the Tulamben shipwreck; in the north, Lovina is the place for dolphin watching; and the southeast offshore islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are known for their cliffs and manta ray snorkeling. The climate is tropical: April–October is the dry season, sunny and less humid, and the best time to visit, with July–August and Christmas/New Year being peak season and the most expensive; November to March is the rainy season, with frequent afternoon downpours but fewer tourists, lower prices and the greenest rice terraces. Every March, the Nyepi (Day of Silence) closes the entire island for one day, with the airport shut and nobody allowed outside. Getting there: Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar, DPS) has direct flights from many Chinese cities and connecting flights via Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. There is no public rail on the island; the main ways to get around are Grab/Gojek and chartered cars (8–10 hours for about IDR 600,000–800,000), while renting a motorbike requires an international driving permit and is riskier. To reach Nusa Penida, take a speedboat from Sanur Harbor (30–45 minutes). Chinese citizens can get a visa on arrival (30 days, about IDR 500,000) and must also pay the Bali tourist levy of IDR 150,000 per person online and fill in the electronic customs declaration. Recommended stay: 5–7 days, with 2–3 days at the southern beaches, 2–3 days in Ubud and 1 day on Penida. Tips: wear a sarong to enter temples (most can be rented or are included in the ticket), and women on their period must not enter temples; do not swim in red-flag areas, and rip currents are strong around Kuta; monkeys will grab glasses and phones; drink bottled water; stay polite when bargaining; beware of motorbike bag snatchers at night; Indonesian rupiah denominations are large, so change money at an Authorized Money Changer.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries