Bali Travel Guide – Key Tips for Travellers

You’ve made the exciting decision and now you're finally heading to Bali!

Now comes the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part, planning your trip so you're fully prepared to make the most of your time on your holiday.

After many years of exploring Bali, I’ve put together this FAQ travel guide to help you get ready for a smooth, enjoyable and unforgettable experience.

What’s the Bali Weather Like?

Bali is situated 8 degrees south of the equator which means it has a tropical climate that is generally hot and humid all year round.

Bali has distinct wet and dry seasons with the wet season running from November to February and the dry season running from April to September. The transition months for weather are March and October. The temperature range stays between 20°C and 32°C and the humidity is usually above 75%. 

July and August traditionally have the least amount of rain with about 4 days per month. The rainiest months are December and January with up to 27 days, high humidity and some occasional tropical storms.

I have spent time in Bali during all seasons. A couple of years ago, I was in Sanur for two weeks in December and January. It hardly rained at all. By contrast, on a recent visit to Bali during the month of August, it rained quite a bit.

It’s the tropics so anything could happen! Rain spells are often short lived, clear up quickly and blue sky and sunshine returns.

Use historical weather patterns as a guide and go with an open mind. It’s always warm and the contrasting weather can be fun.

What’s the Best Time of the Year to Go?

The best time of the year to go to Bali depends on how you feel about the weather and whether you want to travel in peak, shoulder or off-peak times.

The off‑peak rainy season from January to March is the cheapest time of year to travel to Bali (excluding the holiday periods of late December and early January). October and November can also hold some good deals 

The busiest times of the year are around Christmas and New Year and from the middle of July to the end of August when it gets really busy in areas like Caangu, Seminyak, Legian, Kuta and Ubud.

Other busy times include Chinese New Year (late January to mid-February) and the end of Ramadan (in March) when many domestic tourists arrive.

Travelling during the shoulder seasons can be a good balance of experiencing less rain and flying and staying at cheaper rates than peak season. Try April to June and September to early October.

So, in summary:

• High season - July and August, mid December and January

• Shoulder season - April to June, September to early October

• Low seasons - October to November and February to March

How do I Arrange Airport Transfers?

Arriving at Ngurah Rai International Airport can be a little overwhelming, especially if this is your first time to Bali.

Arranging an airport transfer in advance is one of the best ways to start your trip smoothly. While there are plenty of options to choose from when exiting the arrivals terminal, it can be a little hectic.

I have found the most reliable and stress-free option is to pre-book a private driver. This is a great way to get from the airport to your accommodation in air-conditioned comfort.

There are many options available for private drivers and Bali Blessings has a network of trusted and preferred drivers and tour companies.

Our English-speaking drivers whom we know personally, offer fixed pricing, are super friendly, will help with your luggage and get you to your accommodation in the most efficient way possible. Sometimes traffic is heavy and our drivers know how to navigate these busy periods with ease.

If you prefer catching a cab from the airport, I always recommend using the official Blue Bird taxis. They have a counter inside the arrivals hall and they are a safe, metered option.

Avoid unregulated drivers approaching you in the terminal, as prices can be unpredictable.

Will my Phone Work?

Staying connected in Bali is easy and using an eSIM has been the most convenient option for me when travelling from Australia.

Before you arrive, you can purchase an eSIM from providers like Airalo, Holafly or Klook, set them up before you depart and activate data the moment you land.

The best thing about this is no physical SIM swapping and no passport registration (required if purchasing a local Indonesian SIM card).

Indonesia’s major local networks offer excellent coverage across Bali and the eSIMs run on these networks.

If you prefer a local plan, you can buy an eSIM or physical SIM at authorised kiosks in the airport or major malls, though expect some setup time.

Whichever option you choose, having mobile data from the start makes it easier to navigate, book transport, use Google translate and stay in touch during your stay.

What Visa and Arrival Documents Do I Need for Bali?

As of September 2025, the travel document requirements for Bali were updated.

Travellers must now complete the All Indonesia Declaration Form online (within 3 days before arrival). This form replaces the older separate health and customs forms.

Australians still need a valid passport with at least six months validity and either a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA). Travellers must also show proof of onward travel and pay the tourist levy.

So in summary – here’s what each traveller needs:

• Complete the All Indonesia Declaration Form

• Obtain a visa:

  • Visa on arrival (VOA) (IDR500,000), obtain at Bali airport); OR

  • Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) (IDR500,000 plus a small processing fee), obtain no later than 48 hours before departing for Bali

• Bali tourism levy (IDR150,000), obtain online via the Love Bali website or on arrival at Bali airport

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity)

• Proof of onward travel

How Do Bali Taxis Work?

Taxis are widely available in Bali, but it’s important to choose the right ones to avoid inflated prices or unreliable service.

The safest and most reputable option is Blue Bird Taxi. These taxis have metered fares and professional drivers. Look for the light-blue cars with the Blue Bird logo.

On my last trip to Bali I used the excellent Blue Bird app to book and pay which made getting around even easier.

Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also very popular. They also offer affordable and transparent pricing and convenient pickup options at most hotels and tourist areas.

In some busy spots, you may see “no Grab/Gojek” signs due to local taxi cooperatives. In those areas, stick to Blue Bird or walk a little further to book via the apps.

Always confirm that the meter is on if taking a street taxi and avoid unregulated drivers approaching you with “cheap” offers.

It’s Time to Travel!

Bali is an incredible place to explore. With a little preparation your trip can be smooth, safe, and stress-free from the moment you land.

If you’d like help planning your next Bali getaway - from airport transfers and itineraries to local tips and on-the-ground support, Bali Blessings is here to make it easy.

Please feel free to get in touch anytime and let me help you create the wonderful Bali experience you’ve been dreaming of.

Safe travels

Tru xx