With its lush rice terraces and ancient mysticism, Bali is an Indonesian island that emanates tranquillity. Nature lovers seek out the jagged cliffs and pristine beaches of Uluwatu, while travelers desiring solace flock to the Hindu temples and shamans of Ubud. And in Denpasar, the underappreciated capital city, testaments to ancient culture reign supreme. Undisputed highlights include Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, Tanah Lot Temple, and the peak of Mt. Batur, and visiting all ranks among the most popular things to do in Bali. Local villages, deserted hiking routes, and roadside restaurants reveal a muted yet equally majestic charm.
The Balinese year is a game of two halves: wet season and dry season. The weather is less predictable as the climate changes, but the dry season runs roughly from April to September, bringing clearer skies and taking the edge off the tropical humidity. Shoulder seasons (April–June and September) are the best times to visit. Bali’s limited infrastructure groans at the seams during the July-August summer peak and the December-January Christmas peak, when traffic is a recipe for road rage.
Bali’s infrastructure doesn’t really extend to public transit. Buses cover a handful of routes; a boat service links Canggu and Uluwatu; and the Perama shuttle bus connects some popular destinations. To cover the top things to do in Bali, you’ll want your own wheels. Car rentals are a popular solution; Bluebird is a well-regarded meter taxi firm; and GoJek and Grab offer 4-wheel and 2-wheel rideshares. Don’t ride a motorbike without a helmet, travel insurance, and a locally valid license.
Bali’s signature dish is babi guling, suckling pig spit-roasted and served with golden crackling, meaty sides, a coconut salad, cassava leaves, white rice, sambal, and a tangy pork bone soup. For a taste of the authentic Bali, head into the island’s bustling capital, Denpasar. The restaurant Babi Guling Chandra started in the 1980s as a tiny street stall and is one of few babi guling eateries to roast its own pigs.
