Bali

Top Cities

• Ubud: Bali’s cultural and artistic heart, known for its lush jungles, art galleries, temples, and wellness retreats.
• Seminyak: A stylish beach town with upscale dining, boutique shopping, and vibrant beach clubs, perfect for a luxurious stay.
• Canggu: A hip coastal area popular among surfers and digital nomads, known for its relaxed vibe, beach bars, and trendy cafes.
• Kuta: Famous for its energetic beach scene, nightlife, and surf-friendly waves, offering a lively experience for tourists.
• Nusa Dua: A resort area known for its pristine beaches, high-end hotels, and calm waters, perfect for families and honeymooners.
• Lovina: A quiet northern town with black sand beaches, known for dolphin watching, snorkeling, and a slower pace away from the south.
• Amed: A peaceful coastal village famous for diving, snorkeling, and its unique black sand beaches.
• Singaraja: The former colonial capital, offering a historical experience with traditional markets, colonial buildings, and local culture.
• Pemuteran: A village close to West Bali National Park, known for its coral reefs, eco-tourism, and peaceful atmosphere.
• Jimbaran: Known for its seafood dining along the beach and quieter, scenic beaches, ideal for those looking for a calm retreat.
• Tabanan: A quieter town offering access to rice terraces and cultural sites, less commercialized and ideal for rural Bali experiences.
• Kintamani: Located in the highlands, known for its views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, though some feel it’s overly touristy.
• Bangli: A small town with a relaxed atmosphere, offering glimpses of traditional village life and lesser-known temples.
• Denpasar: Bali’s capital city with a busy local scene, bustling markets, and government buildings but not a main tourist destination.

Highlights

• Ubud Monkey Forest: A lush sanctuary filled with playful macaques, ancient temples, and scenic forested trails in Ubud.
• Tegalalang Rice Terrace: Iconic terraced rice fields near Ubud, showcasing traditional Balinese irrigation and picturesque landscapes.
• Ulun Danu Bratan Temple: A beautiful water temple on Lake Bratan, offering serene views and a glimpse into Balinese Hindu culture.
• Tanah Lot Temple: A striking temple perched on a rock off the coast, famed for its sunset views and cultural significance.
• Mount Batur Sunrise Trek: A rewarding early morning hike to see the sunrise over Bali’s active volcano with panoramic island views.
• Lovina Beach Dolphin Watching: A tranquil beach where visitors can embark on sunrise tours to spot dolphins in their natural habitat.
• Amed: A coastal village popular for snorkeling and diving, with coral reefs, black sand beaches, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Sekumpul Waterfall: Known as Bali’s most beautiful waterfall, surrounded by dense jungle and accessible via a scenic hike.
• Tirta Empul Temple: A sacred water temple known for its purification pools, where visitors can partake in traditional rituals.
• West Bali National Park: A protected area ideal for hiking, bird-watching, and experiencing Bali’s natural biodiversity.
• Kuta Beach: A bustling beach with a lively surf scene, beach bars, and a range of dining and shopping options nearby.
• Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park: Featuring a massive statue of Vishnu and cultural performances that celebrate Balinese heritage.
• Pemuteran Biorock Center: A unique underwater coral restoration project, perfect for snorkeling and learning about marine conservation.
• Goa Gajah: (Elephant Cave) - An ancient sanctuary with rock carvings and a central cave, rich in archaeological and cultural history.
• Bali Safari and Marine Park: A family-friendly park featuring a range of animals and safari rides, popular with younger visitors.
• Nusa Dua Beach: A pristine, quieter beach area known for its luxury resorts and calm, shallow waters.
• Jimbaran Fish Market: A local market where visitors can see fresh catches and dine on seafood, though it can be touristy and crowded.
• Kintamani Village: Known for its views of Mount Batur and Lake Batur, though some travelers find it overly commercialized.
• Ubud Art Market: A bustling market for handicrafts, though high tourist foot traffic has led to inflated prices and heavy bargaining.

Regions

• Central Bali: Known for its cultural and spiritualism, Central Bali is home to Ubud, a vibrant arts and wellness hub surrounded by terraced rice paddies, ancient temples, and jungles. Key attractions include the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the breathtaking Tegalalang Rice Terrace, and the revered Tirta Empul Temple. Popular among travelers for its serene atmosphere, yoga retreats, and artisan markets, this area is ideal for those seeking a blend of relaxation and Balinese culture.

• East Bali: A region of striking natural beauty and ancient temples, East Bali offers the majestic Mount Agung volcano, the beaches of Amed and Candidasa, and the famous “water palace” Tirta Gangga. Known for its black sand beaches and excellent diving spots, especially around the Japanese shipwreck near Amed, East Bali attracts travelers looking for unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and a quieter, less-touristy side of the island.

• North Bali: Known for its peaceful vibe and scenic coastlines, North Bali features the popular Lovina Beach, famous for dolphin-watching tours at sunrise. The region also boasts the Banjar Hot Springs, a series of relaxing thermal pools, and the beautiful Gitgit Waterfall. Visitors are drawn here for the quiet beaches, natural hot springs, and a more laid-back, rural atmosphere that contrasts with South Bali’s busier locales.

• North Central Bali: A lush, mountainous area filled with temples, lakes, and dense jungles, North Central Bali is renowned for Lake Bratan and the iconic Ulun Danu Bratan Temple, which appears to float on the water. The nearby Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provide a picturesque landscape of emerald-green rice paddies. This region is popular with nature lovers, hikers, and anyone interested in Bali’s spiritual side.

• South Bali: Known for its bustling beaches, nightlife, and shopping, South Bali is home to Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua, catering to every kind of traveler. The region’s top attractions include the vibrant Kuta Beach, Uluwatu Temple perched on a dramatic cliff, and the high-end resorts of Nusa Dua. Visitors flock to South Bali for its beach resorts, surf culture, beach clubs, and thriving culinary and nightlife scenes.

• West Bali: Often less visited, West Bali is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering pristine beaches, protected jungle, and West Bali National Park, where diverse flora and fauna thrive. Pemuteran is known for its snorkeling and diving spots, including the coral restoration project at the Biorock Center. This region appeals to those seeking a remote, authentic Bali experience, far from the crowds, with untouched landscapes and an emphasis on eco-tourism.

• high season: June September
• low season: December to March
• shoulder season: October to December, April to May

Bali is positioned close to the equator and experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round. There are two main seasons; wet and dry. The wet season begins around November and lasts until April. The dry season typically occurs between May and October.

The coolest temperatures of the year are in the months from December to February and you may find it necessary to wear long sleeves and pants during the night. Although the wet season sees large amounts of rain, the wet weather generally comes in short and heavy bursts, which make it possible to still enjoy your vacation.

Although the temperature is roughly the same all year round, the humidity levels vary according to the amount of rainfall, meaning that it can feel considerably hotter in Bali during the monsoon season.

Being an island, Bali’s temperature is moderated to a certain extend by sea breezes, and the coast is generally slightly cooler than the center of the island. The year-round temperature in Bali is around 86°F, with temperatures falling and humidity levels rising in the monsoon season.

The monsoon rains descend from December to March although the monsoon season tends to be milder in Bali than in much of Indonesia and is still a good time to visit as travelers will find plenty of time to hit the beach in between rain showers.

When is the best time to visit Bali The peak tourist season is in the months of June and July, and there are extensive festivals and events during this time although temperatures are extremely hot. Traveling just prior to the peak season in the months of April and May is an ideal time with dry and moderately hot temperatures.

Another good time to visit is from September until early October. The weather is still dry although not as hot as in the peak of summer and there are fewer tourists on the beach. You will also be able to find accommodation bargains during this time.

The great thing about Bali is that many areas of the island are elevated and secluded, and even when the island is struck by monsoon rains, areas such as the Bukit Peninsular are still blessed with sunshine. The elevated areas of Bedugul and Kintamani are also good places to retreat from the oppressive heat in October.

While rain can fall at any time of year, the west monsoon generally lasts from December to March, bringing slightly cooler temperatures with it. However, temperatures rarely drop below 80°F, with the possible exception of at night, when the mercury creeps down the thermometer slightly.

Bali’s close equatorial location means that temperatures are pleasantly mild throughout the year. Heat remains fairly constant from season to season, changing by as little as 4°F throughout the year. However, the arrival of the monsoon rains cause humidity levels to rise. Bali’s climate can be arranged into two distinctly different seasons.

Wet season

The wet season is marked by daily rainfall and features a number of overcast days. The highest levels of rainfall occur between December and February, and although the temperature varies little from the dry season, the elevated humidity levels of the wet season can make the climate feel rather hot and sticky.

Dry season

Occasional rainfall can also be expected from time to time during the dry season although showers usually occur at night or in the early morning. A refreshing breeze often sweeps across Bali from June to August, which makes things feel considerably cooler than the actual recorded temperature.

Most visitors fly into Denpasar’s Ngurah Rai Airport, located between Jimbaran and Kuta. It’s a major travel hub with flight connections all over Asia and the South Pacific. Rental cars are available for getting around the island, and visitors can also use taxis or bemos if they don’t mind contending with public transport. Denpasar’s airport is a 1 hour, 45 minute flight from Jakarta.

Requirements

• Passport: All foreign nationals entering Bali are required to have a passport with at least six months validity from the date of arrival.
• Visas: The vast majority of visitors will be able to enter Bali visa free for a total stay of 30 days. If planning on staying longer or conducting business then you will need to apply for the appropriate visa at an Indonesian consulate or embassy.

By Air

Bali’s Denpasar International Airport is the sole airport in Bali and handles flights from numerous destinations in the region. The national airline for Indonesia is Garuda Air (website: www.garuda-indonesia.com/).

Expect flight times to Bali from Los Angeles to be around 16 hours and from New York approximately 20 hours.

Main Airports

• Denpasar International Airport: (DPS) (Ngurah Rai) (website: (www.baliairport.com)[https://www.baliairport.com]) is positioned about five miles south of Denpasar city (journey time: 30 minutes).

To/from the airport: there is a special bus service running between the airport and city centre that leaves every 30 minutes. An abundance of taxis are also available and some rickshaws in the car park. Facilities: a restaurant, bar, duty-free shopping, newsstands, money exchange, car hire reservations, internet, postal services and lost luggage.

Departure tax: All passengers leaving Denpasar International Airport are required to pay Rp100,000 departure tax before leaving.

Airline groups

• Star Alliance: Singapore Airlines (to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Bangkok), Air China (to Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing), Thai Airways (to Bangkok).
• Oneworld: Cathay Pacific (to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong), Qantas (to Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Cairns).
• Sky Team: Garuda Airlines (to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore), China Airlines (to Beijing and Hong Kong), Korean Airlines (to Seoul).
• Other: several smaller airlines including AirAsia and Bangkok Air.

By Water

Main port: Padangbai is the largest port in Bali, catering to large shipping vessels and cruise liners which regularly stop in Bali. There are frequent passenger ferry services to the main island of Java as well as numerous services to other Indonesian islands along the eastern coast of Bali.

By Train

There are no rail lines in Bali.

By Road

It is actually possible to travel by road to the southern tip of the island of Java then take a car ferry over to Bali. There are daily buses and taxis available which make this trip. You will also find some bus services traveling from Lombok which use a car ferry to arrive in Bali.

Border Crossings

There are no border crossings to Bali as it is an island province of Indonesia.

The most popular points of entry are by air to Denpasar International Airport or by water to either Gilimanuk in the west of Bali or Padangbai in the southeast.

Because of the size of the island, it is not difficult to get around Bali by various modes of transportation. The traditional types of transportation to the high class limousine are available for tourist to choose. Not to forget the sea transportation that connect Bali to some of its sister islands. However, train does not exist in Bali.

Bemo

This is the most used transportation in Bali especially in the city of Denpasar. It is a miniature van with a routine route set by local government periodically. This type of transportation is good for short distance around town and cities, because of its size and passenger can get in and out at any point. Most importantly, it is cheaper compared to some other type of transportations, even though fairly slow. Price ranges usually around Rp 3,200 to Rp 4,000 per one stop over. 

Buses

There are buses for transportation between towns that relatively bigger compared to bemo. These buses connect all towns and most places of the island through local bus stations. Likewise bemo, buses also can be stopped at any point of the routes. They mostly operate day time inter island, but some are available at night for long distances within cities. Fares are between Rp. 1.500 to Rp. 10.000 per one stop point.

Taxi

Taxi is the most efficient and convenience transportation in the island. Either chartered or metered one, they are everywhere and quite inexpensive compared to some other countries. In Bali there are some different companies providing taxi services.

Rental

Cars, Motorbikes and Bicycles - If you plan to explore Bali in half day or full day trip, the best way is hiring a car with the driver. The average rate is from Rp 120,000 to Rp 300,000 a day depending on the type of the vehicle. There are many independent car rentals around the island. If you wish to have better services, you can go to a Travel Agent. You even can hire a tour guide of your own language.

The other possibility is to rent a self drive car. An international driving license from your own country is required. This rule also applicable for motorbike rental, but in some cases you can get a temporary permit at local police office. Price ranges are around Rp. 35,000 to Rp. 50,000 per day for motorbike and Rp. 15,000 for bicycle. Likewise, a safety helmet is a compulsory when you ride a motorbike. Meanwhile, bicycles are normally available for rent at hotels. Some bigger resorts even provides bicycle tour for free including a professional tour guide.

Dokar

In many areas of Indonesia, a traditional horse and cart transportation still can be found in many different versions. In Bali, this kind of transportation is known as “dokar”. Nowadays, the use of dokar is simply limited due to efficiency. In some areas dokars are even prohibited by the government because it becomes a dwindling sight around the street. A dokar ride can be a fairly bumpy and unique experience. That is why some hotels and event organizers sometime offer a dokar ride for their guests, wedding couples or special groups.

Boat

To travel to some sister islands of Bali famous for their marine activities, local cruises is the most convenient. They normally offer a tour package including meal, activities and even a resort to stay over night. Some traditional boats are also in service for shorter distances such as to Serangan or Menjangan island.

There is a wide range of accommodation choices from quiet beachside retreats to busy resorts in the center of the towns. Sanur and Candi Dasa are set on the east coast and are full of calm resorts that are bursting with charm and are aimed at mid-range budgets.

Lovina is set in the north of the island and is another quiet pace to stay and Ubud, in the heart of the island, is full of arty and boutique style accommodations. Nusa Dua is home to many upper-class resorts and hotels and this is the priciest place to stay on Bali.

Kuta has the widest range of accommodations from backpacker hostels to five-star resorts and prices range from US$3 per night up to hundreds of dollars.

Kuta is by far the easiest place to find somewhere suitable to stay and there is a wide selection of budget accommodation in among the five-star retreats. Aneka Beach in Kuta is a two-star hotel that costs around US$8 per night and is perfectly clean and comfortable.

Ubud is home to many boutique style lodgings but prices here are mid-range and many of the hotels feature swimming pools and restaurants. Nusa Dua provides the best and most costly choices on the island, with many world-class hotels situated in this small village area that boasts a beach and it own shopping malls.

Choosing where to stay on Bali is all about what you want from your surroundings as there is something to suit all budgets and tastes. The majority of the backpacking lodgings will not have a swimming pool but in Kuta, this is not an issue as there are many pools located all around the town that can be used for the day for a small fee. The mid-range hotels in Ubud, Seminyak and Lovina will often have a swimming pool and a restaurant and for around US$30 per night it is easy to get a nice room with a sea or mountain views away from the noise of the towns. Denpasar is the capital of the island and as such, it is a large town but is less popular with tourists and most of its accommodation is large chain hotels.

What to Expect

If you are on a tight budget then the best place to stay is in Kuta. Not only can you benefit from the amount of budget accommodation options but you also don’t have to spend out on taxis or transport to get around. For US$3 to $10 per night you can expect to share a bathroom and stay in a noisy part of town with many backpackers.

If you stretch your budget a little further then a room for US$10 to $25 per night will be clean and pleasant and often have regular cleaner and room service facilities. For US$25 to $50 per night you can get a room with a nice view, a swimming pool and other amenities. Febri’s Hotel and Spa in Kuta is a great example of a pleasant mid-range hotel.

If you have the money to really spurge then a private villa is the best option and these are located all over the island. Kenah Tinngi has four separate buildings and prices start at around US$1,000 per week.

Price Ranges

If you stay in budget accommodation then you will not get a swimming pool; however, some of the budget accommodation has agreements with other hotels that allow guests to pay a small fee of around US$1 per day to use their swimming pool and other facilities. Rooms at these establishments will be fan cooled.

Mid-range hotels often come with tea and coffee making facilities and a television and will be cooled by air-conditioning rather than a fan. The Nusa Dua Hotel and Spa will cost around US$300 per night and for this level of spending, guests will receive everything they could ever want from accommodation including a maid service and masseur.

In Ubud, there are private villas for rent known as Taman Harum and the 17 lodgings are set in rice fields and surrounded by tropical gardens. For upward of US$400 per night you can have your own driver, maid and chef as well as regular cleaning and a whole host of other services.

The Indonesian island of Bali attracts many visitors with its abundance of fine eating establishments mixed with local restaurants and warung. Dining in Bali is diverse as the popular holiday island draws many tourists from all over the world and as such, there is a wide variety of cuisines on offer.

The different regions of Bali each offer diners something slightly different, with Kuta providing the most diversity with Italian, Japanese and many other cuisines from around the world; Legian Beach with its romantic setting and tasty seafood restaurants; and Nusa Dua with its high-end eateries with prices to match.

Ubud is full of local Balinese restaurants and is perhaps the cheapest place to eat on Bali and the three-kilometer long Jimbaran Beach is packed with restaurants, cafés and barbeques. Rice and spicy dishes make up the base of the Balinese diet and banana leaves are traditionally used as plates.

Best bets Both Kuta and Denpasar are decked out with easy-to-find restaurants to suit many tastes and there is even a McDonalds lurking around on the beach front in Kuta. There are many mid-range priced places to eat at that will serve up anything from sandwiches and steaks to pasta and curries.

For a mere US$1 it is easy to get a good meal and for those with a little more to spend, there are plenty of places to eat on the beach that serve up tasty seafood dishes. L’Ermitazh specialises in Russian meals and is located in Nusa Dua, and along with the ocean breeze and traditional dancers here comes a hefty price tag.

If you are looking for authentic Balinese dishes then you are unlikely to find them in the island’s tourist restaurants and hotels as traditional Balinese food takes too long to prepare properly and is simply too intricate. Instead head off the beaten track to sample old age dishes at local warung.

Kuta is the best place to find food for any fussy eaters as there are many types of eating establishments to choose between, from pizzerias to fine dining. The beach here is a favorite with visitors and there is often a refreshing breeze that is even more enjoyable when accompanied by well-prepared food. Ubud also provides a host of warung to enjoy some simple local foods that only cost around US$1.

Local food

Babi guling is one of the most famous local dishes and it is a whole roast pig that is often covered in a tasty sauce and spit roasted. Fruits are a major part of the Balinese diet and pineapple, mango, passionfruit, durian and mangosteen are some of the most common.

Bebek betutu is a stuffed duck dish that is often eaten on special occasions. Krupuk is similar to prawn crackers and is often snacked on throughout the day and desserts are popular, with many made from soy bean. Black rice pudding is eaten by many and rujak is a popular spicy, sweet and sour salad.

Western food

Bali is home to many Western eateries and it is simple to find food that people from all over the world will enjoy. Kuta is home to a Chicago Rock café that is a major tourist draw for many and there are many Italian restaurants that vary in price depending on whether they have a sea view or are in the town.

Steak houses are ever present and barbeques are a great way to enjoy local and imported meats as well as fresh seafood. Padma Street in Legian boasts many bistro-style eateries and the majority of hotels serve Western foods like jacket potatoes and sandwiches as well as classic dishes of burger and fries and even pie and mash. TJ’s Mexican Restaurant serves great value Mexican fare on Poppies Gang I and the Double D bar serves casual English style pub grub.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian dishes are served in the majority of restaurants but if you want a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian cuisine then it doesn’t get better than the Zula Vegetarian Paradise in Seminyak. Aroma’s Café in Kuta is 100 percent vegetarian and serves up healthy shakes as well as food at reasonable but not cheap prices.

The Buddha Ha Ha serves vegetarian Chinese cuisine and is located in Singaraja and in Seminyak the Colonial Living eatery boasts vegan and vegetarian meals from 09:00.

Street food

Street food is a popular and cheap way to eat in Bali and there are many variations and different types of foods to sample from the street stalls. Sate is one of the most popular and well-recognized dishes in Bali and it is made up from barbequed meat on bamboo skewers that can be anything from goat to lamb.

Kaki lima is the name of a traveling food stall and they are found throughout the streets of Bali. Nasi gorneng is the Indonesian word for fried rice and it is sold by the majority of vendors while the more adventurous may like to try some tum ayam (chicken in banana leaves) or be sisit (shredded chicken in a spicy sambal sauce).

Food courts

There are also many food courts in keeping with the Indonesian tradition of food playing an important role in socializing with family and friends. Sunset Food Court is located on Sunset Road and is open from 10:00 to 01:00 daily, serving mainly chicken and rice dishes at cheap prices.

Kuta Food Court is located in Kuta and is home to an array of dishes that are cheap and cheerful and attract many Asian tourists and backpackers on tight budgets.

Dinner shows

Dinner shows are a popular entertainment choice in Bali as traditional dances and music is a large part of Balinese culture. The Oberoi on Seminyak Beach serves up high-end food and top wines from around the world and boasts nightly dance shows where Balinese ladies dress in traditional clothes and perform various dance routines.

At the aptly named Bali Dance Festival guests can join in with the dancing while enjoying a buffet served at US$25 per head. Performances start at 20:00 seven nights a week.

The nightlife on Bali was affected in the years following the Bali bombings in 2002 where many travelers perished in a popular nightclub in Kuta. In the last few years it has started to pick up again and Bali is regaining its status as a place to enjoy a good night out.

Kuta is home to the majority of the nightclubs, bars and cafés, making it the liveliest place for a party. There are many beach bars to enjoy which are lined along the coastline, from quiet areas that attract mainly locals to busier spots on Jimbaran Beach.

Drinking is a popular night-time pastime and there are many different types of watering holes, from English and Australian pubs to classy bars often in hotels that serve cocktails and wines.

The main nightlife areas are in Kuta and they are spread around, with some located along the famous Poppies Gang roads and others on the main beach road and further into town. The Wave and Déjà Vu are located on the beach in Seminyak and provide great views in classy establishments that attract surfers and couples alike.

The Engine Room is located in the heart of Kuta club land, which is located in the center of the town, away from the beach. Legian’s main bars and clubs are found off of the beach as well but there are numerous bars and cafés as well as bistro-type places located directly on the beach.

Pubs bars and clubs

Pubs and bars are found all around Bali and as it is mainly visited by Australian surfers and budget orientated backpackers, Bali is home to many reasonably priced watering holes.

The locally produced beer is called Bintang and it is the cheapest beer on the island, wherever you choose to drink it. The nightclubs are mainly situated in the club area in Kuta, which is located on the main road and away from the beach, and they stay open until the early hours in the morning.

The Bounty is a popular club that also serves snacks and food and is situated in Kuta and Q Bar and Café has regular DJs and various theme nights as well as cheap drink deals.

Jazz and live music

Local music if often played by musicians in the large hotels like the Oberoi that are found on the beach. Nusa Dua boasts many high-end live music venues that play jazz in a beautiful setting aimed at an upmarket clientele.

The Jazz Bar and Grill in Sanur is a famous jazz venue and attracts many people who come to sit back with a cold drink and a snack. The Apache Bar in Legian sits between Poppies Gang I and II and features a fantastic reggae band that regularly plays Bob Marley classics.

Cultural experiences

Bali is full of culture and there are many cultural experiences visitors can enjoy at night including traditional dance and music performances. Gamelan is a unique type of music played in Bali which has been brought down through generations. The Oberoi on Seminyak Beach is a nice spot to enjoy dancing while Bali Dance Festival offers nightly performances.

Shopping in Bali is fun and a great way to spend the day, whether you want to walk around the air-conditioned shopping malls or the hot street stalls where you need to dig deep and barter for a bargain.

Kuta is home to the best shopping. Swimwear and beach accessories can easily be found throughout the shops and stalls here and good prices can be found throughout.

Legian is well known for its antiques and art shops and Sanur Beach is popular for its local jewelry stalls. Whatever you are looking for, Bali is somewhat of a shopping mecca and there is something to suit all bank balances and tastes.

Markets

The real Bali can be witnessed at local markets where locals spend hours trawling the stalls slowly looking for a bargain to snap up. Kuta Art Market is the most expensive due to its location but there is a wide range of jewelry, leather goods, handicrafts and clothes to choose from here.

Sanur Art Market is quieter and less hectic than Kuta and is also slightly cheaper. Anything can be purchased here from sarongs to furniture. Kumbasari Market is not air-conditioned and appeals more to locals than tourists. However, if you can stand the heat there are great bargains to be found here including hand woven textiles, batiks and a whole range of spices and herbs that at the very least smell pleasant as you wander around.

Supermarkets

Alfa in Denpasar is perhaps the most used supermarket in Bali and it stocks many foods and drinks at great prices. There are a few Carrefour branches in Bali and the newest addition is in Kuta and stands four-stories high and boasts an extensive range of food products.

Matahari department store in Kuta is popular with locals, expats and tourists and prices are reasonable. There are a few other department stores in Denpasar and Kuta and all of them are air-conditioned and filled with a range of clothes and various other items.

Shopping malls

There is only one beachside shopping mall in Bali and it is found in Kuta. It is open from 10:00 to 23:00 and called the Discovery Mall, with more than 100 shops calling the mall home.

The self proclaimed ‘shopper heaven’ is known as the Bali Collection in Nusa Dua where there is a wide range of expensive boutique stores selling Western and local clothes and jewelry.

Arts and Antiques

Genuine antiques are hard to find in Bali and there are only a few specialist shops on the island that provide real antiques. Strict religious guidelines come into play when locals produce artwork and creative expression. Suka Asih Art Shop in Seminyak houses some of the best displays of artwork along with handmade lamps produced by local artists and all is for sale at good prices.

Art can be found in abundance in Bali and there are many art shops that showcase and sell local artists’ work. Prices vary but are still cheaper than in the Western world and many of the larger shops can organize shipping services to get your new artwork home. Ubud is the capital of art in Bali, although the whole island is rich in art shops and displays that are often colorful and intricate.

Clothing

Clothes in Bali vary from t-shirts for US$2, cheap bikinis and flip flops at street stalls to designer gear and tailor-made garments. You can spend as much or as little as you want on clothes in Bali and the price will largely depend on the area you shop in.

Nusa Dua is the most upmarket choice for clothes and it also boasts the best quality clothing. Prices reflect this and far cheaper clothes can be found in the shopping centers and malls outside of Nusa Dua, such as those in Kuta.

Gems and Jewellry

Silver is one of the main attractions in the jewelry department on Bali but there are many varieties of jewelry to choose from including gems and gold as well as street junk such as beaded necklaces and cheap silver rings.

MOD in Legian is a popular place to purchase jewelry and due to fewer tourists than before the fatal Bali bombings, prices are slashed and many items are continuously sold in sales. MOD jewelry shop is priced at mid-range prices while Audrey Veronika in the lobby of Kuta Paradiso Hotel sells more expensive items.

Handicrafts

Handicrafts in Bali are perhaps the most sought-after shopping item on the island as there are many different locally made arts and crafts all over the island. Ubud is home to many handicraft shops and stalls with locally made items for sale and on display but all of the towns and villages on Bali have their own share of crafts.

Kuta is full of craft stalls and you can expect to pay around US$2 for small crafted items such as photo frames, up to US$200 for large sculptures. BC Bali in Kuta on the main street sells handicrafts wholesale as well as singular items and products including handmade handbags, batik sarongs and jewelry made from shells and wood. Prices here are suitable for a mid-range budget.