A Week in Bali: Tanah Lot and Beyond

About USD 893 for 2 travelers · 1 room · 7 days: hotels, food, activities, local transport and travel between places. Flights from your city not included.

Many nationalities, including US, EU, UK, AU, and India, are eligible for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. The VoA costs IDR 500,000 and can be purchased at Ngurah Rai Airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date, and an onward ticket may be requested.

Bali is generally a safe destination. However, travelers should be aware of severe penalties for drug offenses and exercise caution regarding drink spiking in nightlife areas. Road safety is a concern due to poor infrastructure and traffic; extreme care is needed if riding scooters. Always be vigilant for aggressive porters at ferry terminals or taxi touts.

From Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), official airport taxis are available, but their prices can be high. It is often more cost-effective and convenient to pre-book a private transfer through your hotel or use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek for fixed-price car services to areas like Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud.

For longer distances or group travel, hiring a private car with a driver (often around Rp500,000-700,000 per day) is the safest and most convenient option. Within towns, Gojek or Grab (motorbikes or cars) are readily available. While scooters are common, they are highly discouraged for inexperienced riders due to hazardous road conditions and traffic.

The ideal time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October, characterized by abundant sunshine and pleasant temperatures (28-30°C or 82-86°F), perfect for outdoor activities. This period is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for flights and accommodations, especially in July and August.

Tipping is not generally customary or expected in Bali as a service charge is often included in bills (typically 5-10%). However, small gratuities, such as rounding up a taxi fare or leaving Rp10,000-Rp20,000 for exceptional service from guides, drivers, or spa therapists, are much appreciated.

Beyond general travel essentials, pack reef-safe sunscreen (high SPF), mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+), light and breathable clothing (cotton/linen), a sarong or shawl for temple visits, and a waterproof dry bag for boat trips or sudden showers. Consider motion sickness medication for sea travel or winding roads, and a small flashlight for dimly lit areas.

The local currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants, it's highly advisable to carry a good amount of cash (e.g., Rp500,000-Rp1,000,000) for purchases at local warungs, markets, street food vendors, and smaller establishments that may not accept cards.