Ultimate Guide to Bali: Best Beaches, Stays & Local Culture

Hiiii! Welcome to my mini guide to Bali - one of those places that somehow feels both like an adventure and a second home. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to discover! Now, full disclosure - I’m no Bali expert haha. But after a bunch of visits over the years (and having a few good mates who actually live there), I’ve learned a thing or two. This guide isn’t about ticking off every tourist spot - it’s the stuff I’ve personally loved, the places I keep going back to, and a few hidden gems locals have been kind enough to share. So think of this less like a “perfect itinerary” and more like a friend passing on their favourite tips over a cuppa. The beaches, the bites, the quiet corners - all the things that make Bali, the nearby paradise we all know and love.

Let’s be honest - getting to Bali is basically easier than getting across Sydney in peak-hour traffic. **Flights from Australia** You’ll fly into Denpasar (DPS), which is the main airport. There are direct flights from most Aussie cities - Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth - with airlines like Jetstar, Virgin, Qantas and Batik Air. Flight times range from about 3.5 hours from Perth to 6-7 hours from the east coast, so it’s the perfect “quick escape that feels far away” kind of trip. **Finding the Best Deal** If you’re not already using Google Flights or Skyscanner, you’re doing it wrong. - Google Flights lets you see which days are cheapest (and the price graph is elite if you’re a visual thinker). - Skyscanner has a “Whole Month” view that’s a lifesaver if your dates are flexible - plus you can set up price alerts so you don’t miss a cheeky deal. Hot tip: avoid school holidays and Friday/Sunday departures if you can. The midweek flights are almost always cheaper, and the airport is far less chaotic. **When to Go** Bali’s got two main seasons - wet and dry, and both have their perks. - **Dry season** (April–September): Perfect weather, reliable surf, and great for exploring - just brace for crowds in July-August. - **Wet season** (November–March): Expect warm days and tropical afternoon showers. It’s quieter, cheaper, and the rice terraces look ridiculously green. - **Shoulder months** (April–June & September–October): Arguably the best balance of sunshine, smaller crowds, and decent prices. **Visa & Arrival Tips** Save yourself the headache and apply for your eVOA (electronic visa on arrival) a few days before you fly. It’s usually instant, and you’ll skip the long queue at Denpasar. You’ll also need to complete the online arrival form before you land - it takes two minutes, and they’ll check the QR code at immigration. **After You Land** Grab some cash from the ATMs inside (they’re reliable), then hop on Grab or GoJek if you don’t have a driver waiting. If you’re jumping in a taxi, confirm the price first - friendly negotiation is basically a national sport.

Before you touch down, do yourself a favour and download these. They’ll make your time in Bali way easier - and help you look like a seasoned pro instead of that sweaty tourist trying to flag a taxi with no Wi-Fi. **1\. Gojek** - For rides, food and basically everything in between. Think Uber meets Deliveroo, but way cheaper and faster (especially on a scooter). **2\. Grab** - Similar to Gojek, just a different app. Some drivers use one more than the other, so having both means you’ll never get stuck. **3\. Klook** - The go-to for booking activities like surf lessons, day tours, cooking classes or that *Mount Batur sunrise hike* we all say we’ll do, then snooze through. **4\. 12GoAsia** - Perfect for booking ferries, buses and transfers across Indonesia — whether you’re heading to Nusa Lembongan, Penida or Lombok. **5\. XE Currency** - Helps you avoid tipping $50 when you meant to tip $5. Handy for quick conversions on the go. **6\. WhatsApp** - Everyone in Bali uses it. It’s how you’ll message your villa host, chat with drivers or organise a local guide. **7\. Agoda** - Great for finding last-minute accommodation deals if you’re travelling Bali-style (aka making plans 10 minutes before checkout). **8\. Google Maps** - Essential for navigating Bali’s maze of laneways and shortcuts. Just know that sometimes “turn left” means “walk through this person’s driveway.” **9\. Google Translate** - Brilliant for chatting with locals or reading menus. Download Indonesian offline before you arrive — lifesaver when your data drops out mid-conversation. **10\. Holafly** - Skip the airport SIM chaos and grab an eSIM before you fly. I’ve used Holafly across multiple countries and it’s a game changer. Use my code barefootblaze for a discount across all their eSIMs.

Alright, if you’ve never been to Bali - or you’ve been a bunch of times but somehow end up in the same two spots - here’s a quick breakdown of where’s worth your time. Every corner of this island has a different vibe, so it really depends what kind of trip you’re after. **Uluwatu & Bingin** - If you’re into surfing, sunsets and that “I might never wear shoes again” lifestyle, this is your zone. Ulu’s clifftop views are unbeatable, and Bingin’s got that laid-back surf crowd who all “came for a week and stayed a year.” Think beach shacks, smoothie bowls and a cold Bintang at sunset. **Seminyak** - This is where the action’s at. Beach clubs, bars, cocktails the size of your head - it’s chaos in the best possible way. If you’re keen for a bit of nightlife, shopping, and maybe a fancy dinner to balance it out, Seminyak’s your spot. **Canggu** - The best of both worlds. There’s the surf crowd, the digital nomads, the fitness junkies and the foodies - all vibing together. You’ll find amazing cafes, heaps of padel courts and gyms, and the kind of restaurants that make you wonder why you ever bothered cooking at home. **Ubud** - If you’re craving some jungle time or need to reset after too many beach clubs, head to Ubud. It’s all rice terraces, yoga studios, cacao ceremonies and slow mornings. It’s a vibe. **Amed** - Way more lowkey, perfect if you want to escape the crowds. I did my freediving course here and honestly, it’s the kind of place that forces you to slow down (in the best way). Amazing diving, black sand beaches and locals who’ll make you feel like family. **Sidemen** - Think Ubud before it got popular. Lush rice terraces, mountain views and peaceful little villas that’ll make you consider a permanent move. Come here to switch off properly. **Nusa Islands (Lembongan, Ceningan & Penida)** - If you’ve got a few extra days, hop over. It’s only a short ferry ride but feels like a whole new world - white cliffs, bright blue water and manta rays cruising by like it’s no big deal.

Let’s be real most of us go to Bali for the beaches, the smoothie bowls, and the sunsets. But if you’re keen to see a deeper side of the island - the one behind the infinity pools and beach clubs - Intrepid’s Urban Adventures tours are honestly such a good way to do it! They’re short (about three hours) but packed with local insight. You can wander through rice terraces with a local guide, learning how Bali’s ancient subak irrigation system has been feeding communities for over a thousand years - or dive into Denpasar’s street food scene, tasting traditional dishes like babi guling and soto ayam at the markets where locals actually eat. What I love about these tours is that they’re all about connection - supporting local farmers, family-run food stalls, and community projects that keep Balinese culture thriving. It’s tourism done right - immersive, respectful, and full of heart. If you’ve been to Bali a few times and want to see beyond the usual tourist trail, this is the perfect way to do it!

Products

• Bali Heritage Food Tour
• Bali's Hidden Rice Terraces Trek Experience

**Hidden Rice Terraces Trek - Kerobokan** Most of us picture Bali’s famous rice terraces up in Ubud, but some of the most stunning ones are actually hiding right near the coast. On this Urban Adventures trek, you’ll wander through the lush green fields of Kerobokan, learning how Bali’s ancient subak irrigation system keeps the island’s farming culture alive. You’ll meet local farmers, see temples tucked between the paddies, and get a real sense of how spiritual and community-driven Balinese agriculture still is. It’s the kind of slow-paced, grounded experience that reminds you why Bali is so much more than beaches and Bintangs. (Includes a local guide, snacks, coconut water, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget time exists.) **Heritage Food Tour - Denpasar** Forget the trendy cafés for a night — this one’s for the foodies who want to eat where the locals actually do. The Bali Heritage Food Tour takes you through Denpasar’s Kreneng Market, tasting everything from crispy babi guling (suckling pig) to colourful jaje Bali desserts and freshly brewed Indonesian coffee. Along the way, your guide shares stories about Balinese history, temples, and daily life — it’s the perfect mix of culture and chaos, in the best possible way. Plus, every bite supports small local vendors and family stalls that keep traditional recipes alive. (Runs for about three hours, small group size, and fair warning — you’ll probably need a food nap after.)

Accommodation in Bali ranges from $10 homestays to villas that look like they’ve been pulled straight off Pinterest. I’m lucky enough to often crash with friends who live here (local intel and good company - the dream combo), but a few places I’ve stayed over the years have really stuck with me. If you prefer something cushier, Bali has endless boutique stays and villas that don’t break the bank. Use Agoda or Booking.com to filter by vibe - whether it’s jungle views in Ubud, modern pads in Canggu, or beach villas in Ulu. And if you ever get overwhelmed by choice (because trust me, there’s a lot), just pick an area that suits your travel style - Canggu for community and cafes, Uluwatu for cliffs and surf, Ubud for greenery and calm - then narrow it down from there. You really can’t go too wrong.

POIs

• Nunggalan Hut
• Roots Tree House
• Dreamsea Surf Camp

Alright, let’s talk about the real showstoppers - the beaches that make Bali feel like the paradise we all romanticise it to be. I’ve been lucky enough to explore a bit of the island (and have a few local mates who’ve pointed me in the right direction), so here are my unofficial awards…

POIs

• Uluwatu Beach
• Nyang Nyang Beach
• Amed Beach
• Bingin Beach

If there’s one thing Bali does ridiculously well, it’s food. From local warungs serving home-style dishes to cafes that could be straight out of Byron, you’ll never go hungry here. Honestly though - the best meals are nearly always at the local warungs. They’re cheap, full of flavour, and usually run by families who’ve been cooking the same recipes for decades. You’ll get massive portions of nasi campur or mie goreng for the price of your morning coffee back home - and it’ll taste ten times better. If you’re looking for something a bit more “Instagram meets actual quality,” here are a few tried-and-true favourites around the island:

POIs

• Suka Espresso
• Brunch Club
• NOURISH CAFE
• Warung Local

If you’ve got a spare day (or two) in your Bali itinerary - do yourself a favour and jump over to Nusa Penida. It’s just a short boat ride from Sanur, but it feels like stepping into a wilder, more rugged version of Bali. The roads are bumpy, the cliffs are dramatic, and the beaches look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a travel magazine. Most people do it as a day trip, but if you’ve got the time, spending a night or two means you can slow down and enjoy it once the crowds head back to the mainland.

POIs

• Rumah Pohon "Tree House"
• Kelingking Beach (T-Rex)
• Diamond Beach

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