Custom travel to Bali

Bali is one of Indonesia's most enchanting islands, where terraced rice paddies meet thousand-year-old Hindu temples, where tropical beaches dialogue with sacred volcanoes, and where every region reveals its own character. From the emerald rice paddies of Tegalalang to the black beaches of Amed, from Hindu ceremonies in Ubud to Uluwatu surfing, through the paradise islands of Nusa Penida and the Gilis, the island offers cultural and natural diversity that makes it one of Southeast Asia's most loved destinations.

Highlights

• Ubud: rice terraces, temples, Balinese art
• South: Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu (surf and beach clubs)
• East: Sidemen, Amed, Tirta Gangga
• Neighboring islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Gili
• North: Munduk, Lake Batur, sunrise on the mountain

Sample itineraries

When to go

Bali is ideally visited April to October: dry season, stable temperatures (26-30 °C), little rain, sunny skies. May-September is the most pleasant high season. July-August is very busy (European and Australian holidays). Rainy season (November-March) is still doable but more humid: short tropical afternoon showers, sometimes overcast skies, but even greener landscapes. January-February is the most humid. The Galungan ceremony (twice a year) and Nyepi (Balinese day of silence, March) are unique moments but require planning.

• Low dry season (April – June), All regions, perfect conditions everywhere
• High dry season (July – September), Beaches, Nusa Penida diving, Batur hike
• Shoulder season (October – November), Ubud, emerald rice paddies, wellness retreats
• Rainy season (December – March), Ubud (few tourists), Nyepi in March (day of silence)

Practical information

Bali is generally very safe, main risks are driver scams (negotiate beforehand), pickpocketing in busy tourist zones, and scooter traffic (very dangerous for novices). A few cultural codes: covered clothing mandatory in temples (sarong and selendang provided on-site or bought for €5-10), women having their period not admitted to temples (by tradition), remove shoes before entering homes and some restaurants. Tipping (10% in restaurants, 20,000-50,000 IDR for drivers and guides) is appreciated. Tap water not recommended, prefer bottled water (or LifeStraw filter). A few Indonesian words (terima kasih = thank you, selamat pagi = good morning) always appreciated.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a Bali trip?

Bali can be visited year-round, but April to October offers the best conditions: dry season, stable temperatures around 26-30 °C, low humidity, generally clear skies. April to June is our favorite window, ideal climate and still-reasonable crowds before high season kicks in. July-August is the busiest period (European and Australian holidays, higher prices) but remains the best window for diving at Nusa Penida and hiking Mount Batur. September-October marks the shoulder season: first late-afternoon tropical storms, sometimes overcast skies, but even greener rice paddies and gentler rates. Rainy season (December-March) is still doable, generally short afternoon tropical showers, but January-February is the wettest month. It's also when Nyepi falls, the Balinese day of silence in March, a unique experience that shuts down the whole island for 24 hours (airport closed).

How long for a Bali trip?

Allow a minimum of 10 days for a balanced first trip: 4 nights in Ubud (rice paddies, temples, cooking class), 2 nights in Sidemen or the east, then a 3-night beach finale in Uluwatu or Seminyak, a format that stays comfortable despite the 16-18 h flight and jet lag. For a more complete tour including the islands, allow 14 days: Ubud, Sidemen, Amed for diving, a fast-boat round trip to the Gilis (Air or Trawangan), then back to the beach in Bali, the itinerary most requested by my travelers. For a wellness getaway, 12 days is enough between Ubud, Munduk in the north, and Uluwatu. Beyond 18-21 days, you can add Nusa Penida in depth or an extension to Java (Borobudur), Lombok, or Komodo. Under 10 days, it's better to focus the stay on a single zone (Ubud + south) rather than multiplying transfers.

What budget for a custom Bali trip?

As a guideline, allow €1,800 per person for a 10-to-12-day Comfort package (private pool villas in Ubud, beach hotels in Seminyak or Canggu, private driver throughout the stay, excluding international flights). For a 12-to-14-day Premium trip with addresses like COMO Shambhala, Bambu Indah, or Four Seasons Sayan and a private French-speaking guide on key stops, expect from €3,200 per person. In the fully bespoke 14-to-21-day Exclusive package (Bvlgari Uluwatu, Aman Villas, dedicated in-villa staff), rates start at €6,500 per person. On top of these amounts come international flights: expect €700 to €1,400 per person for a Paris-Denpasar round trip in Economy with one layover, with rates rising in high season (July-August, Christmas, Easter).

Do I need a visa to travel to Bali?

The electronic visa on arrival (e-VOA), at $35, is mandatory for EU, UK, US and Canadian nationals for stays of up to 30 days. Apply online before departure (the simplest option, with a QR code to present on arrival) or directly at the dedicated counter at Denpasar airport. It can be extended once for another 30 days through local immigration, for a fee and with some lead time to plan for. The passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the return date and have at least two blank pages. For stays over 60 days, a standard tourist visa (B211) must be requested in advance through a local sponsor.

How do I get around in Bali?

A private driver for the entire stay remains by far the best option: flexibility, comfort, local knowledge of the winding roads and deceptively long distances, Ubud-Uluwatu, for instance, is only 1.5 h without traffic but often climbs to 3 h at rush hour. The scooter (€5-10/day rental) is the local option, but not recommended for novices given the dense traffic and sudden tropical downpours. To reach neighboring islands, take a fast boat from Sanur or Padangbai: 30 minutes to Nusa Penida, about 2 h to the Gilis. There's no reliable public transport on the island; in urban areas (Denpasar, Seminyak, Canggu), the Grab and Gojek apps, local Uber equivalents, work well and cheaply.

Should I rent a scooter in Bali?

Possible but not recommended for novices. Traffic is dense, tropical rains sudden, accidents frequent. Prefer the private driver (often cheaper in the end, safer, more practical). International license mandatory if you rent.

Which neighboring islands to visit from Bali?

Nusa Penida (30 min boat, legendary cliffs, manta rays), Nusa Lembongan (peaceful, diving), the Gilis (lively Trawangan, family Air, romantic Meno). For further: Komodo (dragons, diving, 4 days minimum), Java (Borobudur, volcanoes), Sumba (luxury and culture).

Is Bali safe for a trip?

Bali is generally a very safe island, including for solo female travelers. The main risks remain driver or unofficial taxi scams (always negotiate or fix the price before getting in), pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones (Kuta, Ubud market), and above all scooter accidents, by far the top risk for inexperienced visitors given the dense traffic and sudden tropical rains. A few simple precautions: avoid tap water (prefer bottled water or a filter), covered clothing is mandatory in temples (sarong provided or rentable on-site for a few euros), and stay alert on volcanic hiking trails (Mount Batur), where a local guide remains recommended for the night ascent.

How to pay in Bali: card or cash?

Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large shops in tourist zones. Cash (rupiah) remains useful for markets, drivers, tips, and villages. ATMs abundant but high foreign banking fees: withdraw in large sums.

Is Bali suitable for a family trip?

Absolutely. Safety, warm welcome for children, kid-friendly experiences (Ubud monkeys, beaches, snorkeling, ethical elephant sanctuaries), many family villas with private pool. Favor Ubud + Sidemen + Sanur or Lovina for a first family trip.

Do I need to speak English or Indonesian to travel in Bali?

English is spoken fluently throughout the tourism sector, at hotels, restaurants, with drivers and guides, including in the less-visited villages of the east or north. Indonesian and Balinese remain the everyday languages, and a few words (terima kasih for thank you, selamat pagi for good morning) are always appreciated and open smiles. No language barrier should discourage you from going, even without any Indonesian.

Which region should I prioritize for a first stay in Bali?

For a first trip, I recommend combining Ubud (cultural and spiritual heart, rice paddies, temples) with the south (Uluwatu for cliffs and surf, or Seminyak/Canggu for beach clubs and nightlife). This is the formula that gives the best overview of Bali's diversity in limited time. If you have more time, add Sidemen in the east for slow life in a still-preserved valley, or the Gilis for diving and car-free beaches.