It’s no secret that Bali is one of the most popular places on the planet. When people think about Bali, they usually think of yoga retreats, Eat, Pray, Love, or glam beach bars, gorgeous villas and surfing. And Bali can be all of that of course. It’s super easy to travel, most people speak English, and there’s something for everyone—whether you want adventure, hiking, and nature or just chilling at a beach bar that could be anywhere in the world. 

But there’s a lot more to Bali than its Instagram-famous treehouses and touristy swings. Bali has so much heart. There are artisans practicing crafts that have been passed down for generations, a deep respect for nature, and conservationists working hard to protect its land and oceans. And despite how much tourism has shaped the island, the spiritual side of Bali is still very real. That’s the Bali we love—and the one we hope travellers will get to experience.

Bali can be as budget-friendly or as luxurious as you want it to be. You can easily enjoy the island on a budget of around $30–$50 per day by staying in guesthouses, eating at warungs (local eateries), and using scooters for transport.

On the other end of the spectrum, Bali has stunning luxury resorts and private villas where you can spend upwards of $500 per night.

If you’re looking for a mid-range experience, expect to spend about $100–$150 per day.

Yes, $1,000 is more than enough for a week in Bali! Here’s a rough budget breakdown:

• Accommodation: $20–$100 per night per person 
• Meals: $5–$20 per meal
• Transport: $5–$15 per day
• Activities: $10–$50 per person/day

If you avoid high-end resorts, you can easily stay within budget while still enjoying amazing experiences.

We’d recommend at least 8 days to really experience Bali, especially if you're a first time visitor.

If you have 8 days, you can spend 3 days in the South at Nusa Penida and chilling at beaches, and then spend 5 days in Ubud and up north where you can explore the tourist areas in Ubud, take in a cooking/art class, hike Mount Batur/Agung and do an adventurous day trip to Munduk. 

If you have longer (e.g. 2 weeks), you can explore beyond Bali to hike Ijen volcano (blue flames!), or take a boat to nearby Lombok and Gili Islands. If you're heading to Lombok, you'll need at least another week.

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October, when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities.

The wet season (November–March) is still a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind occasional heavy rain.

If you’re into surfing, July and August offer the best waves on Bali’s west coast.