Ubud
Set amongst rice paddies in the foothills Ubud is more about nature and enjoying the scenery. It is also the centre for culture including crafts, dance and temples.

Nusa Dua
A quieter and generally less crowded part of Bali with great luxury accommodation options and a much slower pace.

Karangasem
Covering the eastern part of Bali Karangasem is set beneath Mount Angung and a great place to explore lush hills, villages and temples.

Uluwatu
A laid back part of Bali with stunning beaches and beautiful villas set on the cliff tops. A fabulous place to relax and enjoy the scenery it is a popular spot for surfers.

Seminyak
This beach resort area at the southern end of  Bali is known for its range of luxury hotels and resorts. Perfect for a final night or two at the end of your Bali stay, it has a good range of quality restaurants and upmarket shopping options.

Rainy season is during January – April, October, November however rainfall is never excessive and will not get in the way of activities except possibly volcano treks.The best time to visit Bali is May, June and September where it is drier and less humid. It is the best time for many activities such as diving. July and August, Christmas and New Year is peak season where it can be quite crowded.

Bali was the first place I ever travelled to – it really ignited the travel bug in me and continues to draw me back to this day! These days I’m more drawn to the relaxation and delicious food that Bali has to offer.

Starting with Ubud, nestled among lush green hills and picturesque landscapes in the central part of Bali. The town is surrounded by beautiful rice terraces, tropical forests and rivers, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Ubud is famous for wellness experiences including traditional Balinese massages, yoga classes and spa treatments. If you want to truly experience the local flavours of Bali you need to visit the traditional markets. Here, you can try local delicacies at the street food stalls. A fun experience is to join a cooking class. You get to visit a local market to source ingredients and then prepare a Balinese meal under the guidance of an experienced chef. The recipes are a great souvenir to return home with!

I’m also drawn to the island of Gilli Trawangan, which boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. There are no motorized vehicles on the island, so bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the main modes of transport. Personally, I love exploring on bicycle or on foot, as you see, smell and hear so much more, at a slower pace. It’s well worth visiting local shops and art markets and I can never resist a visit to the turtle sanctuary, where you learn about conservation efforts and even take part in releasing baby turtles into the sea. I also love swimming and snorkelling in the vibrant coral reefs just offshore. Staying in a private villa is the way to go for a truly relaxing experience, with your own pool and plenty of private space to indulge in a good book, a cool drink and some tropical sun. Heaven!

Jane Bittman, Travel Designer

Currency Indonesia Rupiah

Language Indonesian, Balinese, English

Why we love it There is no other place like Bali!  There is something magical about the Balinese who are warm and welcoming. Make sure you include Ubud in your itinerary.  At the heart of Bali, Ubud and its surroundings will delight you with its art and culture.  Seminyak is flash, brash and home to dozens of restaurants and a wealth of shops and galleries.

Weather Rainy season is during January – April, October, November however rainfall is never excessive and will not get in the way of activities except possibly volcano treks. The best time to visit Bali is May, June and September when it is drier and less humid. It is the best time for many activities such as diving. July and August, Christmas and New Year is peak season where it can be quite crowded.

Social customs & quirks The temples of Bali are amazingly surreal. Visitors need to wear modest clothing out of respect, which means a sarong and a sash needs to be worn. These items are available outside most major temples, usually for rent. Many of these ancient sites are home to large populations of monkeys. This is especially notable in places like Ubud and Uluwatu. The monkeys look cute, but they are prone to stealing items like food and valuables. Sometimes they can get nasty, so it is suggested that tourists don’t feed the monkeys at temples.

Festivals & events Events in Bali are focused on spirituality and celebrating life. They contain elements of tribal heritage, religion, food, and fun. Held annually in March, the Balispirit Festival is one of the top five yoga events in the world. There are over 100 health and wellness workshops, nighttime concerts, healing arts, an eco-market, and more.

Health*  There are no compulsory health requirements on entering Bali.

Notes *Please be aware that Health information is subject to change at any time and you should always double check these requirements at the time of booking and before travel.