Bali Excursions

So you’ve been googling “Bali holidays” and scrolling past all the perfect photos of villas with floating breakfasts and infinity pools, right? Yeah, same. That’s how I got sucked in the first time. But what nobody really talks about is how overwhelming it can be to actually plan the dang thing. There’s a ton of stuff to sift through—beach vs. jungle, scooter vs. driver, Canggu vs. Ubud, rainy season vs. shoulder season… You get the idea.

Let’s clear this up, friend to friend.

If you’re looking for a local, commercial but still affordable holiday in Bali that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap or some influencer checklist, then stick around. I’ve done Bali on a shoestring and also gone full-blown resort mode (regret that a little, tbh). This guide is your shortcut through all that decision fatigue.

Where to Stay During Bali Holidays – Picking the Right Area Is Everything

South Bali (Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta): Where the Action’s At

Alright, if your idea of a Bali holiday includes beach bars, cocktails in coconuts, digital nomad cafes, and shops with flowy linen shirts that cost too much—then Canggu is your playground. But let me warn you: traffic is no joke here. A 10-minute ride can turn into a 40-minute sunburned nightmare if you’re not used to scooter life.

Read also: Gili Islands Tour from Bali

Seminyak’s kinda like Canggu’s older cousin—still hip, but a bit more polished. More villas, more sunset views at beach clubs like Potato Head or Ku De Ta. Kuta… well, Kuta’s got a reputation. Cheap drinks, nightclubs, and hangovers. If that’s your vibe, go for it. If not, you’ll want to dip after a day or two.

My take: Book your first few nights in Canggu just to get the party out of your system. Then bounce to somewhere chill.

Ubud – The Soulful Middle of the Island

Now, Ubud is my jam. If you’ve ever felt like Bali holidays should be more about rice terraces, monkey forests, waterfalls, and journaling in a cafe while sipping turmeric lattes—you’ll feel at home here. It’s got a spiritual vibe but not in a preachy way. Yoga Barn is a thing. So are sound baths and ecstatic dance parties (not as weird as it sounds, I promise).

The food scene is next-level—vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, whatever-free… they’ve got it. But there’s also dirty martinis and some crazy good Italian spots if you’re not into that.

Heads up though: Ubud can get real touristy too. Avoid staying on Monkey Forest Road. It’s crowded and loud, and you’ll probably get heckled for massages every 3 steps.

East Bali, North Bali, Nusa Islands – Off-the-Beaten-Path But Worth It

Amed in the east is where I go to detox from the chaos. It’s chill. Like, really chill. Think snorkeling with shipwrecks and old-school warungs (local restaurants) right on the beach. No one’s in a rush here. If you’re burnt out or on a long trip, spend a few days in Amed. You’ll sleep like a baby.

Lovina in the north is known for dolphin watching, but honestly, it’s not for everyone. Bit sleepy. Better for families or long-term travelers.

Now, the Nusa Islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida)… those are a wild card. Nusa Penida has stupidly beautiful cliffs and beaches, but man, the roads are rough. Like, potholes-on-a-moon-surface rough. If you’re renting a scooter there, bring extra patience (and maybe a chiropractor).

When to Book Bali Holidays – Timing Changes Everything

High Season vs Low Season – The Weather + Crowd Equation

Let’s get straight to the point. The best time to visit Bali (weather-wise) is April to October. That’s dry season. Clear skies, breezy nights, beaches looking like postcards. But also: more people, more expensive everything. Hotels fill up quick, and good luck finding peace in Canggu after June.

Wet season (November to March) gets a bad rep, but honestly? It’s not that bad. Rain usually comes in bursts—an hour or two of downpour, then it clears up. Plus, prices drop like crazy. I once stayed in a villa for half the normal rate in January and spent my days café-hopping between showers. Kinda perfect if you’re not hung up on perfect weather.

Avoid Bali during Nyepi if you didn’t plan for it. That’s their Day of Silence. Whole island shuts down. No internet, no going outside, not even lights on at night. It’s amazing if you’re ready for it. A pain if you’re not.

Getting Around on Bali Holidays – The Transport Truth

Let’s kill a myth real quick: Bali is NOT walkable. Not even a little.

The distance between places looks small on Google Maps, but traffic turns everything into a mini road trip. You’ve got a few options:

Scooters – Cheap, fast, and fun… until you crash or get lost in Denpasar traffic. If you’ve never driven one, please practice in a quiet area first. I’ve seen too many tourists eat pavement.

GoJek & Grab – Bali’s version of Uber. Best for short rides or ordering food. Cheap and convenient in the south. Some areas don’t allow them though (like Ubud’s center), so ask locals before assuming.

Private drivers – Honestly the way to go if you’re traveling with more than one person. You can book day tours or just use a guy for airport pickups and longer rides. I use the same driver every time I visit. They know the good spots and won’t pressure you into tourist trap shopping stops. (If you need a driver, let me know—I’ve got names.)

What to Pack for Bali Holidays – Beyond Just Swimsuits and Flip-Flops

You’d think packing for a tropical island would be easy. Nope. You’ll kick yourself if you forget the right stuff.

First, the basics:

• Lightweight clothes, sure. But also a jacket. Nights in the highlands (like Sidemen or Bedugul) get cold.
• Good walking sandals. You’ll walk way more than you expect.
• Power adapter. Bali uses European-style plugs (Type C).
• Bug spray. I repeat: bug spray. Dengue is no joke.
• Waterproof bag for boat rides or day trips.
• A scarf or sarong. You’ll need it to enter temples (even guys).

Oh—and bring some cash. Not every place takes cards, especially in rural areas. ATMs can be weird, too. I had one eat my debit card once in Ubud. Not fun.

Eating During Bali Holidays – It’s a Whole Personality

Bali’s food scene is one of the biggest reasons I keep going back. You can get everything from 50-cent mie goreng on the street to $100 tasting menus that’d impress a food critic.

If you’re on a budget, eat like the locals. Warung Nasi Campur is my go-to. It’s basically a buffet where you pick what you want—rice, spicy chicken, sambal egg, tempeh, veggies. Usually under $2.

But if you’re into trendy cafés with oat milk lattes and smoothie bowls that look like unicorn vomit (in a good way), Bali’s got more than you’ll know what to do with. In Canggu, I swear you can find a new café every day for a month and not run out.

Avoid the street food if you’ve got a sensitive stomach, but don’t be scared of it either. I’ve had the best satay of my life at a roadside cart in Sanur.

What Stuff Costs on Bali Holidays – Real Talk on Budgeting

Bali can be dirt cheap or wildly expensive—depends how you roll.

Here’s a ballpark (in USD):

• Hostel: $7–$15/night
• Mid-range hotel: $25–$60/night
• Fancy villa with a pool: $100–$250/night
• Scooter rental: $4–$7/day
• Meal at warung: $1.50–$3
• Meal at Instagram café: $7–$15
• Beer: $2 (local Bintang) / $5 (imported)
• Massage: $8–$15/hour

Tipping isn’t required but appreciated. 10% is more than enough.

Don’t haggle aggressively. Bargaining is normal at markets, but it’s not a game. Be chill, smile, and if the price feels fair—go for it.

How Long Should You Stay? Here’s What Actually Makes Sense

If you’ve only got a week, don’t try to see everything. You’ll just spend it in traffic or running on stress. Stick to two places max. Like 4 nights in Ubud + 3 in Canggu. Or Uluwatu and Nusa Lembongan.

Two weeks? You’re golden. You can see the south, central Bali, and maybe hop over to the Nusas or the Gilis. (Gili Trawangan is a party island. Gili Air is chill. Gili Meno’s for honeymooners or people who hate fun.)

A month? Oh buddy, now we’re talkin’. Rent a scooter, bounce around the island, work remotely if you can. You’ll find your own rhythm. Mine usually starts with trying to get up for sunrise yoga and ends with margaritas at sunset.

Tourist Traps and Scams – What to Actually Watch Out For

Bali’s pretty safe overall, but there are a few things I wish someone warned me about earlier.

The airport taxi mafia. Just skip the chaos and pre-book a driver. You’ll pay double or triple at the airport otherwise.

“Helpful” locals at temples. They’ll offer to show you around and then demand a tip. Just politely decline.

Scooter rental scams. Take photos of any scratches before you ride. Some places will try to charge you for damage you didn’t do.

Money changers. Use only authorized ones with “No Commission” signs. Count your cash twice. I’ve had shady ones try the old “fast hands” trick.

Culture Shocks During Bali Holidays (That Totally Threw Me Off)

Okay, nobody talks about the small stuff. Like how dogs just roam free. Everywhere. Some are friendly, some… not so much.

Or how the internet is fast in cafes but slow as molasses in homestays.

Or how ceremonies can block roads for hours. You’re not going anywhere until the procession passes—and that’s not negotiable.

Also, Balinese people are some of the kindest humans I’ve met. But they don’t always show it in the way Westerners expect. They’re not fake-friendly. They’re just… calm. Respectful. Always smiling, but also reserved. Don’t confuse that with disinterest.

Real Talk – Who Bali Holidays Are Actually For

This isn’t just a honeymoon destination. Or a surfer’s paradise. Or a backpacker’s rite of passage.

Bali works for families, solo travelers, luxury lovers, digital nomads, yogis, retirees, and the whole spectrum in between. I’ve met a 21-year-old teaching English part-time and a 70-year-old Canadian who now lives in Ubud full-time growing papayas. It’s got range.

If you’re looking for an affordable, local travel experience that still has creature comforts—this island delivers. You just need to plan it smart and stay flexible.