Region guide

Bali Travel Guide: The Island of the Gods — temples, terraces and surf

Bali is an Indonesian island province famous for its Hindu temples, terraced rice fields, surf beaches and wellness culture. Key areas are Ubud (culture and jungle), Seminyak and Canggu (beach clubs and dining) and Uluwatu (clifftop temples and surf). The dry season runs April to October.

Bali travel guide — Balinese temple silhouette among green hills at sunrise, Indonesia
Bali — the island of the gods — temples, terraces and surf | original AmazingAsia artwork

Bali at a glance

TimezoneWITA (UTC+8)
CurrencyIndonesian Rupiah (IDR)
LanguagesIndonesian, Balinese
Population4.4 million
Coordinates-8.4095, 115.1889

Why visit Bali

Bali earns its reputation daily: water temples on crater lakes, rice terraces carved over centuries, surf breaks for every level and a Hindu culture that fills the streets with offerings each morning. Base yourself in Ubud for culture or the south coast for beach life — or split the trip, as most repeat visitors do.

Destinations in Bali

Bali travel questions

What is Bali known for?

Bali is known for its Hindu temples, terraced rice fields, surf beaches and wellness culture. Key areas are Ubud for jungle and culture, Seminyak and Canggu for beach clubs and dining, and Uluwatu for clifftop temples and world-class surf. The dry season runs April to October.

How many days do you need in Bali?

Seven to ten days is ideal for Bali: a few days in Ubud for temples and rice terraces, a few on the south coast around Seminyak or Canggu, and a day or two in Uluwatu for the cliffs and surf. The island is small but traffic is slow, so base in two areas rather than day-tripping everything.

Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.