Bali works because it is close, cheap and varied: a six-hour flight from Perth or Darwin, seven from Melbourne, and villas with private pools for what a Gold Coast motel costs. Base yourself in two places rather than one — usually the south for beaches and Ubud for the interior.
Why go
Within one small island you get beach clubs and surf breaks in the south, jungle and rice terraces around Ubud, volcanoes and waterfalls in the north, and dive sites off the east coast. The Balinese Hindu culture is visible everywhere — daily offerings, temple ceremonies, gamelan music — which is what separates Bali from a generic resort holiday.
Best time to visit
- May to September — dry season, lower humidity, best surf on the west coast. Peak in July and August.
- April and October — shoulder months, quieter, occasional showers. Best value.
- November to March — wet season: hot, humid, with heavy afternoon rain and some seaweed on southern beaches.
Nyepi, the Balinese day of silence in March, closes the whole island including the airport for 24 hours.
Getting there from Australia
Direct flights to Denpasar from Perth (3.5 hours), Darwin (2.5), Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and the Gold Coast (5.5 to 7 hours). Australians get a visa on arrival for 30 days (extendable once) for about A$50, and must complete the electronic customs declaration plus pay the Bali tourist levy of 150,000 rupiah before or on arrival.
Where to stay
- Seminyak and Canggu — restaurants, beach clubs, surf, co-working. The default.
- Uluwatu and Bingin — clifftops, best surf, quieter, need a scooter or driver.
- Ubud — rice terraces, yoga, culture, cooler air, no beach.
- Sanur — calm, flat, family-friendly, ferries to Nusa Penida.
- Nusa Lembongan and Penida — day trip or two-night add-on for the cliffs and snorkelling.
What it costs
| Item | Typical cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Private pool villa, per night | 60 - 180 |
| Warung meal | 4 - 8 |
| Restaurant dinner with drinks | 25 - 50 |
| Bintang at a bar | 4 |
| Scooter hire, per day | 8 |
| Private driver, full day | 55 - 75 |
| One-hour massage | 12 - 25 |
| Nusa Penida day tour | 90 |
Getting around
Hire a private driver for full days — it is the single best value purchase on the island. Grab and Gojek work in most areas but are restricted at some beach and market zones. Scooters are cheap and fun but you legally need an international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement, and travel insurance will decline a claim without one. Traffic between the south and Ubud is heavy: allow 90 minutes for what the map calls 40.
What to do
Sunrise at Mount Batur, the Tegallalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces, Tirta Empul water temple, Uluwatu temple at sunset with the kecak dance, a Balinese cooking class, surf lessons at Kuta or Batu Bolong, snorkelling at Menjangan or Amed, and Sekumpul or Tibumana waterfalls in the north.
Safety and practicalities
| Need | Detail |
|---|---|
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Currency | Indonesian rupiah (IDR) |
| Power | Type C/F, 230V |
| Tap water | Do not drink; use bottled, avoid ice from unknown sources |
| Health | Speak to a travel doctor about vaccinations and rabies risk |
| Driving | International driving permit required for scooters |
| Insurance | Confirm your policy covers scooters and adventure activities |
| Main risk | Scooter accidents, stomach upsets, strong rips at beaches |
The two most common ways an Australian trip to Bali goes wrong are a scooter accident without a valid licence and a hospital bill without valid insurance. Both are avoidable. Swim between the flags, respect temple dress codes with a sarong and sash, and check current official travel advice before booking.
Common questions
When is the best time to visit Bali?
May, June and September — dry, less humid, and short of the July to August peak.
Do Australians need a visa for Bali?
Yes, a visa on arrival costing around A$50 for 30 days, extendable once. You also need the electronic customs declaration and the Bali tourist levy.
How much does a week in Bali cost?
Comfortably A$1,500 to A$2,500 per person for a week including flights, a private villa, a driver for a few days and eating out daily.
Is Bali safe for families?
Yes. Sanur and Nusa Dua are the calmest bases with gentle water. Bring a stocked first-aid kit, be strict about drinking water, and use hotel pools rather than open surf beaches with small children.
Do you need a scooter in Bali?
No. Private drivers cost about A$60 a day for a car and are safer, cheaper than a hospital, and cooler in traffic.