Nowhere on the planet offers the same combination of surfing, spirituality and sun-kissed sybaritic pleasure as Bali. On the Island of the Gods, fresh ideas arrive like waves, creating a glorious cocktail of cultures and influences. A stay here might mean tropical brutalism of The Slow in Canggu or mod-Balinese bamboo pods at Ubud’s Bambu Indah. It might mean kicking back with Canggu’s clean-living nomads, Seminyak’s style-conscious surfers, or Ubud’s smart crowd, who eat at Noma-ish Locavore and roll their eyes at the mention of Eat, Pray, Love. Either way, everyone and everything is welcome.
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Bali Travel Guide
Plan Your Bali Trip
The Best Beaches in Bali for Big-Hitting Waves and Powder-Soft Sands
You'll want to bookmark these slices of paradise for your next trip to the Island of the Gods.
17 Best Hotels in Bali
Spirit-lifting Bali is as adept at hosting you in eco-friendly bamboo tree houses as it is at with classic sophistication.
9 Rainforest Resorts That Put You Right in the Jungle
These upscale resorts are ideal for anyone craving time in nature.
Featured
In Bali, a Search for Healing
In her new book, Heal Me, Julia Buckley writes about her quest to find a cure for her chronic pain. Here, in an exclusive excerpt, she travels to Bali, where she encounters a balian—or healer—with a knowledge of past lives.
This Jewelry Designer Is Shrinking Bali's Carbon Footprint
John Hardy and his family are pioneers in the island's sustainable-living movement.
Finding the Bali You Came For
You can still discover those teeming forests, serene rice terraces, volcanic-sand beaches, and mystical temples on the Island of the Gods—you just have to know where to look.
17 Best Hotels in Bali
Epic bathtubs, frangipani-laden landscaping, and some of the warmest hospitality anywhere await.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape$$$ | Indonesia, Buahan Kaja, JlExperience the jungles of central Bali in their purest form—without having to rough it.Read full review
Jumeirah Bali$$$ | Indonesia, Uluwatu, Kawasan Pecatu Indah ResortCarved into a cliff in Uluwatu, this palatial clifftop resort overlooks one of Bali’s most spectacular beaches.Read full review
Nirjhara$$ | Indonesia, Belalang, Kediri, Jl. Nirjhara, Banjar KedunguSecreted away in lesser-known Tabanan, this resort updates old Bali on an intimate scale for thoughtful, modern travelers.Read full review
Amandari$$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Jalan Raya KedewatanA luxury pioneer in Ubud home to the island’s very first infinity pool.Read full review
Raffles BaliIndonesia, Bali, 6575+C5 JimbaranGo for the divine dose of luxury hospitality, stay for the thriving nature reserve atmosphere and blissful dining.Read full review
The Ritz-Carlton, Bali$$ | Indonesia, Bali,A dreamy beachfront property built into a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean.Read full review
Alila Villas Uluwatu$$ | Indonesia, Bali,The striking latticework rectangles of this all-villa resort, set high on a cliff, has become an icon for contemporary Bali.Read full review
COMO Uma Ubud$$Clever planning, fresh design, private courtyards, and infinity pools make this resort feel modern—yet totally at home in Ubud.Read full review
Como Shambhala Estate, Ojas Wellness Center, and Bayugita Residence: First In$$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Banjar BegawanThis property reigns as a five-star refuge for luxury travelers seeking to say farewell to stress and hello to spiritual development.Read full review
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve$$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.Banjar, KedewatanThis jungle property, one of a few Ritz-Carlton Reserves in the world, achieves something rare—it feels pristine yet ancient.Read full review
Hotel Tugu Bali$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Pantai Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.117xTugu was the first hotel in Canggu, a pioneer in what was, at the time, just fields of rice paddies running up to the edge of the ocean.Read full review
The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, BaliIndonesia, Bali,Set within the larger, exclusive Nusa Dua resort region, and on one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches.Read full review
Anantara Ubud Bali Resort: First Guest$$$ | Indonesia, Kabupaten Gianyar, Jl. Raya Puhu Payangan No.88A tranquil mountaintop escape connecting travelers to the essence of BaliRead full review
The Best Things to Do in Bali
19 Best Things to Do in BaliTemples, gardens, Old World monkeys, and surfing beaches all combine to keep the curious satisfied in Bali.
3 Best Day Trips in BaliFor many travelers, Bali is the dream destination—but too often, they can get stuck in a rut when it comes to local attractions. How about veering off the well-trodden tourist-path to areas unknown?
9 Best Spas in BaliWhether you’re seeking spiritual nourishment, de-stressing solutions or a healthy glow and radiance, Bali as abundant in ancient rituals, innovative therapies and holistic beauty inspiration.
10 Best Places for Shopping in BaliIndonesia’s ‘Island of the Gods’ is truly a shopper’s paradise. Read on for our 10 favorites, be they sustainable-minded home outfitters, local craftspeople, or sprawling markets.
Editor Recommendations
Pura Ulun Danu BratanIndonesia, Baturiti, Danau BeratanWhere rich culture and lush natural beauty marryRead full review
Suluban BeachIndonesia, Kerobokan Kelod, Bumbak 55An entry point to Uluwatu's main surf break that feels under-the-radarRead full review- Pantai Pasir PutihIndonesia, Bali, KarangasemA relaxing spot for a swim or snorkel excursion.Read full review
- Sekumpul WaterfallIndonesia, Bali, Sawan, Lemukih, Sudaji, Sekumpul Sekumpul Village, SingarajaThe most beautiful waterfall destination on the island.Read full review
Echo BeachIndonesia, Bali, Pererenan, Mengwi, Badung RegencyLocals and an increasing number of tourists are congregating here more, but you’ll still have ample breathing space.Read full review
Tirta GanggaIndonesia, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat, Ababi, Abang, Kabupaten KarangasemAlthough this water garden looks like it has existed for centuries, it was conceived in 1946 by a royal family.Read full review
Thomas BeachThis long, sprawling, white-sand beach has managed to keep itself a well-guarded secret, drawing only the most curious travelers.Read full review
Banyumala Twin WaterfallsIndonesia, Bali, Wanagiri, Sukasada, Buleleng RegencyThe far-out location—at least two hours from Ubud and Seminyak—and the steep hike keep the crowds delightfully low.Read full review
Uluwatu TempleIndonesia, Bali, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency230 feet up on a cliff’s edge with powerful waves lapping at its base, it is truly inspiring here.Read full review
Tegalalang Rice TerraceIndonesia, Bali, Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten GianyarA UNESCO site with rice paddies tended the same way they've been for millenniaRead full review
Menjangan IslandIndonesia, Bali, Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng RegencyIt’s uncrowded and largely uninhabited, and its coral reefs make it among the best diving and snorkeling spots in Bali.Read full review- Beji Guwang Hidden CanyonIndonesia, Bali, Jalan Sahadewa, Banjar Wangbung, Guwang, Sukawati, Guwang, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten GianyarPrepare to climb, wade, swim, and scale your way through a rocky-tropical landscape not seen anywhere else on the island.Read full review
- Tukad Cepung WaterfallIndonesia, Bali, Tembuku, Tembuku, Kabupaten BangliYou want to see the natural light show that happens early in the day.Read full review
Pura Lempuyang LuhurIndonesia, Bali, Desa Lempuyang, Seraya Bar., Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten KarangasemCome for sunrise, you'll be happy you did.Read full review
Mount BaturIndonesia, Bali, South Batur Kintamani Bangli RegencyBali is full of natural beauty, but this might be the most dramatic destination of all.Read full review
The Ultimate Sunrise in Bali
Photographer Adam Gerber trekked to the top of Bali's Mt. Batur to witness the region's famed sunrises. Here, he shares what it was like to wake up before dawn and see the ultimate beautiful daybreak.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Bali
18 Best Restaurants in BaliThe culinary diversity on this tropical island rivals any big city.
14 Best Bars in BaliWhether you’re into fun in the sun or a decadent nightcap, here are 14 places to get your Bali bar crawl started on the right sip.
12 Best Beach Clubs in BaliThe Island of the Gods’ most heavenly spots to eat, drink and swim.
10 Best Coffee Shops in BaliBali has built up a reputation for its flourishing food scene, and this level of discernment has sure enough infiltrated into the coffee culture too. Here, 10 of our favorite spots for caffeinating.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
Syrco BASÈ$$$ | Indonesia, Ubud, Jl. Sri Wedari No.72, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar
Sangsaka Restaurant$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Jalan Pangkung Sari No. 100 Kerobokan, Jl. Pangkung Sari No.4, Kerobokan Kelod, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten BadungSangsaka is hidden down a nondescript road, so it's unlikely you'd chance upon it if you didn't know it was there.
Pica South American Kitchen$$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Jl. Dewisita, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten GianyarPica is a small restaurant, but what it lacks in size it makes up in terrific South American food.
Sisterfields$ | Indonesia, Bali, Jl. Kayu Cendana No.7, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten BadungSisterfields is an all-day breakfast cafe in central Seminyak that feels like it's been plucked straight out off the shores of Sydney.
Kayuputi Restaurant$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Kawasan Pariwisata, Jalan Nusa Dua, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten BadungThis large, elegant restaurant at the St. Regis offers soufflés, stunning desserts, and an epic Sunday brunch where you can try a bit of everything.
Apéritif$$$ | Indonesia, Ubud, Br. Nagi, Jl. Lanyahan, Petulu, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten GianyarShowcasing Indonesian ingredients and global flavors
Beyond the Beach: A Guide to Bali's Coolest Neighborhood
Bali is a surfer’s paradise and a haven for spiritual seekers, sure, but it’s also a dream destination for free-spirited foodies and aesthetes. Canggu, a tiny village on the island’s west coast, offers the best of all worlds—without any of the maddening crowds. Christina Pérez and Thomas Beckner explore.
More from Bali
Destination Weddings
How We Pulled It Off: An Enchanted Garden Wedding in Bali
Complete with chandeliers, draped greenery, and a traditional tea ceremony.
Places to Stay
15 Airbnbs in Bali Worth Booking Right Now
These are the homestays guests book over and over in the Island of the Gods.
Destinations
The Best Time to Visit Bali—And Where to Go for Your First Time
Here’s how to plan ahead—and it’s not all about the weather.
Destinations
15 Things to Know Before Visiting Bali
More and more travelers are visiting this island and its community, so here's how to be a respectful tourist when in Bali.
News & Advice
Bali Wants Tourists—But It Wants Them to Behave
The governor of Bali reminded prospective visitors of the island's rules and expectations in a recent press conference.
Places to Stay
My Favorite Airbnb: A Serene Villa in Bali
This vibrant joglo showcases the very best of traditional Balinese design.
Islands & Beaches
Meet the Surfers Who Are Pushing New Boundaries in Ocean Conservation
From Bali to Dakar, these surfer-led environmental initiatives are safeguarding waves.
Places to Stay
9 Best Places to Stay in Bali, From Private Island Hideaways to Tree Houses
Classic big-hitters and whip-smart new arrivals.
Inspiration
How a 74-Mile Trek in Bali Is Encouraging Visitors to Tread Lightly
Every stop along Astungkara Way offers an opportunity to learn about Balinese culture—while giving back to the local community
Food & Drink
On Bali, a Local Food Movement is Embracing Traditional Island Flavors
Native produce and time-worn techniques are finally taking center stage.
Destinations
Bali Has Reopened—Here’s Everything New to Do, from Wellness to Dining
Bali beckons with sun, surf, and spirituality–and visiting has just become easier.
Food & Drink
In Southeast Asia, New Craft Distilleries Are Creating Distinctly Regional Spirits
From a Vietnamese gin to an Indonesian grappa, these bottles tell a story of the local climate and flora.
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Inspiration
A Local’s Guide to Bali, Indonesia
Healer Tjok Gde Kerthyasa on his favorite hidden spots on the island.
Hotels and Resorts
At Bali's COMO Shambhala, Skip the Wellness Fads in Favor of a True Reboot
Now entering its 15th year, the heavy-hitter's focus on wellness is sharper than ever.
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