How to Plan Your First Trip to Bali

Plan your first trip to Bali by focusing on one or two regions to minimize transit time, as traffic is notoriously heavy. Allocate at least 10 days to balance beach time in the south with the cultural and jungle environment of Ubud.

1. Choose your home base. Don't try to see the whole island. Stay in Ubud for culture, jungles, and yoga; stay in Uluwatu for surfing and cliffs; or stay in Canggu/Seminyak for beach clubs and nightlife. Pick two locations max for a 10-day trip.
2. Arrange your airport transfer. Download the Grab or Gojek app before you land at Denpasar (DPS). Use them to book a ride from the official taxi kiosks or ride-hailing pickup points to avoid being overcharged by independent drivers at the terminal exit.
3. Secure your transport. Do not rent a car. Traffic is gridlocked. Hire a private driver for full-day excursions (costs about $35–$45 for 8 hours) or rent a scooter only if you have an international driving permit and travel insurance that specifically covers scooter accidents.
4. Get your finances in order. Bring a debit card that refunds ATM fees. Use only ATMs located inside bank branches or convenience stores to avoid card skimming. Carry 500,000 IDR in small denominations for local markets.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

No. Never drink tap water. Use bottled water, even for brushing your teeth if you have a sensitive stomach.

When is the best time to avoid the rain?

The dry season runs from April to October. Even during the wet season, rain is usually in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day washouts.