Your first trip to Bali rarely goes exactly as planned. Getting the basics down in advance is better to avoid spending your holiday fixing rookie mistakes. This Bali travel guide for first timers is built on real traveler experiences and tips from the On Bali team. Inside, you’ll find practical advice only — from insurance and transport to safety and seasonal planning. Plus, a few smart tricks you’d usually learn the hard way.
Best Time to Travel to Bali
Bali’s weather can make or break your trip. During the rainy season, streets flood, surf schools shut down, and tours get canceled. In peak tourist months, everything is packed and overpriced. That’s why choosing when to go is one of the most important decisions in your travel planning.
The best time to travel to Bali is from May to September. It’s the dry season — warm, sunny, low on mosquitoes, and with almost no heavy rain. Perfect for surfing, hiking, diving, or exploring the island. June is especially comfortable: the weather’s steady, but the crowds haven’t peaked yet.
October brings the start of the rains. November through March is unpredictable — you might get blazing sun one day and a tropical storm the next, with humidity pushing 90%. The worst time to travel to Bali is December and January: holiday crowds, higher prices, and frequent downpours.
Where to Go in Bali
Picking the right area in Bali is half the battle. Each part of the island offers something different. If you want to save time (and avoid early regrets), it’s worth figuring out where to go in Bali, especially on your first trip.
- Ubud is all about greenery, waterfalls, silence, and yoga. No beaches are nearby, but nature is some of the best on the island.
- Seminyak is for those looking to balance beach days with boutique shopping, stylish cafés, and a bit of nightlife.
- Nusa Dua is resort central — wide beaches, calm waters, and quiet comfort. It’s ideal for families or travelers who want to relax.
- Canggu draws surfers, freelancers, and anyone chasing good vibes. It can get loud, but the energy is part of the appeal.
- Uluwatu is for those who want fewer crowds, dramatic views, and raw nature.
- Sanur and Amed are slower-paced. Sanur is great for cycling and families. Amed is a peaceful dive spot with a fishing village vibe.
The best places to visit in Bali for your first trip are Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu. Together, they offer a taste of different sides of the island — nature, culture, ocean, and energy — and they’re well connected for day trips.
Here’s a simple Bali attractions map, in vibe rather than GPS:
- North — lakes, volcanoes, and untouched nature.
- South — beaches, surfing, nightlife.
- Center — temples, rice terraces, culture.
- East — diving and remote getaways.
- West — national parks and barely a soul in sight.
Best Beaches in Bali
Bali has dozens of beaches, but not all of them are ideal for swimming. Some are rocky, wild, and untouched; others are surfer paradises with strong currents. Here’s a quick Bali surf guide and a list of the best spots.
For a calm, relaxing swim:
- Nusa Dua. A wide stretch of soft sand, clear water, and barely any waves.
- Sanur. A beach with a long promenade and gentle waters.
- Jimbaran. Safe for swimming with almost no surf — and known for its top seafood restaurants, where you can enjoy grilled fish or prawns right on the sand.
For surfing:
- Kuta Beach. Great for beginners. Plenty of surf schools, long shallow entry, and soft waves.
- Canggu. Better for those who already know the basics. Stronger waves, darker sand, and an upbeat vibe.
- Uluwatu. Strictly for the advanced crowd.
The best beaches in Bali aren’t about finding one perfect spot — it’s about finding your vibe. Easygoing mornings in Sanur, surf sessions in Canggu, romantic sunsets in Jimbaran, or photo ops on the cliffs of Uluwatu. It all depends on your mood.
Travel Insurance for Bali
Bali isn’t the most dangerous place in the world, but minor mishaps are standard. Scooter accidents, food poisoning, lost luggage — things happen. That’s why travel insurance for Bali isn’t just a formality; it’s a brilliant part of your prep.
A good policy covers medical treatment, clinic transport, hospital stays, and emergency evacuation. You can also add coverage for trip cancellations, lost luggage, or damaged electronics. A two-week policy typically costs between US$ 20 and US$ 40, depending on your country, age, and coverage.
Mariia Ipatova from OnBali recommends checking a few things before you buy:
- Is there a deductible, and how much is it?
- Does the policy cover scooter rentals and water sports?
- What should you do in an emergency? Who should you call, and what documents are needed?
- Will it work at private clinics (most clinics in Bali are private)?
Plenty of travelers skip insurance and hope for the best. But even a mild case of food poisoning could cost you $200 in treatment. Getting insured once is much easier, and you can enjoy your trip worry-free.
What to Pack
Packing for Bali is easier than it seems. The weather’s warm year-round, and most of what you’ll need is lightweight. Still, there are a few things to remember, especially for a first trip.
Here’s an essential Bali travel list for beginners:
- Clothing. Shorts, tank tops, light dresses, swimwear. Bring something with long sleeves for temples or sun protection.
- Shoes. Flip-flops and comfy sandals. For hiking, pack something sturdier.
- Health kit. Remedies for sunburn, stomach issues, allergies, and mosquito bites. Local pharmacies may not carry your usual brands.
- Tech gear. Chargers, a power bank, and a European plug adapter.
- Extras. Rain poncho, high-SPF sunscreen (pricey on the island), a hat, and a fabric bag for shoes or beach gear.
Skip heavy clothes, too many shoes, and umbrellas — either useless or cheap to buy locally.
Tips for Solo Travelers in Bali
Bali solo travel is easy and welcoming. Accommodation suits every style, and it’s hard not to meet people. Still, a few things are good to know.
Safety first: Bali is calm during the day, even in busy areas. At night, avoid quiet streets if you’re alone, especially outside the main hubs. Essential Bali travel tips still apply: don’t leave belongings unattended, keep backups of documents, and don’t store everything in one place.
Best areas for solo stays are Ubud for yoga and peace, Sanur for quiet seaside walks, and Canggu for coworking and social life. Many spots offer kitchens and chill common areas.
Making friends is easy — look for local WhatsApp or Telegram groups, meetups, yoga classes, or creative events. Women can also join retreats or circles for a more supportive space.
Now, you’ve got everything you need for your first trip to Bali — when, where to stay, what to pack, how to stay safe, and which beaches to visit. Save this guide for later or share it with someone heading there too.
