Bali Travel Guide!

A large island and province in the middle of Indonesia, Bali has been popular with tourists since the 1980s. It’s a haven for surfers and beach bums alike, with an abundance of travelers, yogis, photographers, and temple-goers flocking to its shores each year. Bali has a lot of Western influence, from diverse restaurants to yoga classes, and is the most “foreigner-friendly” island in the vast archipelago. Here’s my ultimate Bali travel guide with tips to plan your trip to Indonesia!What To Expect In Bali

Whether your idea of luxury is reclining in a hammock in a jungle bungalow or sipping cocktails in your private beachfront villa— Bali can offer it all at knock-out rates. The vibe tends to be that of beach parties or Zen-like retreats, depending on which part of the island you go to. Ubud is rich in Balinese cuisine, expansive jungles and rice fields, and local craft markets. If you’re looking for beaches and fresh seafood, head to Seminyak, Cangguor Uluwatu!

Language: The official language is Indonesian, but you’ll hear Balinese in the countryside often with a smattering of Indonesian mixed in. English is in extensive use thanks to the tourists and sizeable Australian expat population!

Currency: Bali uses the Indonesian rupiah as the local currency.

Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is king in Bali. Always carry a handful of 10,000 to 100,000 notes (valued from $0.75 to USD 7.50) for daily expenses and haggling. As of 2015, businesses are not allowed to charge in dollars, so make sure you always have some rupiah on hand. You can easily withdraw from ATMs, which are everywhere in the cities.

Climate: In general, Bali enjoys warm weather year-round—but be mindful of the rainy season, January to April and October to November!