The tiered shrines of Pura Ulun Danu Bratan on Lake Bratan

Bali, Indonesia · 8.51° S, 115.26° E

Bali

Water temples, terraced valleys and a living Hindu culture — once you are past the traffic of the south.

Best time
April to October
Ideal length
7–10 days
Region
Abroad
Journeys from
₹1,05,000

Most people meet Bali in Seminyak and leave thinking that was Bali. We point you north and east instead: to Sidemen's valley, the lake temples of Bedugul and the quieter villages around Ubud.

Our favourite stays are small — a dozen villas above the Ayung river, a family compound turned guesthouse — with drivers who double as fixers for temple ceremonies you would never find on your own.

There is still time for the sea. We finish most itineraries in Uluwatu or on Nusa Lembongan, where the water is clearer and the sunsets come with a kecak performance on the cliffs.

(02)When to go

April to October

The dry season. July and August are peak; May, June and September are the sweet spot. Nyepi, the day of silence, closes the island in March.

  1. January: not recommended
  2. February: not recommended
  3. March: not recommended
  4. April: recommended
  5. May: recommended
  6. June: recommended
  7. July: recommended
  8. August: recommended
  9. September: recommended
  10. October: recommended
  11. November: not recommended
  12. December: not recommended

(03)Don't miss

The moments worth the journey.

Morning light on the Tegallalang rice terraces and coconut palms
Photo Niklas Weiss / Unsplash
  1. 01

    Pura Ulun Danu Bratan

    The lake temple in the highlands, cool and misty in the early morning.

  2. 02

    Sidemen valley

    Rice terraces without the crowds of Tegallalang, and Mount Agung on a clear day.

  3. 03

    A temple ceremony

    Dressed in sarong and sash, invited by our driver's family in their village.

  4. 04

    Uluwatu at sunset

    The kecak fire dance on the clifftop, then grilled fish in Jimbaran.

(04)From the road

Bali in pictures

  • Aerial view of curving rice terraces deep in the Balinese jungle
    Aerial view of curving rice terraces deep in the Balinese jungle
  • A scooter rider on a tree-lined Balinese lane in golden evening light
    A scooter rider on a tree-lined Balinese lane in golden evening light

(05)Journeys

Ways to travel Bali

Starting points our planners reshape around your dates, your people and your pace.

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