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
From private island hideaways to bamboo treehouses, these properties offer extraordinary views, service, and amenities.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts$$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Jl. Melasti, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel.Read full reviewA tropical getaway that welcomes guests into the fold of Balinese culture
- Further$ | Indonesia, Pererenan, l. Pantai Pererenan No.84Read full reviewGo-slow territory with palo-santo-scented mornings.
Hot List - Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve$$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Jl. Raya Kedewatan No.Banjar, KedewatanRead full reviewThis jungle property, one of a few Ritz-Carlton Reserves in the world, achieves something rare—it feels pristine yet ancient.
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - COMO Shambhala Estate$$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Banjar BegawanRead full reviewThis property reigns as a five-star refuge for luxury travelers seeking to say farewell to stress and hello to spiritual development.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Alila Villas Uluwatu$$ | Indonesia, Bali,Read full reviewThe striking latticework rectangles of this all-villa resort, set high on a cliff, has become an icon for contemporary Bali.Readers Choice Awards
- Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort$$ | Indonesia, Bali,Read full reviewA serene Bali escape on a stunning stretch of seaside property.Readers Choice Awards
- Bisma Eight$$ | Indonesia, Bali,Read full reviewFollow a bumpy lane from Ubud’s center, and eventually you'll reach this tranquil all-suite hideaway, which is one with nature.Readers Choice Awards
- Capella Ubud Bali$$$ | Indonesia, Ubud, Jl. RY DalemRead full reviewAfrican-style riverside jungle camp evoking spice-trade romance, in a tucked-away part of the island.Readers Choice Awards
- The Laguna, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua, BaliIndonesia, Bali,Read full reviewSet within the larger, exclusive Nusa Dua resort region, and on one of Bali’s most beautiful beaches.Readers Choice Awards
- Hotel Tugu Bali$$ | Indonesia, Bali,Read full reviewTugu 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.Readers Choice Awards
- Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape$$$ | Indonesia, Buahan Kaja, JlRead full reviewExperience the jungles of central Bali in their purest form—without having to rough it.Hot List
- Lost Lindenberg$$ | Indonesia, Bali, Banyar Yeh Kuning, Jl. Ngurah Rai, Pekutatan, Kec. Pekutatan, Kabupaten JembranaRead full reviewThis Balinese hotel is unlike any other surfer hangouts in the region.Hot List
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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
- Pantai Pasir PutihIndonesia, Bali, KarangasemRead full reviewA relaxing spot for a swim or snorkel excursion.
- Sekumpul WaterfallIndonesia, Bali, Sawan, Lemukih, Sudaji, Sekumpul Sekumpul Village, SingarajaRead full reviewThe most beautiful waterfall destination on the island.
- Echo BeachIndonesia, Bali, Pererenan, Mengwi, Badung RegencyRead full reviewLocals and an increasing number of tourists are congregating here more, but you’ll still have ample breathing space.
- Tirta GanggaIndonesia, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat, Ababi, Abang, Kabupaten KarangasemRead full reviewAlthough this water garden looks like it has existed for centuries, it was conceived in 1946 by a royal family.
- Thomas BeachRead full reviewThis long, sprawling, white-sand beach has managed to keep itself a well-guarded secret, drawing only the most curious travelers.
- Banyumala Twin WaterfallsIndonesia, Bali, Wanagiri, Sukasada, Buleleng RegencyRead full reviewThe far-out location—at least two hours from Ubud and Seminyak—and the steep hike keep the crowds delightfully low.
- Uluwatu TempleIndonesia, Bali, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung RegencyRead full review230 feet up on a cliff’s edge with powerful waves lapping at its base, it is truly inspiring here.
- Tegalalang Rice TerraceIndonesia, Bali, Jl. Raya Tegallalang, Tegallalang, Kec. Tegallalang, Kabupaten GianyarRead full reviewA UNESCO site with rice paddies tended the same way they've been for millennia.
- Menjangan IslandIndonesia, Bali, Sumber Klampok, Gerokgak, Buleleng RegencyRead full reviewIt’s uncrowded and largely uninhabited, and its coral reefs make it among the best diving and snorkeling spots in Bali.
- Beji Guwang Hidden CanyonIndonesia, Bali, Jalan Sahadewa, Banjar Wangbung, Guwang, Sukawati, Guwang, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten GianyarRead full reviewPrepare to climb, wade, swim, and scale your way through a rocky-tropical landscape not seen anywhere else on the island.
- Tukad Cepung WaterfallIndonesia, Bali, Tembuku, Tembuku, Kabupaten BangliRead full reviewYou want to see the natural light show that happens early in the day.
- Pura Lempuyang LuhurIndonesia, Bali, Desa Lempuyang, Seraya Bar., Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten KarangasemRead full reviewCome for sunrise, you'll be happy you did.
- Mount BaturIndonesia, Bali, South Batur Kintamani Bangli RegencyRead full reviewBali is full of natural beauty, but this might be the most dramatic destination of all.
- Nyang Nyang BeachIndonesia, Bali, Pantai Nyang NyangRead full reviewWhite sands, greenery-lined cliffs, and the astonishing absence of crowds await—if you're dedicated enough to find it.
- Tirta EmpulIndonesia, Bali, Jl. Tirta, Manukaya, Tampaksiring, Kabupaten GianyarRead full reviewThis temple has brought people to its waters for more than 1,000 years.
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
- Locavore NXT$$ | Indonesia, Ubud, Jl. A.A. Gede Rai Gang Pura Panti BijaAmbitious methods pitched up in the rice fields just outside Ubud.Hot List
- Starter Lab Bakery$You'll want to to watch the bakers at work, soaking in the aromas of bread and lusting after the sweets.
- Kayuputi Restaurant$$This large, elegant restaurant at the St. Regis offers soufflés, stunning desserts, and an epic Sunday brunch where you can try a bit of everything.
- Sisterfields$Sisterfields is an all-day breakfast cafe in central Seminyak that feels like it's been plucked straight out off the shores of Sydney.
- Sangsaka Restaurant$$Sangsaka is hidden down a nondescript road, so it's unlikely you'd chance upon it if you didn't know it was there.
- Pica South American Kitchen$$$Pica is a small restaurant, but what it lacks in size it makes up in terrific South American food.
- Mejekawi$$$This is a magical tasting-menu restaurant in a glass-fronted space along the shoreline of Seminyak.
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
Places to Stay
9 Stunning Airbnbs in Bali, From a Bamboo Treehouse to a Seafront Villa
These are the homestays guests book over and over in the Island of the Gods.
Destinations
The Best Times to Visit Bali
Here’s how to plan ahead—and it’s not all about the weather.
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.
News & Advice
Obama Arrives in Bali for a Family Vacation
It's back to Indonesia, where the former president spent some of his youth.
Inspiration
Ubud, Bali Before the "Eat, Pray, Love" Effect
Before its rise to thrumming cultural center, before its world-class spas and resorts, and before its ascendance to international fame in Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir, Ubud was a quiet town of artisans and agriculture. An author looks back.
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