Local Favourites
Warung Babi Guling Pak Malen
A no-frills roadside institution for Bali's signature roast pork; arrive early before it sells out.
Order Babi guling plate with crackling
South East Asia · Indonesia
Bali
The Island of the Gods: terraced rice paddies, sea temples, surf beaches, wellness retreats and lively beach clubs.
Best timeApril to October
Ideal trip5–7 days
Budget level₹₹₹₹
Getting thereNgurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS)
Visa (Indian passport)Visa on arrival or e-VOA for Indians; a tourist levy also applies (approximate — verify before travel) Other passport, or hold a US / UK / Schengen visa? Check the visa guide
Great Okay Not ideal
HoneymoonsWellnessTemplesBeaches
Four ways to see Bali
Touristy, offbeat, local or hidden?
Every traveller is different. Browse by style, then let the planner mix them into a day-by-day plan.
The famous must-sees
Tegallalang rice terraces≈ ₹80
Steep emerald terraces and swings above the valley.
scenic · about 2 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Campuhan Ridge Walk — A free ridge path with green views near Ubud; less dramatic than terraces.
Ubud Monkey Forest≈ ₹450
A temple-dotted forest filled with macaques.
nature · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Ubud Palace and Saraswati Temple — Free-entry heritage sights in the centre of Ubud, no monkeys though.
Tanah Lot temple sunset≈ ₹300
A sea temple on a rock, at its finest in the sunset glow.
spiritual · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningFree alternative: Pura Batu Bolong, Canggu — A free sea temple on a rock arch with a similar sunset atmosphere.
Uluwatu Temple and Kecak dance≈ ₹1,000
A cliff-top temple and a fire-lit dance at sunset.
culture · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningFree alternative: Bingin cliff sunset — Free cliff-top sunset views along the same peninsula, without the dance.
Mount Batur sunrise trek≈ ₹3,500
A pre-dawn volcano hike with breakfast at the summit.
adventure · about 6 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Campuhan Ridge Walk at dawn — A free, easy sunrise walk, much gentler than a volcano climb, with soft light on the hills.
Nusa Penida day tour≈ ₹5,000
Kelingking cliff viewpoint and Angel's Billabong, with boat transfers.
scenic · about 9 hrs · best in the morningBalinese cooking class≈ ₹2,500
Market visit and hands-on cooking in a family compound.
food · about 4 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Pasar Badung morning market — Free to wander a big produce market; no cooking lesson.
Seminyak beach club sunsetFree
Cocktails and sunsets on the sand; some clubs have a minimum spend.
relax · about 3 hrs · best in the eveningQuieter, still easy to reach
Sidemen valley walksFree
Green rice valleys and Mount Agung views with few visitors.
nature · about 4 hrs · best in the morningMunduk waterfalls and lakes≈ ₹300
Cool highland villages, twin lakes and tall waterfalls in north Bali.
nature · about 6 hrs · best in the morningLempuyang Temple Gates of Heaven≈ ₹200
A famous gateway framing Mount Agung; go early to avoid long queues.
spiritual · about 4 hrs · best in the morningAmed snorkelling and shipwreck≈ ₹1,500
Calm black-sand beaches and a reef easy to reach from shore.
adventure · about 4 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Amed black-sand beach — Free access to the same calm, clear water, but you bring your own gear.
Sekumpul waterfall trek≈ ₹400
A group of tall falls in a jungle gorge, reached by a short trek.
nature · about 4 hrs · best in the morningFood, markets, crafts and people
Ubud Traditional Art MarketFree
Bargain for woodcarvings, textiles and batik in the heart of Ubud.
shopping · about 2 hrs · best in the morningJimbaran seafood dinner on the sand≈ ₹2,000
Grilled fish and prawns served at tables right on the beach.
food · about 2 hrs · best in the eveningSilver-making workshop in Celuk≈ ₹1,500
Learn from local silversmiths and make your own ring.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonFree alternative: Ubud Traditional Art Market — Free to browse silver and crafts, but no hands-on workshop.
Pasar Badung morning marketFree
Denpasar's central market, full of spices, flowers and offerings.
food · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningVillage homestay meal in Penglipuran≈ ₹1,500
Eat with a family in a tidy traditional village known for strict customs.
culture · about 2.5 hrs · best in the afternoonSpots most visitors miss
Campuhan Ridge Walk at dawnFree
A grassy ridge path through cool air with sunrise colours.
scenic · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningTirta Gangga water palace≈ ₹300
A royal water garden with fish ponds and stepping stones in east Bali.
culture · about 2 hrs · best in the afternoonGunung Kawi Sebatu temple≈ ₹100
A quiet water temple with holy springs, away from the busy rice terrace route.
spiritual · about 1.5 hrs · best in the morningPura Taman Ayun at Mengwi≈ ₹200
A royal temple surrounded by a moat and gardens, much quieter than the sea temples.
spiritual · about 1.5 hrs · best in the afternoonBlue Lagoon at Padang Bai≈ ₹900
Calm snorkelling in a small bay with clear water and colourful fish.
adventure · about 3 hrs · best in the morningFree alternative: Padang Bai beach — A free local beach nearby with calm water for a swim.
Entry fees and times are approximate, per adult, and change often — we confirm everything before you book. Last reviewed November 2026.
Specialities
What Bali is famous for
food
Babi guling
Slow-roast spiced suckling pig, a festive Balinese dish (non-vegetarian).
food
Nasi campur
Rice with small portions of vegetables, tempeh, satay and sambal.
drink
Bali kopi (Luwak and Arabica)
Coffee grown in the highlands, with tastings at plantations.
craft
Silver jewellery from Celuk
Hand-crafted rings and bracelets made by local silversmiths.
craft
Batik and wood carvings
Patterned cloths and carved masks from Ubud workshops.
souvenir
Handwoven bags and sarongs
Light, colourful gifts sold in markets.
experience
Melukat water purification
A sacred ritual of blessing at a temple water spring.
Where to eat
A taste of Bali
From the stalls locals queue at to the tables critics travel for — chosen for flavour, character and a warm welcome.
Must try
- Babi gulingSpit-roasted suckling pig stuffed with Balinese spice paste - the island's most famous feast dish.
- Nasi campur BaliRice with small portions of several dishes; vegetarian versions with tempeh, tofu and vegetables are easy to find.
- Bebek / ayam betutuDuck or chicken slow-cooked in a rich, turmeric-heavy spice paste.
- Gado-gado vegBlanched vegetables, tofu and tempeh with peanut sauce - a reliable vegetarian staple (contains egg in some versions).
- Dadar gulung / jaja Bali vegGreen pandan crepes rolled around palm-sugar coconut, plus other colourful rice-flour sweets.
- Kopi Bali vegStrong, finely ground local coffee, often grown in the Kintamani highlands.
Street food trail
Ubud morning market & warung hop (plus Sanur/Gianyar night market option)
- Best time
- 6–10 am for the morning market; Gianyar night market after 5 pm
- Takes
- 2–3 hours
- Start at
- Ubud Market (Pasar Ubud), Jalan Raya Ubud
- Budget
- IDR 100,000–200,000 (~INR 530–1,060)
- Ubud Traditional Market (Pasar Ubud) — early food sectionCentral Ubud, opposite the Palace
Try Jaja Bali (rice-flour & coconut sweets) (veg), tropical fruit — salak, mangosteen (veg)
Before 8 am it's a real locals' market; later it turns into souvenir stalls.
IDR 20,000–40,000 (~INR 105–210)Map
- Local warungs along Jalan Gootama & Jalan Dewi SitaCentral Ubud
Try Nasi campur sayur (mixed veg rice) (veg), gado-gado with peanut sauce (veg)
Ask 'tanpa terasi' — sambal and peanut sauce often contain shrimp paste.
IDR 30,000–60,000 (~INR 160–320)Map
- Ubud's vegetarian cafés (Ubud is a veg/vegan hub)Jalan Hanoman & Jalan Goutama
Try Tempeh satay (veg), vegan nasi goreng (veg)
Ubud has the easiest vegetarian dining in Bali — plenty of fully plant-based menus.
IDR 50,000–90,000 (~INR 265–480)Map
- Gianyar Night Market (Pasar Senggol Gianyar)Gianyar town, ~25 min drive
Try Martabak manis (sweet thick pancake) (veg), grilled corn (veg); babi guling is the famous non-veg dish
Very local, much cheaper than tourist areas; go by car with your driver.
IDR 30,000–60,000 (~INR 160–320)Map
Eat smart · every traveller
Diets & dietary needs
- Vegetarian
- Good in Ubud and Canggu; elsewhere watch for terasi (shrimp paste) in sambal, peanut sauce and fried rice. Tempeh and tofu are everywhere.
- Vegan
- Ubud and Canggu are among Asia's most vegan-friendly towns.
- Jain (no onion, garlic)
- Hard on street; garlic/shallot are in nearly every base paste (bumbu). Use Indian restaurants in Kuta/Seminyak or pre-arrange.
- Halal
- Bali is mainly Hindu and pork is common; look for 'Muslim' or halal-labelled warungs (often Javanese food) and the halal logo.
- Gluten-free
- Rice-based food is easy; kecap manis (sweet soy) contains wheat.
- With children
- Martabak manis, pisang goreng (banana fritters), fresh coconut, corn, plain nasi goreng; avoid ice at roadside stalls.
- Spice level
- Sambal is served on the side — just leave it. Ask 'tidak pedas' (not spicy).
Say it like a local
Useful phrases
- I am vegetarianSaya vegetariansa-ya ve-ge-ta-ri-an
- No meat, no fish, no egg, no shrimp pasteTanpa daging, tanpa ikan, tanpa telur, tanpa terasitan-pa da-ging, tan-pa ee-kan, tan-pa te-loor, tan-pa te-ra-si
- Not spicy, pleaseTidak pedas, yatee-dak pe-das, ya
- How much?Berapa?be-ra-pa
- Delicious!Enak!eh-nak
- Cash (IDR) for warungs and markets; QRIS QR payments are widespread for locals, cards in cafés. Watch the zeros — IDR 100,000 vs 10,000 notes look similar.
- 'Bali belly' is real: drink only bottled/refilled filtered water, eat at busy warungs, skip uncooked salads at stalls.
- At the Ubud art market, bargain politely for souvenirs, but food prices are generally fixed.
- Use your hired driver for Gianyar or Sanur night markets — taxis are scarce in Ubud evenings.
Trail stops, hours and prices are approximate and stalls move — check locally. Pronunciations are simplified guides. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.
Where to eat, by budget
Street food, markets and humble legends
Local Favourites
Nasi Ayam Kedewatan Ibu Mangku
A humble Ubud eatery much loved by locals for its Balinese mixed-rice plates.
Order Nasi campur with shredded spiced chicken and sate lilit
Local Favourites
Bebek Bengil (Dirty Duck Diner)
An Ubud classic since 1990, with open pavilions overlooking rice fields - touristy but reliable.
Order Crispy duck; smoked duck (order a day ahead)
Acclaimed cafés and celebrated mid-range tables
Smart & Stylish
Zest Ubud
A lush, fully vegan spot open all day - an easy win for vegetarian clients.
Order Plant-based bowls, raw desserts, fresh juices
Smart & Stylish
Hujan Locale
A stylish two-storey Ubud favourite giving Indonesian recipes a modern polish.
Order Tuna betel leaf, duck lawar, slow-cooked beef rendang
Smart & Stylish
Merah Putih
A dramatic, cathedral-like dining hall serving dishes from across the archipelago - great for a dressy group dinner.
Order Bebek menyat-nyat, jackfruit bao, nasi campur
Smart & Stylish
Mama San
Buzzy, glamorous and good for groups, with a proper vegetarian menu rather than a token dish.
Order Scallop & coconut pancakes, dishes from the vegetarian menu
Award-winning tables, tasting menus and grand hotel dining
Fine Dining & SplurgeAsia's 50 Best Restaurants 2026 (#44)
Locavore NXT
Bali's highest-ranked restaurant, built around foraging, fermentation and island producers - a long, immersive evening.
Order Full degustation menu
Fine Dining & Splurge
Mozaic
A long-running garden fine-dining room in Ubud; its separate all-vegetarian tasting menu makes it ideal for veg clients.
Order Tasting menu (a fully vegetarian menu is offered)
Fine Dining & Splurgeiconic luxury-resort dining
Kayuputi
Elegant ocean-front dining at The St. Regis Bali, good for a special-occasion dinner.
Order Sumberkima coral trout, yuzu souffle
Restaurants change hours, menus and prices often; awards are as published at the time of checking. Approximate — verify before you go. Last reviewed 9 November 2026. All our food picks
Time it right
Festivals & events
MarAsia
Nyepi (Day of Silence)
Across Bali, Indonesia · About 8 March 2027, with Ogoh-ogoh parades the evening before (Balinese calendar — confirm closer to the time)
The island pauses for 24 hours: no travel, no lights, and the airport closes. The night before, giant demon statues are paraded through villages before being burned.
Tip: Stay at one hotel for the full day, as nobody may leave the property.
JunAsia
Bali Arts Festival
Taman Werdhi Budaya, Denpasar, Indonesia · Usually mid-June to mid-July (confirm locally)
A month of Balinese dance, gamelan music, puppetry and crafts at the island's main arts centre. Evening performances give a good introduction to Bali's living culture.
Tip: Go on a weekday evening and use a driver, as parking near the venue is tough.
Local tip: Traffic is heavy; group sights by area and start early for Mount Batur and Nusa Penida.
Make Bali yours
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