This Indonesian island gem is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, nestled in the beautiful Indonesian archipelago. Known as the "Island of the Gods," it's a vibrant tapestry of spiritual retreats, volcanic mountains, serene beaches, and bustling cultural hubs.
It’s important to find out what airports in Bali you can fly to when planning your trip.
When jetting off to Bali, you’ll likely be landing at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS). As your gateway to the island, it’s close to popular destinations like Kuta, Seminyak, and Jimbaran.
When you're flying from Australia, you'll find plenty of direct routes to Denpasar (DPS), Bali's main airport. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide are your prime departure points. Even Gold Coast and Newcastle are getting in on the action with direct flights now – making it easier than ever to find a direct path to paradise.
If you're flying from North America, you'll need to have a stopover, with Singapore, Hong Kong and Seoul being popular layover cities.
Bali is situated close to the equator enjoys a tropical climate year-round, which basically means it's always warm! Since its always warm, the key difference throughout the year in weather is between the dry and rainy season.
This is prime time for sunshine. Expect mostly clear, sunny days, perfect for beach hopping, surfing, and sight seeing. Temperatures usually hover around 27°C to 32°C/80°F-90°F. It can get busy during the dry season, but for good reason!
Don't let the name scare you! While there are more frequent, often heavy, tropical downpours (usually in the afternoon), you'll still get plenty of sunshine. The landscape is incredibly lush, and there are often fewer crowds (and cheaper prices). It's still warm and humid, so light layers are always a good idea.
Bali is like a choose your own adventure, catering to every kind of traveller.
A few of the most popular spots are:
Taxis, ride-sharing apps (like Gojek and Grab), and hiring scooters are popular options. If you're planning on exploring a lot, consider hiring a local driver for the day – it's often more affordable than you think and stress-free!
For Australian, US and Canadian citizens, typically a Visa on Arrival (VOA) or e-VOA is required for stays up to 30 days, which can often be extended. We always recommend double-checking the latest requirements well before you fly.
The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While cards are accepted in many places, having smaller denominations of Rupiah for local markets and smaller eateries is always a smart move.
Bali uses Central Indonesian Time (WITA), which is GMT+8.
Here’s a pre-flight checklist if you’re planning a trip to Bali:
Remember, travel requirements can change, so always do a final quick check with official government sources like Smartraveller before you travel.
Bahasa Indonesia: This is the official national language of Indonesia, and it's widely spoken across Bali. If you learn a few basic phrases like "Terima kasih" (Thank you) or "Selamat pagi" (Good morning), the locals will absolutely appreciate the effort!
Balinese (Bahasa Bali): This is the traditional local language of Bali, and you'll hear it spoken amongst Balinese people, especially outside the main tourist hubs or during ceremonies.
English: Good news for most travellers! Due to the thriving tourism industry, English is very widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas like Seminyak, Kuta, Canggu, and Ubud, as well as in hotels, restaurants, and shops. You'll generally have no trouble getting by with English
