You’ve probably heard about Bali’s breathtaking beaches and vibrant culture, but where is Bali exactly?
Touted as the Island of the Gods, Bali is known for its ancient temples, heavenly landscapes, and spiritual energy, often portrayed through its sacred ceremonies and traditions.
But Bali isn’t only for yoga retreats and wellness breaks. It’s a mishmash of everything a tropical paradise should be: beaches, rice fields, water sports, posh resorts, nice weather, and a thriving party culture.
It’s a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list. But before you decide to take that flight, it’s vital to answer the question: Where is Bali?
This guide covers basic facts about Bali and why it continues to captivate travelers from around the globe.
Bali’s Location
One question that some tourists planning a trip to Bali usually ask is: Where is Bali located? Or, what country is Bali in? And maybe even, is Bali a country?
Bali is not a country. It’s an island and a province in Indonesia, the largest nation in Southeast Asia.
The province consists of Bali, the main island, and some smaller ones, notably Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, Bali lies between Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Denpasar, located in the southern part of the island, is the capital and largest city.
Bali is roughly 1,200 kilometers (745 miles) east of Jakarta, a two-hour flight from the capital.
This larger-than-life island paradise is Indonesia’s top tourist destination and welcomes millions of visitors yearly.
How to Get to Bali
Flying is the easiest and fastest means to get to Bali. The island is accessible from various parts of the world.
Ngurah Rai International Airport is Bali’s main entry point and only commercial airport. It serves domestic and international flights.
Located in Denpasar, Ngurah Rai is conveniently close and well-connected to other popular destinations in Bali, including Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud.
Below is an overview of where you can find direct flights:
From Southeast Asia: Direct flights are available from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila.
From Australia: A favorite destination for Australians, Bali services regular direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, among others.
From the United States: While there are no direct flights from the U.S. to Bali, you can get to the island through connecting flights from hubs like Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, or Tokyo.
From Europe: Direct flights from Europe to Bali aren’t available, but you can reach the island with a layover in hubs like Doha, Dubai, or Singapore.
From Other Regions: If traveling from the Middle East, you can fly directly from Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi. There are also direct flights from Shanghai, Beijing, and New Delhi.
From Other Parts of Indonesia: You can fly to Bali from major Indonesian cities, such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
You can also get to Bali by ferry from Lombok or Java. The trip takes longer and is subject to the weather.
Travel time from Lombok to Bali via a fast boat is between two and three hours.
If you’re in Jakarta, you can take a bus to Banyuwangi, a port town on the far eastern end of Java Island, then board a ferry to Bali. The trip takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
The Island’s Popular Regions
Not sure where to stay in Bali? These are some of the island’s most popular regions:
Denpasar
Bali’s capital and only city, Denpasar, is an important economic hub. It’s not as touristy as the other parts of the island, but it offers a more authentic glimpse into local life.
Here, you can visit the Bali Museum, check out the Bajra Sandhi Monument, stroll around the Duta Orchid Garden, and shop at Pasar Badung, the island’s largest traditional market.
Denpasar is not the best area to stay if you’re looking for serene beaches or lovely landscapes. Still, this bustling city is worth a day of exploration. Plus, it’s an easy trip to the airport.
Ubud
Ubud, marked by emerald-green rice terraces and deep jungles, is the heart of Balinese art, culture, and spirituality. It’s the perfect place to stay for those seeking relaxation, serenity, or inspiration.
Ubud is mainly known for its yoga classes and wellness retreats. But it has a lot more to offer.
Some of its top attractions are the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the Campuhan Ridge Walk, the Tegalalang Rice Terraces (made famous by the film Eat, Pray, Love), and the Ubud Palace, where you can watch a traditional Balinese dance.
Seminyak
From high-end shopping to exclusive beach clubs and world-class dining, Seminyak is Bali’s go-to for everything posh and trendy.
If you love luxurious creature comforts and the finer things in life, this beach town might be for you.
Some popular spots to check out in Seminyak are Potato Head Beach Club, Village Mall, and Double Six Beach for stunning sunsets. For nightlife, drop by La Favela, a restaurant, bar, and nightclub rolled into one.
Kuta
Right next to Seminyak is Kuta, Bali’s nightlife hotspot. With its outgoing vibe and affordable accommodations, Kuta is a favorite among backpackers, novice surfers, budget travelers, and partygoers.
Kuta Beach has gentle swells and various surf schools, perfect for beginners. Not a surfer? Enjoy a stroll at the Beachwalk Shopping Center or spend a day at Waterbom Bali. For nightlife, check out the buzzing Legian Street.
Uluwatu
Uluwatu boasts dramatic cliff views, world-class surf breaks, and a stunning coast. It lures pro-surfers, adventure seekers, and anyone looking for chill beach vibes.
Uluwatu’s most iconic landmark is the clifftop Uluwatu Temple, where you can watch Kecak Fire Dance performances and meet long-tailed monkeys.
It’s main attraction, however, are the gigantic swells that draws surfers and surfing fans from around the globe.
Balangan Beach or Suluban Beach are quieter alternatives to the bustling surfing beaches.
Nusa Dua
Who says you can’t combine glamorous getaways with family holidays? Nusa Dua has the best of both worlds.
Not only does Nusa Dua dazzle with its 5-star resorts, top-notch golf courses, luxury spas, and gourmet dining. It’s also one of the most family-friendly areas in Bali, thanks to its calm waters, excellent facilities, and loads of water sports.
Best Time to Visit Bali
Bali is a year-round destination. But if you’re looking for the right balance of good weather, smaller crowds, and lower prices, the shoulder seasons, April to May and September to October, are your best bet.
The peak season in Bali is July to August, and again in December, particularly around Christmas and New Year. While the weather is ideal for outdoor activities, the crowds are thicker, and prices are higher.
The island is the most festive during the peak season, with events like the Bali Arts Festival (June-July), Kite Festival (July-August), and loads of beach parties in December and New Year’s Eve.
Travel in November through March, and you may be able to snatch great deals. It’s the off-season, so Bali has fewer crowds and cheaper rates. The downside is rains are frequent during these months.
If you visit in March or April, you might witness Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, observed with silence, fasting, and meditation. Bali closes for one day during this holiday, and some activities, including travel, are prohibited.
Here’s a quick look at the best time to visit Bali:
Best Overall: April to May and September to October
Best for Budget Travel: January to March, except December
Best for Surfing: March, June to August
Best for Cultural Events and Festivals: March, June to August
Why Bali is a Must-Visit Destination
Gorgeous beaches, pristine nature, peaceful retreats, delicious cuisine, exciting nightlife, spiritual awakening, and cultural immersion – take your pick. Bali has it all.
Most touristy places are a hit-and-miss, but not Bali. It caters to all kinds of travelers, whether they’re after a tranquil getaway, an adventure-filled trip, or a mix of both.
A trip to Bali can be life-changing. Even if it’s not, you’re still guaranteed unforgettable experiences.
Tips for First Time Visitors to Bali
Here are few things you need to keep in mind for a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable trip.
Check visa and entry requirements. Do you qualify for a Visa on Arrival, or should you get one before traveling? Ensure your passport is valid for six months from your date of arrival.
Avoid scams. Watch out for overpriced tours, money exchange fraud, and rental scams. Only book through official and trusted websites.
Local currency. Indonesia uses rupiah. You can pay hotels, restaurants, and most shops with a credit card. But always carry cash and loose change for local markets, street vendors, and emergency rides.
Getting around. Use ride-hailing apps like Grab or Bluebird taxis to avoid overpriced fares. You can also travel by scooter, but only rent one if you have experience riding. And always wear a helmet.
Respect local customs and the environment. Wear modest clothes when visiting temples. Be polite and friendly. Help reduce plastic use by bringing a recyclable water bottle.
Health safety. Only drink bottled or filtered water. Use mosquito repellent and reef-safe sunscreen. Be updated with your vaccinations. Consider getting travel insurance in case of medical emergencies.
Explore. Check out less touristy spots like Sidemen and Munduk. Ask locals for recommendations. Try warungs or small restaurants for authentic and inexpensive Balinese food.
FAQs
Where exactly is Bali located?
Bali is in Indonesia in Southeast Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, with Java to the west and Lombok to the east. Bali is 1,200 kilometers from Jakarta, the Indonesian capital.
Is Bali part of Indonesia?
Yes, Bali is a part of Indonesia. Bali is one of Indonesia’s 17,500 islands, and most popular destination.
What is the capital of Bali?
The capital of Bali is Denpasar, located in the south-central part of the island.
