Is Bali worth visiting? An honest overview of pros and cons of visiting Bali

Are you planning to visit Bali? We know it is fantastic. Bali is one of the most hyped destinations in South East Asia. Over the years, content creators, digital nomads and influencers have promoted the Indonesian island. But, well, Is Bali worth visiting?

Over the following few paragraphs, we will discover the pros and cons of visiting Bali. After having spent a few months travelling through the island and surrounding. Even though we experienced the most glamorous side of Bali, having fun nights out, eating at some of the best restaurants, day-tripping everywhere and living the best digital nomads life, we are still unsure we will be back to Bali any time soon.

Even though this sentence is only partially true because, in Bali, we had a meaningful month as Digital Entrepreneurs and the most considerable productive work balance we have ever had travelling in South East Asia.

This mixed feeling seems common among travellers. That’s why we were urged to write an in-depth guide about this fantastic island. We will highlight some of the best reasons why visiting Bali is a good idea but also make you aware of some down points.

Best time to visit Bali

Well, there is no best and the worst time to visit Bali; however, you must be aware of the dry and wet season dates. In fact, choosing the wrong time can make a huge difference in your overall experience. Bali experiences the dry season from April to October.

There is less chance of rainfall this time of the year, which might still occur. However, the temperature is very high, and if it is your first time in Asia, you must be prepared. With the good weather comes the peak season, and Bali gets very crowded. Canggu, Kuta and Seminyak are the busiest, and you might have problems driving your scooter through the narrow roads.

The wet season in Bali runs from November to March, and while it can still be an excellent time to visit, you’ll need to pack for rainy weather. The rain can come in short bursts or last for days, so be prepared for potential disruptions to your plans. However, the upside of visiting during the wet season is that the island is lush and green, and you may find better deals on accommodations and activities.

How to reach Bali

Bali is a popular international hub, and you can easily reach the dreamy island from everywhere with direct flights or cool layovers. However, the airport (Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport) is far from the main hubs and accommodations.

The best airports to fly into Bali from Asia are Singapore’s Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia. From Australia, you can fly directly into Bali from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Travelling to Bali from Europe, you have direct flights from London and Amsterdam. 

Instead, if you want to travel from the United States, you have only two options for direct flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Is Bali safe?

We felt very safe staying in Bali. Even though it is chaotic, we suggest hopping on a scooter only if you are experienced enough (and a bit crazy) to fight with the traffic. Generally speaking, apart from the crazy attitude in driving off both Balinese and foreigners, Bali is considered a safe destination for travellers. However, as with any place, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety.

Petty theft and scams can be a problem, so it’s a good idea to keep your valuables secure and be cautious when dealing with strangers. We have heard about many scams outside or inside ATMS, Cards stolen, but so far, it has been pleasant for us with no problems.

Looking into the safeness of Bali, you must consider that the island is located in an active seismic zone. While in Bali, we felt earthquakes a couple of times, so it is better to be aware of safety guidelines in these occurrences.

10+ Reasons why visit Bali

Let’s discover why Bali is worth visiting | Pros of Bali

The perfect hub for digital nomads

We were attracted to Bali for the digital nomad community and overall productive atmosphere. We must admit that we were right. After all, Bali was our most productive month, and we didn’t feel that because of the many adventures in between. However, recent years have demonstrated that an outstanding location can make a difference; that’s why Bali has become a popular destination for digital nomads. 

The low costs, reliable internet, and vibrant culture make Bali an ideal base for remote workers. You can easily build up an affordable lifestyle filled with adventures and productivity. We spend days in many co-working spaces and cafes, meeting other digital nomads and feeling the highly productive and engaging environment.

We challenge you to have the most productive month in Bali. Try this routine. Wake up early, and have a nice healthy breakfast at Crate Cafe. If you are a gym enthusiast, go and work out; otherwise, learn how to surf. Shower and get to work for at least 4 to six hours. Work done in the most focused way; it’s now time for sunset and friends. Wrap up and go to Batu Bolong. Sit on the beach, drinking a fresh coconut, catching up with your loved ones. This is what we call life, and it’s possible in Bali.

Relax, practice yoga and meditation

Coming to Bali for holidays means one thing only, you want to find the perfect conditions to relax your body and mind. So apart from the fantastic Balinese massage, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere and their spiritual traditions by attending yoga, meditation or relaxation classes. The most popular place for that is, of course, Ubud, the spiritual capital of Bali and seen as the hippie hub.

The island is home to many yoga studios, retreat centres, and spas that offer classes and workshops in these practices. You can find them everywhere, even if you are staying in Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta like most likely would be. Apart from yoga classes, you can enjoy the atmosphere, sipping a drink by the rice paddies, walking through the lush forests, or venturing into hidden waterfalls. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, Bali’s peaceful atmosphere and inspiring scenery make it an excellent destination to unwind and recharge.

Culture and Traditions

It’s maybe because we visited Bali across one of the most significant periods of the year (Nyepi – Hindu New Year celebrations), but this place has significant traditions and cultural heritage. Before our trip, we read a lot about Balinese people and their way of life, but experiencing it is another thing. Let’s start with the temples. They are stunning and located strategically, mainly on high cliffs visiting the sea. The traditional Balinese ceremonies can last per day.

A wedding in Nusa Lembongan was going on for the entire week we stayed on the island. They celebrate every morning, and it is a kind way to thank their beloved gods and ask for a new good day. Just staying in a local guest house, you can experience their daily offering, and why not make the colourful little baskets with them, as I did for the Nyepi. Whether you are interested in the island’s spiritual traditions, art and music scene, or delicious cuisine, Bali is worth visiting to experience its rich culture and traditions.

Diverse landscape

Bali’s landscape is diverse and stunning, ranging from white sand beaches and turquoise waters to lush jungles and terraced rice paddies. We can assure you Bali’s west coast is quite different from the calm east coast, and places like Lovina are not comparable to Canggu and Seminyak. We believe that the distance from the airport influences the influx of travellers, so over the years, only places at short distances have become popular. Hopping on a bike, as we did, allows you to explore rough places and astonishing landscapes.

Nobody can take our minds off the fantastic landscape of thick tropical forests, active volcanoes, and hidden waterfalls tucked away in the countryside. Bali’s unique geography also provides opportunities for adventure sports like surfing, diving, and rafting. With so much natural beauty and diverse landscapes to explore, Bali is worth visiting for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to experience the wonders of Southeast Asia.

Incredible nightlife

Since day one, we have had so much fun in Bali. Partially because we had some of our best friends on the island and some because we met fantastic people, digital nomads and travellers. We can definitely assure you that Bali has a thriving nightlife scene, with clubs, bars, and restaurants catering to various tastes.

It’s not a secret that Bali is a leading Digital Nomads destination, mainly because you can have superb facilities to work during the day and know that there is always something going on at night. Bali is worth visiting, even just for this aspect. Nightlife is crazy, and we learned the hard way on the first weekend when we arrived. The loop for locals (DN living in Bali) seems easy to follow. Nice dinner, then head straight away to the Mart outside XBar, which has a counter ready from 7.30 PM every day; after a few Joshots (or Josh Shots), you walk down to Old Man, a disco club outdoors near the beach of Batu Bolong.

The night is still ongoing, and if you have good stamina, you must finish the loop at SandBar. Our night was fantastic, but one of the tips is to leave your scooter and get a grab! The shortcuts and narrow roads are infamous. Check the latest incident in the Canggu shortcut.

Affordable food

Bali is known for its delicious and affordable food, with a wide range of local and international cuisines available at every price point. Some of the most popular tasty traditional Balinese dishes are nasi goreng and satay. We suggest you eat at a local warung. These small local restaurants are often filled with tourists and locals alike. Warung means restaurant and is a cheap way to have lunch and dinner.

If you are in the Canggu area, you can’t miss “Warung Sika“, often our first choice. You will have many vegan and vegetarian restaurants not so far from there. Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud and Canggu are the most popular destinations and among the cheap places to eat, you will find many other Westernised options that are likely to be pricey. Overall, with so much delicious food at such affordable prices, Bali is worth visiting if you are a foodie and want to explore new flavours.

Explore Bali’s best waterfalls

Bali’s natural beauty is truly awe-inspiring, and exploring its stunning waterfalls should be on every traveller’s itinerary. Some of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the island include Sekumpul Waterfall, Gitgit Waterfall, and Tegenungan Waterfall. The waterfalls offer a perfect opportunity to connect with nature and experience Bali’s tranquil atmosphere.

The cool, refreshing water is perfect for a swim and a relaxing escape from the heat. Visitors can explore the waterfalls by themselves or take a guided tour, and there are various accommodation options nearby. Bali’s waterfalls are one of the top reasons why the island is worth visiting.

Learn how to cook Balinese food

Our first retreat in Bali was in Ubud, away from the crowds of the coast. It was fantastic to visit a jungle plantation where they produce coffee, vegetables and many other products. We had the pleasure of learning how to prepare some popular local dishes. It was fantastic then to clearly recognise them when eating out in Bali. As you understand, food is our favourite part of the pros of Bali. Bali’s cuisine is renowned for its unique flavours and spices, and taking a Balinese cooking class is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

You will learn how to prepare dishes such as Nasi Goreng, Satay, and Lawar and discover the secrets behind the flavours. Bali offers a range of cooking classes, from traditional village-style experiences to modern, luxury cooking schools. The classes are an excellent opportunity to learn about Balinese culture and history. Learning how to cook Balinese food is one of the top reasons Bali is worth visiting. You must attend a Balinese cooking class in Ubud. Check the Bali cooking class we attended in the jungle.

Surf on the best waves of South East Asia

How many times have you heard that Bali is a paradise for surfers? The magical island of Indonesia offers some of the best waves in Southeast Asia. Bali is the perfect place to approach surfing for beginners. Also, consider Bali if you are an expert surfer. We have never seen such high waves before. The island has popular surf spots, mostly among Australians and Americans. If you want to give it a try, check out Kuta Beach, Uluwatu, and Canggu.

We found Uluwatu challenging for beginners, but with a few lessons in Canggu, you might be ready to go. What makes Bali so appealing is that surfing is cheap, and for years people have flowed from everywhere in the world to ride its waves. Bali’s surf culture is lively and vibrant. You can organise your stay in Bali in a surf school and surf camp. Overall, we can testify that surfing in Bali is an unforgettable experience and one of the top reasons why Bali is worth visiting.

Locals are friendly and welcoming

Locals are the real treasure of Bali. However, the people and their traditions might attract tourists after all. You might already know that Balinese are renowned for their warm and friendly nature and their eagerness to share their culture and traditions. You can have the best time in Bali, visiting the island during one of the many cultural festivals. We were lucky (without knowing) to be in Bali during their new year celebrations.

Nyepi was fantastic, and we got in touch with their culture and beliefs first-hand. The Balinese take pride in their island and are always happy to offer recommendations on the best things to do and see. With such welcoming locals, it’s no wonder Bali is considered one of the most inviting and worthwhile destinations.

Cheap accommodations

We stayed in many places while touring Bali, from simple guest houses to high-standard resorts and hotels. You will find great care for your stay, even at the bottom level. The owners of the places make their best effort to give you an authentic Balinese experience.

Recently the famous areas of Bali, Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta got a surge in prices which makes a Bali retreat a little bit more expensive. We are still talking about less than $20 per night for a guest house. The island caters to diverse budgets, so you don’t have to break the bank to spend a week in Bali or even two.

Driving more inside the island, away from Bali hotspots, you can find excellent bargains. The wide range of accommodations and styles makes you want to experience them all. Of course, homestays and Guesthouses are the cheapest options, but most of them have a pool and lovely gardens to relax in.

With these budget-friendly options, you can spend less on lodging and more on immersing yourself in the island’s culture and natural beauty. Bali’s inexpensive accommodations are just one of the many reasons why it’s a destination worth considering for your next travel adventure.

Bali Cons | Is Bali worth visiting after all?

Bali is overcrowded

I still remember my first day in Canggu. I was shocked by the number of scooters speeding through the shortcut, a famous road widening between this area and Seminyak. As you wander, one of the downsides of Bali’s popularity is the overcrowding. During peak season, Bali can be swarmed with tourists, making it difficult to find a quiet spot to relax. These are the effects of trendy locations.

However, it’s not just about traffic and people around, but also your enjoyment of attractions and points of interest. During the busy period, be prepared to attend the long queue to snap famous shots at places like Nusa Penida, Waterfalls and rice fields. We visited Bali during the rainy and wet seasons, and it was still overcrowded.

Pollution and Environmental Concerns

Forget about a healthy and natural lifestyle. Bali is grappling with several environmental concerns, including pollution and waste management issues. As more and more tourists visit the island, the amount of waste generated has increased significantly.

This is easily recognisable on the beaches, but even walking through popular spots. This can lead to litter on the beaches and streets, as well as damage to the fragile ecosystems surrounding Bali. Regarding pollution, driving during peak hours, getting stuck in traffic, and “breathing” exhaust was terrible.

Heavy Traffic congestion

We made thousands of Kilometres navigating through Bali island. And now we are not only talking about famous spots for tourists but also more land. Bali’s roads are congested. This particular condition is visible in popular tourist areas such as Kuta and Seminyak, but also in other areas nowadays.

The traffic congestion challenges tourists and digital nomads alike. Traffic jams and long travel times can make getting around the island very difficult. If you think Bali is small and you can travel a lot, you are wrong. Distances might be small, but travel time is longer because of road conditions, traffic and up and downs through the hills and mountains.

Sporadic tourist scams

Like many tourist destinations, Bali has its fair share of scams and rip-offs aimed at unsuspecting travellers. These can include overpriced tours, fake products, and fraudulent money exchanges. So it’s important to stay vigilant and do your research before booking any tours or engaging in any transactions.

We didn’t have bad occasions, but once while going to Nusa Penida, we checked the tickets online and thought we could get a better price by buying the ticket at the harbour. Wrong. They want to overcharge us, with almost double the price. Luckily we had the screenshots of the day before ticket price online, and we got away with just 10K rupees more than the effective after a lot of bargain.

Well, now you know, better to buy the tickets online in advance. Check on 12Go Asia.

Limited infrastructure

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Bali still has limited infrastructure in some areas. This can lead to power outages, limited internet access, and other inconveniences. Therefore, it’s essential to be prepared for these potential issues and plan accordingly.

For example, even while working in a popular co-working space in Canggu, we had a power outage and had to finish, and it lasted a couple of hours.

Bali is too hyped

This is a personal opinion, and so you might disagree. We visited Bali twice, and always for two month at time. Yes, Bali is too hyped. It might be the digital nomad’s lifestyle or the one two many instagram spots, but lately, Bali has become too crowded that it is worth only for a short vacation.

We believe that 10 days would be enough time to experience the best things. Howeve, we must spoil you something, beaches in Bali aren’t great. If you are coming for those, better look at Thailand. If your final goal instead is to find a life-work balance, well, this is another story. We loved Bali vibes and believed it is an experience every lucky remote worker should experience.

Anyway, if we can suggest a possible perfect itinerary in Indonesia, why don’t you plan a trip to Bali and a East Java itinerary. All together, might be that once in a lifetime experience.

Bali is not just Canggu, Seminiyak and Kuta

Besides the famous spots in Bali, there is an entire island that is awaiting to be discovered. After so long in Canggu and Seminyak, we ventured to the island in its heart. Exploring Siedeman and Monduk, we found fantastic people, learned about Balinese Culture and experienced projects that are pushing for tourism sustainability involving locals and tourists.

Even if you are a traditional traveller, not keen to get out of your comfort zone, you might find it pleasant to explore Uluwatu or Ubud. However, if you love island vibes, with a pinch of nice beaches and slow-paced life, you should write down Nusa Lembongan.

Don’t go to Bali for the beaches

One of the most down points about Bali for us was the lack of nice beaches. Even though the strip of sand is endless, running for kilometres on the west coast passing by Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta, you will not find the instagrammable beaches you might think. Well, Canggu Beach is still lovely and awesome at sunset, but it differs from what you expect visiting a tropical island.

We found better beaches in Nusa Lembongan. We took this fantastic hotel, five minutes walking from Mushroom Beach, which was perfect with its laid down atmosphere, and rough vibes but everything you need to relax and live a fantastic time on holiday.

Other beaches, incredibly the most instagrammable, are fantastic, and we believe never seen water that colour elsewhere. However, the beaches of Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach require a lot of strength to go up and down the staircase excavated in the cliffs.

You pay for every attraction

It might seem normal for you on holiday, but it is not quite standard in SEA. Travelling to Bali and exploring all the famous attractions and not, you will pay for entrances everywhere. The entrance fees go from a little 20K to 50K. The famous gate where you run through is in reality, the entrance of a golf club and hotel, and you must pay 50K for entrance to queue for your photo.

The Lake-Lake waterfall costs 20K for entrance and another 5K for the scooter. These are just a few examples, but we found it unacceptable to account for it even though it is a natural beauty. Sometimes you must pay to enter a village because locals take advantage of tourists to run the local activities. We are not against it because I believe that Bali is getting a bit oversaturated by years of over-tourism, and the local environment suffers from it. But the way some places are ruined is outrageous.

Bali travel insurance

Despite the island’s beauty and charm, there are always unforeseeable risks when travelling, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. That’s why it is important for us to have the right travel insurance coverage.

For occasional travellers, Hey Mondo offers a comprehensive travel insurance package that includes coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, personal liability and even equipment. Hey Mondo’s insurance plans are designed to provide peace of mind and security for your trip, no matter where your adventures take you.

For digital nomads and long-term travellers, Safety Wings is a great choice. They offer a unique insurance plan specifically tailored to digital nomads’ needs, including coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and natural disasters. Safety Wings also includes coverage for lost or stolen equipment, such as laptops and cameras.

Don’t risk your trip or your financial investment. Make sure you have the correct travel insurance coverage before visiting Bali. With Hey Mondo and Safety Wings, you can enjoy your travels worry-free and have the confidence to explore this beautiful island to the fullest.

Conclusion | Should I visit Bali?

So, is Bali worth visiting? Overall there are more pros than cons. The answer depends on what you’re looking for in a travel destination. Even though we are not fun of Bali from a Digital Nomad perspective, it is still worth a visit for travellers. Bali offers stunning landscapes, the best we experienced on our SEA Trip, along with rich cultural attractions, delicious food, and friendly locals.

However, it also has its drawbacks, including overcrowding, pollution and environmental concerns, traffic congestion, tourist scams, and limited infrastructure (roads in remote areas are very bad). If you’re prepared to deal with these challenges, then Bali can be a wonderful place to visit. However, consider other options if you’re looking for a quieter, more off-the-beaten-path destination.

FAQs | Is Bali worth visiting?

Is Bali safe for tourists?

Yes. We didn’t have any problems while in Bali for two months. The island is generally safe for tourists. However, like many other places, be cautious and use common sense. We found the only concern in driving in Bali. If you are not an expert driver, please hire a local to take you to places or book a taxi when needed.

What’s the best time of year to visit Bali?

The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. We have been visiting Bali from February through April, and it was a fantastic shoulder season, with affordable prices and pleasant weather all the time.

Do I need a visa to visit Bali?

Yes. Finally, Indonesia has implemented a new e-visa model that helps you request your entry and receive it quickly in a few minutes. Consider also that with an e-visa, you can extend your stay on the island by just applying and paying online, without queuing at the immigration office or paying an agent.

However, you must also know that overstaying in Bali over your visa is costly. Every day that you overstay is one million rupees, about £50 ($60, €60).

What’s the best way to get around Bali?

The best way to get around Bali is by car or moped. However, be prepared for traffic congestion and limited parking in some areas. We suggest taking a scooter, as it is easy to navigate through narrow roads.

Driving a car might take longer to reach places because of traffic, and it also needs some skills. If you are not confident with either driving a car or a scooter, think about hiring a driver for your experience, or book a grab to take you to places. It’s cheaper.

What are some must-see attractions in Bali?

Some of Bali’s must-see attractions include the Uluwatu Temple, the Tirta Empul water temple, the Ubud Monkey Forest, and the rice terraces in Tegalalang.