About Bali and Ubud.
A short, honest guide for first-timers: what the island is like, when to go, how to behave at temples and how to get around.
- WhereAn island of Indonesia, between Java and Lombok. Ubud sits in the green middle.
- TimeWITA, UTC+8 all year. No daylight saving.
- LanguageIndonesian and Balinese. English is widely spoken in tourism.
- MoneyIndonesian rupiah (IDR). Carry cash for small entrance gates.
- FaithMost Balinese follow Balinese Hinduism, so temples and offerings are part of daily life.
- Best monthsDry season runs roughly April to October. November to March is wetter but still green and quieter.
The cultural heart of Bali.
Ubud is where Bali's art, dance and craft are at home, wrapped in rice terraces and jungle ravines.
Walk the royal palace and its dance stage, browse the central market, cross the Campuhan Ridge Walk, then drive out to the Tegallalang terraces and the waterfalls on the edge of town. It is a good base because many of Bali's best day trips start here.
How to be a good guest.
- Dress for templesCover shoulders and knees and wear a sarong and sash. Many sites lend one at the gate.
- Mind the offeringsThe small woven trays on the ground are daily offerings. Step around them, not over them.
- Ask before photosCeremonies are worship, not a show. Keep your distance and ask first.
- Use your right handFor giving, receiving and eating, the right hand is polite.
Why a private driver helps.
Bali's roads are narrow and busy, and public transport is limited. Distances look short on the map but take longer than you expect, especially to the far east and the highlands in the west.
With a private car you choose the order of your stops, leave early to beat the queues at popular sites, and rest in air conditioning between them. Our price is per car, so it is the same for two or six.
Money, weather and packing.
- CashMany gates and waterfalls take cash only. ATMs are easy to find in Ubud.
- WeatherWarm and humid all year. The central highlands around Bedugul are noticeably cooler.
- PackLight clothes, sunscreen, a rain layer in the wet season and shoes with grip for waterfalls.
- Tourism levyForeign visitors pay a one-time IDR 150,000 levy per trip, separate from attraction tickets.
More things people love to do.
Curious about something here? Message us and we will tell you what we can arrange.
Temple blessingsJoin a purification or blessing at a water temple, dressed respectfully.
Dance and gamelanKecak, Legong and gamelan music are performed in Ubud most evenings.
Coffee tastingTaste Balinese coffee and spiced teas on a plantation walk.
CanyoneeringAbseil and slide through green gorges, with a guide.
Hot air balloonFloat over the island at sunrise on a balloon flight.
ParasailingFly above the water at the beach clubs of the south.Quick answers.
When is the best time to visit Bali?
The dry season, roughly April to October, is the most popular time. The wet season, roughly November to March, brings afternoon showers, greener scenery and fewer crowds. Mornings are often clear in both.
How far is Ubud from the airport?
Ubud is inland from Ngurah Rai airport. The drive often takes one to one and a half hours, longer in heavy traffic.
What is Nyepi?
Nyepi is the Balinese Day of Silence, usually in March. For about 24 hours the island pauses: no travel on the roads, and visitors stay at their accommodation. Plan around it if your dates are close.
Do I need to cover up at temples?
Yes. Shoulders and knees should be covered and a sarong and sash are worn. Many temples lend or include a sarong at the gate.
Is there a tourist levy for Bali?
Foreign visitors pay a one-time IDR 150,000 tourism levy for their trip, normally before or on arrival. It is separate from attraction tickets.
Ready to see it for yourself?
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