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Bali Holiday: Everything You Need to Know

Vegard ThoUpdated October 21, 2026
Bali Holiday: Everything You Need to Know

Bali is one of the world's most popular holiday destinations — and not without reason. Here is the complete guide to holidays in Bali in 2027, featuring areas, experiences, prices, and tips from Norwegian experts.

Bali isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience that stays with you. The island combines spectacular nature, rich culture and real calm in one and the same place. Whether you dream of surfing the first waves of the morning, hiking to the top of a volcano at sunrise or simply lying by a private pool overlooking the rice fields – Bali delivers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Bali holiday in 2027.

Ready to book? On our travel to Bali page you’ll find package trips, prices and routes in one place.


Why choose Bali?

Travellers on holiday in Bali – beaches, activities and experiences

Bali is one of the world’s most visited destinations – and not without reason. Private villas with a pool from around $80 a night, volcanoes and rice fields side by side with white beaches, thousands of temples and living Balinese culture, and a range of experiences that stretches from surfing and rafting to yoga and clifftop fine dining. We lived in Bali for four years – we know the island from the inside, not from a brochure. Read our complete planning guide to get started.

We tailor your Bali holiday – package trips, day trips and retreats adapted to your wishes and budget.
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The best areas in Bali

Bali isn’t one place – it’s many destinations on one island. Ubud is for those seeking culture, rice fields and jungle. Uluwatu offers dramatic cliffs and luxury villas – a classic for couples and honeymooners. Canggu is surfing, cafés and town life for young adults and digital nomads. Seminyak is beach clubs and shopping. Nusa Penida is wild nature and manta rays for the adventurous. Lovina and North Bali give you authentic Bali without the tourist crowds. The Gili Islands are a car-free island paradise where you can switch off completely.

For most travellers we recommend combining at least two areas. Ubud and Uluwatu is the classic combination for couples – Canggu and Nusa Penida are the favourites for groups of friends.


Bali for every travel style

Couples and romance. Bali is one of the world’s most romantic destinations. Private villas with infinity pools, sunsets from the Uluwatu cliffs and an intimate atmosphere in Ubud – everything is set up for two. Read our guide to Bali for couples for tips, itineraries and experiences. Recommended package trips: Bali & Island Hopping and Bali Highlights.

Active holidays. From surfing in Canggu and rafting on the Ayung River to ATV riding in the jungle and a bike tour through the rice fields of Ubud – the possibilities are endless. Read our guide to an active holiday in Bali.

Retreats and wellness. Bali is the world’s leading destination for yoga, wellness and retreats. We offer the Surf Retreat for those who want to learn to surf, the Padel Retreat for padel enthusiasts, and the Wanderlust Fitness Retreat for those who want to combine training, wellness and Bali experiences.

Families. Bali is surprisingly good for families with children. The locals love children and genuinely look after them – something parents consistently mention as the best thing about a Bali holiday. Our family package is tailor-made for families, with safe planning and child-friendly activities.

Not sure which travel style suits you? Take our trip quiz and we’ll suggest a trip based on your answers.


The best experiences

Active holiday in Bali – ATV, surfing and rafting with ReadySetIsland

Some experiences belong on every Bali trip. The Mount Batur sunrise – set off at 2 am and reach the crater rim just as the sun breaks the horizon. A bike tour in Ubud through rice fields and villages with a local guide. Surfing in Seminyak with an experienced instructor. ATV riding in the jungle through dense forest and past rice terraces. And rafting on the Ayung River through the Ubud jungle.

From 10 days of highlights to a 14-day adventurous round trip – we have a package trip for every travel style.
See the 14-day round trip →

What does a Bali holiday cost?

Bali suits every budget. Here’s a quick overview for a 10-day holiday for two, including flights from Europe:

Budget level 10 days for two Includes
Budget $2,500–3,500 Flights, 3-star hotel, food and activities
Mid-range $4,000–7,000 Flights, boutique hotel/villa, transport and excursions
Luxury $8,000–12,000 Business class flights, private villa, private driver, everything included

For detailed price overviews, see how much it costs to travel to Bali and what activities and day trips in Bali cost. To price your own trip, add nights, hotels and activities in our holiday cost calculator.


The best time to travel

Bali has two seasons – the dry season (April–October) and the rainy season (November–March). April–June is ideal: little rain, good weather and fewer tourists. July–August is high season with good weather but higher prices. September–October is almost as good as April–June, with lower prices. November–March brings lower prices and lusher nature, but regular rain showers. Read our complete guide to the best time to travel.


Our best tips

Book a private villa rather than a hotel – your own pool and terrace is a completely different experience. Combine at least two areas; Ubud and Uluwatu is the classic and best combination. Book a private driver – it gives you freedom, safety and local knowledge all at once. Start your days early; the best places are empty at 7 am and full by 10 am. Add at least one island – Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands lift any Bali holiday. A visa on arrival costs IDR 500,000 (about $32) for 30 days and can be extended once to 60 days – check the current rules for your nationality before you travel. Remember travel insurance that covers all the activities you’re planning.

We lived in Bali for four years – we’ll help you plan your holiday from A to Z.
Get a free trip proposal →

"Great service from A to Z! Really easy to communicate with and get information about when and what! Makes the trip easy so we can just enjoy Bali to the fullest."

Sandra EekGoogle review · ★★★★★