Bali, Indonesia: What American Travelers Need to Know Before They Go
Bali Indonesia is one of those places that people want to visit. When you finally get to Bali you will see why it took you long to get there. Soon as you step out of Ngurah Rai International Airport you will feel the warm air and smell the incense and frangipani.
Bali is an island, about the size of Delaware.. It has many different places to visit depending on what you like. If you like surfing and beach bars you should go to the south. If you like jungle and rice paddies you should go to the interior.. If you like temples and ceremonies you can find them almost everywhere.
Many American travelers have an idea of what Bali is like from Instagram and Eat Pray Love.. The real Bali is different and more interesting.
Here is what you need to know when you visit Bali.
Getting to Bali from the US
You cannot fly directly to Bali from the US. You have to fly through cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei or Hong Kong. The total travel time is around 20 to 26 hours depending on how you have to wait for your next flight. This is a time so you should be ready for jet lag. Bali is 12 to 15 hours ahead of the US so your body will take a days to adjust.
The price of flights to Bali changes a lot depending on the time of year. The cheapest time to fly is from April to June and from September to early November. July August and the Christmas-New Year period are the times so the prices are higher and the popular places are crowded.
US citizens can get a visa when they arrive in Bali, which is good for 30 days. You can extend your visa for another 30 days at an immigration office. Make sure your passport is valid for least six months from the day you enter Bali.
Where to Stay in Bali
Bali has different types of places to stay from cheap guesthouses to expensive private villas. American visitors stay in the middle range, which is good value for the money.
Seminyak and Canggu in the south are the developed areas. They have beach clubs, international restaurants and boutique hotels that look good on Instagram. If you want to be near the beach and have a time this is the place to stay.
Ubud is the artistic center of Bali. It is in the highlands surrounded by rice terraces and jungle. You can take cooking classes do yoga watch dance performances and visit many temples. It is also cooler than the coast, which's nice.
Uluwatu is on the tip of the Bukit Peninsula. It is a place for surfers and people who like dramatic sunsets. There are tourists than in Seminyak and the roads are narrower.
For your visit to Bali you should split your time between Ubud and one of the coastal areas. Two weeks is an amount of time to see the island without feeling rushed.
The Temples of Bali
Bali is a Hindu island in a country. You can see the life of the island everywhere in the offerings on doorsteps the ceremonies that close roads and the many temples.
Tanah Lot is one of the photographed temples in Bali. It is built on a rock in the sea. It is very striking. You should visit late in the afternoon when the light is good.
Uluwatu Temple is on a cliff above the Indian Ocean. It has a fire dance performance every night at sunset, which's worth watching. Be careful of the monkeys which're bold and fast.
Pura Besakih is the largest and most sacred temple complex on the island. It has 23 temples and you should visit early in the morning before the clouds come in.
When you visit any temple you have to wear a sarong to cover your legs. You can. Borrow one at the entrance for a small fee.
The Tegallalang rice terraces are very beautiful and worth seeing. They are steep and green. They use a traditional irrigation system that is over a thousand years old. You should walk down into the fields to avoid the crowds.
Food in Bali
food is different from the Indonesian food that most Americans know. You should try the dishes, like babi guling, which is spit-roasted pig. Nasi campur is a plate of rice with different dishes and it is a good way to try many flavors at once. Lawar is a mixture of vegetables, coconut and meat. It is worth trying if you are curious.
You should eat at warungs which're small local restaurants, instead of tourist restaurants. The food is better and cheaper.
Things to Know
The currency in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah. As of 2026 one US dollar is equal to 16,000 Rupiah. You will need to carry a lot of cash. You can use ATMs to get more money.
The best way to get around Bali is to use ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab. They are cheap. Work well in most areas. For trips you can hire a driver for the day, which is around $35-55 USD.
You should only drink filtered water and be careful of ice in drinks and raw produce. Bring medicine for stomach problems. Get a local SIM card with data when you arrive.
When to Visit Bali
The season is from April to October and it is the best time to visit Bali. The weather is dry and sunny. It is good for beach activities. May June and September are the months to visit because the prices are lower and the crowds are smaller.
The wet season is from November, to March. It is not the best time to visit. There is a lot of rain and some activities are not possible.. The landscapes are greener and the prices are lower.
One Honest Thing
Bali is a place and it can be crowded and touristy. Some areas are very busy. The famous Instagram spots have long lines.. If you get outside of the main tourist areas you can find a more authentic Bali. The ceremonies are real the food is good. The landscapes are beautiful. You just have to be willing to look for them.