Discover the ultimate Bali travel guide with expert tips on where to stay, what to pack, top experiences, island trips, food & transport.
For years, Bali felt like that destination the one everyone else had already ticked off. Friends, influencers, strangers online all seemed to be living their best lives in Indonesia while I watched from afar thinking, that looks like my kind of place.
I don’t know why it took me so long to finally get there. Maybe it was the long journey from Ireland, or the challenge of carving out enough time away from work. But now that I’ve been, I can say this with full conviction: Bali was everything I imagined and so much more.
I’ve travelled extensively, and I rarely say I’d return to the same place not because I don’t love it, but because I want to see as much of the world as possible while I can. Bali is the exception. I’d go back in a heartbeat… maybe even live there. I’d just need to be permanently coated in factor 50. This guide is designed to be practical, honest, and experience-led, so you can plan a trip to Bali that’s every bit as unforgettable as mine.
How to Get to Bali
There are no direct flights from Ireland to Bali, but getting there is straightforward with one stop. Most routes involve flying from Dublin to Denpasar via a major international hub in the Middle East or Europe.
Travel Tip for Long-Haul Flights
Download the Netflix app in advance and save a full series you’ve been meaning to watch. A long-haul flight is the perfect excuse for guilt-free binge-watching.
Where to Stay in Bali
Why Villas Are the Best Option
We chose to stay in private villas, and it was one of the best decisions of the entire trip. There were six of us travelling, so hotels simply didn’t make sense. Villas in Bali are incredibly spacious, often more affordable for longer stays, and come with daily staff, security, and hotel-level service.
And the best part? Private pools.
Bali is hot beautifully, relentlessly hot and having your own pool changes everything. I became one of those people who can sit by a pool all day with a book or a podcast, something I never thought I’d say. We split our stay between Seminyak and Ubud, which gave us the perfect balance of beach life and jungle serenity.
Staying in Seminyak
Seminyak is vibrant, central, and ideal if you want easy access to restaurants, beach clubs, shopping, and nightlife. Our villa was modern, spotless, and surprisingly spacious so much so that we initially thought part of it was a separate house. Arriving at midnight after nearly 17 hours of flying, fuelled by adrenaline and excitement, we immediately jumped into the pool for a night-time swim. Jet lag never stood a chance.
Top tip: If you’re a light sleeper, ask about nearby clubs before booking. Some areas can be lively at night.
Staying in Ubud
If Seminyak is energy, Ubud is escape. Our jungle villa overlooked rice fields and dense greenery, with infinity pools that felt suspended above the valley. The moment we arrived, we regretted not staying longer. It was peaceful, grounding, and the perfect place to end the trip. Even the resident dog blind, deaf, and endlessly affectionate added to the feeling of home. If you want to disconnect, slow down, and fully experience Bali’s spiritual side, Ubud is unmissable.
Getting Around Bali
For short trips, taxis are easy to arrange, but for day trips and longer outings, hiring a private driver is far more affordable and convenient. Drivers often double as guides and are invaluable for navigating traffic and rural roads. Most communication in Bali is done via WhatsApp, so download it before you go.
About Renting Mopeds
I didn’t rent one and after seeing the traffic in busier areas, I was glad I didn’t. If you’re confident and experienced, quieter areas like Ubud are more manageable. If you do rent one: wear a helmet. Always.
What to Pack for Bali
Bali has two seasons: wet and dry. We travelled during the wet season in December, and honestly it was fine. Short bursts of rain were a relief from the heat and never disrupted our plans.
What to Wear
- Light, breathable clothing
- Shorts, string tops, silk or linen dresses
- Comfortable sandals and walking shoes
- One light jumper (for flights and early morning hikes)
- Gripped runners for activities
- Long-sleeve swimwear to avoid sunburn
- Light yoga pants or loose trousers for evenings (mosquito protection)
Essentials
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+) trust me
- Mosquito repellent (stronger versions are sold locally)
- European plug adapter
I underestimated the sun and managed to burn my bum so badly I couldn’t sit down for three days. Learn from my mistake.
Top 5 Things You Must Do in Bali
1. Chase Waterfalls
Swimming at the base of a waterfall is an experience you won’t forget. One of the most breathtaking spots requires a scenic hike through jungle paths and steep steps, but the reward is worth every drop of sweat. Standing beneath cascading water, surrounded by lush greenery, is pure magic.
Pack: Water, snacks, towel, change of clothes, sturdy shoes that can get wet.
2. Surf in the South of Bali
Even if you’ve never surfed before, Bali is one of the best places in the world to try. Instructors tailor lessons to your ability and choose beaches with the best conditions on the day. There’s something unforgettable about riding your first wave even if it’s messy and short-lived.
Sun warning: Reapply sunscreen constantly. Lying on a surfboard in the sea intensifies sun exposure.
3. Island Hopping & Snorkelling
A short boat ride from mainland Bali takes you to nearby tropical islands with white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. Snorkelling here offers vibrant marine life and unforgettable scenery. Even if wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the adventure itself makes it worthwhile. Sometimes the journey storms, speedboats, and unexpected motorbike rides becomes the most memorable part.
Pack: Swimwear, towel, spare clothes, sunscreen, snacks, waterproof phone case.
4. Watch Sunrise from an Active Volcano
Hiking an active volcano at 2am sounds intense and it is but watching the sun rise above the clouds makes it one of the most rewarding experiences in Bali. The hike is manageable for most fitness levels and is best done early in your trip while jet lag works in your favour.
Pack: Warm layer, mosquito spray, water, snacks, hiking shoes.
5. Visit the Monkey Forest (Carefully)
The monkeys are clever. Very clever.
Remove jewellery, secure your belongings, and don’t make eye contact. Seriously. Despite the chaos and occasional theft, visiting the Monkey Forest is a uniquely Balinese experience and absolutely worth it just stay alert.Bali is more than a destination it’s a feeling. From jungle villas and volcanic sunrises to surf breaks and spontaneous adventures, it’s a place that stays with you long after you leave. If you’re hesitating, don’t. Book the flight. Pack the sunscreen. And prepare to fall in love.
