Before you go
Practical tips
The small things that make the difference between a good trip and a smooth one.
Haggling
In markets, haggle for everything. Opening prices are typically 3–5× what locals pay.
- Start at a third to half of the first price.
- Smile, and take your time.
- Be genuinely ready to walk away — and to come back.
- Buy several things at one stall for a better price.
The full version is on the Ubud page.
Getting around
A private car with a driver, hired by the day, is the most comfortable way to move between regions. Agree the day's plan and the price before you set off.
Ride-hailing apps work in much of the south and around Ubud, but pick-ups can be restricted in some areas where local drivers' cooperatives operate. Do not count on them in the east or the far west.
Cash
Warungs, markets, beach loungers and national-park fees are usually paid in cash. Carry small notes; card payments are common only in hotels and upscale restaurants.
Temple etiquette
- Wear a sarong and a sash; many temples lend or rent them at the entrance.
- Cover your shoulders.
- Never step on offerings (canang sari) on the ground.
- Do not stand higher than a priest or walk in front of people praying.
Sea and sun
- Use reef-safe sunscreen, and do not touch the coral.
- Drink more water than you think you need.
- Go early — beaches, temples and reefs are all better before the heat and the crowds.
Monkeys
The macaques in the Monkey Forest are bold. Read the advice on the Ubud page before you go — and skip it if you are afraid of monkeys.
When to go
Broadly, the dry season runs from about April to October and the wet season from about November to March. The wet season brings short, heavy downpours rather than days of rain, fewer visitors and greener landscapes. July, August and the December holidays are the busiest times — book restaurants and hotels well ahead.
Photo credits
Photographs of restaurants and hotels are courtesy of each venue, used with permission. All other photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences, resized and converted for the web.
- Home — mangroves, West Bali National ParkPhoto by Surya Edy Gautama, CC BY-SA 4.0
- West — coral garden, MenjanganPhoto by Lakshmi Sawitri, CC BY 2.0
- West — Bali starlingPhoto by JJ Harrison, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Menjangan Island shallowsPhoto by Noirperspective, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Candidasa — jukung and the Gili Mimpang isletsPhoto by Jean-François Capdet, CC BY 3.0
- Virgin BeachPhoto by Tisa0603, CC0
- Tirta Gangga — poolsPhoto by rheins, CC BY 3.0
- Tirta Gangga — stepping stonesPhoto by Umar Khatab Eko Putrawan, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ubud — palace gatePhoto by Philip Nalangan, CC BY 4.0
- Ubud Monkey ForestPhoto by ZiemowitJ, CC BY 4.0
- Kecak in UbudPhoto by Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ubud PalacePhoto by Chainwit., CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ubud marketPhoto by Jorge Láscar from Melbourne, Australia, CC BY 2.0
- Handmade silver ringPhoto by W.carter, CC BY 4.0
- Jeweller’s workbenchPhoto by Thomas Farley, CC0
- KusiPhoto courtesy of Kusi
- Locavore NXTPhoto courtesy of Locavore NXT
- Room4DessertPhoto courtesy of Room4Dessert
- Syrco BASÈPhoto courtesy of Syrco BASÈ
- Merah PutihPhoto courtesy of Merah Putih
- CucaPhoto courtesy of Cuca
- Wet Plate KitchenPhoto courtesy of Wet Plate Kitchen
- Vincent’sPhoto courtesy of Vincent’s
- Dapur Bali MulaPhoto courtesy of Dapur Bali Mula
- Plataran MenjanganPhoto courtesy of Plataran Menjangan
- The MenjanganPhoto courtesy of The Menjangan
- Mimpi Resort MenjanganPhoto courtesy of Mimpi Resort Menjangan