Explore Bali: The Ultimate Guide for Indian Travelers in Bali
If you’re looking to find a paradise as perfect as heaven, you really don’t need to look any further. The small little island in Indonesia we know as Bali, is the most ideal destination for honeymoons, family trips, and even solo travel. People from all over come to explore this hidden gem for an adventure of a lifetime.
For Indians seeking a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking sights and landscapes, Bali stands as the most ideal place for exploration. Whatever reason you would like to explore the island, here is your ultimate guide for Indian travelers in Bali.
As I am not an expert, this guide is for informational purposes only. Remember that every journey is unique, and while our recommendations are offered with sincerity, they are not substitutes for your own research. This is more of a helpful nudge in the right direction, but I encourage you to do your own research as this is from our own personal experience.
Why is Bali the perfect destination for Indian travelers?
Deep historical and religious ties
Did you know that hundreds of years ago, Indian culture made its way to this little island in Indonesia? Yep! Hinduism is still the main religion in Bali, even though the rest of Indonesia is predominantly Muslim. You’ll find beautiful Vishnu and Shiv temples scattered across the island, and trust me, they’re absolutely worth the visit.
Abundance of Vegetarian Food
With the Hindu tradition that exists throughout Bali, vegan food is fairly common. There are also countless Indian cuisine restaurants throughout the island. While it’s not quite as vegetarian friendly as India itself, Bali is certainly not too far behind on the list of most vegetarian friendly countries.
Extremely Budget Friendly
One of the best things about Bali for Indian travelers? It won’t have your wallet crying by the end of the trip. Compared to other popular travel destinations, Bali is super affordable. The currency exchange rate is pretty favorable, so you’ll find that things like food, accommodations, and activities are much more budget-friendly than you’d think. You can totally live your best vacation life without having to dip into your savings too much.
Perfect Location for Cheap Flights
Another plus for Indian travelers? Bali isn’t too far by plane. The flight isn’t crazy long, and you can often snag some great deals on flights if you book at the right time. And guess what? Bali drives on the left side of the road, just like in India, so you won’t need to panic about adjusting to the traffic. One less thing to worry about when you’re driving around the island.
Paradise on Earth
From lush green rice terraces to picture-perfect beaches, every corner of Bali feels like it belongs on a postcard. And the best part? You can experience all this without feeling overwhelmed. The island’s laid-back vibe is contagious, and you’ll find yourself slowing down and just soaking it all in. It’s a refreshing change of pace!
Overall, Indian travelers in Bali should find the island to be perfectly safe and an excellent choice for cultural exploration in one of the most scenic places in the world.
Preparation for your trip
Visa
One of the first things you should check before traveling anywhere is the visa situation—because no one wants to land at their dream destination and get stuck at immigration!
Good news for Indian travelers: Bali offers a visa on arrival for Indian passport holders, which makes things super convenient. As of now, you just need to make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months, and you’re pretty much set. The visa itself costs around $35 USD and is valid for 30 days. You can grab it when you land—no stress! A little tip: it might be handy to carry $100 in cash and ask to get some Indonesian rupiah (IDR) in return when you pay. Just remember to mention that’s the currency you want, so you’re not left juggling random bills.
Oh, and if you’ve got a long layover in another country and you plan on stepping outside the airport, make sure to check that country’s visa rules, too. No one likes surprises at customs!
Return Flight
Heads up: You’ll need a return ticket when you arrive in Bali. It’s not just for immigration—your airline will likely ask for it before you even board. So, make sure you’ve got those round-trip plans sorted!
Best Time to Travel to Bali
Bali’s busiest season runs from April to October, which means prices go up, and so do the number of tourists. If you’re someone who loves a good crowd (or doesn’t mind paying a little extra), this is your time! But if you’re like me and prefer a more chill vibe, the shoulder season—late September to October—is ideal. It’s still sunny, but the crowds start to thin out, and you’ll likely find better deals.
If you’re thinking about traveling between October and April, that’s Bali’s monsoon season. It’s cheaper but be prepared to dodge some rain clouds. The weather can be a little unpredictable, so it’s kind of a gamble. You might get lucky with sunshine—or you might end up bonding with your umbrella!
Tips for Indian travelers in Bali
WHERE TO STAY IN BALI
There is an absolute abundance of amazing spots to stay in Bali. But depending on what you want out of your vacation, the place you chose to stay matters the most.
Read our post for the best walkable locations in Bali, if you are worried about the expenses of rides and transportation. Of course if transportation isn’t a concern, you can’t really go wrong with staying in any of the popular spots in Bali. Here are the top destinations to stay in Bali.
Uluwatu
Looking for those “I’m on a private beach” feels? Uluwatu is your go-to! It’s pretty close to the airport and offers some super dreamy cliffside beaches. You’ll feel like you’ve discovered your own hidden gem—just you and the ocean. But (surprise, surprise) you’re not the only one who thinks Uluwatu is a slice of paradise, so it can get crowded. Even with the beach-goers, though, Uluwatu has a peaceful vibe with stunning views, especially from the Uluwatu temple. Perfect if you want to just relax and soak in the gorgeous views.
Amed and North East Bali
If you’re craving a more laid-back, countryside escape, Amed is where you’ll want to be. Picture black sand beaches (yes, black!) with mountains in the background and a slower, peaceful pace. Amed is also great if you want to get your dive on— you can find shipwrecks and diverse sea life. You’ll also find the most aesthetic little cafes and the best views of the mountains in this area.
Canggu and Seminyak
In this popular area of Bali, you’ll find many shops and restaurants only a few minutes walk from idyllic little beaches. There’s always something going on in this part of the island, so it’s not likely you can be bored. If you’re into the cute cafe aesthetic, and love a good beach day, this is the perfect place for you.
Ubud
Ubud is like the soul of Bali—right in the middle of the island and full of charm. If you’re into rice fields, waterfalls, and a bit of jungle aesthetic, Ubud is where you’ll find it. The town center is packed with shops and veggie-friendly restaurants (hello, vegetarian travelers!). It’s also a great place to set up base if you want to explore the island from a central location.
Traveling Bali as a vegetarian/vegan
For our fellow Indian travelers, if you’re worried about finding vegetarian food in Bali, take a deep breath—you’re going to be fine! Bali is kind of like vegetarian heaven. Whether you’re into local Balinese cuisine or something a bit more familiar, you’ll find loads of vegan and vegetarian options. Ubud, in particular, is like the unofficial veggie capital of the island, with plenty of Indian restaurants sprinkled throughout.
That being said, a lot of restaurants here aren’t exclusively vegetarian, which is pretty common once you step outside of India. So, while you’ll find a ton of plant-based dishes, many spots also serve meat or eggs. Pro tip: always double-check the menu for those sneaky egg-based dishes, and don’t hesitate to mention “no eggs, please” if that’s a dealbreaker for you.
If eating at a place that serves non-veg makes you uncomfortable, I totally get it. In that case, do a bit of research beforehand. Ubud, again, is your best bet for fully vegetarian spots. And if you really want to take control of what’s on your plate, renting an Airbnb with a kitchen could be a lifesaver (and great if you’re worried about getting Bali belly—more on that in a sec).
Avoid Bali Belly
Ah, the infamous Bali belly. Think of it like Delhi belly, but Bali-style. It’s basically the stomach issues that come from drinking tap water or eating something that doesn’t sit well with your system. Some travelers have no problems, while others might, unfortunately, find themselves down for the count.
The best way to avoid Bali belly? Just say no to tap water. Seriously, don’t even brush your teeth with it. Stick to bottled water for everything—drinking, brushing, and even washing fruit. You’ll hear horror stories from other travelers about a simple sip of tap water turning into days (or even weeks) of stomach troubles, so better safe than sorry.
As for food, stick to well-reviewed restaurants and skip the street food unless you’re feeling really brave. The key is just being cautious and smart about what you eat, but as long as you play it safe, you’ll be just fine and can enjoy all the amazing food Bali has to offer without any surprises!
Temples in Bali
Bali is home to so many beautiful Hindu temples, and for Indian travelers, it can feel pretty amazing to see temples outside of India. Most temples require visitors to wear a sarong (especially for women), and it’s a good idea to cover your shoulders too—so keep that in mind when packing.
While these temples are stunning, some of the more popular ones can feel a bit more like tourist traps than spiritual spots. They often charge an entrance fee, and the crowds can take away from the experience. So, while visiting the iconic temples is definitely a must, just be prepared for a mix of culture and tourism.
Ultimately, just be aware that some temples are just tourist traps.
Currency and Money in Bali
When it comes to money, here’s the deal: bring some USD with you before you leave India. Exchanging INR to IDR in Bali can be tricky, and no one wants to deal with money issues on vacation. Make sure your bills are in perfect condition, or they might not accept them for exchange—seriously, Bali is picky about that!
Cash will be your best friend on this trip, but you’ll need a good international credit or debit card for ATMs and bigger expenses. Double-check with your bank to make sure your card will work in Indonesia. You don’t want to arrive and realize your card’s having a vacation of its own! It’s also smart to pay for things like hotels and activities in advance, so you’re not stuck in a situation where your card isn’t accepted (been there, done that, not fun).
Traveling Bali on a budget
Yes, Bali can totally be a budget-friendly trip, but only if you’ve got a good handle on the currency. The IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) has some crazy-high numbers compared to INR, so it’s easy to get confused. For example, 50 INR is around 10,000 IDR, and if you’re not careful, those big numbers can make you overspend. Definitely get familiar with the currency before you go so you can avoid any oops moments with your money.
Booking your flights and hotels in advance will help keep things under control, but don’t forget about the little things like food, transportation, and fun activities. These can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to check out restaurants near where you’re staying and plan your activities beforehand. That way, you won’t be caught off guard by the extra costs.
And let’s not forget transportation! Bali doesn’t have the best public transport system, so you’ll probably need to use taxis or rent a scooter—factor that into your budget as well.
Transportation in Bali
Getting around Bali is pretty affordable, and you’ve got a few solid options. Renting a private car for a day to explore the island won’t break the bank, though prices can vary depending on how long you’re out and about and which parts of the island you’re visiting.
You can also use ride-sharing apps like Gojek and Grab. But be aware that these services are banned in certain areas, so double-check where you are before trying to book a ride. Generally, the closer you are to the airport or busier parts of Bali, the easier it is to find them.
For ultimate freedom, renting a scooter is a great option, and it’s pretty cheap. Just keep in mind that you’ll need an international driving permit, and Bali isn’t the place to try and learn how to drive a scooter! If you’re not already comfortable with scooters, it’s safer to stick with other transportation options. Don’t forget their different traffic rules as well.
When in doubt, walking is always a good choice to explore Bali at your own pace and soak in the scenery.
Conclusion
With this information, make sure you make a plan for what works best for you. There are endless amounts of things to do in Bali, so it might help to make a day to day routine for your trip. Each location offers something unique.
Also, remember to be mindful while you’re there. Bali is a beautiful place, and keeping it that way means respecting the local culture and environment. Don’t litter, and be careful not to step on the offerings you’ll see in the streets.
One thing we loved during our time there is how friendly the Balinese people are—many even love Bollywood and Indian culture! It’s a great place to make connections while experiencing a unique part of the world.
We hope you have an amazing time in Bali! And if you’ve got any tips for fellow Indian travelers, leave a comment to share your advice!
Maeve & Kart
Ram ram!
We’re Maeve & Kart – an introverted American girl with a love for letters, flowers, and chai on one side, and an introverted extrovert nature enthusiast Indian boy with a sweet tooth on the other.
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We write for all aspiring travelers, folks in long distance and multicultural relationships, and those kindred spirits out there looking for advice on life in India as a foreigner.
As an American/Indian couple, we are currently living together in India in a cross cultural relationship as a result of one of few successful long distance love stories.
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Maeve & Kart
Our Long Distance Story
We are Maeve and Kart – a long distance married couple from America and India.
To all kindred spirits out there trying to navigate a multicultural or a long distance relationship, you’re not alone. Learn from our own experiences of how we finally found each other from across the world and remain together living with a blend of both cultures and languages.
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