The Ultimate Bali Travel Guide for Aussies

Bali is easily Australia’s top backyard holiday spot, but how much do you actually know about this Indonesian paradise?

Incredible travel experiences go far beyond just the surfing, late-night parties, and possible tattoo you may regret later. 

If you still haven’t been to Bali yet, it’s definitely time to get it on your travel radar. This little slice of holiday heaven is just a short flight away, helping Indonesia surpass New Zealand as the top destination for short-term trips by Aussies.  

Whether you’re a Bali newbie or it’s already become like your second home, this ultimate guide highlights the hotspots and hidden gems to make sure you experience the best Bali has to offer.

First things first, let’s talk about how easy it is for Australians to visit Bali. Direct flights from several East Coast cities take just a little over 6 hours, and you can further reduce that by a few hours if flying out of Perth. Denpasar International Airport is Indonesia’s second busiest, with plenty of easy transport options to your hotel, whether by airport shuttle, Bluebird taxi, or local rideshare apps. 

There’s no need to stress about lengthy or complicated visa applications since Bali offers two simple options for purchasing the required tourist visa for Australians. If you like to plan ahead, you can go online and purchase a 30-day e-VoA visa via the Official Indonesian immigration website, so long as you do so at least 48 hours before your trip begins.

Alternatively, if you tend to procrastinate, you can simply get your visa at the airport when you arrive by paying with cash or with a credit card. The current cost of the 30-day tourist visa is $50 AUD, and there’s an option to extend your Bali holiday by an additional 30 days if you simply can’t get enough of all this travel hotspot has to offer. 

Besides ensuring you have had routine vaccines to protect against things like hepatitis A and B or typhoid, know that you are likely to be required to fill out a local health declaration covering your current health status and travel history to gain entry into Indonesia. This is known as the SATUSEHAT Health Pass, and this can easily be completed online before you arrive.

Bali might be an easy, close-to-home escape, but comprehensive travel insurance is still a must when planning your Indonesian getaway. Our competitive policies offer a range of benefits, including unlimited overseas medical cover, protection for over 90 sports and activities, and up to $20,000 in cancellation cover with our Top Policies.  

There’s no denying that Bali’s beaches are what lure many Aussies, despite having some pretty iconic beaches right here at home. Bali packs quite a punch for its size in terms of offering exceptional stretches of sand, with more than 50 named beaches, including notable hotspots and hidden gems.

Each beach has its unique vibe to it, whether you’re in a party mood, want to catch some waves, or simply wish to find relaxation and solitude in paradise. 

Party-goers and first-time visitors should start with Kuta Beach, arguably Bali’s most famous, where you can learn how to surf during the day and then ride out the beats of the nightlife scene well into the early morning hours. 

Then there’s Seminyak Beach, Kuta’s more stylish and swankier sibling that offers the perfect spot to catch a sunset while lounging at an upscale beach club.  

If you’re celebrating a honeymoon or maybe trying to impress that new crush you met while backpacking in Bali, then maybe head to one of Bali’s more romantic stretches of sand found at Jimbaran Beach. You’ll find many high-end seafood restaurants that offer sensual seaside sunset views. 

Families visiting Bali often book into a luxurious beachfront resort on Nusa Dua, which sits tucked away on the island’s southeastern coastline. Enjoy one of Bali’s cleanest white sand beaches alongside calm and shallow waters that are perfect for younger kids. Snorkelling is also popular here thanks to the coral reef that sits just offshore. 

Highly skilled surfers or travellers with a more adventurous spirit will be right at home on Padang Padang Beach or the several beaches around Uluwatu, including Bingin, Dreamland, and Suluban. Meanwhile, skilled divers as well as nature lovers may want to consider checking out Amed Beach.  

While there are plenty of experiences to keep you busy for months on Bali itself, there are several nearby smaller islands you won’t want to miss. Many islands lie just a short boat trip away from popular Bali tourist spots and can help take your Indonesian holiday to the next level.

Exploring the smaller islands offers you the chance to take in a quieter and less developed side of Indonesia, away from all the crowds. 

Let us begin with Nusa Penida, which is eagerly awaiting your arrival off Bali’s southeast coast across the Badung Strait. You can find yourself in a natural paradise in as little as 30 minutes, where a number of critically endangered and endemic bird species fly overhead, and several insanely beautiful beaches and waterfalls beckon you.

Nusa Penida’s Kelingking Beach has quickly become a star of Instagram thanks to the unique shape of its cliffs. Aerial views reveal what looks to be a large dinosaur trying to swallow up the ocean, which has led to the beach earning its nickname, T-Rex Beach.

Nusa Penida’s attractions simply don’t end, with opportunities to get spiritual in a cave at the Goa Giri Putri Temple, hike the fairytale-looking Teletubbies Hill, or take a dip in a natural infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong. 

The much smaller sister of Nusa Penida is even more relaxed and dreamy. Travel takes on a much slower pace here, allowing you time to rejuvenate and let the natural tropical vibes activate all your senses.

The island delivers up beautiful white sand beaches like Dream Beach, as well as Jungut Batu Beach with its impressive views of Mount Agun. Popular scuba diving and snorkel spots can be found at Crystal Bay, Manta Point, and Mangrove Forest Reef, alongside popular surfing spots that include the Playgrounds, Lacerations, and Shipwrecks, which offer even more reasons to visit Lembongan.

Because of Nusa Lembongan’s size and ability to get around easily, you can explore the entire island by bike or scooter in a single day, and you can even tackle an additional bonus island by crossing the adventurous and very photogenic yellow suspension bridge that will lead you to Nusa Ceningan.  

Travellers looking to dive deeper into the real heart of Bali, beyond just the beaches and party beats, will discover a place where nature and spirituality intertwine seamlessly. To take time to seek out Bali’s many natural and cultural experiences is to witness the true, authentic side of this Indonesian paradise. 

Mount Batur is Bali’s famous active volcano where hikers can tackle the summit trail to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Treks to the summit often begin very early in the morning, about the same time partygoers and the club scene are just starting to come to an end, and you can extend your trek by exploring the volcanic crater. 

Right in the heart of Bali, you can join hundreds of long-tailed macaques in Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary. Much more than just a wildlife attraction, the site is dedicated to Siva, the Hindu god of the forest, where the monkeys play among some fascinating stone temples, bridges, and statues. 

One of Bali’s most photogenic spots has to be the Tegallalang Rice Terraces, which stretch across the central highlands near Ubud. Walking the paths that lead between the various vivid green terraces not only provides exceptional scenery but also a time for peace and reflection away from the crowds of the popular tourist towns.

If you are looking for even more solitude, consider the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces of western Bali, which are less visited than the more well-known Tegallalang Rice Terraces. 

There are temples, and then there is the very dramatic seaside Uluwatu Temple that looks like it was plucked straight out of a children’s storybook or some fictional kingdom. The Hindu Sea temple sits perched on a cliff some 70 metres above the ocean below.

In addition to sharing the sight with cheeky thieving macaques, there are daily traditional Balinese performances known as Kecak Dances, which take place in the evenings around sunset. The dance artistically recreates the story of the battle between Prince Rama and the demon king Ravana.

Why settle for just one temple when you can visit the Besakih Temple complex on Mount Agung and witness nearly two dozen temples all at once? There are grand courtyards, buildings with pagoda-style roofs, countless colourful shrines, and the opportunity to witness various Hindu traditions. And half the fun is simply getting here, thanks to the scenic drive that cuts through some of the terraced rice fields mentioned earlier.

Bali also offers adrenaline-pumping white water rafting experiences thanks to places like the Ayung River, which takes visitors through dense jungle. You’ll find it near Ubud, and this spot has quickly become one of Bali’s most popular white water rafting destinations. The rapids are also perfect for families or first-timers who are not looking to tackle too great of a challenge.

On the other hand, if you are looking to test your nerves a bit more, then look to the Telaga Waja River in Bali’s east.  This river’s more powerful and fast-moving currents offer a far more intense and challenging rafting experience.

BBali remains a top pick for Aussie travellers thanks to its short flight times, easy visa options, and rich mix of experiences. From the lively beaches of Kuta and Seminyak to the serene shores of Nusa Dua and the adventurous waves of Uluwatu, Bali’s coastline caters to every kind of beach lover. Nearby islands like Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan offer quieter escapes with stunning natural beauty and unique attractions.

Beyond the beaches, Bali’s heart beats in its cultural and natural wonders. Hike Mount Batur for a sunrise like no other, wander through the sacred monkey forest in Ubud, and marvel at the iconic Tegallalang and Jatiluwih rice terraces. Temples like Uluwatu and Besakih showcase Bali’s spiritual depth, while rivers like Ayung and Telaga Waja offer thrilling rafting adventures.

Whether you're chasing sunsets, spiritual serenity, or adrenaline-fueled fun, Bali delivers a diverse and unforgettable holiday experience.

Whether you’re drawn to Bali’s iconic beaches, eager to explore its nearby islands, or craving a deeper connection to its rich culture and stunning nature, this Indonesian paradise really does have something for every type of Aussie traveller.

Bali’s diversity, along with its easy accessibility and affordability for Australians, makes it the ultimate quick holiday getaway experience, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or something in between.

It is important to check the appropriate authority for the most up-to-date travel requirements.