How to Plan a Trip to Bali: A Complete Travel Guide for Indians
Bali, the tropical paradise of Indonesia, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Bali offers something for everyone, whether you’re organizing an exciting escape, a romantic honeymoon, or a laid-back beach vacation. From choosing an airport to lodging alternatives, food options, attractions, and visa information, this all-inclusive guide by Fly For Holidays will guide you through every stage of organizing your trip to Bali.
Best Time to Visit Bali
The best time to visit Bali depends on what you’re looking for in your Bali Trip, but generally, the dry season from April to October is considered the best time to go. Here’s a breakdown of each season:
April to October (Dry Season)
This is the peak season for tourists. This is the perfect time of year for beaches, diving, and trekking and sightseeing because of the warm, sunny days that are expected to have little to no rain. But be aware that it can get more congested, particularly in well-known locations like Uluwatu, Seminyak, and Ubud.
- Temperature: Around 27–30°C (81–86°F).
- Tip: To prevent increased costs and limited availability, reserve accommodations and tours in advance.
November to March (Wet Season)
While Bali is still stunning at this time of year, outdoor pursuits like trekking and surfing may not be the best during the rainy season. Because there are less people, you may locate lodging deals and stay away from the throng. Heavy downpours typically occur in the afternoon or evening during Bali’s rainy season. There can be a lot of humidity.
- Temperature: Similar to the dry season, ranging from 26–30°C (79–86°F).
- Tip: This can still be an excellent time for a more sedate journey if you don’t mind the occasional shower because the rain normally doesn’t last all day.
April, May, and September (Shoulder Season)
Prices will be lower and attractions will be less crowded, even the weather will still be fantastic for all of your activities. a combination of the greatest features of both worlds: comparatively mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and less rain.
- Temperature: Around 27–30°C (81–86°F).
- Tip: Booking early in this season secures the best deals and availability. The pleasant weather is ideal for outdoor activities, but avoid local holidays like Nyepi to ensure a smoother experience.
Suggested Read: “7 Days Bali Trip Cost from India
Direct and Nearby Airport Options for a Hassle-Free Journey
There are numerous flight alternatives to get to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, regardless of whether you’re leaving from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore. Depending on layovers, the flight times usually vary from 9 to 14 hours, and the cost varies according to the time of year and the reservation. From airlines and layovers to fare estimates and booking advice, this thorough guide will help you make sense of your options.
Departure City | Airport Option | Airlines | Duration | Fares (Approx. per person) | Booking Tip |
Delhi | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines | 8-9 hours (via layovers) | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | Book 2-3 months in advance for better rates; look for layover flights via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. |
Mumbai | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines | 9-11 hours (via layovers) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | Use flight comparison tools; flexible dates often yield cheaper fares. |
Bangalore | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia | 9-11 hours (via layovers) | ₹28,000 – ₹45,000 | Look for deals during the off-season (April to June). |
Chennai | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | SriLankan Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines | 9-10 hours (via layovers) | ₹25,000 – ₹42,000 | Book early; try combining low-cost carriers for a cheaper option. |
Kolkata | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Garuda Indonesia | 9-11 hours (via layovers) | ₹30,000 – ₹48,000 | Look for budget carriers via Bangkok or Singapore for better rates. |
Hyderabad | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Qatar Airways | 10-12 hours (via layovers) | ₹28,000 – ₹47,000 | Check for deals 2-3 months ahead for the best fares. |
Kochi (Cochin) | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | SriLankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia | 9-10 hours (via layovers) | ₹26,000 – ₹43,000 | Flexible dates help you find cheaper flights with longer layovers. |
Ahmedabad | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India | 11-13 hours (via layovers) | ₹32,000 – ₹50,000 | Keep an eye on discounts from Middle Eastern carriers. |
Lucknow | Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar (DPS) | Emirates, Qatar Airways, AirAsia | 11-14 hours (via layovers) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | Best to book well in advance for lower costs. |
Selecting layover flights can frequently be cheaper than flying non-stop, flying Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday is usually a cheaper option as well. Buy tickets two to three months ahead of time, primarily during peak season. You can find savings by taking budget airlines, even with layover time increasing. Fly For Holiday has rolled out Bali Tour Packages so that you can relax and enjoy your vacation while we take care of all the paperwork and travel reservations. Return flights are listed below.
Departure City | Airport Option | Airlines | Duration | Fares (Approx. per person) | Booking Tip |
Bali (Denpasar) | Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi (DEL) | Air India, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines | 8-10 hours (via layovers) | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 | Book in advance; check for deals via Middle Eastern carriers. |
Bali (Denpasar) | Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai (BOM) | Emirates, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia | 9-12 hours (via layovers) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | Flexible dates can help find cheaper fares; book 2-3 months ahead. |
Bali (Denpasar) | Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (BLR) | AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways | 9-11 hours (via layovers) | ₹28,000 – ₹45,000 | Look for flights with longer layovers for budget-friendly options. |
Bali (Denpasar) | Chennai International Airport (MAA) | SriLankan Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines | 9-10 hours (via layovers) | ₹25,000 – ₹42,000 | Check for deals with SriLankan Airlines, especially during off-season. |
Bali (Denpasar) | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata (CCU) | Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Garuda Indonesia | 9-11 hours (via layovers) | ₹30,000 – ₹48,000 | Book early, look for budget options via Singapore or Bangkok. |
Bali (Denpasar) | Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad (HYD) | Qatar Airways, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines | 10-12 hours (via layovers) | ₹28,000 – ₹47,000 | Flexible dates and booking 2-3 months ahead can reduce fares. |
Bali (Denpasar) | Cochin International Airport (COK) | SriLankan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia | 9-10 hours (via layovers) | ₹26,000 – ₹43,000 | Look for offers during the off-peak seasons (April to June). |
Bali (Denpasar) | Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad (AMD) | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India | 11-13 hours (via layovers) | ₹32,000 – ₹50,000 | Keep an eye out for promotions from Middle Eastern airlines. |
Bali (Denpasar) | Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow (LKO) | Qatar Airways, Emirates, AirAsia | 11-14 hours (via layovers) | ₹30,000 – ₹50,000 | Book early for better deals; try different airlines for options. |
Where to Stay in Bali?
The following list includes details about the best 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels in Bali, as well as their prices and their USP’s. Highly Recommended 3-Star Hotels- Hotel Santika Kuta
- The Bene Hotel Seminyak
- The Westin Resort Nusa Dua
- Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali
- Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
- The St. Regis Bali Resort
- The Mulia, Nusa Dua
Best Indian Dining Options in Bali
Travelers can savor their favorite Indian cuisine while they’re away thanks to Bali’s abundance of Indian dining options. Here are a few well-regarded Indian eateries in Bali:
Queen’s Tandoor, Bali
Queen’s Tandoor is renowned for its excellent service and genuine North Indian flavors. The restaurant welcomes visitors with a wide range of tastes and has a wonderful atmosphere. Indians love this place because of its flavorful, delectable tandoor dishes and curries.
- Location: Legian No. 88, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia
- Ratings: 4.2 stars (as per Google Maps)
- Timings: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Signature Dishes: Butter Chicken, Lamb Rogan Josh, Tandoori Platter, Paneer Tikka
Bali Bites
Bali Bites is renowned for its fusion cuisine, which combines international cuisine with traditional Indian flavors. Families and tourists seeking a varied menu will love this restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere and selection of Indian and international cuisine.
- Location: Raya Kerobokan No. 55, Kerobokan, Bali, Indonesia
- Ratings: 4.8 stars (as per Google Maps)
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Signature Dishes: Biryani, Chana Masala, Mutton Seekh Kebab, Vegetable Makhanwala
Sizzler Bali
The distinctive “sizzler” dishes that combine Indian and international flavors on a hot, sizzling platter are what make Sizzler Bali stand out. For both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, it’s a fantastic choice, particularly for those who prefer a hot, steaming meal delivered right to their table.
- Location: Sunset Road No. 88, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
- Ratings: 4.0 stars (as per Google Maps)
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
- Signature Dishes: Sizzler Platter, Tandoori Chicken, Fish Curry, Prawn Masala
Moti Mahal Delux
Offering real Mughlai and North Indian food, Moti Mahal Delux is a member of the well-known Moti Mahal chain worldwide. The restaurant is a must-visit for anyone in Bali who is craving Indian food because of its excellent reviews for its rich flavors, expert service, and premium ingredients.
- Location: Petitenget No. 100, Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
- Ratings: 4.2 stars (as per Google Maps)
- Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Signature Dishes: Murg Tikka Masala, Lamb Nihari, Dal Makhani, Naan Breads
Indian Tandoor
The ideal combination of tasty Indian cuisine and a cozy, laid-back dining atmosphere can be found at Indian Tandoor, a must-visit for lovers of traditional Indian cuisine. Everyone loves this place’s butter chicken!
- Location: Kayu Aya No.86, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
- Ratings: 4.4 stars (as per Google Maps)
- Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Signature Dishes: Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, Naan
Suggested Read: “Top 10 Indian Restaurants in Bali for Authentic Flavours
Top Sightseeing Attractions in Bali
Bali is famed for its stunning natural scenery, colorful culture and spiritual significance. Here are some top attractions of Bali:
Uluwatu Temple
Known for its spectacular cliffside location with ocean views, regular sunset Kecak Fire Dance performances and historical significance as one of the six important spiritual temples in Bali that protects the island from evil spirit. Visitors are drawn to not only the beautiful architecture, but also to the cultural experience of observing the traditional dance performance overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (Ubud)
There are over 115 species of trees at the Monkey Forest, along with hundreds of Balinese macaques, which makes it an interesting place to visit. Knowing that the Ubud Monkey Forest is a conservation and research centre with studies conducted on the monkeys’ interactions and behaviour adds even more value to a visit as it is informative, too.
Mount Batur
Mount Batur is an active volcano located in the Kintamani region of Bali, Indonesia. It rises to a height of 1,717 meters (5,633 feet) and is one of Bali’s popular trekking destinations for outdoor adventure fans. The trek will usually commence in the early hours of the morning so trekkers can experience the amazing views of sunrise at the summit. The scenery is wonderful at the top, with panoramic views of Lake Batur and the adjacent mountains.
Tegallalang Rice Terraces
Tegallalang Village, situated in northern Bali, is well-known for its beautiful rice terraces, often cited as some of the most magnificent in the world. These rice terraces have existed for over 2,000 years, built by farmers with primitive tools, and are still capable of functioning awfuly well collecting, retaining, and distributing, the essential rainwater. The Tegallalang Rice Terraces in Ubud are famous for their natural beauty, as well as their unique subak irrigation system. Taking pictures here is the ideal backdrop to experience Bali’s rural life.
Nusa Penida
Renowned for its rugged cliffs, stunning clean blue waters, and popular viewpoints like Kelingking Beach (famous for its T-Rex shaped cliff), and Diamond Beach, with stunning natural beauty and an off the beaten track feel to experience the real vibes of Bali. This is also a great place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts in search of spectacular scenery for diving and snorkeling between marine life. Places like Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach are just two of the most exemplary landforms.
Steps to Get Indonesia VOA
Applying for a Bali Visa for Indians is easy and can be done online. Here is all the information you require:
Visa Categories
- Visa on Arrival: 30 days to 60 days
- Tourist Visa: 60 days to 180 days
- Business Visa: 60 days to 180 days
- Social, Cultural, and Family Visa: 60 days (Approx.)
Required Documents
- Passport (good for six months)
- A passport size photo with a white background
- Visa Fee (Payment for the Visa on Arrival)
- Visa Application Form
- Verified flight tickets & return flight ticket
- Confirmation of hotel reservation
- Cover Letter (Depending on the type of visa)
- Company Registration Certificate
- Invitation Letter (invitation from the Indonesian company or business entity)
- Sponsor / Relative Documents (If applicable)
- ID proofs like Aadhar card, Pan card, Birth certificate for minors (Optional)
Time and Cost of Processing
- 5 to 7 working days
- About INR 7,500 to 10,000.
Tip: For a seamless and speedy Bali visa approval process, apply through reputable agents like Fly For Holidays.
Practical Travel Advice
Currency
The official currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). It’s best to carry cash, especially in rural areas; many places do not take cards. You can exchange your currency at the airport, banks, or ATMs. Make sure to keep small bills for easy payments.
Transportation: Luckily, taxis (use your iPhone or Android phone and look for cars with Bluebird taxi signs) and ride-sharing options (Uber, Grab, etc.) are a regular thing in the major cities. Renting a scooter costs about INR 355 a day but make sure to wear a helmet and ride safely. Hiring a private driver is also a good option if you want comfort.
Language: Indonesian is the official language, but don’t worry; English is widely spoken especially in tourist areas. It’s helpful to learn some phrases such as “Terima Kasih” (Thank you), etc. to improve communication.
Itinerary Tips: Be thoughtful in developing your days: you could spend your 3-4 days in Seminyak/Kuta, 2-3 days in Ubud learning culture, and 1-2 days in Nusa Dua relaxing. An important tip is to get an early start to beat any crowds, especially with temples and nature.
Dress code: Casual everyday attire is dependable during the day. For temples, you are expected to wear modest attire, with a sarong and sash (offered from the temple) (not allowed jeans). Swimwear is permitted at beaches, pools, and resorts.
SIM card & Internet: Purchase an inexpensive local SIM card at the airport, or any convenience store. The plans are generally between INR 535 to 1070 for 7-30 days depending on the plans. Most cafes and hotels offer free wi-fi.
Tickets for Activities: The entry fee for temples can be anywhere from INR 160 to 535. Organized activities (e.g., Mount Batur trekking, water sports, etc.) will cost approximately INR 800 to 5,340. Some other culturally specific events could require tickets or special protocol to participate.
Conclusion: Why Bali Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
Bali is a beautiful place that is full of natural beauty, diverse culture, and a multitude of activities for every kind of traveler. Fly For Holidays offers various International Tour Packages & specifically personalized Bali tour packages that include Stunning beaches, beautiful temples, first-class resorts, and amazing food. No matter if you are taking a vacation as a family, a honeymoon, or going solo, Bali is a place you must put on your travel bucket list!
FAQ'S on Planning a trip to Bali
How much will a Bali trip cost?
A seven-day trip to Bali from India can range from ₹60,000 to ₹1,20,000 per person, based on travel style. Budget trips start from around ₹60,000, and comfortable trips can range from ₹1,20,000 or more. The main costs will be return airfare, accommodation, food, local transport, and activities.
Is a Bali visa free for Indians?
Bali is not visa-free for Indian citizens, but a Visa on Arrival (VoA) is available for tourist stays of up to 30 days. For longer stays, Indian nationals must apply for an extendable VoA or an e-Visa before traveling.
What is Bali famous for?
Bali is well-known for its stunning natural environment, including beaches, rice fields, and volcanoes. Bali is additionally known for its rich culture, Hindu tradition, performance arts (dance and sculpting) and spiritual sites (temples). Other benefits that Bali offers tourists include adventure sports (surfing, diving), diverse food options, and warm hospitality from locals.
What is the best time to visit Bali?
The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, during the dry season, offering sunny weather perfect for outdoor activities. For fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder months of April, May, and September are ideal. The rainy season (November–March) is great for budget travelers and those wanting to experience local ceremonies.
Is Indian currency accepted in Bali?
It’s best to purchase US dollars and carry them to Bali for exchange into Indonesian Rupiah, as the exchange rate for the Rupiah is generally unfavorable in India. Additionally, Indian Rupees are rarely accepted for exchange or payment in Indonesia.
How many days are enough for Bali?
To get a full experience of Bali, 7 to 10 days gives you a good mix of top sights and time to relax. A shorter 5 days will give you a sense of the island. If you travel for 14 days or more, you will be able to see a lot more of Bali and other areas.
What is famous food in Bali?
Bali boasts a selection of wonderful foods, including Babi Guling, or roast suckling pig, Nasi Campur, or mixed rice and side dishes, and Sate Lilit, or minced meat satay (usually fish). Other favorites include Mie Goreng, or opened fried noodles, Nasi Goreng, or opened fried rice, Bebek Betutu, or duck prepared to be stewed, and many kinds of spices orsambal.
What language is spoken in Bali?
The three primary languages in Bali are Indonesian, Balinese, and English. Indonesian is the official language of Indonesia, spoken by the majority of people in the country. It also serves as an inter-language across the archipelago, aiding travel and communication. Indonesian is regarded as one of the most spoken languages in the world.
Where to stay in Bali?
The optimal location to stay in Bali relies on what sort of traveler you happen to be. Canggu delivers a fashionable and surf-friendly environment, while Ubud is great for culture and relaxation. Seminyak is more centered around upscale dining, shopping, and night-life. Nusa Dua is ideal for travelers looking for luxury resorts, families, and children. Sanur offers a more laid-back vibe for every age group. Uluwatu is best for stunning views of cliff-top villas and surf breaks.
Where should I go for the first time in Bali?
If you’re visiting Bali for the first time, you can’t miss Ubud, the cultural center; Seminyak, the chic seaside town; and Uluwatu, for its wonderful cliff top views. Other highlights are the temple of Tanah Lot for the sunset; the family-friendly Nusa Dua with its calm beaches; and Canggu, a cool mix of beach, cafes, and surf.
