Bali Holidays

What makes Bali a good choice for holidays?

Bali is easy to tailor to different travel styles, from relaxed resort stays to active, sight-led itineraries.

• A strong mix of beaches, nature and cultural sites in one compact destination
• Family-friendly options including calm-water beaches, resorts and day trips
• Plenty of choice: all-inclusive hotels, boutique stays, villas and luxury resorts
• Great for a split stay: Ubud + a south-coast beach base is a classic combination
• A lively food and café scene, plus water sports and surf schools in key areas

What are the top things to do in Bali?

Bali suits travellers who like to balance beach days with a few standout experiences. Plan a mix of nature, temples and one “big day” (volcano sunrise, national park, or a classic coastal temple route).

Which natural highlights should you prioritise in Bali?

• Mount Batur: an active volcano and one of Bali’s most sacred mountains; popular for sunrise climbs
• Rice terraces and jungle valleys: easy half-day trips from Ubud with classic landscapes
• Waterfalls: a strong add-on to inland touring, especially if you want a break from the coast
• West Bali National Park: a quieter, less-developed side of the island with forests, savanna-like areas and mangroves

Which cultural sites and temples should you add?

Bali is home to thousands of ornate temples, and you’ll often see colourful ceremonies and offerings in everyday life.

• Pura Batukaru: an impressive temple complex on the forested slopes of Gunung Batukaru, with tiered shrines and pagodas
• Temple visits in the central hills: smaller sites are often as memorable as headline landmarks
• Local ceremonies: you may see processions, offerings and festival activity, observe respectfully and dress appropriately at temples

What should you do in Ubud?

Ubud, in central Bali, is the island’s cultural heart and an ideal base if you want arts, crafts, nature and wellness.

• Craft markets, artisan shops and galleries for local textiles, wood carving and souvenirs
• Wellness retreats, yoga studios and spas for a slower-paced break
• Terraced paddy fields and forested temple landscapes just outside the centre
• Ubud Monkey Forest: a dense jungle sanctuary inhabited by hundreds of long-tailed Balinese macaques

Which Bali beach areas are best for your trip?

The south of the island is the simplest base for most travellers: plenty of accommodation, dining, and easy access to day trips.

Where should couples and honeymooners stay for downtime?

• Sanur: laid-back beach atmosphere with a relaxed feel and easy-to-walk waterfront
• Nusa Dua: polished resort zone with high-quality hotels, calm beach time and strong facilities

Where is best for families in Bali?

Family holidays often work best where the beach feels calmer and resorts are set up for easy days.

• Sanur and Nusa Dua for relaxed beach time and resort comforts
• Tanjung Benoa for water sports centres and activity-focused days (good as a day trip too)

Where should you stay for dining, style and nightlife in Bali?

• Seminyak: known for hip bars and restaurants, beach clubs, and a modern, stylish feel
• Kuta: lively, energetic and known for late-night venues and big-beach holiday buzz

What is the shopping scene like in Bali?

Bali shopping is a mix of everyday street browsing and more curated craft buys, especially around Ubud and the southern resort areas.

• Markets and small boutiques selling handicrafts, jewellery, wood carving and textiles
• Beach areas are good for easy holiday shopping and gift stops
• Ubud is a strong choice for artisan-led pieces and craft-market browsing
• Bargaining is common in markets, keep it friendly and light

What local dishes should you try first in Bali?

Bali is a great destination for food-focused travellers, with everything from simple street snacks to refined dining in Seminyak and Ubud. Start with a couple of classic local dishes, then add seafood if you’re staying near the coast.

• Nasi goreng (fried rice) and mie goreng (fried noodles): straightforward, reliable favourites
• Satay: grilled skewers with rich sauce, easy to find across the island
• Fresh seafood in coastal restaurants: ideal for a relaxed evening meal
• For drinks, try a fresh coconut or local fruit juices for an easy refreshment

What is Bali like for activities and water sports?

Bali is one of the easiest places to add “try-it” activities without committing to an intense itinerary.

• Water sports in Tanjung Benoa: a popular hub with multiple operators and options
• Surf schools in areas such as Seminyak and Kuta: beginner-friendly lessons and coaching
• Snorkelling and boat trips can be arranged depending on season and sea conditions
• Many resorts can organise day tours and drivers, which keeps planning simple

Where should you stay in Bali?

Pick one inland base and one coastal base if you can. It keeps travel easy and gives you a clear mix of experiences.

• Ubud: best for culture, nature, wellness, rice terraces and a slower pace
• Sanur / Nusa Dua: best for calm beach time, families and easy resort comfort
• Seminyak: best for dining, nightlife, stylish stays and beach clubs
• Kuta: best for lively evenings and a busier resort-strip feel

Bali has excellent range, from all-inclusive resorts and family hotels to boutique villas and luxury honeymoon properties.

How do you get to Bali from the UK?

Bali is reached by flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar). There are typically multiple routing options from the UK via major international hubs, making it straightforward to plan a Bali holiday around your preferred departure airport and travel times.

• Flights operate from London airports and other major UK cities via one-stop connections
• Common routes connect through major hubs (varies by airline and season)
• Arrival airport: Denpasar (DPS), the main gateway for Bali holidays
• Once in Bali, transfers to the south-coast resorts are generally easiest; Ubud and other inland areas require longer road transfers

How to plan your Bali holiday with Southall Travel?

Keep planning simple: one call to arrange flights, stays and the right mix of regions for your dates. You get a single itinerary and support from start to finish.

• We can arrange flights to Indonesia, Bali hotels and tailored holiday packages
• One point of contact for a seamless, memorable trip
• Speak to our team at Southall Travel to align beach time, inland touring and day trips with your budget and pace