Posted on Wednesday, 26 June 2024

The rumours are true: Bali is a tropical idyll rightly famed for its fabulous beaches, intense nightlife, spellbinding temples, and vibrant yoga and mindfulness scene. To decide what kind of Bali trip you want this summer, read our comprehensive guide.

To a weary Brit, harangued by unreliable weather, rising living costs, and a dearth of the unexpected and exotic, Bali can seem like a panacea: This legendary Indonesian island promises pretty beaches peppered with pretty people, stunning waterfalls amid lush jungle, cheery locals, and affordable prices.

While these images verge on the cliché, Bali does indeed offer all of the above - and more.

Despite its relatively small footprint, your Balinese escape can take myriad forms. Will you sharpen your surfing skills on Padang Padang beach? Will you hop between some of the 20,000 Hindu temples? Or will you join a yoga retreat in balmy Ubud?

Perhaps you'll simply linger in one of the many beach clubs in Kuta or Canggu, sampling rudely named cocktails in between sea dips and spending your evenings seeking out the hottest new clubs.

Or maybe you'll strike a healthy balance between hedonism and mindfulness - because whichever way you spend your holiday, your choices will always be met with a beaming Balinese smile (unless those choices are really unwise!).

What's on this summer?

Want to learn about festivals and cultural events taking place this summer? If so, jump to "What's on in Bali this summer?" - below.

Why it makes sense to visit Bali in summer 2024

For many Britons, May to August is the best time to visit Bali. Temperatures are generally cooler, while humidity is at its lowest level. The drier air makes overland sightseeing and other outdoor activities more pleasant, while the clearer air makes for crisper photography.

Additionally, many Britons take their main annual break between May and August, meaning that for some, it's the perfect time for a Balinese adventure.

What about November and December?

Many UK travellers also head to Bali in November and December. Bear in mind that this is also part of the rainy season, so ensure you pack waterproofs. That said, it is also hot and humid, so light, breathable clothing is a must.

Many Britons visit Bali as part of a wider Southeast Asian trip - often including Thailand. While Bali in December is warm and humid with showers, Thailand is considerably cooler - with lows of about 24 degrees. This is an example of how weather patterns vary across the region, and you should prepare accordingly.

Denpasar and Kuta Beach

Unless you arrive from Java by ferry, you'll almost certainly land at Denpasar International Airport (I Gusti Ngurah Rai). If your head is swimming with images of idyllic rice terraces, infinity swimming pools, and Westerners doing yoga in the rainforest - then the airport and its surrounds may seem noisy, congested, and hectic.

Having checked into your hotel, it's time to explore downtown Kuta. These streets and back alleys are packed with clothes and souvenir vendors, money changers, and massage parlours. You'll be regularly pushed to buy, buy, buy - but you'll get used to it.

The same is true on Kuta Beach, where you'll be pressed to rent surfboards or purchase beer.

The great thing about Kuta is it has many good hotels, often featuring swimming pools and pretty courtyard gardens. Because there are so many, prices are usually very reasonable.

Beach clubs and surf schools up the coast

If you have time, it's worth exploring the main beach areas near Denpasar.

Moving up from Kuta, you'll find Legian Beach, known for having several surf schools that specialise in offering beginner lessons.

A little further north lies Seminyak, with its luxury hotels, spas, shopping malls, and beach clubs. Beyond this is Kerobokan, with its bodyboarding schools and charming temples - including Petitenget.

The most northerly large beach resort is Canggu, where you'll find the vast FINN'S Beach Club - a kind of bamboo theme park for the well-heeled (and well-healed, perhaps). Here you'll rub shoulders with expensively dressed influencers, local glitterati, and folks who like the idea of paying Western prices for cocktails!

How to get around Denpasar and Kuta?

The easiest and cheapest way to get around all these beaches is by using a ride-hailing app such as Gojek or Grab. These are incredibly cheap by Western standards.

Hiring a scooter is possible, but given the congestion and "assertive" local driving style, you may be better off booking taxis and moto-taxis.

Uluwatu Temple

Uluwatu is a beautiful temple 30km (1 hour) from Kuta. It can get crowded, so arrive early - and watch out for the local monkey colony, whose members will be eyeing up your designer sunglasses, handbag and anything else that looks pinchable.

Ubud - Bali's yoga, mindfulness, and healing mecca

Just 34km (1 hr 35 mins) from Kuta is Ubud, a town surrounded by jungle that has become one of the world's leading centres for yoga, meditation, and alternative healing.

Ubud is the perfect location for securing yourself some inner peace, since the entire town moves to the rhythm of traditional Balinese Hindu culture, underpinned by the notion that mother nature is influenced by spirit.

On the streets, you'll see innumerable colourful offerings called canang sari, which take the form of little woven bamboo baskets filled with flowers, sweets, fruits, incense, spices - and even the occasional cigarette.

And as you stroll past homes and businesses, the soothing sound of gamelan - traditional Balinese percussion music - will become the ever-present backing track to your stay.

The outskirts of Ubud are also home to some sensational rice terraces, including the famous Tegallalang.

 

Must-see Ubud attractions - year-round

For a deeper understanding of Balinese art, head to Agung Rai Museum of Art, whose founder began selling local art to visitors in the 1970s. Neka Art Museum also showcases an excellent collection of Balinese art.

Ubud Monkey Forest is a spellbinding swath of rainforest populated with grey-haired monkeys who will be happy to relieve you of any drinks or snacks you leave lying around. Cool and shady, this tract of jungle offers respite from the centre of Ubud, which can get busy.

Volcanic Hikes: Mount Batur, Mount Agung & Mount Catur

No trip to Bali is complete without hiking up at least one of the island's three primary volcanoes. As well as getting some heart-pumping exercise, you'll be rewarded with some spectacular views.

The easiest climb is Mount Batur - Bali's most active volcano. Once at the top, you'll enjoy superb views of Lake Batur and the ocean. You can go solo, but tours are available.

Mount Agung, meanwhile, is Bali's highest peak. Most tours start at 2.30 am in order to reach the summit by dawn, and then avoid the worst of the heat on the way down.

Mount Catur is located on the island's northwest and offers the best views of all three volcanoes. Aside from the view, you'll stumble across gorgeous waterfalls, botanic gardens, and temples. It takes around 3 hours each way.

Best beaches + Nusa Penida island

Clapping eyes on Kuta Beach for the first time, you might be a little underwhelmed: neither it, nor any of its neighbours, quite matches up to the hype about Balinese beaches. However, head southeast of Kuta, and you'll find a series of excellent beaches - with Nusa Dua arguably being the best.

Sanur, to the east of Denpasar, is also a top-notch sandy stretch.

But for the finest beaches, you need to take a ferry to Nusa Penida, a small, jungle-clad island to Bali's southeast.

The most famous and visually striking beaches are Kelingking Beach and Atuh Beach, both of which can only be enjoyed after a precipitous descent down a "path" that would be promptly condemned as unsafe in the West. However, there's a definite buzz to be had by getting back in one piece.

Do note that a reasonable level of fitness is needed to get down (and up) these routes, as well as sturdy footwear and plenty of water.

Otherwise, Nusa Penida is a must-visit island, with a huge choice of accommodation and beautiful vistas to be enjoyed.

Do take care if renting a motorbike, since the island's roads are heavily potholed. The risk increases substantially when it rains because the holes are virtually impossible to spot!

Is Bali affordable?

Bali remains one of the best value tropical holiday destinations on the planet. If you're on a tight budget, you can find clean, comfortable rooms for as little as 10 GBP per night, while 3, 4 and 5-star hotels cost a fraction of comparable accommodation in the UK.

Food-wise, if you stick to local meals you can eat for as little as 1-2 GBP per sitting. However, if you want Western bites like pizzas and burgers, you'll be charged a fair bit more - especially in areas such as Jalan Legian, the main tourist street in Kuta.

Also, note that many tourist establishments add a 10-15% service charge.

Other activities, such as traditional Balinese massages, are extremely affordable - starting at around 4 GBP for an hour, exclusive of tip. However, you can pay a lot more than this for an upmarket parlour.

What's on in Bali this summer?

Here's a rundown of the top musical and cultural events pencilled in for summer 2024.

Ubud Village Jazz Festival - July & August

Ubud Village Jazz Festival takes place over July and August and has been going strong since 2013. Enjoy a diverse range of jazz styles in an intimate, relaxed setting.

There's also a great selection of food stalls selling local and international cuisine.

https://ubudvillagejazzfestival.com/

One day pass: 750,000 Rp; 35 GBP

Summer Soundwave - July

Summer Soundwave is a music festival hosted by W Bali - Seminyak in July.

Varied acts cover everything from EDM to chillout tunes, with two stages and a great choice of food and drink.

500,000 Rp; 24 GBP

https://www.woobarbali.com/summer-soundwave

KU DE TA White Party - August

KU DE TA White Party takes place in August at Seminyak's famous beach club. Guests can wear anything they want - as long as it's white.

This annual event attracts the big money - so expect plenty of stylish people and some world-famous DJs.

This year's party has a Venetian theme, while the headline act is DJ and Producer Nicole Moudaber.

1,000,000 Rp; 48 GBP

https://www.kudeta.com/events/

Soundrenaline

Soundrenaline is held in September and is billed as the largest and coolest festival in Southeast Asia, making it an annual mecca for electronic dance music fans.

Expect high energy and superb production values for this two-day party, which this year will be hosted at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park.

Ubud Food Festival

The Ubud Food Festival showcases the finest in Balinese, Indonesian, and international cuisine for three whole days in July.

As well as common-or-garden foodies, you can expect to see chefs, restaurateurs, and critics from across the globe. 

Expect traditional as well as fusion dishes, with an emphasis on Bali's artisanal and organic produce. A wonderful opportunity to learn about Indonesian cooking techniques, flavours, and traditions, while delighting your taste buds.

Free

https://www.ubudfoodfestival.com/

Bali Kite Festival - 14-16 July

Few parts of the world take kite flying as seriously as the Balinese, as evidenced by the annual Kite Festival in Sanur.

Expect to see all manner of colourful, uniquely shaped kites, from three-dimensional animals and goddesses to simpler designs.

Free

Sanur Village Festival - July

Founded by the Sanur Development Foundation, this dazzling celebration explores the connection between man and nature in a world dominated by technology.

Head to the Maisonette area of Segara Ayu Beach, Sanur, to enjoy exhibitions and lots of environmental activities.

Free

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