Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, and despite its small size, Bali stands out as one of its undisputed highlights.
Known as the Island of the Gods, Bali exudes a spiritual atmosphere wherever you go – from colourful ceremonies to temples hidden among mountains, lakes, and sacred springs. The island is also home to charming towns, stunning scenery, and lovely beaches, where you can round off your adventure with a relaxing beach holiday.
"I love Bali because the island brings me peace. The pace naturally slows down, and I find myself breathing a little deeper.
I’m especially fond of the nature – the lush green rice terraces, the volcanoes on the horizon, and the waterfalls tucked away in the jungle. At the same time, Bali is steeped in spirituality and living traditions. The small offerings placed on the streets and the Balinese people making their way to the temple as part of their everyday lives remind me that there’s a deeper rhythm underlying it all. And when the day draws to a close, sitting in a beanbag by the sea while the sun glows in golden hues, it’s the perfect way to end a wonderful experience."
Michelle, travel expert and Product Manager for Indonesia. She has been travelling around Asia since 2015 and first visited Bali in 2016.
When you travel to Bali with TourCompass, you can look forward to a tour that takes you to both famous highlights and hidden gems, passing through tranquil villages, lush highlands, and fabulous beach resorts.
When you choose a package tour to Bali with us, flights, carefully selected accommodation, transport, and planned excursions are all included in the price. The tours feature a mix of guided excursions with local guides and free time for your own discoveries. On your free days, you can purchase additional experiences through our optional tours.
Below you can read more about some of the highlights you can experience in Bali.
Munduk is located in the Balinese highlands and is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets.
This small, peaceful town is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, offering wonderful hiking routes, treks through lush jungle, cascading waterfalls, and viewpoints where you can enjoy sweeping views across the highlands.
In addition to its stunning natural surroundings, Munduk is also known for its production of coffee, vanilla, cocoa, fruit, and vegetables, which you can sample at one of the many excellent restaurants in the area.
Beautifully situated in the volcanic highlands, surrounded by lush green mountains, deep ravines, and emerald rice terraces, lies the town of Ubud.
The town is considered the cultural heart and spiritual capital of Bali, where art and craftsmanship take centre stage.
There are many beautiful temples here, and it’s not unusual to witness ceremonial processions with Balinese people dressed in traditional attire, both at the temples and along the town’s streets. You’ll also find many small shops offering exquisite items made according to age-old traditions.
It’s also possible to explore Ubud and its surroundings by bicycle. This gives you the chance to experience villages, see rice paddies, and gain a unique insight into the daily life and culture of the Balinese people.
Bali is home to thousands of temples. These iconic landmarks are almost synonymous with the island itself, which is aptly nicknamed “the Island of a Thousand Temples”. Hinduism plays a central role here and forms a distinctive part of Balinese culture.
On our tours, you can experience some of Bali’s largest and most beautiful Hindu temples.
In the eastern part of Bali, you can visit the Besakih Temple, beautifully situated on the slopes of Mount Agung at almost 1,000 metres above sea level. The temple is also known as the Mother Temple and is the most important and sacred temple on the island.
In the south-western part of Bali, you’ll find the Tanah Lot Temple. Perched on a rock by the sea, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks.
North-east of Ubud, in the village of Tampaksiring, you can visit the Hindu temple Tirta Empul. The temple is surrounded by 12 holy springs, where the Balinese bring daily offerings—and many come here to bathe in the sacred waters.
On the western shore of Lake Bratan, you can see the water temple Ulun Danu, which dates back to the 17th century. This picturesque temple set amidst stunning scenery is often depicted as a symbol of Bali.
Read more about Bali’s temples and their significance.
Lovina, on the northern coast of Bali, welcomes you with its dark volcanic beaches, clear calm waters, and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.
Here, you can enjoy the long stretches of beach and stunning surroundings, or head off on one of the many excursions the area has to offer.
For example, you can add an optional snorkelling trip to Menjangan Island, just off Bali’s north-west coast and a part of Bali National Park. The island is surrounded by a beautiful coral reef, making it a favourite destination for both snorkellers and divers thanks to its vibrant marine life.
Be sure to visit some of Bali’s magnificent waterfalls too, such as Gitgit Waterfall, one of the island’s most popular. The water cascades about 40 metres down into a rocky landscape and can be visited all year round.
In the eastern part of Bali lies the small, peaceful town of Manggis. When you visit with TourCompass, you’ll stay somewhere truly special – at Kaura Bali.
Kaura Bali is a living community created in close collaboration with the local village residents. As a guest, you’ll become part of daily life here and gain a rare insight into authentic Balinese culture – from traditional crafts and local cooking to organic farming.
Kaura Bali is beautifully set high above the lush green hills, overlooking the island’s iconic rice terraces and the Indian Ocean. The project has been developed on the village’s own terms, and its revenue is reinvested into education, employment, and local initiatives that strengthen the community and create new opportunities for the families living in the area.
While in Bali, you can also experience the following attractions:
Several of our tours in Bali already end with a beach holiday, for example in Sanur. In addition, many tours can be extended with a beach holiday either on Bali itself or one of the stunning nearby islands, inviting you to enjoy long days by the water in the most beautiful surroundings.
Sanur lies on the coast in the south-eastern part of Bali and is one of the island’s most popular seaside resorts. Here you’ll find miles of beautiful sandy beaches, making Sanur an ideal destination for a wonderful beach holiday. The beach is protected by a coral reef, which keeps the water calm and makes it exceptionally family-friendly.
In addition to the beach, you can experience the sunset at the Uluwatu Temple, enjoy a traditional Balinese massage, or simply stroll along Sanur’s main street to explore its many charming shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Nusa Lembongan is a small island located just a 35-minute boat ride southeast of Bali.
This tropical paradise is only 8 km² in size, offering the perfect opportunity to slow down and unwind with long, relaxing days on the beach. For those seeking a little more activity, the island is ideal for snorkelling, surfing, and diving.
On Nusa Lembongan, you can also visit Devil’s Tears – a dramatic coastal area where the waves crash against the hollowed cliffs. It’s also one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset.
The Gili Islands lie between Bali and Lombok and consist of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air.
The island group comprises the three islands, and you’ll be visiting Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three.
Surrounded by stunning coral reefs, the Gili Islands are not only a tropical beach paradise with exquisite white sands but also a haven for divers and snorkellers alike.
As something truly unique, motorised vehicles are prohibited on the islands, so all transport takes place either on foot or by bicycle.
Komodo is a UNESCO-protected National Park located east of Bali. On an extension to Komodo, you’ll visit islands such as Kelor Island, Flores, and, of course, Komodo itself.
The highlight of Komodo Island is without doubt the giant Komodo dragons that roam freely here. The Komodo dragon is the world’s largest living lizard species, and its striking appearance brings to mind mythical dragons. On Komodo Island, you can see these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat.
On the island, you can also spot buffalo, wild deer, parrots, and a stunning yet rugged landscape, quite different from what you’ve just experienced in Bali.
Combine Bali with a tour to Java, where you can explore mesmerising landscapes filled with rice fields and graceful conical volcanoes. Java offers plenty of highlights, for example:
Combine your Bali tour with one of the East’s ultramodern metropolises – Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.
Combine Bali with a tour to Singapore, the smallest country in Southeast Asia – yet bursting with things to see and do. Singapore is a truly multicultural city-state offering a wealth of fascinating experiences.
Look forward to discovering Singapore’s remarkable architecture, from the enchanting Supertrees and the impressive Marina Bay Sands hotel to the many towering skyscrapers. In the vibrant neighbourhoods of Little India, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown, you’ll feel the pulse of the city’s multicultural spirit. And of course, a wealth of diverse and exciting culinary experiences await you in Singapore.
You can also combine selected tours to Bali with a visit to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. Here, you can marvel at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which dominate the city’s skyline at an incredible 452 metres tall.
The city’s cultural diversity is especially evident in its food scene, where Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian cuisines blend together. Take time to explore the atmospheric districts of Little India, Chinatown, and Kampung Baru, where traditional charm stands in striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers.
We completely understand that you may have lots of questions when you start planning your tour to Bali. That’s why we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Bali.
The island of Bali lies in Indonesia, in the Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia, east of the island of Java and west of the island of Lombok.
Bali is famous for its spirituality, distinctive Hindu culture, and its thousands of beautiful temples, earning it the nicknames “The Island of the Gods” and “The Island of a Thousand Temples”. As Indonesia’s most renowned island, it attracts travellers from all over the world with its cultural heart and spiritual capital, Ubud, where age-old craft traditions and ceremonial parades are part of everyday life.
The island is also celebrated for its lush and diverse nature, featuring the iconic rolling rice terraces of Tegalalang and Sidemen, dramatic volcanoes, jungle landscapes, and plunging waterfalls. Bali is perfectly complemented by its stunning coastal beaches, such as the dark volcanic sands of Lovina and the serene bathing beaches of Sanur.
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to September. This period offers the most sunshine, the least rainfall, and excellent conditions for tours, nature experiences, and beach holidays.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Bali during the rainy season from October to March. On the contrary – it’s actually an excellent time to go, especially for families. During this period, there are fewer travellers, the landscape is lush and green, and the weather is often still warm and sunny. While the rainfall increases, you’ll still enjoy many dry hours during the day.
Read more about Bali’s seasons and climate.
Yes! Bali is a wonderful destination for a tour with children.
The island is compact and easy to get around, meaning you avoid long, tiring travel days between experiences. The Balinese are also renowned for their incredible hospitality and warmth – children are welcomed everywhere with open arms and big smiles.
If your main purpose is to explore Bali, we recommend spending at least 7–8 days (excluding travel days), giving you time to experience some of the island’s top highlights, such as Ubud, the highlands, and a beach holiday in Sanur.
When you book a package tour to Bali with TourCompass, flights, hotels, transfers, and scheduled excursions are always included in the price. You’re also covered by the Package Travel Act and the Travel Guarantee Fund, giving you complete peace of mind before and during your tour.
Yes, as a British citizen, you’ll need a visa to travel to Bali in Indonesia.
You can apply for a visa in two ways – either upon arrival in Indonesia or online.
Stay up to date on visa requirements for Indonesia on our practical information page or on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s website.
Yes, you’ll most likely need some vaccinations before travelling to Bali.
The vaccinations you need depend on your vaccination history and travel plans. We therefore recommend that you contact your GP, a specialist, or an authorised vaccination clinic for personal advice well in advance of your tour.
Pay particular attention to the yellow fever regulations if you’re travelling to Bali via a country where the disease occurs. In some cases, proof of vaccination against yellow fever may be required upon entry.
When you travel to Bali with TourCompass, you’ll enjoy a carefully designed tour with the island’s most iconic experiences already planned for you. Bali is one of our most popular destinations, and we have years of experience sending adventurous travellers off to this beautiful Indonesian island.
We visit Bali regularly ourselves and know just how it feels to cycle among the lush rice terraces of the Kintamani highlands, to dip your toes in the sea on Sanur’s beaches, and to savour the taste of an authentic local nasi goreng.
Our local partner has more than 30 years of experience in the travel industry, and the local guides we work with on Bali know the island inside out and are ready to give you a unique insight into everyday life on Bali.
If you’d like to know more about our tours to Bali, our travel specialists are always ready to help you find the tour that best suits you and your wishes. Together, we’ll make sure you enjoy a safe and experience-filled tour to the Island of the Gods.
Dreaming of discovering Bali’s lush rice terraces, deep spiritual traditions, and wonderfully relaxed island atmosphere?
The Island of the Gods is simply waiting for you to explore it.
Unsure which tour to choose? Contact our travel specialists – they’re ready to guide you towards your Balinese adventure.
It’s reassuring to explore Bali with TourCompass. We’re with you all the way.
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
You can check out the itinerary and dream yourself away in photos and videos of all our tours. You can read more about accommodation, combination options and all the practicalities – and see prices and departure dates for the next 18 months.
You are always welcome to call or write to us. We are here to answer all your questions, listen to your wishes and provide you with honest and competent advice based on our extensive travel experiences with Africa, Asia and Latin America.
You will receive a detailed quote for the tour, which you can save, print out or share with your travelling companions. If you decide to go ahead and book the tour, you can do this easily via the quote itself.
Emily loves to travel and is extremely passionate about helping others achieve their travel dreams.
.webp)
