Bali, Indonesia’s famous Island of the Gods, blends lush rice terraces, surf beaches, dramatic clifftop temples, and a deep Hindu culture into one of Asia’s most popular destinations.
Use Ubud as a cultural base for temples, art markets, and jungle scenery, surf and watch sunsets at clifftop Uluwatu, and trek up the Mount Batur volcano for sunrise over its crater lake. Trendy Seminyak delivers boutique shopping and nightlife, while a quick boat ride reaches the photogenic island of Nusa Penida.
The best time to visit is the dry season from April to October; May, June, and September strike the best balance of fine weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices, while July and August are the busy, pricier peak. The wet season runs November to March, bringing short, heavy tropical downpours and the greenest landscapes.