Volcanic peaks, jade rice terraces, surf-carved cliffs, and a culture woven from offerings, incense and ceremony. Everything you need to know before you arrive.
Selamat Datang di Bali
Bali is the kind of place that arranges itself around you. Mornings smell of frangipani and clove smoke. Afternoons belong to the surf and the shade. Evenings end on a cliff with the sun sinking into the Indian Ocean. Whether you came to disappear into Ubud's jungle, chase waves in Uluwatu, or trade business cards over arak in Seminyak — you'll find your version of the island.
Curated by Investland Bali · investlandbali.com
Chapter One · The Island, Region by Region
Bali isn't one destination — it's a constellation. Here's how to read the map.
In Focus · Tegallalang
The rice terraces above Ubud aren't a backdrop. They're a thousand-year-old engineering project: a network of irrigation channels, bamboo gates and farmer democracies that UNESCO recognised as a Cultural Landscape. Walk them at dawn, before the tour buses, when the mist still sits on the palms and the only sound is water moving down the steps.
Chapter Two · Where to Eat & Drink
From a €2 plate of nasi goreng at a roadside warung to a five-course tasting overlooking the surf — Bali eats well at every price.
Tip Tipping is not expected, but leaving 5–10 % at restaurants is appreciated when service is good. Carry small cash for warungs and street vendors.
Interlude · Canggu Insider
Hand-picked favourites from the Amari Villas guest book. If you're staying in Canggu, start here. Booking ahead is smart for most of them.
Twelve places where a big night in Canggu begins.
Wood-fired, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. A timeless favourite in the heart of Canggu.
@mason.bali · masonrybali.com 02A contemporary restaurant inspired by Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavours, served in a stunning open-air jungle setting in Pererenan.
@shelter.pererenan · shelterbali.com 03Mediterranean food with a focus on seasonal and local produce, in a rustic-modern setting on Batu Bolong.
@lumabali · lumabali.com 04A modern dining experience with an open-flame kitchen, sitting right above the waves at The Lawn for a spectacular ocean-view dinner.
@skoolkitchen · skoolkitchen.co 05A chic multi-story restaurant blending Latin American flavours with European influences and organic produce. Perfect for a smart-casual night out.
@santanerabali · santanerabali.com 06A new-generation European bistro and wine bar in Pererenan — vibrant atmosphere, classic techniques and excellent drinks.
@barverabali · barverabali.com 07A charming bistro in Berawa known for its fresh homemade pasta, sourdough, and modern European comfort food in a cosy setting.
@margaretbistro · margaretbistro.com 08A moody and elegant steakhouse and bar serving premium dry-aged meats and refined Italian plates. Great for a date night.
@vorecanggu · linktr.ee/vorecanggu 09Part high-end butcher shop, part steakhouse. Pick your cut from the counter and have it grilled to perfection. A meat-lover's paradise.
@themeatemporium 10A chic contemporary Japanese restaurant fusing traditional techniques with modern European influences. Famous for its sushi and yakitori.
@indigocanggu · indigocanggu.com 11A retro-inspired modern Asian restaurant and bar, serving bold flavours and creative cocktails in a stylish, energetic atmosphere.
@longtime.bali · longtimebali.com 12An upscale steakhouse celebrating "nose-to-tail" dining. Known for their in-house dry-aged cuts and theatrical open-fire cooking.
@agedandbutcheredbali · agedandbutchered.comWhere to start the day — or repair the night before.
Their newest location right in Padonan, minutes from Amari Villas. Famous scrambled eggs, pastries and house-blend coffee in a cool, industrial setting.
@baked.bali · baked.co.id 02A chic, Parisian-inspired bistro for a tasty and aesthetic brunch. Known for crepes with ham, truffle pasta and beautiful interiors.
@lovacafebali · lovacafe.site 03A Canggu icon — industrial vibe, good music and massive portions of vibrant, healthy food at unbeatable prices.
@cratecafe · lifescrate.com 04An elevated brunch experience with modern Australian cuisine and an Asian twist. Multi-sensory dishes, minimalist design.
@sensorium_bali · sensoriumbali.co.id 05A family-friendly favourite in Berawa, famous for its all-day breakfasts, lava stone pizzas and relaxed open-air atmosphere.
@milkandmadu · milkandmadu.com 06A Nordic-inspired café where you can build your own breakfast board with small plates of sourdough, eggs, cinnamon rolls and more.
@copenhagen.bali · cphbali.com 07Pick your cut and have it grilled. Great for lunch, open from 12 pm.
@themeatemporiumFrom the Amari Villas guest book · investlandbali.com
Chapter Three · The Experiences
Sometimes the best part of a trip is the thing that wasn't in the plan. Nineteen Bali experiences Investland Bali puts on every visitor's list.
More on the island
Bali's new creative city in a single day — beach club, restaurants, butterfly garden, wolfdog sanctuary, alpaca farm and workshops. Mornings for the family, afternoons by the bar, evenings between the art pavilions. Easy to lose a whole day.
Where Cemagi / Pererenan coast Time full day
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Nusa Penida's west coast is one of the few places in the world where you can swim with giant manta rays year-round. Manta Point and Manta Bay — a memory that doesn't fade. Snorkel works for beginners too.
Where Nusa Penida Level snorkel / dive
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Leave Benoa or Jimbaran with seasoned local captains — tuna, mahi-mahi, marlin. A day out on the open ocean, dinner of the fresh catch grilled at a beachfront warung.
Where Benoa / Jimbaran Duration 6–10 hours
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Sauna and cold-plunge circuit on the edge of the Uluwatu cliff. Heat, ocean cold, back to heat — Bali's most considered wellness ritual. Best at sunrise or just before sundown.
Where Uluwatu cliffs Note reserve ahead
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On the world's 100 best-clubs list — Savaya sits on the highest point of the Uluwatu cliff. Infinity pool over the ocean, world DJs, and the longest sunset of the day. The right address for night-out energy.
Where Uluwatu cliff Open Thu–Sun from 11 am
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Bali's east coast is the island's quieter underwater corner. The USAT Liberty wreck, Pyramid Reef, black-sand calm. Freediving for the experienced, snorkel for beginners — all within walking distance.
Where Amed, East Bali Level beginner – technical
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A private ceremony with a priest who blesses you, your journey and your intentions in a sacred temple. Deep, quiet, personal — nobody comes away unmoved. Easy to slot into a half-day from Ubud or Sanur.
Where Sukawati, Central Bali Length ~60 min
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Sleep on Lembongan or Ceningan — Penida itself is too big for one night. Day-trip Penida in the morning and return before sunset. On Lembongan we like Lago Villa and Plantoon — both run a sauna and spa.
Where Nusa Lembongan / Ceningan Length 2–3 days
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Northern Bali's waterfalls and mountain mist, where the jungle meets cool air. Munduk Cabins — clean, small, well-kept stays in the quietest corner of the island. Nights in the cabin, days on the trail.
Where Munduk, North Bali Stay 2 nights minimum
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In Lovina the dolphins aren't behind glass — you can swim with them. Head out at first light; the spinner pods turn up around 6.30 am a couple of kilometres offshore. Pick an operator that doesn't chase the animals.
Where Lovina, North Bali When 5.30 am start, ~2 hrs at sea
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Bali is home to the world's most famous luwak coffee. A plantation visit just outside Ubud walks you through the whole process — from the trees to the cup. The tasting flight covers 8–12 coffees and teas, including the real luwak.
Where Tegallalang / Bangli, Central Bali Length 1–2 hours
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Leave Benoa Harbour in the afternoon on a catamaran or a luxury yacht. Dinner on board, sunset over the Indian Ocean, and a DJ spinning on the way back — the most polished way to close the day in Bali.
Where Benoa Harbour, South Bali Duration 3–4 hours, afternoon into evening
Open in Google Maps →Chapter Four · Plan Your Trip
Visa, money, transport, health, etiquette — what you actually need to know before you land in Denpasar.
Most nationalities — including the US, UK, EU, Australia and Russia — get a Visa on Arrival for around €35. Save time by applying for the e-VOA online before you fly.
Bali runs on the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Cards are accepted in restaurants, malls and tourist areas — but warungs and markets want cash.
Traffic is chaotic — bring patience. Use Bluebird taxis or Gojek/Grab inside the cities. A scooter is the fastest way around the south, if you have a license and a helmet.
A Telkomsel SIM is the gold standard for coverage. Buy at the airport on arrival or install an eSIM before you fly so you land online.
Bali is generally safe, but a few tropical rules pay off: bottled water, real sunscreen, insect repellent at dusk, and travel insurance — especially if you're renting a bike.
Dress modestly at temples — sarongs are usually provided. Don't step on the small palm-leaf offerings (canang sari) on the pavement. Use your right hand to give and receive.
Interlude · Wellness & Sport
Bali looks after the body — surf in the morning, padel in the afternoon, sauna before dinner. These are the places the local community actually uses.
Top-tier gyms that are closer to clubs than training rooms — saunas, cold plunges, cafés, working desks.
Canggu's headline wellness club — sauna, ice, extreme recovery, all under one roof.
Where Canggu Day pass available
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Designer gym with premium equipment — works for a day drop-in or a longer commitment.
Where Canggu
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Moody Canggu gym — functional training, powerlifting, plenty of free space.
Where Canggu
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Long-running Canggu favourite — strong community, morning CrossFit classes, recovery area.
Where Canggu
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Uluwatu's wellness address — bamboo architecture, surfer-focused gym, full sauna circuit.
Where Uluwatu
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A social sauna in Pererenan — cold plunge, community, evening sessions led by experienced guides.
Where Pererenan
Open in Google Maps →Padel is Bali's fastest-growing sport this year. Find open matches on the Playtomic app — install it and set up a profile before you arrive.
Bali's most popular padel hub — multiple courts, an active players' community, gear for rent.
Where Canggu Book via the app, ahead
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Same community, second location on the south tip — courts near the cliffs; pair the evening match with a sundown drink.
Where Uluwatu
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Seven world-class courts set in the rice fields — international HQ of the NOX Future Academy. The pool, bean-bag lounge and restaurant turn a match into a whole day.
Where Canggu (Babakan Kubu) Courts 7 official · NOX HQ
Open in Google Maps →Your first wave is much less scary when someone who reads the line-up is in the water with you.
One of Bali's most experienced schools — private and group lessons on Canggu's gentler breaks, board and rashie included.
Where Canggu (Batu Bolong / Echo Beach) Level beginner – intermediate
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Atmospheric favourite — small groups, hostel-camp feel, seasoned coaches off Batu Bolong.
Where Canggu (Batu Bolong)
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A surf house in the Uluwatu jungle, a stone's throw from Padang Padang — beginner programs, surf-and-stay packages and evening community events.
Where Uluwatu (Padang Padang) Level beginner – intermediate
Open in Google Maps →One app before you fly
Grab is Southeast Asia's Uber, Bolt and Wolt in one — taxis, scooter rides, food delivery, parcels, pharmacy and groceries. In Bali's tourist zones it's the local operating system: most taxis, the majority of food-delivering restaurants, and even some warungs are on it. Install before you fly, add your bank card, prices are shown in IDR up-front — no haggling.
Chapter Five · Quick Reference
Currency
IDR · Indonesian Rupiah
Plug
Type C / F · 220 V
Time Zone
WITA · UTC+8
Language
Bahasa Indonesia · English widely spoken
Dry season
Apr – Oct · Best for surf & trekking
Wet season
Nov – Mar · Lush, fewer crowds
Tipping
5–10 % · If service is good
Visa
VOA ~€35 · 30 days, extendable
Selamat Jalan
Bali rewards travellers who slow down. Linger over the long lunches. Talk to your driver. Take the long way back. The island will give you exactly what you came for — and then some things you didn't know you needed.