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The dark roofs of Tanah Lot rise above a rocky islet surrounded by surf on Bali's Tabanan coast.

Indonesia

Walk Bali's rice terraces and water temples, watch the sun set over Uluwatu's cliffs, and climb toward Borobudur's stupas before the Hindu towers of Prambanan.

Best timeMay to SepMoneyIndonesian rupiah (IDR)Plugs[plug types and voltage]Main airportJakarta (CGK)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 3, 2026
Waves surround the temple at Tanah Lot when the tide rises off Beraban, in Bali's Tabanan Regency.
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Overview

Most first trips pair Bali with Yogyakarta on Java. Fly into Jakarta for a day in the old port and Chinatown, take the short flight to Yogyakarta for Borobudur and Prambanan, then fly about 1 hr 30 min on to Bali. In Bali, split your nights between Ubud and the south coast.

The dry months from May to September bring the most reliable sightseeing weather. The wet season usually runs from about October to April, with heavy downpours that can flood parts of Bali and Jakarta; mornings are often the clearest time for temples and rice terraces.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janRainyfebRainymarRainyaprRainymayBestjunBestjulBestaugBestsepBestoctRainynovRainydecRainy

The Bali Arts Festival fills the Art Center in Denpasar with dance, music and parades for about a month from mid-June to mid-July; check the program if your trip falls then.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

Bell-shaped stone stupas with diamond openings line the upper terraces of Borobudur in Magelang.
Borobudur's openwork stupas ring the upper terraces in Magelang Regency, Central Java, on the day trip from Yogyakarta.
Yogyakarta in 3 daysKraton, Taman Sari, Beringharjo Market, Malioboro, Borobudur, Mendut, Kotagede, Prambanan, Ratu BokoBalanced pace
The dark roofs of Tanah Lot rise above a rocky islet surrounded by surf on Bali's Tabanan coast.
Waves surround the temple at Tanah Lot when the tide rises off Beraban, in Bali's Tabanan Regency.
Bali in 5 daysUbud, Sacred Monkey Forest, Tegallalang, Tirta Empul, Jatiluwih, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Jimbaran Bay, SanurBalanced pace
The dark roofs of Tanah Lot rise above a rocky islet surrounded by surf on Bali's Tabanan coast.
Waves surround the temple at Tanah Lot when the tide rises off Beraban, in Bali's Tabanan Regency.
Indonesia in 10 daysJakarta old town, Yogyakarta, Borobudur, Prambanan, Ubud, Tirta Empul, Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, SanurBalanced pace

Where to stay

BaliUbud for temples, terraces and culture; Seminyak for beaches, shops and dining; Jimbaran and Uluwatu for clifftop sunsets; Sanur for calm water and families.Best areas to stay in BaliHotels in Bali
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JakartaCentral Jakarta near Monas for sightseeing; Menteng for leafy streets and food; Kota for the old town; Sudirman and Thamrin for business hotels.Best areas to stay in JakartaHotels in Jakarta
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YogyakartaMalioboro for first-timers near the station and markets; Prawirotaman for cafes and guesthouses; near the Kraton for quiet lanes by the palace.Best areas to stay in YogyakartaHotels in Yogyakarta
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Getting around

  • Flights: Domestic flights link Jakarta, Yogyakarta and Bali; Yogyakarta International Airport is about 1 hr from the city by airport train or road.
  • Trains: Intercity trains run across Java between Jakarta and Yogyakarta; book seats through KAI or its Access by KAI app.
  • In Bali: Hire a car with a driver for day trips, since buses are scarce and motorbike accidents are common on Bali roads.
  • Taxis and apps: Use registered taxi companies such as Bluebird, or a ride-hailing app, and check the driver matches the one shown in the app.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates. Insurers can refuse claims if you ride a motorbike without the right license.
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Phone dataA tourist SIM or eSIM keeps maps, ride-hailing apps and your arrival card QR code working between islands.How a travel eSIM works
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