Bali 2025: A Travel Guide for Foreigners Looking for the Perfect Island Escape
Bali has always been more than a destination — it’s a feeling. With its soft beaches, emerald rice terraces, spiritual culture, and world-class cafés, the island continues to attract travelers from every corner of the world. If you’re planning your first trip (or coming back for the 10th time), here’s a 2025-friendly guide to help you make the most of your Bali adventure.
🌅 1. Where to Stay: Bali’s Most Popular Areas in 2025
📍 Canggu – The Trendy Digital Nomad Hub
Perfect for café lovers, surfers, remote workers, and nightlife seekers. Expect stylish villas, coworking spaces, and excellent food.
📍 Seminyak – For Comfort & Foodies
A polished mix of luxury resorts, beach clubs, and boutique restaurants. Great for couples and groups who want comfort without too much chaos.
📍 Ubud – The Cultural Heart
Surrounded by rice terraces, waterfalls, temples, and yoga retreats. Ideal for wellness travelers or anyone who wants peace and nature.
📍 Uluwatu – Best for Beaches & Sunset Views
Cliffside resorts, hidden beaches, and some of the most dramatic sunset points in Bali.
🏄♂️ 2. Top Things to Do (That Foreigners Love)
✨ Visit Bali’s Iconic Temples
Tanah Lot
Uluwatu Temple
Tirta Empul (holy spring temple)
They’re beautiful, spiritual, and perfect for photography.
✨ Chase Waterfalls
North Bali is packed with gems like Sekumpul, Banyumala, and Nungnung — towering waterfalls surrounded by raw jungle.
✨ Sunrise at Mount Batur
A 3–4 hour hike, but worth every step. Watching sunrise above the clouds is unforgettable.
✨ Try Surfing
Beginner? Go to Kuta or Canggu.
Advanced? Uluwatu or Padang Padang.
✨ Explore Nusa Penida
Just a short boat ride away, known for:
Kelingking Beach
Diamond Beach
Snorkeling with manta rays
🍛 3. What to Eat: Bali’s Best Foods for Foreigners
Traditional Balinese Dishes
Babi Guling (suckling pig)
Ayam Betutu (slow-cooked spiced chicken)
Lawar
Sate Lilit
Healthy & Trendy Foods
Bali is famous for smoothie bowls, vegan cafés, specialty coffee, and fusion cuisine.
Canggu and Ubud have some of the best plant-based restaurants in Southeast Asia.
Coffee Culture
Indonesia’s beans (Kintamani, Toraja, Flores) are gaining global recognition. Don’t leave without trying them.
💡 4. Practical Tips Every Foreigner Should Know
Visa
Many travelers get a Visa on Arrival (VoA) valid for 30 days, extendable to 60 days.
Transportation
Scooter rental is the most convenient, but only if you're confident.
Apps like Grab, Gojek, and Bluebird are extremely useful for taxis.
Money
Most cafés accept cards, but temples, markets, and smaller warungs often prefer cash (IDR).
Dress Code for Temples
Wear a sarong and cover shoulders; many temples provide sarongs for free or small rent.
Weather
Dry season: May–September (best time to visit)
Rainy season: October–April, but still good for nature lovers
🌟 5. Why Bali Stays Magical in 2025
Bali continues to evolve with new cafés, beach clubs, eco-resorts, and cultural experiences — but its charm stays the same. Foreigners love Bali because it blends spirituality, creativity, nature, and warmth in a way no other island does.
No matter how long you stay, Bali always leaves you wanting more.