r/bali 21d ago

Megathread Travel Planning Q&A - July, 2026

2 Upvotes

Have itinerary questions? Not sure where to stay? Looking for that cool new restaurant or villa?

Read through the thread below and see what other people have planned and take that into consideration for your plans. You can look at old mega-threads by clicking >> HERE <<

Still have questions? Reply with your travel planning questions and be sure to give as much information as possible so you can get the best advice.

Include:

  • Where are you staying?
  • How long are you staying for?
  • What dates will you be travelling?
  • What activities do you like or dislike?
  • Do you have a budget in mind?
  • Is there anything you cannot stand?
  • Dietary issues?

Official Websites
These are the official websites for what typical travelers to Bali will require, beware of scam sites and stick to using official ones. Sites ending in ".go.id/" are Indonesian Government websites.

Indonesian Immigration eVisa: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/
- Visitors wanting Electronic Visa On Arrival should pick your nationality, general as your purpose of travel, tourism as the sub purpose, and then "B1 - Tourist (Visa On Arrival)". If that is not an option check your country is eligible.
- This sub is not eVisa support, if you're having issues you should contact Immigration using the options at the bottom of the website.
- If you're having issues with eVOA you should consider simply doing it at the airport on arrival, the queues are typically not as bad as some people would have you believe.

Bali Tourist Levy: https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/
- This should be paid for each person visiting the province of Bali.

All Indonesia: https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id/ (Depending on your device you can change the language for this page in the top right where it says Indonesia)
- This is where you do a health declaration and your customs declaration.
- This needs to be done in the 3 days before you travel, you cannot do it earlier than that.

!! WARNING !!

There have been several reports of companies and scammers contacting people after posting in this thread.

Do not trust anybody contacting you directly via chat or messages, do not share any personal information, make any payments or make bookings through untrusted platforms.


r/bali 11h ago

Pics & Vids Nongkrong at the lake.

Post image
20 Upvotes

Some hidden gems gotta stay hidden.


r/bali 5h ago

Question Question regarding footwear + sunset/sunrise for mt batur

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone

I’m trying to decide between catching the sunrise or the sunset for an upcoming hike, and I could really use some advice on both the view and the footwear. For the view, is there a major difference in the experience/vibes between sunrise and sunset here? I don't understand the science myself but I think sunrise will be more beautiful than sunset but I've already experienced a super beautiful sunrise before and also did one other climb for a normal sunrise and frankly don't want to get up that early for it + deal with the crowd.

My main concern is actually the trail conditions and slipping and not the hiking itself. I currently have new balance 530 a lifestyle shoe and teva xlt2 sandal. Are there any options to rent hiking shoes or buy something cheap with good grip? I wear size 45 eu ( I think that's 11.5 or 12 us?)

edit: maybe i can rent poles actually? would be nice having one hand free for phone as well as if there is anything to grip but feel like poles would be easiest solution?


r/bali 2h ago

Question Curious! Bum gun!

0 Upvotes

Hello travelers is it safe to assume that all the hotels/resorts have bum gun/ jets spay in bathroom?? As non of them mention it on the website! Please help 😊


r/bali 16h ago

Information Can anyone point me to any operators offering jetski day tours, or longer term rental?

2 Upvotes

Particularly hoping to find ski-based fishing or snorkelling adventures. I can find lots of short term rental operators, but keen to do more than just zip around for 30mins.


r/bali 18h ago

Question Looking for surfing community/lesson for locals

1 Upvotes

Hello, locals here!

jadi karena mau nyari komunitas atau surf lesson adakah yang local friendly untuk harga dan instruktur nya. Kira" kisaran berapa ya karena jujur kayanya seru buat selingan pas weekend


r/bali 1d ago

Question Best Ferry Company to Gilli T

6 Upvotes

Maybe someone can give us, Family w/ two teenagers, what ferry company is most convenient to travel from Bali (Jimbaran) to Gili T. We have explored a bit and found Ekajaya and Blue Water Ferry. As prefer a better standard and a bigger boat not sure what is the better choice?


r/bali 1d ago

Question Why it says I need a guarantor while applying for E-Visa?

1 Upvotes

Hello, I'm trying to apply for C-1 Visa. I checked on the official immigration website, and it says that my passport requires an e-visa (I'm not eligible for VOA). The official portal says the required documents are:

Document Requirement

Passport valid for at least 6 (six) months (for holders of travel documents other than passports such as emergency passports, documents of identity, etc. must be valid for 12 months).

Personal bank statement with minimum amount USD $2000 or equivalent the last 3 months period (including name, date of period, and balance account).

A recent color photograph.

The confusing part is that when clicking the button "Apply", I get the warning: "This Visa can be apply via Guarantor, please contact your guarantor to appy this Visa!" Why do I need a guarantor while the portal doesn't list such thing as a required document? If I do need it, any reputable and trusted ones you recommend dealing with?


r/bali 1d ago

Question Backpack Vs Convertible wheeled backpack

0 Upvotes

It's a topic that has been debated many times, but I'm pushing further with this potential solution that seems to combine best of both worlds between backpack and suitcase.

I’ve been contemplating a quite recent backpack from Osprey for my next 4 weeks trip to Bali. I’m also going to Singapore for a week just after before coming back.

What kind of environment is Bali ? In and out of a grab when changing a city/location is backpack mode only when there is stairs and no pavement till/from the room. Rest of the time could be wheeled suitcase mode. But what is the ratio ?

If it's less than 15% of the time I'm gonna use it as a suitcase, then I'll buy for a classic backpack. I know that I got one full week in Singapore where I can use it in suitcase mode.

Guys who has traveled to these places, what do you reckon and why ?

Thank you all, all tips are much appreciated!


r/bali 2d ago

Pics & Vids Stages of a beautiful sunset from Lembongan.

Thumbnail
gallery
65 Upvotes

Sitting on the beach, enjoying a cold beer with friends.
What more could you ask for than a view like this.
Love island life and love the Balinese people.


r/bali 2d ago

Question Experiences with newborn / NICU care at Bali International Hospital (BIH)

10 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to hear from parents who have recently given birth at Bali International Hospital (BIH) in Sanur, particularly anyone whose newborn was admitted to the neonatal unit or NICU.

Our baby was born by C-section and had some respiratory difficulties shortly after birth. He was placed on respiratory support and kept under close monitoring. We completely understand that respiratory support can be necessary and lifesaving when a newborn genuinely needs it.

However, during our experience, we became increasingly concerned about whether our baby's care was being sufficiently adapted to his individual clinical progress. As he improved, we felt there was no clear plan communicated to us for progressively reducing and stopping the respiratory support. We had to repeatedly ask the medical team about lowering the oxygen/support and reassessing whether it was still necessary.

We eventually decided to leave the hospital and sought an evaluation at another hospital. Our baby was examined and monitored there and we were told that he was doing well. He has since been breathing normally, breastfeeding well and showing no apparent respiratory distress.

This experience has left us with many questions about what happened and whether other parents have had similar experiences at BIH.

I am therefore specifically looking for parents whose babies at BIH:

were placed on oxygen, CPAP or other respiratory support shortly after birth;

were admitted to the neonatal unit/NICU;

remained on respiratory support even as their condition appeared to improve;

had no clear weaning or discharge plan communicated to the parents;

or whose parents felt that the neonatal treatment was more intensive or prolonged than expected.

I would also be interested in hearing from parents who had a positive experience, as I genuinely want to understand whether our experience was unusual or whether there is a pattern.

I am not making any accusations or medical conclusions with this post. I am simply trying to collect firsthand experiences from other families so we can better understand what happened to our baby.

If you don't feel comfortable sharing publicly, please feel free to send me a private message.

Thank you to anyone willing to share their experience.


r/bali 2d ago

Question Banded Hornet?

Post image
9 Upvotes

Terrible photo but was just in our room at our villa. Lesser/greater banded hornet you think? Had orange marking.


r/bali 2d ago

Question Which payment app to use for adding cards ?

2 Upvotes

Samsung pay , grab pay or gojek pay?


r/bali 3d ago

Information W Bali - stay away!

Post image
180 Upvotes

The W hotel in Seminyak are being quite dishonest to future guests at the moment. Their beach bar always having been one of their main features it is now under full renovation. That would be fine if they disclosed that fact at booking but they don’t! If you’re planning a stay there I would highly suggest emailing them ahead to confirm latest updates. The photo is taken from the beach today.


r/bali 4d ago

Pics & Vids Bali nights just hit differently. ✨🌙

Post image
120 Upvotes

There’s something absolutely magical about looking up at the sky here. Between the gentle sway of the frangipani leaves and this breathtaking, luminous moon playing peek-a-boo through the clouds, it feels like the island is putting on a private show just for me.
Pure serenity under the Bali moonlight.


r/bali 5d ago

Pics & Vids Ubud, Gianyar in 1985. Bali was still natural and unspoiled

Thumbnail
gallery
799 Upvotes

r/bali 4d ago

Question Zika and dengue in August

1 Upvotes

I heard August is dry season, so zika and dengue bites are less common than wet months. I had planned for a trip in August but recently found out Im pregnant. I’ll be about 11 weeks if/when we travel. Planned to stay in Nusa Dua or another beach area in a resort. Should I cancel plans?


r/bali 4d ago

Question Allergic to DEET & scared of Dengue

4 Upvotes

hi everyone, i know this has been asked like 1000 times by now but im traveling to Bali for the first time in Gianyar and Ubud. i am unfortunately allergic to DEET as in my skin feels like it’s on fire and i immediately feel ill when i apply.

how are the cases of dengue this time around in august? any preventive measures i can take besides mosquito nets and being vigilant?

any advice would be greatly appreciated, at this point im more scared than anything as im a magnet for mosquitos.

edit: thank you all so much for your suggestions, will definitely buy the local alternatives as well as picardin.


r/bali 4d ago

Question Would you book accommodation in advance?

7 Upvotes

I'm going to Bali in end of July/August - everyone is telling me to only book the first 2 days, and then just book as I go along. Is this a good idea?

I have a good idea of what I where I want to go and for how long, but people say it is good to be flexible in case I want to stay somewhere longer/change my plans last minute etc.


r/bali 4d ago

Question Broken Plate Number

2 Upvotes

Been driving an nmax for a whole week with no issue. I rented another motorcyle, a scoopy, and I bumped into a car in bali due to a week break. How much does it cost to replace a plate number in Bali. Can I not pay because the break is weak?


r/bali 4d ago

Question Ayana ownership

3 Upvotes

Hi. We are a family considering buying at AYANA Residences Jimbaran as a holiday home - purely lifestyle, not investment. Would love to hear from any current or former owners: how has the owner experience been in practice? Particularly interested in management responsiveness, fee increases over time, and whether the Owners Card benefits have held steady. Thanks


r/bali 4d ago

Question Sanur parking

2 Upvotes

Just got back to Sanur for the first time since February 2025. Honestly, the new sidewalks are great and the traffic feels so much better this time around :)

​We rented a scooter for our entire stay instead of relying on Grab, but we're trying to figure out the best places to park along Jl. Danau Tamblingan.

​Does anyone have good parking hacks or specific spots, especially around the Massimo area and near Bali Barber / Alam Bali? We really don't mind walking a bit if it means safe and hassle-free parking.

​Thanks in advance!


r/bali 5d ago

Question What is this mask please?

Post image
16 Upvotes

Can anyone tell me what this mask is please? My friend purchased in Ubud but cannot remember the information and would like to know. Thank you


r/bali 4d ago

Information Networking

0 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a video editor agency owner. Currently I'm trying to build a good network. Would love to know about the creator or I saw some creator hub where I can connect with people.


r/bali 5d ago

Question Hacks: how to get in beach clubs for free?

0 Upvotes

Are there ways to get in through guest lists? I’ve seen it a lot on tiktok but I’m not sure if they’re scams.