Lonely Planet
Indonesia on a budget
This guide to daily costs, along with tips on saving money, can help you budget for your visit to Indonesia.
Lonely PlanetJul 13
11 things to know before traveling to the Gili Islands
Everything you need to know, including what to pack and what to avoid, for a safe trip to Indonesia
8 things in this story
- Bali Store LuggagePlaceservice to take care of luggage while island-hopping
- Gunung AgungSightviewed from the west coast at sunset
- Elsewhere
- Gili TrawanganRestaurantGili Islands, Indonesiasuits party lovers and nightlife
- Gili MenoAttractionGili Islands, Indonesiadraws honeymooners and a laid-back crowd
- Gili AirHotelGili Islands, Indonesiafalls in the middle of the chill scale
- RamadanFestivalGili Islands, IndonesiaMuslim holiday where some businesses close earlier
- NyepiFestivalGili Islands, IndonesiaBalinese holiday where the entire island shuts down
- BintangRestaurantGili Islands, Indonesiabeer recommended for safe intoxication
Lonely PlanetJul 9
9 tips for visiting Bali on a budget
It’s not hard to enjoy the hugely popular island of Bali on a budget. Here’s how.
9 things in this story
- UluwatuNeighborhoodKnown for Hindu temples and hip hotels.
- SanurNeighborhoodLow-key beach resort with great snorkeling.
- CangguNeighborhoodArea on the southern coast with good-value accommodation.
- GojekPlaceIndonesian rideshare app with generally lower rates.
- GrabPlaceRideshare app useful for short distances.
- LovinaNeighborhoodLaid-back area with black sands and waterfalls.
- Handara GateSight
- KutaNeighborhood
- SeminyakNeighborhood
Lonely PlanetJul 8
A guide to diving and snorkeling in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the marvels below the waves are as remarkable as life on land. Capitalize on this excellent diving and snorkeling destination with these tips.
23 things in this story
- Nusa PenidaNeighborhoodsnorkel with manta rays
- TulambenSighthas the legendary wreck of the US cargo ship Liberty
- SanurNeighborhood
- AmedSight
- PemuteranSight
- Elsewhere
- Lembeh StraitSightSulawesi, Indonesiadive for bizarre macro critters
- Gili TrawanganSightLombok, Indonesiaget PADI certified
- Bunaken National Marine ParkSightBunaken, Indonesiaspectacular surroundings for diving and snorkeling
- Raja Ampat IslandsSightPapua, Indonesiaastonishing array of marine life, top place to dive
- Komodo National ParkSightFlores, Indonesiabest explored on liveaboard boat diving trips
- Pulau BunakenSightBunaken, Indonesiadive or snorkel in spectacular surroundings
- Pulau WehSightSumatra, Indonesiathronged by mantas and devil rays even in wet months
- Komodo dragonsSightFlores, Indonesiasee them on the islands of Komodo National Park
- Karang MakassarSightFlores, Indonesiatop site for manta rays in Komodo National Park
- Castle RockSightFlores, Indonesiasite for grey, whitetip and blacktip reef sharks
- Raja Ampat AdventuresPlacePapua, Indonesiabudget liveaboard boat packages in Raja Ampat
- Calico JackPlacePapua, Indonesiaoffers snorkeling experiences aboard a wooden pinisi boat
- Pantai JungutbatuSightNusa Lembongan, Indonesiabeach where you can snorkel over a coral reef
- Gili Matra Marine Protected AreaSightLombok, Indonesiaarea with 25 dive sites
- Batu BolongSightFlores, Indonesia
- Sabolan KecilSightFlores, Indonesia
- PinditoPlacePapua, Indonesia
- Dewi NusantaraPlacePapua, Indonesia
nytimes.com
The New York TimesJan 15
On Bali, a Hotel Filled With Antiques
Plus: Rina Sawayama’s beauty essentials, a whimsical Dutch oven and more recommendations from T Magazine.
Condé Nast TravelerJan 2
The Best Things to Do in Bali, the Island of the Gods
Temples, gardens, Old World monkeys, and surfing beaches all combine to keep the curious satisfied in Bali.
35 things in this story
- Pura Taman Pecampuhan SalaSightWater temple in Bangli, locals come for purification rituals
- Melasti BeachSightIts calm, turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, and there is usually a lifeguard on duty, making it a popular spot…
- Aling-Aling WaterfallSightAling Aling and the surrounding Secret Garden of Sambangan offer one of North Bali’s most rewarding waterfall…
- Sababay WineryPlaceWomen-owned, fair-trade winemaker offering tours and tastings
- Tibumana WaterfallSightPhotogenic waterfall with a curtain-like cascade
- Desa Potato HeadHotelHub for food, drink, and design in Seminyak
- John Hardy Ubud Workshop & ShowroomPlaceLet’s start with scale.
- Jatiluwih Rice TerracesSightEmerald-green landscape offering a reprieve from humidity
- Suluban BeachSightWest-facing beach in Uluwatu, a haven for surfers
- Campuhan Ridge WalkTrailScenic and tranquil walking path with views of rice fields
- Pura Ulun Danu BratanSight17th-century temple set against mountains and Lake Bratan
- Nyang Nyang BeachSightSecluded beach in Uluwatu with white sands and cliffs
- Gunung Kawi TampaksiringSight11th-century complex of courtyards and cliff-carved shrines
- Sukawati Art MarketMarketCheaper and quieter alternative to Ubud Market
- Banyu Wana Amertha WaterfallSightLesser-known waterfall in Northern Bali, hard to get to
- Mount BaturSightVolcanic marvel with Bali’s largest crater lake
- Pura Lempuyang LuhurPlace of worshipSacred seven-temple complex known for the Gateway to Heaven
- Tukad Cepung WaterfallSightPhotogenic waterfall inside a dark circular canyon wall
- Ubud Monkey ForestNature reserveMandala Suci Wenara Wana, also known as Ubud Monkey Forest, is a sanctuary located in Padangtegal, Ubud, Bali,…
- Beji Guwang Hidden CanyonAttractionCanyon with a river and natural pools
- Menjangan IslandSight"Menjangan" in Balinese and Indonesian means "Deer".
- Tegalalang Rice TerraceSightIconic rice terraces with stunning views
- Uluwatu TemplePlace of worshipIt is the only Balinese sea temple that is also one of the nine directional temples.
- Tirta EmpulPlace of worshipThe temple compound consists of a petirtaan or bathing structure, famous for its holy spring water, where Balinese…
- Banyumala Twin WaterfallsSightTucked deep in the lush North Bali highlands are the Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, a mighty pair of 11-story-tall falls…
- Pantai MelastiSight1.2-mile stretch of coastline with soft white sand
- Aling AlingSightWaterfall experience with lush jungle scenery
- Secret Garden of SambanganSightConnects four waterfalls: Kroya, Kembar, Pucuk, and Aling Aling
- Bukit PeninsulaNeighborhoodIt is traditionally considered to be the entire area south of Jimbaran beach.
- UluwatuNeighborhoodIt is home to the Uluwatu Temple.
- KroyaSightAs of mid 2023, it was inhabited by 119,953 people, and has the total area of 61.68 km2.
- John Hardy Kapal Bamboo Boutique & WorkshopPlaceBoutique and workshop for artisan-crafted jewelry
- SanurNeighborhood
- KembarSight
- PucukSight
Condé Nast TravelerDec 12, 2025
23 Best Restaurants in Bali for Post-Surf Seafood, Vegan Tasting Menus, and Indonesian Classics
The culinary diversity on this tropical island rivals any big city.
26 things in this story
- Nusa PenidaNeighborhoodThe Badung Strait separates the island and Bali.
- AnalogRestaurantgroovy '70s lounge and Japanese listening bar
- Begawan BijiRestaurantset on a regenerative farm and permaculture garden
- Kubu—at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveRestaurantprivate bamboo pods and riverside tables
- FedRestauranthip bar and restaurant by chef Made Dhanu
- Home by Chef WayanRestaurantsoul food, Balinese style
- RumariRestaurantfine-dining destination overlooking the ocean
- Rumari CounterRestaurant10-seat counter with nightly changing menu
- KaumRestaurantsustains Indonesian archipelago's culinary heritage
- Locavore NXTRestaurantambitious tasting menus in rice fields
- Ayam Betutu Pak SanurRestauranttraditional breakfast and lunch spot
- SisterfieldsRestaurantall-day Australian breakfast cafe
- Warung Pak MalenRestaurantspecializes in babi guling, whole roasted suckling pig
- ApéritifRestaurantelegant restaurant with tasting menus
- PinstripeRestaurantpolished bar for cocktails and canapés
- Room4DessertRestaurantfêted all-dessert restaurant concept
- Mama San BaliRestaurantindustrial loft-style floors serving Asian dishes
- KayuputiRestaurantelegant restaurant overlooking Nusa Dua sands
- Nusantara by LocavoreRestaurantsister restaurant to Locavore NXT
- Pica South American KitchenRestaurantStart us off with an overview.
- Upper RoomRestaurantA decade after opening the first location of the popular local Balinese chain Livingstone in Petitenget, the same team…
- Hujan LocaleRestaurant.
- Ghost Kitchen & Record BarRestaurantDepending on the kind of night you want to have, there are several ways to experience the buzzy Ghost Kitchen & Record…
- Sangsaka RestaurantRestaurantTake us there.
- OliverraRestaurantOn vacation in Bali , there are nights—like after a day spent hiking on Mount Batur, for example, or surfing off the…
- Syrco BASÈRestaurantSyrco BASÈ in Ubud, Bali, fine dining that embraces traceability, transparency, and nature, serving sustainable,…
Condé Nast TravelerNov 29, 2025
How We Pulled It Off: An Enchanted Garden Wedding in Bali
Complete with chandeliers, draped greenery, and a traditional tea ceremony.
7 things in this story
- Ayana Resort BaliHotelResort by a cliffside, surrounded by water
- Vara WeddingsPlaceTrusted by couples worldwide, Varawedding designs elegant and stress-free weddings across Bali…
- DiscotechPlaceBrowse events, book bottle service, sign up for VIP guestlists, and buy tickets, all in one place.
- Opia BaliRestaurantWelcome dinner location with an all-white dress code
- Frans DecorPlaceBali-based company for custom decor and tables
- Clarity PhotoboothPlaceOffers moving, animated 3D hologram photo booths
- TheraBoxPlace