Lonely Planet
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.
Low-key beach resort with great snorkeling.
In the coverage3 stories
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
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