Is Bali worth visiting in 2026? 10+ Reasons why we are always going back to Bali

Yes, Bali is worth visiting in 2026, but not for everyone. If you want affordable luxury, rich Balinese Hindu culture and a base for exploring the Gilis and Nusa islands, it earns its reputation. If you want quiet, untouched beaches and light traffic, the hyper-developed south will disappoint you.

In this guide, we break down the honest pros and cons of travelling to Bali, based on three trips and months spent living there as digital nomads.

However, at the end of that first trip we still had mixed feelings about whether we’d return to Bali anytime soon. While we had a productive and meaningful month as digital nomads in Bali, we also experienced some drawbacks. As it turned out, those mixed feelings didn’t last — we’ve since been back twice more, including a ten-day trip that followed two months in Lombok and the Gili Islands.

This ambivalence is common among travellers, so we felt compelled to provide an in-depth guide to this remarkable island. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of visiting Bali.

Category	Quick Verdict	Ideal Visitor	Best Season	Recommended Stay
Overall	Worth it, with caveats	Digital nomads, culture-seekers, honeymooners	April–September (dry)	10 days to 1 month

If you are budgeting for your next trip to Bali, we are happy to share our slice of the costs. We are usually on a budget of £50 ($64 | €60) for the two, and Bali hits the boxes.

However, we have heard stories of backpackers staying in Bali for even less, with about £15 ($20 USD | €18) per day by choosing dormitory accommodations and eating local meals.

You can still enjoy a bit of luxury while staying on a budget, but generally speaking, high-end accommodation is affordable in Bali. For a comfortable mid-range trip, budget $70 to USD 100 per day for a couple, excluding flights. This allows for nicer hotels and activities.

Average costs breakdown:

• Accommodation: $30 to USD 60 per night
• Food: $5 to USD 15 per meal
• Transportation: $5 to USD 10 per day
• Activities: $10 to USD 50 each
• Drinks: $2 to USD 10 each

Key Takeaways | Should I visit Bali?

If you’re wondering if Bali is worth visiting, there are more advantages than disadvantages. However, the answer to whether it’s worth it or not depends on what you’re looking for in a travel destination.

From a Digital Nomad perspective, Bali may not be our favourite, but it’s still worth a visit for travellers. The island boasts breathtaking landscapes, some of the best we’ve seen on our SEA Trip. It also offers rich cultural attractions, delicious food, and friendly locals.

Despite all its good qualities, Bali has its downsides, such as overcrowding, pollution, environmental concerns, traffic congestion, tourist scams, and limited infrastructure. The infrastructure in remote areas is particularly challenging, with badly maintained roads.

If you’re willing to deal with these challenges, then Bali can be an amazing place to visit. However, if you prefer a quieter and less-travelled destination, you may want to explore other options.

Why Bali is so popular

Bali’s popularity stems from its unique blend of stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and luxury hotels and resorts at affordable prices. Visiting Bali attracts a mix of visitors, from simple leisure to yoga classes and retreats, or backpackers and digital nomads.

In 2025, 6.95 million visitors arrived in Bali; 5.27 million — a rise of nearly 10% on 2024. We’ve seen the shift ourselves — Canggu’s roads stay busy at almost any hour now.

We were attracted in the first place to Bali, for the possibility of spending a few months in a tropical paradise, surrounded by other travellers, within many day trip opportunities, lively atmosphere and different cultural heritage.

Bali is popular for honeymoons mostly because of its exotic appeal, tropical beaches, and the possibility of having a luxury holiday in a high-end resort for a fraction of the price of other destinations such as the Maldives or the Caribbean.

Couples enjoy private villas, exotic landscapes, and unique cultural experiences, making Bali an idyllic escape that blends adventure, relaxation, and romance.

FAQs | Is Bali worth visiting?

10+ Best Reasons why you should visit Bali

Is Bali worth visiting? Pros and Cons of Visiting Bali

PROS	CONS
Strong Cultural Heritage Friendly Locals Budget Accommodations Day trip opportunities Vibrant Atmosphere Food Options Diverse Landscape Yoga and Meditation Learn how to Surf	Bali is Overcrowded Tourists just stay in popular hotspots Beaches aren’t great A lot of Pollution Heavy traffic congestions Limited infrastructure

Culture and Traditions

During our trip to Bali, we had the opportunity to witness the Nyepi celebration, which is a significant event in the Hindu New Year. Bali has a rich cultural heritage, and we learned a lot about the Balinese people and their way of life.

The temples are breathtaking and strategically located on high cliffs overlooking the sea. Traditional Balinese ceremonies can last an entire day, and it’s an experience that you should witness if you’re planning a trip to Bali.

While on the island of Nusa Lembongan, we witnessed a week-long wedding celebration, and staying at a local guest house there, we saw the family’s daily morning offerings giving thanks for a new day. On a separate stay in Seminyak, our guesthouse host, Lydia, invited us to help make canang sari, the small colourful woven baskets used as offerings, in the lead-up to Nyepi.

Bali has so much to offer, whether you’re interested in the island’s spiritual traditions, art and music scene, or delicious cuisine. Bali is worth visiting for its rich culture and traditions.

Locals are friendly and welcoming

Balinese people are known for their friendly and hospitable nature, always eager to share their rich culture and traditions.

The best time to visit Bali is during one of their many cultural festivals, where you can immerse yourself in the festivities. In fact, we visited Bali during their New Year celebration, called Nyepi.

It was an incredible experience that allowed us to witness their beliefs and customs firsthand. The Balinese people take pride in their beautiful island and are always happy to suggest activities and sights to tourists. With such welcoming locals, it’s no surprise that Bali is considered one of the most inviting and rewarding travel destinations.

Cheap accommodations

During our trip to Bali, we stayed at various places ranging from simple guest houses to high-end resorts and hotels. Even at the basic level, we were well taken care of by the owners, who made sure we had an authentic Balinese experience.

While the famous areas of Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta have recently seen a surge in prices, a Bali retreat can still be affordable. The cost of a guest house is less than $20 per night, making it accessible to diverse budgets.

Exploring the island and going off the beaten path, you can find even better deals with a wide range of accommodations and styles available. Homestays and guesthouses are the cheaper options, and they often come with a pool and lovely gardens to relax in.

By choosing budget-friendly accommodation and staying in a local guest house, you can spend more time immersing yourself in the island’s culture and natural beauty. Bali’s affordable accommodations are just one of the many reasons why it is a destination worth considering for your next adventure.

Explore Bali’s best waterfalls

Bali boasts an awe-inspiring natural beauty, with stunning waterfalls that should not be missed when visiting the island. In fact, Bali’s waterfalls are one of the top reasons why Bali is worth visiting.

Some of the island’s most breathtaking waterfalls are Sekumpul Waterfall, Gitgit Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall and Tegenungan Waterfall. These wonders provide the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and experience Bali’s unique atmosphere.

The cool and refreshing waters are ideal for swimming, providing a relaxing escape from the heat. You can rent a scooter and plan your waterfall hopping, or you can book a tour with a guide here.

The perfect hub for digital nomads

Bali is an excellent destination for digital nomads seeking a productive atmosphere and a thriving community. We had the most productive month while in Bali and enjoyed our adventures with friends in between.

Bali has become increasingly popular for digital nomads due to its low costs, reliable internet, and vibrant culture. You can easily achieve an affordable lifestyle filled with exciting activities and productivity. We spent our days in various co-working spaces and cafes, meeting other digital nomads and focusing on our day-to-day tasks.

Try this routine. Start your day early and have a healthy breakfast at Crate Cafe. If you’re a fitness enthusiast, hit the gym; otherwise, learn to surf. After that, take a shower and work for at least 4 to 6 hours with complete focus.

After work, it’s time to enjoy the sunset and catch up with your friends. Head over to Batu Bolong, sit on the beach, sip a fresh coconut, and enjoy the most amazing moment of your day! This is what we call life, and it’s possible in Bali.

Diverse landscape

Bali boasts a diverse and breathtaking landscape, from white sandy beaches and turquoise waters to lush jungles and ricefield terraces. Bali’s west coast offers a different experience than the calm east coast, and places like Lovina cannot be compared to Canggu and Seminyak.

In fact, these areas are super crowded, and only the surrounding areas around Canggu and Seminyak gained popularity. Instead, if you’re looking for a unique experience, rent a scooter and discover unknown places, you will see so many incredible landscapes, and you will fall in love with this island even more.

Affordable food

When it comes to tasty and budget-friendly food, Bali is a top destination. You can enjoy a variety of local and international cuisines at different price points. You can find traditional Balinese dishes in local warungs like nasi goreng and satay. Both tourists and locals frequent these small restaurants, which offer an inexpensive way to enjoy lunch and dinner.

If you’re in the Canggu area, be sure to check out “Warung Sika“, which is one of our top picks. There are also plenty of vegan and vegetarian restaurants nearby.

While Seminyak, Kuta, Ubud, and Canggu are popular destinations, keep in mind that some Westernized options can be pricey. If you are a food lover, this is one of the main reasons why is Bali worth visiting!

Learn how to cook Balinese food

During our first retreat in Bali, we chose to stay in Ubud instead of the crowded coast. We were excited to explore the area and understand why everyone is in love with Ubud. For sure, it’s the perfect place for a yoga retreat, but it has a lot to offer.

During our stay in Ubud, we had the privilege of learning how to prepare some of the most popular local dishes, which made it easier to recognize them when we ate out.

Food is our favourite part of Bali, and the cuisine is renowned for its unique flavours and spices. Taking a Balinese cooking class is a great way to get immersed in the local culture.

These classes offer an opportunity to learn how to prepare dishes like Nasi Goreng, Satay, and Lawar while discovering the secrets behind their unique flavours. There are various cooking classes available in Bali, ranging from traditional village-style experiences to modern, luxury cooking schools.

These classes offer a great chance to learn about Balinese culture and history. Learning how to cook Balinese food is one of the top reasons to visit Bali. If you’re in Ubud, we highly recommend checking out the Bali cooking class we attended in the jungle.

The routine for locals (digital nomads living in Bali) is straightforward: enjoy a nice dinner, then head straight to the Mart outside XBar, which opens at 7.30 PM every day. After a few Joshots (or Josh Shots), you can walk down to Old Man, an outdoor disco club near Batu Bolong beach.

If you have good stamina, you can continue the fun at SandBar, but we recommend leaving your scooter and getting a grab. The shortcuts and narrow roads in Bali can be dangerous – make sure to check the latest incident in the Canggu shortcut. Thanks to its incredible nightlife, Bali is worth visiting!

Relax, practice yoga and meditation

If you’re planning a trip to Bali for a relaxing vacation, you’ll find plenty of ways to unwind your body and mind. Book a Balinese massage, and take part in yoga, meditation, and relaxation classes that offer a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

Ubud, the spiritual capital of Bali and a popular hippie hub, is the perfect place to find these classes, but you can also find them all over the island, even if you’re staying in Canggu, Seminyak, or Kuta.

Besides yoga, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery by sipping a drink by the rice paddies, hiking through lush forests, or discovering hidden waterfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced yogi, Bali’s peaceful atmosphere and inspiring scenery make it an ideal destination to recharge and unwind.

Surf on the best waves of South East Asia

Have you heard about Bali being a surfer’s paradise? This Indonesian island offers some of the best waves in Southeast Asia. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert surfer, Bali is the perfect place to hit the waves.

The island has popular surf spots that attract Australians and Americans. If you’re interested in trying it out, check out Kuta Beach, Uluwatu, and Canggu.

We found Uluwatu to be challenging for beginners, but with a few lessons in Canggu, you might be ready to ride the waves. One of the things that make surfing in Bali so appealing is that it’s affordable, and people from all over the world have come to ride its waves.

Bali’s surf culture is lively and vibrant, and you can even organize your stay in Bali around surf schools and surf camps. Surfing in Bali is an unforgettable experience and one of the top reasons why Bali is worth a visit.

Bali Cons | Is Bali worth visiting after all?

Bali is overcrowded

We have a vivid memory of our first day in Canggu. The sheer number of scooters zipping through the shortcut that connects the Canggu area with Seminyak was both shocking and overwhelming. Bali’s immense popularity, unfortunately, comes with a downside: overcrowding.

Tourists flock to Bali during peak season, leading to difficulties in finding a quiet spot to unwind. This is a common effect of trendy locations. It’s not just the traffic and crowds that can affect your experience but also the attractions and landmarks themselves.

During busy periods, you may have to endure long queues to take the perfect shot at places like Nusa Penida, waterfalls, and rice fields. Even during Bali’s rainy and wet seasons, we found the island to be still overcrowded.

Bali is too hyped (Is Bali Overrated?)

This is our personal opinion about Bali, which you might disagree with. We recently spent two months on the Indonesian island, and we feel that it has been overhyped. Perhaps it’s due to the digital nomad lifestyle or the influencers, but Bali has become too crowded, and staying for an extended period may not be worth it.

However, Bali is still a great place for vacations. You can experience some of the best things in ten days. If your main goal is to enjoy the beaches, Thailand might be a better option. But if you’re looking for a life-work balance, Bali might be the place for you. We loved the Balinese vibes and believe that it’s an experience every digital nomad should have.

But here’s the thing: Bali is perfect for experiencing Balinese culture and stepping out of the comfort zones of areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. That’s what should attract you to Bali, not the standard Instagram photos that hide the truth that Bali, like many other places, isn’t perfect.

Bali is not just Canggu, Seminyak and Kuta

In addition to the popular attractions in Bali, there is an entire island waiting to be discovered. After spending a month between Canggu and Seminyak, we decided to explore the heart of the island.

We visited Sidemen and Munduk, where we met wonderful people, learned about Balinese culture, and discovered projects that promote sustainable tourism involving both locals and tourists.

Even if you prefer traditional travel and are hesitant to step out of your comfort zone, you might still find it enjoyable to explore Uluwatu or Ubud. However, if you’re looking for island vibes with picturesque beaches and a relaxed lifestyle, we highly recommend visiting Nusa Lembongan.

You pay for every attraction

When visiting Bali and exploring both popular and off-the-beaten-path attractions, be prepared to pay entrance fees ranging from 20K to 50K. Even the famous gate, often seen in photos, is actually the entrance to a golf club and hotel and requires a 50K entrance fee just to queue for a photo.

For example, the Leke-Leke Waterfall requires a 20K entrance fee and an additional 5K fee for a scooter. Although these fees may seem unreasonable for natural beauty, some villages even charge entrance fees for tourists to participate in local activities.

While we understand the reasoning behind these fees, we also recognize that Bali has suffered from over-tourism in recent years, and some places have been ruined as a result. You can check out our reel here and see how much we spent in 2 months in Bali. However, check our experience at Gembleng waterfall, as it was the only attraction free in Bali.

Don’t go to Bali for the beaches

During our trip to Bali, we found that the beaches were not as nice as we expected. Despite the endless stretch of sandy beaches running for kilometres on the west coast, which passes by Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta, we did not come across any Instagram-worthy beaches.

However, we did find a lovely beach in Canggu that was perfect for watching the sunset. But it was different from what we expected from a tropical island.

We discovered better beaches in Nusa Lembongan. We stayed at a fantastic hotel, which was only a five-minute walk from Mushroom Beach. The atmosphere was laid back, and the vibes were rough, but it had everything we needed to relax and have a fantastic time on holiday.

Other beaches, especially the ones that are popular on Instagram, were fantastic. We have never seen water that colour anywhere else. However, getting to the beaches of Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach, and Kelingking Beach requires a lot of physical strength to go up and down the stairs carved into the cliffs.

Pollution and Environmental Concerns

While Bali is a popular tourist destination, it is facing serious environmental issues such as pollution and waste management. The amount of waste generated has increased significantly due to the influx of tourists.

This is visible not only on the beaches but also in popular spots around the island. The accumulation of litter can damage the fragile ecosystems that surround Bali. Pollution is a major concern for those who drive during peak hours, as they are exposed to exhaust fumes.

Heavy Traffic congestion

We travelled thousands of kilometres throughout Bali, not only visiting famous tourist spots but also exploring more remote areas. However, Bali’s roads are often congested, especially in popular tourist areas like Kuta and Seminyak.

The traffic can be a challenge for both tourists and digital nomads, as it leads to long travel times and frequent traffic jams. While Bali may seem small in size, its hilly terrain and road conditions can make travel times much longer than expected.

Limited infrastructure

Although Bali is a popular tourist destination, it still has limited infrastructure in certain areas. This can result in power outages, limited internet access, and other inconveniences.

It is crucial to prepare for these potential issues and plan accordingly. For instance, even while working in a well-known co-working space in Canggu, we experienced a power outage that lasted for a few hours, causing us to finish work later than expected.

Sporadic tourist scams

When travelling to Bali, it’s important to be aware of scams aimed at tourists. These can include overpriced tours, fake products, and fraudulent money exchanges. To avoid falling victim to these scams, it’s recommended that you do your research and book tours and transactions in advance.

One example of this is buying tickets online, as we once experienced. We had checked the ticket prices online before going to Nusa Penida, but when we arrived at the harbour, we were overcharged by almost double the price.

Luckily, we had screenshots of the previous day’s ticket prices and were able to negotiate the price down to just 10K rupees more than the actual price. To avoid situations like this, it’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance and check sites like 12Go Asia.

Where to stay in Bali

Essential tips visiting Bali for the first time

Is Bali safe?

Yes! During our stay in Bali, we felt secure despite the chaos. If you plan on riding a scooter, it’s best to have experience and a bit of craziness to navigate the traffic. Bali is generally considered a safe destination, but taking precautions to ensure your safety is important.

Theft and scams can occur, so keep your valuables secure and be wary of strangers. We’ve heard about scams at ATMs and stolen cards, but fortunately, we have been fine during our time in Bali.

Bali is located in an active seismic zone, and we experienced a couple of earthquakes during our stay. As a precaution, knowing safety guidelines in these situations is essential.

Best time to visit Bali

When planning a trip to Bali, it’s important to consider the dry and wet season. Bali’s dry season runs from April to September and boasts good weather with minimal rainfall but high temperatures. However, this also means it’s peak season, and popular areas like Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak are crowded, making it difficult to navigate on a scooter.

On the other hand, Bali’s wet season runs from November to March, and though it may still be a great time to visit, you should be prepared for rainy weather.

The rain can come sporadically or last for days, potentially causing disruptions to your plans. However, visiting during the wet season means the island is lush and green, and you may be able to find better deals on accommodations and activities.

Bali seasons and temperature per month

How to reach Bali

Bali is a popular destination in South East Asia and can be easily accessed from various locations through direct flights or layovers. However, Bali Airport (Ngurah Rai International) is located far away from central hubs and accommodations.

For travellers traversing Asia, Singapore’s Changi Airport and Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Malaysia are the best airports to fly into Bali.

Australians can fly directly into Bali from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Europeans can also access Bali through direct flights from London and Amsterdam. However, if you’re travelling from the United States, the only direct flights available are from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Bali travel insurance

When you travel, unexpected situations like medical emergencies or trip cancellations can occur, even when visiting a beautiful and charming island like Bali. That’s why it is important to have travel insurance!

For occasional travellers, Heymondo offers a comprehensive travel insurance package that includes coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, personal liability, and equipment, making it a great option for occasional travellers. Hey Mondo’s insurance plans are designed to provide peace of mind and security for your trip, no matter where your adventures take you.

If you’re a digital nomad or long-term traveller, SafetyWing is a great choice. Their insurance plan is tailored to meet the needs of digital nomads, with coverage for emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and natural disasters.

SafetyWing covers lost or stolen equipment, such as laptops and cameras. Before embarking on your Bali adventure, make sure you have travel insurance coverage. With Heymondo and Safety Wings, you can explore worry-free and confidently enjoy all the beauty this island has to offer.