An insider’s guide to Bali: where to stay, eat and explore beyond the beaten path

Bali is roughly 150 kilometres wide, and traffic – especially around Kuta – definitely adds to the travel time. To make the most of your trip, we recommend splitting your stay across different parts of the island. 

Nusa Dua is a no-brainer if you want a quiet stay without sacrificing convenience. There’s Conrad Bali for spacious family suites, lagoon-style pools and direct beach access. Hilton Bali Resort puts you right on Sawangan Beach, with facilities like pools, a water slide, tennis courts and six restaurants, while the newly opened Hilton Garden Inn Bali Nusa Dua is an economical option with fresh, modern rooms, an outdoor pool and the same fuss-free access to the beach and action. 

For a more secluded stay with exceptional service, Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts is the move. Perched on the southernmost tip of Bali near Melasti Beach, each private villa comes with its own infinity pool. And here’s the ultimate travel hack: book your last night at Hilton Garden Inn Bali Ngurah Rai Airport for a final soak in the pool before you fly off. Not only is it a short drive to the terminal, but there’s lots to do nearby, with the lively Kuta Beach and Seminyak neighbourhood just minutes away by car.

First, hit up the beach. If you’re a beginner-level surfer, Kuta’s gentle waters and wide coastline make it ideal for catching your first wave. Pros can skip straight to Uluwatu, which is world-renowned for its steep, barrel-shaped waves. And for motorised watersports, check out Tanjung Benoa or Nusa Dua Beach, where the calm waters are perfect for parasailing, jet-skiing and banana boating.

There are other ways to get up close – but not too personal – with nature. A relaxing stroll in Peninsula Island is one of them, with sprawling fields where locals enjoy sunset picnics and a lookout point called Waterblow, where waves as high as eight metres come crashing against the rocks. 

But the soul of Bali lies in its spiritual and cultural sites. The 121-metre Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) statue – the fourth tallest in the world – is a sight to behold. And if you want to catch a traditional Balinese Kecak dance performance, Uluwatu Temple isn’t the only option. GWK Cultural Park’s daily Kecak performance at sundown is unlike any other, with a unique backdrop of the statue and towering limestone pillars. 

For an indoor activity, while away the afternoon at Museum Pasifika, home to Asia’s largest Asia-Pacific art collection.

Local is the way to go. Warung Nasi Ayam Ibu Oki is the fail-safe option for nasi campur (Balinese mixed rice). There are several outlets across the island, all serving the same signature dish: a vibrant spread of succulent chicken, sambal, satay lilit, lawar and fried peanuts, among other accompaniments. Babi guling, Bali’s most recognisable dish, is another non-negotiable. We like Warung Babi Guling Sari Dewi BP Dobil in Nusa Dua for its incredible crackling and spicy soup, which looks unassuming but packs a punch. 

Other favourites include Menega Cafe in Jimbaran for an unforgettable barbecue seafood dinner by the beach, and Made’s Warung, a trusty local chain with a wide variety of Indonesian classics, from nasi campur and nasi goreng to gado-gado. Or switch things up at Nusa by Suka, a modern Mediterranean restaurant that’s great for candlelit conversations, wood-fired dishes and cocktails. 

If beach-casual is more your vibe, Uma Beach House promises sun-soaked afternoons with an infinity pool, stunning views of Melasti Beach, plus Japanese-Peruvian dishes and tiki cocktails to match.

Skip the major shopping malls, where it’s mostly the same international brands, and head somewhere with more character instead. The open-air Bali Collection has breezy walkways and a good mix of independent labels if you want to pick up gifts that feel a little more special. There are fragrances from Secret Garden, natural skincare from Sensatia, handmade Balinese lace from local clothing brand Uluwatu, and Skala Living for trinkets to deck out your home with.

For something more casual, weave through the colourful Kuta Art Market, where you’ll find rows of rattan bags, hand-painted artworks, clothes and souvenirs. Half the fun is bargaining your way through the maze of stalls. Prices are rarely fixed – just keep things friendly and polite, and you might just score a great deal.