Travel and lifestyle writer
Lilian
Lilian is a Bali-born travel and lifestyle writer at The Bali Guideline. Growing up on the island gave her a deep love for its culture, landscapes and traditions. Curious by nature, she explores new places, seeks out the ones visitors often miss and turns what she finds into stories and practical guides that help travelers make the most of Bali.
Articles by Lilian

12 November 2026
Bali Arrival Card 2026: Entry Requirements, Levy & Visa
Bali arrival card, visa and tourist levy for 2026 in one checklist: what each step costs, when to do it and which official .go.id site to use.

12 November 2026
Bali in December 2026: Weather, Events & Is It Worth It?
Is December a good time to visit Bali? Rain and temperatures by coast, early vs. late December crowds and prices, event dates and rainy-day ideas.

11 March 2026
Beyond the Classic Bun: Discover the New Little Spicy Burger at the Best Craft Burger Spot in Bali
BB52, one of Bali's premier craft burger institutions, has unveiled a new special celebrating wood fired flavors and local fermentation. Known for its From Farm to Kitchen philosophy, the brand is moving beyond the classic cheeseburger to introduce the Little Spicy Burger.

9 March 2026
Taste the Archipelago: Discover Indonesia’s Best Regional Porridges at Liap Liap’s New Heritage Breakfast in Ubud
One of Ubud’s favorite pastimes? Breakfast. While the town’s obsession with typical tourist brunch fare is never-ending, here is a new morning ritual we think is worth bookmarking: Heritage Breakfast at Liap Liap.

12 February 2026
Chinese New Year 2026: 8 Best Feasts in Bali for an Epic Reunion Dinner
This time around, Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and Bali’s dining scene is going all out to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. It’s the ultimate season for the Reunion Dinner—a time for families to gather over steaming hot pots and towering Yee Sang tosses to signal a year of bold ambition and energy.

20 January 2026
Best Australia Day in Bali: Wood-Fired Feasts and Sunset Vibes at SKAI Bar & Grill
Calling all sun-seekers, BBQ enthusiasts, and homesick Aussies! If you’re looking for the ultimate spot to celebrate Australia Day in Bali this year, pack your sunnies and head to the shores of Legian.

12 June 2025
Best things to do in Bali with kids this summer
Fun things to do in Bali with kids, from Waterbom, Bali Zoo and Trans Studio’s indoor rides to a Lembongan day cruise, chocolate making and a Kecak show.

5 February 2025
Where to Dine in Bali This Valentine’s Day 2025: Exclusive Menus & Romantic Spots
Love is in the air! Planning a romantic date night in Bali this Valentine’s Day? The island’s most enchanting restaurants are pulling out all the stops with exclusive menus, dreamy settings, and unforgettable dining experiences for the special occasion. From intimate seaside dinners to elegant multi-course feasts, these top spots are ready to make your evening one to remember. Here’s a lineup of Bali’s most romantic dining destinations for Valentine’s Day 2025. Let’s dive in!

12 January 2025
20 Best Bars in Ubud (2026): Cocktail Bars, Speakeasies & Sunset Spots
The 20 best bars in Ubud for 2026: craft cocktail bars, hidden speakeasies, jungle sunset bars and live-music spots, with prices in IDR and hours.

4 January 2025
19 Best Spas in Ubud (2026): Massage Prices From IDR 240K
19 of the best spas in Ubud, from day spas north of central Ubud to resort spas in its river valleys. A 60-minute Balinese massage costs IDR 240,000 to 1.25 million before tax; opening hours are listed for each spa.

3 January 2025
9 Best Salads in Bali (2026): Salad Bars & Healthy Cafes by Area
Best salads in Bali: build-your-own salad bars, vegan and high-protein bowls in Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu, from IDR 65,000, with hours and addresses.

13 December 2024
8 Best Bars in Pererenan (2026) for Cocktails, Wine and Sunsets
The 8 best bars in Pererenan, the quieter village next to Canggu, from a sunset rooftop and a wine bar inside a boutique hotel to a pub under the palms, a mezcal bar for margaritas and late cocktails after dinner.

1 December 2024
18 Best Apps for Bali (2026): What to Download Before You Go
The 18 best apps for Bali in 2026, from the official arrival card and tourist levy apps to Grab, Gojek, maps, translation, eSIMs and money. Each entry says what it costs and what to set up before you fly.

6 November 2024
19 Best Cafés in Ubud (2026) for Breakfast, Brunch and Coffee
19 of the best cafés in Ubud for breakfast, brunch and coffee, from central Ubud favorites to roasteries, bakeries and vegan kitchens a short ride out of town.

24 October 2024
Celebrating Halloween in Bali 2025: The Best Parties and Spooky Guide
Wondering what Halloween in Bali is like in 2025? The island offers everything from sophisticated adult parties to charming family events. This guide provides your essential roadmap for the spooky season, featuring the most exciting Halloween parties and best family-friendly brunches across Bali.

6 October 2024
21 Best Villa Wedding Venues in Bali (2026): Clifftop, Beach and Jungle Estates
21 private villas and villa estates in Bali that host weddings, from Uluwatu clifftops to Canggu beachfronts, with guest capacities, event fees and curfews.

25 August 2024
21 Best Restaurants in Pererenan (2026): Dinner, Cafes & Breakfast
The 21 best restaurants and cafes in Pererenan, for dinner, breakfast and coffee, with IDR prices, opening hours and booking tips.

28 July 2024
15 Best Cafes and Restaurants in Kuta & Legian (2026)
15 of the best cafes and restaurants in Kuta and Legian, from brunch in Benesari and old Kuta classics to sunset rooftop dining.

24 June 2024
28 Best Restaurants in Bali (2026): By Area, With Prices
The 28 best restaurants in Bali for 2026, from Ubud tasting menus to chef-led dining rooms in Seminyak and Canggu and clifftop tables in Uluwatu. Each entry has prices and opening hours.

27 May 2024
Best Bali Hotel Deals 2025 : Your Ultimate Summer Getaway!
Discover the best hotel deals in Bali! Enjoy exclusive discounts, complimentary spa treatments, and more. Perfect for summer getaways with family or solo adventures. Book now and experience the ultimate Bali retreat.

12 March 2024
20 Best Restaurants in Sanur, Bali (2026): Where to Eat
20 of the best restaurants in Sanur, from beachfront tables on the promenade to Italian, Spanish, Sichuan, Korean and Indian kitchens.

7 March 2024
19 Best Bakeries in Bali (2026): Croissants, Sourdough & Cakes
The 19 best bakeries in Bali for croissants, sourdough and cakes in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and Sanur, with IDR prices and opening hours.

21 February 2024
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida (2026): 20 Best Hotels, Villas and Glamping
20 of the best places to stay on Nusa Penida, from clifftop resorts near Crystal Bay to beachfront rooms by the harbors and glamping on the wild east coast.

3 February 2024
29 Most Romantic Restaurants in Bali (2026): By Area & Price
The 29 most romantic restaurants in Bali for 2026, by area: beachfront sunsets in Seminyak and Jimbaran, clifftop tables in Uluwatu, river-valley dinners in Ubud, with prices for two and romantic packages.

12 January 2024
Where to Stay in Kuta & Legian: 13 Best Hotels (2026)
The 13 best hotels in Kuta and Legian, from beachfront resorts in Legian and south Kuta to private-pool villas and rooftop-pool hotels near Kuta Beach.

7 September 2023
Where to stay in Uluwatu: Best Hotels, Villas and Unique Stays
Where to stay in Uluwatu: the best hotels, resorts and villas, from Six Senses and Bvlgari to Gravity Eco Boutique, Gypsea Bali and Suarga Padang Padang.

27 August 2023
28 Best Restaurants in Uluwatu (2026): Where to Eat in Bingin, Pecatu & Ungasan
The 28 best restaurants in Uluwatu for 2026: clifftop sunset dinners, tasting menus, Japanese, Italian and Indonesian, with IDR prices and hours.

1 August 2023
A Summer Taste Adventure with Ini Vie: Discovering New Asian Delights from Sanur, Canggu to Ubud
Embark on a culinary journey through Bali with Ini Vie Hospitality. Discover authentic Asian cuisine from Paed Thai Sanur, Shichirin Canggu, and Norii Ubud, while enjoying breathtaking island views and unique cultural experiences!

28 June 2023
21 Best Wellness Retreats in Bali (2026) With Prices
21 wellness retreats in Bali for yoga, detox, Ayurveda and healing, with 2026 package prices, from silent retreats at IDR 1.3 million per person a day to COMO Shambhala.

18 June 2023
14 Best Day Clubs in Bali (2026): Pool Clubs in Ubud, Canggu and Uluwatu
14 of the best day clubs and pool clubs in Bali, from jungle pools around Ubud to clifftop decks in Uluwatu, with entry fees, minimum spends and age rules.

30 April 2023
A Next-Level Thai Flavors is Hitting Canggu: Paed Thai
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors at Paed Thai, a new authentic Thai restaurant in Canggu, Bali. Indulge in the tantalizing dishes and handcrafted cocktails inspired by Thai ingredients and traditional spirits in a contemporary Asian dining setting.

27 April 2023
14 Best Nightclubs in Bali (2026): Where to Party Late
14 of the best nightclubs in Bali, from Seminyak and Canggu superclubs to Uluwatu party bars and budget clubs in Kuta, with entry fees, opening nights and hours.

6 April 2023
30 Best Bali Wedding Venues (2026): Clifftop, Beach & Jungle
The 30 best wedding venues in Bali for 2026, by area: clifftop chapels in Uluwatu, beach lawns in Nusa Dua and Jimbaran, jungle resorts in Ubud and private villa estates, with capacities and published package prices.

24 March 2023
Easter in Bali 2026
Celebrate Easter in Bali 2026 on April 5! Discover top staycations, delicious brunches, family egg hunts, and seaside feasts for a perfect holiday.

9 March 2023
Is Bali a Country? Where It Is, and Is It Third World?
No. Bali is a province of Indonesia, between Java and Lombok. Is it poor, or third world? Neither: its poverty rate of 3.44% is less than half the national rate. Plus clear answers on visas, the tourist levy, money and safety.

25 January 2023
30 Best Brunch Spots in Bali (2026): Canggu, Seminyak & Ubud
The best brunch in Bali by area: 30 cafes in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu, Sanur and Kuta, with what to order, IDR prices and breakfast hours.

16 January 2023
17 Best Family Villas in Bali (2026): Private Pools, Kids Rooms and Nannies
17 of the best villas in Bali for families with children, from beach houses in Canggu to clifftop estates in Uluwatu, with pool details, kids facilities and nightly rates where published.

9 December 2022
Best Time to Visit Bali (2026–27): Month-by-Month Guide
The best months to visit Bali are April to June and September. Rain, crowds and 2026–27 dates for Nyepi, Galungan and peak holidays, month by month.

1 November 2022
Best Hair Salons in Bali: 17 Hairdressers by Area (2026)
17 hair salons in Bali for cuts, color and balayage in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and Jimbaran. Cut and blow-dry from IDR 350,000, balayage IDR 1–3 million.

3 June 2022
13 Best Dim Sum Spots in Bali (2026): Yum Cha, Dumplings and Weekend Brunches
13 of the best places for dim sum in Bali, from hotel Cantonese restaurants in Nusa Dua and Jimbaran to dumpling houses in Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur and Denpasar.

13 May 2022
14 Best Teppanyaki Restaurants in Bali (2026)
14 of the best teppanyaki restaurants in Bali, from a ten-seat chef counter in Ubud and grills in Seminyak to resort teppanyaki rooms in Nusa Dua.

2 April 2022
2026 Staycation Ideas during Nyepi Day in Bali
Embrace Bali's Nyepi Day on March 19, 2026. Book a tranquil hotel staycation package to relax, reflect, and find inner peace during the 24-hour Day of Silence.

19 March 2022
22 Best Family-Friendly Hotels & Resorts in Bali (2026)
22 family-friendly hotels in Bali by area, from Nusa Dua and Jimbaran to Kuta, Sanur and Ubud: kids clubs, kids pools, water slides and family rooms.

23 December 2021
11 Dreamy Eco-Friendly Accommodations In Bali
Eleven eco-friendly hotels and resorts in Bali, from Potato Head Studios and Fivelements to treehouse stays, glamping tents and Sarinbuana Eco Lodge.

23 April 2021
Best Ramadan & Lebaran Deals in Bali 2024
Make this Ramadan extra special with amazing offers from dining to Eid hampers and staycation deals. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the holy month with exceptional dining experiences that bring families together at iftar as well as Eid al-Fitr Dinner. Delight in the tradition of giving with thoughtfully curated Eid hampers, perfect for sharing the joy with loved ones. Plus, treat yourself and your family to a memorable escape with staycation packages across Bali. Here, we’ve rounded up the best Ramadan specials to ensure a celebration filled with tradition, joy, and unforgettable experiences.

6 April 2021
16 Best Cheap Hotels in Ubud (2026): Good-Value Stays with Pools
16 of the best cheap and good-value hotels in Ubud, from homestays about ten minutes' walk from the Palace to rice-field villas and small resorts with pools, most under IDR 1.2 million a night.

8 January 2021
15 Best Vegan Restaurants and Cafés in Bali (2026)
The 15 best vegan restaurants and cafés in Bali, from plant-based fine dining and raw food in Ubud to cheap warungs in Sanur, Seminyak and Denpasar, with menu prices and opening hours.

27 October 2020
9 Cool And Affordable Glamping Sites In Bali For Your Next Getaway
Affordable glamping and camping in Bali, from Bobocabin Kintamani and Bali Jungle Camping to Sunrise Hill Camp, Autentik Nusa Penida and La Tenda Canggu.

16 August 2020
17 Best Cheap Eats in Bali (2026): Warungs & Budget Spots by Area
Best cheap eats in Bali by area: warungs serving nasi campur from IDR 25,000, plus budget cafes in Canggu, Seminyak, Legian, Ubud and Sanur, with opening hours.

25 November 2019
27 Unique Things to Do in Bali (2026): The Best Bali Experiences
27 unique things to do in Bali, from a sunrise trek up Mount Batur and a melukat blessing at Tirta Empul to a silver-ring class, manta rays off Nusa Penida and the ogoh-ogoh parades before Nyepi, with 2026 prices, timings and how to book.

30 October 2019
18 Best Places for Live Music in Bali (2026): Ubud, Seminyak, Legian & Sanur
The 18 best bars and restaurants for live music in Bali, from nightly Latin and rock bands in central Ubud to jazz in Seminyak and Nusa Dua, cover bands in Legian and Sanur and punk gigs near Canggu, with music nights, opening hours and prices.

18 September 2019
13 Best Day Trips from Seminyak (2026): Ubud, Nusa Penida & Uluwatu
13 day trips from Seminyak, from Ubud, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu Temple to Nusa Penida, Mount Batur, Jatiluwih and Sekumpul, with drive times, entry fees and the easiest way to go.

18 August 2019
26 Best Restaurants in Seminyak (2026): Fine Dining, Beachfront & Local Favourites
Looking for the best restaurants in Seminyak? These 26 places cover fine dining, beachfront tables, Indonesian cooking, steak and late-night bites.

3 August 2019
22 Best Pizza Places in Bali (2026): Neapolitan, New York & Wood-Fired
Looking for the best pizza in Bali? These 22 pizza places serve sourdough Neapolitan, New York and wood-fired pies in Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud and Uluwatu.

1 August 2019
15 Best Burgers in Bali (2026): Canggu, Seminyak & Uluwatu
15 of the best burgers in Bali for 2026, from smash burgers in Canggu to late-night spots in Seminyak and burger stops in Uluwatu. Bali might be better known for smoothie bowls and nasi goreng, but the island has quietly built a seriously good burger scene. From crispy-edged smash burgers in Canggu to juicy beef stacks in Uluwatu and more creative takes in Seminyak, there’s no shortage of places to satisfy a burger craving.

28 July 2019
Top Places to Visit in Nusa Penida
The top places to visit in Nusa Penida, from Kelingking and Diamond Beach to Angel’s Billabong, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay, Atuh Beach and Manta Point.

8 July 2019
Top 7 Bali Shopping Destinations
Seven of the best places to shop in Bali, from Beachwalk and Discovery Shopping Mall in Kuta to Jenggala Ceramics, The Keranjang and Geneva Handicraft.

21 May 2019
12 Affordable Wedding Villas in Bali (2026) for a Budget Wedding or Party
12 affordable villas in Bali for a wedding or a party, from small in-villa ceremonies in Sanur to beachfront lawns in Canggu and Tabanan, with packages, event fees, guest numbers and curfews.

2 May 2019
12 Bali Street Foods to Try (2026) and Where to Eat Them
12 Bali street foods to try, from babi guling and sate lilit to nasi jinggo and terang bulan, with typical prices and the warungs that do them best.

8 April 2019
12 Places To Drink Coffee In Bali
The best cafes and coffee shops in Bali for specialty coffee, from Seniman in Ubud to Revolver in Seminyak and Hungry Bird in Canggu.

10 March 2019
Where to Stay in Ubud: 18 Best Hotels by Area (2026)
Where to stay in Ubud in 2026: 18 hotels by area, from walk-to-town stays in Central Ubud to Ayung River villas, at IDR 2.4–25 million a night, with booking tips for each.

31 January 2019
20 Best White Sand Beaches in Bali (2026): Fees, Access & Swimming
The 20 best white sand beaches in Bali, from the coves around Uluwatu and the calm lagoon at Nusa Dua to Padangbai, Candidasa, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, with entry fees, steps and where it is safe to swim.

28 January 2019
29 Most Instagrammable Cafes in Bali (2026)
The 29 most Instagrammable cafes in Bali by area: design-led cafes in Canggu and Seminyak, garden cafes in Ubud and volcano views in Kintamani.

14 January 2019
11 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Bali
Eleven cool and unusual things to do in Bali: Trunyan village, the Goa Lawah bat cave, Pemuteran’s underwater temple, paragliding and swimming with mantas.

6 January 2019
8 Must-Try Local Foods That You Can’t Miss While You Are in Bali
Eight local food spots in Bali and what to order, from babi guling at Ibu Oka and nasi ayam at Bu Mangku to ayam betutu, sate plecing and lawar.

16 December 2018
8 Places to go to Uluwatu
Eight places to visit in Uluwatu, Bali, from Uluwatu Temple’s Kecak dance and GWK to Karang Boma Cliff and Suluban, Green Bowl and Balangan beaches.

22 November 2018
7 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in North Bali
The seven best waterfalls in North Bali: Sekumpul, Gitgit, Banyumala Twin, Aling Aling, Munduk, Bhuanasari and Jembong, with what to expect at each.

14 November 2018
7 Most Fascinating Places in East Bali
Seven places to visit in East Bali, from Lempuyang Temple and Tirta Gangga to Taman Ujung, Amed, Virgin Beach and the Bebandem rice fields.

10 November 2018
7 Must See Temples in Bali
Seven of the best and most famous temples in Bali: Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Lempuyang, Besakih, Ulun Danu, Tirta Empul and Saraswati in Ubud.

6 November 2018
11 Most Instagrammable Spots in Bali
The most Instagrammable places and photo spots in Bali, from Handara Gate and Lempuyang to the Tegalalang rice terraces, Tirta Gangga and Kelingking.

31 October 2018
24 Best Places to Visit in Ubud (2026): Temples, Waterfalls & Walks
Where to go in Ubud in 2026: 24 places to visit, from Monkey Forest to Tirta Empul and Tukad Cepung, with IDR fees, opening hours and tips.

30 October 2018
34 Best Beach Clubs in Bali (2026): Entry Fees & Day Beds
34 of the best beach clubs in Bali by area, from Canggu and Seminyak to Uluwatu, Melasti and the Nusa islands, with entry fees, day bed minimums and hours.
Itineraries and area comparisons
3 Days in Bali: Ubud, Then the Uluwatu Cliffs
Two nights inland, one on the coast, and no day with more than three hours in a car.
5 Days in Bali: Ubud, Tanah Lot and the Uluwatu Beaches
Three nights in Ubud, two by the sea, one hotel change and two sunset temples.
7 Days in Bali: Volcano, Island Cliffs and Uluwatu
Three bases, one sunrise climb, one boat day and the Kecak to finish.
10 Days in Bali: A Loop Through the Center, East and South
Four bases, rice terraces on two sides of the island, the Gates of Heaven and a reef you can swim to from the beach.
Canggu vs Seminyak
The two sit 20 to 40 minutes apart on the same southwest coast, so you are choosing a base, not a different part of the island. Seminyak is the compact, walkable one; Canggu is the spread-out surf and cafe strip to the north. Both face open surf, so neither is a calm-water swimming choice.
Ubud vs Seminyak
These are the two halves of the classic first trip to Bali: the inland culture town and the walkable beach town. They are 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours apart by car, too far to commute every day, so many visitors split their nights between them.
Uluwatu vs Canggu
Both are surf areas in south Bali, but they feel very different. Uluwatu is limestone cliffs and white-sand coves on the dry Bukit Peninsula; Canggu is black sand, rice-field lanes and a busy cafe scene. The drive between them takes 75 minutes to 2 hours, longer at peak times.
Seminyak vs Kuta
Seminyak and Kuta share one long west-facing beach, with Legian in between, so the sand and the surf are much the same. What changes is the street behind it: pricier and more polished in Seminyak, busier and cheaper in Kuta. They are 20 to 40 minutes apart by car, or about 40 minutes on foot along the sand.
Sanur vs Nusa Dua
These are Bali’s two best-known calm-water bases, both facing east with a reef offshore. The difference is what sits behind the beach: a low-rise town in Sanur, a gated resort enclave in Nusa Dua. They are 30 to 45 minutes apart by car.
Nusa Penida vs Nusa Lembongan
The two islands sit off Bali’s southeast coast, 30 to 45 minutes from Sanur by fast boat and 10 to 15 minutes from each other. Penida is big, steep and slow to cross. Lembongan is small enough to loop by scooter in about 40 minutes.