Known as ‘the Island of the Gods’, Bali offers a picturesque tapestry of lush jungles, golden shores and vibrant culture. Whatever type of holiday you’re after, whether it’s a yoga getaway in the interior, adventure travel, a culture trip, or a little bit of all of these, Bali is a magical holiday destination with so much to offer.
Bali's beaches are world-famous – beautiful Sanur on the east coast is protected by a reef that offers plenty of watersports including windsurfing, sailing, parasailing and snorkelling. Bali’s most famous beach, Kuta, is home to numerous restaurants, bars and discos. If you’re in search of a gentler pace, there’s Seminyak, with beaches overlooking lush rice paddy fields. Ubud in Bali’s interior is home to temples and holy sites, bustling craft markets, outdoor restaurants and verdant rice fields clinging to steep hills. Book your honeymoon package to Bali and experience breathtaking sunset dinners and romantic backrops.
Why travel to Bali?
- The beaches are beautiful, Bali is makes for an incredible beach holiday destination.
- Its cultural traditions are fascinating.
- There are so many temples to explore that it’s no wonder Bali is called the ‘Island of a Thousand Temples’.
- The natural attractions are exquisite and diverse.
- Balinese arts and crafts are renowned, and well worth seeing – and buying.
- Adventure junkies can enjoy flyboarding, canyon and cliff jumping.
- Bali is a surfer’s paradise.
- Bali produces the world’s most expensive coffee, Luwak coffee.
With its exquisite beaches, rich culture, fabulous cuisine and incredible attractions, Bali is a dream holiday destination with numerous accommodation options ranging from affordable to luxury holidays. Thompsons Holidays can make your dream a reality with the perfect 2024 Bali holiday package for you. Our Bali holiday packages include flights. Book now!
Whatever type of activity you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Bali, which offers never-ending adventure. Surfing is legendary on this magnificent island, or you can jump from the cliffs or into a canyon. Slide down a natural waterslide at the Aling-Aling Waterfall, or sail under the sea in a submarine, walk on the seabed or enjoy the magnificent underwater world on a diving expedition.
If you prefer a more relaxed holiday, Bali will enchant you. There are so many gorgeous spas to sample for wellness and beauty treatments, yoga classes, traditional dance displays and breathtaking scenery to explore. There’s also the beach, offering all sorts of exciting watersports for the active, or time to soak up the sun and read a good book.
Things to do in Bali
- Hike up Mount Batur, an active volcano.
- Swim with manta rays in Nusa Penida.
- Watch a traditional Balinese Kecak dancing performance.
- Visit Tana Lot Temple at sunset.
- Enjoy whitewater rafting on the Telaga Waja River.
- Explore the island on a scooter.
- Get active with a variety of watersports, including banana boating and wakeboarding.
- Go snorkelling close to Menjangan Island in West Bali National Park.
- Be pampered with a traditional Balinese massage.
- Surf with the experts in Uluwatu.
- Cycle around Lake Batur.
- Explore Ubud’s lush rice terraces.
- Experience the famous Bali Swing – a must for your Instagram.
- Enjoy the nightlife in Kuta.
- Go scuba diving in Amed to explore the Japanese shipwreck.
- Surf with the experts in Uluwatu and Canggu.
Bali is beautiful. It is fun, exciting, relaxing, romantic, therapeutic – and everything else you want it to be. Whether you’re looking for a sun-soaked beach getaway or romantic escape. If you want to explore off the beaten track or prefer to travel in luxury, you’ll find it on a Bali trip. Thompsons Holidays can create your dream Bali holiday package in this magical destination.
Read our blog on expert travel tips for Bali, including what to pack!
When is the best time to visit?
- You can visit Bali at any time of the year.
- The best time to visit Bali is between April and October, in the dry season.
- Bali’s rainy season is usually from November to March. The wettest months are January and February.
Getting there
- Flight duration from South Africa to Bali with one stopover: 13 hours, 50 minutes.
Do I need a visa?
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Indonesia for a period of up to 30 days.
- Passports should be valid for 6 months after date of return to South Africa.
What time is it?
- Time zone – Bali is 6 hours ahead of South Africa.
Money matters
- The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
- Major credit cards are accepted in hotels and large shops, however, cash payments are preferred everywhere.
- Bureau de Change is found at the airport and offers the best exchange rates. You can also change money at most hotel receptions.
- ATMs are found in most shopping outlets.
- Tipping is an accepted custom in Indonesia. Tip restaurant staff, luggage porters, drivers and guides at your discretion
Language & phrases
- Indonesia’s national language is Bahasa Indonesia. Locals speak their local dialect, such as Balinese in Bali, Javanese in Java.
- English is relatively widely spoken in the main tourist centres, and Dutch is understood by the older generation.
Culture & Religion
- The Indonesian government recognises six official religions: Islam, Protestant Christianity, Roman Catholic Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism.
- When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively. (See ‘What to pack’).
Health information
- It is not safe to drink tap water in Bali. Bottled water is readily available.
- Smoking is only permitted in designated areas. It is prohibited in indoor public areas.
- No vaccinations are currently required. Check with your doctor before travelling.
- Depending on when you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warmer layers for winter.
- Lightweight rain jacket.
- Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Bali operates on a 230V supply boltage and 50Hz. Bring along a 2-pin socket and round plug as an adaptor.
- Support the local economy.
- Be mindful of the environment.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
