While in many ways Bali is the complete opposite of who YPT are it is still not just a great place that we use to transit to other parts of Indonesia but also a hidden gem in itself.

So yes while much of it is dominated by party going 20 year olds drunken Australians and the Eat Pray Love crowd there are also a heap of hidden gems. Therefore we have put together the YPT Ultimate Bali Guide listing at least the bits that we like.

What the Bali

Bali is one of Indonesia’s most famous islands in the Lesser Sunda chain between Java and Lombok. The island covers roughly the same area as Delaware in the United States and has about 4.5 million residents. Most of the population is concentrated in the south around Denpasar and Kuta. Tourism has exploded in the past two decades which has caused congestion, traffic, and pollution in the main tourist areas.

The climate is tropical with temperatures usually between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Bali has a dry season from May to October and a wet season from November to April. Heavy rain usually comes in the afternoon or at night. Bali is famous for its beaches, temples, villas, spas, and beach clubs. Despite the crowds, there is still culture, scenery, and local life to experience.

Districts of Bali

So Bali is so huge that even discussing Bali is a bit of a misnomer because the island is very diverse. We have split the island into its main districts with the vibe and distance from Denpasar airport.

Kuta and Legian

Kuta is Bali’s party centre and the international airport is just down the road. Expect cheap guesthouses, cheap beer, and thousands of Australians and backpackers making noise day and night. Legian Road is packed with bars, shops, and clubs and does not sleep. This is where the drink Aussies and backpackers are in force.

Seminyak

Just north of Legian, Seminyak is more polished. Beach clubs like Potato Head are on the beachfront. Seminyak is about cocktails, sunsets, and a more upscale scene. Crowds are international and stylish.

Canggu

Canggu has become Bali’s digital nomad and surf hub. Beaches like Echo and Batu Bolong are surrounded by cafes, smoothie bars, and brunch spots. There are parties but it is more scattered than Kuta.

Ubud

Inland Ubud is Bali’s cultural centre with rice terraces, temples, and yoga retreats. The town is quiet at night and is more about daytime walking, art, and ceremonies than partying.

Uluwatu and Bukit Peninsula

Southwest of the airport this area has cliffs, surf breaks, and scenic sunsets. The vibe is surfers and tourists who want views and ocean rather than loud nightlife. There are beach bars and some mellow parties.

Sanur and East Bali

East of the airport Sanur is calm with sunrise beaches. Good for families, older travellers, or people who want easy sea swimming. North of Sanur you reach East Bali and then Lovina with quiet beaches and dolphins.

5 Hidden Gems of Bali Guide

These are places beyond the main tourist districts that we think are worth your time.

Kuta and Denpasar

Kuta and Denpasar make a good transit base for YPT tours. Cheap hostels, flights, and local warungs. Plenty to see after a few beers.

Pererenan Village

North of Canggu, Pererenan still has a village feel. Quiet beaches, rice fields, and roadside cafes make it feel like old Bali.

Amed and East Coast

Black sand beaches, snorkeling, and the USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben. Less crowded than the south and very relaxed.

Lovina and North Bali

Black sand beaches, calm water, dolphins at sunrise, waterfalls, and mellow cafes.

Munduk and Sidemen

Lush interior with rice terraces, jungle, and mountains. Perfect for hiking, coffee, and quiet nights. Locals follow old rhythms rather than tourist schedules.

We also acknowledge the Gili Islands. They are technically off Lombok but have world-class diving, beaches, and a mix of chill days and warm nights.

Eating and drinking in Bali

Balinese cuisine is better than much of Indonesia due to tourism raising standards. Warungs serve nasi goreng, mie goreng, babi guling, and sate lilit cheaply. Fine dining is also available but costs more than your flight. Warungs are cheap, portions are big, and you can eat like a king.

Cafes in Canggu and Seminyak serve avocado toast, cold brew, and western food alongside local dishes. Yeah it is that kind of crowd)

5 Best Places to eat in Bali guide

Seminyak food scene

Jalan Laksmana has countless options from warungs to international restaurants.

Canggu cafés and eats

Batu Bolong Street and Berawa have brunch, dinner, local and western food.

Ubud artisan food

Markets and small restaurants with Balinese dishes, Indonesian classics, and cafes.

Sanur local eats

Night markets and beachfront warungs serve grilled seafood, satay, and street snacks.

North Bali hidden cafés

Lovina and Banjar serve fresh fish, BBQ, and simple noodle soups or rice dishes.

Street food includes Pasar Badung night markets, grilled satay stands, and roadside nasi jinggo packs.

5 Best Places to party on Bali

OK, so Bali is a real party island, therefore you cannot really dog a guide without pointing out where to get your groove on. Some are more age appropriate than others.

Kuta nightlife

Legian Road and nearby clubs. Loud cheap bars and big rooms until sunrise.

Seminyak bars and clubs

Upscale clubs with rooftop bars and lively nightlife.

Canggu beach vibes

Old Man’s, Finns Beach Club, and La Brisa for dance, cocktails, and ocean views.

Uluwatu cliff parties

Sunset drinks turn into music and dancing at night.

Gili Trawangan

Not Bali technically, but a short boat ride. Famous for wild beachfront parties and bonfire raves.

Getting out of Bali Guide

Flights from Denpasar airport are frequent. Domestic flights to Lombok, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Jakarta, and international flights across Southeast Asia often cost under a couple hundred dollars if booked ahead.

Fast boats from Sanur or Padang Bai to the Gili Islands and Lombok take about 90 minutes. Public ferries run daily between Gilimanuk and Ketapang in Java, about 30 minutes. From Java you can link into the Indonesian train network for journeys to Yogyakarta, Jakarta, or Surabaya.

Island hops include ferries to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan from Sanur in under an hour.

In conclusion

Yes Bali has too many tourists and yes this is not real travel but you need to accept the place for what it is to enjoy it. Bali is beautiful, there are people here, and it has all the creature comforts from home. Cheap beers, cheap eats, beaches, temples, rice fields, and boat trips to other islands. Bali has something for everyone.

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