Where is Bali located? Is Bali Indonesia? These are questions you might have when researching this famous Island in Southeast Asia. Let us share the precise Bali location with you as well as some fun tips from our many visits to the island!
Where is Bali Located?
Bali is a small island located in the Indian Ocean between Java and Lombok. The popular tourist destination is just south of the larger islands of Kalimantan and Sulawesi, while being about 650km from mainland Indonesia.
By looking at the world map, you can tell it’s much smaller than the islands surrounding it. However, this island with a total land area of 5,780 square kilometers draws in more visitors than anywhere else in the country. It’s also the westernmost of the Lesser Sunda Islands group in the Republic of Indonesia.
Is Bali Indonesia?
Yes! While it may be completely different than other parts of the country, Bali Island is in fact part of Indonesia. Some travelers may think of it as its own entity due to the popularity and immense differences from the rest of Indonesia. Still, know that it is located in the country of Indonesia!
→ How to Get an Indonesia Visa on Arrival & Easy Bali Visa Extension
How to Get the Location of Bali
Now that you’ve been prepped on the location of Bali, know that there are many ways to get to the Island of the Gods. Most travelers will fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport to start their adventure.
Daily direct flights come in daily from Indonesia’s largest city in Jakarta, and many other hubs around Southeast Asia. At this time, there are no direct routes from Europe to Bali. Typically, we make a connection in Doha, Singapore, or Bangkok, before continuing on to the location of Bali.
Australians are known to visit Bali Island the most of any country, with flights taking just a few hours from its major cities. There are also many ferries available from the surrounding islands. Specifically, from the island of Lombok, the Nusa Islands, or the Gili islands are where the boats leave from.
→ What’s it Like Flying on Batik Air? Review of the Indonesian Airline
What Makes Bali Island So Popular?
Where is Bali located and why is it so known to travelers around the world? This Indonesian island attracts millions of foreign tourists per year for its beaches, fun lifestyle, and natural beauty.
In recent years, digital nomads from around the world have even moved here and made the island of Bali their remote work home.
After many visits ourselves, we can tell you it’s such a great place to relax and work from. There is a certain energy and atmosphere here that you won’t find anywhere else in Southeast Asia.
The combination of co-working spots, colorful cafes, and beach bars make it the ideal holiday or remote work destination. While we’ve recently found places with a similar digital nomad style in Thailand, there is truly no place like Bali Indonesia!
→ What’s It Like Being a Thailand Digital Nomad? 2023 Guide
Our Favorite Bali Beaches
Below you can find some of the best beaches in Bali. They range from advanced surfing spots to places with sunbeds and fun beach bars. Whatever type of beach you’re looking for, Bali Island has it!
- Bingin Beach Bali: How to Get There, Fun Sunset Tips, & More!
- Suluban Beach: How to Visit the Beautiful Bali Beach & Cliffs
- 9 Fun Tips For Visiting the Famous Padang Padang Beach in Bali
- Nyang Nyang Beach Bali: The Uluwatu Beach You Can’t Miss!
Picking the Best Bali Location to Stay
When looking at the Bali map, you should know that most of the action goes on in the southern part of the island. Bali’s high season is from April to October, which is the opposite of many other tropical island destinations in Southeast Asia.
You’ll find the towns of Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua, Sanur, and Uluwatu to be lively with travelers from all over the world. Ubud also brings visitors for its rice terraces, wildlife, and is known as a mecca for yoga.
Denpasar is the capital of Bali and also its largest city. This is where the airport is located, but not a place many tourists stay.
Even with so much going on in the south, know that there is so much more of Bali island to see! Mount Agung on the east coast is the highest point of Bali and an active volcano.
As you head north, you’ll find endless waterfalls and stunning nature to experience. This stands in contrast to the south of the island which is largely built up with hotels and private villas. Our personal favorite Bali location is Uluwatu and we’ve listed some great places to stay below.
Where To Stay Around Uluwatu Bali
Ultra Luxury – Alila Villas Uluwatu – If you have some money to spend and want a taste of luxury near Uluwatu Temple, this is the spot for you! Most villas include private pools and incredible views of the ocean.
Fun Vacation – Village Bali – Add an exciting twist to your Bali vacation with the fun and colorful decor. This hotel is located perfectly near Padang Padang beach.
Boutique Hotel – Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa – Upscale bed and breakfast surrounded by a beautiful jungle setting. On site spa & restaurant, Bali decor, and a great swimming pool!
Relaxing Stay – Davu Sundara Villa Uluwatu – A family run guesthouse with large rooms that overlook a lush jungle swimming pool. Quiet and relaxing area just outside of the main hustle and bustle of Uluwatu.
Best Things to do on Bali
Now that you have the just on where is Bali and what it’s all about, how about the best things to do? Well, you should know that completely depends on your travel style.
Bali Island is a place where you can relax and enjoy a beach vacation. However, it’s also a destination to experience a wide range of outdoor adventure activities!
Most of the best things to do in Bali are geared around the beaches and clear blue water. Here are a few fun activities to give you an idea of what to do before your visit.
Beaches: Of course, beaches are a huge reason why everyone comes to Bali. You’ll find countless places to swim, surf, and get your suntan on.
Surfing: Bali is known to be a surfer’s paradise, and its beaches hold professional contests throughout the year. One of the most famous surfing spots is in Uluwatu, but also somewhere that only experts should hit the waves.
Hip Cafes: Another amazing part about Bali is its fun cafe culture and beach bars. Many have their own unique styles and offer a variety of healthy food options.
Party Scene: It’s no secret that Bali is a place where party animals are unleashed! Many travelers come from all over the world to party at the beaches and dance the night away.
Snorkeling & Diving: One of the best things to do on Bali Island is get out on the water. You’ll find snorkeling and diving tours in almost every coastal town that will take you around Bali and to the surrounding islands.
Temples: Don’t worry… It’s not all partying and beaches in Bali. The island plays host to several cultural activities specifically at the Hindu temples. One of the best places to visit is the Uluwatu Temple where you can take in the nightly Kecak Fire Dance performance.
Motorbike Adventures: The most popular way to get around Bali is by motorbike. Just a word of warning though, you should be VERY experienced if you’re thinking about renting a scooter here. The traffic can be crazy and cars pass with reckless abandon. Take advantage of the affordable Grab Taxi app if you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike.
What Islands Are Around the Bali Location?
We mentioned some of the larger islands around Bali already. Yet, there are some amazing smaller islets you should know about! Lombok is just a short hour and twenty-minute boat ride from Padang Bai Port on Bali. You can even take a day trip there and enjoy its many beaches.
Aside from Lombok, we really love the Nusa and Gili Islands. The three major Gili’s are known as Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Known as Gili T, this is the most visited and famous for its party vibes.
Gili Meno is the quietest of the bunch and known for its world-class diving and snorkeling. Our favorite is Gili Air, which you’ll find has a relaxing mix of both. The Gili islands are actually closer to Lombok than the location of Bali. Still, Gili Trawangan take just over an hour to get to on the ferry from Amed.
The Nusa Islands are also so worth visiting! Nusa Penida is a beautiful island full of incredible beach hikes and scenery. While Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan both cater to a more relaxed vacation style.
So where is Bali located in comparison to the Nusa Islands? You’ll be happy to hear they’re positioned right off of the Southeast Coast. This means that it will only take you 30 minutes to get from Sanur to Nusa Lembongan.
To be completely honest, we’ve grown to love the islands which surround Bali even more than Bali itself. They’re full of adventure, cheap accommodations, and so much to explore. Definitely take a break from the main island if you have time to experience more of the best places in the south of Indonesia.
→ Gili Islands Indonesia: 20 Important Things to Know Before You Go
Is Bali Island Worth Visiting?
Bali is a very special island and has something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a fun one-week holiday or a longer backpacking adventure, Bali is a great place to explore! The warm waters and white sands attract millions of visitors per year for a reason.
With that said, you should be ready for how touristy it truly is. Some downsides of Bali include the hectic traffic, Instagram photo shoots, pollution, and even contracting the dreaded Bali Belly.
Also, be prepared for the Bali weather before your visit. Dry season runs from April to October and wet season from November to March. During the rainy season, you can expect for periodic showers throughout the day. However, this is also the time when you can see the rice paddies and nature come alive.
If you’re looking for somewhere more off the tourist map, consider different parts of this Indonesian archipelago or other parts of Asia. Yet, we still think Bali is a place everyone should visit once!
→ Is Bali Worth Visiting? Pros and Cons of Indonesia’s Famous Island
Have any questions on where is Bali located or want to share your own tips and advice? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Indonesia Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Singapore to Bali for $60 USD, and Bali to Surabaya for less than $40!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: 12Go is where we look first in Asia for ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! From speed boats to the Gili Islands and bus transfers around the country.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Bali. We recommend taking a sunrise Mount Batur hike with breakfast, an authentic cooking class in a local village, and the Ubud waterfall tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
