Bali is a remarkable Indonesian island, home to a vibrant cultural scene and the country's most popular tourist hot spots. Coral reefs, black sand beaches, a vast array of wildlife species, and bustling cities draw visitors from all of the world. There are several different ways to get to Bali and, though it's out of the way, your trip will be well worth the effort.
Things You'll Need
- Passport
- Visa
- Plane ticket
- Train ticket
- Bus ticket
- Reservations for a cruise
Tips
Traveling to Bali
- Research travel websites for the best airfare. Bali is listed as Denpasar on flight timetables. To find cost-effective tickets, visit travelzoo.com or travelocity.com. There are some direct flights from different countries, but generally it's quite difficult to find them, so a layover in another country or major city is often necessary. You may find cheaper tickets into the country's capitol of Jakarta, from where you can take a domestic flight into Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport.
- Take a ferry from Ketapang in Java to Gilimanuk in Bali. The ferries run 24 hours every day. They leave every half hour and take 15-25 minutes based on water conditions. Once you arrive you can jump on a number of buses that will take you into the main cities.
- Board a bus from Surabaya, Yogya or Jakarta. While it is impossible to take a bus all the way there, these bus lines meet up with the ferry that takes you to Bali. Lorena is one of the most popular bus lines for its comfort and safety. You can purchase tickets for buses and ferries at a tourism center or at the Ubung terminal.
- Take a train from Jakarta's Kota Station or Java's Surabaya Gubeng Station. The ride takes roughly eight hours and travels across the straits to Bali. The train terminals can be accessed by taking a taxi from the Jakarta or Java airports.
- Cruise your way to Bali in style by buying tickets for a luxury cruise ship. There are a number of cruise lines that travel to the various islands of Indonesia. Seven Seas, Silolano and Ombak Putih are popular among tourists. On these ships you'll enjoy fabulous Indonesian cuisine, breathtaking views, spacious cabins and a stress-free journey to Bali.
