Bali is Indonesia’s most talked-about island. And for good reason. But it’s also the most misunderstood.
Yes, parts of the south coast have been overwhelmed by mass tourism. But look past the Instagrammed hotspots and you’ll find a very beautiful Bali. One that rewards those who slow down, rather than skim the surface.
This is an island of villages where daily life still revolves around ceremony. Of rice fields worked with care, not just curated for cameras. Of spiritual traditions passed down through generations, earning Bali its name as ‘the Island of the Gods’.
And then there’s the scenery. It’s spectacular. Unspoiled coastline, tropical greenery, volcanoes and hidden waterfalls. Landscapes that feel far removed from the picture most people assume. Come and discover the Bali we know and love.
What makes our Bali holidays different
A Bali holiday with Experience Travel Group isn’t about squeezing everything in. It’s about choosing well.
We focus on fewer places, allowing you to settle in and get a feel for each one. We guide you away from areas where you’ll be part of a pack of tourists and towards the most magical parts of the island.
That might mean time in the hills around Ubud or Sidemen, walking through paddies with someone who knows them inside out. Visiting small, family-run workshops where crafts are still made by hand. Getting your beach fix on the West or North coastlines. Or hopping over to neighbouring Lombok to end your trip on a quiet stretch of sand with Bali’s volcanoes silhouetted on the horizon.
It’s all about experiencing Bali in the best light.
Explore Hotels & Villas on Bali
Bali on the map
Our Bali Signature Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions about Bali Holidays
The dry season, from May to September, brings Bali its best weather. July and August sit right at the heart of that, which is why they’re so popular, particularly with families travelling during school holidays. Conditions are excellent, with clear skies, low rainfall and long, sunny days. (Which is why we recommend booking well in advance and travelling in the quieter parts of the island, away from the main crowds, during peak season).
If you have more flexibility, travelling earlier can be even more rewarding. March is still warm and humid, but inland it’s usually a more comfortable temperature and looks beautifully green after the rains. By April, the weather tends to settle and the island comes into its own again. It’s one of our favourite times to be there, just before the busier months kick in and increases your chances of snapping up a great deal.
To dive deeper, read our Indonesia Weather Guide.
Absolutely. For a start, the island is home to some of the most high-end hotels in Asia, particularly those with real personality rather than too much flash. In fact, the very first ’boutique hotel’ originated on the island of Bali. Many of its best stays focus on setting, design and atmosphere, from elegant hillside retreats to beautiful private villas, where service feels warm and intuitive rather than stuffy.
Then there’s access. Bali offers eye-opening experiences led by kind Balinese people who are keen to welcome you into their corner of the world. This is where the sense of something genuinely special comes from. Not necessarily grand gestures, but time spent in places, and with people, most visitors never encounter.
Add to that Bali’s deep-rooted wellness culture, which runs far beyond spas and yoga studios. A slower rhythm, a strong connection to nature and a focus on balance are simply part of daily life here.
When you travel with Experience Travel Group, luxury in Bali feels relaxed and restorative, enriching and magical.
We always say that Bali suits travellers who want the ideal balance between discovery and downtime.
It works beautifully if you’re drawn to nature, from inland countryside and volcanoes to quieter shorelines and marine parks offshore.
It also suits those who like to be active, whether that’s cycling through villages, walking in the hills, snorkelling or diving, without turning a holiday into a challenge.
Bali has real depth for culture lovers too. Temples, ceremonies, art and craft are ingrained into life here, not something staged for visitors.
Add to that a good food scene, from classic warungs (family-run cafés) serving Babi Guling to fresh fish market stalls, social enterprise restaurants with real purpose, and thoughtful fine-dining spots.
It’s also an excellent choice if you want to slow down. Calm inland areas and wellness-focused hotels make it easy to rest and reset.
And for families, Bali works very well. Fun shared experiences, with just as much room to unwind, put the screens away and relax, all together.
Yes, certain parts of Bali are typically very busy, particularly along the south coast near the airport (around Kuta) where large resorts, beach clubs and traffic tend to concentrate. It’s where most first-time visitors and backpackers base themselves, and it’s largely responsible for the island’s reputation for crowds and congestion.
That’s why we avoid certain areas and choose tucked-away hotels. We’ll steer you inland to quieter areas and along unspoiled stretches of coast. Fewer tourists, more space, and a rhythm that’s far closer to how Bali actually works.
You can experience the beauty of Bali if you know where you stay and where to go. Travel the island properly with us, and the difference really is striking.