Your Bali guide from those who have been living on the island for a long time
*Suitable for tourists, «winterers», and those planning to live or already living in Bali.
BALI FM is a local media outlet about life in Bali
We tell stories about the island, look for interesting places and people, communicate, learn new things, and share it all with our audience.
We've combined different sources of information into one clear system.
Practical, to the point, and without unnecessary noise
Practical, to the point, and without unnecessary noise
In this guide, we've gathered everything we've learned during our time living in Bali
We constantly see the same thing
( why this guide was created )
People come to Bali without understanding how things work here — and as a result, they waste money, time, and nerves
Someone chooses the wrong area and ends up
living somewhere they didn't want to. Someone else overpays for accommodation and services
Someone spends hours and days searching for
beautiful places or spas, various restaurants, as well as clear answers to their questions.
Instead of a proper vacation, a constant search begins:
where to live, where to go, whom to trust, and how everything here works
Upon arrival on the island, most tourists face the same questions:
So you have one clear point of reference — and can immediately get to know the island and avoid typical mistakes
( what for? )
We've compiled this guide
Where to exchange currency safely?
How to get around the island?
How much money do you need to live in Bali?
Where is the best place to live in Bali?
Locations worth seeing
The best waterfalls, verified routes, beautiful beaches, Instagram-worthy spots, and places that are truly worth your time — without tourist disappointments
Food, Places, and Travel
Where to eat in Bali, what to see, and where to go. A selection of beautiful places, interesting locations, and trip ideas around the island and to neighboring islands
Transport and Getting Around
How to get around Bali without a bike, whether you need a license to drive, and where to rent transport safely. Everything about how to move around the island comfortably and safely
Money and Everyday Matters
How much money you need in Bali, where to exchange currency at a favorable rate, and how to recognize a reliable exchange office. A list of useful apps and important nuances to know before your trip
Housing in Bali
Where is the best place to live in Bali and which area to choose for your lifestyle. Where to look for housing, how to rent a villa without overpaying, and how to choose the perfect place for a vacation or long-term stay.
Over 100 pages of verified information in a convenient website format with clickable links and quick access to all locations and services.
With constant updates, because it's a live website, not a PDF file that becomes outdated in a couple of months.
With constant updates, because it's a live website, not a PDF file that becomes outdated in a couple of months.
And most importantly — this is not just a guide
( what's inside the guide? )
( who is this guide for? )
You're looking for a community and new people, but you don't know where to find them.
You have breakfast in the same places, and spend your evenings on the steps in Canggu.
You're looking for beautiful places and don't know where to go first
You open the map and can't tell the difference between Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu.
You're going to Bali for the first time and don't know where it's best to stay or where to start.
If you recognized yourself in at least one of these points, you need this guide
Many are already using our routes and selections as ready-made solutions — to save time on searching and avoid making the wrong choices
"
You're very welcome! Glad I could help. 😉
This is the best thing I've seen about Bali 👍
Glad to be of help! 👌🏻
We gathered all our accumulated experience in one place, structured it, and put everything in order — so that you always have verified and truly useful information at your fingertips
This guide is a continuation of our work
orwarded to friends, and used as a guide on the island. People regularly come to us for advice — and come back again
Our materials are saved
we publish routes, selections of places, and useful recommendations for life and leisure
We share verified information about the island every day:
BALI FM is a local media outlet about life in Bali
( a bit about the creators )
Frequently Asked Questions
( faq )
We've gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions. To make it easier for you to understand and feel more confident in making your decision.
If you are going to Bali for the first time or want to understand the island better, the guide will help you get your bearings faster. It is suitable for tourists, "winterers", and those who plan to live here.
You can piece things together from the internet, but that takes dozens of hours and a lot of contradictory information. Here, the key places, areas, and verified tips are already collected in one place.
Yes. Even if you have 7–10 days, you will be able to quickly understand which areas to choose and what to focus on.
We regularly update the guide: adding new places, removing outdated ones, and supplementing it with current recommendations about the island.
The guide is convenient to open on your phone and use right during your trip — everything is at your fingertips, without extra files and complicated navigation.
Guide Structure:
- What is important to know before the trip
- Visas and legal entry
- Money and payments
- Communication, internet, and apps
- Bali Areas / Districts
- Accommodation
- Transport and getting around
- Food
- Safety and health
- Spa, leisure, and beauty
- Culture and etiquette
- What to see and things to do
- Places worth visiting
- Excursions and trips
- Shopping and souvenirs
- Shopping (Note: This is a repeat of point 15; consider merging or specifying the difference, e.g., "Shopping malls" or "Local markets")
- Frequent questions and myths
- Checklists
- Useful contacts and links
Even more is inside the GUIDE
Let Bali become clear and convenient for you from the very first days
( a guide that will simplify your life in Bali )
