There’s something magical about that moment when the airplane door opens and the first breath of foreign air fills your lungs. Standing in the doorway of my Expedia flight to Bali, the warm, fragrant breeze carried promises of adventure that I couldn’t yet name. The sweet scent of incense mingled with tropical flowers as I descended the stairs onto the tarmac at Ngurah Rai International Airport, and I knew immediately that this journey would be different from any other.
Finding those affordable Expedia flights had been the catalyst for this spontaneous trip—a last-minute escape from winter blues that turned into one of the most transformative travel experiences of my life. What follows is both a guide and a love letter to the Island of the Gods, where ancient traditions and breathtaking landscapes create an irresistible harmony that continues to call me back year after year.
Planning Your Balinese Escape: When to Go and How to Get There
The Perfect Time to Visit
Bali essentially has two seasons: dry (May to September) and wet (October to April). In my experience, the best time to visit depends on what you’re looking for:
- May, June, and September offer the perfect sweet spot—ideal weather with fewer crowds and better prices on everything from Expedia flights to accommodation.
- July and August bring peak season with glorious weather but higher prices and more tourists.
- November to March sees occasional rainfall (typically short afternoon showers) but rewards with lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and the best deals on cheap flights and cheap hotels.
I’ve visited during both seasons and found charm in each. During the wet season, the rice terraces transform into a vibrant emerald green that photographs simply can’t do justice.
Getting There: Navigating Expedia Flights
Most international travelers reach Bali via Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar. From the US, expect at least one stopover, typically in Asian hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Doha.
Finding affordable flights to Bali became significantly easier when I started using Expedia’s fare calendar feature, which displays the cheapest dates to fly. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Book Expedia flights 3-5 months in advance for the best deals
- Consider flexible dates if possible—sometimes flying a day earlier or later can save hundreds
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the cheapest flights
- Sign up for Expedia‘s price alerts to catch fare drops
In my last trip, I saved nearly $300 by booking a package that combined Expedia flights with hotel accommodations, something worth considering if you plan to stay in one or two locations.
Budgeting for Bali: Understanding the Costs
Bali can accommodate almost any budget, which is part of its enduring appeal. From luxury resorts to humble homestays, from fine dining to street food stalls (warungs), you choose your own financial adventure.
Accommodation Costs
- Budget ($10-30/night): Hostels and basic guesthouses
- Mid-range ($30-100/night): Boutique hotels and private villas in less touristy areas
- Luxury ($100-1000+/night): Five-star resorts and exclusive private villas
With Expedia’s rewards program, I’ve managed to get significant discounts on accommodation by booking cheap flights and hotels together as a package. Their member prices also offered additional savings that made upgrading from budget to mid-range possible on several occasions.
Daily Expenses
- Local meals: $2-5 per meal at warungs
- Western restaurants: $7-20 per meal
- Local beer (Bintang): $2-4
- Coffee: $1-3
- Transportation: $5-15 daily for scooter rental; $10-30 daily for private driver
- Activities: Temple entries $1-5; massages $5-25; cooking classes $25-40
Pro tip: Always carry cash, especially when venturing outside tourist centers. While major establishments accept cards, the best food and experiences often come from small vendors who only take Indonesian Rupiah.
Where to Stay: Finding Your Perfect Balinese Home
Choosing where to base yourself in Bali depends entirely on what experience you’re seeking. Each region offers something distinctive, and I often recommend splitting your stay between at least two areas.
Ubud: Cultural Heart
Ubud captured my heart with its artistic spirit and jungle surroundings. Here, you’ll wake to the sounds of roosters and distant gamelan music. Perfect for yogis, artists, and those seeking cultural immersion.
Where to book: I found beautiful boutique hotels through Expedia’s filtered search, which allowed me to specifically look for places with jungle views and infinity pools. Many offered free airport transfers when booked alongside Expedia flights.
Seminyak & Canggu: Stylish Beach Scene
For beach lovers who also appreciate good design, specialty coffee, and nightlife, these neighboring areas deliver. The sunsets here are legendary, best enjoyed from a beachfront bar with a cocktail in hand.
My recommendation: Look for hotels or villas within walking distance to the beach but set back a street or two for better value. Expedia’s map view made this easy to determine.
Uluwatu: Surfer’s Paradise
Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking world-class surf breaks, Uluwatu offers breathtaking beauty and a laid-back vibe. Even non-surfers will appreciate the stunning coastal views and famous clifftop temples.
Budget hack: I scored a beautiful cliffside villa for nearly 40% off through an Expedia flash sale—checking their deals section before booking any cheap holidays paid off significantly.
Nusa Islands: Untamed Beauty
Just a short boat ride from mainland Bali, these three islands offer a glimpse of what Bali was like decades ago. The stunning beaches and slower pace make them perfect for those looking to truly disconnect.
Must-Experience Destinations in Bali
Sacred Temples That Transform
Entering Tirta Empul temple before sunrise remains one of my most profound travel memories. Participating in the purification ritual, where Balinese Hindus and respectful visitors immerse themselves in holy spring water, offered an authentic connection to Balinese spirituality.
Don’t miss:
- Uluwatu Temple at sunset, followed by the mesmerizing Kecak fire dance
- Besakih Temple, the mother temple on the slopes of Mount Agung
- Tanah Lot, dramatically situated on a rock formation in the sea
Temple etiquette tip: Always wear a sarong and sash (available for rent at most temples). Women on their period are asked not to enter the inner sanctums, respecting local beliefs.
Rice Terraces: Bali’s Living Artwork
The famous Tegallalang rice terraces near Ubud are stunning, but I prefer the less visited Jatiluwih terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through these ancient agricultural landscapes early in the morning, with mist still clinging to the carved hillsides, offers a meditative experience unlike any other.
Hidden Waterfalls Worth the Trek
While researching cheap holidays on Expedia, I stumbled upon a tour package that included some of Bali’s less-known waterfalls. These natural wonders often require effort to reach but reward you with pristine swimming holes and few other visitors.
My favorites include:
- Tukad Cepung (the cave waterfall)
- Tibumana (perfect for swimming)
- Leke Leke (requires a jungle trek but worth every step)
Balinese Cuisine: A Feast for the Senses
Balinese food weaves complex flavors into seemingly simple dishes. The liberal use of fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics creates depth that continues to surprise me even after multiple visits.
Must-Try Local Dishes
- Babi Guling – Succulent spit-roasted suckling pig served with rice and vegetables
- Bebek Betutu – Duck slow-cooked in banana leaves with traditional spices
- Lawar – A mix of vegetables, grated coconut, minced meat, and spices with fresh blood (though blood-free versions are available)
- Nasi Campur – A mixed plate offering small portions of various dishes with rice
Where to Find Authentic Flavors
Skip the tourist traps and seek out local warungs (small family-owned restaurants) where Balinese people eat. My method is simple: look for places packed with locals, especially around lunchtime.
In Ubud, Warung Biah Biah serves authentic Balinese food at honest prices. In Seminyak, Made’s Warung has maintained quality despite its popularity. In Canggu, try Warung Bu Mi for the best nasi campur on the island.
Beyond the Guidebook: Local Insights
Learning Balinese Phrases
A few simple phrases will earn you smiles and often better service:
- “Selamat pagi” – Good morning
- “Terima kasih” – Thank you
- “Berapa?” – How much?
- “Tidak pedas” – Not spicy (essential if you can’t handle heat!)
Understanding Balinese Customs
The Balinese practice of Tri Hita Karana—harmony between humans, nature, and the divine—influences daily life. You’ll notice small offerings (canang sari) on sidewalks, in front of shops, and even on car dashboards. Step around them respectfully, as they’re an important part of daily spiritual practice.
Transportation Tips
While many travelers rent scooters, Bali’s traffic can be intimidating. I’ve found that using Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) or arranging a private driver is more relaxing, especially if you’re not comfortable on two wheels. Many drivers I met through hotel recommendations became invaluable guides, sharing local perspectives and hidden spots not in any guidebook.
When booking my cheap flights on Expedia, I also reserved airport transfers, which eliminated the hassle of negotiating with taxi drivers after a long flight.
From My Travel Journal: Personal Experiences
The beauty of Bali lies not just in its landscapes but in the serendipitous moments that become your most treasured memories. For me, it was joining an impromptu ceremony in a small village, where elderly women clasped my hands and pulled me into their dancing circle despite our language barrier.
Another highlight was a cooking class in a family compound, where I learned to make base genep (Balinese spice paste) from ingredients harvested from their garden. The grandmother’s hands moved with practiced precision, measuring nothing but getting everything perfect through decades of experience.
These moments of connection happen when you venture beyond the tourist circuit, stay curious, and remain open to the unexpected.
Practical Planning Tips
Packing Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen (essential for protecting Bali’s marine environments)
- Light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Good walking shoes for exploring plus flip-flops for everyday wear
- Natural mosquito repellent
- Stomach remedies (even cautious eaters sometimes encounter “Bali belly”)
- Reusable water bottle (many hotels and cafes offer free refill stations)
Money-Saving Strategies
Beyond finding cheap flights through Expedia, consider these budget-stretching tips:
- Visit during shoulder season (May, June, or September)
- Book accommodation with breakfast included
- Stay in each location longer to qualify for weekly discounts
- Join free walking tours in Ubud and other areas
- Download the Grab app for affordable transportation
- Shop at local markets for souvenirs rather than tourist shops
Staying Connected
While disconnecting is part of vacation’s appeal, having internet access helps with navigation and research. I prefer buying a local SIM card at the airport (Telkomsel offers the best coverage throughout the island) rather than relying on hotel WiFi or expensive international roaming.
Beyond Bali: Extending Your Indonesian Adventure
If time allows, consider extending your journey beyond Bali to these nearby destinations:
Lombok & Gili Islands
Just east of Bali, Lombok offers a more rugged landscape dominated by Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Offshore, the Gili Islands provide car-free paradise with white sand beaches and exceptional snorkeling. When checking Expedia flights, I discovered that adding a stop in Lombok often cost very little extra.
Komodo National Park
Home to the famous Komodo dragons, this national park also boasts some of the world’s most spectacular diving and snorkeling sites. Pink beaches and pristine waters make it worth the journey.
Java
Bali’s larger neighbor contains incredible cultural and natural wonders, from the massive Buddhist temple of Borobudur to the active volcano of Mount Bromo. Many travelers find cheap flights to Java through Expedia and add it as a pre-Bali stop.
Bali’s magic doesn’t come from any single attraction but from the island’s unique energy—a combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and spiritual depth that leaves an indelible mark on visitors. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or personal transformation, the Island of the Gods delivers in unexpected ways.
As I boarded my return Expedia flight, watching the lush landscape recede beneath me, I realized that Bali had become more than a destination—it had become a touchstone, a place I would measure other experiences against and undoubtedly return to again and again.
If you’re considering your own Balinese adventure, start by checking Expedia flights and holiday packages. Their price guarantee gave me confidence that I was getting the best deals, allowing me to focus less on logistics and more on the experiences that would become lasting memories.
Selamat jalan (safe travels) until your own Bali story begins!