Discover Bali Through Our Eyes
For many of you, this may be your first time in Bali—and we are so excited to share one of our favourite places with you. Bali is much more than beautiful beaches. It is an island of lush rice fields, ancient temples, incredible food, warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and countless little adventures. Whether you would like to relax by the sea, explore Ubud, enjoy a Balinese massage, discover local restaurants, or extend your trip to another Indonesian island, there is something here for everyone.
Since you will already be travelling such a long way to celebrate with us, we hope you will turn the wedding into a proper holiday. On this page, we have gathered some helpful information and recommendations to make planning your first trip to Bali a little easier—from where to stay and how to get around to what to eat, and which parts of the island you may want to explore.
Our Favourite Parts of Bali
Nusa Dua
Known for its excellent resorts, calm atmosphere, and beautiful white-sand beaches. It is a great choice for an easy, relaxing beach holiday with plenty of comfort.
Ubud
Surrounded by forest, rice fields, art, spirituality, and traditional villages. Ubud is perfect for experiencing a more cultural and peaceful side of Bali.
Uluwatu
Home to breathtaking cliff views, hidden beaches, spectacular sunsets, and some of Bali’s most beautiful resorts.
Jimbaran Beach
One of our favourite places for a relaxed seafood dinner directly on the beach while watching the sun set over the ocean.
Where Else to Stay
Different parts of Bali offer completely different experiences, so choose your accommodation based on the kind of holiday you would like. These are only a few ideas—Bali has options for almost every style and budget.
Sanur
Best for a calmer seaside atmosphere, sunrise walks, cafés, and easy boat connections to Nusa Penida and the surrounding islands.
Nusa Penida
Best for dramatic landscapes, snorkelling, diving, and a slightly more adventurous island escape. Roads and transfers can be less comfortable than on mainland Bali, so staying for at least one or two nights is preferable to rushing through a day trip.
Lovina
Best for a quieter experience in northern Bali, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and early-morning dolphin trips.
Tabanan
Best for rice fields, nature, black-sand beaches, and a more peaceful side of Bali away from the busiest tourist centres.
Kintamani
Best for volcano and lake views, cooler temperatures, sunrise adventures, and exploring the area around Mount Batur.
Sidemen
Best for rice terraces, local villages, tranquillity, mountain views, and a slower pace of travel.
Things to Do in Bali
There is much more to Bali than lying by the pool—although that is also a perfectly acceptable plan.
You could:
– Go snorkelling or diving
– Hike Mount Batur at sunrise
– Learn about Balinese culture
– Visit temples and local villages
– Take a morning walk through the rice fields
– Join a yoga or meditation class
– Spend an afternoon café hopping
– Explore Bali’s beaches
– Visit a beach club
– Book a traditional Balinese massage—which, in Rika’s opinion, is to die for
Staying Near the Wedding Venue
For guests who would like to stay close to the wedding venue, we recommend looking at the following hotels and guesthouses.
The Royal Purnama
A peaceful beachfront resort close to the wedding venue.
Hotel Komune and Beach Club Bali
A lively beachfront option with a beach club, pool, and surf-oriented atmosphere.
Rumah Luwih Bali
A beautiful colonial-style beachfront resort with a calm and elegant atmosphere.
Wyndham Tamansari Jivva Resort Bali
A comfortable beachfront resort and a convenient option for wedding guests.
Cucukan Beach Guest House
A simpler and more affordable choice for budget-conscious travellers.
We are currently planning to provide shuttle transportation on the wedding day from selected hotels near the venue. The final shuttle locations and schedule will be confirmed closer to the wedding.
Planning Your Trip
When Should I Arrive in Bali?
We recommend arriving in Bali at least two or three days before the wedding. This gives you time to recover from the journey, adjust to the time difference, and settle into island life before celebrating with us. Those travelling from Europe may want to stay for around 10 to 14 days and combine the wedding with a few nights in different parts of Bali. We will personally arrive one week before the wedding and stay until the Wednesday afterwards, so there may also be opportunities to spend some time together before and after the big day.
A Note About Distances
Bali may look small on a map, but journeys often take longer than expected. Traffic can be unpredictable, particularly around the airport, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Seminyak, and Canggu. We suggest exploring the busier or more distant parts of Bali either before or after the wedding and spending the wedding weekend closer to Villa Puri Nirwana. This allows you to experience Bali’s rice fields and cultural side as well as its beaches, while avoiding a long journey on the wedding day. We are currently planning shuttle transportation from selected hotels close to the venue. The exact pick-up points and schedule will be shared closer to the date.
Getting Around Bali
The easiest way to explore Bali is by hiring a private driver for the day or using a ride-hailing app, such as Grab or Gojek (basically local versions of Uber), for shorter journeys. Private drivers are widely available and are especially convenient for day trips involving several stops. We can help you arrange a private driver and car—just send us a message! We do not recommend renting a scooter unless you are an experienced rider and have the correct licence and insurance. Indonesian traffic is wild!
Weather and What to Pack
September is generally part of Bali’s dry season, with warm temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and the possibility of an occasional tropical shower. Light, breathable clothing will be most comfortable. Details about the wedding dress code will follow separately.
Balinese Culture and Etiquette
Bali is deeply connected to its Hindu traditions, and you will see temples, ceremonies, offerings, and processions throughout the island. When visiting temples, shoulders and knees should be covered, and a sarong may be required. Please avoid stepping on the small daily offerings placed on pavements and at entrances. It is also polite to dress respectfully when visiting villages and religious sites. Religious ceremonies and processions may occasionally affect traffic, but they are also part of what makes Bali so special.
Entry Requirements
Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality and may change before September 2027. Please check the official Indonesian immigration website well before travelling. Many eligible visitors currently use a Visa on Arrival or electronic Visa on Arrival. Passports generally need to remain valid for at least six months from the date of arrival, and travellers may be asked to provide proof of onward or return travel. We will update this section closer to the wedding with the latest official information.
Money and Payments
The local currency is the Indonesian rupiah, usually written as IDR or Rp. Cards are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is useful to carry some cash for smaller cafés, markets, local shops, and tips. We recommend using official bank ATMs or exchanging money through reputable authorised money changers.
Food and Water
Bali has everything from small local eateries to internationally renowned restaurants. We highly recommend trying Indonesian and Balinese dishes during your stay. Tap water is not suitable for drinking. Hotels normally provide filtered or bottled water, which should also be used when needed for brushing your teeth. Those with allergies or dietary requirements may find it helpful to carry a translated note explaining them in Indonesian.
We know that travelling all the way to Bali is a big commitment, and it means so much to us that you are considering making the journey. We hope this trip will be more than just a wedding weekend and give you the chance to experience some of the beauty, culture, food, and warmth that make Bali so special. We cannot wait to welcome you to Bali, celebrate together, and create unforgettable memories with all of you.
