Cheap flights to Bali

Quick summary

Identity

The Island of the Gods

Bali is unique within Indonesia. While the country is overwhelmingly Muslim, Bali has preserved a predominantly Hindu culture that shapes almost every aspect of daily life and the landscape. Thousands of pura, or Balinese temples, are scattered across the island, from small shrines beside rice fields to major coastal sanctuaries and temple complexes built on volcanic slopes.

One of the ideas most often associated with Balinese culture is Tri Hita Karana: harmony between people, nature and the spiritual world. This principle can be seen in traditional village life, religious ceremonies and the ancient subak irrigation system that distributes water through Bali's rice terraces. The cultural landscape linked to the subak system is recognised by UNESCO.

Another familiar sight is the canang sari, the small handmade offerings of flowers, leaves and incense placed every morning outside homes, shops, temples and even beside parked scooters.

For travellers searching for things to do in Bali, this cultural identity is as important as the beaches. Temples, rice terraces, volcano hikes, waterfalls, surf lessons, snorkelling trips and island excursions can all form part of the same journey.

History

From Hindu kingdoms to Dutch colonial rule

Many of Bali's religious and social traditions are linked to the influence of the Majapahit kingdom, which expanded from Java into Bali during the 14th century. After the decline of Majapahit and the spread of Islam through much of the Indonesian archipelago, Bali remained predominantly Hindu and developed a distinctive religious culture that continues today.

The kingdom of Gelgel became one of the island's most influential political centres. During this period, Balinese court culture, temple architecture, dance and performance traditions developed further. Later, Bali fragmented into several rival kingdoms, including Badung, Gianyar and Klungkung.

Dutch colonial expansion intensified during the 19th century and culminated in the early 20th century. Several Balinese royal courts resisted through the puputan, ritual acts of collective resistance in which surrender was rejected even in the face of overwhelming military force. These events remain an important part of Bali's historical memory.

Don't miss

Bali's cliffside and sea temples

Some of Bali's most spectacular temples stand directly beside the ocean. Tanah Lot rises from a rocky formation surrounded by waves and becomes especially dramatic around sunset. Further south, Uluwatu Temple stands on cliffs high above the Indian Ocean on the Bukit Peninsula. One of the most popular experiences is the evening Kecak performance, staged outdoors as the sun drops behind the cliffs. Further inland, on the slopes of Mount Agung, Besakih Temple forms the largest temple complex on the island and is often described as the mother temple of Balinese Hinduism. Travellers can visit these places independently, but guided temple tours in Bali can make it easier to understand the rituals, architecture and cultural rules surrounding each site.

Where to stay

One island, several completely different experiences

Choosing where to stay in Bali can change the entire trip. Traffic can be heavy, especially in the south, so moving between the island's main areas can take considerably longer than the map suggests.

Discover

Bali's rice terraces

The rice terraces around Tegallalang, north of Ubud, are among the most visited on the island. The steep green slopes have become one of Bali's most recognisable landscapes, with walking paths, viewpoints and several attractions overlooking the terraces.

For a quieter and more extensive landscape, Jatiluwih offers broad rice terraces shaped by the traditional subak irrigation system. The area forms part of Bali's UNESCO-recognised cultural landscape and provides a better sense of how rice cultivation, water management and village cooperation have shaped the island for generations. Guided rice terrace tours from Ubud often combine these landscapes with temples, waterfalls or local villages.

Experience

Sunrise from Mount Batur

A sunrise hike on Mount Batur is one of Bali's most popular outdoor experiences. Most excursions begin during the night so hikers can reach the upper slopes before sunrise. The climb is not technically difficult for experienced walkers, but it takes place in darkness and on uneven volcanic terrain, which is why organised excursions typically include a local guide.

At the top, the reward is a wide view across the caldera and Lake Batur, with Mount Agung sometimes visible in the distance when the weather is clear. Most tours return by late morning, leaving the rest of the day free for Ubud, temples or the surrounding rice fields. SniperAir can surface Mount Batur sunrise tours and guided hiking experiences directly alongside other Bali activities.

Excursions

Nusa Penida and the Gili Islands

A fast boat from Sanur provides access to Nusa Penida, one of the most popular island excursions from Bali. The island is known for dramatic cliffs, coves and viewpoints such as Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong. Boat and snorkelling tours are also popular, particularly around areas where manta rays may be encountered.

Further east, off Lombok, the Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno — offer a slower island atmosphere. Motorised road traffic is extremely limited, and bicycles remain one of the main ways to move around. Snorkelling, diving, boat trips and beach stays are central to the experience.

Bali Airport

The main gateway to the island

Getting around

How to move between Bali's different areas

Sport

Bali and the culture of surfing

Surfing is deeply associated with Bali's southern and western coasts. Different beaches suit very different levels.

Sacred place

Tirta Empul and the purification ritual

Tirta Empul is one of Bali's most important water temples. The complex is built around a natural spring considered sacred in Balinese Hinduism. Visitors may observe or, when appropriate, participate in melukat, a purification ritual involving a sequence of water fountains. Respectful clothing and behaviour are essential, and local guidance is useful for understanding which fountains are used for which purposes.

The nearby Tampaksiring presidential palace overlooks the area. Guided tours often combine Tirta Empul with nearby temples, rice terraces and Ubud.

Food

What to eat in Bali

Bali also offers numerous food tours, market visits and Balinese cooking classes, particularly around Ubud, Seminyak and Canggu.

Wellness

Yoga, spas and slow travel in Ubud

Ubud has become one of Asia's best-known destinations for yoga and wellness. The area combines studios, retreats, traditional spas, cooking classes, art galleries and cafés within a landscape of forest and rice fields. Visitors can choose between single yoga sessions and multi-day retreats.

Balinese massage, flower baths and traditional spa treatments are also widely available. During the wetter months, rainfall often becomes part of the atmosphere rather than preventing activities, particularly at spas and wellness centres surrounded by tropical vegetation.

Travel budget

Bali can suit very different budgets

Bali remains attractive because the island offers everything from inexpensive local warungs and simple guesthouses to luxury villas, beach clubs and high-end resorts. Prices vary considerably by area — Canggu, Seminyak and Uluwatu can be substantially more expensive than smaller inland towns, while local food remains much more affordable than international restaurants.

For long-haul travellers, the flight to Bali can represent a significant part of the total travel budget. That is why monitoring airfare rather than booking the first available fare can be particularly useful. With SniperAir, travellers can follow flight prices to Bali, compare opportunities and then explore activities and experiences once their trip begins to take shape.

Book with SniperAir

Flights, activities and experiences in Bali

SniperAir can help travellers go beyond destination inspiration. Alongside cheap flights to Bali, visitors can discover bookable experiences such as temple tours, Nusa Penida excursions, Mount Batur sunrise hikes, snorkelling trips, surf lessons, waterfalls, rice terrace tours, food tours, cooking classes, tickets, attractions and guided experiences.

The traveller can explore Bali, compare what to do and access the relevant booking offer once ready.

When to go

When to visit Bali?

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about flights to Bali