Bali is a popular destination for travelers who want to experience the beauty, culture, and spirituality of Indonesia.
The island offers stunning beaches, lush rice terraces, ancient temples, and diverse wildlife. But how do you get to Bali from Houston, Texas?
Here are some tips and options to help you plan your trip.
When to Go
The best time to visit Bali depends on your preferences and activities. Bali has two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season runs from April to October, and the wet season from November to March.
The average temperature is around 80°F year-round, but it can be cooler in the mountains and more humid in the lowlands.
The dry season is ideal for outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, diving, and sailing. It is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowds in popular areas.
The wet season is less crowded and cheaper, but it also brings more rain, mosquitoes, and limited visibility for diving. However, you can still enjoy the cultural attractions, spas, yoga, and shopping in Bali during the rainy months.
If you want to experience some of Bali’s festivals and celebrations, you should also consider the Balinese calendar, which follows a lunar cycle.
Some of the most important events are Galungan and Kuningan (usually in February or March), Nyepi (the Balinese New Year in March or April), and Bali Arts Festival (June or July).
How to Fly
There are no direct flights from Houston to Bali, so you will need to make at least one stop along the way.
The most common transit points are Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, and Los Angeles. Depending on your route and airline, the total flight time can range from 20 to 30 hours.
Some of the airlines that offer flights from Houston to Bali are Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air, Japan Airlines, and United Airlines.You can compare prices and schedules on websites such as Skyscanner or Kayak.
What to Pack
Bali is a tropical island with a warm climate, so you don’t need to pack too much clothing. However, you should bring some essentials such as:
- Lightweight clothing made of cotton or linen
- A jacket or sweater for cooler nights or air-conditioned places
- Raincoat or umbrella for the wet season
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for walking
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection
- Swimsuit and beach towel for swimming
- A sarong or scarf for covering up when visiting temples or sacred sites
- backpack or tote bag for carrying your belongings
- A power adapter and converter for charging your devices (Bali uses 220V and two-pin plugs)
- passport with at least six months of validity and two blank pages
- visa or visa exemption (most nationalities can enter Bali for up to 30 days without a visa)
- Travel insurance for medical emergencies or cancellations
What to Do
Bali has something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, culture, relaxation, or romance. Here are some of the top things to do in Bali:
- Explore the cultural hub of Ubud, where you can visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, admire the Tegalalang Rice Terrace, shop at the art markets, watch a traditional dance performance, or join a cooking class.
- Experience the spiritual side of Bali by visiting some of its iconic temples such as Tanah Lot, Uluwatu, Ulun Danu Beratan, and Besakih. You can also join a yoga or meditation session at one of the many studios or retreats.
- Enjoy the beach life at some of Bali’s famous coastal areas such as Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Nusa Dua, Sanur, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, Lovina, Amed, Candidasa, Padangbai, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Ceningan. You can swim, surf, snorkel, dive, sail, kayak, paddle board, or just relax on the sand.
- Discover the natural wonders of Bali by hiking up an active volcano such as Mount Batur or Mount Agung (only when it is safe), visiting a waterfall such as Tegenungan or Gitgit (only when it is not too crowded), exploring a cave such as Goa Gajah or Goa Lawah (only when it is not too dark), or spotting wildlife at a zoo or safari park such as Bali Zoo or Bali Safari and Marine Park.
- Indulge in the culinary delights of Bali by sampling some of its local dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), sate (skewered meat), gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce), babi guling (roast suckling pig), bebek betutu (spiced duck), lawar (mixed vegetables and meat), and bali coffee (coffee with spices). You can also try some of the international cuisines available at the many restaurants and cafes in Bali.
- Pamper yourself with a spa treatment or massage at one of the many spas in Bali. You can choose from a variety of services such as Balinese massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, body scrub, facial, manicure, pedicure, hair treatment, and more. You can also enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner or a sunset cruise with your partner.
These are just some of the many things you can do in Bali. You can also customize your itinerary according to your interests, budget, and time. Bali is a place where you can create your own unforgettable memories.
