Bali is one of those rare places that lives up to every expectation and then quietly exceeds it. From the moment you step off the tender boat, the air carries the scent of frangipani and incense, and the landscape shifts between terraced rice fields, volcanic peaks, and temple-topped cliffsides. For cruise passengers, a day here demands good planning — there is simply too much beauty to stumble through unprepared.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships calling at Bali dock at the Benoa Harbour in the south of the island, near the Nusa Dua resort area. It is a functional, well-organised port, and you will find taxis, official transport desks, and tour operators waiting just outside the terminal gates. Note that Bali is a large island — the famous rice terraces of Tegallalang and the clifftop temple of Tanah Lot are both 60 to 90 minutes away in traffic. Getting a pre-arranged private driver is genuinely the smartest move you can make. A knowledgeable local driver can stitch together an itinerary that accounts for temple opening hours, traffic patterns, and the best roadside warung for lunch. 🎟 Book: Experts Bali Driver : Best Bali Private Driver for Tour in Bali If you prefer to have a flexible, personalised route mapped out with a local guide, a full-day private tour lets you tick off highlights at your own pace without the chaos of haggling at the port gate. 🎟 Book: Bali Full Day Tour | Individual Route in Bali | Bali Guide | Free Wi-Fi
Things to Do
The iconic Tanah Lot sea temple, perched dramatically on a rock formation offshore, is arguably Bali’s most photographed landmark and well worth the journey. Arrive before midday to avoid the thickest tour crowds. For something more spiritual, consider participating in a traditional Melukat purification ceremony at a water temple — an experience that is open to respectful visitors and genuinely moving in its simplicity. 🎟 Book: Sacred Places of Bali. Purification Ceremony in Indonesia Ubud, the cultural heartland of the island, rewards anyone willing to make the drive: wander the Monkey Forest, browse the art market, or pause at a roadside rice terrace and simply breathe. If you prefer activity on the water rather than on land, a deep-sea fishing trip off Bali’s north coast offers a completely different perspective of the island, with the volcanic silhouette of Gunung Agung visible on the horizon. 🎟 Book: Mahi – Mahi Fishing Tour at North Bali Indonesia For families or wildlife enthusiasts, the Bali Bird Park houses over a thousand species including rare Bali Starlings and Komodo dragons. 🎟 Book: Indonesia: Bali Bird Park Entry Ticket
Local Food
Balinese cuisine is distinct from mainstream Indonesian food — it is richer, more aromatic, and built around ceremonial flavour profiles. Look for babi guling (slow-roasted suckling pig seasoned with turmeric, galangal, and lemongrass), which is served at dedicated warungs in Ubud and around Denpasar. Ayam betutu, a whole chicken slow-cooked in a deeply spiced paste wrapped in banana leaves, is another signature dish worth hunting down. For something lighter, lawar — a fresh salad of vegetables, grated coconut, and minced meat — is a staple at local family restaurants. Wash everything down with fresh coconut water or jamu, a traditional herbal tonic made from turmeric and ginger that Balinese people have consumed for centuries as a health drink.
Shopping
Bali is a shopper’s paradise, particularly if you appreciate handmade goods. Ubud’s art market is the place for batik fabrics, hand-carved wooden figures, silver jewellery, and woven baskets at negotiable prices — always haggle gently and with a smile. The Seminyak area offers a more upscale retail experience, with boutiques selling resort wear, homeware, and leather goods. If you are after quality silver work at its source, head to the village of Celuk, which has been the centre of Balinese silver and goldsmithing for generations. Vanilla pods, locally grown coffee, Luwak coffee sachets, and hand-rolled incense sticks all make excellent, lightweight souvenirs that pack easily into a carry-on.
Practical Tips
- Currency: The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the local currency. ATMs are available near the port and throughout Denpasar and Ubud, but having some cash on hand before you venture out is wise.
- Dress code: Balinese temples require a sarong and sash to enter — most sites provide rental ones for a small fee, but bringing your own is respectful.
- Traffic: Bali’s roads can be genuinely congested, especially around midday and on weekends. Build buffer time into your return schedule so you are never racing back to the ship.
- Tipping: Not mandatory, but warmly appreciated. Small amounts in local currency go a long way for drivers and restaurant staff.
A single day in Bali will leave you wishing your ship had scheduled two. Even so, with the right driver, a flexible mindset, and an appetite for both culture and cuisine, you can return to the gangway at sunset with a full memory card, a bag of coffee, and the distinct feeling that this island has claimed a quiet piece of you.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
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📍 Getting to Bali Indonesia
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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