Which Place To Visit – Bali or Indonesia? We Solved It for You!

“Bali or Indonesia, which one should I visit?” is a question that routinely bothers the intrepid globetrotter. And we assure you, if you are thinking this too, you aren’t alone. Indonesia and the ‘Island of the Gods’-Bali are often clubbed together, as they should. After all, Bali is one of the 38 provinces of Indonesia.

What, what? If you are still wondering which to visit, the short and sweet answer is… (drumroll) both! Bali is a region in Indonesia, and as incredibly lovely both are – you can’t visit Bali without being in Indonesia. We just say, “If you’re visiting Indonesia, you can’t miss Bali!”

Now that we’ve all had a chuckle, we’re sure the next burning questions look like, “What about the flights, the currency, the accommodation and the food? And most importantly, is Bali and Indonesia safe to visit for a solo trip or a family holiday?” We have answered them below; all you need to do is keep reading. 😀

Where Are The Airports in Bali and Indonesia?

The Ngurah Rai International Airport (IATA: DPS) is your gateway to Bali. It is located just 13 km south of the Denpasar – Bali’s provincial capital, on the southern end of the island. Due to its proximity to the city, it is often referred to as Denpasar International Airport on the web and otherwise. The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (IATA: CGK) is located in Tangerang, a part of the Greater Jakarta metropolitan cluster and the primary gateway to most of Indonesia, barring Bali. It is located nearly 29 km from the city centre, but the nearby Soekarno Hatta train station makes travelling to and from the airport quite the breeze.

Flights from Australia to Bali are regular, with direct non-stop flights taking around six and a half hours. Popular service providers include Quantas, Virgin Australia and Garuda Indonesia.

What is the local currency in Bali and Indonesia?

Indonesia’s (and by extension, Bali – NYK) currency is the Rupiah (pronounced: roo-pee-uh). Interestingly, the word traces its origins to the Sanskrit word rupyakam (pronounced: roop-ya-kaam) meaning silver. Perhaps that is why locals often use the word perak (pronunciation: puh-rak) to informally refer to rupiah in coins. Just like a dollar is made up of 100 cents, the Indonesian rupiah (or IDR) is made up of 100 sen.  

The rupiah is a free-floating currency and US and Australian dollars enjoy a strong position vis-à-vis the IDR (yay for us!). As of January 2025, one Australian dollar is equal to IDR 10,029 and US$1 is equal to IDR 16329. The relative strength of the AU$ and US$ is a big enough reason to make that trip to Bali and Indonesia.

Where can I stay in Bali and Indonesia? What are Bali accommodations like?

There are numerous accommodations and stays in Indonesia -and by extension Bali. The options are truly numerous, and dare we say, mindboggling! There’s something for everyone here. Want to stay high up in the sky? Check, bring up a five-star skyscraper. How about an adult beachside resort? Bali ho! Perhaps something more indigenous with island motifs and murals? Check, heading to Ubud. A shack on the beach? Check, double-check and triple-check!

This beautiful archipelago can accommodate all traveller segments – there’s a stay here for solo travellers out on their ‘eat, pray and love’ journey, intimate beachside sanctuaries for couples and honeymooners and expansive spaces for families and large groups. And if you are thinking ‘where can I check some out,’ please browse the freshest of Bali holiday deals or speak with our travel specialists at 1300 991 751. 

What about the food in Bali and Indonesia?

The food in Indonesia is as vibrant as the country, probably a tad more. The Dutch called Indonesia the spice islands, a whiff of the many eat streets will clue you to the ‘why’.

Western Indonesia, that is the region around Sumatra is known for its bold, rich and spicy flavours. The food here judiciously incorporates coconut milk, aromatic spices and…chillies! And when it comes to Aceh and Padang cuisine, giving it a pass would be unwise especially if you are foodies like us at Bali Holiday Deals.

Central Indonesian cuisine, popular in the areas in and around Java is sweeter and more subtle compared to Sumatra, and balances the heat with savory, sweet and umami flavours. Dishes here routinely incorporate palm sugar, peanuts and fermented ingredients like tempeh and soy sauce. Popular bites include Soto Ayam, Gudeg and Rawon.

The cuisine of the Lesser Sunda islands, of which Bali is a part, is rich, flavourful and ceremonial. Turmeric, lemongrass and raw sambal are popular ingredients and the dishes primarily revolve around seafood and pork. FYI: Bali is a Hindu-dominant Island, beef may be hard to come by. Popular dishes include Babi Guling, Lawar and the ceremonial dish -Ayam Betutu.

How safe is Bali, Indonesia?

As far as tourist destinations go, Indonesia (and Bali 😆!) are considered safe for travel. Violent crimes are negligible and the locals are friendly towards tourists, given that tourism makes up around 5.1 percent of the nation’s GDP. What travellers need to be wary of instead, are pick-pocketers in crowded areas, the tap water and scams like ‘tourist prices.’ The biggest worry, however? It is the toilet runs and if we’ve piqued your interest, you can read all about it our blog on Bali Belly.

Indonesia is part of the Ring of Fire and there are active volcanoes nearby. This makes natural disaster like volcanic eruptions and tsunamis a credible possibility, and a whole new adventure in tours! Though, pay attention to local and governmental advisories and in times of crises, head to your country’s embassy.

Why should I visit Bali or Indonesia?

Well, you should visit both Bali and Indonesia (well, some of us got to know right here!) to sample its vivid landscape, its tourist-friendly climate, rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering delicacies and especially for its beaches and surfing spots.

When to visit Bali, Indonesia?

If you are wondering what’s the right time to visit Indonesia and Bali, the honest answer is anytime, really. The entire archipelago is an interesting mix of party scenes, positive vibes and tranquillity. Having said that, some of the best seasons to visit Indonesia and the Island of the Gods is during the dry season from April to October. June to August is peak season; expect plenty of beach activities and surfing, but also plenty of travellers. An emerging trend is the rise in popularity of shoulder seasons (April and May, September and October) amongst tourists. And what’s not to like – better prices, pleasant weather and less crowds to jostle against.  

Bali or Indonesia has been an ever-popular question on the Internet and we wanted to enlighten… and have a dollop of fun together. In case you are wondering what to do in Bali, places to see and stay in, we suggest checking out our blogs. Or, you could just call our travel specialists at 1300 991 751!