Best Time to Stay

MOST advantageous time to visit in Bali is outside the monsoon season, from April through to October despite monsoons are, like most other events in Indonesia, notoriously unpunctual. Rain rarely continues all day in the monsoon season, and you're far more likely to take an hour-long downpour than daylong drizzle. And the landscape is at its most verdant during this time.

You should also be conscious of the peak tourist season. Resorts on the island get packed out between June and September, and again the Christmas-New Year period, when prices rocket and rooms can be fully reserved for days if not weeks in advance. At the same time many Indonesians also visit Bali as well at school holiday in June - July and New Year period.

During off-season, February through to May or September through to November, you can do some serious bargaining, economizing your money of the published rate in some of the budget, moderate and first class hotels, or at the very least getting the service tax deducted. Fortunately, Balinese festivals and special celebrations happen all the time, so don't worry about timing your visit to coincide with local events.

Even, Bali's expensive hotels will give as much as 50% off in the low season January - June. But during the high season (July, August, and December) hoteliers are not disposed to bargain, and charge 10-15% more.

You can encounter the accommodations service desks in both the domestic and international arrival lounges at Ngurah Rai Airport. These give out excellent information and the staff will even call a hotel of your choice and order transportation, which is usually free.

As you appear from terminals at Bali's airport, drivers or their assistants will be waiting there to escort guests to the hotel of their choice. They'll be holding up hotel signs. If you have already decided to stay at a certain hotel, take advantage of the free ride. Or, the locals will approach you to offer a room. These could be quite good, newly opened, and eager to pleas. This is an excellent time to ask for a discount.