Recommendations for Bali Travel Guides

Travel guides for Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands are plentiful. Here, I have compiled my recommendations and comparisons of the most popular travel guides for Bali and Lombok, including the Gili Islands.

Bali has long ceased to be a destination exclusively for honeymooners and surfers. The island is increasingly popular with independent travelers, backpackers, and digital nomads. No wonder, Bali is truly diverse and offers something for everyone. Diving, snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, or surfing in the sea, hiking or mountain biking on the volcanoes, yoga retreats for relaxation, or simply lounging on the beach.

To help you prepare optimally for your Bali trip, I present the best travel guides for Bali here. After 11 years, I finally returned to the Island of the Gods. It has changed quite a bit. Here are my recommendations for Bali guides and what I used for trip preparation.

by Melissa Schumacher, Petra Hess, and Lisa Scheffold (indojunkie.com)

The absolute best guide for Bali is the 122 Things to Do in Bali Guide (Link to the book) by the Indonesia experts. It presents 122 diverse activities and sites organized by region that you shouldn't miss.

It's clear that the authors are true connoisseurs of the island and share many insider tips. Discover the best spots to watch breathtaking sunsets, the best massage, or how to best organize a volcano hike. Find out which beach is the most beautiful in Bali and where you can enjoy the best rice terrace hike.

Now the 3rd edition has been released, and it has turned out beautifully.

Of course, you will still find information and tips for the most popular attractions in Bali. You'll also get lots of background information about Balinese culture. Critical topics such as the significant waste problem will also be addressed.

I couldn't put the guide down and wanted to head to Bali right after ordering! Even while in Bali, the guide was my daily reading material.

122 Things to Do in Bali is available either as an E-Book or as a printed book.

A very comprehensive guide for everyone who wants to surf in Bali. I was actually on site when Melissa and her team were researching and testing. No one knows better where the top spots are located.

Absolute purchase recommendation and beautifully designed!

The Lonely Planet Bali & Lombok is your ideal guide when traveling independently with a backpack. Detailed tips for attractions, along with plenty of advice on accommodations, restaurants, and activities.

Specifically for surfers, there are tips for the best surf spots in Bali, and the Lonely Planet also includes information on culture and history.

Buy on Amazon

This truly extensive guide for Lombok and the Gili Islands is one of a kind. It exclusively features tips and many useful pieces of information for the breathtaking Indonesian island. Plus, it includes many sightseeing tips for over 20 Gili Islands.

The best alternative for anyone looking for an adventure away from Bali. This guide is the perfect companion for your Lombok trip at 280 pages. A must-buy. I could have used this guide perfectly before my first trip to Bali.

Read our best tips for Lombok here

The current guide unfortunately does not come in color, but it offers many helpful tips for first-time visitors to Bali. I was very satisfied with the recommendations for Bali newcomers, as the guide provides an ideal introduction to this charming, though crowded and littered paradise.

Note: This guide does not include tips for specific hotels or restaurants. Rather, it features Instagram spots and worthwhile excursions, along with culinary inspiration. The beautiful photos definitely ignite wanderlust in me.

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My articles are the result of extensive research, personal experiences, and honest recommendations - completely free from AI. I write them so you can plan your travel stress-free and with real, firsthand tips.

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