Visiting Bali In May 2024: A Guide To Festivals, Places To Visit And More

23 Mar 2023

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Bali is nothing short of a paradise. Dotted with breathtaking views of ocean vistas, stretching beaches, rolling rice fields, beach facing bars, adventure sports, and luxe hotels overlooking the expansive ocean, Bali is home to unmatched natural beauty.

Thanks to these reasons, the island has emerged as one of the top tourist destinations on the planet. Moreover, like other top tourist destinations, Bali also attracts thousands of tourists looking to witness its beauty.

The crowds sometimes are so huge that they rob the island of its magic. The sureshot way to avoid this? Visit Bali during shoulder season, like the months of April and May, when the crowds haven’t yet started pouring in.

But why are there fewer tourists in Bali in May? Let’s find out.

Bali Weather In May

During the month of May, Bali experiences mostly dry weather with few showers scattered across the month. The tide is usually low and the weather is mostly predictable.

While the main tourist season begins in June, May presents the perfect opportunity for travelers to enjoy the glory of Bali, without having to struggle with large crowds.

Why Visit Bali In May

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As mentioned earlier, the tourism peak season in Bali begins in June. During May, the rainy season has mostly receded and the month is filled with dry, sunny days. Most days in May present travelers with the perfect weather to explore Bali.

Moreover, since the tourism season has not started yet, most hotels still charge off-season prices in May. If you search hard enough, you can easily find discounts of up to 50% on some of the top accommodation options in the country.

Apart from the cheap tariffs and amazing weather, another reason to visit this paradise in May is the many festivals the island hosts during the month of May.

Bali In May: Festivals To Look Out For

Don’t miss being a part of these amazing festivals in Bali in May 2021.

1. Waisak Day

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Regarded as one of the holiest festivals among Budhhists, the Waisak Day (or Vesak Day) is an important Balinese festival that celebrates the birth of Buddha, along with his achievement of nirvana, and his peaceful journey to the afterlife.

The festival celebrations are started early in the morning, and go on till the wee hours of the night. Tourists must visit one of the Buddhist temples in Bali to witness the many rituals that take place during the celebrations.

When: 07 May 2021
Where: All Over Bali

Must Read: 3 Best Places To Visit In Iseh Bali For 7 Days To Have An Enthralling Holiday

2. Tumpek Kandang

Occuring every 210 days, Tumpek Kandang is a day dedicated to showing compassion and gratitude for domestic animals. The Balinese lifestyle has been dependent on the presence of domestic animals for centuries.

The festival gives special attention to farm animals such as pigs, goats, and cows that help farmers in their day to day activities. The animals aren’t just given more attention and love, but are treated with some special food. Most locals will go out of their way to secure nutritious and healthy food for their domestic animals.

When: 9th May 2021
Where: All Over Bali

3. Eid Ul Fitri Festival

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A popular religious holiday of Muslims, Eid Ul Fitri is celebrated all over the globe. Marking the end of Ramadan fasting month, the festival is celebrated with prayers, donations, and showing compassion to fellow human beings.

An interesting thing worth noting about this festival is that during this time, it is a ritual among the Muslims to wear new clothes. As a result, there are a number of sales taking place in Bali, which you can use to your advantage and shop for some local souvenirs.

When: 24th May 2021
Where: All Over Bali

If you are more interested in exploring the country, instead of being part of local celebrations, Bali has a lot to offer to you. Let’s look at some of the must-visit places in Bali In May:

4 Best Places To Visit In Bali In May

Bali is truly the most popular tourist island of the entire Indonesian archipelago. Here are the top 4 places you must explore while visiting Bali in May.

1. Ubud

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Perhaps the most well-known area of Bali, Ubud is a travelers’ paradise. Offering a range of experiences from tranquil days in the lap of nature to exhilarating adventure sports like white water rafting, from biking tours of magical man-made gardens to cafes bustling with backpacker crowds, Ubud has something for every kind of traveler.

Witness the majestic rolling rice fields or take a cooking class for Balinese food, the sheer range of experiences available at Ubud make it an awesome destination any time of the year. However, during May, when the season is (almost) at its best, and the crowds are still on the lower end of the spectrum, Ubud is the perfect place to be.

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2. Kuta Beach

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Known for its beach parties and cafes overlooking ocean waters, Kuta Beach is a backpacker’s haven. Those looking to mingle with other travelers and locals should definitely head to Kuta Beach, which is thriving with activity.

During May, while the crowds are still low across the rest of the country, Kuta Beach is filled with smart travelers that have come to visit the country during shoulder season.

3. Nusa Dua Beach

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Those looking to splurge should head to the Nusa Dua Beach, which is lined with amazing luxury hotels that offer pampered stays coupled with amazing ocean views from rooms. If you’re looking for that Instagram worthy Bali holiday, visiting Nusa Dua Beach is a great idea, especially in May, when many hotels are charging off-season tariffs for their rooms.

Planning your holiday in Bali but confused about what to do? These Bali travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

4. Lovina

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Popular for dolphin watching, Lovina is a region blessed by nature’s beauty. Head out to the beach early in the morning to witness a school of dolphins basking in the glory of the majestic Balinese sunrise.

With fewer crowds ruining your experience, May is the perfect time to witness the magic of dolphins. After the boat ride, you can chill at one of the many cafes dotting the area and spend some quality time eating local food and mingling with other travelers.

Top 3 Things To Do In Bali In May

The top things to do in Bali make it the most popular island of Indonesia. Check out these awesome things to do in Bali in May and add to your bucketlist.

1. Hike On Mount Batur

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Mount Batur, perched at an altitude of 1700 meters above sea level, offers fantastic views of the sunrise. Guided hikes start on the hill at 3:45 AM so that travelers can reach the peak just a few minutes before the sunrise takes place.

The hike is a pocket-friendly way to spend some quality time in Bali, and is extremely popular with hiking enthusiasts. The thrill of scaling the mountain in complete darkness attracts many travelers to Mount Batur.

2. Visit The Uluwatu Temple

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One of the most beautiful and well-known temples of Bali, Uluwatu Temple is a sight to behold. Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, the 11th century temple is one of the most visited spots in Bali.

The temple is generally swarming with tourists. However, the months of April and May are an exception, and also perhaps the best time to visit the temple and enjoy its tranquil surroundings.

3. Witness The Beauty Of Lake Beratan

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The picturesque lake boasts to behome of one of the oldest Lord Shiva temples on the planet. Ranked among the top tourism spots in Bali, the lake is best visited during the months of April and May. During this time, the weather is mostly pleasant and the crowds are light, making the experience of visiting the beautiful lake, an absolute delight.

Further Read: 5 Places To Visit Near Finns Beach Club Bali With Family For A Delightful Vacay

The month of May may be considered part of the shoulder season to visit Bali, but is actually one of the best times to visit the beautiful island. Fewer tourists and pleasant weather make for a perfect trip to this Instagram-worthy holiday destination.

Need help with planning your Bali vacation in May? Scroll down because we’ve answered some of the most common questions regarding the same!

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Frequently Asked Questions Related To Bali In May

Which is the closest airport to Ubud?

Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in Southern Bali, is the closest airport to Ubud. From the airport, Ubud lies at a distance of about 38 kilometers and it takes about 90 minutes to reach UBud from the airport.

Is entry allowed inside Buddha Temples on Waisak Day?

While entry is allowed, there is but one rule that the monks expect visitors to abide by, no photography. As long as you respect their rules, you can enter the temples on any day, including the Waisak Day.

How do I get around in Bali?

There are a number of options to get around in Bali. The most economical and perhaps the best way to get around is to rent a scooter. The rental tariffs start at Rs 300 (after conversion) and the scooters are very convenient when it comes to navigating the traffic of Bali. The next best way to explore the island is with a private driver that will also act as your guide around the city. However, hiring a private driver is a bit more expensive and may cost you upwards of Rs 3000. There are also local taxis and Uber available but these are generally expensive. There is also the option of travelling by the popular tourist shuttle that allows passengers to explore the town at their own pace.