What to Do and What to Pack: Bali in December and January
I’ve been to Bali a few times now, and every trip feels a little different, whether it’s been with someone or on my own. There’s something about the pace of life here that forces you to slow down. The incense in the air, the sound of motorbikes, and the faint smell of rain on rice fields all seem to move in rhythm. Even during the wet season, which runs from roughly November through March, Bali is still magical. I’ve been here three times: once in December and January, once in March, and once in August. I’m headed back again this December over Christmas for my honeymoon.
If you’re visiting in December or January, expect a mix of sunshine and sudden tropical downpours. The bright side is that they usually last about 30 minutes and leave everything smelling fresh again. You don’t have to wait long for the weather to turn. It’s not the time for constant beach lounging, but it’s the perfect season to explore quieter temples, cozy cafes, and take slow mornings watching the mist rise over the jungle.
This is how I’d spend 15 days in Bali during that season, with a little jungle, a little coast, and a lot of soul-soothing simplicity.
Days 1 to 2: Canggu
Start your trip with Bali’s creative energy. Canggu is a lively mix of beachside surf breaks, trendy cafes, and boutique shopping. It’s an easy place to settle in after a long flight and adjust to the island’s slower rhythm. I spent NYE here on my long term trip and I loved how chill it was while still feeling celebratory.
Stay at The Slow for its modern tropical design and relaxed atmosphere, or at the eco-friendly Como Uma Canggu if you want a touch of luxury.
What to do:
Watch the sunrise at Echo Beach and walk along the black sand shoreline.
Have breakfast at Crate Café or The Shady Shack.
Spend the afternoon wandering the shops along Jalan Batu Bolong.
Get a cheeky taco and tattoo at Deus on Tuesday’s.
Enjoy a sunset drink at La Brisa or The Lawn with music, lights, and ocean views.
Head for Tanah Lot from here and trek across the water and be blessed by the monks there.
Canggu is all about balance. You can surf, work from a café, take a yoga class, and then finish your day with tacos and live music.
Days 3 to 5: Ubud
Next, head north to Ubud, about an hour and a half away. This is where you’ll find the heart of Bali’s culture. Think lush rice terraces, ancient temples, and a sense of calm that slows everything down.
There are wonderful spots outside of the city center, but if you’ve never been, and even if you have, I’d recommend staying in the heart of Ubud to get the full experience and take advantage of the walking paths. There are some weird one ways in Ubud, and although it looks like you can easily reach things by Grab (you really can), I still love staying close by to restaurants and venturing outside the centre for the days to Tegalalang or Campuhan. I take this perspective at home too. I’d rather live close to everything so at the end of a long day, you have easy access to nightlife, markets and restaurants and its an easy walk back to your hotel.
What to do:
Take an early morning walk along the Campuhan Ridge before it gets hot.
Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Go early to avoid the crowds (yes this is a trend).
Get a flower bath at Karsa Spa and enjoy a long afternoon of relaxation.
Eat at KAFE for healthy dishes and allergy friendly eats. A favourite of Kerry and I’s.
Go to Yoga Barn for a sound bath in the jungle.
Browse the Ubud Market in the evening for handmade crafts and local textiles.
Ubud invites you to move at a different pace. It’s the perfect place to read, write, take a cooking class, or simply sit still and watch the rain drift across the jungle.
Days 6 to 8: Sidemen and Selat
From Ubud, take a scenic drive east toward Sidemen and Selat. This area is quiet, lush, and filled with the kind of beauty that feels untouched. The roads wind through rice fields and small villages, with Mount Agung often peeking through the clouds.
Stay at Wapa di Ume Sidemen or at Camaya Bali, known for its open-air bamboo villas surrounded by rice paddies. We’re hoping to get a spot here where we can wake up with a morning coffee overlooking the hazy rice fields from our patio or pool.
What to do:
Join a guided rice terrace walk with a local farmer.
Visit Tukad Cepung Waterfall, a hidden gem inside a cave. Go early to catch the best light.
Take a Balinese cooking class or try a traditional arak tasting.
Have dinner at Warung Maha Neka, a local favorite for authentic nasi goreng.
End your evening swimming as the sun sets over the green valleys.
Sidemen is where you can breathe deeply again. It’s peaceful, grounding, and gives you a glimpse of what rural Bali still feels like.
Days 9 to 12: Nusa Dua (Christmas by the Sea)
After the tranquility of Sidemen, make your way south to Nusa Dua. This part of Bali is known for its soft white-sand beaches, calm waters, and elegant resorts. It’s also the perfect place to spend Christmas, especially if you want a few slow, sun-filled days by the ocean.
Stay at The St. Regis Bali Resort for a luxurious beachfront escape or at The Mulia for grand views and beautiful holiday if you’re up for spending money. Look at places like The Westin Resort Nusa Dua or Courtyard by Marriott Bali for mid-tier and then places like The Nest are a good option too that is right outside the Both properties host festive dinners and live music on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
What to do:
Spend Christmas morning walking along the beach and watching the sunrise.
Enjoy a spa day at your resort or at the nearby Kayumanis Spa.
Book a private snorkel trip to see the coral reefs just offshore.
Visit the Bali Collection shopping area for relaxed browsing and local souvenirs.
Enjoy a candlelit Christmas dinner by the beach, complete with fresh seafood and twinkling lights.
Take a short trip to the Waterblow in Nusa Dua, where powerful waves crash against the cliffs.
Nusa Dua feels calm and festive during the holidays. You’ll find resorts decorated with lights and Balinese touches, Christmas brunches with ocean views, and musicians playing carols on the beach. It’s the perfect mix of celebration and stillness. We’re hunkering down for a few days here so that we can really enjoy the holidays without rushing around.
Days 13 to 15: Uluwatu
End your trip in Uluwatu, famous for its dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and golden sunsets. It’s the best place to wind down after a few busy weeks and reflect on your time in Bali.
Stay at Gravity Boutique Hotel for charming bungalows overlooking the water or at The Asa Maia for a wellness-focused stay that blends design and serenity.
What to do:
Watch the surfers at Uluwatu Beach from the cliffs above.
Visit Uluwatu Temple and stay for the Kecak fire dance at sunset.
Spend a day at Thomas Beach or Bingin Beach.
PLEASE for the love of god watch the waves at these beaches. Even if you see people out on the water, judge for yourself whether its safe. My friend and I almost drowned at Bingin Beach, and we just ran out into the water with other people there, but we were slightly to the side and it was right where a rip tide was. I got caught in the churn and have no idea how I made it out, but my friend kept getting pulled out. It’s a miracle we both survived, and it scared me away from the water for awhile, but any body of water can turn dangerous if you don’t respect it, or understand that it needs to be treated with caution and respect.
Have dinner at The Cashew Tree or Mana Uluwatu for great food and a beautiful view.
End your trip with a final sunset drink at Single Fin, perched right above the ocean.
Uluwatu feels like a great send off. The salty air, soft light, and crashing waves make it an unforgettable ending.
What to Pack for Bali in December and January
Bali in December and January is humid, with temperatures between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius. Expect sunshine mixed with sudden rain showers and cooler evenings in the hills. Pack light, quick-drying, and versatile clothing.
Essentials to bring:
Light cotton dresses and linen sets.
A lightweight rain jacket for tropical showers. (or brave the rain)
Comfortable sandals and one pair of walking shoes.
Several swimsuits since they take time to dry.
A sarong or wrap for temple visits or the beach. You’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees (men and women) to respect the culture there, but you can always pick something up there and have it be a souvenir as well.
A small travel umbrella.
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Plug adapters for Type C or F outlets.
A small power bank for long days out.
Optional: travel-size laundry detergent for quick washes.
If you love photography or content creation, bring a waterproof phone case and a dry bag. Rainstorms can arrive quickly and can hit you or your motorbike quickly so you want to protect your camera equipment, power banks and anything important.
There’s a rhythm to Bali that you only understand once you’re there. Days start slowly with coffee and the sound of rain, and they end with sunsets that feel personal. Even when it rains, it doesn’t ruin the day. It simply changes its shape. You linger longer over meals, wander through markets at a slower pace, and notice beauty in quiet moments.
If you visit in December or January, go with an open mind and no strict schedule. Bali always finds a way to give you exactly what you need, even when it’s not what you expected.
Have the most wonderful trip!
Love, M
