Soar Above Bali: A Complete Guide to Helicopter Tours in Bali

Bali’s charm lies in its diverse beauty, from lush green jungles and terraced rice paddies to pristine beaches and majestic volcanoes. While exploring the island from the ground is an adventure in itself, nothing compares to the breathtaking perspective gained from a helicopter tour in Bali. Flying above the island reveals its most stunning landmarks, such as Uluwatu Temple perched on a cliff, the volcanic grandeur of Mount Batur, and the winding coastline that glistens in the tropical sun.

A helicopter tour in Bali offers an unparalleled way to experience the island’s magic. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this thrilling excursion lets you witness the island’s natural wonders and cultural landmarks from a unique, elevated vantage point. Let’s dive into the details of what makes helicopter tours in Bali an experience of a lifetime.

Why Choose a Helicopter Tour in Bali?
Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason. Its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere make it a favorite among travelers. But while Bali’s sights are beautiful from the ground, seeing them from the air offers an entirely different experience.

Choosing a helicopter tour in Bali allows you to access remote and otherwise unreachable areas of the island. From towering volcanoes to secluded beaches and temples perched on cliffs, a helicopter ride showcases Bali’s natural beauty and iconic landmarks in ways that are simply impossible to replicate on the ground. You can explore multiple destinations in a short amount of time and take in sweeping panoramic views that you will remember forever.

Additionally, helicopter tours are an ideal option for travelers on a time crunch who still want to experience Bali’s highlights. In just 30 minutes, you can see what might take days of driving and hiking to explore.

Types of Helicopter Tours in Bali
Helicopter tours in Bali cater to a variety of interests, from quick scenic flights to extensive island explorations. Depending on your budget, interests, and how much time you have, you can choose from a range of options. Here are some of the most popular types of helicopter tours in Bali:

Scenic Coastal Flights: These short tours take you along Bali’s beautiful coastlines, offering incredible views of beaches, cliffs, and iconic seaside temples. You’ll fly over Jimbaran Bay, Nusa Dua, and Uluwatu, taking in the contrast of the blue ocean against the white sands and dramatic cliffs.

Volcano and Lake Tours: For a more dramatic experience, a flight over Bali’s volcanic landscapes is a must. These tours typically cover Mount Batur, an active volcano with a stunning caldera lake. The bird’s-eye view of the volcanic crater, surrounded by dense forests and farmlands, offers a stark contrast between Bali’s lush greenery and its rugged volcanic terrain.

Full Island Tours: If you want to see the best of everything, a full island tour by helicopter is the ultimate way to experience Bali’s diverse landscapes. These longer tours take you over Ubud’s rice terraces, the volcanoes of Kintamani, the cliffs of Uluwatu, and the pristine beaches of the southern coast, giving you a comprehensive view of the island’s beauty.

Custom Private Charters: For those looking for something truly unique, private charters offer full flexibility in choosing your route. Whether you want to focus on specific landmarks, surprise a loved one with a romantic aerial adventure, or capture professional photos, a private charter allows you to tailor the experience exactly to your preferences.

What You’ll See on a Helicopter Tour in Bali
Each helicopter tour offers its own array of stunning sights, depending on the route and duration. Here are some of the most popular destinations and landmarks that you might encounter on a helicopter tour of Bali:

Uluwatu Temple: Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple is one of Bali’s most famous landmarks. From the air, you can appreciate the full majesty of the temple’s location and its relationship to the ocean and the surrounding cliffs.

Mount Batur: This active volcano is a highlight of any helicopter tour over Bali’s northern region. The tour often includes a view of the expansive caldera and the turquoise lake that sits at the volcano’s base. Seeing the smoke rise from the volcano from above is an exhilarating experience.

Tanah Lot: One of Bali’s most iconic temples, Tanah Lot sits on a rocky outcrop in the sea. The temple is especially beautiful when viewed from above, where you can see the full expanse of the surrounding waters and the coastline beyond.

Ubud’s Rice Terraces: Bali’s rice terraces are a work of art, with their tiered layers of green stretching across the landscape. From above, these terraces create intricate patterns that are even more mesmerizing than they appear from the ground. Helicopter tours often pass over the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces, offering sweeping views of the countryside.

Benoa Harbor and Nusa Dua: For coastal lovers, helicopter tours that head toward Benoa Harbor and Nusa Dua showcase the idyllic beaches and luxurious resorts of southern Bali. The crystal-clear waters and bustling marinas are even more impressive when seen from the sky.

Lovina Beach and the North Coast: While the southern coast of Bali gets most of the attention, the northern coastline has its own charm. Helicopter tours over Lovina Beach offer views of calm seas, black sand beaches, and traditional fishing boats. Dolphins can sometimes be spotted in the waters below.

Best Time to Book a Helicopter Tour in Bali
To make the most of your helicopter tour in Bali, timing your flight is crucial. The island’s tropical climate means that weather conditions can vary throughout the year, so here are a few factors to consider when booking your tour:

Dry Season (April to October): The dry season is the best time for helicopter tours in Bali, as the skies are generally clear, offering better visibility and less chance of rain. During this time, the landscapes are lush from the preceding rainy season, and you’re more likely to experience uninterrupted flights with stunning views.

Wet Season (November to March): While helicopter tours still operate during the wet season, the weather can be less predictable. Rain, clouds, and storms can reduce visibility and may result in flights being rescheduled or canceled. However, the wet season does bring out Bali’s vibrant green scenery, making it a great time to see the island at its most lush and tropical.

Time of Day: Early morning flights are often the best for photography and visibility, as the light is soft, and the skies are generally clearer. Sunset tours are also popular for their dramatic lighting, especially when flying over temples like Tanah Lot or Uluwatu.

Cost of Helicopter Tours in Bali
Helicopter tours in Bali are considered a luxury experience, with prices reflecting the exclusivity and thrill of flying above the island. The cost will vary depending on the length of the tour, the destinations covered, and whether the tour is private or shared.

Short Scenic Flights: These flights typically last around 15 to 20 minutes and cover one or two landmarks. Prices for short tours generally range from $200 to $300 USD per person, making them an accessible option for those looking to experience a helicopter ride without breaking the bank.

Longer Tours: For tours that last between 30 minutes to an hour and cover more of the island, expect to pay between $500 and $800 USD per person. These tours often include a variety of sights, such as Mount Batur, Ubud’s rice terraces, and multiple coastal landmarks.

Private Charters: Private helicopter charters are the most expensive option, starting at around $1,000 USD for a customized flight. These charters allow for complete flexibility in terms of route, timing, and duration, making them ideal for special occasions or exclusive experiences.

Is a Helicopter Tour in Bali Worth It?
If you’re wondering whether a helicopter tour in Bali is worth the investment, the answer largely depends on what you’re looking for in your trip. For those who love adventure, appreciate unique experiences, or are seeking a new perspective on Bali’s beauty, a helicopter tour is an unforgettable addition to your itinerary.

While the cost is higher than traditional tours, the experience of soaring above Bali’s diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks is unparalleled. From the comfort and luxury of a helicopter, you’ll get to witness sights that few others see, and you’ll be able to cover vast areas of the island in a fraction of the time it would take by road.

Tips for a Memorable Helicopter Tour in Bali

Book in Advance: Helicopter tours in Bali can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. To ensure you get your desired tour and time slot, it’s best to book in advance.
Choose Your Route Carefully: Consider what you want to see most in Bali and choose a tour that aligns with your interests, whether it’s the coastal temples, volcanoes, or rice terraces.
Prepare for Weather Changes: Weather can be unpredictable in Bali, so be prepared for potential changes to your flight schedule. Most operators will work with you to reschedule if weather conditions are less than ideal.