For many Australians, Bali is practically a second home; a tropical backyard just a few hours' flight away. But while the Bintangs are always cold and the surf is always up, there is one thing that consistently trips up even the most seasoned travellers: the time difference.

Between Australia’s three-and-a-half time zones and the shifts of daylight savings, figuring out whether you’re two, three, or zero hours behind can be a headache before you’ve even hit the tarmac. Is it too late to call home? Did you miss your dinner reservation on your arrival day in Seminyak?

Whether you're setting an alarm for your sunrise trek up Mount Batur or just trying to coordinate a business call from your poolside villa (don’t worry, we won’t tell your boss!), understanding "Bali Time" is essential. We’ve stripped away the confusion with the ultimate conversion tool specifically designed for Aussies.

No. Indonesia, where Bali is located, doesn’t observe daylight savings. Here, the timezone stays the same all year. However, since some places in Australia do, the time differences can change throughout the year.

Bali sits in the Indonesia Central Time Zone, which is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Compared to Australia, it’s either the same time or up to three hours ahead, as we have multiple time zones here, but there’s just one in Bali. Below is a chart that should help you figure out what time it will be in Bali compared to your home state or territory.

Thankfully, yes! If you’ve ever noticed the flight home seems longer on paper, this is why. Your departure and arrival times will always be listed in local times. So, if you’re booking an airport transfer or need to catch a connecting flight or ferry to one of Bali’s nearby islands, be sure to check your scheduled arrival time on your ticket. 

Yes, as the country is wider than Australia, Indonesia has three time zones. If you’re also travelling to other places in Indonesia, you may need to re-set your watch.

Here’s a quick guide to Indonesia’s time zones along with major cities within each one.

Ready to explore Bali? Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.

Flights to Bali | Hotels in Bali | Activities and attractions in Bali | Best time to visit Bali | Best places to stay in Bali | Budgeting for Bali | Getting around in Bali | eSims for Bali | Power outlets in Bali | Visa rules for Bali | Airport transfers in Bali