DENPASAR (indo.com): The best time to visit Bali in terms of weather is during the cooler dry season, from April to October. The rest of the year is more humid, cloudier and has more rainstorms - yet you can still enjoy a fantastic holiday here.

There are also distinct tourist seasons which affect the picture. The European Summer holidays of July, August and early September bring the biggest crowds, when accommodation can be very tight and prices higher.

From Christmas until the end of January, airfares to and from Australia are higher and flights can be booked solid. The school holidays in early April, late June, early July and late September also see more Australians, with most of them on package tours to resort areas in South Bali.

Many Indonesian people visit Bali around Christmas and during some Indonesian holidays. Outside these times, however, Bali has surprisingly few tourists and there are empty (and cheaper) rooms and restaurants everywhere.

Balinese festivals, holidays and special celebrations occur all the time, most of them not being scheduled according to Western calendars - so don't worry too much about timing your visit to coincide with local events. You're bound to catch something during your stay, as they happen all the time!