In case you’re Bali-bound, you most likely know that there’s a LOT to see and do on this province of Indonesia. Supporting a lot of the province’s earnings is its enchantment to vacationers because it’s an excellent spot for vacationers looking for nature, tradition, and journey.
It’s tough to not get over-excited with the pure points of interest you’ll discover throughout its map. A lot in order that typically we are inclined to overlook the opposite features of a visit that would lead us to creating dangerous selections.
This text offers you a rundown of errors you need to keep away from when touring to Bali.
1. Don’t assume Bali is a small island.
I made my first mistake even earlier than I arrived within the island. For some motive, I assumed that Bali is simply as small as Phuket or Santorini or Singapore. My buddies, Bali is a hell of loads larger than that. It’s large! It’s eight instances larger than Singapore, 10 instances larger than Phuket, 64 instances larger than Santorini, 500+ instances bigger than Boracay! (But it surely’s extra similar to the whole Cebu or Leyte Island.)
Maintain that in thoughts when constructing your itinerary. Don’t schedule your actions instantly after one other in the event that they’re in several components of the island. For instance, getting from Kuta to Ubud doesn’t take only a few minutes. It takes a few hours. And people faraway temples like Lempuyang or Ulun Danu, for much longer. Relying in your itinerary and what you’re in Bali for to start with, you want to decide essentially the most splendid space to remain so that you gained’t waste an excessive amount of time on the street. Talking of the very best space to remain…
2. Don’t decide the fallacious space to remain.
The Kuta-Seminyak space appears to be the busiest and the epicenter of many of the motion within the island. It most likely has the best focus of lodging and eating institutions. However is it the very best space? Effectively, not likely. The very best place to remain relies on why you’re in Bali within the first place.
In case you’re after a calming time, you’re not gonna discover it in Kuta. It’s not even essentially the most central location. That distinction belongs to Ubud, which is on the geographic middle of the island. From Ubud, it’s simpler to see the temples, terraces, and waterfalls of the north and the east. And whereas the town middle will get busy too, it’s nonetheless a lot much less chaotic than Kuta and Seminyak. Lots of the scenic leases you see on Instagram are located round Ubud. However be aware that there’s no seashore right here.
For that, perhaps Uluwatu and Nusa Dua are value contemplating. Most properties listed below are fairly upscale, however they provide a quieter, extra romantic seashore expertise.
If you’re staying in Bali long run, try the rental properties in Canggu (Changgu). It is a favourite amongst digital nomads as a result of it’s extra inexpensive right here.
In case you’re a foodie, nonetheless, Denpasar appears to be an incredible base since you may have an incredible choice of not solely Balinese fare, but in addition different Indonesian and different Southeast Asian cuisines.
Whereas we have now a separate article going deep into the finest technique for selecting your Bali lodging, we’ve additionally rounded up a number of the finest locations to remain under to your quick access.
High Lodges in Ubud
High Lodges in Kuta
High Lodges in Seminyak
Seek for extra Bali Lodges Right here!
Once more, the very best place to remain in Bali largely relies on your motive for visiting. In case you resolve to remain within the Kuta/Seminyak space, there’s one other factor you shouldn’t underestimate: the visitors.
3. Don’t underestimate the visitors.
Bali welcomes hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of holiday makers per yr. In reality, in 2024, it has recorded virtually 6.4 million overseas vacationer arrivals, the best recorded previously decade. And an incredible fraction of them selected to remain in and round Kuta and Seminyak, and most of them don’t use public transportation, which isn’t as dependable as one may hope.
Most vacationers choose a non-public tour by automobile or reserving Seize or Gojek to get from one place to a different. It’s no marvel visitors buildup is a continuing prevalence right here. So in case you have a tour, a present, or a flight to catch, it’s at all times finest to have loads of lead time.
Site visitors just isn’t as dangerous in different areas, although. However I additionally observed visitors jams in Ubud’s metropolis middle, too!
4. Don’t fall for taxi and bike scams.
Overpricing taxis are rampant in Bali. In reality, we have now been advised by the locals we met to not hail a cab, however use Seize or GoJek as a substitute. And if we should, solely journey BlueBird, the one respected taxi firm on the island. If coming from the airport, you may additionally pre-arrange a pickup service on-line.
In case you choose touring by bike, watch out for scams, too. I don’t lease bikes overseas so this isn’t one thing I’m involved about. However I had been warned about rental retailers that may cost you for pre-existing damages on the bike. Police scams are stated to be prevalent too. They are saying that some officers would simply cease bike drivers for no matter motive they may consider simply so you might pay them to allow you to go.
However for those who insist on renting a bike, be sure to have the right driving license and at all times put on a helmet!
5. Don’t dismiss native delicacies.
Partly due to the various expats who name this island house, Bali has a vibrant worldwide meals scene! Earlier than coming to Bali, my buddies advised me I ought to attempt a myriad of eating places with the very best burgers, or the very best tacos, and even the very best Greek meals. A lot of quick meals chains and cafes too. And that’s nice and all, however don’t depart with out digging into native meals.
Balinese delicacies is spectacular to say the least — from the mouthwatering babi guling (spit-roasted pork, much like lechon) to the ever present sate and nasi campur to conventional truffles. The very best half, they’re all over the place, too! You’ll discover them at excessive finish eating places to humble warung (small family-run eateries). Most of them serve homey, hearty meals.
However if you need the insider scoop, finest to ebook a guided meals tour! By becoming a member of a meals tour, you’ll get to know the native favorites and pattern them whereas studying extra concerning the Balinese meals tradition and different ideas.
We personally booked an Genuine Meals Tour from Ubud with GetYourGuide and it didn’t disappoint! Our information Jon Okay. was well mannered, pleasant, and educated and will talk in English rather well. He introduced us to a babi guling place outdoors the town middle and to Gianyar Evening Market the place he launched to us extra conventional dishes like betutu and an assortment of desserts! In between meals stops, we dropped by rice terraces and Tirta Empul, one of many holiest temples within the island.
FIND A BALI FOOD TOUR FOR YOU HERE
6. Don’t drink faucet water.
Whereas we’re with reference to meals, I can’t stress this sufficient: don’t drink faucet water! Not even the locals do that and so they extremely discouraged me too. Most lodging present filtered water. If not, head to the grocery and purchase these large containers and simply refill your reusable bottle now and again.
Why? As a result of faucet water in Bali is gonna whoop your insides prefer it did mine. I by no means actually believed within the time period “Bali stomach” till it was taking place to me. I spent a complete night time in the bathroom, with out popping out, as a result of each quarter-hour one thing inside me was beginning a revolution. So no, don’t drink faucet water.
And don’t neglect to deliver anti-diarrhea meds!
7. Don’t belief road ATMs simply.
And by road ATMs, I imply these money machines that you simply see within the streets, out within the open and may simply be tampered with. If you want to withdraw from an ATM, select a machine that’s inside a financial institution or different guarded or enclosed institutions like malls. However the financial institution is your finest wager, and also you’ll discover a number of numerous respected banks all through the island.
In case you should withdraw from one on the road ATMs, at all times double examine for indicators of tampering. When unsure, don’t do it and simply discover one other technique to pay or get money. Talking of money…
8. Don’t overpay by mistake.
In Bali, the official forex is the Indonesian rupiah. And 100 USD is roughly 1.6 million rupiah. (And 100 pesos is roughly 28,000 rupiah.) The best denomination is 100,000 rupiah. Sure, that’s 1 adopted by 5 zeroes.
For many who are conversant in the forex, the notes may be simply differentiated by the dimension and the shade. 100,000 is huge and pink; 50,000 is blue; 20,000 is inexperienced, and so forth. However for us who aren’t used to seeing that many zeroes, it may be a bit complicated particularly as a result of these zeroes don’t have a hundreds separator. No interval, no comma, no house. So it’s simple to suppose that 10,000 is 100,000. It was really easy to make that mistake. And identical to every other vacation spot, you could run into somebody who’s prepared to take benefit when the chance presents itself.
It was already my fourth day after I lastly received the cling of it. However perhaps I’m simply sluggish typically. LOL.
However fortunately, I by no means actually needed to pay money that a lot. Most of my excursions had been pre-booked, and I often paid by card when accessible. Luckily, the grocery store in entrance of our lodge accepted bank cards.
9. Don’t maintain your telephone up within the streets.
Bali is mostly secure and has a comparatively low crime charge, contemplating how busy and touristy it’s. However like many different vacationer hotspots, petty crimes do exist in Bali particularly inside developed areas like Kuta.
Don’t maintain your telephone, purse, or pockets out within the open when strolling or standing by the street as a result of somebody on a bike would possibly simply snatch it away. Maintain it away from different individuals’s attain. And don’t depart them unattended on the seashore or use them to order a desk at a meals courtroom. This isn’t Japan, Dubai, or Singapore.
10. Don’t get trapped in related points of interest.
Earlier than you ebook a number of day excursions, examine the itinerary first. Most excursions in Bali have related points of interest. There’s usually a cease at Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a espresso farm the place you might style quite a lot of espresso and tea flavors, and Instagrammable websites with large swing and the like. And to be sincere, for those who’ve skilled certainly one of every type, you’ve skilled all of them.
So for those who’re reserving a couple of non-public tour, ask your contact or information for those who may exchange a few of these spots to keep away from a repetitive journey and you might expertise extra of Bali. We’ve carried out it earlier than and each information obliged as a result of it’s not tough to seek out one other focal point alongside the route.
11. Don’t anticipate an excessive amount of from Bali’s seashores.
Once we consider Bali, photos of its seashores immediately come to thoughts. Rising up, I considered Bali as a seashore paradise. However after I was there, I spotted that Bali’s largest property aren’t its sandy shores, however its well-preserved tradition and inland pure points of interest. I used to be far more awed by its temples and waterfalls and delicacies than by its seashores.
The seashores right here aren’t dangerous. Under no circumstances. However simply to handle your expectations, for those who’ve been to different seashores in Indonesia (or Thailand or the Philippines for that matter) and also you’re anticipating Bali to provide the similar glowing beachscape, then you definately’ll be underwhelmed. That’s to not say that you simply shouldn’t come to Bali since you undoubtedly ought to, you should! However there’s a lot extra to Bali than its shores.
12. Don’t disregard the queuing instances at Instagram spots.
Of all of the locations I had set foot in, Bali is probably essentially the most Instagram or IG-worthy. It’s simply bursting with pciture-worthy spots, each pure and man-made.
By now, you most likely know concerning the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. And also you would possibly already bear in mind that the reflection created is a mirror trick and that there is no such thing as a physique of water on website. However that’s not the one factor try to be conscious of. You see, it’s so widespread that the road for this picture can get loopy lengthy. We’re speaking about as much as three hours of ready time for only a minute of picture session.
On our final journey, we arrived within the afternoon — simply in time for the sundown — and we waited two and a half hours! They are saying that to keep away from ready instances, go within the early morning. My teammate Pycan did simply that, in time for dawn. They have been second in line.
However even when your timing is true, don’t anticipate all the pieces to be image good. Most images you see have been both taken underneath the very best circumstances or enhanced digitally. Usually, the skies don’t cooperate. It’s extra seemingly that you simply’ll get a plain white backdrop as a result of the mountain is hiding behind the clouds or fog.
A glance-alike may be discovered within the north — the Handara Gate. This additionally has the identical impact. It’s not as widespread because the Gate of Heaven, however you might nonetheless find yourself ready 40 minutes to an hour to your flip.
Personally, I don’t thoughts the ready instances as a result of I understand how to maintain myself busy. I often spend the time chatting with our information and different locals. However for those who’re not likely into IG-worthy spots and also you wish to maximize your keep, you would possibly simply be losing a number of time queuing. There are different picturesque however much less crowded points of interest elsewhere within the island. However for those who actually need these photographs you see on the web, go forward. You’re already in Bali, would possibly as nicely expertise the total package deal, queues and all.
13. Don’t neglect to deliver mosquito repellent.
Mosquitos are frequent in Bali, so it’s finest to be ready. We didn’t consider it till we checked in to our lodge, which supplied a mosquito repellent spray, free to make use of. And we realized some locations and a few months are extra inclined than others. However to be on the secure facet, simply deliver one with you when touring.
14. Don’t disrespect the native tradition.
If you’re into temple-hopping, know that you should gown modestly throughout the neighborhood. Some temples present sarongs that you could be borrow, however to be secure, simply put on one thing that covers your shoulders, higher arms, and legs. This is applicable to women and men. In case you’re bleeding — say, you’ve an open wound or, for girls, if presently menstruating, you shouldn’t enter the temples.
Even when there’s a number of tourism exercise within the island, Bali stays spiritual, conservative, and conventional. It’ll grow to be obvious to you in your first day, simply by taking a brief stroll.
In entrance of the homes and on the sidewalk, you’ll see small palm trays with flowers and meals. These are canang sari (chanang sari), that are each day choices to the Supreme God of Indonesian Hinduism (Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) as a logo of gratitude. So, watch your step and be sure to don’t stroll on them.
Additionally, when handing out one thing to a neighborhood, at all times use your proper hand. Your left hand is taken into account soiled and is for bathroom duties. And by no means contact anybody’s head, which is taken into account a sacred a part of the physique.
15. Don’t do unlawful medicine.
I do know it sounds apparent, however it is extremely vital that you understand this.
To start with, don’t do medicine wherever you journey to, however particularly right here in Bali as a result of Indonesia has a number of the strictest legal guidelines in terms of medicine.
Possession is punishable by imprisonment for 4 to 12 years or, if the quantity is sufficiently big, you may be imprisoned for all times, plus fines of as much as 8 billion rupiah. For trafficking, the loss of life penalty could also be imposed.
That’s not the type of journey you wish to expertise overseas.
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2025 8 12 – First uploaded