For those who’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 revenue is its enchantment to vacationers because it’s a super spot for vacationers in search of nature, tradition, and journey.
It’s troublesome to not get over-excited with the pure sights you’ll discover throughout its map. A lot in order that generally we are likely to overlook the opposite facets of a visit that might lead us to creating unhealthy selections.
This text provides 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 associates, Bali is a hell of so much larger than that. It’s enormous! It’s eight instances larger than Singapore, 10 instances larger than Phuket, 64 instances larger than Santorini, 500+ instances bigger than Boracay! (However it’s extra corresponding to the complete Cebu or Leyte Island.)
Preserve that in thoughts when constructing your itinerary. Don’t schedule your actions instantly after one other in the event that they’re in several elements of the island. For instance, getting from Kuta to Ubud doesn’t take just some 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, it’s essential to decide probably the most superb space to remain so that you gained’t waste an excessive amount of time on the street. Talking of one of the 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 a lot of the motion within the island. It most likely has the best focus of lodging and eating institutions. However is it one of the best space? Properly, probably not. The most effective place to remain relies on why you’re in Bali within the first place.
For those who’re after a soothing time, you’re not gonna discover it in Kuta. It’s not even probably the most central location. That distinction belongs to Ubud, which is on the geographic heart of the island. From Ubud, it’s simpler to see the temples, terraces, and waterfalls of the north and the east. And whereas town heart will get busy too, it’s nonetheless a lot much less chaotic than Kuta and Seminyak. Most of the scenic leases you see on Instagram are located round Ubud. However be aware that there’s no seaside right here.
For that, possibly Uluwatu and Nusa Dua are value contemplating. Most properties listed below are fairly upscale, however they provide a quieter, extra romantic seaside expertise.
In case you are 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 reasonably priced right here.
For those who’re a foodie, nonetheless, Denpasar appears to be an important base since you may have an important number of not solely Balinese fare, but in addition different Indonesian and different Southeast Asian cuisines.
Whereas now we have a separate article going deep into the greatest technique for selecting your Bali lodging, we’ve additionally rounded up a number of the greatest locations to remain beneath to your quick access.
Prime Lodges in Ubud
Prime Lodges in Kuta
Prime Lodges in Seminyak
Seek for extra Bali Lodges Right here!
Once more, one of the best place to remain in Bali largely relies on your motive for visiting. For those who resolve to remain within the Kuta/Seminyak space, there’s one other factor you shouldn’t underestimate: the site visitors.
3. Don’t underestimate the site visitors.
Bali welcomes tens of millions and tens of millions of holiday makers per 12 months. Actually, in 2024, it has recorded virtually 6.4 million international vacationer arrivals, the best recorded previously decade. And an important 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 desire a non-public tour by automotive or reserving Seize or Gojek to get from one place to a different. It’s no surprise site 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 greatest to have loads of lead time.
Visitors will not be as unhealthy in different areas, although. However I additionally observed site visitors jams in Ubud’s metropolis heart, too!
4. Don’t fall for taxi and motorcycle scams.
Overpricing taxis are rampant in Bali. Actually, now we have been instructed by the locals we met to not hail a cab, however use Seize or GoJek as an alternative. And if we should, solely journey BlueBird, the one respected taxi firm on the island. If coming from the airport, you might also pre-arrange a pickup service on-line.
For those who desire touring by motorcycle, 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 outlets that might 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 motorcycle drivers for no matter motive they may consider simply so you may pay them to allow you to go.
However if you happen to insist on renting a motorcycle, be sure you 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 dwelling, Bali has a vibrant worldwide meals scene! Earlier than coming to Bali, my associates instructed me I ought to strive a myriad of eating places with one of the best burgers, or one of the best tacos, and even one of the best Greek meals. A number of quick meals chains and cafes too. And that’s nice and all, however don’t go away 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 most effective half, they’re in all places, 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’d like the insider scoop, greatest to e book 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 suggestions.
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 very well. He introduced us to a babi guling place outdoors town heart and to Gianyar Night time 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 regards 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 big 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 whole 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 convey anti-diarrhea meds!
7. Don’t belief avenue ATMs simply.
And by avenue ATMs, I imply these money machines that you just see within the streets, out within the open and might simply be tampered with. If it’s essential 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 greatest guess, and also you’ll discover a whole lot of varied respected banks all through the island.
For those who should withdraw from one on the road ATMs, at all times double verify for indicators of tampering. When unsure, don’t do it and simply discover one other strategy to pay or get money. Talking of money…
8. Don’t overpay by mistake.
In Bali, the official foreign money is the Indonesian rupiah. And 100 USD is roughly 1.6 million rupiah. (And 100 pesos is roughly 28,000 rupiah.) The very best denomination is 100,000 rupiah. Sure, that’s 1 adopted by 5 zeroes.
For many who are accustomed to the foreign money, the notes may be simply differentiated by the measurement and the shade. 100,000 is large and purple; 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 1000’s separator. No interval, no comma, no area. So it’s straightforward to assume that 10,000 is 100,000. It was really easy to make that mistake. And similar to every other vacation spot, you might run into somebody who’s prepared to take benefit when the chance presents itself.
It was already my fourth day after I lastly obtained the dangle of it. However possibly 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 normally paid by card when accessible. Fortuitously, the grocery store in entrance of our lodge accepted bank cards.
9. Don’t maintain your cellphone up within the streets.
Bali is mostly secure and has a comparatively low crime price, 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 cellphone, purse, or pockets out within the open when strolling or standing by the street as a result of somebody on a motorcycle would possibly simply snatch it away. Preserve it away from different individuals’s attain. And don’t go away them unattended on the seaside or use them to order a desk at a meals courtroom. This isn’t Japan, Dubai, or Singapore.
10. Don’t get trapped in comparable sights.
Earlier than you e book a number of day excursions, verify the itinerary first. Most excursions in Bali have comparable sights. There’s typically a cease at Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a espresso farm the place you may style a wide range of espresso and tea flavors, and Instagrammable websites with big swing and the like. And to be trustworthy, if you happen to’ve skilled one among every form, you’ve skilled all of them.
So if you happen to’re reserving multiple non-public tour, ask your contact or information if you happen to may change a few of these spots to keep away from a repetitive journey and you may expertise extra of Bali. We’ve completed it earlier than and each information obliged as a result of it’s not troublesome to search 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 seaside paradise. However after I was there, I spotted that Bali’s greatest property are usually not its sandy shores, however its well-preserved tradition and inland pure sights. I used to be way more awed by its temples and waterfalls and delicacies than by its seashores.
The seashores right here are usually not unhealthy. Under no circumstances. However simply to handle your expectations, if you happen to’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 just shouldn’t come to Bali since you undoubtedly ought to, you need to! 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 maybe probably 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 isn’t a physique of water on web site. However that’s not the one factor you ought to be conscious of. You see, it’s so fashionable 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 had been second in line.
However even when your timing is true, don’t anticipate every thing to be image excellent. Most images you see had been both taken underneath one of the best circumstances or enhanced digitally. Usually, the skies don’t cooperate. It’s extra seemingly that you just’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 fashionable because the Gate of Heaven, however you may 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 normally spend the time chatting with our information and different locals. However if you happen to’re probably not into IG-worthy spots and also you wish to maximize your keep, you would possibly simply be losing a whole lot of time queuing. There are different picturesque however much less crowded sights elsewhere within the island. However if you happen to really need these pictures you see on the web, go forward. You’re already in Bali, would possibly as properly expertise the complete bundle, queues and all.
13. Don’t neglect to convey mosquito repellent.
Mosquitos are frequent in Bali, so it’s greatest to be ready. We didn’t consider it till we checked in to our lodge, which offered a mosquito repellent spray, free to make use of. And we realized some locations and a few months are extra susceptible than others. However to be on the secure aspect, simply convey one with you when touring.
14. Don’t disrespect the native tradition.
In case you are into temple-hopping, know that you need to costume 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. For those who’re bleeding — say, you have got an open wound or, for ladies, if presently menstruating, you shouldn’t enter the temples.
Even when there’s a whole lot of tourism exercise within the island, Bali stays non secular, conservative, and conventional. It’ll turn out 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 you don’t stroll on them.
Additionally, when handing out one thing to an area, at all times use your proper hand. Your left hand is taken into account soiled and is for lavatory 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 medication.
I do know it sounds apparent, however it is extremely essential that you realize this.
To begin with, don’t do medication anyplace you journey to, however particularly right here in Bali as a result of Indonesia has a number of the strictest legal guidelines in relation to medication.
Possession is punishable by imprisonment for 4 to 12 years or, if the quantity is large enough, you may be imprisoned for all times, plus fines of as much as 8 billion rupiah. For trafficking, the demise penalty could also be imposed.
That’s not the type of journey you wish to expertise overseas.
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