Top 12 tips when traveling to Bali for the first time

When we choose Bali, the island of the Gods, as a destination, we looked for some tips to keep in mind during our three weeks there. For more details about our itinerary please visit this page. But don't forget to take a look at the articles for each area.

I want to help you out with a list of 12 tips that have helped us on our travels. Be sure to save the list and don't forget to apply it when you get there!

1. Common expressions

It is advisable and recommended to know some simple, basic expressions. The Balinese will be very appreciative of your efforts to speak their language. After all, it's also a form of respect for the country you're arriving in. Three basic phrases are considered to be the following: Thank you! → Suksma , Goodbye → Om santi santi santi om (a traditional farewell formula with a spiritual meaning), Hello! → Rahajeng semeng (morning)/ Rahajeng siang (day)/ Rahajeng peteng (evening).

2. Required applications

Use transportation apps - Taxis can be expensive and sometimes unauthorized. Apps such as Grab și Gojek are safer and transparent on price. They work very well, especially in more touristy areas like Ubud or Uluwatu. If the apps can't find drivers, you can negotiate directly at your accommodation with one of their drivers. You can also order takeaway food through these apps.

3. Planning and documents

You have to get Visa on Arrival (30 days, extendable for 30 days) either at the airport when you arrive or online. I recommend applying for a visa online, from home and save valuable airport waiting time. At the moment it costs 35 dollars, but you should keep checking the local website for any other last-minute information. Of course, it's compulsory to have medical insurance and accommodation booked, because they might ask. As of February 2024, a fee of about $9 has been introduced to further reduce mass tourism that you can pay either through the app https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/ or via the site https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/

4. The right time to go

The year is divided into two main seasons: dry season: April - October (pleasant weather, lower humidity, perfect for sunbathing, hiking and surfing, peak tourist season, can be very crowded and more expensive) and wet season: November - March (rains are more frequent, but usually short and intense, landscapes become greener and more spectacular, fewer tourists, but more dangerous because of the frequency of mosquitoes that can carry Dengue fever). Preferably go during the dry season

5. Getting around the island

Rent a scooter only if you have experience - Traffic is congested and chaotic, and the rules of the road are extremely different. If you're not sure, use Grab or Gojek and you can ride with one of their drivers. It's safe, cheap and you get to try the scooter experience. I don't recommend scootering just because it's trendy! You have to be extremely careful in all directions and you really need experience from other trips.

6. The traditional food

Balinese cuisine is delicious and among the best we've tried so far! Try Babi Guling (barbecued pork), Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Chicken Satay (meat skewers) and maybe the most delicious desert - Dadar Gulung (green pancakes with coconut jam). Choose warungs with good reviews on GoogleMaps and try to eat them all! In this specific article I have a section with some of our recommended restaurants.

7. Experience authentic Bali

Allow plenty of time to visit the island's less touristy temples. Try to visit them early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get into the Balinese spiritual state. I recommend Besakih Temple, seemed to me the most beautiful one we visited, where we made offerings to the gods and sent our thoughts to the gods.

8. Have money changed

Some banks you can withdraw money from that are ok for tourists: Bank Central Asia (BCA) - Indonesia's largest bank, secure ATMs and reasonable fees, Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) - Another state-owned bank with secure ATMs and extensive network, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) - Popular in rural areas and small towns.

Choose authorized money exchanges such as BMC Money Changer, and avoid street exchanges. Again, search GoogleMaps for exchange shops in small towns with as many reviews and high ratings as possible. Many small shops and restaurants don't accept cards, so it's a good idea to have cash on you. Especially for trips with drivers picked up directly from accommodation or paying for temples, cash is needed. To withdraw money from the ATM, you can use with confidence Revolut.

9. Really walk in the rice fields

It would be a pity, if you've made it this far, not to give perhaps the most beautiful rice paddies their well-deserved attention. In Jaitiluwih there are numerous walks that take you to every point of the rice paddy. We did the longest of the trails and only spent 4 hours here and loved it! Especially since very quickly it was just the two of us and the locals. Not many people spend that much time there and miss the essence.

Then in Tegalalang I recommend paying that extremely small fee to the locals at the makeshift bridges and walk on the side opposite the restaurants and infinity pools. My opinion is that's where the beauty of the place is and not where it's mega touristy. Besides, you are helping those people by giving them this entrance fee.

In addition to these two extremely popular rice paddies, you're sure to find another one to stop by. For example, we found in Sideman one not at all touristy and right in Ubud, very close to the city center.

10. Show respect to the culture

Wherever you are in the world, you have to respect people's culture! That's the beauty of traveling - you can see so many traditions around the globe and learn so much. And the Hindu culture of the Balinese is among the most complex in the world. Dress decently at temples, don't point your soles at statues or people, and use your right hand to give or receive things. If you can participate in one of their ceremonies or have the opportunity to chat with a local about their life, go for it! It will be a priceless memory.

11. Watch out for the monkeys!

In places like Monkey Forest din Ubud or Uluwatu Temple, monkeys steal things (glasses, phones, food, water bottles). Keep your things locked up and well secured. If, however, they steal your things, leave them alone and let someone who works there know, they can help. Under no circumstances confront them or make them angry, as they can be aggressive and bite you.

12. Health on the island

Don't drink tap water - Buy bottled water or use a filter to avoid digestive problems. Keep restaurants as clean as possible. Same with street food if you want to try it. Buy more medicines at home so you're prepared for any situation.

What meds we had that are good to have in your luggage: Smecta, Enterol, Metoclopramide, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aerius, Betadine, medicated rubbing alcohol, antibacterial wipes, Omeprazole, Gaviscon, moisturizing salts, Coldrex, Fervex, and an antibiotic just in case.

I hope these tips will make your dream vacation in Bali and feel free to leave me a comment if you want more details. If you want to read about our itinerary, please click here..