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 attraction to vacationers because it’s a really perfect spot for vacationers in search of nature, tradition, and journey.
It’s troublesome 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 likely to overlook the opposite facets of a visit that might lead us to creating dangerous selections.
This text offers you a rundown of errors it is best 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 mates, Bali is a hell of loads larger than that. It’s big! It’s eight occasions larger than Singapore, 10 occasions larger than Phuket, 64 occasions larger than Santorini, 500+ occasions bigger than Boracay! (However it’s extra similar to the complete Cebu or Leyte Island.)
Hold 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, you’ll want to decide essentially the most splendid space to remain so that you gained’t waste an excessive amount of time on the highway. Talking of one of the best space to remain…
2. Don’t decide the improper 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 very best focus of lodging and eating institutions. However is it one of the best space? Nicely, probably not. One of the best place to remain is determined by 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 town middle 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 seashore 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 seashore expertise.
In case you are staying in Bali long run, take a look at 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, nevertheless, Denpasar appears to be an awesome base since you might have an awesome number of not solely Balinese fare, but in addition different Indonesian and different Southeast Asian cuisines.
Whereas we now have a separate article going deep into the greatest technique for selecting your Bali lodging, we’ve additionally rounded up a few of the greatest locations to remain beneath on your quick access.
High Accommodations in Ubud
High Accommodations in Kuta
High Accommodations in Seminyak
Seek for extra Bali Accommodations Right here!
Once more, one of the best place to remain in Bali largely is determined by your motive for visiting. In case you determine 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. In truth, in 2024, it has recorded virtually 6.4 million international vacationer arrivals, the very best recorded previously decade. And an awesome 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 might hope.
Most vacationers want a non-public tour by automobile 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 when you have a tour, a present, or a flight to catch, it’s at all times greatest to have loads of lead time.
Site visitors will not be as dangerous in different areas, although. However I additionally observed site visitors jams in Ubud’s metropolis middle, too!
4. Don’t fall for taxi and bike scams.
Overpricing taxis are rampant in Bali. In truth, we now have been instructed by the locals we met to not hail a cab, however use Seize or GoJek as a substitute. And if we should, solely experience BlueBird, the one respected taxi firm on the island. If coming from the airport, you might also pre-arrange a pickup service on-line.
In case you want 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 might cost you for pre-existing damages on the bike. Police scams are mentioned to be prevalent too. They are saying that some officers would simply cease bike drivers for no matter motive they might consider simply so you possibly can pay them to allow you to go.
However in case you insist on renting a bike, ensure you have the correct 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 mates instructed me I ought to attempt 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 depart with out digging into native meals.
Balinese delicacies is spectacular to say the least — from the mouthwatering babi guling (spit-roasted pork, just like lechon) to the ever present sate and nasi campur to conventional muffins. One of the best 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 would 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 in regards to 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 very well. He introduced us to a babi guling place exterior 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 regards to meals, I can’t stress this sufficient: don’t drink faucet water! Not even the locals do that they usually 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 once in a while.
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 occurring 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 overlook to convey 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 might simply be tampered with. If you’ll 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 greatest guess, and also you’ll discover numerous varied respected banks all through the island.
In case you should withdraw from one on the road ATMs, at all times double test for indicators of tampering. When doubtful, 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 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 individuals who are conversant in the forex, the notes could 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 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 identical to some other vacation spot, you might run into somebody who’s keen 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 gradual usually. 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 obtainable. Happily, the grocery store in entrance of our resort accepted bank cards.
9. Don’t maintain your telephone up within the streets.
Bali is usually 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 highway as a result of somebody on a bike may simply snatch it away. Hold 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 court docket. This isn’t Japan, Dubai, or Singapore.
10. Don’t get trapped in comparable points of interest.
Earlier than you e book a number of day excursions, test the itinerary first. Most excursions in Bali have comparable points of interest. There’s typically a cease at Tegallalang Rice Terraces, a espresso farm the place you possibly can style a wide range of espresso and tea flavors, and Instagrammable websites with big swing and the like. And to be sincere, in case you’ve skilled considered one of every form, you’ve skilled all of them.
So in case you’re reserving a couple of non-public tour, ask your contact or information in case you might substitute a few of these spots to keep away from a repetitive journey and you possibly can expertise extra of Bali. We’ve accomplished it earlier than and each information obliged as a result of it’s not troublesome to seek out one other focal point alongside the route.
11. Don’t anticipate an excessive amount of from Bali’s seashores.
After we consider Bali, pictures 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 greatest belongings usually are not its sandy shores, however its well-preserved tradition and inland pure points of interest. I used to be rather more awed by its temples and waterfalls and delicacies than by its seashores.
The seashores right here usually are not dangerous. Under no circumstances. However simply to handle your expectations, in case you’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 definitely’ll be underwhelmed. That’s to not say that you simply shouldn’t come to Bali since you undoubtedly ought to, you have to! However there’s a lot extra to Bali than its shores.
12. Don’t disregard the queuing occasions 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 in regards to the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. And also you may already remember that the reflection created is a mirror trick and that there is no such thing as a physique of water on web site. However that’s not the one factor you need 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 occasions, 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 things to be image excellent. Most photographs you see have been both taken below one of the best circumstances or enhanced digitally. Usually, the skies don’t cooperate. It’s extra probably 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 could 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 possibly can nonetheless find yourself ready 40 minutes to an hour on your flip.
Personally, I don’t thoughts the ready occasions as a result of I understand how to maintain myself busy. I often spend the time chatting with our information and different locals. However in case you’re probably not into IG-worthy spots and also you need to maximize your keep, you may simply be losing numerous time queuing. There are different picturesque however much less crowded points of interest elsewhere within the island. However in case you really need these pictures you see on the web, go forward. You’re already in Bali, may as effectively expertise the total package deal, queues and all.
13. Don’t overlook to convey mosquito repellent.
Mosquitos are widespread in Bali, so it’s greatest to be ready. We didn’t consider it till we checked in to our resort, 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 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 have 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. In case you’re bleeding — say, you’ve got an open wound or, for girls, if at the moment menstruating, you shouldn’t enter the temples.
Even when there’s numerous tourism exercise within the island, Bali stays spiritual, conservative, and conventional. It’ll change into 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 day by day choices to the Supreme God of Indonesian Hinduism (Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) as a logo of gratitude. So, watch your step and ensure 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 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 vitally necessary that you realize 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 few of the strictest legal guidelines in terms of medicine.
Possession is punishable by imprisonment for 4 to 12 years or, if the quantity is large enough, you could 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 form of journey you need to expertise overseas.
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