10 things you should know before visiting Bali

Warm-hearted locals, out-of-this-world scenery, stunning architecture and heavenly food. If I had to sum up my first trip to Bali in just one sentence, that would be it. I definitely have no regrets for joining the Island Escapers on their group trip to Indonesias’ most popular island. It was totally worth it and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Bali might be paradise on earth but still, there are a number of things one should know before you start planning your next adventure, so that you don’t get caught off-guard upon arrival. Here are some tips I think would make your trip much easier and ultimately more pleasant.

1. Book an airport transfer in advance or hire a driver

Exiting Ngurah Rai Airport can be a bit overwhelming, since you are suddenly faced with a myriad of private drivers, taxi drivers and companies trying to sell their services to you. What’s more, as you’ll read further on, locals love to bargain, so if you don’t want to spend your precious time bargaining and arguing, especially after a long-haul flight, just book an airport transfer or a driver for your whole stay in advance. It will save you both time and money.

2. Expect chaotic traffic 

The first thing that every single traveler will experience upon arrival in Bali is the horrendous traffic, especially during high season (July to September). Bali is a small island, but distances are not what they seem due to frequent traffic congestion. In reality, there’s nothing you can do about it, so do your research about the places you want to visit ahead and ask at your hotel lobby or your driver how much time you will need to get there. The easiest and fastest way to get around is by scooter, so if you want to rent one, don’t forget to bring your driving license with you, and most importantly, wear a helmet, it’s a must. 

3. Exchange currency only at authorized money exchange locations  and always carry cash 

The rate of the local currency and its colourful banknotes can be a bit baffling to get used to but, it’s something you can’t avoid. The only positive thing about it, is that you can feel like a multimillionaire at least for a while because 1 million Indonesian Rupiah (Rp) is around 61 euros/65 dollars. You can use a credit card in most places in Bali (check your local bank’s charges in advance), but it’s best if you carry some cash with you. There are a few places where cash will be needed, such as taxis, small shops, a number of restaurants and street vendors. Moreover, in most convenience stores and supermarkets you can pay by credit card only if your bill is above a certain limit, usually 50.000Rp or more. 

You can find a number of money exchange shops at Ngurah Rai Airport but, you can get better rates outside the airport. Avoid places where the rate is “too good to be true” and try to use only authorized money exchange shops.The most easily accessible, trustworthy, commission-free, with consistently competitive rates shops are BMC and Central Kuta Money Exchange. 

If you desperately need cash, you can also withdraw money from ATMs. You can easily find them in popular areas and usually you can get  2-3 ATMs side by side at the same spot. Last but not least, be aware of scams at the counter, don’t look away while your exchanged money is being counted and keep track of every step until the money is given to you. Some salespersons will secretly try to keep a couple of  banknotes for themselves before handing them over to you.

4. Avoid tap water and ice cubes

Unfortunately, due to excessive usage due to the rise of tourism, improper solid waste disposal, agricultural runoffs and industrial waste, most of Bali’s water sources have been polluted. Thus, tap water is full of parasites, toxins, and microplastics. So if you don’t want to get “Bali Belly”, avoid tap water, ice or fresh fruits and vegetables, unless they have a skin to peel off. Instead, buy bottled water from a store that you can also use to brush your teeth. Lastly, don’t forget to keep your mouth closed while showering. And no singing in the bathroom!

5. Haggle/Bargain but bargain respectfully

It’s quite common to haggle over the price of goods and services in Bali, except at places with set prices, such as restaurants, convenience stores, attractions and ferries. In most cases if you see no price tag on something, that means you can bargain for it, and most likely you can get it for less than half of its original price. Don’t feel bad for bargaining for something you want to buy, Balinese love to haggle, it’s part of the local culture, same as in many other places of the world like Morocco for example. Nevertheless, haggle respectfully and don’t be pushy when it becomes obvious that the shop owner is not willing to go any lower than the final suggested price. 

6. Get ready to pay entrance fees and wait in queues

Bali is a photographer’s delight but behind all those fancy Instagram posts of travelers posing in front of spellbinding waterfalls and soaring temples, lies a fee and a long queue in most cases. Sorry to break this to you, but almost everything in Bali has a fee, a treehouse, a waterfall, a temple, a rice field. Still it’s a very low fee and you will get the hang  of it after a while. The worst part of the story for me though is the queues, as most times you have to wait up to almost an hour to get some shots at  very popular spots. You can either wait patiently for your turn, or you can try your luck another time, preferably as soon as the site opens for visitors. 

7. Never give anything with your left hand

Throughout Indonesia and in almost all of  Bali too, it’s considered impolite to gesture with your left hand. Why? According to local customs, the left hand is considered ‘unclean’ as it’s used for things related to personal hygiene (yes, I mean  toilet use). So avoid handing anything to a local with your left hand. After the hordes of tourists in the last few years, locals started getting used to seeing westerners “overusing” their left hand, but it’s best to avoid it. Sorry to all the lefties. 

8. Don’t step on the “canang sari” – respect local customs

Despite the millions of tourists that flock the island every year, Bali proudly remains deeply traditional and religious. And that’s what makes it even more magical if you ask me.  Bali is a small Hindu haven, even though Indonesia is mostly Muslim. Walking down the street, you will very often come across a “canang sari”, a small colorful palm leaf basket on the pavement. This is the locals’ daily offering to the Gods and it usually contains bunga (= ‘flowers’), food and money. You can find them almost everywhere, on the pavements, in front of  store entrances, at hotel lobbies, restaurants etc. So be careful not to step on them. What’s more, it’s not uncommon to see a local performing a small ritual at the small temples by the street, where usually a woman lights up incense sticks and prays. Just be respectful and don’t interrupt someone during their rituals. Take pictures quietly if you have to.

9. Hide your belongings from the monkeys

Monkeys are considered sacred by the Hindu, hence they are highly respected in the Balinese community, and they are a very important part of the Balinese everyday life, art and tradition. Apart from a number of monkey forests and nature reserves, where you can feast your eyes on these cute mammals, you can also spot them roaming in city streets that are close to the forest or at beaches. First thing you must do when you see a monkey is to hide your belongings, since monkeys would steal anything shiny like jewelry, mobile phones or sunglasses. Likewise, hide any food and most importantly don’t look at them in the eyes, as monkeys will perceive direct eye contact as an act of aggression. There were several reports of tourists getting bitten by monkeys in the past, but don’t forget that like the majority of animals, they wont bite if not provoked, so give them their space and remember that  you’re invading their territory.

10. Dress appropriately – buy a sarong

The Balinese are very welcoming and overall there are no strict dress codes apart from when visiting religious sites. When visiting a temple or any other sacred site, you will be asked to cover your legs, and even though most times there is a choice of commonly-used scarfs to use or rent, I recommend you bring your own. You can buy a nice local sarong in advance and carry it with you. Plus, if you are visiting the island during the wet period (October-March) you’ll most likely experience a number of tropical showers, so pack a light rain jacket, or even a poncho will do. As for the cold, don’t worry as temperatures are more or less stable throughout the year at 24-32oC. Pack a swimsuit and don’t forget your flip flops.

To sum up, you can easily have an inspiring and life changing travel experience in Bali. But, like all destinations, there are some things you need to know in advance before heading there. If you follow my guidelines, you will undoubtedly  ensure a smooth stay without any ill-fated incidents and hardly anything to worry about. Start planning!