Famed for its sensational shorelines, peaceful rice paddies, and spiritual aura, Bali is one of the world’s most easy-going paradises. However, to ensure a smooth, carefree tropical trip, there are some essential Bali travel tips worth knowing when planning and during your visit.
Bali is a Hindu island, unlike the rest of Indonesia, which follows the Muslim faith, and has a strong and individual culture. Learning a little about this will only make your visit more rewarding.
From advice on organizing day trips to guidance on getting around and cultural and culinary tips, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Bali.
Don’t Step on the Offerings
Canang sari offering
Bali’s moniker as the Island of the Gods makes sense the second you arrive on the island. It’s estimated that there are more than 10,000 Balinese Hindu Temples, known as Pura, with nearly every home having its own small sacred space for prayer.
One of the most prominent aspects of Balinese Hinduism is the small, daily offerings for the gods, known as Canang sari. You’ll see these everywhere, usually in the form of a little tray crafted from pandan leaves, filled with colorful flowers, rice, a betel nut leaf, and the incense sticks that give Bali its signature scent.
These Canang sari are often placed on the floor, doorsteps, and nearby shrines. One of the most important Bali travel tips to avoid cultural disrespect is not to step on one inadvertently.
Likewise, if the incense is still burning—representing prayers being carried to the gods—you should avoid stepping over the offering.
Don’t Drink Tap Water
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is essential in the tropics, but Bali’s tap water should be avoided at all costs. Instead, many establishments have water towers where you can refill your reusable water bottle, and the Refill Bali and RefillMyBottle Apps can help you locate them. This helps reduce the number of single-use plastic bottles often not locally recycled.
Thankfully, there is little need to worry about ice contamination when dining out, as bars and restaurants in Bali must use commercial ice cubes made from purified water.
Bring a Poncho or Rain Jacket
Poncho
Bali’s tropical location just south of the equator keeps the beautiful island hot and reasonably humid year-round, and although there are defined rainy and dry seasons, showers can arrive any time of year.
Thankfully, even in the rainy season—which can be a blessing for the unapologetically green landscapes and magnificent waterfalls—rains can pass quickly.
As such, an essential Bali travel tip is to pack something lightweight and fast drying that can be thrown on quickly, such as a poncho or rain jacket. If you forget to bring one, most Indonesian minimarts stock lightweight ponchos.
It’s also advisable to take the weather forecast with a pinch of salt as rains can pass quicker than expected, and often, different parts of the island experience microclimates. Generally, it’s advisable to enjoy outside activities like dolphin watching in the north or walking the Tegalalang Rice Terrace in the morning, as rains tend to fall later in the afternoon.
Research & Make a Realistic Schedule
Beach in Bali
One of the most exciting parts of visiting Bali is planning which temples, rice paddies, traditional villages, and beaches to explore. However, given the island’s size and traffic density, many first-time visitors underestimate the travel times between different attractions. Staying somewhat flexible is always advised.
If you’re short on time, joining an excursion that takes in some of Bali’s highlights on a long day trip is a good idea. Local drivers have good knowledge of the roads and of any cultural events that might disrupt your schedule. Likewise, they can often make alternative detour suggestions on the fly.
Uluwatu Temple
For a more relaxed visit, stick to one area per day, such as spending the day exploring the Bukit peninsula to see Uluwatu’s 11th-century temple and some of the island’s finest beaches. Or opt for a full day in and around Ubud to tour temples and rice fields, or exploring the dark sand beaches and natural parks of the north.
Another important Bali travel tip is to read reviews and thoroughly research the places you wish to visit, especially if you’ve discovered them on social media. For example, the now infamous “lake reflecting” image of the Gate of Heaven in Lempuyang Temple is created by a mirror, not water, and queues for photographs can sometimes take hours. A little honest research will ensure you’re not left disappointed.
Seek Out the Best Beaches
Kuta Beach
Bali has beaches for all travelers, ranging from lively, bar-lined shorelines to secluded, soft white sands, and remote black beaches. Planning where to swim and sunbathe is one of the Bali travel tips you shouldn’t overlook.
Along the most popular beach holiday areas, including Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu, you’ll find long swathes of sand backed by animated beach clubs and bars surrounded by kaleidoscopic bean bags. These beaches are lively, vibrant, and popular for a reason—but they can be a fair drive from attractions.
Nusa Dua Beach
Further south, the peninsula known as The Bukit harbors much more serene and typically postcard-perfect tropical beaches, especially around Nusa Dua or tucked among Uluwatu’s craggy cliffs.
In contrast, the north coast vastly differs. Popular spots include Lovina Bay, carpeted by volcanic black sands, protected Menjangan Island for snorkeling, and wild Tulamben for wreck diving. Therefore, spending some time deciding which of Bali’s best beaches to beeline for will guarantee the perfect sandy day on arrival.
Bring Bug Spray & Sunscreen
Bug spray
Mosquitoes can be an annoyance and health concern when visiting Bali, especially after rainfall. Carrying a small bottle of bug spray with you and reapplying it throughout the day is advisable.
Most minimarts stock local brands, usually using a citronella-based repellent, while Soffell contains a small amount of DEET. Bring it from home if you’d prefer a stronger DEET concentration or a particular brand. Likewise, with sunscreen, packing your own will ensure you have your desired SPF without wasting time on arrival.
Plan For The Traffic and Getting Around
Ubud
With little public transport, Bali’s roads are notorious for congestion, especially on the main stretches between Denpasar and Canggu or Ubud. A seemingly short journey can sometimes take far longer than expected, especially by car.
As such, most locals and many visitors prefer to get around by moped, threading in and out through the traffic to reduce travel times. If you plan to hire a moped during your visit, bring your license and an International Driving Permit, and rent via a reputable rental agency.
Sometimes, you might not be asked for the IDP when collecting your bike, but it’s essential to have it in case of police traffic checks. Wearing a helmet is also mandatory. If you’re uncomfortable driving a scooter, services like Grab and GoJek offer moped rideshares alongside traditional cars. In these, you sit in the back seat of the scooter behind your driver.
Another cause of traffic delays can be local ceremonies, often seeing musical performances and processions spill onto the road. While these can slow you down, it’s an authentic pleasure to see local Hindu culture play out, and it is all part of the Bali experience.
Use Official Taxis & Drivers
Unofficial and unregulated taxis are one of the most common overcharging scams in Bali. As such, you’ll want to use a reputable, metered local taxi company such as Blue Bird—ordering via their dedicated app will ensure it’s an official, not replica, Blue Bird Taxi.
Local rideshare apps like Grab and GoJek are also handy for moving between sights. After ordering, they usually arrive quickly in the main tourist areas, though coverage is vastly reduced in the north. The local taxi companies have a monopoly in certain areas, meaning rideshares cannot pick up on particular roads.
Tour vans in Bali
If you’d prefer to avoid the hassle of booking a taxi to hop between attractions, consider day tour excursions or hiring a private driver for the day—the extra comfort and knowing you’re in reliable hands can be reassuring.
Purchase an eSim
While most restaurants and bars offer Wi-Fi, consider purchasing an eSim to have data when visiting Bali. This will help book transport via the apps above. What’s more, many bookings with guides or restaurants in Bali are conducted via WhatsApp, often as the businesses’ primary or only form of communication.
Buy Souvenirs From Local Artisans
Mas Village
As tourism has swelled recently, protecting the local Balinese culture, crafts, and customs has never been more critical. One of the simplest ways is to ensure that any souvenirs purchased have been locally made.
If you’re looking for Bali travel tips on where to shop during your visit, consider buying directly from the artisans and market stalls of the villages known for a particular craft. Many of these are located around Ubud.
Tohpati Village
Celuk Village is renowned for its silver jewelry, Mas Village is one of the best places to visit in Bali for purchasing the island’s intricate wood-carved wares, and Tohpati Village is famed for weaving and batik, an Indonesian technique of waxing and dyeing fabrics.
Learn Some Bahasa Indonesia
Mas Village
For the most part, you’ll be able to explore Bali—especially the more touristed areas—with few communication problems. English is widely spoken. However, it’s always appreciated when visitors learn some everyday phrases in Bahasa Indonesia.
Greetings, such as selamat pagi or selamat siang for good morning and good afternoon, respectively, and other essential words, including terima kasih, “thank you”, silakan “please”, and iya for “yes” or tidak for “no”, are quick to learn. They will come in handy whether you’re haggling at a market or ordering a meal.
Venture Inland
Tegallalang Rice Terrace
With tantalizing beaches all around the island, settling on a shoreline and not moving when visiting Bali can be tempting. However, unlike other isles where lazy, sandy days are the star, much of what has made Bali so beloved is found inland.
One of the best things to do in Ubud is to explore the tiered rice terraces around town, which are irrigated by the UNESCO-listed subak system. Hunt for waterfalls in the dense jungle, or admire the dramatic volcanic backdrop beyond Batur Lake’s waterside temple. You’ll be glad you’ve torn yourself away from the sands.
Dress Appropriately at Temples
Tanah Lot
No trip to Bali is complete without visiting a pura, though the experience varies widely, depending on which sacred space you see.
Along the coast, iconic Tanah Lot, a 16th-century temple crowning a rocky outcrop, and clifftop Uluwatu Temple, where the traditional Kecak and Fire Dance Show wows at sunset, are the highlights.
Pura Ulun Danu Bratan
Inland, Pura Ulun Danu Bratan, beside a crater lake and complete with a multi-level, pagoda-like meru tower, and Pura Mengening, where you can participate in melukat, a water purification ritual, are equally enchanting.
Yet regardless of which temple you visit, following the local etiquette rules and dressing appropriately is essential. Covering one’s shoulders and knees is necessary, so packing a sarong or longer shorts is advisable, although some temples offer sarongs to guests.
If you plan to partake in melukat, wear modest swimwear underneath your sarong and bring a day towel.
Be Mindful of the Monkeys
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, Ubud
Visiting Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is one of the best things to do in Bali. However, being unprepared for the mischievous behavior of the nearly 1,000 long-tailed macaques that call the forest home can be expensive.
Before entering the forest, ensure all loose items—including sunglasses on your head—are adequately secured and stored. Hold tightly to all your belongings, including mobile phones. Should you be carrying any food, place it out of sight.
Otherwise, you may watch your shades or devices disappear into the crowd of monkeys, potentially using them as a bargaining tool for sustenance.
Do Dine in Warungs
Warung in Bali
Warungs, the local, family-run restaurants ubiquitous across Indonesia, are often where you’ll find the most authentic and fragrant Balinese food and experience. Opt to dine at a warung or stand that appears popular with locals and has a steady stream of customers. This usually guarantees the quality and the food on display is freshly prepared.
Often, you’ll be presented with an array of dishes on trays or plates, and you can point and select whatever interests you. Alternatively, let the decisions be taken care of by ordering nasi campur, a mixed rice dish served with various accompaniments, usually including vegetables, chicken sate, egg, fried peanuts, and spicy sambal sauce.
If you have a severe nut allergy, you might want to avoid street food, as peanuts are a key protein ingredient in Indonesian cuisine, and cross-contamination is a concern.
Carry Some Cash & Choose Exchanges Carefully
Ubud
International card payments are now commonplace across Bali, especially at most restaurants, bars, and attractions frequented by visitors. Still, it’s advisable to carry some notes in the local currency, the Indonesian Rupiah, when shopping at markets, warungs, and for other small purchases.
Tipping isn’t expected in Bali—sometimes a service fee is added—but if you want to show appreciation, it’s best to do so in cash.
If you choose to exchange money on arrival, read reviews of the exchange desk and confirm that the rates are competitive. Always count your cash before leaving the desk. ATMs are widespread in Bali and are often favored over exchange desks. However, it’s advisable to try using a bank ATM, often inside small buildings, for additional card security.
Don’t Miss the Sunset
Seminyak Beach
Bali is known for its sunsets for a reason. Watching the fiery sky dance in crimson and copper as the blood-red sun disappears into the endless Indian Ocean is one of the island’s simple pleasures.
Some of the best places to appreciate the sunset are the beach bars fronting Kuta and Seminyak or fish market-focused Jimbaran Bay. Snag a front-row bean bag, sink into the sand, and order a local Bintang beer for the ultimate Bali sunset experience, soundtracked by tumbling waves and laughter.
Temple in Bali
Now you’re prepared, browse Celebrity’s cruises to Bali to plan the perfect vacation and experience this magical island like a pro.
