Bali

Essential Travel Tips for Bali: What You Need to Know

travel tips for bali
Essential Travel Tips for Bali What You Need to Know.
Written by Just Wravel

Bali is widely known as the “Island of the Gods”, featuring stunning marvels at every inch. Be it its mesmerizing rice-terraced fields, lush landscapes, revered temples, pristine beaches, and many more! This tropical paradise continues to captivate tourists from worldwide for its breathtaking offerings. But, in Bali, there are certain rules and regulations that every tourist must know to avoid basic tourism mistakes and lead on an unforgettable journey. 

So, if you are planning a visit to Bali, consider JustWravel’s comprehensive list of must-follow travel tips— a perfect guide for every traveler. Experience the best of Bali with 0 hassles and 100% fun and adventure with this exclusive guide. Let’s get started! 

Discover Top Bali Travel Tips By JustWravel

Every destination has its own set of rules and customs, and understanding them can make a huge difference to your overall travel experience. Every traveler must know and adhere to them to avoid any disappointments and unnecessary stress. 

Below are some of the expert-packed 14 best travel tips to Bali, ensuring a great and responsible travel experience. Also, save this Bali travel guide PDF a your upcoming Bali tourism journey! 

Bali travel guide for first timers
Big entrance gate in Bali

Tip 1: Keep Vaccinations Up-to-date 

Keeping your vaccination up-to-date before traveling to this island nation is very important and is included in almost every Bali travel guide for first timers. Though, there are no mandatory vaccination protocols that are followed here, getting yourself vaccinated will help prevent potential health risks. Getting routine immunizations like mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR), and other vaccinations like Hepatitis A and B, and typhoid will help you keep one step ahead of any unforeseen health concerns. 

Tip 2: Carry or Buy a Sun Screen and Bug Spray 

Since Bali is an island nation keeping sunscreens and bug sprays handy is very important for a hassle-free experience. This is one of the best travel tips for Bali that travelers must follow without fail as getting here will expose you to intense sunlight and tons of tropical bloodsucking bugs. It’s recommended to purchase a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to safeguard your skin against harmful UV rays and tans when you’re outside, especially at the beach. You can carry or purchase a DEET-based insect repellent that will help keep these pesky bugs at bay, especially near water bodies and forested areas. Additionally, mosquito-borne diseases can be a concern here— for this you must keep mosquito repellants with you, wear long sleeves, especially in the evenings, and book mosquito-proof accommodations for safe and sound travel. 

Best travel tips for bali
Drone view of the Broken beach in Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia.

Tip 3: Don’t Plan Your Trip During Rainy Season 

The island nation of Bali experiences heavy rainfall between October to April, making outdoor travel a bit challenging. As per the top travel tips to Bali, it is recommended to avoid traveling during this season if you wish to enjoy the beauty of its stunning beaches and engage in a plethora of land, air, and water adventures with immense zeal and fervor. 

Tip 4: Use Reusable Bottle & Built-in Water Filter 

Encircled with vast water bodies, Bali still faces challenges in offering the pure and safe drinking tap water. Purchasing the packed water bottles or carrying a reusable water bottle with inbuilt filter is a must for safe travel to Bali requirements. You must know that the tap water is not safe to drink, and accidentally doing so will cause you intense harm or develop into diseases like diarrhea, often called here as the ‘Bali Belly’ or other waterborne illnesses.

Purchasing packed water bottles could be challenge especially when you are engaged in adventure activities such as trekking or other outdoor explorations. For this, its advisable that you invest in a good quality water bottle with inbuilt filter feature to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water— all the time. 

What’s best? Using these reusable bottles will also help reduce the plastic waste and ensure a responsible travel experience. 
Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple

Tip 5: Get an E-Sim 

This is an important tip of the Bali travel guide for first timers, suggesting to timely purchase an e-sim before visiting Bali and activate it before you arrive there. This is important in order to avoid network issues and stay connected without paying for high roaming charges.  

Tip 6: Negotiate Openly at the Markets 

While shopping locally, it is recommended to not hesitate and openly bargain your price to score the best deal. Shopping time is included in JustWravel’s Bali travel packages, and knowing the perfect trick to lock the best prize will help you shop more under modest budget! It’s advisable to stay polite and try not to lose calm when bargaining as it helps maintain a friendly interaction with local vendors. 

Bali travel guide for couples
Bali pagoda in sunrise, Indonesia

Tip 7: Choose Reputable Banks For ATM’s 

When considering cash withdrawals, tourist must research and opt for reputable banks for the ATM’s. Many local street ATMs may not be completely secure or reliable, increasing the risk of card skimming and unauthorized transactions without your realization. For your convenience, JustWravel’s Bali travel itinerary, includes the list of top ATM’s from trusted banks like BCA, Mandiri, and BNI to ensure safe withdrawals. 

Tip 8: Strictly Adhere to the Daily Tourist Tax 

It is very important to strictly adhere to the daily tourist tax to avoid last-miute issues. This is one of the crucial tips of this comprehensive Bali travel guide for first timers, so that you may not be shocked by the unexpected charges during your trip. The Daily Tourist Tax, which is IDR 150,000, is a mandatory fee that needs to be paid by each tourist at the time of their arrival. 

Bali travel packages
Aerial view of Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple at sunrise, Bali

Tip 9: Respect the Local Customs and Rules 

Every Bali travel itinerary will include scheduled visits to certain revered temples and sacred places. Tourists need to be well-versed in the nation’s local customs, beliefs, and certain rules that must be followed to show respect and avoid any cultural misunderstandings. Visiting temples, with sensible attire and removing footwear before entering are a must. You must also be aware of the signages and follow the guidance of the temple’s staff for a great spiritual experience. Also, its very important to maintain silence during traditional ceremonies and refrain from interrupting rituals with any sort of voice or acts. 

Please Note: For honeymooners, the Bali travel guide for couples suggests to avoid any kind of public displays of affection, especially at traditional or religious places, as it might be considered disrespectful and impact their cultural beliefs. 

Tip 10: Dress Sensibly When Traveling in the City 

Another most important travel tips for Bali mentions dressing sensibly when visiting religious places to respect their cultural beliefs and traditions. When exploring Bali, apart from your time at the beach, you must choose to dress appropriately or just prioritize covering your maximum body, especially the knees and the shoulders for a respectful and hassle-free tourism experience. 

Best travel tips for bali
Bali Swing

Tip 11: Keep Handy Cash Available 

Though in Bali, several places openly accepts digital payments, it is still advisable to keep some cash handy while roaming the city or hiring a public transport. This is among the must-follow travel to Bali requirements, ensuring a worry-free experience. Please avoid carrying too much cash, just a minimal amount that can be used for payments while shopping and traveling locally.

You need to be alert of the potential thefts and carry your purse/wallets with extra care at all the times. Also, you need to be cautious of the pickpockets, especially at the public places, crowded tourist attractions, famous nightlife spots, and busy public transports. Whether you are on a honeymoon, traveling solo or on a group trip to Bali, staying alert and cautious will ensure a smooth experience. 

Tip 12: Ride Through Moped 

What could be better than traveling through comfortable, easy-breezy moped rides throughout the island? Well, those with minimal to zero experience in riding the scooters, can opt for moped during their visit. 

Pro Tip: The Bali travel guide for couples highly recommends moped rides for a romantic and adventurous way to explore this happening tourist destination at your own pace.

Tip 13: Eat and Shop Locally 

When in Bali, eating and shopping locally are a must try experience, locked in top Bali travel experiences to have a taste of the authentic Balinese culture and cuisine. Their spicy and luscious street food will bless your tastebuds and the variety of local handicrafts and other offerings will unleash your shopper’s spree! 

Well, you must know that JustWravel’s customized Bali travel packages, includes ample time for shopping locally at the famous markets. 

Tip 14: Avoid Travel During Peak Times 

Bali lies 8 degrees south of the equator and experiences two seasons— dry and rainy season. Knowing details about it will help you plan your itinerary and pack accordingly. 

  • The rainy season falls between October and April, with short but sharp bursts of showers that might impact your outdoor activities. 
  • The dry season falls between May to September, offering ideal climatic conditions with plenty of sunshine and occasional light and short showers. 

The dry season, especially the months from June to August is considered to be the peak travel season. During this time, Bali experiences heavy tourist crowds, higher flights, and accommodation rates, and prolonged waiting periods, potentially impacting your travel experience. So, planning before and after this Ultra-peak season can be a great way to tour the island nation with less crowdy interference. 

Before setting off to this island nation— Every tourist needs to meet all the aforementioned travel to Bali requirements to ensure a smooth and responsible journey. Other important Bali travel tips includes keeping a safe distance from the monkeys and unfamiliar dogs and avoid playing with them as they may cause you harm in a reaction to safeguard themselves. 

Following the above-mentioned travel tips for Bali will help you explore the nation to the fullest, without any hassles. With this exclusive JustWravel’s Bali travel guide, you will be able to make the most of every moment, from enjoying the adventure activities to witnessing stunning sunsets at the pristine beaches. Let this Bali travel guide PDF be your perfect companion for a truly unforgettable tropical adventure! 

Click here to get your personalized Bali tour package for an extraordinary experience!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the top tips in the Bali travel itinerary?

The top Bali travel guide for first timers is as follows: 

  • Always plan your visit during the dry season and always pack light and carry sunscreen and bug sprays for safety. 
  • Be mindful of the local customs and dress ethics. Avoid beachwear while touring the city. 
  • Rent a scooter if you have an experience in riding. Otherwise, you can book transport using ride-hailing apps such as Gojek or Grab for an affordable journey. 
  • Avoid carrying heavy cash, but keep some cash handy while visiting local markets or making payments to the mopeds. 

What are some do’s and don’ts in Bali?

Here are some do’s and don’ts that every traveler must know for a worry-free experience: 

Do’s

  • Respecting local customs
  • Drinking tap water 
  • Dressing modestly
  • Using sunscreen and bug sprays 
  • Carrying small cash
  • Being eco-friendly 
  • Bargaining politely with respect at the local markets 
  • Following local traffic rules 
  • Staying hydrated 

Don’t’s 

  • Avoid using non-reusable plastic 
  • Avoid engaging in illegal businesses
  • Avoid misbehaving in public areas 
  • Don’t climb sacred trees 
  • Avoid visiting temples or sacred places if you are not dressed or covered appropriately. 
  • Avoid riding a scooter without any experience. 
  • Don’t touch people’s heads in Bali. The head holds a sacred place in the Balinese culture. 
  • Don’t step over any offerings in Bali while walking on the streets.

What not to pack for Bali?

If you are traveling to Bali, then you must avoid the following: 

  • Carrying expensive jewelry and valuables 
  • Toiletries 
  • Illegal drugs 
  • Bulky towels and too many shoes 

What are the top tips to avoid Bali belly? 

Bali belly is the term given to traveler’s diarrhea, which develops due to consuming tap water or food made from it. It is strictly advisable for tourists to ensure that the ice in the drinks and food is made using bottled water only and not tap, unfiltered water. The symptoms of Bali belly include vomiting, nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. 

Can I wash my face with tap water in Bali? 

Bali water is not safe to drink. The tap water may contain harmful bacteria and impurities that may cause harm to your skin. People with sensitive skin must avoid washing their face with tap water and prefer bottled water as a safer option. 

Click here to explore JustWravel’s exclusive Bali travel packages– for family and community trips— Book Your Slot Now! 

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