The Indonesian island of Bali is a sun-drenched paradise that attracts all types of travelers, from budget backpackers to luxury jet-setters.
However, as with any destination, most travelers (especially first-timers) will have many questions, such as “Can unmarried couples stay together in Bali?” (which is becoming increasingly common given the new rules recently introduced for tourists in Bali, but more on that later) or “What should I wear?”
Thankfully, Bali is one of the easiest destinations to explore, but the island’s area of 5,776 square kilometers (2,230 square miles) means travelers have a relatively early idea of what they want to see and do. You need to take your time and think about it. For example, places like Seminyak, with its beach clubs and five-star hotels, tend to be a bit crowded during peak season, while more rural destinations like Ubud can take longer taxi rides. , it’s definitely worth the effort. Especially for those who want to avoid crowds.
It is also worth bearing in mind that Bali is one of the safest destinations in Asia. As with any popular vacation spot, there are always things we can do to ensure safety while traveling, but cracking down on petty theft and bad behavior all make the island a great family destination. It was helpful.
Here are some tips for those heading to Bali.
Bali is a low-risk destination for malaria, but bug spray is still necessary © Yavuz Sariyildiz / Shutterstock
1. Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Indonesia.
There are no compulsory vaccinations for travellers to Bali (unless travellers arriving from countries with a high risk of yellow fever transmission are required to carry a yellow fever vaccination certificate), however vaccinations against Hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus are often recommended. Bali falls into the “low or no risk” category when it comes to malaria.
Rabies remains a big problem in Indonesia, and although Bali claims to have fewer deaths than elsewhere (according to the World Health Organization, 11 people died from rabies in the first half of 2023). ), rabies is still present and rabies vaccination is worth considering. . Vaccinations required for travel to Bali are largely a personal choice, but if you have concerns, please contact your local doctor for the latest guidance.
2. Bring a reusable bottle
One of the most common questions asked by tourists is “Is Bali’s tap water safe to drink?” The short answer is no. Stick to bottled water, or better yet, bring a bottle with a built-in water filtration membrane. Buying bottled water, especially at a restaurant, can get expensive quickly. This is another reason why we support reusable filtered water like his Larq and Lifestraw. These are also useful for purifying water used to wash fruits and vegetables. Additionally, avoid ice and try to use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Great discounts during the rainy season and it never stops raining © Bento Fotography / Getty Images
3. Don’t forget the rainy season
Having a rough idea of when the dry and rainy seasons are is definitely helpful to know before going to Indonesia. However, please understand. Bali’s rainy season, which occurs between October and April, is the best time to visit. It is characterized by short, sharp showers, often lasting only a few minutes. And in addition to plummeting prices for everything from regional airfares to hotels, the island has become surprisingly green and the weather remains warm (temperatures typically range from 24°C/75°F to 29°C). °C/85°F). , the main tourist attractions are fortunately not crowded. It’s also easy to secure a spot for excursions such as snorkeling tours and guided hikes.
4. Buy bug spray
To be clear, Bali doesn’t have a big mosquito problem, but like the rest of Southeast Asia, these pesky biting insects love to suck blood from time to time. For Bali, especially the rainy season occurs from November to April. Buying insect repellent in Bali and opting for insect repellent made in Asia can reduce the burden on your wallet. Popular (and much cheaper) Asian brands found throughout Indonesia include Soffel (preferably buy the surprisingly pleasant, floral-scented version).
5. Avoid traveling during peak times
Traffic in Bali can be terrible, and journey times estimated by apps like Google Maps and Grab are notoriously unreliable, especially around high-traffic spots like Denpasar and Kuta. Peak times tend to be between 6am and 8am (though the roads are often busy until 10am when day trippers leave) and 4pm to 7pm. Make sure you allow enough time to get from point A to point B, especially if you’re heading to the airport.
When visiting temples and other religious sites, please wear clothing that covers your shoulders and upper legs © Maciej Matlak / Shutterstock
6. Pack clothing to cover your body in case you’re not at the beach
In Bali, skimpy swimsuits are fine on the beach, but definitely not on trips to the supermarket or restaurants.
Both men and women must ensure that their shoulders and upper legs are covered when visiting religious sites, and most of these places have sarongs available for visitors. If you’re visiting a temple or other religious site, do it like a pro by packing a light cotton scarf that doubles as a sarong and light cotton pants (bonus points if it has built-in mosquito repellent). Let’s pack your bags. It protects you from bites while providing plenty of coverage in areas that little denim shorts or vests can’t.
7. Act with respect
Various media reports may give you the impression that trouble is likely to occur in Bali, but that is not the case. In reality, you just need to be sensible. Don’t use drugs (if you’re caught with less than 1 gram of cannabis you’ll go to jail), be respectful and dress appropriately in religious places, and don’t ride motorcycles or mopeds without permission . Wear a helmet (Bali police recently started cracking down particularly hard on foreign moped drivers) and treat locals with respect.
8. Locals will be eager to share their knowledge
Would you like to stay in a hotel with a concierge or friendly receptionist? Feel free to grill at the best local bars, beaches, and restaurants. Balinese people are incredibly proud of their island. Don’t be surprised if the bartender at your favorite beach girlfriend’s bar ends up inviting you over to her house for dinner with her family. Favorite beaches, nature walks, and temples for visitors.
Support the Balinese economy by eating local food at independent restaurants © Ariyani Tedjo / Shutterstock
9. Eat, drink, stay, and shop local.
Don’t be afraid to go local, like eating at a small, family-run restaurant or choosing locally branded drinks. You can enjoy cheaper, delicious local food and directly contribute to the local economy. These days, even the smallest restaurants, bars and independent hotels are listed on online review sites like Zomato (particularly popular in Asia), and a quick glance should tell you if the business in question is reputable.
10. Carry coins with you
Although many shops in Bali accept card payments, there are still many places that only accept cash. These include temples, small souvenir shops, and beachfront massage parlors (which, by the way, offer some of the best massages). ATMs on the island can be unreliable and may be very few in number in some areas. Additionally, don’t assume you always have the mobile data you need to book a shared taxi. If you need to pick up a tuk-tuk or taxi from the side of the road, you’ll likely need to pay in cash.
If you use an ATM, choose one that is affiliated with a major bank (such as BNI, Bank Mandiri, BCA, or CIMB Niaga in Indonesia) to avoid withdrawal fees. Also, remember that ATMs in Indonesia issue cash first. Cards that appear.
11. Travel by moped (but please be sure to wear a helmet)
Mopeds are the cheapest means of transportation to get around Bali, and are often the quickest way to get around, especially during rush hour, such as in Kuta. Mopeds are also offered as a mode of transportation by Grab and Gojek (Bali’s most popular ride-hailing apps), and moped trips are significantly cheaper than car trips. Be sure to check the reviews of your chosen driver and always wear a helmet (usually provided by the driver). Avoid picking up scooter taxis on the street. Credentials cannot be verified. Also, there are actually quite a lot of scooter drivers in Grab and Gojek (both can be identified by their bright green jackets). There’s no need for that at all.
12. There is a law against premarital sex.
In December 2022, the Indonesian government introduced a new law banning sex outside of marriage. Strictly speaking, this law applies to local residents as well as visitors.
At the time, it was announced that the law would not be introduced until the end of 2025. Bali’s governor has since stated that the law (referred to in some newspapers as the “Bali Bonk Ban”) does not apply to tourists. Additionally, only a spouse, parent, or child can report the guilty party. In summary, this law represents a worrying development for human rights in Indonesia, but one that is not likely to impact tourists.
This article was first published on May 30, 2019 and updated on January 18, 2024.
