Tips for a Successful Trip to Bali: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Island of the Gods

Bali, the paradise island in Indonesia, is now open for tourism and there are several things you should know before booking a trip. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip to Bali.

To get to Bali, you will need to book a flight to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport. Many major airlines are now offering direct flights to Bali, so you don’t have to fly through Jakarta first. You can use Google Flights to check the availability of flights. As of May 30th, there are 72 countries eligible for visa on arrival in Bali, with more being added regularly. The visa on arrival allows you to stay in Bali for 30 days, which is extendable up to 60 days. You can contact various agencies that provide this service, and they will usually get your visa approved within a week. The cost of the visa on arrival varies, but as of now it is around 3.5 million IDR. The good news is that this visa is renewable on the island, so you don’t have to leave the country for a visa run.

When it comes to accommodation, there are various options to choose from in Bali. You can stay in a luxury resort, a budget hotel, or even rent a private villa. It all depends on your budget and preferences. There are many websites that can help you find the best deals on accommodation, such as Booking,com, Agoda, and Airbnb.

The daily budget for a trip to Bali will depend on your spending habits and the type of activities you plan to do. If you’re on a tight budget, you can save money by eating local food and avoiding expensive tourist traps. You can also use public transportation or rent a motorbike to get around, which is much cheaper than hiring a taxi.

There are many things to do and see in Bali, such as visiting the beautiful beaches, temples, and rice terraces. You can also go snorkeling, diving, or surfing, or take a yoga class. For those who are into adventure, there are plenty of options, such as white water rafting, trekking, and ziplining.

It’s important to follow the local customs and traditions while in Bali. Make sure to dress modestly and cover up when visiting temples and other religious sites. It’s also a good idea to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple. Be respectful of the local culture and environment, and do your part to preserve the beauty of the island.

In conclusion, Bali is a beautiful and welcoming destination for tourists. With its stunning beaches, temples, and cultural attractions, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an exotic getaway. Just make sure to follow the entry requirements, plan your budget and transportation, and respect the local customs and traditions while you’re there.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah, which is usually valued at around 15,000 IDR per 1 USD. Upon arriving in Bali, you will find numerous money exchange services at the airport, although it’s worth noting that these services often have higher fees than other options. If you prefer to use a money exchange service, you can easily find them throughout the island, particularly in popular tourist areas like Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu.

Another option for obtaining cash is to use an ATM with your credit card. However, keep in mind that every time you use an ATM, you will likely be charged a fee of around 8 USD. There are ATMs all over Bali, but there may be limits on how much you can withdraw at once. In some cases, you may need to use the ATM multiple times in a single day to get the cash you need.

One convenient aspect of traveling to Bali is that many places accept credit cards, so you don’t always have to carry a lot of cash. However, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or in case you are unable to use a credit card. In general, it’s always a good idea to have multiple payment options available while traveling to ensure you have access to funds when you need them.

The best time to visit Bali is generally considered to be between April and October, when the weather is typically between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius every day. This time period falls during the dry season, when there is less rain and more sunny days.

It’s important to know that Bali has only two seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The wet season, which runs from November to March, is not the ideal time to visit Bali due to the frequent thunderstorms and heavy downpours that can ruin beach days. However, prices for hotels and other accommodations tend to be lower during this time.

The busiest time in Bali is usually between June and July, when prices are at their highest and the island is packed with tourists. This can also lead to heavy traffic and a lack of availability for accommodations. If you can, try to avoid visiting during this peak season to save money and have a more relaxing trip.

When packing for a trip to Bali, it’s important to consider the hot and humid weather that is typical of the region. You’ll want to bring comfortable and breezy clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals, and avoid whites as they tend to show sweat stains easily. It’s also a good idea to bring one pair of good walking shoes. If you plan to visit the mountains or do any hiking, you’ll want to pack some warm clothes as well, as it can get chilly at higher elevations.

Some other essential items to pack for Bali include a raincoat, a hat, aloe vera for sunburns, diarrhea medication, and sanitary products for women. If you plan to go out for a fancy night on the town, you might want to pack a nice outfit and some dressy shoes, as some clubs and bars in Bali have dress codes.

Keep in mind that Bali is a well-developed island with many boutique shops, pharmacies, markets, and thrift stores, so you can easily find most things you might need if you forget to pack them. Don’t stress about forgetting something important – you’ll be able to find what you need on the island.

There are several apps you should download before your trip to Bali to make your stay more convenient. The first app you should definitely get is WhatsApp, as it is widely used on the island for organizing transportation, ordering food from restaurants, and arranging accommodation, such as a villa. Facebook is also a useful app to have in Bali, as it can help you find apartments and places to stay.

Two other essential apps for getting around Bali are Grab and Gojek. Grab is similar to Uber and can be used to call for motorbikes, cars, and food delivery. Gojek is the Indonesian version of Grab and is often a bit cheaper. You can even use Gojek to order medication, which can be very convenient if you’re feeling under the weather.

And make sure to download Google Maps, as it is the most reliable app for navigating the island. Other map apps, such as Apple Maps, may not work as well in Bali. You can also download offline maps in Google Maps for use when you’re in areas with no cell signal. These apps will help you get around and make the most of your trip to Bali.

How much would a trip to Bali cost?

The cost of a trip to Bali will depend on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. However, it’s worth noting that Bali is generally an affordable destination, with a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. Here are three different budget categories to consider:
• Super budget or backpacker vibes: This budget range is suitable for those who want to keep costs as low as possible, and you can expect to spend around 20 to 50 USD per day.
• Budget: This category is for those who want a comfortable, but not overly luxurious trip, and you can expect to pay between 50 and 80 USD per day.
• Luxury: If you want a more luxurious trip, you can expect to pay more than 100 USD per day. However, it’s possible to spend even more, up to a thousand dollars per day or more, depending on your accommodation and activities.

Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options, from five-star hotels to budget homestays and hostels. You can also find affordable and comfortable airbnbs throughout the island. Websites like Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.com can help you find the perfect place to stay, whether you’re looking for a small and intimate getaway for two or a large villa to share with friends. We recommend checking out guest houses, which often offer private rooms and shared kitchens and amenities, including pools. Take some time to research your options and find the perfect place to suit your needs and budget.

When you arrive at the airport in Bali, you may be approached by taxi drivers offering their services. It’s generally a good idea to ignore these drivers and instead opt for a reputable taxi company, like Bluebird. These taxis use meters and are less likely to try to scam you. Alternatively, you can contact your accommodation to see if they offer a shuttle service or can recommend a driver to pick you up from the airport. The cost for this service is usually between 200,000 and 400,000 IDR.

Once you’re settled in Bali, you may want to consider renting a bike to have your own transportation on the island. Bike rental prices can vary depending on supply and demand, but the typical rate is around 1 million IDR per month. If you prefer to rent daily, you can expect to pay between 100,000 and 250,000 IDR per day. Be sure to negotiate and have your passport with you as the rental company will need to make a copy. You will also need an international driver’s license to ride a motorbike in Bali, but if you’re not experienced with motorbikes, it’s best to avoid renting one. Traffic on the island can be heavy and there have been a high number of accidents involving motorbikes.

Instead, consider using apps like Grab or Gojek to get around. These apps offer cheap and convenient transportation options. Traffic on the island can be congested, especially during peak times, and it can take 40 minutes to an hour to travel from the airport to places like Ubud or Canggu. Using Grab or Gojek can help ease congestion on the roads. Just remember to wear a helmet if you do decide to rent a motorbike. Or if you are traveling with your family, a Bali car rental with driver service will be the suitable transportation for you.

The official languages in Bali are Bahasa Bali and Bahasa Indonesia, but many people on the island speak English fluently. You may encounter some people who speak English with broken grammar, but you’ll generally be able to communicate easily. Most hotels and restaurants have staff that speak English, and sometimes other languages as well. While it’s not necessary to learn Bahasa Bali or Bahasa Indonesia, it can be a nice gesture to learn some basic phrases as a sign of respect when visiting a foreign country. You can find free lessons on the language app Babbel, which can help you learn basic numbers and greetings.

Bali is a culturally rich place with many celebrations and traditions. It’s important to be respectful of these customs, such as covering up when visiting temples and being mindful of offerings placed at the entrances of hotels and restaurants. It’s also customary to give and take with your right hand, although the reason for this is not clear. Remember to be respectful of local customs and traditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Bali.

It’s important to note that the tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. You’ll need to rely on bottled water for all your hydration needs. You can purchase large, 20-liter bottles for around 20,000 IDR or smaller ones at any convenience store. Avoid using tap water for brushing your teeth as well, as it’s important to avoid consuming any water that is not bottled. This is especially important if you’re only on the island for a short period of time, as drinking contaminated water can lead to Bali belly, which can ruin your trip. Make sure to stick to bottled water to stay healthy and hydrated during your stay in Bali.

Alcohol on Bali can be pricey, especially if you’re planning to drink out at clubs or bars. Be prepared to pay around 90,000 IDR or more for a single beer, such as a Corona. If you prefer to enjoy your drinks in the comfort of your own villa, you can purchase beers at convenience stores like Alpha Mart for a lower price. Just be aware that the local liquor on the island, called arak, is quite strong and is often used to mix cocktails at cheaper bars. It can lead to getting drunk quickly and may even make you sick, so it’s best to be cautious and stick to bottled beers if you’re only on the island for a short period of time and don’t want to spend days feeling unwell.

Before traveling to Southeast Asia, you may be advised to get certain vaccinations, such as HPV, rabies, and yellow fever. However, these are not required for travel to Bali, especially if you’re staying in more developed areas and not venturing into remote areas of the island. That being said, it’s important to be aware of the risk of dengue fever on the island and take steps to protect yourself from mosquitoes. This includes using bug spray and boosting your immune system. It’s also worth noting that there is no risk of malaria on the island, so you won’t need to take any preventive medications. Ultimately, using bug spray is the most effective way to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses while on Bali.

Travel insurance is an essential tool for any trip, and it’s especially important when traveling to a place like Bali. Accidents can happen at any time, and it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. That’s why I always travel with a travel insurance provider like Safety Wing. In the past, they’ve come to my rescue twice, once during the pandemic when I needed to get a repatriation flight back home and again when I had to go into quarantine in Indonesia after testing positive for COVID-19. Both times, Safety Wing covered the costs and gave me peace of mind knowing that I was protected. Additionally, travel insurance may be a requirement for entry into Indonesia, so it’s important to have it in place before your trip. Don’t take any chances with your safety and well-being – make sure you have travel insurance to protect yourself on your trip to Bali.

When planning your trip to Bali, it’s important to consider how long you want to stay on the island. While a week might be sufficient for a brief visit, it’s generally recommended to stay for at least two weeks to fully experience everything that Bali has to offer. This will give you plenty of time to explore the island, try different activities, and relax on the beach. However, if you do only have a week, there are still plenty of things you can do and see, just be mindful of potential health issues like Bali belly, heat stroke, and other common travel ailments. It’s always better to be cautious and take precautions to ensure that you enjoy your trip to the fullest.

If you’re planning a trip to Bali, it’s important to note that the electrical outlets used on the island are the same as those used in Vietnam and South Africa. This means that you’ll need a specific adapter to use your electronic devices. It’s a good idea to purchase an adapter before you leave home to ensure that you’re prepared when you arrive. If you forget to bring one, you’ll be able to find them easily on the island as they are widely available. Just make sure to bring the correct adapter to ensure that you can use your devices during your stay in Bali.

If you’re visiting Indonesia for a short period of time, you can get by without a SIM card as there is free WiFi available in many places such as hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, if you do want to get a SIM card, Telkomsel is a good option to consider. While the process of registering your IMEI number may be somewhat complicated, SIM cards are affordable and the data plans are also reasonably priced. For example, you can expect to pay around 135,000 IDR for 35 GB of mobile data. It’s worth noting that you will need a SIM card to create accounts for ride-hailing services such as Grab and Gojek, although you can also use a local friend’s number for this purpose.

There are a few activities on the island of Bali that you might want to consider skipping. One of these is dolphin viewing in Lovina, which has received mixed reviews from travelers. Some have described it as an uncomfortable experience, and there are concerns about the number of boats involved and the potential impact on the environment. Another activity to avoid is a day tour to Nusa Penida island. The island is overcrowded with traffic, and the roads are in poor condition, which can make for a frustrating experience. If you do want to visit Nusa Penida, it’s a good idea to stay overnight so you have more time to enjoy the island. Finally, you may want to skip the Lempuyang Temple, which has become popular on Instagram due to the picturesque views. However, in reality, the temple can be crowded with long lines, and the views may not live up to the hype. If you’re more interested in the Instagram photo than the experience itself, you may want to go, but otherwise, it might be worth skipping.

There are several activities that we recommend trying during your tour to Bali. These include taking a Balinese cooking class, going on a bicycle tour through the local community, hiking up Mount Batur for sunrise, going river rafting or tubing in Ubud, experiencing the Kecak dance at the Uluwatu Temple, and enjoying a seafood dinner in Jimbaran. Each of these activities offers a unique and memorable experience that will help you make the most of your time on the island.

When it comes to safety, Bali is generally considered to be a very safe place to visit. However, as with any destination, it’s always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. Some simple precautions you can take include being mindful of your belongings and using a hotel room safe if one is available. It’s also a good idea to avoid texting or using your phone while walking or riding a motorbike, as there have been instances of phones being taken from people in these situations. In terms of scams, it’s worth noting that these can occur in Southeast Asia, although they are not common in Bali. In general, the people you meet on the island are friendly and helpful, and you are unlikely to encounter any problems. Just be aware of your surroundings and take the same precautions you would take in any unfamiliar place, and you should have a safe and enjoyable trip to Bali.

Here are a few other things you should know about visiting Bali:
1. It’s a good idea to carry a supply of toilet paper with you, as it may not always be available in public restrooms.
2. In many places in Bali, you will find a “bum gun,” which is a hose with a nozzle attached that is used for cleaning oneself after using the toilet. This is a common feature in many parts of Asia, and some people find it more sanitary than using toilet paper. Just be careful, as the water pressure can sometimes be quite strong and cause discomfort.
3. When using the toilet, be sure to dispose of your toilet paper in the bin, rather than flushing it down the toilet. The sewage system in Bali is not designed to handle toilet paper, and flushing it can cause damage to the pipes.

While some of the topics covered in this information may have been a little uncomfortable to discuss, we hope that they were helpful in preparing you for your trip to Bali. We hope that you found this information useful and that you have a great time on the island. Enjoy your travels!