When people ask me what should I know about Bali before traveling there, I always smile because the answer depends on who’s asking. Some folks think Bali is just beaches and cocktails, others imagine it’s an endless yoga retreat. The truth is it’s both of those things—and a whole lot more. If you’re planning your first trip, there are a few things that will save you stress, money, and maybe even keep you from accidentally offending someone. Bali is beautiful, welcoming, and very forgiving to travelers, but it’s also a living, breathing culture that deserves respect. Let’s get into the stuff no one tells you until you’re already there.
Understanding Bali’s Culture Before You Land
The first thing I wish someone had drilled into my head before I went to Bali: it’s not just a playground for tourists. It’s home to millions of people, mostly Balinese Hindus, and their culture is woven into daily life in ways you can’t miss.
You’ll see small woven baskets filled with flowers, rice, and incense (called canang sari) placed everywhere—on sidewalks, shop entrances, even scooter seats. Don’t step on them. Seriously, it’s considered disrespectful. I accidentally did it once because I wasn’t paying attention, and a local gave me that polite but firm side-eye that said, “watch where you’re going, buddy.”
Dress is another big one. If you’re just walking around Canggu or Seminyak, shorts and tanks are fine. But if you visit a temple—and you should, because they’re breathtaking—you’ll need a sarong and sash. Some temples provide them, but not all, so I started carrying a lightweight one in my backpack. According to the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism, over 6 million foreign visitors come to Bali each year, and one of the most common cultural faux pas reported is tourists showing up at temples dressed inappropriately.
Money, Costs, and Why You’ll Use Cash More Than Cards
Here’s the deal with money in Bali: cash is still king. Sure, some cafes and hotels take cards, but most warungs (local family-owned eateries), taxis, and even some tour operators only accept rupiah in cash. ATMs are everywhere, but don’t pull out giant stacks because petty theft does happen. I usually withdrew smaller amounts more often.
Also, be prepared for dual pricing. Locals pay one rate, and tourists usually pay more. It’s not a scam; it’s just how things work. For example, when I rented a scooter, a Balinese friend paid half what I did for the exact same bike. It stung a little, but it’s part of the reality of being a foreigner.
Budget-wise, Bali can be dirt cheap or surprisingly pricey depending on how you roll. A simple nasi goreng (fried rice) from a street-side warung might cost you $2, while a smoothie bowl at a trendy café in Canggu can easily run $8–10. Same goes for accommodation—you can crash in a hostel for $12 a night or rent a luxury villa with a private pool for $200+.
Check also our article about Where is Bali located
Getting Around Bali (Scooters, Taxis, and Traffic Jams)
If you’ve seen Instagram reels of people zipping around Bali on scooters, that’s not staged—that’s really how everyone gets around. Renting a scooter is hands-down the cheapest and fastest way to move, but I’ll be real with you: it’s not for everyone. Traffic is chaotic, road rules are more like suggestions, and potholes come out of nowhere. If you don’t already ride confidently, Bali is not the place to learn.
I remember my first week there—I thought, “how hard can this be?” Then I found myself in Denpasar traffic at rush hour, boxed in by 50 scooters, trucks honking, and dogs darting across the road. It was chaos. I survived, but I quickly learned to stick to back roads and avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas.
If scooters aren’t your thing, you can use Grab or Gojek (apps like Uber for Southeast Asia). Super cheap and reliable. The only catch is that some areas—especially tourist-heavy zones like Ubud or Seminyak—have “taxi mafias” where local drivers block ride-share pickups. In those cases, you’ll need to hire a private driver for the day, which usually runs around $40–50.
Health and Safety Stuff Nobody Tells You
Okay, real talk: Bali Belly is not a myth. Almost every traveler I know, including myself, has had at least one bad encounter with it. Basically, it’s food poisoning or a bacterial stomach bug. Sometimes it’s from street food, sometimes it’s from ice cubes or just a dodgy kitchen. Bring rehydration salts and Imodium. Don’t brush it off, because if you get hit hard, you’ll be out of commission for days.
Water is another thing. Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. Always buy bottled or filtered water. Most villas and guesthouses provide refill stations, so carry a reusable bottle to cut down on plastic waste.
Also, don’t skip travel insurance. I know it feels like an extra expense, but scooter accidents are common, and medical care for tourists is not cheap. I once had a friend clip a pothole on his scooter, broke his arm, and the hospital bill was over $3,000 USD without insurance.
Mosquitoes can be relentless, especially in Ubud or jungle areas. Bali does have dengue fever cases, so pack repellent and use it daily. Some villas come with mosquito nets, and you’ll be glad they do.
Before booking your hotel, you might want to read this guide on Where to Stay in Bali so you don’t miss the perfect spot.
Respecting Nature and the Island’s Spiritual Energy
One thing that surprised me most about Bali was how spiritual and natural everything feels. People talk about the “energy of the island” like it’s a real thing—and after a while, I kind of got it. You can’t help but feel it when you see sunrise at Mount Batur or sit quietly during a temple ceremony.
But with that comes responsibility. Don’t litter. Bali has a massive waste management problem, and plastic pollution is a sore subject. Beaches sometimes get covered in trash after big rains, and it’s not all local waste—currents bring it from all over Indonesia. As a traveler, doing small things like saying no to plastic bags or using reef-safe sunscreen when you swim makes a difference.
Also, certain places are sacred. Don’t climb on temple statues for photos. Don’t try to enter ceremonies uninvited. If you’re menstruating, some temples restrict entry due to cultural beliefs, and while it might feel strange, it’s important to respect those rules.
Popular Spots vs. Off-the-Beaten Path
Most first-time visitors head straight to Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, or Uluwatu. Nothing wrong with that—those areas have great food, beaches, and nightlife. But Bali is way bigger than Instagram makes it look.
North Bali feels like another world: quiet villages, waterfalls like Sekumpul that put Instagram-famous Tegenungan to shame, and black sand beaches where you’ll hardly see another tourist. Sidemen, in East Bali, is a slice of old-school rice terrace life where things move slower. I stayed there a week and barely touched my phone.
That said, if you’re short on time, stick to one or two areas. Driving across the island takes way longer than you’d expect—Ubud to Lovina (north coast) can take 3–4 hours depending on traffic.
Check also: Romantic Bali Honeymoon Package
Food and Drinks You Shouldn’t Miss
Food is half the joy of Bali. Yes, you’ll find avocado toast and smoothie bowls everywhere, but don’t skip the local dishes. Babi guling (roast suckling pig) is a must-try, especially at Ibu Oka in Ubud. Nasi campur is another favorite—basically a little bit of everything: rice, veggies, tempeh, maybe some chicken or fish, all in one plate.
I got hooked on mie goreng (fried noodles) from a tiny warung near my guesthouse. It cost less than $2, and I swear it was better than the overpriced version I tried at a “fusion” café. Oh, and Bali coffee—kopi Bali—is strong, thick, and sometimes gritty at the bottom of the cup, but it’ll wake you up like nothing else.
For drinks, fresh juices are everywhere. But be mindful with ice—stick to places that look clean or tourist-friendly if you’re worried about Bali Belly. And yes, arak, the local liquor, is strong. Drink it cautiously. There have been cases of homemade arak being tainted with methanol, which is dangerous. Always buy from reputable spots.
Festivals and Events You Might Want to Plan Around
Bali’s calendar is full of ceremonies and festivals, and if you’re lucky enough to be there during one, it’ll be unforgettable. Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, is the most unique. It’s a day of complete silence. No flights, no cars, no shops, not even lights at night. Tourists are expected to stay inside their hotel or villa. It might sound restrictive, but honestly, it was one of the most peaceful nights I’ve ever had.
Then there’s Galungan and Kuningan, big Hindu festivals where you’ll see bamboo poles (penjor) lining the streets and families dressed in traditional outfits heading to temples. These moments give you a glimpse of Bali’s living culture in action, and it’s way more powerful than any staged performance.
Check also: Before Hiring Bali Private Driver, Here’s What You Should Know
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