Bali, a beautiful island off the coast of Indonesia, is today a well-known and fascinating tourist destination. The famous resort is known for its tranquil and pleasant ambiance, which is surrounded by fresh and relaxing flora, a natural setting with lovely beaches, and the sound of the sea. The ideal sites for holiday destinations are the sparkling freshwater all around, as well as distinctive and gorgeous hotels, spas, and resorts.
In Bali, there are essentially two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. Bali’s beautiful sand beaches are certainly a favorite family vacation spot. There are a variety of watersports available, such as parasailing and swimming, or you can simply relax and enjoy fantastic sunbathing by the ocean.
Bali is a fantastic destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lives. Even so, it’s likely to be a very different environment than you’re used to. We’re talking about a different language, a different country, a different currency, and a whole lot more. Naturally, you do not need to be an expert in all of these areas to get the most out of your travels; but, it may improve your overall immersion and enjoyment. Aside from that, it can help you with budgeting, overall safety, and a variety of other areas of your trip. With that in mind, here are a few important Bali travel tips to be aware of before you go.
Bali is a popular tourist destination, so expect crowds
Although Bali is the most beautiful site to visit, keep in mind that it is also the busiest, especially during the vacation season. Every tourist from all over the world comes to see a major attraction. People traveled from all over the world to experience Bali’s natural beauty, sea waves, and fresh air.
It can be tough to get away from the crowds in southern Bali and Ubud, but dedicated solitude seekers will be delighted to discover a plethora of isolated spots outside these main tourist destinations. The middle mountains, as well as Bali’s more relaxed north and west beaches, are great places to visit.
Select the Ideal Climate
Bali is at its best from April to September, when the weather is mild and there is no rain or humidity. These are the months when the island is at its most beautiful. Because so many tourists arrive during these months, hotel and resort rates are usually higher than usual. Don’t let the rain ruin your trip; instead, schedule your journey around the seasons. The torrential rains in Bali have also resulted in poor visibility in the hilly areas. During the wet season, it also produces mosquitos.
When planning your trip to Bali, keep in mind the rainy seasons (January to April and October to November). Discounts are appealing, but if you end up spending your holiday cooped up indoors, you may wonder if the trip was worthwhile. Fortunately, the rains are usually limited to brief afternoon downpours, so your vacation won’t be ruined.
Carefully select your place to stay
It pays to plan ahead for your Bali base, as crazy traffic and hot temperatures will make you want to stay close to your hotel or guesthouse rather than walk long distances or sit in stuffy taxis. Kuta isn’t the place to go if you’re searching for true relaxation. A week on Nusa Lembongan is unlikely to leave you satisfied if you want to go shopping and eat more than your body weight in good food.
You see, staying in a low-cost hotel will be a very different experience than staying in a villa. The word luxury, on the other hand, should be taken with a grain of salt because the cost of renting a private villa in Bali isn’t as exorbitant as you may think. This is also the most dependable way to equip oneself with quality Wi-Fi, which is a must-have for all digital nomads. Because of the potential impact on your entire stay, it might be worthwhile to set aside a significant amount of money to secure a somewhat more luxurious hotel.
You may still visit Bali on a shoestring budget by living in guesthouses, eating at warungs, and buying at local markets, but you can also waste your entire life savings. Drinks, dinners, spa services, and hotel room rates are comparable to those in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. To keep your financial account happy, look for internet discounts and happy hour offers.
All about pricing
Make a comparison between the pricing in your home country and the prices in Bali. While there are various methods for doing so, the simplest is to simply look at the PPP (purchasing power parity, in general). Examining the Big Mac Index is one of the ways to do so. You can draw a direct comparison between your own country and those in Indonesia right here. However, the cost of living and the cost of food may differ slightly.
You should be aware that because Bali is a tourist area, some establishments will quote pricing in USD or EUR. In most cases, however, you’ll need to convert your currency into Indonesian Rupiah first (which can be done almost anywhere in Bali). The major issue with paying in local currency is that, because of rampant inflation, a single dollar can only buy about 15,000 Indonesian Rupiah as of September 2018. Needless to say, this complicates your estimates, particularly if you opt to purchase some more pricey products.
During your trip to Bali, keep in mind the value of bargaining. When you’re out shopping, don’t take prices at face value; you might be able to get a 50% discount on something you really want. It’s also a good idea to go to a few other stores or markets first so you can use their prices as negotiating power.
In Bali, you can bargain for a variety of goods and services but do so gently and with a smile. You’ll be able to tell when the merchant has hit their limit, so don’t push it. When in doubt, walk away if the seller doesn’t chase you down, you can bet they won’t cut their price any further.
Don’t be concerned about Bali belly
To avoid spending your Bali vacation within two steps of a toilet, strict dietary habits are no longer required. Salads, sliced fruit, ice cubes, and most meats were once considered dangerous, but cleanliness standards have greatly improved across the island, and many cooks now serve high-quality organic vegetables. While shady prawns will always exist, the dreaded Bali belly may be avoided by staying hydrated, avoiding the notorious local liquor arak, and eating street cuisine with caution.
Bali’s Traditions and Events
Throughout that period, Bali hosts a variety of festivities and events. To visit Bali, you must witness and participate in the big activities. They all have new traditions to learn and some fascinating things to do. Among the notable events you’ll come upon are:
Bali spirit festival, Folk Art Festival of Buleleng, Bali kite festival, Bali Art Festival, Ubud Writers and readers festival, Kuta Karnival, Sanur village festival, etc.
Wild Animals Should Be Avoided
All of Bali’s wild animals, particularly monkeys, are cunning and malicious; they appear cute but are sneaky robbers. They take your food and valuables. The cute animal is free and part of nature, yet it stays a safe distance from people because Rabies is a widespread disease in Bali. Avoid approaching them since they may attack you in a variety of ways or damage you because they are wild and free.
The number of stray dogs in Bali is large, and they are generally in poor condition. Make a “doggy donation” to Bali Dog Refuge, which works to rescue and rehabilitate the island’s stray pups, if you want to make a difference.
Dress code
Although Bali is a tropical destination, there is a dress code that must be followed at some restaurants and clubs. You could send an email to the restaurant inquiring about the recommended attire if you want to make a reservation before you arrive in Bali. This will make packing easier for you. You can easily call them or contact them through social media once you’ve arrived in Bali. Consider this when packing your suitcase and accessorizing for your trip.
Religious traditions should be respected
In Bali, religion reigns supreme. Don’t get your knickers in a bunch if a roadway is closed for a ritual or your driver stops in the middle of a journey to make a blessing, it’s all part of the island’s charm. If your travel dates coincide with Nyepi, when everything in Bali (including the airport) closes for the day, plan accordingly, and always dress modestly (covering the shoulders and knees) and behave appropriately when visiting temples and sacred sites.
Plastic water bottles should be avoided
The heat and humidity of Bali necessitate continuous hydration but think about the environment before buying another bottled beverage. Plastic debris washes up on Bali’s beaches in large quantities, with local authorities reporting that during the monsoon season, they remove up to 60 tonnes every day. Invest in a stainless steel bottle that you can refill to help minimize this figure; most reputable cafes and restaurants offer a water filter that you can use for free or for a modest price.
Be careful with the Ocean
Even if you’re a regular beachgoer and surfer, Bali’s huge waves, strong currents, and exposed rocks can be dangerous, so use caution and don’t swim alone unless you’re absolutely competent. Show equal respect for the beach by not leaving any trash (including cigarette butts) behind – it will be dragged into the ocean as the tide comes in, causing significant damage to the marine ecosystem.
Party responsibly, always wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter, be respectful, and don’t do anything you wouldn’t do in your own country, and you’ll have a fantastic holiday.