On your way to Bali for the first time? Bali for tourists means beach clubs, Bintang, and sun-soaked fun and you probably can’t wait to board your flight to Bali!
Before you step into paradise, here are a bunch of handy Bali tips for tourists to keep in mind. By the end of this list, you’ll be travelling in Bali like a pro!
1. Pack light, wear light!
Bali is known for its tropical climate all year round, so there’s a huge chance you’ll break into a sweat during your trip. The best time to visit Bali for tourists is during the summer months of April to October. You should pack your lightest clothing and open-toed shoes to beat the heat but make sure to leave some space in your luggage to bring home a few souvenirs.
2. Stay aware of wild and stray animals
There's heaps of stray dogs around the streets. Although they look cute, they often carry rabies and other diseases so steer clear of them. If you want to help make a difference, consider making a "doggy donation" to Bali Dog Refuge which helps to rescue and rehabilitate the Bali's stray pups.
Mosquitos are almost everywhere around Bali especially at night and during the rainy seasons between October to March so make sure you apply mozzie repellant with high deet every time you head outdoors to avoid getting bitten.
3. It’s easy to pick up a few local phrases
Don’t be afraid to get tongue-tied! While English is prominent in most main tourist areas, learning a bit of Balinese or Bahasa won't hurt. Locals appreciate the effort, plus you get to know something while you’re on vacay. Start with easy and common phrases for tourists, such as terima kasih or suksma for “thank you”, tolong for “please”, and apa kabar? for “how are you?”.
4. Motorbikes or Grab is the way to go
There’s no public transport here, so hiring a motorbike or scooter service or booking a car via Grab is the best option for tourists in Bali. There are also taxis like Bluebird and Bali Cab to help you get around. But note that traffic and road conditions are quite different to ours in Australia so make sure to account for some extra time for travel and pack travel sickness pills if you are prone to getting motion sick on long rides.
If you’re looking for a fuss-free transport as soon as you land, book a private Bali airport transfer to anywhere in Bali you want to go!
5. Google Maps is your bestie
Going around a foreign land can be very tricky, and first-timers are bound to make a wrong turn every once in a while. Spend less time figuring out your itinerary or whether to turn left or right by making Google Maps your travel bestie! To have uninterrupted internet service while on the island, purchase a 3G/4G Prepaid Bali SIM card before you leave the airport.
6. You could be a millionaire in Bali
Did you know that $100 is more than a million Rupiah? Say hello to fat wallets if you exchange most of your money into the local currency. The safest money exchange centres and ATMs are those at the airport. It’s better to withdraw as much money as possible than run out of cash mid-trip.
If you don't want to carry around cash, pick up a multi-currency bank card before you leave like a WISE card but note that not all bank cards offer Indonesian Rupiah.
Klook tip: Indonesian ATMs give out the cash first before returning your card, so don’t go rushing away after getting your money.
Splash around Bali beaches with the whole family! Credits: @anggitasari612
7. Try to tip as often as you can
Tipping isn’t expected in Bali for tourists. Still, it’s always nice to show the locals how you appreciate the service they provide for you! Some restaurants and establishments don’t include a service charge, so if you have some cash to spare, don’t hesitate to hand it to the locals.
See for yourself why Bali is called the Island of the Gods. Credits: @so__nni_
8. Don’t be afraid to haggle but do it respectfully
Market shopping in Bali for tourists can get a tad overwhelming, especially with endless choices—sarongs, local antiques, high-end homeware, and jewellery. While shopping around, one thing to remember is that you’re usually given a much higher price than the original, so don’t be shy to haggle. Some shop owners will tease you by giving you a hint of what price point you should bargain for!
9. Save on attractions with a Klook Bali Pass
For first-time tourists, Bali can be a bit intimidating, especially with heaps of attractions to visit. Why not let Klook take care of your planning when you book this Klook Bali Pass? Experience quick admission to your selected attractions, including Waterbom Bali, Bali Zoo, Ayung White Water Rafting, Bali Swing, Tanjung Benoa Bali, and Lluvia Spa Seminyak. You also can add in a convenient car charter or Nusa Penida tour with the pass. How convenient, right?
Don’t miss that Insta-worthy shot while in Bali! Credits: @hannah_tropf and @tropftravel
10. Bali offers so much more than Kuta!
Bali for tourists may mainly involve the ever-so-famous Kuta, but there’s so much more to explore in the outskirts! Make sure you also visit Bali’s hidden gems like Nusa Penida, Pinggan Village, Munduk, Ubud and more!
11. Time your itinerary right to escape the crowds
Wanna escape the crowds? Wake up early and chase the sunrise as you head over to Bali’s most famous attractions, such as the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. You can marvel at each mesmerising view before it gets too busy. Plus, you could also be done before midday when the heat reaches its peak!
Beat the heat at one of Bali’s waterfalls. Credits: @gypsyinsneakers
12. Water in Bali
To avoid Bali Belly, tourists in Bali are advised to drink bottled water only as tap water could give you Bali Belly. You should use bottled water to brush your teeth and wash your face too. Bottled water is cheap in Bali so there’s don't worry whether about water bottles punching a hole in your wallet. Most villas and resorts also provide complimentary bottled water, so stock up on those!
13. It could get smokey in here
There are also a lot of smokers among locals and tourists in Bali, and there are almost no tobacco-free spaces.
14. Culture is on every corner
From the thousands of temples around the island to rituals and festivals, there is no doubt that the culture in Bali still lives strong despite the influx of tourists. There are tons of ways to immerse in the local culture. You can visit a temple—just don’t forget your sarong—or observe the canangsari, a daily offering ritual by the Balinese Hindus.
15. There’s no shortage of captivating landscape
Tegenungan waterfall in Ubud
Another thing Bali isn’t short of is its collection of majestic nature scenes—from the marvellous rice terraces and paddies to gorgeous waterfalls and deep river gorges in Central Bali. Keen on soaking up these magnificent views? We suggest you skip the car and go for a walk instead!
16. It’s every foodie’s paradise
A spread of Traditional Indonesian food at Made's Warung, Seminyak
Prep your bellies ‘cause Bali is ready to fill you up! The Island of the Gods offers more than just nature. It also has a wide array of food options, such as local Balinese and Indonesian treats and its up-and-coming coffee culture. Our recos? Try the babi guling, nasi goreng, and beef rendang to get to know Indonesia one flavour at a time.
17. Bali will call you back
With so much to enjoy and explore, one trip to the island isn’t enough. Once you get the hang of your Bali trip, you’ll wish to come back before you know it. Why not make it an annual holiday trip, right?
