With its tropical beaches, magical sunsets, lush jungles, towering waterfalls, and stunning rice terraces, Bali is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Along with its breathtaking scenery, it is rich in culture, and the people are the friendliest you will ever meet! 

Inside this blog post, you’ll find 32 Bali travel tips straight from my own adventures on this enchanting island.

I have compiled all my knowledge and insights from my year-long exploration of Bali into this Ultimate Bali Trip Planning Guide. It will serve as your go-to resource for vacation planning, from determining which locations to visit to booking flights and accommodations, to creating your itinerary of activities and experiences. It encompasses a range of day itinerary options suitable for families, less touristy destinations that are off the beaten path, the finest locations for sunset viewing, budget-friendly options, highly-instagrammable hotspots, and rainy day activities.

Before travelling to Bali, it is advisable to perform an online check on iVisa to determine the appropriate visa requirements.

For the best deals on flights, check Google Flights, Skyscanner and CheapOAir. Open an incognito window on your computer to avoid Google remembering your searches. 

1. Don’t drink the tap water

Unless boiled or filtered, drinking Bali’s tap water can give you “Bali Belly” (Traveler’s Diarrhea). Because of poor water-pipe infrastructure and tropical heat, pathogens such as bacteria live in tap water.

Buy bottled water and use it even when brushing your teeth. I recommend purchasing Travelan as it lowers the risk of getting Bali Belly.

It’s also a good idea to bring some Imodium or Pepto Bismol with you. If you do get Bali Belly it will help relieve the symptoms.

2. Be aware of the monkeys

Monkeys in Bali are entertaining but they can be aggressive. Where there are monkeys, don’t have valuables such as a phone out or any loose items hanging off you. Monkeys are thieves!

They also hang around some beaches in South Bali so be cautious when leaving your bag on the beach unattended. I witnessed a monkey snatch a bag left unattended on the beach while its owner was in the ocean. The owner scrambled out of the water, chased the monkey, resulting in a rather amusing scene!

3. Carry cash on you wherever you go

Most places in Bali only take cash except for large businesses such as hotels and well-established restaurants.  

4. Check ATMs for skimmers

Be careful when taking out cash at ATMs. Many cards have been skimmed. Always check to make sure the area you place your card in is firmly fixed and has not been tampered with. 

5. Count your money when using money exchangers

Some tourists have been ripped off when exchanging money. If you do need to go to a money exchanger, make sure to count the money out as it’s given to you. It’s wise to get familiar with the currency and exchange rate. Download a currency converter app before you go.

6. Avoid holding your phone on the streets or on a scooter

There have been numerous accounts where foreigners have had their mobile phones stolen right from their hands on the side of the streets or while riding a scooter. Always put your valuables in your scooter seat or out of sight. 

7. Wear mosquito repellent

Always wear mosquito repellent. Dengue fever is relatively common in Bali, especially in the rainy season. 

8. Download GoJek and Grab

GoJek and Grab are transportation services like Uber and Lyft. They are less expensive than taxis. Download the app and register with a local phone number. A credit card is not needed as you can use cash to make payments.

Anything can be delivered directly to your villa or hotel! Anything goes! You name it: food, alcohol, or medicine! GoJek is a delivery service as well as a transportation service. 

9. Visit during the Dry Season

The rainy season starts in November and ends in March, giving way to the sunny dry season from April through October. It doesn’t rain every day all day in the rainy season but it does rain a lot which can make it very difficult for your trip as there aren’t a lot of indoor activities to do. Most of the fun happens outdoors! 

The best time to visit is either between April to May or September to November when there are fewer tourists. Peak Season is from May to September. 

10. BIMC Hospital

Hopefully, you won’t need to go to the hospital during your trip but if you do it’s good to know where is best to go. BIMC Hospitals is Bali’s most well-known hospital for foreigners. There are three BIMC hospitals in Bali: Kuta, Nusa Dua, and Ubud. English-speaking medical staff and international standards of care are standard at BIMC Hospitals. 

11. Try not to step on the offerings as a sign of respect

You will see fragrant parcels made from palm leaves placed on the streets everywhere. These are gifts designed to appease the spirits. They are usually placed in front of doorways and can also be seen on the pavement.  

12. Tipping is not compulsory but it’s greatly appreciated

The locals earn very little (around 130-150 USD per month) so although they don’t expect tips, they are very appreciative when they do receive them. Even something as little as 50 cents which might seem like nothing to us is a lot to them. If you receive excellent service make sure to tip generously!

13. Avoid displaying physical affection when visiting temples

Temples are considered holy places and physical affection such as kissing is not favoured here. 

14. Barter! Barter! Barter!

When you visit local markets, feel free to bargain with the vendors, but keep it fair. Remember, many of them rely on these sales for their livelihood. Besides, prices are typically quite reasonable, and sometimes what you’re bargaining over might just be 50 cents.

15. Don’t visit the temples while you are menstruating

The staff at the entrance of temples will ask you if they are menstruating as it’s considered unclean to be at the temple during this time. 

16. Dress modestly when visiting the temples

When visiting temples, both men and women must dress modestly. Wear a sarong or something below the knee and cover your shoulders. Sarongs are usually available for loan when visiting temples. 

17. Spent time in Ubud

Many people make the mistake of planning to stay in Ubud for only a couple of days. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore Ubud and even venture out to the North and East of Bali. For 12 must-do activities to include on your itinerary see my blog post: Things to do in Ubud.

18. Visit the Nusa Islands

If you’re visiting Bali, a trip to the stunning Nusa Islands is an absolute must! Not only are they just a short boat ride away from the mainland, but you can also see all the best sights in just a day for each island. Check out the following blog posts: 3-Day Nusa Penida itinerary, Nusa Lembongan Guide and 10 Things to do in Nusa Ceningan to help plan your trip there.

19. Expect bad traffic

What should only take you 30 minutes can take you an hour or more with traffic. Keep this in mind when planning your trip especially if you are on a strict time schedule.  

20. Bugs

There are many bugs in Bali and weird ones that you will have never seen before. Ants, beetles, and centipedes just to name a few. Geckos are everywhere in Bali and they make loud dinosaur-sounding noises which can be annoying when you’re trying to sleep!

21. Don’t expect Bali to look glamorous everywhere

Rubbish is a big problem in Bali and you will see large amounts of it on the side of the road and on the beaches. Unfortunately, Bali has a poor waste management system. Plastic is also a problem so try to avoid using plastic bottles, straws and bags to help the environment. 

22. Stay away from stray dogs and cats

There are many stray dogs in Bali and they can carry rabies and other diseases so it’s best to stay away from them. 

23. SIM Card

Buying a SIM Card at the airport will be more expensive than purchasing one at a small street store in Bali. Data plans are very affordable and it’s a good idea to have data when you are out to use Google Maps, GoJek and to communicate with the locals.

If you are planning on staying for more than three months you must register your phone’s IMEI number either at the airport on arrival or at a local customs office within 90 days of entering Indonesia! 

24. Earthquakes in Bali

Bali lies within the “Ring of Fire”, making earthquakes a common occurrence. Although most tremors are minor, it’s important to be mindful of this so you’re not taken aback by any unexpected shaking, particularly during the night.

25. Canguu over Kuta

Kuta used to be the tourist hotspot but now Canggu is becoming more popular. Canggu is home to hip restaurants, vegan cafes, beachfront bars, wonderful beaches and boujee boutiques.  

26. Hiring a scooter

Although scooters are the most affordable way to get around it can also be the most dangerous! Countless foreigners have gotten themselves into accidents that have resulted in death or serious injury.

Watching locals drive scooters in Bali looks chaotic but it does appear to have rhythm. They all seem to be in sync with one another. Research the unspoken rules about driving a scooter in Bali or ask a local before you get on one. 

27. Don’t do drugs and end up in prison!

Drugs are illegal in Bali and carry very serious consequences. It’s not worth it so don’t do it! 

28. The locals use WhatsApp to communicate

Download WhatsApp if you haven’t got it already. It’s the best way to communicate with your driver, hotel staff etc.  

29. Bring water with you wherever you go

As you probably know Bali is a very hot humid island so to avoid dehydration or heat stroke carry water with you at all times, especially on day trips. 

30. Visit any popular tourist spots in Bali early in the morning

You’re probably not going to get a photo without anyone in it at the peak times of the day. If you’re aiming for those picture-perfect shots or simply seeking some serene moments, consider waking up early.

31. Most tourist attractions will have an entrance fee

Tourist attractions such as waterfalls, rice terraces and beaches will usually incur a small fee to visit. Make sure to carry cash with you and if possible small change. 

32. Keep in mind the added tax in bars and restaurants

Some bars and restaurants don’t include the tax on their menu items so be prepared that an up to 21% tax charge may be added to your final bill.  

For the best 7-Day Bali itinerary check out my blog post: Best of Bali 7-Day Itinerary.

I hope these Bali travel tips offer some handy insights to make your trip as smooth as possible!

Disclosure: Bear in mind that some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a payment I will earn a commission. I link these websites because they give the best value/service and not because of the commission I receive. The decision is yours, and whether or not you decide to pay using these links is completely up to you. I only recommend websites to book through that I use myself and I know will be beneficial!