The island of Bali is an oasis of luscious landscapes, friendly locals, and mesmerizing sunsets. While most people have the time of their lives visiting this wonderful destination, others make errors that ruin the experience. Check out the top mistakes to avoid making in Bali.

Being Careless With Food And Drink

Balinese cuisine is delicious, and luckily, there’s plenty of it to be found on the island. Depending on where you’re from, Balinese fare isn’t the kind of food that’s always available, so it’s definitely a good idea to make the most of it and sample some local delicacies. That said, it’s super important to be careful of everything you eat and drink in Bali. In many eateries, health and hygiene practices are not at the same level that they are in western countries. If you’re going to sample street food, for example, try to avoid eating anything that doesn’t look fresh or like it has been sitting out in the sun. The water in Bali is also generally not safe for foreigners to drink. Remember to drink only bottled water and keep in mind that tap water is used to prepare certain meals in some cafes. Even simple ingredients, like lettuce in a burger that’s been washed with local water, has the potential to make you sick. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep over-the-counter medications on hand to stop any case of gastro. RELATED: Tips Every Backpacker Going To Asia Needs To Remember

Flocking To The Busiest Beaches

When most people think of a Balinese vacation, they think of relaxing by a beautiful beach and watching the sunset. Bali really is blessed with several beautiful beaches but they weren’t all created equal. And if they were, they are no longer equal, thanks to mass tourism spoiling them. Kuta Beach is one of the most popular destinations for foreigners on the island, but if you’re looking for a peaceful beach experience, this might not be your best bet. Some Balinese beaches can be overrun with tourists, especially in peak travel season, so it’s worth doing your research and discovering beaches that few people know about. Some quieter Balinese beaches that tend to fly under the radar include Jimbaran Bay, which is also known as the seafood hub of the island, and the stunning Pasir Putih, or White Sand Beach. RELATED: Thailand Beaches: The Best And Worst

Forgetting To Visit The Uplands

It’s definitely worth visiting the beach while in Bali but that doesn’t mean you should forget about the other natural wonders that the island has to offer. Although the beaches tend to get the most praise, you should also add the lush valleys of the uplands to your Balinese bucket list! The town of Ubud, which lies in the misty uplands, is a great place to base yourself for exploring the surrounding landscape and attractions. Nearby, you’ll find the famous Sacred Monkey Forest where you can get up close and personal with wild long-tailed macaques. The area is also home to coffee and tea plantations, an art market and art galleries, a palace and temples, sublime views and walking tracks, museums, botanical gardens, historic landmarks, and rice terraces. Known as the cultural heart of the island, this is one district you won’t want to miss. RELATED: 10 Underrated Places In Asia To Put On Your Bucket List

Packing The Wrong Clothing

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in Bali is being unprepared for the humid weather. Due to the island’s position close to the equator, it experiences a warm, tropical climate for most of the year. While the temperatures are mild, the humidity level is usually anywhere from 85 to 90%.

This kind of humid weather can increase your chances of getting heat rash so it’s important to pack the right kind of clothing for your trip. Leave behind any clothes that are made from materials that don’t breathe, such as polyester, and instead bring comfortable clothes that are made from fabrics such as cotton, which don’t suffocate the skin.

Of course, you can buy cotton clothing once you arrive in Bali, but there’s so much to do on the island that you really don’t want to be wasting your time going clothes shopping if you can help it!

Not Following The Local Laws

Bali has a reputation for being something of a paradise and the locals are extremely friendly and welcoming of foreigners. But that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to disrespect the local laws. The island of Bali is actually part of Indonesia, which is primarily an Islamic country. Bali might be a vacation hotspot but it is still subject to Indonesian law—a legal system that is known to be very strict by western standards. Indonesia takes a strong stance against illegal drugs and still practices the death penalty. There have been several famous cases of tourists receiving harsh sentences, including execution or decades in prison, for crimes like drug smuggling. Bali is a wonderful place to have fun but the consequences for not following the local laws really can destroy your whole life. NEXT: Bali Beaches: The Best And Worst