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- More Things To Know Before Booking A Trip To Bali
Bali is a wonderful place to go since there's something there for everyone to enjoy, but there are some things a person should know before they plan a trip there. For example, those who are on a budget might want to know which hotels are the most highly rated and affordable ones in Bali.
Furthermore, some travelers might be interested in finding out which hotels are the most expensive ones in the area. Additionally, those who go there should know that there are some sacred mountains in Bali that they can check out during their stay.
However, those are not the only things one should know before they plan on traveling to Bali, so it is important for visitors to do some research on the area before they go. Bali is a stunning place, and in order to have the perfect trip there are just a few things to consider.
UPDATE: 2023/05/31 14:54 EST BY KHYATI DAND
More Things To Know Before Booking A Trip To Bali
Bali's lush forests, bubbling waterfalls, sweeping mountains, sacred temples, luxury wellness resorts, and sandy beaches attract thousands of visitors each month. As with any holiday destination, however, it's important to know a few things about Bali before visitors decide to cross the island off their bucket list. This list was updated to include more tips that future travelers will be glad they knew about before booking their flight ticket to the beautiful Indonesian island.
17 Say Goodbye To Uber
The streets of Bali are packed with motorbikes not just because it's a fun way to travel, but also because it is a necessity. Uber doesn't exist in Bali, public buses tend to crawl at a snail's pace, and private taxi hires tend to be pretty costly. This is why motorbikes and scooters rule in Bali. Visitors can rent their own two-wheelers for nominal charges or download Grab and Gojek which are both Bali's versions of on-demand Ubers.
Gojek also doubles up as a food delivery app and the platform also offers a bike-sharing option alongside car rides.
16 Make Peace With The Monkeys
While the Ubud Monkey Forest and the Monkey Temple in Uluwatu are popular haunts for monkey spotting in Bali, the little creatures can be found all over the island and they're quite the pranksters! Food should be eaten in front of them at one's own risk, hotel doors and windows should be locked when not in the room, bags must never be left unattended, and it's best to hold onto one's personal belongings when out and about in Bali because there's nothing a Balinese monkey won't run away with -- including the sunglasses on the top of a none the wiser tourist's head.
- Hang Out With Monkeys In Their Sanctuary: Ubud Monkey Forest
- Address: Jl. Monkey Forest, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
15 Don't Fall For Tourist Price Tags (And Don't Be Afraid To Bargain)
Bali has a sea of opulent five-star wellness resorts which is why several shopping and dining spots cater to the affluent clientele and price their wares accordingly. Even temples are known to double their entrance fees for tourists! Don't fall for these traps as there are plenty of free attractions and good quality dining options as well as markets to shop from for travelers on a budget. Besides, most street sellers and small boutique owners are almost always willing to strike up a good deal so don't be afraid to bargain a little.
- Best Place To Shop On A Budget: Sukawati Art Market
- Address: Jalan Raya Sukawati, Sukawati, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
14 There's No Place Like Home
Where a traveler is based should definitely be considered before booking a trip to Bali. Canggu is a party town that is super wild and the perfect spot to learn how to surf and dance until the wee hours. Ubud is a yogi haven in the jungle where travelers can visit the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary and the Saraswati Water Temple. Another killer destination is Uluwatu where pro surfers shred, and beach babes lay their heads.
- Ubud Lodging: Puri Garden Hotel & Hostel
- Address: Jl. Raya Pengosekan Ubud No.63, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
13 Not Every Beach Is Created Equal
Before flying to Bali for fun in the sun travelers must know that while the island is home to dozens of beautiful beaches, not all of them are selfie-worthy. Adventurous travelers should take a trek to the hidden gem, Nyang Nyang Beach for a special day away from the hustle and bustle of the must-visit surfer paradise of Uluwatu. For those who are here to lay out during the day and party at night head to Canggu. The local beach is perfect for beginners and is an incredible place to watch the sunset with a Bintang in hand.
- Surf Lessons In Canggu: In Da Surf Camp & School Canggu Bali
- Address: Jl. Kayu Tulang Gg. Ebony, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
12 Dress To Impress (Respectfully)
One might think that if they go to Bali, it is perfectly fine for them to wear beach attire everywhere. However, that is actually not the case. Balinese people dress conservatively, and it is disrespectful to show too much skin in temples. There are many bars, restaurants, and even some clubs that have a dress code as well.
So, people who are planning to visit Bali might want to consider packing a few different kinds of items to wear during their stay including shawls for women and pants for men. Visitors can always call places they wish to go to and find out if they have a dress code.
- Best Club In Bali: Single Fin In Uluwatu
- Address: Uluwatu, Pantai Suluban, Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
11 Bring An Umbrella-Ella-Ella
Travelers might be interested in knowing which stylish hotels in Bali are affordable, but that is not the only useful bit of information that they need to know. For example, something else a person should consider when they are thinking about planning a trip to Bali is that there might be rain. Those who go during Bali's off-season are likely to encounter rain during their stay. January, February, and October are months when it rains a lot in Bali. That shouldn't deter travelers though, visiting in the off-season offers a much more authentic experience on the island.
- Best Hotel Rain Or Shine: Hanging Gardens Of Bali
- Address: Buahan, Payangan, Gianyar Regency, Bali 80571, Indonesia
10 Don't Be Surprised If It's Standing Room Only
Bali's busy, there's no two ways around it. Swarms of tourists visit the island year-round. In 2022 1.19 million visitors came to soak up the sights and sun. Travelers should mentally prepare themselves for long lines at every location they've seen on Instagram and if they're there to surf it may take a while to catch a wave of their own. With that being said, plenty of destinations on the island are off the beaten track such as Sidemen or Semarapura which is an awesome alternative to Ubud.
- Guide To Semarapura: Travel Guide
- Directions From Kuta: Map To Semarapura
9 Volcanoes Erupting Can Mean A No-Go
There are lots of luxury resorts in Bali that are super fun and relaxing places for everyone who visits them, but there are other things people should consider before going to Bali as well. For example, there are quite a few active volcanoes on the island. In fact, one of the volcanoes in Bali is called Mount Batur, and it is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. This particular volcano has been known to erupt every few years.
- Mount Batur Tour: Sunrise Trekking With Breakfast
- Address: Banjar, Jl. Serongga Jl. Bukit Catu No.Ds, Songan A, Kec. Kintamani, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali 80614, Indonesia
8 Look Both Ways Before You Cross The Street In Bali
There are lots of amazing facts about Bali, but there are also some things that travelers who go there might not enjoy. Traffic is no joke on the island. In fact, sometimes the traffic in Bali is bad even when it is not rush hour. It can be hard for people to get somewhere on time. Travelers should consider this when they are thinking about booking a trip there. Safety precautions should also be taken. For instance, travelers should always wear a helmet and never drive while intoxicated.
- Scooter Rental: Surya Scooter Rental In Kuta
- Address: Jln Legian No.493, Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Using the ridesharing service Gojek while in Bali is a game changer while visiting the island. Rides are super affordable and the drivers know how to maneuver anything that comes their way.
7 Who Let The Dogs Out?
Puppy problems can arise while traveling Bali. While stray dogs are unquestionably adorable and most are total snuggle bunnies travelers should be cautious. Many dogs wander the streets and beaches of Bali, and they should be treated with respect. Tourists should give pups their distance since some dogs can be aggressive. Additionally, Bali dogs are very protective, and some people believe that they use specific barks for various kinds of threats that they might encounter, including snakes.
- Animal Sanctuary: Bali Wildlife Rescue Centre, Friend of the National Parks Foundation
- Address: Banjar Dukuh, Jl. Teratai No.49, Dauh Peken, Tabanan, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82113, Indonesia
It's hard not to fall in love with the furry friends that call Bali home. A great way to support them is to donate or adopt from various agencies on the island including Bali Dogs Association.
6 Bali Belly's Nothing To Be Worried About
Some travelers may have heard of "Bali Belly" or how visitors should be concerned about food poisoning while on the island. An upset tummy can ruin a trip, but it's easy to avoid. Tourists should only drink bottled water (also a good idea to use it when brushing their teeth), eat fruits with a peel...and then peel it before eating, and generally use common sense like they would anywhere. Local Indonesian cuisine is delicious and should be consumed by visitors. The fear of getting sick is a colonialist (and xenophobic) hangover that's grosser than any toilet emergency.
- Canggu's Best Warung: Warung Bu Mi
- Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.52, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
"Warung" is the Indonesian word for a small restaurant or kiosk. There are a variety of homemade foods to choose from and customers can pick and choose what they want to pile on their plate before sitting down. Warungs are also super affordable on top of offering the best cuisine on the island.
5 Leaving Tips Is Not Expected In Certain Places (But That Doesn't Mean You Shouldn't)
Leaving a tip is something many people do all over the world, but whether or not to tip when abroad in a murky subject. Those who choose to visit some of the small restaurants that are located there need to know that customers are not expected to leave tips there. But that is not the case for bars. Lots of people who work in bars in Bali depend on the tips that they receive. Whether or not it is suggested, the right thing to do is always to err on the side of generosity. The minimum wage in Bali is around $140 a month and as a guest to the island travelers should always tip.
- The Home Of Tattoo Taco Tuesday (Tip Please!): Deus Ex Machina - Temple of Enthusiasm
- Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Mejan No.8, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
4 Bring Your Best Hiking Boots (Or Sandals With Support)
Those who are thinking about going on a trip to Bali should make a list of the things that they will need to take with them beforehand. One of the things they should make sure to bring is a good pair of shoes because visitors tend to do a lot of walking when they visit Bali. Also, some of the walking that travelers do there is on very uneven steps, so it is important for people to have good pairs of shoes to wear when they go there. Hiking boots, supportive sandals with straps, and sneakers are all good options to throw in a backpack in addition to flip-flops.
- Best Hike Bali: Sekumpul Waterfalls Hike
- Address: Jalan Air Terjun Desa Sekumpul Kecamatan Sawan Kabupaten Buleleng, Kota Singaraja, Bali 81171, Indonesia
3 Leeches In Bali May Want To Suck Your Blood
Bali's beautiful, but the leeches in Bali are certainly not cute. Seeing a leech is not exactly uncommon in Bali (bummer). But the good news is that there are things travelers can do to keep the leeches away, or at least stop them in their tracks before they are out for blood. Wearing leech socks is a good idea. One can also tuck their pants into boots. If a person is not wearing a pair of boots, they can tuck their pants into their socks.
- Bali Outdoor Wear Shop: Arei Store Bali 2
- Address: Jl. Teuku Umar, Dauh Puri Kauh, Kec. Denpasar Bar., Kota Denpasar, Bali 80113, Indonesia
2 Bali Is A Great Place For Cheap Massages
There are a lot of really fun and relaxing things one can do when they take a trip to Bali, and one of those things is getting a massage. But the best part of that is the fact that massages are actually pretty affordable there. Additionally, some spas offer much more than a massage. Many of them offer customers a great view while they are getting their massages, and some even offer refreshments as well, such as a cup of tea.
- Bali's Best Massage: Putu Parwati Massage
- Address: Jl. Suweta No.45, Ubud, Kecamatan Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80571, Indonesia
1 Visitors Need To Cover Up If They Wish To Visit The Temples
There are more than 20,000 temples located in Bali, and lots of tourists enjoy visiting them. Travelers are expected to cover up before entering the temples. They should have shirts that cover their shoulders as well as their upper arms. Additionally, visitors need to wear something that covers their legs, such as a temple scarf or a sarong. It is important to respect customs like this when visiting Bali. Hinduism is the primary religion on the island and as an outsider, it is wise and polite to research temple etiquette before arriving at any holy location.
- Bali's Top Temple: Tanah Lot Temple
- Address: 93HP+GPH, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia