Bali Bound? Here are 8 Things to Know Before You Go
Ready to explore the magical island of Bali? This guide tells you what you need to know before you go, from what to expect to how to budget and get around, and tips in between.
As one of the most accessible and beautiful of Indonesia's 17,000+ stunning islands, it's no wonder Bali is the go-to spot for all things sun, fun, and culture. With a record-breaking 6.2 million visitors in 2019, this tropical playground is bouncing back and ready to welcome even more adventure-seekers post-pandemic.
I recently had my first taste of Bali and it was a blast! Of course, there were a few surprises along the way, but hey, that's what travelling is all about, right? So, if you're gearing up to join the millions of others venturing to Bali, I've got your back. Here are some things you'll want to know before diving headfirst into your Balinese escapade:
1. Surfers own Bali’s beaches.
Before I visited, I pictured Bali as a beach bum's paradise, full of sunbathers and swimmers. But in reality, it's the surfers who rule Bali's shores! While there's still some room for the typical beachgoer, the water conditions here make it a surfer's dream.
Not a surfer? No worries! You can still enjoy a dip, gorgeous coastal views and surf action from endless beaches, cozy seaside bars and restaurants. And if you're craving more luscious beach time, a day trip to nearby Nusa Penida Island should do the trick. Or, if you've got more time, why not venture on a two-day trip to the Gili Islands?
You should definitely explore some of Bali’s beach clubs and beachside bars or cafes, but don’t miss out on visiting a jungle club for a unique experience of pools, bars and restaurants with views of jungles and rice paddies!
2. Size matters: The island is bigger than you might think!
Picture an island, and you might imagine a tiny, easy-to-explore place. But surprise, surprise, Bali is actually quite spacious! More importantly, Bali’s road system is limited and the island roads and narrow, curvy and varied in condition, so getting around can take some time.
Covering 5,780 km², this island paradise has day trips that can easily turn into epic 10+ hour adventures, simply because attractions are spread out. Throw in a couple of long queues and a few traffic jams alongside your adventure, and you've got yourself a full day!
But hey, that's not a problem—it's just something to plan for. Most visitors head to the bustling surf and party hubs in southern Bali, which is all good. But keep in mind that you can't see all of Bali in just a few days. If you're short on time, choose 1-3 spots to really immerse yourself in. When I went, I had five days and decided to stay in the southwest, with a day trip to explore east Bali. Next time, I'm thinking of hitting up the north to escape the crowds, check out waterfalls and temples, and maybe even hop on a boat tour to spot some dolphins!
The tour I did of East Bali had four major stops (with more in between), all in the east part of the island. With the stops and waiting time, this was still a very full-day tour because it takes time to drive from the south (near Kuta) to the stops marked here. Click “Book a Tour” at the top of my page to book your day tours in Bali!
3. Bali is banning tourists from renting motorbikes.
With a surge in traffic violations and accidents, Bali's local authorities have put the brakes on tourists renting motorbikes and scooters. While the exact date for the ban isn't clear yet, this move will definitely reshape the island's tourism scene. It's a bummer for experienced and licensed riders who've enjoyed exploring Bali on two wheels, but considering the issues they've faced, it's a reasonable step.
If bike rentals are still an option when you visit, make sure you're responsible and well-versed in local laws and customs. For some handy tips and advice on renting and riding scooters in Bali, check out the Torn Tackies blog (and then come back to Travelynne.ca! 😉).
No stress, though! There are plenty of other ways to get around the island. Swipe my insider tips right here.
4. Budget-friendly or ballin'? Bali's got you covered.
The beauty of Bali is that it can be a super affordable getaway for all price points. If you choose hostels and local eats, it’s uber budget-friendly! Even 3-star hotels offer clean, comfortable and sometimes beautiful standards, and some luxe experiences, like jungle or beach clubs, won't break the bank. There's something for everyone, no matter your budget. Just be mindful, as it's easy to "treat yourself" a little too much and end up overspending. Or maybe that's just me! Remember, while many places accept Visa and Mastercard, you’ll want cash handy for small expenses and tips.
In the end, I spent a reasonable $540 USD / $730 CAD for five days in Bali, including flights from Kuala Lumpur. That covers food, tours, transport, and accommodations. It was actually a bit above budget due to a couple of in-the-moment splurges on private drivers and some fancy meals. You can definitely visit Bali for much much less - or much much more - if that’s what you’re after! Only you know your budget, so pick your indulgences wisely and have a blast!
5. There's more to Bali than Canggu.
Canggu has its perks—comfy digs, great eateries, and surf spots—but many would argue it's a bit lacking in the culture department. It's a hotspot for foreign remote workers, which might be your vibe, but as a tourist, next time I'd try a different base like Seminyak, Kuta, or Uluwatu. We also spent two nights in beautiful Ubud, which we preferred over Canggu.
If you've got extra time, consider exploring the more serene north side of the island. Or, set sail for nearby Nusa Penida or Gili Islands to spice up your Bali adventure with other islands.
6. Smile: Bali is a photogenic paradise.
No wonder Bali is Insta-famous! With jaw-dropping views of jungles, oceans, volcanoes, and rice paddies, you'll never run out of photo ops. Bali's thriving hospitality scene has been quick to embrace picture-perfect spots like temple gates, mountain peaks, waterfalls, and swings over rice fields. Trust me, these places look just as stunning in real life!
But don't worry about hunting down specific locations. You'll find similar photo-friendly spots like temple gates, jungle swings, and "nests" at many restaurants, bars, and clubs. Just ask your host for nearby suggestions and embrace the fun of snapping pics and videos against the lush backdrop. You won’t regret looking back on holiday memories later.
7. Enjoy the flavors while keeping your tummy in check.
Let me be clear—I absolutely loved Indonesian food! But there's a misconception about eating anywhere: even fancy restaurants can serve food that's not handled with care, which could make you sick. It's just a fact of life, especially for frequent travellers.
So, head to Bali, savor the food, and remember to pack Imodium and hydration salts. It's also smart to have travel insurance—you never know when you might fall ill and need medical coverage. Trust me, I’ve been there! Check out Safety Wing's insurance plans for digital nomads:
8. It’s touristic and it’s a delicate balance.
Bali is undeniably touristy, but it's also a delightful destination. Many places become tourist magnets for a reason, and while over-tourism can negatively affect the experience (ex. crowds, price hikes, pollution, losing agricultural land, etc.), Bali manages to maintain its allure despite its popularity.
The biggest issue? Many tourists show a lack of respect. Take the recent case of a visitor deported for posing naked on a sacred tree at a temple. Sadly, it's not an isolated incident on an island where foreigners often break rules and disrespect local customs. You can read more examples of this in this Washington Post article.
So, don't be THAT tourist. Embrace the warm hospitality Bali has to offer and return the kindness and respect you receive. The Balinese government has shared a list of dos and don’ts for visitors, have a look at them and be sure to practice the respect this beautiful island deserves.
9. You can (probably) get a visa on arrival… with some exceptions
Indonesia boasts one of the most accessible tourist visa-on-arrival categories in the world, with up to 30 days open to citizens from 92 countries for a fair price of IDR 500,000 or ~USD $34. If you’re from one of these 92 countries, you can simply arrive and pay at the airport when passing through immigration, or you can get your visa in advance at your nearest embassy before going.
Plus, most people can renew their visa for another 30 days before it ends. However, people who try to push their luck by continuously renewing tourist visas but actually staying long-term have been turned away when trying to re-enter the country, so make sure you are following the rules of your visa category. If you’re planning to stay long-term, you should get an appropriate visa.
Enjoy beautiful Bali!
Armed with these insights, you're ready to plan your Bali adventure! For the next steps, check out:
my favorite Bali activities and their costs
tips on how to get around Bali without a motorbike
Got questions about trip planning? Feel free to reach out for advice. I always enjoy hearing from readers!
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