Bali is one of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world, but a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing the right Bali travel tips before you arrive can mean the difference between a smooth, magical trip and one filled with avoidable frustrations.
This complete guide covers 20 essential Bali tips for tourists, including practical Bali dos and donts, smart Bali travel hacks, and honest Bali travel advice gathered from real experience navigating the island.
1. Get an International Driving Permit Before You Arrive
If you plan to rent a scooter, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required. This is one of the most important Bali travel tips that many tourists overlook, and riding without one can result in fines at police checkpoints.
2. Always Carry a Sarong for Temples
A sarong and sash are required at most temples in Bali. While rentals are available at entrances, carrying your own is one of the simplest Bali travel hacks, saving you time and small rental fees throughout your trip.
3. Negotiate at Markets, Not at Fixed-Price Shops
Bargaining is expected at traditional markets like Ubud Traditional Market, but not at malls or shops with clearly marked prices. Understanding this distinction is one of the most useful Bali dos and donts for avoiding awkward situations.
4. Download Grab and Gojek Before You Land
These ride-hailing apps are essential for getting around safely and affordably. Download them and set up payment methods before you arrive to avoid wasting time on your first day.
5. Drink Only Bottled or Filtered Water
Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink. This is one of the most important Bali travel tips for avoiding stomach upsets. Most hotels and guesthouses provide complimentary bottled or filtered water.
6. Respect the Daily Offerings (Canang Sari)
You will see small woven palm leaf baskets with flowers and incense placed on the ground throughout Bali. These are daily Hindu offerings called canang sari. Never step on them. This is one of the most important Bali dos and donts related to cultural respect.
7. Avoid Drinking and Riding
Never ride a scooter after drinking alcohol. This is the single most important piece of Bali travel advice related to personal safety, given how common scooter accidents involving tourists are.
8. Book Accommodation and Activities in Advance During Peak Season
July, August, and the Christmas/New Year period see Bali at its busiest. One of the smartest Bali travel hacks is booking accommodation and popular activities like the Bali Swing or sunrise volcano treks well in advance during these months.
9. Carry Cash for Small Vendors and Donations
Many warungs, local markets, and temple entrances do not accept cards. Always carry a reasonable amount of Indonesian Rupiah in cash, a key piece of practical Bali travel advice often missed by first-time visitors.
10. Dress Modestly Outside Beach Areas
While beachwear is fine at the beach, dressing more modestly when exploring towns, temples, and local neighborhoods shows cultural respect and is one of the more important Bali dos and donts for first-time visitors.
11. Watch Out for Monkeys at Temples
Monkeys at sites like the Sacred Monkey Forest and Uluwatu Temple are known for snatching sunglasses, hats, and food. Keep belongings secure and avoid direct eye contact, a practical safety tip among Bali tips for tourists.
12. Avoid the Midday Sun for Outdoor Activities
Bali’s equatorial sun is intense, particularly between 11 AM and 3 PM. Plan outdoor activities like rice terrace walks and temple visits for early morning or late afternoon, one of the most comfort-improving Bali travel hacks available.
13. Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Regular sunscreen can damage coral reefs at popular snorkeling and diving spots. Choosing reef-safe sunscreen is both good environmental practice and increasingly required at some marine conservation areas.
14. Don’t Rely on Tap Water for Brushing Teeth
Use bottled or filtered water even for brushing your teeth in budget accommodation. This small but important detail among Bali travel tips helps avoid unnecessary stomach issues.
15. Be Cautious of Unlicensed Taxis
Stick to official Bluebird taxis or ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek. Unlicensed taxis approaching tourists outside airports and malls often quote inflated fixed prices, an important item among Bali dos and donts.
16. Check Tide Times for Coastal Attractions
Locations like Angel Billabong on Nusa Penida and certain beach access points become dangerous at high tide. Checking tide times before visiting is a smart, safety-focused piece of Bali travel advice.
17. Learn a Few Basic Bahasa Indonesia Phrases
Simple greetings like “terima kasih” (thank you) and “permisi” (excuse me) go a long way in building rapport with locals. This small effort is consistently rated as one of the most appreciated Bali travel tips by the Balinese themselves.
18. Avoid Single-Use Plastic Where Possible
Bali has significant plastic waste challenges. Carrying a reusable water bottle and avoiding plastic straws when possible is both responsible travel and increasingly expected, a values-based addition to modern Bali travel advice.
19. Budget Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic around Kuta, Seminyak, and the road to Ubud can be unpredictable and heavy, especially during peak hours. Building extra time into your schedule is one of the more practical Bali travel hacks for avoiding stress and missed bookings.
20. Travel Insurance Is Non-Negotiable
Given the popularity of scooter rentals and adventurous activities like volcano trekking and waterfall hiking, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation is one of the most important pieces of Bali travel advice for any visitor.
Bali Dos and Donts: Quick Summary
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Carry a sarong for temples | Step on canang sari offerings |
| Negotiate at markets | Negotiate at fixed-price shops |
| Get an IDP before riding a scooter | Ride a scooter without proper documentation |
| Drink bottled or filtered water | Drink tap water |
| Use Grab or Gojek | Use unlicensed taxis |
| Dress modestly outside the beach | Wear beachwear in town centers and temples |
| Book ahead during peak season | Assume availability during July, August, December |
Frequently Asked Questions: Bali Travel Tips
Q: What is the most important thing to know before visiting Bali?
Among all Bali travel tips, the most critical is getting an International Driving Permit if you plan to rent a scooter, and always wearing a helmet and riding sober. Scooter safety is the single biggest practical concern for tourists in Bali.
Q: What should I avoid doing in Bali?
Avoid stepping on canang sari offerings, avoid drinking tap water, avoid riding scooters without proper licensing or after drinking, and avoid disrespecting temple dress codes. These are the most important Bali dos and donts for visitors.
Q: Is Bali expensive for tourists?
No. Bali remains excellent value for money, with affordable food, transport, and accommodation across every budget level. Following smart Bali travel hacks like avoiding tourist-trap pricing and using ride-hailing apps keeps costs even lower.
Q: What is the biggest mistake first-time visitors make in Bali?
Underestimating traffic time and riding scooters without proper experience or documentation are the two most common mistakes highlighted in most Bali travel advice from experienced travelers.
Q: Do I need to tip in Bali?
Tipping is appreciated but not strictly required. Many restaurants add a service charge automatically. For drivers and guides, a small tip of $2 to $5 for good service is a thoughtful and appreciated gesture.
Q: Is it rude to point with your finger in Bali?
Yes, slightly. Pointing with the thumb rather than the index finger is considered more polite in Balinese and broader Indonesian culture, a small but meaningful cultural detail among Bali tips for tourists.
