Thing You Should Consider If You’re Visiting Bali for the First Time

One of these destinations is Bali, the Island of the Gods, which is capable of getting every traveller, who ever sets his foot on its shores, captivated. Its fertile rice terraces, pristine beaches, temples of antiquity and its warm tropical winds make this Indonesian paradise short of magic. Other than the spectacular scenery, Bali has its cultural beat that quivers through its ceremonies, dances and local smile. Your stroll through the art markets of Ubud, a day of surfing in Canggu, or even a sunset at Tanah lot all appear to resonate with the energy and peace at the same time.

But there are also quirks under the paradise postcard, which can be unpleasant to first-time travelers in Bali. Whether it is learning how to avoid the traffic congestion or what to expect in that season, to what local traditions to follow, there is nothing or no one like knowing what to expect so that your trip is hassle-free, safe, and worth remembering. Some preparation can go a long way, and it is these key tips that will enable you to explore Bali as a smart traveler as opposed to a bewildered tourist.

This is a comprehensive list of the key activities you need to take note of prior to your visit to this stunning tropical island bringing in the first time –

1. Organize your documents in advance to avoid Airport trouble 

And there is one thing you can not ignore before you can partake in the calmness of the Bali beaches and that is your travel. Ensure that your passport will expire not less than six months prior to arrival to Indonesia since it is a tight Indonesian requirement during immigration. It has been witnessed that many travelers have been rejected at the airport just because their passport was a few weeks below expected.

Based on your nationality, you may require a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an e-Visa. Indonesia can provide 30-day VoA to citizens of most countries but with the help of online application, one will save time at the airport. Have a return ticket and hotel reservations with you, as the immigration officers might want to see some evidence of where you are going.

Not only will having these documents keep you calm, but you will be guaranteed of an entry into Bali as smooth as its sunsets.

2. Choose Homestays for an Affordable Stay

Bali will serve all types of tourists, including luxury and budget travellers. Homestays and guesthouses are good choices in case you have a small budget but wish to have the authentic experience. These small local accommodations provide a peep into the Balinese hospitality and culture compared to the large resorts.

There are also a lot of beautiful family-owned properties in Ubud, Amed or Sidemen with beautiful rice fields or tropical gardens. It is more comfortable to stay with locals where you eat home cooking, get to know about customary traditions and even attend small village celebrations. Besides, these accommodations are affordable and leave room to tour, have a massage, or even shop.

Homestays also provide a sense of belonging to the digital nomads or long-stay travelers, something that is difficult to experience in the hotel.

3. Visit during the dry season 

The kind of weather that Bali has affects the experience of your vacation significantly. There are 2 seasons in the island, dry (April- October), and the rainy season (November- March). During the dry season, it is best to spend a day on the beach, go diving, hiking up Mount Batur, or just take a tour of outdoor activities such as waterfalls and rice terraces.

It has blue sky, perfect waves and colorful sunsets. But the island is not as quiet, and therefore you should book your places earlier.

During the wet season, there are heavy tropical showers, which are normally brief. It is not as convenient to beach hop, but it offers a more lush and green view, and fewer people, which is the best response to those who want to escape with their meditations.

4. Get an E-sim 

You must always remain connected not only to share your adventures, but also navigation, translation, and reserving. Due to the high cost of using foreign roaming, purchase a domestic SIM card with such providers as Telkomsel or XL Axiata. These are readily found in the airport or convenient shops and have excellent data coverage even in the rural setting.

Instead, an eSIM would provide you with immediate connectivity without changing the physical cards. It is ideal when you are visiting several islands or nations in the Southeast of Asia. You are always going to know where to go with quick data and not get lost in the labyrinth of streets in Ubud, or forget about a secret cafe suggestion.

5. Use Grab or Gojek to book a taxi

In Bali, transportation can be a nightmare to the first time visitor. Taxi-cabs are usually quite expensive with the tourists and bargaining fares can be difficult particularly after a long journey. You can use Grab or Gojek, the best ride-hailing apps of Indonesia, to make your life easier.

They enable you to reserve cars or motor bikes taxis at clear and reasonable costs. Motorbikes are the best mode of transportation in the short run, whereas cars are suitable when there is a day out. There is also the option to have food delivered, parcel services and even grocery in both apps so you are guaranteed to have your best friend in Bali.

Only remember that there are certain places with a lot of tourists, such as the town center of Ubud, which sometimes prohibit rides via apps, in this case, requesting your place of stay to order a local taxi.

6. If you’re planning to drive yourself, make sure you have an International Driver’s Permit

In the event you are planning to drive, then bear an International Driving Permit.

Hiring a scooter is almost a ritual to the tourists in Bali. It is inexpensive, entertaining and allows you to go adventure hunting in secret falls, cliff side bars, and seashores. Nevertheless, this is the one rule that is not followed by many tourists because you should have an International Driving Permit (IDP) with the license of your home country.

You will be fined in case of being pulled up by the local police without it. Wear a helmet carefully, drive slowly, and keep in mind that the traffic is moving on the left side of the road. Scooters come in handy when you have to cover short distances and you are not sure, then it would be better to hire a local driver to drive you on a day basis.

7. Tipping is not expected but appreciated

There is never a complaint of being tipped but it is always welcome.

The people of Bali are hospitable, friendly and very service oriented. Although it is not obligatory, a tip is a nice gesture and it helps a long way in expressing gratitude. It is pretty generous to leave about 5-10 percent of your bill at restaurants. To the porters, the spa personnel or the tour guides, even a tip can count.

Remember that high-end restaurants can already charge a service fee to the bill, and therefore, should inquire prior to adding an additional tip.

Tipping does not only concern money, but it is about the act of spreading goodwill and gratitude in an island where a smile is part of their culture.

Final Thoughts

Bali is not only a place, it is an emotion; a mix of spirituality, adventure and calmness. With these tips in advance, you will be able to enjoy its true essence without having to go over it unnecessarily. You can have a moment to remember when you organize your papers or even ride scooters past emerald rice fields. Every minute of your stay in Bali can be an unforgettable experience when you plan it well.

Remember about the local customs, admire the temples and follow the relaxed local pace of life. Bali does not fail to appreciate the traveler who travels with inquisitiveness and an open heart, and bestows not only on him breathtaking scenery but a sense of peace that will not fade even after you are off the island.