Bali hardly needs an introduction. The Island of the Gods is one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia, renowned for its stunning beaches, majestic temples, lush rice terraces, and vibrant nightlife. But as dreamy as Bali looks on Instagram, there are some key things every traveller should know before visiting, and this goes far beyond the usual travel concerns.
With the right tips, you can avoid a spicy shock from your meal, figure out the best ways to navigate, and understand the local customs that make Bali so special. Knowing these things in advance will save you stress, money, and awkward moments.
This guide covers 11 essential things to know before visiting Bali, along with a few bonus tips to make your trip easier, safer, and way more enjoyable.
Always Ask About Spice Levels in Food
Balinese and Indonesian dishes often pack serious heat. Meals like nasi goreng, mie goreng, sate ayam, or rendang are delicious, but they can be far spicier than many tourists expect.
If you can’t handle spicy food, tell the server “tidak pedas” or “no spicy, please” when you order. Even then, some dishes might have a bit of a kick, so double‑check before you dig in. Bali also has tons of cafés and restaurants catering to international tastes, so you’ll always find milder options.
Tourists Usually Pay More Than Locals
It’s common for foreigners to be charged more at markets, tourist attractions, or when booking services such as scooters and taxis. This isn’t always a scam; it’s just the way the economy works for tourism‑heavy areas.
To avoid being overcharged:
- Do some quick price checks on Google Maps or travel forums.
- Ask for the price before buying or agreeing to a service.
- Haggle politely in local markets (but don’t go too low, as bargaining is expected but should still be fair).
Don’t Just Stay in Canggu
Canggu is popular for a reason: it’s filled with beach clubs, restaurants, coworking spaces, and an intense digital‑nomad scene. But if you never leave Canggu, you’ll miss out on what makes Bali special.
Consider these alternatives:
- Ubud – for temples, rice terraces, yoga, and culture.
- Sidemen – a peaceful village with incredible scenery.
- Amed – perfect for diving and snorkelling.
- The Nusa Islands – incredible for beaches and adventure activities.
Exploring beyond the typical hotspots gives you a more authentic experience and often fewer crowds.
Be Careful Around Canang Sari Offerings
The little woven baskets filled with flowers, rice, and incense you see on the ground are called canang sari. They’re daily offerings placed by Balinese Hindus as a sign of gratitude.
Accidentally stepping on or kicking them is considered disrespectful. Keep an eye on where you walk, especially on sidewalks and temple steps.
Follow Temple Rules
Bali is home to thousands of temples (pura), and visiting them is a must. But remember that these are active places of worship, so dress and behave appropriately.
- Wear a sarong and sash (most temples provide or rent them).
- Cover your shoulders and knees.
- Women should avoid entering temples while menstruating, as per local tradition.
- Don’t climb on statues or pose in ways that may be considered disrespectful.
Ignoring these rules has led to fines and even deportations in recent years, so take them seriously.
Traffic Can Be Unpredictable
Bali traffic can be chaotic, especially in the south near Seminyak, Kuta, and Denpasar. Roads are narrow, and there are often more scooters than cars.
Plan extra travel time for day trips and airport transfers. If you’re staying in Ubud or Canggu, leaving early in the morning can save you a lot of time stuck in jams.
Scooters Are the Easiest Way to Get Around
Renting a scooter is often the most cost-effective and efficient way to explore Bali. Rentals cost around 50,000 to 100,000 IDR per day (approximately $4 to USD 7).
But safety is key:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Have travel insurance that covers scooter accidents.
- Only ride if you’re confident on two wheels, traffic rules can feel very different here.
If you don’t want to ride, you can book scooter taxis through Grab or Gojek.
Download Grab and Gojek Before You Go
Grab and Gojek are Bali’s versions of Uber. You can use them to book cars, scooters, or even food delivery. The apps work well and usually offer fair prices compared to bargaining on the street.
Sign up before you leave home so you don’t get stuck trying to verify your account using weak airport Wi‑Fi.
Plan Around Rainy Season
Bali has two main seasons:
- Dry season (April to October) – Best for outdoor activities and beaches.
- Rainy season (November to March) – Cheaper and less crowded, but with frequent downpours.
If you’re visiting during rainy season, bring a light rain jacket and plan some indoor activities like spa days, yoga classes, or cooking courses.
Follow Beach Clubs on Social Media
Bali’s beach clubs, like Finns, Potato Head, and Savaya, regularly post special events and discounts on Instagram. Following them before your trip can help you score free entry, drink promos, or early table reservations for sunset.
Bring a Wise Card for Payments
Carrying some cash is essential in Bali, but having a Wise card (or another travel card with low fees) is a huge plus. It gives you better exchange rates than money changers and works well for online payments, ATMs, and emergencies.
Quick Bonus Tips
- Learn a few Bahasa phrases – Simple words like “terima kasih” (thank you) go a long way.
- Drink bottled water – Tap water isn’t safe to drink, and ice in local warungs may not be filtered.
- Use your right hand when giving or receiving things, it’s a sign of respect.
Final Thoughts On Things You Should Know Before Visiting Bali
Bali is incredible, but it’s also busy and full of surprises that first‑time visitors don’t always expect. Knowing these 11 things before visiting Bali will help you avoid common mistakes, travel more smoothly, and make the most of your time on the island.
By respecting local culture, planning for traffic and weather, and using simple travel hacks like ride‑hailing apps and Wise cards, you’ll be able to experience Bali beyond just the usual tourist spots.
