Planning a Trip to Bali? Here’s 5 Things You Need to Know

Bali is a one of those gems where there are white-and black-sand beaches lining the picturesque horizons making it an attraction for millions of people a year. Yet, with all this natural beauty comes a flurry of tourists, commercialism and overcrowding. Paradise can have its downfalls and when you’re preparing for a trip, you should consider both the highs and the lows. Luckily, Ive compiled a list of 5 things you should know before you book that trip to Bali!

1. Travel by taxi

You will see tons of motorcycles and mopeds on the streets and you might be tempted to have a go yourself. Our advice: get a taxi. This is the most convenient and safest way of traveling in Bali.

Pro tip: Order it prior to your arrival/departure, so you can avoid the chaos of the airport and/or fighting for that one taxi to pick you up out of everyone else who is waving it down! Companies like Balicab have day rates so you can explore the island without worrying about mounting travel costs.

2. Consider your attire

Bali has a tropical climate and can have sweltering highs of over 30 degrees Celsius. Also, the rainy season can have torrential downpours. But you shouldn’t only think about packing for the weather. You should remember the Balinese culture especially when visiting temples. Most temples require that you dress modestly, covering most of your skin. So, if you do plan on visiting one of the many historical temples throughout Bali; some that are dated back to the 9th century, make sure to pack accordingly or pick up the correct attire before heading in!

3. Be smart and be aware.

This should be a no brainer but stay away from any drugs! Bali is a highly sought-after destination and there are people who might take advantage of those who are not as knowledgeable of the surrounding areas. That’s not to say you shouldn’t enjoy yourself. Have fun in Ubud , or any town for that matter, but don’t dabble in any drugs. If you are caught, the sentence could be a severe penalty.

4. Take account of your money.

Be careful with how you get and spend your money. ATMs in Bali are untrustworthy. Most charge exorbitant fees or worse “eat” your card. Plan for other ways to get cash so that you can travel and explore the country without worry. Using a credit card might be your safest bet and you can avoid high fees by using services like Transferwise.

5. Water…don’t tap that!

Like the ATMs, avoid it. The tap water might be contaminated in parts of the island so plan ahead. If you want to be environmentally conscious and reduce plastic waste; buy a reusable water bottle. You can refill it at restaurants, cafes, or hotels and most will do it for free. Efficient and economical for you!