Bali travel advice: 8 things you need to know

This post includes everything you need to know before traveling to Bali. The best Bali travel advice and Tips and tricks from us, who stayed for about two weeks on this amazing island! Bali is a great starting point for backpackers and solo travelers planning a trip around Southeast Asia. Bali has something for everyone: solo travelers, adventurers, luxury travelers, and beach lovers. It’s especially ideal for backpackers because the island is safe like no other place. Everyone here is incredibly friendly, and there are plenty of opportunities to meet new people and live on a relatively low budget. Let’s start with the most important Bali travel requirements and things you should know before traveling to Bali yourself.

1. Monsoon Season

Our first bali travel advice: Important to know is that Bali, like many Southeast Asian countries, is impacted by the monsoon. As a result, the year is not divided into winter and summer seasons but rather into the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season, which lasts from April to October, is more favorable for travelers and beach lovers. The monsoon season, from November to March, brings more rain showers. During this time, it is more humid, and typically, it rains heavily once a day, usually in the evening, for about 20 minutes, and then it stops. The advantage of the rainy season is that there are fewer tourists, and the weather is slightly cooler compared to the dry season.

2. Visa on Arrival (VoA)

For people planning to stay in Bali for less than a month, I highly recommend the visa on arrival. Make sure to check the requirements for your country beforehand. This visa is very affordable, costing around 500,000 IDR (approximately 30 euros) per person, and it can even be extended for another 30 days. You can purchase this visa upon arrival at the airport, directly at the designated desk. Typically, you need to have a return flight booked to show your planned departure from the country. Aside from this, the visa on arrival is the easiest option for backpackers.

3. Internet & Sim

Another bali travel advice is about the Internet on Bali. Most cafés, restaurants, and hotels in Bali offer Wi-Fi. I recommend buying a SIM card, which is easy to find at the airport, or using an eSIM for Indonesia. It’s very affordable and convenient for booking various transport options and other services.

4. Accommodation tips

Depending on what type of traveler you are, here are different tips for places to visit in Bali. For backpackers, Seminyak and Kuta are often mentioned because of their vibrant nightlife and many restaurants. Canggu is another popular spot, known for its surfing and trendy cafes, where many digital nomads enjoy spending their time. These areas are famous and have a strong Western vibe, attracting numerous travelers and tourists. They are also home to many models and digital nomads who prefer living in Bali.

Ubud, on the other hand, is renowned for its cultural offerings, featuring many temples and beautiful natural surroundings (if you need tips for things to do in Ubud: https://www.blog-lifetoremember.com/2024/10/30/things-to-do-in-ubud/). It is also a hub for spirituality and yoga retreats, with its most famous attraction being the Monkey Forest, which draws visitors from all over the world. For luxury lovers, Nusa Dua is the place to be, offering peace, quiet, and luxurious resorts.

Less well-known in Bali is Amed, which is gaining popularity among travelers seeking an authentic cultural experience. It boasts stunning beaches and is ideal for divers. Another great alternative is Sidemen, which is similar to Ubud but offers a more authentic Balinese experience, with fewer tourists. It is closer to the volcano, providing breathtaking views of rice terraces around the village. Finally, Balangan is a lesser-known surfer’s paradise, not far from Uluwatu, a hotspot for influencers and surfers.

5. ATM

We wouldn’t recommend changing money at one of the currency exchange banks; instead, just use ATMs. Most restaurants and hotels only accept cash, so you can withdraw a significant amount in advance. You’ll get to experience the thrill of feeling like a millionaire at least once in your life!

6. Hostels vs. Hotels

Hotels are relatively cheap on Bali, and there are many great ones on the island. You’ve probably seen some of them on Instagram before. For backpackers and solo travelers, however, we recommend hostels as well. Bali has a large backpacker community, and you can meet many people in one of the famous and exciting hostels around the island. There are also numerous coworking spaces and apartments available, which are perfect if you’re a digital nomad. These spaces allow you to connect with others who share your vision. Bali, in particular, attracts many independent people who work remotely or are still exploring their future career paths. Connecting with them is both inspiring and rewarding.

7. Safety and Health

We recommend bringing a well-stocked supply of basic pharmacy items from home to cover your essential needs. Additionally, consider packing remedies for Bali Belly (traveler’s diarrhea). Don’t forget mosquito repellent, as there are many mosquitoes on the island, especially around the Gili Islands.

Bali is well-known for its Bali Belly issues, which is why it’s crucial to avoid drinking or using tap water in any form. This includes not using tap water to rinse your toothbrush or having ice cubes made from tap water in your drinks. Otherwise, you may experience stomach problems. In case something does happen, it’s good to have medications on hand to help soothe an upset stomach. It is also very recommended to check out your country’s foreign affair website to check about maybe specific rules or guidelines about travelling to Bali.

8. Transportation

There is no Uber in Bali. The most efficient way to get around is by booking a Grab or Gojek moped. They even provide an extra helmet to ensure your safety while traveling from point A to point B. You can, of course, also book a taxi, but we wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re looking for a private driver for the entire day, which is actually quite common and really cool. The driver will take you to various destinations throughout the day for a fixed price and can also offer great tips. For a more immersive experience, we recommend using mopeds. There’s a unique and exciting feeling that comes with riding around the island on a motor scooter. However, navigating Bali’s traffic in some areas can be quite an adventure—you’ll “survive” by simply riding and not overthinking it too much!

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to explore the island, there’s a bus service called the Kura-Kura Bus. It connects most of the famous villages around the island and is often used by backpackers to travel between different locations. That said, taxis in Bali are also relatively affordable.

We liked Bali a lot, even though it took us a while to adjust to the different culture. What was most interesting was how genuinely nice and helpful everyone was. We met so many sweet Balinese people during our two weeks there. The nature, with its stunning waterfalls, combined with the fascinating culture, is amazing to learn about. However, if you’re looking for a deeper cultural experience, I wouldn’t recommend Bali. It has become quite “westernized” in that sense, with many luxury hotel complexes, tourist-focused villages, and a significant number of visitors. For this reason, we’d recommend Bali as a great starter destination to gently ease into Southeast Asia while still being surrounded by plenty of familiar comforts and fellow tourists. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for in Bali. These were our Bali travel advice and we hope it helped you a lot with your travel planning!

Either way, we wish you a safe trip and hope you create memories to last a lifetime! If you have any questions or suggestions for things to include in the post, feel free to contact us on Instagram or leave a comment below!