Visiting Bali? Follow these 13 tips to ensure your trip runs smoothly

The sun-soaked paradise of Bali attracts every type of traveler, from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury jet setters.

Yet as with any destination, questions will occur to anyone planning a trip to this Indonesian island. These range from the basic (what to pack?) to the highly personal (whether or not unmarried couples may stay together in Bali – more on this below).

Logistics shouldn’t preoccupy you too much, as Bali is extremely easy to explore. Still, given its size – 5776 sq km (2230 sq miles) – travelers should take the time to think about and perhaps map out what they want to see and do relatively early on. Places such as Seminyak, for example, with its beach clubs and five-star hotels, tend to become somewhat crowded during peak season, while more rural destinations, such as Ubud, might well require longer taxi journeys – absolutely worth the effort, especially for those keen to avoid crowds.

If you’re headed to Bali yourself, read on for a few tips to consider before you leave.

1. Don’t write off the rainy season

An awareness of when dry and rainy seasons fall is very useful to know before heading to Indonesia. But here’s a contrarian view: Bali’s rainy season between October and April is a great time to visit the island. The short, sharp showers often only last a few minutes. Prices for everything from regional airfares to hotels plummet. Best of all, the island becomes wonderfully lush, the weather is still warm (typically hovering between 24°C/75°F and 29°C/85°F), and the main tourist attractions are blissfully crowd-free. You’ll also find it easier to secure places on excursions, such as snorkeling tours and guided hikes.

2. Check that your vaccinations are up to date

Barring those arriving from countries with a high risk of yellow fever, there are no mandatory vaccinations for visitors to Bali. Still, it’s never a bad idea to be up to date on your shots for hepatitis A, typhoid and tetanus. Bali falls into the “low to no risk” category when it comes to malaria.

Rabies remains a big problem in Indonesia, and though it claims fewer lives in Bali than elsewhere (11 died of the disease on the island in 2023, according to the World Health Organization), the rabies vaccination is worth considering. Working out what vaccinations you need for a holiday to Bali is largely a personal choice; if you have concerns, contact your local physician for the latest guidance.

3. Buy bug spray when you get there...

To be clear, Bali doesn’t have a major mosquito problem. Yet as anywhere in Southeast Asia, these pesky biting bugs do love the occasional bloodsucking session – in the case of Bali, particularly during the rainy season. Lighten the load on your wallet by purchasing your repellent in Bali and opting for bug sprays made in Asia. Popular (and much cheaper) Asian brands you’ll find throughout Indonesia include Soffell (we’re fans of the surprisingly pleasant floral-scented version).

4. ...but do bring a reusable bottle from home

One of the most asked questions by tourists: “Is Bali's tap water safe to drink?” The short answer is no. Stick to bottled water – or, better still, bring a bottle with a built-in water filtering membrane. In addition to the waste generated by single-use plastic, purchases of bottled water – especially in restaurants – can add up quickly. Which is why we’re such fans of reusable filtered ones, such those from Larq and Lifestraw. These are also handy when it comes to purifying water used for cleaning fruits and vegetables. Additionally, try to steer clear of ice, and use bottled or filtered water to brush your teeth.

5. Seek out tips from locals

Staying at a hotel with a concierge or a friendly receptionist? Feel free to grill them about the best local bar, swimming spot or restaurant. The Balinese are incredibly proud of their island – don’t be surprised if the bartender at your favorite beach bar ends up inviting you to their home for dinner with their family – and love nothing more than telling visitors about their favorite beach, nature walk or temple.

6. Avoid traveling during peak times

Traffic in Bali can be horrendous – especially around busier spots such as Denpasar and Kuta – with estimated journey times on apps like Google Maps or Grab notoriously unreliable. Peak times tend to be 6–8am (though roads often remain busy until 10am, when day trippers set out), and 4–7pm. Allow plenty of time to get from A to B, especially when heading to the airport.

7. Eat, drink, stay and shop locally

As you explore Bali, aim to embrace local – from eating at tiny family-run restaurants to opting for local drink brands. This will not only have you paying less and enjoying delicious local dishes: you’ll be contributing directly to the local economy, too. These days, even the smallest restaurants, bars and independent hotels will be listed on online review sites such as Zomato (especially popular in Asia), and a quick glance should tell you whether the business in question is reputable or not.

8. Carry some loose change (especially for emergency rides)

Many businesses in Bali will take payment by card, but many places accept only cash. These include temples, smaller souvenir shops and beachfront massage cabanas (which, by the way, offer some of the best massages you’ll ever have). ATMs are also few and far between in some areas, and can be unreliable where they do exist – so be sure to stock up on cash when you have the chance. Additionally, don’t assume you'll always have the mobile data you’ll need to book a ride-share taxi. If you need to hail a tuk-tuk or taxi from the side of the road, you’ll almost certainly need to pay in cash.

When using ATMs, opt for ones connected with major banks (in Indonesia, these include BNI, Bank Mandiri, BCA and CIMB Niaga) to avoid hefty withdrawal fees, and remember that Indonesian ATMs dispense cash before ejecting your card. Don’t forget to retrieve it.

9. Get around by moped (but always wear a helmet)

Mopeds are the cheapest way to get around Bali – and often the quickest, too, especially during rush hour in Kuta and other densely populated places. They’re also offered as a mode of transport by Grab and Gojek, Bali's most popular rideshare apps, with prices for moped journeys significantly cheaper than those by car. Just remember to check the reviews of your chosen driver and always wear a helmet (the driver will typically provide one). Avoid hailing scooter taxis on the street, since you won’t be able to check their credentials. And frankly, Grab and Gojek have so many scooter drivers (identifiable by their bright-green jackets) that there’s simply no need.

10. Pack clothes that will cover you up when not on the beach

In Bali, skimpy swimwear is fine for the beach – but definitely not for trips to a supermarket or restaurant.

Men and women need to ensure their shoulders and upper legs are covered especially when visiting religious sites (although most of these places will have sarongs for visitors to borrow). Pack like a pro by taking a light cotton scarf that can double as a sarong if you visit a temple or other religious site, plus a pair of light-cotton trousers (bonus points if they’ve got a built-in mosquito repellent), which will protect you from bites while also providing enough coverage at sites where tiny denim shorts or a vest just aren’t enough.

11. Stay out of trouble by behaving respectfully

Despite what media reports might imply, it’s not easy to get in trouble in Bali. Just follow a few sensible rules, and you’ll have a seamless trip.

Skip all drugs, for being caught with even under a gram of cannabis will land you in prison. Show deference and dress appropriately at religious sites. Don’t ride a motorbike or moped without a helmet (Bali's police have recently started cracking down especially hard on foreign moped drivers). And most of all, and treat locals with respect.

12. There is a no-sex-before-marriage law

In December 2022, the Indonesian government enacted a new law that forbids sex outside of marriage. The policy is meant to apply to visitors as well as locals, and to be phased in by 2025.

Since the legislation’s passage, however, Bali’s governor has said that the law – derided by some newspapers as the “Bali bonk ban”– won’t apply to tourists, and that guilty parties can only be reported by spouses, parents or children. In summary, the law represents a worrying development for human rights in Indonesia, but one that’s unlikely to affect tourists.

13. Prepare to pay a daily tourist tax

As tourism has roared back after the pandemic, authorities have responded to environmental challenges (especially plastic waste on beaches) and overtourism concerns by finally launching a long-mooted fee for foreign visitors as of February 2024. The fee of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah per visitor (about US$9.40, €8.90 or AU$14.75) is payable upon arrival on the island.