Things To Know Before Travelling To Bali

I made this post for you international travelers who want to vacation in Bali or specifically for the first time to Bali. I only share something informative to you because I often travel in Bali then I think to share this experience for you. So, don't be too serious. Enjoy!

Riding A Motorbikes.

The favorite transportation of tourists in Bali is motorbikes, riding motorbikes to get around in Bali because it is more flexible when facing traffic jam or small roads, easy to use (if you can ride), and more efficient. However, most of what I see is there are still many tourists who are not yet good at riding motorbikes and that it is very dangerous and can also harm others.

The atmosphere of traffic in Bali is quite crowded and you are indeed required to be adept at driving motorbikes, be more careful, use helmets and always pay attention to traffic signs even though there are some roads that have no traffic signs. Sometimes we are more careful but other drivers aren't necessarily.

The average type of motorbike for rent in Bali is a matic motorbike that is sized for Asians but there is a matic motorbike that is suitable for you riding like Yamaha N-Max 150, Honda Vario 150 FI, Yamaha Aerox 150, and Honda PCX 150. Motorbike rental prices range Rp. 60.000 - Rp. 150.000 per day, you can check Ichi Rent Bike. Then, there are several places that rent out large motorbikes and you can check on the internet, for example Malamadre.

Don’t Step On Canang Sari.

Canang Sari is one of the traditions of Balinese people who are Hindu with the aim of offering or expressing gratitude for peace in the world. Canang Sari is always offered every day and is usually placed in front of the temple, houses, streets, shops, and various places.

We better as humans do not damage, do not move, do not step on and do not run over Canang Sari intentionally. The cause is unknown but we should do this as a form of respect for the traditions of the Balinese Hindu community.

Learn to Understand Zero Digit Amounts in Rupiah Currency.

I also experienced this when in other countries, Rupiah had a lot of zeros so I often saw fewer digits of other countries' currencies and I considered it a cheap price (stupid me). The way I deal with that is by setting the maximum value of the currency. For example, when I travel in Malaysia, I will set Rp. 50,000 or 14.45 RM as the maximum limit for assessing the price of goods. If I see food prices below 14.45 Malaysian Ringgit, I'll buy it. It's more or less the way I deal with this like that so I don't need to take out a calculator to count.

First Survey!

In fact, many people have done this, but there are still some people who didn’t surveys in more detail. Some people just find out the location and when the right time to come but they don’t find out about the distance and conditions of the trip, or conditions when in that place such as the cost of the entrance ticket or access to the place. I also experienced this, because I was too rushed so that when I arrived at my destination, I got a disappointing because I was required to pay too expensive for access to that place.

For You Who Can't Drive A Vehicle.

If you feel this, don't worry. In my opinion, you must pay attention to where you stay in Bali. There are several choices of lodging areas in Bali that are right for you to be able to visit interesting places, namely in Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, and Canggu. For lodging in Kuta, Seminyak and Legian areas it is suitable because there are many restaurants, cafes, shops, bars, clubbing and beach too. So you just walk.

Legian Street

Canggu street

Canggu street | Taken by Hagaina Paulina

In Canggu around the Berawa beach and Batu Bolong beach there are also many restaurants, cafes and shops. Then in Canggu you can also rent bicycles at prices ranging from Rp. 30,000 per day.

Don't Drink On Tap Water.

Never drink from tap water, you better buy a bottle of mineral water. Tap water will make your stomach sick because it's not for consumption. I think, most hotels in Bali make warnings on water taps.

Local Food.

I explain this if you are interested in trying to eat local food so you don't be afraid to try local food because Indonesian food famous with spicy and weird taste. Maybe you want to save more money or try something new. Choose a local food menu that you think is suitable in your stomach. Then, you can also ask the composition of food to them. Then, you also need to pay attention to the cleanliness of the places you want to visit.

You don't assume western or european food is too expensive in Bali, certainly not because many restaurants and cafes in Bali have good food at low prices. Don't worry about ice cubes, Bali has regulations on the use of ice cubes and it's certain that all ice cubes in Bali are safe for consumption.

Tuna satay in Ubud street food

Things About Restaurant.

The first thing is for those of you are vegan it's very welcome and not difficult to find a restaurant. You can find it in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. Then, there are also restaurants with Halal menus in Bali.

Kim Soo Home, vegetarian friendly

Second thing is in the menu book, there is usually a price for each menu but in Bali you should pay more attention to tax and service that not include prices on the menu and usually there are small posts below on the menu, like this : all prices do not include 10% tax and 2% service. This was done because of regional regulations.

See?

Last thing is about tipping. It's simple thing, you can do it or not and the waiter doesn't always ask for or be given a tip.

Manage Your Finances.

Please, arrange your finances while on holiday in Bali and don't be too tempted by cheap drink prices or happy hour at each bar because you will spend money when you are too drunk. It's dangerous if you run out of money in one night and you are in trouble in Bali. Don't waste money on something thats not worth it. In Bali there are no pickpockets but it's better we be more careful, not to give opportunities to things that harm us.

Bali Is Bigger Than Kuta.

Bali is bigger than Kuta and Denpasar and every region in Bali has different lifestyles, atmosphere and more. In Kuta, Legian, Seminyak and surrounding areas are areas that I think are always crowded and are perfect for those of you who have a lifestyle like clubbing, night parties, and spending time at the bar. In the afternoon you can relax at Seminyak or Kuta beach.

Relaxing in Blue 9 Beach Seminyak

In Ubud, according to me specifically for those of you who have a quieter lifestyle, likes natural charm such as waterfalls, rice fields, countryside, and traditional culture. If you often do yoga or meditation, then you should stay in Ubud. I often travel in Ubud and there are interesting places in Ubud that I have posted on blogs such as Cempuhan Ridge Walk and Ceking Rice Terrace.

Most view in Ubud

Ubud street | Taken by Hagaina Paulina

Then, in the Canggu and Uluwatu, I think it is right for you to have a lifestyle of surf sports enthusiasts, yoga, healthy life (Canggu and Uluwatu have Nalu Bowls) and have little in common with Ubud, but Canggu and Uluwatu have many beaches with a beach club and clubbing but the atmosphere in both regions is a bit quiet from Kuta, Seminyak and Legian. I suggest you have to try every difference in atmosphere, it will be an interesting experience in Bali.

Don't Try To Bring or Use Narcotics.

This part is very important and high risk if you ignore it. Many cases of tourists caught using narcotics or carrying narcotics to Indonesia, precisely to Bali and also the law in Indonesia can be up to the death penalty or life imprisonment. So you travelers already know this is very dangerous even in other countries.

Be careful when you are at the airport and meet strangers asking for help or leaving a package with a salary that is too high because it is likely that the contents of the package are narcotics or dangerous items so you better avoid or report to the authorities.

Done! All of that is based on what I felt and I saw for several times traveling in Bali. You don't need to worry about everything when you travelling in Bali, always respect each others, take care of yourself, always fun, don't forget use sun block or tanning oil and obey all the rules where we are.