Bali Guide

Bali Guide for First-timers: The DO’s and DON’Ts You Need to Know

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The DO’s

1. Wear a helmet

bali guide

Both for protection and to avoid a run-in with the police! Bali Roads can be dangerous and messing with Balinese police is definitely not a fun Bali activity that I would recommend!

2. Expect to wait in an extremely long line when going through Indonesian customs

It’s not always the case, but I have waited in line for up to 3 hours before. Ensure to let your driver know your flight details in case of a delay or multiple flights landed at once. Be sure not to book anything too close to your flight arrival and bring some entertainment for the kids for while you wait. Do note that you can arrange VIP Fast Track to shorten the time at the airport. If you are staying at our Bali villas, let our Concierge team know and they’ll get it done for you.

3. Make sure the taxi driver is going to turn on the meter (BEFORE getting in the taxi)

bali guide for first-timers
Credit: Kiwi He via Flickr

In most cases, if they want to decide a price instead of using the meter it is because that price is much more expensive. Blue Bird Taxis are generally the best to use and will generally be very happy to turn their meter on. For more information the taxis in Bali, we have an in-depth guide in our Bali Villa Finder’s travel guide. Check out that article if you want to learn more about common frauds and what to look out for.

4. Learn some of the local language

Indonesian people are warm, funny, friendly people. They love to have a joke around with you, ask you where you’re from and love a bit of banter. On this note, if you surprise them with a few local words, they’ll love you for trying! Try out Learning Indonesian as a starting point.

5. Try the local foods

trying indonesian food is a must

Nasi Goreng, Nasi Campur, Mi Goreng (no, not the packet type sold in your local supermarkets), Gado Gado… just thinking about these makes me drool. Oh and don’t get me started on the fruit – purple dragon fruit, snake fruit and rambutans just to name a few – you’ll get the entire rainbow on your plate! Check out some of the local ‘warungs‘ to find the more authentic cuisine.

Related: The best restaurants in Bali: 6 amazing places to go out for dinner

6. Use GO Jek

If you’re not familiar with Go Jek, it’ll soon be your favourite app in Bali. Go Jek can deliver meals (Go Food) and be used as a transport service (Go Ride & Go Car) plus more – get a massage (Go Massage) or shopping (Go Shop) delivered to your villa or even use the furniture removal service (Go Box). Simply food, you can have anything you want without even stepping out of your holiday villa.

7. Respect the locals when shopping

balinese people
Credit: Richard Ha via Flickr

Bartering is something of a sport, but there’s nothing worse than seeing a westerner get nasty towards a local vendor – after all, they’re just trying to make a bit of money. Humour and a smile will get you a long way. And if they’re getting nasty? No problem – be the bigger person and walk away. The Indonesian are generally kind, loving people and deserve kindness in return.

8. Buy activated charcoal tablets to treat ‘Bali Belly’

They work an absolute treat should you find your tummy making some interesting sounds. They come in a small yellow tube (the brand Norit is what I use) and only cost about 20c! Find out more about the treatment and prevention of Bali Belly here.

9. Put your handbag under your motorbike seat or between yourself and the person driving

It’s common for people to get their bags snatched off them whilst whizzing around the streets of many under-developed countries including Bali, more so in the densely populated areas such as Seminyak and Canggu. On this note – make sure you have your hand-bag on the opposite side of the road when walking as well.

10. Attend a cooking class in Bali

cooking class in bali
Credit: Case Luna Ubud

Cooking classes are a fun activity for people of all ages. They’re a particularly great idea as a rainy day activity. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of local markets, view the vibrant colours of Indonesian ingredients and experience the fragrant smells of the food being prepared! Some of my favourites include Paon Cooking Class in Ubud, Hujan Cooking Class by Will Meyrick in Tabanan and the Casa Luna Cooking School by Janet De’Neefe in Ubud.

The DON’Ts

1. Tell people it’s your first time in Bali

Often this is an indicator for local vendors to double their prices! Be aware that if you act like a tourist, you will be treated as one.

2. Drink tap water

It’s a mistake that can cost you a very upset stomach. Bottled water is sold everywhere, use it for brushing your teeth and drinking. If you can – help out the environment and buy a large water bottle (10 litres or more) and refill the bottles you buy initially.

3. Forget your toiletries

toiletries

Sounds silly right? Well whilst most things you can get for a dollar or two in Bali compared to back home, things such as tampons, razors and non-hair-breaking shampoos and conditions are either difficult to come by or extremely over-priced (as they’ve been imported). Another one – sunscreen!

4. Put your phone in your back pocket

An easy target for pick-pockets! And also likely to fall out if you jump on a bike.

5. Get stressed by the honking horns

This is simply a way of life in Bali and (believe it or not) something you will get used to. Often you will get a nice little surprise as you walk along the road with taxis beeping you to see if you need a lift, a polite head shake will move them on, in most cases however it is simply drivers warning that they are overtaking another vehicle. Find out more about Bali’s road rules here.

6. Carry wads of cash on you when out and about

indonesia rupiah

From the moment you arrive in Bali, you will feel like a millionaire. Most hotel rooms and villas have a safe in which you can put your passport jewellery etc. we recommend only taking a certain amount of cash with you each day. This will mean you aren’t parading your 100s of thousands every time you open your wallet, which may put the price of things up substantially for you! It’s also much safer should you get anything stolen.

7. Forget to cover up if you’re a woman

Sounds a bit ridiculous to some of us, but it’s important to respect the culture of the places you visit. Bali is used to tourists so in the main areas, bikinis are fine on the beach (though maybe put a sarong or clothes on for the walk/ drive back to your villa). Wear conservative clothing if you’re visiting any small villages/ less tourist-populated areas, simply out of respect. Finally, completely cover up (shoulders and knees included) if you’re visiting any temples or religious places. (Oh and on that note – don’t visit at all if it’s that time of the month!)

8. Spend your entire holiday in Seminyak/ Kuta/ Legian

Bali has a myriad of INCREDIBLE destinations that show the true culture of Indonesia. As beautiful as the touristy areas are, I always beg people to get out of the main areas even just for a few days. A few of my favourites? Keramas, Ubud and Medewi!

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