This post was originally published on A Globe Well Travelled in 2014. The content has been revised and updated with fresh information.
Oh, Bali. An organised chaos of temples, traffic, and tropical vibes.
Some people love it, others hate it — and sometimes you’ll feel both on the same day.
The first time I went to Bali, I didn’t particularly think much of it. I stayed in Nusa Dua, an area south of Kuta that consists of a bunch of fancy hotels on a pretty beach. It was a lovely place but to be honest, staying there was not really my style of travel. I love to be in the middle of it, where things are happening. Nusa Dua was a 30 minute taxi ride to anywhere of interest and it felt kind of secluded.
The second time I went to Bali I stayed in Seminyak, which changed my opinion on Bali completely. No longer was I dining at pompous hotel restaurants and deciding whether to spend the day in the pool or… in the pool. Now I could walk among locals selling fruit or handmade clothing. I could smell street food cooking and see kids flying kites on the beach. I could walk in a number of directions and find countless alleyways to look down and different sights to see and new restaurants to dine at every day.
Bali is full of contrasts — the hectic and the peaceful, the luxurious and the laid-back — and that’s what makes it such a fascinating place to visit. If you’re planning a trip, these Bali travel tips will help you make the most of your time on the island.
Quick summary:
Planning your first trip to Bali? This guide covers everything you need to know before you go — from choosing the right area to stay to finding the best beaches, food, nightlife, cultural experiences, and tips on staying safe so you can make the most of your time on this Indonesian island.
Recommended tours:
🛥️ Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour by Fast Boat – See Nusa Penida’s most stunning coastal spots, all with convenient hotel pickup and boat transfers.
🍜 Authentic Culinary Street Food Experience Tour – Taste up to 15 local dishes on this guided food adventure through Bali’s markets and hidden eateries.
🔥 Tanah Lot Temple Sunset Kecak & Fire Dance Show – Watch Bali’s most iconic cultural performance with Tanah Lot Temple as your backdrop.
🚗 Private Car Charter in Bali – Explore temples, rice terraces, and waterfalls at your own pace with a private driver for the day.
14 best tips for visiting Bali:
1. Pack for the heat and humidity
When I first visited Bali I was living in chilly Hobart, so it was a shock to my system to be thrown into the humidity. Bali is hot. Like, step-out-of-the-plane-and-instantly-sweat hot. I was constantly sweating and going out during the day was exhausting.
Lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and a hat are essentials in Bali. You’ll adjust quickly, but don’t underestimate how draining the humidity can be during the day.
2. Choose your base carefully
Where you stay will completely change your Bali experience. There are a wide range of Bali accommodation options from luxe resorts to boutique stays. Villas in Bali are surprisingly good value compared to other tropical islands, often for a fraction of the price you’d expect elsewhere.
On my first trip to Bali, I stayed in Nusa Dua, which was luxurious but kind of secluded, and it was 30 minutes by taxi to get to the action around Kuta. So the second time I visited Bali, I chose to stay in Seminyak where we were closer to everything.
- Nusa Dua: All-inclusive resorts and luxury beachfront villas, perfect if you want a secluded beach getaway.
- Seminyak or Canggu: Trendy cafes, boutique villas, beach bars, and shopping right on your doorstep.
- Ubud: Jungle retreats and rice-field villas, ideal for yoga, wellness, and Balinese culture.
🏨 We stayed at the Delu Villas & Suite for our couples trip, and we absolutely loved it. Having our own private plunge pool was a huge novelty for us (as it’s something that we absolutely could not afford elsewhere!). I highly recommend this boutique hotel in Seminyak.
3. Don’t expect pristine beaches everywhere
If you’re used to white sand and crystal-clear water, some of Bali’s popular beaches might surprise you. Many have dark sand, limited shade, and the occasional bit of trash. That said, the vibe makes up for it — it’s easy to rent a surfboard, grab a cold Bintang under an umbrella, or just float in the bath-warm water.
🛥️ Want something quieter? Consider a day trip to Nusa Penida. A Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour by Fast Boat is one of the easiest ways to see Bali’s most breathtaking coastal views without the hassle of planning it yourself.
The tour which includes hotel pickup, a scenic boat ride, and stops at some of the island’s most famous spots like Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Crystal Bay.
If you’re keen on exploring beyond Bali’s beaches, you could also consider an Indonesia luxury cruise to discover the archipelago’s unspoiled islands. It’s a fantastic way to experience Indonesia’s diversity and natural beauty while enjoying a pampered getaway.
4. Be ready to haggle at the markets
Shopping is a big part of Bali’s culture. Whether it’s surf brands like Billabong or market stalls selling sarongs and sunglasses (“fake bans” are everywhere), bargaining is expected. Be polite, keep it lighthearted, and don’t feel bad about walking away if the price isn’t right.
5. Know where to eat
Food in Bali ranges from incredible to… not so much. Let me explain.
We stayed in Seminyak, and the food there was incredible. We did not have a bad meal. Everything was delicious and reasonably priced. There were plenty of cuisines to choose from and great service in every venue.
And then one night we went to Kuta. Oh, Kuta. All restaurants we passed had what I call an ‘everything menu’ – the venue is trying to please everyone by supplying every cuisine possible, and therefore failing at all of it because they have no idea what they’re doing. When this happened we chose pizza, with the logic that you can’t get a bad pizza, right? Wrong. Flavourless and covered in toppings that didn’t really go together, we were very disappointed.
I know that there are probably tucked away finds in Kuta but you will have to know someone that knows where they are and tells you exactly where to find them, otherwise you’ll wander for hours looking at the same menus with the same food choices. If this happens, your best bet is to choose Indonesian cuisine like nasi goreng (because you know they’ll at least get that right).
🍜 Want to go beyond the tourist menus? Book an Authentic Culinary Street Food Experience Tour to taste your way through Bali’s local food scene. You’ll try up to 15 different dishes — from satays and curries to fresh coconuts and sweet market treats — while visiting bustling night markets and hidden eateries with a local guide.
6. Expect chaotic traffic
Getting around Bali can be a challenge as the roads are busy and unpredictable. Scooters weave between cars, taxis honk constantly, and traffic jams are common. If you’re heading across the island, allow extra time for traffic — sometimes hours.
🚗 To avoid the hassle, you can hire a private driver for a day trip. This is what we did last time we visited Bali, and it was such as easy (and safe) way to explore Bali’s temples, waterfalls, and rice terraces.
7. Walking can be tricky
Sidewalks in Bali are… creative. Walking from our hotel to Seminyak was an amusing challenge. The sidewalks are crumbling and falling apart in some areas, so we had to be careful not to fall into gaping holes. The Balinese will also happily place pot plants and construction items right in the centre of the path so that you occasionally have to step onto the road in front of traffic to continue walking.
Be careful walking at night, and skip bringing a pram if you’re travelling to Bali with kids — it’ll be more trouble than it’s worth.
8. Use taxis and ride-hailing apps wisely
Taxis are everywhere, and you’ll be offered rides constantly. Agree on a price before getting in, or use apps like Grab/GoJek where available for more transparency.
You’ll need mobile data for ride-hailing apps and navigation, so it’s worth sorting your connection before you land. Instead of queuing at the airport for a SIM card, grab a Balisim eSIM. It activates instantly on arrival, giving you seamless connectivity throughout your trip.
9. Embrace the noise
Whether you are in a restaurant, sitting on the beach, or chilling in your hotel, you’ll find Bali to be a noisy place. There are taxis constantly beeping at you for a fare, and thousands of scooters shooting by. The nightclubs in Kuta pump out club music (mostly songs that were popular 5-10 years ago) from early evening until late into the night. There are people loudly asking if you’re interested renting a scooter or trying mushrooms.
I think the noise is part of what makes Bali so interesting to experience, but if you’re looking for a quiet holiday, you’ve chosen the wrong place!
If you’re looking for serenity, you’ll need to head inland or book a more secluded resort. For everyone else — just lean into the chaos, it’s part of the Bali experience.
10. Learn to say “no, thank you”
Street vendors and tour sellers will approach you often. They might offer hair clips, bracelets, scooter hire, or even more questionable services. A firm but polite “no, thank you” is usually enough to move things along.
11. Connect with the locals
Beyond the sales pitches, Balinese people are warm, friendly, and proud of their culture. Take time to chat, visit local warungs, or learn a few Indonesian phrases — it’ll make your trip far more memorable. We really enjoyed chatting to our Balinese driver when we rented a private car charter for a day of exploring, as he had the best stories to tell about life on the island.
12. Choose your nightlife vibe
Kuta is party central, full of nightclubs and cheap drinks. Want to dance late into the night in trashy clubs with people wearing very little clothing? If so, Kuta is for you. (#FunFact: This is where my husband and I met!)
If that’s not your scene, head to Seminyak or Legian. On my second trip to Bali, my husband and I spent a lot of time at the beach bars drinking cocktails in beanbags while watching the sunset.
🔥 For something more cultural, you can book tickets to the Tanah Lot Temple Sunset Kecak & Fire Dance Show. Watching this traditional performance with Tanah Lot as the backdrop is an unforgettable way to spend an evening in Bali.
The performance begins just as the sun dips behind the ocean, with dancers chanting the rhythmic “cak cak ke cak cak ke” while bringing scenes from the Ramayana to life through fire and movement.
13. Be mindful of scams
Like many tourist destinations, there are some scams in Bali — dodgy transport offers, inflated prices, or tours that don’t deliver what they promise. Stick with reputable companies, or book your tours, tickets and transfers through trusted platforms like GetYourGuide for peace of mind.
14. Expect a mix of travellers
Yes, Bali attracts plenty of Aussie party-goers in Bintang singlets. But you’ll also meet travellers from all over the world, and many are happy to share stories and tips. It’s one of the best parts of the Bali travel experience.
Bali isn’t a “love it or hate it” destination — it’s both. Some days you’ll be frustrated by the traffic, and other days you’ll be in awe watching a sunset from a beach bar. That’s what makes Bali so unique.
With the right mindset and these tips, you’ll have your own mini Bali travel guide to help you navigate the chaos and charm of the island.
Bali travel FAQs:
When is the best time of year to visit Bali?
Bali has two main seasons: dry season (April–October) and wet season (November–March). Dry season is the most popular for beach days, snorkelling, and temple visits, while wet season brings short, heavy downpours but fewer crowds and cheaper prices.
Is Bali safe for tourists?
Bali is generally safe, and the Balinese people are very welcoming. Like anywhere, petty theft can happen in busy tourist areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. Use common sense with taxis and tours, and book through reputable companies or trusted platforms to avoid scams.
How many days do you need in Bali?
A short trip of 4–5 days is enough to see the highlights around Seminyak, Ubud, and a few temples. But if you want to relax and explore at a slower pace, 7–10 days gives you time to fit in day trips to places like Nusa Penida or the Gili Islands.
Do I need a visa to visit Bali?
Most travellers can get a Visa on Arrival (VOA), which is valid for 30 days and can be extended once. Always check the latest entry requirements before you fly, as visa rules can change.
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