Bali is popularly known as the “Island of the Gods.” It is popular in Indonesia for its multi-coloured landscapes, lively culture, warm hospitality, and white beaches, making it an ultimate vacation destination.
You may visit Bali for a yoga retreat, surfing, or relaxation. But to make the most of your stay, you should keep a few things in mind
Pro Tip: If you are a surfer, please note that the west coast is especially good for the dry season, while the east coast is particularly good for the wet season.
Indonesia has a provision for a visa upon arrival (VoA) for Indian citizens planning to visit Bali for a short vacation. This Bali visa for Indians is ideal for tourists visiting Bali for a short stay of up to 30 days. It can be extended for an additional 30 days by visiting an immigration office in Bali.
Light and airy dresses suit Bali’s climate. However, you must dress modestly on culturally affluent sites, such as temples. This means wearing a sarong at bigger temples, covering shoulders, and not going in beachwear.
Pro Tip: Always carry a scarf or shawl to cover up when necessary. When entering a temple, always remove your shoes as a mark of respect.
Bali is a tropical island, and travellers are bound to spend most of their days outdoors. The island offers all kinds of good street food; however, you are advised to abstain from all eating manners. As the saying goes, you may get your “Bali belly”, an upset stomach that some tourists complain about. Tap water is not fit for consumption at all.
Pro Tip: Use bottled or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing, and washing fruits. Also, consider carrying hand sanitiser for your hygiene.
Bali traffic is sometimes terrible, crazy, and chaotic in the most popular areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Ubud. Despite the ease of hiring scooters to zip about, which allows access to the narrow streets, be cautious if you are inexperienced. For longer distances or more comfort, use reliable taxi services like Blue Bird, which are metered.
Pro Tip: Download apps for affordable ride-sharing. These services work exactly like your local cabs, so you can easily travel everywhere on the island.
Bali is not expensive, and carrying some IDR is always a good idea, especially for smaller transactions when you need to get something in local markets, street vendors, or rural settings. ATMs are abundant, but at very inconvenient moments, especially in really busy tourist zones, carrying IDR will make your trip hassle-free.
Pro Tip: Notify your bank of your travel plans to avoid problems with your credit or debit cards when you travel. Also, be aware of ATMs inside a bank or within a secured area to reduce the risk of skimming
Bali is next to the equator, so that the sun can be very strong even on overcast days. You should apply sunscreen with high SPF liberally and wear protective clothing. You should also reapply sunscreen, especially after swimming, to prevent sunburn.
Pro Tip: Bring eco-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t contain harmful chemicals, as some can be dangerous to coral reefs.
Although not a mandate, travel insurance is highly recommended while travelling to Bali. It covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, bag losses in transit, and any adventurous activities such as renting scooters, surfing, or diving.
Pro Tip: Healthcare facilities in Bali can be costlier, so get an insurance package to rest assured and keep your mind free of any unexpected situation. Ensure the policy covers adventure sports if you plan to indulge in them.
Bali’s rainy season, from November to March, can bring heavy rains, flooding, and even landslides. It’s essential to stay informed about the weather forecast and follow any local advisories, especially if you’re travelling during this time.
Pro Tip: Check local weather updates regularly and heed safety instructions from local authorities to ensure a safe trip.
Though currency exchange services are available at the airport, they may offer less favourable rates. Hence, it’s better to exchange money at authorised exchange centres in popular tourist areas, where the rates are more competitive.
Pro Tip: Always double-check the exchange rates and ensure you’re dealing with a legitimate provider to avoid hidden fees and scams.
Bali is a magical place where nature combines its beauty with cultural richness and adventure excitement. Still, all this cannot be enjoyed without proper planning and awareness of the weather conditions and travel requirements. With a little preparation, your trip will be nothing short of an extraordinary adventure.
