What do you wish to know before visiting Bali?

Author, Ekarini

For more info about Bali island: Bali Travel Info

Photo: The Cave temple at Ungasan Bali by Ekarini

I post this again and again, to answer some common questions.

Bali island is the global winner of its 2017 traveler’s Choice Awards for destinations.  Travel to Bali is not so difficult.  If you are a newbie traveler, Bali is the perfect place to start.  Bali is a small island in the Indonesian archipelago with thousand temples and it has it all what you need for your holiday gateway.  

 

“No matter what style of holiday you're looking for, you can find it on the Bali island.” Travelers

Photo: The Cave temple Ungasan by Ekarini

It is just like to travel anywhere in the world, it is very useful when you know what to expect on the site.  As a travel guide and travel management, I have been taking tourists to many places in Bali, and I would love to share some tips.   This list may help you to have an unforgettable trip on the island.

1.     Canang Sari is everywhere.

What is the Canang Sari? The Canang Sari: Balinese flower offerings you will see all over Bali island.  Everywhere you go on the Island, and you will see beautiful offerings, consisting of flowers, rice, fruits, and cakes in a small square woven basket originally made from coconut leaves. 

The Balinese believe that any place that receives regular offerings accumulates sacred energy, eventually becoming sacred itself. 

Watch your step when walking down a street in Bali and you'll see hundreds of offerings, lovingly and thoughtfully crafted pieces of art.  You don’t want to step on them.

Photo: The Canang Sari offering by Ekarini

2.     Every day finds festivals and ceremonies

In Bali, there’s almost always some kind of ceremony going on on the island and you’ll definitely want to see and experience of Balinese vibrant life.  You don’t want to miss the celebrating passage of life, temple ceremonies, and the spectacular village cremation ceremonies.  Also, don’t miss a full moon ritual every month of Balinese calendar.

3.     Balinese belief

Bali is an amalgam of indigenous animism, Buddhism and the Hinduism of India. As the influence of the Hindu religion permeates all aspects of life in Bali. The Balinese believe in one God (Trinity: Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa) with 3 manifestation of God as a creator, preserver, and destroyer. The Balinese believe that everything that exists as a duality. The existence of this duality is what brings a cosmic balance to the universe. So, if there’s good, evil must exist to bring balance. Birth balances death, joy balances sorrow, young balances old, positive balances negative, health balances sickness, and so forth. The universe constantly adjusts itself to bring about the perfect equilibrium. This called Rwa Bhineda literally means “two opposites”

4.     You will meet Balinese name: Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut

You might wonder why every other man, woman or child is named Wayan, Made, Nyoman, and Ketut.  . It was created to distinguish each person’s birthright order in the family.  The firstborns are named “Wayan“, the second eldest is “Made,”  third is “Komang” or “Nyoman”,  fourth is “Ketut” and the fifth back to Wayan.

Both men and women use similar names. A woman is distinguished by a “Ne” at the beginning “Ni” (Ni Wayan), while a man is specified by “I” (i.e.  I Wayan). Personal names can be attached to the birth order names, but there is no family name in  Bali.

5.     Buy a traditional Balinese outfit

You definitely don’t want to miss the ritual and ceremonies in Bali, so mingle with locals and wear the traditional outfit and experience Bali traditionally. 

Photo: The Nusa Dua beach by Ekarini

6.      VISA:

Nationals of 169 countries can visit Bali visa-free (for 30 days), while Visa on Arrival applies for others at USD 35 (extendable once).

7.      WEATHER:

Wet season: October-April; Dry season: May-September; Best time to go: May-August.

8.     Getting around in Bali is easy

DRIVING:
Drive on the left.

RENTALS:
International drivers' license required to drive and rent cars and motorbikes. 

TAXIS:
Blue Bird Taxi (+62 (0)361 701 111) is most popular and reliable - all of their taxis are metered. 

Private drivers:  I think having a private driver is the best choice to travel around the island.  It is worth to have somebody to drive you, so you can  just relax and enjoy the view.

Download GO-JEK

The locals have turned online app called 'Go-Jek'. Through Go-jek you can  order food,  shopping and courier services, but most often it's used for hailing a taxi or motor-taxi. Definitely one to consider if you stay in Bali for a long holiday.  Grab for online app transportation, it is like Uber.

9.     CURRENCY:

USD 1 = about IDR 14,000

10.                        ATMs:

ATMs dispense IDR 50,000 or 100,000 bills; withdrawal fees using foreign bank cards, Visa or Mastercard varies and can be high. Beware of skimmers and rigged units, and remember to take your money and card after each transaction.

11.                        Don't drink the tap water

The tap water in Bali is not safe to drink, so you need to buy smaller bottled water or a big jug of water with dispenser. 

12.                        Super Strict Drug Laws

The super-strict drug laws in place in Indonesia, when you are getting caught smuggling  drugs will face a death sentence.

Please don't do it. Seriously!

Photo: Monkey at the Cave temple Ungasan by Ekarini

13.                        A lot of small laundry mart  in the town

Of course, anything you order within your hotel is a lot more expensive than if you go and explore it down yourself. Especially laundry, there are so many places in the town, expect to pay per kilo.

14.                        Bargain on the beach

Don't be afraid to bargain.  It is very normal at the beach when some hawkers sell you some products.  It may be fun experiencing to haggle the price.  Start your bargain for a half price.  Remember, be polite!

15.                        Learn few local words

Even though fast majority Balinese people speak English, it is so fun and rewarding when you can communicate with the locals using the Bahasa Indonesia or Balinese words.

You will  find some funny words and learn the everyday slang.  Even being able to say 'hello, how are you' Apa khabar?, 'thank you' Terimakasih, and 'please' will be really appreciated in Bali - and it will go as a fun and worth the bartering process!

16.                        Cheap massage

Bali is famous for new age capital, so get your full body massage while holiday in Bali, and you will want more.  Why? The price is so cheap compare than back home. For anywhere between RP. 100,000 and 150,000  around $15-20 you can get a one hour full body massage.  It means full one hour of bliss and health.

17.                        Not all people in Bali are Balinese

Don’t get confused, in Bali  there are some people from outside Bali who work or doing crime in Bali… So, if you get robbed in Bali,  the robbery is probably non Balinese. 

Photo: The Nusa Dua beach by Ekarini

18.                        Tipping

When you’re happy with the service you can tip the housekeepers, waitresses, and bartenders, but it’s not expected though.  I like to tip them because I mostly happy about their service  and the food price is cheap, this is just my  appreciation for their great service in Bali.

19.                        Coffee is not refilled in Bali

I saw one time a tourist had a big argument with a waitress in the restaurant when the waitress who could not explain it that coffee was not refillable.  I had to be in the middle of the argument, so I explained it to that tourist that in Bali is not like other countries where you can refill your cup over and over again unless they put a special sign on the buffet table.

20.                        Sunset is not like other places in the world

You see sunset anywhere in the world! You will find sunset in Bali is very special.  Many travel agents arrange special sunset tours, so you will catch the right moment in the spot you choose like the Tanah Lot, the Jimbaran Bay, Kuta beach, the Rock Bar at Ayana resort, Tegal Wangi beach, the Uluwatu temple, Peti Tenget beach at Seminyak, Lovina beach in Singaraja regency, Echo beach Canggu, Lembongan island (one of Bali’s virgin islands), 707 Beach Berm at Batu Belig beach, La Planca at Seminyak, WooBar, La Lucciola, La Laguna at Canggu beach, Finn’s Beach Club, The Lawn is set on the vibrant Batu Bolong Beach, Pererenan Beach, Double Six Rooftop, El Kabron at Uluwatu, and many more.

20. Don’t forget to visit other tiny untouched islands around Bali while visit Bali

Bali has three other islands beside the big island.  If you would like to experience the virgin of Bali, you should visit Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan.  Here you can enjoy spectacular sunsets, snorkeling, enjoy mangrove forest, and serenity of the beach because there are not many tourists here.    

21. Easy to find WiFi, but not always free

There are very few budget hotels in Bali have an internet connection and those that do have internet are usually on dial up! But most big hotels have internet part of your stay.  Some internet cafes you can visit, but they are expensive in the tourist area.  If you want to shop around for internet café, go to the internet café where the locals  hang out.  My family and I bought a hotspot connection around $30 and plus the time (called: Hotspot Mobile Wi-Fi Smartfren, Andromax M3Y), You pay as you go, and faster than internet café around.  I watch videos, check email, Skype, etc.…

Happy Travel!