Bali. Just saying it aloud conjures images of emerald rice paddies cascading down hillsides, incense-scented temples, and waves crashing against black sand shores. But let’s be honest – this Indonesian paradise isn’t exactly the untouched Eden it once was, is it?
When I first visited Bali in 2018, I was gobsmacked by its beauty… and equally gobsmacked by the tourist crowds, the occasional dodgy taxi, and the constant feeling that I wasn’t quite experiencing the ‘real Bali’ I’d dreamt about.
You see, Bali’s popularity comes with challenges – overtourism in hotspots, crafty scammers targeting travellers, and logistics that can be, frankly, a proper nightmare if you’re unprepared.
This isn’t your standard tourist guide – it’s a collection of hard-won wisdom from someone who’s learned the hard way. From planning your trip to navigating Bali’s chaotic roads, finding the perfect accommodation to avoiding the dreaded ‘Bali belly’ – I’m sharing the practical hacks that unlock Bali’s magic based on real traveller experiences.
Ready to discover the Bali that locals and savvy travellers know? Let’s go.
1. Planning Your Bali Adventure: Visa, Timing, and Budget
Planning a Bali trip should be exciting, not overwhelming. Yet I’ve seen so many travellers (myself included, once upon a time) make mistakes that cost them time, money, and peace of mind.
Visa Hacks That Actually Work
The standard Visa on Arrival will set you back $35 USD and gives you 30 days in paradise. And yes, it’s extendable for another 30 days if you’re having too much fun to leave. Pro tip: Apply online before arrival to skip those horrific airport queues – I once waited nearly two hours post-flight because I hadn’t sorted this in advance.
For longer stays, look into the 211A Visit Visa, but be cautious about third-party ‘visa agents’ – many are dodgy. A friend of mine paid double what was necessary to one of these so-called experts. Don’t be like him.
When To Actually Go
Bali’s dry season (April-October) is the obvious choice, but here’s a little-known secret: April, May, September, and October offer the perfect sweet spot of gorgeous weather without the July-August tourist madness. I visited last September and practically had Bingin Beach to myself on a Tuesday morning! April is perfect. It’s warm, not too hot, prices are lower, and the Australian schoolies haven’t arrived yet.
One crucial date to know: Nyepi (Balinese New Year, usually in March). The entire island shuts down for 24 hours – no electricity, no going outside, absolute silence. Fascinating to experience, but not if you’ve only got a week and didn’t plan for a day of complete lockdown.
Budget Reality Check
Let’s talk real numbers. Decent hotels hover around £50/night, street food and local warungs will set you back £5-10 per meal, and scooter rentals are about £4/day. I’d recommend budgeting at least £75-£100 daily for a comfortable but not luxury experience.
Don’t forget the new tourist tax – since February 2024, all international visitors must pay 150,000 IDR (about £7.50) upon arrival. And always use official immigration sites for visa information – a quick Google search will turn up dozens of unofficial sites that charge unnecessary ‘processing fees’.
2. Getting Around Bali Like a Local
Bali’s transportation situation is… interesting, to put it mildly. The island might look tiny on a map, but getting from A to B can be surprisingly complicated.
The Scooter Situation
Yes, renting a scooter is cheap – about £3-4 per day. And yes, zipping around is fun. But let me tell you a quick story: My first day on a scooter in Canggu had me white-knuckling through a chaos of trucks, dogs, and fellow tourists while balancing precariously on a narrow road with no shoulder. Not exactly the relaxing island experience I’d envisioned.
If you do brave it, you’ll need an International Driving Permit, and for heaven’s sake, wear a helmet. I’d also recommend sunglasses (the dust is no joke) and staying off the roads after dark.
Hire a Driver (Worth Every Penny)
For around £45-£50 per day, you can hire a private driver with a comfortable, air-conditioned car. This is brilliant value if you’re travelling with friends or family. My driver, Edi (found through Balifixer), became an unofficial tour guide, suggesting hidden gems and helping me avoid tourist traps.
The App Game
Bluebird taxis are the only official metered taxis in Bali and widely considered trustworthy. For shorter trips, the Gojek or Grab apps work a treat – similar to Uber, but local. That said, be prepared for drivers to message asking for more money than the app shows. Check the app price before getting in and screenshot it in front of the driver, so they’re less likely to try negotiating at arrival.
Traffic Truth Bomb
Bali traffic is mental. A 30km journey can take three hours during peak times. I once spent more time in traffic going from Seminyak to Uluwatu than I did on my flight from Singapore to Denpasar! Early mornings (before 9am) are your best bet for getting around efficiently.
3. Where to Stay: Choosing the Perfect Base
Choosing where to stay in Bali can make or break your trip – and I’m not being dramatic. Each area offers something completely different.
The Lay of the Land
Ubud is your spiritual and cultural hub. Think yoga studios, monkey forests, and rice terraces. It’s quieter than the beach areas but requires transport to reach the coast. I spent three days in Ubud and felt like I’d been on a retreat – although the roosters crowing at 5am were less than relaxing.
Seminyak/Canggu offers trendy beach clubs, digital nomad haunts, and buzzing nightlife. Perfect if you want to socialise, but prepare for crowds and higher prices. Walking through Canggu feels like stumbling into an Instagram feed come to life.
Nusa Dua gives you that luxury resort experience with pristine beaches. It’s family-friendly but feels somewhat sanitised compared to the ‘real’ Bali. That said, if you’re after pure relaxation, the beaches here are gorgeous.
Sanur offers a lovely middle ground – beach access, local vibes, and fewer crowds. It’s brilliant for solo travellers wanting peace without isolation.
Budget Brilliance
Here’s something they don’t tell you in most guides: Guesthouses often offer better value than hostels in Bali. For £15-£30 per night, you can get a private room with air conditioning instead of a sweaty dorm. Booking.com tends to have the most flexible cancellation policies – which is crucial for when plans often change on a whim.
I stayed at a lovely family-run guesthouse in Ubud called Jawi House that cost less than a hostel in Kuta but included breakfast and a pool. The grandmother who ran the place taught me how to make a proper Balinese offering – priceless.
Whatever you do, prioritise air conditioning. Bali’s humidity is no joke.
4. Eating Smart: Avoiding Bali Belly and Savoring Local Flavors
Let’s talk about everyone’s least favourite travel companion: Bali belly. I’ve had it, and trust me, it’s not the souvenir you want to bring home.
Keeping Your Gut Happy
The golden rule: Never drink tap water. Ever. Not even a little bit. Not even to brush your teeth. Bottled water is your friend, or better yet, bring a reusable bottle and fill up at RefillMyBottle stations around the island (there’s an app for this).
Something I always pack: Travelan or Pepto Bismol tablets. Take them before meals as a preventative measure, especially in your first few days while your stomach adjusts.
I’ve heard that a red cordial like blackcurrant can work – apparently the preservatives and sugar somehow ‘kill’ whatever’s causing Bali belly. I’m yet to try it myself, mind.
Where and What to Eat
Busy warungs (local eateries) are usually a safe bet – high turnover means fresh food. Look for places where locals eat. My favourite meal in Bali was a simple nasi campur (mixed rice plate) from a tiny warung in Padangbai that cost less than £2.
If you’re with friends, order family-style so you can try several dishes without wasting food. Balinese portions tend to be generous, and it’s better to order less initially and add more if needed.
For street food, use your eyes – clean preparation areas, covered food, and vendors wearing gloves are good signs. And if you’re at a budget spot, maybe skip the raw veggies unless you’ve seen them being washed in filtered water.
5. Cultural Etiquette: Respecting Bali’s Traditions
Bali’s Hindu culture is vibrant, complex, and utterly fascinating. Respecting local customs enhances your experience while earning goodwill from locals.
Temple Etiquette That Matters
Always bring a sarong and sash for temple visits – yes, even the men. While many temples provide rentals, having your own is more hygienic and convenient. Women who are menstruating traditionally don’t enter temples in Bali, though as a visitor, you won’t be questioned about this.
Mind your feet around those beautiful little flower offerings (Canang Sari) you’ll see everywhere – stepping on them is considered disrespectful. I accidentally kicked one my first day and felt awful when my driver explained their significance.
Getting Involved
If you’re curious about Balinese ceremonies, consider participating in a purification ritual at an ashram rather than treating temple ceremonies as a photo op. The experience is infinitely more meaningful when you understand what’s happening. If you’re visiting Tirta Empul water temple, go before 8am so you can actually participate in the cleansing ritual – any later and you’ll be caught up in a frenzy of tourists who only, disrespectfully, want photos.
Bartering Correctly
In markets, bargaining is expected, but remember it’s not a blood sport. Aim for about 40-50% of the initial price, keep smiling, and know when to walk away. If the difference comes down to a few thousand rupiah (less than a pound), consider letting it go – that money means more to them than to you.
Locals in service jobs typically earn around £110-£140 per month, so tipping generously makes a real difference. A 10-15% tip for drivers, guides, and spa staff is standard.
6. Dodging Tourist Traps and Scams
Let’s be real – Bali has its fair share of tourist traps, and even scams. I’ve fallen for some of them myself.
Overtourism Reality
Places like Kuta can feel more like an Aussie spring break destination than Bali. Similarly, those Instagram-famous rice terraces in Tegallalang are gorgeous but packed with tourists and often require payments at multiple points along the walking paths such as bridge crossings.
Try Sidemen instead for rice terraces without the crowds. When I visited at 7am, I had the entire valley to myself barring a few farmers tending their crops – magical.
Skip overrated Gili T for the quieter beauty of Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan. Yes, they’re getting more popular, but they still offer that undiscovered paradise feel that much of mainland Bali has lost.
Scam Awareness
Guide and driver scams are common – they’ll tell you certain attractions are closed, then offer to take you to their ‘cousin’s’ shop instead. Research opening hours beforehand.
Watch out for fake entry fees at public beaches or unofficial ‘guides’ at places like GitGit Waterfall who demand payment after following you around uninvited.
To summarise: research opening hours, and fair prices before negotiating, politely decline unofficial guides, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
7. Staying Connected and Managing Money
These days, staying connected isn’t just convenient – it’s essential for everything from navigation to safety.
Sorted Connectivity
Skip the outrageous international roaming charges and get yourself either an eSIM (Airalo is good) or a physical Telkomsel SIM card at the airport (about £8 for 10GB of data). The coverage is surprisingly good, even in remote areas.
I bought my SIM right at Denpasar airport and was instantly connected – brilliant for ordering my first Grab to the hotel.
Cash Is (Still) King
While upscale restaurants (like these in Seminyak) and hotels accept cards, you’ll need cash for markets, warungs, and small shops. ATMs can be scarce outside tourist areas, so withdraw enough cash when you’re in major towns. Keep small notes handy for tips and small purchases – breaking a 100,000 rupiah note (about £5) can be challenging in tiny shops.
If you’re into cryptocurrency, you can use JWallet in some shops – it’s easy, and saves on foreign transaction fees.
8. Must-Do Activities and Solo Travel Tips
After four visits to Bali, I’ve narrowed down a few of the genuinely unmissable experiences.
Worth Your Time and Money
The Mount Batur sunrise hike is genuinely spectacular and worth the 2am wake-up call. Book through a reputable company (I recommend Bali Sunrise Trekking) for about £30 including transport and breakfast.
Ubud’s Monkey Forest is fascinating, but approach with caution – these monkeys are skilled thieves! Empty your pockets and secure your glasses before entering.
Tanah Lot at sunset offers that quintessential Bali photo opportunity, but go on a weekday if possible to avoid the worst crowds.
If you are here for photography, early mornings are your window. I got my best shots of temples and beaches before 8am, long before the Instagram crowds arrived.
Flying Solo in Bali
Solo travel in Bali is surprisingly easy. I’ve met lifelong friends at beach clubs like Potato Head and La Brisa, as well as during yoga classes in Ubud.
Group tours for activities like cooking classes or white water rafting are brilliant for meeting fellow travellers. I once joined a spontaneous cooking class in Ubud and ended up having dinner with my classmates for the next three nights. You’ll make more friends in a week here than you ever would at home.
9. Packing and Practical Tips
After multiple trips to Bali, my packing strategy has been ruthlessly refined.
The Essentials
Pack light, quick-dry clothes – Bali’s humidity means cotton stays damp forever. Bring at least two swimsuits (nothing worse than putting on a wet one), a sarong (multi-purpose for temple visits, beach cover-up, or impromptu picnic blanket), a reusable water bottle, and reef-safe sunscreen.
Don’t bother bringing mosquito repellent – buy Bokashi locally. It works better than anything I’ve brought from home and costs about £1 per bottle.
UK side, once I’ve got through security I fill my water bottle up to last me for arrival. It saves me searching for higher-priced water when I land (plus keeping hydrated avoids jet lag).
One more thing: always bring a power bank – unexpected adventures can mean long days away from charging points.
Ready for Your Balinese Adventure?
Bali truly is magical – there’s a reason people return again and again despite the 15+ hour flights from Europe. These insider hacks aren’t about cutting corners; they’re about experiencing the authentic heart of an island that has so much more to offer than what makes it onto social media.
Be flexible with your plans, embrace the unexpected (some of my best Bali memories came from spontaneous detours), and approach the culture with genuine curiosity and respect.
The Bali of your dreams still exists; it’s just hiding behind the tourist façade. With these hacks in your pocket, you’re ready to find it.