Bali travel tips

Bali is a popular destination for all sorts of people, from well-to-do resort goers to backpacking surfers. It’s easy to get around the island and the services are excellent. However, the big resort areas have lost much of their original charm, and pickpocketing and petty crime can be a problem. Here are some basic tips and situations to be aware of.

• The northern coast is just as scenic as the traditional southern resort areas of Kuta and Sanur but is less crowded and more idyllic and peaceful.

• Illegal drugs of any kind are not tolerated in Bali and the penalties for possession or trafficking include death.

• Many taxis in Bali are not metered, so it is wise to negotiate the fare before jumping in. Alternatively, take a bemo (type of mini van) and travel as the locals do.

• The value of the rupiah has fluctuated wildly since the 1997 financial crisis so it’s best to check the official rate often. Be sure to count your money at a money changers before leaving, or else go to a bank where the rate is normally less favourable but you won’t be ripped off.

• From June to September you can expect hardly any rainfall along the coastal areas. December heralds the start of the monsoon, which lasts through to March, but the rains normally come at night and pass quickly. Temperatures range from 20 to 33 degrees Celsius or 68 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit year round.

• Bali is a great place for a family holiday, as there are plenty of hotels with child-orientated activities and facilities, and the locals simply adore kids.

• Light, airy, casual clothes are the most practical and you'll find natural fibres like cotton are the most comfortable. Waist sashes should be worn when visiting temples.

Useful travel tips resources

Footprint Guides - Bali
An exhaustive resource on all things Balinese from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com/

Bali Guide
A comprehensive site updated regularly by foreigners living on the island, packed with useful insider tips.
http://www.baliguide.com

Bali Paradise
A huge range of information pertaining to holidaying in Bali.
http://www.bali-paradise.com/

More topics on this site…
Bali travel information
Bali health and safety
Bali maps and geography

Essentials

Visas: 3 days/US$10 or 30 days/US$25 issued upon arrival to most nationals
Season: July-September (European summer), Christmas – end of January
Money: Rupiah – ATMs widely available in resort areas.
Language: Bahasa Indonesia – English understood in tourist areas
Emergency #: Police 110, Ambulance 118, Fire 113

Bali