MyGlob Editorial
Bali rewards a little planning. It is bigger and more varied than its reputation as a single beach suggests, with surf coasts, jungle highlands, temple country and quiet eastern villages all within a few hours of each other. The trade-off is traffic, tourist crowds in the south and a learning curve around customs and logistics. These expert pointers, organised as a checklist, will help a first-timer avoid the common mistakes and spend more time enjoying the island and less time untangling problems.
1. Time your trip — dry season vs wet
Bali has two seasons. The dry season, roughly April to October, brings sunshine, lower humidity and the best conditions for beaches, hiking and diving; it is also peak season and pricier. The wet season, November to March, sees warm tropical downpours that usually pass quickly, fewer crowds and lush green scenery. July, August and the Christmas period are the busiest, so book early or shoulder them slightly.
2. Choose your base wisely
Where you stay shapes your whole trip. Seminyak and Canggu suit beach clubs, cafes and surf; Ubud is the cultural and jungle heart inland; Uluwatu and the Bukit peninsula have dramatic clifftop beaches; Sanur and the islands suit a slower, calmer pace. Many visitors split their stay across two or three bases to see different sides of the island.
3. Sort your visa before you fly
Most nationalities can enter on a visa on arrival or an electronic version that allows a stay of thirty days and can typically be extended once. Rules and fees change, so always confirm the current requirements on official Indonesian immigration channels before travelling, and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and a blank page.
4. Understand the money
The currency is the Indonesian rupiah, and prices run into the hundreds of thousands, so expect a lot of zeros. Carry some cash for warungs, markets and small vendors, but cards work in hotels and larger restaurants. Use ATMs attached to banks, withdraw larger amounts to limit fees, and always decline the machine's currency-conversion offer to get a better rate.
5. Plan how you'll get around
There is no train and limited public transport. Ride-hailing apps work in most areas and are cheap, though some zones restrict them. Hiring a private driver for the day is excellent value for sightseeing across distances. Scooters are ubiquitous and liberating but genuinely risky; only ride one if you are experienced, always wear a helmet and check that your travel insurance covers it and that you hold the correct licence.
6. Respect the culture
Bali is deeply religious. Dress modestly at temples with a sarong and covered shoulders, never step on the small daily offerings on the pavement, use your right hand to give and receive, and keep public displays of affection low-key. A little respect is noticed and warmly returned.
7. Eat smart and stay well
Bali belly is common but avoidable. Drink bottled or filtered water, be sensible with ice in remote spots, and favour busy warungs where food turns over quickly. Pack rehydration salts just in case. Mosquito-borne illness exists, so use repellent, especially around dusk.
8. Buy proper travel insurance
This is non-negotiable. Medical care for anything serious may mean evacuation to Singapore or home, which is enormously expensive. Make sure your policy covers medical treatment, evacuation and any activities you plan, including scooter riding, surfing and diving.
9. Pack for the tropics and the temples
Bring light, breathable clothing, a rain layer even in the dry season, reef-safe sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, mosquito repellent and at least one modest outfit for temple visits. A sarong is cheap to buy on arrival and endlessly useful.
10. Don't try to do it all
The most common first-timer mistake is cramming. Traffic in the south can turn short distances into long journeys, so build in slack, cluster activities by area, and leave room to simply sit in a rice-field cafe and do nothing. Bali is best savoured, not sprinted.
11. Be a responsible visitor
Carry your rubbish out of nature spots, refuse single-use plastics where you can, ask before photographing people, and support local warungs, guides and artisans. Bali's charm depends on travellers treating it with care.
