Here are my 10 insider tips for an awesome Bali adventure! We recently took a break from house sitting assignments and rented an Airbnb in Kuta Beach for two months. We explored extensively, from Uluwatu’s stunning beaches to Ubud’s tropical forests.
Bali truly is a tropical paradise – you can enjoy cultural exploration, exciting nightlife, and beachside relaxation. Two months gave us plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the island’s diverse regions. We took trips to Uluwatu, Ubud, Seminyak, Canggu, and even the beautiful island of Nusa Lembongan.
Insider Tips for Your Bali Adventure
Whether you’re planning a short getaway or an extended stay, here are 10 insider tips Bali visitors need to know.
Avoid Peak Tourist Times for Major Attractions
Bali’s iconic spots, like Tanah Lot Temple and Ubud’s Monkey Forest, can get crowded, especially during peak hours. If you want to enjoy the sights without battling the crowds, visit these popular spots early in the morning or late afternoon and avoid weekends if possible.
We found this trick especially useful when visiting Uluwatu Temple. We arrived just before sunset on a weekday and were able to enjoy the views without the midday rush.
Another top Bali insider tip is to pre-book your excursions. We learned this the hard way when trying to book a waterfall tour in Ubud. Our preferred times were full but thankfully we got a late cancelation spot and had an awesome trip. Be sure to plan ahead using a reputable agent like Get Your Guide or Viator.
Prepare for Chaotic Traffic – Especially in Kuta and Seminyak!
Bali’s traffic, especially in busy areas like Kuta and Seminyak, can be overwhelming. Scooters dominate the roads, and traffic jams are frequent during peak times. Although we didn’t do it ourselves, renting a scooter is one of the easiest ways to get around. Just be sure to wear a helmet and drive cautiously.
Being sensible with your travel times is also highly recommended. Don’t think just because your destination is only 10 miles away that you’ll be there in 20 minutes. Even short journeys through Bali’s busy towns can take a frustratingly long time, so plan accordingly.
Traffic in areas like Kuta and Seminyak is particularly notorious and another of my top insider tips for Bali travelers is to download Grab. The Uber equivalent is widely used in Asia and is essential for finding affordable, secure, and tracked taxi rides with drivers who are familiar with Bali’s crazy roads
Dress Modestly When Visiting Temples
Bali is rich in spiritual and cultural sites, and respecting local customs when visiting temples is crucial. Many temples require visitors to wear a sarong and cover their shoulders, which is often provided at the entrance. This simple gesture shows reverence for the sacred spaces you’re entering.
It is also common to remove your shoes and socks before stepping into certain temple areas. Maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor is equally important. Temples are places of worship and meditation, so keep noise to a minimum and avoid disturbing those there for prayer.
Embrace Bali’s Coffee Culture
Bali has a burgeoning coffee scene, with many great cafes in the key tourist areas. The coffee culture here blends local flavors with modern brewing techniques. It’s easy to find all your usual favorites while mixing in a few of the local offerings such as Bali’s famous Kopi Luwak.
Like most places, you’re never too far from a Starbucks, but another of my top insider tips is to try smaller independent coffee houses in Bali. These cafes not only generally have cheaper prices but also have unique coffee blends that you won’t find anywhere else.
A favorite of ours was See You Cafe – a modern take on a Balinese cafe that had great coffee, and delicious sweet treats and was just a 1-minute walk from Kuta Beach.
Be Mindful of Bali’s Weather
The weather in Bali can vary drastically depending on the season. If you’re visiting during the dry season (April to October), expect hot and sunny days perfect for beach trips to Seminyak or Lembongan Island. However, during the rainy season, heavy downpours are frequent.
Pack a rain jacket and be prepared for some wet days, particularly if you’re heading to the mountains around Ubud. The climate here feels tropical year-round and it’s not out of the ordinary to see mega downpours during the ‘dry’ season.
We experienced an incredible storm during our time in Ubud, it was an awesome sight. The road flooded quickly and after 10 seconds of walking outside, we were drenched to the bone! We hopped in a bar to try and see it out but it lasted hours. We eventually had to trudge back to the hotel thoroughly soaked.
Negotiate Prices in Markets
Bali’s markets and street stalls are great for buying souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing, but haggling is expected. Spotting tourists from a mile away, vendors will usually start quite high, so you should start very low and you will eventually meet somewhere in the middle. Be content to walk away if you’re not happy.
Being English, haggling is not something I am particularly used to or comfortable doing. But, with practice, I was able to snag some great deals on clothing and a couple of souvenirs for friends.
You typically won’t receive a receipt or a returns policy for these types of purchases, so be sure you’re satisfied with what you’re buying, and don’t hesitate to negotiate a fair price
Explore Beyond the Tourist Hubs
While places like Kuta and Seminyak are busy tourist hubs, there’s so much more to Bali if you’re willing to explore. Staying in Kuta allowed us to easily take day trips to quieter areas like Nusa Lembongan, a nearby island that is tranquil and perfect for snorkeling and diving or just some blissful peace.
Getting around is easy (once you’ve allowed for the traffic!). We pre-booked cars through Booking.com for the majority of our excursions and airport runs, and even in remote Bali this system worked well. For $10-$15 each way we were able to traverse Bali in a private and pre-arranged car.
The drivers actually were a little too prompt in Bali. Having scheduled one driver to pick us up from Kuta at 10.30 am, he arrived at 8 am! We were just heading down for breakfast and hadn’t even packed yet. He was content to wait but we took him a coffee and met up with him as soon as we could.
Respect the Balinese Offerings
You’ll notice small offerings known as canang sari placed around homes, shops, and streets daily. These offerings are an important part of Balinese Hindu culture, and it’s vital to be respectful of them.
Usually presented in a woven basket made from palm leaves, the offerings are filled with symbolic items like flowers representing deities, rice symbolizing sustenance, and slices of fruit for abundance. Incense is lit to carry prayers, and the offering is placed on altars or at entrances as a daily gesture of gratitude.
Avoid stepping on the offerings – we quickly adapted to walking carefully around them during our daily routines. However, we did see monkeys stealing fruit and even a bag of potato chips once from an offering near the Monkey Forest in Ubud!
Take Advantage of Affordable Spas
Bali is known for its luxurious yet affordable spa services. After a long day exploring treat yourself to a Balinese massage or any number of beauty treatments.
Spas are everywhere, but knowing the good ones is essential. While most advertise typical services, some have ulterior motives. These are easy to spot as they have young women outside offering ‘extra services’ to lure tourists. It’s best to ask your hotel or Airbnb host for recommendations to find a legitimate spa.
Through our accommodation, I booked regular sports massages in the apartment complex. For less than $10/session a qualified physiotherapist twisted me back into shape and helped me with a recurring shoulder injury which thankfully has now healed.
Bali is Ideal for Digital Nomads
With its laid-back vibe, cafe culture, and abundance of business centers and coworking spaces, Bali is a hotspot for digital nomads. Canggu, in particular, has grown into a trendy hub for remote workers from around the world. It has a strong community with coworking spaces and hip cafés right next to the beach.
During our stay, we spent a good deal of time exploring the different laptop-friendly cafes and restaurants in Kuta, finding a few regular favorites like Randang Mama. It was a great place to have lunch or a coffee and then settle in and work with decent WiFi in a chilled environment.
Conclusion
Whether you’re staying in Bali for a few weeks or a few months, these insider tips for travelers to Bali will help make your adventure unforgettable. From exploring beyond the tourist hubs to embracing the rich culture and local customs, Bali is a destination that offers something for everyone.
Our two months in Kuta Beach allowed us to experience the diversity of the island while traveling affordably. So pack your bags and get ready for a Bali adventure that you’ll never forget!
To read the full story of our time in Bali, check out my previous article – Bali, Indonesia – Everything You Need to Know.
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