Is Bali your dream destination? If yes, let’s turn your dream to reality. With cheap flights from several destinations in Asia, travelling the island has never been easy. In Bali, tourists will find an unparalleled luxury compared to other parts of Asia. Throw in the laid-back lifestyle, affordability, and the pristine beaches, and you have a dream vacation spot. If this is your first time, check out these travel tips to help you plan a trip to Bali.
Book Somewhere Nice to Stay
If you’re planning to have a dream trip to Bali, why not splurge a little. Save up for your holiday a little bit more and splash out on some of the island’s best accommodation choices. From luxurious villas overlooking the beach to world-class resorts, Bali has everything a tourist could ask for in terms of class and comfort. And the prices are more affordable compared to other tropical wonderlands. Many tourists often claim to get excellent value for money in Bali, which means it makes sense to spend a little extra for much higher quality.
Show Respect by Taking off Your Shoes
In Bali, like much of Asia, removing your shoes before entering someone’s house or a temple is a must. Most of the time, you’ll find a shoe rack at the side of the entrance or just leave your shoes outside. While this might not be necessary for every place that you visit, it does show that you’re well-mannered and respectable towards their culture. If you’re ever in doubt, the most straightforward trick is to copy the locals. Remove your shoes when they do and keep them on when the locals keep their shoes on.
Don’t Worry For the Sake of a Dollar or Two
As a tourist, you should expect that you’re going to be overcharged in Bali. If you’re trying to bargain at the market or asking for a massage on the beach, realistically it’s inevitable. But, in the long run, what’s a few dollars. The locals here need the money more than you. When you’re at the market, don’t try to drive a hard deal. And despite all the taxes and fees included in the bill, a small tip will always be appreciated.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in Bali. The hot and humid climate can cause dehydration much faster than back at home. If you’re out sightseeing and exploring the island, it can be easy to sweat several litres of water out of your body. This is especially the case if you’re hiking or spending a lot of time outdoors. Always make it a priority to bring enough water to drink throughout the day. You should also try to avoid spending too much time directly under the sun. This can quickly cause sunburn and lead to heat stroke.
Bring Sunscreen
If you’re going to be out under the hot sun every day, expect to burn in a matter of minutes. All tourists should bring plenty of waterproof sunscreen and use it to avoid suffering from the hot sun. You might also find buying a few bottles and bringing them with you will be cheaper than buying when you’re on the island.
Book a Place to Stay with Air Conditioning
Related to the point above, those unfamiliar with a hot and tropical climate might find it difficult to adjust to the temperature and conditions in Bali. When the evenings are hot and sticky, it can be difficult to sleep. And, if you have been out under the hot sun all day, returning to a nice cool room to relax is a must. Most of the resorts and villa will have air-conditioning, but some don’t. It always pays to double check before you make the booking, which is sure to make your time in Bali more comfortable.
Rent a Motorbike
One of the fastest and easiest ways to explore Bali is in on the back of a motorbike. The small island can be explored in a single day giving you the flexibility to visit the temples, hidden stretches of coastline and the lush interior. Not only will you have the time of your life riding around but it also gives you the chance to meet the real locals away from the tourist industry. Several rental shops will provide a motorbike and helmet for a few dollars each day. Remember to bring your driver’s license. While some people are more flexible when it comes to providing a valid license, it always pays to choose the more reputable companies who do ask. And if you drive illegally, any travel insurance becomes invalid.
Remember to Pack Long Sleeves
From first glance, it might seem a bit unusual to pack long sleeves when you’re visiting somewhere like Bali. But if you want to visit some of the island’s temples and experience the religious and cultural wonders of Bali, a more modest wardrobe is essential. Most of the temples have a strict dress code where all visitors need to cover their shoulders and legs above the knee. This shows respect to the temple and worshipers and should be followed at all costs. If you happen to forget or stumble upon the temple serendipitously, you might be able to rent a sarong before entering.
Make Your Dream a Reality
Millions of tourists visit Bali each year while millions more dream of one day visiting. If you’re fortunate to take a holiday to this tropical paradise in Indonesia, make sure you follow these suggestions to make sure your trip goes smoothly.
