Traveling in a foreign country can be intimidating, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve traveled all your life or had your first one, moreover, in a place like Bali, where culture plays a significant role in how the Balinese live their lives.
OnBali will give you practical and insider tips about traveling to the Island of the Gods. Which area is the best one to stay? What’s the best time to visit Bali? What are the dos and don’ts of traveling to Bali? Keep reading, and you’ll have all the answers at the end of the article.
- The best time to visit Bali
What’s the best time to travel to Bali? Since Indonesia only has a rainy and dry season, planning your trip around the dry season is better. The dry season lasts from March to October, giving you plenty of sunny days to explore the island. Though rain can occur, the intensity is low. Since Indonesia is a tropical country, the humidity will be high.
On the contrary, the worst time to travel to Bali is during the rainy season, which occurs from around October to February/March. Though you still get some great and bright days even during the rainy season, expect tropical thunder and rain to happen frequently. Visiting during this period will limit your chance to explore Bali’s landscape, not to mention the possibility of a flood or a landslide in the hill areas.
Expert tip: Bring mosquito repellent, no matter which month you choose to go to.
- Choosing the right accommodation
One of the great things about Bali is the variety of accommodation you can find. If luxury is the theme of your getaway, the five-star resorts and hotels in Nusa Dua and Ubud are worth every penny you spend. There are also private villas that offer the same luxurious experience plus privacy, as most have private swimming pools, and you can find them all over Bali.
Thankfully, Bali is not a big or go-home kind of destination. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, it’s easy to find accommodations like hostels and hotels that fit every budget. Whether in Canggu, Kuta, Sanur, or Ubud, you’ll find options to stay in an excellent place for a fraction of the price. Often, these places also have stunning views. Choosing your accommodations is one of the keys to enjoying your holiday in Bali.
Expert tip: Come to Bali during the off-season, when hotel prices are usually lower than in the peak season.
- Respecting the local culture
It goes without saying that the first rule of traveling to another country is respecting the local culture. And on an island where the majority practice Bali Hinduism, it’s even more important to know what’s not than what you should do.
That’s where OnBali – Guide to the Island has got your back. They know the island well, including the customs in Bali. Here’s what you need to know about respecting the local culture:
- The Balinese offering. This offering is called canang, and you’ll see them displayed in the temple and on the ground. It’s an absolute no-no to step or kick on it deliberately. If you step on it accidentally, it’s okay.
- Women having their period are not permitted to enter the temple. The temple grounds are sacred complexes where the Balinese hold ceremonies and pray. Don’t try to argue because you will be seen as an entitled and ignorant tourist.
- The personal questions. Balinese are some of the friendliest people in the world, but sometimes, they will ask personal questions. It can range from your age and your marital status to your religion. Instead of being offended, answer it diplomatically. It’s just their way of getting to know you.
Expert tip: Always ask your guide or the hotel staff if it’s okay to say or do something. Saying “Terima kasih” or thank you in Indonesian will make everyone happy.
- Bring enough cash
In an era where everything is just one tap away from your phone, you may be reluctant to bring cash. But if you’re a first-timer, this travel tip is the most practical guide for you: cash is still king in Bali. Though you can pay with a card in most restaurants, cafes, beach clubs, and supermarkets, it’s still important to keep some Rupiahs (Indonesian currency) with you.
Where do you need cash? Most of the time, you will need it to pay for your transport, to buy food in local eateries/food stalls known as warungs, and to buy small items in mini markets.
Expert tip: If you need to exchange your money, avoid the small stalls on the side of the road. They will rip you off! Go for trusting money exchange offices like BMC or Central Kuta Money Exchange.
- Explore the off-beaten destination
Most of the travel list in Bali is in the southern part of the island. Almost all the establishments you can think of are in Canggu, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, Jimbaran, and Kuta, with Ubud being the exception. There are just other parts of Bali that are worth exploring, and these destinations are often overlooked because of the distance.
For a couple, most travel guides about Bali will suggest Ubud or Nusa Dua as a romantic getaway. But exploring Menjangan Island in North Bali or Sidemen in East Bali is a better option. These parts of Bali are far from the tourist crowd, and you’ll wonder why it’s not being explored more.
Expert tip: Keep these off-beaten destinations during your trip to avoid getting too far from the airport after your arrival and before your departure.
Conclusion
Planning your perfect vacation in Bali doesn’t have to be complicated. As long as you follow the tips above, whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with a family, your Bali experience will be nothing sort of spectacular. Bali has a lot to discover, and what’s a better way than to find it yourself?
It’s undoubtedly complex to squeeze everything into one short article. But if you’re checking OnBali out, you’ll find other helpful information, including the restaurants, hotels, spas, things to do, and everything else you need to know about Bali. So plan your trip and experience the travel of a lifetime!
