Bali is like a second home for most of us. By now, we feel incredibly at ease with both the chaos and calm of the beautiful island, and we even picked up on some local Bahasa language. If for some strange reason you haven’t been to the famed nirvana, here are some tips to help you out.


We’re no weather forecasters, but the rainy season in Bali generally lasts from October to March, which means the dry season of April to September sees tourists trooping in. August and year-end holidays are considered peak seasons, so prices are going to be much higher than other months.


Most visitors will need to have greenbacks handy for the US$25 visa on arrival (check if you’re eligible for the visa, or if you even need it), which is valid for 30 days, and extendable for another 30 days. Do note that they only take post-1997 US$100 bills. You can also pay with Rupiah and with credit cards these days but it’s just easier and quicker if you have cash.


People tend to steer clear of the airport porters, who sometimes swarm you in the eagerness to get your bags (it can be a little scary). That said, they carry your luggage (Rps 10,000 each) from the conveyer belt to your waiting transportation, which is great if you have loads of stuff, like surfboards and prams. Don’t want their help? Just thank them and say you’ll be handling your own luggage.


Go with the flow, Jam Karet, which literally translates to rubber time in Bahasa, refers to the Balinese mantra that time is elastic, and getting stressed and frustrated (Indonesians generally don’t take confrontation too well) won’t make anything happen faster. That said, don’t leave things to the last minute, especially when it’s getting to the airport or the jetty, since traffic might be held up by a religious ceremony or a car doing a 25 point turn in the middle of the road.

Mind your manners goes without saying, being unfamiliar with local customs and beliefs is not and should not be a blanket excuse, so keep things like temple manners (make sure you cover up shoulders, upper arms, and legs with a sarong, and not to walk in front of praying Balinese) in mind. Avoid touching or giving the local people anything with your left hand or touching someone on the head. There are also offerings packages of woven palm leaves filled with flowers, herbs, snacks and incense that you might step on by mistake, but it’s deeply offensive to walk over one on purpose.

When shopping on the beach or at the markets, partake in bargaining only if you want to purchase the item, as it’s considered being rude to the vendor if you don’t have the intention. 
The cheapest way to get cash in Bali is to withdraw it straight from an ATM, so make sure your card is activated for overseas withdrawal. Otherwise, head to authorised money changers, like PT Central Kuta, with proper offices and receipts for currency exchange. Rates at smaller counters might look attractive, but what you’ll actually be getting, after dubious ‘commission’ charges and the like is not worth the confusion of being passed many piles of small note denomination bills.

Time share scams are especially prevalent in Bali. Don’t do any surveys and give out your hotel name; you’ll likely get a call later that evening saying that you’ve won a prize. To claim it, you’d have to go to a hotel to listen to a presentation. If you attend, you’ll probably find yourself in a hotel in the middle of nowhere with sales people trying to sell you an expensive timeshare (in case you’re wondering, it’s a notorious property sharing scheme where you’ll own an apartment/resort unit with multiple people).

We don’t have to tell you to avoid the Bali drug scene at all costs. Many of these drug sellers are working with the undercover police to nab unsuspecting tourists. Don’t let your guard down with the booze, too, and stick to legit places you know – locally made spirits might contain methanol (a cheap way to topping up the stock), which has caused causalities and fatalities in recent years.


An upset stomach is a sure dampener on your vacation so take precautions to ward off the infamous Bali Belly. Do not drink tap water always go with bottled water or filtered water. Be on the safe side and brush your teeth with bottled water as well. Either carry hand sanitizer to clean hands, or wash with bottled water, before meals. Pack charcoal tablets for the trip in the event of digestive upsets. Alternatively, take Probiotic tablets a week before your trip and continue taking them throughout. Buying travel insurance is always recommended.


The monkeys occupying many of Bali’s temples are good thieves, they love glasses, cameras, and purses, so be careful with your belongings. There are vendors selling bananas to feed the monkeys but don’t be tempted. The monkeys are used to humans, and will do anything to get at those bananas, including clawing his way up your body. Plus there’s the possibility of contracting rabies, so seek immediate medical attention if you’ve been bitten!