Bali isn’t just a place—it’s a vibe. The lush rice terraces, infinity pools, scooter chaos, and temples that make you feel like you accidentally wandered into a movie set. But let me be real: Bali can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know the unspoken rules.
I learned the hard way (hello, sunburn + ATM fees + scooter bruises). That’s why I put together these 15 Bali travel hacks I wish someone had told me before I booked my ticket. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will save you money, headaches, and probably your dignity.
Ready? Let’s go.
1. Don’t Exchange Money at Just Any Place
Sure, those street-side money changers with neon “BEST RATES” signs look tempting. Spoiler: they’re not.
I once exchanged cash at one of these and—shockingly—ended up “missing” a couple of bills. Lesson learned.
Pro Tip: Stick to legit exchange offices or, better yet, use ATMs attached to banks. Yes, you’ll pay a small fee, but at least you won’t get scammed out of half your spending money.
2. Always Have Cash (But Not Too Much)
Bali is still very cash-driven. You’ll need rupiah for taxis, warungs (local restaurants), and pretty much every market. But don’t carry your life savings in your pocket—pickpocketing does happen.
Pro tip: Keep a small stash for daily use and the rest locked in your hotel safe.
3. Scooters Are Fun… Until They’re Not
Yes, scooters are the fastest way to get around Bali. And yes, everyone looks super cool riding one. But Bali traffic is chaos. Picture Mario Kart meets The Fast & The Furious—minus the safety regulations.
Hack: If you’re not 100% confident driving a scooter, don’t. Just grab a GoJek (local Uber equivalent) or hire a driver. It’s cheap, safe, and your knees will thank you later.
4. Don’t Drink the Tap Water
Seems obvious, right? Yet somehow, I forgot one night and brushed my teeth straight from the tap. Big mistake. Huge.
Hack: Always use bottled or filtered water—even for brushing. Many hotels and villas provide free refill stations, so bring a reusable bottle. Your stomach will thank you.
5. Temple Etiquette is a Big Deal
Bali temples are stunning, but they’re not just photo ops. Locals take their rituals seriously.
Hack: Always wear a sarong (you can rent or buy one for cheap), cover your shoulders, and don’t point your feet toward shrines. And please, no climbing on sacred statues for your “epic shot.”
6. Sunrise Beats Sunset (Every Time)
Everyone and their Instagram filter rushes to Tanah Lot for sunset. Guess what? It’s packed. Like, sardines-level packed.
Hack: Flip the script. Wake up early and hit spots like Mount Batur or even the beaches at sunrise. Fewer people, softer light, and a much calmer vibe. Plus, you’ll actually hear the waves instead of a thousand camera shutters.
7. Bargaining is Expected (But Be Nice)
At markets, the first price is basically a test. Bargain, but don’t be a jerk. Think of it as friendly banter, not a battle.
Example: If a vendor says 200,000 rupiah, counter with 100,000 and meet somewhere in the middle.
8. Wi-Fi is Everywhere (But Not Always Reliable)
Every café brags about “fast Wi-Fi,” but IMO, that usually means “fast enough to load Instagram, but don’t even dream of uploading a video.”
Hack: Get a local SIM card at the airport. Telkomsel usually gives the best coverage. You’ll pay around $10–15 for a solid data plan, and suddenly, Google Maps won’t abandon you mid-scooter ride.
9. The Sun is Brutal (Even When It’s Cloudy)
I once thought, “Eh, it’s overcast. I don’t need sunscreen.” Cut to me, looking like a lobster in denial.
Hack: Wear sunscreen. Every day. Clouds don’t block UV rays in Bali, they just make you cocky.
10. Plan Around Nyepi (Day of Silence)
Nyepi is beautiful and culturally important, but if you don’t know about it in advance, it’ll catch you off guard. On this day, the entire island shuts down—no flights, no going outside, nothing.
Hack: If you’re in Bali during Nyepi, stock up on snacks and embrace the silence. It’s actually an amazing reset if you know it’s coming.
11. Don’t Underestimate Travel Times
On a map, Ubud to Canggu looks like a breezy 45-minute ride. In reality? Try two hours in traffic. Bali roads aren’t built for the crowds.
Hack: Add at least 30–60 minutes to any travel time. Or better yet, don’t plan more than two activities in one day. Bali rewards slow travel.
12. Learn a Few Words of Bahasa
Bali locals speak English, sure, but learning a couple of phrases goes a long way. A simple “terima kasih” (thank you) gets smiles every time.
Hack: Download a translation app before you go offline. Locals will appreciate the effort, and it makes interactions way more fun.
13. Don’t Skip the Warungs
You didn’t go to Bali just to eat overpriced smoothie bowls (though they are good). Local warungs serve authentic food for a fraction of the cost.
Hack: Try nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and satay skewers. Bonus: you’ll spend $2 instead of $20.
14. Be Smart with ATMs
Some ATMs in Bali are shady. Ever seen a machine “eat” your card and never give it back? Yeah, me too.
Hack: Use ATMs at major banks or inside malls. And always cover your hand when entering your PIN. Pro tip: Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to avoid stacked fees.
15. Respect the Monkeys
Those little monkeys in Ubud look cute—until they steal your sunglasses, wallet, and dignity.
Hack: Don’t bring food into monkey forests, don’t make eye contact (they see it as a challenge), and for the love of bananas, don’t try to pet them.
Final Tips for First-Timers
- Stay hydrated (but with bottled water).
- Pack light—laundry is cheap everywhere.
- Download GoJek and Grab before you arrive.
- Get travel insurance. Bali belly + scooter accident = not fun.
Conclusion
Bali is magical. It’s also messy, chaotic, and sometimes unpredictable. But that’s part of its charm. If you follow these 15 Bali travel hacks, you’ll skip the rookie mistakes, save some cash, and have way more energy for sunset cocktails or sunrise hikes.
So pack your sarong, sunscreen, and sense of humor. Bali’s waiting—and trust me, you’ll fall in love with it (sunburn and all).