Going To Bali? Handy Stuff To Know Before You Go
By Sam Lee, 2025. Bali is famous for its great beaches, vibrant culture, and ultimate chill vibes — but there are a few nuggets of wisdom you should pocket before you jet off.
From visas to cultural etiquette, here are four travel tips from someone who's been there, done that, and got the sarong and the sunburn to prove it!
01—
Balinese Hinduism is a vibe
Even though Bali is part of the predominantly Muslim nation of Indonesia, the island stands out, with 83% of residents practicing Hinduism. And you'll find plenty of evidence of Bali's Hindu roots in the local cuisine, too.
However, Balinese Hinduism is not the same as Hindu traditions from India. Instead, it blends core Hindu spiritual beliefs with ancient Balinese folk religions and practices. This unique melding of cultures produced Bali's distinct Hindu society.
That's a big part of what makes Bali feel completely different from elsewhere in Indonesia or the world. The vibrant religious rituals and ornate temples are a photographer's dream come true. Flowers, food, and incense are offered everywhere, from households to businesses.
TRAVEL TIP: If you’re serious about having an authentic Balinese experience, you might like to read this article next: Authentic Bali: 8 Simple Ways to Respect Balinese Culture.
02—
Bali is a year-round destination
Bali's appealing tropical climate makes it an excellent year-round destination. However, you should be aware of a few seasonal patterns when planning your trip.
The monsoon season runs from mid-December through March. While it brings periods of heavy rain, showers typically only last a couple of hours each day. The upside is that the air feels refreshingly cooler after the rain passes, making exploring easier.
Mount Agung, Bali's highest volcano in recent years, has erupted a few times. Although these caused temporary airport closures, Mount Agung is quite far from major tourist areas, so there was no serious risk. The neighboring island of Lombok has also experienced some earthquakes, though Bali itself did not sustain significant damage again.
Apart from those relatively minor events, you can realistically travel to Bali at any time of year. The heavy rainfall of the monsoon season is a trade-off for lower crowds and prices.
But even during the busiest seasons like summer and holidays, the pleasant weather makes up for more company on the beach. So there's no need to worry too much about natural disasters ruining your dream vacation!
03—
Places to stay in Bali
One of the first big decisions for your Bali trip is where to stay. Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu are the most popular areas for first-time visitors. These places have everything you need — great hotels and villas, amazing restaurants, fun activities, and plenty of other tourists to meet.
In Seminyak, you'll find Bali's coolest beach clubs, trendy cafes, vibrant nightlife, and high-end boutique shopping. It's the perfect place to soak up the sun, socialize, and splurge a little! For luxurious beachfront resorts, check out places like the Mulia, Anantara, or the famous Ayana, with stunning ocean-cliffside views.
If you want a mellower, more cultural vibe, stay in Ubud instead. This artsy mountain town is the spiritual heart of Bali, with ancient Hindu temples, traditional dances, lush jungles, and rice paddies everywhere you look. I loved the experience of staying in my own private villa (a little away from the main center), waking up to roaming chickens, and the peaceful sounds of nature.
The booming area of Canggu also makes a great base, especially for surfers, digital nomads, and anyone craving a more laid-back bohemian scene. Think funky cafes, yoga studios, coworking spaces, and black sand beaches with great waves.
North East Bali is worth visiting if you have time. In fact, it’s one of my favorite places on the planet to chill with nature.
04—
Getting in and around Bali
Before you jet off to Bali, you need to handle a few important entry requirements. First, check if your country is eligible for visa-free entry or if you need to apply for a paid Visa on Arrival (VOA).
Visas and customs
If you require a VOA, you can apply for an e-visa online before your trip to skip the queues at the airport. Otherwise, you'll need to bring around US$35 in Indonesian rupiah cash to pay the VOA fee upon arrival.
Next, complete your Indonesian customs declaration form online to receive a QR code for faster processing. This is mandatory for all visitors.
Finally, in February 2024, Bali implemented a new tourism tax of around US$10 per person, which you pay in advance through the official website.
Getting all that sorted makes the arrival process super smooth. You can check out more information here.
Transport when you land
Once you land at the airport in Bali, there are many transportation options for reaching your hotel or villa. The easiest is just pre-booking an affordable transfer service online. I always pre-book a private driver to pick me up at the airport because it can be mayhem as soon as you walk outside the door.
If you don't mind negotiating the price, you can also take a regular taxi or try ride apps like Gojek and Grab, which are now legal for airport rides.
With the Bali Card, you can book an English-speaking personal driver for airport pick-ups and private tours.
Driving around Bali
If you're comfortable riding a motorbike or scooter, I highly recommend renting one to get around Bali during your stay. It's how the locals zip through Bali's narrow streets and alleyways. But be aware that traffic gets crazy in Bali, so please be careful.
Remember to get your mandatory international driver’s license and secure good travel insurance. Please don’t skimp on insurance when traveling to Bali — traffic accidents are quite common.
Oh, and they drive on the left-hand side of the road in Bali. That’s important to know before you go!
That’s a wrap!
No matter how you choose to explore, there are so many amazing places to discover in Bali — from peaceful temples to scenic mountain hikes to gorgeous beaches ideal for swimming, surfing, or just chilling out.
Bali really does have the perfect mix of culture, nature, spirituality, and luxury. If you do your research in advance, you’ll have a great time. There really is nowhere like it on Earth.
NEXT READ:
Your Bali Bucket List: 40 Amazing Things To Do
Did you find these tips for planning your Balinese getaway useful? Pin it for later!
Did you know that wonderful travelers like you support Travel Bliss? By booking through some links on this site, you’re helping to keep Travel Bliss alive (at no cost to you). I only recommend stuff that will genuinely boost your travel experience, so thanks a million for your support. You rock!
