Top 10 Practical Tips for Visiting Bali, Indonesia

1.  The national motto of Indonesia is “unity with diversity.”  The country is home to 300-plus ethnicities and 700-plus languages.  These people are what make visiting Bali special.  “Namaste” was said to me frequently, and I enjoyed saying it back.  

2.  The majority of the more than 4 million people who live on Bali are Hindu, so dress is less conservative than in the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim (in fact, holding 12.7% of the world's Muslims, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world).  You should cover to your knees and shoulders when visiting Hindu temples.  Sandals and flip-flops are the most comfortable footwear. 

Carole in sarong at Penglipuran Traditional Village temple

flip-flops for sale in Bali

3.  Almost every house and business has a shrine (or “pura”) tucked into a corner, often with an umbrella as a sign of respect.  Fresh offerings of flowers and fruit are made daily.  When you see this offering on the ground, it is meant to keep evil spirits away; try not to step on it.  Statues are covered in black-and-white checked cloth to keep a balance between evil and good.

shrine offerings

offering to evil spirit in Bali

statue covered in black-and-white checked cloth to keep a balance
between evil and good

4.  Bali has no malaria.  Check this website for current updates on malaria status.  However, Bali does have Indonesia’s highest incidence of dengue fever, and chikungunya is found there--both serious illnesses transferred by mosquitoes. 

5.  Much of the time, Bali is hot and humid.  The best weather is in the driest months--April through October--and summer is best.  November through March are the wet monsoon months.

6.  Items to pack along for a trip:
●sunscreen:  Because locals rarely use it, a good sunscreen can be hard to find, expensive, and might be ineffective with an expired pull date.
●mosquito repellent:  Preferably with Deet.  Though I wound up returning my mosquito spray--which I dragged half-way around the world--because I didn’t use it or need it, you should pack some along in case you run into these pesky critters.

gift shop at Sylvia Hotel on Flores Island in Indonesia

7.  You will encounter squat toilets.  It is a good idea to carry along toilet paper because many restrooms are not stocked.  Remember to put used toilet paper in the trashcan beside the toilet; sewer systems often cannot process it.  Hand sanitizer is helpful when you find yourself without soap or towels. 

toilet sign at Sylvia Hotel on Flores Island in Indonesia

8.  In Bali there are no fixed prices.  You bargain for virtually everything--car and drivers, guides, souvenirs, accommodations (and a free breakfast).  But not at five-star hotels.  A two-hour massage costs about $40.

9.  Tipping is not expected.

10.  Cars drive on the “wrong”/left side of the road, and an international driver’s license is required.  Most people hire a car and driver to tour.  Renting a motorbike is another option; a helmet is required.

parked motor scooters in Bali

More things to do in Bali.

More ideas for exploring Asia and the South Pacific.

images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers