Bali Travel Guide for First-Timers From a Veteran Visitor

Bali, also referred to as the island of Gods, is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourism destination in Indonesia.

I’ve been visiting this beautiful island since I was a young. I was born in Indonesia and I speak Bahasa Indonesia fluently. Thanks to this, I am able to understand certain Balinese cultures and nuances in a way that foreigners can’t. So, I want to bridge that cultural gap and impart all the knowledge I’ve accumulated about Bali! Keep on reading 😀

Before we go, I have to warn you that this post is going to be very long. Here are some content shortcuts to help you navigate:

1. Overview of Bali
2. Best places to stay in Bali
3. Where to go in Bali: Overview of Areas
4. Entering Bali
5. Transportation in Bali
6. General tips for traveling in Bali
7. What to eat in Bali: Local Food and Drinks
8. What to do in Bali: Day Trip and Activities Ideas in Bali

1. Overview of Bali

Bali needs no introduction – the island has become a dream destination for decades, starting with the tourism boom in the 1980s. Bali tourism has gone through some rough patches, with the rise of drug-related crimes and two terrorist bombings in the mid-2000s that claimed the lives of a staggering 202 victims, to the tourism revival that can be credited to Eat Pray Love in the 2010s. The book (and movie) has arguably led to what Bali is known for in the present day – wellness and spiritual healing, along with the beautiful beaches and nature.

With the rise of remote working (yes, even before the pandemic), Bali has become popular with digital nomads. These days it’s even very common to meet foreigners who are staying in Bali permanently.

Bali is part of Indonesia, a predominantly Muslim country that does not eat pork. It is exactly why Bali stood out, with 83% of the island practicing Hinduism. One of their best-known local cuisines is actually a pork dish – Babi Guling, which is a spit-roasted pig often served in the form of Nasi Campur (mixed rice).

Although Balinese adheres to Hinduism, the religion found in Bali is different than the rest of the world. Balinese Hinduism is a combination of the core beliefs of Hinduism as we know that originated from India, mixed with Bali’s own traditional beliefs.

This is perhaps why Bali is popular with domestic and foreign tourists alike – it is truly unique and you can’t find a place like Bali anywhere else in the world.

When is the best time to visit Bali?

Bali is great to visit all year round. The monsoon season (mid-December to March) brings rain, but isn’t too severe – the rain comes only a few hours during the day. After the rain, it’s more pleasant to wander around since the temperature would have cooled down.

In the recent years, several volcano eruptions were observed at Mount Agung – the tallest volcano in Bali. This spurred some flight cancellations, although it didn’t lead to anything more serious since Mount Agung is far from residential and tourist areas.

There had also been major earthquakes in the neighboring island of Lombok, but Bali itself did not sustain major damage.

Public Holidays and Important Dates in Bali

Bali celebrates a number of Hindu holidays. As a visitor, you don’t have to worry too much about these holidays affecting your plans… except for Nyepi, which I’ll talk about more shortly.

Nevertheless, it’s always good to know about these holidays as an insight into the Balinese culture. I think their strong connection to the Hindu religion is what makes Bali such a magical island.

Bali operates on two calendar systems called Pakuwon, which contains 210 days, and Saka, which is based on the phases of the moon. It’s very possible that some Balinese holidays are held twice a year on the global Gregorian calendar system.

Here are two of the most important holidays in Bali:

1. Nyepi – A Day of Silence

I highlighted this holiday first and foremost, because this one will definitely affect your travel plans as a visitor. Nyepi marks the new year according to the Saka calendar. Nyepi is a day of silence, fasting, and meditation for the Balinese. It stems from the word “sepi“, which in Indonesian means “deserted”.

The Balinese believe that by staying quiet and leaving the island looking deserted, the evil spirits will believe that the island has been abandoned and will not bother them for the rest of the year. Thus, everyone is required to stay indoors and stay quiet. For 24 hours from 6 AM until 6 AM of the following morning, everyone is forbidden to go out, entertain themselves or perform any duties on the island.

Tourists are also forbidden to be outside. They can do whatever you want inside your hotel room, but light and sounds must be minimized. If you are staying in a resort, typically you can still use the facilities, provided that you stay within the resort grounds. Please do check with the resort!

2. Galungan and Kuningan – Triumph over Evil

I was lucky to be experiencing Galungan and Kuningan firsthand during one of the many times I visited Bali. Galungan is a Balinese holiday celebrating the victory of dharma (good) over adharma (evil). While the holiday is unique to Bali, it is related to Diwali, a major Hindu holiday celebrated around the world.

Galungan marks the beginning of the most important recurring religious ceremonies. The spirits of deceased relatives who have died and have been cremated return to visit their former homes. The current inhabitants have a responsibility to be hospitable through prayers and offerings. The spirits return after ten days, in a celebration called Kuningan.

During Galungan, the island is made extra festive by the presence of “Penjor” – the beautiful and colorful bamboo poles decorated with dried coconut leaves with offerings suspended at the end. These are installed by the side of roads everywhere in Bali by each home and business.

2. The Best Places to Stay in Bali

The best places to stay in Bali for first-timers are Seminyak, Ubud, and Canggu. However, depending on your requirements, you might want to consider other areas as well. You can read about my review of areas in Bali here.

One of the things I love about Bali is the diverse range of accommodations you can find on this island. From exclusive five-star resorts to affordable accommodations, Bali has it all. Here are a few of my picks:

Option 1: Five-star Luxury Resorts ($$$$)

These resorts are the best of the best five-star accommodations in Bali, known for their outstanding hospitality and luxury. They are often the accommodation of choice for couples on honeymoon.

It does come at a price, but I find even then they’re still reasonable compared to other destinations.

• Ayana Resort in Jimbaran – Ayana is well known for the Rock Bar, a famous spot for sunset. It is also one of the biggest resorts in Bali -they have three accomodation options in their resort ground alone, at varying price points.

Alila Villas in Uluwatu – Located in the south of Bali in Uluwatu, Alila Villas is one of the most exclusive accommodation you can find in Bali. It’s perfect for special occasions.

• Kamandalu Resort in Ubud – made famous on Instagram for their floating breakfast, where they serve your meal on a floating tray in the pool

My recommendation is to stay at one of these resorts for 1 or 2 nights, then move on to other more affordable accommodations in Bali.

Option 2: Private Villas (with private pool!)

Aside from resorts, you won’t be short of options for private luxury villas whether you are traveling with a group of friends or as a couple.

For booking villas in Bali, I use Booking.com – they have good cancellation policy and does not impose random fees like Airbnb. They’ve made it so easy by having a dedicated search page for Villas. Alternatively, you can perform a search as usual but filter the property theme to “Villas”.

Here are some villas that I’ve personally stayed in:

• Bali Island Villas and Spa – This is a 1-bedroom private villa within a complex of villas in Seminyak, each with its own private pool. The villa itself is a smidge outdated compared to other Bali villa but honestly, it’s still amazing. The main selling point is the location of this villa, it’s right at the heart of Seminyak. It’s located right off Jalan Petitenget, where you can find plenty of trendy restaurants and cafes, and also within minutes walk to Desa Potato Head Beach Club.
• Secret River Villa in Canggu – A large 5-bedroom villa on the outskirts of Canggu. I rented this villa with 3 other group of friends. The villa was very spacious and beautiful with luxurious pool. There are three caretakers in the villa from 8 am – 4 pm every day. They will keep the place clean and run errands for you, such as light shopping and laundry. The only negative part is the difficulty in getting transport – you have to arrange a car ahead of time with the caretaker.
• Mule Sayana Villa in Ubud – (Update: unfortunately I can’t find a place where they can be booked online anymore) A private villa with an attached spacious bathroom and private pool, a small shed in the garden where you can chill while looking out to the vast rice fields that surrounded this villa. However, the downside (or benefit?) is that it’s very secluded – it takes about 15 to 20 mins by motorbike to the central part of Ubud each way. It might not seem like much now but if you have to do this every day, it gets a bit tiring. But still, I loved my stay at the villa and still remember it fondly years later.

Option 3: Regular Hotels in Bali

If you’ll mostly be out exploring Bali, you should not spend too much on accommodation that you won’t get to enjoy fully. Well, you’ll be happy to know that there are tons of options for affordable but good hotels in Bali.

Here are my personal picks:

• Uma Karan in Seminyak – My go-to affordable hotel in Bali for two people. It’s located close enough to the Seminyak / Petitenget area, about 15-minute walk. The hotel is a small property with only 10 rooms, but it’s clean and modern. The staff is amazing.
• The Akasha Boutique Hotel in Seminyak – Located right on Batu Belig Road and a 2-minute walk to the beach! It’s a small hotel with good facilities.
• Bali Mystique Hotel in Seminyak – A slightly older hotel, but the location is really good and the price is affordable – right in the heart of Seminyak and you can pretty much walk everywhere. The room is also very spacious.
• Lloyd’s Inn in Seminyak – if you prefer to stay in a beautiful, modern boutique hotel that isn’t too pricey, this is a great option. The best selling point is their location – you can walk to Double Six beach from here. I haven’t stayed here, but there is a Lloyd’s Inn in Singapore and I’ve heard great things about them.

3. Where to go in Bali: Overview of Bali Areas

Bali is a huge island and there are many areas you can consider visiting depending on what you’re interested in. Below I’ve picked out areas that are perfect for visitors.

For first-time visitors to Bali, I recommend sticking to Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud. All the infrastructure that caters to tourism is already well established at these locations – the locals speak fluent English, there are plenty of accommodation options from villas to hotels, lots of activities to do, and places to visit. There are also various dining choices from vegan organic cafes to authentic local Balinese food.

1. Seminyak (3-4 Days)

Seminyak is where I usually stay when I go to Bali, and it’s a great introduction to the massive island that is Bali. The area has the most concentration of foreigner-friendly restaurants, cafes, beach clubs, and an active nightlife. Locals all speak English here so you won’t encounter any language issues.

I have tons of recommendations in Seminyak, so check out that post if you need places to go.

2. Ubud (4-5 Days)

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Bali, you can check out Ubud. Located in the mountainous region of Bali island, Ubud is known as the center of arts and crafts in Bali. Ubud is hardly “new” or undiscovered – in fact, it is a haven for visitors.

However, the costs in Ubud are still relatively affordable compared to Seminyak. You can expect to find a quieter and slower life here, and a lot more cultural and natural activities.

And again, I’ve written a separate guide to Ubud so be sure to check that out for ideas of what you can do there.

3. Canggu (2-3 Days)

Canggu, located only half an hour north of Seminyak, is currently the trendiest area in Bali. It’s similar to Seminyak but a lot newer. Canggu has been hailed as the down-to-earth Brooklyn to upscale Seminyak’s Manhattan and called the Bohemian surfer paradise by Vogue. This is probably what Seminyak looked like ten years ago when all the visitors were still staying in Kuta.

Yup, you bet I have my own guide to Canggu too! Here you can find a list of my favorite places in Canggu.

4. Other popular locations

The following locations are also famous among Bali tourists, but I personally don’t know too much about them since I have not been spending much time in these areas.

Here are little snippets that could give you an idea of what you can find there:

• Kuta & Legian – nestled between Seminyak and the Ngurah Rai airport, Kuta was the place to be when Bali tourism first picked up in the 1980s. Nowadays it’s just known as a very commercialized and dirty area.
• Jimbaran – where all the high-end resorts are. Usually, people come here to stay at Ayana or something similar, but they rarely leave the resort grounds. It is still known for a good seafood BBQ by the sea.
• Nusa Dua – like Jimbaran but located on the eastern coast of Bali, Nusa Dua also houses the most high-end resorts like The Hilton, St Regis, etc. It’s also known as the launchpad of water sports activities.
• Sanur – located just north of Nusa Dua, Sanur was one of the first tourist destinations to come to life on the island in the 1920s. Nowadays it attracts backpackers and divers since Sanur Beach is where most diving boats take off from
• Uluwatu – a surfer’s paradise located in the far south of the island. It houses some of the most exclusive private villas and beach clubs.
• Kintamani – located at the foot of Mount Batur and next to a lake, this area is great if you’re looking for a mountain getaway.

5. Lesser Known Locations

If you are looking for something even more quiet and further away from the throng of tourists in Bali, you might want to consider the following areas:

• Candidasa – This area located on the east side of Bali is very popular with domestic tourists. It’s one of the civilization areas closest to Mount Agung. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see the volcano towering over Bali.
• Munduk Village – This village is located in the central north of Bali, on a mountain area with a cooler climate and access to some of Bali’s best waterfalls.
• Lovina – This is a resort beach located far north of Bali. You can do both beach activities and nature walks to waterfalls here.

4. Entering Bali

Ngurah Rai International Airpor, where you’d likely be landing in Bali, is known to be a toss-up: arrive during peak hour and you’ll find yourself waiting at the immigration queue for hours, but other times you’re practically just walking in.

There are a few things you can do before your arrival in Bali to make things smoother:

1. Obtain an eVisa (if you need a visa to enter Indonesia)
2. Apply for immigration autogate
3. Complete the Indonesia customs declaration form
4. Pay the Bali tourist tax on arrival

I’ll cover them one by one here:

1. Entry Visa for Bali & Indonesia

Starting in March 2022, foreigners are required to pay for a visa to get into Indonesia, which includes Bali. The gist of it is that there are two types of visas to enter Indonesia depending on your passport: Visa Exempted or Visa on Arrival.

• If your passport country falls under visa exemption, then you don’t need to do anything – just turn up and go through immigration like a local Indonesian. (PS: Passport holders of ASEAN countries fall under this category!)
• If your passport country falls under Visa on Arrival (VOA), then you’ll need to pay the VOA fee of Rp 500,000 in cash per person. I’ll cover more about this below.
• Or else, if your passport country does not fall under the above categories, then you’ll need to apply for a visa at an Indonesian consulat before arriving in Indonesia.

Apply for eVisa on arrival (e-VOA) online

Yes, you can apply for a Visa on arrival online, before you actually arrive in Bali! Provided you hold a passport from one of the approved countries. This could potentially save you some time from having to queue up to pay for a Visa on arrival at the airport.

Indonesia eVisa: I have written a detailed step-by-step on what you need to do, and how to troubleshoot some known errors.

Getting a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at the Bali airport

For those of you whose passport falls under the Visa on Arrival category, make sure to bring cash in Indonesian Rupiah currency to pay the visa fee. There are ATMs in the airport and ways to pay with a credit card, but I have heard stories when the credit card machine failed and the ATM ran out of money. So as much as you can, try to prepare the money in cash beforehand!

2. Apply for Immigration Autogate

The REAL benefit of e-VOA is the ability to use the immigration autogate in Ngurah Rai airport. This makes everything easier since you don’t need to queue at the manual immigration counter upon arrival.

For citizens of the Visa Exempt countries (AKA citizens of ASEAN countries) who didn’t need a visa, you can pre-register for autogate by applying for visa type A1 at the same evisa website.

Please note that to use autogate, you must hold biometric passport, and be above 6 years old.

3. Fill out the customs form online

You can pre-fill your customs form online before you land in Bali. When you get to the airport, just show the QR code and you’re good! It saves so much time. I recommend doing this while waiting for your flight.

4. Pay Bali Tourism Tax

You might need to pay a tourism tax of Rp 150,000 per person (about US $10 at the time of writing). There is a way to pay this tax online but I’ve seen reports of credit cards being compromised after paying the tax through the official website. So I do not recommend online payment at the time. You can pay when you arrive in Bali, if asked.

5. Transportation in Bali

So you got yourself to Bali. What are your options to get around? Below, I’ve outlined every possible way you can transport yourself within Bali.

Can I use ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab in Bali?

Online ride apps – the likes of GOJEK, Grab, and Blue Bird taxi – are available in Bali, while Uber has been defunct in South East Asia after being acquired by Grab in early 2018. So the short answer is, yes you can, but not everywhere in Bali.

Ride-sharing apps have certain areas they are allowed to operate from. Usually, tourist areas like temples and certain beaches don’t allow ride-sharing apps by car. Booking a motorbike via the app is still okay, which is what I usually end up doing.

How to get to Bali from the Airport

Okay, so you’ve landed at Ngurah Rai Airport. How do you get to where you need to go in Bali? There are quite a few options:

• (The BEST option) Pre-book your airport transfers online – This is probably the best and cheapest option. You can pre-book airport transfer here for a very fair price here. Alternatively, you can arrange an airport transfer with your accommodation, but they will normally charge more.
• Online taxi apps like GOJEK or Grab. They used to not be allowed to operate in airports, but now it is legal. You can book airport transfers via Gojek or Grab app.
• Getting a taxi is still an option if you’re up for it. Here is how to get a Taxi from the Ngurah Rai Airport:
  • Ngurah Rai Taxi – In Bali airport, there is only one taxi operator with an official booking system: Ngurah Rai Taxi. Simply stop by their counter just before the duty-free exit. I am not sure about the price but should be in the Rp 250,000 area.
  • Haggle with the normal taxi drivers after you get out of duty-free. This is pretty fun if you enjoy haggling. They will quote you some outrageous number – but just have a hearty laugh, offer them half of their quote, and calmly walk away. Someone else will take you up quickly. For a ballpark of what to pay – I always get offered Rp 500,000 to Seminyak right off the bat, which is just crazy. I always haggle the price down to about Rp 150,000 – 200,000 to Seminyak. The price really depends on my mood to haggle and whether it’s peak or low season.
• Walk out of the airport and catch a Blue Bird Taxi outside – Blue Bird Taxi is the most trusted taxi operator in Bali and the rest of Indonesia. Unfortunately, they don’t operate from the airport. Getting a Blue Bird taxi probably will yield the cheapest fare, but I have never done this. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth all the effort just to save a little bit of money.

Getting Around in Bali

Once you are ready to explore Bali, here are some options to get around:

• Private Car Driver – you can hire a private car with a driver to drive you around for US$33/day. These cars are usually minivans that can take up 5 people, so it’s ideal for those who are traveling in a group or just can’t be bothered planning around transportation. If you have lots of touristy areas to visit, this is the BEST way since you don’t have to think about the transport back.
• Rent a Motorbike – this is what locals and Bali expats do. You just get further and faster on a motorbike since most of Bali’s roads are too narrow for cars. You can rent a motorbike for Rp 70,000 a day or Rp 700,000 a month (haggle the price down). Of course, not everyone is comfortable with riding a motorbike, so please don’t force yourself if you can’t. I’ve included some tips on driving motorbikes in Bali below.
• Call a Motorbike with GOJEK or Grab – while online taxi apps are frowned upon in Bali, hiring a motorbike is still okay. Simply download the GOJEK App and select “Go-ride” from the options – the icon is a motorbike carrying a passenger.
• Blue Bird Taxi App – As I said before, Blue Bird Taxi is the most trusted taxi operator in Bali and the rest of Indonesia. To book with Blue Bird, simply download their app. It works the same as other taxi apps.
• Online Taxi App (GOJEK and Grab) – Taking a taxi booked from online apps could get pretty dicey, but they still can operate in certain neutral areas. You just have to take the gamble. Your rides might be canceled multiple times before you find a taxi driver who’s willing to accept the job. If your job gets canceled more than once, it’s time to give up and look for other options.

Tips for driving a motorbike in Bali

So you’ve decided to rent a motorbike in Bali. Good for you! This is probably the best way to get around Bali. Just take notes of the following and you’ll be fine.

• Safety First – ALWAYS wear a helmet even if you are a confident driver, even if you are just a passenger, even if you are only driving for a short period, and even if you think they look silly. You never know what’s going to happen on the road – it might not even be your fault but someone else could hit you and cause injury. I’ve even seen a local on motorbike skid out of nowhere on a mountain road because there was gravel on the road. So wear those helmets!
• Watch out for your belongings – There have been cases of people getting their purses or phones snatched off while riding a bike by another pair of people who are also a bike. These people are called “Jambret” which means “snatcher” in Indonesian. Usually, when foreigners are riding a motorbike, the passenger acts as a navigator of the bike and they’ll often have their phones out while navigating. This makes them an easy target for the jambrets. The jambrets normally would attack a quiet street since it’s easier for them to run away – so always be on alert and hold on to your stuff. I’ve personally seen someone get attacked while driving on Drupadi Street, which is right in the heart of Seminyak with plenty of people around.
• Don’t wear anything loose – Scarves, loose pants or long flowy dresses should not be worn since they might obstruct other biker’s way or get caught on something. The alleys in Bali can be pretty narrow sometimes.
• Use Google Maps “walking” route for better biking routes – If you’re confident with your motorbiking skills, the Google Maps walking route can often point you to alleys that can actually be accessed by motorbikes. You’ll often find shortcuts this way, but you might also come across dead end sometimes because Google’s road inventory in Bali is not always up to date.

6. General Tips for traveling in Bali

Here are a few things I’ve learned about Bali after years of visiting. Knowing them will make your visit easier!

‼️ Money Changer – Only go to legit money changers!

There are plenty of money changers around the touristy area in Bali, but most of them WILL try to scam you. I’m talking about the ones on the side of the street. They are not legit and you’ll know this because they will advertise rates that are too good to be true. The catch is that they charge hidden “commissions”. Or worse, they’ll swipe some of your notes away while pretending to count the bills using various tricks, and you might not realize it until you’ve left the place.

So to be safe, only change your money at legitimate places like the bank, or a real money changer that looks like a proper shop (usually with a glass door front), or is located inside convenience stores. And, always look up reviews on Google Maps before you go!

I have personally had great experience with the following money changers:

• Prasarana Money Changer – They have a few locations in Bali. In Seminyak, I only know their one location inside Circle K here.
• MBP Money Changer – One location in Seminyak here
• Amandana Money Changer – Locations in Canggu, Seminyak and Sunset Road

Apps & Connectivity

• Make sure you have a local SIM – It’s always a good idea to have data connection while in Bali. I used to recommend getting physical SIM, but these days getting an eSIM is more convenient and cost effective. I recommend getting it from Klook – you can easily top up data from the app. You could also buy SIM card once you are in Bali, but in my experience it is hard to find an honest one that will not try to sell you expensive SIM cards packaged for tourist.
• Download WhatsApp to communicate with locals – This is the messaging app of choice in Indonesia. Everyone has a WhatsApp, often colloquially abbreviated to “WA”. You can even make a booking, ask questions, and communicate with businesses via WhatsApp. I’ve booked for massages and checked whether a place is open by simply WhatsApp-ing the number listed on their Google listing – no need to call.
• Download GOJEK app – GOJEK is the holy grail app in Indonesia and I proudly support them because they are an Indonesian company. Aside from the car and bike service, GOJEK provides a bunch of other services such as food delivery, concierge delivery service, massage, shopping, etc. I’ve shamelessly gotten someone to deliver me drinks from a convenience store when I didn’t feel like going out.

Safety & Cultural Norms in Bali

• Watch out for your belongings – Bali is generally a safe place, but use your common sense and be alert. Be careful of your belongings – Jambret aka “bag snatcher” is a thing in certain areas. As I’ve mentioned in the motorbike riding tips above, they usually ride as a pair on a motorbike for easy escape and snatch your purse / bags / phones if you aren’t careful.
• Always lock the doors, even if you are inside your accommodations. Again, Bali is a safe place. But crimes still happen. A few years ago, an elderly Japanese couple who had been living in Bali for seven years was robbed and murdered after leaving their front gate unlocked. While this is not a common occurrence, you just never know when you’re going to encounter someone evil.
• Tipping is NOT mandatory, but it’s nice to do. I personally do not tip at restaurants or cafes, but if I’m getting something service-based such as massages or villa caretaker, then I’ll leave them something. For massage or services that takes 1-2 hours, I tip Rp 30,000. For a villa caretaker, you can tip depending on how long you stay, what services they provided and how many people are in the villa – I recommend Rp 25,000 per person for each day of stay.
• No plastic bags. Since Dec 2018, the government of Bali has banned single-use plastic bags to be given out by businesses. This is due to the amount of plastic trash that has covered the island. So, it’s a good idea to always have a spare tote bag with you.

Health

• Buy a mosquito repellent – Mosquitoes really come out with a vengeance at night in Bali. If you are loved by mosquitoes like me, the local brand Autan is the best! You can get this as a lotion or a spray at any convenience store in Bali.
• If you get sick in Bali – For Bali belly (food poisoning) buy activated charcoal tablets – Norit brand is the most popular to get rid of toxins from food poisoning. If you are feeling nauseous, you can try getting Tolak Angin, a trusted local herbal medicine. These are available over the counter at any pharmacy.
• Always have a thin cotton scarf/sarong wrap with you – I love these because they are so versatile! You can wear them around your neck and shoulder to protect yourself from the sun, but they can also double up as something to sit on while you are at the beach. And if they get wet, they can dry fast.
• Always put on sunscreen, at least SPF 50! Skin cancer is not sexy. In Bali, you can find sunscreen sold at a more premium pharmacies like Guardians or Kimia Farma – they are not sold at normal convenience stores.

Living for an extended time in Bali

• Laundry Services – There are plenty of laundry places around Bali, especially in the touristy area. And by this, I don’t mean a laundromat – I meant a full-service laundry where you just drop off your clothes and they come back clean and folded! They charge a very affordable rate per weight (kg) – Rp 12,000 / kg. Typically the laundry will be done in 1 day, but I have encountered busy times where the laundry is done in 2 days. Keep in mind this is a very basic laundry service, not a professional dry cleaner. I would NEVER drop off expensive clothing or delicate clothing that requires special cleaning. But your usual everyday clothing, like a T-shirt or cotton pants, they should be fine.
• Extended motorbike rental – You can always negotiate your motorbike rental to be monthly and it’s MUCH cheaper than renting daily. You should only pay Rp 600,000 – 700,000 for a monthly bike rental.

Useful Indonesian Phrases

While everyone in Bali speaks english well, I still think learning local key phrases is important when you travel. Indonesians roll their “r”s and pronounce “d”s and “b”s hard, so don’t be afraid to enunciate those letters!

Indonesian Phrases For Everyday Use

Indonesian Food Phrases

Indonesian words for Roads & Navigation

Emergencies phrases in indonesian

7. What to eat in Bali: Local Food and Drinks

Due to the diversity of tourists in Bali, there are plenty of options for food on the island. Most cafes would cater to various dietary requirements, especially healthy options like vegetarian food, vegan bowls, smoothie bowls, etc. I’m fairly sure I don’t have to explain Avocado toast to you, so I’ll explain the local options instead! Indonesian food is my FAVORITE and as a bonus, they tend to be cheaper than foreign cuisines.

Alright, let’s get started-

Balinese Food

Nasi Campur – This means “mixed rice”, and that’s exactly what it is – white rice with random side dishes, usually contains at least one meat side dish with a bunch of vegetable sides. It could be spicy since Indonesians love their chilis.

Babi Guling – Although Indonesia is a predominantly Muslim country and most people do not eat pork, that is not the case with Bali. Their main dish is called Babi Guling, which is a spit-roasted pig. The pork meat is then served with rice and other side dishes, in Nasi Campur style.

Tipat Cantok – This is a dish made of boiled veggies, rice cake, and tofu in peanut sauce and sweet soy sauce. It’s local Balinese food, although it’s similar to Gado-gado that can be found elsewhere in Indonesia.

Indonesian Food in Bali

Bakso – my FAVORITE! Bakso is a meatball noodle soup that is very popular in Indonesia and can be found throughout the country.

Nasi Goreng or Mie Goreng – This is Indonesia’s favorite dish – fried rice (nasi) or fried noodles (mie). Usually mixed with vegetables and chicken (but you can always have meatless too), and served with one sunny-side-up egg. We can have this for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Satay or Sate – Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce. Usually, chicken (“ayam”) is used as the protein, but I’ve seen pork and mutton too.

Soto Ayam – Indonesian shredded chicken soup, usually served with rice or vermicelli and boiled eggs. Don’t be put off by the yellow color – it’s turmeric and it’s very good for your body.

Drinks in Bali

Avocado Juice (Jus Alpukat) – If you see “Avocado juice” on the menu in Bali – don’t think, just order them! You won’t regret it. In Indonesia, Avocado juice is more like milkshake where they add condensed milk and chocolate sauce (sometimes even black coffee, to cut the sweetness of the milk). It’s not a healthy drink by any means but it sure is a delicious one!

Jamu – “Jamu” is an Indonesian traditional herbal drink I had been drinking since I was young. There are many types of Jamu, but the most common one is Kunyit Asem – consisting of turmeric, tamarind, and cinnamon. Indonesians believe Jamu has health benefits, especially for women, so my mom would force me to drink Jamu every day. As a child I hated the taste but as an adult now? I love it!

Loloh Cemcem – This is a local Balinese herbal concoction, which tastes fresh and slightly sour. It’s believed to be good for blood pressure and aids in digestion.