Visiting Bali for the First Time: What You Need to Know Before You Travel

Bali, known as the "Island of the Gods," is more than just a popular tourist destination; it's a captivating experience. It's a place where spirituality blends with pristine nature, and the ocean's energy is palpable in every corner. To ensure your first trip is as comfortable and safe as possible, we've prepared a guide covering key aspects: from paperwork to choosing a hotel and exploring the local culture.

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Visa and cash - preparing for your trip

Proper preparation is the key to a carefree vacation, so it's worth researching all the information in advance to ensure you have peace of mind and confidence during your trip.

Visa and entry

Indonesia offers several types of visas for foreign visitors, including a Visa on Arrival (VoA). This visa can be obtained directly at Denpasar Airport. It costs IDR 500,000 (approximately US$30) and is valid for 30 days, with a one-time extension for an additional 30 days. To save time at the airport, consider applying for an electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VOA) in advance on the official Indonesian Immigration website. Visa regulations in Indonesia change periodically, so we recommend checking the latest information before your trip.

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Currency and money

The official currency in Bali is the Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Large resorts and hotels often accept cards, but cash is preferred in local cafes, markets, and small shops.

• Currency exchange. Exchange money only at official exchange offices or banks. Avoid exchanging money on the street or at unofficial locations, where there is a risk of fraud.
• ATMs. Use ATMs located in banks or large shopping malls. Be careful with ATMs in remote areas due to the possibility of skimming.

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When is the best time to go to Bali?

The dry season, from April to October: ideal for beach holidays, diving, and sightseeing. The weather is sunny and humidity is lower. This is the peak tourist season.

The rainy season, from November to March: frequent but usually short-lived rainfalls, with prolonged downpours rare. Accommodation prices are lower, there are fewer tourists, and nature is particularly lush. This is an excellent time for those seeking solitude and prepared for occasional rainfall.

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Where to Stay in Bali: Main Areas

Bali offers a variety of residential areas, each with its own distinct character. The island's volcanic origins mean that most of its shores are covered in dark, rich sand. The most picturesque and popular beaches are in the south of the island. Here you'll find wide shores, some with golden sand. All resorts in this part of Bali are conveniently located near the airport, making transfers quick and easy.

Kuta

If you're looking for affordable hotels with excellent service, Kuta is your option. It's a hub of nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and shopping centers. The beach here is wide, with soft sand and a gentle slope into the water, perfect for both swimming and surfing. There are schools on site where you can take lessons from a professional instructor and rent a board.

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

Seminyak

The coastline of the Seminyak resort area is similar to Kuta Beach: the same soft sand and excellent waves. However, the atmosphere is more upscale. The resort boasts high-quality infrastructure, a large number of stylish cafes, boutiques, and hotels—hence the higher cost of accommodation.

W Bali Seminyak

Legian

A resort town between Kuta and Seminyak, approximately 7 kilometers from the island's capital, Denpasar. It offers a good selection of hotels for tourists of all budgets. Legian is a bit quieter than Kuta, but still close enough to its vibrant nightlife. The beach is also suitable for surfers.

Padma Resort Legian

Nusa Dua

This is the ideal resort for a relaxing family vacation in Bali. The sea here is calm and gently slopes down, making it safe for little ones. The choice of accommodations, from comfortable villas to five-star resorts, will satisfy any need.

Ayodya Resort Bali

Jimbaran

Situated in a cozy bay, Jimbaran offers a beach with soft sand and calm waves. Once a fishing village, it has become one of the most comfortable places to relax. Its tranquil atmosphere still reigns, making it a popular choice for family vacations and romantic getaways.

AYANA Segara Bali

Canggu

A region where nature, surfing, and a relaxed lifestyle harmoniously blend. Canggu is known for its rice fields, fine cafes, restaurants, and free spirit. It's home to the famous FINNS Beach Club, renowned for its vibrant parties. Canggu's beaches boast strong waves—perfect for surfing in Bali. Batu Bolong Beach is particularly popular: it offers equipment rentals, surf schools, bars, and shops. Nearby is the famous Tanah Lot Temple, perched on a cliff in the ocean. It's often called Bali's calling card.

Como Uma Canggu

Balangan

Balangan Beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula, near the village of the same name, and is a renowned surfing hotspot. The coastline is surrounded by picturesque cliffs, and it's a popular spot for music videos and photo shoots, with waves considered some of the best on the island.

Sanur

A sprawling beach area in the southeast of the island, it was one of the first resorts to welcome foreign tourists. The spirit of "old Bali" can still be felt here: cozy streets, quiet beaches, and cafes overlooking the ocean. Perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed pace of relaxation, it offers a wide selection of hotels, shops, and a promenade for strolling.

Maya Sanur Resort & Spa

Uluwatu

An area on the southern tip of the island, known for its picturesque cliffs, luxurious villas, and excellent surfing conditions. Choose from the best premium resorts in Uluwatu.

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Ubud

If a beach holiday isn't your priority, consider Ubud, often called the cultural heart of Bali. The Ubud area is perfect for a relaxing getaway, yoga, meditation, strolls through rice terraces, spa treatments, and cultural immersion.

The Westin Resort & Spa Ubud

How to choose accommodation in Bali

Bali offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxurious resorts and villas with private pools to simple guesthouses and cozy bungalows. You can rent a private house or book a villa.

Those planning to stay on the island longer than a typical vacation are advised to look for accommodation once they're there. A viable option is to fly in, stay in a budget guesthouse for a few days, and then leisurely choose your permanent accommodation, taking into account price/quality, location, services, and so on. One popular format for long-term stays in Bali is the so-called "cos" (cos). These are mini-complexes consisting of several houses with a shared area and a pool. Rent for such accommodations varies depending on amenities and location and typically ranges from $500 to $900 per month.

Bali offers hotels to suit any budget, but the key is to book the best deals and attractive options in advance, especially during peak season, from May to October, and during the New Year holidays.

• The best 5-star hotels in Bali
• Top 25 Best Budget Hotels in Bali

The St. Regis Bali Resort

Bali Transportation: How to Get Around the Island

Bali's transportation system differs from that familiar to most Europeans. Traffic is often chaotic, and traffic jams are common in tourist areas.

Taxi calling apps

The most convenient way is to use the Grab and Gojek apps, which offer both motorcycle taxis (ojek) and regular cars. They offer reasonable prices and excellent safety. Bluebird Taxi, which also has a well-deserved reputation, offers a user-friendly app and comfortable passenger transportation.

Motorbike rental

Scooter rentals are popular, but not recommended for beginners. Driving is on the left, and traffic rules are often ignored. Only rent if you have driving experience and an international category A driver's license.

Car rental with a driver

For longer excursions or trips around the island, it's best to hire a private driver. It's relatively inexpensive, convenient, and safe. You can negotiate a price for the entire day.

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Things to do in Bali

Bali boasts a wealth of fascinating attractions, including temples, rice terraces, sunrises on Mount Batur, beaches, and nature reserves. Bali's must-sees include the Elephant Park and the Sacred Monkey Forest in Ubud.

The island also boasts numerous waterfalls, caves, gardens, and other natural beauty spots. Some of Bali's coastlines are ideal for surfing, and you might also prefer snorkeling and diving—Bali offers excellent conditions for both.

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Culture and Etiquette

Balinese culture is deeply spiritual, and tourists should be aware of and respect key local traditions. Therefore, we suggest familiarizing yourself with some local etiquette:

• When visiting temples (pura), it is necessary to adhere to the dress code rules, in particular, covering the shoulders and wearing a sarong and belt (sash), which can usually be rented at the entrance to the temple.
• The left hand is considered unclean, so always use the right hand when passing money, objects, or greeting.
• It is disrespectful to touch a Balinese's head, as it is considered sacred. Also, one should not point at people or objects with one's feet.
• You'll see small palm leaf baskets filled with flowers and rice on the sidewalks. Don't step on them; they're called Canang Sari—daily offerings to the gods.
• Before taking photographs of people, you should ask their permission.

One of the most beautiful manifestations of Balinese culture is the traditional fire dance, Kecak. This amazing performance can most often be seen at Uluwatu Temple and the Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park.

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Health and Safety

• In Bali, avoid drinking tap water. Use only bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.
• Be careful with street food, especially for the first time. Carry basic medications for indigestion and dehydration.
• Bali is located close to the equator. Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear hats, and apply insect repellent regularly, especially in Ubud and rural areas.

By following these simple guidelines, you can avoid common mistakes and get the most out of your first visit to the island. And learn all the top reasons to choose Bali!

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