Who doesn’t know Bali? It’s on everyone’s lips. Bali is definitely one of the top spots to visit. Despite its fame, it’s still a brilliant idea to do a bit of research about your destination, including Bali. The more you know before you set off, the better. We’ve put together the four most important things you should know before heading to Bali to save you headaches and get you ready for your trip. So, without further ado, check out the four things below.
1. Research Local Customs and Traditions, and Respect Them
Bali’s deep cultural heritage is something really special, and it’s important to show respect for these traditions. Getting to know about the offerings and temple festivals helps you connect more meaningfully with the community. Knowing the do’s and don’ts helps you act more thoughtfully.
You might find it interesting that women on their period aren’t supposed to enter temples to preserve their purity. Also, when visiting a temple, wearing modest clothes is a thoughtful gesture of respect. Interestingly, this kind of thing isn’t unique to Bali—similar customs are found in places like churches in Italy or the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Anyway, at many temples in Bali, you’ll likely be offered a sarong to wear to make sure you meet dress codes.
Learning these customs before your trip can help you avoid any misunderstandings and make your stay in Bali more enjoyable. Imagine the discomfort of unknowingly disrespecting a local tradition, like climbing on a sacred structure for a photo. It could turn a good day into a less pleasant one.
So, a little research before your visit can make a big difference.
2. Bring the Right Clothing, Sun and Temples Safe
The Balinese sun can be deceptively strong. Getting some sun is great, especially if you’re coming from colder countries where you don’t see much sunlight. However, it’s important to remember that the sun in Bali might be a bit too strong for you.
To avoid sunburn and heat exhaustion, wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, or skirts made from light, breathable materials that cover your skin. You can also bring a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection. Don’t forget to apply high-SPF sunscreen to protect your face and exposed skin areas from UV radiation. Believe it or not, you can still get tanned (or tan lines…) even after you cover up. But this way, you’ll enjoy your vacation without turning you into a roast.
Returning to an earlier point, bringing cover-ups is not only good for your skin protection but it’s also your passport into Bali’s sacred spaces. Like many things in life that are unpredictable, Bali can surprise you with a sudden need to dress modestly. Having cover-ups or modest clothes on hand means you’re always ready for a temple visit, saving you a headache when you want to enter holy places.
3. Make Sure You Have a Valid Driving License
Before driving in Bali, make sure your license is valid, whether for a car or a motorbike. Most car rental places will require both your regular and an international license, while a motorbike rental demands a suitable motorbike license. It’s possible to find rentals that might overlook a valid license, but be aware that if you have an accident, your insurance is unlikely to cover you, leaving you responsible for potentially huge medical bills.
Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, as failing to do so can also void your insurance coverage. Many have had to resort to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe to manage their expenses after such incidents.
Allow yourself time to adjust to the local driving conditions, which can be quite different from what you’re used to. Although it’s tempting to mimic the locals’ driving style, they have years of experience navigating these busy streets. It’s safer and wiser to prioritise your safety.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
4. Explore Efficiently, The Attractions Are Spread Out
Bali’s attractions are spread out, which means getting from one place to another can take some time, especially with the frequent traffic jams. Public transportation is limited, so a lot of people find it easier to just rent a motorbike or car. This way, you have the freedom to roam around as you like.
If you’re planning to visit multiple places in one day, keep in mind that it could take up a significant amount of time. For example, driving from the beach areas in the south, like Seminyak or Kuta, to the cultural hub of Ubud in the centre might take over an hour, depending on traffic. Including a third stop, especially somewhere further like Lovina in the north or Amed in the east, means you could be traveling all day.
To make the most out of your day, it’s a good idea to plan your visits to places that are close to each other and start your day early. If you’re up for exploring a lot, think about staying in different parts of the island to cut down on your daily commute.
