Need Some Tips for Travelling to Bali for The First Time

1271190 on 29/08/2015 - 15:54
Last edited 31/08/2015 - 09:45

Hey there everyone, I am travelling to Bali next year for a wedding and thought it would be a good chance to check out what Bali has to offer.
This will be my first overseas trip and just wanted to ask my fellow Ozbargainer's for some tips.

I am currently awaiting a cheap flight deal to pop up on Ozbargain but accommodation wise and such I'm not to sure about, also confused on what travel money card to use as I currently have the Qantas Frequent Flyer Prepaid MasterCard but have heard Citibank is the way to go? I don't have any credit cards so thats not a option for me but I may look at getting one in the future.

I have been reading some threads on Ozbargain but thought I would make my own to make it a little bit easier for my experience. Is there anything I really need to know about travelling to Bali? What are the must see and do stuff?
What are absolute must NOT do's?

Remember I am a newbie to this OS travel scene haha so be kind :)

EDIT
Thanks so much for all the responses all have been a great help! :D

Travel

Comments

  • nocure on 29/08/2015 - 15:57
    +26

    What are absolute must NOT do's?

    Don't take a boogie board.😜

    • 1271190 on 29/08/2015 - 15:58

      Was waiting for that. Haha :P

      • nocure on 29/08/2015 - 16:09
        -1

        Yeah,sorry couldn't resist.

        • subywagon on 29/08/2015 - 23:19
          +5

          lol only reason I checked out the thread.. knew there'd be a boogie board comment :P

    • QuickToThePointless on 30/08/2015 - 15:02
      +2

      Dont drink the water

      Dont drink too much in public - easy target for corrupt bouncers / security / police etc.

      Dont accept drug offers

      Dont braid your hair

      • what on 30/08/2015 - 15:32

        Don't braid your hair

        Why?

        • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 15:44
          +2

          I think he means dreadlocks.

          Don't be another white backpacker with dreadlocks, makes you look like a douche.

        • Stone on 30/08/2015 - 16:03
          +3

          @inose:
          Nope, braids… And probably because they look hideous yet everyone bloody does it.
          https://www.google.com/search?q=BALI+BRAIDS&tbm=isch&tbo=u&s…

        • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 16:30

          @Stone:

          THAT's what I'm talking about. Yep, looks terrible. Worse when you're red from sunburn.

        • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 21:24

          The main reason is that scammers approach you on the street and offer to braid your hair. They make it seem like it'll be cheap. But by the time they're finished you're down $50 (which is a week's wages in Bali) and have a really terrible hair do (not even judging the style, they're just badly done braids).

        • Stone on 30/08/2015 - 21:26
          +9

          @tantryl:
          Yeah, you should always agree on a price in Bali before a service is performed. If you both agree at the start, the price won't change. They're not like Aussie mechanics!

    • wtigers on 31/08/2015 - 14:32

      Dont yell out the name Chappelle

      • nocure on 31/08/2015 - 14:51

        that's the name of his travel agent.

  • what on 29/08/2015 - 17:01
    +5

    A travel agent gave me the following tips for my son. He has just returned from his first trip to Bali. You may get the same tips from your own travel agent.

    . take $35US to the airport to pay for Visas.
    . Must not lose immigration card or you will be given a hard time in Bali when coming home.
    . take about $50 worth of ind RP just in case you need a taxi to get to hotel.
    . not to get too close to the locals. Most are good but the bad ones will target young tourists.
    . when they ask you if it is your first trip to Bali, say no.

    Top things to do in Bali:

    http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attractions-g294226-Activities…

    • djones145 on 29/08/2015 - 17:16
      • Must not lose immigration card or you will be given a hard time in Bali when coming home.

      also watch out of sneaky immigration officers when you leave saying you lost the card and wanting you to pay for it! my in law nearly got caught out, he made a bit of a fuss and took out cash on the table which spooked the immigration officer and he got to pass

      . take $35US to the airport to pay for Visas.

      not sure if its the best option, unless they have updated the exchange rates, USD was cheaper

      • try not to exchange money in indo, can try at the airport, but not in street shops, they use fast hands to short change you!

      • if you really need to change money, or want to bring some emergency cash, bring large bills (like 100 USD or 100 AUD) they seem to give better rates for large bills

      • watch out for money's at tourist spots, they steal stuff off you and you have to pay to get it back LOLZ

      • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 12:24
        +8

        If I had to take all these precautions to visit a place, I'd rather not go there in the first place…

        • djones145 on 30/08/2015 - 12:27
          +1

          yeah its like most places
          just need to be slightly cautious but not alarmed and you should be fine

        • Slippy on 31/08/2015 - 17:12
          +1

          These are all way over the top and mostly not necessary. More dangerous having a night out in Sydney but we get legless

    • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 21:54
      -1

      Free visa for me, BAM just saved $35!

  • nubzy on 29/08/2015 - 17:01
    +10

    Don't buy anything from the tourist traps or go to the restaurants the drivers will take you to, they get kickbacks and the goods are overpriced and the restaurants usually very poor. Only take blue bird taxis. Count your money at money changers.

    • what on 29/08/2015 - 17:09

      Yes, I have heard about the money changers. They can be very sneaky.

      • RockyRaccoon on 29/08/2015 - 20:00
        +2

        Basic Tip.

        If rate is very attractive, its likely to mean they will try to short change you.

        I tried 3 in a row and each would shuffle the money around, and each time I ended up with less than I should have had.

        When I called them on this some tried again, But again it involved short changing.

        When I had one keep the money on the table, he didnt want to do the deal.

        If they cant con you they will refuse to do the deal.

        Stick to the exchanges where they give you a receipt, watch the local traders they use these exchanges.

        not 100% but usually ok,

      • TopGun31 on 29/08/2015 - 21:20
        +1

        I think most hotels will exchange your money aswell. Ours did, the exchange rate was much better than here but not quite as 'good' as the street vendors. But you have the piece of mind that the hotel won't short change you!

    • BaryGusey on 30/08/2015 - 12:16
      +6

      Just get a Citibank card and use ATM as needed.

      Can use your regular bank ATM card too but fees might be much higher.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 12:21

      If the locals are dishonest… why keep them rich by going to that ****hole?

      • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2015 - 17:37

        I know right I can't believe they'd take advantage of us when they are so well off

  • IHateFrasierCrane on 29/08/2015 - 17:18
    +8

    Yes to this. Blue bird taxis. Don't risk anything else. Clean, safe, cheap and reliable.

    Also a big yes to private drivers wanting to take you places. They indeed do get kickbacks. Does that mean you'll get taken to a shitty restaurant? No, but at the end of the day getting a "free" drive to a restaurant isn't worth it when you may pay more.

    Enjoy the local cuisine. Indonesian food is some of the greatest in the world. Nothing beats a plate of Nasi Goreng with an egg on top for breakfast.

    Check out the local markets. Can get the same goods for much, much cheaper than in a place like Ubud.

    Don't be afraid to bargain!!!! I CANNOT stress this enough! Ham it up, make it theatric! It's part of the fun, and to get the best deals you want to have fun with the locals. 2 in particular stick in my mind, one young lady at a market in Legian who was the most beautiful, friendly person. I was buying a few pairs of shorts and other knick knacks. She gave me a ridiculous price, I prentended to faint. Went from there. At the end, she turned me around, smacked me on the ass and told me I was a naughty boy who drove a hard bargain (all with a smile on her face). It's all part of the fun, so make it fun :) The other was an older lady at the same market, she was tough as nails. Would not bargain down well for people at all, but I got her to a price I was happy with, and took it further. Got it for cheap because I took it that step further. She had a reputation amongst the tourists as one to avoid because she didn't bargain well, but after we settled she came up to me, gave me a hug and a kiss and just said "I like you boy". She also had the most amazing hand woven fabrics.

    Of course, don't drink tap water. Also be wary of ice. Most places these days prepare ice from clean water, but I got stung the first time in Bali. Was careful as you could be, then the 2nd last night had a cocktail with Ice and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

    Most of all, keep your head on at all times. Respect the locals and their customs. Remember you're in their country, so don't expect them to try to replicate yours. Have fun, relax, don't be silly, and sink a few ice cold Bintangs for me!

    EDIT - just thought of one more. If you're wanting to purchase any hand carved wooden pieces, CHECK THEM THOROUGHLY!!! Look for tiny, tiny holes. If you see any, it is assumed the piece contains Bora and will be confiscated once you get back to Australia.

    • 1271190 on 30/08/2015 - 22:11

      Thanks so much for your response.

  • what on 29/08/2015 - 17:27
    +6

    Make sure you get travel insurance. It is very important. My son's mate ended up ill and in hospital overnight and it cost about $1,000. Good thing that he had insurance.

  • KaTst3R on 29/08/2015 - 17:33
    +2

    Dont drink any water from the tap
    Dont let any water go into your mouth while showering
    Dont use tap water to brush your teeth, only use bottled water
    Before you go on your trip, try to buy those gastro prevention pills or drink two bottles of Yakult everyday in Bali

    Why? Google "Bali Belly"…

    • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 21:56
      +6

      How is a sugary milk going to help anyone with anything?

    • phaol7ta on 30/08/2015 - 22:02
      +1

      this is too much i think.. You cant drink the tap water, but u definitely can brush ur teeth with it.. using bottled water is just wasting ur money..

      • dbun1 on 31/08/2015 - 14:24
        +4

        Given how cheap bottled water is, I'd rather pay than take the risk

    • 1271190 on 30/08/2015 - 22:12

      Thanks for the heads up.

  • andy19363 on 29/08/2015 - 17:44
    +4

    lots of Mozzie spray….. I got Dengue fever on my last trip…… not pleasant at all…

    http://bali.coconuts.co/2015/04/09/bali-dengue-cases-rise-20…

  • oscargamer on 29/08/2015 - 18:52
    +1

    travel insurance

  • King Tightarse on 29/08/2015 - 20:15

    Totally agree about the travel insurance - dont skip this step!!!
    It is cheap and may well save your shiny ass.

  • hashtagbargain on 29/08/2015 - 22:09

    Use uber.

  • spychiatrist on 29/08/2015 - 23:03
    +1

    Stay away from the dogs

  • cypher67 on 29/08/2015 - 23:48
    +1

    +1 travel insurance, my wive came down with Hives and needed a shot, they charged $500 AUD for it, insurance covered it when we got back.
    At the airport they have bag handlers or something, they will grab you at the stands and act like security and ask you to come with them. You may think they are customs and you start getting flashes of Bali 9 etc, they essentially take your bags, walk you around the scanners bypassing the checks and for their efforts ask for a tip. Either decline their services and dont let them touch ur bags or once they have your bags just go with it, give them like $5 you may have saved 5 minutes, do dramas.
    Bargain like you have no shame, with a group of 8 we did White Water Rafting with transport and lunch for $25 each and it was all quality not dodgy.
    Only drink at the popular bars, whilst it might be quiet or cheaper somewhere else, there is generally a reason why they are empty, they homebrew the alcohol and its not suitable for human consumption.
    Don't take the intensity of the markets personally, they are just trying to make a living. Be polite and say you are just looking until you are ready to buy.
    100% use the Bluebird taxi's. On first arrival we went to the waterbomb park, driver said $15 aussie… ok fair enough, drove us 500m down the road because I didnt know how close it was. Blue bird was like $4-5 for 10-15 minute rides, crazy cheap.
    Don'y buy from the first place you see, scout around and then buy. Everyone is selling the same stuff and the stores towards the back will do better prices than the top real estate ones.
    Dont do the bungy jumping if you value safety procedures, its cheap and looks legit but they don't follow any real protocols.
    The food is amazing and cheap, even the most expensive places are relatively cheap, don't risk Bali Belly over a couple of bucks. I couldnt decide at most places so ordered like 2-3 dishes and felt like a king.
    Getting a massage is super cheap and they do a good job, choose ones that are open and not in secret back rooms. Massage plus plus is exactly what it sounds like….

  • RockyRaccoon on 30/08/2015 - 08:17

    At the airport they have bag handlers or something, they will grab you at the stands and act like security and ask you to come with them. You may think they are customs and you start getting flashes of Bali 9 etc, they essentially take your bags, walk you around the scanners bypassing the checks and for their efforts ask for a tip. Either decline their services and dont let them touch ur bags or once they have your bags just go with it, give them like $5 you may have saved 5 minutes, do dramas.

    I went there in May this year and never saw this.

    Was this a recent trip you are talking about, as I think they have made some big changes in the airport and this doesnt happen airside. After leaving the secure area there are the same touts outside.

  • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 11:24
    +7

    Tip: don't treat the locals like they're your servant. Went with my family. Stayed at small places where you get to meet and chat with the owner. Spent 1 night at a large beach side hotel. It was gross. So many Australians doing just that. Made new feel shame about this country.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 22:00
      -3

      I feel ashamed of Australia every single day, in Australia.

      [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 22:00 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
      • King Tightarse on 30/08/2015 - 22:02
        -5

        Well piss off then if you don't like it.
        Everyone else loves it.

        • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 22:53
          +3

          And you're the reason.

        • King Tightarse on 30/08/2015 - 23:16
          -2

          @Drew22:
          Try the UK, I hear they love whingers.
          Fit right in.

        • Audisez on 31/08/2015 - 13:43

          @Drew22: Not sure what you were expecting when you say stuff like that. Enlighten me, what fantasy country would welcome talk like that?

        • RockyRaccoon on 31/08/2015 - 14:39

          @Synk: Surely they mean Bali -) 😄

        • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2015 - 16:05

          @Synk: Exactly this, a bunch of sore losers that can't take criticisms.

        • Stone on 31/08/2015 - 16:23

          @Drew22:
          Why do you feel ashamed of Australia every single day?

  • Stone on 30/08/2015 - 14:17
    +6

    My tip would be to read the Trip Advisor forums as you've been told some quite outdated information here.
    http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowForum-g294226-i7220-Bali.h…

    Just a few things…

    • You can pay your Visa On Arrival in any major currency. The amount is $35USD but they have a sign updated daily with the price in many other currencies. It is about $52AUD currently because they use a low exchange rate. If you exchange in Aus you can get $35USD for about $48AUD. I always just pay my visa in AUD as I have no local money changers. They only accept notes though, so you pay $55AUD and get change in rupiah.

    • Immigration card is no more - http://www.bali.com/news_Immigration-Card-Abolished_159.html

    • You can change money there, but use authorised exchangers that have shopfronts or your hotel and still be cautious. Changing $100 at a time makes it simple as you'll get around Rp1,000,000. For example: http://www.balibestrate.com/images/outlet/9.jpg

    • You can use any taxi but just open the door and ask "meter?" before getting in. If they say no, just grab the next taxi, there's thousands of them. I buy a local SIM card and use the Bluebird taxi app to order them most of the time. They take 5-15 mins to arrive and you can watch your allocated taxi on a map. When walking the streets I just flag one down.

    • I always take cash and only cards as back up but that's personal preference and my paranoia about a machine eating my card.

    In 6 weeks I'm going for my 5th trip and my previous trip was last October so if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

    • 1271190 on 30/08/2015 - 22:13

      Thanks for all the great info.

  • rjstev on 30/08/2015 - 16:28
    +9

    When I read all the comments it just reinforces my thoughts that I have no interest in going to Bali. Why not try a Pacific island instead? I'm have done 5 trips to Fiji and never had to worry about these things except for water and ice.

    • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 16:32

      Depends on what you're looking for.

      To me, Fiji is more for a relaxation, while Bali is more for a tropical adventure.

    • Stone on 30/08/2015 - 16:32
      +1

      There's nothing wrong with Bali, it's just common sense stuff. Everyone I know who has gone has loved it, even newbies with no idea.

      Fiji sounds boring. I want to explore the streets, find amazing cheap local restaurants and dine at fine dining restaurants that I'd have to pay hundreds of dollars back home. There's so many different holidays you can have in Bali.

    • [Deactivated] on 31/08/2015 - 15:16

      Fiji in my experience is alot more expensive

    • andyken on 31/08/2015 - 15:22

      I've been to bali 5-6 times, not a single problem, all good, just like typical tourist destination, you see a lot of people from around the world, some aussie just to be so rude, speak loudly at public, using strange aussie accent when talk to locals, screaming, drinking on the street, ride a bike like his own place. i bet ya, you wont dare or see aussie do that silly stuff at FIJI

  • petepjs on 30/08/2015 - 16:57
    +6

    We go a few times a year:
    • Money changers: we always use BMC, (the airport booths, and PT Bali Maspintjinra are also reputable)(we always use cash with cards as a back-up)
    • Credit Cards – 28 Degrees (reasonable exchange rate);
    • Debit Cards – Citibank Plus (no ATM or exchange rate fees overseas)
    • Phone cards – we use SimPati. We buy a local SIM, Go to just about any store and they will sell you as sim and credit and they will set it up/activate it for you. Unless you speak/understand Indonesian it’s easier to let them set it up as activation instructions are all in Indo. They will also give you a prefix to get cheaper calls to Australia – SimPati is 01017 – other carriers have other numbers.
    • Health – as per above comments – (get a mossie repellant containing 80% DEET)good travel insurance – we buy an annual Worldcare Insurance policy – just make sure you select the right travel zone for where you are going that year to ensure coverage)
    • Security- register with Smart Traveller and check any warnings (http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Indonesia) all you need is common sense – taxis are cheap – keep out of dark alleys and roads at night. Don’t buy contraband – it will probably be offered to you on the street. Keep away from the time-share sales people that give you ‘scratch cards’ and will give you hard sell.
    • Drivers – ask around and find one you trust – negotiate on cost – it’s about 400-500,000 Rp a day and well worth it. If you book through hotel expect 50% premium.
    • Location – Kuta for yobbos / party set; Seminyak for trendies & good restaurants; Ubud for alternative and relaxation; Legian for families; Sanur for quiet, relaxation & good cheap food. Nusa Dua for all inclusive hotels and beach stays, Jimbaran Bay – cliff side hotels, Australian priced bars and expensive seafood (can get good cheaper seafood up at places like King Crab Dena’s Café at the southern end of Jl Pantai Jimbaran).

  • [Deactivated] on 30/08/2015 - 16:59

    Everything is a Negotiation over there.
    Including getting stopped and fined by the cops.
    Or, getting ripped off by money lenders.

    Cops fined me for no local licence and no helmet on a scooter, fine started at $35 (*AUD$ equivalent), We talked, I ended up giving them $15 on the spot.
    Money changer ripped me off $20 on a $100 change, I asked for it back, he gave it all back. They have fast hands !!!

    You are a tourist, they want your dollars !

    You will have a great time, the locals are warm friendly people.

    • FutureTech on 31/08/2015 - 10:17
      +3

      I don't know, try to wear a helmet next time you ride? There's a good reason for why they enforce that and it's the same in Aus I'm sure you know.

  • Cluster on 30/08/2015 - 17:59

    I recommend taking a box of Travelan with you, and taking a tablet before every meal. It's a proven preventative medication for some causes of food poisoning.

    • Cluster on 01/09/2015 - 11:27

      Not sure why my suggestion of Travelan was voted down. It's a preventative medication available in pharmacies. After suffering food poisoning for 7 days after eating something I shouldn't have in Thailand, I now approach food with more caution and take Travelan before meals.

      I'm not saying all food in country X is bad, but the risks are known and much higher in places like Bali than Australia. I suffered violent vomiting for 3 days and other complications for a further 4. Ended up in hospital for half a day after returning home because I was so dehydrated.

  • belongsinforums on 30/08/2015 - 18:02

    First time OS, and going to the biggest Aussie tourist trap? You need to go with someone else. That's my advice

  • Heizenberg on 30/08/2015 - 18:37

    don't accept/ buy drugs (almost guaranteed to be offered to you if you go anywhere especially at night).

    Be careful and aware of your surroundings and continually check your pockets. Seriously. Both pickpockets are at play as well as people who slip drugs into unsuspecting tourists pockets and tip of nearby crooked cops who force you to pay a "fine".

  • KaTst3R on 30/08/2015 - 19:00
    -6

    Change all your rupiah at the Bali airport. There are many money changers lined up at the exit area and the rates are MUCH MUCH better than what the big 4 banks will sell.

    • Stone on 30/08/2015 - 19:16

      No, change none or a minimal amount at the airport. The rate is lower than the money changers on the streets (not the dodgy ones).

      • KaTst3R on 30/08/2015 - 19:29
        -1

        That depends on which part of Bali you go to. I usually book a private villa near a beach which I spend all my time there. I never go into town unless I wanna explore a different part of Bali. So it depends if OP thinks that he/she will come across a forex changer on the streets. I personally cant be bothered with that marginal difference, I dont like the feeling of travelling without cash esp in a developing country where credit card facilities are not as established.

        • Stone on 30/08/2015 - 19:39
          +1

          Most people that go to Bali will visit a town or hotel with a money exchanger. I'm amazed that you go directly to a villa with no towns around to change money. Do you even venture out to eat at restaurants or look around Bali?

          For normal tourists there is no need to exchange all their money on arrival at the airport as there is foreign exchangers everywhere in the tourist areas. You're always a few hundred meters from a decent money changer.

          Also, if I changed all my AU$, I'd need a bloody bag just to carry the amount of rupiah notes I'd get given.

        • KaTst3R on 30/08/2015 - 20:42

          @Stone:

          Yea Im boring and unadventurous. I carry a thick stack of rupiah and USD in my pocket all the time, get all my meals catered at the villa, do my spa with the resort, get drunk at the hotel bar and have a personal driver to send me to and fro the locations on my itinerary.

        • Stone on 30/08/2015 - 23:22

          @KaTst3R:
          Nah, that's cool. Everyone experiences Bali differently.
          Where do you stay?

    • AMLagonda on 31/08/2015 - 01:20

      Never change money at the airport…

  • tko6070 on 30/08/2015 - 19:35
    +6

    Make sure you collect your card from the atm, it won't eject it until after you've collected the cash. Can be easy to forget it!

  • Anujk on 30/08/2015 - 20:02

    Get a citibank debit card and use it to withdraw money from the atm

  • juventino on 30/08/2015 - 20:07
    +1

    • never take or hold anything from anyone, under any circumstances. EVER !!!

    • only take Bluebird taxi, they are metered and have proper ID. Other taxi drivers will try to negotiate prices. Charge you more and then drive recklessly so they arrive faster and pocket the money. Beware, there are few 'blue' coloured taxi similar to Bluebird.

    • Drink bottled water as water in Indonesia is generally not filtered.

    • enjoy local cuisines, there are myriads of western cuisine but they have been altered to suit local taste anyway.

    • bring local currencies before you leave Australia, you'll need it for taxi, visa fee,"coffee money" for unofficial custom officer who will try to 'help' you pass the immigration queue quicker and hassle-free.

    • Respect the law. If for some reasons you are involved in heated arguments, back away, even if you are right as you are in an Asian country and officers might make things hard for you.

    • Exchange money at banks or in shopping centres. They are honest. Don't spend hours of your time looking for best rates. The marginal differences will be around 200-300 rupiah / AUD. 1 AUD equals to roughly 10,000 rupiah so its only 2-3 cents difference. Enjoy your holiday rather than being too frugal. Your Australian dollar will take you far by default.

    • If you do exchange from street vendors, ALWAYS be the last one counting the money as the vendor will try to count them for you and drop some on to the desk below without you noticing.

    • Bargain to your heart content. you are foreigner, local will try to rip you off hard :) :)

    • Try to pay everything in cash. Even your accommodation. Credit card fraud are rampant, not only in Bali but the whole country.

    • Befriend locals but do not get too close.

    • a lot of beggars are part of a syndicate and some are actually pretty wealthy. Some are just abused. If you are feeling generous, buy them food instead, it won't cost more than $5 from the street.

    • 1271190 on 31/08/2015 - 09:47

      Great tips thanks!

  • AMLagonda on 31/08/2015 - 01:16

    HAVE FUN…. :)

    Dont drink the water lol

    Always use a money changer that has 4 walls, a roof and a door.

    Bargaining can be really, REALLY hard, be prepared to walk away, make it a game, or go to a fixed price shop. (I know I can get a $75 watch down to $25 :p )

    Waterbom park :)

  • brownbag on 31/08/2015 - 08:39
    +2

    Lots of good advice here. Here's a simple tip - Get out of the southern peninsula. it's good for a few days but the beauty of Bali is elsewhere. Ubud is one spot, but also Amed, Padang Bai, Lovina, Balian, Nusa Lembogoan/Ceningan.

  • zacata on 31/08/2015 - 09:13

    don't get attracted to higher exchange rate. you will end up losing more money than you should get.

  • FutureTech on 31/08/2015 - 10:21
    +3

    DON'T DO DRUGS. Drug related crime can be punishable by death over there.

  • salbee28 on 31/08/2015 - 11:37
    +3

    Recently travelled to Bali in May of this year as well, it was my first trip there.

    • Only drink bottled water!! Try to avoid the ice if you can, unless you know it has been made with spring water.
    • If you are legitimately concerned about Bali Belly, go to the doctor first, they will give you antibiotics just in case.
    • Have $35USD ready for Visa fee on arrival, suggest you change this at the airport before leaving Australia, as once you land there will be no opportunities before customs.
    • Once you arrive at the airport & get through customs, go straight to the taxi counter, they will give you a ticket & assign you a taxi. Don't accept offers from drivers outside. Take extra cash for small expenses once you arrive. I took about $100AUD in Rupee, this was sufficient for the first few days.
    • Only use Bluebird taxis, you can tell they are legitimate bluebird group as they will have the www.bluebirdgroup.com sticker on the front windscreen. Beware of fake bluebirds. Bluebirds are metered & registered so if something does go wrong, you have driver ID & taxi ID to report. Alternatively, Uber has just launched in Bali, but I am unsure of how they are as it was launched a week after we left.
    • You will be offered a lot of drugs if you are in one of the 'party' areas, always say NO.
    • Even if you are not purchasing anything, be sure to acknowledge street vendors by saying 'No thank you'. It is considered rude by Balinese people to ignore people who have asked you a question.
    • If you are haggling with a vendor & you know someone else has the same goods, you can use this to your advantage & get a better price. Be prepared to walk away. Usually if you are preparing to walk away, the vendor will try even harder to get you to buy, so they will drop their price. If vendors see you have purchased something such as a handbag, they will start hassling you about buying another or asking you what price you paid, then offer it to you cheaper.
    • Apps like urbanspoon/zomato are quite trustworthy in Bali, use these to find delicious safe food.
    • Use the foreign money exchange in Hotels or Banks only.
    • I used the commonwealth travel money card as I already bank with them. I found it great because you can reload the card using the commbank app & view your balance online. You can also use it at ATM's to withdraw cash, we would just withdraw cash for the next few days from an ATM.
    • If you do take a credit card, be sure to tell the bank that you are traveling, where to & for how long, otherwise they may think your card has been stolen.
    • If taxi drivers ask you how long you are in Bali for, they may be trying to sell you on a private driver arrangement. If you are not interested in this, we found the easiest way to get out of the conversation was to say you were leaving Bali that night or the next day & that your hotel has arranged a taxi to the airport already.
    • If people ask if it is your first time in Bali, just say no.
    • Learn some basic phrases in the native tongue, such as thank you, no, please etc.
    • Keep a close eye on your belongings/bags. Thieves have been known to cut the bottom of backpacks open for easy access to your belongings.
    • Avoid Zoo's!!! They treat the animals terribly. Don't be tempted to get your picture taken with the baby animals, they are usually drugged & chained up all day to let tourists get photos taken with them. These are wild animals that do not deserve to be drugged & chained up for our entertainment. If you want to see some animals, Google will provide the names of the places that treat the animals well & don't exploit them.
    • Get travel insurance, you might not end up needing it, but its great for peace of mind & usually quite cheap.
    • phoenixx on 31/08/2015 - 11:40
      +1

      Great tip on the animals. South East Asia can be very cruel to it's animals in the name of tourism.

    • 1271190 on 31/08/2015 - 12:13
      +1

      Thank you so much for all the info.

    • kolorijo on 31/08/2015 - 12:32
      +2

      I took about $100AUD in Rupee <— Rupiah, not Rupee

    • Stone on 31/08/2015 - 12:59
      +2

      Ice in tube form is manufactured safely and delivered to most places. Stressing about ice is an old problem.

      USD are not required for the visa.

      You can use other taxi companies safely by ensuring they'll use the meter. There is also GrabTaxi, Uber and Go-Jek smart phone apps to order transport.

      The Bali Safari & Marine Park and Taro Elephant Park both looked very professional with well looked after animals. There was other places that did appear cruel though.

      Good tips other tips!

  • UFO on 31/08/2015 - 13:22
    +5

    Best tip for Bali??

    Umm… don't go.
    Dirty filthy and corrupt that's tolerates Australians because of the cash, but really underneath hates us. You can feel it when you're there.

    Gunna get negged for this post but I dont give a crap. Bali is a crapfest and waste of your money.

    It's like going on a tropical holiday to a garbage dump. My strongest advice is to only swim in the pool water. The beaches are literally sewage…. and dont be fooled by the 'clean looking ones'. Drive around the corner and that same "clean water" is filled with all sorts of nasties.

    Bali is the perfect example of how a once pristine holiday destination gets stuffed up due to corrupt and poor mismanagement, over development, and poor sanitation.

    I wouldnt go back there even if it was free. Disgusting.

    • Stone on 31/08/2015 - 13:36
      +2

      Not really helpful when the OP has said he's going for a wedding. Should he go to Fiji and Skype the wedding?

      • UFO on 31/08/2015 - 13:41

        Not one post has mentioned what a cesspool Bali is, so I think it's VERY helpful to give the guy a heads up on how crap he 'might' find it on reality of visiting.

        By all means go for the wedding, but there's nothing wrong with flying in and flying out. And yes, going to Fiji is a much better proposition for a holiday.

        OP, if you must go for the wedding. Go.
        But just trying to give you a reality check for some of these 'adventure lover' posters here. Good luck on your trip.

        • Stone on 31/08/2015 - 13:52
          +4

          I guess it depends how you spend your time in Bali. I've seen many dirty areas but it's pretty easy to avoid these and have a great tropical holiday.

          I know of one guy who thinks the same as you and the bloke stayed in a crappy hotel in Legian, ate at typically bad bogan restaurants and had no clue what he was doing.

        • Succulent Synth on 08/10/2015 - 18:11
          +1

          If you hang around the arse end of a place you are going to have a bad time. Next time maybe try venturing further than Kuta.

    • 1271190 on 31/08/2015 - 14:03
      +1

      Thank you I appreciate your honesty.

    • cupcake on 09/09/2015 - 10:43

      I'm glad you said it. I wouldn't go.

  • suntap on 31/08/2015 - 13:41
    +2

    lots of good points here already. most important ones
    . don't drink the water - friend got Bali Belly from cleaning his teeth in the shower with tap water
    . watch like a hawk the money changers and keep your hand on your aus$$ until you are satisfied all is correct
    . Bali is a beautiful place with beautiful people.
    . as in all travel - Be Careful; you are not at home.

    one final BIG warning - don't sit still the entire flight. We went to Bali for 15 days at Christmas time. Walking out of the airport I
    . started sweating profusely (symptom of pulmonary embolisms)- put it down to the heat
    , had a unquenchable thirst (symptom of pulmonary embolisms)- put it down to the fact that I was sweating so much
    . had no appetite (symptom of pulmonary embolisms)- put it down to the fact that I was drinking so much.

    got back to Aus and collapsed. In and out of hospital for FIVE weeks before they diagnosed the embolisms - blood clots in the lungs even though I said I had just arrived back from Bali. I had a virus they cannot identify. extremely low levels of oxygen in my blood. had severe pneumonia for several weeks and fluid on the lungs. started lapsing into unconsciousness. had seizures. had a TIA (mini stroke.)

    we got back on New Years day and I am still very ill. only started back driving again last month. am fatigued all the time, still not getting enough oxygen. the blood clots (and non-diagnosis of) have left me with permanent lung damage. I cannot stress enough how dangerous flying can be if you sit still for a long flight. go for a walk or at the very least jiggle your legs often. Be aware of the symptoms in case.

    good luck and enjoy your self.

    • 1271190 on 01/09/2015 - 10:36

      Oh wow, hope your feeling better! Thanks for the info.

  • Free Fall on 31/08/2015 - 20:05
    +1

    Avoid places with wild monkeys. I was walking to the outdoor theatre at Uluwatu and this monkey jumped me and stole my glasses. Had to pay some kid to bribe the monkey for the glasses.

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