Last Updated on November 22, 2024 by Steph
Bali is a magical tropical paradise, and we were lucky enough to have spent an entire month there. There are a few things to know before traveling to Bali that will help you settle in quickly and make the most of your time on this stunning island.
Things to Know Before Traveling to Bali
Airport Pick Up
Chaos is the best way to describe those first few moments you step out of the airport in Denpasar to breathe in that Bali air. One of our best decisions was to have transportation set up before we arrived. When we booked our bungalow through Agoda, it gave us the option to add airport transfer, and we did. We walked out and saw our names on a piece of paper. We didn’t need to worry about anything – it was paid already, and we had an easy and comfortable ride to Ubud.
Try Agoda to book your hotel and you can select airport transfer.
Stray Dogs
Prepare your heart to break over and over. Bali has one of the largest stray dog populations in Asia. If you are like us, you will want to take them all in, feed and love them. One of the best things you can do to help is donate to BAWA or go and give them a little time while you are in town. They are doing amazing things to take care of the stray populations, educate the Balinese people, and help get these animals adopted.
Here is a link to their website where you can learn more and donate.
Beware of Monkey Thieves
The Monkeys don’t mess around here. They love water bottles, backpacks, and pretty much anything you’re carrying that looks fun. They also love food on your plate when you are eating. The guy pictured below climbed right over my shoulder and made off with the rest of my tomatoes. We saw it all. Keep your backpack closed when visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest, and you will be fine. If you’re like us, you will find a front-row seat near the forest entrance and watch people fall victim to the monkey business.
Temple Etiquette
Hinduism is the main religion in Bali and there are some pretty incredible temples around the island. The rules are pretty simple, but sadly, we watched lots of people break the rules. Please just make sure that you know about this before you enter. Wear a sarong – most temples have one you can use when you arrive. Take photos, but leave people out of them. These are spiritual places, so please be respectful.
We shared some photos from our temple tours. It’s definitely something that should be on your radar for your time in Bali.
Traffic Rules or Lack Thereof
If you are brave enough to rent a motorbike in Ubud or the southern part of the island, ensure you understand how traffic flows. We couldn’t ever figure out how people know when to go at intersections. Driving in Sidemen and surrounding areas was wonderful and quiet, but I would never even attempt it in the busy parts of the island.
Mt. Agung is an Active Volcano
Volcanoes erupt sometimes. Mount Agung is an active volcano on the island of Bali and it might impact your travels. It erupted once while we were there and cancelled flights for the afternoon. You should definitely enjoy the beauty of this giant mountain, but know the evacuation routes and what to do if this natural wonder does erupt while you are in Bali.
Crowds are near the Airport
If you are traveling to Bali for a little peace and quiet, go as far north as you can. The areas closest to the airport and the southern part of the island are the busiest by far. I know there are some amazing beaches on the very southern tip, but there are so many amazing places further north that I would recommend heading that way first. We shared our Bali itinerary and some advice on how to plan yours, which is worth reading through when you’re planning.
Visit and Support Warungs
Warungs are small family-owned restaurants and cafes. They are wonderful, budget-friendly, and serve up some of the best food you will eat. We included a few of our favorites in our round-up of the best Ubud eats, but there are many to explore and enjoy. This might not seem like one of the most important things to know before traveling to Bali, but I missed out on a few days of glorious local spots.
Avoid Plastic
You will notice immediately that there is a trash problem here. It’s as obvious and in your face as the stray dog population. Don’t add to it. You can bring your reusable bottle and find places that will fill it for you. The island has recently done away with plastic bags, which is fantastic. Check out these incredible teenagers who helped get it done if you need some inspiration for your own life. You can join a beach clean-up with the Trash Hero organization, or you can just pick up what you see when you’re at the beach.
Buy the Big Bintangs
It took us two whole weeks before we realized how much money we could save by buying the large beers and splitting them instead of buying two small ones. Don’t make the same mistakes we did – buy the large Bintangs. Plus, nothing tastes better on a hot afternoon.
Find the ATM that likes you
The most frustrating thing for us was taking out money. We use Charles Schwab, and it’s great – no fees, excellent customer service, and perfect for travel. However, in Bali, the ATMs don’t like Western bank cards. We kept being told that our card was suspended. After calling the bank, we learned that ATMs in SE Asia are weird and temperamental. We found one ATM that would work if we went in the late afternoon/early evening. No joke, you have to find the sweet spot. Always ensure it’s in a safe place – banks are a great option because they are usually pretty secure. Just know that it might be an issue, and have some cash when you arrive.
Anything else?
Let us know if we missed anything important on our list of things to know before traveling to Bali.
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