Bali Travel Tips: Things To Know Before You Travel To Bali

Bali hits different. You fly in, sure, expecting beaches and rice fields and all that Insta-worthy stuff, but right away, like the air literally tastes sweet or floral or something. At first glance, the place does all the magic.

It is something you can only feel once you have experienced it firsthand. People have been coming here for ages, saying it’s beautiful and cannot be missed.

I get it, I really do. But honestly, if anyone comes here with just a to-do list, that might not be enough to explore Bali in its true form. Sometimes, you just have to get lost a little. Here are some of the best Bali travel tips that will help you the most.

Top 7 Bali Travel Tips To Help You Explore The Place

When you are exploring Bali, you should remember a few tips that will make the experience better. Some of those Bli travel tips are mentioned here.

1. Pick A Place To Stay Based On How You Like To Travel

Sounds obvious till you get here. Bali splits into vibes. Seminyak? Super fancy, almost too clean for me sometimes. I tried a place there once (the pool was almost warmer than outside—that’s a first).

If you want luxury and shopping, this is it, I guess. Canggu though? Whole other deal, especially in those weird mornings before everyone wakes; surfers yawning, coffees brewing, dogs asleep under cafe benches.

Ubud—now, that’s where my cousin almost signed up for a meditation retreat, accidentally walked into a puppet-making class instead, and went with it. So yeah, it’s artsy, jungly, and slow.

Uluwatu? Endless cliffs. Sunsets that make your phone camera panic, for real. I remember watching a couple get engaged while some monkeys tried to snag their snacks —so, romance, but chaotic.

Where you put your bag really shapes things, is what I’m saying. Don’t let anyone tell you there’s One True Area. There isn’t.

2. Honor The Spiritual And Cultural Traditions Of The Area

Bali isn’t subtle about its rituals, which is kind of the point. You’ll step over little flower baskets—tiny offerings, everywhere—and sometimes the incense is so strong it’ll make you sneeze.

Everyone says, “Just be respectful,” and yeah, that’s true, but it’s like… more than manners. I saw a tourist reach for a priest’s head for a “lucky touch”—and you could feel the collective cringe.

Whenever you enter a temple, take your shoes off. Don’t step on offerings, by the way. Pause for a second when ceremonies pass by. You get out what you put in, even if you don’t “get” all of it.

3. Stay Somewhere That Shows Bali’s Spirit

Accommodations range from “Did I just move in with a rice farmer?” genuine to “Wow, that’s a mini-mall with palm trees.” Both work.

I crashed in this wooden villa once—rain on the roof, frogs louder than the traffic. Then there are resorts where butlers literally show up if you even think about snacks.

The Club by The Legian Seminyak might be a little costly, but their breakfast spread is to die for. You can seriously wake up, jump in your own pool, then wander to the beach before breakfast. Comfort meets chaos meets, well, Bintang beer at 10 am if you want. Bali lets you pick your poison.

4. Make Smart Plans For Your Transportation

Not gonna sugarcoat it: Bali traffic can be huge. What looks like a 10-minute drive takes forever when a truck parks sideways on a one-lane road.

Private drivers save your sanity; ours used to point out random temples or shout out deals at roadside fruit stalls (don’t eat the durian unless you’re feeling brave…it’s an experience).

Scooters? Good for the bold. The rain, stray dogs, potholes—yeah, fun, until it’s not. Grab and Gojek are like Uber for people with patience. Just remember, a helmet selfie is a must, though, or you didn’t actually visit.

5. Enjoy The Food In Your Area

Warungs—that’s where the magic happens. First meal I ever ate on the island, some tiny spot with a hand-painted sign and plastic stools, best babi guling I’ve had, hands down. Nasi campur changes with every stop, so never skip a new warung “just because.”

But oh, the cafes. Avocado toast from a guy who surfs in the afternoon, espresso by the rice fields, smoothie bowls so pretty you almost regret eating them (almost). But still, nothing tastes as good as a sunset plate by the water, noises from street bands mingling with the waves.

6. Find Out About Secret Spots And Fun Things To Do In The Area

Forget only hitting the famous places—Tanah Lot, yes, it’s busy. But I’ll never forget the sunrise at Batur, freezing and spectacular, you can barely feel your hands, but the sky turns bright in slow motion.

Or that one day on Nusa Penida, lost with three scooters and a map made of guesses, I found a “secret” beach where crabs outnumbered people.

Try craft classes if you’re into it. I think I was the worst batik-maker in my group, but hey, I’ve still got the scarf (sort of a scarf, anyway). These sidetracks? They stick with you more than “top ten” lists.

7. Green Travel And Being Mindful

Bali’s gorgeous, but you see the strain sometimes: plastic on beaches, lines of scooters spewing smoke. Try to help out. Bamboo straws, bring your own bottle, eat at the smaller places. I joined a beach cleanup once. It was mostly sweaty tourists and giggling kids, but honestly, it felt right.

Animal sanctuaries? Worthwhile, just triple-check they’re legit and not glorified petting zoos. It’s small stuff, repeated by enough people, that changes the island for the better.

When Are You Planning Your Trip?

These Bali travel tips will make things smoother for you. If you are aware of their customs and traditions before you get there, it will be easy for you to understand what they expect of you.

What else? Bali’s beautiful and frayed and somehow always new, depending on where you wander. You fall into moments here—glaring at the sun, caught in a rainstorm, chatting at a roadside stand. Sunsets might blur, names of beaches, too, but the feeling that sticks. You’ll see.