Travel To Bali, Explore The Piece of Paradise on Earth

 

So, you're thinking about travel to Bali? Great choice. Whether you're dreaming of white-sand beaches, lush green rice terraces, or just trying to escape your 9-to-5 for a while, Bali’s got something for everyone. But let’s be real—if you don’t plan right, you could end up spending way more than you need to, wasting time in tourist traps, or, worse, getting scammed by overpriced taxis (yep, it happens). I’ve been there, done that, and trust me, I’ve got a lot to share.

This guide is all about making your Bali trip smooth, fun, and budget-friendly. I’ll cover when to go, where to stay, how to get around, what to eat, and, of course, how to avoid common mistakes. Let’s dive in.

Best Time to Travel to Bali (And Why It Actually Matters More Than You Think)

Bali has two main seasons: dry season (April–October) and rainy season (November–March). You might think, "Eh, a little rain never hurt anybody," but Bali’s wet season isn't just light drizzles—it’s monsoon-level downpours. Think flooded streets, humid air that makes your clothes stick to you, and waves so rough that your surf lesson turns into an unintentional swimming lesson.

So, if you want clear skies and calm waters, May to September is the sweet spot. But here’s the catch: July and August are peak months. That means higher prices, crowded beaches, and every Instagram influencer taking selfies at the same rice terrace you wanted to visit. If you want fewer crowds and decent weather, May, June, and September are perfect.

How Long Should You Stay in Bali? (Hint: More Than a Week, If You Can Swing It)

If you're flying all the way to Bali, do yourself a favor and stay at least 10 days. A week is doable, but it’ll feel rushed—especially if you want to explore multiple areas.

Here's a rough idea of how long you’ll need in different spots:

• Canggu & Seminyak (3–4 days): For beach clubs, surfing, and good food.
• Ubud (3 days): If you love temples, waterfalls, and yoga.
• Uluwatu & Nusa Dua (2–3 days): Best for stunning cliffs, hidden beaches, and fancy resorts.
• Nusa Islands (2–3 days): A short boat ride from Bali but feels like a different world.

If you have less than a week, stick to Canggu and Ubud—you’ll get a nice mix of beaches, culture, and relaxation.

Where to Stay in Bali (And Where to Avoid)

Bali has six main areas tourists stay in, each offering a completely different vibe:

• Canggu – Best for digital nomads, surfers, and people who want good cafes and nightlife. Can be crowded, though.
• Seminyak – More upscale, with fancy beach clubs and boutique shopping. Good for first-timers.
• Ubud – The cultural heart of Bali. Perfect for yoga lovers, nature seekers, and anyone who wants to feel like they’re in "Eat, Pray, Love."
• Uluwatu – Great for cliffside views, surfing, and more of a chill, honeymoon-type vibe.
• Kuta – Honestly? Avoid it. It's crowded, chaotic, and full of overpriced tourist traps.
• Nusa Islands – Technically not Bali, but worth visiting. Crystal-clear water, manta rays, and insane viewpoints.

If you want luxury without breaking the bank, look for private villas in Canggu or Uluwatu. You can find entire villas with pools for as little as $50 a night on Airbnb. If you're on a tighter budget, Ubud has homestays for under $20 with some of the nicest hosts you'll ever meet.

Getting Around Bali (Without Getting Ripped Off by Taxi Scams)

Here’s the deal: Bali has no real public transportation, and taxis can be a nightmare if you don’t know what you're doing. Here’s how to get around:

• Scooter Rental ($5–$7/day) – The best way to get around, but only if you're comfortable riding.
• GoJek & Grab (Uber alternatives) – Cheap and reliable in Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud.
• Blue Bird Taxis – The only metered taxis you should trust. If it doesn’t have a Blue Bird logo, don’t get in.
• Private Drivers ($30–$50/day) – Great for exploring multiple spots in one day without stressing over navigation.

If you don’t ride a scooter but want to learn, do it in your home country first. Bali’s roads are chaotic, and you don’t want your first time riding to be in Canggu traffic at rush hour.

Must-Try Foods in Bali (And What to Skip)

Food in Bali is next-level. You’ve got everything from local warungs (cheap local eateries) to trendy cafes with smoothie bowls that cost as much as your rent.

What You NEED to Try:

• Nasi Goreng – Indonesia’s version of fried rice, often with a fried egg on top.
• Babi Guling – Roast suckling pig, famous in Ubud.
• Mie Goreng – Fried noodles, usually served with veggies, chicken, or shrimp.
• Nasi Campur – A mix of rice, meats, veggies, and sambal (spicy sauce).
• Satay – Grilled skewers of meat, served with peanut sauce.

What to Skip:

• Western food in tourist areas – Overpriced and not always great.
• Ice from unknown places – Bali Belly (food poisoning) is real. Stick to bottled water and ice from proper restaurants.

Common Tourist Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them Like a Pro)

1. Thinking Bali is “Cheap” Everywhere
Yes, Bali is affordable, but touristy areas like Seminyak and Uluwatu can be just as expensive as Europe. Local warungs? Super cheap. Beach clubs? Not so much.

2. Ignoring Visa Rules
If you're staying under 30 days, you're fine with a free visa. Staying longer? You need a visa extension before your 30 days are up, or you’ll pay a hefty fine at the airport.

3. Trusting Every Taxi on the Street
Taxis outside the airport? 90% will try to overcharge you. Use Grab or GoJek instead, or book a Blue Bird taxi through their official app.

4. Thinking You Can See It All in One Trip
Bali is bigger than you think. Driving from Ubud to Uluwatu can take 2+ hours. Don’t try to squeeze in everything—pick a few areas and enjoy them fully.

Bali on a Budget: How to Have an Epic Trip Without Going Broke

A lot of people assume that traveling to Bali means living like a king for cheap. And yeah, compared to places like Europe or the U.S., Bali can be super affordable—but only if you know where to spend and where to save. If you’re not careful, you’ll end up blowing your budget on overpriced cocktails, fancy beach clubs, and taxis that charge you triple just because you “look like a tourist.”

So, if you’re traveling on a budget but still want to have an amazing time, here’s how to do Bali the smart way.

Cheap Accommodation That Doesn’t Feel Cheap

First things first—where you sleep. You don’t need to stay in a luxury resort to enjoy Bali. There are tons of budget-friendly options that still give you amazing vibes.

• Guesthouses & Homestays ($10–$30 per night) – These are everywhere in Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu. Most come with private rooms, Wi-Fi, and free breakfast.
• Hostels ($7–$15 per night) – Great if you’re solo and want to meet people. Some even have pools and co-working spaces.
• Budget Villas ($40–$70 per night) – If you’re traveling with friends, split the cost of a villa. You can get a private pool villa in Uluwatu for the price of a basic hotel room in Europe.

How to Eat Well Without Overspending

Bali has two food worlds: tourist food and local food. If you stick to smoothie bowls, avocado toasts, and fancy vegan cafes, you’ll spend $10–$15 per meal (which adds up fast). But if you eat like a local? You’ll spend $2–$5 per meal and get some of the best food of your life.

• Warungs (Local Eateries) – Look for places where locals eat. “Warung Bu Mi” in Canggu is amazing and super cheap.
• Local Markets – If you want fresh tropical fruit without the markup, buy it from local street vendors instead of grocery stores.
• Street Food – You haven’t really experienced Bali if you haven’t had Nasi Goreng (fried rice) from a street vendor at midnight.

Avoid tourist traps like overpriced beach club food and Western-style restaurants in Seminyak unless you really want that experience.

Getting Around Without Wasting Money

We’ve already covered how taxis will scam you if you’re not careful. If you want to save money, here’s what to do:

• Rent a scooter – The cheapest way to get around ($5–$7 per day), but only if you're comfortable riding one.
• Use GoJek or Grab – Short rides cost as little as $1, but these apps don’t work in some areas like Uluwatu due to taxi mafia rules.
• Hire a driver for long trips – If you’re going far (like Ubud to Uluwatu), renting a private driver for the day is cheaper than taking multiple taxis.

Cheap (or Free) Activities in Bali

Believe it or not, some of the best things in Bali cost nothing at all. If you’re smart about it, you can fill your days with adventures without spending a dime.

• Hiking Mount Batur at sunrise – Free if you go without a guide (but a guide is recommended if you’re not experienced).
• Exploring waterfalls – Tegenungan, Tukad Cepung, and Gitgit waterfalls are all stunning and cost a small entrance fee ($1–$2 max).
• Beach-hopping in Uluwatu – Padang Padang, Thomas Beach, and Green Bowl Beach are all free or cost a small parking fee.
• Visiting rice terraces – Tegalalang is famous, but Jatiluwih is quieter and way less touristy.

Bali is also an amazing place for free yoga and meditation classes—check out Ubud for donation-based classes.

Is Bali Safe? What You Need to Know Before You Go

Bali is generally safe for travelers, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid trouble.

1. The “Bali Belly” Situation

You’ve probably heard of Bali Belly—it’s basically food poisoning that a lot of tourists get. The easiest way to avoid it?

• Drink only bottled water (even for brushing your teeth).
• Avoid ice from street vendors unless you’re sure it’s from a clean source.
• Wash your hands before eating (seriously, this helps a lot).

2. Scams and Tourist Traps

Bali is not a dangerous place, but tourists are often overcharged or scammed. A few things to watch out for:

• Taxi scams – If a driver refuses to use a meter, walk away.
• Fake SIM card sellers – Buy your SIM card inside the airport at official counters, not from random kiosks.
• ATM skimmers – Use ATMs inside banks, not standalone ones on the street.

3. Traffic and Accidents

Bali’s roads are absolute chaos, and scooter accidents happen all the time. If you rent a scooter:

• Wear a helmet (cops love to fine tourists who don’t).
• Get travel insurance in case you crash.
• Be prepared for crazy traffic in Canggu and Ubud.

If you don’t feel comfortable riding, just use GoJek or hire a driver—it's not worth risking your trip over.

How to Avoid Overcrowded Tourist Traps (And Actually Enjoy Bali)

Bali is one of the most visited places in the world, which means that some places are insanely crowded. If you want to avoid the Instagram crowds, here’s what to do:

1. Visit Popular Spots Early or Late
If you want to see places like Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Uluwatu Temple, or Tirta Empul, go before 8 AM or after sunset. By midday, they’re packed with tour buses.

2. Find Alternatives to Overhyped Spots

Some famous places aren’t as great as they look on Instagram. Here are some swaps to consider:

• Instead of Tegalalang, visit Jatiluwih Rice Terraces (way less crowded).
• Instead of Diamond Beach, visit Atuh Beach (on Nusa Penida, just as pretty but less touristy).
• Instead of Finns Beach Club, try The Lawn or Sundays Beach Club (same vibes, fewer people).

3. Stay in Lesser-Known Areas

Canggu, Seminyak, and Ubud are great, but if you want a more authentic experience, try staying in:

• Sidemen – A hidden gem for nature lovers.
• Munduk – Misty mountain views, waterfalls, and fewer tourists.
• Amed – Black sand beaches and some of the best snorkeling in Bali.

Travel Tips for Bali (That Most People Won’t Tell You)

• Don’t overpack. You’ll be living in flip-flops and light clothes. If you forget something, you can buy it there.
• Get a SIM card. Data is cheap, and you’ll need Google Maps. Telkomsel is the best option.
• Carry small cash. Many local shops and warungs don’t take cards.
• Respect the culture. Bali is Hindu, so dress modestly in temples and don’t step on offerings (the small baskets on the ground).
• Have an open mind. Bali is beautiful, but it’s not perfect. Things move slowly, and not everything will go as planned. Just go with the flow.

Alright, that’s it. Hopefully, this guide helps you travel Bali like a pro—without getting ripped off, stuck in tourist traps, or spending way more than you need to. Now, all that’s left is to book your ticket and start packing. Bali’s waiting for you!