Tips & Tricks Before Coming to Bali

Accommodation booked and your packing list written, you're all set for your tropical vacation to Bali. Or at least you thought you were. Before you leave, check the internet for all the necessary information you need, because preparation is also important. 

Visa and regulations

For a stay of up to 30 days in Indonesia as a tourist, get a Visa on Arrival. This can be arranged at the airport or online. Make sure that you use the official website to arrange it. There are a lot of scam websites. 

If you wish to stay in Bali for more than 30 days, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. There are several types of visas available, including a social/cultural visa, a business visa, and a work visa. The visa application process may vary depending on your nationality, so it's best to check with the Indonesian embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.

Expect crowds

Bali is a very popular island to visit. Because of this it gets crowded at certain times of the year. Some parts of Bali are too crowded and touristy. Therefore, you can easily add extra minutes and sometimes up to an hour to your travel time due to heavy traffic. So be aware of this. The most crowded areas are Canggu and Seminyak. 

Transport

If you are visiting Bali, be prepared for the scooters and the motorbikes. It’s the Balinese way or transport. So, if you really want to be a local, rent a motorbike yourself. It is very cheap and it saves a lot of time in traffic jams. It can also be that you don’t like to drive yourself. The biggest tip is then to download either Grab or GoJek, they are the same as Uber. Moreover, besides offering transport Grab and GoJek can also deliver food to your place. 

Water 

When you are in Bali, please don’t drink the tap water. It's recommended that you drink bottled water or water that has been boiled or filtered. The water in Bali may contain bacteria or other harmful substances that can cause illness. Also, try to not brush your teeth with it.

It's also important to be cautious when eating local food and beverages in Bali. Make sure that the food is cooked thoroughly and that fruits and vegetables are washed with filtered or boiled water before eating them. Lastly, avoid consuming ice that has been made from tap water.

Vaccinations

It depends on the length of your vacation which vaccinations are handy to take, but below is a list of the recommended ones: 

1. Routine vaccinations: These vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and flu vaccine.

2. Hepatitis A: This vaccine is recommended for all travelers to Bali, as the disease can be contracted through contaminated food and water.

3. Typhoid: This vaccine is recommended for travelers who will be staying in Bali for an extended period or those who plan to visit rural areas, as typhoid fever is transmitted through contaminated food and water.

4. Hepatitis B: This vaccine is recommended for travelers who may be exposed to blood or bodily fluids, those who plan to stay for an extended period, or those who will have sexual contact with the local population.

5. Rabies: This vaccine is recommended for travelers who may be exposed to animals, such as dogs or bats, or who plan to engage in outdoor activities, such as hiking or camping.

Bargaining 

When you walk around the streets of Bali you soon have street vendors asking you if you want to shop. They have very nice things, but be sure to haggle. Bargaining is very common in Bali; for transportation, a souvenir or an excursion, it's all possible. Think about what you want to pay in advance and then try to underbid this first. The seller will then want to go up and you will still end up with the price you had in mind. 

So get your haggling skills out of the closet! 

Best time to visit

Actually, you can go to Bali almost all year round. Although tropical Bali is warm year-round with high humidity, two seasons can be distinguished. The dry season and the rainy seasons. Dry season starts in April and runs through September and the rainy season starts in October and runs until May.

The dry season is the best season to visit Bali. This is when the beaches are at their cleanest and Bali is at its most beautiful. Occasionally there will be a rainshower, but not so much that your plans for the day will literally fall apart. Do expect extra tourists and crowds in July and August, because then it is Bali's high season.

Bali belly

You will hear the term Bali belly if you tell your friends or family that you will go to Bali. It refers to traveler’s sickness.

"Bali belly" is a term commonly used to describe a type of traveler's diarrhea that can occur when visiting Bali or other parts of Indonesia. It's caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to new bacteria, viruses, and parasites that your body may not be accustomed to.

The symptoms of Bali belly can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. To prevent Bali belly, it's recommended that you avoid drinking tap water, eating food from street vendors, and consuming undercooked or raw foods.

These are useful tips & tricks to consider before you travel to the island, but certainly don't let it deter you because the splendor of bali will amaze you!

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