Details You Need to Know Before Travelling to Bali

Bali, part of Indonesia, is also known as the “Island of the Gods” or “A Heaven Paradise”. With its lush green rice terraces, golden beaches, and crystal-clear waters, it’s a destination you simply can’t resist. Whether you’re looking to relax or holiday, Bali is the answer.

Imagine soft, sun-kissed sand between your toes, the ocean sparkling under the warm sun, and the gentle sway of palm trees above. Sounds perfect, right? But wait, there’s more. If you’re craving excitement, Bali’s nightlife will keep you buzzing, with beach clubs and parties that go on until the stars fade into morning.

So, in the next part, we’ll dive into the details of Bali such as Bali weather, time, currency, their culture and many more to make your Bali adventure as smooth as that first sip of a coconut by the beach. Let’s go!

When is the best time to visit Bali?

Bali offers something unique in every season, but the most popular time to visit is during July and August, when the weather is perfect for outdoor activities. From December to March, Bali experiences its rainy season. While the rain isn’t usually intense, it might be a good idea to visit outside this period if you prefer clearer skies.

Unlike most of Indonesia, where Islam is the predominant religion, Bali is rooted in Hinduism and follows unique traditions. It’s best to avoid public holidays and major Balinese celebrations, especially Nyepi.

Nyepi, also known as the “Day of Silence,” is a sacred day dedicated to fasting, meditation, and complete quiet. The word “Nyepi” comes from the Indonesian word “sepi,” meaning quiet. On this day, the Balinese believe that keeping the island silent will make the evil spirits think no one is around, ensuring they don’t cause any trouble or tragedy in the year ahead. Everyone will stay indoors, and the entire island essentially shuts down.

If you’re okay with staying at your hotel, villa, or resort all day, visiting during Nyepi could offer a truly unique experience. But if that’s not your thing, it’s best to plan your trip for another day.

What is the weather in Bali?

Indonesia has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season typically runs from April to October, while the rest of the year is the rainy season. The peak tourist months are usually July and August, as the weather remains fairly stable, though it can feel a bit boiling. 

During the dry season, the beaches are generally clean, and it’s a great time to enjoy the sand and sea, though occasional rain showers may occur. Since Bali is famous for its beaches, it’s recommended to visit during the dry season to ensure the best possible experience. In contrast, during the rainy season, winds and currents tend to strengthen, waves can become higher, and trash may wash up on the shore. However, sometimes the weather  can shift unexpectedly, such as when a rainy season turns unexpectedly dry, so it’s always wise to be prepared for anything.

What time is it in Bali ?

Indonesia has three time zones such as WIB (Western Indonesian Time), WIT (Eastern Indonesian Time), and WITA (Central Indonesian Time). Bali follows the WITA zone, which uses UTC+08:00, meaning it’s eight hours ahead of UTC. 

What is Bali currency?

The currency used in Bali is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), which is represented by the symbol “Rp.” Prices are typically shown as “Rp” followed by the amount (for example, Rp 50,000). To give you an idea of its value, Rp 10,000 is roughly equal to around $0,61 (depending on the exchange rate at the time).

You might find yourself a bit confused by the currency when you first arrive, but don’t worry because it’s something you’ll quickly get used to. It’s important to carry cash while in Bali. While credit cards are accepted in many places, cash is still essential. It’s commonly used for smaller purchases, like meals, souvenirs, or local shopping. Additionally, private villas and some smaller hotels may not offer card payment as an option, so it’s best to pay in cash when you arrive or pay ahead of time.

Tipping is also commonly done in cash, so make sure to keep some small denominations on hand. You can withdraw cash from ATMs, airports or even exchange money at money changers. However, be cautious with money changers and always check the rates to avoid being scammed.  It’s also advisable to carry smaller denominations, as some shops may not have enough change for larger bills. But don’t worry if you find yourself without smaller denominations—you can shop at other local stores or street vendors, who have the change in smaller denominations. This will certainly help you manage smaller purchases more easily. Bringing a mix of cash and a card is always a good strategy to make sure you have options!

The Bali culture

Bali is deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage, and understanding the local customs is essential to ensure you have a respectful and enjoyable experience. Here are some key things to keep in mind.

1. Respect sacred sites: Please maintain cleanliness and behave respectfully as the locals hold sacred places in high regard. Avoid taking inappropriate photos, climbing, or touching anything without permission. Always ask before doing anything.
2. Dress modestly: When visiting temples or sacred sites in Bali, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect. Many temples provide sarongs and sashes if needed. While beachwear is acceptable in tourist areas, dressing modestly in public or rural areas reflects cultural sensitivity..
3. Exchange currency wisely: Use licensed and legal money changers to avoid scams or unwanted issues.
4. Carry some Indonesian Rupiah: Having local currency makes transactions easier. Some places also support the Indonesian standard QR code payment system (QRIS).
5. Avoid drinking tap water: Unlike in some countries, tap water in Indonesia is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water.
6. Say no to drugs: Drug use and possession are illegal in Indonesia and come with severe penalties.
7. Rent vehicles legally: If you plan to rent a vehicle, ensure it is from a legal provider and that you have an international driver’s license. As an alternative, apps like Grab or Gojek are available for convenient transportation services.

Tips for travelling in Bali 

1. Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud are Popular destinations in Bali. If you’re a first-time visitor, these are great places to start exploring.
2. You can break larger bills, such as Rp 100,000, into smaller denominations at supermarkets, hotels, or larger stores where change is readily available. This way, you’ll always have smaller bills on hand for taxis, tips, and local vendors.
3. It’s recommended to store your money and cards in different places, such as in a secure pocket and money belt. This way, if you experience a robbery or scam, you won’t lose everything at once.
4. Since Bali is predominantly Hindu, dishes like pork are quite popular, and you must try the famous babi guling.
5. Bring your own sunscreen as it is more expensive in Bali, and also mosquito repellent since there are plenty of outdoor activities. Having these items on hand can help you save money.
6. For transportation, you can use services like Gojek or Grab. Be sure to install the apps beforehand.  However, keep in mind that in some areas, tourists are forced to take local taxis, which can be quite expensive, and Gojek or Grab drivers may not be allowed to enter those areas. If you prefer Gojek or Grab, consider walking a bit farther to find a nearby pickup spot.
7. Always use ATMs that are well-known and have a good reputation to ensure your safety.
8. Remember,  do not drink tap water. Unlike in some other countries, tap water in Indonesia is not clean enough to drink.

Finally, we’ve reached the end! These are a few things you should know and some tips to make your trip to Bali more convenient. Hope you have a great time traveling!