10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Bali
What Not to Do in Bali on Your 1st Visit
Here are some of the most common travel mistakes people make on their first Bali trip. They include some simple oversights that may seem trivial, but have the potential to spoil your vacation experience. We’ve listed these so you can enjoy your time on the island thanks to better planning and knowing the pitfalls to avoid.
Bali, as a major island destination, has progressed rapidly. Kuta’s traffic a decade ago will most probably be different on your next visit. Also, you should mind that Bali is not just about Kuta and Legian. There’s so much to discover, and you might want to plan on staying in more than a single area.
10 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Bali
- Failing to check the best times to go
- Taking too much luggage
- Exchanging too much Rupiah before your trip
- Failing to count (and recount) your money
- Underestimating Bali’s traffic
- Forgetting to get travel insurance
- Staying in one place on too short a trip
- Using your normal SIM card instead of a local one
- Ignoring basic bartering rules
- Failing to show temple etiquette
1. Failing to check the best times to go
It makes all the difference to ensure great weather
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Bali is a tropical destination where you can expect sunny days most of the year, but a savvy traveler knows when is the best time to go. You’ll probably want sun, but without too much of the heat and humidity.
Between May and August, humidity levels are usually at their lowest, making it much more pleasant for overland sightseeing under clear blue skies. It’s the months between October and April that usually have occasional downpours and overcast skies. Check out in advance when you could see some rare cultural events, such as the exciting Bali Kite Festival, which is normally held during the windy months, between June and August.
Failing to check the best times to go
2. Taking too much luggage
Traveling light is the best policy
Categorías: Parejas, Familias, Ir de compras
Overpacking is one of the most common travel mistakes, particularly on trips to Bali. Reconsider packing your woolly jumpers or fancy shoes, you’ll most likely not wear them here. Seasoned visitors often travel lightly so they’re less likely to lose items or lug heavy suitcases around.
In case you do need a change of shirts, shorts, or sandals, Bali has many shopping options available. At the art markets and souvenir shops, haggling can be a fun part of your vacation experience. If you’re traveling with young kids, do pack the essentials, but you can also have a family adventure in the local toy shop or market to find unique toys and books.
Taking too much luggage
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3. Exchanging too much Rupiah before your trip
Smart travelers avoid bulging wallets
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
One common mistake that first-timers to Bali usually make is changing large amounts of their usual currency to Rupiah, at generally bad exchange rates, in their home countries. There’s really no need for this since the exchange rates in Bali are almost always better.
ATMs are also widespread and most hotels and restaurants take credit cards, with Visa and MasterCard being the most preferred. Wandering around with a bulging wallet is also not advisable. Take out what you need, only when you need it, and you won’t have to worry about losing all your cash.
Exchanging too much Rupiah before your trip
4. Failing to count (and recount) your money
Checking exchange rates pays off
Categorías: Asequible, Parejas, Familias
Whenever you exchange your cash at a money changer in Bali, just be sure that you’re happy with the rates (it’s good to check online for updates and comparisons). Most importantly, double-check your money after exchanging.
Try to avoid small roadside money changers who have been known to con tourists with sleight of hand. You might end up with a shortage of bills in the end if you don’t recount your money in front of them. Make sure you’re the last person to handle your bundle of cash after the recount.
Failing to count (and recount) your money
5. Underestimating Bali’s traffic
Road safety is key to carefree travel
Categorías: Aventuras, Parejas, Familias
Traffic in Bali has become notoriously busier with each passing decade. When you plan to go out, get your bearings, and do ask about the routes and journey times from your hotel concierge beforehand. There might be a temple procession on a certain route at a certain time that only locals know about. The same goes for when you need to catch a plane.
Consider road safety, like when you hail a taxi. Some drivers might pull over at the most convenient spot for you, but not so for others. If you rent a scooter, bring your license, and most importantly, wear safety riding gear. A helmet is a must. And remember that riding around shirtless is frowned upon.
Underestimating Bali’s traffic
6. Forgetting to get travel insurance
Protect yourself from the unknown
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
Simply, don’t travel without an insurance that covers most travel related mishaps. There are too many cases where travelers have to seek help through Facebook or GoFundMe just to pay for their hospital bills following an accident. Even if you consider yourself to be a very cautious and switched-on traveler, you don’t know who or what you might encounter.
Before you leave your home country, do your research online. There are lots of providers out there offering travel insurance at great rates. Also, note that health insurance and travel insurance are not the same thing. If you’re planning on more risky activities like sky diving or sailing, be sure to get a more extensive cover.
Forgetting to get travel insurance
7. Staying in one place on too short a trip
This island has much to discover
Categorías: Aventuras, Fotos
Some first-time visitors may not be aware that there’s much more to Bali than just Kuta or Legian. There are so many other places beyond the popular spots worth visiting in Bali. These include remote areas such as the central highlands, the rugged eastern coastline, and the quiet north.
That’s why it’s a good idea to plan your itinerary considering your hotel’s location and remember to calculate estimates for overland travel times. Or, if you’re planning on staying for a good length of time, consider booking separate hotels so your sightseeing can cover more ground.
Staying in one place on too short a trip
8. Using your normal SIM card instead of a local one
Crazy roaming costs might put dent into your travel budget
Categorías: Asequible, Parejas, Familias
Calling you family and friends oversees or using international mobile data to browse the Internet isn’t cheap. While you can enjoy Wi-Fi easily at your hotel, you might need to navigate your way through Bali’s rush hour with mobile apps like Google Maps or check the latest currency exchange rates online during your outbound travels.
It’s always a great idea to switch your smartphone’s normal SIM card to a pay-as-you-go one from a local network provider. You can buy SIM cards with call and data credit preloaded at the airport, at convenience stores, and in supermarkets. Alternatively, look online for a virtual eSIM before you even arrive.
Using your normal SIM card instead of a local one
9. Ignoring basic bartering rules
The right balance can get you a great deal
Categorías: Asequible, Ir de compras
While shopping in Bali, you can put your haggling skills to the test at the many art markets and roadside stalls. While fixed-price shopping outlets abound, bargaining for that wooden statue, painting, or curiosity that caught your eye can be an exciting process.
A good rule of thumb is to start at half (or even a third) of the initial offering price, then barter your way up. Make sure you’re always polite though. Use your instincts, avoid being offensive, and don’t fight too hard as your line may break and you’ll lose the big fish. Know when to stop or you might get shooed away for being too persistent.
Ignoring basic bartering rules
10. Failing to show temple etiquette
Religious sites may have dress codes and rules about photography
Categorías: Parejas, Familias
You should be aware of the rules and restrictions that apply at any place of worship, including temples in Bali. A dress code applies when entering the grounds of Bali’s Besakih or Tanah Lot temple. For temple visits in Bali, the most basic dress code is a sarong and a sash around the waist.
When there are prayers in progress, you might be tempted to take a rare photo of the scene. However, walking around during prayers is considered discourteous. Also, if you wish to photograph inner courtyards, there may be areas off-bound to non-devotees. Always ask your guide, a local, or the temple priest before snapping a photo.
Failing to show temple etiquette
En este artículo se incluyen las opiniones del equipo editorial de Go Guides. Los autores de este tipo de artículos reciben una compensación por parte de Hoteles.com, que puede abarcar desde viajes hasta cualquier otro tipo de costes.