Do These Bali Travel Tips Really Work? We Put Them to the Test
Not all travel tips are as useful as they claim to be, and Bali is no exception. We decided to put some of the most popular ones to the test—from finding the best beaches to avoiding hidden fees.
Travel Tips for Bali
We tested these 10 tips for Bali travel for you, let’s find out.
1. Should You Really Avoid Drinking Tap Water?
Yes. 100% yes. You don’t want to end up spending your trip in bed with what everyone calls “Bali Belly.” The tap water isn’t safe for drinking, and even brushing your teeth with it could be risky.
Instead, grab bottled water or bring a reusable bottle with a built-in filter. Some places offer refill stations, but don’t assume all filtered water is actually clean.
2. Are Ride-Share Apps Banned in Bali?
Not exactly, but you can’t use them everywhere. Grab and Gojek work in Bali, and they’re usually the cheapest way to get around.
But in some areas like Uluwatu and Canggu’s Echo Beach, local taxi drivers have set up “no-gojek zones.” Basically, they don’t want ride-share drivers stealing their business.
So, if you’re stuck in one of these areas, you’ll either need to walk a bit to order a ride or haggle with a local taxi driver.
3. Is Nyepi (Bali’s Silent Day) a Big Deal?
Absolutely. It’s a full 24 hours where the entire island shuts down—no flights, no restaurants, no beach clubs, nothing. Even tourists are expected to stay indoors.
You can still chill in your hotel or resort, but stepping outside isn’t an option. Plan ahead so you’re stocked up on food and entertainment.
4. Can You Really Get Around Just by Renting a Scooter?
You can. But if you’re not used to chaotic traffic, you might want to think twice. Renting a scooter is the fastest way to move around, but Bali’s roads can be intense (expect random potholes, unpredictable drivers, and sudden downpours).
Oh, and don’t forget your International Driving Permit unless you enjoy paying hefty police fines.
5. Should You Avoid Visiting During the Rainy Season?
Not necessarily. While the wet season (October to April) means occasional heavy rain, showers are usually short, and the island is way less crowded.
Plus, everything is cheaper, like flights, hotels, and activities. If you don’t mind carrying an umbrella and dodging puddles, you might actually prefer it.
6. Is Kuta Still Worth Visiting?
Depends on what you want. If you’re looking for quiet beaches and cool cafes, this isn’t it. Kuta was Bali’s OG tourist hub, but now it’s mostly crowded, a little run-down, and filled with overpriced souvenirs.
If you’re into the party scene, you might enjoy it. Otherwise, you’re better off in Canggu or Uluwatu.
7. Are Local Markets a Scam?
Not exactly, but be ready to haggle. Vendors expect tourists to negotiate, so don’t just accept the first price they give you. We greatly recommend to start at 40% of their asking price and work your way up.
If they refuse to budge, walk away. But most of the time, they’ll call you back with a lower offer.
8. Should You Always Pay for a Private Driver?
If you’re planning to visit multiple spots in one day, hiring a private driver is worth it. They know the best routes here, and they’ll wait for you while you check out the place.
Prices usually start at around $33 per day. If you’re just hopping between cafes or beaches, Grab and Gojek are more budget-friendly.
9. Is the Bali Tourist Tax a Real Thing?
Yep. Since February 2024, all foreign visitors have to pay a tourism tax of 150,000 IDR (around $9). You can pay for this online before arriving or at the airport. Don’t forget that this is separate from your visa fee.
10. Should You Worry About Safety in Bali?
Bali is generally safe, but you should be cautious about petty theft. The biggest risk here are the motorbike thieves who snatch phones and bags from unsuspecting tourists.
If you’re riding on a scooter, don’t hold your phone out for navigation unless you want to say goodbye to it.
