Ultimate Bali Travel Guide For First Timers

ULTIMATE BALI TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FIRST TIMERS 

Hello fellow travelers!  Welcome to our ultimate Bali travel guide for first-timers!

If you have been considering a trip to Bali, we have all the details you may need for your first trip around the islands inside today’s post.  We will cover everything from what to pack, where to travel around the island, the amazing food and culture, what to avoid and so much more!

Bali is by far one of the more incredible places Shawn and I have had the opportunity to travel.  If you can, move this spectacular trip up on your bucket list immediately!

And, if you’ve been to Bali, and have details you’d I may have missed below, please feel free to shoot me an email!

Otherwise, we cannot wait to show you around this incredible country today!  XO

CURRENCY AND ATMS IN BALI

What Bali travel guide for first-timers would be complete if we didn’t cover money while on the island?  Travel around Bali is very different than we have experienced in other countries such as Mexico. 

Most stores, hotels, and restaurants Do not know what to do with US currency when it comes to cash on hand.  As a result, you will want to convert your USD to Rupiah (IDR).  Almost no establishment we visited took USD.

When exchanging your cash at a currency exchange, be sure to choose a reputable, private bank.  At the recommendation of many, including locals at our hotels, we only chose banks that were behind glass doors and in some cases guarded.  For almost all occasions, Shawn and I used a local bank called BHI.  You can find them all over the island.  They often had the highest conversation rates, as well.

It was also recommended by many not to exchange currency at the airport upon arriving in Bali as the exchange rates can be lower, FYI.

We followed the same rules when taking money from an ATM machine on the island.  We only chose ATMs that were in a larger local mall or behind glass doors. 

It was recommended to us to never take money from an ATM that is out in the open or on the streets.  Prior to our trip, some travelers before us mentioned they had their debit or credit card details stolen from ATMs on the streets.

Also, to avoid any complications using credit cards while traveling in Bali, be sure to call your banks and credit card companies beforehand to notify them of your travel.

HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND THE ISLAND OF BALI

There are a number of different ways to get around the island in Bali.  However, based on my experience, the preferred method is by scooter.  You will find scooters for rent almost everywhere in Bali.  And, it’s my most preferred method simply because of the amount of traffic on the island.  It’s terrible, y’all.

While scooters are my personal preferred method of transportation, below are the most common ways of getting around:

• SCOOTERS – As I mentioned, scooters are the way to go when traveling around the island, in my opinion.  If you’re not familiar with riding a scooter, there can be a slight learning curve so please be sure to wear a helmet and practice on a non-busy street before you venture out into heavy traffic areas.

As I mentioned, the traffic in Bali can be terrible and really packed.  You will find the majority of local travelers are also on scooters so you will often be surrounded by multiple scooters on the road.

Also, scooter drivers follow very few rules of the road as we understand it here in the US.  Scooter riders, including Shawn and I, drive between cars, on the sidewalks, on the opposite sides of the road, etc.  They also drive very fast at times so, again, you will need to practice.  I scrapped my knees multiple times on other cars as you will get that close to them.

The cost of a scooter when we were in Bali (February 2019) was about $6 a day.  We stuck with one scooter for the entire trip so we knew it was reliable.  You will be responsible for purchasing your own gas or Petrol for the scooter, as well.  Petrol was also very inexpensive and about $2 to fill up the entire tank.

You can purchase Petrol for almost all street vendors.  They will look like very small gas tanks (like at a BP or Shell gas station) you would see in the US.  Some also sell Petrol out of old liquor or vodka bottles on the side of the road.  We only purchased from local vendors as an FYI.

It’s also worth noting, Shawn and I drove our scooter all over the island.  We drove it from Canguu as far south as Uluwatu (about 1.5 hours) and all the way north to Lempuyang (about 2 hours). 

While the ride got slightly uncomfortable because of the vibration at the 2-hour mark, I was so glad we were on a scooter to see all of the amazing sites along the way.  I would not have chosen it any other way.

• GO-JEK – Go-Jek is the Uber of Bali. Uber was previously an option in Bali, as well, but no longer.  There are a number of people who take Go-Jek regularly, but warning, you will wait in traffic so the cost could be high. Go-Jek has a tracking service AND they deliver food, as well.
• BLUEBIRD TAXI – If you are looking to use a taxi service on the side of the road, many recommend Bluebird Taxi services.  It’s one of the more common, reputable taxi services in all of Bali.

TIP: If you are going to use a taxi service over other modes of getting around, it’s recommended to ask the taxi driver to use the meter button.  Otherwise, the taxi driver can charge you any fair they might like. You may experience some resistance at first, but typically if you tell the driver you won’t ride without the meter, they will agree.  

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BALI FOOD

Continuing with the Bali travel guide for first-timers, let’s chat about the food!

The local food in Bali is absolutely amazing!  There are fewer places Shawn and I have been where the local food has been so divine.  There are a ton of different places to eat with a variety of different cuisines, but I highly recommend trying the local dishes specific to Bali.  To help you with some verbiage, here’s a quick glossary of common terms:

• WARUNGS – Warungs are the local food shops or street vendors.  You can eat at a local Warung for as little a $.75 for an entire meal.  Sounds concerning?  Don’t be!  All of the food is likely locally sourced and very delicious.  There are single families simply cooking for the locals.  Try it!

TIP: When eating at a local Warung or street food vendor, I highly recommend choosing one that appears busy. 

They often leave the food out for several hours during the day.  As a result, you want to be sure the food is being made fresh and often throughout the day.  There is something called ‘Bali Belly’ which can make you sick for a day or two+.  Shawn and I were in Bali for almost 10 days and did not experience any issues.  So long as you are careful to choose a busy vendor, you should be fine.  

• NASI GORENG – Nasi Goreng is one of Bali’s more popular dishes and stands for fried rice and chicken.  And, y’all, it’s incredibly delicious!
• NASI CAMPUR – If you are not interested in getting fried rice, you can choose nasi campur which is white rice.
• BINTANG – Looking for a beverage local to Bali?  Look no further than the Bintang.  Bintang is local beer served in Bali which I would compare in taste to a Miller Lite or Budweiser.

It does get very hot in Bali so be sure to drink a lot of water.  However, do not drink any of the tap water.  Be sure you are buying bottled water instead.

Similarly, if you are eating at a local Warung, be sure to also stay away from lettuce when possible.  Often times local vendors will wash their salads with tap water which can be unsafe.  However, if you are eating at a more Western/Americanized restaurant, you should be good.

If you’re looking for more food options such as sushi, Italian, burritos, pizza, etc.  I would suggest areas such as Canguu, Seminyak, and Ubud.  In these locations, you’ll find a ton of options where expats have come to Bali to start their own restaurants, etc.

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WHERE TO STAY IN BALI

The value for the money in Bali is amazing.  You will be blown away by the types of accommodations you can get for your money across the island.

There are a number of fantastic hotels – I highly recommend checking out some of the boutique hotels – and Air B&Bs.  If you want to stay centrally located on the island, I highly recommend The Chillhouse in Canguu.

Shawn and I also found a number of incredible Air B&B options with stunning views, private pools, etc., for as low as $25 per day.  I am not kidding, y’all.  It really is incredible.

I also recommend agoda.com for quick reservations.  Be sure to read the reviews. They are almost always spot on in their assessment, in my opinion.

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CELL PHONE SERVICE IN BALI

Shawn and I have AT&T for our cell phone service here in the states and had to get a full international package when traveling to Bali.  And, warning, it was really expensive.

Through AT&T, international packages included 1GB and 3GB packages per person.  The 1GB package was roughly $60 and the 3GB package was $120.  Note, there is no option to increase.  For reference, I typically use 20GB/month on our plan.  Yikes!

Shawn used the drone, google maps almost daily on his phone, checking email, etc and he did not exceed the 3GB allotted balance in the 9 days we were in Bali.  However, I used a total of 4GB during the same duration by using Instagram often.

TIP: almost all restaurants, shops, clubs, and hotels do offer free wifi.  I highly recommend connecting whenever possible to save yourself some money.

If you are looking to stay in Bali for a longer period of time, or you simply want to avoid the high cost through your cell provider, you can get a SIM card when you arrive in Bali for a fairly low cost.

There are two main providers that are recommended and those are XL and Telkomsel.  Through either provider, you can get a 12 GB data plan for close to $8-$15 USD.  Effective early 2018, all SIM cards must be registered with a legal ID.

TIP: Also, before leaving the store, be sure you have tested the SIM card to ensure it is working.  Do not leave until you have verified everything is working as expected.  Many people have recommended Happy Cell as a preferred retailer.  It is located in Canggu for reference.  

RELATED POST: Bali Beach Clubs || Our Raw Review

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DO I NEED VACCINATIONS BEFORE VISITING BALI?

Please note, I am in no way a physician or doctor and cannot provide you with the proper recommendation for what action you should take before you travel to Bali.  I am only sharing my experience and what actions I took before the trip.  

Because Shawn and I only intended to be in Bali for less than a week (we ended up extending our stay), we chose not to get vaccinations for the trip.  However, we are both up-to-date on vaccinations such as HEP A and HEP B.

If you are looking for a list of recommended vaccinations, please consult your local physician or visit the Centers for Disease & Control Prevention.

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WHAT TO PACK FOR BALI

Bali can be very hot and humid so prepare to sweat quite a bit.  With that said, we have included an entire section in our Bali travel guide for first-timers dedicated entirely to what to pack when in Bali.  We have also included a printable packing checklist for your convenience.  Feel free to print off this PDF for a full list of what you need to bring.

Because of the warm temperatures, I highly recommend packing clothing that is versatile, lightweight, and breathable.  For myself, I packed a ton of lightweight dresses and skirts that doubled as swim cover-ups, too.

I would also recommend kimonos that can be belted or tied.  They proved to be very lightweight, I could wear them as dresses during the day and also doubled as a swimsuit cover-up at the beach and beach clubs. See a full list of everything I packed in the related post below. 

I also purchased swimsuits that doubled as a top with cute shorts.  Not only were they pieces that helped me go from day to night or beach to bar, but they also helped me pack fewer, more versatile pieces in my luggage.

Shawn and I, traveled across the island almost every day.  So, we spent a decent amount of time on a scooter, too.  Also, because we traveled from place to place, we were our favorite breakfast spot in the morning, an incredible temple in the afternoon, and a beach club after.  We did pack a backpack everywhere we went, but I couldn’t always carry two or three outfits that were fitting for every occasion.

If you plan to do the same, pack items with lots of versatility.  For example, the leopard cotton skirt pictured above doubled as a skirt for restaurants and shopping, but a beach cover-up at the pool.  Later in the afternoon, I wore the same swimsuit that looks like a top with different shorts and sandals.

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Also, because we spent a lot of time on a scooter, I would recommend tank tops over short sleeve tops to avoid awkward tan lines.  The same rule applied to Shawn.  He packed swimsuits that doubled as shorts and sleeveless tops for days on the scooter.

On vacation, I am typically a ‘let’s get dressed up and go out’ kind of gal.  Bali was very different.  While I hear the nightlife is fantastic, there was never a need for me to wear a pair of heels or even the taller wedge sandals I brought.  I almost exclusively wore flip-flops or casual sandals.

If for some reason you were to forget any clothing, you can purchase almost anything you might need in Bali for a very reasonable price.  Places like Ubud, Seminyak and Canggu have a ton of shopping.

WHAT ELSE I RECOMMEND PACKING FOR BALI:

• Sunscreen – the sunscreen in Bali is more costly than at home and many have a bleaching agent added which I do not recommend.  
• Back Pack – I would recommend choosing one that has comfortable straps for long afternoons on a scooter across the island.
  • If you are traveling during rainy season, I would also grab a waterproof cover for your back pack which you can typically snag on Amazon for less than $20.
• Swimsuits – I would recommend several for a week for both men and women.  For reference, I think I packed 5 for 9 days 🙂  Shawn packed 4.  Also, Consider packing one that has the proper support if you plan to surf.  
• Breezy, Lightweight Dresses – Pack clothing that is as comfortable and versatile as possible.  You will sweat a lot.  
• Hats & Fun Hair Accessories – Because of the heat and humidity, it seemed almost impossible to keep my hair down on most days.  Pack cute hair accessories and hats for days you want to wear your hair up. 
• Comfortable Shoes & Sandals – If you plan to visit temples, there are many you will have to walk or hike to get to.  Be sure to pack comfortable shoes.  
• Sunglasses 
• Water Bottle/Yeti
• Yoga Gear
• Denim Shorts
• Lightweight Sweater
• Pajamas
• Underwear/Bras
• Mosquito Repellent
• Toiletries

HELPFUL APPS TO USE IN BALI

We also wanted to add a list of our favorite apps we used on the trip in our Bali travel guide for first-timers.  Below are the apps we used almost daily as we navigated the island:

• SKYPE – Skype is a great service to use in Bali.  Just one thing to note, if you want to call your local bank
• MAPS.ME – Shawn and I used Google Maps for just about all of our scooter travel, but if you are looking save on our data plan, use MAPS.ME.  It will get you where you need to go without having to use your cell service.
• YELP – Shawn and I used Yelp very frequently while traveling across Bali.  Whether we wanted the reviews for a day or beach club we wanted to visit, or wanted to see photos of food options at restaurant we were considering, Yelp was our go-to app on the island.
• GOOGLE MAPS – Google Maps was really fantastic and incredibly accurate!  We used it for all of our travel – near and far.
• WAZE – WAZE was just as helpful to us as Google Maps.  We switched on and off throughout the trip and was equally as accurate as Google Maps.
• WHATSAPP – Anyone we wanted to communicate with on the island, WHATSAPP was used on almost all occasions for communication.  From our taxi driver to Air B&B stays, WHATSAPP was the islands preferred method of communication.
• GlobalConvert – Global Convert was the currency exchange app we used to verify the current exchange rate and to verify we were getting the most accurate/best rate at BHI.

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WEATHER IN BALI

The prime time to visit Bali is May through July.  But, you will also likely experience an increase in tourism during this period.  The rainy season is typically from October through April.  Shawn and I traveled to Bali in the middle of February this year and the weather was really spectacular.

It did rain almost every day, but typically no more than an hour in the morning or afternoon.  Once a quick rain shower came and went, the skies opened up beautifully for the remainder of the day.  We experienced the most rain when visiting the northern part of the island.  When it rained, it poured.  But, again, only lasted for an hour or so.

During the time we were there, temperatures typically reached 85-90 degrees so definitely pack sunscreen.  As I mentioned above, also, it can get very humid in Bali so prepare to sweat.  Sometimes a lot.  Pack a lot of water and cool clothing.

PLACES WE RECOMMEND VISITING IN BALI

If you are visiting Bali as a first-timer, it can be really difficult to know where you should visit other locations.  Before booking our trip to Bali, Shawn and I spent weeks and weeks planning out our stay, reading reviews, and more.  During our 9 days stay, here were a few of the places we traveled to across the island and highly recommend:

• ULUWATU – Uluwatu was by far one of my favorite places to visit on the island.  We traveled there from our hotel in Canggu by scooter (about 1.5 hours away).  Uluwatu is a stunning town that runs alongside the ocean with the most breathtaking views.  It’s also the home to several of Bali’s most popular beach clubs.

It’s less overly developed compared to a number of the other cities we stayed with a plethora of great restaurants and hotels.  And, don’t get me started on the incredible sunsets!  If you have the chance, I highly recommend even just an afternoon in Ultuwatu.

You can find a guide on how we spent 8 hours in Uluwatu here.

• CANGGU – Canggu is where we stayed for the duration of our 9 days in Bali, at The Chillhouse.  Side note, The Chillhouse cannot be more highly recommended by Shawn and myself.  You can see a full review of our stay in this Chillhouse Review post.

Canggu has a ton of great places to eat, attend a yoga class, do some incredible shopping and more.  It’s one of the more popular areas to visit in all of Bali – and for good reason. Not to mention, there are a ton of the best Instagramable spots like Nula Bowl and Peloton.

You can also find Finns Beach , The Lawn, La Brisa and Echo which are four of the most popular sunset spots and Bali beach clubs.

• UBUD – Ubud is one of the more popular places to visit in Bali and certainly one of the more Americanized spots.  If you are looking for the Bali Market,  the Monkey Forest, great shopping, lots of restaurants in one small location Ubud is the spot for you.

Ubud was about an hour away from Canggu on scooter.  Shawn and I traveled to Ubud twice during our 9 days and really loved it.  Again, it is certainly far more busy and fast paced than a few of our other favorite spots like Uluwatu, but still highly recommended.

Do not miss out on the opportunity to see the incredible rice fields and waterfalls in Ubud.

• LEMPUYANG – The furthest we traveled away from Canggu was our day trip to Lempuyang.  The trip was almost exactly 2.5 hours away from Canggu, but completely worth the trip.  Again, we made the entire trip via scooter and I felt great.  Even more than than, travel on the scooter allowed us to really see this part of this part of the island which was spectacular.

This northern part of the island felt as though we were in Hawaii as opposed to Bali.  It was very mountainous and plush.  But, the main reason for our trip was to visit a number of the most popular temples in Bali.

You can see more of our photos for the temples on Instagram, but it was well worth the trip!  I highly recommend visiting the  Ujung Water Palace.  It’s absolutely stunning!  And, very Instagram-worthy.

• SEMINYAK – Shawn and I didn’t have the opportunity to visit Seminyak, but if we return this Fall, it’s definitely on our list.  The reason we did not choose it this time around is we have heard it’s one of the more popular destinations with the most tourism.

Now, with that said, Seminyak also offers a ton of very popular restaurants, shops and hotel/villa stays – likely more than any other locations in Bali.

On our trip, however, I wanted to see parts of the island that were less inhabited and busy.  Seminyak is by far one of the more highly rated areas of the island so definitely add it to your list if you can.

• NUSA PENIDA – Nusa Penida and Nusa Dua were two of the islands just went of Bali I was dying to visit.  At the recommendation of almost everyone, we did not go as most suggested we needed several days on the islands to really get the most of the visit.  It looks absolutely stunning with incredible beaches and stays.  From my understanding, you can take a boat to the islands in less than 2 hours.  When we return, a visit to Nusa Penida is at the top of our list.

CAN YOU FLY A DRONE IN BALI?

If you have a drone, I definitely recommend packing it on your trip to Bali.  If you do, be sure to fly at your own risk.  You cannot take your drone with you to most beach clubs throughout the island, however.  Be sure to double-check most places you go as you will have to store your drone with security prior to entering.

Shawn and I flew the drone in almost every location we visited and were able to capture some truly breathtaking footage.

THE PEOPLE OF BALI

Last but not least, let’s talk about the people of Bali.  The staff and locals in Bali were absolutely spectacular.  They are so lovely, kind, down-to-earth and helpful.  You leave Bali feeling as though you made friends for life.

The picture above is a photo of a staff member from our stay at The Chillhouse.  His name is Arta and he’s now like family.  During our stay, he offered to take us on a private tour around his favorite parts of the island on his day off.  He was so wonderful and great to us on our trip and we could not be more thankful for our new friend.

We hope you enjoyed our Bali travel guide for first-timers!  If you find this helpful, please let us know in the comments below!  XO