Here, we’ll cover what we think are the essentials to know before going to Indonesia, and specifically Bali, to avoid any issues or confusion when interacting with locals.
If you’d rather not read the whole article, you can check out the video version here:
Unlike in France (and almost everywhere in Europe), in Bali, drinkable water doesn’t come from the tap. You won’t find it in fountains around cities or parks either. You could say it’s a “rare” resource that has to be bought in stores, or you risk catching stomach problems (or worse). In fact, even locals don’t drink the tap water, which gives you an idea of its potability.
But don’t worry, drinkable water is available in all stores, supermarkets, small shops, hotels, and restaurants on the island. Depending on the bottle size, you’ll pay between 8,000 IDR and 24,000 IDR, or between €0.50 and €1.50.
Here are a few tips for drinking water safely:
Bali is hot and humid—just the kind of environment mosquitoes love. So don’t forget to bring a strong mosquito repellent or consider buying one locally. We chose the latter, thinking that Balinese repellent would likely be more effective than French repellent 😂. Even then, we still got a few bites, but we can only imagine what it would have been like without it.
Not a jungle in the literal sense, but in the chaotic sense. It’s survival of the fittest on the roads, and it can seem like there are no traffic rules. Yet we didn’t see a single accident in our 20 days on the island, which is reassuring, I suppose…
So if you’re taking a taxi, don’t worry—the Balinese drivers are used to it. But if you’ll be driving in Bali (either a car or scooter), be very careful. First, make sure you get a helmet when renting a scooter. Then, take some time to get comfortable with your vehicle before diving in, and once you’re ready, be assertive on the road (especially at intersections), or else everyone will pass you.
You can do it! Just stay alert 💪.
If you need to rent a scooter, here’s where you’ll find the best options on Bali (they even deliver to your hotel):
Bali is a favorite tourist destination for Westerners, especially for this reason. The cost of living is very low (lower than on the surrounding islands), meaning you can:
Basically, you get it. You can have a great trip for very little. Note that €1 is nearly 16,000 IDR.
It’s a big perk for tourists, but for Balinese people, the average salary is just under €300 per month. Yes, that’s very low...
Yes, this is the big downside of this beautiful island. While the cost of living is very low, almost everything is paid. Whether it’s forests, beaches, waterfalls, nature reserves, temples, photos... Everything, absolutely everything, comes at a price. It’s quite surprising, because even to visit a place in nature, you have to pay. This is definitely not our culture. We were quite surprised and hesitant at first, but since this is the norm everywhere on the island, we had to adapt. It’s likely one of the consequences of such a low cost of living. The Balinese try to make money in any way they can.
We're talking about 10,000 IDR, 25,000 IDR, or 30,000 IDR—less than €2 per person—but accumulated over all the visits you'll make during your stay, it can add up.
Also, the Mount Batur hike is managed by the Balinese mafia, and you’ll need to pay an entrance fee, hire a local guide, and take a taxi to climb the mountain. A lot of expenses, but necessary and not really negotiable (except by locals, and even then…). You don’t want to have problems with the mafia.
And let’s not even talk about touristy spots... Yes, you know those beautiful photos of swings over rice fields? Well, those are paid spots run by Balinese who spotted a good business opportunity. And we’re not talking about €2, but rather €20 or even €50 per person. A true tourist trap (but great for Instagram photos. You have to know what you want).
We take the opportunity to talk about activities to share some fun outings to do in Bali:
Negotiation is very common in Bali. While we’re not used to negotiating everything at home, you shouldn’t hesitate here. Whether it’s merchants in local markets, guides, warungs (small shops on the side of the street), street vendors (like in Paris with Eiffel Tower keychains), etc., they will often increase prices depending on who they’re facing. And we must be aware that even though we’ve saved up for this trip, we are privileged people and far wealthier than the Balinese.
Negotiating is therefore normal, but you need to remain reasonable and try to find a price that works for both parties: for the seller and for you. Saving a few euros for yourself might mean a meal, or more, for them.
Here are a few tips for getting the best price:
The rest of the Indonesian islands are mostly Muslim (85%), although the Indonesian government recognizes five religions: Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
In Bali, Hinduism predominates. Ceremonies, rituals, and festivals are therefore very common on the island, often shaping the rhythm of the day, which is a great opportunity for us to fully experience Balinese culture.
You’ll see offerings everywhere (really, everywhere: at people’s homes, on the ground in the street, with merchants, in temples, etc.). These offerings are made by the Balinese to the Gods.
Yes, we say "to the Gods" and not "to God" because in Hinduism, there are over 1,000 Gods and Demons. The Balinese worship both Gods and Demons to maintain balance, ensuring that one is not jealous of the other, and ultimately, preventing any misfortune from befalling them.
A very present religious culture on the island, which is felt everywhere. You can actually see temples everywhere, with more beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods and Demons. It's really different from what we're used to and very beautiful to see.
The sarong (or sarung) is a piece of fabric large enough to wrap around your waist, similar to a skirt or pareo. The purpose is to cover your legs.
In Bali, whether you’re a man or woman (yes, everyone wears one), you’ll need a sarong to enter and visit temples. It’s usually included in the ticket price, but you can also buy your own sarong. You’ll find one for about €3 (50,000 IDR).
In Bali, it’s common to see monkeys. While there’s the Monkey Forest, even in some temples, you might encounter monkeys. At first, it’s fun to see and even approach them, but wait! Be careful, monkeys are not as friendly as they seem! Avoid feeding them and especially never make eye contact. They might take this as a challenge and become aggressive.
And I assure you, you don’t want to get scratched or bitten by a monkey. They aren’t treated for diseases, and you could easily catch rabies... and that would mean the end of your trip, with medical expenses and vaccines... We truly hope you don’t experience this!
Also, be cautious as monkeys are thieves. They rummage through trash, bags, and steal all sorts of things: food, glasses, wallets, etc. Keep an eye on what you leave lying around when monkeys are nearby.
We see a lot of idyllic and paradisiacal photos of Bali on social media, but when you walk through the streets... you quickly see the "hidden" side of the island.
There is so much waste that the Balinese don't know what to do with it, so they burn it along the road. Imagine the air quality...
These heaps of waste are certainly due to mass tourism, but also to the lack of waste management on the island (because the population is not educated and there is no infrastructure to sort and treat waste), as well as the plastic waste that ends up in the sea and washes up on Bali's beaches.
And we’re not even talking about pollution from vehicles and traffic jams...
A sad reality that pollutes both the landscape and the island, and it’s a real shame.
Here, we’ve shared our 10 key pieces of information about Bali that you should know before you start your trip. I hope it will be useful for your stay in Bali and that you’ve learned something 😊.
If the article made you want to fly to Bali, you can book your tickets right here:
Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments for other travelers.
When renting a scooter, it may seem like wearing a helmet isn't mandatory. So, be careful when you rent a scooter on-site, as the helmet is often not included in the rental. It's even possible that the rental company will charge you extra if you want one. In that case, use your negotiation skills to include it in the rental price. You shouldn't have too much trouble.
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