25 Bali travel tips 🏝️ - Mistakes to avoid on your first trip to Bali 🌺

Following the right Bali travel tips can make all the difference on your trip. I spent 15 days on the island, but the intensity of each day makes it feel like three months. Traveling to Bali is transformative: the smells, the food, the people, the wild nature… and of course, unexpected surprises.

The first time I traveled to Bali I made several rookie mistakes that cost me money, nerves, and uncomfortable moments. That’s why I’ve compiled my best Bali Indonesia travel tips based on my real experiences, so you can avoid them and enjoy the island to the fullest.

👉 Before continuing, check out my Bali travel guide to help complete your trip planning.

✨ Bali travel tips: mistakes to avoid

🚫 1. Don’t arrive at the airport at night

Arriving at night in Bali can be stressful. I did, and when I got to my villa, the reception was closed, I couldn’t connect to wifi, and I was surrounded by jungle noises in the dark. Try to book a flight that lands during the day—it’s easier to navigate and avoids first-night nerves.

📶 2. Set up your eSIM before flying

I thought I’d activate it with hotel wifi, but since the reception was closed, I spent the entire night without internet. Install and activate your eSIM at home to avoid surprises. I used Holafly eSIM, which worked perfectly throughout my trip.

🏡 3. If booking a villa, avoid open-air bathrooms

Many Bali villas have partially open bathrooms. It sounds exotic, but bugs get in, making it uncomfortable. Next time, I’ll choose a villa with a fully enclosed bathroom.

🛏️ 4. Always sleep under a mosquito net

Even with repellent, mosquito nets provide extra peace of mind. Villas often have high ceilings with gaps where insects might sneak in.
👉 Here’s the mosquito repellent I relied on—it was essential.

🚗 5. Don’t rent a car

I tried driving myself and it was chaos: no traffic lights, no stop signs, first to honk goes. Better options: hire a driver (affordable), use apps like Gojek or MyBlueBird, or book organized tours that include transportation, tickets, and a chance to meet people.

Recommended tours to book in advance:

⛩️ 6. Skip Lempuyang Temple

Famous for the “Gates of Heaven,” but the queues can be ridiculous. When I arrived, my number was 453, and they were at 30. There are far more beautiful, less crowded temples.

🌿 7. Stay longer in Ubud

One of my biggest mistakes was not spending more time in Ubud. It’s the cultural and spiritual heart of the island, surrounded by rice fields and temples, with a lively yet authentic vibe.

🔋 8. Bring a power bank and practical gear

Between photos, maps, and videos, your phone battery will drain fast. I always bring a portable battery and a phone strap for convenience. A lightweight backpack, reusable water bottle, and snacks are also essential.

En Bali querrás fotografiarlo todo, usar el maps y grabar vídeos… y la batería del móvil la gastarás en 3 horas. Yo siempre llevo una batería portátil y también me resultó muy práctico usar una cuerda para el móvil para colgarlo y no tener que sacarlo del bolso cada vez.
Además, una buena mochila ligera, una botella de agua reutilizable y algún snack te salvarán el día en más de una ocasión.

🌄 9. Don’t skip Sidemen

I only passed through Sidemen on the way to waterfalls, and I regret it. This tranquil area has stunning landscapes and is perfect for escaping the crowds.

🎉 10. Avoid staying in Seminyak or Canggu (short-term trips)

Many creators live there for internet, restaurants, and nightlife. But if you’re visiting, Ubud offers more authentic experiences and still a lively atmosphere.

👟 11. Don’t rely on flip-flops everywhere

Despite what photos suggest, streets can lack sidewalks and have massive holes (some over a meter deep with rusty metal inside). Comfortable sneakers are essential.

🛒 12. Don’t shop in supermarkets

I once paid €5 for a pack of cheese slices, while a full meal in a local warung costs €2–5. Eating out is cheaper, tastier, and more authentic.

🚶 13. Get lost in the alleys

One day in Ubud, I turned into a dull alley and ended up in a beautiful, empty rice field. Exploring off the beaten path is one of Bali’s greatest pleasures.

This is the alley you enter from the center of Ubud:

And in less than 5 minutes walking, even though it seems impossible, I found myself here:

🍽️ 14. Don’t underestimate simple restaurants

Many unassuming places hide terraces with incredible views. Favorites: Sayan Point (stunning sunset with river below) and Taman Dedari (giant sculptures and amazing scenery).

🍺 15. Watch your Bintang orders

Bali’s local beer often comes in 0.5L bottles. Ask for the small size if you prefer something lighter.

🛍️ 16. Bargain respectfully at markets

Haggling is expected, but only if you genuinely want something. Vendors may insist, but walking away often brings better prices. My favorite market was Ubud.

🧣 17. Don’t buy temple sarongs there (unless for souvenirs)

Most temples provide a sarong with entry. I still like bringing my own, which I also use on other trips.
👉 Here’s a practical Amazon sarong I recommend.

🪵 18. Extra tip: seek hidden gems

A unique shop, hidden café, or local market can be magical. I found a small juice place in Ubud that felt incredibly special.

🌅 19. Be aware of sunset times

In August, it was already dark by 6:00 pm. Sunrise is around 6:00 am, so wake up early to maximize daylight.

💶 20. Don’t exchange all your money at once

Rates fluctuate daily. I exchanged €200 on the first day and ended up with a pile of bills too big for my wallet. Exchanging small amounts gradually is usually cheaper than paying with cards with high fees.

🚰 21. Be careful with ice and tap water

Tap water isn’t safe. Use bottled water even to brush your teeth. Hotels often provide purified water for washing your face or brushing. Avoid ice in drinks if you’re unsure of the water source.

🌞 22. Protect yourself from the sun

Even on cloudy days, Bali’s UV is intense. I now use La Roche-Posay for the face and Hawaiian Tropic spray for the body.

🌺 23. Watch out for offerings

Small flower, rice, and incense offerings are everywhere on the ground outside homes, temples, and shops. I almost stepped on one my first day—it’s considered very disrespectful.

💆 24. Don’t leave Bali without a Balinese massage

These massages are cheap compared to Europe and leave you refreshed after long walks or excursions. Treat yourself multiple times if you can.

🏠 25. Explore Balinese courtyards respectfully

Some alleys lead to hidden house courtyards. I entered one with a painting workshop and found a backyard temple. Always ask first, but locals are usually welcoming.

✅ Final thoughts: Bali Indonesia travel tips

These Bali travel tips are based on real mistakes I made on my first trip. Bali is amazing, and with the right planning, your experience will be even better. Follow these tips, explore safely, and enjoy every moment!

👉 Keep planning with these guides: