Bali, this picturesque land, attracts travelers from around the world. In our Facebook group, Chihming Lai, who is not a professional travel agent or tour operator, makes a special trip to Bali every six months to relax, enjoy the sun, beer, beaches, and bikinis. For him, Bali’s unique slow-paced atmosphere is the greatest charm of this land. Below are his personal travel experiences and practical tips that he is happy to share.
(The following content is adapted and republished with the permission of Chihming Lai)
Pre-Trip Preparations:
Before departure, he recommends applying for an e-visa online. When entering with a Taiwanese passport, you can use facial recognition by scanning your passport for quick clearance without waiting in line.
After collecting your luggage and before exiting the airport, you need to prepare an electronic customs declaration form. It is crucial to complete this form in advance, as scanning it upon arrival can significantly speed up the customs process.
Further reading: 【2026 Edition】Using the ‘All Indonesia’ Arrival Card for Bali Entry｜1-Minute Guide to the Latest Process: From Landing to Customs to Baggage Claim
As for the tourist tax, he believes it’s up to the individual to decide whether to pay it or not. He personally supports environmental activities like turtle releases, despite concerns about fund utilization, as it contributes to environmental efforts. The tax is just USD$10, equivalent to a few beers.
Upon Arrival in Bali:
- Don’t overpack your itinerary. Since you’ll only be here briefly, it’s better to slow down and enjoy the local pace of life. Wander aimlessly, sip a cool drink, and let your soul breathe.
- Currently, Bali offers a more tranquil environment, and at least the beach pollution has improved significantly.
- For those wondering which attractions to visit, his advice is that while Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are worth a visit, five minutes is enough—no need to spend too much time there. Instead, just across the street from the palace is Ubud Market, where wandering around might be more interesting. As for the rice terraces, they’re visible along the way, so visiting them can be optional. In short, the journey itself is the scenery, so focus on enjoying it and relaxing.
Further reading: 2025 Ubud Bali Complete Guide: 100 Ways to Deeply Explore Ubud’s Charm
Accommodation and Itinerary Suggestions:
- He strongly advises against overpacking your itinerary when staying in a villa, as it defeats the purpose and cost. A villa represents leisure—enjoy the pool and sunshine, sip a drink, and relax. Only go out if you feel like it. There’s no need to leave early in the morning and return late in the evening, especially for those who stay in a villa for just one or two nights before moving on. Staying in a villa is about resting, appreciating the villa’s scenery, and savoring leisurely moments without overexerting yourself.
- The length of your Bali trip should dictate your itinerary—avoid rushing through. Traffic here is often congested, and the roads are narrow, making it nearly impossible to visit all the popular spots.
- He always travels independently, avoiding hotels and staying in a villa throughout his trip. The cost of a 10-day villa stay is roughly equivalent to a 5-day, 4-night hotel stay in Taiwan. Independent travel offers more flexibility, freeing you from rigid package tours.
- Language barriers shouldn’t be a major concern—a friendly smile is often the best communication tool. Additionally, your phone can be a great translation assistant.
Conclusion:
Finally, this frequent Bali traveler sincerely hopes to share his experiences within the community, answer questions, and provide practical travel information because he has genuinely “fallen in love” with this land and its unique slow-living culture.
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