The following content is adapted from fellow traveler Sandra Yun’s travelogue:
This trip was for six of us girls, chosen to take place in September 2023 in Bali and Komodo Island. We were initially full of anticipation for a fulfilling holiday, but unexpectedly, the journey was filled with surprises and challenges. Although it was only a short 6-day, 5-night trip and we didn’t manage to complete all the planned activities, everyone had a great time. Unfortunately, on the fourth day, we all came down with gastroenteritis, which drastically reduced our stamina, and by 20:00, we could only rest in bed. Despite this, the trip was still very rewarding for everyone. Below, we share some of our actual experiences, hoping to be helpful for those planning to visit!
1. Recommended Private Driver: Gede Arimbawa
What moved us the most during this trip, besides the beautiful scenery, was our private driver, Gede Arimbawa! He was not only thoughtful but also very kind and enthusiastic. He respected our travel arrangements and gave practical advice at the right times, making our days in Bali very smooth. Whether it was reminding us of traffic times or helping to book restaurants and activities, his service was incredibly reassuring. We highly recommend such a great driver! 🥰
Gede has received a lot of positive reviews in the community! Please refer here
2. Airport Arrival: EVOA Fast Track
The entry process was quite smooth; we used the EVOA fast track and encountered no obstacles at all, and the customs didn’t ask any questions. However, waiting for our luggage was a lengthy process, taking nearly an hour!
Editor’s note: For the latest Bali entry procedures, please refer to 2025/08 Indonesia Bali Entry Using ‘All Indonesia’ Entry Card｜1 Minute to Understand the Latest Process: From Landing → Customs → Baggage Claim Full Guide
3. Airport Wi-Fi is Terrible!
As soon as we arrived at Bali Airport, we noticed the Wi-Fi was incredibly weak, likely due to the high number of users connected at the time. Thankfully, one of our travel companions had roaming service from Chunghwa Telecom, otherwise, we wouldn’t have known how to contact our driver. If you plan to purchase a local Telkomsel SIM card, it costs around $10 to $16 USD and includes 14GB of data, but the signal can still be weak in remote areas (like the Labuan Bajo island-hopping region).
Further reading: Essential Guide: How to Get Internet/SIM Cards in Bali
4. Traffic Conditions in Bali
During our trip, we found that traffic congestion in busy areas was really severe! Especially between 1 PM and 7:30 PM, places like Uluwatu, Ubud, and Jimbaran experienced particularly bad traffic jams. Although Google Maps estimates may seem short, the actual travel time often ends up being 2.5 to 3 times longer. We recommend avoiding long-distance travel during these hours.
Editor’s note: Don’t Trust Google Maps in Bali!
5. Spa Booking Tips
If you plan to enjoy a spa in Bali, it’s best to book in advance via WhatsApp or ask your private driver to help with the reservation. Especially for highly-rated spas, walking in without a reservation often means you’ll be turned away. If you ask your driver to book for you, they may need to pay a deposit upfront, so be sure to carefully consider cancellations—otherwise, remember to reimburse the driver for the deposit.
Further reading: The Ultimate Guide: Top-Rated Spas in Bali Organized by Area
6. Arranging Island Transportation
Since our trip also included island hopping, we only had three days in Bali. However, we chose to explore three different areas, resulting in spending each day stuck in traffic. If you want to visit more places, it’s recommended to stay in the same area for 1-2 days to avoid wasting precious time on the road.
Editor’s Note: Minimizing area movement is the golden rule for Bali travel! Check out the ‘Bali Area Guide’
Tickets for the Uluwatu Fire Dance can be purchased online in advance (provided by Sandra Yun)
7. Wide Price Range for Water Activities
This time we experienced sea walking and found that the on-site ticket price was twice as high as what our driver offered! The menu price on-site was about USD$58, but through our driver’s introduction, we only paid USD$26. Although it’s unclear if this applies to all water activities, it seems that booking in advance or arranging through a driver can save you a lot.
8. Weather and Queue Situation at Rock Bar
If you want to experience Rock Bar, remember to pay attention to the weather! The day we went was a bit cloudy, so we couldn’t see the sunset, but we didn’t have to queue. We arrived at 6 PM and found plenty of empty seats, allowing us to quietly enjoy the sea view. Even without the sunset, the beautiful sea view was still mesmerizing.
Further Reading: How to Make a Reservation for Rock Bar with ‘Reservation + On-site Queue’?
9. Observations on Tipping
In Bali, we noticed that many restaurants would return the first tip we gave, only accepting it when we gave it a second time. However, tipping housekeeping staff, porters, or activity instructors would make them very happy!
Further Reading: Do You Need to Tip in Bali? How Much to Tip in Various Situations?
10. Souvenirs: Bali Banana
If you’re looking for souvenirs, Bali Banana is a great option. There are several stores in the city, but note that while there are three branches at the airport, they are located at the domestic arrival/departure areas and the international departure area outside the terminal. If you plan to buy at the airport to take on your flight home, you’ll need to walk to these locations. It’s better to purchase them on your way to the airport on your last day, especially along Kuta Road.
Editor’s Note: Bali Banana has multiple stores in Kuta. For locations, refer to the Kuta Guide Map.
Further Reading: Recommended by Netizens: Six Categories, Over 20 Bali Souvenir Recommendations: Perfect Choices to Preserve Precious Memories
11. Komodo Island Hopping Tour
We booked our Komodo Island hopping tour through Klook, which was quite affordable and well-organized. It’s recommended to check with your hotel beforehand if they provide transfer services, as some remote areas may not offer this.
Komodo Island (Photo by Sandra Yun)
Klook offers dozens of Komodo tour options, check them out here.
Editor’s Note: We also offer professionally packaged tour itineraries for your reference.
12. The Importance of Carrying Stomach Medicine
This experience with gastroenteritis made us realize how crucial it is to carry stomach medicine when traveling! The first three days were fine, but on the fourth day, whether it was due to an infection or something unclean we ate, everyone ended up vomiting and having diarrhea. Fortunately, we had prepared medication, and everyone recovered their energy the next day.
Editor’s Note: These six ladies are professional nursing staff who brought their own prescription medication. For most people, purchasing over-the-counter medicine mentioned in the video above should suffice.
13. Beware of Motorcycle Scams!
In Ubud, we encountered some motorcycle taxis (motor taxis) that quoted us prices. We had booked two rides, but they took us to the wrong place and charged us again when we reached the correct destination. This situation is likely what netizens refer to as the ‘white plate motorcycle scam.’ Be cautious and confirm the route and price beforehand.
Editor’s Note: Using a ride-hailing app can help avoid such situations: Essential Apps for Traveling in Indonesia/Bali: A Complete Guide to Gojek
These are some of our experiences from this trip. There are many details we didn’t have time to share, but I’ll add more if I think of them! Once again, we thank our driver Gede. Although we went to other islands for the last three days, he stayed in touch and helped us solve problems whenever needed. Despite some hiccups, the trip was overall very enjoyable! If you’re planning a trip to Bali, we hope these tips help you. Have a great journey! 💼🌞
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