Sharing Insights on a 12-Day Bali Itinerary
Provided by team member Lin Junhong for our adaptation
In early August, we went on a 12-day trip to Bali. This journey was filled with surprises and challenges, and below are some of my insights and feedback, hoping to be helpful for those planning a trip to Bali.
Electronic Visa
Since August to September is the peak tourist season in Bali, the waiting time at the visa-on-arrival counters and customs usually takes more than 2-3 hours. Fortunately, we applied for an electronic visa (EVoA) in advance and used the automatic gates, which made the entire customs process very smooth. From disembarking the plane to collecting our luggage and entering the arrival hall, it only took us 7-8 minutes. It is recommended that if possible, apply for an electronic visa beforehand to save a lot of time.
Further Reading: Understand Bali’s 2024 Entry Reforms in One Minute: Indonesia/Bali Entry Process - From Landing to Customs to Baggage Claim
SIM Card
In Bali, we opted to purchase a local SIM card. The SIM cards in Kuta and Uluwatu city areas support 5G networks, while other more remote areas mainly have 4G. Even on the islands, the network signal was generally sufficient for navigation, but in the coastal areas of Penida, the signal was weaker, only better at certain tourist spots. However, this did not affect our overall itinerary.
Further reading: 【Essential for Bali Travel】How to Set Up Internet/SIM Card in Bali?
Shopping
Shopping in Bali requires some bargaining skills. Generally, you can start by offering half the asking price, and the final deal is usually 30-40% of the original price. Prices in Ubud are relatively better, and there are more choices. The same items are usually 2-3 times more expensive in Kuta than in Ubud. Therefore, choosing the right location for shopping is crucial.
Further reading: How to Bargain When Shopping in Bali? Shopping Tips
Transportation
The traffic situation in Bali can be described in one word: ‘congested.’ Since my friend’s vacation was short, our itinerary for the first five days was quite packed, and traveling between each attraction took a lot of time. Additionally, our accommodations were all in Ubud, so traveling to areas like Uluwatu, Kuta, and Canggu took 2-3 hours each way. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose accommodations close to the attractions to save a lot of travel time.
Editor’s note: Refer to our ‘Bali Area Guide’ for the best advice!
Food
During this trip, we mainly chose small restaurants to dine at, which allowed us to taste more authentic local cuisine at affordable prices. Most restaurants accept credit cards, even on the islands. However, some shops charge an additional 2.5% handling fee, and 60-70% of the shops impose a 10-11% sales tax along with a 7-10% service charge. We didn’t encounter any instances of arbitrary price hikes.
Further Reading: Should You Tip in Bali? How Much to Tip in Various Situations?
We visited the Atlas Beach Club, which is said to be the largest in Asia. By the way, if you go to a Beach Club or Day Club, tipping the staff will ensure they take good care of you, even watching over your belongings.
(Video provided by Lin Junhong)
Nusa Penida Island
We booked our round-trip ferry tickets on Klook, which was very convenient. We stayed on Penida Island for 4 days, and personally, I think there are only two attractions worth visiting on the entire island. One is Kelingking Beach, where we walked down to the bottom of the beach. The scenery was stunning, but the descent was a bit terrifying and took 45 minutes. The ascent was quicker, taking 35 minutes.
(Video provided by Lin Junhong)
Editor’s Note: Remember not to go into the sea here! There have beenseveral fatal accidents～
Another spot is Tembeling Beach and Forest, which is less crowded and perfect for relaxation. However, the road to the site is in poor condition, so extra caution is needed. Diamond Beach is relatively average. Since Penida is a newly developed island, the quality of accommodation and dining is not high, and prices are about twice as expensive as Bali’s main island. Overall, our trip to Penida was quite enjoyable.
Further Reading:
【Bali - Nusa Penida Complete Guide】
Maps, Ferries, Accommodation, Transportation, Private Cars, Activities, Photography, Attractions
Most Unique Accommodation Recommendations
We stayed in Ubud for 5 days and then spent 3 days resting in the mountains. I highly recommend a homestay called Aurora Cabins by Panoramika. This is a highly-rated accommodation. The cabins are located at an altitude of nearly 900m, adjacent to a coffee plantation, and face east, making it an excellent way to experience mountain life. Watching the sunrise from here is spectacular. In the distance, you can see Mount Agung, and to the left is Mount Batur. The rooms are cozy, comfortable, and well-equipped. It’s truly special.
▶Aurora Cabins by Panoramika Booking Link
We also stayed on Penida Island for 4 days. Here’s a complaint: our Airbnb accommodation required us to bring our own towels and other essentials because the ones provided were too dirty, and the mattress was unclean. We endured it and later reported it to Airbnb, receiving a partial refund.
(Video provided by Lin Junhong)
Further Reading:
Recommended Accommodations in Nusa Penida: 13 Highly-Rated Options from Luxury to Budget
Overall, Bali is an excellent destination for slow-paced living and creative rejuvenation. I hope these insights prove helpful for your Bali travels! 🌴
Did you find Lin Junhong’s itinerary inspiring? Start planning your own Bali adventure now! We also welcome you to share your travel plans in our community forum!
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Reference Guides:
- 100 Must-Visit Spots in Seminyak
- 50 Must-Visit Spots in Kuta
- 100 Must-Visit Spots in Canggu
- 100 Ways to Explore Ubud
- Jimbaran Guide
- Uluwatu Guide
- Bukit Peninsula Adventure Guide
- Sanur 50 Things to Do Guide
- Nusa Dua 40 Accommodations, Food, and Activities Guide
- Complete Guide to Nusa Penida
- Complete Guide to Lembongan/Ceningan Islands
- Nuanu Creative City Guide
- Komodo Island Guide
- Amed/Tulamben Guide
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