Travel Tips

Bali Travel Guide: Tips from an Experienced Independent Traveler

Q: Pre-Departure Preparations:

Before you go, he recommends applying for an e-visa online. With a Taiwanese passport, you can use facial recognition at immigration for fast clearance without queuing.

By Go Bali Go Editorial Team Go Bali Go editorial team · Bali travel guides

Apr 9, 2024 · Updated Oct 16, 2026 ✏️ 編輯文章

Bali Travel Guide: Tips from an Experienced Independent Traveler

💡 Quick Answer

A seasoned Bali traveler shares hard-earned tips and insights for your trip

Key Takeaways: Pro tips for Bali independent travel — ① Get your e-visa and e-customs declaration done before departure; the tourist tax is optional; ② Don’t overpack your itinerary — Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are quick 5-minute stops, leave more time for spontaneous wandering; ③ If you’re staying in a villa, keep your schedule light — the whole point of a villa is to lazily enjoy the pool and sunshine; ④ A 10-day villa stay costs about the same as a 5-day, 4-night hotel stay in Taiwan, and independent travel offers more flexibility than package tours.

Bali, with its stunning landscapes, draws travelers from around the world. In our Facebook group, Chihming Lai — not a travel professional or agency employee — makes a special trip to Bali every six months to unwind, soaking up the sun, beer, sand, and bikinis. For him, Bali’s unique slow-living vibe is its greatest charm. Here are the firsthand travel experiences and practical tips he’s happy to share.

(The following content is adapted and republished with permission from Chihming Lai)

Pre-Departure Preparations:

Before you go, he recommends applying for an e-visa online. With a Taiwanese passport, you can use facial recognition at immigration for fast clearance without queuing.

After collecting your luggage and before exiting the airport, you’ll need to have your e-customs declaration ready. Be sure to complete this in advance — a simple scan at customs will save you a lot of time. It’s essential.

Further reading: 【2026 Edition】Indonesia Bali Entry Using the ‘All Indonesia’ Arrival Card｜Master the Latest Process in 1 Minute: From Landing to Customs to Baggage Claim

As for the tourist tax, he thinks it’s up to each person whether to pay or not. He personally enjoys supporting eco-activities like sea turtle releases, even though how the funds are used has been questioned — it’s still a small contribution to the environment. At just NT$300 (about USD$10), it’s the price of a few beers.

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After Arriving in Bali:

抵達峇里島後：

Don’t overpack your itinerary—since you’re only passing through, it’s better to slow down, soak in the local laid-back vibe, wander aimlessly, sip a cold drink, and give your mind a break.
Right now, Bali offers a quieter atmosphere, and the beaches are noticeably less polluted.
For those wondering which sights to visit, he suggests that while the Monkey Forest and Ubud Palace are worth a stop, five minutes is enough—don’t linger. Instead, cross the road from the palace to the Ubud Market, where you might find more fun browsing. As for the rice terraces, they’re visible all along the road, so you can choose to visit them or not. In short, the journey itself is the scenery—just enjoy the view and relax.

More to Explore in Ubud

更多烏布吃喝玩樂介紹

Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Whether you're diving into local customs, soaking up natural beauty, or seeking thrilling outdoor adventures paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a truly unique experience. Want more Ubud tips? Click here

Ubud Accommodation Themes

Accommodation and Itinerary Tips:

He strongly advises Villa guests not to cram their schedules, as that defeats the purpose and expense of staying in a Villa. A Villa embodies leisure—enjoy the pool and sunshine, sip a drink, and head out only when you feel like it. Why rush out at dawn and return at dusk? And don’t even think about switching accommodations after just one or two nights in a Villa—that’s too exhausting. Staying in a Villa means truly resting, admiring the scenery, and savoring the downtime without overexerting yourself.
The length of your Bali trip should dictate your itinerary—avoid a whirlwind tour. Traffic here is often congested, and roads are narrow and tricky, making it nearly impossible to hit every hot spot.
He always travels independently, skipping hotels and staying in a Villa for the entire trip without switching. 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, free from rigid package tours.
Language barriers aren’t a big worry—a friendly smile is often the best form of communication. Plus, you can always use your phone as a handy translation tool.

住房與行程規劃建議：

No-Fail Accommodation List

Final Thoughts:

In the end, this frequent Bali traveler sincerely hopes to share travel insights, answer questions, and pass on practical tips within the community, because he has truly “fallen in love” with this land and its unique slow-living culture.