Recently, I came across a Threads post that resonated deeply with me.
A woman wrote about her 4-day, 3-night trip to Bali, saying she “completely avoided tap water and ice”—which theoretically means she did her homework—but her final verdict was: terrible experience, wouldn’t want to visit again.
She mentioned: massages felt like foot rubs, the roads were a nightmare to navigate, and the prices for clothes were shockingly high.
After reading this, I can’t say she’s wrong. Bali does have these issues. But what I really want to say is—these pitfalls can actually be avoided.
”Avoiding Tap Water and Ice” Is Just the First Step in Doing Your Homework
Not drinking untreated water is probably common knowledge for anyone traveling to Southeast Asia.
But there’s much more to know about traveling in Bali than just this.
Tap water and ice are merely the baseline for avoiding health hazards. What truly impacts your travel experience are things you might not even know to check—like how to choose a massage parlor, which areas are walkable, and where to shop without getting ripped off.
This information isn’t hard to find, but you need to know to look for it.
Bad massage? You just haven’t found the right place
Massages in Bali are one of the best value-for-money experiences in all of Asia—if you know where to go.
Ubud, Seminyak, and Jimbaran all have plenty of consistently well-reviewed massage parlors with transparent pricing and well-trained therapists. But the quality at random roadside shops can be hit or miss.
Before your trip, check out our curated list of 🔗recommended Bali massage spots sorted by area—the difference in experience can be night and day.
Struggling with transportation? You just haven’t figured out how to get around Bali
Bali’s road conditions are notoriously ‘complex’.
With incomplete sidewalks, motorcycles weaving recklessly, and some stretches riddled with potholes — it’s no secret, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer by walking.
Bali was never meant to be a ‘walking city’.
Getting around here primarily relies on three methods: private drivers, Grab/Gojek (ride-hailing apps), and renting scooters.
If you have kids or prefer not to ride yourself, hiring a driver for half or full day is the most hassle-free option, costing significantly less than taxis in Taiwan. Grab/Gojek works best for short, on-demand trips.
More About Private Car Hire
- Arriving in Bali: Airport Transfer Options & Day-1 Tips
- Bali Motorbike Rental Guide: Prices, Safety & What to Know
- Private Car vs. Ride-Hailing: How to Choose the Best Option for Your Trip
- Motorbike vs. Private Car in Bali: Which Should You Choose?
- Gojek & GoPay in Indonesia/Bali: Registration, Usage & Top-Up Guide
- How to Use Gojek Ride-Hailing in Bali
- Bali Ride-Hailing Driver Scams: How to Avoid Grab/Gojek Traps
- Must-Have Bali Travel App: Complete Gojek Guide
If you don’t understand this before arriving, no matter how mentally prepared you are, navigating Bali’s roads can still be utterly frustrating.
The ‘shocking’ clothing prices are because you’re shopping in the wrong places
I completely understand her astonishment.
Some clothing stores in tourist areas really have prices that make you think you’re buying designer goods — but those prices are designed for tourists who don’t know how to bargain.
Here are some shopping tips for Bali:
- Start by halving the price in tourist areas, opening with a 50% discount is a normal starting point
- Ubud Market and the alleys around Seminyak offer many stylish yet affordable options
- Knowing the market rate is crucial: A reasonable price for a cotton-linen top is between IDR 50,000 to 100,000 (about USD$1.50 to $3)
Buying without knowing the market rate will naturally make you feel ‘shocked’.
Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali
- Bali Safari 野生動物園要怎麼玩樂、夜宿攻略
- 水明漾沙灘騎馬體驗
- 老少咸宜洞穴漂流河
- 全亞洲排名第一的水上樂園 Waterbom 門票
- 烏布叢林日出瑜伽＆冥想體驗
- 六大火舞地點介紹，一場視覺與文化的饗宴
- 不用凌晨起床，日落吉普車
- GWK神鷹文化公園優惠門票
Doing homework before traveling isn’t about testing how diligent you are
I’m not saying it’s the girl’s fault for not doing her homework.
It’s just that Bali is a destination that heavily relies on local insights.
While official tourism websites provide beautiful information, it’s usually people who have been there and experienced the pitfalls who can tell you ‘which massage place is good, how to get around, and what’s a reasonable price for clothes’.
This is why our community’s existence is so valuable.
If you ask in a community group before your trip, ‘Does this itinerary look okay? Any red flags?’ — just one comment might help you avoid the biggest regret of your entire journey.
Our Bali community groups:
Bali/Indonesia Food, Fun & Travel Guide | Go Bali Go Bali Travel
Final Thoughts
Bali is truly a place that’s easy to fall in love with — but also easy to stumble into pitfalls.
The difference isn’t luck, it’s information.
If you’re planning a trip to Bali or didn’t fully enjoy your last visit, feel free to join our Facebook groups — there are many travelers who’ve been to Bali and are willing to share their real experiences to help you avoid mistakes.
Ask questions directly — no need to figure things out alone. 🙌
Read more: Bali Travel Guide: 18 Common Mistakes & Tips
👇Bali Insider Deals👇
- 🏝️ Nusa Penida Tours ▶ Klook Offers
- 🧴 Top-Rated Spa Recommendations ▶ Our Guide & Recommendation
- 🎭 Bali Performances ▶ Klook Offers
- 📸 Bali Photographer & Traditional Costume Photo Shoot ▶ Our Guide & Recommendation
- 🌋 Mount Batur Sunrise ▶ Klook Offers
- 📦 Bali Customizable Day Tours ▶ Klook Offers
- 🏞️ Ubud Swing ▶ Our Guide & Recommendation
- 🚣 Bali Rafting Adventures ▶ Klook Offers
- 👙 Bali Popular Beaches/Resort Passes ▶ Klook Offers
- 🏎️ Bali ATV Adventures ▶ Klook Offers
- 🤿 Bali Water Activities ▶ Klook Offers
- 📱 Indonesia/Bali SIM Card Plans ▶ Klook Offers
留言討論