The following content was provided by group member Li Wallis and has been re-edited by us:
Bottom line first: The on-arrival visa queue took about 15–20 minutes, which is acceptable, but baggage claim often ends up being the real bottleneck. If you’re getting a visa on arrival, be sure to allow plenty of extra time for luggage delays to avoid stressing over your scheduled driver pickup.
Today I want to share my travel experience in Bali. Known as the ‘Island of the Gods,’ Bali draws travelers from around the world with its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals. On this trip, we experienced everything from visa processing and private driver services to major attractions and restaurants, soaking in the local vibe—though we did encounter a few hiccups. I hope my insights can offer some useful tips for those planning a trip to Bali, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Visa:
Since many people in our group reported issues with the electronic visa (eVOA), we decided to go with the visa on arrival instead. After arriving at the airport, the queue took about 15–20 minutes, which was fairly reasonable. However, even though the visa process was relatively quick, baggage claim still took a while, leaving us feeling a bit helpless while waiting for our luggage 😅. So if you opt for a visa on arrival, make sure to budget enough time for potential delays.
Private Driver:
When booking a private driver, don’t put too much trust in online reviews. Based on a recommendation from a Facebook group, we booked the ‘Brother X Driver Team,’ but the reality didn’t live up to expectations 🥲. The driver assigned to us, a certain ‘Te X,’ was not very proactive—he replied to messages very slowly, his responses were vague, and he put little effort into planning the itinerary. Every time we reached a destination, he wouldn’t let us know unless we asked.
The driver said the fee included gas and parking, but when we arrived at the cliffside road, we were asked to pay Rp5,000 for parking at the entrance, and we ended up covering it ourselves. Since the driver handled all communication with the ticket staff, there’s no way he didn’t know about this parking fee. It made us feel the driver wasn’t entirely honest, which was really frustrating 😅.
💰 Want to know more about ticket prices for attractions? Check out the Bali Ticket Price Guide which compiles real-time reference prices for 49 popular spots, along with comparison links to Klook and Trip.com.
Another time, on the day we settled the bill, the driver told us it was a holiday and we needed to pay an extra Rp50,000. This was very confusing because I had confirmed the price twice before departure, and the driver said there would be no changes. This last-minute price hike left us dissatisfied. So, when booking a private car service, make sure to double-check the prices and terms to avoid similar issues.
Further reading: 【Bali Private Car Driver Recommendations Hall of Fame】Bali Driver Reviews from Real Travelers: Find Your Perfect Driver with Honest Feedback
Attractions and Restaurants:
Tanah Lot Temple:
Photo by Li Wallis
Tanah Lot Temple is a stunning and must-visit attraction. The temple sits on a rock by the sea, surrounded by water at high tide, creating a unique scene. The sunset here is especially spectacular—come in the late afternoon to witness the breathtaking ocean sunset. Quick reference: Bali Travel Must-Visit: Tanah Lot Temple Detailed Guide with Tides and Nearby Attractions
🛕🌊🌅 Tanah Lot Temple, Bali’s must-visit sunset spot, offering stunning sea views and a spiritual atmosphere ▶Klook Deal
More Canggu Food and Fun
Canggu is a hotspot on Bali that combines a relaxed atmosphere with trendy vibes. Not only does it boast stunning beaches, but it's also home to many unique cafes, creative restaurants, and boutique shops, making it a favorite among surfers and young travelers. Whether you're seeking natural scenery or looking to explore local culture, Canggu has something for everyone! Want to learn more about Canggu? Click here.
Canggu Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: Top 17 Canggu Stays You Can't Miss
- 16 Private Pool Villas in Canggu: Canggu Villa Recommendations You Can't Miss
- Luxury Resort in Canggu: Regent Bali Canggu
- Bali Group Travel: Canggu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Uluwatu Temple:
Photo by Li Wallis
Uluwatu Temple is equally stunning, perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean with breathtaking views. However, the monkeys here are very cunning and will snatch your glasses, hats, and phones, so be extra careful with your belongings. Quick reference: Bali Uluwatu Temple / Cliffside Travel Guide: Must-See Highlights and Practical Tips
🛕🌊🌅 Uluwatu Temple, a magnificent cliffside spot where you can also enjoy traditional fire dance performances ▶Klook Deals
Broken Beach:
Photo by Li Wallis
Broken Beach is another must-visit spot. We recommend arriving early; when we got there before 11 AM, it wasn’t crowded, and we could take plenty of beautiful photos. Later, as the crowds grew, it became harder to snap pictures. After exploring Broken Beach, don’t rush off—continue walking to find a lovely beach. Quick reference: Bali Batu Barak/Tanah Barak: A Stunning Journey to the Blue Cliff Road
🏖️🪨🌊 Discover the beauty of the blue cliff road, with its dramatic split landscape—every shot is an Instagram-worthy spot! ▶Klook Deals
Nearby, there’s a seaside restaurant called Pawdwa Seaview. We ordered four dishes—pasta, salad, rice, and calamari rings—plus two drinks, totaling over Rp400,000. Enjoying the meal with a sea view felt wonderfully relaxing and leisurely 😌.
Uluwatu Dining and Entertainment Recommendations
Uluwatu is one of the most popular areas in southern Bali, renowned for its stunning cliff views, charming beaches, and excellent surfing spots. Filled with a romantic tropical vacation atmosphere, it's the perfect choice for enjoying sunset views and relaxing moments. If you're also considering staying in Uluwatu, you can refer to the following carefully curated dining and entertainment guide to make your trip even more enriching and fun: Uluwatu Guide: Uluwatu Attractions and Dining Recommendations
Uluwatu Accommodation Themes
- Uluwatu Accommodation Recommendations: 14 Private Villas with Stunning Ocean Views
- Bali's 18 Best Family Resorts with Kids Clubs | Top Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Group Travel: Uluwatu Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Tirta Empul:
Photo by Li Wallis
Tirta Empul is a place worth visiting. If you plan to go into the water for purification, remember to bring a change of clothes. Also, there are beautiful rice terraces nearby; we ordered two drinks at a café by the terraces and sat enjoying the scenery, feeling very carefree. Further reading: 2025 Complete Guide to Tirta Empul: Bali’s Most Sacred Purification Water Temple Experience
🔱💦 Ubud’s Tirta Empul is Bali’s famous holy water temple, renowned for its purification rituals 🙏 and sacred springs 💧, bringing blessings and good fortune to both devotees and visitors ✨! ▶Klook deals
More to Explore in Ubud
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
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreats: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Mindful Relaxation
- 18 Bali Kids Club Family Resorts: Best Family-Friendly Options in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu & Ubud
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Jimbaran:
Photo by Li Wallis
We skipped the seafood dining on Jimbaran Beach because we heard the prices were sky-high—some people spent over Rp1 million on seafood. Instead, we ate at Waroeng Pan Yoga, ordering a big fish (actually two fish, maybe because the big one was out of stock 😅), fried calamari rings, squid skewers, clams, and two drinks—all for just over Rp200,000. We had a great meal and the quality was solid! Though, maybe it’s a Jimbaran thing, but the seafood was grilled a bit too charred 🤣.
More Jimbaran Dining and Entertainment Guide
Jimbaran is a coastal paradise on Bali renowned for its romantic ambiance and culinary delights, featuring stunning golden beaches and breathtaking sunset views. The seafood restaurants here are a must-try culinary experience, while luxurious resorts and tranquil fishing village vibes allow visitors to enjoy both indulgence and local life. Whether for family trips or romantic dates, Jimbaran will exceed your expectations! Want to learn more about Jimbaran? Click here
Jimbaran Accommodation Themes
- Bali Accommodation Recommendations: Stunning Ocean View Jimbaran Stays
- 【2026 Bali AYANA Complete Guide】Rock Bar Reservation Tips
- 18 Family-Friendly Resorts with Kids Clubs in Bali｜Best Choices for Family Vacations in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud
- Bali Family Fun: Fifteen Resorts with Water Slides and Playgrounds
- Bali Group Free Travel: Jimbaran Private Villas with 3/4/5/6+ Bedrooms Recommended for Family Stays
Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali
- Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling & Mangrove Day Trip
- From Bali: Nusa Penida Day Trip
- Bali Surfing Guide: Best Beaches for All Levels
- Sunset Jeep Tour: No Early Wake-Up Needed
- Pro Photographer: Bali's Most Photogenic Spots Tour
- Campuhan Ridge Walk: Ubud's Skywalk Trail
- GWK Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Discount Tickets
- Top-Rated: Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep & Kintamani Coffee Photo Tour
- Ubud Jungle Sunrise Yoga & Meditation
- Bali Farm House Guide: European-Style Estate in the Highlands, Alpaca Encounters & Ticket Tips
Souvenirs:
Photo by Li Wallis
The souvenirs at Ubud Market are almost all identical, with nothing that really caught our eye. On the flip side, we had more fun browsing supermarkets, even though they were slightly pricier. We stumbled upon Bali Galeria Mall, which was a fantastic find! It has a supermarket, souvenir shops, and restaurants—everything you need. We originally wanted to mail postcards from the post office, but it was already closed 🥲. So, if you’re planning to visit the post office, make sure to go early. In the end, we bought stamps at the airport and found a mailbox.
Other Tips
- Some restrooms charge a fee—when nature calls urgently, Rp3,000 is a price you just have to pay 😅😂
- Prices at the airport are very high, so I recommend buying all your essentials and souvenirs before heading there. For example, bubble tea costs Rp65,000, a Vietnamese-style bag is Rp120,000, and a large bottle of Aqua water is Rp20,000.
- Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag! We only found out while shopping at the supermarket that Bali doesn’t provide plastic bags, and ended up buying a reusable bag for Rp15,000—so expensive 🥺.
👇 Insider Deals for Bali 👇
Also check out:
Bali No-Mistake Guide: 18 Common Errors and Tips
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