The following content was provided by group member Li Wallis and has been reorganized by us:
Bottom line: The on-site queue for the visa on arrival took about 15–20 minutes, which is acceptable, but baggage claim often ends up being the real time-drain. If you’re getting a visa on arrival, be sure to allow plenty of extra time for luggage delays to avoid stressing over your connecting driver.
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 landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and friendly locals. On this trip, we experienced everything from visa processing and private driver services to major attractions and restaurants, fully immersing ourselves in the local flavor—though we did encounter a few minor hiccups. I hope my sharing can offer some useful tips and help for those planning a trip to Bali, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Visa:
Since we saw many people in the group running into issues with the eVOA (electronic visa on arrival), we decided to go with the visa on arrival instead. After arriving at the airport, we waited in line for about 15–20 minutes before it was our turn—pretty reasonable. However, even though the visa process was relatively quick, collecting our luggage still took a while, leaving us feeling a bit helpless while waiting 😅. So if you choose the visa on arrival, make sure to allow enough time for potential delays.
Private Driver:
When booking a private driver, don’t put too much trust in online reviews. We booked a service through a group recommended by a fellow traveler in a Facebook group—‘Brother X Private Driver Team’—but the actual experience was far from smooth 🥲. The driver assigned to us, a certain ‘Special X,’ was not very proactive: he replied to messages extremely slowly, his responses were vague, and he put little effort into planning the itinerary. Every time we arrived at a destination, he wouldn’t let us know unless we asked.
The driver said the fee included gas and parking, but when we went to the cliff road, we were asked to pay Rp5,000 for parking at the entrance, and we ended up covering it. 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 😅.
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 price and terms to avoid similar issues.
Further reading: 【Bali Private Car Driver Recommendations Hall of Fame】Comprehensive Reviews of Bali Drivers: Find Your Perfect Driver Through Real User Feedback
Attractions and Restaurants:
Tanah Lot Temple:
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 landscape. The sunset here is especially spectacular, so it’s best to come in the late afternoon to enjoy the breathtaking ocean sunset. Quick reference: Bali Travel Must-Visit: Tanah Lot Temple Detailed Guide with Tides and Nearby Attractions
🛕🌊🌅 Tanah Lot, Bali’s must-visit sunset sanctuary, offering stunning sea views and a spiritual atmosphere ▶Klook Deals
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:
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—they’ll snatch your glasses, hat, and phone, so be extra careful with your belongings. Quick reference: Bali Uluwatu Temple / Cliffside Travel Guide: Must-See Highlights & Practical Tips
🛕🌊🌅 Uluwatu Temple, a spectacular 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. I recommend arriving early—when we got there before 11 a.m., 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 and you’ll reach a lovely beach. Quick reference: Bali Batu Barak/Tanah Barak: A Stunning Journey to the Blue Cliff / Broken Beach
🏖️🪨🌊 Discover the beauty of the blue cliff road, a dramatic split landscape that’s an Instagram-worthy spot with every snap! ▶Klook Deals
Nearby, there’s a seaside restaurant called Pawdwa Seaview. We ordered four dishes—pasta, salad, rice, and calamari rings—plus two drinks, and the total came to around IDR 400,000. Sitting by the sea and enjoying the meal felt wonderfully relaxing 😌.
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 must-visit. 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 view, feeling very carefree. Further reading: 2025 Tirta Empul Temple Complete Guide: Bali’s Most Sacred Purification Water Temple Experience
🔱💦 Tirta Empul, Bali’s famous holy water temple, is renowned for its purification rituals 🙏 and sacred springs 💧, believed to bring blessings and good fortune to devotees and visitors alike ✨! ▶Klook Deals
More to Eat, Play, and Explore in Ubud
Ubud is the cultural and artistic heart of Bali, drawing countless travelers with its lush rice terraces, serene jungles, and deep-rooted traditions. It's the perfect place to unwind. Whether you're exploring local customs, soaking in natural beauty, or diving into exciting outdoor activities paired with stunning food and scenery, Ubud offers a unique experience that will move you. Want to learn more about Ubud? Click here
Accommodation Themes in Ubud
- 【Bali Ubud Accommodation】30+ Unique Stays in Ubud: Experience a Magical Journey Amid Bali's Mountain Scenery!
- 【Ubud Accommodation Guide】Ubud Villa Pool Villas: A Private Paradise – 20+ Stunning Bali Villa Recommendations
- Bali Ubud Yoga Retreat Accommodation: 10 Dreamy Choices Combining Yoga Classes and Spiritual Relaxation
- 18 Bali Resorts with Kids Clubs for Families: Best Choices in Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Jimbaran, Uluwatu, and Ubud for a Family Vacation
- Bali Group Travel: Ubud Private Villa Rentals with 3, 4, 5, 6+ Bedrooms for Family Stays
Jimbaran:
Photo by Li Wallis
We didn’t opt for seafood on Jimbaran Beach because we heard the prices are sky-high—some people spent over a million IDR 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, plus two drinks, all for just over 200,000 IDR. We had a great meal and the quality was decent! Though, maybe it’s a Jimbaran thing—the seafood was grilled a bit 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
- Bali to Nusa Penida Full Day Trip
- Top Pick: ATV Ride + Ayung River Rafting with Lunch
- Nusa Lembongan & Manta Bay Snorkeling Experience
- Bali ATV Adventure Guide: What to Know + FAQ
- Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Admission Ticket
- Bali Surfing Guide: Beaches for All Skill Levels
- Gates of Heaven Sunset Private Tour: Lempuyang & Tirta Gangga
- Kuta Beach Surfing Lesson for Beginners
- Jimbaran's Top 11 Seafood Restaurants: Trusted Picks
- Lovina Dolphin Watching & Snorkeling Tour
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 prices were slightly higher. 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 find a post office to send postcards, 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.
Further reading: 【Recommended by Travelers】Six Categories, Over 20 Bali Souvenir Gift Ideas: The Perfect Way to Cherish Your Memories
Other Tips
- Some restrooms charge a fee—when nature calls, 3,000 IDR is a small price to pay 😅😂
- Prices at the airport are very high, so it’s best to buy all your essentials and souvenirs before heading there. For example, bubble tea costs 65,000 IDR, a Vietnamese sandwich is 120,000 IDR, and a large bottle of Aqua is 20,000 IDR
- Don’t forget to bring a reusable bag! We only found out at the supermarket that Bali doesn’t provide plastic bags, so we had to buy one for 15,000 IDR—ouch, that was pricey 🥺.
👇 Insider Deals for Bali 👇
Also Check Out:
Bali Travel Mistakes & Tips: 18 Common Errors and Advice
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