Travel Tips

Is Bali worth visiting? 17 pros + 6 cons — an honest review to help you decide!

Q: Tipping Culture in Bali 💰

https://youtube.com/shorts/oBLpQ-MH4kY

Q: 2｜Hindu culture is uniquely fascinating ⛩️

https://youtube.com/shorts/lh2vbLWkzyE

2026年7月2日 ✏️ 編輯文章

Is Bali worth visiting? 17 pros + 6 cons — an honest review to help you decide!

💡 Quick Answer

Is Bali worth visiting? This article shares two experiences of independent travel in Bali, analyzing accommodation prices, transportation options, food reviews,…

The following original content is provided by Ryan Chen

Documenting My Bali Trip｜Pre-Departure Prep ✈️

Before my first trip to Bali, I actually did a ton of research—especially all those ‘avoid this,’ ‘Bali belly,’ and ‘card skimming’ posts online. The more I read, the more nervous I got 😂 But after actually going, I realized a lot of things aren’t as scary as they seem. As long as you prepare ahead and stay reasonably cautious, most of the trip can be really enjoyable.

This article compiles some of my personal insights from actually visiting Bali, to serve as a reference for those preparing to go.

Even when rain interrupts your Bali trip, the island offers plenty of alternative activities to ensure you can still experience its wonderful culture and natural wonders. Through the 60 alternative plans shared in this article, we hope to provide solutions that allow you to fully enjoy your time and explore Bali’s beauty, even on rainy days!

What to Pack? Bali Isn’t Just About Summer Vibes 🌤️

衣服怎麼帶？峇里島不只有夏天感

Although Bali is hot most of the time, I highly recommend bringing a light jacket or a fall-weight jacket.

Experienced travelers point out that missing just one Airport MRT train can push the entire transfer to the brink of failure.

The air conditioning on the plane can be quite chilly.

For activities like volcano treks or sunrise tours, you usually have to gather at 2 or 3 in the morning, and the temperature is vastly different from daytime. At first, I thought, ‘Is it really necessary to bring a jacket to a tropical island?’ But later, I was really glad I did.

Do I Need a Jacket in Bali? Bali Packing Guide: 8 Essential Clothing Items for Your Trip

What Shoes to Pack? Honestly, You Don’t Need to Bring Many 👣

Here’s my take:

A comfortable pair of slippers is almost all you need for the entire trip
If you haven’t planned any hiking, you don’t necessarily need to bring sneakers
Many places in Bali have a laid-back, resort-like vibe, making slippers incredibly convenient

But if you have plans:

Volcano trekking
Waterfall exploration
ATV riding
Long walking tours

In that case, it’s still recommended to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes for safety.

About the ‘Bali Belly’ Everyone Fears 💧

To be honest, I was also scared by online articles before I left.

The night before, I even made a special trip to buy stomach medicine, painkillers, and digestive aids. That’s because I have a very sensitive stomach — if I eat anything unclean, I might feel unwell for days.

But after actually arriving in Bali, I found that as long as you don’t drink the local tap water, it’s really not that bad.

My own approach is quite simple:

Only drink bottled mineral water

Moreover, many hotels and villas provide complimentary bottled water every day. If you’re on a guided tour, the tour bus usually offers mineral water continuously as well, so there’s really no need to buy large quantities of water yourself.

I still remember a mother and daughter on the same flight who bought over a dozen bottles of water right at the airport, terrified that the local water wouldn’t be clean. In the end, over the next few days, I saw them lugging those bottles around on their itinerary, barely using any of them 😂

Bali Belly: How to Self-Treat Diarrhea/Gastroenteritis/Food Poisoning in Bali? A Guide to Bali Belly Relief Medications

Do you need to exchange Indonesian Rupiah in advance? 💵

If you’re not on a guided tour, I think it’s still a good idea to exchange a small amount of Indonesian Rupiah in Taiwan beforehand.

Because:

You may need to pay in cash as soon as you land.

You don’t need to exchange a lot at once, but having some cash on hand will give you peace of mind.

The Ultimate Guide to Currency Exchange and Money Management in Bali: What currency does Indonesia/Bali use? How to get the best exchange rate? Where to exchange money? Recommended exchange spots

Don’t be too stubborn about sunscreen ☀️

I used to be super confident about my skin.

Before leaving, I specifically bought a bottle of sunscreen boasting an ultra-high SPF, but once I actually arrived in Bali, I just couldn’t be bothered to apply it. Except for the day I went to Nusa Penida, where I put on a little, I was basically out in the sun unprotected the rest of the time.

What’s the result?

Three days after returning to Taiwan, I started to notice obvious tanning. And it’s not just a little darker — I’m literally several shades darker 😂

The sun in Bali is even more intense than I imagined, especially:

Beach
Boat trips
Scooter travel
Sunbathing by the pool

It’s easy to get sunburned without even realizing it.

So my advice remains:

Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen

Better to bring it along, or you’ll scare yourself when you look in the mirror back home.

Tipping Culture in Bali 💰

Indonesia is a country with a tipping culture.

Many services actually expect tips, especially:

Hotel housekeeping

From my observation, tips usually start at 10,000 Indonesian Rupiah. Sometimes before leaving the hotel each day, I also leave a small tip in the room for the cleaning staff.

Of course, it’s not mandatory everywhere, but tipping moderately is a common local custom.

Local Payment Methods: Cash Is Still the Most Convenient 💵

Although electronic payments are now available in many parts of Bali, I still find cash to be the most convenient option when actually traveling.

Especially:

Small shops
Street stalls
Some massage parlors
Local markets

Many places still primarily accept cash.

Mostly accepted:

Indonesian Rupiah
US Dollars

So it’s best to have some cash on hand.

How much does a trip to Bali cost? How much cash should you bring for a Bali trip?

Should I use my credit card? 💳

信用卡要不要刷？

When it comes to credit cards, I tend to be quite conservative myself.

Since there have been many reports of credit card fraud shared by travelers in Bali, I barely used my card on this trip.

Some people even share online:

After swiping the card once

Of course, it doesn’t happen everywhere, but here’s what I do:

Pay with cash whenever possible
If you must use a card, stick to large hotels or reputable stores
Check your statement after returning home

It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

[Credit Card Fraud / Fees / Surcharges] Is It Safe to Use Credit Cards in Bali?](https://gobaligo.id/en/blog/bali-credit-card-safety-tips/)

Bali Travel Pros and Cons 🌴

(Personal insights from two Bali solo trips: one 6 days/5 nights, another 9 days/8 nights)

After visiting Bali twice, I’ve come to understand why some people fly there several times a year. It’s not the kind of place where you just check off sights and move on—it’s an island that makes you want to slow down and stay a while.

Of course, Bali isn’t perfect. Some people fall in love with it, while others might visit once and feel it’s just okay. So in this post, I want to take a more honest approach and break down the pros and cons I personally experienced during my trip.

If you’re still on the fence about going to Bali, I hope this gives you a little nudge 😊

1｜Great Value for Accommodation 🏨

One of the biggest advantages of accommodation in Bali is that there are ‘plenty of options, and the price range varies widely.’

Sometimes, for around USD$26 to $39, you can actually stay at:

Hotel with a pool

It’s almost unimaginable to find such prices at most popular island destinations.

Seminyak Private Pool Villas Under $100

Especially in Bali, many villas have such a strong vacation vibe. Coming back to your room at night to soak in the pool or lounge on a daybed really gives you that ‘Is this price for real?’ kind of feeling.

1｜住宿 CP 值真的很高

This time we stayed at a fantastic boutique small hotel. Full review: Dune Seseh – The Latest Hidden Gem Aesthetic Apartment Near Canggu, Minimalist Rustic Luxury

📌 Booking Information

Rating: Agoda guest rating 9.0 ⭐ | Trip.com 9.2 ⭐

👉 Click here to check the latest rates and availability for Dune Seseh: Agoda Trip Booking

2｜Hindu culture is uniquely fascinating ⛩️

One of the biggest differences between Bali and other parts of Indonesia is that the island predominantly follows Hinduism.

So you’ll see a lot of these all over the island:

Temples
Stone carvings
Traditional offerings
Hindu architecture

The overall cultural atmosphere is very unique.

Like many people go to:

Tirta Empul Temple
Tanah Lot Temple
Uluwatu Temple (Pura Luhur Uluwatu)

Each is highly representative.

Especially a temple like Tirta Empul, built in the 10th century—the sense of history and religious atmosphere there is truly unforgettable.

3｜Most locals are very friendly 😊

I really felt this both times I went.

Most Balinese people are actually very warm and polite, and in tourist areas, you can almost always communicate with simple English.

Even if your English isn’t fluent, they’ll make a real effort to understand what you’re saying.

Many times, even just asking for directions, ordering food, or shopping, you can feel the good attitude of the locals—they rarely come across as impatient.

4｜Diverse Natural Landscapes 🌊⛰️

Bali isn’t just about the beaches.

It’s actually a:

Beaches

The place.

So the itinerary can be quite flexible.

One day you might be lounging at a beach club, and the next you’re chasing waterfalls, climbing volcanoes, or riding ATVs—the travel pace is varied and never gets boring.

2026 Bali Attractions Map & Guide: 500 Top Bali Spots All in One Place

Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali

5｜Private car tours are super convenient 🚗

In my opinion, one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy Bali is by hiring a private driver.

Since the attractions aren’t really close to each other, if you keep calling for rides, you might end up waiting quite a while.

But the advantage of hiring a private driver is:

Go wherever you want, whenever you want
No need to keep calling new rides
No need to keep moving your luggage around
Drivers usually know the roads well

Many drivers also provide excellent service, even proactively offering to take photos and recommending attractions or restaurants.

Some full-day private car tour packages even include breakfast or lunch, making the overall experience quite enjoyable.

Klook Popular Day Tours

6｜Private car hire prices are actually quite reasonable 💰

For around USD$30–35 a day, you can find a five-seater car with a driver and fuel included.

If split among multiple people, it’s actually very cost-effective.

And honestly, compared to constantly waiting for Gojek/Grab, worrying about not being able to get a ride, or being hit with last-minute surcharges, I eventually found myself leaning toward just booking a private car instead.

Especially in many parts of Bali:

Signal can be spotty at times

Having a driver with you actually gives you a lot of peace of mind.

More About Private Car Hire

7｜The food is way better than I expected 🍜

I didn’t have high expectations for Balinese food at first, but surprisingly, I found the overall quality to be quite impressive.

Whether it’s:

Indonesian cuisine
Western food
Brunch
Cafés

Actually, many of them are done quite well.

Also, I personally feel that Google reviews are relatively authentic, and unlike some tourist spots, they don’t tend to have a lot of ‘check-in for a five-star review’ situations.

So when looking for restaurants, Google reviews are usually quite reliable.

More Food Recommendations

Ubud Food Guide | Bali's Ultimate Food Diary: From Dirty Duck Rice to Ribs and Instagrammable Rice Field Cafes

8｜Plenty of Unique Restaurants 🍽️

Bali is truly a paradise for those who love taking photos and hopping from one café to another.

Especially in areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud, many restaurants have incredibly strong design aesthetics.

And there’s a huge variety of international cuisine:

Mexican cuisine
Italian cuisine
Mediterranean cuisine
Japanese cuisine
Healthy meals
Vegan restaurants

There are really so many options.

9｜Diverse Shopping Options 🛍️

Bali is home to many Western expats who live or start businesses there long-term.

So besides local brands, you’ll also see many:

Curated design shops
Western-style clothing boutiques
Fragrance stores
Handmade jewelry
Surf brands

The overall style has a very distinctive character of its own.

And the prices aren’t necessarily expensive—sometimes they’re even more reasonable than you’d expect.

10｜The market vibe is relatively pleasant 🌿

After visiting several markets myself, I found that the sales pressure from Bali vendors isn’t as intense.

Although you may still be greeted by vendors, they usually won’t be overly pushy about making a sale.

The overall experience is low-pressure, making for a fairly comfortable travel atmosphere.

Top 5 Ubud Art Markets & Art Market Complete Guide: Buy Souvenirs/Gifts, Discover Bali’s Cultural Treasures

11｜Vibrant Nightlife 🍸

If you enjoy nightlife, Bali really won’t get boring.

Especially:

Seminyak
Canggu
Jimbaran
Uluwatu

There are many that are full of character:

Bars
Nightclubs
Beach Bars
Live Music Restaurants

From quiet little bars to big parties, there’s something for everyone.

Top 5 Nightclubs in Seminyak, Bali: An Unforgettable Nightlife Experience!

12｜Convenience stores everywhere 🏪

12｜便利商店很多

This is actually a big plus.

You can see this in many parts of Bali:

Indomaret
Alfamart

It’s very convenient for buying water, snacks, and daily necessities.

Sometimes you don’t have to worry about buying things even in the middle of the night.

【2026 Bali Supermarket Ultimate Guide】30+ Large Supermarket Map Guide: Full Analysis of Grand Lucky, Pepito, Bintang & Local Must-Buy List

13｜Summer vacation is very pleasant there 🌤️

Because Bali is in the Southern Hemisphere, when it’s summer break in Taiwan, the weather there is actually more comfortable.

Unlike Taiwan’s sweltering summer, the evenings here are sometimes even pleasantly breezy.

For those who worry about the heat, summer in Bali is actually surprisingly comfortable.

【Summer & Winter Break Bali】Family & Senior Travel Guide: 4 Key Areas, Dry Season Weather & Accommodation Picks

14｜Toilets cleaner than expected 🚻

I honestly didn’t have high expectations for this, but I was quite surprised after actually going.

Many restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels actually maintain clean restrooms with high cleaning frequency.

Especially in tourist areas, most places are actually cleaner than you’d expect.

15｜Massages are so cheap you can easily get one every day 💆🏻‍♀️

Massages in Bali are incredibly affordable.

For around USD$6 to $10, you can enjoy a one-hour foot massage.

And many of the shops have a nice atmosphere too.

After a full day of exploring, heading back for a massage becomes a daily ritual 😂

【Highlights】Top-Rated Bali SPA Recommendations & In-Home Massage Guide: Organized by Area for Easy Browsing

16｜You can really spend a whole day at a Beach Club 🌴

Bali has tons of beach clubs, and each one has its own unique vibe.

A bit out of the way:

Party vibe
Instagram-worthy style
Quiet relaxation
Sunset watching

Basically okay:

Lounge by the pool
Order cocktails
Eat
Listen to music
Lie around all day

It’s so easy to just waste an entire day here.

However, many popular beach clubs have a minimum spend policy, so it’s best to check beforehand.

If you split the minimum charge with a group, it actually becomes much more affordable.

【2026 Bali Must-Do】Don’t Just Stick to Cafés! The Savvy Travelers Are All About ‘Beach Club Jumping’ — A Full-Island Bar-Hopping Guide

17｜Indonesian Rupiah Is Actually Easy to Convert 💵

Many first-time visitors are startled by the long string of zeros on Indonesian rupiah notes.

But the conversion is actually quite simple:

“Remove three zeros, then multiply by 2”—that’s roughly the price in New Taiwan Dollars.

For example:

50,000 IDR ≈ USD$3
100,000 IDR ≈ USD$6

You’ll get used to it pretty quickly once you get the hang of it.

Moreover, many shops now accept credit cards. Aside from traditional markets and small street vendors, most transactions are quite convenient.

Bali Travel Budget Guide: Understanding the ‘K’ in Prices to Help You Control Your Budget

Bali Travel: Downsides & Things to Know Before You Go 😅

While I personally love Bali and have visited twice, still wanting to go back again. To be honest, though, it’s not a ‘completely flawless’ travel destination either.

There are some things that, if you don’t know beforehand, can really affect your travel mood once you arrive.

Here are the places that left a real impression on me after my own trip to Bali.

1｜Popular areas are really congested 🚗

This is probably one of the most relatable things for many people visiting Bali.

Especially:

Seminyak
Canggu
Ubud
Kuta

These popular areas are almost always congested with traffic every day.

Sometimes, a place that looks just a few kilometers away on the map can actually take over an hour to drive to.

This is especially noticeable in the evenings, during rush hour, and at peak dining times.

So when planning your itinerary in Bali, I highly recommend:

Don’t pack too much into one day

Otherwise, you could really end up stuck in traffic all day.

【No Traffic Jams!】Ultimate Bali Free Travel Guide: Transportation, Accommodation, Attractions, Food, Shopping, SPA, and Nightlife – All-in-One Planning

2｜Digestive issues really are more common 🤢

Although I didn’t end up experiencing it as badly as I feared, Bali is indeed a place where stomach issues are more common.

Especially:

First-time visitors
Those with sensitive stomachs
People who keep eating raw or cold foods

It’s relatively easy to fall into these traps.

Also, sometimes the stomach medicine you bring from Taiwan may not be very effective.

Later on, I even felt that if I really felt unwell, it was actually more effective to just go to a local pharmacy and buy medicine.

Pharmacies are easy to find all over Bali, and the staff are used to tourists buying stomach medication.

3｜Relatively Unstable Water Quality 💧

I really wouldn’t recommend tempting fate on this one.

Many people experience stomach discomfort when visiting Bali, but it’s not always the food—sometimes it’s the water.

My own habit is:

Drink only bottled water
Use mineral water even for brushing teeth
Never drink tap water directly

It sounds a bit troublesome, but you’ll actually get used to it after a few days.

Moreover, most hotels and villas provide bottled water, so it’s actually not as inconvenient as you might think.

Bali Travel Health Tips: A Guide to Drinking Water in Bali and Bali Belly (Gastroenteritis)

4｜Some market prices aren’t very tourist-friendly 🛍️

If you’re shopping at a market without price tags, you’ll often encounter ‘tourist prices.’

Especially if you clearly look like a foreigner, some shops will really jack up the prices a lot.

So here are a few things I learned later:

Don’t buy from the first shop you see
Compare prices at a few different stores
Haggling is perfectly normal
Don’t be shy about negotiating

In my own experience, you can really start negotiating from 30% to 50% off the listed price.

Especially if you’re buying with friends or purchasing in bulk, it’s usually easier to negotiate the price.

Of course, not every vendor will overcharge, but when shopping at the market, it’s still wise to be mentally prepared.

How to Bargain When Shopping in Bali? Shopping Tips

5｜The quality of massages varies a lot 💆🏻‍♀️

While massages in Bali are very affordable, the quality varies greatly.

Some shops leave you feeling so relaxed that you want to go every day; But I’ve also encountered:

The pressure was off

So now I almost always check Google reviews first.

Especially recent reviews tend to be the most accurate.

If the price is extremely low but the reviews are terrible, I personally wouldn’t dare take the risk.

[> 【Best of Bali】Top-Rated SPA Recommendations & In-Home Massage Guide – Organized by Area for Easy Browsing]

6｜Laundry service is unbelievably cheap 👕

I actually think this is a huge hidden advantage of Bali.

Many laundromats here are incredibly cheap and offer very comprehensive services.

Usually:

Washed
Dried
Ironed
Folded
Packaged

Hand it back directly.

Later on, I would almost always send most of my clothes for laundry two days before leaving Bali.

This way, you won’t have a pile of dirty clothes in your luggage when you return to Taiwan—it’s really convenient.

And for long trips, it also means you can pack a lot fewer clothes.

Conclusion

Overall, I still really love Bali. It’s not one of those ‘perfect’ travel destinations — there’s traffic, it’s hot, and sometimes you run into little hiccups — but it’s precisely this sense of authenticity that makes the whole trip more memorable.

What makes Bali so special is that you can either go all out exploring attractions, or do absolutely nothing. Some people love packing their itinerary every day, while others simply find a villa, lounge by the pool, watch the sunset, and get massages to unwind—and that alone can keep them there for days.

And there’s always this magical atmosphere here — even though I’ve just returned home, I’m already thinking about when I’ll come back next time.

If you ask me whether Bali is worth visiting— I’d say it’s absolutely worth experiencing in person. Because so much of the feeling just can’t be captured in photos or videos 🌴

Bali Travelogue Treasure Trove

Click here for more Bali travel stories

Want to write a travelogue but don't know where to start? Check out "How to Write an Amazing Bali Travelogue" to make your travelogue shine!

Is Bali worth visiting? 17 pros + 6 cons — an honest review to help you decide!

Documenting My Bali Trip｜Pre-Departure Prep ✈️

What to Pack? Bali Isn’t Just About Summer Vibes 🌤️

What Shoes to Pack? Honestly, You Don’t Need to Bring Many 👣

About the ‘Bali Belly’ Everyone Fears 💧

Do you need to exchange Indonesian Rupiah in advance? 💵

Don’t be too stubborn about sunscreen ☀️

Tipping Culture in Bali 💰

Local Payment Methods: Cash Is Still the Most Convenient 💵

Should I use my credit card? 💳

Bali Travel Pros and Cons 🌴

1｜Great Value for Accommodation 🏨

📌 Booking Information

2｜Hindu culture is uniquely fascinating ⛩️

3｜Most locals are very friendly 😊

4｜Diverse Natural Landscapes 🌊⛰️

Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali

5｜Private car tours are super convenient 🚗

Klook Popular Day Tours

6｜Private car hire prices are actually quite reasonable 💰

More About Private Car Hire

7｜The food is way better than I expected 🍜

More Food Recommendations

8｜Plenty of Unique Restaurants 🍽️

9｜Diverse Shopping Options 🛍️

10｜The market vibe is relatively pleasant 🌿

11｜Vibrant Nightlife 🍸

12｜Convenience stores everywhere 🏪

13｜Summer vacation is very pleasant there 🌤️

14｜Toilets cleaner than expected 🚻

15｜Massages are so cheap you can easily get one every day 💆🏻‍♀️

16｜You can really spend a whole day at a Beach Club 🌴

17｜Indonesian Rupiah Is Actually Easy to Convert 💵

Bali Travel: Downsides & Things to Know Before You Go 😅

1｜Popular areas are really congested 🚗

2｜Digestive issues really are more common 🤢

3｜Relatively Unstable Water Quality 💧

4｜Some market prices aren’t very tourist-friendly 🛍️

5｜The quality of massages varies a lot 💆🏻‍♀️

6｜Laundry service is unbelievably cheap 👕

Conclusion

Bali Travelogue Treasure Trove

Bali Area Guides

🗺️ Bali Trip Planner

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