The following original content is provided by Ryan Chen
Documenting My Bali Trip: Pre-Departure Prep ✈️
Before my first trip to Bali, I did a ton of research too. Especially with all those ‘avoid this,’ ‘Bali belly,’ ‘credit card fraud’ posts online — the more I read, the more nervous I got 😂 But after actually going, I realized many things aren’t as scary as they seem. As long as you prepare in advance and stay cautious, most of the trip can be really enjoyable.
This post compiles my personal takeaways from actually visiting Bali, for those getting ready to go.
What to Pack? Bali Isn’t Just Summer Vibes 🌤️
Although Bali is mostly hot, I strongly recommend bringing a light jacket or a fall-weight layer.
The reasons are simple:
- The airplane air conditioning is really cold
- Some malls and cafes have powerful AC
- If you plan a sunrise volcano trek, it gets genuinely cold when you set off early
- Mountain areas can also be very windy
For activities like volcano treks or sunrise hikes, you usually need to gather at 2 or 3 in the morning, and the temperature is vastly different from daytime. At first, I thought, ‘Bringing a jacket to a tropical island is overkill,’ but later I was really glad I did.
Do You Need a Jacket in Bali? Bali Packing Guide: 8 Must-Pack Items for Your Trip
What About Shoes? You Don’t Actually Need to Bring Too Many 👣
In my opinion:
- A comfortable pair of flip-flops can pretty much carry you through the entire trip
- If you’re not planning any hikes, you don’t necessarily need sneakers
- Bali is mostly laid-back and resort-style, so flip-flops are super convenient
But if you have plans for:
- Volcano trekking
- Waterfall adventures
- ATV rides
- Long walks to attractions
Then it’s safer to bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes.
About the Dreaded ‘Bali Belly’ 💧
To be honest, I was also scared by online articles before I left.
I even went out the night before to buy stomach medicine, painkillers, and digestive aids. Since my stomach is quite sensitive, eating something unclean can leave me feeling off for days.
But once I actually arrived in Bali, I realized it’s not that bad as long as you don’t drink the local tap water.
My approach was simple:
- Only drink bottled mineral water
- Use mineral water for brushing teeth too
- Avoid ice water from unknown sources
Plus, many hotels and villas provide free bottled water daily. If you’re on a tour, the bus usually offers mineral water as well, so you rarely need to stock up yourself.
I remember a mother and daughter on my flight who bought over a dozen bottles of mineral water at the airport, terrified of the local water. In the end, they lugged those bottles around for days and barely used any 😂
Should You 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 before you go.
Because:
- You might need cash as soon as you land
- Some places only accept cash
- Tipping culture also requires cash quite often
You don’t need to exchange a lot, but having some on hand will give you peace of mind.
Don’t be too cocky about sun protection ☀️
I was pretty confident about my skin before the trip.
Before leaving, I even bought a sunscreen with a supposedly super high SPF, but once I got to 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 exposed to the sun the rest of the time.
And the result?
Three days after returning to Taiwan, I started to notice significant tanning. And it’s not just a little darker—I’m talking way, way darker 😂
The sun in Bali is way more intense than you’d expect, especially:
- At the beach
- On ocean excursions
- Riding scooters
- Lounging by the pool
It’s easy to get sunburned without even realizing it.
So I still recommend:
- A hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
Better to bring them 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
- Luggage porters
- Private drivers
- Massage services
- Group tours
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 giving an appropriate tip is quite a common practice locally.
Local Payment Methods: Cash Is Still the Most Convenient 💵
Although many places in Bali have started accepting electronic payments, I still find cash to be the most convenient when traveling.
Especially:
- Small shops
- Street stalls
- Some massage parlors
- Local markets
Many of these still primarily operate on cash.
Most places accept:
Indonesian Rupiah
US Dollars
So it’s best to have some cash on hand.
Should You Use a Credit Card? 💳
When it comes to credit cards, I tend to be cautious.
Because there have been many reports from travelers about card skimming in Bali, I barely used my card on this trip.
Some people have even shared online:
-
After using the card once
-
They experienced repeated unauthorized charges back home
It’s always better to be a little cautious.
【Credit Card Fraud / Fees / Surcharges】Is It Safe to Use Credit Cards in Bali?
Bali Travel Pros and Cons: The Full Rundown 🌴
(Personal insights from two Bali solo trips: one 6-day, 5-night and one 9-day, 8-night)
After visiting Bali twice, I’ve come to understand why some people fly there multiple times a year. It’s not the kind of place you visit once and check off your list—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 find it just okay after one visit. So this post aims to give a realistic perspective, sharing the pros and cons I’ve experienced firsthand.
If you’re on the fence about going to Bali, I hope this gives you some useful insight 😊
1｜Incredible Value for Accommodation 🏨
One of Bali’s biggest advantages is the sheer variety of accommodation options, with a huge range in prices.
Sometimes, for around USD$26 to $39, you can even stay in places like:
- Hotels with pools
- Private villas
- Beautiful gardens
- Tropical-style accommodations
At this price point, it’s almost unimaginable for most popular island destinations.
Especially in Bali, many villas have a strong resort vibe—coming back at night to soak in the pool or lounge in a daybed really makes you think, ‘Is this price for real?’
This time we stayed at a fantastic boutique hotel. Full details: Dune Seseh – The Latest Hidden Gem Aesthetic Apartments Near Canggu, Minimalist Rustic Luxury
📌 Booking Info
Rating: Agoda guest score 9.0 ⭐ | Trip.com 9.2 ⭐
👉 Click here to check the latest rates and availability at Dune Seseh: Agoda Trip Booking
2｜Hindu culture is uniquely captivating ⛩️
One of the biggest differences between Bali and the rest of Indonesia is that the island predominantly follows Hinduism.
So you’ll see a lot of these across the island:
- Temples
- Stone carvings
- Traditional offerings
- Hindu architecture
The overall cultural atmosphere is really unique.
Like many popular spots:
- Tirta Empul Temple
- Tanah Lot Temple
- Uluwatu Temple
They’re all very iconic.
Especially Tirta Empul Temple, built in the 10th century—the sense of history and religious ambiance is truly unforgettable.
- 【Bali Tirta Empul Temple】Complete Guide: Millennial Holy Water Purification Ritual, Taboos, and Must-See Highlights
- Must-Visit Bali Attraction: Detailed Guide to Tanah Lot Temple, Tides, and Nearby Sights
- Bali Uluwatu Temple / Cliffside Travel Guide: Must-See Highlights and Practical Tips
3｜Most locals are very friendly 😊
I really felt that on both of my trips.
Most Balinese people are actually very warm and polite, especially in tourist areas where you can get by with simple English.
Even if their English isn’t fluent, they’ll really try hard to understand what you’re saying.
Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or shopping, you’ll often feel their good attitude—they rarely seem impatient.
4｜Diverse Natural Landscapes 🌊⛰️
Bali isn’t just about the beach.
It’s actually a place that has:
- Beaches
- Mountains
- Waterfalls
- Volcanoes
- Rice terraces
all in one.
So you can mix up your itinerary a lot.
One day you might be chilling at a beach club, and the next you’re off chasing waterfalls, hiking a volcano, or riding an ATV—the travel rhythm is varied and rarely gets boring.
[> 2026 Bali Attractions Map Guide | 500+ Latest Bali Hotspots All in One Place
Popular Outdoor Activities in Bali
- Cave River Tubing for All Ages
- 15 Must-Try Water Activities
- Bali Farm House Guide: European-Style Estate in the Highlands, Alpaca Encounters & Ticket Tips
- Eight Jungle Swings in Ubud
- 20 Free-Entry Beach Clubs in Bali
- Seminyak Beach Horseback Riding
- Bali Bird Park Interactive Experience
- Nusa Lembongan Snorkeling & Mangrove Day Trip
- GWK Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park Discount Tickets
- Sunset Jeep Tour: No Early Wake-Up Needed
5｜Private Car Tours Are Really Convenient 🚗
I personally think one of the most comfortable ways to explore Bali is by hiring a private car.
Because the attractions aren’t exactly close to each other, and if you keep calling for rides, you might end up waiting a long time.
But the perks of a private car are:
- Go wherever you want
- No need to keep hailing rides
- No lugging your bags around
- Drivers usually know the roads well
Plus, many drivers offer great service—they’ll even take photos for you or recommend spots and restaurants.
Some full-day private car tours even include breakfast or lunch, making the overall experience quite enjoyable.
Klook Popular Day Tours
- 🚗 [Chinese-Guided Nusa Penida Day Tour
- 🚗 [All-Inclusive Private Car Charter with Chinese Service
- 🚗 [Top-Rated Customizable Private Day Tour in Bali
- 🚗 [Uluwatu, Jimbaran & Kecak Fire Dance Tour with Chinese-Speaking Driver
- 🚗 [Customizable Private Day Tour in Bali
- 🚗 [Chinese-Guided Instagrammable Spots Tour in East/North Bali
6｜Private Car Prices Are Actually Reasonable 💰
For around USD$30–35 a day, you can find a five-seater car with driver and fuel included.
If you split it with a group, it’s actually very cost-effective.
Compared to constantly waiting for Gojek/Grab, worrying about not getting a ride, or being hit with sudden surcharges, I personally ended up preferring direct car hire.
Especially in many parts of Bali:
- Signal isn’t always stable
- Some areas are hard to get a ride
- Gojek/Grab is restricted in certain spots
Having a driver along really gives you peace of mind.
More About Private Car Hire
- Must-Have Bali Travel App: Complete Gojek Guide
- Bali Ride-Hailing Driver Scams: How to Avoid Grab/Gojek Traps
- How to Use Gojek Ride-Hailing in Bali
- Gojek & GoPay in Indonesia/Bali: Registration, Usage & Top-Up Guide
- Bali Motorbike Rental Safety Checklist
- Complete Gojek & Grab Ride-Hailing Guide with Screenshots
- Motorbike vs. Private Car in Bali: Which Should You Choose?
- Find Your Perfect Bali Driver: Real Traveler Reviews
7｜The food is actually better than expected 🍜
I didn’t have high hopes for Balinese food, but I was pleasantly surprised by the consistently high quality.
Whether it’s:
- Indonesian cuisine
- Western food
- Brunch
- Cafés
Actually, a lot of them are pretty good.
And personally, I feel that Google reviews are relatively genuine—unlike some tourist spots where you see tons of ‘check-in for a five-star review’ situations.
So when looking for restaurants, Google ratings are usually quite reliable.
More Food Guides
- Bali's Biggest Night Market Food Tour: Explore Authentic Flavors at Kreneng with a Local Chinese-Speaking Guide
- Ubud Food Guide: Bali's Best Eats — From Dirty Duck, Pork Ribs to Rice Terrace Instagram-Worthy Cafés
- 【Bali Food Experience】Alila Villas Uluwatu Brisa Brunch: A Sunday Feast on the Cliff
- 🌶️ Top 10 Must-Try Indonesian Foods in Bali: From Dirty Duck to Suckling Pig, a Taste of the Tropics
- Seminyak Food Guide: A Perfect Blend of Romance, Elegance, and Authentic Bali
- Bali Food Adventure: 10 Must-Try Classic Dishes and Snacks
8｜Plenty of Unique Restaurants 🍽️
Bali is really a great place for people who love taking photos and visiting cafés.
Especially in areas like Seminyak, Canggu, and Ubud, many restaurants have incredibly stylish designs.
And there’s a huge variety of international cuisine:
- Mexican
- Italian
- Mediterranean
- Japanese
- Healthy food
- Vegan restaurants
The options are truly abundant.
9｜Diverse Shopping Options 🛍️
Bali is home to many Western expats who live or start businesses here.
So besides local brands, you’ll also find plenty of:
- Curated design shops
- Western-style clothing stores
- Scent and fragrance shops
- Handmade accessories
- Surf brands
The overall vibe has a distinct character of its own.
And prices aren’t necessarily steep—sometimes they’re even more reasonable than you’d expect.
10｜A More Relaxed Market Atmosphere 🌿
After visiting a few markets myself, I found that the sales pressure from vendors in Bali isn’t as intense.
Sure, people will still greet you, but they usually won’t push too hard for a sale.
Overall, it’s a low-stress shopping experience—a pretty comfortable travel atmosphere.
11｜Vibrant Nightlife 🍸
If you enjoy nightlife, Bali rarely gets boring.
Especially:
- Seminyak
- Canggu
- Jimbaran
- Uluwatu
These areas are packed with unique:
- Bars
- Nightclubs
- Beach Bars
- Live Music Restaurants
From quiet little taverns to massive parties, there’s something for everyone.
> Top 5 Nightclubs in Seminyak, Bali: A Nightlife Experience to Party All Night!
12｜Plenty of Convenience Stores 🏪
This is actually a big plus.
You can see these in many places across Bali:
- Indomaret
- Alfamart
It’s very convenient for buying water, snacks, and daily essentials.
Even if you need something late at night, you don’t have to worry much.
13｜Summer is Surprisingly Comfortable 🌤️
Since Bali is in the Southern Hemisphere, when it’s summer break in Taiwan, the weather there is actually more pleasant.
It’s not as muggy as a Taiwanese summer, and there’s often a cool breeze in the evenings.
For those who don’t like the heat, visiting Bali during summer break is surprisingly comfortable.
14｜Toilets Are Cleaner Than Expected 🚻
I honestly didn’t have high hopes for this, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Many restaurants, malls, and hotels actually have well-maintained restrooms, and they’re cleaned frequently.
Especially in tourist areas, most places are much cleaner than you’d imagine.
15｜Massages Are So Cheap You’ll Want One Every Day 💆🏻♀️
Massages in Bali are incredibly affordable.
For around USD$6 to USD$10, you can get a one-hour foot massage.
And many places have a pretty nice atmosphere too.
After a full day of exploring, going for a massage becomes a daily ritual 😂
16｜Beach Clubs Are Way Too Easy to Spend a Whole Day At 🌴
Bali has tons of beach clubs, each with its own vibe.
Some lean toward:
- Party atmosphere
- Instagram-worthy aesthetics
- Quiet relaxation
- Sunset views
Basically, you can:
- Lounge in the pool
- Sip cocktails
- Grab a bite
- Listen to music
- Chill all day
It’s way too easy to just waste an entire day there.
However, many popular beach clubs have a minimum spend policy, so it’s best to check beforehand.
If you split the minimum spend with a group, it actually works out to be much more affordable.
17｜Indonesian Rupiah Is Actually Easy to Convert 💵
Many people get intimidated by the long string of zeros when they first see Indonesian rupiah.
But the conversion is actually simple:
“Remove the last three zeros, then multiply by 2” — that gives you roughly the price in New Taiwan Dollars.
For example:
- 50,000 IDR ≈ NT$100
- 100,000 IDR ≈ NT$200
Once you get the hang of it, you’ll quickly become used to it.
Also, many shops now accept credit cards—aside from traditional markets and small street vendors, most transactions are fairly convenient.
Bali Travel Budget Guide: How Understanding the ‘K’ in Prices Helps You Control Your Spending
Bali Travel Drawbacks and Things to Know Before You Go 😅
While I personally really enjoy Bali—enough to have visited twice and still want to go back—honestly, it’s not a completely flawless travel destination.
There are some things that, if you don’t know beforehand, can really affect your mood once you’re there.
Here are the aspects I found most noticeable during my actual trips to Bali.
1｜Popular areas are really congested 🚗
This is probably the most noticeable thing for many people visiting Bali.
Especially:
- Seminyak
- Canggu
- Ubud
- Kuta
These popular areas are almost always packed with traffic every day.
Sometimes the map shows just a few kilometers, but it actually takes over an hour to drive there.
This is especially noticeable in the late afternoon, during rush hour, and at peak dining times.
So when planning your itinerary in Bali, I strongly recommend:
- Don’t pack too much into one day
- Try to group attractions in the same area together
- Allow extra time for traffic jams
Otherwise, you’ll easily end up stuck in the car all day.
2｜Stomach issues are more common here 🤢
Although it wasn’t as bad for me as I expected, Bali does tend to cause digestive discomfort more easily.
Especially:
- First-time visitors
- People with sensitive stomachs
- Those who keep eating raw or cold foods
are more likely to get sick.
And sometimes, stomach medicine brought from Taiwan doesn’t work very well.
I’ve even come to feel that if you’re really unwell, it’s more effective to just buy medicine at a local pharmacy.
Pharmacies are easy to find in Bali, and the staff are used to tourists buying digestive medicine.
3｜Unstable Water Quality 💧
I really recommend not tempting fate on this one.
Many people get an upset stomach in Bali—it’s not always the food; sometimes it’s the water.
My own habit is:
- Only drink bottled water
- Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth
- Don’t drink tap water directly
It may sound a bit troublesome, but you’ll get used to it after a few days.
Plus, most hotels and villas provide bottled water, so it’s not as inconvenient as you might imagine.
Bali Travel Health Tips: A Guide to Drinking Water and Bali Belly
4｜Prices at Some Markets Aren’t Very Friendly to Tourists 🛍️
At local markets without price tags, you’ll often encounter ‘tourist prices.’
Especially if you look like a foreigner, some vendors will quote prices that are much higher.
So I’ve learned a few things:
- Don’t buy from the first stall you see
- Compare prices at several stalls
- Haggling is normal
- Don’t be shy about negotiating
In my experience, you can often start bargaining at 30% to 50% of the initial asking price.
Especially if you’re shopping with friends or buying in bulk, it’s usually easier to negotiate the price.
Of course, not every shop will overcharge, but when shopping at markets, it’s still good to be mentally prepared.
5｜The Quality of Massages Varies Greatly 💆🏻♀️
Although massages in Bali are cheap, the quality really varies a lot.
Some places leave you feeling incredibly relaxed, even making you want to go every day; but I’ve also encountered:
- Strange pressure
- Sloppy techniques
- Unclean environment
- Feeling more tired afterward
So now I almost always check Google reviews first.
Recent reviews are usually the most reliable.
If the price is super cheap but the reviews are bad, I personally wouldn’t take the risk.
6｜Laundry Service Surprisingly Affordable 👕
This is actually a hidden gem of Bali that I find really impressive.
Many laundromats offer incredibly low prices with comprehensive services.
Typically, they will:
- Wash
- Dry
- Iron
- Fold
- Package
and return everything neatly.
I’ve started sending most of my clothes to the laundry two days before leaving Bali.
That way, I don’t have a pile of dirty laundry to deal with when I get back to Taiwan—it’s super convenient.
Plus, for longer trips, it means I can pack fewer clothes.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I still really love Bali. It’s not the kind of ‘flawless’ travel destination—there’s traffic, it gets hot, and sometimes you run into little hiccups. But it’s precisely this sense of authenticity that makes the whole trip more memorable.
What’s special about Bali is that you can either go all out exploring attractions or do absolutely nothing. Some people love packing their itinerary full, while others just find a villa, lounge by the pool, watch the sunset, get a massage, and zone out for days on end.
And there’s always this magical vibe here—no sooner have you returned home than you’re already thinking about when you can come back next.
If you ask me whether Bali is worth visiting? I’d say it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once. Because so much of it just can’t be fully 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!
![[2026 Indonesia/Bali Must-Buy Medicines] The Complete Guide to Three Household Essentials: Soffell Mosquito Repellent, Cajuput Oil, and Bee Oil](https://images.gobaligo.id/images/2026-07/1784387265515-_.jpg)
No discussions yet — be the first to ask.