Bali: what to know before your first trip
Bali looks like the photos, but the island is large and its places are far apart. Pick the wrong area and much of the holiday goes on the road.
The island is big — the area decides
Bali has no single resort strip: the south has beaches and nightlife, the centre has rice terraces and temples, the east and north have quiet coast.
A hop between two points looks short on the map, but the roads are narrow and busy — it can take hours.
So on a first trip it helps to split the stay: a few days by the sea, a few inland. Moving every day is exhausting.
When to go
Bali has two seasons: dry and wet. Wet does not mean rain all day — usually a heavy shower passes, but humidity is high and some excursions get cancelled.
The dry season is more comfortable and therefore dearer. The New Year period is a peak of its own.
The flight is long and usually has a connection, so plan at least 10 days: otherwise most of the trip is travel.
Documents, health, money
Entry rules and fees change — your operator confirms the exact terms for your dates.
Drink bottled water only and be careful with iced street drinks. Your stomach needs a few days to adjust.
Carry cash: small cafés, markets and some transport take nothing else. Change money at official exchange offices.
Renting a scooter is popular, but traffic is chaotic and ask your operator before departure whether scooter injuries are covered.
Still have questions? An operator will advise you free of charge.