Bali is one of those destinations that somehow manages to live up to the hype. From emerald rice terraces and jungle-covered temples to dramatic coastlines and world-class sunsets, it’s easy to understand why millions of travellers fall in love with the island every year.
I’ve now visited Bali several times, staying everywhere from luxury villas and boutique hotels to simple guesthouses tucked away down quiet side streets. Most of my memories involve incredible food, beautiful scenery, and unforgettable experiences. But I’ve also learned a few lessons the hard way.
For years, every trip I took to Bali seemed to end the same way: I got sick. On one visit, I became so ill that I ended up in hospital with a severe case of Bali Belly.
Thankfully, my most recent trip was completely different. Not only did I avoid getting sick for the first time in years, but I also discovered how much more enjoyable Bali becomes when you slow down, plan a little smarter, and focus on the experiences that matter most.
So, if you’re planning a trip to the Island of the Gods, these are the Bali travel tips I genuinely wish I’d known before my first visit.
Take Bali Belly Seriously
Let’s start with the topic nobody wants to think about before a tropical holiday.
For years, Bali Belly felt like an unavoidable part of travelling in Indonesia. Sometimes it was nothing more than an upset stomach, but one experience was far more serious.
While travelling from Ubud to Canggu, what started as mild stomach discomfort quickly turned into severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. I assumed medication from a local pharmacy would solve the problem, but within hours, I couldn’t keep food or water down.
My hotel arranged for a doctor to visit me, but despite treatment, I eventually became so dehydrated that I had to go to the hospital. Thankfully, I recovered quickly once I received proper care, although it still took weeks before I felt completely back to normal.
That experience completely changed how I approach travel health.
Before my most recent Bali trip, I started taking probiotics a couple of weeks before departure and continued throughout my stay. I also became far more conscious about hand hygiene, carried sanitiser everywhere, only drank bottled water, and paid closer attention to where I ate.
Just as importantly, I stopped trying to do everything. I prioritised sleep, stayed hydrated, and gave myself time to rest between busy days.
Whether it was the probiotics, better hygiene, more rest, or a combination of everything, I can’t say for certain. What I do know is that for the first time in years, I completed a Bali trip without getting sick.
Looking back, this is probably one of the most important Bali travel tips I can share. A little preparation can make a huge difference to your trip.
Never Travel Without Insurance
If my Bali Belly experience taught me one thing, it’s that travel insurance is not optional.
Before ending up in the hospital, I viewed travel insurance as one of those purchases you hope you’ll never need. But sitting in a hospital bed, feeling miserable and dehydrated, quickly changes your perspective.
Knowing I was covered meant I could focus entirely on getting better rather than worrying about medical bills.
Travel insurance can also help with flight cancellations, delayed baggage, lost luggage, theft, and emergency transport. Hopefully, you’ll never need to make a claim, but if you do, you’ll be incredibly glad you have it.
Get Mobile Data as Soon as You Land
One thing I didn’t fully appreciate until my hospital experience was how important reliable mobile data can be.
My phone became my lifeline. I used it to contact my insurer, communicate with family, translate conversations, transfer money, rearrange accommodation, and organise transport.
Without internet access, the entire situation would have been significantly more stressful.
These days, I always arrange an eSIM before arriving in Bali. Having data available from the moment you land makes everything easier, whether you’re ordering your first Grab ride, navigating unfamiliar streets, or searching for a restaurant nearby.
Choose Your Base Carefully
One of the most valuable Bali travel tips for first-time visitors is to choose your base carefully.
Bali may look relatively small on a map, but traffic can make getting around surprisingly slow. A journey that appears to take twenty minutes can easily take an hour or more during busy periods.
That’s why I always recommend staying longer in fewer locations rather than constantly moving around.
Ubud: Rice Terraces, Culture, and Nature
If Bali had a soul, I’d argue it lives in Ubud.
Surrounded by rice terraces, temples, jungle, and traditional villages, this is the Bali many people picture before they arrive. Life feels slower here, in Ubud and there’s a stronger connection to the island’s cultural roots.
The Campuhan Ridge Walk is one of the best free experiences in the area, offering beautiful views over rolling green hills. Nearby, the Tegallalang Rice Terraces remain one of Bali’s most iconic landscapes.
Some of my favourite moments in Ubud weren’t at major attractions at all. They came from simply wandering around town, discovering hidden temples, local markets, and cafés overlooking lush greenery.
Canggu: Surfing, Cafés, and Sunsets
Canggu has a completely different energy. It’s lively, social, and popular with surfers, digital nomads, and café lovers. The area is packed with beach bars, boutiques, coffee shops, and co-working spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere that many travellers instantly fall in love with.
While people often focus on the beach clubs, some of the best experiences are free. Watching the sunset at Batu Bolong Beach as surfers catch their final waves of the day remains one of my favourite Bali experiences.
Uluwatu: Cliffs, Beaches, and Ocean Views
Uluwatu quickly became one of my favourite parts of Bali. The scenery here feels completely different from the rest of the island. Instead of rice fields and jungle, you’ll find towering limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, and sweeping views across the Indian Ocean.
Beaches such as Suluban, Bingin, and Padang Padang are worth exploring, while Uluwatu Temple offers some of the most spectacular sunset views anywhere in Bali.
Sanur: Bali at a Slower Pace
If Canggu feels energetic and Uluwatu feels dramatic, Sanur feels relaxed. Its long beachfront promenade is perfect for walking or cycling, and because the coastline faces east, it’s one of the best places on the island to watch the sunrise.
Sanur also makes an excellent base for travellers looking to visit nearby islands such as Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan while avoiding some of Bali’s busier tourist areas.
Getting Around Bali
When it comes to transport, one of the most useful Bali travel tips is to download Grab and Gojek before you arrive.
Both apps are widely available, usually cheaper than traditional taxis, and incredibly convenient whether you’re heading out for dinner, changing hotels, or ordering food delivery after a long day of sightseeing.
One thing that surprises many first-time visitors is just how much traffic can impact travel times. That’s another reason why choosing the right base is so important. The less time you spend sitting in traffic, the more time you’ll have to enjoy Bali.
Carry Some Cash
Card payments are becoming increasingly common, particularly in tourist areas, but cash is still useful.
Local warungs, markets, parking attendants, temple donations, and smaller businesses often prefer cash payments.
I usually carry enough Indonesian Rupiah for daily expenses while using cards for larger purchases. When exchanging money, stick to reputable exchange offices and avoid rates that seem too good to be true.
Respect Balinese Culture
One of the things that makes Bali so special is its strong cultural identity.
You’ll quickly notice small daily offerings known as canang sari placed outside homes, shops, restaurants, and temples. These colourful offerings are an important part of Balinese Hindu life and serve as a reminder of how deeply spirituality remains woven into everyday culture.
When visiting temples, dress respectfully, follow local customs, and remember that many sites are active places of worship rather than tourist attractions.
A little respect goes a long way and often leads to a much richer travel experience.
Don’t Overpack
Bali’s tropical climate means you probably need far fewer clothes than you think.
Lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable footwear, and sun protection will cover most situations.
What I do recommend bringing is a small medical kit containing essentials such as electrolytes, Imodium, pain relief medication, antihistamines, motion sickness tablets, and plasters.
Hopefully you won’t need any of it, but if you do, you’ll be very glad it’s already in your bag.
Slow Down and Enjoy Bali
Perhaps the biggest lesson I’ve learned from multiple visits is that Bali isn’t a destination you need to rush.
Many first-time visitors try to cram every beach, waterfall, temple, and viewpoint into a single trip. In reality, some of my favourite memories have come from the simplest moments.
Lazy mornings in cafés. Watching surfers from the cliffs in Uluwatu. Sunset walks along the beach. Conversations with locals. Wandering through rice fields near Ubud. Discovering somewhere completely unplanned.
Bali rewards travellers who slow down. The more time you give yourself to simply enjoy being there, the more magical the island becomes.
Making the Most of Your Bali Trip
I hope these Bali travel tips help you avoid some of the mistakes I made and make the most of your time on the island. Take care of your health, organise travel insurance, arrange mobile data before you arrive, choose your base carefully, and avoid trying to do too much.
Most importantly, slow down and enjoy the experience.
If you’d like more Bali travel tips, honest destination reviews, hotel recommendations, and practical travel advice from my experiences around the world, be sure to visit my blog Travel For Phoebe and subscribe to my YouTube channel. I share the highlights, the mistakes, and everything I learn along the way to help you plan better adventures of your own.
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