Important Tips While Visiting Bali
Alright, now that you are in Bali there of course some 'you can and you better not' which worth knowing.
No matter that you've been to Bali for a dozen of times or totally Bali virgin, the following list of do's and dont's might help you setting up yourself among your Balinese new neighborhood during your valuable holiday.
The following list is compiled from sources on the internet plus some adds up based on my actual experience as local who love to learn more about my own customary and daily social interactions.
I really hope the following will give you an insight of how to keep having good times in Bali.
Let's start with....
No matter that you've been to Bali for a dozen of times or totally Bali virgin, the following list of do's and dont's might help you setting up yourself among your Balinese new neighborhood during your valuable holiday.
The following list is compiled from sources on the internet plus some adds up based on my actual experience as local who love to learn more about my own customary and daily social interactions.
I really hope the following will give you an insight of how to keep having good times in Bali.
Let's start with....
Do's
- say some Indonesian words or short sentences. It gives you an impression of a non first timer. And non first timer will be regarded as 'friend we love who already know about prices etc'. Learn some Bahasa Indonesia here.
- drink a lot of water. A LOT. Bali is humid and between May to September may have fierce summertime. Drink bottled drinking water even when you do not feel thirsty. Dehydration sometime comes without symptom.
- apply a thin layer of mossie repellent. Please do this all day, even when you are in your hotel room.
- apply sunscreen when you are out in the day.
- separate your Indonesian Rupiah -that is the money you are using while in Bali- notes i.e. IDR. 100k, 50k, 20k and so on. Separating the notes helps you when you make payment.
- bring your own calculator or use mobile phone to count while exchanging money. Ask the MC attendant to give you the highest note for easy counting. Always ask for receipt and have the attendant name written on it.
- walk/drive in the left hand side and ask for help to cross the road if needed. This is seriously important.
- have someone in your group stay sober during a nightclub adventure! This person hails the taxi for you, pays your bill, lead your steps, in short: will take care of you. Tomorrow night will be your turn to help your mates.
- smile at everyone and they will smile back at you. Needless to say, smiling is the second universal language after the music!
- keep your important/valuable belongings at your hotel safety deposit box. Always bring a copy of your passport front page (the one with your ID) and the page with Immigration Stamp of Entry.
- Follow your local travel companion's (driver or guide) advise and suggestions during the trip.
- keep checking the internet for updated information and list of Do's and Don'ts.
Don'ts
- drink arak (traditional alcohol contained beverage). There are many many better ways to enjoy Bali without having a possible problem. There are reports out there underlining the bad effect of drinking arak. Some even caused fatality. Drink responsibly, drink carefully, know what is in your glass.
- respond to anyone who tries to sell you illegal substance (drugs) in the street or anywhere. Indonesia applies a harsh penalty for drug trafficking and even if you happen to be caught as user, you will become a subject of long and complicated examination. Safe your respected Embassy from getting involve in this kind of situation. Your family is waiting for you at home.
- do any -ANY- thing that can be easily identified as indecency in sacred sites. Local Village Authority preserve a full right to enforce the awig-awig or local legislation for such violation. Please keep in mind that once an impurities occurred, a huge ceremony to bring back the sacredness must be held at your expenses. Also, female visitors must tie their long hair before entering a temple.
- ride anywhere on scooter without helmet or bare chested. We are talking about your safety and of course you will looks better with your shirts on. Ask the scooter vendor to provide Indonesian standard half face helmet before you take the bike. Driving license is a must!
- even get close to flammable stuff, especially when you are travelling with your younger ones. Firecrackers can easily be found on the street but fire trucks are not! Consult with your hotel staff for more information.
- get attracted with Money Changer outlet(s) which offer higher rate. The fact is, every morning and evening the Central Bank of Indonesia will fax the exchanging rates nationwide to be used as guidelines by the authorized MCs. Your instinct will tell you right away when thing is incorrect.
- be ignorant when swimming at Bali beaches. Always follow the instruction flags or lifeguard advise before you get into the waters. Bali beaches undercurrents are sometime unpredictable.
- keep checking the internet for updated information and list of Do's and Don'ts.