12 MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN TRAVELLING BALI 🇮🇩

Summary

This video offers 12 essential tips for visitors to Bali, highlighting the importance of carrying minimal cash to avoid fines and theft, not walking on shortcuts for safety, exploring less popular attractions for a more authentic experience, learning basic Indonesian, avoiding tap water, wearing helmets while riding scooters, securing personal belongings, trying local cuisine, dressing modestly, covering up when visiting temples, avoiding stepping on religious offerings, and not spending all your time in touristy areas like Canggu which lack the 'real Bali' experience.

Takeaways

• 💵 Don't carry large amounts of cash in Bali; it's unnecessary and can attract unwanted attention from police.
• 🚦 Avoid shortcuts in Canggu as they're narrow and unsafe for pedestrians, especially with traffic.
• 🏞️ Explore beyond the popular tourist spots to find less crowded and more authentic experiences.
• 🗣️ Make an effort to learn Indonesian and be patient with locals who may not speak perfect English.
• 💧 Do not drink tap water; opt for bottled water or use a water dispenser.
• 🪖 Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter due to the high risk of accidents.
• 📱 Be cautious with your phone's security, as theft is common, especially on scooters.
• 🍽️ Try local Indonesian cuisine instead of sticking to Western food for a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.
• 👕 Dress modestly and avoid walking around in just a swimsuit to respect the local conservative culture.
• 🏛️ When visiting temples, cover your legs with a sarong or long pants, and avoid stepping on religious offerings.
• 🏞️ Venture outside of touristy areas like Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak to experience the 'real Bali'.
• 🎒 As a budget traveler, consider skipping Canggu due to its high costs and lack of cultural attractions.

Q & A

What is the first piece of advice given for visitors to Bali?

The first piece of advice is not to carry around a lot of cash because everything in Bali is relatively cheap and carrying less cash can also help avoid issues with police fines that may require immediate cash payment.

Why might the police in Bali fine scooter riders?

The police might fine scooter riders as a way to collect immediate cash fines instead of issuing tickets, which they may not be able to enforce due to a lack of card machines and the practice being somewhat illegal.

What is the safety concern associated with walking on shortcuts in Canggu, Bali?

Walking on shortcuts in Canggu can be dangerous because the roads are narrow, with cars and bikes often traveling in opposite directions, increasing the risk of accidents for pedestrians.

Why is it recommended to use Grab or Gojek bikes instead of walking on shortcuts in Bali?

Using Grab or Gojek bikes is recommended because they are a quicker and safer alternative to walking, as they can navigate the narrow roads more easily and reduce the risk of accidents.

What is the advice regarding visiting popular tourist attractions in Bali?

It is advised not to stick to popular tourist attractions as they can be overcrowded with tourists, which can detract from the experience. Instead, visitors are encouraged to explore less known, beautiful places on the island.

Why is it disrespectful for visitors to expect everyone in Bali to speak perfect English?

It is disrespectful because it shows a lack of respect for the local culture and an unwillingness to learn the local language, which is Indonesian. Visitors are encouraged to make an effort to learn the language and not get angry with locals if they don't understand English.

What is the warning about drinking tap water in Bali?

Visitors are warned not to drink tap water in Bali as it can cause serious illness. Instead, they should use water dispensers provided by accommodations or buy water containers that can be refilled for a lower cost.

Why is wearing a helmet important when riding a scooter in Bali?

Wearing a helmet is crucial for safety as Bali has many scooter accidents. Not wearing a helmet can result in severe injuries and high medical costs, as illustrated by the story of a friend who had to undergo three surgeries after a fall.

What should visitors do with their phones when riding a scooter in Bali?

Visitors should not leave their phones on the bike or have them out when they are a passenger, as they are likely to be stolen. It is advised to keep phones secure and out of sight.

Why should visitors to Bali avoid eating only Western food?

Visitors should avoid eating only Western food because they would miss out on trying great Indonesian dishes that are also much cheaper. It is recommended to try local cuisine like Nasi campur, chicken satay, beef rendang, and lalapan.

What is the cultural advice for dressing when not on the beach in Bali?

In Bali, which is more conservative, visitors should be respectful of the culture by not walking around in just a swimsuit. Men are advised to wear a top, singlet, or vest top, and women should wear a beach dress, flowy dress, or a sarong to cover up.

What is the advice for visitors entering temples in Bali?

When entering temples, visitors should cover their legs with a sarong or long pants, as the local Hindu religion believes that the root of evil comes from the legs. Temples may offer sarongs for a small fee or as part of the ticket.

What should visitors avoid stepping on in Bali, and why?

Visitors should avoid stepping on offerings placed in front of temples and on junctions as it is incredibly disrespectful to the local religion. These offerings are put out regularly and contain incense that can cause burns if not noticed.

Why is it suggested not to spend all of your time in Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak?

It is suggested not to spend all of your time in these areas because they are built-up tourist areas and do not represent 'the real Bali.' Instead, visitors should explore the north and east parts of the island for a more authentic cultural experience.

What is the final advice for budget travelers visiting Bali?

The final advice is for budget travelers, especially backpackers, to avoid visiting Canggu as it is expensive and busy with little cultural or touristic value, and there are many better places to visit that won't waste time and money.