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.

Outlines

00:00

🏝️ Bali Travel Tips: What Not to Do

This paragraph outlines 12 essential do's and don'ts for visitors to Bali. It advises against carrying large amounts of cash due to the low cost of living and the risk of police fines, which can be avoided by having minimal cash on hand. It also warns against walking on shortcuts due to safety concerns and traffic congestion. The speaker emphasizes exploring lesser-known attractions to avoid tourist crowds and the importance of learning local language basics to show respect. Additionally, it's stressed not to drink tap water and to prioritize scooter safety by wearing helmets and securing personal belongings. Lastly, it's mentioned that while enjoying Bali's local cuisine is encouraged, sticking to Western food can be more expensive.

05:02

🍽️ Exploring Bali's Culture and Cuisine

The second paragraph continues the list of things to avoid in Bali, starting with trying local dishes like Nasi campur, chicken satay, beef rendang, and lalapan instead of sticking to Western food. It advises respecting local dress codes by not walking around in swimwear and covering up when not at the beach. When visiting temples, it's important to cover legs with a sarong or long pants to respect Balinese Hindu beliefs. The paragraph also cautions against stepping on religious offerings. It suggests exploring less touristy areas like Sidemen, Karangasem, and Kintamani for a more authentic cultural experience rather than staying in areas like Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak. The final point discourages visiting Canggu for budget travelers due to its high costs and lack of cultural attractions, recommending other places for a more enriching visit.

Keywords

💡Bali

Bali is a popular island destination in Indonesia known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and tourist attractions. In the video, Bali serves as the central theme, with the speaker providing advice on what not to do when visiting this island. The script mentions various aspects of Bali's culture, transportation, and food, emphasizing the importance of respecting local customs and enjoying the authentic experiences it offers.

💡Scooters

Scooters are a common mode of transportation in Bali, as mentioned in the video. They are convenient but can also be a source of safety concerns if not used properly. The speaker advises viewers to always wear a helmet when riding scooters, highlighting a specific incident where a friend fell off a scooter without a helmet, resulting in severe injuries and surgeries.

💡Money

The concept of money is discussed in the context of carrying cash in Bali. The speaker advises against carrying large amounts of cash due to the risk of theft and the potential for police to fine tourists. They suggest carrying a modest amount, which can also be a strategy to avoid or reduce fines if stopped by the police, as they might accept whatever cash is on hand as payment instead of issuing a ticket.

💡Safety

Safety is a recurring theme in the video, particularly in relation to scooter use and personal belongings. The speaker emphasizes the importance of wearing helmets to prevent severe injuries from accidents and warns against leaving valuables like phones on scooters where they can be easily stolen. These points are integral to the video's message of being cautious and prepared while enjoying the island.

💡Culture

Respecting Bali's culture is a key message in the video. The speaker advises visitors to be aware of local customs, such as not walking around in swimwear outside of the beach area due to conservative norms, and to cover up when entering temples. They also encourage trying local Indonesian dishes instead of sticking to Western food, which is both a cultural and economic suggestion.

💡Tourist Attractions

The video discusses the pitfalls of sticking solely to popular tourist attractions, suggesting that they can be overcrowded and detract from the authentic experience of Bali. The speaker encourages exploring less-known places, which can provide a more genuine and enjoyable experience of the island's natural beauty and cultural richness.

💡Language

Language is mentioned as an important aspect of respecting and integrating into the local community. The speaker advises visitors to make an effort to learn Indonesian, which can facilitate better communication and understanding with locals. This is presented as a sign of respect for the host country and can enhance the visitor's experience.

💡Tap Water

Tap water in Bali is not considered safe for drinking, as highlighted in the video. The speaker recommends using water dispensers or purchasing bottled water in reusable containers as a safer alternative. This advice is crucial for maintaining health and avoiding illness during a visit.

💡Insurance

Insurance is mentioned in the context of health coverage for accidents, such as the one involving a friend who had to undergo surgeries after a scooter accident. The speaker suggests that having insurance is a wise precaution when traveling, as it can provide financial protection in case of unexpected medical expenses.

💡Temples

Temples are significant cultural and religious sites in Bali, and the speaker advises visitors on the proper etiquette when visiting them. This includes covering up with a sarong or long pants to respect local religious beliefs about the legs being a source of evil. The video also warns against stepping on offerings placed outside temples, which is a sign of disrespect.

💡Canggu

Canggu is a specific area in Bali that the speaker advises against visiting, particularly for budget travelers. They describe it as expensive, busy, and lacking in cultural attractions, suggesting that there are better places to explore for a more authentic and cost-effective Bali experience.

Highlights

Bali is a beautiful island with many attractions, but there are things you should avoid doing.

Do not carry around a lot of cash as everything is cheap and it may attract fines or theft.

If stopped by police, carrying minimal cash can prevent you from being heavily fined.

Avoid walking on shortcuts in Canggu as they are narrow and unsafe.

Use Grab or Gojek bikes for safer and quicker travel instead of walking on shortcuts.

Explore less popular attractions to avoid overcrowded tourist spots.

Do not expect everyone to speak perfect English and make an effort to learn the local language.

Avoid drinking tap water and use water dispensers or buy bottled water.

Always wear a helmet when riding a scooter due to the high risk of accidents.

Do not leave your phone on the bike as it can get stolen easily.

Try local Indonesian food instead of sticking to western food for a more authentic and budget-friendly experience.

When not on the beach, dress modestly to respect the local conservative culture.

When visiting temples, cover your legs with a sarong or long pants to respect the local religion.

Avoid stepping on religious offerings as it is disrespectful.

Do not spend all your time in touristy areas like Canggu, Kuta, and Seminyak to experience the 'real Bali'.

As a budget traveler, avoid Canggu as it is expensive and lacks cultural attractions.

Transcripts

Bali is one of the most beautiful islands that you could ever come to visit,

but just like anywhere else in the world,

there are things that you shouldn't do here and there are things that I would advise you not to do.

Today I'm gonna be talking to you about 12 things not to do when you visit Bali.

We're gonna be talking about scooters, we're gonna be talking about money,

and we're gonna be talking about where and when you shouldn't visit on the island.

So let's jump in to number 1.

My first big no-no if you're visiting Bali is carrying around a lot of cash,

and there's a couple of reasons for this.

The first main reason is that everything here is pretty cheap,

so you don't need to be carrying around hundreds of dollars worth of money.

Instead, just carry around 3 to 500k, that's probably all you're going to need.

That's between 20 and 30 dollars,

and in that way you don't have to be worrying about all the money you're carrying on you.

The second reason I bring this up is because if you're riding around on a scooter,

a lot of the times at police checkpoints on the corners of junctions,

they'll pull you over and they'll find any reason to fine you,

and what they want is for you to give them straight cash instead of giving you a ticket.

Some people call this bribery, they might just call it smart.

But anyway, they don't have a card machine

and honestly, they can't really enforce it because it's kind of illegal.

So, if you're carrying around minimal cash and they're trying to "fine" you a million IDR

and you only have 300,000 on you,

you can say "oh, I've only got this", and they'll usually say "okay, that's enough, thank you",

and they give you your keys back to your bike and you can go on your way.

Okay, so my second big no-no in Bali is please, please,

please, for the love of God,

do not walk on the shortcuts.

If you're not sure about the road systems here in Canggu,

then you have Raya Canggu, which is the main road that runs along the north of the village,

and then you have multiple shortcuts that run all the way from Pererenan to Umalas,

and they're very very small.

So why am I telling you this?

Well, this is actually mainly for your own safety.

These roads are so narrow and there's usually cars going one way and bikes coming the other way,

it's very difficult for them to get around you if you're walking on the shortcut,

and not only that, there's a very high chance they might accidentally hit you,

which wouldn't be great for your vacation now, would it?

So instead of walking on the shortcuts, just invest like 10-15k

and get yourself a Grab or Gojek bike,

they'll take you across that nice and quick and a lot more safely than you would on your feet.

Number 3 on this list is: do not stick to the popular attractions.

There are so many beautiful places to see on this island of Bali,

you don't need to go to the same place as everyone else,

and trust me, if you did, when you arrive, it's gonna be so busy with tourists

and people lining up to get that Instagram shot

that it's gonna completely ruin the moment for you.

So, if you're interested and you wanna find some more hidden places of Bali,

let me know in the comments below and I'll make a separate video talking about places you should visit.

But let's move on to number 4.

So number 4 is a bit of an obvious one, but I need to bring it up anyway,

because I've been in so many situations where foreigners have really annoyed me with this.

That's don't expect everyone to be able to speak perfect English.

This is one of the most disrespectful and ignorant things you could do

when you're visiting or living in someone else's country.

Make an effort to try and learn the language while you're here.

That's what I've done. I can sort of get by with my Indonesian here now,

so if I need it, it's there.

Please, please, do not get angry with the locals

when they don't understand what you're trying to tell them. Just don't.

Number 5 is a really obvious one,

but you shouldn't forget it anyway, and that's don't drink the...

Tap water.

Not even the local people here drink the tap water.

You will get really really ill.

Instead, most accomodations will have a water dispenser,

they'll either look like this or they'll be a little bit fancier.

Or...

Or you can buy yourself one of these things.

I think the first one you buy is about 50 or 60k when you buy the container,

but then when you go back and just swap the container with a new one,

it's only 20k, that's one dollar for 19 liters of drinkable water.

Number 6 and 7 are about scooter safety.

Number 6 is always wear your helmet.

This bad boy will probably save your life.

There are so many accidents here in Bali that you just can't help.

One of my friends recently just fell off his scooter without an helmet on,

and now he's having to have 3 surgeries, which is costing him around 20 grand.

Good thing he's got an insurance, make sure you've got an insurance.

SafetyWing referral code below.

And then following on from that, number 7 is do not leave your phone

on the bike.

It will get stolen.

Mine got stolen from here back in December.

And if you're a passenger on the bike, be careful,

don't have your phone out because they will steal it from your hand,

and even if you're walking just down the road on the pathway and you got your phone out,

just be careful, because it might happen to you too.

No-no number 8:

maybe a little bit hypocritical considering the situation I am sitting in right now, but...

don't stick to western food here in Bali, and here is why.

There are so many great Indonesian dishes to try,

you really should, and they're so much cheaper,

so if you're a budget traveller, this is definitely the way to go,

because otherwise you're gonna be paying 4 or 5 times the amount

for western food here in Bali than you would for the local food.

You should be trying the local cuisine wherever you go, and that's no different here in Bali.

You can try Nasi campur, chicken satay, beef rendang, lalapan.

Try it all. And now let's move on to number 9.

Finished.

Okay, so number 9 on the list of don't do's in Bali:

don't walk around town in just a swimsuit.

You might come from a more liberal country, but here it's much more conservative,

so just be respectful of the culture. Guys, put a top or a singlet or a vest top on.

Girls, just put on like a nice dress, like a beach dress, like a flowy thing,

or a sarong, I'm not well versed in women's fashion,

but just cover up when you're not on the beach.

Perfect.

Hey! Number 10, we finally reached double digits.

Number 10 is, if you're gonna enter a temple, make sure you cover up your legs with a sarong.

Or the very least, cover up your legs with long pants.

Here in Bali, because of the Hindu religion,

they believe that the root of evil from a human comes from the legs.

This is why we cover up the legs if you're ever gonna go into a religious place.

For the most part, the bigger temples will usually offer you a sarong as you enter.

You might have to pay a little bit extra for it,

or sometimes they'll just give it to you as part of the ticket.

But you know, if you don't have a sarong, literally long trousers will do.

Just make sure your legs are covered up.

And bonus point,

these offerings, don't step on them. That's incredibly disrespectful to the religion.

They put them out every morning, noon and evening, in front of temples and on junctions.

Just avoid them as best as you can and be careful, because they do put incense in them,

I've burnt myself on incense a couple of times as well

without realizing that they're around.

But let's move on to the last 2 points.

So, point number 11, and the second-to-last point,

is don't spend all of your time in Canggu, Kuta and Seminyak.

These are the build-up tourist areas of Bali

and they are not "the real Bali", as people would say.

Instead, make sure you head up to the north and the east.

You can go to places like Sidemen, Karangasem,

Kintamani, which is one of my favourite places. I've made a video about Kintamani, I'll link it below.

But when it comes to down south and the build-up areas, honestly there's not a ton of culture to see.

If you're not living here, it's honestly not that interesting.

Unless you're coming on holiday with your friends and planning just to get drunk,

and go to the mall and lay on a beach, then maybe it's for you.

But if you're coming to experience Bali, Indonesia and the culture,

this is not gonna be for you.

And the last point, number 12, stems on from the previous point.

If you're coming here as a backpacker, especially a budget backpacker,

or you're coming on vacation, don't visit Canggu.

There is literally no point.

There is nothing in Canggu culture-wise or tourist attraction-wise worth seeing.

It's expensive, so you're gonna spend all of your money,

and it's really really busy. There's traffic everywhere right now in Canggu,

so if you want my professional advice after living here for one year,

just avoid Canggu, there are so many better places to visit,

and you'll be wasting your time and money.

But I hope you enjoyed this video, subscribe for more.