A First Timers Guide to Bali

Bali is a destination like no other. A tropical paradise surrounded by the vast ocean making it the perfect environment for stepping away from it all. But don’t think that just because you landed in Bali, you will automatically be transported to peace and zen. With insane traffic, scooters everywhere and an infrastructure that time seemingly left behind, Bali doesn’t immediately give off zen filled paradise vibes. No, you will have to dig a bit deeper to find that perfect “check out of it all” spot. Once you do, you’ll find it incredibly hard to peel yourself off the lounger to return to “life.”

About Bali

Bali covers approximately 2230 sq miles of Indonesia’s south east tip and is just a little south of the equator. The island is small—just 95 miles wide and 70 miles long. For the geographically challenged it is a part of Indonesia but not the capital of this diverse country. Because it is so close to the equator, it has a fairly even climate all year round with temperatures generally hovering around 85F and humidity levels of about 85%. Cool breathable fabrics like cotton are golden in this climate.

Tourism is the name of the game here making up about 80% of the economy. The US dollar goes a long way in Bali which makes it a fantastic location for ballers on a budget. You can find accommodations from as little as $30 per night for a hotel or better yet a private villa. Sounds intriguing? Let’s get you there with some basic information.

Getting There

Bali still requires a Visa for entry depending on your country of origin. Luckily they also offer a Visa on Arrival program which allows you to upload your documents and apply for the visa before you leave your home country. 

There are no nonstop/direct flights from the US to Bali.  You will get there but it will take a bit of travel patience.  It’s 15 hours at best.   If you are traveling from the west coast, airlines like China Airways, Philippine Air and United offer the best options. Pro Tip:  You want as few connections as possible.  Navigating airports abroad can be a bit challenging.  From understanding gates, finding food and even finding some place to relax, it can be a bit tricky. 

For my bougie on a budget travelers:  I traveled China Airways with a stop in Taiwan before boarding my second flight direct to Bali. I gotta tell you, they offered the best deal for a business class seat (fully lie flat), two full meals onboard and with this class of ticket you gain access to the lounge which is a game changer when you visit some airports.  Although I didn’t find the food in the lounge that appealing.  You also have free adult beverages onboard to help you celebrate your pending adventures. Pro tip: While free alcohol on a flight might sound like a win, remember you are on a flight with air pressure wreaking havoc on your body so be mindful of the downstream implications and drink plenty of water. 

You may be tempted to take an extended layover to give yourself time to stretch between flights.  Some airlines even offer a stop over of up to 72hrs at no additional cost.   This is a great way to see more than one country in one trip.  This puts a lot more dynamics at play (i.e. visas for another country). That said, I prefer to just get there.

Once you land

If you’ve planned well, you have your Visa on Arrival ready to present to immigration.  You have the address to the place you will be staying during your visit and importantly, you have arranged for a transfer to your hotel. Pro Tip:  Uber is not an option in Bali.  They use some other service called Go-Jek or Grab which work exactly like Uber. You have to download the respective apps to get set up and you are ready to ride.… So if you’ve not arranged something in advance, take the blue taxi (not the bluebird taxi…I know, it’s very confusing).

Plan your stay thoughtfully because traffic in Bali is no joke.  I would not recommend driving on your own.  In fact, you need an international drivers license, so don’t even think about it.  Taxi’s are cheap….real cheap.

Where To Stay

The international airport is in the capital of Denspar…so ideally start your visit near this area.  Because who wants to take a 3 hour drive after 20+ hours of traveling.  Tourist attractions are centered around 4 main areas:

• Nusa Dua
• Ubud
• Seminyak/ Canggu
• Uluwatu 

Nusa Dua is home to some of Bali’s most beautiful and well-maintained beaches which is why a number high-end resorts offering world-class amenities can be found here. The powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal destination for relaxation, swimming, and water sports. Take advantage of snorkeling, diving, jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

If you love golf, the Bali National Golf Club and the Bali Golf & Country Club found here are known for their challenging courses and scenic surroundings.

For a truly unique experience visit a palm wine plantation and sample the wine straight from the tree. That’s right, in Indonesia farmers tap into a palm tree, fasten a container to the flower stump and collect the sap. The sap ferments naturally after collection and within a few hours you can have wine of up to 4% alcohol content. But drink up, it doesn’t keep for long. Unlike some wines that get better over time, palm wine turns to vinegar after a couple of days. So forget taking this item home as a souvenir.

Ubud is probably the closest you will get to the rice terraces with the jungle swings and many of the temples to the north like the famous Gate of Heaven. You may even opt for the trek up to the top of Mount Batur to catch the sunrise. Just know that getting around in this country takes time so plan for a full day and hire an experienced guide to help you navigate the lines, entry fees and anything else that comes with being a tourist. It can be magical or just a really long day on bumpy roads.

When you are ready for day parties and bumping nightlife head to the beachfront destination of Seminyak or Canggu. This area does not disappoint. Here you an take an early morning walk on the beach, pop into a local shop to find some cool local clothing brands by midday then put on your skimpiest bikini to join the party at one of the famous day clubs. You can take a late afternoon nap on one of the lunge chairs near the ocean before jumping right back into the real party that starts after dark. Whew, I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

One of the coolest Beach clubs to check out is Finn’s Beach Club…trust me don’t skip this one. Grab a reasonably priced lounger and set up camp for the day at this amazing hot spot. They have a few fabulous restaurants on site so you never have to leave.

There is no shortage of places to dine in this part of Bali. All of the food was delicious. Just have your concierge point you in the right direction to find an abundance of food outlets.

This area is surrounded by pristine beaches with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Bingin Beach, Dreamland Beach, and Balangan Beach are among the coastal gems where you can relax, swim, and soak up the tropical sun. It’s also home to one of Bali’s most iconic temples, some very photogenic cliffs overlooking the ocean.

In Uluwatu, you will find dramatic clifftop landscapes overlooking the Indian Ocean. The panoramic views, especially during sunset, are nothing short of spectacular. The Uluwatu Cliff is one of the best vantage points to witness the sun dipping below the horizon.

When to Go

Bali is located just south of the equator which means tropical, hot, and humid climate much of the time. May and June then August and September are the best time to enjoy Bali’s beautiful beaches, and the same goes for diving and snorkeling as visibility is excellent due to low rainfall and plenty of sunshine. This is also the hottest time of the year. If you are looking for less tourist try the shoulder season of April or October when hotel rates are cheaper and beaches/temples are less crowded. But beware, Bali’s rainy season officially starts in October.