Bali Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
I've been travelling to Bali for over 30 years, and I've watched this island completely transform from the Bali I knew as a child into the destination it is today.
Bali has changed enormously over the years. Some areas that I remember as quiet and relatively undeveloped are now some of the busiest tourist destinations on the island, while other areas still have that slower, more traditional feeling that first made me fall in love with Bali.
After more than 30 years of visiting, I've learnt that having a great Bali holiday isn't just about finding beautiful beaches or booking a gorgeous hotel.
It's about knowing what to organise before you arrive, understanding how to get around, choosing the right area for your type of holiday and knowing what to expect when you get there.
So if you're planning your first trip to Bali, this guide covers the practical things I think you should know before you go.
Before You Fly to Bali
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before you even get on the plane, check which Indonesian visa or entry option applies to your nationality.
For many tourists, this will be the Visa on Arrival or electronic Visa on Arrival.
If you're eligible for an e-VOA, I personally recommend organising it online before you fly rather than waiting until you arrive.
After a long international flight, the last thing you want is to spend extra time standing in queues at the airport.
Official Indonesian e-Visa website:
Indonesia e-Visa / e-VOA
Complete Your All Indonesia Arrival Declaration
Indonesia's All Indonesia system brings together the immigration, customs, health and quarantine arrival declarations.
Complete this before you travel and save your confirmation or QR code to your phone.
I also recommend taking a screenshot so you have it available even if you don't have internet when you land.
Official website:
All Indonesia Arrival Declaration
Don't Forget the Bali Tourism Levy
Foreign tourists visiting Bali are currently required to pay the Bali Tourism Levy.
The current levy is IDR 150,000 per foreign visitor.
I recommend paying it online before you arrive so you have one less thing to organise at the airport.
Official website:
Love Bali – Official Bali Tourism Levy Website
My pre-flight checklist
Before you leave home, have these ready:
Passport
Visa/e-VOA if required
All Indonesia arrival declaration
Bali Tourism Levy
Accommodation confirmation
Airport transfer details
Travel insurance
Return/onward flight details
Save copies of everything to your phone.
Money in Bali: Cash, Cards or Wise?
Bali has changed considerably when it comes to paying for things.
In many hotels, larger restaurants, shops and tourist businesses, you can use debit cards, credit cards and travel cards such as Wise.
However, I still recommend carrying Indonesian rupiah.
Once you venture into smaller villages, local warungs, traditional markets, small shops and more rural areas, cash becomes much more useful — and sometimes it's the only option.
The best approach is to have a combination of:
Indonesian rupiah
Debit or credit card
Wise or another travel card
You can also bring cash in your home currency and exchange it once you're in Bali.
Major international currencies such as Australian dollars, US dollars, euros and British pounds are commonly exchanged, along with other major currencies.
Always use an authorised money changer and count your money carefully before leaving.
Official currency information:
Indonesia Travel – Currency Information
Arriving at Bali Airport
Once you've landed at Ngurah Rai International Airport, you'll go through immigration, collect your luggage and head towards arrivals.
One of my biggest airport tips is:
Don't feel pressured to accept help with your luggage.
You may have people offering to carry your bags around baggage collection and arrivals.
If you don't need help, simply say:
“No thank you.”
And keep walking.
You also don't have to accept the first taxi or transfer someone offers you outside the airport.
Having your transport organised before you arrive can make the whole process much easier.
How to Get Around Bali
You have several options for getting around Bali.
Depending on where you're staying, you can use:
Grab
GoJek
Private drivers
Pre-booked airport transfers
Official taxis
Klook
For shorter journeys, Grab and GoJek can be incredibly convenient where available.
For full days of sightseeing, I personally recommend considering a private driver.
You don't need one for your entire holiday.
Instead, hire a driver for days when you're visiting multiple attractions such as temples, waterfalls, rice terraces or other destinations.
And remember: Bali traffic can make short distances take much longer than you expect.
Don't Skip Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one thing I would never recommend travelling without.
It's especially important if you're planning to:
Ride a motorbike or scooter
Visit rural areas
Go diving or snorkelling
Participate in adventure activities
Travel with children
If you're planning to ride a motorbike, make sure your insurance specifically covers you and that you meet all the policy requirements regarding licences, helmets and local laws.
Don't assume that simply having travel insurance means you'll automatically be covered.
Health in Bali: Bali Belly & Dengue Fever
Bali is a tropical destination, and travellers can still experience things like Bali belly and dengue fever.
Basic precautions can go a long way.
Consider:
Using mosquito repellent
Staying hydrated
Taking care with food and water
Washing your hands regularly
Using appropriate sun protection
If you become seriously unwell, seek medical advice.
Official health information:
CDC – Indonesia Travel Health Information
Pharmacies & Medical Care
Bali has many pharmacies, clinics and medical facilities, particularly in the main tourist areas.
If you need medication, speak with a pharmacist and explain what you're looking for.
One useful tip is to ask whether there is a generic version available.
Generic medication can sometimes be considerably cheaper than well-known international brands.
Always check the active ingredients and dosage rather than assuming two products are identical.
If you take regular prescription medication, bring enough for your trip and keep it in its original packaging.
Where Should You Stay in Bali?
This is one of the biggest decisions you'll make.
Bali isn't one single destination.
Each area has its own personality, atmosphere and type of traveller.
Kuta & Legian
Busy, convenient and established.
You'll find plenty of restaurants, shops, hotels and nightlife, and you're close to the airport.
Great for convenience and having lots happening around you.
Not my first choice if you're looking for peaceful Bali.
Seminyak
More stylish and upscale, with restaurants, boutiques, beach clubs, hotels and villas.
A good option if you want shopping, restaurants and nightlife close by.
Canggu
One of Bali's biggest hotspots.
Popular with younger travellers, surfers, digital nomads, cafes and restaurants.
However, Canggu has changed dramatically over the years and traffic can be a major issue.
Don't choose it simply because it looks beautiful on Instagram.
Nusa Dua
A more resort-focused area with beautiful beaches, large resorts and a polished atmosphere.
Particularly popular with families and travellers looking for a relaxing resort holiday.
Ubud
A completely different experience.
Think rice terraces, temples, art, wellness and jungle scenery.
Central Ubud can be busy, however, so don't automatically expect a completely secluded jungle experience.
Sanur
One of my favourite places in Bali.
Sanur is relaxed, family-friendly and generally much calmer than some of the busier southern areas.
The beachfront promenade, restaurants and slower pace make it one of my favourite choices for families or anyone wanting a more relaxed Bali experience.
And for me, Sanur still holds some of that feeling of the Bali I've known for so many years.
Lovina
Further north, Lovina offers a much quieter experience.
It's a great option for travellers looking for a slower pace and a less developed part of Bali.
The Gili Islands
The Gili Islands aren't technically part of Bali — they're off the coast of Lombok — but they're commonly included in Bali itineraries.
They're particularly popular for beaches, snorkelling, diving and an island atmosphere.
Choosing a Hotel in Bali
Don't rely solely on the star rating.
Hotel standards can vary considerably, so always look at:
Recent reviews
Recent guest photographs
Location
Cleanliness
Bathrooms
Air conditioning
Pool
Noise
Breakfast
Distance from the places you want to visit
And most importantly, look at the map.
A hotel may look close to an attraction online, but Bali traffic can make the journey much longer than expected.
Don't Try to See All of Bali in One Trip
This is one of my biggest Bali tips.
Don't try to see everything.
Bali traffic can make distances feel much longer than they look on a map.
Instead, choose an area and explore it properly.
Or, if you want to experience different sides of Bali, split your accommodation between two areas.
You might spend part of your trip somewhere relaxed like Sanur and then move to Ubud for a completely different experience.
Sometimes seeing less actually means enjoying Bali more.
Bali Has Changed
After more than 30 years of travelling to Bali, this is something I notice more than anything.
Bali has changed.
Tourism has grown enormously.
Hotels, villas, restaurants, roads and entire neighbourhoods have developed.
Some places I remember as quiet little areas are now incredibly busy.
But there are still places that give me that feeling of the Bali I fell in love with as a child.
And that's one of the reasons I keep coming back.
Bali isn't the same Bali I first knew.
It's different.
And part of the fun is discovering which parts of the island still offer the experience you're looking for.
My Biggest Bali Tip
Don't choose Bali based solely on what you see online.
Think about what you actually want from your holiday.
Do you want:
Nightlife?
Luxury resorts?
Quiet beaches?
Family-friendly accommodation?
Culture?
Nature?
Surfing?
Shopping?
Restaurants?
Wellness?
Once you know what kind of holiday you want, choosing the right area becomes much easier.
Official Bali Travel Websites
For the most up-to-date information, always check official sources before travelling.
Indonesia e-Visa / e-VOA
eVisa Indonesia
All Indonesia Arrival Declaration
All Indonesia
Bali Tourism Levy – Love Bali
Love Bali
Official Indonesia Tourism Website
Indonesia Travel
Indonesia Currency Information
Indonesia Travel – Currency
Indonesia Payment Information
Indonesia Travel – Payment System
Indonesia Travel Health Information
CDC – Indonesia
Watch Our Full Video
Watch our full video on YouTube: The Atlas Journey, where we share all our tips.
Bali can be whatever you want it to be.
It can be a luxury resort holiday, a family adventure, a cultural experience, a wellness retreat, a surfing trip or simply a place to slow down and relax.
But choosing the right area, preparing before you arrive and understanding how Bali works can make a huge difference to your experience.
I've been travelling to Bali for over 30 years, and I'm still discovering new places.
That's what I love about this island.
It may have changed dramatically since I first visited as a child, but there's still so much to explore.
This is just the beginning of our Bali series here at The Atlas Journey.
I'll be sharing more of the places I've personally visited, the areas I love, how Bali has changed over the years and the practical tips I've learnt along the way.
So if you're planning a trip to Bali, bookmark this guide and follow along with the rest of the series.