Bali is more than just a tropical escape—it's a place with its own rhythm, culture, and unspoken customs. With headlines lately full of stories about tourists behaving badly on the island, it’s more important than ever to be a thoughtful and respectful traveler. In fact, tourism officials recently announced plans to launch awareness campaigns reminding tourists of the rules they must follow while visiting—a clear sign that local authorities are serious about protecting the island’s cultural integrity.
To help you travel smarter (and avoid being that visitor), here are 15 unwritten rules every traveler should know before visiting Bali, from me—a Condé Nast Traveler contributor who grew up in Indonesia—to you, dear reader. These tips and tricks can help you plan your next trip and teach you what to expect, going beyond the “best times to visit” or even the “hidden beaches to seek out” type of advice. Think of these as the “if you know, you know” bits of knowledge and etiquette, shared by locals and seasoned visitors who know the island inside out. There’s a reason why Indonesians are often regarded as some of the friendliest people around, so if you need a hand, someone will be there to help.
Read our complete Bali travel guide here, which includes:
- The Best Restaurants in Bali
- The Best Hotels in Bali
- The Best Things to Do in Bali
- The Best Bars in Bali
Motorcycles are your new best friend
While hailing cabs and booking cars is easily accessible, the fastest way to get around Bali’s often congested roads is by motorcycle or scooter. You can easily book rides through apps like Gojek or Grab, which also offer food delivery, parcel service, and even grocery shopping. For those that want to drive their own, there are plenty of scooter rental shops across the island and international driver’s licenses are generally accepted. Make sure you’ve got proper insurance and always wear a helmet—not just for safety but because it’s legally required under Indonesian traffic laws.
Expect traffic
Bali’s roads can be unpredictable and chaotic, leading to frequent traffic jams. During peak hours, even a short five-kilometer drive can take you up to an hour. It's wise to plan ahead and allow extra time for travel, especially when heading to popular areas like Kuta or Seminyak.
Watch your step
The streets of Bali are lined with canang sari—small Balinese Hindu offerings placed daily on the ground—as well as the occasional pothole and uneven pavement, which are common in urban and rural areas, so it’s always a good idea to watch your step while walking.
Know the sacred days
Hindu tradition has deep roots in Bali, and the island hosts numerous religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the year. On these sacred days, many shops, restaurants, and businesses may close, so it’s wise to consider this when planning your trip. Even if you’re not observing the rituals yourself, visitors are expected to respect local customs and adjust their activities accordingly. While ceremonies are often vibrant and open to observation, visitors should be respectful: Ask permission before taking photos, dress modestly, especially when entering temples, and avoid blocking processions or interrupting rituals.
The most significant of these events is Nyepi, the Balinese Day of Silence, which will next be observed from March 19 to March 20, 2026. During this 24-hour period, the entire island comes to a complete standstill—airports close, roads are empty, and even internet and broadcast services go offline. Everyone, including tourists, must stay indoors or within resort grounds, keep lights dimmed and curtains drawn at night, and avoid making loud noise.
Go beyond Canggu
There’s so much more to Bali than Canggu and Ubud—or even the well-trodden paths of Seminyak, Uluwatu, and Nusa Dua. Venture beyond these tourist hotspots and you’ll find areas that offer just as much, if not more, in nature and cultural richness without the crowds. Pererenan is Bali’s up-and-coming spot, offering laid-back beaches and a food scene that might just be redefining island dining. On the eastern coast, Manggis is ideal for those seeking solace, where big-name brands like Amankila and Alila overlook the Lombok Strait. Further northeast, Amed is known for diving, snorkeling, and volcanic black sand beaches, while Munduk in the highlands is blessed with cool mountain climate, waterfalls, and scenic treks. Just off the mainland, the Nusa Islands—Ceningan, Lembongan, and Penida—offer a different kind of beachside escape with dramatic coastlines and a slower pace that feels worlds away from Bali’s bustle.
Beware Bali belly
For those that haven’t heard of “Bali Belly,” or those who haven’t experienced it, consider yourself lucky. Bali Belly is quite real and a common nickname for traveler’s diarrhea, often caused by consuming contaminated food or water leading to gastrointestinal distress. It typically resolves in a few days with rest and hydration. You can avoid it by sticking to bottled or boiled water and saying no to iced drinks (unless you can confirm that that ice was made from purified water). Many clinics also provide mobile IV drip services straight to your hotel or villa.
Tourists pay more than locals
Tourists typically pay more than locals at many attractions on the island. Temples, national parks, and some beaches sometimes have official dual pricing, with foreigners typically paying higher entrance fees than Indonesian citizens. For example, locals might pay IDR 10,000 (0.60¢ USD) while tourists are charged IDR 50,000 ($3 USD) or more. In informal settings like markets, taxis, or tours, prices can also be higher for tourists unless negotiated.
Don't feed the animals
Stray dogs and cats are a frequent sight across Bali and wild monkeys freely roam jungle areas and temple grounds. While they may seem harmless, it’s best to observe from a distance and avoid them. Bali monkeys are known to pickpocket tourists, so keep your phones, glasses, hats, and snacks in your bag.
Eat local
While Bali has become a global hotspot for health-conscious cafés and fusion restaurants, its true culinary soul lies in the warungs serving local cuisine. Signature dishes like bebek betutu (spiced duck) and lawar (a mix of vegetables and minced meat) are must-tries. And nasi campur (rice served with an array of meats, vegetables, peanuts, and sambal) gives you a taste of everything on one plate. For something truly local, babi guling (roast suckling pig) is a popular pick and so is sate lilit—minced seafood or meat mixed with coconut and spices, wrapped around lemongrass sticks, and grilled over open flames.
Make mosquito spray your signature scent
Mosquitoes are common in Bali, especially near rice fields and jungles, and during the early morning and evening hours. Mosquito repellent will become your new go-to perfume, and be sure to apply it regularly. It’s also wise to wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk to minimize bites.
Just book the beach club
Many popular beach clubs, such as Potato Head, Savaya, and Finns fill up quickly on weekends and peak seasons, so it’s recommended to book at least a few days in advance. Walk-ins may be fine for some places or during quieter months, but reservations guarantee that you get the spot you want, whether it’s daybeds for optimal tanning or loungers for watching sunset. Check the club’s schedule for upcoming evening events because many host ticketed DJ nights.
It can rain… quite a bit, in fact
The rainy season in Bali is officially from October to March, but even during the dry summer months, sudden downpours do happen due to the island’s tropical location. It's a good idea to carry a light raincoat or umbrella. And even when it’s overcast or muggy, don’t skip the sunscreen—the UV index can still reach levels of 6 or higher.
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A temple is a temple
When visiting temples in Bali, it's important to dress modestly; covering shoulders and knees is a sign of respect, and always remove your shoes before entering. At some temples, you can rent sarongs as well. Women who are menstruating are traditionally not allowed to enter temple grounds, as it's considered impure in Balinese Hinduism. Also, refrain from pointing with your finger. Instead, use an open hand or indirect gestures to show or indicate something. When giving or receiving something, always use your right hand, as it is regarded as respectful in Balinese culture.
Leave an additional tip
Most restaurants, hotels, and spas already include a service charge, but leaving an additional tip is an appreciated gesture. Cash is preferred, so it's a good idea to carry some with you at all times. Smaller shops and local warungs may not accept cards, so having some rupiah on hand is always helpful. Fortunately, ATMs are widely available.
Bargain, and brush up on your Bahasa Indonesia
Bargaining is a common part of shopping in Bali’s traditional markets, especially for items like souvenirs, clothing, and handicrafts. Prices are often set higher for tourists, so vendors generally anticipate some negotiation. The key is to bargain politely and with a smile—it's seen as a friendly interaction rather than a confrontation. Start by offering around half the asking price and work your way up to a fair compromise. While getting a good deal feels great, keep in mind that a small amount to you can mean a lot to a local vendor, so it's best to aim for fairness rather than the absolute lowest price. And try to brush up on your Bahasa Indonesia. A simple “Apa kabar?” and “Terima kasih” can go a long way.
