A trip to Bali is on a lot of people’s bucket lists, and unfortunately, not everyone goes home happy. Many first-time Bali travelers end up disappointed because the Island of the Gods wasn’t what they expected or saw on Instagram.
Having lived on the island for several years now and planned hundreds of trips for tourists, we can safely say that these are the five most common things tourists get wrong about Bali, and we’ll even tell you how to avoid them.
Are you planning a trip to Bali soon or just coming back from one? This post will set expectations right and will make you want to come back as soon as possible.
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What every tourist gets wrong about Bali
Bali isn’t all about white-sand beaches, ancient temples, and hidden waterfalls. The reality is, unfortunately, not as you see the island on Instagram, so make sure to be prepared for these five things before you go.
All You Need For Your Bali Trip
1. The traffic
In recent years Bali’s traffic went from bad to worse and all the way to disastrous. If you’ve visited the island pre-Covid, you’ll be in for a surprise when it comes to the time you’ll spend stuck in traffic.
Especially the south of the island, including Uluwatu, Seminyak, and Canggu are known for congested, narrow roads that will turn even a short 10-minute drive into an hour-long ordeal.
But even Ubud, which has always had the reputation of being peaceful and closer to “the real Bali” than the busy southern beach towns, has fallen victim to hoards of tourists. The traffic in Ubud is now just as bad, if not worse, so be prepared.
How to avoid the traffic in Bali
Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do, but here are some tips to alleviate the stress of being stuck in traffic.
- Know what to expect and plan ahead. Make sure to factor in plenty of time to get from one place to another. Traffic is a part of life in Bali, so don’t let it ruin your trip.
- Try to take a motorbike instead of a car. If you can, jump on a grab or gojek bike, which is always much faster than taking a car.
- Go early in the morning. The best time for longer distances is before 8 AM or late at night when the roads are significantly quieter.
- Be prepared for the rain. When it rains, it’s always harder to find a driver on apps like grab or gojek, so you need to factor in even more time.
- Bring entertainment and snacks. Pack a book, watch a movie, and stop at a minimart for food and drinks to make longer drives go by faster.
2. The laundry
Bali has no shortage of laundry service places where you can get your clothes washed and dried for anywhere between IDR 7,000 to IDR 30,000. Many villas or hotels also offer their own in-house service.
This is incredibly convenient, but also has its pitfalls.
Many laundry places have old machines, use cheap detergent, and wash the clothing all together, which often leads to stains, lost items, or bleached clothes.
A lot of tourists in Bali end up with a bad laundry experience, so make sure you know what to expect.
How to navigate washing your laundry in Bali
Luckily, there are great laundry services all around Bali, so you won’t have to worry too much if you keep these tips in mind.
- Pick your laundry place carefully. When in doubt, go for a modern one with a lot of positive Google reviews.
- Use a self-service laundromat. There aren’t too many of those in remote areas, but if you’re staying somewhere touristy, you’ll find them without issue. That way, you’ll have control over how you wash your clothes.
- Wash important items by hand. If you’re particularly attached to an item of clothing or know it needs to be washed in a specific way, it’s always safest to wash it by hand.
- Avoid bringing white clothes to Bali. They’re very susceptible to stains, especially when it comes to sunscreen and chlorine, and usually get ruined easily in the wash.
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Here are our absolute favourite hotels in Bali – hand-picked and tested by us.
3. Bali belly
Bali belly is an unfortunate term for what is essentially just food poisoning. You’ll encounter it in many countries across South East Asia, and almost every traveler experiences it at least once during their time in Bali.
It’s usually difficult to pinpoint why exactly you got sick: it could be anything, including the tap water, not washing your hands frequently enough, dirty plates or lack of hygiene when preparing food.
But, it’s important to know that Bali belly is rarely directly related to trying street food or eating in small local restaurants. It’s just as likely that you get sick from eating in larger restaurants, and it’s difficult to avoid, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
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How to navigate getting sick in Bali
It’s good to be prepared for stomach problems when you come to Bali, and it’s important to know that while those issues are common, they usually last only a few days and can be treated easily.
A few tips to keep in mind are washing and sanitizing your hands frequently, avoiding any contact with tap water, including brushing your teeth with it, and making sure to wash and dry fruit or vegetables thoroughly.
If you do feel unwell, make sure to drink plenty of electrolytes, try charcoal tablets, and eat simple, light meals to avoid upsetting your stomach further.
Bali belly is common, but not more common than in any other country in South East Asia, so there is no need to panic.
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4. The tourism
Bali is often marketed as an untouched, beautiful destination known for its spirituality, serenity, and pristine nature. That is one reason why many travelers end up disappointed when they actually visit the Island of the Gods for the first time.
While areas of northern Bali are definitely as untouched as you might expect, much of the popular South is now known for its extensive traffic jams, crowded beaches, trash problems, vast construction sites, and overtourism.
Bali is still beautiful, but if you’re looking for sleepy surfer towns, lush rice fields, and empty white-sand beaches, you’ll most likely be disappointed. Everyone loves Bali, and in recent years the island has struggled with over-tourism and a growing plastic waste problem.
What to expect when coming to Bali
Bali is touristy, and you need to know that before you visit for the first time. Visiting areas towards the center or north of the island is recommended for those looking for peace and quiet, but expect there to be fewer amenities and activities to choose from.
Be prepared to be stuck in traffic frequently when visiting Bali, especially during the high season. If you’re not quite sure if all that sounds like the right fit for your trip, maybe consider visiting Lombok instead. Another option is to come to Bali during the low season, which is much quieter.
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The most comfortable way to get around Bali is with a private driver. Read our complete guide or book instantly at the lowest prices with no need to haggle.
5. The accommodation
Bali has an incredible selection of resorts, villas, and homestays. But prices have increased drastically in recent years, so you might be surprised when booking your stay in Bali. It’s not the affordable place it once was, especially if you’re staying in popular areas like Canggu, Uluwatu, Ubud, or Seminyak.
It’s also important to know that due to low-quality construction practices, extreme weather, and high humidity, houses in Bali often face mold, drainage, and roof issues, even in newly constructed places.
Many tourists are, therefore, disappointed by the villas they rent during their stay, and true luxury places are incredibly expensive on the island.
How to avoid accommodation disappointment in Bali
You need to be very, very careful when renting a place in Bali, especially when it comes to Airbnb. With so many villas to choose from, keep an eye out for those with consistently good reviews, and make sure to choose one with very recent, positive reviews.
If you can, try to find the place you have chosen on Google Maps for more accurate photos and reviews, and ask the owner questions before you book.
Noise complaints from traffic, construction, bars, or farms are very common in Bali, so keep an eye out for that, too, to make sure your trip is as relaxing as possible.
The Best Private Drivers In Bali
The most comfortable way to get around Bali is with a private driver. Read our complete guide or book instantly at the lowest prices with no need to haggle.
Best eSIM & Physical SIM For Bali
Did you know you can get the best SIM card for tourists delivered to your hotel in Bali at no extra charge? Or get an eSIM, so you’ll be connected from day one.
Before you go…
Hopefully, this article will help make your Bali trip as positive as possible and please leave a comment below if you have anything to add that could be helpful to other travelers.
If you’re still here, you might also like our other Bali guide, including how to use grab and gojek, our favorite group tours, the best coral restoration charities worth supporting, and the best romantic restaurants to try.
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Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
