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To have the best experience possible in Bali, it’s essential to be aware of the do’s and don’t in Bali as a tourist.
Bali’s deep history and rich culture are often disrespected by tourist crowds, making an informed guide essential.
In this guide, we take a look at the common do’s and don’ts in Bali you need to be aware of to make the most of your visit to this enchanting paradise.
Check Out: Book This Unique Walking Tour in Bali!
Do's in Bali
Here are a few things you should do in Bali as a tourist:
1. Respect Local Customs and Traditions
One of the first things to do when you land in Bali is to embrace and respect the local customs.
For instance, always be mindful of ceremonies and processions that you might encounter. If you come across a ceremony on the street, step aside and let it pass.
It’s also important to never point your feet at people or religious artifacts, as this is considered highly disrespectful.
Remember: When visiting Bali, you are a guest in a place that holds its traditions close to its heart. Respect them, and you’ll earn the respect of the locals in return.
2. Wear proper clothing at temples
Bali’s temples are not just tourist attractions, they are also sacred sites where locals worship and conduct important ceremonies.
When visiting these temples, it’s essential to dress modestly. This means wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Most temples will provide a sarong and sash at the entrance if you’re not adequately dressed, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own. The sarong is wrapped around your waist, and the sash is tied around your waist on top of the sarong.
3. Support Local Businesses
One of the best ways to experience the true essence of Bali is by supporting local businesses.
Engage with local artisans and vendors as they often have fascinating stories about their crafts and traditions.
Plus, you’ll find unique items that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. Ubud, in particular, is famous for its art and crafts, so make sure to explore and take home a piece of Bali’s artistic heritage.
4. Bargain at markets
Bargaining is a common practice in Bali’s markets, and it can be a fun experience if done respectfully.
When shopping at places like the Ubud Art Market, start by asking the price and then make a counteroffer.
Make sure to keep it light-hearted and friendly. However, avoid haggling over tiny amounts, as a few extra cents might not mean much to you, but it could make a significant difference to the vendor.
5. Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases
Learning a few basic phrases in Indonesian can go a long way in enhancing your Bali experience.
Simple greetings like “Selamat pagi” (good morning), “Terima kasih” (thank you), and “Tolong” (please) are always appreciated.
Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, the gesture shows respect and can open doors to better connections with the people you meet.
Don’ts in Bali
1. Beware of tourist traps
Like any popular tourist destination, Bali has its share of tourist traps. Be cautious of overpriced tours, dubious souvenir shops, and restaurants that might charge you more than the locals.
Do some research before booking activities or dining out. Look for reviews and recommendations from trusted sources.
Often, the best experiences come from smaller, locally-owned businesses that might not have flashy advertisements but offer genuine, high-quality services.
2. Don’t litter
Bali is known for its natural beauty, and keeping it pristine is everyone’s responsibility.
Unfortunately, littering is a problem in some areas due to the influx of tourists. Make sure to dispose of your trash properly and recycle whenever possible.
Carry a small bag for your waste if you can’t find a bin immediately. By keeping the environment clean, you’re helping preserve the island’s beauty for future generations of travelers and locals alike.
3. Don't drink tap water
One of the essential things to remember in Bali as a tourist is to avoid drinking tap water. The water quality can vary, and it’s safer to stick to bottled or filtered water.
Most hotels and restaurants provide bottled water for guests, and you can easily find it in shops around the island.
Also, be mindful of ice in your drinks and raw foods that might have been washed in tap water. Stick to reputable places where the hygiene standards are known to be high.
4. Don't disrespect sacred places
Bali’s temples and sacred sites should always be respected when visiting. Avoid loud talking, taking inappropriate photos, or climbing on religious structures.
Additionally, some areas might be restricted to worshippers only. Pay attention to signs and guidelines, and if you’re unsure, ask a local or a guide.
Showing respect for these sacred places reflects well on you as a considerate visitor.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Bali Trip?
To truly get the most out of your trip to Bali, do this:
1. Slow Down and Immerse Yourself:
Avoid rushing from one tourist spot to another. Take the time to soak in the local atmosphere.
2. Engage with the Local Community:
Participate in traditional ceremonies, if you’re invited. Balinese people are known for their hospitality, and engaging with them can provide a deeper understanding of their culture.
3. Join a Guided Tour:
A guided tour with providers such as Ubud Story Walks can truly enhance your experience by providing historical and cultural insights you might miss on your own.
Check Out: Ubud Past to Present Walking Tour!
Wrapping Up
By following these dos and don’t, you can ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience in Bali.
Remember, the key to a great trip to Bali is not just in seeing the sights but in connecting with the people and understanding their way of life.
Interested in making the most out of your trip to Bali? Get in touch with Ubud Story Walks for bespoke walking tours crafted for curious travelers in Ubud!
FAQ's
The best time to visit Bali is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is pleasant, and it’s ideal for outdoor activities.
Yes, Bali is generally safe for solo travelers. However, like any travel destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions.
There are various ways to get around in Bali, including taxis, scooters, and private drivers. Renting a scooter is a popular option, but make sure you have an international driving permit and wear a helmet.
Pack light, breathable clothing, swimwear, a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Don’t forget modest clothing for temple visits and comfortable shoes for walking.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many countries are eligible for a visa-free entry for short stays. Check the latest visa regulations before you travel.
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Read what people say about Ubud Story Walks...
Ubud Story Walks is something different. It’s a fun, entertaining and refreshing way to delve into Ubud’s past. The knowledgeable guides place as much emphasis on how they tell a story as they do on what they’re sharing, which means all sorts of magical and mystifying details are revealed. I believe the best way to get to know a place is to walk its streets, which makes Ubud Story Walks one of the best ways to get to know Ubud.
Julia Winterflood
We had a fantastic time walking around the historical centre of Ubud! Even though we've been based in Bali for a few years, we'd never had an actual tour of some of Bali's most iconic landmarks and learning about the history was fascinating. Our guide was hilarious and full of information and it was a lovely and relaxing way to learn so much. The tour was early in the morning which was perfect timing as the temperature was still cool and we were able to witness the morning bustle of Ubud's famous markets. 10/10 would recommend!
Rahima Saikal
Vicky Ilankovan2024-12-13A great way to get to know Ubud, past and present. Win and Kelly were fantastic tour guide: knowledgeable, friendly, and open. I’d just landed in the country and this was the best welcome to immerse myself in some of the culture and historic as well as get a bit of a lay of the land. It was great to visit historic sites as well as the museum, and here fun stories. Bonus points for traditional sweets! Many thanks to both. Would definitely recommend this walking tour
LH Sim2024-12-10Joe was our guide for the Ubud Story Walk Tour : Past To Present. He is very professional and knowledgeable who has many interesting stories to share. During the tour, he showed pictures related to the history for our better understanding. Besides pictures, he also showed us coins that were used in the past. Apart from being proficient in conducting the tour, he is also a very caring guide as he offered us sunscreen, mosquito repellent prior to his tour and brought us snacks and water when we had our short break during the tour. Thank you Joe for the excellent commentary. Will definitely join the other Ubud Story Walks on my next trip to Bali.
Jessica Hübner2024-12-05Ubud story walk past to presents was one of our favorite things to do in Ubud. Our guide Joe was super fun and very informative! Thank you Joe for the great time we had. I highly recommend this tour
Andrea Slosar2024-12-03I was on two tours and I really liked them. They are beautifully and comprehensively designed. Old black and white photos are an interesting addition. I was especially impressed by Windari with her communication skills and knowledge of the English language and Balinese culture. I wish the whole team much success in their future business and on discovering and solving pieces of the puzzle of Balinese culture.
Neeraj Goswami2024-12-01I went on two walking tours, loved both! The guides Ira and Win shared excellent insights on Balinese culture, history and traditions - helping me understand local context, beyond the usual pics on social media. I hope they add many more such interesting tours in the future!
Vinay Kashyap2024-11-26It's an essential part of a traveller's journey to know the history of a place he visits and my decision to choose Ubud Story walks was a good one. Joe, the guide took us through Ubud, the past to present and the walk was very informative. Its a good initiative done by a small team and I am happy to learn the efforts that the team is putting. Those who are coming to Ubud must consider opting for their guided tour.
tamara fields2024-11-26Enjoy a lovely morning with Ira as she expland the story of Bali, Ubud, Hinduism, the style of the houses and much more. Would recommend this walk to anyone that is interested in connected with the history and culture of bali while having someone who can answer your questions to have a deeper look into the life of the people living here.
David Hodgins2024-11-25We had a lovely and informative morning walk with Win. Her perfect pace, both physically and with information sharing , provided us with a rich understanding of Bali’s history and culture
Jill Boulter2024-11-22Great walking tour of Ubud. Ira was very knowledgable and spoke good English. Nice places to stop, little alleyways and quieter parts of Ubud. Very well looked after. Would recommend 👍.
Shafiga Elshan2024-11-15It was an amazing experience to learn more about Bali's history and culture. Our guide, Ira, was incredibly knowledgeable, positive, and caring. Thank you for such a wonderful experience!
