A Travel Guidebook for New Travelers in Bali



Bali is one of the destinations that most common travelers choose when they want a vacation. We could assume Bali tends to be the first choice for travelers in Indonesia, because this city was perfect for people who want to enjoy nature, activities and luxury vacation. However, there are several important things that a new traveler should be aware of when they want to travel to Bali. I have concluded several pieces of advice and information that I got when traveling in Bali.


Kelan Beach | Source: Annya. Doc.



  1. Accommodation 

Plagoo Holiday Villa | Source: Annya. Doc.


In Bali, travelers tend to spend most of their vacation outside, morning until evening. So, it will be best if you choose a low price accommodation but strategic. I recommend choosing a hotel or homestay in Kuta. The living-places  in Kuta were relatively low but still decent. The other advantage was that it was also a strategic area that was surrounded by shopping destinations and beaches, such as Kuta Beach Street, Beach Walk and Legian street. 



  1. Destinations

There are a lot of beaches in Bali and all of them have a different condition. If you are searching for a beach that is perfect for relaxing and there aren't many visitors, Melasti Beach and Kelan Beach are suitable for you. 


Melasti Beach (left) & Kelan Beach (right) | Source: Annya. Doc.


If you are looking for a beach that is suitable for a big group of people and there are a lot of cafes, Kuta Beach and Double-Six Beach was the choice. 

Tanjung Benoa is a beach that is specifically reserved to enjoy water sports, such as banana boat, parasailing, etc. But visitors have to be aware that this beach area is not safe to do swimming or diving.


Sunset in Double-Six Beach | Source: Annya. Doc.



If you are searching for other options other than water, you could visit Desa Penglipuran in Bangli or Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) in Badung. In Desa Penglipuran you only need 25k rupiah to enjoy the scenery and socialize with the locals. For GWK it costs a pretty high budget to enter and enjoy the facilities, you need to prepare more than 150k rupiah in this place. 


Desa Wisata Penglipuran | Source: Annya. Doc.


One thing new visitors need to be aware of when visiting the destination places is that you will spend a lot of money when you want to go to the toilet, it costs around 3k-5k. Snacks and drinks also become two times more expensive than usual.




  1. Food

A lot of people that have visited Bali said that food is one of the reasons they spend a lot of money, and it is true. The food’s price in Bali was relatively pricey because it targeted the tourists, and it is inevitable. So, if you want to save a little bit of your money, you may search for a food stall located around a housing complex. The price was still reasonable because it targeted the locals, around 15k-35k rupiah. Visitors also need to be aware that Bali’s food is rich in spices, almost all of their food is sour and spicy. For example these foods and beverages in the picture; Ayam Taliwang, Nasi Babi Guling and Loloh Cemcem.


Ayam Taliwang (upper left), Nasi Campur Babi Guling (upper right), Loloh Cemcem (bottom) | Source: Annya. Doc.


  1. Lifestyle

Bali is one of the cities that I acknowledge as a tolerant city. The majority of the locals were Hinduism, but they showed a great tolerance toward the visitors from different religions, cultures, cities and even countries. Bali is also a place where you could feel free to wear any clothes you want to wear without minding what other people thought of it.


This city is an animal friendly place, you will see puppies along the way or at the beach, you will also see monkeys freely back and forth in the public places, there are also a lot of cows along the ways especially the way toward the highland.


Animals roaming in public places | Source: Annya. Doc.



I also admire Bali who still maintain their folkways and traditional attire. You will see locals who wear traditional clothes in their daily life, especially every Thursday. 

Bali is also known for their sculpture. You will see sculptures anywhere in Bali, public places, restaurants, schools, government buildings, etc. 


Sculptures in houses and roads | Source: Annya. Doc.


New visitors also need to be aware of the sesajen. The locals usually put their sesajen in front of their houses or workplaces. So, you will see it frequently in the front door of every place you visit. And make sure not to step on it!


Sesajen in front of Indomaret | Source: Annya. Doc.


These were some advices and pieces of information that I could share as a newbie traveler in Bali myself. Hope this entry could help give people insights and things-to-consider when planning to go travelling to Bali.


Salatiga - Annya Monica Johan



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