20 things that will surprise first-time visitors to Bali

We already know about the things that shouldn't happen in Bali: excessive drinking, tourists exposing way too much flesh on the beach and blatant ignorance of the island's culture. But that's not the real Bali. Beyond Kuta there is plenty that will surprise, and delight, the first-time visitor to the Island of the Gods.

Get out of the main tourist areas and see Bali's World Heritage-listed rice terraces.Credit: Shutterstock

1. They know it's your first time

The first time I visited Bali my then-boyfriend was chased down the street by around 30 vendors after we went for our first walk outside our hotel. One brazen Javanese woman tied a leather bracelet around his wrist and demanded payment. You stop to look at what they're selling and you mistakenly ask how much. They know.

2. You'll sweat like there's no tomorrow

Forget your jeans, or that heavy jacket; Bali is hot year-round with an average temperature of 32 degrees. Pack cotton fabrics, kaftans and open-toe shoes. You will live in your swimmers. May to July is considered the best time to visit Bali. You may even be able to walk down the street without leaving a puddle of sweat – but then again, don't count on it.

3. Bali's beaches are nothing on Australia's

It shouldn't really come as a surprise given Australia has some of the best beaches on the planet, but the first time you take a dip in Bali it can be disappointing. The water at many popular beaches is generally not clear, and you mightn't see anything of note while snorkelling. There are exceptions. The beaches of Ungasun, where many hip beach clubs are located, look like the Amalfi Coast, but beware of strong currents and dumping waves. What the beaches lack in aesthetics they more than make up for with happening beachfront clubs and incredible sunsets.

4. Culture is everywhere you look

The true Bali, with its rituals, festivals and ancient culture, is everywhere you look from small offerings sitting outside shops to thousands of temples that reside everywhere from hotels and resorts to by the roadside. Everywhere you look, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred offerings. The Balinese carry out their religious obligations with pride and everyone takes part from the youngest child, through to grandparents, all dressed immaculately for the temple.

Credit: Getty Images

5. You'll need to pack a sarong

Speaking of temples, if you plan to visit one you are required to wear a sarong and a sash. You can hire them if you forgot to pack one, or buy them relatively cheaply. Both men and women need to cover their legs below the knee with a sarong, while the sash should be worn around the waist.

6. The drinks are incredible, and cheap

Bali sure knows how to make a fab cocktail. Some of the best can be found in bars, beach clubs and restaurants in Seminyak and Legian but I've had delicious lychee martinis in the middle of nowhere. Beer is also cheap. Be wary of inexpensive and nasty bootlegged alcohol and avoid drinks that appear too cheap even by Bali standards. Avoid drinks labelled as arak. Wine, compared to spirits, is extremely expensive.

7. The shopping's amazing, but not the bargain it once was

The markets are fun for first timers, and haggling is expected. However shopping in Bali is now incredibly sophisticated, particularly in Seminyak, Legian, Canggu and Ubud. Amazing boutiques, high-end home ware stores, silver jewellery and antiques can all be found. Many of the items cost what they do back home, so hunt around for sales.

Credit: iStock

8. Kuta is really that bad, but it's not the real Bali

Kuta can still be on the seedy side, and full of tourists who find that sort of thing appealing, but don't judge the whole of Bali on it. It'd be like visiting Surfers Paradise during schoolies and writing off the whole of Australia. In fact, Kuta has welcomed a number of exciting hotels in recent times that could breathe new life into the area, including urban resort Mamaka by Ovolo and Marriott's Aloft Bali.

9. You can get a decent coffee

Once upon a time Bali was a desert for caffeine lovers. Not so anymore. Try the three outposts of Revolver in Seminyak, Petitenget and Canggu (now also at Denpasar airport), Bootstrap in Canggu, Alchemy in Ubud and Uluwatu, and Anomali in Ubud. With free WI-FI at most cafes, you may consider becoming a digital nomad.

10. You don't need to wear a helmet, but you'd be mad not to

Lots of tourists hire motorbikes and drive around without helmets, in shorts, thongs and even skimpy bikinis – throwing caution to the wind. Don't do it. Falling off hurts even more when you don't wear protective gear and it's unlikely your travel insurance will cover you if you're not wearing a helmet and don't have an Indonesian or international license.

There's no public transport to speak of but Bluebird taxis are metered, super cheap and clean.

11. You now need to have cash ready when you land in Bali

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians could apply for a visa waiver program for free entry into Indonesia for short-term travel. As of May 2022, the Indonesian government has reinstated its tourist visa, requiring Aussies to pay $US35 on arrival in Bali (around $AU50). Australians can apply as they arrive at the international airport for travel of up to 30 days, but they must have at least six months validity on their passport to enter.

12. There are a lot of Ketuts

All Balinese share the same four names - Wayan, Made, Nyoman or Ketut – whether they're male or female, and are named by order of birth. If a family has a fifth child, they will start again and call him or her Wayan.

13. A lot of people smoke, and cigarettes are cheap

Both the locals (mostly men) and every second tourist smokes, so it'll be a shock for those who love our tobacco-free public spaces. It's not surprising to see young boys smoking and small children selling cigarettes either.

14. You will get sick of nasi goreng but you should try it

Balinese cuisine is not world-renowned, but it's tasty and inexpensive. You should at least try the babi guling (suckling pig), nasi goreng (Indonesian fried rice) and sate lembat. Bali's restaurant scene however is world class, with some of the most incredible food you'll find anywhere in the world.

15. You'll be there before you know it

There's a reason Bali is so popular with Australians; it only takes four-to-six hours to get there and fares are relatively cheap (not as cheap pre Covid sadly), except in peak season (July-August and Australian school holidays) when airfare and accommodation prices soar. Before you know it you'll be kicking back with a Mojito watching a Balinese sunset. Unfortunately nearly all flights home are at night (there are some daytime flights to Sydney and Melbourne with Jetstar; Virgin also operates a late afternoon flight to Melbourne), so you won't get much sleep.

16. You can't drink the water

Drink bottled water only, and brush your teeth in it too. Bottled water is cheap and many hotels and resorts provide complimentary water. It's advisable not to have ice in your drinks either, unless it's a reputable hotel, restaurant or bar. Better be safe than suffer Bali belly, which unfortunately does happen – particularly to first timers. Pack the Immodium.

17. There's truly gob-smacking scenery

Get out of the main tourist areas, and see Bali's World Heritage-listed rice terraces, watch a farmer herding his flock of ducks, see a woman perched sidesaddle on a motorbike on her way to the temple. Take a walk and meet the locals.

18. You will feel like a millionaire

The exchange rate means $A100 is equivalent to roughly 1 million Rupiah (give or take depending on the day), so your wallet will be as fat as the local bookmakers. There are money changes everywhere (ask your hotel for a reputable one) and you can get money out at ATMs on your credit card, but be careful. Mine was swallowed up in a local convenience store and when I got home multiple things had been charged to my card.

19. Tips are not expected, but you still should

The Balinese people are lowly paid, and yet extremely generous and hospitable. If you receive good service, a small tip goes a long way. If you're with a group throw in a couple of bucks each, and learn to say thank you: "terima kasih". The locals appreciate you learning a few Indonesian words.

20. You will be back

Once Bali gets under your skin, don't be surprised to find yourself returning again and again. Some Australians holiday there annually: others never come back home (Bali is full of Australian ex pats). There's something magical, ethereal and beautiful about Bali. Be sure to get out beyond your hotel and find it.