Indonesia

Survival Guide

Weather, etiquette, transport, and everything else to know before you land in Bali.

Best Time to Visit

☀️ April – September · Best Time
Dry Season
  • Warm, sunny weather
  • Lowest humidity of the year
  • Best conditions for beaches, hiking and sunrise treks
  • Peak travel season, especially July and August
🌧️ October – March
Wet Season
  • Short, heavy tropical showers rather than all-day rain
  • Lush green rice terraces and waterfalls at their fullest
  • Fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices
  • Rougher seas can affect boat trips to nearby islands
🤫 Nyepi · March
The Day of Silence
  • Balinese New Year — the entire island shuts down for 24 hours
  • No flights, no lights, no travel, even for tourists
  • The exact date shifts yearly with the Balinese Saka calendar
  • A remarkable experience if your trip lands on it — plan ahead

Bali sits close to the equator, so temperatures stay warm year-round — the real difference between seasons is rainfall, not heat.

Pro Tip
If your dates land on Nyepi, build in a quiet day — resorts still operate, but you won't be able to leave your accommodation or reach the airport.

Do's & Don'ts

✅ DO
Wear a Sarong at Temples
  • Cover your legs and waist — most temples rent or lend one at the entrance
✅ DO
Use Your Right Hand
  • For giving, receiving, eating, and pointing
❌ DON'T
Step on Canang Sari
  • The small woven offerings placed on the ground each morning are sacred — walk around them
❌ DON'T
Touch Someone's Head
  • Considered the most sacred part of the body

Balinese culture is deeply spiritual — small courtesies go a long way with locals.

Also Do
  • Carry small cash for warungs and markets
  • Bargain politely at markets, never aggressively
  • Greet with a smile — Balinese hospitality runs both ways
Also Don't
  • Wear revealing clothing inside temple grounds
  • Ride a scooter without a valid licence and helmet
  • Feed or provoke the monkeys at Uluwatu or the Monkey Forest

Getting Around

🛵 Scooters
The Fastest Way Around the Island
  • Only ride if you're licensed, experienced and insured — traffic is dense
🚗 Private Drivers
Best for Longer Days
  • Hire a driver for the day when covering multiple regions like Ubud to Kintamani
⛴️ Fast Boats
To Nusa Penida, Gili & Lombok
  • Sanur is the main harbour for boats to the outer islands

Bali doesn't have a public transit network — most travellers get around by scooter, driver, or ride-hailing app.

📱 Grab & Gojek
Widely used for rides and food delivery, though pickup is restricted in some central Ubud and Seminyak zones.
💵 Cash & Payments
Cards work in resorts and cities, but cash is still essential for warungs, markets and scooter rentals.

Before You Go

🛂 Entry Requirements
Visa on Arrival
  • Most nationalities can get a 30-day Visa on Arrival, extendable once, or apply for an e-VOA online in advance
💰 Money
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
  • Cards are common in Seminyak and Canggu, but cash is still king in smaller towns and markets
🩺 Travel Insurance
Highly Recommended
  • Especially if you're riding scooters, diving, or hiking Mount Batur

A short checklist so nothing catches you off guard at the airport.

📝 Customs Declaration
Complete Indonesia's electronic customs form before or on arrival.
📲 Download Before Arrival
Grab, Gojek, Google Maps, Google Translate, Booking.com