10 things NOT to do in Bali: tourist mistakes to avoid

Whoa, Bali – the land of coconuts, flip-flop tans, and more adventure than you can shake a surfboard at! But hey, first-time visitors, listen up! While this tropical playground is packed with excitement, it's also got a few banana peels you'll want to avoid slipping on. Lucky for you, I've been around the Bali block MANY times and survived all the wacky mishaps.

In this blogpost I will spill all the beans on the most common tourist blunders to dodge for your Bali trip. I've gathered enough "oops" moments to write a sitcom! From temple faux pas to monkey shenanigans, I've got all the stories and valuable lessons to help you tackle Bali like a pro!

So let’s jump into the top 10 things NOT to do in Bali and how to avoid common tourist mistakes!

Don’t trust the weather apps

The weather in Bali is so changeable that it’s pointless trying to forecast it! Don’t even bother looking at the Apple weather app because it will almost always forecast rain and thunderstorms, even in the middle of the dry season. So don’t panic if your holiday is coming up and the forecast looks dire, it is rarely as bad as it looks! It’s safe to say you’ll have more rain in rainy season, and less rain in dry season and it’s always nice and warm, all year round. Just go with the flow! Check my blog post that goes deeper into when the best time to travel to Bali is.

Don’t drink water from the tap

And don’t even brush your teeth with tap water (use bottled water). Bali’s notoriously poor water infrastructure puts users at risk of dangerously contaminated drinking water. In the short-term, users risk unpleasant viruses and sickness – you’ve probably heard tales of the infamous Bali Belly far too many times, and the debate rages on as to whether it’s the pollution in the sea water or what comes through the faucet.

Don’t touch the offerings

You’ll see beautiful offerings (known as canang sari) refreshed daily outside all homes, shops and temples and it’s one of those quintessential Balinese sights that always makes us smile. The offerings are usually right in the middle of the pavement and it’s easy to step on them by mistake. Try to pay extra attention not to as this is deeply offensive to the Balinese.

Don't get mad when people honk at you

Honking in Bali simply means 'hey, I'm coming, 'be careful!', or 'I am coming on your left or right'. It is just a gesture they use whenever they pass someone. It doesn't mean they are angry at you or you did something wrong. Annoying? Maybe. But once you try to navigate the Bali traffic yourself, you’ll be thankful. Trust me on this!

Don't piss off the monkeys

In places like Ubud and Uluwatu, you will come across wild monkeys everywhere. These guys might look cute but don’t be fooled, they’re just after your snacks, sunglasses and phones (no joke)! And they will do anything to get this, even bite! A trip to the Monkey Forest in Ubud is well worth it to see these guys up close, but pay close attention to the safety precautions there to avoid getting any of your valuables pinched.

Pro tip: Never look monkeys directly in the eyes (it will make them aggressive) and never give them food unless there’s a local guide present.

Don’t drive on the right

If you do end up renting a motorbike, just remember that everyone drives on the left here. Be sure to wear a helmet and stay on the lookout for cows, chickens, and dogs crossing the street.

Don’t overstay your visa

Bali's charm might tempt you to extend your stay indefinitely, but remember to check your visa requirements before arriving. Overstaying your visa can lead to serious complications, so be sure to keep track of your visa validity and plan your departure accordingly. You can find a detailed overview on visas in Bali and how to extent on my Bali visas blogpost!

Don’t drive a scooter in Bali if it’s your first time

While zipping around on a scooter might seem like a thrilling way to explore Bali, if you're a first-timer, it's best to proceed with caution or not do it at all. The traffic is a massive challenge, and there really aren’t any road rules (or nobody really applies them) which makes it even more chaotic So consider alternative modes of transport like Grab, Gojek or a private driver.

Don’t go to Bali if you’re afraid of dogs

Bali is doggo paradise! Literally EVERYWHERE you go in Bali there are street dogs: on the beach, in the streets, in home stays, hotels, restaurants…If you're a dog lover, you'll find joy in their company, but if you're uncomfortable or afraid of dogs, Bali might not be your destination.

Keep in mind: most of them are friendly but always be cautious because a lot of them have skin diseases or rabies (you don’t want to get bitten).

Don’t get naked at temples or sacred places

Yes, we’re serious. Lately there have been many cases of tourists who strip down their clothes to - well, nothing really- to take pictures for their social media. Please don’t do this. You will be deported.

When it comes to visiting Bali's sacred temples, remember that modesty is the name of the game. So, let's play temple chic! Ditch the revealing clothes for a more elegant ensemble that pays homage to the sanctity of the spiritual sites.

DON’T TRUST GOOGLE MAPS

Planning your trip or perhaps your Bali itinerary? You are most likely using Google Maps to plan your trips and check distances and time. One thing I can tell from experience, don’t trust Google Maps when it comes to travel times in Bali. Due to chaotic traffic and religious ceremonies you’ll be rerouted or extremely delayed. So better be safe then sorry, if you are planning on catching a sunset in Bali add some extra time for the possibility of traffic jams so you won’t miss i