Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
STEP 2: Download & Complete the All-Indonesia App (NEW from Sep 2025)
This new digital arrival declaration is mandatory for all international travelers arriving via major airports and ports, including Bali.
- Replaces older forms like Satu Sehat and Customs Declaration
- Combine all arrival forms in one place (immigration, health, customs)
- Available in English, Bahasa, and Chinese
- Fill out up to 3 days before arrival
📱 Download the app on android or IOS and complete it before your flight to avoid delays!
STEP 3: Pre-register for Bali's Autogates
All visitors intending to use the autogates must pre-register their passports online before arrival at the airport. You won't be able to pass through the gates if you skip this step — I tried. Pre-register for the autogates through the Indonesian immigration e-Visa portal. The Official eVisa website for Indonesia
STEP 4: Pay the Bali Tourism Levy
From February 14, 2024, international visitors to Bali are subject to a one-time fee of IDR150,000 (USD $10). This fee helps fund environmental and cultural preservation initiatives across the island.
Before arrival, you are encouraged to settle this payment via the Welcome to Bali, the Island of Gods - Love Bali or app. Be sure to check if you’re exempt from the levy, as some categories of travelers, such as those in transit, may not need to pay.
Upon payment, a tourism levy voucher will be sent via email, and the QR code can be downloaded to a smartphone or printed for scanning at checkpoints in Bali Airport and seaports.
Understanding Local Culture and Daily Life
Famous Bali Temples
Famous Bali Temples
Famous Bali Temples
Balinese culture is spiritual, gentle and woven into daily life. When you understand the rhythm of the island, everything feels easier and more meaningful.
Temples are active places of worship.
Wear a sarong – To enter any temple in Bali, you need to wear a sarong. These are almost always lent to you for free at the entrance (or incl. in the ticket). Sometimes, opportunistic locals will approach you in the parking area and say that you need to purchase a sarong to visit. This isn’t true.
Dress respectfully – Other than a sarong, make sure to dress respectfully when visiting any temple or religious site. This includes no strappy or low-cut tops, nothing with profanity on, and definitely no swimwear.
Bring cash for entry – You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to visit most temples in Bali. Some have a set ticket price, while others are donation-based. You’ll always need cash to pay for entry and parking, so make sure to bring enough with you.
Be respectful – While Bali’s temples have become one of its biggest draws for tourists, it’s important to remember that these are still places of worship, not just photo backdrops. Make sure to follow the rules and be respectful of locals coming to pray.
Local Culture
Famous Bali Temples
Famous Bali Temples
To put it simply, Canang Sari (pronounced Cha-nang Sah-ree) is a daily offering made by Balinese Hindus as a gesture of thanks to the Gods. You will see canang sari offerings everywhere. The offering consists of a small woven palm leaf basket filled with an arrangement of colorful flowers, topped with pieces of food, incense, and/or coins.
These offerings are placed in temples, at entrances to homes and businesses, on sidewalks, and even on car dashboards (you might see them inside of our drivers’ cars) – essentially, anywhere that requires a spiritual acknowledgement. Please step around them when walking; locals notice and appreciate the courtesy.
Drivers & Guides
Famous Bali Temples
Drivers & Guides
Drivers & Guides play a valuable role in helping you move through Bali respectfully and comfortably. They understand temple etiquette, village customs and daily crowd patterns. If you want to experience a viewpoint or attraction at its quietest, they are the best people to guide your timing.
A little cultural awareness goes a long way and leads to warmer interactions with Balinese people, who value respect and kindness from visitors.
Bali's Best Areas
When people talk about where to stay in Bali, they often mean very different things. That’s because Bali isn’t one destination, it’s a bunch of mini destinations stitched together. Picking the right area matters.
Here’s a straight-up breakdown, no fluff.
- Canggu: Busy, social, and café-obsessed, popular with the younger crowd, surfers, and anyone who likes a bit of chaos with their coffee
- Kuta: Still cheap, loud, close to the airport, and still a landing pad for first-time travelers and budget trips
- Nusa Dua: Resort-heavy, calm, and polished, best for families or travelers who want everything easy and contained
- Sanur: Slightly slower, walkable, and relaxed, often chosen by families, older people, and people avoiding crowds
- Seminyak: A classic. Central and convenient with solid dining and shopping, sitting somewhere between Kuta and Canggu energy-wise
- Ubud: Inland and cultural, ideal for those who want nature, temples, rice fields, and early nights
- Uluwatu: Spread-out and scenic with cliffs, surf, and sunsets, better suited to surfers than and a social crowd
If you’re on a Bali trip for seniors, or you just want to escape to quieter areas, you don’t have to consider the popular areas above. You might want something a bit more “classic Bali.”
- Lovina: Sleepy north coast town with calm seas and very little nightlife
- Candidasa: Peaceful east coast base that feels far removed from Bali’s busy centres
- Amed: Low-key coastal area known for snorkeling, diving, and doing absolutely nothing in the best way
- Munduk: Cool-climate mountain village with waterfalls, views, and a much slower pace than the coast
- Jatiluwih: Rural area surrounded by UNESCO-listed rice terraces, best for scenery, walking, and switching off completely
The main thing with Bali is not copying where everyone else stays; match the area to how you actually travel, not how Bali looks on Instagram, and the whole trip feels easier from day one.
Getting Around Bali
Getting around Bali is one of the first practical things to work out; there are no trains, buses aren’t tourist-friendly, and distances can be deceiving.
In reality, you’ve got four main transport options, and most end up using a mix of them.
Here’s how it actually works on the ground.
Private car and driver: Most comfortable and stress-free option
Renting a scooter: Cheap and flexible, but not for everyone
Gojek and Grab: Handy for short trips in busy areas
Taxis: Still around, but they price gouge
Private Car and Driver
For Bali, this is hands down the easiest way to get around, especially if it’s your first trip or you’re travelling with family. This is where my drivers come in. They’re local Balinese, speak good English, know the roads, know the shortcuts, and know how to deal with Bali traffic without losing their cool.
From $92 USD a day, you’re in air-conditioned comfort, out of the heat, and you’re not worrying about parking, directions, or police stops.
You pay a flat daily rate, you go at your own pace, and you don’t feel wrecked by the end of the day. For most, this ends up being the best value option overall.
Renting a Scooter
Scooters are everywhere and they’re cheap, but they’re not for everyone, despite what Instagram makes it look like.
You should get an International Driving Permit to be on the safe side, and you need to be confident riding in chaotic traffic, on uneven roads, in heat, rain, and with zero personal space.
Accidents are common, and most involve tourists who overestimated their ability.
👉 Rent a scooter with Bikago - Bali Bike Rental | Book Scooter & Motorbike online
👉 Get an International Driving Permit - ITA Office - Home
Gojek and Grab
Gojek and Grab mobile apps work well in many areas and are popular for short trips.
They’re cheap, easy to use, good for short hops, food deliveries, or quick rides around town if you’re solo.
The catch is availability. Some areas restrict them, and they’re less reliable outside busy tourist zones. They’re useful, but not something to rely on for full-day exploring.
Do Not Use Bali Taxis!
Transportation in Bali comes down to comfort versus convenience. If you want easy days,
less heat, and no stress, a private car and driver is usually the way to go. Everything else works best as a backup.