While coming back from Bali, tourists often label that place as a paradise. But let’s face it, every place on earth has its good and bad side. Even though Bali is considered as paradise, the
While coming back from Bali, tourists often label that place as a paradise. But let’s face it, every place on earth has its good and bad side. Even though Bali is considered as paradise, the garden of Eden which is considered as paradise in the Bible never had dangerous undercurrents, combative macaques and wayward scooters. If you are not careful, your trip in Bali might be full of injuries or disease rather than good memories.
That’s why today I have come up with a few tips which have been designed to prevent your trip from ending into a disaster. Follow the dos and don’ts outlined to make sure that you get the most of your trip to paradise.
• Etiquette Tips
Bali’s culture is one of the island’s main attractions – however, sometimes tourist tends to unknowingly offend the local Balinese by violating tenets of this culture. If you are planning to mingle with the locals and visiting one of Bali’s temples, following the dos and don’t are going to help you to promote smooth interpersonal relationships wherever you go in Bali.
It is necessary to dress modestly especially while visiting a temple in Bali. Temple guests are expected to wear shirts that cover shoulders and part of upper arms. The waist and legs should be covered by a temple scarf and sarong.
If you are stuck in traffic and there is a religious procession going on, do not honk your horn. It is also advisable to avoid photography in a temple.
• General Safety Tips
Despite the mass of tourists in Bali all around the year, staying safe there is less easy than it should be. Balinese roads are chaotic. Snatch-theft and hotel breaking and entering as well as beaches undercurrent can occur.
There are some things which you can do to avoid becoming a Bali tourist statistic such as you should not smoke in public areas as a “smoke- free” bylaw went into effect across Bali in 2011. Smoking is now forbidden in most public areas including restaurants, hotels, temples and tourist attractions.
• Money and Currency Changing Tips
Travelers trying to get their money exchanged in Bali run the risk of being duped by dishonest money changers. Fortunately, there are a number of establishments where you can change your cash without worry.
Always try to change your money at one of Bali’s most reputable banks or even better, try using their ATMs to withdraw cash directly from your credit card or bank account. Sometimes your hotel front desks permit currency exchange and offer lower exchange rates compared to banks or money changers.
Trust only the money changers which are recognized by Bank Indonesia.
• Transportation Tips
Bali provides a large number of transportation options for travelers, with speed, comfort, and range relative to the price you are willing to pay. The options include bicycles, scooters, automobiles, and vans (self-drive or with a driver). You also get public transports.
However, not all transport providers are honest. The most honest taxis in Bali are the blue taxis marked as “Bali Taxi” (also known as Blue Bird Taxis).
• Beach Safety Tips
Surfing in Bali is one of the island’s most popular activity. You should totally hit the beaches in the south and north of Bali. Bali is not yet safe for beachgoers. You are at high risks for sunburn and treacherous undercurrents. The best things to do is to look out for red flags. There is a section of Bali’s beach which is known to have tides and undertows. When you see red flags, avoid swimming unless you want to be swept out by the sea.
Always read about tsunami news in your hotel before heading to the beach as Bali is at high risk of small tsunamis.
• Health Tips
You can run a high risk of diseases in Bali. Tourists can catch the “Bali Belly” tor traveler’s diarrhea from the dodgy meals. You can also suffer from a monkey attack or a bad sunburn. Taking the right precautions will save you from further nuisance. Drink a lot of water to avoid heatstroke, but make sure that it is bottled water.
• Drug laws in Bali
Bali’s drug laws are very strict and should not be trifled with. Indonesian Law No. 35/2009 lays down harsh penalties for drug users especially if you are caught with marijuana, heroin, and cocaine. You can get life imprisonment for possessions or the death penalty if you are convicted of trafficking drugs.
If you are around Kuta, always beware of drug dealers as most of the time, narcotics officers pretend to be drug dealers. Tourists often are often solicited for drugs. If you hear one of those whispered sales pitches, just walk away. You might end up as a helpless victim of a drug sting.