Avoid These Traps for a Successful Stay on the Island of the Gods 🌴
Imagine: you arrive in Bali, ready to live the adventure of your life… but very quickly, your dream turns into a nightmare. Tourista, scams, monstrous traffic jams… Many travelers make the same mistakes that cost them time, money, and sometimes their health. Don’t be one of those who regret their stay! Here are 5 fatal mistakes you absolutely must avoid to fully enjoy Bali.
1. Drinking tap water or eating without caution 🚱
One of the most common mistakes tourists make in Bali? Drinking tap water or consuming poorly washed food. Result: an express food poisoning and several days stuck in bed.
✅ Precautions to take:
- Only drink sealed bottled water. Always check that the bottle hasn’t been opened.
- Avoid ice cubes (often made with unfiltered water).
- Watch out for unpeeled salads and fruits: prefer those that you can peel yourself.
💡 Fact: Emma, a French tourist, ended up in the emergency room after eating poorly rinsed salad in a small local warung. Since then, she never forgets to disinfect her fruits and vegetables with vinegar!
2. Not anticipating hidden costs 💸
Yes, life is cheaper in Bali than in Europe, but beware of unexpected fees!
❌ What is often charged (even when you don’t expect it):
- Access to beaches, waterfalls, and temples (even for a simple viewpoint).
- Parking for scooters or cars.
- Tourist attractions (for example, the famous swing in the rice fields cost between 20 and 50€!).
✅ Tip: always carry cash (ATMs don’t always work, and some charge a high fee).
3. Ignoring traffic rules and the hellish traffic 🚦
Riding a scooter in Bali sounds dreamy… until you realize the traffic is chaotic! Frequent accidents, poorly maintained roads, monstrous traffic jams: if you’re not prepared, it can quickly turn into a nightmare.
💥 Must avoid:
- Driving without an international license (fines are common).
- Riding without a helmet (and risking a serious accident).
- Believing that distances are short (a journey of 20 km can take more than an hour!).
✅ A good plan: download Gojek or Grab, the local apps to order a scooter or a car with a driver at a low price.
4. Not respecting local culture 🙏
Bali is a spiritual island where culture and religion play a vital role. Some tourist behaviors are looked down upon (and can get you into trouble).
🚫 What NOT to do:
- Wearing overly short clothing in temples (always cover your shoulders and knees).
- Touching a Balinese person’s head (it is considered impolite).
- Walking on offerings laid on the ground (respect these small palm leaf baskets filled with flowers and rice).
✅ Tip: before entering a temple, rent a sarong (traditional scarf) to cover your legs.
5. Forgetting that negotiation is a golden rule 💰
In Bali, everything is negotiable: taxis, souvenirs, excursions… If you don’t do it, you risk paying up to 3 times the actual price!
💡 How to negotiate well?
- Don’t show too much interest (otherwise, the price goes up immediately).
- First propose a low price and adjust gradually.
- Keep the smile: negotiation should be a pleasant and friendly moment.
✅ Exception: In supermarkets and restaurants, prices are fixed, no need to negotiate!
📌 In summary: avoid these mistakes and fully enjoy Bali!
Bali is a paradisiacal island, provided you know the traps to avoid.
👉 Only drink bottled water
👉 Prepare cash for hidden fees
👉 Don’t take the road lightly
👉 Respect local culture
👉 Always negotiate prices
💬 Have you ever made one of these mistakes while traveling? Share your experience in the comments!
Julie Lambert – Travel & News Blogger
Passionate about discoveries and current events, I share my adventures around the world along with insights on key societal issues. From travel stories to news analysis, join me in exploring and understanding the world!
