Top 10 Practical Tips for Visiting Bali, Indonesia
1. The national motto of Indonesia is “unity with diversity.” The
country is home to 300-plus ethnicities and 700-plus languages. These
people are what make visiting Bali special. “Namaste” was said to me
frequently, and I enjoyed saying it back.
2. The majority of the more than 4 million people who live on Bali are Hindu, so dress is less conservative than in the rest of Indonesia, which is predominantly Muslim (in fact, holding 12.7% of the world's Muslims, Indonesia has the largest Muslim population in the world). You should cover to your knees and shoulders when visiting Hindu temples. Sandals and flip-flops are the most comfortable footwear.
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Carole in sarong at Penglipuran Traditional Village temple
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flip-flops for sale in Bali
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3. Almost every house and business has a shrine (or “pura”) tucked into a corner, often with an umbrella as a sign of respect. Fresh offerings of flowers and fruit are made daily. When you see this offering on the ground, it is meant to keep evil spirits away; try not to step on it. Statues are covered in black-and-white checked cloth to keep a balance between evil and good.
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shrine offerings
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offering to evil spirit in Bali |
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statue covered in black-and-white checked cloth to keep a balance between evil and good
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4. Bali has no malaria.
Check this website for current updates on malaria status. However, Bali does have Indonesia’s highest incidence of dengue fever
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chikungunya is found there--both serious illnesses transferred by mosquitoes.
5. Much of the time, Bali is hot and humid. The best weather is in the driest months--April through October--and summer is best. November through March are the wet monsoon months.
6. Items to pack along for a trip:
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sunscreen: Because locals rarely use it, a good sunscreen can be hard to find, expensive, and might be ineffective with an expired pull date.
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mosquito repellent: Preferably with Deet. Though I wound up returning
my mosquito spray--which I dragged half-way around the world--because I
didn’t use it or need it, you should pack some along in case you run
into these pesky critters.
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gift shop at Sylvia Hotel on Flores Island in Indonesia
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7. You will encounter squat toilets. It is a good idea to carry along toilet paper because many restrooms are not stocked. Remember to put used toilet paper in the trashcan beside the toilet; sewer systems often cannot process it. Hand sanitizer is helpful when you find yourself without soap or towels.
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toilet sign at Sylvia Hotel on Flores Island in Indonesia |
8. In Bali there are no fixed prices. You bargain for virtually everything--car and drivers, guides, souvenirs, accommodations (and a free breakfast). But not at five-star hotels. A two-hour massage costs about $40.
9. Tipping is not expected.
10. Cars drive on the “wrong”/left side of the road, and an international driver’s license is required. Most people hire a car and driver to tour. Renting a motorbike is another option; a helmet is required.
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parked motor scooters in Bali |
images ©2016 Carole Terwilliger Meyers