Bali Travel Guide 2019 
A large island and province in the middle of Indonesia, Bali has been popular with tourists since the 1980s. It’s a haven for surfers and beach bums alike, with an abundance of travelers, yogis, photographers, and temple-goers flocking to its shores each year. Bali has a lot of Western influence, from diverse restaurants to yoga classes, and is the most “foreigner-friendly” island in the vast archipelago. Here's my ultimate Bali travel guide with tips to plan your trip to Indonesia!
WHAT TO EXPECT IN BALI
Whether your idea of luxury is reclining in a hammock in a jungle bungalow or sipping cocktails in your private beachfront villa— Bali can offer it all at knock-out rates. The vibe tends to be that of beach parties or Zen-like retreats, depending on which part of the island you go to. Ubud is rich in Balinese cuisine, expansive jungles and rice fields, and local craft markets. If you’re looking for beaches and fresh seafood, head to Seminyak, Canggu or Uluwatu!
Language: The official language is Indonesian, but you’ll hear Balinese in the countryside often with a smattering of Indonesian mixed in. English is in extensive use thanks to the tourists and sizeable Australian expat population!
Currency: Bali uses the Indonesian rupiah as the local currency.
Credit Cards and Banks: Cash is king in Bali. Always carry a handful of 10,000 to 100,000 notes (valued from $0.75 to USD 7.50) for daily expenses and haggling. As of 2015, businesses are not allowed to charge in dollars, so make sure you always have some rupiah on hand. You can easily withdraw from ATMs, which are everywhere in the cities.
Climate: In general, Bali enjoys warm weather year-round—but be mindful of the rainy season, January to April and October to November!
GETTING AROUND BALI
While Bali may seem like a small island, there is a lot to see and a lot of ground to cover! Traffic in Bali is also very congested so always plan more time to get around (and especially to get to the airport!).
Scooter: My recommendation is to avoid the traffic of Bali by renting a scooter— a fast way to zip through the streets and countryside. Renting a motorbike is the “way” of Bali and very cheap. If you don’t feel comfortable driving yourself, you can use the GO-JEK app for an Uber-type service but on the back of a motorbike.
Taxi: Taxis are the most expensive, and the monopoly on taxi service somewhat bans Uber. You can still use Uber is places like Seminyak, but you need to be very discreet about it and can’t use them to get to and from less-populated areas. You’ll also find local transport driver stands by the beaches (specifically Canggu) where you’ll be able to get rides. As always, make sure you agree on a price for the trip before getting in the car. Otherwise, the Blue Bird app is excellent for cab rentals and works the same as Uber.
Private Car: There are tons of private drivers that will offer airport drop-offs, transfers and tours for much less than taxis. I’d recommend opting for a private driver and make up your own “sightseeing tour” of all the places you want to see, in order— it will be less than an organized tour. Ask your friends, hotel, or villa owner for a driver they would personally recommend and message them via Whatsapp!
THE KAYON RESORT
The perfect place to check-in to if you’re looking for a luxurious Bali experience! Set amidst a garden featuring a pool and chapel, the Kayon Resort in Ubud features luxurious air-conditioned rooms that boast a beautiful terrace, marble bathrooms, and views over the historical Petanu River and jungle.
Ganesh Bhusari
