FIRST TIME

Since Bali is in Indonesia, which is still considered a developing country, we bring you a list of things that are different in Bali than you might be used to from back home and might surprise you:

 

There's no drinking water in the tap. Everything is handled with bottled and filtered water in 19-liter barrels. The water in restaurants, ice, and ice cream are safe.

 

Hot water is not standard. Hot water in the accommodation is taken as a benefit. Most of the time, it's only in the shower, not at the sink, and certainly not in the kitchen.

 

The sun has power. Sunscreen with SPF 30+ is a must. Applying sunscreen every 2 hours for at least the first week is recommended. The most dangerous are the scooter rides when you are not warm, but the sun is still burning just the same.

 

When it rains, it rains a lot. Rainfall in the tropics is of an entirely different magnitude than in other climates. You can be soaked to the bone in a downpour, and the street where you live can be flooded to the ankles within 20 minutes.

 

"Bali belly" is real. Most visitors get it. Different hygiene conditions and bacteria compositions with a new diet can mess up your digestion. Young coconut, activated charcoal, coca-cola, or water with lemon will help. Give it 2 to 4 days, and you'll be okay again.

 

There's usually someone in the room with you. And we don't mean your roommate. We're talking about spiders, mosquitoes, moths, and especially small and large geckos. Most houses in Bali are open, and the accommodation often offers open bathrooms. Thus, a lizard or other small animals in the room is not a bug but a feature. 🙂

 

Prices are not fixed. It is normal to bargain with street vendors who do not have price tags on their goods. You don't negotiate in a supermarket or branded shops or restaurants. Bargain sensibly; if you find the goods cheap at the first price, pay the amount quoted; at least you support the local people.

 

No greeting is standard. For example, when Balinese people come to the store, they don't greet others. If you say hello, they say hello back but are usually surprised or not expecting it.

 

Prices may be exclusive of tax. You will often find prices without tax in restaurants. The total tax and service charge are listed in small font somewhere down the menu. Usually, it's 10 % + 5 % service. It can be more depending on the size of the restaurant.

 

Drug charges carry the death penalty. Marijuana is also harshly punished: prison sentences of 4 years and fines from IDR 800 million to 8 billion. Avoid all drugs, for sure.

 

Don't underestimate the ocean. Swimming in the ocean is a beautiful feeling, but be careful. High waves and strong currents have overwhelmed hundreds of "good swimmers." Respect the restriction flags on the beach. The locals know why they put them there.

 

Bikinis only at the beach. The local culture is unique. Please respect it. Being shirtless or in bikinis is usually only tolerated on the beach. Elsewhere in public, it is considered rude. You probably won't be told directly; you'll get disdainful looks.

 

You can't get rid of mold. Even though all wardrobes are usually open and windows have large gaps, the almost 90% humidity throughout the year means you can't get rid of mold. Sooner or later, your unused clothes, leather handbags, travel bags, and tea or other foodstuffs will become moldy.

 

Anything can be transferred on a scooter. And we mean that literally. From a family of six to an entire home improvement store, inflated balloons or flocks of live ducks and chickens.

 

Pavements are for more than just pedestrians. The sidewalk in Bali is an extension of the road for scooters :). When there's traffic, you go on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, sometimes pedestrians - tourists - get in the way unexpectedly. :)