Bali is one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia, but a few things catch first timers off guard. Here is what is worth knowing before you land.
The Tourist Tax
Since early 2024 every visitor to Bali pays a tourist tax of 150,000 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah) on arrival, roughly $15 AUD (Australian Dollars). You can pay online before you fly which saves time and means you are not scrambling for cash or a card at the airport after a long flight. Worth doing as part of your pre-departure routine.
Transport from the Airport
When I landed, taxi drivers outside the terminal quoted fixed prices that were three times what the same trip cost on Grab. Download Grab (the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber) before you leave home, sort your mobile data on arrival, and use it from the airport. The savings are significant and the experience is far less stressful than negotiating with drivers at the kerb.
Choosing the Right Area
This one matters more than most first timers realise. Kuta is loud, heavily touristed, and not representative of what Bali does well. Unless that energy is specifically what you are after, look elsewhere.
Seminyak and Canggu are better options for beaches, food, and nightlife with a more relaxed atmosphere. Ubud is a completely different experience altogether, quiet, cultural, and inland, suited to travellers who want something slower paced and more immersive.
Pick your base based on your travel style rather than just the nightly rate. The right area makes a significant difference to the overall trip.
Have you been to Bali? Which area did you stay in? Comment below.