Bali is an awesome spot, like something straight out of a movie. It’s famous for its amazing beaches, cool volcanoes, and super friendly people. People from all over the world, from backpackers to surfers, come to this island in Indonesia to soak up the sun and good vibes. It’s one of those places you see on social media and dream of visiting, and it totally lives up to the hype. The culture is incredible, the nature is beautiful, and there’s always something new to explore.
But just like traveling anywhere, there are some things you should know to make your trip epic instead of just okay. Think of this as your cheat sheet for having the best time possible. This list isn’t here to scare you off; it’s here to help you avoid some common mistakes. By knowing what not to do, you can make sure your Bali adventure is smooth, safe, and super fun, especially if it’s your first time visiting this amazing island paradise.
Visit a Coffee Plantation
You might hear about visiting a coffee plantation to try a famous and expensive coffee called kopi luwak. It sounds interesting, but the story behind it isn’t great. The coffee is made from beans that have been eaten and passed by a small animal called a civet. To keep up with demand, many of these animals are captured and kept in small cages in terrible conditions. It’s an industry that causes a lot of animal suffering, which is why it’s best to skip these tours.
You can still enjoy Bali’s amazing coffee scene without supporting this practice. The island is full of awesome cafes where you can try locally grown coffee that is delicious and ethically made. Hanging out in a cool cafe is a much better way to experience the local coffee culture, support good businesses, and enjoy a fantastic drink. You’ll get a real taste of Bali and know you made a kind choice.
Drink the Luwak Coffee
Just like skipping the plantation tours, you should also say no to drinking kopi luwak. Again, this coffee has a wild backstory—it’s made from coffee cherries that have passed through the digestive system of an animal called a civet. While it might sound like a strange novelty to try, the way it’s produced is seriously unkind. Many civets are taken from the wild and forced to live in cramped, unhealthy conditions just to make this expensive drink.
Supporting this industry means supporting animal cruelty. Even if you see bags of it for sale to take home, it’s best to leave them on the shelf. Choosing not to buy or drink kopi luwak sends a powerful message that you care about animal welfare. There are so many other delicious and ethically sourced coffees to try in Bali that will leave you with a much better feeling.
Stepping on or over the Offerings
As you walk around Bali, you’ll see small, beautiful baskets made of leaves and filled with flowers everywhere. These are called ‘canang sari,’ and they are daily gifts made by the local Balinese Hindu people to show thanks and respect to their gods. You’ll find them on sidewalks, in front of houses, and near temples. They are a very important part of the local culture and religious beliefs, and you will see them being placed out each morning.
It’s super important to watch where you’re walking and avoid stepping on or over these little baskets. Since they are religious gifts, stepping on them is seen as very disrespectful. Sometimes they even have a lit incense stick in them, so you could burn yourself. Always walk around them to show you respect the local customs and traditions. It’s a small action that shows a lot of consideration for the people and culture of Bali.
Disrespecting Their Religious Sites
Bali has thousands of temples, and they are incredibly important to the local people. These aren’t just cool-looking old buildings for your social media feed; they are sacred grounds where people practice their religion and connect with their gods. When you visit these places, remember that you are a guest in a space that holds deep meaning for the community. It’s a privilege to be there, and showing respect is the number one rule.
Being respectful means dressing the right way, which usually involves covering your shoulders and knees. Most temples will provide a sarong for you to wear. Also, keep your voice down, don’t climb on any structures or statues, and just be mindful of your actions. By being considerate, you show that you value their culture. This simple act of respect helps ensure these beautiful places remain open and welcoming to everyone.
Over-scheduling Your Trip
It’s easy to get excited and plan to see everything in Bali, but trying to do too much is a big mistake. The traffic on the island can be really bad, and getting from one place to another often takes way longer than you’d expect. A short trip on the map could turn into a long, boring car ride. If you pack your schedule too tightly, you’ll spend more time stuck in traffic than actually enjoying the amazing places you came to see.
Instead of rushing, give yourself plenty of breathing room. Don’t plan more than one or two activities per day, and always add extra travel time. This way, you won’t feel stressed if you get delayed. Taking it slow lets you really soak in the vibe of each place and leaves time for spontaneous adventures. You’ll have a much better and more memorable trip by not trying to cram it all in.
Don’t Stick to the Açai Bowls
While the smoothie bowls in Bali look amazing and taste great, especially in the heat, you’d be missing out if that’s all you ate. It’s easy to stick to familiar Western-style foods, but the real adventure is in trying the local dishes. Bali’s food scene is incredible, and you’ll find so many new flavors to discover that are way more exciting than what you can get back home. Be adventurous and give the local food a chance.
Step out of your comfort zone and try some classic Indonesian food. Look for dishes like nasi goreng (fried rice) or mie goreng (fried noodles), which are super popular for a reason. You should also try satay (grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce) and gado-gado (a fresh salad with peanut dressing). Exploring the local warungs (small family-owned restaurants) is a great way to taste authentic Balinese cooking and have a truly memorable food experience.
Drinking Tap Water
One of the biggest rules when traveling in Bali is to never drink water straight from the tap. Your stomach isn’t used to the local bacteria, and drinking it can lead to an unpleasant sickness often called “Bali belly.” This can seriously mess up your travel plans and leave you feeling awful. To stay healthy and enjoy your trip, always stick to bottled or properly filtered water for drinking. It’s a simple step that makes a huge difference.
Be extra careful with water in other situations too. It’s a good idea to use bottled water when you brush your teeth; your hotel will likely provide some for this reason. Also, be mindful of ice in your drinks and uncooked foods like salads that might have been washed in tap water. Sticking to sealed bottles and cans for drinks and eating at reputable places can help you avoid getting sick and keep your adventure on track.
Not Exploring Out of the Touristy Parts of Bali
While the popular areas in Bali are famous for a reason, staying only in these crowded places means you’ll miss out on what makes the island truly special. Places like Kuta and Seminyak are fun but can be packed with tourists. The real magic of Bali often lies just beyond these busy centers, in quieter villages and less-traveled regions where you can see a more authentic side of the island’s culture and daily life.
To get a true feel for Bali, make an effort to explore different parts of the island. Consider a trip to the north to see stunning waterfalls, or head east to discover peaceful villages and beautiful coastlines. By stepping off the main tourist trail, you’ll find unique adventures, meet friendly locals, and see parts of Bali that many visitors never experience. It’s your chance to make your trip more than just a typical vacation.
Staying in Kuta
Of all the places you could stay in Bali, you might want to think twice about choosing Kuta. It’s known for being the island’s biggest party zone, which might sound fun, but it’s often loud, chaotic, and overcrowded. The vibe there is very different from the rest of Bali and can feel a bit intense and tacky, with a focus on partying rather than the island’s beautiful culture.
If you’re looking to experience the real Bali—the amazing art, serene nature, and friendly local culture—Kuta probably isn’t the right place for you. It often gives visitors a misleading impression of what the island is all about. You’ll find a much more authentic and enjoyable experience by staying in other areas like Ubud, Canggu, or Uluwatu, which offer a better balance of fun and culture.
Entering Sacred Places Without Permission
While exploring Bali, you’ll see many beautiful, ornate buildings that look like temples. Some are public, but many are actually private family homes or shrines. Balinese families often live in compounds with their own small temple for worship. These places might look open and inviting, but they are personal and sacred spaces. It’s important to remember that not every cool-looking entrance is a public attraction.
Before you wander into a place that looks like a temple or a traditional courtyard, always check if it’s open to visitors. If it’s a family home or private shrine, walking in uninvited is like a stranger walking into your backyard. It’s a huge sign of disrespect. If you’re unsure, it’s best to admire from a distance or ask someone nearby if it’s okay to enter. Being considerate shows you appreciate their culture.
Travel Respectfully, Experience Fully
So there you have it—a few simple tips on what to avoid to make your Bali trip amazing for both you and the locals. By making thoughtful choices, like skipping the kopi luwak and respecting local customs, you’re doing more than just being a tourist; you’re being a considerate guest. Your actions, big or small, help preserve the wonderful culture and environment that make Bali so special. Keeping these points in mind will ensure you have a great time and leave a positive mark on the island.
Now that you know how to be a respectful visitor, you’re ready to dive deeper into the island’s spiritual heart. The temples are some of the most beautiful and important places you can visit. To help you get the most out of your experience and understand what you’re seeing, check out our guide on Exploring Bali’s Hindu Temples. It will give you all the details you need to appreciate these incredible sacred sites properly.
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