Bali is one of the most visited islands in Indonesia. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, accommodation at top resorts like the Labuan Bajo hotel and friendly people make for a fantastic holiday destination. This article will provide you with information on surviving Bali travel complications.
Bali culture
The first thing to know about Bali is that it is not exactly like any other destination in Asia or around the world, for that matter. It has its own unique culture, which visitors should respect at all times. One of the best ways to familiarise yourself with this culture is through trying their traditional dishes, foods and drinks.
There are plenty of small restaurants that serve decent-priced food if you choose to eat in, but if you want to sample some Balinese cuisine at its best, head down to a market and buy some food from one of the stalls. The locals would be happy with any small change you have given them, too, so don’t worry about being short-changed or ripped off.
Trying new food
When trying any new food, not everything will agree with your stomach. It may seem obvious, but it is common for exhausted people wearing light clothes in the glaring sun to faint after eating a particularly spicy meal that they believe would suit their tastes. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking regular rests under shade if this describes you.
Streets are not safe at night
Remember that the streets are not always safe at night. When walking around aimlessly, try to stay in populated streets during dark hours and avoid any streets that seem suspicious or deserted because you may be followed or attacked by people who have no intention of being friendly towards tourists.
It can be particularly hazardous if you are by yourself, but there are still some parts of the city that are generally safe where you can walk around at night without fear of being involved in an incident. However, these areas will become highly crowded after dark, so it is best to note their location before you begin your evening activities.
Traffic rules and regulations
When travelling to Bali by yourself or with friends, you don’t need to hire a car but familiarise yourself with the country’s traffic rules and regulations if you decide to drive. For example, in Bali, cars drive on the left side of the road.
Many one-way roads can confuse travellers accustomed to driving on two-way streets. Add to this confusion, and there are areas where specific lanes have been set aside only for buses. No other vehicles are allowed in these lanes, so if you break this rule, you will have to pull over at a nearby spot and pay a fine before continuing to move forward.
Consider safety first
Always consider your safety first when going around anywhere in Bali, whether downtown or out at a beach. There are many different scams that people try to pull on unsuspecting travellers, so it is best to be aware of them before you even think about leaving the airport and heading out on your holiday. Stay alert for any suspicious behaviour; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Taxi scams
One of these scams includes taxi drivers who tell you a long story about their life, family and financial struggles before asking for money to help support themselves. They sometimes will not let you into their taxi unless you give them some change or pay an inflated price as a way of thanking them for their time, but as soon as they get what they want, immediately speed off without looking back at those they just ripped off.
This scam can be particularly harmful if taken advantage of by unlicensed taxi drivers waiting outside the airport arrival terminal because there is no way of knowing if they are legitimate or not.
