Indonesia is an absolutely beautiful country, especially if you are a fan of culture, history, and plenty of sun and heat. The island of Bali is widely considered one of the world’s top travel destinations, and there is absolutely loads to do there. There are busy cities, areas of natural beauty, places with a rich cultural heritage, and so much to explore and experience.
So it stands to reason that, for many people, a two-week vacation in Bali just is not enough to get the most out of it. Many tourists choose to stay for longer, whether they just want to experience Bali more or they are considering making a more permanent move. If you’re in this boat, here are some tips to help you enjoy Bali as much as possible.
Saving for Your Trip
One mistake that travellers can make is to make assumptions about how cheap their Bali trip will be. You can absolutely enjoy a budget vacation in Bali, and it s cheaper than many other popular tourist destinations. However, if you are staying for a while, you will need to think about how to support yourself and, more importantly, whether you have a buffer in case things go wrong.
Make sure to set a budget in advance of your trip, even if you’re going for months rather than weeks. If it is a longer stay, split your budget up. This way, you will not end up with any nasty surprises when you come back and find your finances are crippled or that you are in debt.
Bali is very popular for digital nomads, who are people who work while they travel from a laptop or another device. The cost of living is relatively low compared to other countries, which means you can work fewer hours and still live comfortably. But as a digital nomad, you will need to have a base of operations that you can trust, and you will have to balance work and relaxation more carefully, especially if you’re new to it.
Packing For Bali
Bali, along with the rest of Indonesia, is hot and humid. Some people find this absolutely exhausting, especially if you haven’t packed with the climate in mind. While this type of temperature is fine if you are lying by the poolside, it can be difficult to manage when you are in the middle of a busy city or on a hike.
Pack cool, lightweight clothing. Make sure you have a hat and sunscreen. You should also think of ways to stay hydrated, because you are probably going to sweat a lot, and constantly, when you are out and about. So bring an empty reusable water bottle or flask if you want to enjoy relatively cool water while you are out and about.
Language And Behavior
The official language of Bali is Bahasa Indonesia, although there is also a local language people might speak to each other. Many people in Bali speak English, so you should be able to get around fairly well. However, Bahasa Indonesia is not a difficult language to learn a few words and phrases of, and people often appreciate it when a tourist makes an effort to at least say a greeting or a few other words.
It seems obvious, but it is important to treat local with respect. Unfortunately, tourists have built up a reputation for being disrespectful to local laws and culture, and even sacred sites. Some people seem to think that when they are on vacation, the local people should be hosts, rather than just people trying to live their own lives.
At the bare minimum, be respectful and learn and follow the local laws. If you go to a temple, dress modestly and do not touch sacred objects or statues or interrupt ceremonies. Do not drive drunk and if possible, read the official tourist behavior guide.
Many people in Bali are welcoming and friendly. There is a strong haggle culture, so do not be afraid to haggle and be bold enough to walk away when you are not interested. As long as you are polite, respectful, and smiling, this is fine.
Bali Visa Requirements
Bali is a tourist hub, in part, because the Visa requirements are quite relaxed. There are two main types of tourist Visa’s. These are a B-Type Visa and a C-Type Visa.
Depending on where you’re from, you might be able to get one or both types of Visa. The simple B1 allows you to stay for 30 days, and you can extend your stay by another 30 days. If you get a C1 Visa, you can stay for 60 days and extend it twice for another 60 days each, allowing a total 180 day stay.
Finally, D1 and D12 Visas allow for multiple stays of either 60 or 180 days, respectively, over a period of 1 or 2 years.
Finding Where To Stay In Bali
Depending on the type of experience you want, you have a lot of options. If you enjoy the idea of a secluded, relaxed, and luxurious stay, Nusa Dua has loads of all-inclusive resorts and beachfront villas in a beautiful area.
If you prefer the idea of a jungle retreat and views of rice-fields, while immersing yourself in Balinese culture, Ubud is a good idea. Finally, if you want to be in the thick of it, the cities of Seminyak or Canggu give you a good middle ground and easy access to the cities.
Creature Comforts
If you are having an extended stay anywhere, it is important to plan ahead to make sure you are comfortable. This might include making sure you have a good wifi connection in the place you are staying, as well as easy access to shops and other amenities like a laundry pickup and delivery service.
Navigating Busy Streets
The traffic in Bali can feel chaotic if you are not used to it, with regular traffic jams. If you are driving anywhere, allow some extra time for traffic. Even if you are walking around, you might find that the sidewalks have obstacles in them and crossing the road is a challenge. Take advantage of taxis and ride-hailing apps for easier navigation.
Bali is considered a safe destination, but as with anywhere, be aware and mindful. Look out for scams and always use reputable companies.
Venturing Outside Of The Cities
The cities in Bali are a lot of fun, but the rest of the Island has so much to offer and some really beautiful beaches, jungles, and mountains alike. Some of the hikes require a local guide and are quite difficult, but they are definitely worth it if you are the adventurous type.
The visa section is really what makes or breaks a longer stay, I learned that the hard way.