USEFUL THINGS MUST TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT BALI

Bali is not a difficult place to travel, even for those not used to well, travelling. However, as with anywhere in the world, it's always useful to know of any idiosyncrasies, local tips and unknown rules before you set foot in a new place. 

That's why we've put this list together for you. Full of useful tips from someone who's been to Bali and back three times!

#1 CRAZY TRAFFIC

Bali is home to crazy, crazy traffic, and even out of rush hour, just a few kilometres of driving will take much longer than expected.

Traffic and scooters, Bali, Indonesia

Whilst it's kind of unavoidable, it's important to be aware of, especially if planning day trips, attempting to make it somewhere for sunset or aiming to catch a flight! Always ask your hotel for a rough travel time estimate before booking a taxi.

#2 CONSIDER MOTO-TAXIS - BUT WITH CAUTION!

Unless you're travelling in a large group, hiring moto-taxis can work out significantly cheaper than a car. Just be aware however, that not all drivers, drive safely. Unfortunately accidents are common place here so if your driver is doing something you don't like, be sure to let him know!

Renting you own scooter for the day or week is also a very popular practice here. Rental starts from Rp. 30,000-50,000 per day.

Just make sure you have travel insurance before handing over the deposit - there are neve-ending stories of backpackers getting involved in road traffic accidents in Asia, if this happens to you, you need good insurance! We use True Traveller which is available for all European residents but non-Europeans should consider World Nomads (both of these let you extend on the road, which is why they're our first pick!)

#3 DON'T DRINK THE WATER

This probably goes without saying, but please don't drink the tap water in Bali. We know that constantly buying bottled water may well break your heart (it certainly did mine!), but water from the tap will make you sick - and that's the last thing you want on holiday!

If you can plan ahead, we'd absolutely recommend travelling with a water bottle that has an in-built filter like a Water-to-Go (use the code ‘ADR15’ to get 15% off at check out), carrying a glass bottle that you can fill up from free filtered water at your accommodation or using a steripen.

#4 RESPECT THE CULTURE

Despite the influx of tourism, Balinese culture is very strong, and you can barely take a couple of steps along the street before you encounter 'canang sari' - one of the colourful daily offering made by the Balinese Hindus.

Whilst the local dog population may take little notice of them, be sure to take more care and avoid stepping on them or causing other damage.

#5 SUPER STRICT DRUG LAWS

After the widespread reporting of the 'Bali 9', you must have been hiding under a rock if you aren't aware of the super-strict drug laws in place in Indonesia, a country where getting caught smuggling is tantamount to a death sentence. 

Just don't do it. Seriously.

#6 LAUNDRY FROM SMALL STREET SHOPS IS MUCH CHEAPER THAN HOTELS

Unsurprisingly, anything you order within your hotel is a lot more expensive than if you go and track it down yourself. This is true of taxis, food and especially laundry. 

From a small laundry in the town, expect to pay around Rp. 7000 per kilo, whereas is hotels you'll pay significantly more than that for one item!

#7 DON'T BE AFRAID TO BARTER

Besides fancy boutiques, restaurants and convenience stores - the first price you're quoted is rarely the actual price, so don't be afraid to haggle.