Bali Tour Blog

Bali Travel Guide for First Timers: Expert Tips, Honest Lessons & Real Talk for Planning Your First Trip to Bali

So you're planning your first-ever trip to Bali? Sweet! You're in for a wild, beautiful, and slightly chaotic ride. I’ve been guiding folks around the island for over a decade, and if there’s one thing I can say for sure—it’s that no matter how much research you do, Bali will still surprise you. That’s why I put together this Bali travel guide for first timers, packed with real-world advice, dumb mistakes I’ve seen (and made), and stuff you definitely won’t get from a travel brochure.

Let’s make sure your first visit to Bali goes a heck of a lot smoother than most. We’ll go over what areas suit different types of travelers, what not to do at temples, how to get around without losing your mind, and how to avoid getting totally overwhelmed by Instagram vs reality.

Where To Stay in Bali for First Timers — It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Here’s the first thing nobody tells you: Bali’s not small. Yeah, you can drive across it in a day, technically, but traffic here doesn’t care about your plans. So choosing where you stay matters a lot. Each area has its own personality. I always tell people, don’t just book a hotel in Seminyak ‘cause it looks good in photos. Know what you're getting.

Ubud is all about culture, rice terraces, and chill vibes. Think yoga at sunrise, vegan smoothie bowls, art markets, and fire dance shows at temples. But heads up—it can feel a bit touristy in the center and the monkeys at Monkey Forest are total jerks (don’t bring food, seriously).

Seminyak is more stylish. You’ve got fancy beach clubs, boutique shopping, good restaurants (lots of Aussie-style cafes), and a party scene that isn’t as full-throttle as Kuta but still very alive. It’s walkable too, which is rare in Bali.

Canggu is digital nomad central. Surf, strong coffee, tattoos, scooters, and co-working spaces. It’s got a laid-back energy but also some of the worst traffic jams because there’s like two main roads. First-timers often love it, but it can get overwhelming if you’re not into the hipster crowd.

Uluwatu is for beach lovers and sunset chasers. Gorgeous cliffs, white-sand beaches, and some world-famous surf spots. But grab a scooter or hire a driver, ‘cause getting around here isn’t easy if you’re not comfy on two wheels.

Sanur is great for families or older travelers who want peace, flat walking paths, and a quieter vibe. Not much nightlife, but lovely beaches and way less chaos.

Pro Experience Tip – Don’t Try to See Everything in One Trip

I get it. You see all those reels and YouTube videos and you think, “Oh yeah, I’ll do Ubud, then Canggu, then maybe Nusa Penida, and end with Uluwatu sunsets.” That’s a rookie move. Bali’s roads are slow, winding, and jammed half the time. You’ll waste your days in traffic and end up more stressed than relaxed.

Stick to 2 areas max for your first trip, unless you're staying like two weeks or more. You'll enjoy your trip way more if you go deeper instead of wider. Spend quality time in Ubud, then maybe do a beachside stay in Sanur or Seminyak.

How to Get Around Bali Without Losing Your Cool

Okay, so this is a big one. First-time visitors are often totally confused about how to get around in Bali. Google Maps might say it’s 30 minutes, but in real life? Double that.

Here are your options:

Renting a Scooter

Yes, it’s cheap (like $5 a day), and locals do it all the time—but that doesn’t mean you should. If you’ve never driven one before, please don’t learn here. The roads are wild, full of potholes, dogs, trucks, chickens, and zero rules. I’ve seen too many tourists end up with scrapes and worse. Not worth it if you’re not experienced.

Hiring a Private Driver

A Bali Private Driver is what I always recommend for first timers. You get an English-speaking local who can show you the real Bali, navigate the roads, and even help you skip tourist traps. Rates are around 600K–750K IDR per day (roughly $40–50), which split between a few people is totally worth it. Bonus: you don’t have to figure out parking or directions.

Using Grab or Gojek

These are like the Uber of Southeast Asia, and they’re super handy in places like Canggu and Ubud—but some areas still have taxi mafia problems. You might open the app and find no drivers around. Always ask your hotel if it's okay to order one, or let them help you arrange a local driver.

What to Pack for Bali (And What to Leave at Home)

Everyone overpacks for Bali. And then they regret it when they’re sweating through their second outfit before lunch. Keep it light, breathable, and practical. You need:

Forget the heels. Leave the leather jacket. And honestly? You won’t wear half the stuff you pack. Laundry is super cheap here—like $1 a kilo—so just wash and rewear.

Cultural Stuff First Timers Always Get Wrong (And How Not To Be That Tourist)

Bali's got deep traditions, and even though it’s touristy, locals take rituals and religion very seriously. First-time visitors often don’t realize how spiritual this place is.

One thing you’ll notice right away: offerings everywhere. On the ground, in doorways, on scooters. These little palm-leaf baskets with flowers and incense are called canang sari. Please don’t step on them. I’ve seen people just trample over them like they’re trash, and it’s honestly super disrespectful.

When you visit a temple, dress properly. That means covering your knees and shoulders. No exceptions. Most temples will lend you a sarong, but it’s best to carry your own if you’re temple-hopping. Also, don’t point your feet toward shrines or walk in front of someone praying. Simple things, but they matter.

And this one’s big: don’t touch people’s heads. I know it sounds random, but in Balinese culture, the head is sacred. Even little kids. Just don’t do it, not even as a cute gesture.

Avoiding Tourist Traps and Scams – Yes, Bali Has Them

First-timers usually get caught out because they don’t know what’s normal or not. Here’s the deal:

If someone runs up to you offering a “cheap tour” right outside the airport? Walk away. Same with “special deals” on the beach for jet ski rides or dolphin tours. Most are just overpriced, rushed, and not worth your time.

A big one? The “Luwak coffee tours.” Yeah, the animal poop coffee. Those poor civet cats are often kept in cages, and the quality of the coffee is meh at best. Skip it. If you want good local coffee, head to Seniman Coffee in Ubud or Expat Roasters in Seminyak.

And those photo spots like the “Bali swing” or “Heaven’s Gate” at Lempuyang Temple? Gorgeous, sure. But be prepared for queues that last hours, and those pics you see online are edited with mirrors or Photoshop. Manage expectations.

What to Eat (And What Might Make You Regret It Later)

Bali’s food scene is next level, but it can also be where a lot of first timers get tripped up—literally.

Warungs are your best friend. These are small family-run restaurants where you can eat like a king for a couple of bucks. Try nasi campur (mixed rice), babi guling (suckling pig), and mie goreng (fried noodles). Just make sure it looks clean. If locals are eating there, it’s probably safe.

Drink bottled water. Even when brushing your teeth. Trust me. Bali Belly is no joke. It’ll knock you out for a full day or two if you’re not careful.

Oh, and don’t go too crazy on the spicy sambal your first week unless you want to spend more time in the bathroom than on the beach. Start slow.

Things No One Tells You (But You’ll Be Glad You Knew)