What to do and what not to do when visiting Bali

Bali is full of beautiful beaches, green rice fields, and great food. But before you start planning your fun, there are a few practical things you need to know so your trip goes smoothly.

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What not to do in Bali

1. Do not force your plug into the wall socket

   In South Africa, we use large three-pin plugs (Type M). Bali uses European-style two-pin sockets (Type C and F). Trying to force your plugs into their wall sockets can damage your electronics or short-circuit your devices, so buy a reliable universal travel adaptor at home before you fly.

2. Do not rent a scooter if you do not ride one at home

   Renting a scooter seems like an easy way to get around the traffic, but scooter accidents are the top reason tourists end up in hospital. The roads are narrow, traffic is hectic, and local driving rules can feel very chaotic. If you do not ride a motorbike back home, do not rent one there—use apps like Grab or Gojek to book cheap rides with local drivers, or hire a private driver for the day.

3. Do not drink the tap water (“Bali belly”)

   You cannot drink tap water in Bali. Getting tap water in your mouth—even while brushing your teeth or drinking water with unpurified ice—can cause severe stomach bugs that will ruin your holiday. Drink only sealed bottled water, use bottled water to rinse your mouth when brushing your teeth, and stick to clean restaurants for ice drinks.

What to do in Bali

1. Visit Ubud’s rice fields and forests

   Walk through the famous Tegalalang Rice Terraces early in the morning before it gets too hot, and stop by the Monkey Forest to see the local wildlife up close.

2. Watch the sunset at Uluwatu

   Head to Uluwatu Temple, which sits on top of a steep cliff right over the ocean. It is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sun go down.

3. Swim at hidden waterfalls in the north

   Take a day trip away from the crowded beach towns to places like Sekumpul or Banyumala waterfalls. You can swim in clear, cool water surrounded by lush trees.

4. Take a boat to Nusa Penida

   Catch a short 45-minute speedboat from the main island to Nusa Penida. The island is famous for its dramatic cliffs, including the iconic T-Rex-shaped Kelingking Beach.

5. Relax at a beach club in Canggu

   Spend an afternoon relaxing on a sunbed near the pool, listening to music, and watching the sunset right on the beach.

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