Bali, this marvellous island amid the Indonesian archipelago, is simply incredible! Its proximity to Australia, vibrant culture, and affordable prices make it a dream destination for many Southeast Asian travellers.

There’s an option for every taste, from surfers chasing the perfect wave to yoga and vegan enthusiasts gathering in Ubud.

So, grab a pen and paper because we’re about to give you some must-have tips for your trip:

• Ubud offers many options with its temples, markets, performances, waterfalls, and iconic rice terraces. If your time there is short, don’t hesitate to hire a driver. The daily rate usually ranges from 70 AUD to 100 AUD.
• Take a stroll to the Monkey Forest, a top tourist spot in Bali, and for good reason. Not only is it a sacred site for the locals, but it’s also home to over 600 monkeys. It’s a cool, family-friendly stop where you might chat with these creatures, who sometimes enjoy a selfie. But beware: Keep your bag closed and limit interaction because they are wild animals.
• Keep an eye out for flight promotions. The I Know The Pilot website always sends flash deals where you can get round-trip tickets from Sydney for around 330 AUD.
• Pack light and bring repellent because mosquitoes are abundant there. Another tip is downloading the offline map from Google Maps since you can’t rely on the airport Wi-Fi or the region’s chip stores.

• Kuta has some cool craft and jewellery shops, full-body massages for only 20 AUD, and several tour agencies. Do thorough research to ensure you get the best prices.
• If you find yourself in the Uluwatu region, check out The Single Fin bar (@singlefinbali). Tourists often gather there, especially to witness the breathtaking sunset.
• On the opposite side of Temple Lake, in the central east of Bali, you’ll find Pura Ulun Danu Batur, the second most important temple. It’s situated at the base of the active Batur volcano and was reconstructed in 1926. Oh, and don’t forget to relax in Batur’s thermal and natural springs.
• The local currency is the Indonesian Rupiah. One Australian Dollar (AUD) is approximately equivalent to 243.49 Rupiahs. If you have an account with the Commonwealth Bank, you’ll find a few Commonwealth ATMs there, allowing you to withdraw at a low fee. Remember to inform the bank that you’ll be travelling internationally.
• Many people experience discomfort in Bali, which can be caused by the lack of hygiene in some places or by the body adapting to local bacteria. The recommendations are to wash your hands more frequently than at home, drink only bottled water, avoid raw or undercooked food, moderate alcohol consumption, and choose restaurants with good references.

And if your dream is to backpack through Southeast Asia, check out the blog post we’ve prepared, covering everything about planning for this trip!

With these tips in hand, enjoy all the tours, food, and landscapes this incredible island offers! Have a great journey.