How to plan your first trip to Bali

Plan for a minimum of 10 days to cover both the cultural highlands and the coast. Stick to one or two main bases like Ubud and Uluwatu to minimize time spent in Bali's notorious traffic.

1. Choose your primary hub. Ubud is best for rice paddies, yoga, and culture. Canggu or Uluwatu are best for surfing, beach clubs, and nightlife. Pick one for the first 5 days and one for the second 5 days.
2. Book transport in advance. Download the Grab or Gojek apps immediately upon arrival. Do not rely on street taxis; these apps offer fixed, fair pricing for motorbike and car rides.
3. Sort your arrival visa. Apply for the e-VOA (Electronic Visa on Arrival) at least 48 hours before your flight to avoid long queues at Denpasar airport.
4. Map out your logistics. Traffic from the airport to Ubud can take 2.5 hours despite only being 40km away. Always add an extra 60 minutes to any travel time estimate during the day.

Is it safe to drive a scooter in Bali?

Only if you have an international driving permit and significant experience. Traffic is chaotic and accidents are very common for tourists.

Do I need to carry cash?

Yes. While cafes take cards, local markets and small warungs are cash-only. Use ATMs at banks (BCA or Mandiri) to avoid card skimming.