Contributed by Nadine Echon
Traveling here had been invigorating.
I got to visit beautiful places and meet wonderful people! I loved my stay here so much that when I got on a plane and looked down to see the island, I cried! Haha! This is the kind of "heartbreak" that's healthy 😉 So, without further ado...
Feel free to read just the words in bold for a summary but I still placed the details beside it for more context.
Top Recommendations for Filipinos After a Month in Bali
1) Do not go to any establishment with no pricelist on display!
I had this experience going for a braid. There is this salon that we always pass by and there are nice pictures on display for braids. When we arrived there with an inspo picture on hand, I asked them for a quote. They were getting their materials and checking out my hair. I was thinking that they are probably trying to analyze how much work it will take because I have long, thick hair, so I didn't mind. I asked the price again and they did not answer me and started doing my hair! I searched Google for ideas about the price, and then I asked them how much it is. The lady doing my hair did not answer and called someone else in the salon. That lady then sat down beside me and wrote on her phone the price to be TIMES FIVE the normal price range and she told me that that is what they usually charge! Outrageous. I immediately said that no, I won't do that. They gave me a discount afterwards, still on the higher end, but boy was I pissed throughout the time I was there. I honestly don't care much for the price, but the fact that they tried to pin me down before providing a price made it infuriating. Anyways, so, it's important to go for places that are clear with their pricing. Don't let them do anything to you before agreeing to any price.
2) Beware of traffic and narrow roads.
It isn't as bad as Manila traffic, but get this: The roads are narrow, so drivers need to have the patience to give way for others. There are spots where there are no sidewalks, so even pedestrians will experience traffic themselves. Haha! Not to worry though, since 99.99% of people here are friendly and polite. Not much honking and road rage at all. Just a funny thing I'd like to share: My sister-in-law and I are even angrier in behalf of our driver (the driver is just laughing lol). That's how chill they generally are. Because of this traffic issue, drivers actually prefer catering to private tours. More details about this in the Tips on Where to Stay and How to Travel section.
3) Internet is pretty bad.
We stayed in different hotels and yes, they are all not reliable places for internet. To those working online like me, it's best to have your pocket WiFi AND roaming data connection on your phone. For the pocket WiFi, check out Klook and for Globe users, choose GoRoam Indonesia with 25GB valid for 30 days. Unfortunately, there is no such option for Smart users. There is an awesome co-working space to go to in Seminyak work-from-home people would adore. More details in the My Recommendations section.
4) Bali Belly is real.
Just buy bottled water every time. If you book a hotel here, most often than not, they provide bottled water every day. Never consume tap water (yes, even when you use the electric kettle to boil it). It's not worth the risk.
5) Taxes are separate...
Except when in convenience stores and "warungs" (these are a type of small family-owned business). So, don't be surprised if the tally is higher than what you thought it would. I would highly suggest going for warungs anyway besides the tax thing, they also serve very delicious, simple food. I'm sure fellow Filipinos would appreciate the familiar but not-so-familiar taste of Balinese food.
6) Prepare a budget for buying clothes!
Guys, the budol is real! HAHA! There are SO MANY beautiful clothes around Bali that will make your head turn. You know that Batik is originating from Indonesia, so expect to find wonderfully crafted clothes here. I'm sure you'd go home with one or two (or more!) new clothes.
7) People are genuinely accommodating and friendly.
I know this because they thought I was a local (Filipinos and Indonesians look VERY much alike!) and they still treated me with such politeness and respect.
Smile and accept their warmth. That's my favorite part of traveling here.
8 ) Politely say "No thanks" to solicitors or vendors who are trying to get to you.
If you are not feeling like giving or purchasing, just politely decline. They're not persistent. They'll leave you alone.
9) Download the apps GoJek and Grab.
Try booking on both so you can check the price difference and go for the cheaper option.
10) CIMB ATM will save you a LOT of money.
Please, get a CIMB account and request for a card. I'll give you an idea on the difference. I used BPI to withdraw 3,000,000 IDR and got charged approximately 250,000 IDR. Next, I borrowed my sister-in-law's CIMB to withdraw, and I only got charged approximately 77,500 IDR. The difference is approximately 616 PHP!
11) Best month to come here? May.
When we left the Philippines for Bali it was raining and thought it is a crazy idea to carry on with our travel. However, when we arrived, it was bright and sunny. Turns out that the rainy season for them is just over and we are at the sweet spot where there are not so many tourists yet (since people usually arrive there in June, according to locals).
12) The tourist attractions are almost always crowded...
and sometimes, this kinda ruins the experience since you may not be able to bask in the views as much as you'd like. However, I'd highly advise to keep an open mind and appreciate what you can. The views are still beautiful! Get to know the people you are with - the locals, your tour guide, etc. and I'm sure that the waiting time for your turn to take a picture will be less dreadful.
13) Bring a scarf or sarong at all times.
The major religion here is Hinduism and there are temples all around. I am not going to spoil what else you will see here (hint: flowers, rice, incense, architecture) but it is extremely important to them that you are dressed appropriately. This means wearing clothes not showing your knees and shoulders. Attractions usually provide a sarong already for those who are not prepared, but it is still best to bring your own just in case.
14) Don't feel too obliged to tip.
Much like in the Philippines, tipping is becoming common practice (not a big fan of it personally. Fight me.) but people are chill here when you don't. So don't sweat it.
15) Smoking in public is commonplace.
At least to me this is a very important thing to know since I cannot stand the smell of smoke. Don't be surprised to find people smoking here in a lot of places. There are options available for you if in case this is something you cannot stand as well. For example, when we booked a KTV place, there are rooms reserved for non smokers. Yup, there is an awesome KTV place here you shouldn't miss.
WHERE TO STAY AND HOW TO TRAVEL
1) For stays less than 2 weeks, best bet is Ubud. For stays more than that, best bet is to stay in Kuta.
Why? Almost all the major destinations are in Ubud. Kuta is farther but in terms of proximity to the malls, stores, gym, and other establishments, it's more strategic. You will find it more advantageous to stay here since you'll find everything you'll need.
2) If you are two or three people, best to book a private tour guide.
As I have mentioned, the traffic in Bali can be pretty bad that if the other person or people on the tour are living in places like Canggu (beautiful place, but oh so traffic), the amount of time supposedly spent on the tour itself will be taken away because of traffic. You can book a private charter via Klook but I have a contact there who is a non smoker, is very friendly, and is great conversational English speaker! Details in My Recommendations down below. If you are worried about the itinerary, you can ask Kadek or simply check out the itineraries in Klook for an idea.
3) If you are traveling alone, it might still be best to book a private charter.
Based on our experience, Klook has a requirement of two people per tour. It is going to be more expensive, so if you would, please find a +1 here in this group! You'd get to be with a newfound friend plus save more moolah! - If you are going to Nusa Penida, it might be best to book for a night or two there to avoid the crowds and check out the destinations in cooler hours. The problem with traveling on tour is that you'd probably only be able to go to these places at peak time. It's super hot as well. Bring sunscreen and an umbrella.
4) If you are going to Nusa Penida, it might be best to book for a night or two there to avoid the crowds and check out the destinations in cooler hours.
The problem with traveling on tour is that you'd probably only be able to go to these places at peak time. It's super hot as well. Bring sunscreen and an umbrella.
5) For a private tour, contact our tour guide who became our dear friend, Kadek Budipa in WhatsApp (+62 819-9923-9615).
He's a non smoker, is extremely friendly and polite, and speaks good conversational English. I'm sure you'd appreciate him as your tour guide!
6) In Kuta, visit Bali Butter Cakes and meet the baker, Jevan.
He is an interesting person, I tell you. I can't spoil how exactly, but let's just say you won't forget him when you meet him (in a great way) plus he makes awesome pastries!
7) In Kuta, go to Warung Kampung for your everyday meals.
Besides it being tax-free and cheap, the place itself is simple and pretty. It's an open space that is similar to a bahay kubo style. Just be patient if you arrive when there are a bit too many people, since all their meals are freshly cooked. It is located near Holy Guacamole Mexican near Kuta Beach.
8) For laundry in Kuta, find Bali Bubbles.
It is beside Serela. Find my friend, Widi, for your laundry needs. Pretty good price compared to the others and they also offer delivery.
9) Cap Bali is a shop you can find in most malls such as Beach Walk and Discovery Mall.
You'd be able to see beautiful Balinese style clothes that are of great quality. The prices are good too, considering that the range is the same as those you can find on the streets but instead you know it's brand new!
10) Go for rafting in Ubud!
I sincerely think this is the ultimate experience you shouldn't miss. Get that bit of adrenaline rush for the first few seconds and turn that nervousness into excitement! You'd feel like being in a Discovery Channel or National Geographic in real life. Mesmerizing beauty all around.
11) Still visit Gates of Heaven for awesome pictures.
Expect to find a lot of people so it's best to get here early via private tour.
12) Go for the Jeep Tour to Mt. Batur!
It's funny, because even here there is traffic (there are a lot of jeeps) but that won't spoil the view.
13) For KTV, visit Zero4 Karaoke!
With only around 265 per person for 6 hours of karaoke + unlimited dessert, this is a must visit! They even have a disco ball inside. You may also order other food since they have an onsite Japanese restaurant. Good prices too!
14) For work-from-home peeps, you'd surely appreciate Biliq Seminyak.
You'd be able to find my friend, Christian, there and his cute dogs Koko and Kiki. The place has great Wi-Fi! There is an open outdoor space for people who would like to eat (order your food via GoJek or Grab), socialize, and take calls, a closed air conditioned quiet room, a nap room, private rooms for conducting video calls, and a pool where you can dip your feet in the water while using your laptop! This is open 24/7.
Alright! I think that's everything. My heart is so full of love and gratefulness visiting this amazing place named "Bali" and that's mainly because of the wonderful people here. So, when you get here, make friends! Don't be afraid to smile! You will surely have a fun time here now that you are also more prepared with this knowledge.
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