Bali is Back as one of 2024 world tourism hotspots winning awards such as No. 3 Best Island from Travel & Leisure Readers and Ubud and No.9 Best Town/City in the World. Good news that local people and businesses are finally back on their feet after the devastating 2+ years of no tourists due to lockdowns. But more tourists = More traffic + More crowds and same as every other popular tourist destination, Bali is no different.

After reading travelers questions on social media should they avoid Ubud because there is too much traffic, we thought best to share some local knowledge and give some local insider tips.

Update 22 August
During the afternoon of 17 August, a fire at Ubud Market has resulted in closure until further notice. Thankfully no injuries have been reported. The market is still standing but there was significant damage. Sellers are now selling fruit, vegetable and flowers on the sidewalk and their small trucks with produce are parked in the first lane of traffic. The market starts before 6am until around 9am. Therefore, Raya Ubud in front of the market area is more busy than usual.

1. Plan when to travel – If traffic really drives you crazy then avoid the busiest times in Bali. The peak holiday months are July, August and Boxing Day until New Year’s Day. The peak holidays days are Indonesian public holidays and Idul Fitri.
2. Consider where to stay – Stay in different areas to see local sights don’t stay in south and plan to visit Ubud and do the activities in this area in day trips. Best idea is to stay in Ubud area and do all the activities and touring in this area and further north with Ubud as a base. There are more than 50 attractions in Ubud and its surrounding areas. You can even visit an area with great snorkeling in a 90 min drive from Ubud.
3. Stay in Seminyak and you can visit Canggu, Stay in Kuta and you can visit Legian. Stay in Canggu and you can visit Pereranan. Stay in Ubud and you can visit Tampaksiring, Kintamani, Sidemen, Bedugul and the east coast.
4. Don’t be fooled by google maps the distance may not be far but consider Bali mostly has single lane roads so if you get stuck behind a truck travelling time will be more…and then there’s roadworks and road closures due to ceremonies. On most roads in tourist areas, you will not drive more than 40kmph.
5. If you decide to stay out of Ubud Town, then consider the best time to visit the central town. The town area is usually not busy until midday, so our recommendation is to come around 10am. Use your hotel shuttle if available.
6. Be prepared to walk – To see Ubud Town it is best to stay in town and walk everywhere. Our recommended Ubud Town is Bisma Cottages, only 15 minutes walk to Ubud Market and Palace, 5 minutes walk to Monkey Forest and 20 minutes walk to Campuhan Ridge. There are also a number of great walks in the town area to see rice fields, temples and local life in Bali. There is good shopping – market style, souvenir shops and boutiques with set price. Tip: Many beautiful jewelry shops in Jalan Hanoman. There is also an abundance of great food from Indonesian Warungs, Vegan/Vegetarian, Cafes, Casual Dining and Fine Dining. You can taste delicious food from all around the globe in Ubud.
7. Don’t be part of the problem by booking door to door service from your Gojek driver in peak time? Why not choose a different drop off location and walk a few minutes. Suggestions are Ubud soccer field or monkey forest car park. Less stressful for your driver too.
8. Should you rent a motorbike? If you’ve never ridden a motorbike before, don’t start in Bali! Riding a motorcycle here requires much more than staying upright. You need to understand the nuances of the traffic and have eyes in the back of your head. Local police are cracking down on tourists who ride motorbikes without an international motorbike license and insurance will not cover you if you don’t have one.
9. GOJEK, GRAB and taxis are very cheap here so why risk having an accident and ruining your holiday. If you are a passenger on an authorized motorbike taxi – Wear A Helmet!
10. Use Ubud Drivers for pick up from other areas and tours who knows area, short cuts etc. These guys also make the best guides for Ubud area. Why not break up the trip with some sights on the way to Ubud from the south? There are new one way roads in the town area too. Best tours in Ubud area with Ubud Traveler as their itineraries are designed to avoid crowds.
11. Be aware of where you are walking and what’s around you. Exit from cars on the footpath side to avoid taking out someone on a scooter. Don’t look down at your phone and remember motorbikes sometimes use footpaths as roads. Don’t expect anyone to stop for you at a crosswalk/zebra crossing either! If you find yourself in heavy traffic, listen to a podcast or your playlist or give someone a call.
12. The people of Ubud have strong religion and traditions. This means there are a lot of ceremonies. Sometimes there are notifications shared public and sometimes not. Even though ceremonies will disrupt traffic they are a beautiful, unexpected experience for tourists to experience.
13. There are many opportunities to see Balinese dance performance in Ubud Town area. We highly recommended that visitors experience minimum one performance.
    All dance start at 7.30pm and finish approx. 8.30pm. Having several performances at temples in town at the same time certainly effects traffic.
    Our suggestions.
    – Come to town in the afternoon, have dinner and stay for the dance (Of course if you book accommodation in town this will not affect you as you can walk)
    – Ladies Gamelan Night every Tuesday at Pura Saraswati which is illuminated beautifully. Buy a delicious gelato at the stall near the entrance.
    – Kecak Fire Dance at Pura Dalem.
    – See here for complete dance schedule – https://bismacottagesubud.com/about-ubud/ubud-balinese-dance-schedule/
14. Ok so despite all of the above you got stuck in traffic. Relax and enjoy the slow pace, you are lucky to be on holiday in Bali. Call your mum. Play music and sing. Listen to that podcast, sight see from the comfort of the car and observe the local culture in their daily life.
15. Indonesian word for traffic jam = machet

1. Organise your E-visa and customs declaration online before you go using the official website: https://molina.imigrasi.go.id. Current cost of E – visa is IDR 500,000. Beware of 3rd party sites offering E-visas. They cost more! Ensure you have minimum 6 months remaining on your passport and onward ticket from Bali. Customs declaration can be done online a maximum of 3 days prior to travel via website: https://ecd.beacukai.go.id Fill in your details and download or screenshot the QR code to present to customs on exit at Denpasar Airport. Effective Wednesday 14 February Bali tourism levy applies to all International visitors.
   Levy is IDR 150,000 per person (adult and child) Same as evisa the tourism levy can be paid prior online or at the airport upon arrival.
   Link for online payment. (Family payment cannot be processed online)- https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/
   Tourism levy monies will be allocated to protect the customs, traditions, arts and culture of Bali. Also for maintenance and improvement in tourism infrastructure and services.
2. Travel insurance is not compulsory for travel to Bali but highly recommended! Despite best prepared plans, accidents and illness can happen and Bali hospitals & health providers will not offer treatment unless you confirm travel insurance or pay up front! Avoid huge costs of overseas medical care or becoming and organize travel insurance before you leave home. A small price to pay for peace of mind.
3. Local currency in Bali is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Cash and major credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are accepted but for market stalls, smaller restaurants and accommodation houses, drivers and local artisans, cash is king! Bring your own currency and change it at reputable money exchanges (look for certificate) or use a WISE or REVOLUT or CHASE multi-currency cards which incur comparatively minimal fees and are accepted in most ATMs and EFTPOS machines. For hotel bookings, legal tender is Indonesian Rupiah only. For more detailed info on money in Bali check out:  https://bismacottagesubud.com/blog/insider-tips-about-money-in-bali/
4. Tipping is not mandatory, but very much appreciated, especially as local wages are low by western standards. Small businesses like warungs, shops, transport and spas usually don’t charge service fee, unlike hotels, larger restaurants and bars where service and tax (those ++ charges) are added to your bill. Ultimately, if you enjoy service with a big Balinese smile, then round up the Rupiah. The minimum recommended tip is 10% of the bill. For that little bit extra, the local appreciation is priceless. See more about tipping here
5. Wi Fi is available at most restaurants, hotels, clubs and shopping centres in Bali so many visitors rely on this for Whatsapp and social media. If you require constant phone and data connection while on holiday, buy a local tourist SIM card from a phone shop (there are several at the airport). This is more economical than international data roaming and you will have convenient access to online food and transport apps like GOJEK, Bluebird taxis and booking apps. Tourist SIMS are valid for 30 days, require registration with your personal details, are data only and can range from 8GB to 83GB!
6. WhatsApp is best messaging service to download as most businesses and services in Bali use this platform for messaging, contact details and especially bookings. WhatsApp also allows easy contact with family back home with a local ‘data only’ SIM card. Contact Bisma Cottages via WhatsApp for any assistance before you arrive in Bali.
7. What do I Pack? Most items are readily available in Bali but there are items you might want to bring from home as they are very expensive or hard to source.
   Medications – Ensure you have enough prescription medicine or other ‘ go to ‘ medications  to last your holiday and a bit more. Anti-depressants, heavy pain meds and other restricted psychotropic medications should be accompanied by a prescription or letter from your doctor. Tampons are quite limited and comparatively expensive as are vitamins and sunscreen. It’s a good idea to bring probiotics for extra protection from Bali Belly.
   Sunscreen – if you have your fave bring this.
   International adaptor – always handy!
   Clothing – Light summer clothes are the norm in Bali, definitely pack a swimsuit or two as there is not a big range of swimwear and sizes. You will need to cover up for temple visits. Nothing too short or skimpy, shoulders must be covered, and hair tied up for the girls. Going shirtless or wearing bikinis anywhere but the beach is frowned upon, especially in Ubud.  Planning to climb Mt Batur? Bring a hat, gym/walking shoes and a lightweight jumper and rain jacket. It gets a cool at the top. Also for snorkelling trip BYO wet shirts.
8. None of us want to miss a thing on our holidays but it’s best to include a rest day in your itinerary. Different time zones and Bali’s heat and humidity can take some adjusting to so don’t overdo it on the first few days.
9. Massages in Bali are plentiful and cheaper than home so you can afford to have one daily! If it’s been a while since your last massage, go easy! Deep tissue therapies can release a build-up of toxins, making you feel queasy so start with something gentle and increase the pressure from there. Remember to rehydrate afterwards.
10. Be a mindful & conscious traveler – Think sustainably.  Bali holidays are for re-booting and relaxing so don’t rush and leave the phone alone for a change. Bring your refillable water bottle and remember to switch off the lights and AC in your room when you leave.
11. The Balinese are very accommodating but there are a few ‘no-nos’ when it comes to etiquette. Don’t point or shout at them and do not touch their heads. Pack your manners and be polite. ‘Thank you’ goes a long way and so does a smile!
12. Learn some language basics. The national language of Bahasa Indonesia is spoken in Bali along with Bahasa Bali. Making the effort to learn even a few greetings will be met with much appreciation. A few handy ones are: Selamat Pagi – Good Morning / Terima Kasih – Thank you / Tidak Makasih – No thank you / Matur Suksma – Thank you (Bahasa Bali). If you’re not much for learning languages, Halo/hello and Thank you will work just fine! Some locals like to practice their English and ask questions like “where are you going?” and “where are you from?” Don’t be threatened by this as they are genuinely friendly and curious by nature.
13. Traffic is part of the course in Bali unless staying in quieter areas like Sideman, Lovina or Nusa Lembongan. Be aware of where you are walking and what’s around you. Exit from cars on the footpath side to avoid taking out someone on a scooter. Don’t look down at your phone and remember motorbikes sometimes use footpaths as roads. Don’t expect anyone to stop for you at a crosswalk/zebra crossing either! If you find yourself in heavy traffic, listen to a podcast or your playlist or give someone a call.
14. If you want to avoid the busiest times in Bali, avoid the peak Indonesian holidays. Around the world the Christmas and New Year is peak season but in Indonesia so is Idul Fitri. Balinese holidays Nyepi and Galungan should also be considered. Want to check more about your travel dates, message us !
15. There is a difference between hiring a driver and a driver/guide! A driver will generally take you where you want to go and wait outside until you finish. A driver/guide will have knowledge about the local area, accompany you to the location and provide information and tips for travelers. Very handy should you need someone to translate, find a toilet or assist with entry tickets etc. They may be a little more expensive, but they are the best way to find out more about local culture and sites. Book ahead to secure more experienced guides as they are usually very popular! More tips about booking tours – https://bismacottagesubud.com/blog/25-helpful-hints-for-booking-tours-in-bali/
16. If you’ve never ridden a motorbike before, don’t start in Bali! Riding a motorcycle here requires much more than staying upright. You need to understand the nuances of the traffic and have eyes in the back of your head. Local police are cracking down on tourists who ride motorbikes without an international motorbike licence and insurance will not cover you if you don’t have one. GOJEK, GRAB and taxis are very cheap here so why risk having an accident and ruining your holiday. If you are a passenger on an authorized motorbike taxi – WEAR A HELMET!
17. Like any location, Bali has its fair share of animals and insects. You’ll find frogs lizards, geckos, flying insects, snakes, stary cats & dogs, chickens, roosters, monkeys and ducks in most places so if you really are animal phobic, Bali might not be for you!  Fun Fact! – Ubud is famous for its ducks.
18. Food allergies can be catered for in most restaurants and cafes in Ubud. Many staff will ask if you have an allergy or menus may list items for those with food sensitivities. Gluten free and vegetarian options are widely available throughout Bali these days and there are a number of Facebook Pages (Gluten Free in Bali) dedicated to gluten free foodie finds! Street side food stalls are not likely to accommodate food allergies and if you are a coeliac be wary of the sauces. 
19. Bali Belly may afflict some while others never experience it. It is more often caused by ingesting tap water, not washing hands after handling money or before eating rather than from bad food. Spicy foods can also cause havoc! Probiotics are very helpful as are charcoal tablets and hydrolites to avoid dehydration. If these do not help, then seek medical advice
20. Air travel, air-conditioning and different climates can bring on the flu and luckily over the counter medications are cheap and readily available. Betadine throat gargle is a Godsend for sore throats, Vitamin C and Vitamin B (like Berocca) are great for recovering from stomach bugs and the Panadol in Bali works wonders – Panadol with Caffeine (red) Panadol Cold & Flu (green) Panadol Blue – straight paracetamol. Soups are ideal for getting nutrients back and Simply Social does a mean minestrone! (available via GOJEK). DRINK ONLY BOTTLED WATER!
21. Holidays are to be celebrated and most of us like to toast the occasion with a cocktail. Alcohol is quite safe these days in Bali but stay away from ultra-cheap drink offers as they tend to be arak based and not always safe for non Indonesians. Abide by the general rule If it seems too cheap to be true, it usually is! If you are concerned, stick to beer and wine and only spirits from larger, more established restaurants. Tourists are allowed to bring 1 litre  alcohol into Bali and customs are very strict. 

Enjoy! Bali is not like home and not like any other place on earth. Engage with  the local people, be open to trying new things, be kind and respectful and you will make memories of a life time.

How do Westerners open the New Year? With revelry.
How do the Balinese open their own New Year? With a full day of silence, called Nyepi.

Nyepi is Bali’s “Day of Silence” is Monday March 11th 2024. It is a Hindu celebration mainly in Bali.
Nyepi Day is a day of silence, fasting and meditation for the Balinese.

After a full year of accumulating impurities, Bali must be completely cleansed. This is a prelude to Nyepi by every village on the island. This is known as Melasti and is a spectacular procession of Balinese walking to the beach or rivers for purification.

The evening prior to Nyepi there is a parade of Ogoh Ogoh (paper mache monsters) in every village to scare aware the evil spirits. The monsters represent all objects, people or anything that can disrupt human life.

From 6.a.m on the morning on Nyepi to 6.a.m the following day is silent, so the bad spirits scared aware the night before do not return. It is also a day reserved for self reflection and meditation. The main restrictions are no lightning fire (and light must be kept low), no working, no entertainment or pleasure, no traveling and for some no talking or eating at all.

The effect of these restrictions is that Bali and its usual bustling streets are empty. There is no noise, and few signs of activity are seen even inside homes. The only people to be seen outdoors are the pecalang, traditional security who patrol the street to ensure the prohibitions are being followed. Although Nyepi is a Hindu Holiday, non Hindu residents and tourists are not exempt from restrictions. Although free to do as they wish inside their hotel, strictly no one is allowed on beaches or streets and the airport in Bali remains closed for the entire day.

The world is then pure as everything is cleansed, ready for a brand new year.

On day after Nyepi, known as Ngembak Geni (Relighting the fire) or Nyepi Manis, social activity picks up again quickly, as families and friends gather to ask forgiveness from one another, and to perform certain religious ritual together.

If you are lucky enough to be staying in Bali on the Day of Silence, enjoy this special time. Nyepi is definitely something special to Bali that you cannot experience anywhere else in the world!