Things to be aware of during your trip to Bali, Indonesia and useful information
Bali, the island of Gods and one of the most popular Indonesian islands, apart from its endless beauty conceals some risks that you need to be aware of before your visit.
Bali belly: is called an extreme digestive illness that people may suffer during their stay on the island due to the consumption of contaminated water or food. Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea are some of the symptoms that do not resemble those of common traveler’s diarrhea as they are more intense and severe. The symptoms usually last for 5 days and if they do not subside, a visit to the hospital is needed due to the body’s dehydration. Don’t panic though. With the following precautions you will not have any issue:
- Drink only bottled water and avoid ice in your drinks unless you are 100% sure that the restaurant or bar uses bottled water for its ice cubes
- Brush your teeth with bottled water
- Avoid drinking water during your shower or (accidentally) when swimming in the pool
- Check at the restaurants if there are bottled water machines in the kitchens with which the fruits and vegetables are washed. If you are not sure, avoid eating food that contains fruit and vegetables. Usually, the hotels and most of the restaurants are aware of the problem that tourists face and are very careful with their food controls.
- Have electrolytes with you to avoid dehydration and anti-diarrhea and anti-vomiting medicines
Monkeys; These cute but naughty animals are found almost everywhere in Bali and might cause you problems. In specific areas (like at Uluwatu Temple), the monkeys tend to steal your personal belongings (mobiles, sunglasses, bottle waters etc) to exchange them for food (Yes, they are that smart that understand the importance of the mobile for example for you and that you will offer them food to get it back). Therefore, if a monkey steals your personal item, try to give it food or ask help from the staff that works at the place. Do not try to grab your item from the monkey nor look it at the eyes as they consider it as a sign of aggression and might bite you or scratch you (In case this happens you need to go directly to the hospital to get an anti-rabies injection). If a monkey climbs on you, try to remain calm and not start yelling. Continue to walk calmly and eventually it will get bored and leave you.
Currency Exchanges and ATMS; In Bali you feel like a millionaire as you pay with millions. Due to the currency difference in comparison to your country, you need to check and recheck many times the exchanged money you get as there are places that take advantage of it and might steal you a significant amount. As a Balinese driver told me once in Bali, the way to check if a currency exchange office is reliable is to check if it has air conditioning and a lot of light. Otherwise, don’t enter. The description sounds amusing, but I believe is accurate.
If you choose to withdraw money from an ATM machine, you also need to be careful. Always check if there is someone suspect looking around you and if the entrance spot of your card has any strange or different marks. Some ATMs are trapped, and your card details are stolen after your withdrawal.
Another measure of precaution when being in Bali is not to walk alone during the night. Bali is a generally safe island. Nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid walking alone especially if you are a woman during the night. It is preferable to take a taxi even for short distances. During daytime also try to avoid having your mobile on your hand when walking at the street (especially in Kuta) and always protect your purse/bag.
A private driver is the best option during your stay on the island if you wish to go around, as the distances are very long (Bali is a surprisingly big island) and there is no public transportation to use. (Please contact us if you need a reliable driver. We have the best for you).
Travelling by boat from Bali
If you wish to travel to the opposite islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Gilli Islands etc) from Bali the only way is by boat, which is a totally unique and different experience. First of all, don’t expect very luxurious ships nor very clean ones (at this point I would like to mention that when travelling to Bali a vaccine of Hepatitis A is totally recommended). The majority are small ships with no air conditioning. Therefore, if you usually get dizzy, try to find a seat at the back of the ship where there is an open door to get some air. Of course, there are seats next to the windows but if there are waves, all the water gets in and you cannot leave them open. Another thing I would like to mention is that at many spots there are no piers or there are improvised piers. For example, at Nusa Penida you need to enter the water up to your knee (depending on your height it might be up to your waist) to get onto the ship while your luggage is carried by the boat’s staff. Last but not least, the Indonesian boats are not well known for their punctuality. So, if you are late catching your boat, don’t be disappointed. Probably you will even have time to have a coffee and still to wait hours until the arrival of your boat.
For more information or to help you plan your ideal trip within your budget, please contact us.