Bali Travel Information 2024
Things you need to know before traveling to Bali in 2024
Source: thejakartapost.com
2023 has been Bali’s prime post-pandemic time. The trend is such a big relief for Bali’s tourism after being ‘frozen’ for almost 2 years. No more dark and quiet streets in the prime areas; now, all the tourist spots are crowded, shops are open, and businesses are returning to normal. 2.1 million foreign travelers landed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in 2022. If you think that number is impressive, wait until you find out how many travelers came the next year. The total number of foreign travelers in 2023 is 5.3 million people, exceeding the government tourism department’s target of 4.5 million foreign visitors for 2023.
Even without the data we provided, you can witness with your own eyes that the number of foreign visitors has drastically increased. This positive progress is followed by many supporting sectors. For example, let’s take a look at Canggu’s most iconic spot, ‘Canggu Shortcut.’ A narrow road that ‘was’ flanked by paddy fields on either side. The word ‘was’ should be clearly underlined since the paddy fields are almost gone today. No more leisurely biking while sightseeing in a paddy field on a fine afternoon; now, the shortcut is filled with motorbikes and cars, and you can hardly move your vehicle forward during peak hours.
Canggu Shortcut, after and before the crowd.
A lot of things have changed and a lot of new conditions that you need to adapt to. In this article, we will breakdown couple of things that you need to be aware of when traveling to Bali
1. Driving carelessly without license is not a ‘cool’ thing anymore.
While it’s a not a cool thing since day one, we are still witnessing some foreign travellers driving carelessly, without any driving license (and sometimes without tops, for a ‘cool’ factor). There were more than 7.200 accidents happened in 2023. This number has tragically increase by 100% from 2022. The caused are varies, starting from drunk driving until not looking both directions while crossing junctions. It’s an ‘open secret’ that foreign travellers without any driving license ownership can somehow get their motorbike and go biking on the road freely.
Here’s the important part to remember: Most of the common areas in Bali are now very crowded with thousands of cars and motorcycles passing through the road, making it more not suitable for anyone without driving skill and license. Not to mention some narrow roads in suburban area with paddy fields or cliff on either side. The good news is online car and motorcycle taxis are everywhere. Indonesia’s giant online transportation companies like Gojek or Grab will gladly provide you their services with just few clicks away. Worry about the fare? Taking an online transportation in Indonesia can be as cheap as USD 80 cents per trip. So why risking your life driving by yourself when you can get the convenient one?
2. Do some research before go for beach-hopping
Beaches are the things we want to talk about when visiting Bali. While famous beaches like Berawa, Batu Bolong, and Kuta are so fun to visit, Bali has much more than that. Uluwatu and Nusa Dua, are at least 2 areas that have great beaches surrounding them. But after all, it all depends on the kind of activities you expect. There are beaches that is so fun to swim at, while there are some beaches where swimming is a life-threatening activity. We will breakdown different activities with beach options for each of them.
A. Surfing
One of the most exciting activities in Bali is surfing. As long as you’re healthy and fit, learning how to surf while in Bali is a must-try. If it’s your first-time surfing, you can go and visit Kuta and Legian beach. Numerous surf schools are there and will gladly serve you. The price here is also relatively cheap for first timer. Wondering why it’s good beginners? The waves are generally on the normal levels and there are less rocks, making it less-harmful for first timer.
B. Swimming
Feel like swimming or giving your body a good relaxing dip at the beach? Some beaches in Nusa Dua coastline can be the answer. Gunung Payung beach is a newly-famous beach that has been heard by many tourists lately. The water is relatively calm and swimmable, you can safely swim here!
Mengiat beach Nusa Dua will be our second recommendation. Located in ITDC area, this beach has a very easy access flanked by luxurious hotels surrounding it.
Expecting more challenges for your beach-hopping experience? Go to Thomas Beach Uluwatu. You will be welcomed by a rocky road access going to the beach, and a numerous stairs going down to the beach area. While going here takes more effort compared to the other two, the landscape will not disappoint you!
C. Spending time with kids
Some people love to be in the middle of the crowd but some people can only enjoy it while it has less human surrounding them, especially when you are traveling with your kids. Beaches in Sanur area are the answer of this. Waves are something you will rarely see in this coastline, making it a safe spot for spending time with kids. Suddenly feeling hungry when enjoying beach? Worry not! Plenty of beach cafes and restaurants are there ready to serve you. The menus are varies starting from Indonesia until western. All are in the reasonable price!
3. Explore less-famous places to hangout.
Finding a good place to hang out with beach and paddy fields view is not a hard thing to do in Bali, but some places seems like having a huge spotlight, much more than the others. While it’s true that some famous places has something unique that the others don’t have, visiting those places could be challenge at the peak-hours. Getting your name on the waiting list is a very normal thing since a lot of people want to visit the same place at the same time.
On the other side, there are plenty of places that are also enjoyable. So if it’s still okay for you to postpone the visit to those crowded restaurants or cafes, or at least wait until it’s a non-peak hours, there are hundreds of options around you. Try to observe it from google maps or simply walk around to sight-see the cool places around you.
4. Stay fit physically and mentally while enjoying Bali.
From tennis to yoga, there are plenty of activities to train your body and mind. Bali has welcomed tourists with diverse origins since decades ago, and the needs of fitness centre is one of the cores here. However, fitness business sector is one of the businesses that experienced a great loss on pandemic season. While the number of tourists going in drastically decreased, the existing members chose to exercise at home. But starting last year when Bali’s economic wheel runs again, many businesses are back to normal, including fitness. It wouldn’t be a difficult thing to find sports or yoga club in the island. So, when you’re here do not miss the chance to do some fitness activities.
Afraid of starting alone as a foreigner? Worry not, hundreds of people are also there starting, just like you.
5. Be prepared for every possibility.
The island of God is one of the most famous touristy place in the world. While exploring some other areas in Indonesia requires more caution, Bali is relatively safe and accommodating. However, there is no one on the island can make sure that your trip will runs smooth with no challenge at all. Possibility like travel delays, item lost, or medical conditions can occur at any time. While those things are something that you cannot handle, guarding yourself with travel protection is a wise move.
The good news is, we can assist you to get the best international travel insurance to protect your trip comprehensively. Click the button below to get a free quote or click here for a free consultation on WhatsApp.
Bali is a very nice and welcoming place for local and foreign tourist, however there are couple of things, as explained above that you need to pay attention to, just simply to make your vacation runs smoothly and more enjoyable. We wish you all the best for your trip in Bali!