Bali, Indonesia, known for its picturesque beaches, lush green rice paddies, and vibrant culture, has become a hotspot for tourists seeking an exotic destination. However, with its unique customs and traditions, navigating Bali can be challenging for first-time travelers. To make the most out of your trip and avoid any hiccups, here are six common mistakes tourists often make when traveling to Bali, Indonesia.
Check out 6 common mistakes tourists make when traveling to Bali Indonesia
1. Tourist trap
Traditional Balinese healing methods became popular when the movie Eat, Pray, Love was released in 2010. But not all methods work. Many gullible tourists have fallen into this trap, by paying high prices for a cure for a certain illness according to traditional methods.
Another tourist trap is drivers who often take visitors to jewelry stores. Meanwhile, these shops often sell low-quality goods, and tourists feel unhappy when forced to buy. To avoid this situation, ask the hotel to rent a car if you want to go out.
2. Anger in traffic
In recent years, traffic in Bali has become more chaotic because of the increasing number of people. Even when traveling a short distance, visitors also spend a lot of time sitting in the car. Local people have a calm attitude when going out, do not honking loudly or swearing, even when meeting people who do not comply with traffic laws. Instead of getting angry, tourists should follow the locals.
3. Annoy the people on the days they participate in the ritual
Balinese attend many ceremonies during the year, such as praying at temples, attending cremation ceremonies. There are many people who will not be able to come to work on those days. For example, you want to visit a place, need a local guide, but on the same day they have a ceremony. Instead of forcing the tour guide on the right date, guests should leave the schedule for the next day.
On the day of Nyepi (the day of silence), the Balinese do not talk to each other. They stopped all activities and spent all their time praying in silence. The airport is closed, everyone including tourists must stay indoors, according to Anhar. This year, Nyepi falls on March 22.
4. Wearing shorts that are too short
The polite Balinese should be less responsive, according to Anhar. They won’t meet you directly if they see you wearing too short shorts, see-through skirts or mesh tops on the street. The Balinese consider nature a sacred thing. Therefore, visitors should avoid taking pictures showing themselves on Mount Agung – the most sacred mountain on the island, or hugging a banyan tree naked.
5. Showing excessive affection
Although most people are very open-minded, they are still limited about showing affection in public. Many tourists have too intimate gestures, making people uncomfortable. However, guests can completely hug, or hold hands, because this is considered normal.
6. Only to the beaches
Half of the beaches in Bali have volcanic black sand, big waves, only suitable for surfing, bathing can be dangerous. Anhahr encourages people to not just go to the beach, because “there is much more”. One of the experiences guests should explore is visiting temples, discovering the local culture, life, mountains, lakes and waterfalls.
Bali is a beautiful destination with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of the locals. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can have a smooth and enjoyable trip to this tropical paradise. Remember to plan your itinerary carefully, respect local customs and traditions, pack wisely, explore beyond the touristy areas, be environmentally responsible, and stay cautious against scams. With a little preparation and mindfulness, your trip to Bali will be an unforgettable experience filled with amazing memories that will last a lifetime. Check out Best things to do in Bali Indonesia in 2023
