I spent almost a year in Bali, and before I went, I’ll be honest – I didn’t do a huge amount of research. I knew it looked beautiful in photos, I’d heard amazing things about it, and I figured I’d work the rest out when I got there. While that approach worked out just fine, there were plenty of things I learned along the way that I wish I’d known before my first trip.
Although Bali is by far the most popular destination in Indonesia, it’s only a tiny part of what this country has to offer. If you have the time, it’s also worth considering places like Lombok, the Gili Islands, Java, Komodo National Park, Flores, Sumatra and Raja Ampat. Each island offers something completely different, so there’s far more to Indonesia than many people realise.
Whether you’re heading to Bali for your first trip or planning to explore more of Indonesia, these are the travel tips I wish I’d known before I arrived – from visas and getting around to avoiding scooter mishaps, staying healthy and making the most of your time in Indonesia.
1. Indonesia Is More Than Just Bali
Bali is, without a doubt, Indonesia’s most popular destination, and it’s where I spent almost a year living. With beaches, green rice fields, trendy beach clubs and Instagram-worthy cafes, it’s easy to see why so many people choose it for their first trip. However, one thing I didn’t fully appreciate before I arrived was just how vast Indonesia really is.
The country is made up of more than 17,000 islands, many of which offer completely different experiences. If you’re into hiking, Java is home to volcanoes like Mount Bromo and Ijen, while Komodo National Park is famous for its dragons and crystal-clear waters. Lombok offers a quieter alternative to Bali, the Gili Islands are perfect if you’re looking for laid-back island life, and Raja Ampat is considered one of the world’s best diving destinations.
If it’s your first time visiting Indonesia, Bali is the place most people start. But if you have a little more time, don’t be afraid to look beyond it – you might discover another part of Indonesia that’s an even better fit for your travel style.
2. Apply for Your Indonesia eVOA Before You Fly
One of the most important things to organise before your trip is your visa. Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, so it’s always worth checking the latest rules well before your departure rather than assuming you can simply turn up at the airport.
Many travellers are eligible for the Indonesia eVOA, which allows you to complete the process before you travel instead of dealing with paperwork after a long flight. Personally, I prefer getting as much travel admin out of the way before I leave home, as it’s one less thing to think about when I arrive.
If you’d rather simplify the process, iVisa can help you check your eligibility, complete your application online and review everything before it’s submitted, giving you one less thing to worry about before your trip. iVisa is not a government entity or embassy, and all visa applications are still approved by the Indonesian government. However, they make it easier to navigate the application process, understand what documents you need, and check your application for accuracy.
3. Don’t Underestimate How Big Indonesia Is
When you look at Indonesia on a map, it’s easy to think you’ll be able to hop between islands without much effort. In reality, the country stretches for thousands of kilometres, and travelling from one destination to another can take much longer than you expect.
A lot of first-time visitors try to squeeze Bali, Lombok, Java and the Gili Islands into a week or two, only to spend a large chunk of their holiday in airports, ferry terminals or cars. While domestic flights are relatively affordable, they’re still time-consuming once you factor in transfers, check-in and waiting around.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend longer exploring fewer places than trying to tick everything off a list. Slowing down gives you more time to actually enjoy each destination instead of constantly packing your bags and rushing to the next one.
4. Be Careful Around Scooters
One of the first things you’ll notice in Bali is just how many scooters there are. They’re everywhere, and for many locals they’re the main form of transport. It’s tempting to rent one yourself, especially because it’s one of the cheapest ways to get around, but it’s worth thinking carefully before you do.
Scooter accidents are surprisingly common, particularly among tourists who have little experience riding in busy traffic. The roads can be chaotic, traffic rules aren’t always followed in the same way you might be used to, and even experienced riders can find the conditions challenging. If you do decide to hire a scooter, make sure you have the correct licence, check that your travel insurance covers you, and always wear a helmet.
Even if you have no intention of riding one, stay aware when you’re walking. Scooters often weave through traffic and can appear from unexpected directions, especially on narrow streets and busy roads. Paying attention when crossing the road is one of the easiest ways to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
5. Public Transport Is Limited
If you’re used to travelling around Europe or Japan by train, Indonesia might come as a bit of a surprise. Outside of larger cities like Jakarta, public transport is fairly limited, so you’ll probably end up relying on taxis, ride-hailing apps or private drivers to get around.
In Bali, apps like Grab and Gojek are incredibly useful and are often much cheaper than flagging down a taxi. If you’re planning day trips, hiring a private driver can also work out surprisingly affordable, especially if you’re travelling as a group. Just don’t expect to be able to hop on a train or metro to get everywhere – planning your transport in advance will save you both time and frustration.
6. Be Smart With Cash and ATMs
Although credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, you’ll still need cash from time to time. Local markets, small warungs and independent businesses often prefer cash, so it’s worth carrying some with you.
When withdrawing money, try to use ATMs attached to banks rather than standalone machines on the street. Like many popular tourist destinations, ATM skimming can happen, so it’s a good idea to cover the keypad when entering your PIN and check the machine for anything that looks unusual. I also recommend carrying a second bank card in case your primary one is lost, damaged or unexpectedly blocked while you’re travelling.
7. Expect Traffic to Take Longer Than You Think
Distances in Bali can look deceptively short on Google Maps, but traffic is another story. A journey that appears to take 20 minutes can easily turn into an hour during busy periods, particularly around Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Ubud.
This is something to keep in mind when booking airport transfers, day tours or restaurant reservations. Rather than planning your itinerary back-to-back, leave yourself a little extra time between activities. It’ll make your trip feel far more relaxed, and you’ll be much less likely to spend it stressing about being late.
8. Check the Festival Calendar Before You Travel
Indonesia is an incredibly diverse country with several major religions, including Islam, Hinduism, Christianity and Buddhism. Throughout the year, you’ll find religious festivals and ceremonies taking place across different regions, which can affect opening hours, transport and even flights.
If you’re visiting Bali, it’s worth checking whether your trip coincides with Nyepi, also known as the Day of Silence. For 24 hours, the island comes to a complete standstill – the airport closes, businesses shut, and everyone is expected to remain indoors. It’s a fascinating cultural experience if you’re prepared for it, but it can come as a surprise if you arrive without knowing what to expect. A quick look at the local festival calendar before you travel can help you plan your trip more effectively.
9. Pack for a Tropical Climate
Indonesia is hot and humid year-round, so it’s worth packing lightweight, breathable clothing that will keep you comfortable in the heat. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, don’t forget a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella, as tropical downpours can appear out of nowhere before disappearing just as quickly.
It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent. While you can buy all of these once you arrive, they often cost more in tourist areas than they do at home. If you know you’ll be spending time at the beach or hiking, packing them before you leave is one less thing to worry about.
10. Respect Local Customs
Indonesia is an incredibly welcoming country, but taking a little time to understand local customs goes a long way. If you’re visiting temples, make sure you dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees where required, and wear a sarong if one is provided. Always follow any signs or instructions, and avoid climbing on religious monuments or interrupting ceremonies to take photos.
You’ll often come across colourful offerings called canang sari, which are placed on pavements and outside homes and businesses in Bali.They’re part of daily Hindu worship, so try not to step on them, even if they’re in the middle of the footpath. Showing respect for local traditions is appreciated and helps you experience the country more thoughtfully.
11. Buy an eSIM Before You Arrive
Having mobile data as soon as you land makes travelling around Indonesia much easier. Whether you’re ordering a Grab, checking directions, translating something or messaging your accommodation, you’ll probably end up using your phone far more than you expect.
You can buy a local SIM card after you arrive, but I personally prefer using an eSIM whenever my phone supports it. It saves you from searching for a mobile shop after a long flight, and you can usually activate it before you even leave home. Having data from the moment you land means you can get where you’re going without relying on airport Wi-Fi or trying to find a free connection.
12. Don’t Drink the Tap Water
One thing you’ll hear travellers talk about a lot is “Bali belly” – the nickname given to the stomach bugs that can sometimes affect visitors. While there isn’t one single cause, drinking tap water is one of the easiest risks to avoid.
Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip, and if you have a particularly sensitive stomach, you may also want to use it when brushing your teeth. Most reputable hotels, restaurants and cafés use filtered water and commercially produced ice, but it’s still worth being a little more cautious at smaller establishments. A few simple precautions can reduce your chances of spending part of your holiday feeling unwell.
13. Learn a Few Basic Bahasa Indonesia Phrases
You don’t need to be fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, but learning a few basic words and phrases before your trip can make a big difference. While English is widely spoken in Bali and other tourist areas, it’s much less common once you venture further afield. Even knowing how to say “thank you” (terima kasih), “please” (tolong), “yes” (ya) and “no” (tidak) is often appreciated.
I found that making a small effort with the local language usually resulted in friendlier interactions, whether I was ordering food, shopping at a market or asking for directions. Most people won’t expect you to speak Bahasa Indonesia, but they’ll often appreciate that you’ve tried. Downloading Google Translate before your trip is also worthwhile if you think you’ll be travelling beyond the main tourist areas.
14. Carry Some Cash
Although cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, cash is still widely used across Indonesia. Small cafés, local markets, street food vendors and independent shops may only accept cash, so it’s always worth carrying some with you.
That said, you don’t need to withdraw large amounts all at once. There are plenty of ATMs available in tourist areas, so you can take out cash as and when you need it. Having a mixture of cash and cards gives you the most flexibility and means you won’t get caught out if you visit somewhere that doesn’t accept card payments.
15. Leave a Little Flexibility in Your Itinerary
It can be tempting to fill every day with activities, especially if it’s your first trip to Indonesia, but I’d recommend leaving a little room for flexibility. Ferry schedules can change, traffic can delay your plans, and you may end up discovering somewhere you’d like to spend longer than expected.
Some of my favourite memories came from slowing down rather than rushing from one attraction to the next. Whether it’s spending an extra afternoon relaxing at the beach, stumbling across a local café or deciding to stay another day in a place you love, giving yourself a bit of breathing room can make your trip feel far less rushed.
A Final Word
Hopefully these tips have given you a better idea of what to expect before you visit Indonesia. A little preparation – whether that’s sorting out your visa, understanding how to get around, or knowing a few local customs – can make your trip go much more smoothly.
Before you travel, check the latest entry requirements for your nationality and apply for any required documents in advance. If you’d rather simplify the process, iVisa can help with your application and provide an expert review before you submit it.
