Sponsored by WebjetFranki HobsonMay 22, 2026 — 10:55amThe first time I went to Bali, I arrived without rupiah, left a bag on the conveyor belt, drank unfiltered water and left my card in a corner-store ATM — a gift for whoever came next. By morning I was cashless, without swimmers and seriously questioning my ability to “adult”.It was 26 years ago, one of my first solo trips and I made every mistake imaginable. But I loved Bali! The culture, the food, the people. Over time, with some hard-won experience, I learned how to do Bali properly. The secret? A little pre-planning goes a long way.Along the way, you’ll see daily rituals and small offerings on the ground. They’re part of everyday life, so step around them and give people space when ceremonies are taking place. It’s a simple way to show respect. iStockEat well by planning aheadHangry and holidays never mix. Hunger leads to impulsive food choices I regret. Making a shortlist before you leave and saving it to Google Maps helps avoid the “where should we eat” dilemma. When hunger hits, you’re choosing from places you’ve already vetted.To tap into Bali’s food culture, eat at a local warung, says Simone Collins, founder of relocation service Our Year in Bali. “You’ll eat well, spend very little and feel far more connected to the island than any tourist restaurant will allow.”Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletterGet exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.Collins also recommends booking a cooking experience in a local home. “You visit a market, learn about the ingredients and cook dishes passed down through generations. Green Kitchen Bali in Sidemen is a wonderful example.”And for something most visitors never experience? “Shop where the local expats shop. Places like Bali Buda and Alive Wholefoods are a wonderful part of daily life.”Six touchdown winsMake sure your flights and accommodation line up.“Booking both together helps create a smoother travel experience and combining often delivers better value,” says Katrina Barry, group CEO and managing director at Webjet.Complete the All Indonesia arrival card within 72 hours of flying and screenshot your QR code. Airport Wi-Fi is unreliable.Be prepared to pay the Visa on Arrival (around $50 AUD).Pre-book your airport transfer.Load an eSIM before you fly or grab a local SIM on arrival.Exchange rupiah at an authorised money changer, not the airport. Smartraveller warns that unauthorised operators are known for scamming tourists and airport rates are the worst on the island.Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or a world-class meal, colourful Seminyak is Bali’s premier destination for shopping and dining.iStock Stay in the area that matches your holiday vibeBali’s regions have very different personalities — even neighbouring suburbs can feel like polar opposites. I love Ubud for a wellness reset. Seminyak for shops and dining. Nusa Dua for a resort stay. Uluwatu for clifftop views. And Jimbaran for seafood and a gentler pace.On a map, everything looks close. In reality, a 10-kilometre trip can take an hour. Suddenly dinner or a yoga class feels like effort. Collins’ rule of thumb: “Add at least 15 to 20 minutes to whatever Google Maps tells you. Traffic is unpredictable and rushing ruins the day.”Pack reef safe sunscreen, a sarong for temple visits and a light rain jacket if you’re travelling in the wet season.iStockCan’t decide on a vibe? Pair somewhere lively with somewhere peaceful, suggests Collins. “Even two nights in Sidemen or Munduk can completely change your island experience.”On the villa-versus-hotel question: villas look spectacular and offer space, but come with decisions about where to eat and how to get around. Hotels and resorts remove that layer. Fewer decisions, more time in holiday mode.A tip on tippingIt’s not mandatory, but it is appreciated. Many restaurants include a service charge, so check your bill. At warungs, round up. For drivers and guides, 50,000 to 100,000 IDR for a full day is the going rate. Always tip in rupiah.Play with intention, not pressureIt’s tempting to over-schedule, stack day trips and try to see everything. It sounds efficient but rarely is. Split your day and work with the heat.Early mornings are when Bali is at its best. Rice terraces before the day warms up are cooler, mistier and you get the views without the crowds.Use afternoons to unwind. Pool time, a long lunch, a massage… One main activity is usually enough. Bali rewards restraint more than ambition. Travellers who come back vowing to return are usually the ones who did less, better.Plan your own Bali trip with Webjet, with flights, hotels, holiday packages and more, all in one place. Visit webjet.com.auFrom our partners