Undoubtedly, Bali has become a magnet for travelers all over the world. Visiting Bali is something that many are long to do. Not only the weather that is great, but the exchange rates is also higher for most currencies. The shopping is great and bargains are available everywhere. Moreover, there are a lot of package tourists that offer great deals.
Although Bali may offer many great things, there can be some annoyance and undesirable things that could happen. Therefore, as visitors, you need to know things to avoid in Bali, for instance, wearing inappropriate attire when visiting holy temples or stepping on the sacred offerings. In addition to the usual problems of eating a poor meal or being stopped by the police for not wearing a helmet and bringing your license, there are a few other things to keep in mind. It doesn’t mean that Bali is not safe. It is absolutely safe, but like everywhere else in the world, bad things can happen.
7 things to avoid so you can have an awesome holiday
Avoid unlicensed money changers
Be very careful when you are going to exchange your money. You may find some unlicensed money changers. They may offer attractive exchange rates, but you may find yourself being cheated and receive less money compared to what they promised. To avoid being scammed, stay with the official money changer. Always keep an eye on your money. Their hands can be very swift, so make sure to recount your money in front of the employee of the money changer.
Avoid using motorcycle if you are not a regular rider
Although it is a fun and easy way to explore Bali by a motorcycle, there is a reason why it becomes something that you should avoid in Bali. Some roads in Bali can be quite unsafe unless you are a motorcycle expert with great skills. The Balinese concept of road traffic safety and safe distance when riding is quite unlike the standards that you may already familiar in your own country.
Many tourists may experience some motorcycle accidents and suffer deadly injuries. If you don’t ride motorbike too often, particularly in very crowded traffic, imagine there are more than 20 other bikes around you and cars that travel between you and them less than half a meter away, avoid getting on a bike in Bali. Also, there is a possibility that your travel insurance will not cover you if you do not own an international motorcycle license when you have an accident. That’s a bummer.
Don’t use drugs
Drug use in Bali is considered a very serious crime. If you are being caught for possessing drugs, you can face serious punishment, a really harsh punishment you don’t want to hear, death punishment. There may be people offering you drugs in Bali, but don’t even think of getting near it. Just avoid it! That’s if you want to plan to return to your home country safely.
Kuta nightclub area
When talking about the nightclub district of Kuta, things known by many are violence, drugs, and crime. The hype around Kuta’s nightlife, unfortunately, attracts a lot of tourists. Those bad guys consider those tourists as an easy victim. Many of those people unconsciously are caught up in those unfortunate situations, such as being attacked for no reasons or your drink being spiked.
Tips: avoid this kind of place for your safety. Find out about the common problems and dangers that often happen in that area before you get there.
Avoid putting your valuable things inside a car
The reason for this one is actually for your own safety. There are many people who come to Bali, so you have to be careful in looking after your luggage. If your valuable things are lost, you can only regret the whole things. Make sure you keep them with you wherever you go. Also, if you happen to use a travel agent service, in order to avoid such a situation, be very careful when you choose one. Check their track records and read the customers’ reviews to avoid unfortunate situations.
Online transportation
There are some places, such as Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud areas, even Ngurah Rai airport, and a number of other tourism places where online transportation is not allowed to operate by local transportation entrepreneurs or by local villages. If you are going to use online transportation, make sure you notice this red zone for drivers. Get the information, so you and your driver won’t get into a problem because if it is violated there will be problems with local transportation businesses or offline transportation.
Avoid showing your money
No need to be overly paranoid, but just like in the rest of the world, you may find some thieves and pickpockets in Bali. Then you should always be alert. Handle your money carefully when you are in public, otherwise, you may be robbed.
Avoid smoking in public areas
In Bali, it is not allowed to smoke in public. You should also avoid smoking in places like temples, restaurants, and even some hotels. Smoking zones are available if you want to smoke. It is considered illegal and disrespectful to smoke in public. So, be aware of where light your cigarette. Also, make sure that you don’t bother people around you with your cigarette.
Don’t ride a shady taxi
To explore the city, you may need a taxi, but don’t forget to check whether or not the taxi uses. Be sure to look at the ID of the driver, just in case. Stay away from shady drivers.
Wearing Something Polite when Entering the Temple
If you want to visit a holy temple, check what you wear. Make sure you wear something polite when entering that holy temple. Women are prohibited to wear shorts to temple. Usually, this prohibition also applies to other tourist attractions in the form of temples. If you happen to visit the temple and are wearing shorts, the Pencalang (Balinese customary police) will ask you to wear a cloth similar to the shawl that has been provided. The shawl must be worn as if using a cloth or sarong so that it will cover your feet.
No flash when you taking a photo of praying people
You are strongly suggested to avoid using flash when you want to photograph the Balinese people who are praying. It is not polite and will certainly disturb their ritual. You can use the flash as much as you like but not during praying.
No cursing during a traditional ceremony
If there is a traditional ceremony, you may feel upset because the event somehow causes an inconvenience. Even so, don’t swear and don’t honk your horn loudly and repeatedly. You must respect the Balinese people who are carrying out traditional ceremonies.
Don’t step on offerings
Don’t be surprised if you see offerings everywhere in Bali because they are part of their traditions and beliefs. Even though you don’t believe in their traditions but when you are in Bali be careful not to step on these offerings or get rid of them. Such a thing can be considered as disrespectful towards their traditions and can get you into trouble with local residents.
Don’t use your left hand to point at something
When you are in Bali for holidays you may need to ask something to the locals. Elsewhere it may be okay to use either left or right hand to point at something but if you are in Bali, avoid using the left hand to appoint at something. In Bali pointing something using your left hand is considered taboo.
However, if you are in an inconvenient situation, let’s say, your right hand is holding something, then don’t forget to apologize first by saying “sorry.” This kind of situation may happen when you are asking for directions, for example. This is another prohibition in Bali that you must avoid when visiting the island if you do not want to get into trouble.
For your comfort during your trip, do considers those mentioned above. Avoid all those things when you are in Bali.