10 things that surprise first-time visitors about Bali
We already know about the things that shouldn't happen in Bali: excessive drinking, tourists exposing way too much flesh on the beach and blatant ignorance of the island's culture. But that's not the real Bali.
Beyond Kuta there is plenty that will surprise, and delight, the first-time visitor to the Island of the Gods.
1. They know it's your first time
The first time I visited Bali my then-boyfriend was chased down the street by around 30 vendors after we went for our first walk outside our hotel. One brazen Javanese woman tied a leather bracelet around his wrist and demanded payment. You're pale, you stop to look at what they're selling and you mistakenly ask how much. They know.
2. You'll sweat like there's no tomorrow
Forget your jeans, or that heavy jacket; Bali is hot year-round with an average temperature of 32 degrees. Pack cotton fabrics, kaftans and open-toe shoes. You will live in your swimmers. May to July is considered the best time to visit Bali. You may even be able to walk down the street without leaving a puddle of sweat – but then again, don't count on it.
3. Bali's beaches are disappointing
The first time you take a dip in Bali it can be disappointing. The water at many popular beaches is generally not clear, and you mightn't see anything of note while snorkelling. There are exceptions. The beaches of Ungasun, where many hip beach clubs are located, look like the Amalfi Coast, but beware of strong currents and dumping waves. What the beaches lack in aesthetics they more than make up for with happening beachfront clubs and incredible sunsets.
4. Culture is everywhere you look
The true Bali, with its rituals, festivals and ancient culture, is everywhere you look from small offerings sitting outside shops to thousands of temples that reside everywhere from hotels and resorts to by the roadside. Everywhere you look, you will see ceremony, ritual and sacred offerings. The Balinese carry out their religious obligations with pride and everyone takes part from the youngest child, through to grandparents, all dressed immaculately for the temple.
5. You'll need to pack a sarong
Speaking of temples, if you plan to visit one you are required to wear a sarong and a sash. You can hire them if you forgot to pack one, or buy them relatively cheaply. Both men and women need to cover their legs below the knee with a sarong, while the sash should be worn around the waist.
6. The shopping's amazing, but not the bargain it once was
The markets are fun for first timers, and haggling is expected. However shopping in Bali is now incredibly sophisticated, particularly in Seminyak, Legian, Canggu and Ubud. Amazing boutiques, high-end home ware stores, silver jewellery and antiques can al be found. Many of the items cost what they do back home, so hunt around for sales.
7. Kuta is really that bad, but it's not the real Bali
Kuta is seedy, tasteless and full of tourists who find that sort of thing appealing, but don't judge the whole of Bali on it. It'd be like visiting Surfers Paradise during schoolies and writing off the whole of Australia.
8. You don't need to wear a helmet, but you'd be mad not to
Lots of tourists hire motorbikes and drive around without helmets, in shorts and thongs – throwing caution to the wind. Don't do it. Falling off hurts even more when you don't wear protective gear. There's no public transport to speak of but Bluebird taxis are metered, super cheap and clean.
9. You no longer need to have cash ready when you land in Bali
Australians and New Zealanders are no longer required to pay $US35 for a visa on arrival in Bali. Under a visa waiver program we're granted free entry into Indonesia for up to 30 days.
10. You can't drink the water
Drink bottled water only, and brush your teeth in it too. Bottled water is cheap and many hotels and resorts provide complimentary water. It's advisable not to have ice in your drinks either, unless it's a reputable hotel, restaurant or bar. Better be safe than suffer Bali belly, which unfortunately does happen – particularly to first timers.
Have you ever been to Bali? How did you find the experience?
Written by Sheridan Rhodes. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.