What to Expect When Traveling to Bali

Published by Yose kristianto on 11/26/202411/26/2024

Bali has a way of pulling you in the moment you arrive. From the humid air that wraps around you to the chaotic flow of scooters darting past, it’s like stepping into another world. If you’ve ever wondered what to expect when traveling to Bali, here’s a no-filter take on what makes this island so memorable, the highs, the laughs, and everything in between.

So you’ve made it to Bali. Congrats. You’ve officially joined the ranks of people who get to say, “I went to Bali” without sounding like a complete poser.

The Traffic

You step off the plane, breathe in the tropical air, and immediately forget what it feels like to have dry skin. It’s humid, it’s hot, and you’re already dripping sweat, but hey, you’re on vacation, right? The first thing that hits you is the traffic. It’s like a real-life version of Frogger, but with scooters. Scooters everywhere. Weaving, dodging, honking. At first, you think you’re gonna die, but then you realize that’s just how people drive here, and somehow everyone’s still alive. So you hop into a taxi, sit back, and enjoy the ride as you count how many near-miss collisions you’re involved in.

You finally get to your hotel. The staff greets you with a refreshing coconut drink and a smile that says, “Welcome to paradise, now here’s your drink and your 50th reminder to stay hydrated.” You sip it, and for a moment, you feel like the most relaxed person on earth. Coconut water has that effect.

Bali Beaches

Next up: the beaches. Let’s be honest, the beaches in Bali are basically movie-set material. You walk along the sand, and it’s like someone was paid to arrange the waves and the palm trees just for you. You try to look cool as you stroll, but the truth is, you’re still wiping off that awkward sunscreen line from your neck to your ears.

Surfing

Surfing. Yeah, you’re in Bali, so you’re supposed to try it. The surf instructors are super chill and keep saying, “Don’t worry, it’s easy!” That’s when you should probably worry. You rent a board, and immediately, the ocean becomes your greatest enemy. The first time you stand up, you feel like a champion—until you fall face-first into the water. And then you try again, and the same thing happens. You’re half drowning, half laughing at yourself, but you push through. By the end of it, you’re so proud of yourself for standing up for like, two seconds, that you make a promise to yourself: “I’m definitely doing this again tomorrow.” Spoiler: you won’t.

The Food

When hunger strikes, you hit up a warung (local eatery). The food is legit. You have Nasi Goreng, which sounds fancy, but it’s really just fried rice that’s somehow a hundred times better than anything you’ve ever had at home. And the satay? It’s like someone just unlocked the secret to grilled meat on a stick. You eat until you’re so full, you consider just lying down right there and taking a nap in the middle of the restaurant.

And then, Bali belly happens. You think you’re invincible, until your stomach starts making noises like it’s about to start its own band. You race to the nearest bathroom and suddenly, you’re praying to the gods of both spice tolerance and plumbing. But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right?

Sunsets

The best part, though? The sunsets. Bali sunsets are like the universe’s way of reminding you that sometimes, nature’s just showing off. You sit on the beach with a cocktail that’s probably way too fancy for someone who can’t even pronounce half the ingredients, and just as the sun dips below the horizon, you think, “Yeah, this is living.”

Monkey Forest

Then there’s the Monkey Forest in Ubud. It’s a spiritual experience, right? A place where ancient trees and temples come together to give you peace. But also, monkeys. Everywhere. The monkeys are the real bosses here, and they don’t care about your “spiritual journey.” They care about your snack, your sunglasses, and the fact that they’re better at selfies than you’ll ever be.

Volcano Hike

Oh, and don’t forget the volcano hike. Everyone says it’s “easy,” but that’s a lie. You’ll end up sweating more than you ever thought possible while you gently curse the volcano for making you climb it in the dark. The sunrise at the top? Totally worth it. Would you do it again? Probably not. But you’re glad you did it once, just to say you did.

And by the time you leave Bali, you’re a little sunburned, a little bruised from the surfboard, and definitely more relaxed than when you arrived. But now you know what to expect when traveling to Bali. It’s not just the sunsets or the beaches, it’s the stories, the surprises, and the moments you didn’t see coming that make it unforgettable. You’ll leave 100% certain of two things, you’ve eaten way too much, and you’ll be back.