Nyepi is the biggest holiday of the Balinese year. It's the "day of silence" and it typically falls in March or April.
Some visitors love Nyepi, but many try to avoid it as all of the many businesses on the island are closed for the day, as are the beaches, the mountains, the temples (such as Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot), etc. and even the airport!
You are expected to spend the whole day at home in quiet contemplative meditation and you can get into trouble with the authorities if you don't. π§ββοΈ
Bali, Indonesia has an amazing tropical climate and coming in the rainy season isn't always a bad idea. You will find that this season still sees, on average, 8 hours of sunshine every day and it almost never rains all day long.Β Β βοΈπ§οΈ
However, you will find that most things are cheaper at this time of year from flights to a day trip, to hotel rooms and even most cafes and restaurants have deals on to try and drum up more business in the monsoon season.
On the flip side, it's a bit cooler and less humid in the dry season and there's even more sun to enjoy. However, things are more expensive and many tourist sites are very crowded and busy. 
You can get an e-sim before arriving in Bali and use it to be connected to the local telephone and data networks. However, this can often be more expensive than using a local SIM card in Bali. π²
If you'd rather use a local SIM card, you can easily buy one at the airport when you arrive and be up and running within a few minutes.Β
9.Β Grab And Gojek Are Your Friends
Walking in Bali, Indonesia even with Google Maps, can be a bit of a headache and most people will want to get around using the local ride-sharing apps of Grab and Gojek. They offer regular taxis and scooter taxis. π΅
You can download and install these apps even before you arrive (just make sure to get the Indonesian app) and use them to hail a safe, and fixed-price ride from almost anywhere on the island. π€ 
10. Dealing With The Taxi Mafia
There are some parts of the island with a "taxi mafia" where Grab and Gojek drivers cannot pick you up.
The good news is that these areas are very small and if you walk just a few hundred yards away from them, you will find you can get a reasonably priced ride again, easily.
Don't argue with the taxi mafia, just walk away. π
11. Renting A Car And Driver
If you want to do a lot of sightseeing or get off the beaten path, you can hire a car and driver for the day cheaply - it's even cheaper than Grab or Gojek. π
500,000 Indonesian Rupiah (about $35 USD or $50 AUD) will get you a car, driver and petrol for 8 hours, with small additional fees for any overtime.
12. Cards Vs Cash
Bali has changed a lot in recent years and what was once an entirely cash economy will now happily take card payments in almost every store and restaurant. π³
However, there are still times when cash is king and having a selection of Indonesian Rupiah in small bills on you at all times will make life easier. Make sure to read up on money changers here though before you change money as some can be scammers. π¨ 
13. ATMs
ATMs in Bali are easy to use, but you should always opt to use an ATM in a bank or a shopping mall rather than one on the street. This is because card skimming is popular here and it's hard to connect a skimming device to an indoor machine. π¦ 
14. Tipping Culture
There is no official tipping culture in Bali but tips are appreciated for a job well done. There's no need to leave 20% as they might in America. The small change from a transaction is normally enough. πΈ
In restaurants, cafes and bars, they have a service charge which is passed on to the staff. 
15. Bali's Beach Clubs
Bali's beach club culture is unique, and the best beach club on the island is without a doubt FINNS Beach Club. If you enjoy relaxing and partying in an infinity pool by the sea with amazing food and drink alongside spectacular entertainment and the best sunsets in the world, you shouldn't miss out. π€©π 
16. Haggling
Haggling, bargaining or bartering is expected in some stores and at most market stalls in Bali. ποΈ It's meant to be a good-natured experience where the seller and the buyer go back and forth to reach an agreeable price.
It is fine to walk away at any point in the process, but you shouldn't walk away once a price has been agreed. 
17. Avoid Bali Belly
Bali Belly is also referred to as traveller's diarrhea and the easiest way to avoid it is to stick to well-cooked food and drink bottled water. You don't need to avoid ice, though, that's always made from clean water but do not drink the tap water under any circumstances.
18. Bring A Reusable Water Bottle
Bottled water is a great way to avoid Bali Belly but bottled water also leads to serious levels of plastic pollution around Indonesia.
So much so that Bali's beaches and rivers are under constant threat of this pollution. Fortunately, it doesn't have to be this way. β»οΈ
The nation is committed to reducing plastic waste and one of the ways it's done this is to ensure that local businesses have drinking water fountains where you can refill a water bottle for free. π°
Sadly, the commitment to discontinue plastic bags still needs a little work, but things are definitely improving on the island.
19.Β Be Cautious Around Animals
Bali has wild monkeys, stray dogs, etc. and while, generally, they're not a problem. These animals can sometimes carry rabies. π
It's best to keep a respectful distance between you and any animal in Bali unless you're 100% positive that it's had its shots. 
20.Β Think About What To Pack
Don't forget that the weather in Bali is hot and sunny with some rain thrown in (particularly in the rainy season).
You want to dress in light, cool clothing and ensure you have something you can cover up with. You may also want shoes with decent grip on wet surfaces, particularly if you want to visit waterfalls or go hiking. π§³Β
21. Respect Balinese Culture
The Balinese people are among the most welcoming and kindest folk on Earth. β€οΈ However, some Balinese people can become very upset if they feel that the local culture is being disrespected and tourists who do this can face arrest and deportation from the island.
It's not hard to respect the local culture, dress appropriately - particularly at temples, be polite, follow reasonable instructions given to you by local officials and don't break the law. 
22.Β No Drugs, Ever
We hate to mention this but it's just too important not to. Indonesia has some of the strictest drug laws on the planet.
Even small quantities of narcotics for personal use can see you sent to jail for several years, in some of the worst prisons on the planet.
Anything considered above personal use can leave a drug user facing the death penalty and Indonesia regularly executes foreigners, including Australians, for drug-related crimes.
Your embassy and personal connections cannot help you if you are arrested in connection with drugs here. Just avoid them.
23.Β Balinese Food Is Awesome
Bali, Indonesia has its own unique food culture and you will find that there are so many tasty dishes to try that you'll never get bored. There's nasi goreng, nasi campur, babi guling, sate babi and so much more! 
Some common FAQs π§
What Precautions Should You Take In Bali?
Bali is a very safe place. But you should take basic sensible precautions to ensure that your property isn't stolen and always avoid drinking tap water.
What Do Australians Need To Enter Bali?
You will need a current and undamaged passport with, at least, 6 months validity following your departure from Bali. You will also need a visa (either e-visa or visa on arrival), a return or onward flight ticket, a completed customs form and to have paid the tourist tax.
Is It Safe To Travel To Bali Right Now?
Yes! Bali is one of the safest destinations on Earth. You can enjoy a wonderful holiday on the island and most visitors will encounter no issues during their trip. 
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