What to Know Before You Go to Bali

Traveling to a new place, especially an island like Bali in Indonesia, is an amazing experience! Everything is new, exciting and very different. There are different foods, vehicles, cultures, people, roads, houses, clothes etc.

Don’t get us wrong – Bali is paradise. The island is rich in nature, culture, waterfalls, incredible beaches, friendly people and delicious food. It’s uniqueness, sprawling rice paddies and wide beaches make it a total haven for people from around the world. Yogis and surfers alike flock to this island to bliss out, and it’s easy to see why.

Our team has spent the last 5 years circling the globe, in search of the best cities, apartments, workspaces, fitness studios and spots to eat, so we know a thing or two about traveling and dealing with new environments and customs.

That’s why we put together this list of things to know before you go to Bali! We want you to know this in advance to make your experience the best it can be and to better prepare you! Read on for some tidbits and goodies about all you can experience on this beautiful island…

Culture & Traditions

  • Bali is not your home country – it is unique and wonderful because it is different
  • It’s very important to note that you’re a guest in Indonesia, please respect the local culture and traditions like the below…
  • Balinese Hinduism is the main religion on the island of Bali

bali culture

  • You’ll notice the above on streets and sidewalks. Called “canang sari” they are colorful daily offerings made by Balinese Hindus
  • Making them, filling them with gifts, and performing this ritual is a process so please be respectful and do not interrupt someone during it or step on the offerings.
  • Any time you go to temples or religious buildings cover your shoulders and knees or bring something to cover up.
  • Haggling is very common. Often the first price you’re quoted is double the actual price so don’t be afraid to haggle (but be respectful!).
  • Tipping is not expected but very appreciated! Many Western places do include a service charge (a tip) though.

Food & Drink

  • Definitely do not drink the water (brushing your teeth and showering with it is ok though)
  • The food is different (you’re probably super excited about the delicious new food) and there is plenty of international food
  • That said, there are some foods that might look, and smell, weird to you – it’s part of the experience (although, you definitely don’t need to try them all).
  • Western kitchens are not common in Bali, most people do not cook at home as there are many delicious restaurants to try!
  • Food delivery is very cheap – thanks to GoJek (it costs less than $1USD for delivery!).
  • Iced coffee’s are a ‘yes’, tap water is a ‘no’ (ice comes from ice companies).
  • It’s unlikely that you will encounter this, but if you head to Kuta or ‘backpacker’ areas like Gili T, be aware of super cheap drinks (15k IDR). They will be made with ‘arak’ a local moonshine that contain very dangerous amounts of methanol.

Wildlife & Critters

  • You’re living in a tropical island paradise, there’s going to be bugs and some wildlife.
  • You’ll likely see lizards slithering around, in and out of restaurants, cafes and your accommodation – they’re harmless and actually killing mosquito’s for you! 
  • There are rice paddies all around Canggu, so mosquitos and bugs come with the territory.

bali wildlife

  • If you see monkeys or go to Monkey Forest in Ubud, please do not touch the monkeys — people get bitten by them sometimes and you do NOT want to deal with that.
  • There are many stray dogs around Bali, they are mostly friendly, just be mindful of them.

Getting Around

  • You can rent a scooter (this is how many locals get around).  Keep in mind there can be a lot of traffic and Western driving rules definitely do not apply. Exercise caution while driving and learning the local ways.
  • If you’ve never scootered before or are just learning we highly recommend taking a class
  • If you’re not scooting – walk, bicycle or catch a ride on the back of a Go-Jek motorbike
  • Scooter tip – in recent years there’s been instances of people snatching bags off while you’re scooting by. To be safe please put your purses and backpacks in the storage spot under your seat instead of wearing them.

Climate

bali nature

  • It’s a jungle, it will be hot and humid! Don’t forget sunscreen (or bug spray!) and keep hydrated.
  • Most importantly… have fun!
  • One other thing to note: rainy season is Oct – April, dry is May – September, but all year round is a great time to visit Bali!


Ready to head to Bali?! Get started below!

Meet Our Barcelona City Host, Sam

When Behere cofounder, Meesen Brown, first moved to Barcelona she was fortunate to have connected with this amazing woman, Sam. A fellow female entrepreneur and remote work advocate, Sam had lived all around the world and was finally settling back in Barcelona to pursue her passion. They instantly hit it off and Sam became the city host for Barcelona, sharing her extensive knowledge of the city (and it’s incredible food) with Behere ladies. Read about Sam and her favorite things in Barcelona below.

You’ve done your fair share of traveling, tell us about how that all started…

I was born in Barcelona but two weeks later left for Portugal, where my parents were living at the time. Since then, I was raised as a ‘Third Culture Kid’ – moving every few years. By the time I was 18, I had lived in 7 cities, on 3 different continents. I had caught the ‘Nomad Bug’ and decided to keep going. My current count is 13 moves, to 11 cities, in 8 countries across 3 continents. Spanning from Barcelona, NYC, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Singapore and more.

What do you love so much about traveling?

What’s not to love about traveling?! Realizing you don’t need that many things to enjoy your everyday life except for a carry on and enough clean socks and underwear. Being constantly engaged by the novelty of a new country, new culture or language? The flavors and new ingredients of each place you land in. And the people, every time, no matter the differences, you always realize we are all looking for the same things in life. It doesn’t matter the religion, ethnicity, upbringing, we are all the same and I love being able to rediscover that every time I go to a new place.

What are you currently working on and what inspired you to start it?

I’m working on WTFBCN (Where is The Food? Barcelona) a passion project I started after leaving my 9-5 office job in Amsterdam. I used to work for a multinational company and even though life was good, life is even better now. I decided to move back to Barcelona, my hometown, to study Photography, specializing in Gastronomy. With my business background, I help restaurants with their photography, social media and marketing strategy needs.

From experience, what are your thoughts on living in new places.

Living in new places is necessary. It’s many times hard, harder than you can imagine – being surrounded by a new language, new customs, new shampoo brands you don’t know. Everything is new and this is both exciting and many times scary without a support system. Having been the ‘New Person’ so many times in schools or jobs it’s always daunting. You never really get used to it, even if you learn to adapt.
That’s one of the reasons I love being the Barcelona City Host for Behere. I’ve always so appreciated when someone has helped me figure out a new place, so I am happy to pay it forward. Plus, Barcelona is such an amazing, magical place it’s hard to not want to share this beautiful place with all the awesome (and kickass) women that have come through Barcelona with Behere. It’s been such a pleasure being able to meet these beautiful and hard-working ladies that it inspires me to keep pushing towards my goals.

We’re dying to know, what is your favorite thing about Barcelona?

My favorite thing about Barcelona is that although it might not be as big as NYC or Shanghai, it’s impossible to get bored. There is always something happening, the creativity and energy in this city is contagious! From travel-inspired ecological brunch spots like EatMyTrip, local bookstore turned tapas place like Pepa Pla, old-school favorites like Bar Cañete or wine tastings at Blended & Bottle Studio.
As well as the countless local experiences like The Paella Club, Indian Cuisine Master Classes with Anjalina Chugani, to Dining at a local sustainable farm with Foodisms, or clandestine dinner parties with Let’s Drunch in hidden venues all over the city. (By the way, most of these initiatives are run by inspiring female entrepreneurs from around the world!!).
Can’t give out all the secrets but when you come to Barcelona with Behere, you’ll be getting a personal tour of the best rooftops with views, most delicious bites, hidden gems, great brunch spots, and the best wine and cocktail bars.


To meet Sam in Barcelona and tour the city with her, live in Barcelona for a month with Behere. To get started choose the month you want to go, then an apartment, workspace and fitness studio here.
Photos and words by Sam.