Things to know before visiting Indonesia

Bali's Hindu temples require covered shoulders and a sarong around the waist. Creators consistently note this is a firm requirement, not a suggestion, and that sarongs are typically available at major temples. Disrespecting temple norms is flagged as something tourists must actively avoid.

Unlike food and accommodation, alcohol and imported products (sunscreen, wine, certain cosmetics) carry heavy import taxes in Indonesia and cost more than in many Western countries. Adventure With Mollie specifically flags this as a culture-shock budget trap.

Explorer's Radar specifically advises that night market shopping in Bali yields handcrafted souvenirs for 30–50% less than daytime prices, and that bargaining is expected — start at 40% of the initial asking price and meet in the middle.

JB Nomad Life explains that even ATMs claiming 'no fee' burn you on the exchange-rate spread, and bringing internationally-earned money through local ATMs adds up fast. LewisJJC recommends Wise as a financial tool for Bali-based living to avoid these losses.

Multiple creators independently warn that random street taxis and airport touts will overcharge tourists. Ride-hailing apps Grab and Gojek show fixed prices upfront and are the standard reliable option; if you must take a metered taxi, HowTube specifically names Bluebird as the trusted operator on Lombok.

Scooters are the dominant and cheapest way to get around Bali, but creators consistently flag that the traffic is chaotic and the roads can be dangerous for beginners. Morgan Venn says she has never driven one herself and won't unless she practices a ton, while Joose the Nomad calls it essential for freedom once you're comfortable.

HowTube explains you cannot stay on Komodo Island and must fly to Labuan Bajo (Flores) first, then book a boat tour. They recommend asking other backpackers about reputable operators rather than just taking the first offer, and note that day-tour prices vs liveaboard prices vary significantly.

TIM and FIN warn that poor planning of the Bali–Gili/Lombok routing can leave you stranded on the wrong side of the island at the wrong time. Think through the ferry/boat logistics before booking flights.

THAT GREEK GUY documented being charged at the Tegallalang rice terraces entrance, then hit with additional fees mid-trail to cross a river — a pattern where you pay once at the road and are asked to pay again inside. This informal 'checkpoint' upselling is a recurring Bali tourist trap.

HowTube warns that the Bangsal harbour on Lombok has people selling tickets everywhere, trying to funnel you toward private speedboats at inflated prices. The public boat is far cheaper — ask the taxi driver to drop you directly at the official counter.

THE POOR TRAVELER's dedicated Southeast Asia scams video calls out taxi overcharging, fake tour guides, and 'friendly stranger' approaches with suspicious offers as common patterns across the region including Bali. Awareness is the main defense.

The long-tailed macaques at Ubud's Sacred Monkey Forest are skilled pickpockets, according to Explorer's Radar. Loose items, sunglasses, bags, and snacks are all fair game — secure them before entering.

Multiple creators say picking up a local tourist SIM on arrival is essential — WhatsApp runs most businesses in Bali, Google Maps is critical for navigation, and roaming is unnecessarily expensive. LewisJJC specifically recommends Telkomsel and warns of a 90-day IMEI-blocking rule for long-stay visitors.

Bali Belly (traveler's diarrhea) is a real and recurring warning across creators. The consistent advice: never drink tap water, use a filtered water bottle or buy bottled water, and skip ice in drinks if you're unsure about the restaurant's hygiene standards.

Local warungs (small family-run eateries) serving nasi campur or ayam dishes cost around $1–$2 per meal and are how locals eat. Multiple creators contrast this with tourist-facing restaurants that charge multiples more for similar food. HowTube found local food on the Gili Islands was similarly extremely cheap compared to beachfront restaurant prices.

Several creators note that Bali — especially Ubud, Seminyak, and Canggu — has become significantly more tourist-saturated and pricier in recent years. THAT GREEK GUY compares it to Mykonos (famous, expensive, overrated), while Suitcase Monkey and others champion Lombok as a quieter, cheaper alternative less than an hour away.

HowTube's dedicated Gili Islands guide breaks down the three islands clearly: Gili Trawangan is the party island, Gili Air is the middle ground with some nightlife and activities, and Gili Meno is extremely quiet with almost nothing happening — each suits a different traveler.

Multiple creators push back against the 'Indonesia = Bali' assumption. THAT GREEK GUY's Raja Ampat guide calls it 'the last aquatic paradise', his East Java video covers Tumpak Sewu and Mount Bromo as nearly untouched, and Suitcase Monkey champions Lombok as accessible and crowd-free. Bery Istanbul Tips covered a full 14-day non-Bali route.

Lempuyang Temple's Gates of Heaven, Tegallalang Rice Terraces, the Monkey Forest, and Uluwatu all get mobbed by mid-morning. Creators across multiple videos recommend arriving at opening time or just after to get photos without crowds and avoid long waits.

Designing Your Travels warns that well-known Bali restaurants like Penny Lane fill up and require advance reservations. Explorer's Radar similarly notes authentic Kecak dance performances sell out and recommends arriving 30 minutes early after booking.