Bali is a beautiful island in Indonesia that is relatively easy to get to from South Africa. It is a popular tourist destination, but there are a few things you should know before you book your Bali travel package. In this blog post, we will cover some travel tips for Bali, including what to eat, what to avoid, and what to bring along. 

What to Eat in Bali 

Bali has a wide variety of food options available, but there are some things you should know before you start scouting out restaurants. First of all, the tap water is not safe to drink, so be sure to only order bottled water or drinks. Secondly, street food is generally safe to eat as long as it is cooked in front of you and served hot. Balinese cuisine often includes meats such as pork, chicken, and fish that are cooked in spices and served with rice. There are also many vegetarian and vegan options available. 

If you're not sure what to order, some popular dishes include nasi goreng (fried rice), gado gado (vegetables with peanut sauce), satay (grilled meat skewers), and ayam betutu (steamed chicken). For dessert, you can try the famous black rice pudding or pisang rai (banana fritters). 

What to Avoid in Bali 

There are a few things you should avoid while travelling in Bali. First of all, as mentioned above, don't drink the tap water. Stick to bottled water or drinks made with boiled or filtered water. Secondly, be wary of street food that has been sitting out for a long time or that is not cooked in front of you. And thirdly, avoid ice in your drinks unless you're sure it's made from bottled or filtered water. 

Mosquitos in Bali 

There are mosquitoes in Bali, so be sure to pack insect repellent! The good news is that most Balinese mosquito species are not carriers of diseases such as malaria or dengue fever. However, they can still give you bites that itch and swell up, and as Bali can become quite humid during certain times of the year, it's better to be safe than sorry and protect yourself with insect repellent and loose long-sleeve clothing during the early evening. 

What Medicine to Pack for Bali 

Be sure to pack any prescription medicine you might need while travelling in Bali as it may not be readily available on the island. It's also a good idea to pack over-the-counter medicine for common ailments such as headaches, stomach aches, and allergies. And don't forget the sunscreen! The sun is strong in Bali so be sure to put on sunscreen every day, even if it's cloudy outside. 

Hard Water in Bali 

The tap water in Bali is hard water, which means it contains high levels of calcium and magnesium carbonates. This can make it difficult to wash your hair (and clothes) properly. So it's a good idea to bring along some shampoo and laundry detergent that is specifically designed for use with hard water. You can also buy bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes. Some people find that the hard water makes their skin dry so it's a good idea to pack lotion or body cream as well. 

Temples and Holy Sites 

Bali has many stunning temples that are definitely worth visiting. However, it is important to remember that these are places of worship so please be respectful. This means no loud talking, shorts or skirts above the knee, and no revealing tops. There are often rental sarongs available at the entrance of the temple if you need one. 

Bali is an amazing country with so much to see and do. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your trip is even more amazing. Book your next adventure with a Bali holiday package with Thompsons Holidays. Safe travels!