How to safely travel in Bali, a guide for international travelers
I Wayan Agus Audia
Bali Tour Guide
For the past decade, I've been working and traveling to various islands in Indonesia. Years ago before I became a tour guide, when I worked as a hotel boy, I saved up enough money for months to travel to another island I dreamt of. When I arrived, I booked a local taxi to take me to my hotel. I had no transportation arranged and done only a little research, it was a mistake I made. The taxi driver charged me a huge fee, far above the fair-market price. I was devastated, I paid the driver and lost the savings I had intended to use for my trip.
That trip alone taught me a valuable lesson. I learned that many tourists had the same fear too, and some even has experienced the same thing. I believe this kind of thing should not happen in As my mission to make a difference, and to make traveling safer and more enjoyable, I curated a list of tips and information to help you travel safely in Bali.
Is there a violent crime in Bali?
Violent crime in Bali is very low compared to other countries. The government and local officials has been working hard to maintain the safety of tourists. Gun is illegal in Indonesia, and the police are very strict about it.
The murder rate has one of the lowest of any country in the world. Robbery is perhaps the most threatening violent crime in Bali. There's a very high chance of not being robbed in Bali. We can further increase the chance by not traveling alone especially at night with motorcycle. Most of the rare cases of robbery happens to local balinese at midnight alone in a motorcycle.
The last part is, in the southern part of Bali hosts many beach-clubs and party places. Fight between drunken tourists could happen in such places. We can stay safe from this scenario by keeping ourself together and staying sober as possible in case we're visiting such area.
Petty crimes in Bali
Extortion by Taxi Drivers
Back in January 2024, there was news of tourists got extorted by a Taxi driver. The driver demanded a fare of $50, which is far above the fair market price of around $3 to $5. The ride wasn't a long one, it was only 6 kilometers that took around 25 minutes. The government has taken action against the driver, and the driver was imprisoned and his license was revoked. During the investigation, the police found out that the driver is an illegal taxi driver, and was not registered under any legal taxi company.
To avoid this, we must always use a licensed and registered taxi company or use a registered tour guide. Do ask upfront the fare before getting in the taxi. If the driver refuses to use the meter, it's better to find another taxi. Also when using a tour guide, make sure the tour guide is registered under a legal tour guide company.
Illegal Demands for Money
There are cases where tourists are asked to pay money for something that is not required. For example, a tourist was asked to pay $10 to enter a temple. The temple is a public temple, and the entrance is free. The tourist was scammed by the temple keeper. It is found out that the temple keeper was not the real temple keeper, and was not authorized to collect money from tourists or collecting any money in any way from the temple.
Please do a research before visiting any place in Bali. They usually provide information about the entrance fee, the opening hours, etc. If you're not sure, you can ask the local people around the area or use a legal tour guide.
Deliberate Confusing Prices
There are many stories of tourists getting charged a high sum of money because they misinterpret the price. At one occasion, a tourist was charged $2,000 for a meal because the menu put it as $20. It was later found out that the menu was written in hundreds rather than in tens. It is a trick that may able to trap tourists into thinking the menu is cheap, at the cost of the tourists' hard-earned money and trust in the restaurant.
To avoid this, always ask for the price before ordering. If you're not sure, ask the waiter or the manager. If you're not comfortable with the price, you can always leave and find another restaurant.
Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing is a common crime in Bali. The most common place for pickpocketing is in crowded places like markets, tourist attractions, and public transportation. The pickpockets usually work in groups, and they target tourists who are not aware of their surroundings.
To avoid being pickpocketed, always be aware of your surroundings. Do not carry too much cash or valuables with you. Keep your belongings close to you, and do not leave them unattended. If you're carrying a bag, make sure it's closed and zipped up.
Local Customs and Etiquette
The locals in Bali are very friendly and welcoming. They are very proud of their culture and traditions, and they appreciate it when tourists respect them. Bali is a conservative society, and it is important to respect the local customs and etiquette.
Dressing Appropriately in Temples
When in a temple or a religious site, it is important to dress appropriately. Balinese people has a dress code for entering a temple. They are called "Kamben" which is a sarong and a sash. The sarong is a piece of cloth that is wrapped around the waist, and the sash is a piece of cloth that is tied around the waist. The sarong and the sash are usually provided at the entrance of the temple, and they are at some places free to use.
Respect the Sacred Sites
The sacred sites or temples in Bali are a very interesting place to visit. They are usually very old and have a lot of history behind them. It is important to respect the sacred sites and not to disturb them. Do not touch the statues or the offerings, and do not take any souvenirs from the site unless it is allowed.
Always consult with the local people around the area or with a tour guide if you're not sure about the local customs and etiquette. They will be happy to help you and guide you through the local customs and etiquette. It is always best to ask around if you are unsure about something in Bali.
Local People Culture and Traits
The locals are very receptive towards tourists like you. They are very friendly and welcoming. It is worth noting that the locals are indirect communicators. They may not say "no" directly, but they may say "maybe" or "later". It is important to understand the local culture and traits to avoid any misunderstanding.
Also, it is important to know that Bali is a part of Indonesia, and Indonesia is a very diverse country. There are many different cultures and traditions interwoven in Bali, with the Balinese culture being the most dominant. It is important to respect the local customs and traditions, and to be open-minded and respectful towards the locals.
Conclusion
Bali is generally a safe destination with low violent crime rates, thanks to strict law enforcement and a culture that discourages gun use. However, please remain vigilant about petty crimes such as taxi extortion, illegal demands for money, confusing prices, and pickpocketing. Using licensed services, asking for prices upfront, and staying aware of one's surroundings to avoid these risks.
Please do understand and respect local customs and etiquette for a pleasant and respectful visit. Dressing appropriately in temples, respecting sacred sites, and being mindful of the indirect communication style of the Balinese people.
When in doubt, always ask the locals or a tour guide for advice. They will be happy to help you navigate the local customs and traditions. In addition, you could use our guide to help you travel safely in Bali. It is always best to be prepared and informed before traveling to a new destination.
Enjoy your trip to Bali, and have a safe and memorable experience!
About the Author
I Wayan Agus Audia is a seasoned traveler who is very passionate in exploring hidden gems in Bali. He loves to help tourists to have a memorable experience in Bali. He is also a blogger who loves to share his travel experiences with others.