Are you planning your first trip to Bali? Don’t worry, because the Swank Guide’s got you covered: observing local customs, safety, how to get around, and a checklist of boring, but essential, travel tips.
We put together this blog with our Balinese friend Dipta, to give you local insider tips.
For more on our local guides, see our Destination Services.
Swank Guide’s Don Bunnell and our Balinese guide Dipta
Part 2
Food, When To Visit, and Weather
Food
Traditional Balinese Food
Its own unique thing Expect spices, coconut, and herbs in traditional Balinese food
If you love food, Bali is for you. Blending Indonesian and Indian flavors, traditional Balinese cuisine is its own unique thing. The food here uses lots of spices, coconut, and herbs. (If you don’t like it spicy, tell the staff and often they can turn down the heat a bit.) Foods can also be quite cheap. Expect to pay as little as 2$ USD for a meal if you are on a budget.
Street Food
Cheap and various Bali’s vibrant street food scene
Bali’s vibrant street food scene is an even cheaper way to eat, with tons of great food options available on many corners. The vendor may not speak English, so just point and grin a lot. If you need some comfort food, western food is readily available in many places.
When To Visit, and Weather
Rain and shine Swank Guide’s weather guide to Bali
It’s always warm and humid in Bali, with temps averaging around 82°F (28°C). There are two seasons here: dry and hot, and rainy and hot. Dry season is from May to September. The rainy season lasts from October to April, and heavy downpours are pretty common, but usually don’t last all day. I’ve been in Bali in October, November and December, and I’ve never been rained out.
The peak tourist season is in July and August, so expect to pay the most then. Around Christmas and Chinese New Year, expect high prices and crowds too… despite some rain. Some of the best times to come are May, June and September during dry season, when people are back to school and work.
