Bali is considered one of the top travel destinations in the world. Look it up online and you’ll see it’s one of the most recommended places to visit. Largely, this is due to its majestic sights, and its being an island paradise surrounded by clear waters.

Alongside Bali’s ancient and exotic culture, you can enjoy some of the world’s finest hotels and restaurants that will pamper you, to your great delight. The lush greenery of the island gives it a feel of natural grandeur given to relaxation. Let’s not forget the warm, welcoming nature of the locals, either.

As to food, you’ll have many opportunities to taste Balinese and Indonesian cooking, among other cuisines. Also, it’s hard not to witness local culture at the same time.

You’ll definitely take pleasure in what the island can offer. For instance, those who like the ocean will love going scuba diving in deep, pristine waters. If you’re more of a mountain climber, you can opt for that activity, too. With the number of things to do and see, you’ll wish you had more time.

So if you are considering paying a visit to this majestic place, here are some Bali travel tips and advice.

1. Bring a lot of sunblock, and other items to protect against the sun.

Bali’s location near the equator means that, even for those used to tropical heat, it can get pretty hot there. This means you need to make sure to wear sunblock every time you go out, to avoid skin damage.

Wearing sunglasses and hats is also advisable; they’ll give you extra protection against the sun’s rays, since you’ll be walking around a lot.

2. Book ahead of time.

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, booking your tickets and hotel rooms ahead of time can help you find – and get – the cheapest deals. Try to schedule your visit during off-peak season as well. Prices are usually lower during that time.

3. Check for cleanliness and security.

You won’t be staying in your hotel room the entire day, so making sure that the basics are covered should be enough. A well-lit, clean room with air-conditioning and hot and cold shower is the bare minimum. The room should also smell clean. Rooms also usually have a TV.

Stories of people losing their passport and valuables while on vacation will have made you more likely to leave the same in your hotel room. That said, you’ll want to find a hotel that has good security measures. This way, not only are you staying somewhere clean, but somewhere safe, too.

4. Be safe and on-guard.

In Bali, traffic rules are practically non-existent. Just as people cross the street whenever they want, drivers won’t always stop for you when you’re doing the same.

Whether as a driver or pedestrian, be aware of what’s happening around you. On the road, you might end up in the wrong lane before you realize it.

5. Be mindful when taking public transportation.

If you’re hiring someone to drive you around the island, make sure you give him clear instructions on where you want to go. Also agree on the price of the trip before getting into the car. Bargaining to get the most affordable price isn’t unheard-of.

6. Beware of counterfeit products.

You’ll see a lot of counterfeit goods in Bali, from fake luxury watches, to designer bags, to premium sunglasses. It may seem like a steal, and a way to get your hands on items you’ve been looking for. It’s best to avoid them, though.

7. Keep watch for Illicit drugs.

This last is self-explanatory. It’s likely that such substances will be offered to you, especially when you least expect it. Stay out of trouble, and simply don’t accept.