So Bali – where do I even start? We rocked up thinking we knew what we were in for, but this place proper blindsided us in the best way possible. Already looking at flights back and we haven't even unpacked yet. That's saying something, innit?

The Stuff They Don't Tell You: Real Talk About Arrival Drama

SIM Card Saga at Denpasar Airport (Absolute Nightmare)

Alright, buckle up for this one because it's a proper clusterfuck that nearly had us questioning our life choices before we'd even left the airport.

So we'd done our homework, yeah? Pre-ordered this Telkomsel tourist SIM online like responsible adults, planning to pay cash when we got there. Easy peasy, right? Wrong. So bloody wrong.

After dragging ourselves through immigration and wrestling our luggage off the carousel, we find the Telkomsel shop. Brilliant! Except – plot twist – they can't give us our pre-ordered SIM because they're some franchise outfit and their head office apparently forgot to tell them about online orders. Instead, they're happy to flog us the exact same thing for three times the price. Cheers, mate.

After some choice words and increasingly dark looks, this absolute legend of a security guard steps in. This bloke literally escorts us back through security (with all our bloody luggage), finds the "real" Telkomsel office inside the secure bit, sorts us out, then walks us back through security again to get out of the airport.

Fair dinkum advice: Skip the online order drama completely. Either grab one from the proper counter before you clear customs, or just get one from any 7-Eleven once you're sorted with accommodation. Way less hassle.

Getting Around: Tech and Transport

Flying Drones (Easier Than You'd Think)

Honestly thought bringing my drone would be a right pain, but Bali's actually pretty chill about it. My DJI Mini 2 sailed through security at Istanbul and Denpasar without anyone batting an eyelid. Had two batteries in a LiPo bag in my carry-on – no dramas whatsoever.

Just don't be a muppet about it: keep it where you can see it, don't fly it stupid high, and stay away from airports (15km radius). One heads up though – up on Mount Batur, the connection between your controller and drone gets proper sketchy despite being wide open. Keep it close and short up there.

Transport: Why We Ditched the Scooter Plan

Everyone and their dog told us to get scooters – "it's the real Bali experience, mate!" – but we said stuff that and used Grab for everything. Best decision we made.

Balinese traffic is like watching controlled chaos with its own twisted logic. Wrong-way driving, overtaking that'd make your mum faint, and general mayhem that somehow just... works? The mad thing is everyone's dead relaxed about it. Wish I could bottle that zen and bring it back to dealing with Melbourne traffic.

Grab drivers were legends – always on time, no mucking about with prices, and we could actually enjoy the scenery instead of fearing for our lives.

Money Talk: Cards, Cash, and Not Getting Ripped Off

Banking That Actually Works

Got myself a Curve card specifically for this trip and it was a bloody good call. Can lock it instantly if things go pear-shaped, plus better exchange rates than most banks.

Most decent restaurants and shops take cards no worries, but you'll need cash for markets, little warungs, and paying drivers for day trips. Speaking of which, full-day driver hire starts around 600,000 rupiah, so you'll need serious cash. We burned through 2+ million rupiah just on drivers for our adventures.

ATM Strategy (Because Money Changers Are Dodgy)

Sod the money changers – ATMs are your best mate. CIMB and BRI worked like a dream with my Curve card. Mandiri was being precious with Curve but worked fine with Revolut.

Before using any ATM, check the Google reviews. No reviews? Use your brain – if it looks dodgy, it probably is. Look for ones in decent spots with lights and cameras. BRI branches often have security guards inside, which is reassuring.

Where to Crash: Accommodation That Made the Trip

Nero North, Gili T: Proper Good People

I've stayed in heaps of places, but rarely felt like I was leaving family behind. The crew at Nero North weren't just doing their job – they genuinely cared. By the time we checked out after three days, we were hugging everyone goodbye like old mates.

The place itself is modern and spotless, but it's the people that make it special. Had deeper conversations with the staff there than I have with some people I've known for years.

The Sun of Granary Resort: Rice Paddy Paradise

If you want to chill without the tourist hordes, this place is gold. Surrounded by working rice paddies, so you get those Instagram shots without paying entrance fees at overcrowded spots like Tegalalang.

They do evening cultural shows – proper Balinese dancing and that – without it feeling like a tourist trap. Staff know when to help and when to leave you be, and the tucker's better than half the restaurants we tried.

Firefly Eco Lodge: Netflix Famous Treehouse

This place blew up after some Netflix show, so it's popular as. We booked the fourth floor and wouldn't go lower – the views and privacy are worth every penny.

It's definitely a one-night novelty rather than a long stay, but the kind of memory that sticks with you. The host's a top bloke and their massages are unreal. Just book early because everyone wants in.

Food Adventures: Hits and Misses

Titik Temu Coffee, Ubud: Our Home Away From Home

Found this little gem near the palace and ended up going back six or seven times. Never done that before – we usually like trying new places. But this spot just clicked.

Coffee's as good as any fancy Melbourne café, food's consistently brilliant, and the staff treated us like regulars from day one. Yeah, it's pricier than your average warung, but sometimes you find your place, you know?

Cuca Restaurant, Jimbaran: Fancy Done Right

Small portions might scare some people off, but every dish is like a little work of art that actually tastes as good as it looks. Expensive by Bali standards but reasonable compared to similar spots back home.

Sayan House, Ubud: Views and Substance

Could've easily been one of those places that relies on the scenery and serves average food. Instead, they've got a menu that matches the stunning river valley views. Watching sunset from their terrace was one of those perfect travel moments you try to lock away in your memory.

The Letdown: Kayumanis Restaurant

Not every recommendation's a winner. Despite being near the excellent Cuca, this place served up one of our most forgettable meals. Overpriced, bland food with staff who seemed like they'd rather be anywhere else. Save your money.

Bollywood Masalaz, Kuta: When You Need a Curry Fix

Sometimes you just need proper spice, and this place delivers. Authentic flavors, decent heat levels, and generous serves. Hit the spot when we were craving something different.

Adventures Beyond the Instagram

Mount Batur: Sunrise Worth the Sweat

Don't let anyone tell you this is an easy walk – it's not. First half's alright, but the final bit over loose volcanic rock will test you. The whole operation's pretty commercial with guides and vendors everywhere, but that sunrise view is something else.

Top tip: If the weather's crap, don't bother. You'll see nothing but clouds and the rocks get slippery as.

Waterbom Water Park: Pricey but Worth It

Entry fee's a bit steep, but it's a proper world-class water park. The Boomerang slide alone justifies the cost, and everything's clean and well-maintained.

Gili T: The Island That Got Us

If we could do one thing differently, it'd be staying longer on Gili T. The chilled vibe, crystal-clear water, and incredible snorkeling opened up a whole new world for me (first time snorkeling).

The water colors look fake they're so perfect, but it's all real. Could've spent a week just floating around and island hopping.

Getting there: Blue Water Express isn't cheap but they're professional and comfortable. Worth the extra cash for the service quality.

Cultural Bits: Temples and Traditions

Ulun Danu costs a fair bit to get in, but the lakeside temple setting is properly beautiful and spiritual.

Pura Tirta Empul charges for everything – lockers, sarongs, entry – but the holy water cleansing ritual's a genuine cultural experience if you approach it respectfully.

The silver workshop in Ubud was brilliant. Working with master craftsmen to make our own rings gave us something way more meaningful than any souvenir shop tat.

For the Urban Explorers: Abandoned Places

Taman Festival and the ghost hotel are for people who love abandoned places. Both have unofficial "gatekeepers" wanting fees, but if derelict buildings float your boat, they're pretty cool for photos.

Shopping: Markets, Haggling, and Reality Checks

Markets in Ubud and Sukawati basically sell the same stuff, often at mental prices. Saw vendors asking 500,000 rupiah for mass-produced bowls you can get for 50,000 rupiah elsewhere.

Here's some perspective: A good driver who'll take you anywhere for a full day charges 600,000-800,000 rupiah. Keep that in mind when some bloke's trying to flog you a wooden bowl for nearly the same price.

Better bet is finding wholesale sellers near Tegalalang. Their prices are more realistic and they've got better variety than the usual tourist tat.

Packing: What Worked and What Didn't

Gear That Saved Our Bacon

Bum bag/fanny pack: Managed to fit GoPro, Sony camera, wallet, sunnies, and phone in one decent-sized bum bag. Having everything accessible and secure made exploring so much easier.

Blister patches: Nothing ruins a good adventure like sore feet. Pack quality ones.

Clothes strategy: Cargo pants with heaps of pockets for Mount Batur, shorts for everything else. Pack more t-shirts than you think you need, including long-sleeved ones for when you inevitably get sunburnt.

Shoes: Thongs handle 90% of what you'll do in Bali. For Mount Batur, bring decent closed shoes – don't need fancy hiking boots, just something comfortable with grip.

The Great Mozzie Preparation Fail

Rocked up with enough insect repellent to supply a small army, mosquito nets, and every anti-bug strategy Google could suggest. Used the spray exactly once in 17 days.

Mozzies just weren't an issue anywhere we went. The nets never left the bag. One of Bali's pleasant surprises, though pack something just in case.

Health Stuff: Myth vs Reality

The dreaded "Bali belly" never showed up despite eating street food, local warungs, and being generally adventurous with food. Basic hygiene – washing your hands like your mum taught you – seems to do the trick.

Everyone's different though, so pack basic meds and trust your gut about dodgy-looking food.

The Real Magic: Why Bali Gets Under Your Skin

Look, beyond all the temples and beaches and Instagram shots, Bali's real magic is its people. The genuine warmth and kindness we got every day restored my faith in humanity a bit.

Their Hindu thing about karma means treating people well isn't just being nice – it's spiritually important. As visitors, getting into that mindset makes every interaction better.

Driver tip: Find an English-speaking driver for day trips. Makes everything easier – from sorting the aircon to finding hidden gems. Our driver took us to see this massive Ogoh-Ogoh statue collection we never would've found otherwise.

Good drivers help with shopping negotiations too and give you cultural context that turns sightseeing into proper learning. A 50,000 rupiah tip might not seem like much to you, but it'll make someone's day.

Wrapping Up: Already Planning the Next Trip

Seventeen days felt like forever and not nearly long enough at the same time. Bali's got layers that take time to discover – rushing through would miss the whole point.

We left already looking at flights for next time, which says everything really. The combo of natural beauty, culture, affordable luxury, and genuinely lovely people creates something pretty addictive.

Whether you want adventure, relaxation, cultural stuff, or just to reset your head, Bali delivers. Just remember the best bits often happen when you slow down, chat to locals, and let the island set the pace.

Those 17 days are still shaping how we see things months later. Sometimes a holiday doesn't just give you a break – it changes you a bit. Bali's that kind of place.

Safe travels, and get ready to fall in love with the Island of the Gods, mate.