Bali — the islet paradise where every Instagram influencer seems to go for evening yoga, smoothie coliseums, and comforting sand views. But what happens when you witness the real Bali? The business logjams, loose bobbies, chaotic thoroughfares, and overpriced everything ? Well, this is that Bali — raw, undressed, and packed with adventure.
From getting scammed by police to surviving a jungle journey filled with motorbike business logjams , then how our trip turned out to be both inconceivable and absolutely ridiculous at the same time.
wharf in Bali Expectation vs. Reality
Bringing a auto to Bali? Worst mistake ever.
- Business then makes Delhi’s Sadar Bazaar look empty.
- Scooters zoom history while buses remain wedged for hours.
- Every time we saw a business jam, we joked, “ It’s called Bali, but feels more like Ballabhgarh. ”,
| Transport Mode | Best for Travel? | Cost |
|---|
| Scooter | Best Option | ~20,000 IDR/day |
| Taxi | Expensive | ~200,000 IDR for short rides |
| Car Rental | Absolute disaster | Too costly & useless in traffic |
- We rented scooters for ₹ 20,000 for the month, and that turned out to be the stylish decision.
- Trying to bring a auto? Don’t indeed suppose about it!
loose Police Drink to Bali’s Real Hustlers
One of our first gests in Bali? Getting scammed by the police.
What happened?
First day in Bali, we didn’t wear helmets ( novitiate mistake).
- Bobbies stopped us and demanded 500,000 IDR(₹ 2,500) as a forfeiture.
- Real forfeiture? 185,000 IDR(₹ 900).
- What did we do? Paid up and moved on because, let’s be honest, arguing wasn’t an option.
Exploring Bali Ubud, Uluwatu & The noway- Ending Business
After setting up base in Changu — the most touristy ( and overpriced) area of Bali — we planned a weekend escape to Ubud.
Ubud vs Changu Which One’s More?
| Aspect | Changu | Ubud |
|---|---|---|
| Vibes | Party, crowded, touristy | Peaceful, spiritual, natural |
| Traffic | ( Terrible) | ( Manageable) |
| Cost | precious! | Cheaper |
| Nature | minimum | Jungle, falls |
We left for Ubud , planning to hike Mount Batur at 230 AM.
The “ Not- So-audacious ” Mount Batur Trek
We allowed this hike would be a challenging adventure. It turned out to be a largely overhyped, crowded sightseer trap.
Anticipation
- A peaceful, audacious hike through the jungle.
- Watching the daylight in complete solitariness .
Reality
- 150 people hiking at formerly.
- Motorbike taxis offered at the launch to “ save time ”( seriously).
- Business logjams on a hiking trail!
| Hike Stats | Reality Check |
|---|
| Trail Condition | Dusty, crowded, and full of scooters 🚲 |
| Difficulty Level | Beginner (too easy for us) |
| Scam Alert | Guides insist you “take a bike” |
| Sunrise? | Yes, but too many people in the way |
| Worth it? | Meh. |
- Our original companion? He literally stopped half and tried forcing us to take motorbikes because he thought, Indians can’t hike. We ignored him and reached the top an hour beforehand only to realize we had nothing to do but indurate in the cold wave while staying for the daylight.
- Was it worth it? Not really.
Would we do it again? Only if they banned half the excursionists.
Gym Life in Bali Overpriced, But Worth It?
still, Bali is great if you’re willing to pay the price, If you love training.
Gym Cost Breakdown
- Yearly Class 3.2 million IDR(₹ 16,000- 17,000)
- Day Pass IDR(₹ 3,000)
- Gloves Reimbursement 50,000 IDR(₹ 350)
Our Training Routine
- Muay Thai & Boxing Drills
- Weight Training
| Sauna | ✅ |
| Ice Bath | ✅ |
| Pool | ✅ |
- We loved training then, but actually, it’s precious. still, a yearly pass is the only option, If you plan to train for long.
The Food Scene Home Cooking vs. Overpriced Restaurants
🍛 Eating in Bali:
- Restaurants in Changu? Expensive AF.
- Restaurants in Ubud? Much better pricing.
We cooked at home—chapati, lentils, porridge, and even 5kg of chicken (for Tanveer, who eats like a bodybuilder).
🍽️ Average Restaurant Prices:
- Coffee: 20,000 IDR (~₹120)
- Local Food: 40,000-50,000 IDR (~₹250-300)
- Restaurants in Changu? Double the price.
✅ Best Solution? Buy groceries & cook at home!
Final studies Bali – Paradise or Overhyped?
effects We Loved
Ubud’s natural beauty.
Affordable scooter settlements.
Gym & training installations.
Friendly locals( except loose police).
effects We abominated
Traffic worse than Delhi.
Police swindles .
Mount Batur sightseer trap.
Everything in Changu overpriced.
Would we return to Bali? Yes, but we’d avoid Changu and overhyped journeys.
still, skip the mainstream sightseer areas and go where the real Bali is, If you’re planning a trip. You’ll save plutocrat, avoid the swindles, and actually enjoy the islet without dealing with massive crowds and business logjams.
What’s Next?
We’re off to Australia, Timor, or wherever the adventure takes us. Stay tuned!