Climate
The climate in Bali is tropical but mild.

For most of the year there are steady sea breezes which make the island very pleasant.

Temperatures range from around 28C in May, June and July to 30C in the hottest months of February and March.

The wet season starts in November and goes through until March. During this period it can rain most days with tropical showers alternating with clear skies and sunshine.

The rain here is warm of course and so is not unpleasant. Being tropical it tends to rain hard but not for long. It is unusual for the rain to set in and stay all day.

In most hotels the rooms and restaurants are usually airconditioned.

Clothing

Light cotton clothing is best. While mostly shorts and short selaved shirts are best it is always good to have some long sleaved clothes for evening wear to avoid mosquito bites

Driving
Firstly you will need an international driving permit.

Cars and motorbikes can be hired easily.

Driving a car is relatively safe in Bali, but motorcycles can be dangerous.

There are far fewer road rules here and relatively speaking traffic travels at a steady pace although on the small roads it can appear fast.

The biggest danger is a simple but basic difference in driving rules. In Bali the first person to get there has the right of way!

Also beware of people turning out of side roads in front of you, everyone does it all the time without looking!

Beware of people coming past you quickly and weaving in and out of traffic.

Drive steadily and without sudden direction changes and you will have no problems.

Stay calm, road rage is unknown here!

At most traffic lights you can turn left at any time.

Health
The most common health concerns regard stomach upsets and mosquito bites.

Stomach upsets are easily avoided. They are nearly always caused by the water. Avoid getting tap water in your mouth at any time including when you are taking a shower, shaving. Use bottled water for drinking and cleaning your teeth.

Mosquito bites are not a major concern in Bali as there is virtually no malaria. There is some Dengue fever though carried by mosquitos that bite in the day and breed in dirty water. In hotels you will not get Dengue fever.

Mosquito bites itch and the best treatment is "Tiger Balm" which soothes the itching and dissipates the swelling.

Law
While in most respects the laws in Indonesia are very similar to most western countries there are some differences.

In general things are much freer here. There are no drink driving laws imposed

DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT DRUGS.

In Bali all drugs are treated equally and severely. There are many people languishing in jails for terms of five years for possession of marajuana.

Your consulate can help you in times of difficulty but they cannot protect you if you break the local laws.

Local Crime

Serious crime is rare in Bali but petty theft is common. Do not leave your valuables and passport unattended.

Do not leave valuables or your mobile phone visible in your car. Theft from cars is common.

Do not change money at moneychangers on the street. The reason why they can offer good rates is because they are very deft at removing notes from the pile they give you no matter how careful you are.

Use the banks or recommended moneychangers only.

Avoid timeshare salespeople like the plague.

Do not buy land unless you have EXPERT advice.