Top tips for travelling to Bali

Pam Segers, Travel Counsellor based in Bloemfontein, shares her top tips for traveling to Bali, the Island of the Gods. Also read her blog on where to go in Bali.

Money

Travelling with a Credit Card or Forex card is the best option, as you can pay at most shops, restaurants, and attractions in Bali.

You will need cash to pay local drivers for a day trip.

It is easy to withdraw cash in Bali, as there are many ATMs all over the island. Please, speak to your bank before you leave so you are aware of the costs of drawing cash versus paying with your credit card.

Weather

I have travelled to Bali in the dry and wet seasons and even enjoyed the rainy days in Bali. During the rainy season, it can rain the entire day.

The dry season is generally between May and September with the wet or rainy season starting around October and ending in April.

What to pack

It’s important to respect the Balinese culture, and when visiting temples or sacred places, you must cover your shoulders and knees. You don’t have to wear long pants or jeans, just pack a sarong. At most temples, you will either be provided with a sarong, or you can hire one before entering.

Linen clothing is great for Bali, quick-dry shorts and t-shirts also work well, sun dresses, sandals, tank tops, and flip flops as you will wear these every day. You will need shorts and trainers to do a sunrise hike.

Yoga pants, as there are so many amazing yoga studios, hotels, and resorts that offer yoga classes.

Pack a sun hat but again, this is something you can buy from the markets or shops there.

Don’t pack too much. You will want to shop so leave space for your new outfits.

Food

My favorite Indonesian dishes are Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles), but if you want Western dishes, you will find most restaurants offer amazing burgers, pizzas, and much more.

First Aid – and medicines

You don’t have to take much with you except for your prescription medication – always a good idea to have a copy of your prescription from your Doctor for these.

The pharmacies in Bali stock all the medication you may need, but if you prefer to pack your own, remember these:

Headache meds – depends on what you use
Motion sickness meds – just in case you need it
Mosquito spray – you can buy there unless you use a specific product
Imodium/Gastron – or whatever you use
Antiseptic cream
Sunscreen – can be a bit pricy in Bali
After-sun lotion

Other essentials

Travel Insurance. I can’t stress this enough. Do not travel without Travel Insurance. Your TC can guide you on the correct insurance.
Visa. Depending on your nationality, you may qualify for visa-on-arrival.
Portable power bank. You will be taking lots of pics so make sure you take a power bank with you.
Sim cards. You will get Wi-Fi everywhere you go in Bali in restaurants, hotels as well as beach clubs, etc. However, sim cards are available at the airport and in shops all over the island.
Adapters. The standard for plugs in Bali is a two-pin plug, but you can buy an International plug adapter at all International airports.
GRAB: Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading super-app. It provides everyday services like Deliveries, Mobility, Financial Services, and More. Download this to book taxis and GrabBike, a scooter driver for hire.

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