Top Tips for Bali
Money: Travelling with a Credit Card or Forex card is probably the best option as you can pay at most shops, restaurants, and attractions in Bali. You will need cash to pay drivers if you arrange a day trip with a local driver. There are lots of ATM’s all over the island so very easy to withdraw cash when you are in Bali. Please speak to your bank though before you leave so you are aware of the costs for drawing cash versus paying with your credit card.
Weather: I have travelled to Bali in both dry and wet seasons and even enjoyed the rainy days in Bali – it mostly rained early evening and when it rained during the day it was short showers only. However, it could rain the whole day as well. The dry season (May-September) The wet season (October-April)
What to pack: It’s important to be respectful of the Balinese culture and when visiting temples or sacred places, you will be required to cover your shoulders and knees. You don’t have to wear long pants or jeans, just take a sarong along to cover yourself. 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 works well. Sun dresses, sandals, tank tops, shorts, trainers if you want to do a sunrise hike, flip flops (you will wear these every day). Yoga pants as there are so many amazing yoga studios and many hotels and resorts offer yoga classes. Pack a sun hat but again this is something you can buy from the markets or shops there. NB!! Don’t pack to much you will want to shop when you get there so leave space for your new outfits.
Food My favorite Indonesian dishes are Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and Mie Goreng (fried noodles), but it you want western dishes, you will find most restaurants offer amazing burger, pizzas and much more.
First Aid – and medicines You really 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 remember these: • Headache meds – depends what you use • Motion sickness meds – just in case you need it • Mosquito spray – again 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 – this is quite affordable and in some cases Banks and Medical Insurance providers in South Africa include this cover,so speak to your bank or Medical Insurance Company or to me to get the best cover for you and your family.
Visa: Depending on your nationality you may qualify for visa on arrival, speak to me for more details.
Portable power bank: You will be taking lots of pics so make sure you take a power bank with you.
Sim cards/Wi-Fi: 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 when you arrive as well as shops all over the island
Adapters: The standard for plugs in Bali is a two-pin plug, but you can buy a International plug adapter at all International airports
GRAB: Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading superapp. It provides everyday services like Deliveries, Mobility, Financial Services, and More. Download this and you can book taxis as well as GrabBike – which is to book a scooter driver– great to use in Bali.