Essential Bali Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Patty Lamker
Oct 21
3 min read

How to Deal with Mosquitoes in Bali

Mosquitoes can be a real nuisance in Bali, especially if you’re heading into more tropical or jungle areas like Ubud or the Tegalalang Rice Terraces. Here’s how to stay protected:

Bring a mosquito spray with 40% DEET for jungle-heavy areas (e.g., Ubud, Rice Terraces, etc.)
For daily use, buy the local mosquito repellent (the one in the pink bottle smells the best and comes in a spray, which is easier to apply than lotion). You can find it in most supermarkets or convenience stores for under €1.
You’ll need to reapply often, even at the beach, when walking through town, or while eating out.
One game-changing tool? A mosquito bite heat pen. There’s a travel-size version, bring it with you everywhere and use it right after being bitten. It really helps!

How Much Sunscreen You Need

Bali’s sun can be softer than expected, especially during June and July, but it still sneaks up on you. This is my recommendation for June/July:

For a 3-week trip, 1 bottle of sunscreen per person is usually enough, unless you plan on sunbathing all day.
Pack a small, travel-sized sunscreen to keep in your bag, this is very useful for hikes or unplanned beach stops.
Two bottles max should be plenty for moderate sun exposure during your Bali trip, if you go for three weeks.

Transportation in Bali

Riding through the streets of Bali with my scooter driver, the best way to explore like a local.

Getting around Bali can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s easier once you get the hang of it:

Book your airport taxi in advance (we used Booking.com) to skip the chaos upon arrival.
In Ubud and other major towns, use GoJek or Grab, this is like Bali’s Uber. You can order rides or even a scooter with a driver.
Many drivers are open to full-day bookings. When we visited waterfalls, we found a driver via GoJek who ended up guiding us all day, even carrying our bags, taking photos, and accepting cash directly.
You can also rent scooters, but some places may ask for an international driver’s license.
On Nusa Penida, roads are rough. We recommend booking a private driver through Klook (we paid €48 for 8 hours).
On Gili Trawangan, there are no cars or motorbikes—only bikes and horse carriages. Renting a bike is best (for your health and the horses’ well-being). If you have heavy luggage, take the horse cart to your hotel, then rent a bike, or dare to adventure cycling with your backpack. We did that, and survived, enjoying a shower after, as you will sweat.

How to Choose the Right Accommodation in Bali

There are so many options, some amazing, some… not so much. Here’s what to watch for:

Always read reviews carefully, especially about cleanliness and the bathroom. Make sure to check the most recent reviews!
Look for hotels with white bed sheets, it’s a good sign of hygiene.
Cockroaches are common in budget places, so check recent guest photos and reviews.
If sleep matters (and it does!), make sure your room has air conditioning. Bonus: mosquitoes hate air-conditioned rooms.

Best Apps to Download for Your Bali Trip

These apps made our Bali trip easier, cheaper, and way more convenient:

GoJek and Grab (rides, food delivery, etc.)
Klook (book activities and day tours easily)
Booking.com or Agoda (great for comparing hotels)
12Go Asia (book trains, buses, and boat tickets, but double-check before confirming)
Polarsteps (travel journal app to track and share your trip)

Other Must-Knows for Your Bali Travels

Fix your visa and tourist tax online before flying, you’ll save loads of time at the airport.
Consider bringing a waterproof phone case for snorkeling and beach days.
Eat as much fruit as you can, it’s fresh, delicious, and often much cheaper than at home.
Try Nasi Goreng (fried rice), Bali’s comfort food staple. So simple. So good.
Bali’s tap water isn’t great for your hair. If you wash daily, consider packing a shower head filter to help protect it.

Final Thoughts on Essential Bali Travel Tips

Bali is where beaches, jungles, culture, and adventure all come together, but it’s often the little things that shape your experience. A well-packed bag, the right apps, a bit of planning, and a sense of curiosity can take you a long way. And don’t forget to lean into the island’s slower pace, rest days are just as important as your bucket-list stops. Massages are not only amazing, they’re also super affordable, so treat yourself often.

If you’re still figuring out where to stay in Bali, be sure to check out my Bali Area Guide to find the perfect spot that matches your vibe, whether you’re chasing waves, jungle retreats, or sunset views.

With love & wanderlust,

Patty 🧭