So you are going to Bali and you think you have already prepared what you need: a nice swimwear and beachwear, sunscreen for your skin, or cash, VISA, and more. Well, don’t think you are ready yet before you know this list of things I wish I knew before going to Bali.

Yes, aside from having all the Bali holiday’s essentials, you might want to learn from the seniors that have been going back and forth to Bali. Traveloka has combined all those things you wish you knew before going to Bali on one list, so you’ll be 100 % prepared and not going to be surprised with the change of your environment.

Once you arrive in Bali, it is possible that you’d be clueless, no matter how much you think you prepare for this. First thing first, you should know about the necessary applications that will help you a lot during your stay in Bali. If possible, you should already have these on your phone before you go.

The necessary applications are like car rent applications (like Traveloka), and Whatsapp. Having an app like Traveloka allows you to rent a car easily, with or without a driver. You can go anywhere freely, no matter how far it is, in the same vehicle with your friends (please choose the one car that can accommodate all of you!).

Whatsapp is mostly used for communication. You should have this to communicate (both call or chat) with your local driver, guide, and more.

There’s a condition in Bali that is already popular as Bali belly. It is actually diarrhoea that happens to travellers, mostly because they consume contaminated foods or drinks. This is not only specific to Bali, but anywhere you go abroad, it is possible for you to get diarrhoea.

No, it is not because Bali is dirty or gross. It’s because you are not used to the bacteria that exists inside the food or waters in an area that you don’t live in, so it strikes you with diarrhoea.

Anyway, it’s not a big problem. You can definitely avoid Bali belly by bringing… probiotics! Even better, you can start consuming probiotics 2 weeks before you go to Bali. That way, your stomach will be stronger. Also, we know that you feel young and sometimes you just want to live on the edge a little–but, please don’t. Do pay attention to what enters your mouth.

We repeat: do pay attention to what enters your mouth. At this point, you should really choose the ones that actually taste authentic, and apparently, you can’t find it in luxurious dining or high-end beachfront restaurants. You can only get it in local warungs.

A warung is the word for a small, family-owned business in Indonesia, often a modest and informal place where locals sell food, drinks, or other daily necessities. In Bali, a warung can range from a simple roadside stall to a small, cosy restaurant.

Of course, you need to do some research before you visit one. First of all (and the one that can usually provide the most precise information) is asking the locals. Then, you should observe the crowd. If it’s constantly visited by a lot of people, then it is possibly highly recommended.

Even better, you can check recommended Warungs online and read the reviews. Make a list, so it’s easier for you to track it down when you are finally in Bali.

Yes, you need an International Driver License with a motorcycle endorsement if you want to ride by yourself in Bali, whether it’s a motorcycle you’re going to ride, or a scooter. Please, don’t be reckless about this because if you’re unlucky, you’ll be stopped by the police and get fined.

Clearly you don’t want to get fined because it’s quite expensive. The fine could be up to AUD 1944.66! We think you should just save it for another occasion rather than paying a fine, right?

So, you book a luxurious rustic villa in the middle of the forest. It has a great view of the lush greenery, and Bali's weather just makes it so perfect. Little did you know that it’s also a favourite place for mosquitos.

Don’t be surprised! Mosquitoes are possibly everywhere, especially when it’s the hottest days. To save you from getting bitten (we think you don’t want your sleep to be disturbed by the sound of mosquitoes, right?), you must bring a mosquito repellent!

You can buy it in the form of lotion at the pharmacies or mini markets in Bali, named Autan or Sofell. If it’s all around the room too, we recommend you to buy the spray one as well. Several famous brands for this type are Baygon or HIT. You can bring your own from your country, but make sure not to bring too many.

The water in Bali will be different from the water in your home, and eventually, the water can make your hair fall down a lot. Some even reviewed that if you coloured your hair, it is possible that your hair colour will fade.

So, to prevent all of these things from happening to your lovely hair, consider bringing or buying a shower filter!

Traveloka offers Australian travelers an effortless way to manage their Visa on Arrival (VoA) when booking flights or hotels. This service allows you to apply for a 30-day recreational visa, extendable for another 30 days, without the usual hassle. After confirming your booking, you’ll receive detailed instructions via email on how to submit the required documents, such as your passport photo, booking details, and a recent photograph, within three working days before your departure.

This add-on service is designed exclusively for Australian passport holders, ensuring a smooth and stress-free process. With Traveloka handling your application, you’ll save time and avoid long queues at immigration. While the visa itself is not free, the process is simplified with Traveloka’s guided assistance, letting you focus on planning your Bali adventures.

Whether you're traveling for leisure, business, or to visit loved ones, Traveloka’s Visa on Arrival feature makes your trip to Indonesia more convenient. By adding this service to your booking, you can confidently arrive in Bali, knowing all the paperwork is handled efficiently.

When you can do it back in your home, please avoid it when you’re in Bali. Relating to the point number 2 and 6, when you come to a new area that’s not yet familiar with your body, it is scientifically possible that your body will be a little bit shocked by a different kind of bacterias. To avoid getting harmed, you better be careful by not drinking the tap water directly.

If you are sensitive especially around the face, washing yours with tap water possibly causes a rash. Also, don’t drink it. Unlike in your country, Indonesian people don’t drink from tap water. Always drink from bottled water.

So, that’s all for all the things I wish I knew before going to Bali! With this new knowledge, we’re sure your trip to Bali will be even more comfortable and enjoyable. Make it more pleasant by booking all your travel needs with the best price with Traveloka! Book everything in Bali easily, from hotels, flight tickets to and from Bali, to attraction tickets!

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