What you need to know before going to Bali in 2026

Xperience Team
5 min read
A couple running down the road in Bali in front of a gate

Getting ready got Bali is so much more than just making a packing list. Sure, packing your swimmers and sun cream is important, but ensuring you make the most of your trip requires a few more steps. Follow these tips and you're in for a safe, healthy, budget-friendly and, more importantly, fun-filled adventure in Bali.

DenPhotos / Shutterstock.com

1. Download these apps to your phone

Grab: Bali doesn't have Uber. Grab is the go-to ride-share app here and works in a very similar way. Download the app, connect it to a card and book your ride. (You can also opt to pay in cash if you're not keen on connecting your card!)
Whatapp: If you don't already have the popular messaging app, make sure you get it before you go. Drivers, hotels and tour guides will often use it to contact you instead of using text messages or calling.
Traveloka: Whether you want to hire a private driver, book an activity or check in for your flight home, you can do it all on our app.

DenPhotos / Shutterstock.com

2. Avoid getting Bali belly

An unwanted guest on too many travellers' holidays, Bali belly can be avoided if you know what to watch out for. Make sure you follow the recommendations for avoiding getting sick, including avoiding tap water and being mindful of where and what you eat.

If it does get you, it's ok. Luckily, it ony last a few days.

Postcrossingbali / Shutterstock.com

3. Get the most authentic food in local warungs

Warungs are local restaurants and where you'll find some of the best food in Bali. But, they're not all equal. You'll want to choose ones that are clean, serve freshly made food and are delicious.

Of course, you need to do some research before you visit one. Here's a few tips:

Ask a local for a recommendation (maybe ask the staff at your accommodation what their favourite one is?)
Check reviews on Google maps
Consider the lines; street vendors or restaurants that are busy and full of locals are usually the best ones
A motorbike/scooter next to a rice field in Bali

4. Apply for an international drivers licence

Riding along the backstreets between rice fields or along the beach is an incredible way to see Bali, but you'll need to make sure you've got the right paperwork to do so. Yes, you do need an international driver's 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. If you’re unlucky, you may be stopped by the police and fined for not having it, and that find can be almost AU$2,000.

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5. Protect yourself from mosquitoes

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 humid weather just makes it a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. And it's not just itchy bites you need to worry about. Unfortunately Bali does have dengue fever, meaning it can cause a much more serious health problem.

Whether you want to bring it from home, or buy it at a pharmacies or mini markets in Bali, such as Autan or Sofell. If you're finding them inside your room too, we recommend you to buy the spray one as well. Some popular brands for this type are Baygon or HIT. You can bring your own from your country, but make sure not to bring too many.

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6. Don’t wash your face with, brush your teeth with or drink tap water

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!

Passport covers

8. Make Your Visa on Arrival Hassle-Free

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.

Street food vendor

7. Learn a bit of Bahasa

Spoken across Indonesia, Bahasa is the local language in Bali. Our Indonesia-born team member, Clarissa, who has been to Bali quite a few times recommends you "slip in some simple Bahasa words on your travels, like "terima kasih" (thank you) and "enak banget (so delicious) after a street food snack, you might get a secret recommendation or an extra bite!"

Looking for a flight deal to Bali?

See Traveloka's latest deals on flights to Bali (Denpasar) from your closest city listed below:

Latest deals on flights to Bali

Sun, 22 Feb 2026

Batik Air Malaysia

Sydney (SYD) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$233.92

Tue, 17 Feb 2026

Batik Air Malaysia

Melbourne (MEL) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$185.01

Wed, 25 Feb 2026

Batik Air Malaysia

Canberra (CBR) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)

Start from AU$301.46

Ready to explore Bali? Here’s all the basics you need to know before booking your trip.

Tags:

essential things in bali

bali

Essential Things in bali

In This Article

• 1. Download these apps to your phone
• 2. Avoid getting Bali belly
• 3. Get the most authentic food in local warungs
• 4. Apply for an international drivers licence
• 5. Protect yourself from mosquitoes
• 6. Don’t wash your face with, brush your teeth with or drink tap water
• 8. Make Your Visa on Arrival Hassle-Free
• 7. Learn a bit of Bahasa
• Looking for a flight deal to Bali?

Flights Featured in This Article

Sun, 22 Feb 2026
Batik Air Malaysia
Sydney (SYD) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)
Start from AU$233.92
Book Now
Tue, 17 Feb 2026
Batik Air Malaysia
Melbourne (MEL) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)
Start from AU$185.01
Book Now
Wed, 25 Feb 2026
Batik Air Malaysia
Canberra (CBR) to Bali / Denpasar (DPS)
Start from AU$301.46
Book Now
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