Practical tips for your trip to Bali: what I pack

Every time I travel to Bali, I promise myself I’ll pack fewer clothes. And every time, plenty of them come home unworn.

Once I’m at the villa, I tend to wear the same comfortable, lightweight outfits. But when I’m packing, I apparently imagine I’ll need a different outfit every evening.

Fortunately, I’ve also learned what really is useful: two sarongs, my favourite shampoo, water shoes and a snorkel. And there are a few things I like to arrange before leaving. After a long flight, I mainly want to reach the villa, take off my shoes and do absolutely nothing for a while.

Here are my practical tips for your trip to Bali.

Two sarongs and fewer clothes than you think

I always have two sarongs with me. I wear one as a skirt and wrap the other around my shoulders when the mosquitoes start bothering me. They take up hardly any space, and I use them constantly. You can also buy them all over Bali.

Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear and something with long sleeves. For the evenings, I like having loose trousers or a long skirt. I often notice the mosquitoes most around sunset.

Water shoes are useful too. There are pebbles along parts of our beach, and they make walking into the water more comfortable.

Planning to visit a temple? Bring something to cover your shoulders. A sarong comes in handy here too. You can read more about clothing and customs in my blog about ceremonies in Bali.

A snorkel for the sea on your doorstep

A snorkel and mask are lovely things to bring. There’s a small reef to the right of the villa, so you can go snorkelling from our beach.

You can discover what’s beneath the surface without having to organise a day trip. That’s one of the joys of having the sea on your doorstep.

Choose a time when the sea is calm and visibility is good. Ask our team where to enter the water. And please leave the coral untouched: enjoy looking without touching.

Unfortunately, mosquitoes seem to love me

Some lucky people hardly ever get bitten. I’m not one of them. Apparently, I’m rather tasty.

You can buy mosquito repellent in shops and pharmacies in Bali. Soffell, which comes in orange or pink bottles, is commonly sold in convenience stores such as Indomaret. Check the active ingredient: products containing DEET or icaridin are recommended for tropical travel. Follow the instructions and check the age guidance when choosing a product for children.

Protect yourself during the day too. Some mosquitoes that can transmit diseases such as dengue bite during daylight hours. My sarongs are useful, but they don’t replace an effective repellent.

You may have heard that taking vitamin B1 before travelling helps. I wouldn’t rely on it for mosquito protection. I stick to repellent and clothing that covers my skin.

My favourite shampoo comes with me

Of course, you can buy shampoo and conditioner in Bali. But I prefer to bring my own favourites. I know what suits my hair, and it saves me looking for them once I arrive.

I hardly wear make-up in Bali. In that warmth, I usually don’t feel the need. Unless we’re going out for an evening in Lovina, perhaps to a pub with live music at the weekend. Then it’s nice to get dressed up a little.

For everyday holiday life, sunscreen, after-sun lotion, sunglasses and a hat are more useful. They definitely deserve a place in your suitcase.

Do you need a travel adapter?

Indonesia mainly uses type C and F sockets, with two round pins. My ordinary Dutch plugs usually fit without an adapter.

If you’re travelling from the UK or Australia, bring a suitable travel adapter for your plugs.

Remember your chargers and cables for your phone, camera and perhaps your e-reader. A power bank can be useful while travelling; keep it in your hand luggage and check your airline’s rules.

Books, games and your favourite series

I always bring a few books, and sometimes a game. At the villa, you finally have time to read without a long list of things waiting to be done.

A camera is useful if you enjoy photography, although phones take beautiful pictures these days too.

Would you like to watch your favourite series on the smart TV in the evening? Make sure you can sign in to your Netflix account, including any verification needed on your phone. Or use your own music account for some background music. Availability and access may vary by country and account.

Remember to sign out at the end of your stay.

Stroopwafels, liquorice and a piece of mature cheese

As much as I love the food in Bali, sometimes I fancy a little taste of home.

Stroopwafels or Dutch liquorice, for example. They’re not always easy to find, so I think ahead about which favourites I’d like to bring.

And a piece of mature Dutch cheese at breakfast? That makes me very happy. Some Dutch habits travel with me!

Arrange your passport and visa first

These are things I prefer to sort out at home. After a long flight, I don’t want to be working out which form I need.

Check the entry requirements for your nationality before travelling. For Dutch passport holders, the passport must be valid for at least six months on arrival. It should also be undamaged. We’ve twice had guests arrive later than planned because their passports weren’t in order, so it’s worth checking carefully.

For an ordinary short holiday, eligible travellers can apply in advance for an e-VOA through the official Indonesian immigration website.

This visitor visa initially allows a stay of up to 30 days. The fee listed in the Dutch version of this article is Rp 500,000. An extension of another 30 days may be possible, but it needs to be arranged in time. Check the latest fee, your eligibility and whether the visa suits your travel plans.

Keep your return or onward ticket handy too. Use the official website for your application, as intermediaries may charge additional fees.

The arrival declaration: All Indonesia

You may still come across advice about a separate health pass or customs form. Arrival information for immigration, health, customs and quarantine has been brought together in All Indonesia.

Complete the declaration through the official website:

https://allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id

The declaration can be completed within 72 hours before arrival and is free.

Save the confirmation and QR code on your phone, preferably with a screenshot as well. That way, you won’t need to search your emails or find an internet connection at the airport.

Remember Bali’s tourist levy

Bali also has a tourist levy, separate from the visa. The amount listed in the Dutch version of this article is Rp 150,000 per person, for travellers to whom the levy applies.

You can pay in advance through Love Bali, the official provincial website. Save your payment confirmation or QR code too.

Your visa, arrival declaration and Bali tourist levy are three separate things. Sorting them out before travelling makes arrival easier.

Vaccinations and medication: check before travelling

Vaccination advice depends on your itinerary, the length of your stay, your health and previous vaccinations.

Seek personal advice from a travel health professional well before departure. In the Netherlands, you can arrange this through GGD travel vaccination services. If you’re travelling from another country, contact your local travel clinic or healthcare provider. Vaccinations reduce certain risks, but they don’t replace precautions such as mosquito protection.

If you take medication, bring enough for your stay and some extra in case of delays. Keep it in its original packaging and bring a medication summary from your pharmacy, preferably in English.

A medication summary is useful, but it doesn’t automatically authorise you to bring every medicine into Indonesia. Some medicines require documentation or are subject to restrictions. Check the requirements before travelling with the relevant authorities and, where necessary, the Indonesian embassy.

Some cash and a bank card that works abroad

I like to bring some euros so I can exchange money locally.

At the airport, consider exchanging only what you need immediately. For larger amounts, compare the rate and fees with a reliable money changer in a place such as Lovina. The airport isn’t always the best-value option.

Count your money carefully before leaving the counter. Be cautious about unusually attractive rates at unfamiliar exchange stalls.

You can also withdraw cash from ATMs. Before leaving, check that your card is enabled for use in Indonesia, and preferably bring a second payment method.

A few useful things to remember:

Small notes are handy for everyday purchases. You won’t always want to pay with a large banknote.

Good travel insurance brings peace of mind

Check that your travel insurance covers Indonesia, medical expenses, getting you home if necessary and any activities you plan to do. Your ordinary health insurance may not provide enough cover abroad.

Save your insurer’s emergency assistance number on your phone and leave your insurance details with someone at home.

Check your government’s latest travel advice for Indonesia shortly before departure too.

Confirm your arrival arrangements

Send us your flight details and arrival time in advance so we can coordinate your transfer. Please let us know about any changes or delays.

Save Villa Bima Sena’s address and your driver’s contact number on your phone. Think about mobile internet too: check roaming charges or consider a local SIM card or eSIM.

I like to keep a few essentials in my hand luggage: medication, a change of clothes and important documents. If your suitcase is delayed, you can still settle into your holiday comfortably.

My final check before leaving

Before closing my suitcase, I check:

Then I really should take a few items of clothing back out of my suitcase.

At least, that’s the plan. In practice, something always comes home unworn.

Warm wishes,
Karin

Entry requirements, procedures and fees can change. Check the official websites shortly before travelling.