When getting ready for a travel plan to Bali, you might be overwhelmed with the whole preparation, including where to start, what to bring, where to go, how to arrange transportation, and so on. We hope this Bali travel guide on how to prepare for a trip to Bali could be helpful for you.

Decide on the time of visit

Generally, Bali has two seasons: the dry season (May to September) and the rainy season (October to April), though the actual weather now keeps changing from year to year for unknown reasons. Of course, during the dry season, you can do more things, but the wet season can also be fun, particularly when there is Balinese Silence Day in March, and some fun indoor activities to do during the rainy season.

Based on this information, you can decide when you want to come to Bali so that you can prepare for a trip to Bali more properly.

Do the research and prepare the Bali itinerary

Bali has too many destinations to visit in several days, so make sure you do some research about what you want to see on this island, and which areas you want to visit and stay at, such as Kuta and Legian, Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, Sanur, Lovina, Bedugul, or even the sister islands of Bali Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan.

If you are going with your kids, you might want to find top things to do with kids; If you are going with your partner, you can do some of the best romantic things to do for couples; If you are an adventure junkie, you can discover some of the best waterfalls in Bali, do scuba diving in top Bali dive sites, or visit top temples in Bali.

The more you research, the more likely it can help you decide how many days you want to spend in each area and eventually get your Bali itinerary ready.

Check on passport, visa, and other required documentation

Before you book anything, check your passport’s expiration date because your passport must be valid for at least six months, starting with your arrival in Bali. Over 160 nationalities need no visa to enter Indonesia and stay for up to 30 days, while all other nationalities will be eligible for a Visa on Arrival at Indonesia’s international airports or have to apply for a tourist visa before coming to Indonesia. Visit our Visa & Immigration page to learn more about your passport, visa, and other required documentation.

After you find out about the best Bali transportation to get around in Bali, should you want to rent and drive a car or motorbike in Bali, make sure to have an international driving license. You might also want to find and buy some travel insurance to get covered during your trip to Bali.

Book a flight and find some accommodations

After you know when and how long you want to visit Bali, you can start to book a return flight ticket and find some available accommodations according to your itinerary. If you want to rent transportation, such as a car or motorbike, try to ask your accommodation management whether they can help you to arrange it.

Make sure to check the cancellation and payment policy, so you know when you will be charged and how much cash you would need, prepare for a trip to Bali more properly.

Bali packing list

After booking everything you need to prepare for a trip to Bali, you might want to start a packing list, but make sure to spare some space in your suitcase for the stuff and souvenirs you might spontaneously shop on this island. Here is a Bali packing list:

  • Travel documents and copies
  • Quick-dry, lightweight, and cotton wear (you can easily find many laundries though)
  • Beach attire
  • Layers for full coverage at sacred sites (or you can rent on-site with a small fee)
  • Flip-flop or sandals
  • A pair of shoes if you plan for fine dining or serious clubbing
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Environmentally safe sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Reusable bag, water bottle, and straw
  • Travel first aid kit
  • Small padlock if you stay in the hostel
  • Some money (the money changers and ATMs are widely available)

However, if you leave anything behind, you will most likely be able to find anything available for purchase locally, such as toiletries, sundresses, hats, sunglasses, sarong, reusable shopping bags (Bali has prohibited single-use plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene across the island).