Updated August 2024. Hi everyone! So I've been to Bali 3x in 2022, 2x in 2023 and 1x in 2024 for an extended 1 month stay and has become somewhat of a seasoned traveller to Bali, so if you are thinking of going there from Singapore here are just some of my tips for what to pack, what to prepare for landing at the airport, getting to your accommodations and getting around. I've also done a Canggu/Pererenan itinerary if you are going to that area here.
Before flight: Essentials to pack/bring
- Cash (IDR). They are still quite cash reliant in some places and its always good to have some cash on hand before you get there. However most restaurants and grocery shops will accept credit cards, and I always use YouTrip/WISE credit cards to save on exchange fees. You can also use it to withdraw money from ATMs. I do not recommend changing money there as it might be a bit dodgy to find a legit moneychanger.
- Sunscreen. For both face AND body, whatever you are used to since it will be more difficult to find a good sunscreen in pharmacies. The sun there is stronger and can really burn you, not just your face but your body. Include cap/hat and sunglasses as well!
- Rain gear, which is optional, only because the weather there is quite unpredictable. So a waterproof jacket and pants will be great especially if you don't want to be caught on a GoBike in the rain, or an umbrella at the least.
- Medication for motion sickness, painkiller and diarrhea/stomachaches like charcoal pills or Smecta. In case you fall ill without medication, they do have gobike delivery for meds or from pharmacies like Guardian. However it is always handy to have something, especially if you are going to remote areas.
- Not necessary to pack mozzie repellant unless you are going somewhere remote, otherwise you can easily buy it in Guardian when you get there. I recommend the Utama Spice Begone Bug!
Before flight: 14-2 days before
- There are no entry restrictions or visa or payment required for Singaporeans/PR for 30 days travel. Nor do you need to download any app, buy COVID insurance or show proof of vaccination. However, you can apply for e-Visa or VOA online (Visa A1 for ASEAN, Visa B1 for foreigners - you have to pay visa fees) so you can skip the immigration queue and use the Auto Gates, which is new since March 2024. They are on the left side of the immigration counters.
Photo credit: Redditor BusyRich
2. You can also pay the IDR 150,000 tourist entry fee (also new since 14 Feb 2024) online. If you want to skip you will risk the penalty if they do random checks and find you do not have it.
Before flight: At Changi Airport
- The only thing you should do before you land is to fill out the e-Customs Declaration form.
- I would also activate my mobile 4G roaming on my GOMO before flying (or any other telco. You can buy a SIM card using your passport in Bali AFTER you leave their airport, but I don't recommend it unless you are there for long and your telco doesn't have a good roaming plan). For Singtel/GOMO subscribers, remember to set your mobile network setting to hicard when you land to get 4G reception.
Landing after flight: At Ngurah International Airport
- When you land, go straight to the Auto Gate as fast as you can, do not be distracted by different queues for other Visa-On-Arrival folks. If you have kids below 14, you will need to queue for immigration, which usually takes about an hour.
- After you clear immigration, wait for your check-in baggage if you have any, and then go to the customs counter. You will need to show the QR code you have saved from the e-Customs Declaration, then put your luggage and bags through the scanner before exiting.
- Next, once you exit and go through the duty-free shop and Starbucks, you will find a row of drivers holding up signs for their passengers. If you have booked Klook rides or an airport transfer from the hotel (I don't recommend), then look for your driver here.
- Otherwise, it's time to whip out your phone and open up GoJek (or Grab, which is usually more expensive, but available there). Enter the address of where you want to go, and select the Carpark pickup. It is around 160k IDR on a normal weeknight from airport to Canggu. You can go to Ubud this way from airport but note that within Ubud itself private hire cars are not allowed, only bluebird taxis.
- Behind the airport is a multi-storey carpark that you have to walk towards. There's a Circle K convenience store that too. This is how it looks like.
You have to cross a big zebra crossing to get to the carpark building, where there is a pick-up point and everyone is waiting there. Tell your driver where you are, or send a photo of your location. This is when the Balinese humidity will hit you like a tonne of bricks and you might feel a bit overwhelmed with other drivers asking you taxi? taxi? You can also book a Grab car from the somewhat air-conditioned Grab lounge (just on the right of the photo below) where it is much more peaceful.
Here are instructions by Grab on how to get to the lounge  |
| Credit: Grab |
Once you get in the car, that's it, enjoy the ride to your accommodations, which can take as fast as 20m to 1.5h depending on where you are going. Prepare some water and snacks for the ride. I would give the driver a small cash tip too by the way if you have, but don't feel bad if you don't have any.
Getting around
- It is super easy to get around in Bali using the GoBike from the GoJek app. I will recommend using a motorbike if it isn't raining and its a short distance because you won't get stuck in traffic jams and costs you S$1 per trip, and a GoCar if you are going from Seminyak to Ubud, for example. Wearing shorts/pants are a good idea if you are on GoBikes!
- In Ubud, Uluwatu and around certain beach clubs in Canggu like La Brisa and in Seminyak, private hire cars are not allowed so you have to take official Bluebird taxi by the meter. They should be plentiful but sometimes when it rains the driver might charge you a flat rate. Think of it as surge pricing and decide if you want to wait it out or just go with it.
- Book a full-day driver if you want to go further out on day tours or hikes because it is more economical and you are ensured on getting a driver.
Other tips
- Book your beach club, spa or massage ahead by WhatsApp because most places won't be able to do walk-ins. WA is the main messaging app for anything in Bali.
- You need to cover up if you are visiting any temples, so bring a sarong or long pants and covered top. Always be respectful of local customs.
- Bali Belly is a real thing if you drink water from the tap or eat dodgy salads/fruits from roadside stalls, because every place draws water from the ground instead of piping it unless it is in Kuta, so don't do it. Ice, however, is regulated by the government. If you are especially sensitive, brush your teeth with bottled water or water from the villa water dispenser.
- The water there is also very hard so your hair will be affected especially if you just dyed it, so bring hair oil or your own conditioner if you need to.
- Try not to drink cocktails from bars and clubs because you never know what type of alcohol is in there - just drink local Bintang, locally made craft Kura Kura beer, or bring your own booze from DFS to drink in the villa!
Hope this helps, share it with others if you think it is useful!
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