Don’t overpack for your trip to Denpasar. You won’t need much and if you forget something, you’ll easily be able to pick it up at a shop in Bali. Here’s a list of essentials you should include before you head to the airport.
Travel Insurance
Even meticulously planned vacations can go sideways, so be prepared for anything from the start and purchase travel insurance. This is the best way to manage unexpected misfortune and ensure that any costs associated with emergency medical care or sudden return trips are covered. Don’t take a chance on your vacation by assuming you’re invincible and nothing can go wrong. Protect yourself upfront so you can relax upon arrival.
Power Adapter
There’s nothing that makes you want to smack yourself more than finally arriving at your guest house after a long day of travel and realizing that you can’t plug your phone charger into the wall. One of the most forgotten items among even experienced travelers is a power adapter. Do yourself a favor and purchase a universal adapter for each suitcase you have and store it there until you need to use it. Even if you don’t travel that often, it will eventually come in handy. If that’s not an option, most of Bali uses the same power outlet as Europe; 230volts/50 Hz with round pins and you can usually purchase in town.
Electronics
You can absolutely bring phones, tablets, laptops or e-readers to Indonesia. The USB chargers for these devices are able to sustain the higher voltage without issue. However, leave your hairdryer and other electronics at home unless you also pack a transformer. To use smartphones, contact your service provider to make sure your phones will function in Asia, and then you’ll just need SIM cards that work in Denpasar. Because Bali has a tropical climate, and you’ll probably get wet during your stay, you may also consider purchasing waterproof cases for your electronic devices.
First Aid Kit
Hopefully, you’ll never need it while you’re on vacation, but because it’s better to be safe than sorry, include a first aid kit. Bali has drugstores and pharmacies, so you don’t need to pack like a paramedic, but a few essentials are a good idea. Some basic staples for your kit include:
- bandaids
- ibuprofen
- aloe vera
A condition known as Bali belly, or traveler’s diarrhea, is very common. Make sure you carry an anti-diarrhea medicine with you as a precaution in case you find yourself feeling badly during an outing without ready access to a restroom. Additionally, and not necessarily as an emergency item, take a bug repellent and use it daily to protect yourself from dengue fever-carrying mosquitos.
Light-weight Clothing
Don’t go crazy shopping and packing for your trip to Bali. You really won’t need much, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to shop for tropical garb if you feel you need more. Casual attire is perfect for daily wear. Quick-dry material, cotton shirts, shorts, sundresses and flip flops should do nicely. Be mindful of Balinese cultural norms, however, as most locals dress conservatively and you do not wish to offend your hosts by wearing your swimsuit beyond the beach with no cover. When you get to Bali, pick up a sarong and carry it with you. You may be required to wear it when visiting Hindu temples and other sacred places.
Protect Your Belongings
Denpasar is generally safe, as is all of Bali, and violent crime is not an issue. However, anywhere tourists go, petty crime is sure to follow, so be sure to protect your belongings from thieves. Try to avoid bags with brand logos that may signify you are carrying valuables, and keep your backpack or wallet in front of you when walking through streets and markets. Additionally, you may encounter some of Bali’s famous long-tail macaque monkeys during your trip, so keep your bag close to you and closed to avoid a snack bandit taking it away from you and up a tree.
Make sure you leave a little extra room in your suitcase for the cute sunglasses, hats and dresses you’ll snag at great prices during your market shopping in Bali.
