Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Bali Favourites From Someone Who Lived There
32
items My personal Bali favourites and practical travel picks from including where to stay, what to pack, things to book, beach day essentials, café-hopping finds, and tips for making your Bali trip feel easier.
Sections
4
Areas to Stay in Bali
Things I’d Book Before Going to Bali
Bali Packing Essentials
Best cafes in Bali
Areas to Stay in Bali
first-time visitors always ask where to stay
cafés, surf, nightlife, digital nomad vibe
Canggu, Bali
restaurants, shopping, beach clubs
Seminyak, Bali
rice fields, temples
Ubud, Bali
cliffs, beaches, sunsets
Uluwatu, Bali
calmer, family-friendly, easy island access
Sanur, Bali
resorts and relaxing holiday vibe
Nusa dua, Bali
quieter Bali alternatives
Amed, Bali
Things I’d Book Before Going to Bali
Bali airport can feel busy when you first arrive, especially after a long flight.
Ngurah Rai (Bali) International Airport Transfers
Having internet as soon as you land makes Bali so much easier. You’ll need it for WhatsApp, Google Maps, Grab/Gojek, checking bookings, and contacting your driver or hotel.
eSIM Bali | Unlimited Data & No Roaming Fees - Simify
I’d get travel insurance before Bali for peace of mind, especially if you’re booking activities, riding scooters, doing tours, or travelling with family.
Travel Insurance for Bali
Nusa Penida is one of the most popular day trips from Bali, but it’s much easier when everything is organised for you.
The BEST Nusa Penida Tours and Things to Do in 2026
Ubud has so many places to see, from rice terraces to temples, waterfalls, cafés, and markets.
Hire Bali Driver
If you want a memorable Bali experience, Mount Batur sunrise is a good one to book ahead.
Mount Batur, South Batur - Book Tickets & Tours | GetYourGuide
A classic Bali evening plan. I’d book Uluwatu Temple and the Kecak dance for sunset views, culture, and a beautiful end-of-day experience without needing to plan every detail yourself.
Kecak Uluwatu
This is one of those very Bali-style experiences that’s great for photos and first-time visitors. I’d pair it with a rice terrace visit, Ubud cafés, and maybe a temple or waterfall nearby.
Bali Swing
A Bali cooking class is a nice way to do something different from beaches and sightseeing. It’s great if you want to learn about local food, visit a market, and bring home a more memorable experience.
Pemulan Bali Farm Cooking School, Ubud
If you love the ocean, I’d book a snorkelling trip around places like Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Amed, or nearby islands.
Best Bali Snorkeling 2026 - Klook
Bali Packing Essentials
These are the practical little things that make travelling around Bali feel easier, from lightweight outfits and sun protection to tech, toiletries, and day-trip must-haves.
Bali is warm and humid, so lightweight linen outfits are perfect for staying comfortable while still looking put together. I’d pack easy pieces you can wear to cafés, beach clubs, markets, and casual dinners.
Women's Linen Clothing
Bali is warm and humid, so lightweight linen outfits are perfect for staying comfortable while still looking put together. I’d pack easy pieces you can wear to cafés, beach clubs, markets, and casual dinners.
Mens Linen Cotton Pants
Bali is warm and humid, so lightweight linen outfits are perfect for staying comfortable while still looking put together. I’d pack easy pieces you can wear to cafés, beach clubs, markets, and casual dinners.
Linen : Women's Clothing & Fashion
You’ll probably wear sandals most days in Bali, so comfort matters. I’d choose a pair that works for walking, beach days, cafés, shopping, and casual dinners without hurting your feet.
Sandals
The Bali sun can be strong, so sunscreen is a must. I’d pack sunscreen for beach days, boat trips, and outdoor tours so your skin is protected while being more ocean-friendly.
Sunscreen
A good beach bag makes Bali days much easier. I’d use one big enough for sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, water bottle, phone pouch, cover-up, and anything else you need for beach clubs or pool days.
Beach Bags
After-sun aloe gel is one of those things you’ll be glad you packed. It’s perfect after beach clubs, pool days, island tours, or any day where you accidentally get more sun than planned.
Aloe Vera Skin Gels
Mosquito repellent is very useful in Bali, especially around villas, rice fields, waterfalls, gardens, and outdoor restaurants at night.
Mosquitos Repellent Body Moisturisers
A mini first-aid kit is always worth packing for Bali. I’d include basics like plasters, antiseptic wipes, pain relief, motion sickness tablets, and anything personal you might need during the trip.
Mini First Aid Kit - 150 Piece Small
Bali weather can change quickly, especially during rainy season.
Travel Umbrellas
Bali weather can change quickly, especially during rainy season.
Rain Ponchos in Rainwear
A portable fan is such a small thing, but it can make a big difference in Bali’s heat and humidity.
Portable Fan
A portable fan is such a small thing, but it can make a big difference in Bali’s heat and humidity. I’d bring one for markets, temple visits, walking around, and waiting in traffic or outdoor areas.
Power bank
Best cafes in Bali
Bali has some of the best cafes for brunch, coffee, laptop work, smoothie bowls, and slow holiday mornings. These are cafes I’d save for Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, Uluwatu, and cafe-hopping days around Bali.
A popular Canggu brunch spot if you love avocado dishes, smoothie bowls, fresh breakfasts, and that classic Bali cafe vibe.
The Avocado Factory in Canggu
A very well-known Canggu café for casual breakfast, coffee, smoothie bowls, and a busy social vibe. I’d save this for an easy brunch stop when staying around Batu Bolong or Canggu.
Crate Cafe