Prepping for the trip

A little preparation goes a long way when traveling this far. Bali is amazing, but it’s also a new environment for your body — different food, different bacteria, a timezone shift, and a lot of sunshine. Taking a few small steps beforehand can help you feel great once the trip starts.

Here are a few tips to help you pack smart, beat jet lag, and keep Bali Belly away.

Strengthening your stomach

The beloved Bali Belly is the famous (and avoidable) traveler stomach situation. The best way to prepare is to strengthen your gut beforehand.

In the weeks leading up to the trip, try to:

Eat foods rich in probiotics (yogurt, kimchi, kefir, fermented foods)

Or take probiotic supplements

This is generally what we do before our travels, and it’s helped us avoid food poisoning for most of our trips.

Packing smart

Pack light, breathable clothes, plenty of swimwear, and comfortable shoes for exploring.

Bali is warm, humid, and occasionally rainy, so versatility is key.

It’s also a good idea to bring a few basic health essentials, i.e. electrolytes, sunscreen, and a small stash of “just in case” medicine for Bali Belly.

Your future self will be grateful you packed them.

Adjusting to jet lag

Bali is a big time jump, so a little preparation helps.

A few days before departure try to:

Gradually start shifting your sleep schedule toward Bali time

Get plenty of rest before the flight

Stay hydrated while traveling

A small adjustment before you leave can make the first few days of the trip much easier.

Clothing & Essentials

Swimsuits
Light, breathable clothes
Something a little nicer for dinners
Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes
Flip flops or sandals you don't mind getting wet
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Reusable water bottle

Tech & Travel Essentials

Phone charger
Portable battery pack
Travel adapter (Indonesia uses European-style plugs)
Tip: the easiest and cheapest way to get data in Bali is with an eSIM. You can install one before the trip through apps like Airalo or Holafly, and your phone will connect as soon as you land. No airport SIM card chaos required.

Health

Any medications you normally take
Ibuprofen / pain reliever
Electrolyte packets
Vitamin C (take one before the flight and one after to avoid getting sick)
Dramamine
Food poisoning meds (just in case of Bali Belly)
Imodium / Loperamide
Activated charcoal

Bali Survival Tips

Don’t drink the tap water or use it to brush your teeth. Stick to bottled or filtered water only.
Bring cash for souvenirs. Cards work in many places, but small shops often prefer cash.
Download Grab or Gojek. They’re Bali’s version of Uber and the easiest way to get to and from the airport.
Hydrate. The humidity sneaks up on you.