Bali trip planner — the step-by-step booking checklist — Bali

This page is the practical countdown checklist for booking a Bali trip. It assumes a 7-14 day trip and covers when to book what, what to research, and how to be ready for landing. Use it alongside the Bali Area Chooser tool, the trip budget calculator, and the area guides.

60+ days before — strategic decisions

[ ] Pick trip length (5 / 7 / 10 / 14 days)
[ ] Pick travel month (avoid peak Jul-Aug and Christmas if you can; consider rainy season for value)
[ ] Book international flights — Bali (DPS) is well-served from Singapore, KL, Bangkok, Sydney, Doha. Major airlines: Garuda, SQ, AirAsia, Jetstar, Cathay, Qatar, Emirates
[ ] Decide whether to combine with another destination (Lombok, Komodo, Java) — affects flight booking
[ ] Apply for any required visas if your nationality needs more than VOA

30-60 days before — accommodation and major bookings

[ ] Use Bali Area Chooser tool to pick area(s)
[ ] Book accommodation in chosen area(s)
[ ] For peak season — book everything now
[ ] If doing Borobudur sunrise — book Manohara ticket
[ ] If doing Mount Bromo / Ijen — book tour with reputable operator
[ ] If doing Komodo or Raja Ampat liveaboard — book NOW (months ahead)
[ ] Travel insurance with scooter coverage and Singapore medivac

14-30 days before — practical setup

[ ] Apply for e-VOA at molina.imigrasi.go.id (saves airport queue)
[ ] Pre-pay Bali tourist levy at lovebali.baliprov.go.id
[ ] File e-CD customs declaration online (3 days before is technically allowed, do it now)
[ ] Confirm hotel airport transfer (cheaper than coupon taxi) or plan Grab
[ ] Download Grab and Gojek apps
[ ] Notify your home bank you'll be in Indonesia (avoid card freeze)
[ ] Get any prescription meds + doctor's letter
[ ] Confirm any pre-existing condition on insurance
[ ] Confirm passport has 6+ months validity from arrival date

7-14 days before — finalising

[ ] Confirm restaurant bookings for first 2-3 nights (Locavore, Mejekawi, Cuca are weeks-ahead bookings)
[ ] Confirm any activity bookings (cooking class, surf lesson)
[ ] Pack
[ ] Check airline baggage allowance
[ ] Print or save digital copies of: passport, visa, insurance, hotel confirmations
[ ] Confirm Bromo/Ijen tour pickup if doing
[ ] If celebrating special occasion at restaurant — call ahead

Packing list

Essentials

Passport (6+ months valid)
Visa / e-VOA confirmation
e-CD customs QR
Bali tourist levy QR
Travel insurance card + policy
Credit cards + small USD cash (USD 50-100 for emergencies)
Indonesian SIM card option (Airalo eSIM or plan to buy at airport)
Power adapter (Indonesia uses 220V Type C/F)
Phone + chargers + power bank
Lightweight quick-dry clothing (Bali humidity)
Sandals + closed shoes
Sun hat + sunglasses
Sun cream (reef-safe required at some beaches)
Mosquito repellent (DEET 30%+)
Light rain jacket (especially wet season)
Travel pillow + sleep mask for flights
Basic first-aid kit + medications

For specific activities

Surf: rash guard, board shorts (rent boards locally)
Dive: dive computer, mask, log book, certification cards, DAN insurance
Trekking: closed shoes, layer, headlamp, water bottle
Yoga: yoga mat (rent at most studios)
Cycling: helmet (some rent come without)
Temples: sarong (most temples loan but bring your own for repeat visits)
Cooking class: closed shoes, hair tie

What NOT to bring

Heavy denim (too hot)
Multiple full-formal outfits (unless business)
Hair dryer (most hotels have)
Excess electronics (over USD 500 commercial = customs declare)
Vape carts with THC (illegal — destroyed at customs)
Cannabis products of any kind (illegal — serious penalties)
Prescription benzodiazepines or opioids without doctor letter

Day of departure to Bali

[ ] Check-in online (24h before)
[ ] Print boarding passes (or save digital)
[ ] Verify passport in hand
[ ] Pack carry-on with valuables, medications, change of clothes (in case checked bag delayed)
[ ] Note Indonesian phone number you'll use (for QR codes that require SMS)

Landing day

[ ] Get SIM at airport
[ ] Process e-VOA or VOA at immigration
[ ] Customs (e-CD QR)
[ ] Tourist levy QR or pay at counter
[ ] ATM for cash
[ ] Find pre-booked transfer or call Grab
[ ] Check into hotel
[ ] Eat local; sleep early to fight jet lag

Day 2-3 — settle

[ ] Tour the area you're staying in
[ ] Find your local breakfast café and supermarket
[ ] Identify nearest hospital (BIMC, Siloam, Mayapada locations)
[ ] If renting a scooter — take a lesson first; rent on Day 3 minimum
[ ] Start any planned activities (surf lesson, cooking class)

Rest of trip

Follow your area plan from the area guides
Build in pool/beach decompression days
Don't over-pack the itinerary

Day of departure home

[ ] Allow 2-3 hours airport buffer from south Bali (3 hours from Ubud or further)
[ ] Pre-arrange transport
[ ] Don't pack any controlled substances or unusual items
[ ] Bring receipts for major purchases (customs declaration if over USD 500)
[ ] Save digital copies of any restaurant or hotel receipts for insurance/expenses

Common booking mistakes

Booking flights before deciding area (then realising Lombok requires different connection)
Booking everything 7 days out and finding villas at peak price
Forgetting to apply for any required pre-arrival visa for non-VOA nationalities
Not buffering for arrival/departure days (Bali airport delays add up)
Booking accommodation in wrong area for vibe
Overpacking activities — leave space for spontaneity

Verify before acting

All requirements (visa, levy, customs) change. Confirm with official portals 1-2 weeks before departure. See disclaimer.