Essential Bali Apps

So you’ve just booked your ticket to paradise- Bali, what’s next? Whether it’s wild nights art the beach clubs in Canggu or finding inner peace at a wellness retreat in Ubud, Bali has something for everyone. Though Bali is a developing country, this incredible destination has managed to remain ahead of the game - boasting state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and apps designed for vacationers. So before you take off on your dream trip, download these must-haves prior to hitting Denpasar to ensure your trip runs as smoothly and seamlessly as possible.

Gojek

Think of Gojek as Uber, Lyft, Postmates, and Doordash- all in one. Whether you need a lift from a night out at the beach clubs, a midnight Oreo delivery, or even laundry pick-up and drop-off, this all-in-one app has you covered. It’s easier to name what you can’t do on Gojek than what you can do. As one of my friends put it: “I bet you can even do your taxes on Gojek.”

Protip: sometimes Gojek requires an Indonesian phone number to create an account. Buy a sim card at the airport or one of many roadside kiosks for about 150.000-325.000 IDR ($10-20) for high-speed internet connection and access to the essential apps.

Grab

Grab is essentially another version of Gojek. Have all of your cravings delivered to your villa, order groceries when that bad case of Bali belly won’t let you leave the house, and catch a ride via the back of a local’s motorbike or car.

Protip: rideshare apps like Gojek and Grab only work in the more crowded areas of Bali. In Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua, and most parts of Uluwatu, we were able to use these apps seamlessly. Less crowded areas of Bali are dominated by the taxi mafia. In these select locations it’s best to agree on a price with the local taxi drivers beforehand or travel via private driver.

Contact My Driver Wayan: WA +62 857-6922-3401

Ding

When your data plan just isn’t enough for all of your Instagram uploads, there is no need to go to a shop to up your GBs. Download Ding to top up your internet anywhere at any time. You can even send data to a friend.

Klook

Searching for affordable adventure made easy? Look no further than Klook! You can book tours, activities, private drivers, and fast boats from Bali to the Nusa Islands- all at unbeatable costs. Avoid haggling & explore paradise in style by locking-in amazing prices ahead of time. You can even rent a scooter and purchase a SIM card on Klook.

Every driver I booked using Klook went above and beyond. My sweet young driver on Nusa Penida, Ketut, even went so far as to insist on doing every hike with me so that I wouldn’t be exploring on my own. Not to mention he volunteered as my personal photographer with expert pose instruction on these ventures.

Google Maps

I firmly believe that Google Maps is the #1 essential app for any trip, especially abroad. Google Maps can be downloaded offline. This means that no matter your location or signal, you can access directions via the app. No more getting lost. Aside from giving you directions, Google Maps can be used to make travel planning a breeze! I read countless blogs, scrolled endlessly on Instagram, and even bought a few guidebooks to plan my 3-month Bali trip. After all this, I pinned everything on this Google map and planned my itinerary by grouping things from my maps together.

Pro tip: Purchase my Ultimate Bali Map! I did the work so you don’t have to- take the stress out of travel planning- this map has been curated for travelers and includes over 500+ pre-pinned locations.

From local secrets to popular hotspots, i’ve included everything you’ll need to know for the perfect holiday on the Island of Gods- no more scrolling through hundreds of online articles or reviews. Get access to my personal tips, recommendations, and locations I haven’t published in my blogs.

Learn more

Whatsapp is an amazing tool for any vacation abroad, but especially in Bali. Locals & luxe resorts alike use Whatsapp to communicate- many hotels even have a designated Whatsapp contact number to serve as your concierge. Whether it be contacting your driver, booking a spa appointment, or making international calls for free, this is an absolute must-have in Indonesia.

Nord VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) keeps you and your data safe. It’s good to have for day-to-day browsing and especially abroad. It also allows you to access websites blocked by Indonesia, such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO max. There are free VPN’s available, however, many would not grant access to these sites. I purchased Nord VPN, which protected all my devices and allowed me to easily browse online.

Travel insurance is a non-negotiable in my book. World Nomad’s covers emergency medical costs, theft & damage, unexpected cancellation or trip delay, and so much more. Already traveling? No problem. You can buy or extend your coverage whenever you want.

Travel Insurance

Get Covered →

Explore Destinations in Bali, Indonesia

Gili Meno, Lombok

Picture a tiny island surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters. There are no cars or motorbikes (only horse-drawn carriages) and scarcely any people. Gili Meno may be Bali’s best kept secret.

Take Me There!
Nusa Lembongan

With crystal clear turquoise waters, beach front day clubs, and laid-back island life, Nusa Lembongan is an idyllic piece of paradise off the coast of Bali.

Take Me There
Munduk

Cooler temperatures, waterfalls at every corner, the famous Ulun Danu Bratan temple & stunning sunsets. Munduk is the most underrated spot in all of Bali.

Take Me There!
Sidemen

A glimpse of “old Bali,” Sidemen offers an escape from the crowds in Ubud and Seminyak. Spend the days wandering through secluded rice fields and stay in elaborate eco-friendly bamboo homes.

Take Me There!
Nusa Penida

Towering Cliffs, beautiful scenery, and Bali's best beaches.

Coming Soon
Ubud

Set amidst the quiet jungle, Ubud is filled with healthy cafes, yoga studios, wellness spas…and of course, monkeys.

Coming Soon
Keramas

Lying in the foothills of Mount Agung, and frequented by Kelly Slater, Keramas offers a sanctuary for surfers.

Coming Soon
Canggu

Streets packed to the brim with hipster cafes, a spa on every corner, and an overflow of beach & night clubs. The hustle & bustle of Canggu has a little of something for everyone.

Coming Soon
West Bali

The lesser-known side of Bali. Known for its longest left wave and it’s black sand beaches. Spend a few days in Medewi or Balian for some peace and quiet.

Coming Soon
Uluwatu

A sleepy little surf town with laid back vibes, cute cafes, and world class beach clubs all within a 10 minute drive.

Coming Soon