The Most Useful Apps to Use in Bali: A Traveler’s Guide
Traveling to Bali is an unforgettable experience, but to make the most of your time on the island, it’s essential to have the right tools at your fingertips. With stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and bustling streets, Bali can be as overwhelming as it is beautiful. Fortunately, there are plenty of apps to help you navigate, book services, and enhance your travel experience. Here’s a list of the most useful apps to have on your smartphone when exploring Bali.
Grab – Southeast Asia’s most popular ride-hailing app, similar to Uber, for booking taxis and food delivery.
Download on iOS | Download on Android.
Why You Need It:
Grab is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, and it’s the most popular ride-hailing app in Bali. Whether you need a quick ride to the beach, a scooter to avoid traffic jams, or a delivery for your late-night cravings, Grab is a must-have app. You can also order food from your favorite local warung or international restaurant with GrabFood.
Key Features:
On-demand taxis, scooters, and car rentals.
Food delivery from a wide range of restaurants.
Affordable prices and transparent fare estimates.
Pro Tip:
Use GrabPay to pay for your rides and orders directly within the app for added convenience. You can also book ahead for airport transfers.
GoJek – Another popular app in Bali for ride-hailing, food delivery, and various services.
Download on iOS | Download on Android.
Why You Need It:
Gojek is another super app like Grab, but it’s locally based and offers a wider array of services. Apart from transportation and food delivery, Gojek also provides laundry services, massages, and even cleaning services. It’s the go-to app for almost any need you have in Bali.
Key Features:
Motorcycle and car rides
Food delivery with GoFood
On-demand services like massage, cleaning, and groceries
Digital payments with GoPay
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning on getting food delivered, GoFood often has great deals and discounts for local restaurants, making it a budget-friendly option.
Google Maps – Essential for navigation, finding locations, and public transport routes.
Download on iOS | Download on Android.
Why You Need It:
Bali’s roads can be tricky to navigate, especially if you’re renting a scooter or car. Google Maps is essential for finding your way around the island’s winding streets, remote beaches, and hidden attractions. It’s also useful for locating cafes, restaurants, and gas stations.
Key Features:
Turn-by-turn navigation
Real-time traffic updates
Offline map downloads for areas with poor reception
Pro Tip:
Download an offline map of Bali before your trip to avoid getting lost when you’re in areas with poor internet connectivity, such as rural villages or mountains.
Booking.com – Useful for booking hotels, flights, and car rentals in Bali.
Download on iOS | Download on Android.
Why You Need It:
Booking.com is perfect for finding a wide range of accommodations in Bali, from luxury resorts to budget homestays. It’s ideal for travelers seeking flexibility, as many properties offer free cancellations.
Key Features:
- Extensive selection of hotels, villas and guesthouses
- Free cancellation options
- Honest reviews from verified guests
Pro Tip:
Use the app’s map view to choose accommodations near top attractions or beaches, and filter by amenities like free Wi-Fi or breakfast for a tailored stay.
Agoda – Useful for booking hotels, flights, and activities in Bali.
Download on iOS | Download on Android.
Why You Need It:
Agoda is excellent for finding accommodation deals in Bali, especially for last-minute bookings. It offers a wide selection of hotels, villas, and homestays, catering to both budget travelers and luxury seekers.
Key Features:
- Competitive prices with exclusive mobile app deals
- “Pay later” options for some bookings
- User-friendly interface with verified guest reviews
Pro Tip:
Look out for Agoda’s “Secret Deals” for extra savings and use the price comparison feature to ensure you’re getting the best rate. Filter by location and price to find stays near your favorite Bali attractions.
Conclusion
With the right apps, your trip to Bali can be smoother, more convenient, and more enjoyable. Whether you need transportation, accommodation, or help navigating the island, these apps will enhance your travel experience and make exploring Bali a breeze. Download them before you go and enjoy your tropical adventure!
