Best Daily Useful Apps for Bali Travelers
Essential Apps for Seamless Exploration and Adventure
Published on November 8, 2024, last updated on January 9, 2025
Wriiten By Bali Luxuty Travel Editor
To make the most of your trip, having the right apps at your fingertips can significantly enhance your experience. From navigating the island to finding great places to eat, the right apps can help you manage your travel needs efficiently. Here’s a guide to the best daily useful apps that every traveler should consider when visiting Bali.
Navigation Apps
Google Maps
An essential tool for exploring Bali, Google Maps provides comprehensive maps, detailed directions, and real-time traffic updates. It helps you find your way to attractions, restaurants, and accommodations with ease.
Features:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Offline map downloads
- Real-time traffic and transit information
You can access Google Maps here
Google Maps sometimes provides inaccurate information, especially in rural areas or newly developed places. The recommended routes can be wrong. You can ask locals directly to resolve this issue. Additionally, before traveling to areas with no signal, you can download offline maps.
Accommodation Apps
Booking.com
This app offers a vast selection of hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals in Bali. It provides user reviews, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing to help you find the perfect place to stay.
Features:
- User reviews and ratings
- Detailed hotel descriptions and photos
- Easy booking and cancellation policies
You can access Booking.com here
Airbnb
For a more unique stay, Airbnb offers a range of accommodations including local homes, apartments, and villas.
You can also book local experiences and tours directly through the app.
Features:
- Variety of lodging options
- Personalized recommendations
- Ability to book experiences hosted by locals
You can access Airbnb here
Both on Booking.com and Airbnb, reviews and photos are the main sources of information. Don’t just rely on the overall rating; read detailed comments to see other people’s experiences. Also, make sure you clearly understand the cost breakdown and cancellation policies.
Dining Apps
TripAdvisor
Known for its comprehensive reviews and ratings, TripAdvisor helps you discover the best restaurants, cafes, and local eateries in Bali. It also provides user-generated photos and menu details.
Features:
- Restaurant reviews and ratings
- Photos and menus
- Reservation options and location maps
You can access TripAdvisor here
Even though TripAdvisor is a very useful tool for getting information about restaurants, it's important to always be critical when reading reviews. Check the latest reviews, look for relevant details, and don't just rely on the star ratings.
Language Apps
Google Translate
To bridge language barriers, Google Translate offers text and voice translations in multiple languages, making it easier to communicate with locals.
Features:
- Text and voice translations
- Offline translation capabilities
- Support for multiple languages
You can access Google Translate here
Although locals, especially in tourist areas, are generally proficient in foreign languages, this app is still useful. When using this app, you need to understand its limitations, especially in terms of language nuances, context, and translation accuracy. Speaking directly with locals or using other methods (such as images or gestures) can sometimes be more effective.
Transportation Apps
Gojek
Gojek is a popular app for booking rides, food delivery, and other local services in Bali. It’s useful for getting around the island and accessing a variety of services.
Features:
- Ride-hailing and transportation options
- Food delivery and local services
- Real-time tracking and payments
Download Gojek on App Store or Play Store
Grab
Grab offers similar services to Gojek, including ride-hailing, food delivery, and package delivery. It’s another excellent option for navigating Bali and accessing local services.
Features:
- Ride-hailing and transportation
- Food and package delivery
- Real-time tracking and payment options
Download Grab on App Store or Play Store
Although Gojek and Grab make traveling in Bali easier, these services are not available in some places. For example, you may have trouble using both apps to find a ride in places like Uluwatu, Canggu, and Seminyak.
Don't worry! For a more convenient trip, take a local taxi or simply walk a few meters to a more open area.
Apps for Communication
WhatsApp is an incredibly helpful app to simplify communication in Bali. From coordinating with accommodations, making restaurant reservations, to chatting with friends, WhatsApp makes everything more convenient.
With WhatsApp, you can send messages and make international calls without worrying about roaming charges.
Features:
- Send and receive text messages, voice messages, and other media
- Free voice and video calls
- Share your location directly
- Status feature to share your travel stories with friends
Download WhatsApp here for iOS and here for Android
Conclusion
Having the right apps can make your trip to Bali more enjoyable and stress-free. From navigating the island and finding accommodations to discovering dining options and managing your budget, these essential apps provide valuable assistance for every aspect of your travel experience. Download these apps before your trip to Bali and make the most of your time on this beautiful island. Happy travels!