Best Apps and Online Tools for Traveling Around Bali

Bali is a dream destination for many travelers. With its lush rice terraces, serene temples, golden beaches, and vibrant nightlife, the island promises an experience that’s both adventurous and deeply cultural. But while Bali is magical, it can also be challenging to navigate, narrow village roads, language barriers, and tourist traps can easily overwhelm first-timers.

The good news? With the right apps and online tools on your phone, exploring Bali becomes not only easier but also more enjoyable. From finding hidden beaches to ordering authentic Balinese food straight to your villa, here are the must-have digital companions for your Bali trip. Each with insider tips on how to use them effectively.

Transportation & Getting Around the Island

Grab & Gojek

These two ride-hailing apps are absolute game-changers in Bali. Whether you need a car ride from Ubud to Canggu, a scooter taxi to beat the traffic, or late-night satay delivered to your villa, Grab and Gojek have you covered.

• Insider Tip: Gojek tends to be more popular with locals, while Grab is widely used by international travelers. Always check both apps, sometimes one offers a cheaper fare than the other.

• Bonus: Gojek even lets you order groceries, massages, and parcel deliveries, which can be handy if you’re staying long-term.

Google Maps & Waze

Navigating Bali without them is almost impossible. While Google Maps is great for finding restaurants, temples, and landmarks, Waze provides real-time traffic updates. Crucial if you’re heading to the airport or popular spots like Tanah Lot during sunset.

• Insider Tip: Bali’s small alleys (locally called gangs) sometimes confuse Google Maps. If you get stuck, don’t hesitate to ask locals; Balinese are friendly and happy to help.

Finding the Perfect Place to Stay

Airbnb

Bali is famous for its unique accommodations. Think bamboo houses in Ubud, cliffside villas in Uluwatu, or beachfront cottages in Amed. Airbnb makes it easy to book these one-of-a-kind stays.

• Insider Tip: Many Airbnb hosts in Bali offer extras like scooter rentals, private chefs, or yoga classes. Ask about local add-ons to enrich your stay.

Booking.com & Agoda

Perfect for travelers who prefer hotels, guesthouses, or resorts. Both platforms often provide free cancellation, which is useful if your travel plans are flexible.

• Insider Tip: Compare prices between the two apps, sometimes Agoda lists lower rates, especially for boutique hotels.

Eating & Drinking in Bali

Gojek Food & GrabFood

Craving babi guling (Balinese roast pig) or fresh smoothie bowls? You don’t need to leave your villa. These apps deliver everything from local warung food to fine dining dishes.

• Insider Tip: Delivery fees are very cheap compared to Western standards, often under $1. Perfect for lazy evenings after a day of exploring.

Tripadvisor

Still one of the most reliable platforms for finding restaurants, beach clubs, and cafes with reviews from other travelers.

• Insider Tip: In Bali, some of the best food is found at small, family-run warungs that may not appear on apps. Use Tripadvisor to shortlist options, but don’t be afraid to try local spots you stumble upon.

Discovering Activities & Culture

Klook & GetYourGuide

Want to book a sunrise hike up Mount Batur, join a cooking class in Ubud, or watch a Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple? These apps allow you to book experiences in advance, often at better prices than through hotels.

• Insider Tip: Read the reviews carefully. Some tours are group-based, while others offer private guides. Choose based on your preference.

Google Translate

While English is common in tourist areas, it’s less so in rural villages. Google Translate helps you order food, chat with locals, or even read temple signs in Bahasa Indonesia.

• Insider Tip: Download Bahasa Indonesia offline in the app before your trip so you can translate without needing internet.

Managing Money in Bali

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

A lifesaver for digital nomads or long-term travelers, Wise lets you transfer money internationally with minimal fees and good exchange rates.

• Insider Tip: Many villa owners in Bali accept Wise payments, making it easier than carrying large amounts of cash.

XE Currency

Always handy to check real-time exchange rates before changing money.

• Insider Tip: In Bali, some exchange shops give poor rates or charge hidden fees. Check XE before exchanging and only use licensed money changers.

Health & Safety Must-Haves

Google Maps Offline

Internet can be patchy in remote areas like Sidemen or Munduk. Download offline maps before heading out.

• Insider Tip: This is especially useful for scooter trips through rice fields where signal is weak.

Travel Insurance Apps (e.g., SafetyWing, Allianz)

Hospitals in Bali often require proof of insurance before treatment. Having the app on hand ensures you can show your policy instantly.

Grab/Gojek Safety Features

Both apps allow you to share your ride location with a friend, a useful feature if traveling late at night.

Staying Connected with Ease

Airalo / Nomad eSIMs

Instead of wasting time buying a physical SIM card at the airport, simply install an eSIM before your trip and get connected the moment you land.

• Insider Tip: Choose a plan with at least 10GB if you’re staying a week or more — Bali’s beauty will have you uploading endless photos and videos.

WhatsApp

This is the communication tool in Bali. From arranging a private driver to reserving a table at a beach club, everyone uses WhatsApp.

• Insider Tip: Save your driver’s number. Most tourists end up using the same driver multiple times for day trips.

Final Thoughts

Traveling around Bali is a journey filled with surprises, the spontaneous stop at a roadside temple, the hidden café overlooking rice fields, or the unexpected conversation with a local. With the right apps, you can focus on enjoying these moments instead of worrying about logistics.

Whether it’s ordering a Gojek after a beach sunset, finding an eco-friendly villa on Airbnb, or booking a sunrise trek with Klook, these apps make Bali more accessible and stress-free. Equip yourself with these digital tools, and you’ll not only save time and money but also uncover the authentic magic of Bali with ease.