So you are finally getting that time out to work on your business instead of in it. Or you’re heading over to Bali to relax in paradise whilst you plan the next steps for your business. Whatever the case may be, here are my tips for the ultimate packing list when visiting Bali.
The Ultimate Packing List for an Entrepreneur Getaway in Bali
What To Bring:
Technology
- Phone – If all else fails, you can be connected to the world and shoot video’s (Wifi is everywhere but can be a little finicky, if you are coming for a while I would consider buying a phone card and data pack when you arrive, also great if you get lost to use maps)
- Tablet/iPad – comes in handy for reading/playing particularly on the plane or as backup if your laptop goes down
- Laptop– if you have on online biz, this is your lifeblood
- Portable hard drive – If your lifeblood packs it in, ensure you have a backup- its hard to find an Apple store in Ubud :)
- Chargers– Clearly none of these work without your chargers
- Double adapter/power board – If you are anything like me between those 3 previously mentioned and portable lighting for videos etc its best to have multiple points
- Converter/adaptor – Bali uses the 2 prong electricity socket with the round prongs, it won’t take other Asian countries sockets
- Projector cable/adapter – if you are planning to present or speak whilst overseas bring it just in case
- Microphone cable/remote – Who doesn’t want to do a ‘show off’ video whilst you’re running your biz from overseas, Bali is renowned for background noise, motorbikes, chickens, farming and gardening
- Selfie stick or portable lightweight tripod – if you are shooting video’s
Weird stuff you wouldn’t think of:
- $35 US for a Visa if your an Aussie, needs to be paid in cash at the airport
- Mozzie net – I definitely don’t want dengue fever on my trip away and not everywhere you stay will have them
- Spare bag rolled up – you never know when you need more space
- Chia seeds, quinoa, specific supplements– This stuff costs a fortune over here and is very hard to find. (although in Ubud you can get these in meals already but not alone at the supermarket) I found it even difficult just to find a B vitamin supplement. Cannot stress it enough – if you have historically had a deficiency in nutrients, bring them with you. All you need to do is get sick once and it will be hard to get your mojo back.
- Headlamp or torch – if you are staying out of the way it may come in handy
- An open mind – this is one of the most actively spiritual places on the planet, there are sights, smells, rituals and opportunities for growth that aren’t available at home, don’t close yourself off to them. There are also challenges that you may not be used to like timing, directions, language, money, food, there is no use getting upset, take a breath and keep going.
Clothes:
- Its hot and humid in Bali all year round so pack light
- Singlet top x 3
- T-shirts x 2
- Dresses x 2 – cocktail dress if you are going to an upmarket resort or event
- Shorts x 1
- Skirt x 1
- Yoga pants or 3/4 tights x 1
- Shawl/cardigan/lightweight scarf x 1 – rarely used but just in case
- Undies x 6
- Bra x 2
- Poncho– the cheap lightweight ones for rain – bringing your raincoat will only have you being hot, sweaty and sticky when it rains
- Swimmers– a must, you will be getting in a pool at some stage
- Shoes– thongs/flip-flops, runners, ladies dress shoes – you’ll be in thongs nearly the entire time but just in case for the other ones
Toiletries:
- Probiotic– being a naturopath, can’t stress enough how keeping your gut healthy is essential for whole-body wellbeing (Saccharomyces boulardii is the strain you want, its heat stable and wards off parasites and candida)
- B Bitamins – if you do comes down with tummy issues one of the nutrients you will need for energy is Bs. Like I said before they are difficult to get and I suggest you consult your health practitioner before you go to ensure you have the right ones for you. (They are also great to bounce you back from drinking to much if that’s your thing)
- Immune boosting herbal tablet – I recommend Fusion Astra8, there are so many bugs on the plane and then new ones when you get to Bali
- Iberogast by Flordis– this little tummy tonic has saved me from gut issues all around the world. I don’t leave home without it. Available at good chemists.
- Antiseptic – tea tree oil, DoTerra OnGuard or good old Betadine
- Deodorant – aerosol cans are rubbish to travel with so use a cream or roll-on, preferably aluminium free.
- Hair brush
- Tooth Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Makeup– Ladies, makeup is a total waste of time as it sweats off in moments. Maybe a light SPF tinted moisturiser, compact and mascara
- Girl’sPproducts (if you’re a woman) – tampons, pads, menstrual cup
- Contraception – if you are on it or need it
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent – Dengue fever is horrible, don’t try to be a hero and not put repellent on
- Electrolyte replacement effervescent tablets– to replace fluids if you come down with a gut upset
- Stingose – great if you enjoy walking or trekking
- Pharmaceuticals– Antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, paracetamol, antibiotics, Imodium, Buscopan. Of course, these are a last resort. But yes, I pack them and in my 20 years of travel, I have rarely had to take any. If I have I heal my gut and liver after using them.
Where To Stay
My favourite place to stay in Bali is the Bali Entrepreneurs Resort, its 7 minutes into Ubud central but far enough away to get your work done. The internet connection is brilliant, the pools are amazing, the food is great with some awesome healthy options, there is a huge variety of spaces to get your work done or be inspired. The staff are incredibly helpful too.
Ubud is thriving with entrepreneurs and wellbeing peeps and there is a plethora of healthy places to eat, connect to wifi and check out a wellness class or yoga.
A homeopathic first aid kit would be useful to add to the packing list too :)