Travel Tips

What essential medicines and remedies should you bring for a trip to Bali? How to buy mosquito repellent and sunscreen?

By Go Bali Go Editorial Team Go Bali Go editorial team · Bali travel guides

Mar 22, 2024 · Updated Oct 1, 2026 ✏️ 編輯文章

What essential medicines and remedies should you bring for a trip to Bali? How to buy mosquito repellent and sunscreen?

💡 Quick Answer

What essential medicines do you need for a trip to Bali? Is it okay to buy over-the-counter meds locally? Is local mosquito repellent more effective?

印尼峇里島旅遊必備成藥/藥品有哪些？防蚊液/防曬乳怎麼買？

Some first-time visitors to Bali may experience diarrhea or an upset stomach, commonly referred to as “Bali belly.” Sometimes, the whole family can be affected—what bad luck! Some travelers end up stuck in their hotel for days, unable to go out and explore.

Read more: Bali Travel Health Tips: A Guide to Drinking Water and Diarrhea in Bali

The worst thing during a trip is feeling unwell—it not only dampens the enjoyment of your itinerary but can also become serious enough to require medical help.

We’ve previously introduced some must-have medicines for traveling in Bali, including pain relief patches, medications for stomach issues, and cold remedies.

Additionally, since Bali is a tropical region, mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever are a risk. We recommend buying local mosquito repellent, which is not only affordable but also highly effective.

What emergency over-the-counter medicines are available in Bali? How do you say them in Indonesian? How to buy mosquito repellent? Which bottled water brands can you trust at supermarkets and convenience stores? What can you buy at the supermarket? Check out Xiao Jie’s “Supermarket Shopping Guide.”

Also, if mosquito bites leave you itching unbearably, we recommend an Indonesian miracle remedy: “Tjing Tjau Balsem” (a balm, despite its name). It’s great for mosquito bites, headaches, scrapes, and can relieve various pains, itches, and insect bites. It works wonders for reducing swelling and stopping itching!

印尼峇里島旅遊必備成藥/藥品有哪些？防蚊液/防曬乳怎麼買？

Whether for prevention or handling unexpected situations, staying healthy is key to an enjoyable trip. We hope these tips help you have a safe and wonderful time in Bali.

Read more: Important Notes on Bringing Sleeping Pills/Prescription Medications to Indonesia/Bali

Read more: How to Safely Bring Herbal Powders and Supplements to Bali, Indonesia: A Complete Guide

A quick tip: Should you apply sunscreen or insect repellent first? The correct order is sunscreen first, then insect repellent. Here’s why: Sunscreen should go on first because it needs to form an even protective layer on your skin to effectively block UV rays. It’s best applied 15-30 minutes before heading out to allow absorption. Insect repellent comes second, as its active ingredients (like DEET or other repellents) need to evaporate into the air to work. Applying repellent first can cause sunscreen to dilute or cover it, reducing its effectiveness. Pro tip: After applying sunscreen, wait a few minutes for it to absorb, then apply repellent. A 5-10 minute gap is ideal. Some products warn against mixing with sunscreen, so check the label. If you need to reapply sunscreen, remember to reapply repellent too. This ensures both products work their best, keeping you protected from the sun and bugs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I apply sunscreen or insect repellent first?

Apply sunscreen first, wait 5-10 minutes for it to absorb into your skin, then apply insect repellent. Reversing the order can dilute the sunscreen and cover the repellent, reducing its bug-fighting power.

Is local insect repellent in Bali any good?

Yes, it’s effective and affordable, performing just as well as Taiwanese brands. You can find it at supermarkets and convenience stores, making it easy to stock up locally instead of bringing it from Taiwan.

Any recommended Indonesian remedies for bug bites?

Try ‘Tjing Tjau Balsem’ (Green Oil Balm), a common Indonesian ointment for soothing bug bites, headaches, and minor scrapes. It reduces swelling and itching, and is available at supermarkets and pharmacies.

How to Prepare Medications for Bali Belly?

It’s recommended to bring gastrointestinal medications, anti-diarrheal drugs, and cold medicine before your trip. For a detailed self-care checklist and brands available at local pharmacies, see the Bali Belly Relief Medication Guide.