The tranquil tropical setting of Bali has attracted travelers for decades. Not only is the island rich with culture and history, but it’s also home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in Indonesia. Between the lush jungles, cascading waterfalls, and sun-soaked beaches, it’s easy to see why Bali is considered heaven on earth.
With so many things to do, knowing what to pack for Bali may seem overwhelming at first. You’ll need to bring clothing for the beach, to visit temples, and to explore the majestic natural wonders in the wilderness.
However, packing for Bali is much easier than you think! We’re here to help you with your packing list, so you know what to bring with you on your trip. We put together a list of Bali packing essentials, as well as a few Bali outfit ideas for both men and women.
From clothing and toiletries to shoes and medication, we have the ultimate list of what to take to Bali. That way, you can simply relax and enjoy your unforgettable trip to one of the most amazing places in the world!
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Top 21 NEEDS for Bali – Bali Packing List
#1 – World Nomads Insurance
No matter where you travel to in this world, it’s important always to have travel insurance. You can never predict when something could go wrong on your trip, and when it does, you’ll be thankful that you took out a travel insurance policy.
Whether you break your leg on a scooter or lose your sunglasses while kayaking, travel insurance is there to protect you against most travel mishaps. World Nomads Insurance is a great option for backpackers and travelers. Their policy is one of the most comprehensive ones on the market today.
#2 – Nomatic Travel Bag
All travelers know that having a good bag is key to a successful trip. After all, you’ll be carrying it with you throughout your entire trip through Bali! If you’re looking for a bag that is both stylish and durable, then look no further than the Nomatic Travel Bag.
It spacious enough to fit all your clothes for a week and still has enough room for your gadgets and toiletries. As an added bonus, the innovative strap system lets you wear it as a backpack or as a duffel bag!
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#3 – Active Roots Security Belt
Although it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll encounter any crime during your trip to Bali, we still believe it’s better to be safe than sorry. By stashing away your valuable items in your Active Roots Security Belt, you can outsmart any potential thieves and pickpockets. This belt has a hidden zipper on the inside, which can hold cash, credit cards, and other important documents. And plus, it’s much more stylish than those touristy money belts!
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#4 – Active Roots Water Bottle
The weather in Bali is hot year-round, so it’s vital to stay hydrated when you’re out and about. We recommend the sleek stainless steel Active Roots Water Bottle. Not only is it larger than most single-use plastic bottles, but it also keeps your drinks nice and cold for up to 24 hours. So whether you’re lounging on the beach or trekking through the jungle, you’ll always have cold water to drink.
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#5 – Combination Lock
Like we mentioned, Bali is generally a safe destination for tourists. But for that extra layer of protection, bring along lock for your luggage. We believe it’s always a good idea to lock up your bag when you leave the hotel room or even when you’re flying. A combination lock is the best option because you can choose your own passcode without having to worry about losing a key. Theives have no chance at all!
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#6 – Skeletool
Channel your inner Macgyver and get yourself a Skeletool. This pocket-sized travel tool can really come in handy, especially when you’re wandering through Bali. It’s a pair of pliers, wire cutters, and pocket knife in all one. Best of all, it also comes with a built-in bottle opener, so you won’t have to struggle to open that ice-cold beer while you’re watching the sunset on the beach.
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#7 – Active Roots Quick Dry Towel
A travel towel is one of the most useful items you can have on your Bali packing list. You can use it to dry off after a swim in the ocean or as a yoga mat for those blissful morning meditations. It even comes in handy as an emergency towel if you’re rented hostel one is less than clean. We love the Active Roots Quick Dry Towel because it dries in just a few hours, so you can bring it wherever you go.
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#8 – Will Fairy Electronic Toothbrush
Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean you can skip your hygiene routine! The Will Fairy Electronic Toothbrush has three different cleaning methods to make sure you’re teeth are sparkling clean all day. Although it’s great to use as your daily toothbrush at home, it’s also perfect for travel. One four hour charge will keep this bad boy going for up to 30 days.
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#9 – Osprey Ultralight Daypack
Whether you’re hitting the beach or hunting for waterfalls, you’ll need a durable day pack to keep all your stuff. The Osprey Ultralight Daypack is ideal for Bali. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and packs down to a small size so you can easily toss it in your suitcase. Despite its compact size, it’s still large enough to hold your camera, a change of clothes, a water bottle, and whatever else you need for the day.
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#10 – International Power Adaptor
If you’re coming from the US, you’ll need an international power adaptor to charge your electronics. Most outlets in Bali require the two-round pronged plugs that are used all over Europe. Not only will this adaptor work in Bali, but it also has 15 different sized plugs that can be used anywhere else around the world. It’s one of the most useful items that you can have in your arsenal.
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#11 – Packing Cubes
Packing cubes aren’t just for disorganized travelers! These space-savers allow you to separate and fit all your clothes and personal belongings neatly in your bag or suitcase. Not only will you know where everything is, but they also make packing and unpacking easier than ever. Trust us – once you travel with packing cubes, you’ll never travel any other way!
#12 – Hanging Toiletry Bag
Since we’re on the topic of organization, we also suggest packing your toiletries in a hanging toiletry bag. Maybe your hostel or hotel doesn’t have enough counter space in the bathroom, or maybe it’s just a little dirtier than you’d like it to be. Either way, being able to hang your accessories over the door on the towel hook makes the whole bathroom experience a whole lot easier.
#13 – Portable Charger
A portable charger is a must-have item to add to your Bali packing list. It provides enough power to charge your cell phone (or whatever other gadget you have) up to two or three times. If you’re spending the whole day exploring, then you won’t have to worry about killing the battery on your phone or camera.
#14 – Hand Sanitizer
Coming down with food poisoning or a stomach bug while you’re in Bali is an awful experience. Beat the “Bali Belli” by always disinfecting your hands with hand sanitizer. You might not have a bathroom or sink nearby, and it’s crucial to clean your hands and other surfaces before eating. Although it can’t 100% protect you from getting sick, it’s still one measure you to take to hopefully prevent it.
#15 – Sunscreen
Most travelers come to Bali for sun, sand, and surfing. Since you’ll inevitably spend most of your trip outdoors, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the strong and damaging Bali sunrays. Make sure you lather your body and face with protective sunscreen every day. It’s recommended to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, although you can’t go wrong with a higher amount.
#16 – GoPro Hero8 Black
Sure, you could bring any old digital camera with you to Bali, but then you’d be missing out on all those spectacular underwater shots! The GoPro Hero8 Black is water-resistant, so you can capture epic photos while swimming, surfing, or diving. Although it’s small in size, it takes high-quality photos and videos better than most other cameras on the market. And it’s built to withstand even the most rugged of adventures.
#17 – Havaiana Flip Flops
A pair of Havaiana Flip Flops is a staple when it comes to Bali fashion. Perfect for those lazy days on the beach, these flip flops are durable while also looking chic and fashionable. Not to mention, they’re also way more comfortable compared to other rubber flip flops. They come in a wide range of colors for both men and women so you can find the perfect style for your vacation.
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#18 – Insect Repellent
Mosquitos and other creepy crawlers always lurk in tropical climates, and Bali is no exception. However, you can still protect yourself from nasty, itchy bites by bringing insect repellent with you on your trip. While rare, catching a mosquito-borne illness like dengue fever is possible. It’s best not to take any chances.
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#19 – Small Flashlight
If you enjoy long walks on the beach at night, then you’ll want to bring a small portable flashlight with you. After all, Bali is a wild, remote country, and many parts of the island don’t have adequate lighting. A travel flashlight can save you lots of pain and trouble if you’re planning to spend any time outdoors at night.
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#20 – Rayban Sunglasses
Bringing a pair of sunglasses is a no-brainer when traveling to Bali. Although you might be tempted to bring those cheap knock-offs, they probably won’t have enough protection against the sun. It’s important to invest in a good pair of sunglasses, like Raybans. We love the classic wayfarers, which are made with polarized and light-absorbing lenses.
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#21 – Travel Pillow
You’re on vacation, which means you deserve a good night’s sleep. Bringing along a travel pillow means you can sleep easily, even if you’re camping or staying in a hostel. It’s also perfect for catching some Zs while you’re on the plane, so you can wake up in Bali refreshed and ready to explore everything the island has to offers!
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What to Wear in Bali
With endless hours of sunshine and warm weather year-round, it’s not challenging to decide what to pack for Bali. However, there are a few things you’ll need to take into consideration.
It’s important to understand that Bali is a predominately Muslim country. This means that you’ll find most locals wearing modest clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Although it’s not expected for foreigners to completely coverup at all times, you should still be respectful of the local culture and customs.
At the beach, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear swimsuits and beachwear. So, bring your shorts, t-shirts and other casual clothes that you would normally wear at home.
But once you head into town, you’ll need to dress more conservatively. This is especially true when entering a temple. Men and women need to cover both their shoulders and knees. We advise keeping a scarf or sarong in your bag in case you visit a temple unexpectedly.
If you’re planning a few thrilling activities, you also need to know what to pack for Bali. Athletic clothes and hiking boots or running shoes will be helpful if you’re spending any time in nature.
Seasons in Bali (And how to pack for them!)
Summer – If you’re visiting Bali in summer, then you can expect beautiful weather with pleasant temperatures. It’s also considered the high season for tourists, so don’t expect to have the beaches to yourself. This also means flights and accommodation can be considerably more expensive than other times of the year.
The weather is warm (75 to 85 degrees), so you should pack summer clothing like shorts, tank tops, and skirts and dresses. And don’t forget your swimsuit or bikini if you’re planning to go swimming or snorkeling. The northern part of the island can be colder, but the humidity is still strong, so lightweight or moisture-wicking clothes is a must for what to wear in Bali in summer.
As with any season, you should also bring covering clothes if you’re visiting temples or heading into the smaller villages.
Although it’s the dry season, summer can still bring tropical storms. While it might rain a day or two during your visit, it’s usually just for a short period of time. Then the clouds part and the sun comes back out!
Fall – If you want to avoid the big crowds that come during summer and winter holidays, then fall is the perfect time to visit Bali. We recommend arriving earlier in the fall season because the weather is warming and the chance of rain is much lower.
Temperature-wise, you can still expect highs between 75 and 88 degrees during the day. If you’re wondering what to take to Bali, then you’ll need to bring lightweight clothing like t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses.
However, fall is the start of the rainy season. While there is hardly any rain in September, this picks up in October and November. These tropical storms can be throughout the day, although they only last for a few minutes at a time. So don’t worry, there are still plenty of opportunities for sun and beach-related activities in fall.
Because of the rain, we also recommend bringing a light rain jacket. You never know when the storms will hit, but at least you’ll be prepared when it does come!
Winter – Winter is right in the middle of the rainy season. And when it rains, it rains hard. However, the storms rarely last the entire day, which means it’s still possible to have a few hours of sunshine during your visit.
Because of the unpredictable weather, winter is considered off-season, which means there are fewer crowds. The only exception is around Christmas and New Year’s. During these few weeks, Bali becomes overwhelmed with tourists, similar to the high season of summer.
If you’re wondering what to wear in Bali, then you have a few choices. Temperatures are around the mid to low 80s, which means you’ll want to bring beach clothing and casual attire. However, the humidity from the rain is also extremely high, so it’s crucial to pack moisture-wicking clothes. And since it’s guaranteed to rain, a lightweight shell or rain jacket is a Bali packing essential too.
Although the rainy weather might put a damper on your outdoor activities, you can still make the most of your trip. Bring waterproof shoes and water-repellant pants or shirts if you plan to go hiking during your visit.
Spring – Spring in Bali can be unpredictable, as it’s right in between the rainy and dry seasons. It’s also less touristy than summer, which makes it a great time to visit if you don’t want to be overwhelmed by the large crowds.
March can still be rainy, so make sure to bring a rain jacket or light shell if you’re visiting during this time. However, April and May start to dry up, and you can expect longer, sunnier days. Temperatures are at their highest, so be prepared to have a few days around 90 degrees! But with less humidity, the high temperature is usually more bearable than the wet winter.
Packing for Bali weather in spring is really no different than the other months. You’ll need lightweight clothing and possibly a rain jacket if you’re coming earlier in the season. And like always, make sure to bring a few long-sleeve or covering clothes for visiting the smaller villages or temples in the area.
What shoes to pack for Bali
Casual shoes are a must for your Bali packing list. The entire island is super relaxed, so you can leave your expensive sneakers and high heels at home.
For the beach, bring a pair of flip flops. Not only can you wear these on the beach, but you can always wear them in town. Flip flops are also easy to slip on and off if you’re visiting a temple where you need to take off your shoes. Some shops and restaurants will also ask you to remove your shoes before entering.
You can also bring a pair of sandals, but they will likely get wet or dirty if you wear them outdoors. Don’t bring anything to Bali that you wouldn’t want to get scuffed up.
Although you’re probably planning to spend a lot of your trip on the beach, you should pack more than just flip flops for your trip to Bali. The right pair of shoes could make or break your trip, and you don’t want to be stuck wandering through the jungle in just a pair of rubber flip flops!
We recommend bringing a comfortable pair of running or walking shoes that can be worn during the day. Keep in mind that they might get wet from the rain, so try and find a pair that are waterproof or water-resistant. You might also consider bringing water shoes or athletic sandals, which we believe are some of the best shoes for Bali.
Females – What to Pack for Bali
Although Bali is a casual vacation destination, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fashion for comfort! There are still tons of Bali outfit ideas that you can wear during your trip.
To start, you’ll need clothes to wear on the beach. This includes shorts, tank tops, skirts, flowy dresses, and of course, a stylish bikini! If you’re planning to do something more athletic in the water, you might also think about bringing a one-piece.
When heading into town, you’ll need something comfortable and casual. Long flowy pants or a long skirt are good to bring. They cover your knees so you can visit the temples, but they’re also light enough to keep you cool even in the warmest of weather. It’s also essential to bring a sarong or scarf so that you can cover your shoulders.
Finally, don’t forget athletic gear like yoga pants and sports bras! Whether you’re hiking through the jungle or attending a meditative yoga class, you’ll be thankful to have a few pieces of athletic clothing with you.
Clothes
- Bikini or swimsuit
- Beach coverups, sarongs, or shawls
- Blouses and tank tops
- Waterproof shell or rain jacket
- Long pants
- Thin sweater or long sleeve shirts
- Light cardigan
- Shorts and skirts
- Tights or yoga pants
- Sundress
- Maxi dress
- Underwear
- Socks
- Bra, sports bra and bralette
Shoes
- Sneakers or walking shoes that you can wear all day
- Flip Flops
- Waterproof shoes for water activities (snorkeling etc.)
- Hiking boots for the mountains
Accessories
- Sunhat
- Sunglasses
- Belt
- Daypack or small backpack
- Purse
- Beach tote bag
Toiletries
- Shampoo, conditioner, other hair products
- Hairbrush
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Body soap and lotion
- Tampons and pads
- Face wash and moisturizer
- Razor
- Contacts or glasses
- Medication (birth control, vitamins, allergies meds, etc.)
- Sunscreen
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Tweezers
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Makeup (eye shadow, lipstick, foundation, mascara, eyeliner, etc.)
Males – What to Pack for Bali
Fellas, don’t stress too much about what to take to Bali. We’re here to help you with a few different Bali outfit ideas so you’ll be prepared for any type of activity!
Most of the time, you’ll probably be wearing swim trunks or board shorts. They’re light and breezy, which makes walking around in humid, hot weather much more tolerable. You can also wear them into town, except when visiting a temple. You can bring a sarong to cover your knees or rent one for a small fee from the temple itself.
When going out at night, bring a pair of lightweight pants. We don’t recommend jeans, as they can be bulky and extremely uncomfortable in the warm weather. For shoes, flip flops are comfortable sneakers are perfectly acceptable for any type of activity in Bali.
Don’t forget your warm-weather accessories either! You’ll need sunglasses, a sun hat or baseball cap, and of course, lots and lots of sunscreen! You’ll be thankful to have these protective accessories when you’re lounging on the beach soaking up those sun rays.
Clothes
- Swim trunks or board shorts
- T-shirts
- Thin windbreaker, rain jacket, or packable down jacket
- Long pants
- Shorts
- Underwear
- Socks
Shoes
- Sneakers or walking shoes that you can wear all day
- Flip flops
- Waterproof shoes for water activities (snorkeling etc.)
Accessories
- Sarong
- Baseball hat
- Sunglasses
- Belt
- Daypack or small backpack
Toiletries
- Shampoo, conditioner
- Hair gel or mousse
- Hairbrush or comb
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Body soap and lotion
- Moisturizer
- Disposable razor and shaving cream
- Contacts or glasses
- Medication (vitamins, allergies meds, etc.)
- Deodorant
- Tweezers
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
What NOT to Pack for Bali
Now that we’ve covered what to take to Bali let’s discuss a few items that you shouldn’t bring with you on your trip. Save the energy (and space in your bag!) by leaving these items at home.
- Water sports equipment – There’s no need to bring your snorkel gear with you to Bali. You can find affordable rental shops almost everywhere on the island. Even surfboards are available to rent.
- Expensive jewelry – Bali is a casual island so that you can leave your expensive jewelry at home. Plus, it’s not worth the risk of losing it in the ocean or somewhere near a waterfall.
- Bulky clothing – With hot, humid weather, you don’t need to pack bulky clothing. Heavy sweaters, jeans, and thick jackets are just a few items that you won’t need with you in Bali.
- Illegal substances – Sure, relaxing on the beach with some illicit drugs may seem like a good idea, but trust us, it’s not. Bali is very strict when it comes to drugs, and the last thing you want is to be deported to thrown in jail!
The Best Backpack to Pack for Bali
As we mentioned earlier, having the right bag is crucial for your trip to Bali. You’ll be carrying it around with you the entire time, so you need something durable and comfortable to wear. That’s where the Nomatic Travel Bag comes in. In our opinion, it’s the best backpack for Bali.
This convertible backpack/duffel bag is great for a weeklong trip. Although there is more than enough room for all your clothes, the bag also comes with multiple pockets and compartments for your gadgets and toiletries.
There’s a sleeve for your laptop or tablet, a compartment for your shoes, and even a built-in RFID security pocket. And on top of that, it also comes with a laundry bag so you can separate your dirty items from your clean ones!
But besides all the nifty features, the Nomatic Travel Bag is one of the most comfortable bags we’ve tried. It’s made with durable, water-resistant materials that will protect your personal belongings in the most rugged of Bali weather. So, if you get stuck in the middle of a tropical downpour, you can still rest assured knowing that your clothes are safe and dry inside.
But don’t just take our word for it. Give the Nomatic Travel Bag a shot, and we guarantee that it will quickly become your favorite backpack for traveling!
Final Thoughts on What to Pack for Bali
As you know now, packing for Bali is actually super simple! After reading our Bali survival guide, we hope you have a better idea of what you need to bring on your trip (as well as what to leave at home).
Although you’ll need different items depending on if you’re lounging on the beach or exploring the hidden temples in the jungle, you’ll be prepared for whatever adventure you embark on.
But most importantly, don’t forget travel insurance! This is one of the most important things you can take with you on your trip. World Nomads is our provider of choice, and they’re prepared to help you with any travel mishap you might encounter while in Bali.
Whether you’re in Bali for one week or one month, we know that it’s going to be a memorable experience. So take the stress out of packing, so you have the time to relax in your own little slice of tropical paradise!
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