The Ultimate Bali Packing Guide: What You Should Pack & Not

Here’s everything you need to know to build your Bali packing list. I’ve done it many times. I’m sure it will help you.

I’ve been flying in and out of Bali for years before finally moving here permanently. I know that packing for Bali can be stressful – especially if you’re coming for the first time. You don’t know what to expect, so you’ll end up putting all your wardrobe into your luggage!

But building your packing list for Bali is actually easy. You don’t need a lot of clothes in Bali. And it’s summer temperature all year long!

Also, don’t worry if you don’t pack enough clothes. Shopping in Bali is quite fun and cheap!

So, let’s get into it!

But first, you need to know about the weather and climate conditions in Bali.

How is the weather in Bali?

There are only 2 seasons in Bali: dry season (April-October) and wet season (November-March). Expect more rain during the wet season, especially in Ubud. However, the wet season tends to be cheaper and less crowded so it’s good if you’re traveling on a budget.

The temperature is slightly the same all year long, which is between 24′ to 30′ C. The northern area like Munduk is a bit cooler, but it’s nothing compared to winter in Europe, so don’t worry.

Clothing

When packing clothes for Bali, choose light and breathable fabrics. You’ll want to wear clothes that are comfortable and airy since Bali is a tropical island with a hot and humid climate.

Here are some clothing items to include in your Bali packing list:

Tops

• Loose-fitting tank tops
• Lightweight t-shirts
• Breathable cotton shirts
• Crop Tops
• Lightweight Cardigans for cooler evenings

Bottom

• Denim Shorts
• Lightweight skirts
• Yoga pants
• Playsuit/Jumpsuit
• Lightweight trousers

Swimwear

My favorite activity in Bali is swimming, either on the beach or in the swimming pool. When you’re in Bali, chances are, you’re going to spend a lot of time at the beach. So, it’s time to pack your favorite bikinis!

I used to bring ALL my favorite bikinis to Bali but ended up wearing only 3 pairs maximum. So, here’s my suggestion: pack 2 of those hot bikinis for nice tanning, and 1 one-piece or sporty swimwear if you plan to go snorkeling or surfing. Plus, some cover-ups for beach days.

Dresses and skirts

For a night out, pack a few summer dresses. I normally don’t pack skirts since I go around with motorbikes a lot when I’m in Bali.

Footwear

I used to pack too many footwear that I never used. Unless you’re attending any formal wedding or occasion, I suggest you leave your high heels and stiletto at home.

Here’s what I packed for Bali instead:

• 1 Flip-flop for beach days
• 1 comfy and trendy sandals for going out
• 1 comfy shoes for exploring or hiking
• 1 sneakers (better if you can wear them for your flight)

Additional Bali packing list

Lightweight waterproof Jacket. This will come in handy when you decide to do some hiking, or when the unpredictable weather surprised you with some rain.

What NOT to pack for Bali

I already told you about the high heels. Another unnecessary clothing item to pack is a pair of jeans and a thick jacket. You’ll sweat all the time in Bali and a pair of jeans would only make it worse.

Accessories

A few accessories that you’ll need in Bali:

• Sunglasses (Seriously, who doesn’t need them?)
• Wide hat. It’s classy and it will protect your face from sunburn.
• Beach bag. Enough to put towels, sunscreen, and some valuable stuff.
• Sarong and shawl for covers when visiting temples.

Toiletries and Make-Up

When it comes to toiletries, it’s best to pack travel-sized products to save space. I bought basic toiletry stuff in Bali (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc). You’ll get them easily in Alfamart or Indomaret.

Unless you’re using certain products or brands that aren’t available in Bali, don’t worry about this basic stuff, including mosquito repellent.

What you do need to pack is your skin care products. We all use different face creams, and those brands are mostly not available in Bali. And sunscreen, since it’s more expensive to buy there.

Another important thing to pack is tampon or menstrual cup. These are difficult to find and quite expensive in Bali. You don’t want to ruin your vacation by going around and wasting time looking for tampons.

You don’t need a lot of makeup in Bali. You’ll be sweating all the time. I keep only the essentials like eyebrow pencil, light foundation, blush on, and lipstick.

Electronics

I don’t need to remind you to bring your camera to capture those incredible moments in Bali, or a charging adapter and power bank to keep your devices charged on-the-go.

However, one thing that I wished I packed for Bali is a cable extension. It comes in handy especially if you’re working with your laptop or need to use multiple devices at the same time.

Other Essentials

Apart from the above items, there are some other essentials that should be included in your Bali packing list:

• Passport and travel documents
• Travel Insurance
• Money and Travel Card (I use Wise Card to avoid conversion rates and to take cash from ATMs. I avoid credit cards because of the fees)
• Medications. (If you’re taking certain medicines. But you can buy most medicines in Bali)
• Water Bottle

Packing for a trip to Bali can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. After reading this guide, you’ll now get an idea about how to build your Bali packing list.

To make your life even easier, I created a Bali Packing Checklist that you can grab down below for FREE! No more worries that you would forget something or leave important stuff behind.

FAQs about Bali packing list

1. Do I need to pack a lot of formal wear for Bali? No, Bali is a very casual destination. Like I said before, unless you’re going to attend any formal wedding or event, leave the formal wear at home.
2. Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear to Bali? You can bring your own snorkeling gear if you want, but many snorkeling tour operators provide the gear. I do prefer to bring my own.
3. What should I wear to temples in Bali? You should wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. I recommend you bring a sarong or shawl to cover. Most popular temples would provide a cover for free, but the small temples don’t. I prefer to bring my own Sarong.

What’s next?

Now that you have your Bali packing list ready, do you have all the documents necessary to enter Bali? Do you need a visa? Is there anything else you need to prepare?

Check out this article: Complete Guide to Bali Entry Requirements!