The Ultimate Bali Packing List: 60 Things to Pack for Bali

Are you planning your trip to Bali but struggling to decide what to include on your Bali packing list? I’ve got you covered.

The island of the Gods is a magical place. From spectacular beaches to towering waterfalls, iconic rice terraces, and the friendliest locals, Bali is one of my favorite places in the world.

And no matter how many times I visit, I just keep coming back for more!

So, after multiple trips (and a few too many packing mishaps), I think it’s fair enough to say that I know a thing or two about what to pack for Bali. And I’ve covered them all in this mega packing guide.

Bali Packing List
Cafe hopping in Canggu

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Things to Know About What to Pack for Bali

To pack or not to pack… The age-old questions when packing for Bali.

You’re probably wondering whether that extra maxi dress is necessary or if you’ll need something fancy for a night out on the town.

Short answer – leave them at home!

The vibe in Bali is super relaxed. And whether you’re here for the photos and fashion or to set your inner hippie free, you’ll fit right in.

If you’re beaching it up, then your Bali essentials will include a pair of shorts and a tank top which you’ll wear over your bathing suit.

Then, when the sun begins to set, you’ll pop into a warung or beach bar. And it’s totally acceptable to be in the same clothes you wore earlier in the day.

What I love most about Bali is that I never feel as if I need to look or dress a certain way.

It’s not pretentious, and it’s not image-conscious (although some who visit Seminyak or Canggu may argue with me on this one).

what to pack for Bali
Comfy clothes , a good day bag and flip flops are all you need for Bali

a few things to note when packing for Bali

The seasons

Indonesia has a tropical climate, so it’s relatively warm all year round.

But there are two distinct seasons, and your Bali must-haves will be dependent on the time of year you’re visiting.

Packing for the dry season (May-September)

The dry season is from May to September. During this time, the days are sunny and warm, and the nights are a moderate temperature.

You might need a warm top for those sunrise scooter missions, but overall, the temperature is pretty warm.

This is my favorite time to visit as it’s not scorching hot, and it’s not rainy either.

Packing for Bali’s wet season (October-April)

As the name suggests, the wet season can be extremely, er wet!

You’ll need to keep a rain poncho handy as the storms sneak up on you. Expect daily downpours, but they only last for an hour or so.

And with the rain comes the humidity!

Yep, Bali in December, January, and February is ridiculously hot and humid. It’s next level and can be uncomfortable.

This weather applies to the entire country, so if you’re planning on visiting more Indonesian islands during your trip, this is something you’ll need to consider when deciding what to pack for Bali.

Appropriate clothing to wear in Bali

It’s important to be respectful of the Balinese culture. When visiting temples or sacred places, dress appropriately and cover your shoulders, chest, and knees.

Don’t worry too much if you haven’t packed long pants, as it’s common practice to rent sarongs from the vendors outside the temples.

But when you leave and hit the beaches, just about anything goes.

The type of traveler you are

How you prefer to travel will determine what you add to your Bali packing list.

Me? I’m always on some adventure, so I just bring what I need.

This packing list includes Bali travel essentials, but I’ve added those extra items that you may want to bring along if you’re a luxury traveler or if you’re moving to Bali for a few months.

What to wear in Bali
I spent my 30th birthday at the St Regis Hotel in Nusa Dua and I dressed up for the occasion

Bali Packing List: Your Bags

Before you do anything, you’ll first need to decide what you’re going to pack everything into.

Large Backpack

If you’re a luxury traveler embarking on a 5* resort holiday with private transfers, then you’ll get away with a hard-wheelie suitcase like this.

But for everyone else, use a backpack!

But backpacks are for backpackers” you might add.

Well, before my first Bali trip, I’d only ever used hard suitcases for my travels. I must have been living under a rock because backpacks are game-changers!

And they’re not only for backpackers – they’re for everyone.

Backpacks like this one are so convenient! They’re light, easy to carry, and won’t get muddy or wet (as you won’t have to drag it through dirt roads, rice fields, or between ferries).

And with all the activities and attractions in Bali, you’re most likely going to be moving around quite a bit. If that’s the case, a backpack is the way to go.

Carry-on backpack or day bag

Having a good carry-on backpack is crucial to every Bali packing list. This over-the-shoulder bag is needed for all your day trips, beach-hopping shenanigans, and scooter missions.

Store your water, snacks, phone, camera, sunscreen, and beach towel in here. You’ll be all set and ready for the day.

In addition, I also packed in one of these small foldable backpacks. They are so light and came in handy throughout our trip.

Packing cubes

Packing cubes are essential travel items that should be on your packing list no matter where you’re going.

They can be used to separate all your clothing items, from swimwear to underwear, dresses to shorts.

Packing cubes like this are affordable and come in sets of 3 or 4 varying sizes so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

And they’re not only for clothes! Here’s what else I use packing cubes for:

  • Laundry bag: Laundry in Bali is so cheap with hostels and homestays offering laundry services for under $5! Keep your dirty clothes aside and have them washed every few days. They’ll be returned the next day, washed, dried, and neatly folded.
  • Toiletry bag: Who needs a toiletry bag when you have packing cubes.
  • Make-up bag: Ladies, don’t judge me for this! Instead of spending money on a fancy makeup bag, use a packing cube instead.
Backpacking Bali
The easiest way to travel around Bali is with a large backpack and a smaller day bag

What to Wear in Bali (Female)

Deciding what to bring to Bali is no easy task – especially for us ladies.

You want to be prepared for every occasion, but that often means overpacking. Don’t do that!

When traveling to Bali, less is more!

While the Instagram pics may showcase a more dolled-up side to Bali, the island is super easy-going, and it’s totally acceptable to wear the same shorts and tank tops day in and day out.

Here’s what to add to your Bali packing list (Women)

Trainers

If you’re planning on hiking Mount Batur or doing a walk through the rice fields, you’ll need a pair of closed shoes.

They’ll get very dirty, so don’t bring your new sneakers! You can also wear these on your scooter trips and during the flight.

I have a pair of these Hoka’s, and I love them as they are so versatile. I use them for running, hiking, and exploring (and they look good too)!

Flip flops (Havaianas)

Every Bali checking list should include a pair of flip-flops. I wore mine every single day – to the beach, shops, restaurants, and bars.

Buy Havaianas here.

Sunglasses

I have a pair of these Ray-Ban Wayfarers, and they’re great for Bali as you can wear them on a hike yet also at a beach club.

Hat

I have a baseball hat like this and love it as it’s easy to travel with. While the wide-brimmed sun hats look fab, they are a mission to pack.

3 tank tops

These tank tops are light, quick-drying, and don’t take up much space. They’re best worn to the beach and when you’re going out. Check these out.

2 T-Shirts

Bring 2 tops like this that cover your chest and shoulders.

These can be worn when visiting temples, hiking, or doing yoga. And if you get a bit too much sun, you’re going to want to cover up the next day, so these are great for that.

3 pairs of shorts

I recommend a pair of denim shorts and 2 light shorts that you can wear over your bathing suit.

1 pair of yoga pants

I always carry a pair of long tights/yoga pants with me. You can use them for yoga, exercise, and also travel in them.

Here’s the pair I have (and love).

2 sundresses

Bring 1 or 2 flowy dresses that you can dress up or down.

2 bikinis/bathing suits

You might be tempted to bring more, but 2 is enough.

2 sarongs or beach cover-ups

I wore my sarong just about every day. After wearing it around the beaches in Uluwatu, I converted it into a dress or skirt and then hit the warungs on the cliffs.

jacket

Although it will be hot, bring a light jacket like this to wear in the mornings, on boat trips, and for your flight.

Avoid a denim jacket as it takes up a lot of space, and you may not even need it.

Cross-body bag

A crossbody bag is a travel essential for Bali that can used when going for dinners or drinks.

It doesn’t need to be big – just something that can fit your purse, phone, and keys. I have this one which comes in 12 different colors.

Other Bali travel essentials for women

  • Summer PJ’s
  • 3 pairs of socks
  • 6 underwear
Packing list for ladies in Bali
Make sure you pack a tank top that you can dress up or down

What to take to Bali (Men)

It’s so easy for guys to pack for Bali. Gary had half the amount of clothing that I did!

  • 2 x boardshorts
  • 1 x smart shorts
  • 2 x vests
  • 4 x round neck t-shirts
  • 1 x collar shirt/Polo
  • 1 x light jacket
  • 1 x exercise top (for hiking)
  • 1 x exercise pants (for hiking)
  • 3 pairs of socks
  • 6 x underpants
  • Flip Flops
  • Sunglasses
  • Cap
  • 1 Pair of trainers
Packing list for men in Bali
Gary wore boardshorts ever single day

Other things to pack for Bali

Beach towel

While homestays and hotels will provide you with bath towels, you’ll still need to pack a small, lightweight towel for the beach.

It should be small enough to fit in your day backpack, along with the other items, so don’t bring a large heavy towel. These are the best, and they’re quick drying.

Reusable water bottle

The tap water in Bali is not safe to drink.

Your accommodation may offer complimentary water that you can decanter into smaller reusable water bottles like this.

If this isn’t an option, purchase the bigger 10l water canisters from the corner store and decanter them into smaller bottles for your day trips.

Combination locks

I’ve never had a problem with theft in Bali.

But if you’re traveling in big tour buses or overland to other islands, then bring a combination lock to keep your items safe.

Buy your combination lock here.

READ MORE: The Ultimate 3 Week Bali Itinerary

Toiletries

  • Shampoo and conditioner (2 in 1): I’ll let you in on a secret. When I’m traveling, I use the 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner for my hair and body so no need to bring a separate body wash
  • Facewash
  • Moisturizer
  • Body cream: After hours in the sun, you’re going to want to moisturize
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Razors
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen: bring a factor 50 for your face and a 30 for your body. Reef-safe sunscreen is the way to go!
  • Hairbrush
  • Make-up: Don’t pack too much makeup. All you need is a bit of foundation, mascara, and blush
  • Hair ties and clips
Hanging out in uluwatu, Bali
A day in Bali – beaching all day and then hitting the warungs for drinks after (and wearing my sarong as a dress)

First Aid Kit

There’s no need to go overboard with medical supplies. The island has everything!

But I recommend you add these items to your packing list for Bali.

  • Paracetamol
  • Bandages/plasters
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Imodium
  • Mosquito spray

Gadgets

  • GoPro: If you don’t have one, buy one! You’ll want to capture all your favorite memories (and they’re also great for selfies)
  • Portable power bank: Your phone battery may not last an entire day when you’re using it to follow Google maps and taking photos every two minutes. You’re going to need a portable power bank like this (and make sure it’s charged)
  • Adapter: US plug ports don’t work in Bali. The plugs here take twin round pins, similar to European and South African pins. If you buy this universal power adapter, you’ll be able to use it worldwide (and not only in Bali)
  • Speaker: A speaker will come in handy when you’re chilling at your homestay with a Bintang in hand, playing an intense game of cards. We used ours often but if you’re planning on being on the go all the time, then it might not be necessary.

Travel Insurance

When you’re hiking volcanoes, driving scooters, eating street food, and dodging traffic, you need to be covered for emergencies.

The amount of people who don’t travel with insurance is really scary.

In Bali, it’s a common occurrence for foreigners to end up in the hospital due to motorbike accidents, food poisoning, and even dengue fever. Make sure you’re covered in case this happens to you.

I personally use World Nomads when traveling as they cover everything from stolen luggage, missed flights, natural disasters, vehicle accidents, as well as activities such as surfing and scuba diving.

Hiking Mt Batur in Bali
If you’re hiking, make sure to add trainers to your Bali packing list

Essential Travel Items to Pack for Bali

  • Passport
  • Air ticket
  • Debit and credit card: bring both as you never know if one will give you issues
  • Driving license and International Driving License
  • Copy of Passport, Travel insurance, Drivers, accommodation booking
  • Passport wallet to hold your Passport and other important documents (all of the above)
  • Money purse: When going on day trips or scooter adventures, don’t travel with a big wallet.
  • Instead, keep your cards, drivers’ licenses, and other documents in your travel wallet (above) and use a small money pouch to carry cash for the day’s activities

READ MORE: The Best Places to Stay in Uluwatu, Bali

Non-Essential Items That You Might Want to Pack

Here are a few extra items that you might want to include on your Bali packing list, although most are not necessary.

A pair of sandals: If you’re planning a nice dinner in Seminyak (Motel Mexicola is awesome) or a champagne brunch in Nusa Dua (St Regis is incredible) then you’ll need a pair of sandals. But if these types of activities aren’t on your Bali itinerary, leave them at home.

A dry bag: Planning on doing a bit of island hopping, snorkeling, or diving? Bring a dry bag to keep your things safe. But honestly, these dry bags do take up a bit of space so if you’re only doing 1 or 2 boat trips, then it’s not entirely necessary.

A beach bag: Some people may prefer to have a nice beach bag for their day out in the sun. A tote bag also works well and takes up little space. Or better yet, leave these at home and use your small backpack instead – that’s what I did.

Snorkel and mask: The snorkeling in Bali isn’t much to write home about. The Gili Islands and Nusa Penida are a different story though. But carrying around bulky snorkeling gear is a mission and it’s easier to rent them on the islands.

Exercise clothes: Unless you’ll be doing yoga or exercising every day, don’t bring any workout gear. All you need is a pair of yoga pants (which I included earlier) and a normal top.

Money: You don’t need to bring Indonesian Rupiah with you to Bali as there are several ATMs just outside the arrival terminal at the airport.

Rashguard or swim shirt: If you’re learning to surf and expect to spend hours in the water, then you may want to consider adding a rash guard to your Bali packing list.

Rain Poncho: Traveling during the dry season (May-September)? Don’t pack a poncho! But you’ll need one for the rainy season. They’re sold on every street corner so you can pick one up in Bali, they’re far more affordable here.

Playing cards: I always travel with a pack of cards!

The book “Snowing in Bali“: I don’t read much but this book is amazing and I couldn’t put it down. It’s all about the history of drugs and gangs in Bali. Super interesting! Read the reviews here.

Traveling around Bali
Beach essentials – cap, book, towel, bag and sunnies

What Not to Add to Your Bali Packing List

  • Expensive jewelry: Or any jewelry for that matter. It’s not needed.
  • High heels: No one wears heels in Bali. Rather bring a nice pair of sandals.
  • Jeans: They’re heavy and bulky and you won’t wear them because it’s so hot.
  • Water shoes: I’ve seen a few Bali packing list blog posts that recommend bringing a pair of water shoes. While these could come in handy when you’re walking over the rocks in Uluwatu, they aren’t necessary, and I never needed them during my time on the island.

FAQ’s about Things to take to Bali

What bags to carry in Bali?

I recommend bringing 3 bags to Bali: a large travel backpack to store all your clothes, a small over-the-shoulder backpack for day trips, and a crossbody bag for your cell phone and wallet.

Is it best to take a suitcase or backpack to Bali?

If you plan on moving around a bit and staying on either the Gili or Nusa Islands, I recommend bringing a travel backpack. Backpacks are a lot easier to carry around.

Should I wear jeans in Bali?

No, jeans are not necessary for Bali as it is too hot and humid. Rather bring a pair of linen trousers and long sun dresses.

Bali Travel Tips

Now that you’re all packed and ready to go, all that’s left is to get on a flight! If this is your first time in Bali, here are some of the best things to do and travel tips for visiting the island.

  • Visit the beaches in Uluwatu, as they’re the best in Bali. Read more.
  • Spend a few days inland and explore the hidden gem of Sidemen Valley. Read more.
  • Know the rules for renting a scooter, as they’re a lot stricter now than they were a few years ago. Read more.
  • Make sure you know what to expect when visiting Indonesia. Read more.
  • Go off the beaten track and explore these hidden gems in Bali. Read more.

Are you planning your trip? Have any questions about your Bali packing list? Drop me a message in the comment section below!

Looking for more Bali travel inspiration? Check out my other posts!

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Bali packing List for Female travel | bali travel | bali travel tips | uluwatu | canggu | kuta | ubud | Bali life
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About Carryn

Hi, I'm Carryn. I’m an adventure travel blogger trying to figure out my way through life by traveling and exploring. Join me as I share my travel guides and tips for life abroad. Find out more about me here.

8 thoughts on “The Ultimate Bali Packing List: 60 Things to Pack for Bali”

  1. Hi there!!!
    This is so helpful !!! Thank you thank you!!!
    I do have a question. We are travelling to Bali in December arriving on the 19th…. I don’t want to spend Christmas in ubud would rather be beach side. Could we start at the bottom and end in seminyak?

    Reply
    • Hi Lindsay, I’m so glad you found this post helpful. When you say “start at the bottom” do you mean to start your trip in Ubud and the end in Seminyak? You certainly can! But get your accommodation bookings in quickly as you’ll be traveling during peak season. Have fun!

      Reply
  2. Hi Carryn,

    Fellow saffa but been located in the U.S for the past 10 years. I stumbled across your website by chance. I am really glad I did. I am at crossroads as well, mid-life crisis perhaps nonetheless I need change. I’ll be 40 this year July, and have lost the drive/purpose I once had in my 20/30s. Clearly a hard reset is in order. Your postings have inspired that little dormant flame inside again. First visit to bali I’ll aim to visit for 3-4 weeks… I was looking to do this in May 2023.

    Questions I have: Did you check your main backpack in? Or was all your luggage carry on only?

    I’ll be traveling solo. Any advice for this old guy?

    For me the goal is finding purpose, finding who I was before I moved to the U.S. Why I lost the joy in life. Why I dread each day of this rat race. Probably a bit too much information to share… providing context.

    Thanks to both you and Gary for sharing your adventures.

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Reply
    • Hi James, thanks so much for your kind words! Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I checked my main baggage in as it weighed 15kgs. If you’re a light packer, you could get away with a carry on only but be sure to check the airline baggage restrictions first. And take a backpack rather than a suitcase with wheels. It will make your life so much easier. Enjoy!

      Reply
  3. Going to Bali in August. 7 days in Ubud and some more time by the beach after.
    Recently heard some horror stories about huge spiders /flying bugs made it inside the bedroom.
    Have you experienced this? What can we expect?
    Thanks 🙏

    Reply
    • Hi Michelle, you are going to love Ubud! Yes, there are spiders and bugs, but I never experienced anything that made me feel uncomfortable (and spiders and snakes are my worst fear). I never had any bad experiences and don’t recall seeing anything big or frightening. If you’re going far off the beaten track, then you will come across more of that – but Ubud is considered more developed and your chances of seeing huge spiders and bugs is minimal so you don’t need to worry! Have a great time in Bali. Carryn

      Reply
  4. I am visiting Bali between 23 July and 23 Aug for 30 days. Will be my first time. I am planning to stay in Ubud for at least 10-15 days however the remaining days i’d like to stay in an area where i can possibly enjoy a nice beach and take some surfing classes for beginners. I’d really appreciate any recommendations for the 2nd part of my trip as to where to stay ( could be multiple locations )

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Hi Ugur,

      What type of vibe are you looking? It seems like you have 15 days extra – I suggest visiting 2 or 3 areas.

      – If you’re a beginner surfer, then Canggu is a good place to learn. But it’s busy and the surf is crowded (which I didn’t enjoy).
      – Uluwatu has amazing white sandy beaches but they’re not ideal for beginner surfers due to the size of the waves and the reef. You could try Bingin Beach or Balangan Beach as I’ve had good beginner lessons here (but go on a higher tide, as the reef is gnarly on low tide)
      – Nusa Lembongan is an amazing island that’s a short boat ride from Bali. The beaches here are awesome and there’s incredible snorkeling with Manta Rays.

      I have this guide on the best areas to stay in Bali which might be helpful.

      Enjoy your trip!
      Carryn

      Reply

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