The Bali Packing List I wish I Had! (Plus What NOT To Pack)

Looking for the ultimate Bali packing list? 

Packing for a trip to a tropical island famous for beaches, shopping, culture, nightlife, and art is not an easy task! 

What to pack for Bali if you want to see everything and yet travel light? 

I remember when I had my first trip, I was 7 kg overweight and I DEFINITELY didn’t use half the clothes I packed -_-

This Bali packing list will save you from overpacking as I will lay out all the essentials you’ll need for an adventure or a nice dinner in a beach club during your holiday in Bali.

Hi, I am Masha!

I currently live in Bali, tucked away from all the craziness of the world, with my partner and 3 cats.

I traveled to Bali with one suitcase (NEVER again, I swear by backpacks now!) in 2020, and since then explored all corners of the island. 

And I know firsthand what things you will regret not packing or what items you should throw out of your bag right now and not trust people on the Internet. 

Let me show you exactly what to pack for Bali.

How To Pack For Bali? Essential Bali Packing List

1. Bags To Pack Everything
2. Travel Documents
3. Money and Banking
4. Clothes To Pack And Wear According to the Season and Culture 
5. Electronics & Accessories
6. Medicine and Toiletries To Pack 
7. Safety Items To Pack For Solo Travelers
8. Special Trip Packing Items
9. Non-Essential Items You Can Bring
10. NOT-to-pack Items

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Now, the essentials for 10 days*:

• 3 tank tops, stretchy and basic. 
• 2 or 3 T-shirts, quick-drying yet casual-looking, perfect for daily walks, yoga, and trips. 

• 2-3 pairs of shorts with pockets! Ideally, 1 sporty pair and 2 casual shorts. 

• 1 wrap-around midi skirt (optional)
• Comfortable underwear x 7, seamless and comfy under dresses and shorts. 

• Bra(s) x3 (if you wear them, many girls in Bali don’t!)
• Activewear without long sleeves (if you plan to workout)

• 2 casual summer dresses
• 1 fancier dress (still light and compact to pack!)
• Long linen pants or leggings/yoga pants (depending on your style to wear at night)

• light long sleeve or cardigan for cooler evenings and long rides
• 1-2 bathing suits – one for tanning or more spicy looking and one with long sleeves for long hours on the beach or surfing lessons.
• 2 pairs of cushioned socks
• sunglasses
• Optional, for extra sun protection: Hooded long-sleeves with sun protection

• Optional, light pajamas if you like to get comfy in the room and at night

*if traveling longer, bring more tops and shirts.

Do Not pack any tight dresses because you will not be able to get on the bike without awkwardly trying to cover up. 

Medium, maxi dresses and dresses with flowy skirts are best for the Bali packing list.

Materials like linen, merino wool, hemp, and viscose often work better than cotton in hot humid countries.

What To Wear At Night

Bring a very light long-sleeve shirt or use a sarong to wear at night while in Bali.

Nights from October to March are hot and humid, just a bit cooler than days. 

But mosquitoes will come out after sunset. 

During the dry season, evenings and nights are pretty chill, so wear a light jacket or sweater. 

I pick light pastel colors to make it more summery 😉

What To Wear During The Day Trips

T-shirts, flowy dresses, and shorts are the most convenient clothes to wear in Bali during the day.

If it is a beach day: swimsuit and a sarong or beach cover-up. 

Try to look appropriate while walking to the beach and in a cafe afterward.

Best Shoes To Pack For Bali

• joggers or casual sneakers for riding on the bike and day trips.

• flip flops as everyday shoes.

• Sandals to wear with a dress and go out.

My absolute favorite shoes for walking long distances or commuting on a bike are soft shoes.

Pick ones that are super compact and yet look good enough that you can wear them even with a summer dress.

My second pair is my sandals – comfortable open sandals on a cushioned platform so my feet don’t get tired.

Lastly, I pack basic all-black flip-flops.

Electronics, Gadgets & Accessories

I put all small items in a protective pouch and I have a hard shell case for my laptop.

It is heavy and bulkier so I only take it when it is 24+hrs travel and I’m packing the laptop in the checked bag.

• Your phone, of course.

If you’re staying in Bali for longer than 90 days you must register your phone IMEI and pay import tax on arrival. The room to do it is right after the customs.

• Laptop. Bring your laptop only if you’re a digital nomad planning to work on the trip from one of dozens of cute coffee shops.
  If you are coming for a vacation, leave it at home, can take a tablet or Kindle instead!

• Headphones, if you’re using AirPods or similar, have spare old-school headphones with cable too just in case.

• Waterproof phone case (pouch). Even if you don’t swim with your phone, you will probably make a trip to Nusa Penida or Gilis or take a boat snorkeling.

It is better to protect the phone and save money on any repairs. Pick one with a lanyard to have your hands free, and big enough to put money and a card there.

• Power bank. Self-explanatory, phone battery can die, and traveling, especially solo, we always need a backup plan.
• Pick one with different outputs so you can use it to charge both your phone and laptop. Pick thin, light, and 20000+ mAh power banks.
• Universal Adapter. Only international hotels have universal outlets, but most of the accommodation options have only Type C (two round holes) outlets.
  It will come in handy when you travel to other countries too!

• Chargers with braided cords. They are more durable and flexible than regular cables and often come with a fast charge feature. (Android, iOS)

• A reusable water bottle that can hold both cold and hot drinks (this is exactly one I use)

 It will be very important to stay hydrated in Bali, it is hot and humid, you sweat a lot, and stay active all day, so take it and refill your bottle daily.

A collapsable water bottle is another great option that takes very little space.

• Needles and thread to quickly fix a tear if needed.

What Medicine To Pack In First Aid Kit For Bali

All over-the-counter medicines are ok to bring to Bali.

If you have prescribed medication, you should only bring it in the original package, with the original prescription with exact dosage, and doctor’s letter.

Bringing more than you need for a declared period of stay may cause problems. 

Anything opium-, Xanax-, CBD- or narcotic-based meds are not allowed and can cost you jail time.

The most common health issues you may deal with in Bali are food poisoning and diarrhea aka Bali Belly, dengue fever, sunburn, mild scratches from driving or sports activities… 

…and a hungover, if you party too much at the Old Man’s bar.

Bring any special meds you need like an asthma pump, Epi-pen, anxiety pills, Pepto Bismol (not sold in Bali), etc.

Bali First Aid Kit Checklist:

• Ibuprofen or any painkiller (can also buy paracetamol in Bali, around 1USD for one blister)
• Bandaid
• Activated charcoal
• Electrolytes to recover from food poisoning.
• Neosporin (magic cream for healing wounds)
• Meds for upset stomach and reflux. There is a lot of oily fried and spicy food that your stomach may not be used to.
• Immodium – it is a life-saving pill when you have diarrhea
• Hand sanitizer and cotton balls (also available in Bali)
• Betadine Antiseptic Liquid
• Sea sickness (motion sickness) pills, like Dramamine
• Face mask, optional. Riding the bike long distances you will inhale lots of dust and pollution. 
• Antihistamines (Bali is known to provoke allergies even in usually non-allergic people)

If you’re taking any vitamins, bring them with you. 

The choice is rather limited and the prices are high for quality supplements.

Don’t pack cold medicine, Bali has amazing natural flu pouches Tolakangin sold everywhere. 

They work great and are somehow tasty 🙂

Don’t take a box of each medication though! One strip is enough. I pack mine in a small ziplock bag.

What To Pack For Bali: Toiletries

First, add a pocket version of these toiletry basics to your Bali packing list:

• manicure scissors (make sure to pack them in your checked bag)
• tweezers
• pocket nail file
• earplugs if you have sensitive sleep, some accommodations are closer to the road.
• toothbrush (pack small toothpaste if your flight to Bali is longer than 24 hrs)
• mini toothpaste (you will buy more in Bali: Colgate, Sensodyne, and some local brands available)
• hair ties and compact hair comb (I got one in Japan that takes no more space than a pen!)
• razor
• facewash
• deodorant (I always pick the one for an active lifestyle when going to Southeast Asian countries because of the heat, it makes you sweat sometimes just as much as cardio)
• moisturizer (sun and salt water dry the skin so much! In some areas the tap water is also harsh so our skin needs help)
• sunscreen ( I worship Beauty of Joseon for my face, and my body is ok with any decent brand)

• tampons or pads (if your cycle is coming)
• bug spray

Once you’re in Bali buy Aloe Vera cream at Guardian Pharmacy – it works magic on sunburns, and wipes to always keep in your day bag.

Tampons, Pads, or Menstrual Cup YOU Are Used to

The tampons are hard to find in Bali, the OB Pro comfort brand is not available, and they are expensive. I buy OB tampons in Thailand or Malaysia and bring them home.

It is more convenient to use a menstrual cup, and you can easily buy one in Bali too, but not all women use them.

Pads are available but sometimes they are of a humongous size – _ –

Sunscreen

The average UV in Bali is 9 to 11 which on the world scale is considered high risk of sunburn.

Minimum 50 SPF, better 100, with a light texture.

Test and make sure you can wear it all day (renewing regularly, of course) without having skin issues, especially for people like me with oily and combined skin.

You can buy some brands in Bali too, but it can be pricey.

Mosquito and bug spray
This is an important point especially if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions.

Bali has many mosquito sprays, but unfortunately, some of my friends and I find ourselves allergic to them. 

For me, the smell is way too strong, it will kill me faster than a mosquito.

So bring a reliable one with you. I can’t stress enough how important it is to avoid mosquito bites. 

Dengue, even though rare, is no joke, has no proper treatment, and can be lethal.

I make my own mosquito repellent with citronella and lavender oil.

Special products

Pack your hair products if you have curly or colored hair. 

Bali has some international brands, but it can often be more expensive and pool or ocean water tends to damage hair easily.

Most body scrubs, sunscreens, deodorants, and body creams in Bali contain brightening (whitening) agents as a general trend in Asia for a whiter skin tone.

So if you don’t want that effect, take your favorite body care products in travel-size bottles.

Safety Items To Pack For Solo Female Travelers

While Bali is a safe spot for female travelers, petty crime still happens, so protect your money and your privacy.

Safety packing list for solo female travelers coming to Bali: 

• Combination locks to make sure nobody lurks in your bags. 

• Neck wallet or money belt to keep money close to you, this way it is harder to steal from you.

• Portable safe that can’t be broken in or cut open!

• Door stop alarm to stop any thieves or entitled men.  

• Emergency whistle to draw attention immediately if you’re in danger.

• Small travel flashlight. Some smaller streets don’t have proper lights and on a very rare occasion during heavy rains, there can be a power outage.

Do not bring pepper spray to Indonesia, it is a controversial item that is technically allowed but sometimes not seen as self-defense.

Non-Essentials You Can Pack For Your Bali Trip

• Camera gear with a memory card
• Scuba diving and snorkel gear
• Proper rain jacket or coat
• Dry bag 
• Travel towel
• Water shower filter

• Perfume
• Jet lag relief medication if your trip passes through many time zones

• Travel clothesline to easily wash and dry your clothes.

• Pocket-size Hard drive (if you’re taking camera equipment). This baby can hold 1T.

Let me explain why these items are not essential to bring to Bali trip.

• Camera gear and waterproof camera case to take underwater photos OR underwater camera.

Although every other Bali packing list has it as a must I think it is completely optional nowadays, unless you’re a professional photographer.

We have such high-quality cameras in our phones and some phones now can take amazing photos underwater. 

My friend saw a snake in the ocean, an eel, turtles, and fish, and all the pictures were taken with his Samsung.

So we can save precious space and weight (and worries if something breaks) and simply DON’T pack any camera equipment.

• scuba diving gear and/or snorkel gear

If you’re a beginner, don’t pack it.

You will be able to rent everything on your diving or snorkeling tour.

If you’re a certified diver, you probably have some specific gear you want to use. Only in this case, pack it.

In both cases, there are pro shops in Bali where you can shop for tubes, fins, masks, etc.

• Dry bag for any daily tours on the water (snorkeling, rafting, watching dolphins, diving, traveling between islands, and so on) if such activity is on your list.
• Light rain jacket. I love my Patagonia shell and I use it on windy days or when I go up in the mountain area but local ponchos work better in the rain.

Travel towel/beach towel

I honestly still have the quick-dry travel towel that traveled with me to Bali in 2020. 

Even though I went to visit islands, and traveled to 7 different countries in the last 2 years, I still barely use it.

If you go to a beach club, they will give you a towel, and your accommodation also usually has separate towels for showers and for the beach.

But if you prefer to be self-sustainable, which I totally understand, bring one that packs well.

In any case, it can also work as a beach blanket (same as your sarong) or beach cover-up to protect from the sun.

• Water filter

Tap water in Bali is not safe to drink and, unfortunately, sometimes it is very harsh on our skin and hair.

If you are not a sensitive type and will just stay for a short time, don’t worry about it.

If you struggle with skin issues and hair loss, you may consider either bringing a portable water filter that connects to the shower OR you can buy one in Bali.

Perfume

It is nice to smell good. But honestly, I got back to wearing perfume in Bali only after 2 years.

I didn’t feel comfortable with all the cream, perfume, sweat, and sea salt water sitting on my skin. I preferred just to feel clean.

If you do pack some perfume, pick refillable rollerballs that don’t take up much space.

Things You Need To Know Before Packing For Bali

Seasons

Bali goes through the cycle of 2 seasons: wet rainy season (October to April) and dry season (May to September).

There is no good or bad time to visit Bali. Anytime is a good time for Bali adventures, it is a paradise, remember?

No matter the season, the sun goes down pretty early in Bali, by 7.30 pm it is pitch dark.

If you drive a bike, I highly recommend yellow protective anti-glare glasses (can buy them here too.

They protect your eyes from blinding lights, and all the bugs and dust flying into your face during nighttime.

Tips For Visiting Bali During Wet Season

Don’t rely on weather apps on your phone, none of them have been accurate in Bali. 

Just always plan for the sudden rain and scorching sun 86F+ (30C+) after.

Bring a sun hat with straps (otherwise the wind will blow it away) to protect your head from overheating.

The wet season also corresponds with the highest numbers of dengue fever (Jan to May) cases, so always carry a bug spray with you. In your handbag.

Tips For Coming During Dry Season

The dry season is my personal favorite time on the island. 

The breeze from the ocean, 77 to 84F (25-29 degrees C), rare short rains, cooler temperatures, and relatively fewer tourists (although there are always many domestic and international visitors).

But the water in the ocean and in the pools will be also quite cold compared to the wet season.

If you’re visiting Bali in June-August, pack a light jacket or compact hoodie for late-evening rides, as you can feel the cool wind before 9 am and after 7 pm.

Areas You Stay

North and mountain areas like Kintamani, Bedugul, Jatiluwih, and partly Ubud can be more chilly and cloudy. 

Canggu and Uluwatu are usually sunny unless it pours…

There you may want to put on a light sweater and long pants, especially after the sun goes down.

The weather there can also change quickly with some clouds looming over the hills one second and the raindrops landing on your forehead the next.

Humidity and Hot Weather

Many of the countries in Southeast Asia are famous for year-round summer.

It is really hot in Bali during the wet season, but it is also always very humid. 

Think about a Turkish steam sauna and you get the idea.

It means you sweat a lot, and it can be harder walking long distances, sticking to your running routine, or exercising at the gym. 

I once played tennis at 8 pm and I barely made it alive.

Religion and Appropriate Clothing Dress Code

A strict dress code only exists for sacred places, but common sense exists everywhere. 

Just be respectful and you will have no issues.

When visiting temples everyone needs to wear a sarong skirt and cover the shoulders.

Most of the temples ask for a donation to enter and in exchange they will always provide a beautiful sarong with Balinese patterns. 

They will help you wrap it too.

Important thing to know for women, Balinese sacred sites do not allow us to enter during menstruation.

Most cafes will also have a gentle reminder to put on your shirt once you’re seated (in case you’re walking from the beach) for men.

A few beach clubs may not allow people with face tattoos or wearing beach clothes to the club. 

Always check the restaurant policy beforehand.

Your Bali Itinerary and Personality

Your Bali packing list will always be very unique to your travel style and itinerary. 

Many influencers and Youtubers come to Bali, so they have to bring all their camera gear with them. 

I don’t so I don’t need to check if drones are allowed (they are, except for some restricted zones) and worry about expensive gear being damaged or stolen.

Surf enthusiasts travel from all over the world to practice riding waves with their long- or shortboards.

They will have to take a surfboard, proper wetsuit, and have good insurance covering extreme sports.

Someone who comes on vacation to disconnect from work and stress probably doesn’t need fancy gear, surfboards, or a Go-Pro.

So think about what YOU want to do on the island, and that will be the basis for your Bali packing list.

Length of your stay

Packing for 7 days or 3 months is a very different task.

A 7-day trip to Bali can only require a light carry-on, but a 3-month staycation needs proper planning or budgeting for purchasing new items when in Bali.

Plastic Waste Issue

Bali is a remote island, and it struggles with its own plastic waste and some of the waste brought onshore during heavy rains.

It will help the island a lot if you can reuse or recycle (ex., plastic water bottles) as much as possible!

Bali Packing List: BAGS

You will need to prepare 3 bags for your Bali trip: a large backpack or suitcase as checked luggage or carry-on (if size allows), a day bag (carry-on) for day trips, and a cross-body for everyday walks and outings.

Tip: A day backpack can easily be packed inside the large bag too!

Large Backpack Or Suitcase As Your Checked Baggage, 30-40l

I travel with Nomatic Navigator 32L all over the world. 

It is sturdy and compact, yet expandable, and actually, the material is really nice to touch!

It has multiple pockets and sections to sort your things and it is comfortable to wear even if you’re a petite woman!

And it qualifies as a carry-on 😉

Inside the large bag go:

• Packing cubes are a must to organize clothes and stuff inside your checked bag. 

I use 1 packing cube for clothes and a small one for socks and underwear.

If I travel for 30+ days, I add another big packing cube.

Pro tip #1: If you are coming for an extended stay, instead of packing cubes use vacuum bags. This simple technology is a game changer.

Pro tip #2: If you can, attach a bag to the bottom of your checked-in bag where you can put shoes. It saves precious space inside the bag.

• Toiletry bag with a hook

I use a small one for short trips (up to 20 days) and a 6L one for longer travels.

Both have hooks and little pockets which is very important for a women’s toiletry bag.

Day Pack

You will use your day back every day, and when going on day trips. 

It should be lightweight, comfortable to carry, and spacious enough to fit all essentials, 15L max.

I honestly use a very cheap simple backpack for this. And I love it because it is light and foldable!

But a more pro approach would be to have a 10-15L hiking backpack that has a cool feature to hold a water bottle and ergonomic straps.

Fanny Pack Or Cross-Body

I love spacious fanny packs that can easily be transformed into a cross-body and have more than one section.

I use it for all walks, shopping, and when on the bike, to keep my card and phone safe, and my hands – free.

Must-Have Documents On Your Bali Packing List

• Passport + money + boarding pass on your phone
• Travel Insurance papers. If you only have them online, save and print them beforehand.
• Debit Card and additional card + some cash in USD to exchange (not at the airport!). Check the foreign transaction fees with your bank before traveling.
• International Driver’s license. To ride a scooter in Bali you still have to have an International driver’s license covering two-wheelers issued in your home country. Driving without one nullifies your insurance and also is considered a criminal offense in Indonesia!
• Copies of your ID, printed ticket, and return ticket, booking. Just in case there will be no wi-fi, battery dies, or something else happens, have all the copies with you.
• If you have your visa, print it too.

Put ALL the documents you won’t need at the airport in a ziplock bag.

Clothes To Pack to Bali For Female Travelers

Our mantra is to Pack Light. Don’t Miss the Flight. Enjoy Bali And You Will Be Alright

No matter what clothes you end up packing, check them against this checklist:

• It doesn’t wrinkle much (very very very few accommodations have an iron)
• It is made of breathable fabrics (the sweat spots are a real struggle for men and women of any complexity in Bali)
• It is quick-drying (in case it rained, you sweated a lot, you jumped into the water, or simply washed it last minute)
• You can get on a bike wearing it
• You won’t be very upset if you/or the laundry lose it

What NOT To Pack For Bali

Forget about these items when packing for Bali:

• Sarong
• Jewelry
• Heels and expensive shoes
• Water shoes
• Jeans
• Laundry bag
• More than 1 pair of flip-flops
• Books
• Umbrella
• Bulky hiking gear (ex., sleeping bag)
• Full make-up set

Sarong

I’m fuming with the advice on the Internet!

Balinese artisans make one of the most beautiful sarongs in the world that make the best souvenirs. So why would you take one with you and bring it all the way to this paradise?

You can buy a very simple, not handmade sarong on pretty much every beach in Bali for 2 USD, and you can also shop for one very exquisite with traditional patterns or batik (Balinese textile) to bring as a gift.

At this point, I’ve probably owned 5 stunning sarongs that work as beach cover-ups, blankets, headpieces, or wraps to carry things… 

My friend even used a sarong to save a puppy!

Jewelry

Expensive jewelry draws unnecessary attention, especially if you travel solo.

Plus, ocean salt water, chlorinated pool water, and sun add significant damage to gold and especially gold-plated jewelry.

High heels or expensive shoes

Even though there are dozens of amazing restaurants, VIP beach clubs, and nightclubs you can go to in Bali, it is not really walkable on heels…And they take up space.

Better pack the sandals that are cute!

Any expensive shoes will be hard to care for. 

Due to humidity, mold gets to everything pretty quickly, and laundry or dry cleaning services are not always reliable.

Jeans

It will be too hot to wear jeans during the day in Bali.

However, during the dry season (June, July, and especially August), the early mornings and late evenings are quite chilly and the wind can be very refreshing, so I do wear jeans here.

But! I didn’t bring them with me, as they are rather bulky to pack, I eventually bought them in H&M.

Laundry bag

Rare accommodation in Bali has a washing machine, so you will likely use a laundry service.

To carry them you need some sort of bag.

The first time you will go grocery shopping at Pepito or Frestive (two major grocery stores in Bali) you will 100% get a reusable cloth bag you can turn into a laundry bag. Ta-da!

Books 

As much as I love books, traveling with them is not convenient. 

They take up precious space and can add a lot of weight.

Two alternatives: upload your books to your Kindle or tablet, or buy/borrow a book while in Bali. 

We have a bookstore chain Periplus and there are a few bookclubs on the island.

More than 1 pair of Flip flops

Flip flops in Bali are the most common shoe type and something that gives up on you very fast.

So don’t bring your fancy flip-flops, just buy a pair here, brands like Flipper or no-name slops bought on the side road will be extremely cheap and you can give them to recycling once you leave.

If they survive and no stray puppy steals them (which happened to me on Nusa Lembongan!)…

Water Shoes

While there are rocky ocean beds and reefs around Bali, the waves are also quite strong to simply walk into the ocean.

I don’t know any surfer or beach lover who actually uses them in Bali on a daily basis, and they do take up space.

Umbrella

Absolutely no one uses umbrellas during the rainy season. I doubt any local family even owns one.

Imagine you, on a taxi bike, holding an umbrella while it is pouring buckets. And in Bali, when it rains, it pours, literally.

For rainy weather, you will buy here a poncho (very cheap) that will last your whole vacation.

Make-up

If you’re a human being, you will sweat in this tropical climate. 

Unfortunately, the makeup will not survive the heat, ocean water, or putting on and taking off the helmet while you’re driving.

I brought the whole purse of all sorts of lipsticks and eye shadows. 

Did I use them in my 4 years in Bali? Maybe once.

I do use mascara and lip gloss when I go out but that is as much as my face can handle without breaking out.

Verdict: bring only essentials that you know you can’t leave the house without.

Sleeping bag or any heavy and bulky hiking gear

While there are quite a few trekking tours around Bali, all of them provide you with rental equipment.

If you love backpacking and camping, there are a few camping spots, but it is not that popular or they will also have a bit fancier option with a better tent and sleeping bags included.

As for the beaches, you can’t legally camp there.

Bali Packing Tips For Special Occasions

Honeymoon in Bali packing list

For your Honeymoon pack a hard drive to save all the beautiful pictures at waterfalls, swings, and such, a waterproof phone case, and a dry bag, because going to some islands is a must for a Honeymoon.

Stunning swimsuit, strong sunblock, little make-up, and it is the only case I say bring easy-to-pack stilettos.

It’s the honeymoon, after all, you have to try the fine dining scene in Bali.

What To Pack For Bali Surf Trip

It is a good idea to add reef-safe sunscreen to your Bali packing list if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water to protect marine life and yet not burn.

The sun is so strong in Bali, that you can even burn your eyeballs if you’re for 3 hours in the water (true story!).

A super durable damage-proof case for your board is a must too, way too often airlines break or ding the boards and the repairs are costly and sometimes can cost performance on the wave.

You can rent boards here or even buy one from a local shaper, but a good surfboard is not a cheap purchase in Bali.

Yoga Retreat

For yoga retreats and teaching courses definitely bring a large water bottle, comfy yoga pants (a few pairs as the classes will be every day), a comfortable sports bra, a flowy shirt, and a sarong to cover up for relaxation sessions.

Traveling With Kids

If you’re visiting Bali with kids, bring really good kids-safe sunblock for them and all the medication you may need.

Depending on their age you may need special swimming nappies, a travel cot, and a travel stroller.

While it is not easy even for adults to swim in the ocean around Bali, kids definitely need an inflatable jacket or rings and a hat with SPF and straps.

Bali Packing List For A Hiking Trip

If you’re planning to watch the sunrise from Mt Batur, and trek to the summits of all the mountains around Bali (at least 3 options there!), bring hiking shoes and hiking shoes. 

The ones you know don’t give you calluses, not one size small, and you wore them at least once hiking.

Don’t bring brand-new shoes as the mountain slopes in Bali are quite rough, rocky, and with lots of sliding. You need to have a good grip and

Knee support. Same reason. Going up the Bali mountains is alright, but going down is often challenging, and our knees take the biggest hit.

What I Wore On My Trip To Bali In March and In December

I came to Bali first time in March 2020, with a rolling suitcase that lost a wheel immediately after I got out of the taxi at my accommodation.

I’ve been many times to Thailand before I finally came to visit a friend in Bali, so I was ok with the heat but the Balinese hot sun hits differently.

I quickly realized practically none of my clothes were suitable for the heat – too tight to the body and not breathable, and couldn’t get on the bike wearing those tight maxi dresses.

And my sun protection was not strong enough, I looked like a boiled crustacean on my second day despite putting on the cream.

And it was supposed to be the end of the hot rainy season. Hell no, it wasn’t!

The other time I came to Bali in December. 

I quickly realized I would not use my umbrella and my disappointed driver just bought me a rain outfit for 6 USD to save soaking wet me, which I had for the next 3 years.

I also brought Columbia summer hiking shoes which I’ve never put on. They are too hot and bulky to walk and also don’t look good with any of the Bali outfits…

What I wore daily was a tank top or a casual tunic top with flowy sleeves, biker or linen shorts, flip-flops, and sunglasses. 

I didn’t need anything else. Life in Bali is very simple.

I’m not a fan of hats. Only use them on the beach. Too hot for me, I can feel my head sweat but it does protect us from the heat stroke.

Bali taught me that I need simple, low-maintenance clothes that I can easily donate or get rid of during travels to not have to carry them around the world.

Packing too many things has never cheered me up, and I definitely never used all the dresses I packed. 

T-shirts, shorts, and underwear, as well as one item for each weather (rain/cold) is all you need.

FAQs on This Essential Bali Packing List

Is 7kg baggage enough for Bali?

The carry-on 7 kg baggage allowance is easily enough for backpacking in Bali for no longer than 10 days considering you pack light and smart.

Traveling to Bali with a carry-on size bag only has a huge plus – you don’t wait for the baggage claim belt to finally spit out your bag. 

Which means you can get ahead of people on the visa and customs line.

A comfort stay of 14 to 30 days, however, will likely require a checked bag.

What are you NOT allowed to bring into Bali?

You’re not allowed to bring to Bali: 

• any drugs or narcotics-based prescribed medicine, 
• adult movies or toys, 
• pets, 
• communist symbols
• Chinese traditional medicine, 
• any batches or boxes of brand-new things that look like items for sale, 
• fresh food or meat, 
• More than 1L of alcohol and 200 cigarettes
• More than 5 electronic gadgets per person

Check the full list on the official Customs website in Indonesia.

To my knowledge, although you’re not allowed to bring adult toys (they can be confiscated) many girls did and nobody asked a thing. It doesn’t make it right or legal. 

Regarding pets.

I know some of the nomads travel with their loving dogs or cats. 

Bali is considered a rabies zone and there is no legal way to bring your little friend with you, no matter the length of your stay, the breed, or the country you are from.

Well, there you have it, your ultimate Bali packing list! 

A well-packed bag can transform your trip to Bali. 

Traveling light and having all you need helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and worries. 

I hope with this ultimate Bali packing list, preparation for your Bali trip just got a little easier.

I invite you to think about planned activities, places you want to visit, and when you’re going to Bali after reading these tips and take notes if you need to buy something for your travels to have the best time in Bali!