Are you planning your first trip to Bali and already trying to figure out how to fit everything in your luggage (or worse, your 50L backpack)? Here I am to help you plan the perfect (and efficient) Bali packing list.
The truth is, when deciding what to pack for Bali, it’s easy to get carried away and start piling up unnecessary items, while forgetting what’s truly useful. And let’s be honest, if you’re planning to be a traveler and not a tourist, you won’t need as much as you think – but you’ll definitely need some essentials.
In this blog post, you’ll find the ultimate packing guide for a 10-day to two-week trip to Bali, ideal for those who plan to explore the island and need to be flexible and agile, with some extra space for souvenirs. Ready to take note? Make sure to save the checklist at the end of this blog post!
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you purchase through one of the links, I may be paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Don’t have time now?đź“Ś Pin it for later
Key Things to Remember
1. Backpack or Suitcase?
It honestly depends on your travel style and plans. If you plan to move around frequently, such as every two or three days as I did during my 10-day trip, a backpack is likely the best option. You can just toss it in the back of your vehicle, and it’s way easier to manage than a suitcase, especially on Bali’s crazy roads.
Additionally, if you’re heading to the Gili Islands or other remote locations, you may need to carry your bags over muddy or sandy terrain, making a backpack a more practical choice. A 50L backpack is a great dimension if you’re planning on doing some laundry. If not, a 70L may be better if you want to buy some souvenirs.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to relax in one place for a while or take day trips from a resort, a suitcase is fine, and you can always use a smaller backpack for shorter trips.
2. Bali’s Tropical Climate: Hot, Humid & Rainy
Bali’s weather is typically hot and humid, but that doesn’t mean it won’t rain. The island’s tropical weather is unpredictable, no matter the time of year.
If you’re visiting during the rainy season (November to March), be prepared for daily rain showers, although they typically last only a few hours. And even if you’re traveling during the dry season (April to October), you can still expect occasional rain.
No matter when you go, it will be hot and humid—the kind of humidity that makes you feel like you need to shower all the time. So, pack light, breathable clothes that dry quickly. Keep in mind that if you need to wash them on the go, they might not dry completely.
3. Respect The Local Culture
When visiting temples ( and other sites) in Bali, remember to dress respectfully. You should bring something to cover your shoulders, such as a sarong or a lightweight scarf.
You might also want to pack lightweight pants or a long-sleeved shirt to throw on quickly. Even when you’re just walking around the island after a day at the beach or pool, try to wear something over your bikini—like a cover-up or a beach dress. It’s just a way to show respect for the local community.
4. Don’t Panic! You Can Always Do Laundry
One thing that’s really convenient in Bali is that laundry is everywhere. If you need to get some clothes washed, simply ask your hotel or look for a nearby laundry place.
It’s super affordable and fast – you can drop off your clothes in the morning, and they’ll be ready by evening or the next day. So if you get something dirty or realize you don’t have enough clothes, it’s not a big deal.
5. Leave Expensive Clothes or Shoes At Home
I learned the hard way that anything can happen in Bali. I’ve had to walk through flooded streets in a long dress, and I had to remove my sandals to avoid ruining them. It was a close call, but it taught me a valuable lesson: don’t pack anything that you’d be devastated to lose or damage.
I’ve also heard horror stories about laundry services ruining clothes, which is just another reason to be careful about what you bring. It’s probably a good idea to leave your fancy or irreplaceable items at home and stick to clothes and shoes that you won’t mind getting a little worn or damaged.
Clothing
Active Wear: Pack light T-shirts or crop tops for your daily activities. Paired with mid-leg leggings or shorts, they’re perfect for sunrise hikes, jungle exploration, rafting adventures, and waterfall hopping. Half of my backpack in Bali was activewear. This is especially relevant if you spend more time in nature than on the beach.
Beachwear: If, on the other hand, you plan to visit locations like Canggu, Uluwatu, the Gilis, or the Nusa Islands, be sure to bring at least two to three bikinis and one beach cover-up to ensure you have the essentials.
Long Pants and Shirt: When visiting temples and sacred sites, be sure to pack at least one pair of long pants, like linen pants, and a lightweight shirt. Dressing modestly is a sign of respect for the local culture and community.
Evening Dresses: If you’re planning to go to restaurants or parties, consider packing a few cute dresses—three or four lightweight ones will be plenty. While the style in Bali is super laid-back, it’s still nice to have some options for dressing up a bit.
Sarong: A beach sarong is handy to have in Bali. You can use it to cover up on the beach or to cover your shoulders when visiting a temple. It’s one of those things that you’ll find yourself using frequently. And if you don’t have one, don’t worry – you can always find a cute one to buy in Bali, which will save you some space in your luggage.
Rain jacket: As mentioned, expect some showers. If you’re hiking a volcano when a rain shower happens, you may want to have a rain jacket with you. You can purchase a lightweight, foldable one like this one, which will not take up too much space in your backpack.
Shoes (You’ll Only Need 3 Pairs)
Trainers: You’ll likely wear your trainers on the plane to save space in your luggage. Just make sure they’re not white—they can get dirty if it rained the day before. Trainers are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities.
Flip-Flops: In Bali, flip-flops are your go-to option. If you’re not planning on climbing a mountain or a 10km trail, they’re still a great choice to keep your feet cool.
Sandals: For dinner or a night out, I prefer to keep things casual and skip the heels, so flat sandals have been my go-to choice for evenings in Bali. The vibe there is super laid-back, so no one will be judged for ditching the heels.
Beach Essentials
Coral-Reef SPF: Opting for a coral-reef safe SPF is a good idea even if you’re not planning a snorkeling trip. This type of SPF is safer for protecting marine life and the underwater environment.
Beach Towel: A lightweight, easy-drying microfiber towel is a great option for the beach. It serves its purpose and dries much faster than a cotton one.
After-Sun Lotion: To protect your skin from and after the Balinese sun.
Bags
Carry-On Back: A 30L max carry-on backpack is ideal for day trips or short stays in the Gili Islands.
Dry Bag: If you’re planning rafting, kayaking, or a snorkeling boat trip, a dry bag may be handy to keep all your belongings and electronics safe, without sacrificing the chance to take content on those amazing activities.
Cross-Body Bag: A cross-body bag is great for scooter rides on Grab and Gojek, quick runs to the nearby market, or morning strolls.
Nice Purse & Tote Bag: These are particularly relevant if you’re planning a couple of nice dinners in Bali or long beach and pool days, where you don’t want to bring your bulky carry-on backpack.
Electronics
Power Adapter: In Bali, you’ll mainly find C-type and F-type power outlets. As an Italian, I used my regular chargers, but in any case, bringing a universal power adapter is a wise choice.
Power Bank: A power bank is essential for an extra battery when you’re staying outside for the day. It ensures you’re always connected to your driver or guide.
Camera or GoPro: Don’t forget your camera or underwater GoPro to capture pictures while swimming with turtles or taking a dip under a waterfall.
Personal Care
Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes are wild in Bali. Make sure to pack a strong DEET insect repellent and apply it every time you’re staying outdoors or indoors, especially if the windows are open.
Shower Filter: The water quality in Bali is not ideal, and a shower filter may be necessary to protect you’re hair and skin. If you’re only staying a couple of weeks, you can avoid it. However, if you’re planning on traveling in Southeast Asia for longer, make sure to pack it – you’ll notice the difference on your skin and hair.
High-Quality Hair Products: If you’re ditching the shower filter, make sure to pack high-quality haircare products to counteract the chemicals in the water. These will be ok if you’re staying only a couple of weeks.
Skincare Products: Keep your skincare routine essential. A cleanser, serum, eye cream, and moisturizer will be enough to regenerate your skin. Make sure to clean your skin well, as pollution in Bali, especially in busy areas, can be heavy.
Makeup: Pack only the essential makeup products. Bali’s humid weather is not made for heavy foundations or eyeshadow that will disappear in no time. Moreover, it’s usually so hot that you won’t want to wear tons of makeup. To me, a concealer, bronzer, blush, mascara, and lip gloss are more than enough. Focus on that glowy, island vibe look.
Antiseptic Wipes or Hand Sanitizer: Cleanliness standards in Southeast Asia may not be comparable to what you are accustomed to. Ensure you have the essentials to clean your space and hands before eating and using the bathroom.
Medications: Besides the usual first-aid kit items (band-aids) and general medications (headache pain relievers, etc.). Make sure to pack medications to counteract food poisoning, which is unfortunately highly common in Bali. Make sure to include medications for diarrhea (such as Diapet or Imodium) and pain relief, like Panadol or Nurofen. (Plus, plan a probiotic cycle 2 weeks before your departure.)
Nice To Haves
Foldable water bottle: Tap water is not safe in Bali, so pack a refillable and foldable water bottle only if your accommodation provides filtered water. You can also plan to purchase big water jugs and fill your own bottles daily, which will help prevent plastic consumption.
Phone Lanyard: If there’s a travel essential that I absolutely can’t forget is the phone lanyard. I would leave my phone everywhere without it!
Sun Hat: Remember to pack a sun hat if you’re not used to strong sunlight or if it makes you feel unwell easily.
Foldable Yoga Mat: If you’re planning on attending a couple of yoga classes or just practicing in the peace of your room, a foldable yoga mat is a good idea. If you’re attending a class, mats are usually available.
Fan: You can easily find one in Bali as well. Trust me, you’ll want to purchase one if you don’t have it during those warm Balinese nights, especially if you’ve spent the day in the sun.
Not To Forget!
Cash: Cash is still widely used in Bali, especially for smaller purchases ( you may need cash for expenses up to a certain minimum amount). Expect a commission if you’re paying by card, so arriving in Bali with some Rupiah or withdrawing some cash on site is the best way to save a bit of money.
Travel Documents: Last but not least, make sure to pack your passport, international driving licence (it’s mandatory if you want to rent a scooter), and printed (or digital) copies of your e-visa, customs declaration, medical declaration, and travel insurance.
And there you have it: your ultimate guide on what to pack for Bali! What you actually need will depend on your plans and travel style, of course. This list covers pretty much everything, from the must-haves to the “nice-to-haves.” For a quick reference on what to pack for Bali, grab the essentials checklist image below – it’ll make packing so much easier!
Did you find it helpful? đź“Ś Pinning is caring!
