Are you going to Bali and don’t know what to bring?
This Bali packing list will tell you exactly what to bring, what to wear, and will answer all of your questions about visiting “The Island of the Gods.” Bali is a renowned tourist destination and home to some of Indonesia’s most gorgeous landscapes.
Bali has so much to offer, from black sand beaches dotted with sea-worn jukong (traditional fishing boats) to peaceful morning mist meandering through the terraced rice fields of Sidemen to breathtaking volcanos reaching into the heavens. For those who believe Bali is a “been there, done that” destination, we invite you to accompany us on the way less traveled and discover the true beauty of this island.
Clothing and Footwear to Pack for Bali
When visiting Bali, bring light, airy clothing. Cottons, linens, rayons, and sweat-wicking exercise clothing that keeps you cool and takes up little space come to mind.
It is recommended to travel lightly because one of the highlights of a trip to Bali is the excellent local shopping. There are also numerous laundry services that will wash, dry, and iron your clothes in under 24 hours.
Women will encounter folks who aren’t always accustomed to seeing the more exposing clothing designs popular outside of Bali. As a result, we recommend bringing at least one longer clothing.
Pack a white button-down shirt, 2-3 pairs of loose pants, gym clothing, linen or rayon shorts, and a few breathable shirts for a two-week trip.
Some snorkelers prefer to use a rash guard to avoid getting sunburned. A rash guard, on the other hand, does not need to be included on your Bali packing list if you are not planning on snorkeling for an extended amount of time.
Men should bring swim trunks, 2-3 pairs of shorts, a sweat-wicking T-shirt, a button-down shirt, and 1-2 short-sleeve button-up shirts.
A rain jacket is essential if you visit Bali during the rainy season. However, if you are traveling outside of the rainy season, you will not need a rain jacket.
When traveling to Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, or the Gili Islands, you will need to wear shoes that may get wet. The boat operators encourage everyone to place their shoes in one large box, and they occasionally get wet from the waves. It is preferable to pack an extra pair of sandals that are more supportive of your feet than thongs. Look for a solid shoe with a light ankle strap and adequate traction (super necessary for walking on damp stones or mossy areas).
Sidemen is home to a hidden waterfall that cascades down a cliff surrounded by mossy rocks and lush foliage. The gushing water creates natural pools with views of the entire jungle and Sidemen Valley. Wear tennis shoes on the plane and you’ll have them for the whole of your vacation. Tennis shoes are useful for exploring marketplaces, travelling, exercising, hiking volcanoes, and daily use.
While hiking boots are preferred by some visitors, they are not required for your Bali packing list. A pre-dawn trip up Mount Batur is one of the most incredible excursions in South East Asia and can be completed with a pair of tennis shoes. As you ascend the volcano, the dazzling stars that dot the pitch-black night vanish, while the sunrise illuminates the eastern skies.
Packing Technology for a Bali Trip
1. Headphones with Noise Cancellation
Let’s set the scene: you’ve just taken your seat for a 10-hour flight to Bali when a baby begins to scream. These are the kinds of situations that make us grateful for the gift of noise-canceling headphones.
2. Tablet
Before you leave, make sure to download books and movies to your tablet. The flight is also an excellent opportunity to study books on the destination.
While Eat, Pray, Love is well-known, other excellent reads include Love and Death in Bali, Balilicious, A House in Bali, and The Painted Alphabet.
3. Power Supply
In Indonesia, plugs are typically of type F or C, with a standard voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz. This implies that if you are from Australia, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, the United Kingdom, or Japan, you can use your 230v gadgets in Indonesia, but you will require a plug adaptor.
4. Power Bank
Nothing is worse than your phone running out of battery power just as you’re about to return to the hotel after a long day of traveling. Look for a portable power bank with two USB connections and enough juice to power several gadgets.
BAGS & LUGGAGE
When flying with a low-cost airline, such as AirAsia, you can bring one 7-kilogram bag plus a small personal item for free. This is a perfect option if you want to travel light in Bali and not be burdened by your belongings.
Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most picturesque areas, with blossoming Bougainvillea and quaint surfer cafes. The gorgeous beaches of Uluwatu, known for its craggy cliffs, wild surf, and unending sunsets, are difficult to access if you are carrying a heavy suitcase due to the sheer number of stairs.
Similarly, if you are planning a boat journey to Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands, or Nusa Lembongan, moving a heavy bag on and off the boats would be challenging. However, if you stayed with them earlier in your trip, many resorts will allow you to leave your huge suitcase for a modest cost. Unless you intend to go diving or spend time on a small boat (for example, a fishing expedition in Amed or transportation to nearby islands), you do not need to include a dry bag on your Bali packing list.
DOCUMENTS FOR TRAVEL
When you arrive in Bali, you must present the immigration officer your passport and visa. Other documents may be required by Indonesia depending on when and where you are traveling from, so we strongly advise you to verify with your local Indonesia consulate.
However, there are a few other documents you need bring with you.
You should purchase travel insurance and keep your travel insurance card on you at all times. You should also store images of your key documents (passport and visa) on your phone because it will make checking into your accommodations more faster and easier.
Other Items
There are so many things you could pack that doesn’t offer much to your trip, from travel towels to water shoes to selfie sticks. What distinguishes Bali from other holiday destinations is the harmonious integration of local customs and natural beauty.
Consider a moss-lined swimming hole with cool, clear water, surrounded by canang sari (daily offerings) including betel leaves, beautiful flowers, and perhaps a biscuit or sweet. Consider watching the sunset over the ocean while listening to gamelan music emanating from the temples.
These experiences are created through savoring the moment rather than packing everything you could possibly need. However, we’ve included a couple of new products that are lightweight, helpful, and can help you during your travels.
1. Water Bottle Reusable
Indonesia is dealing with a significant plastic trash problem, and utilizing a reusable water bottle is one way we can assist. Because glass reusable water bottles are heavy and breakable, we do not recommend bringing one.
2. Travel Coffee Cup
Bringing your own portable coffee cup is another fantastic method to avoid plastic waste. Most cafés would gladly accept your cup, and you can feel good about helping to keep Bali lovely.
3. Repellent for Insects
Mosquitoes prefer humid conditions and the rainy season, so bring bug spray that you know works. While citronella and low-concentration DEET sprays are available in apoteks and convenience stores.
Things you should not bring to Bali
High-priced jewelry
Traveling with pricey jewelry is never a good idea. There are numerous ways to misplace an expensive item when enjoying water activities in Sanur or trekking Mount Batur. That is not to argue that wearing jewelry is harmful in Bali, but it is simple to lose something small when traveling – especially in the ocean!
Drugs that are illegal
It should go without saying, but don’t bring illegal substances into Bali. Remember that all CBD and THC products are likewise banned. Indonesia has one of the world’s strongest anti-drug policies. A anyone caught possessing marijuana, ecstasy, cocaine, or methamphetamine for personal use can face up to four years in prison or forced rehabilitation.
Read more about drug rules in Indonesia here.
Toiletries
Unless you have specific product preferences or are checking a luggage, we recommend purchasing whatever you require once you are in Bali. Local shops and convenience stores sell face wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, aloe vera, and other products.
Read more about Bali Tips, Places to Eat, Tourist Attractions, Latest Bali news and many more here.
