As someone who has lived in Bali for 7+ years and hosts tours here, I’ve learned a thing or two about what to pack for Bali… and what not to pack.
My goal with this guide is to give you genuinely practical advice and to hopefully save you from overpacking, easily the biggest mistake I see people make!
From things most travelers don’t realize they should bring, like tampons or specific skincare and beauty products that can be surprisingly expensive or hard to find here, to things you almost definitely won’t wear in Bali, like jeans.
This Bali packing list is based on what people actually end up using here.
What You Actually Need for Bali
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To enjoy everything Bali has to offer hassle-free, you’ll need to come prepared. And to be prepared, you might actually need less than you think!
Here are a few things to consider before packing for Bali.
Weather
Southeast Asia + island = tropical weather. Perhaps the most important thing to consider before packing for Bali is this.
Bali’s climate is warm and humid year-round, so lightweight and breathable clothing is key.
Dry Season (April-September): This is generally considered the most comfortable time to visit Bali thanks to lower humidity and less rainfall.
Average temperatures range from around 24 °C to 31 °C (75 °F to 88 °F).
Wet Season (October-March): During this time, Bali can be quite hot and extremely humid, making it feel much warmer than the actual temperature. You can also expect regular downpours, which often arrive suddenly and can be quite heavy (but they usually don’t last all day). A light rain poncho is worth carrying, especially if you plan to ride a scooter.
During this season, prepare to feel sticky (there is just no way around it!).
Average temperatures range from around 24 °C to 33 °C (75 °F to 91 °F)
Regional Variations: Ubud vs. Canggu and Beyond
Bali’s climate is tropical across the board, but some areas feel different.
Ubud, tucked in the jungle, tends to be cooler and more humid, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu, being coastal, are warmer and sunnier, with more consistent heat.
And, if you’re heading north or into the mountains (like Munduk, Sidemen or Kintamani), expect even cooler temperatures. It can even feel surprisingly chilly during the dry season, so layers come in handy.
Local Culture
Wearing minimal clothing such as shorts and tank tops is generally accepted. But, if you are not at the beach or pool, avoid wearing just your bikini in the streets, this is generally considered disrespectful by locals.
Also, you’re likely planning to visit one or more of Bali’s beautiful temples or other religious sites. For this, you’ll need to wear clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, and knees. Many temples offer sarongs at the entrance.
Other Things to Consider
Laundry Availability
They’re everywhere and a normal part of daily life in Bali. There will almost guaranteed be one near you, and they even offer same-day delivery. It’s very affordable and an easy way to reuse clothing, especially if you’re here for a longer period of time.
Pro tip: Do not leave any expensive or delicate clothing at the laundry. Laundry services in Bali are super convenient, but mix-ups and damaged items do occasionally happen.
Shopping Locally
I’m still waiting to meet the first person who comes to Bali and doesn’t shop at all. The temptation here is very real. Shopping opportunities are everywhere, and not just for souvenirs. Bali is full of cute boutiques, local brands, markets, and shopping plazas. Chances are, you’ll end up wearing the outfits you buy here anyway.
What to Wear in Bali
Knowing what to wear in Bali is essential before you start packing. The most important thing to keep in mind is how hot and humid the climate is.
Which is why the fabrics you choose are key!
You should only pack light breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, and knitted pieces (knitted pieces are so trendy in Bali!).
Most people dress very casual. Think linen sets, flowy dresses, tank tops, oversized shirts, activewear, swimsuits, and comfortable beachwear.
What to Pack for Bali: Women’s Guide
What to Pack for Bali: Men’s Guide
Bring the Right Footwear
You’ll likely be wearing a pair of flip-flops or sandals for about 90% of your time in Bali.
You’ll also need a pair of trainers for gyms, hikes, waterfalls, longer walking days, and scooter rides (they’re much safer for your toes).
And if you’re planning a night out at a nicer restaurant, beach club, or bar, you might want to bring a pair of dressier sandals or open-toe heels that still fit the Bali vibe.
Just keep in mind that roads and sidewalks here can be pretty uneven, so it’s probably not the place for brand new or expensive shoes you don’t want to ruin.
What to Pack for Bali Outdoor Activities
Bali offers a lot of exciting outdoor activities, from hiking volcanoes and diving in colorful coral reefs to exploring waterfalls and surfing.
If you’re the type who enjoys getting muddy and doesn’t mind breaking a sweat, make sure to bring the right gear and get ready for some truly fun adventures and beautiful landscapes!
Bathing suits
Beaches, stunning villas with large pools, great surfing, waterfalls, and the list goes on. Packing a few swimsuits is the first thing you should do!
Plus, don’t forget a cover-up to protect yourself from the sun.
Dry Bag or Waterproof Phone Pouch
It’s genuinely useful in Bali for boat trips, waterfalls, island hopping, and rainy scooter rides.
Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt
If you’re planning to do a lot of walking or riding on a scooter, your arms and back will pay the consequences if you don’t cover up. Sunscreen alone might not cut it, so a light, breathable long-sleeve shirt will save your skin from sunburn and prevent those not-so-cute tan lines.
PS. Now you’ll understand why so many locals dress like it is winter while riding their bikes. Seems bizarre at first, but once it happens to you, suddenly, it all makes perfect sense!
A light jacket
It’ll keep you comfortable on boat trips, flights, and early morning scooter rides. It’s also necessary for volcano hikes, it can get quite chilly at higher elevations, and the weather can be unpredictable.
Sportswear
Bali has some of the craziest (in the best way) fitness centers and wellness communities I’ve seen anywhere. If you’re into fitness and sports, Bali will feel like heaven.
Options are endless—massive fitness complexes with pools, recovery areas, gyms, tennis courts, to great boxing clubs, pilates and dance studios, and more padel clubs than you can count… you name it.
Beyond this, you can also hike volcanoes or rice fields through the jungle, go white-water rafting, and do plenty of other outdoor activities where comfortable sportswear genuinely matters.
What to Wear in Bali at Night
Bali is big on nightlife. Areas like Canggu, Berawa, Uluwatu, and Kuta offer a very lively night scene with everything from fine dining to massive beach clubs, bars, and cool nightclubs.
Bali has no strict dress code and nightlife here is usually much more casual than people expect. Basically, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
But depending on the venues you plan to visit, you might want to dress up a bit. Personally, I would recommend bringing a couple of evening outfits. Don’t be afraid to dress up!
The most important thing to keep in mind is that breathable fabrics matter at night too. Many venues are open-air, meaning no air conditioning, so choose wisely.
For shoes, nice sandals or block heels work much better than stilettos. For men, closed-toe shoes.
“For shoes, nice sandals or lower block heels work much better than stilettos. For men, clean sneakers, loafers, or casual closed-toe shoes are enough for most restaurants, bars, and clubs.
Health & Toiletry Essentials
Essential Medication
It’s not always easy to find the medications you need in Bali, especially in remote areas. It’s better to bring the essentials with you, like a first aid kit, any prescription medication you need, headache and stomach medication.
Food poisoning, famously known as “Bali Belly”, is (unfortunately) a very common occurrence for visitors. Rule number one: do not drink tap water. But even if you don’t, shit happens sometimes (quite literally), so be sure to have some medicine with you just in case + probiotics.
Hard-to-Find Essentials like tampons
While you can find most essentials on the island, specific brands, supplements, skincare, or medication can sometimes be tricky to find or even impossible. For women, tampons are a big one. They’re not widely available in shops, and they are very pricey. So bring your supply and avoid the hassle later.
Mosquito Repellent
Indonesia is a tropical country, so it’s common to encounter insects, such as mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season. To protect yourself from mosquito bites and the risk of diseases such as dengue fever make sure to pack a bug spray and bring it with you at all times.
Pro tip: You can now get vaccinated for dengue! So if you are the type mosquitoes love, I highly recommend looking into it.
Electrolytes
It might be worth bringing a few small electrolyte powder packets to keep in your bag, especially for long outdoor days in Bali’s heat and humidity.
Aloe vera/aftersun protection
If you have sensitive skin or burn easily, definitely consider bringing some for beach days, boat trips, and long hours in the sun.
Toilet Paper
Yep. You read that right. I know this one is funny, but you won’t be laughing if you need to use a public toilet while exploring some remote areas in Bali and can’t find toilet paper to save your life! (You don’t need to bring this from home, but remember to pack it when here).
Bali Travel Essentials
Sun & heat protection: You can easily find sunscreen in Bali, but if you have a specific brand you like, better bring it with you. You might not find that exact brand here, and also, imported brands can be ultra pricey. Consider bringing a reef-safe sunscreen if you’re planning to swim at the beach. A couple of hats and sunglasses are essential.
The Perfect Day Bag: Bring a travel backpack for your outdoor adventures & a beach bag.
Dry Bag and Waterproof Phone Case: To protect your valuables and electronics, especially during the rainy season, on boat trips, or around waterfalls and beaches. They’re also useful for storing wet clothes or swimsuits.
Adapter and Power Bank: Indonesia uses plugs type F & C, the latter is the standard European plug, bring a couple of adapters. A power bank is incredibly useful in Bali, especially for long day trips or when relying heavily on maps and taxi apps.
Dry quick Towel: You will find 101 uses for your towel.
Reusable Water Bottle: Indonesia has a major, and I mean major plastic problem (and so does the world!). Besides with Bali’s heat, you will be needing to hydrate often.
Earplugs: Depending on the area you’re staying in, earplugs can be a very good thing to have because Bali can be surprisingly noisy at night.
Money and Documents for Bali
Travel Insurance
Don’t ever travel without insurance. Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses can happen. In Bali, this is especially important if you intend to drive a bike. I recommend using SafetyWing, I have been using it for a few years, it is reliable, affordable, and can be easily purchased online.
Credit and Debit Card
Established hotels, restaurants, and shops usually accept card payments. Always have a backup card in case one gets blocked by your bank or is lost.
Cash
In Bali, many things are still expected to be paid in cash (IDR, Indonesian Rupiah, is the local currency). You will need to carry cash with you at all times. At the same time, it’s important not to carry too much cash so you don’t fall victim to petty theft. Instead, you can exchange money locally.
Pro tip: Be VERY careful of the money changers you use, as there are many scams happening. In fact, I wrote an entire article about staying safe in Bali, where I go into detail about all the scams and how to avoid them.
Passport and Visa
First things first—don’t forget your passport! As for the visa, you’ll very likely need one to enter Bali. Make sure to check the official website to see the specific rules for your nationality. Most visitors can get a visa on arrival (which you can now apply for online). VOA is good for 30 days and can be extended for another 30 if needed. You will also need to fill in your arrival card here.
Keep digital backups or printed copies of your passport, visa, travel insurance, and flight details. Also, never carry your passport around, leave it somewhere safe at your accommodation.
Local SIM Card or eSIM
You can get a SIM card at the airport as soon as you arrive, you will see many vendors when you exit the gates. But it might take some time to install. If you’re okay with paying a little extra, you can go for an eSIM instead.
What Not to Pack for Bali
The Wrong Outfits
Do not bring thick fabrics or too many jeans. Bali is hot and humid year-round, you’ll realistically end up living in lightweight, breathable clothing.
You can bring heels if you plan to go to beach clubs, restaurants, or nightlife venues, but avoid stilettos. Roads and sidewalks in Bali can be very uneven, and delicate or expensive shoes tend to get damaged quickly here.
If you enjoy the fancier side of Bali, you can absolutely bring jewelry or luxury accessories, just be mindful with valuables and avoid leaving them easily accessible in villas or hotel rooms.
Too Many Outfits
Skip the “what if” and “just in case” items. Overpacking is easily the number one mistake people make when coming to Bali, and I see it all the time on the tours I host. The consequence is not having enough space to bring back all the things you’ll want to shop for.
This includes things like too much makeup, bulky toiletries, single-use outfits, and excessive shoes. Try to pack pieces you can mix and match instead of outfits you’ll realistically only wear once.
Jackets and Coats
You won’t need thick jackets or coats in Bali. A light jacket is usually more than enough for flights, scooter rides, boat trips, and cooler inland areas.
Alcohol
Bringing more than one bottle per person is not allowed in Bali. Any extra bottles will be confiscated upon your arrival at the airport and emptied into the garbage (it’s painful to watch!).
Prohibited Drugs or Restricted Medication
Indonesia has extremely strict drug laws, so do not bring any illegal substances. If you’re traveling with prescription medication, especially anything restricted or strong, it’s a good idea to check the regulations beforehand and keep prescriptions or documentation with you.
Final Bali Packing Tip
FAQs About What to Pack for Bali
What should I absolutely pack for Bali?
Lightweight clothes, sandals, power bank, mosquito spray, light jacket, swimsuit, activewear.
Can you buy toiletries in Bali?
Yes easily, but some specific products like tampons, skincare, and imported products can be expensive or hard to find.
Is it okay to wear revealing clothes in Bali?
In tourist areas yes, temples require modest clothing.
How much should I pack for 2 weeks in Bali?
Much less than people think because of laundry + casual lifestyle.
Do I need a jacket for Bali?
Yes, one light jacket is useful for flights, scooters, boat trips, and volcano hikes.
