Are you planning a trip to Bali and want to make sure it’s perfect? Unsure about what to pack? As someone who has lived in Bali for five years (and counting), I have learned a thing or two about what to pack for Bali and what not to pack.
In this post, I’ll delve into everything you need to know before packing for Bali. Including factors like weather, respecting local culture, attractions and activities, must-have essentials, relevant travel tips, and much more!
Knowing what to pack for Bali will ensure you’re ready to explore this magical island to the fullest. Keep reading to learn all the essentials you’ll need-no matter what kind of traveler you are!
Located in Southeast Asia, Bali stands out among the Indonesian islands, offering a holiday filled with exciting activities. From trekking through lush jungles and rice paddies, and snorkeling in coral reefs, to lounging on sun-soaked beaches, visiting sacred temples, and enjoying a fun nightlife.
Often referred to as the “Island of the Gods”, this paradise island has been rated as one of the best travel destinations in the entire world!
But to enjoy everything this beautiful island has to offer, one must be prepared and pack the right things.
Before you start packing for Bali, consider the following:
Weather
Perhaps the most important thing to consider before you start preparing your Bali packing list is the weather.
Bali’s climate is warm and humid year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 22 °C (71 °F) to 33 °C (91 °F), so you can pretty much count on sunny days!
That said, Bali has two distinct seasons—the dry season and the wet season. Depending on when you visit, your packing list will need to adjust accordingly.
Dry season (April-September)
The weather is generally warm and sunny, making it perfect for beach days, outdoor activities, and exploring the island. However, temperatures can dip slightly in the early mornings and evenings, especially if you’re planning to take a scooter ride through the hills or along the coast. It’s always a good idea to pack a light sweater or jacket just in case. If you’re like me and are used to very tropical weather, you might find those cooler moments a bit chilly, so having an extra layer handy can make all the difference.
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). Always keep a rain poncho (essential for bike rides) and compact umbrella with you wherever you go. Roads can get slick and muddy, so waterproof shoes or sandals are also helpful. During this season prepare to feel sticky, so to be as comfortable as possible be sure to wear lightweight, breathable clothing.
Average temperatures range from around 24 °C to 33 °C (75 °F to 91 °F) but the extremely high humidity can make it feel much warmer.
Respect Local Culture
Wearing the traditional Balinese attire- sarong or ‘kamben’.
The warm weather makes it acceptable to wear minimal clothing such as shorts and tank tops throughout the day. However, if you are not at the beach or pool, avoid wearing just your bikini in the streets as locals can find this disrespectful.
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. But don’t stress too much, as many temples offer sarongs for rent if you don’t have the appropriate attire. You can also buy your own sarong from one of the many street vendors or local sellers at the beach and take it home as a souvenir!
Outdoor Activities
Hiking Mount Batur
Bali offers a lot of exciting outdoor activities—from hiking volcanoes and diving in vibrant 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 beautiful landscapes.
For long walks through rice paddies or hikes on uneven volcanic trails, sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I also recommend packing a lightweight jacket, as it can get chilly at higher elevations and the weather can be unpredictable. Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water to stay cool and hydrated during your adventures.
Bali’s water is warm all year, so even if you’re surfing or diving, you generally won’t need a wetsuit.
Complete Bali Packing List
Bali is a very laid-back destination where you can wear pretty much anything. Most people keep it very casual, opting for comfortable clothing with a beachy vibe.
But there is also a more dolled-up side to Bali, especially for those planning to visit fancy restaurants or high-end clubs. It depends on the type of traveler you are and the activities you’ll be doing.
What to Wear in Bali
Knowing what to wear in Bali is one of the most essentials things to know before you start packing.
The most important thing to keep in mind when packing for Bali 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 (which are also trendy!).
Below I offer a complete Bali packing list, so you can rest assured that no matter the weather or the outdoor activities you do, you will be prepared!
What to Pack for Bali: Women’s Guide
Tank tops / sleeveless tops T-shirts Maxi dresses Shorts Skirts Long pants (flowy) Bathing suits Sportswear Sandals, flip-flops & trainers
What to Pack for Bali: Men’s Guide
T-shirts Short sleeve bottom up shirts Linen pants Pair of shorts Sportswear Swimsuits Sandals, flip-flops & trainers
Bring the Right Footwear
You’ll likely be wearing a pair of flip-flops or sandals for about 90% of your time in Bali. But be sure to also pack a pair of trainers for outdoor activities and for driving a scooter (for safety reasons).
You might also want to consider bringing a pair of water shoes (depending on the activities on your itinerary).
If you’re planning a night out at a fancy restaurant or club, you might want to bring some open-toe heels or nice sandals that look dressy but still fit the Bali vibe. Just remember that the roads can be pretty dusty, so it’s a good idea not to wear any new or expensive shoes you don’t want to get dirty.
Bathing Suits
Bali is known for its beaches, stunning villas with large pools, excellent surfing opportunities, waterfalls, and the list goes on. As such, swimwear is one of the most essential items to pack, so make sure you pack a few!
Yoga Pants (or the equivalent for men)
Bali is one of the best destinations in the world for yoga. You will find many great yoga studios with numerous classes and excellent teachers. Not only that, but Bali is a destination that offers a plethora of outdoor activities, so lightweight sportswear will surely be useful.
A Light Fabric Long-sleeve Shirt
This might sound a bit odd, but stick with me. If you’re planning to ride a scooter around Bali, especially for longer stretches, it’s a good idea to protect your arms from the sun. Sunscreen alone might not cut it, so wearing long sleeves or arm covers will help you avoid sunburns and weird tan lines.
A Light Jacket
Although Bali is warm all year round, bringing a light jacket is always a good idea. It will help you stay warm on boat trips, on your flights, and when scooting in the evenings during the dry season.
Essential Items Everyone Needs to Bring
Hats and sunglasses: Bali is sunny year-round, so make sure to pack a couple of hats and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong UV rays.
The perfect day bag: Definitely bring a travel backpack for outdoor activities and a beach bag to carry all of your essentials- they’re must haves!
Plastic bag and waterproof phone case: Having a plastic bag and waterproof phone case on hand can be very helpful to protect your personal items such as valuables and electronics. Particularly during the rainy season, or if you intend to go on boats. Additionally, plastic bags can also be useful for storing wet clothes.
Adapter and power bank: Indonesia uses plugs type C & F, which is the standard European plug. Be sure to bring a couple of adapters that will fit. And a power bank is always a life savior.
Health & Toiletry Essentials
First aid kit: While you can find most essentials on the island, certain things like prescription medications, specific vitamins, or skincare products may be difficult or even impossible to locate. Having a first aid kit with you can be super handy, especially in areas where pharmacies or medical help aren’t easy to find. It’s way better to have peace of mind with your meds on hand than to waste time hunting them down later.
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 affordable and can be easily purchased online.
Tummy medication: Food poisoning, or the famous “Bali Belly”, is a very common occurrence for visitors. Rule number one: do not drink tap water! But even if you don’t, shit happens sometime (quite literally), so be sure to have some medicine with you just in case.
Sunblock: While you can easily find sunblock in Bali, if you have a specific brand preference, it’s better to bring it with you. And if you are planning to swim at the beach, please wear reef-safe sunscreen.
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.
Dengue vaccination: You can now get vaccinated for dengue, so if you are the type mosquitoes love, I highly recommend looking into it.
Travel towel: You will find 101 uses for your towel.
Toilet paper: I know this one is funny, but you won’t be laughing if you need to use a public toilet while exploring some remote area and can’t find toilet paper to save your life!
Reusable water bottle: Indonesia has a major and I mean major plastic problem (and so does the world!). Besides, being in the streets in the heat you will be needing to hydrate often.
What to Wear in Bali at Night
Don’t be afraid to dress up a little bit!
As you might already know, Bali is big on nightlife (depending on where you are staying).
Some areas like Canggu, Berawa, Seminyak and Kuta offer a very lively night scene with everything from fine dining to chill bars and electric nightclubs. There is something for everyone!
One of the best things about Bali is that there is no strict dress code. Basically, you can wear whatever you feel comfortable in.
Generally, the vibe is very casual, 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 even at night, Bali can be quite hot and humid. And, most venues are open-air with no air conditioning. So, for your own good, choose only fresh and breathable clothing.
Whether you prefer to dress up or keep it casual, you’ll fit right in with Bali’s eclectic crowd!
Money and Documents for Bali
Credit and debit card: Established hotels, restaurants, and shops usually accept card payments. Bringing multiple credit cards in case one gets blocked by your bank or is lost is a great idea. Additionally, make sure you have an atm card so you can withdraw money.
Cash: In Bali, many things are still expected to be paid in cash, so you will need to carry cash with you at all times. However, it’s important not to carry too much cash so you don’t fall victim to petty theft. Instead, you can exchange money locally. But, you have to 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 definitely 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.
What Not to Pack for Bali
Stiletto heels: You don’t really need to pack heels for Bali. However, depending on where in Bali you plan to visit, there is also a more dressed-up side to Bali. So, if this is your scene, you might want to bring a pair or two of small to medium-sized heels, preferably with square heels. Just make sure not to bring stilettos. The infrastructure of the streets and venues can make it a very unpleasant experience, and your shoes will likely get damaged.
Expensive jewelry: Bali is generally a safe place, but there are many incidents of petty crime. So, I do not recommend wearing expensive jewelry or leaving it easily accessible in your villa or hotel room.
Jackets and coats: You won’t need to pack any thick jackets or coats since the weather is always warm. A light jacket will suffice.
Alcohol: It’s important to note that 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 medicine: Bali has a very strict drug policy, so do not to bring any illegal drugs! Narcotics such as opium and marijuana are strictly prohibited in Bali. If you are caught with them, you will face severe consequences.
