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 seven years (and counting), I have learned a thing or two about what to pack for Bali as well as what not to pack.
In this post, I’ll delve into everything you need to know before packing for Bali. Including things like weather, respecting local culture, attractions and activities, must-have essentials, and other relevant travel tips!
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!
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Located in Southeast Asia, Bali is one of Indonesia’s most beloved islands.
This island is packed with everything you could want in a getaway—lush jungles, vibrant coral reefs, glowing beachfronts, sacred temples, and an electric social scene.
Whether you’re hiking through rice paddies or catching a beach sunset with a fresh coconut in hand, the island lives up to its nickname, the Island of the Gods.
But to truly enjoy all that Bali offers, you’ll need to come prepared.
Southeast Asia + island = tropical.
Considering the tropical climate, the local customs, and range of activities, packing smart is key!
Here are a few important things to consider before packing for Bali:
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: Dry season and the wet season. Depending on when you visit, your Bali packing list will need to adjust accordingly.
Dry Season (April-September)
The weather is always warm and sunny, even during the dry season. The main difference is humidity levels.
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.
Even though it’s never cold, I do recommend you pack a light sweater or jacket – just in case. Specially, if you’re like me and are used to very tropical weather, you might find those cooler moments a bit chilly. Having an extra layer handy can make all the difference!
It’s the perfect time to indulge in long beach days, outdoor activities, and exploring the island. You don’t need to worry much about rainy days.
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).
Keeping a rain poncho with you at all times is the best option, especially if you plan to ride a scooter. You can easily find them all around Bali as well. Also, most hotels offer umbrellas, but you can also bring a compact one for convenience.
Roads can get slick and muddy, so waterproof shoes or sandals are also helpful.
During this season, prepare to feel sticky (there is just no way around it!), but you can be as comfortable as possible by wearing 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.
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, Sideman or Kintamani), expect even cooler temperatures. It might even get “chilly” during dry season, so layers come in handy.
Respecting Local Culture
The warm weather makes it acceptable to wear minimal clothing such as shorts and tank tops throughout the day. BUT, if you are not at the beach or pool, avoid wearing just your bikini in the streets, locals really don’t appreciate this and find it disrespectful.
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.
But don’t stress too much about this as many temples offer sarongs for rent if you don’t have the appropriate attire. Or, 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!
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 upscale restaurants bars and clubs.
It all 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 essentials 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 (knitted pieces are so trendy in Bali!).
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
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. But be sure to also pack a pair of trainers for outdoor activities and for driving a scooter (safer for your toes!).
For long walks through rice paddies or hikes on uneven volcanic trails, sturdy hiking shoes will come in handy.
You might also want to consider bringing a pair of waterproof shoes (depending on the activities on your itinerary and the time of the year you’re here).
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 are pretty uneven, sidewalks in some areas should not even be consider sidewalks… that’s how bad it can be. So… it’s a good idea not to wear any new or expensive shoes you don’t want to ruin or shoes you have a hard time walking with.
For Your Outdoor Adventures
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!
Bathing suits
Bali is known for its 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 when you’re at the beach or pool.
A light fabric long-sleeve shirt
This might sound a bit odd, but stick with me. 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. They will be fully exposed to the sun, and trust me, sun here gets intense. 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. This will also help you 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!
Sportswear
Have you been wanting to give yoga a go? Bali is easily one of the best places in the world to do it. You will find many great yoga studios with numerous classes and excellent teachers.
Not only that, Bali has some of the craziest (in the best way) fitness centers and community I’ve ever seen. If you’re into fitness and sports, Bali will feel like heaven. You have endless options—from massive fitness complexes with pools, recovery areas, gyms, and tennis courts to great boxing, dance, and padel clubs… you name it.
Speaking of padel, Bali has more courts than anywhere else in Southeast Asia—and it’s just an island!
You can also hike volcanoes or rice fields through the jungle, go white-water rafting, and do plenty of other outdoor activities where having comfortable, appropriate sportswear actually matters.
A light jacket
To reiterate, you should pack a light jacket. Bali is warm year-round, but it’ll keep you comfortable on boat trips, flights, and when riding a scooter in the evenings, especially during the dry season. It’s also necessary for volcano hikes, where it can get quite chilly at higher elevations and the weather can be unpredictable.
Essential Items Everyone Needs to Bring to Bali
Sun protection: While you can easily find sunscreen in Bali, if you have a specific brand you like, it’s better to bring it with you. You might not find that exact brand here, and also, imported brands can be ultra pricey. Also, please consider bringing a reef-safe sunscreen if you’re planning to swim at the beach. And, 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. Also, plastic bags can 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
The rule of thumb here is: don’t bring anything you don’t actually need. Skip the “what if” and “just in case” items, unless you 100% know you’ll use it, or it’s something very specific you won’t easily find here, DON’T PACK IT. Overpacking is the number one mistake people make. I see it all the time on the tours I host.
First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit is a good idea. And considering that many areas in Bali don’t have easy access to pharmacies or medical help. It’s much better to have your essentials on hand than to to waste time hunting them down later.
Hard-to-Find Essentials like tampons
While you can find most essentials on the island, certain brands or items like prescription medications, specific vitamins, or skincare products can be tricky or even impossible to locate. For women, tampons are a big one. They’re not widely available on shops and they are very pricey. So bring your own supply and avoid the hassle later.
Travel Insurance
Don’t ever travel without insurance, period. 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 (unfortunately) 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.
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.
Travel Towel
You will find 101 uses for your towel.
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!
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
As you might already know, Bali is big on nightlife (depending on where you are staying).
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 tho, 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, many 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 (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. 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. You will also need to fill in your arrival card here.
What Not to Pack for Bali
Stiletto Heels
If fancy nightlife 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
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.
